(no subject)

[talktogirls]

Emotionally, Sam's shaken from last night, but as he moves around and his injuries feel less stiff, he tries to assure Ruby that he's fine by staying close to her. Physically, his throat has grown more purple over night from the hands that had choked him; his eyes couldn't help but be truthful if she asked a question and neither could he hide the raspy voice he had or his aches from regular movement.

When Ruby insists on tea with healing properties, he thanks her when she hands it to him. He blows over the top and takes a sip. Knowing full well that it'd take more than a sip to heal him, he still decides to let the tingly sensention wash over him; maybe all he was feeling was her kindness in his gut, but it makes him feel enegerized as if he can say more than a few words at time after drinking some. "You should drink some too. I know you're worried about me, but I'm worried about you too." He wasn't sure how bad it'd been for her but neither of them got out of that building without inhaling smoke or a burn mark or two. "Your eyes say our lives could be over, but that hasn't happened. Even Heathcliff is still here with us. We'll figure this out."

Comments

[peaceonearth]

Ruby fully expects him to be shaken. She's shaken, though probably not for the same reasons. She's kept him safe for so long and now her past has come back to hurt him. It was something she never wanted, something she thought she could prevent. She's shaken because now the demons know about him and what he means to her even if they don't know for sure who he is. She's quiet, not because her throat hurts from inhaling smoke, but because she doesn't know what to say or how to help. She's not even sure he still really wants a life with her if this is what it might involve.

The tea will help. She's already put homemade ointment on his burns and bandaged them. Her eyes linger on the bandages on his wrist and the one further up on his bicep. It will take more than a sip to heal him, but the warm tea can make his throat feel better with just a sip, and the magic in the tea starts working immediately. She'd made sure of that. She smiles half-heartedly at his concern and pours her own cup. "I didn't inhale smoke or get choked by a demon," she reminds him. She tasks a sip of her own tea because she does have a burn on the back of her hand and just below her collarbone where her teeshirt exposed her skin.

No, she'd just shown up in the nick of time to save him from it, the first already blazing by the time she kicked in the door. "I could have lost you," she states. Heathcliff watches her a little accusingly from where he pouts on the couch. He's the on with the singed ear and end of his tail.

[talktogirls]

He had some time to sit with it before falling asleep last night, but none of the things that came to the forefront of his mind were about ever calling it quits with her. Instead what happened was his childish belief that cases were '1, 2, 3 and home' kind of easy for the likes of Ruby went up in smoke, and the reality set in. All he knew is that he needed to be brave to stay in her life. He ached knowing that she was the only one with any clue of what to do. He wanted to take away some of the pressure she must have been feeling and it had kept him up half the night before.

He manages a half smile at her pouring a cup for herself. He feels like her comment is meant to have him take another sip, so he does, feeling more of the effects. It doesn't take much for him to notice that she's looking at his banaged skin and understand she's full of anxiety all over again. "It's not as bad as it looks," he twists the truth, albeit poorly. That unconvinced look on her face staring back at him causes him to ammend what he was just saying. "I mean, I can still move and talk with you. I'll get better soon."

The part he had been trying not to think about too much is exactly what would have happened if he hadn't realized when he had that the woman he'd been kissing was not Ruby. An alternate fate for him would have been a sulky and distraught young man in Heaven with no memories of those that were there waiting for him ever again. Ruby's words visibly hit him like a train.

Eventually, he composes himself, head shaking. "But you didn't. I'm not... You made sure of that." Where her hands are, blindly, without thinking about it or realizing it, both of his hands search hers out and squeeze them against the warmth from her own teacup and his fingers. They're alive, blood still pumping through his veins, and he subconiously wants her to feel that if it's what she needs.

[peaceonearth]

Often cases are that way for Ruby. She's old enough and powerful enough that there aren't a lot of things that aren't open and shut for her anymore. She was also able to hide a lot of the complications from Sam before she was living with him. The reality of hunting and Ruby's life was bound to catch up with them eventually, even if she did want to protect him as long as possible. Luckily for both of them, bravery is something that is in his soul and his blood. Protecting Sam comes very naturally to Ruby, and unfortunately, he can't take her worry about him away. It goes hand in hand with loving him. However, once he decides he wants to learn to at least be able to defend himself, it will make her worry a little less.

That is exactly the reaction her comment is meant to prompt. She's glad to see he takes the hint and drinks his tea. When that cup is done, she'll probably pour him another. She hums a little at his reassurance and knows what he's trying to do. "Oh, good. In that case, it's very sexy. The bandages, the bruises...probably says something very twisted about me," she smirks. It's not a lie, but she knows that he's still hurting. "And I'm very grateful for the moving and the talking." More so than she can adequately express.

That has crossed her mind as well, not that she blames Sam for that. She knows it's not something he would have done had he known. She knows that as soon as he realized it, he tried to stop it. In a selfish way, she hadn't even thought about those that he wouldn't have remembered had he died. Ruby may not be good at apologizing but her expression does it for her when she sees the way her words hit him. "We just have to be more careful," she tells him.

"I will always protect you, Sam. I promise. I'm going to do my best to make sure you're safe for the rest of your life." She squeezes his hands. Even though her body has been alive for decades at this point, Sam is still so much warmer than her. It makes her want to curl up into him. Instead, she holds his hand tightly, trying not to get too close to any injuries, giving him any space that he needs.

[talktogirls]

It doesn't have to be like that for her. It is only a selfish thought that crosses his mind that he briefly wishes her to never hunt again. In that same train of thought, he can't picture her never doing what she is good at doing (she's meant to in his deepest thoughts) and he holds his tongue from even suggesting she go against her nature. Instead, he comes to terms that he doesn't want her to feel responsible for him. His soul and his blood won't allow that either. One way or another, he's trying to figure out how they can be a team. Defenses classes would be the first thing he'd opt in for.

Before he knows it, he's downed the cup in full and he accepts more when she indicates it to him. The cup looks like a child's cup in his two hands. "I think it says what a good job you do with bandages." Sometimes he doesn't know how to handle flirting without looking down or rubbing the back of his neck in this instance. Though it's always a turn on for him when she looks like she wants to eat him up, and smiles at her again. He almost forgets he's hurting. The tea is doing more to help numb it though. He knows exactly what she means by being grateful and he tries not to frown or think too far back. There had been a moment where he saw his vision swim and he thought there was nothing else he could do but let the darkness come. "As soon as I'm able, we should still do that date I promised you when you got back. I don't want things to change."

She never has to apologize for anything. The only thing he needs sooner or later is more reassurance she isn't mad about that part with what happened since he was open about telling her the night before. For now, he breathes out with a sigh of relief. "What about a code word?" Somehow the logical first step felt it should be a code word.

He squeezes her hand after it squeezes as a gesture of appreciation. "So, where do we go from here? But from here on out, I don't want to make you worry all the time about me. I want things to go back to normal but know what to do to stay safe. I want that for both of us. The bunker is secure but let's not hide in here forever."

[peaceonearth]

She's thinking the same thing and considers it selfish as well, but hunting is also an intrinsic part of Ruby. It's part of what helps her fight against the darkness that is natural to being a demon. That outlet also helps her avoid snapping (too much) at stupid people. Yes, she could stop hunting, but it would make the rest of her life more difficult and she'd feel guilty.

The cups match the tea pot. It's a bit formal and Ruby is aware she probably should have chosen the more practical, larger, coffee mugs, but she likes this set. She fills his cup a second time and tasks a sip of her own tea. "I'd say you ought to see my stitch work, but I prefer you never have to." She's trying to lighten the mood by flirting, but she always wants to eat him up. It's a bonus that the flirtation helps him forget his pain. "Just let me know when. There's a cute diner here in town or we could just do movies here." Her brow furrows and she nods. "I don't want things to change either, but I get it if you do. I know it was...a lot."

She's furious at the demon, but she's not mad at him. His question about a code word makes her smile fondly. "Nebraska," she suggests without thinking too much about it. It had been her code word with the previous Sam. "it's where I was when I first heard your mom was pregnant with you." Not exactly true. It's where she first met Her Sam, but it's close enough.

She takes a deep breath and considers his words as well as their options. "We won't hide forever. I promise. You have to get back to school. You can only do remote work for so long." She watches him a moment. "When you're feeling up to it, how would you feel about doing some combat training with me? Even before we start that I can teach you some things to protect yourself like...salt on the door if I'm not there. You'd have to get the code word from me before you broke the salt one. Things like that."

[talktogirls]

It's something they can talk about once Sam has time to think about what exactly he wants. It's entirely possible his whole being will want to be right there with her. He just doesn't know he's always been a hunter yet.

Of course the tea set should stay. It doesn't appear over one-hundred years old but there's age to it that he can feel just from the texture of the cup in his hand. It's seen better days and the set tells a story that convenience can't replace. He's grateful that neither of them need stitches and half cracks a smile at her joke. "You can always show me on fabric. Sooner or later, I'm going to have to learn for my education." That's exactly why he thinks that every time he looks into her eyes. He always feels special when she looks at him and it was never overly complicated to want that with her. It's why he forgets everything else talking to her and why he shakes his head. "No. I mean, yes, it was a lot... No, as in I still want us to be an 'us'. I'll do anything to make sure it happens. They killed Grace. I'm part of it too." He pulls his mind back from that temporarily. He hasn't yet answered about their date and he keenly knows the best thing he can do is rest. They already had a conversation about his well-being last night. He slumps with acceptance to this fact. "Can we order in? We could do a movie tonight."

He's always felt strongly about cheating for some reason or another. It doesn't sit well that he touched another woman-demon for that reason. In time maybe he'll see that it's over with when they get the demon. His eyes light up with that piece of information. "Nebraska isn't far from Sioux Falls." It's not that it's a grand breaking statement but it's to point out she wasn't far. He's always felt that she's never far in his life and the reminder sticks to him. He smiles warmly. "Did you also come to my baby shower? Or visit me when I was born?" The first is a silly question because he can't picture her socializing with that many people and playing weird games like changing a diaper with chocolate on a doll. He doesn't have memories going that far back to his birth and he wants to know. "Nebraska, it is. Maybe we can go where you were standing one day." Even if it's like a graveyard or run down farmhouse.

He anticipates that she will agree with him, but swallows slowly because he can only guess what else she might say with her experience. "You think this tea will help me look better soon. It'll be the right time to go back when my neck isn't two or three colors." His eyes go a little wide at her suggestion but more so to read that she does think he's ready for that. "You think so? I don't know how I'd go up against you as a training partner, but I don't want you to go easy on me. I think it's a good idea." He's always wanted to learn self-defence and not the cheap 'everybody goes easy and passes' type class he got when he was younger. Her bringing up the salt reminds him of something he's seen only a couple times on his father. "What about that tattoo my Dad has? Does it work better than salt?"

[peaceonearth]

She'll discourage him from hunting full-time simply because that's not the life either of them wanted for him this time. However, she does think it's good for him to know a little. He's living with a demon, after all.

"I'll teach you embroidery and cross stitch. That's how I learned." It wasn't nearly as calming to her as knitting though so she doesn't do much of it. "You'll be a pro by the time you get to med school and start practicing stitches." He is special, at least to her so it's good he feels that way. She relaxes visibly when he says he still wants them to be an us. "You are part of it, but you don't have to be. I can and will take care of this for you, regardless of whether we're an us or not. They're doing this in part because of me." Despite the fact that she very much wants to go on a date with him, she agrees he should probably rest. She smiles at his suggestion. "I think we can definitely do an order in movie night. Everyone in town knows where this place is. I'm pretty sure they think it's an Air BnB." it's obvious she's pleased with this idea.

There's a reason for that, but he'll figure it out in his own time. Ruby certainly isn't going to tell him about it, not when this wasn't anything like that. She nods in agreement with that statement. "I tried to stay pretty close during the last couple of months." She chuckles a little and shakes her head. "I didn't make the shower." She didn't want to be at the shower for those exact reasons. "I was in the room when you were born though. I was the first person to hold you after your mom and dad." As for a road trip: "I will take you to Nebraska to this old farm I was at-" the farmhouse that used to stand where they met in that first life-"but you're going to be disappointed in it. It's pretty boring."

"The tea will help and I've got some arnica ointment I'll put on it that will help the bruising fade faster." She watches his reaction to her suggestion that he learn to fight. "YOu're going to do awful against me at first and I will have to take it easy on you or you'll always be covered in bruises, but the better you get the less I'll take it easy. Eventually, you'll be able to handle me." She pauses when he asks about the tattoo. "The tattoo is an anti-possession tattoo and it's a great idea. A demon can't possess your dad or your mom--hers is on her hip--but it won't keep a demon from attacking you. You need salt for that or a devil's trap but that's a little harder to break a line when I want in and out."

[talktogirls]

Neither of them know this yet, but rather than be on the front lines with her, Sam will end up serving a number of years as a doctor for hunters, especially for Ruby.

"I'd love that. Thank you." He never thought there was a way to share his studies with her but this one little thing opens up more possibilities on how they can still do things today while he learns. "Is it bad that I want more excuses to hang out with you? I've learned so much about you these last few months and I want to keep learning more." That's part of him wanting to stay with her. She's this fun and a sexy, intelligent woman who always keeps him on his toes and they fit together in his mind. He sobers up when she brings him back to it. "Are they?" It's been such a blur that he hadn't caught that Ruby knew them or anything. But he guesses he can see how that was possible. He bites his lip, looking down momentarily, as fear is felt throughout his body, yet at the same time-- "No. I should still help you with this. They wanted me, correct. There's got to be a way to use me to lure them out." He can rest on the couch as long as both of them can control themselves. He laughs and immediately regrets it at the Air Bnb thing. "I could go for a...smoothie or a large soup." It'll go down easier than pizza or the chicken wings he really wants, he thinks. "Your turn to pick the movie."

He's open about the dreams he has of Ruby with Ruby already. He'll tell her what he thinks it is when what it is seems more than sex dreams. He chuckles. "That's okay." His eyes remain light and curious about Ruby's part of his delivery, more questions at the tip of his mind. "What happened when you held me?" They've always had a strong connection and wonder if it started then. "We can change that. Is it vacant now? We could camp there a few nights."

"Ruby, you're the best." He pauses to measure how his throat feels with all his talking. He sweats a little at the way she lays it down. "I'm going to pretend all I heard is that you'll help me get to your level. And we're going to need an ice pack or two." He's in all the way. He doesn't believe for a second that she will go easy on his level or progress but that she would hurt him either. It's the only way he can stay confident in accepting her offer. "Just show me what I need to do." They could put a devil's trap under the rug. He could scratch it off once she uses a code word. He's in.

[peaceonearth]

It'll end up being where he's needed most.

"It'll definitely be more fun doing it with you than it was when I was a human kid," she tells him. She can also quiz him and ask him to tell her about what he's doing. When they start learning anatomy, bones, and organs, he'll be welcome to show her where all of hers are located. A smile bursts over her face at his confession. "Samuel, I waited eighteen years to spend as many waking moments as possible with you. I am not the one to judge that," she teases him. Of course, she waited much longer than 18 years, but they can get into that later when he has most of his memories. "What do you want to know about me?" They fit very well together and things are only going to become more seamless between them with time.

Ruby hesitates when Sam questions her further about the demons. "The demons I was hunting when they attacked you were part of what's left of the followers of a demon I helped kill. They thought they could keep me distracted longer than they could." She presses her lips together. "I'm the only one left to blame for killing their leader. They've probably spent the last 200 years locked up in the worst parts of hell. Now killing a bunch of legacy hunter kids probably seems like the best revenge they can get. At least until they saw me with you." Ruby narrows her eyes at Sam. "Yes, they wanted you, but I do not like the idea of using you for bait. I like the idea of keeping you safe much better." He probably expected some pushback from her.

Of course, it's unlikely they'll behave for long, but she still thinks the couch and a movie are a good idea. "I have a better idea. Why don't I order groceries delivered? I'll make you homemade soup. We'll include things to make a smoothie with the order for dessert." And she'll pick the movie.

"You stopped crying," she tells him. "I don't think you ever cried with me when you were a baby." Little does he know that their connection started long before he was born (the second time). "The last time was there it was just an abandoned farmhouse. We'd have to take a tent and rough it." She's definitely open the idea of a camping trip though.

"I have always told you that," she teases him. "It's not pretend. Both of those things are true. You'll probably also want to take a lot of Epsom salt baths." She won't take it easy on him, but she's not going to hurt him seriously either. "We will figure it out. We will salt things, but I was also thinking about getting a higher security place."

[talktogirls]

He looks at her questioningly. They teach history in schools but hers is so far back that it isn't relevant anymore. "When you were human? What year?" More than likely he'll share with her what he's interested in most about his classes and kiss some of her anatomy while telling what the place just underneath her skin is. Playing doctor is something they'll roleplay? He looks at her like she's only exaggerating about waiting eighteen years but with a shine in his eyes because he believes he understands her point. "For instance, is your birthday really your birthday? How did you choose it, if not? What's your favorite book? What's your favorite season?" Everything would have been a much shorter answer but he's able to stop himself at four beginner questions. Will he use this information for future dates, absolutely.

He lets her explain everything before giving his opinion. "That's not your fault they couldn't move on." He tries to offer some assurances. "I don't blame you at all. It sounds like they were going to come after me anyway. What choice do we have but to use me as bait? We can't use anyone else." He knows what he's doing by pushing back with his trademark puppy dog look. Really, he just locks eyes with her and seems so damn sure he has to help.

He gets immediately intrigued by her proposal of homemade soup. In his entire lifetime he's never had one bad experience with anything Ruby made personally. "My favorite soup?" He knows she will say yes but he sounds hopeful that she will only consider it. "It's all in your hands. But I can do some chopping to help." They move effortlessly around each other in the kitchen only by feel. They can get to the movie sooner if he helps.

"I did?" He looks surprised and then not after he thinks about it for a second. "When my mom always tells me stories about what I was like, it ends up with me crying a lot." One day he'll understand that the connection was with their souls. "I'll get us a blow up mattress so it isn't that bad. No wifi for a few days sounds doable though. This next summer. We'll make time."

"I know." He takes another gulp of his tea. He pauses but her message gives him more of an idea of how hard it'll be. He can't stand the idea of being the cause of what could potentially separate them permanently more than just taking a few hard hits. "Sorry. I'm taking this seriously. I want to learn and I want you to be the one to teach me." He pauses at her suggestion. "Epsom salt burns you too, doesn't it? What else could I use? What are you thinking with higher security?" It had been something they discussed before about renting a low, cost saving apartment so he can try to live normal life as a regular folk. Deep down it was just settling in that was clearly not an option now.

[peaceonearth]

For the most part, Ruby is happy to let her history fade into the background. "Do they still teach about the Black Plague? I was alive when it was killing everyone. I died in 1358." If they didn't teach the Black Plague in highschool, they're most definitely go over it in his medical classes since it was the largest pandemic in the history of the world. Doctor is definitely something they'll end up roleplaying under the guise of studying. "No. My birthday isn't really my birthday. I don't remember what my actual birthday is. My husband picked my birthday. It was the day I met him. My favorite book changes all of the time, but there's one called Taming a Duke that I read over and over. It's actually mostly historically accurate and very spicy," she winks at him. "I like spring. It's just beginning to get warm so I'm not cold all the time and everything is starting to grow." They're good questions and she's always happy to tell him more about her. She's known him his entire life, but he's only known her a small part of hers (though it is the most important parts of her life).

Ruby is quiet for a long moment, turning over Sam's plea in her mind, trying to figure out a way to keep him safe and let him help. The conversation about the tattoo and the fact that they need to get him a tattoo is at the front of her mind. "I have an idea..." she finally says. "You'd have to trust me though." She waits for him to affirm that he does trust her. Once he does, she continues. "We use you as bait, but only I possess you. I'd stay in the background, you'd have control until the other demons show up then I take control, but you'd still be conscious and aware. You'd have access to my fighting skills and knowledge." She can't help but remember that she's possessed him in his first life and they'd had a lot of fun with it.

"I wouldn't make any other kind," she assures him. "I'll let you chop, but you have to sit down while you're doing it." She starts to make the order on her phone, adding things for smoothies along with a few other staple groceries they need. For the most part, the fridge is stocked with the basics.

"Never with me," Ruby tells him. "I think at first it drove your mom crazy then when I moved into the house down the street, she was just grateful for a break." it had made things easier on all of them with Ruby close. She still hunted and traveled a lot when Sam was a baby and toddler, but when she was in town she had a place to be close to him. "I've got a tent and cooler. Maybe we'll visit a few other places. Start making a list of places and things you want to see."

Ruby tops his tea up using the last of the tea in the teapot. "I really had hoped that I could keep all of this away from you, but...it's good you're taking it seriously."She nods affirmatively. "Yes. I definitely won't b getting in the tub with you if you're taking Epsom salt baths." She considers his question. "Maybe willow bark and peppermint," she suggests. "Something with a lobby and a doorman. Video and intercom doorbell. Maybe an elevator that requires a keycard or code to get to the floor." It will be more expensive but real estate is an investment.

[talktogirls]

For what it's worth, he has a genuine interest in the parts that shaped her being. Unfortunately, he can't say they did teach about the Black Plague. "Is that like the Covid Plague? You died because of the disease or the demon deal? I'm sorry that happened to you." At least he knows that demons typically become demons by being a human soul that was dragged down to hell or done so much wrong in their lives to deserve it. Yes, Ruby is not the latter in his eyes. His medical classes will go over it in the Fall unbeknownst to them. He'll have more questions for her then. "Oh... I'm glad he picked it out for you since there's a day to celebrate just you." Some of his best memories are the days she came to visit him on his birthday and celebrate with her. This last birthday of hers and first one shared as a couple he brought her an entire bouquet of roses and made her dinner by candlelight. He sees her wink at him and leans closer to her, smiling ear to ear. "You're going to have to show me sometime." Which he means read him some passages or let him borrow it to read them openly to her. "There's a long weekend in spring that we can break away from school," he suggests, "to visit Nebraska. If we need, we can bring blankets too." He's still talking about the camping trip in relation to her favorite season. Fortunately, there's all the time in the world to learn more about her and the future conversations like this will cement the bond he already has felt his entire life.

She never even had to ask, but the first words out of his mouth are, "I trust you with my life. What's your idea?" Having her offer to possess him seems not to phase him at all, but he hesitates due to her well-being. "I think that can work, but only if we store your body somewhere safe, like...like a freezer. I don't want you to decompose just because you're helping me." His brows almost knot together.

"Can you order some saltine crackers too?," he stands up, ditching the chair and pulling the stool behind him right up to the kitchen counter. He already can smell the Polish Potato Soup and nothing has been pulled out yet. And yes, he agrees to her terms. The only extra thing he does before he sits back down is grab the potatoes from the corner of the room and a knife to wash them and remove the skin. He brushes Ruby's arm when he sits again, glancing over at her phone order.

"I remember that!" His eyes light up. "I had been so excited that you were moving in next door that...I don't think I stopped talking about it all day. I must have asked when you're showing up more than a hundred times. You...let me help unpack some spell books. Somehow I remember we didn't get much done after that. There was a movie. He sticks his tongue between his lips to reign in some of his joy, but nods enthusiastically. "I'd like that. In that case, let's add Kansas to it too. I don't know what has always drawn me to it, but I hear they have lots of trials to hike."

He doesn't care that he'll need to use the washroom soon and drinks a little more from what she pours. He watches what her body language tells him and gathers his response from that. "I don't want us to have to consider being a part," he reiterates. His hand moves from his cup to her hand. It would break him if they had to take even a break. "So we'll get willow bark and peppermint instead." He threads his fingers through hers. He accepts her vision with as little of a frown as possible. "Suppose I have to accept the experiment to live and experience how other people live is over. I really liked our apartment. Whatever we get, let's try to keep it simple. I liked being able to make our space our space. We can do it again."

[peaceonearth]

"Sort of," Ruby nods. "It killed about 60% of the population in the world. Maybe more, but there weren't a lot of records that survived that time and Poland got off easy." In part because of her. "Neither. I was burned at the stake for being a witch," she answers. "Of course, I was a witch because of the demon deal so they weren't wrong." She can't help but smile at Sam's words because he said something very similar in another life. "That's what my husband when he insisted I needed a birthday." She tries not to mention her husband too much only because it's likely to spawn questions that she can't answer, but she is glad that it doesn't seem to bother Sam when she does. Of course, he knows her husband died over a century ago. He slides as smoothly into flirting with her as she does with him. "I'll have to see if I have a copy here." Yes, they can definitely read out loud to each other or he can read on his own and discuss with her later. "Spring break would be a great time for a road trip as are blankets and your obligation to play heater for me," she smiles at him.

"We just need to ensure it's locked up somewhere safe, dry, and not too hot or cold. My body is alive even without me in it. Just sort of in a vegetative state, but still breathing and heart beating. It does need food and water without me though so we might hook up a saline drip. There should be stuff in the med ward here we can take with us. WIth any luck, it won't take more than a day or two."

She nods, adding the crackers and sending the order off. The delivery should be here soon. In te meantime, they can get started with the potatoes and some of the other basics that are stocked in the kitchen. She leans ever so slightly into that brush against her then returns to prepping some of the ingredients for the soup.

"Watching movies is always more fun than unpacking." Yes, she remembered that all very well. She can't help but smile amused at his addition. They'd gotten here in the middle of the night with Sam stumbling blearily to their room. "Puppy, I don't know how to tell you this but we're in Kansas. Lawrence. Maybe when you feel better, we can see some of it." Most of the people that knew Ruby from before have died so there's no danger in her and Sam walking around town. She'll even walk him by the old Winchester place and garage, both have changed so much he wouldn't even recognize them if he had his memories. "The trails might have to wait until next trip though." It's beginning to get cold here anyway.

The reiteration is good. Amid her guilt, Ruby needs reassurance from Sam that even though his lif will never be normal again, he wants to live that life with her. She lets him thread their fingers together, watching their hands for a moment before she looks up at him. "I know. I liked our apartment too. We'll get something that's a blank space. Maybe even buy it outright so we can decorate it however we want. It'll be completely ours for the rest of our lives."

[talktogirls]

His mouth drops. "That...That could be why they don't teach it anymore. That's a devastating percentage." One thing about Sam is that he will always care about people. But more than that his heart goes out to Ruby as she tells him she was burned at the stake. "Why? What was your demon deal? ...If you want my opinion, I think you belong in this century anyway. I appreciate your mind." He should probably feel some other way about sharing an opinion with her husband (jealous?), but he feels his heart strings pull at her smile only to agree with her statement. "You deserve it." He's asked a few questions already. Did she mind that he wanted to date her when he shared his name with her first husband? What was the infamous Samuel Winchester like outside of the stories, just to her. Questions about her girls and what they were like. The answers she gave him then helps him be comfortable (secure) now with them as a couple. He's grown just as confident in his ability to romance her. Quality time is his love language. His whole face smiles at what she considers his obligation. "I won't argue with that as long as we bring a heating blanket as a compromise." He still gets cold.

He thought wrong about her body to which he bows his head apologetically. "Sorry, I didn't know. But that's even better. Can I see the medical ward? This place has everything!" To which he lights up.

He smiles and leans back when she shoots the order off. He's only seen the soup she makes a dozen and more times and cuts the ingredients she puts him in charge of the same as he remembers scooping them onto a spoon. He manages to find more excuses to get into her space but not crowd her as they work around each other, mostly brushing his fingers against her shoulder or other.

"Now that I think about it, most times I helped you do chores ended up like that." He's accusing her of nothing. Those times had built good memories. He hadn't actually known where the bunker was, only that he trusted Ruby as one that could take him and hide him. "Wait. Really? ... I guess I can sorta check it off now. I didn't think a place with so much lore existed. I'd like to see some of it. There's a nature center in Lawrence, isn't there." He tries to find the good about being in Kansas rather than just stuck in a bunker. His sense of deja vu comes from his morning runs along the prairie park and picnics with Ruby, sometimes the girls as a family. It's a blessing no one would recognize them as Ruby hasn't aged and Sam only has lighter hair than in his first life. "That's fine. I don't know how much I feel like right now anyway. I look like crap." At least he's honest about that.

He knew his life would be different with her in it. It's not something that he sees as a bad thing. So far he's got to lead a normal life and he's sure they both will find a way to return to normal. He can give up many things, just not her. He reacts with his head tilted at her last suggestion. "New York property is really expensive, Ruby. The most expensive in all of the United States... We don't have to go that far." She can talk him into anything though. This is an open discussion as far as he's concerned. "There's got to be a landlord that will let us have free reign again too." Up until now, they've both been splitting the rent. His half came from his trust.

[peaceonearth]

"We had heard rumors about the plague and I was already dabbling in witchcraft. I wanted to be powerful enough to protect my little sister and my parents from the plague if it came to our village." And it had certainly worked even better than she imagined. Whether he realizes it or not, he's good at the romance part of things even as young as he is. She certainly wouldn't want anyone else and she tries to make sure he knows that. She'd answered all of his questions as honestly as possible, leaving no doubt she loved her husband, but she looked forward to a life with Sam. "I think we can manage that." Though, he might suprised how warm a good double sleeping bag will be.

It's a reasonable enough assumption. One equates a soul leaving the body with dying especially if there's no prior experience with souls and demons. Ruby shakes her head. "Don't apologize. I like that you're looking out for me," she reassures him. "Let me get this soup started simmering and yes, I'll show you the medical ward. It's very small, but it's a functional space."

Sam is always welcome in her space. She leans into him, brushing against him and intentionally bumping against him affectionately as they cook together. When the order is delivered, she grabs it and brings it into the kitchen then unpacks it with Sam's help.

She shrugs a little at his observation. "I'd rather spend time with you than watch you do chores. Although, now that I'm allowed to ogle, I don't mind watching you do them with your shirt off," she flirts with him. "There is a nature center. Maybe once you're feeling better and not looking like I abuse you, we'll go on a picnic there," she offers as a consolation. "I promise we'll come back sometime as wel."

They'll figure out their own sort of normal. "Which makes it an excellent investment. It rarely goes down in value," she counters. "Especially for someone that's got the time and lifespan to wait for it double or triple in value." She highly doubts there will be a landlord in NYC that will give them free rein. Besides, she likes the idea of owning something with him again, though he likely won't know his name is on the deed until they have to sign the papers. "We'll look at some things on line, see what's out there and arrange to go see the places we like the most that fit our criteria when we're ready."

[talktogirls]

"So, your sister and your parents survived? I'm glad your sacrifice meant something." He takes his cues from her on continuing the conversation and keeps positive about her family rather than her death. He knows that it wasn't the end for her anyway. He takes some of his signals that these types of date nights should continue in that she always dresses up for them. He understands that he has a place in her heart as her second love. That alone is a precious gift he accepts. For his end of things, he's told her no one else has fit right in his life when he thinks about it long term. He feels they have a connection. Helplessly, he can't help but think about the trip already and feel warm inside.

He has absolutely no experience with souls nor demons beyond Ruby herself. He does see her as a person and always has. His cheeks go red whether embarrassed or flattered. "Let me just say that I like that it doesn't work like that," he admits. "Is that how it works for everybody? Would I still be alive if my soul left?" He'd apologize again but she said not to. "Sure, later makes sense. Besides I never got to see how you make the soup before." He won't share the recipe with anyone but will note down the recipe in his memory.

At one point, he starts dicing a little too widely but corrects himself after her attention moves to something else. He takes some of the contents out of the bags delivered to make them less heavy. He knew Ruby could handle it, but he was still injured. He does lean over her shoulder to sniff the contents that start to go in the pot the next time they're close. "It already smells good."

"Good to know," he chuckles. "If you want my shirt off, you'll have to take it off." It's all she had to do from the start, or ask. He can still manage it himself with his aches and pains. He almost feels like the tea has some effects already. "Yeah. I'll take you up on that. There's always central park at home." He keeps looking at the bigger picture in no small part due to her. "I'd cover myself in sunscreen before I let anyone think that."

His inexperience with landlords is one reason he believes the way he does. Also, his parents gave him the freedom to style his room the way he liked. They were limited before with the apartment. What Ruby describes is levels above a simple apartment. When she points out the investment opportunity, his mouth hangs open then closes. "That's, well, you have a point. I never open property, but I think I can pay my half without hurting my funds too much." He never even considers not splitting it half and half with her for a moment. That's another surprise and conversation waiting when he finds out? "It'll have to be within biking distance of school or close to transit. That's going to be pricey. I'll do my best to feel better soon." He leans in to kiss her cheek, eyes lock on hers intrinsically as he returns her space.

[peaceonearth]

She nods a little. "Yeah, at least as far as I could tell from the limited records I could find." Talking about her death won't do either of them any good. It's one of the few memories Hell left intact. After all, it helped them twist her soul against humans and turn her into a demon. The most important part of her death was that it wasn't the end for her. She got a life after her death that she loves. One of these days, Sam will remember that he's her only love, but for now, it's good that he's accepted the second love idea. He has her whole heart.

"Yeah, though most of the time a soul leaves a body because it's dying or dead, far too damaged to carry on." Of course, that's not always the case, but Ruby doesn't feel the need to mention that Sam has been without his soul before. "A lot of people in irreversible comas have already moved on. They're just shells with a brain and body that keeps working because of machinery. My body will be okay without a respirator or anything because it's not damaged, but it won't get up and walk around either. Think of the soul as the animation part of a body, but the gears and cogs all still work." She can't help but smile at his comment about the soup. "When you're feeling better, I'll teach you how." It's not a secret, but she appreciates that he treats it like it should be.

"Is that a dare?" she teases because she will take his shirt off, though it's unlikely to stop there. The tea probably has already helped though it will take time and rest to heal him completely. She smiles softly at him, moving to press a kiss to the top of his head as a thank you.

It will likely be a very extravagant apartment, but that's the only type of apartment likely to come with the built-in security measures she is looking for. They don't need fancy or a ton of space, but Ruby won't say no if that's what comes with the security. "Close to transportation. Got it. I'm betting we can find a nice one within biking distance for you and close to s subway for your winter classes." She's fortunate enough that she's made some excellent investments in the last hundred-plus years. The rage spas are very lucrative. If she does it the way she wants to, they won't have rent or a mortgage. She'll just buy it outright. "We'll manage," she assures him.

She puts the lid on the pot and holds out her hand. "Come on. Let's go see the med ward."

[talktogirls]

He gives her an apologetic glance due to her perceived body language. "I'm sorry that I brought up hard memories. I'm glad you found something that tells you what happened." Little does he know he was there to help her find some records and even find existing family members. The best thing about the day he finds out that he is one in the same as her first love will be that she chose him all over again. For now, the only thing that sometimes stops him in his tracks, but less and less as time goes on, is if he's on the same level as she is in life.

Everything she adds to being soulless creates a new mental note and Sam has the look in his eyes that tells her his wheels are spinning. "We're going to need more help then. My mom has the experience needed to watch your body." The last thing he can do is ask his pre-med classmates, after all. He wants Ruby to be able to return to her body without any issues. He would never lie about her soup. There's many warm memories of feeling better after the soup. "I appreciate that." He's half convinced himself over the years that it's her family recipe.

He thinks about it and smiles. "I guess it is. It's up to you." He isn't hurt so badly that he doesn't think they can get up to a little something. There's a few sore spots that he trusts she will be careful to not run her hands over too. It's hard to let her get away with only a kiss to his forehead and when she pulls away, he sweeps in to kiss wherever his lips land: her nose.

When it comes down to it, he will accept anything that puts Ruby's mind at ease; a life with Ruby is all he wants in the end. "I like the sound of both. Save the planet." He has some idea of her wealth. He's been interested in learning from her for a long time. Most likely she will convince him to have it her way, but he will be resistant to add his name in ownership. They're not even married. They could be. He's already been saving towards the engagement ring by offering college exam tutoring. Right now, he can't picture more than something average. "You're right. I'd overthink everything if not for you."

His urge to have a last sniff of the pot before she closes the lid wins. He gives her his hand, just a smidge sweaty. "Yeah. Maybe you can tell me what some of the other rooms are on the way." He's excited to see more of the bunker and its endless rooms.

[peaceonearth]

She shakes her head at his apology. "You absolutely did not. It was a very long time ago," she assures him. He did help her find records and existing family members. It had been nice to know that her deal hadn't been for naught. She would choose him over and over again, but she's grateful every day that he chose her again as well.

"I really wasn't planning on telling your mom. I'm pretty sure she'll be very against using you as bait," Ruby admits. Honestly, she was just going to hook up an IV and go check on herself every now and then. After all, it would look odd to anyone watching if he didn't have a place to go back to. It'll just have to be a hotel room, because even if they have a home by then, she's not willing to lead anyone back there inadvertently. In some ways, the soup is a family recipe. She'd worked from the few memories she had along with a recipe she'd found in an old cookbook. She'd then adjusted it until it was exactly what she'd wanted, even if she can't exactly remember it. She'd made it for him years ago when he'd been a little kid in a rental house across the street from the person she'd been possessing.

"Mmm, I'm going to take you up on that offer at some point tonight," she promises him and yes, she'll be gentle as long as he seems like he's willing. The way he sweeps in to kiss her, lips landing on her nose indicates to her that yes, he's willing.

"And it's good for you. Healthy, long life and all that." She's been having him drink the longevity tea for a few months now so he knows she's invested in him living as long as possible. If all else fails, she'll put the apartment in her name only. Little does he know, he already gets a large chunk of her assets if something happens to her. Of course, the girls both have their own portions, but she'll make sure he's taken care of as well. She doesn't know about the ring; she assumes the tutoring is for rent and dates. "You've always been an overthinker," she tells him. He can make of that what he will.

Ruby threads her fingers with his and points out some of the rooms along the way to the med ward. He knows some of them like the media room, but he hasn't seen the security room that houses the cameras or the large storage closet that has some of the rare things in it or even the laundry room. She's happy to stop and let him peruse them. After all, the soup will simmer for a while. They're in no particular hurry. Once they get to the med ward, he'll find it's fully stocked with the basics. It's even got modern equipment housed in vintage cabinets. Some of the beds have been updated though to make it easier on everyone. "What do you think?"

[talktogirls]

"Okay... I don't want to lie to my Mom, so we have to tell her afterwards. Will it be fine to leave your body here unattended?" He rings his hands but respects Ruby's needs. He hadn't even thought about where they would stay yet once they returned to New York. A hotel makes the most sense. It's no wonder why the soup fills him with comfort. He had once told her that she had helped him get over his flu by providing him with a warm meal when of the time everything he had came cold or at room temperature. He thanked her then too, but with a fervent kiss.

It wasn't exactly where he expects the kiss to land, but yeah, he's more than willing to let things go where they may. He knows she will be careful that he feels safe to throw all caution to the wind in the first place. His burns don't hurt like they did a day ago because of her too. He can't help but sigh happily. "I don't know what I'd do if you didn't." His heart races with anticipation.

"Though," he pauses for effect more than any thought. "We'll both need new bikes as well." He laughs, barely, but thinks about it in the way that starting over is possible with her. Everything that matters came out safely, such as their lives, and everything else can be replaced. Only time will tell how that will go with the apartment. The best thing for all of them is that he never has to find out he has a large chuck willed to him. Nothing but her in this life of his matters as much. Of course some of the money he earns has been going to rent and the dates too. The largest chunk of it only has been not talked about so he can spring the ring on her when the time is right. "I'm glad I have you." He tells her. He's known her a long time and vice versa; he nods, confident in knowing that she accepts him as he is.

The tips of his fingers sweep across her knuckles with her fingers through his in an appreciative fashion. He has questions for the rooms he's not seen as they go. Can they listen in any room? The bedrooms? He's relieved that the bedrooms are blind spots, but there's storage for all video to be backed up and AI tracking on the last place anyone entered for the blind rooms. Hanging in the laundry room, he finds the few empty hangers he gathers his change of clothes came from. He asks the most questions about the books in storage or rare items. By the time they reach the med ward, he's almost lost his voice from asking so much, smiling ear to ear. His eyes have to adjust to the light as it flickers to life and his mouth hangs open. "It's almost the size of an actual ward." He's very enthusiastic.

[peaceonearth]

"Of course. Once you're safe, we'll tell her everything." She doesn't want Sam to lie to Melissa. She just doesn't think they need to share the details of their plan since Sam is eighteen. They do need to make sure Melissa knows he's safe every day though. He's already talked to her once and Ruby knows he's supposed to (and should) continue to keep her updated on how he's doing. "I think we'll probably grab some IVs and head to a hotel closer to campus before we start anything. My body will be fine for a while with the IVs. They'll keep everything running the way it should. We can put a do not disturb tag on the door and check in daily. I can jump back into my body, give you a chance to be alone in there, and make sure everything is going to plan."

"Be a very bored virgin?" she suggests teasingly. "Don't worry. There's no way I'd let that happen," she promises with a wink.

"We'll add it to the list. Besides, now that you have been commuting via bike, you might want something a little different." Ruby will do her best to make sure starting over is fun rather than a sad occasion. She can't help but pause and lean in to kiss him. "You're the best thing in my whole life," she tells him when the kiss breaks.

She lived here a long time, which she shares, as she answers his questions, occasionally telling him how things have changed and why. The bedrooms are definitely off limits for cameras and audio, but they have to keep track of who goes in and out for many reasons, mostly because now the bunker functions more as a way station and safe house for hunters rather than a personal residence. There are more clothes where those come from. It's part of providing a safe house. However, they'll get him some of his own when he's feeling like shopping. "I don't think it's ever been completely fully, but we've had several people in here at once before. It's good to have to space to do things and put people when needed."

[talktogirls]

"Thank you." It's the first time he's chosen to keep something from his parents, but Ruby somehow helps him feel it's the right thing to do rather than the wrong one. She'll help him continue to grow as an adult by being the one he can talk to. He'll make another call to his mother tomorrow. That's that little thing about the soup and movie he owes Ruby as a means to rest first. "If we're going to lure them out, they have to see you with me too."

"Thanks for that picture." He wrinkles his nose. The sex of course is a bonus, but he's deeply committed to her. "You're right about one thing. I can't promise not to be worried though." His flustered state remains in place though.

"Sure. Promise to ride it with me and I'll give the subway a try." He doesn't need his hand held but her company is worth asking for. "What else do you have in mind?" If anything, about transportation. He's open to her suggestions. He pulls her back by softly pulling the bottom of her lip to bring the kiss back in for it breaks. "Am I? I'm going to need that one more time. I love you." Those three words aren't new. They spilled out a long time ago (a year ago). This time he leans in to take charge of their lips.

She gave him the clothes on his back so he's already adopted them as his own. However, a new set of shirts and sweaters with vests that coordinate would be nice. It wasn't really all that long ago that they shopped for things to start their lives together and he'd enjoy being able to do it again. Truthfully, he's awestruck that the bunker exists. He tells her that he's glad she's able to provide hunters a place to go. He answers the unspoken question that he feels safe because such a place exists. His mind isn't as panicky and afraid as he was the night of the fire, body isn't shaking while trying to hold himself to same standard as Ruby either. He's relaxed on the tour. His tongue sticks out between his lips, bobbing his head. "I think that's for the best. There will always be people that need medical help, but there never should be so many people hurting at once. ...I want to catch that demon before they hurt anyone else."

[peaceonearth]

Right and wrong are a little grey with Ruby. She thinks that it will worry Melissa less if they don't tell her and Ruby has no intention of letting Sam get hurt. She's confident she can handle whatever the demons have in store for him, but demons are a little much for a first hunt. Ruby nods, considering that. "Yeah. I'll have to meet you for lunch. You just don't go anywhere alone without me possessing you. I think that's the right move."

She can't help but laugh at the face he pulls. "Worried is okay. Just talk to me about it, okay?"

"We'll spend a whole day riding it and getting the route down that you'll have to take." The subway can be pretty intimidating and very confusing. She doesn't want him to have to worry about that as well as getting to class on time. The tour is paused as Ruby wraps her arms around Sam's neck, fingers tangling in the hair at the back of his neck. "You are the best thing in my entire life," she repeats as she kisses him again then whispers "nerd" against his lips.

Most of his wardrobe was burned so they'll both need a few new things. The bunker is pretty cool and she was fairly awed when they'd first found it. Of course, the demon runes had had to be disabled for her to enter, but it had been home for a very long time. "We will," she promises, turning to look at him. Her brow furrows a little. "Sit down on the bed. You singed some of your hair. I'll trim it for you."

[talktogirls]

It'd be another story had it been anyone else other than Ruby that suggests it. But then again he might also think anyone else was crazy to think they could handle this without either of his parents, who are skilled hunters, involved. Ruby's reputation is part of how he feels so brave to work the case, just the two of them. "Yeah, no. I'll stick to classes and text you where we should meet. Most likely the Mess Hall as it's crowded."

"I'm trying not to think about the worst case scenario," he tells her. "Just want to have faith everything will go right from here. I don't want you getting hurt either." He needed her to prod him to open up more there because once he starts, he doesn't stop opening up.

"If it's going to be the whole day, I also think we should use the subway to go to other places, somewhere like Central Park. One thing he's confident in is his ability to break down a problem and find the solution; it doesn't occur to him that he could get lost. He's lucky to have Ruby to think about that for him (beyond what would be a quick Google search). The tour was pretty over once one or both of them made eyes on each other anyway. Sam bends closer but his hands have a mind of their own and pull her in by the small of her back. The way her words drive him crazy make him believe he can last without air for a minute. Nerd is one of the most affectionate things she calls him to date. It's her version of saying I love you back. "I love you" he repeats as when there's a little space to whisper between them, he looks between the one single article that keeps her covered and her eyes. He considers for the briefest of seconds that they messed up as this wouldn't exactly classify as rest. Does he care? No. He feels better than he has at any other point of the day. But he does care where Ruby sees this going. "Is it too soon?" Or too fast. She's the doctor.

He'll suggest a few things for her and she will pick at a few things for him; they work well as a couple. Yes, he had asked her which room used to be hers and was half surprised to find the one they had been sleeping in was it. That alone speaks volumes to how much she invites him into her life. For a split second, he wonders if he's bled through his bandages again with the way she looks at him. Or maybe she's not saying something about the deeper issue at hand. He sighs with relief when it's... "Just my hair? Su..sure. How bad is it? Tell me you can do something with it." He sits on the edge, half turned so she can see most of it.

[peaceonearth]

Ruby would disagree if anyone else suggested it as well. She nods a little at his suggestion. "It's a date," she smiles at him.

"The worst-case scenario is not going to happen. I won't let it and I won't let you get hurt either. I'm going to be right there with you the entire time outside of your ordinary classes, and maybe even with you then," she promises him. "We just need to make sure they see us together so that no one thinks anything is off. I didn't get hurt before and that was part of their goal in pulling me away from you. We won't let that happen again either. I think you'll actually feel better about the plan when I'm inside you."

"And maybe the Museum of Natural History. Possibly an art museum as well. We'll make it fun and just happen to stop by the college campus so you know how to get there." She's been lost in New York City before. She knows how easy it is for it to happen. He doesn't make it any easier for her to give in and have sex with him right there against the wall. No, this isn't exactly rest, but as long as he doesn't hurt himself, she thinks it counts. She lets his words trickle over her, closing her eyes a moment to soak them all in. She opens her eyes at his question. "I think we probably ought to make it to a soft surface. The wall and the floor are pretty hard here," she teases, but she's also serious about that. In the back of her mind, she's thinking that the medical ward has soft beds.

There weren't that many rooms that had king-sized beds or that had been enlarged the way their room had. Dean's room is the only other one and she's pretty sure Joanna was using that one so she doesn't want to invade her great (many times) granddaughter's space since she's been kind enough to vacate the place for them. However, even if that weren't the case, she'd want them to stay in their room. She can't help but very softly laugh at him. "Just a little bit and it's definitely salvageable," she promises as she opens the drawers of a cabinet until she finds hair shears. She pushes his knees apart and steps between his legs so that she can get a good look at his hair, fingers running through it lightly as she snips and trims a little. "You should grow it out. I can keep it trimmed up so it doesn't look too shaggy if you like."

[talktogirls]

He sighs happily at that notion.

"I feel better hearing you say it," he tells her. That last thing she says thinking, "Should we try it here first? You inside me."

"There's a few places like that on my list," he admits. "The Museum of Natural History is one. I wanted to ask if you'd come see a theatre class with me. Sounds good. We should pack a picnic whe we do this." He's still naive enough to believe that it's easy to figure out a map. They're both equally at fault for not being able to keep their hands off each other. But it's one of his favorite qualities about her. Once he thought it was just how he needed her to be in his dreams but the real thing matched up to his desires. He doesn't really want to stop there, let his kisses trail down her neck or tug some of the buttons open on that too big of shirt on her. His eyes are waiting for hers to look back. "Where to then?" He's as eager as her to find a spot being unfamiliar with where they are now. He moves back just far enough to drop his hands from her backside to cusp her hand. She'll lead, he'll follow.

That's fair. Sam had asked where Joanna was going when they first arrived and apologized for making her feel she had to vacate for the next while. He didn't ask more about that particular room than that when they passed it. However, just passing by the room left him with a guilty sensation in his gut. He'd been worried for a second there until she told him his hair was safe. He takes the towel Ruby offers him and throws it around his shoulders in preparation. He parts his legs wider so that she can stand there. He angles his head down so it's even easier, finding himself staring at her breasts through the denim and continuing to be distracted as they talk. "Oh, yeah? If you think I will look good, maybe I should let you be in charge of it."

[peaceonearth]

Ruby can't help but grin devilishly when he repeats her 'you inside me' words back to her but..."That's probably a really good idea. That way you won't be freaking out too much in public. It'll also give you a chance to experience what it's like when I take control before it counts."

She readily agrees to all of his suggestions. They'll have fun exploring New York City together. She's really only been there for work and alone before they moved there together. The temptation to push him against the wall and have her way with him is nearly overwhelming when he kisses her neck and undoes a button. She reminds herself that her options for 'having her way with him' against the wall are limited if she wants to keep from hurting him (and she does) so when they separate, she doesn't pull him back in despite wanting to very much.

Joanna was happy to have some free time with her boyfriend which didn't include catering to other hunters. Because she was the hunter in residence, the amount of time she got to spend outside of the bunker was pretty limited. The damage to his hair was very minimal and would have gone unnoticed by most people. Ruby has the unique vantage point of being up close and person with her hands in his hair. Also, she might just want to get up close and personal with her hands in his hair. Oh, she realizes exactly where his gaze is (she never did do up that button he undid) and he should know by now that Ruby prefers not to wear underwear of any sort so his view is unobstructed by anything except the shirt. She shifts her weight slightly, moving closer to him as she evens it up ever so slightly. "I think you would look like one of the guys on my romance book covers," she flirts as she leans in a little to snip a bit toward the back.

[talktogirls]

He understands how it sounds after he says it and glances downwards while giving way to a smile. He doesn't know how intimate sharing his body with her can be, but he'll know soon enough. He nods, eyes back on her. "I'm ready. Well, after the soup is ready and I've had some... Does that sound like a good time to try it out?

They'll do things she likes too. He asks her what ideas she has during this and informs her they'll find the time to do them too. Fire or no fire, it doesn't change anything about how he feels about moving in with her then and all over again. There's more than enough heat between them to give into the urges. He's never experienced pain with pleasure but if history is any indication, he is bound to discover he likes it in good measure. Plus anything she does that could make him flinch is not something he'd believe she'd do on purpose. He thinks highly of her every day. True that the hallway isn't ideal for friendly sex. When he follows her to the med bay, he keeps hold of her hand though.

That's a bonus for Joanna then. If she comes back, Sam will ask her how her time off was. He doesn't know about her boyfriend. Ruby's welcome to close any space between them anytime. Almost like his hair wants to follow her hands around, the static in them sticks to her palms as she plays around and trims. Part of the reason he finds himself stuck is because his shirt hangs loosely on her and her cleavage sticks right at without the button hiding it away. Suffice to say, he sees more skin as she moves around. He can't be sure if her knees come up close to the streamline of his pants on purpose also (on top of having her breasts move closer to his face). Either way, he's turned on. "Now I get it. I think that's the least I can do to make you happy. You know I'd do anything to make you happy." He smells a little bit of fire lingering on her as much as the sulphur but honestly turned on a little by it too. When Ruby sets aside the clippers, finally he can't help himself but hug her to him. "For now, does my hair look good now?" He's far from insecure from having a boy scout cut, but hearing her say he's her guy is all he needs. "You're exactly how I picture my ideal woman."

[peaceonearth]

She grins a little at him and nods. "Yes. That'll be a good time." It'll be good for both of them to have a little practice first. After all, it's been a long time since she shared a body with anyone.

She likes the museums and the park. Maybe they'll get a pedal boat and spend some time out on one of the lakes at the park or go to the zoo. She might want to talk a bit more about it before they buy a place, but simply because she knows this is a lot, she wants to ensure he's prepared for it, though she hopes there won't be too much of this in their lives. They can try sex in the hallway later when he's feeling less sore.

Maybe when she presses her knee very lightly into his crotch he'll realize that it's entirely on purpose. She could do this from behind, but it's far more fun doing it from the front and being forced to get so close to him. "You could shave your head and I'd be happy, but I do like the idea of longer hair." She leans back at the waist to look at him, her hands running up into and ruffling his hair. She hums and leans back in, her hands sliding to cup his face and tilt it up to her before she leans in to kiss him. "I like your ideals and there's a reason I waited eighteen years for you," she tells him when the kiss breaks.

[talktogirls]

He won't be used to her speaking in his head and not responding to it verbally in front of people. The matched energy to his enthusiasm ignites the blue in his eyes. "So, how does it work? What do I do to let you in?"

Quiet places suit them both. The only place he'd normally ask to show her off is at school, but that's a matter to address returning to later. He'd never see himself on a pedal boat with her and that's why he'll be up for it as the opportunity arrives. Maybe they'll do the full beach package one day with the sand and a powerful boat. When it comes down to it, he just wants her to remain in his life. He's afraid to lose her just as much as he's afraid to be taken from her. Is that a promise?

He breathes more discernibly the next time it happens, not surprised she would want to do that. He can't lie when his eyes lock on hers and hands come up to her shoulders that he doesn't find the sensation pleasurable or its ability to turn him on all over again. He hopes that she doesn't mean he should test that theory with baldness. For the moment, he understands she's saying that she'll love him no matter what. He smiles helplessly the more spots she plays around with or touches. He deepens the kiss, completely melting into her hands. "Tell me more." He likes hearing her talk. It occurs to him when his eyes open again that she's really hot when she's just a bit above him and has control over him.

[peaceonearth]

He might come off as a little disturbed in class, but that will be chalked up to the fire. Of course, if they get him comfortable with the possession while they're at the bunker, that will help. "Come on. Let's go to the living room." Once there she'll lay down on the couch. "Okay, you can sit. Just be relaxed, mouth slightly open. That's how I'll get in." She won't mention that she could force her way in. That's not important because she wouldn't ever do that to Sam. Once Sam is settled, Ruby opens her mouth and a cloud of dark smoke gushes out, hovering for a moment around the ceiling, leaving her body effectively vegetative but alive.

She likes when Sam wants to show her off. She's only adverse to people for long periods of time. Even then, she can deal with that but she's less than friendly. She'll play nice for Sam as long as he wants to show her off and when she's had her fill, she'll let him know. That is absolutely a promise. They'll make it a goal: have sex in every room in the bunker before they leave.

If he's not feeling well or doesn't want to at the moment, she'll take his cue if he puts a stop to this. However, until he does, she's going to tease him: her knee pressing lightly against that growing hardness. He should not shave his head; she just wants him to know that her attraction to him and her happiness with him does not depend on the length of his hair. A wicked grin spreads across her lips at his request. She likes the position they're in as well. She moves closer, thighs and knees pressing against him as she kisses him again, reaching up to unbutton another button on the shirt she's wearing. When the kiss breaks, she reaches down to take his hand and slides it into the gap created by the unbuttoned shirt. "The last six months before you turned 18? I thought I was going to go crazy. Or break another vibrator."

[talktogirls]

He agrees that they need a comfortable space and follows her to the living room. He sits all the way back so he can relax just as he's told to do. However, he opens wider than asked as if he's at the doctor's office. Suffice to say it's not the most comfortable experience but smooth enough that he settles easily. Instantly, he stands up afterwards to catch her body before it drops to the floor. He spins on his heels to set her where he was seated. Taking steady breaths, he waits for something to happen then he closes his eyes to try calling out to her in his head by thinking the words.

Ruby, can you hear me? I don't know if you need more time, or... He does have the sense that she's close.

He sees red in desire as things heat up, but he still blushes on what she decided was dirty talk. He smiles, leaning closer to her ear as she picks away at his buttons, with a secret to tell her. "You know this already, but I thought about you every single day too. Sometimes...I still have the same dreams." He moves slowly back, once again to have his sights on her. By then, she's removed his shirt and her hands pressed against his skin. He has two options, free himself or free her. It's an easy decision to make. Free her. He means to pull her shirt open gently but he might as well have ripped it off her. For how she arouses him for her dirty talk, he moves his mouth and tongue against her neck. "How many did you break?" he asks out of intrigue after leaving a mark.

[peaceonearth]

It helps that Ruby isn't forcing himself on her and that he's ready for it. She thinks it probably also helps that she cares that she's not hurting him. That said, she can't do anything about some of the unpleasantness.

In response to his internal question, she laughs softly. Yes. I'm here an thanks for the save on the body. I'll be glad not to have a bump on the head when I go back. So...you're going to be able to feel everything I feel as well as, obviously, be aware of my thoughts just like they're yours. I can burrow deeper and be less aware, but that doesn't do either of us any good in this situation. Questions?

The blush is cute. As he gets older and more accustomed to her, the blushing becomes less frequent but never disappears completely. They've discussed how she prefers him shirtless, so it should be of little surprise that she pulls his shirt off him as soon as she can. She hums at his words. "We'll have to continue making all those dreams a reality." He's still too young to know that those dreams were reality. She glides her hands across his shoulders and chest, slipping down to his stomach to tease at his abs, that treasure trail of hair, and the waistband of his pants. She knows how to sew the buttons back on if necessary and Sam rarely has to be careful with her. Once the shirt is off, she stands naked in front of him, giving him the chance to look at her, to press his lips against her neck, and taste her skin. "Hmmm in the two years since you turned sixteen and started to look less like a boy and more seriously hot..." she trails off, both thinking about that answer. He pulls a soft moan out of her and when she does answer her question, her voice still holds a ghost of that moan. If she were to open her eyes right now, they'd be black. "5. Most of them wore out. Some of them I used while you were there asleep in the next room."

[talktogirls]

Her response confirms it's that easy to communicate. His eyes open again, smiling just between them. You're welcome. We're a team, remember... True, that doesn't help. No, yeah. One question: Only do you want to go first, or should I. If we share our thoughts, I want to get this down so no one thinks I've become Norman Bates and Mother. Even hundreds of years later Psycho is a cult classic to get rebooted over and over.

As long as she never stops looking or talking to him the way she does, nothing else matters. Growing older and accustomed to her only means they've customized a life together. It's a future he can look forward to. When she pulls the shirt off, his arms are up to assist and maneuver it somewhere out of the way. When she hums the allure of it draws him in to kiss her passionately. His dreams all have that element in them and they've discussed that. He's never hid how wild the dreams get by not telling her. He's as eager to explore her as she is him and he finds it's not so much holding back to let her as it is to discover that he likes her attention on him all over again. He sighs happily, light blue eyes, and the occasional stolen breath, following her movements to his waistband. He gives her a permissive sound to unzip them.

She'll have to remind him again that he doesn't have to be. He's a lot less nervous than when he started to have sex with her though. He gives her an appreciative once-twice over, kisses her skin until the natural course is to move to the next step. "I don't think I've told you how gorgeous you are today." Usually he says it three or four times a day when things are normal. His hands sweep her shoulders, her breasts, and her perfect stomach even with the faded bullet wound until they fall to her sides and pull her closer so her words are audible when his pulse is almost louder. For the first time he hears everything and more than what he had hoped she thought about him. "Here I only hoped you would really give things a try when I turned 18. I didn't know that's what you thought, not that deeply." He means to thank her, but it might get lost behind the husky tone. He moves to kiss her mouth with that moan, short and sweet. He'd be drawn to her eyes if she opened them. Never in his life has he been afraid of her darkest gaze. There's a little more red to color his cheeks when the number is five. "I have a confession to make. I wasn't exactly on my best behavior when I was over. I also wanted the excuse to see you everyday."

[peaceonearth]

Ruby hums a little considering his question For the most part, I'm going to let you take the lead. Act the same way you always have, think the same way you always have. I'll respond in kind. I'll try to keep my thoughts in the background. We definitely don't want anyone thinking you're crazy. The problem is... Her words trail off to be replaced with an image of her kissing his neck. I can't always control things like that unless I stay on my toes all the time, which is exhausting.

The way she looks at him is only going to get better as he ages and their relationship grows. She's always been grateful that he felt like he could talk to her about everything, including the graphic, often sexual dreams he has. Of course, before he turned 18, when there was so much they couldn't do, that had been a form of intimacy for them both. She waits for that permission before she unzips his pants and lightly strokes him while leaning in to capture his mouth in a kiss again.

Should he act like he's afraid he's going to hurt her, she'll be happy to remind him that not only is she hard to hurt, she doesn't mind a little pain with her pleasure. She can't help but smile at his words and her response is breathy and husky because of the way his mouth travels across her skin. "Mmmm, you have been very remiss in that today," she teases and she arches into his touch, into his kiss, encouraging him to touch more, kiss more. She can't help but chuckle a little at his revelation. "Samuel, if we lived in a different society, it would have been much sooner," she assures him. "Also," she pulls back slightly to look at him, "I needed you to be old enough to choose me because you wanted me, not because you thought I was your only option." Yes, those fail dates had been necessary, no matter how much either of them had hated them.

Her grin turns wicked at his confession. "Oh, Puppy. I know. Where do you think my inspiration came from?"

[talktogirls]

Her hums sometimes remove cohesiveness from his thoughts. They're sharing his headspace so he can't hide how it goes blank momentarily. He's absolutely head over heels. Yeah, that sounds easy enough. You're saying it's like you're in the passenger's seat or the devil on my shoulder. Ignoring the negative connotations, he imagines her affectionately as a cross between the angel and the devil. She shares that image of her along his neck not long after which prompts a very real shiver. It felt as real as the artificial light touching and static his skin inside the bunker. How did you... You have to teach me how to do that. I don't know if I'd call it a problem. Well, yes. You can't do that when I'm in class again. Promise me you won't tire yourself out either. He stummers.

He'll look back one day and see that. Much the same way, he wakes up every day and thinks she's more beautiful than yesterday. He's always felt a special relationship from the time he was little and when she told him that she was Ruby and his best friend after he asked her what he should call her. That had shed so much confusion when everyone else filled the roles of aunts, uncles and teachers. His hips almost have a mind of their own in chase of her fingers and he scoots closer while he sighs encouragingly against her possessive lips. A year into their relationship, he loves it when she gets this way.

Sometimes the reminder wouldn't hurt. It's only fair that they take turns on who gets attention. He doesn't quit right away because of her pleasurable noises. The more she encourages it, the more he does it, lower with every kiss to find new territory. When he does pause, it's because she pulls back and he needs a moment to sort out what she's been saying. He was listening, but it was made harder by the blood pooling away from his head. "Uh.. I don't think I ever could have chosen anyone else but you... unless I didn't know you." He shakes his head, "There were options, but none like you. I'm glad you were there to talk when I tried it the other way. Maybe the age of consent isn't 16 anymore, but I'm the luckiest man alive because you wanted me back. " The dates had certainly made things clear.

He hesitates as it was a deep reveal, but it ends with him trying to hold back and a smile with a shake of his head. "I'm sorry." It's a sincere and disingenuous apology. How can he be sorry?

[peaceonearth]

She doesn't actually intend on it doing that, but she does tend to hum in response at moments just like this. The way he goes blank a moment makes Ruby chuckle softly, husky. Yes, she notices and she likes it. Fairly accurate. She'll give him a demonstration of how she can take over later just so he's not completely blindsided when she does it for the case. She feels that shiver and that response to her imagery as if it's her own. It prompts her own shiver. This? she sends an image of her hands sliding down his chest to his stomach, her lips following. This is easy. Just imagine something you'd like to do to me. Probably something you've done before. Hold it in your head, remember the feel of it, the taste. Fair warning though: you're going to feel everything that makes me feel and everything it makes you feel. His attempt to extract a promise out of her makes her smile devilishly. I promise. I won't do this to you in class.

For obvious reasons, Ruby had wanted to make sure he never looked at her as if she were an aunt or an older sister. The best friend seemed a good compromise. She could be that for him when he was younger and when he was older, they could transition to this, at least that was always her hope. She grips him a bit harder and rocks her hips against his in response. She nips at his bottom lip. He does make her absolutely feral. Perhaps all of the UST before he turned 18 makes her even a bit more feral.

Honestly, her pulling back was more of a way to give herself a breather because while they're in the midst of some very heavy foreplay, they're also having an important conversation. She doesn't want either to end just yet. Ruby dips just a little, catching his face in both hands and leaning in. "I will always want you back. Over and over." He doesn't know how much weight those words carry just yet. She kisses him again, hands wandering back down to resume touching him, thumbs stroking his hipbones first.

She leans in, her mouth going to the hollow between his ear and his neck. "Puppy, that inspiration was the only thing keeping me from jumping you. However, you may have to make it up to me by continuing that trajectory of kissing you were doing," she teases then sucks on his earlobe for good measure.

[talktogirls]

She's always had that power over him. He can't help but picture himself leaning close to her in lieu of actually being able to (more or less a reflex), drawn to her voice. Just as she told him to, that imagery is shared between them. He shivers at her imagery at his chest and he feels the lust and excitement behind her thoughts for the first time as if they were his own. He draws breath on both plains but he pictures himself at his handiest and most reactive, tugging her shirt off her body, unfettered access to her neck and below and holding it. He can almost smell the mix of lavender and sulphur that comes with the excitement. He's got a hundred thousand more where that came from. I think I can handle it. If it's like their sex life already, he welcomes how amazing it could be and how easy it is to lose himself in it. Thank you. I don't think, I know it'd be another story in class.

Having her be his best friend is exactly why he believes (knows) they are a good fit in dating. He had been missing that connection when he tried dating others before. The second she rocks a bit harder against him, he rolls his head back, all the way around, on the edge. Perhaps what exists between them is too many layers of clothing. He moans with pleasure and is quickly drawn back in by the soothing massage of her tongue following the friendly nip at his bottom lip. He doesn't want to escape her if this was some sort of animal attack. Pleasure and pain go hand in hand.

That's fair. If history has shown, he is equally as guilty in keeping his hands off of her once they start up. He picks up on her odd choice of words again but the way her hands catch his face and the look behind her eyes spells out a deep sadness... he can only reference what he knows in his experience: the fire had almost torn them apart. He swallows for reasons he doesn't know but uses that courage to rub his hands over her shoulders. "I'm not going anywher-'' He lets her lips pull him down to her height again where he matches her kiss, soft or more passionate, finally pulling her closer and scooting in too.

One they get started, the question becomes if they can ever stop before they're satisfied. So far, that doesn't seem to be the case. What she does to him makes him shiver to his very core. Barely able to speak without his heartbeat lunging in his throat, he answers with, "Are you sure?" He shivers again with her mouth on his ear. He doesn't have to be told twice though. He gives her a chance to finish before he starts from the top again with his kisses.

[peaceonearth]

The images have their desired effect. She can feel the heat building in both of them, feel it spiraling, the feeling doubling and building on itself. She sends images back to him, arching against his mouth, her fingers twisting in his hair. It's probably more her than him when he lets out a guttural groan that is his name. Her voice in his head is breathy I feel what you feel physically too. Keep doing what you're doing then reach down and touch yourself. We're going to feel that and everything you're doing in your head.

Ruby wouldn't know how to be in love any other way. He doesn't remember yet, but once upon a time, they started much the same way: friends. He has always been and always will be her favorite human. This is also her favorite way to see him. She watches him a moment then goes up on her knees, still straddling him so she can pull his pants down. There are definitely too many layers of clothing between them, but that is no longer a problem as she leans down into the kiss.

They're never any good at that, but Ruby doesn't see the problem. "Very sure," she tells him as she settles her weight on top of him, deep inside of her then leans back just enough to give him access to her body. She watches him with black eyes as he starts kissing her again.

[talktogirls]

Her voice rings through his head and things heat up rather quickly as he follows her instructions. Ruby It's unclear when he thinks her name and it spills out of his mouth while the intensity increases.

Not once does he feel too exposed while she's in his head or when she returns to her body and straddles him.

He has questions by the time they shower away the sweat from their shared time together and go for dinner. He brushes right next to her on the bench. "I didn't know it could be like that. You never said if it's safe to do that again." Multiple times more if she gets his gist.

[peaceonearth]

Good. The whole point of possessing him now anyway was to make sure he was comfortable with it. She hadn't planned on that happening, but she'd enjoyed every second of it.

Ruby makes sure Sam gets a big bowl of soup. She even takes a smaller one for herself then sits down in the chair next to him. She can't help but smirk at his question. "As long as you don't have a heart condition," she teases, "it's safe to do as often as you want." She got the gist."However, next time, we need to go to the gym and let me take control, throw a few punches, just get you used to hanging out in the background then..." she trails off, a devilish grin on her face, "I'll stay in control and you can see how that feels."

[talktogirls]

Sam looks at Ruby with much the same eyes as he did while in bed with her and stirs the soup to spoon a good a moment. "Thank you for making this for me." He savors a bite and the flavors in the soup much the same as he's had before. "Mmmm."

He knows she's gisting but his lip quirks to one side. "I dont know if I can say it won't ever cause a heart condition." He says, honestly. "It was pretty great." He sees her wicked grin. "Oh, yeah? Are you sure that isn't only an excuse to see me in my gym clothes?" He nods though, jokes aside. "Next time is my turn then. I trust you."

[peaceonearth]

"I'm glad you still like it." She reaches over and runs a hand through his hair. "Besides, I have to make sure you keep getting better."

If he were forty years older, she might actually be concerned, but he's a very healthy eighteen-year-old so she takes the compliment as it's meant. She makes a pshaw sort of noise and rolls her eyes. "Of course, it's an excuse to see you in your gym clothes, but it's not just an excuse," she assures him. "If you start to panic about it, I can always step back," she assures him. In actuality, he's really the one in control all the time because she's happy enough to cede it to him.

[talktogirls]

"It'll always be my favorite" His head instinctively lowers within her reach, but it hardly keeps his gaze from coming unglued from her. "I'm not sure if I like it that you have to take care of me this much with everything that happened, but if I had to choose anyone, it'd be you."

Sometimes he does think like a forty-year old and say some odd things. It's potentially an aside effect of being raised posh. "We'll make it work so we're not down here long. I've never been claustrophobic so I should be all right. You're the most calming person I know." The thing he's realized is that he trusts her with his life. He rubs his arm against her then has a few more spoonfuls of the soup. He enjoys the potato bits very visibly on his face.

[peaceonearth]

"I like taking care of you. You should enjoy it. You and the girls are the only ones I do like taking care of," she tells him. If he hasn't noticed, she's not particularly warm and fuzzy around anyone that isn't him.

It could be because he's a much older soul than he actually appears, but she can't tell him that. She smirks a little. "I'm not so much worried about you being claustrophobic as I am about you panicking a little when you aren't in control of your own body. I lived in this bunker for decades. It's really not as claustrophobic as some people might think, though I agree: we don't want to be here too long. Have you contacted your professors to ask if you can do your work remotely for a little while?"

[talktogirls]

Sam turns his head and pokes his tongue out of his mouth at a slight loss of what to say. Of course he likes being cared for by her but under the circumstances he wants her to see that he is getting better and not suffering. "Fine. But next time, I'll make you something." It feels best to compromise when he isn't sure what else to say or do.

No, she can not. Though, he can make fun of himself for sounding old in his mind. "Then the only way to know for sure is to try it. I feel well enough. I'm fine." His reflex is to search for his phone before he comes up short and recalls that his device is long burned up. "Can I borrow your phone? I'll message my professors now." It doesn't take him long when she hands it over. He has all their emails saved and the message he sends is copy and pasted with only a few changes including tone.

[peaceonearth]

"You've got a deal," she tells him. She understands that need to prove that he's fine, particularly given some of the concerns she voiced on the trip here about whether he still wanted to be in her life or not.

"Okay. Finish eating, rest a little, and we'll give it a shot." She doesn't want to overwhelm him by possessing him. It wouldn't be such a concern if she were putting his consciousness under the way she used to do when she possessed people, or if she were lying low, but hopefully he never needs to know what either of those feels like. He does need to know what it's like to share his body and mind with her, to feel everything she feels, and vice versa. She passes over her phone. "We'll go into town tomorrow if you like and get you a new one. We'll get you a laptop too that way you can do your work and study."