I’m pretty sure I forgot how to write.

“Ho-lee-shit, baby doll!” Jeffrey bellowed as Kylin walked out of the bathroom after she finished getting ready.

The red dress she wore was floor length, but not overly formal. It was flowy with slits on the sides and a swooping neckline that gathered around her sternum. It exposed some cleavage but not too much, and the strappy heels she paired with it showed off her legs perfectly. She had done her hair in loose waves, and her makeup was dark and dramatic. She had even had time during the day to go to the nail salon below Jeff’s apartments and treat herself to a mani and pedi. 

Her cheeks burned with his praise as she took in his appearance. The man looked like sex on a stick. He was in a button up shirt that was almost the exact same color of red as her dress, black slacks, and the black blazer she had recently given back to him. He approached her and reeled her into his chest, his hands roaming down her sides as he bent over to nuzzle his beard across the sensitive flesh of her neck.

“You look divine, Ms. Ackles,” He growled as he rocked them side to side.

“Why thank you, Mr. Morgan,” She smiled as she wrapped her arms around his neck. 

“Anytime, Sweetheart.” He replied, and she could feel his smirk against her skin.

Jeffrey pulled away to look her up and down again. He shook his head as his eyes danced over her, his tongue between his teeth. He turned to the nearby coffee table and picked up a small box, wrapped in sparkling red paper with a big black bow, and held it out to her.

“What’s this?” She questioned as she took the box from his hand.

“I missed Christmas, and flowers aren’t the best birthday gift.” He grinned as he smoothed his beard with his hand.

She smiled back at him and unwrapped the paper, pulling it all off to reveal a black suede jewelry case. Jeffrey had crossed an arm across his chest to hold his elbow as he rubbed at his chin nervously, and nodded to her when she looked back at him. She popped the small box open and gasped. Inside was a beautiful black diamond tear shaped pendant, the large center gemstone surrounded by small rubies.

“This is too much, Jeff. How much did this cost you?” She asked as tears rimmed her eyes and threatened to ruin her makeup.

“Just a couple hundred thousand, nothing serious,” Jeffrey deadpanned, and Kylin’s eyes went wide, “I’m kidding, sweetheart. Don’t worry about it. You deserve it.’

He reached for the box in her hand and removed the necklace. He moved behind her and she brushed her hair to the side for her to take. She held it up off of her neck as he fastened the clasps, and he let his fingertips trail down her skin to her shoulders, which sent a shiver down her spine. He bent down to press his lips against the back of her neck and goosebumps sprang up all over her. 

“Perfect,” He breathed in a whisper when he shifted her to turn around. Kylin looked at him in a daze, a soft smile formed on her lips. 

“You’re too good to me, Jeff.”

“Nothing is ever too good for you. Never good enough.” He cupped her face into his hands and leaned in to kiss her forehead. He smiled sweetly at her for a moment before extending his elbow for her to take, “But I’m not gonna stop trying.” 

____________________________

Jeffrey had made special reservations at a very nice restaurant that neither of them could pronounce the name of. They sat in the back booth of the dimly lit dining room and sipped wine, laughing a little too loud about absolutely everything.

“And then Danni just screetched at me as loud as she could ‘Get these fucking things outta me!’ while squeezing my hand so hard she popped my knuckles! I swear to God, if I ever have children, I want the best fucking drugs possible. I feel so bad for Gen right now.” Kylin declared as she snorted out a laugh into her wine glass. 

“Who in the Hell would want to do that to themselves? With twins especially? And Genevieve should know any kid of Jared’s is bound to be a fuckin’ bowling ball.” Jeffrey barked in reply. 

“So,” Kylin started a little later as she wiped her lips with her napkin, “Where are we watching the fireworks?”

Jeffrey narrowed his eyes at her and chuckled before looking down at his plate and shaking his head, “You can’t let anything be a surprise, can you?”

Kylin rolled her eyes in response. 

“The roof,” He replied with a wink.

After they finished their food, the server escorted them to a set of stairs that lead to the rooftop balcony. They were surrounded by about a hundred other people once they found the perfect spot, but as they swayed back and forth to the music with their arms wrapped around each other, neither could see anyone else. 

“You’re so fucking beautiful,” Jeffrey whispered, leaning down to touch his forehead to her’s. She closed her eyes and smiled as the ten second countdown to midnight began. She raised her gaze back to his as the seconds ticked by, and they found themselves lost in each other. His hands ran up her body and pushed themselves into her hair in the final seconds. 

“Three… Two…One,” He whispered in sync with the rest of the crowd, though at this point Kylin was completely oblivious to anything else around her as his face inched closer to her’s. He tightened his grip on her hair as he closed the gap between their mouths, a long awaited moment finally erupting as the fireworks took off in the background at the ball’s descent. Her eyes squeezed shut as a moan escaped from her lungs, and she held onto his shirt under his blazer for dear life. She prayed she wasn’t dreaming. He eagerly parted her lips with his own and pushed his tongue past her teeth, and she pushed hers back against his in a violent dance for dominance. His hands left her hair so one could hold her neck, and the other could drag itself down her body to the small of her back. He pulled her flush with his body as his fingertips kneaded into the waistband under her dress. He hummed into her mouth when he felt her breath hitch at his touch. They kissed each other with a fever, not releasing each other until the shouts of celebration at the new year had died down. 

Kylin finally let her eyes flutter open, only to be met by his intense gaze staring back at her. She couldn’t stop the smile that spread over her face. Jeffrey smiled back nervously, and brought his hands to her face again and searched her eyes. She threw herself forward and kissed him again, and he smiled against her lips as he dipped her backwards. 

When they finally pulled apart, Kylin didn’t feel lost anymore. Didn’t feel broken. Just felt like she was falling.

_______________________

The rest of the evening was a blur, a haze of teeth and lips and limbs, and it wasn’t until they were back in Jeffrey’s apartment that either one of them attempted to compose themselves. 

“Wanna drink?” Jeffrey asked, even as his lips were still pressed against Kylin’s, who helped him push off his blazer.

“Yes,” Kylin replied once she pulled away to shrug off her own coat.

Jeffrey pulled her over to the couch and sat her down before he planted a kiss on her forehead with a smile. The butterflies were back and she knew her face had to be an embarrassing shade of red as she watched him saunter over to the liquor cabinet. He had a new little swagger about him that she hadn’t noticed before, and he gave her a wolfish grin as he pulled out the whiskey and glasses. His eyes only left her briefly when he looked down to pour the drinks.

Once back over to the couch, Jeffrey handed her the glass and sat at the other end of the sofa. He pulled her feet into his lap with his free hand and began working at her shoe straps. Once her feet were bare, he massaged her soles as they sat there and sipped their drinks. His dark glare bore into her as he admired her frame, and a dangerous smirk appeared as he leaned forward to place his glass on the coffee table.

Kylin eyed him suspiciously as she raised her own glass for a drink. She almost finished it in one gulp as she watched the look in his eyes alter, her anxiety spiking. Jeffrey craned his body sideways on the couch, rubbing both of his calloused hands up her legs. Kylin swallowed nervously as he lowered his mouth to the tattoo on her thigh, exposed from the slit in her dress. He looked up at her devilishly before rising up to settle between her legs. Her hands shook as she brought the glass to her lips for the final sip before she sat it down to join Jeffrey’s on the table. 

Kylin’s breath caught as he dug his hips into hers, and her thighs automatically wrapped themselves around his waist. She moaned his name into his ear as her hands found purchase in his hair. 

“You feel so good,” Jeffrey groaned as he rolled into her again. Kylin’s mind was a haze with lust and alcohol, and all she could do was whimper in reply and dig her nails into his shoulders. His lips moved from her mouth to her jaw, and then further down her neck, and he gently nipped the sensitive flesh with his teeth. Her breathing was heavy and her chest heaved against his as he continued his path down to the valley between her breasts. He shifted his weight to one arm so the other could roam down to push the neckline of her dress away. With better access, he licked over her nipple, his scruff rubbing against her skin deliciously. Kylin responded with a gasp and a moan, and her body shivered as she arched into him. Both of her hands returned to his hair and tugged, the heat between them pooling. A low growl reverberated within Jeffrey’s chest as he crashed his lips back to hers and bucked again, which earned him another whimper from Kylin. 

“So beautiful,” Jeff breathed as she moved her body against his. 

“Jeff,” She whispered back, anxiety and arousal mixing together to further dampen her ability to speak. They continued to move against each other, ecstasy brewing between their bodies that caused them both to shiver and groan. Jeffrey finally pulled away and leaned back onto his knees, and Kylin bit her lip at his disheveled state.

“We’ve gotta stop or you’re gonna make me nut myself.” Jeffrey breathed as his hands still danced over Kylin’s body. He pulled her skirt down reluctantly as his eyes still ate her alive.

Kylin nervously brought her hands to his strong thighs, and Jeffrey let her run them up before he stopped her when her fingers shakily reached his belt buckle.

“Not tonight, sweetheart.” Jeffrey breathed, his eyes closed as he removed her hands. He pulled her up and shifted them on the sofa to where she straddled his lap. Kylin leaned forward to compmature his lips as her hair fell in their faces. Jeff brought his hand that still held her wrists up to his chest, leaving them there so he could push her tangled hair out of the way. 

“You’re so fucking beautiful,” Jeffrey repeated with a gasp against her open mouth. She licked his upper lip and he drew her bottom one into his teeth. She ground down on him and moaned lightly, which earned her another groan from him.

“Fuck,” He choked as his hips rose up to meet hers one last time, “How do you do this to me?”

Kylin huffed at him as she pulled back, blowing her messy hair out of her face. She gave him an innocent smile while she looked into his eyes and cupped his chin. She let her fingertips run through the coarse, silver hair of his beard, “I don’t know.” 

Jeffrey swallowed and licked his lips before speaking again, in a raspy, almost-whisper, “I’m not gonna rush this thing with you, Ky. I know you’ve been through shit before, and I don’t wanna be someone who does it to you again,” He tucked her hair behind her ear as he continued, “I don’t know what this is, or what you want it to be But I know I enjoy spending time with you, and enjoy being around you, and enjoy touching you.” He squeezed her hips and dug his fingers into the soft flesh there, a cocky smirk formed on his face, “I want you to know that you’re safe with me. That I’m not gonna hurt you, and I don’t expect anything from you.” 

“Thank you, Jeff,” Kylin whispered, trying to stave off the emotions that threatened to push over her tear ducts.

“Anytime, Sweetheart,” He grinned, and pulled her back into another kiss that she instantly melted into.

______________________

“I don’t want to go home tomorrow,” Kylin whined as they laid in his bed the next morning. They weren’t touching, but were in mirrored positions on their backs. 

“Then don’t,” Jeffrey hummed, turning his head to face her.

“I have to be at work by eight, silly. I got bills.” She giggled and turned her own head towards him.

Jeffrey rolled his eyes, “I’ll pay them for you, if you stay.”

Kylin gave him a sarcastic glare, “You know I won’t allow that. Plus, I’m up for a promotion at work, I need to go in.” 

“Oh yeah?” Jeffrey replied with lifted brows. He rolled over onto his side and propped his head up with his knuckles.

“Yup. They’re working on a move around and I’ll be taking John's bar manager spot since he’ll be moving positions too.” She answered with a proud smile.

“Big boss lady in a suit, huh?” He grinned and poked her in the sides.

“Yup.” She replied, popping the p sound with a giggle.

“I’m proud of you, sweetheart. You deserve it.” Jeffrey said, and Kylin scooted over to him for a brief kiss before she rolled out of the bed. She started towards the bathroom when she felt Jeffrey’s hand come down with a soft smack to her ass. She gasped and spun around to see him looking away innocently.

“What?” He grinned when he returned his eyes to her, “Couldn’t help myself.”

She huffed out a laugh and flipped him off before continuing her journey to the shower.

They spent the morning lounging around his apartment, drinking coffee and watching TV. Kylin was flipping through channels while Jeffrey was in the bathroom, and came across the tail end of the second season premiere of Supernatural. She busted out laughing as Jeffrey returned to the room with a confused look on his face, “What’s so funny?”

Kylin turned up the volume on the television and spoke John Winchester’s line at the same time as the TV, and sarcastically feigned the emotion that he had had in the scene.

 “I just want you to know that I’m proud of you,” She looked up at Jeff with watery eyes and reached out her hand for him. He instantly erupted in his own laughter as he swatted her hand away.

“Enough of that now,” He said with a shake of his head as he plopped down on the sofa and stole the remote. 

“You’re no fun,” Kylin pouted, her arms crossed over her chest. 

“Pfft, I’m a riot,” He retorted, and threw his arm over Kylin’s shoulder to pull her into his side. 

“Whatever, old man.”  She poked his ribs, laughing as he jerked away from her.

“I’m about to start lunch, so don’t start with me,” He scolded, giving her a tickle of her own.

“Yeah, that’s right, feed me!” Kylin joked. She shrieked in laughter as he rolled over on top of her and continued his assault for another moment. Jeffrey finally pulled himself off of her and rose back to his feet while pointing to her, and shook his head as he made his way into the kitchen.

About half an hour later, Jeffrey was working on the meal when the doorbell rang. 

“Can you get that for me, sweet pea?” He shouted from the kitchen.

Anxiety instantly trembled through Kylin, who remembered the last time she’d answered the door in a home that wasn’t her’s, “Uh.. I’d rather not.”

Jeffrey appeared in the doorway of the kitchen, dishrag in his hand. He gave her a sympathetic look and repeated his previous words before he headed to the door, “You’re safe here, honey.”

“Who is it?” Jeffrey hollered as he whipped his hands and looked through the peephole.

“Little pig, little pig! Let. Me. In!” Came from the other side of the door before the doorbell rang again in short sporadic increments. 

Jeffrey barked out a loud laugh as he pulled the door open and in march Norman, two bottles of liquor in his hands.

“Who’s up for some fuckin’ day drankin’? Oh, Hey, Ms. Ackles, didn’t know you’d be here.” Norman lifted one of the bottles towards her in salutation.

“Hey, Norman,” Kylin replied, her nervousness shifting away at the sight of Jeff’s best friend, the sense of peace slightly returning. 

“How’re you doin’ girl?” Norman asked as Kylin stood to give him a hug.

“Good, you?” She replied as she watched him pull the bottles out of their paper bags. 

“Better now! Came to get day drunk with my buddy and he’s got a hot girl here! It’s a win!” Norman laughed with a wink in Ky’s direction.

“She’s been here all weekend, douchebag. You’ve known this.” Jeffrey joined them at the table with three glasses, shaking his head.

“Okay, yeah, but I kinda figured you would have scared her away by now.” Norman teased. He quickly dodged a slap to the back of his head by Jeffrey while he opened the bottle of brown liquor. He turned to Kylin and asked,  “Whiskey, Sweetheart?”

“It’s barely noon, Noman,” Kylin replied with a quirked eyebrow.

“A double she says!” Norman barked out in an Irish accent. He poured them each a healthy glass. Kylin snorted as she picked up her glass, and Norman pushed the other into Jeff’s hand and raised his own in the air, a little bit splashing on the table.

“What’s the mahogany, you dick,” Jeffrey chided before he tossed his glass back and finished it in two huge gulps.

Kylin lifted her own glass and took a sip, and looked at the two men in confusion when they stared back at her. 

“What?”

“I thought you were like, a professional drinker.” Norman teased.

Jeffrey huffed a laugh and shrugged his shoulders in agreement  with his friend.

Kylin rolled her eyes and tilted her head back, downing all the amber liquid at once. 

“Better?” Kylin asked as she held the empty glass up and gave them a deadpanned look.

“I like ‘er, Jeff. Let’s keep her around.” Norman beamed as he threw his arms over Jeff’s shoulders and pulled him into his side.

____________________

The night wore on, and by ten o’clock, the second bottle had been busted open and Kylin was laying on the couch drifting in and out of sleep as Norman and Jeffrey talked in the dining room.

“Man, she’s something else,” Norman chuckled lowly, his eyes on Kylin snoring softly on the sofa.

“I think this is the first time I’ve actually outdrank her.” Jeffrey rasped jokingly as he brought his glass to his lips. 

“Everything goin’ alright?” Norman asked after he took his own sip, giving Jeffrey a sideways glance.

“Yeah, brother, everything is great so far. I feel like a fourteen year old kid, though.” Jeffrey sighed as he placed the glass on the table, “I don’t wanna do anything to fuck it up, ya know?”

“I get it man, but you’re not like that anyway.”

“Obviously, but I’ve seen how the shit she’s been through can affect someone. The first time I met her she was so fucking broken and I…” Jeffrey trailed off and had to blink a couple of times to keep his emotions in check.

“That’s why she needs you, dude.” Norman replied, his head tilted slightly with his eyebrows raised, “and you need her after that crazy bitch.” 

“I just don't wanna push the girl into feeling like she says she did with that jackass.”

“Then don’t.” Norman said it like it was the most obvious thing in the world. 

_______________________

The next morning, they were at the airport, hangovers in full effect. 

“Ugh, whyyyy?” Kylin wined, stomping her foot as she leaned her head into Jeffrey’s sternum. They were waiting for her bags to be checked in what seemed like an endless line of fellow travelers.

“It’ll be alright, sweet pea, just have a drink on the plan and get some sleep,” Jeffrey curled his long arms around her shoulders and kissed the top of her head.

It was soon time for them to say goodbye, and JEffrey engulfed her into his arms and leaned down to smother her in a passionate kiss. His tongue danced around with hers, and they explored each other's mouths with urgency. Kylin couldn’t stop the tears from forming in her eyes as they clung to each other. 

“Shhh, baby doll, it’s okay. Don’t cry.” He whispered as he wiped the stray tears away from her cheeks.

“I can’t help it, I’m such a pussy.” Kylin laughed, shaking her head against his chest.

“Then what the hell am I?” Jeffrey looked down at her and revealed his own watery eyes. 

Another two months had passed since she had last seen Jeffery. They texted almost every day, though, even with how hectic their schedules were. Jeffrey even sent her a bouquet of black roses for her birthday in November.

It was the beginning of a Wednesday night shift for Kylin, two weeks before Christmas. She was behind the bar getting it ready when Andrea came running up to her with her phone in her hand. She waved it frantically in Kylin’s face, pointing at the screen. In the months they’d been apart, they’d never managed to actually be able to take a phone call from one another. It had been forever since she heard his voice.

She snatched the phone from her friend and answered quickly, not able to stop the stutter that came out with her “Hello?”

“What’re you doin’?” Came his deep drawl. Kylin could picture the smirk he would have. 

Her cheeks instantly flushed a bright red color, and she turned away from Andrea after sending her off with a wave of her hand. The girl pouted, but trotted off to finish what she had been doing when Kylin turned away. 

“Workin,” Kylin answered finally, and propped her phone between her cheek and shoulder to resume the task she had started.

“I figured, You busy?”

“Not at the moment, not open yet,” Kylin replied as she began to fill the freezer with ice from the bucket. 

“I bet you look good as fuck in that little tank top,” He flirted, “and those itty bitty shorts.”

“They actually let us wear pants in the winter, thankfully.” She giggled back before picking up a case of beer with a grunt, the bottles clinking together loudly.

“Don’t hurt yourself there, little one,” Jeffrey teased

“Pfft, Screw you, old man.” Kylin jabbed as she pulled the bottles out of the box and pushed them into the icy cooler. He gasped in mock offense and let out a fake whine.

“Hurt my heart, baby doll. Don’t be mean.” His voice was gruff, but there was a playfulness as he spoke that gave her butterflies.

“Awh, is Jeffrey Dean Morgan insecure?” She taunted confidently. 

“Respect your elders.” He growled lightly before changing the subject, “What are you doing for Christmas?”

“Family dinner at the parents. Jay and Danni are bringing the twinsies!” 

“New Years?” He tried again.

“Nothing besides me and Netflix,” She replied as she tossed the empty box in the nearby garbage, “Why, what’s up?”

“Come to New York” 

Kylin’s eyes widened and she almost dropped the bottle in her hand, “What?”

“Come to New York,” He repeated, a nervousness about him, “Please?”

“Uhh…” She started, but trailed off trying to gather her wits.

‘What the actual fuck is this?’ She thought, dumbfounded. Sure, she had naturally developed a crush on him. He put forth the effort of contacting her every day, said sweet things and they had constantly flirted with each other. The attraction was impossible to deny. 

And of course, he was Jeffrey Dean Motherfucking Morgan. 

Kylin had it in her mind, though, that even with all of that, it was just a friendship. Nothing more than the occasional flirt with someone who he’d seen in a dark place and wanted to make feel better. Surely he had better things to do on New Years than hang out with his friend’s baby sister.

“Come on,” He said after a few moments of silence.

“Why?” She asked, setting the bottle down on the counter and gripping her phone tight. 

“What do you mean, why? I haven’t seen you in months.” He sounded slightly offended.

“So?” She was in disbelief.

“‘So’?” Jeffrey repeated with a sarcastic tone, clearly irritated, “Really? Okay, I guess. Sorry for asking. I just wanted to see you. Never mind, I’ll let you get back to work.”

“Jeff, wait,” She said quickly, hoping he wouldn’t hang up. The phone didn’t cut out, but there was still silence on the other end, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for it to come out that way. I meant it as more of a ‘Why would you want to see me for New Years’” Her heart raced in her chest. 

“Why wouldn’t I want to see you?” Jeff inquired, his voice lighter, but still slightly on edge. 

She hadn’t even realized that the club had opened until one of her regulars, Tom,  took his spot at the end of her bar. He held up his finger for a beer and she gave him a nod, turning to dig one out of the bottom of the cooler.

“Hold on just a sec, Jeff.” She said quickly and pulled the phone away from her face before glaring at Tom, “It’s $3.75 tonight, douchebag. Don’t be fuckin’ cheap.” She pointed at the older man as she saw him pull out a lonely five dollar bill from his wallet. He flipped her off with a roll of his eyes and replaced it with a ten.

“That’s more like it,” She said before she lifted the phone back to her ear, “Sorry, cheap ass old man. And maybe because there are a thousand other things and people and women you’d want to ring in the new year with than little ol’ me?”

Jeffrey let out a bark of a laugh, and the tension lifted.

“How would I even get there?” Kylin asked as she stepped away from Tom to the other end of the bar. 

“On a plan, duh.” He said. He made it sound like the most obvious thing in the world.

“You do realize that tickets from Texas to New York are like a grand, right? I just now got caught up on my light bill, Mr. Movie Star.” She replied with a scratch to the back of her head.

“Good thing you know a movie star then, huh, baby doll?” He said, once again like it was that obvious.

“I can’t allow you to do that, babe.” She protested.

“No one allows me to do anything, dear.” He said, his voice a low gruff that made her heart race again. She sighed in defeat.

“Fine, I guess I can’t say no, huh?” She asked while she rolled her eyes. 

“I mean, you can, but I’d much rather you didn’t. I don’t want to have to beg.” Jeff replied with a wolfish tone.

“I guess send me the details, then.” she sighed as three more customers approached her bar, “I’ve got to go. Gotta work.” 

“Rob ‘em blind, baby girl.” He chuckled.

“Always do.” 

—---------------------------------

Christmas dinner was a success, but the drama came afterwards. As Kylin and her mom finished putting the leftovers away while Danni and the kids were playing in the living room with the rest of the family, Jensen strolled into the kitchen with her phone in his hand.

“Something you wanna tell me, Ky?” He scowled, scrolling through what appeared to be her messages. She instantly stopped what she was doing and rushed him. She leapt into the air to grab her phone that he had raised above his head.

“Give me my fucking phone, Jens. I’m not playing.” She seethed as she attempted to grab the device.

“YOu’re going to fucking New York with him?!” Jensen shouted, his voice booming through the vaulted ceiling.

“Jensen Ross!” Their mother scolded as she hit him with a dishtowel, “Give your sister her phone back, now!”

“Who’s him?” Mackenzie and Josh questioned together as they appeared in the room with their pie plates in hand.

All of her family members were staring at her in anticipation.

“One of mine and Jay’s friends, that’s all!” She answered with a huff, turning towards Jensen, “Mind your fucking business, dude!”

“It’s fucking Jeffrey, of course it’s a big deal, Kylin!” Jensen retorted hotly, his face scrunched up in annoyance.

“He’s uh, a little older than you, don’t you think, sis?” Their dad offered. He cleared his throat and gave her a look of concern.

“We’re just friends, guys. We talk, so what? I’ve seen him once in six months. It’s not like we’ve even gone on a date!” Kylin replied.

“She’s a grown woman, Jens. She can make her own decisions,” said her mom as she tried to defend her daughter.

“Yeah, well, the last decision she made towards a man got her ass beat and I almost had to murder someone.” Jensen seethed as he pointed at Kylin with a glare.

Everyone in the room either gasped, or went completely silent. Her parents jerked their heads around to face her, and Josh’s mouth dropped open. Tears immediately spilled from Kylin’s eyes at the sound of her brother’s betrayal. She had made him, and everyone else, promise to never tell them about the bullshit with Anthony.

“Fuck you, Jensen. Seriously. Fuck. You.” She roared as she stalked forward. She poked him in the chest with her finger, “I’m going to see Jeff for New Years, and I’m going to have a good time, and guess what, brother? There’s nothing you can do about it.” 

She shoved passed him and walked out of the house.

__________________________

She had been running around like crazy all night when she heard her name called over the loud speakers to report to the DJ booth. With a roll of her eyes she put the case of wine down on the cooler and motioned for the barback to take over for her. As she made her way across the club, she felt the sensation of being watched. When she finally made it through the crowd of people, she saw why. 

Jeffrey stood there, leaned against the booth. His eyes smoldered as a grin appeared on his face. He ran his tongue over his teeth and pushed himself off the wall, holding his arms open wide.

“What are you doing here?” Kylin gasped, wrapping her arms around his waist as he enveloped her in a tight embrace.

“What do you think I’m doing?” He laughed, kissing her forehead while he squeezed her.

Kylin pulled away and smirked at him, suspicion in her eyes. She led across the club and back to her bar and got him a beer as he found a spot. She also poured him a hefty shot of whiskey, and clinked her glass with his. 

“So… spill,” She said, eyes narrowed.

“Jensen called me.” He started with a deep sigh. Kyin groaned and rolled her eyes while she reached for the bottle again.

“So what? You’re here to tell me nevermind?” She asked as she poured another round of shots.

“Ha,” Jeffrey barked. He ran his hand over his beard and shook his head, “More like make sure you’d still be at the airport tomorrow.” 

The two toasted again and Kylin ran her finger along the rim of the glass in front of her, “Really?”

“Really,” Jeff assured before he took a sip from his beer.

“Where you staying tonight?” Kylin inquired a bit later as she was starting to get ready to close down the bar.

“Was gonna get a room. Came straight here from the airport.” Jeffrey replied as he scrolled through his phone.

“That’s dumb, just stay with me.” Kylin shrugged as she wiped down the bar. 

He wiggled his eyebrows at her and licked his lips as he let his eyes roam her.

She smacked him with the towel in her hand, “On the couch, Casanova.” 

___________________________

The next morning, Kylin woke up and ventured into the living room to find Jeff still asleep , his back nuzzled into the back of the couch. She smirked at the sound of his soft snores before she made her way into the kitchen to start coffee and breakfast.

She was bent over as she dug through her refrigerator when his husky drawl came from behind her, “Well, I could get used to that view first thing in the morning.”

Her head instantly shot up and knocked itself against the opening of the door, “Ah, motherfucker, warn someone.”

She rubbed the top of her head as she turned around to face Jeffrey, who was leaning against her counter with a grin, “Sorry, darlin’. Didn’t mean to startle you.” 

“Mhm, I’m sure,” She replied, flicking him on the shoulder, “I made coffee, it should almost be done. You hungry?”

“I could eat,” He answered as he opened a cabinet to look for a mug, “You makin’ pancakes?”

She gave him a smirk before getting to work.

“God damn, girl, you ate as much as me!” Jeff said as he sat back in the chair and rubbed his belly. 

“My soul is a spokesperson for gastric bypass.” She deadpanned before standing up to clear the table. His face was eye level with her chest as she reached across to get his plate, and his eyes gravitated to that area while he licked his lips. Kylin could almost swear she heard something similar to a low growl come from his throat. She quickly took the plate from his hand and turned around for the kitchen before the red in her cheeks darkened.

“Flights at 3:30, are you packed?” Jeff asked when he joined her a moment later at the sink.

“Errr, not entirely?” She definitely hadn’t even started.

Jeff chucked, and his head shook. Kylin poured herself another cup of coffee and grabbed her cigarettes. She wandered over to the balcony door, Jeffrey following behind her.

“So what did Jens say when you talked to him?” Kylin questioned as they leaned over the balcony railing, smokes in hands.

“He basically told me he was going to kill me if anything happens,” Jeffrey answered, blowing smoke out of his lungs, “You’re brother’s something else.”

Kylin huffed a knowing laugh and nodded her head, “Yeah, I know. He’s stupid. He ruined Christmas with his bullshit.”

“You know he means well, girl.” Jeffrey said, looking at her from the corner of his eye.

“Yeah, well,” Kylin started before she took another pull from the cigarette and exhaled, “He could show it a little better.” 

“If I had a little sister and she was hanging out with a guy like me, I’d prolly kill ‘em both.” Jeffrey joked, and a grin spread across his face.

“I don’t need someone looking after me like I’m a fuckin’ child.” Kylin replied with a sigh.

“You know, girl, I worry about you sometimes.” He said before he took a sip of his coffee.

“Why’s that?” She asked in reply.

Jeffrey took another drag from his cigarette, and seemed to be gathering his words, “You’ve changed since I first met you. You’re.. rougher, I guess, for lack of a better word.” 

“Getting over getting the shit beat out of you almost every day will do that to you,” Kylin replied, her eyes narrowed with the memories.

He shifted over to where he was facing her, and he reached out his free hand for hers, “I don’t mean it in a bad way. You’re not taking any shit, which is a good thing. I can dig it.”

She accepted what he said for a second while she took the last drag from the smoke. She tossed it into the street below and started, “He beat the fuck out of me. All the time. He controlled what I did, what I wore, who I talked to. I wasn’t even allowed to talk to Kenzie for almost a year because she popped off at him one day for calling me a cunt in front of her.” 

He pondered on the information for a moment before replying, “I don't get guys like that. It’s stupid. If you were my woman, you’d be treated like the god damned queen you are.” 

They stared at each other for another moment without saying anything. She was slightly dumbfounded by his words, and the reaction they caused in her chest. He tossed his own smoke and pulled her close to him, his fingers rubbing circles on her back. She closed her eyes and wrapped his arms around him with a deep breath.

“You need to shower,” She said, her face scrunched. He laughed and playfully pushed her away from him.

____________________

They were walking through the airport on the way to the baggage claim when a small swarm of paparazzi surrounded them.

“Mr. Morgan! Jeffrey! Jeffrey! What are you in town for? What are your plans for New Years?” was yelled as cameras flashed rapidly.

“Good luck with that,” Kylin laughed and ducked out from under the arm he had had around her. She headed towards the rotating belt to retrieve her bags. Jeffrey could deal with his adoring public on his own, the last thing she needed was for this little trip to turn into a media shit storm.

But of course, she couldn’t be that lucky.

“Aren’t you Jensen Ackles’ sister?” Someone asked as she reached for her duffel as it finally appeared. The young lady stepped up beside her with her phone in her hand and a notepad opened. 

“Err, yes?” She said as she threw the strap across her shoulder and looked around for Jeff.

“And you’re here in New York with Jeffrey Dean Morgan, correct?” The reporter asked, pushing her glasses further up on her nose and looking at Kylin expectedly. 

Not knowing where to go with this, she looked over to Jeff, who was still being harassed by his own gathering. She turned her attention back to the woman and smiled, “It would appear that way, wouldn’t it?”

“Is it true that you two are dating, then?” She typed on her phone as she spoke.

“Ha,” Kylin laughed nervously, “No. Jeff is a very good friend of mine.”

The reporter looked up to her and smiled brightly, gleam in her eye as she cocked an eyebrow, “Well, that’s not what he insinuated.

Kylin’s mouth dropped open for a second before she slammed it closed. She whipped her head around and narrowed her eyes at Jeffrey as he approached her before turning back to the other woman, “Well, then it would seem as though my friend has a date for New years.”

“I do have a date,” His asphalt voice came from behind Kylin as he wrapped an arm around her waist. Her body ticked at the touch and she shifted another glare towards him. He tipped his head to the side towards Kylin as he smiled playfully and continued, “With this beautiful lady right here. Now, if you don’t mind, we really must be off.” 

He pulled her by the hand through the crowd of people and outside to the car. His assistant was waiting on them, ready to help Kylin throw her bag into the trunk with the ones he had already retrieved for Jeff.

“That’s going to be on the internet in like an hour, you know that, right?” Kylin sighed as they crawled into the backseat.

“It’ll be alright, I promise.” Jeff chuckled as they headed off towards their destination.

“Jensen’s gonna wanna kill us both,” she whined, “I don’t wanna deal with that.”

“He’ll be alright too.” He replied with a grin. His hand reached across the seat and grasped hers.

“So, tomorrow’s a date?” Kylin asked as she looked at their conjoined fingers. Jeffrey rubbed his thumb across hers.

“That was kinda the plan, you could say,” He replied, giving her hand a squeeze. 

____________________

Sure enough, the moment her bags touched the floor of Jeffrey’s apartment, Kylin’s phone started ringing, her brother’s stupid face on display.  

“Fucking Hell,” She groaned, rolling her eyes as she hit accept, “Yes, brother?”

“Having fun?” Jensen’s tone was sarcastic and his words were venomous. 

“Fuck you, dude.” Kylin looked to Jeff as she pinched the bridge of her nose, “What do you want?”

“Are you with him right now?”

“Yes,” She answered. Her eyes never left Jeffrey as he came over to retrieve her larger bags. She watched as he took them down the hall to another room. She was glad he took the moment to give her some privacy, “is that a problem?”

“Probably all cuddled up in bed right now, uh?” Jensen spit, “You know what those pictures are gonna do? To me?! ‘Next on TMZ, Jensen Ackles’ sister is fucking his on screen DAD!’ Jesus fucking Christ, Ky!” 

“Fuck you, Jens!” She shouted, anger surging through her. Jeff came back from the hallway and stood in front of her with his arms crossed as she continued, “Don’t try to make this about you.”

“Shut the fuck up. You started this bull shit.”

“Okay, Anthony,” Kylin growled. She hated using that choice in name, but it’s exactly who he was acting like, “Anything else you’d like to punch me with?”

“Don’t you fucking dare,” Jensen cursed back, his voice equally dangerous, “Don’t you dare compare me to him.”

“Then don’t fucking talk to me like he did.” She seethed. 

Jeffrey had had enough. He jerked the phone out of Kylin’s hand and to his ear, “Watch your fucking tone, boy.”

Kylin instantly went to get the phone back from him, but he turned his body away from her. He held a finger up while he made his way back down the hall, ignoring her completely as he listened to Jensen rant on the other end of the line. With a huff, she grabbed her purse from where Jeff had stored it on the counter and dug out her cigarettes. She wandered to the balcony doors and opened them to let herself outside. She could hear the muffled yelling occurring from what she assumed was the bedroom window. She lit her smoke as she sat on one of the lounge chairs and closed her eyes. What the actual hell was she doing there? Obviously she was attracted to Jeff, who wasn’t? She could tell he was at least somewhat interested in her. She didn’t believe anyone could just fly someone across the country for a date that didn’t mean anything, or at least she hoped not. She shook that idea out of her head and took another drag. Jeffrey had been the first man that she had felt comfortable enough with to let touch her since Anthony. Even John at the club knew better than to try to get into her personal space too often. 

Jeffrey was always respectful, even with his flirting. She dealt with vulgar men all night long at her job, and she could put up with it, but Jeffrey’s flirting and teasing always actually made her have a tingling reaction. Jensen’s biggest issue, though, seemed to be the age difference. Sure, he was older, but age hadn’t ever really been a factor with them, and she was well past grown. Kylin knew he had dated younger women in the past, and it wasn’t like he would be the first time she dated someone older, either. Hell, her and Rob had attempted a whole thing before Anthony, when she was only twenty one and dumb as shit. They had realized that it was better for them to be friends, and had been closer than ever since. Jensen had never made a big deal out of it like he was now, and he had even caught her and Rob fucking more than once.

She grunted in irritation at her brother. She didn’t even know what this thing with Jeffrey was yet. She didn’t even know if she was ready to know. It was comfortable, and that’s what she felt like she needed.

Kylin was shaken from her thoughts when Jeff opened the balcony door, her phone still pressed to his ear, but a smile on his face. 

“Alright buddy. I will… Yeah, here she is.” He helped the phone out to her and closed his eyes with a chuckle that made his shoulders jump, “He wants to talk to you.”

She quirked an eyebrow at him suspiciously and reached for the device.

“You haven’t even kissed him yet?” Jensen’s high pitched laughter hit her eardrum. She winced and rolled her eyes for what felt like the hundredth time. She instantly glared at Jeffrey, who still stood there shaking his head while he held in his laughter.

“I hate you.” She deadpanned.

“Keep it that way, sister.” He replied.

“Fuck you, I do what I want.” She responded as she took the last drag from her cigarette and snubbed it into a nearby tray, “Is this your way of apologizing?” 

“As close as you’re gonna get, for now.” He answered.

“Un-fucking-believable, Jay.” Kylin scoffed. 

Jeffrey had lit a cigarette of his own and sat down on the chair beside hers. He was looking at the sky, but she knew he was listening. 

“Look, okay, I’m sorry. I know I’ve been a douche to you. I just don’t want to see you hurt again,” Jensen started again, his voice cracking slightly, “I just… I almost put a bullet in that mother fucker’s head. I would have…”

He trailed off for a moment to gather himself before continuing, “I don’t want to see that pain in your eyes again. I know Jeffrey wouldn’t put his hands on you, but I still worry, okay?”

“I know Jay,” Kylin replied quietly with a sigh, “But I’m okay, really. I feel better than I have in a long time. Jeff’s helping.” 

She turned her gaze to Jeff’s face. He was looking at her with a hopeful smile. He reached out and grasped her thigh with his large hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. 

“Okay,” Jensen said with a sniffle, “Just be careful, sissy.” 

“If it’s careful, it’s boring, bubs. You know that.” Kylin replied with a giggle. 

Jensen gave a bark of a laugh in response, the tension lifted, “Love you, brat.” 

“Love you, too, Jens.” 

She pressed the end button as Jeffrey stood and reached for her hand. He pulled her into his arms, his long limbs encircling her as he nuzzled his head into the top of her head. They stood there for a few moments as he swayed them back and forth, a light hum emanating from his chest.

_________________________

The next morning, she woke up in Jeffrey’s guest bedroom. It was big, with maroon colored walls and a black bed frame with white sheets. The mattress was the most comfortable thing in the words, almost better than her favorite guest bed at Jensen’s. She stretched as she pried herself from the downy sheets and duvet and made her way to the bathroom. 

After brushing her teeth, she wandered through the hallway to find Jeff still asleep in his own room. He was on his back with one arm thrown over his head while the other rested on his chest. His mouth was parted, a soft snore making Kylin smile. Boldly, and without much thought, she slipped under the sheets and curled herself into his side, her head leaned against his chest. A deep hum came from his chest and he swung the arm from above him down to her side, wrapping her up in his arms. He adjusted her to a more comfortable position, giving her a squeeze of satisfaction.

“I could really get used to this, darlin. Don’t spoil me now.” He grinned, his eyes still closed. His voice was rough, and Kylin bit her lip at the internal reaction of her body. 

She rubbed her hand against his bare back and nuzzled her nose into the base of his throat before giving him a small kiss there. There was an almost involuntary action from him, it seemed, as his hips jerked towards her. His hard-on left little to the imagination as it pushed against the thin layers of cotton between them and made contact with her clit, sending white spots to Kylin’s vision. She moaned lightly, which earned her a grunt from Jeffrey. His hips shifted again, and he rolled on top of her, his arms hoisting him up on either side of her head. He stared at her intently, and a low growl left his lips before he dipped his head down to nip at the soft gauge in her ear before intentionally digging his hips into hers once more. She whimpered at the pressure, her head thrown back. Jeffrey pressed his forehead to hers and drew in a deep breath, then suddenly rolled off of her. He sat on the edge of the bed, leaving Kylin a panting mess behind him.

“You’re gonna kill me, woman.” He said with head in his hands. 

“Not if you don’t kill me first, Mr. J” Kylin replied, sitting up as she worked to catch her breath.

Jeffrey chuckled when he finally stood, and walked around to the other side closest to Ky. He held his hand out for her to take, and he pulled her up onto her knees on the mattress in front of him. He cupped her face in his hands for a moment before he drug them through her hair to the base of her neck. She closed her eyes as he stared at her, and enjoyed the feel of his fingertips that ran through her scalp. He pulled her face to his and kissed her forehead again as her own hands found his waist. Her fingers twitched with his tenderness, and her grip tightened before he pulled away from her. 

Jeffrey let out a deep breath and stepped back, pulling her with him out of the bed and into the kitchen. They found something to eat for breakfast and started coffee as Kylin started questioning him about their plans for the evening. 

Jeffrey was being cryptic, and a knowing smirk played across his face as he continued to give her non-answers no matter what she asked, “It’s New Years in NYC, babe, what do you think we’re going to be doing?” 

“Well, obviously watching the ball drop but what I mean is where? With whom? What do I wear? I need details, Jeff!” She threw her hands up in exasperation and hopped from the stool she had been perched on. She found her pack of cigarettes empty, and groaned before turning to Jeff. She remembered that she had seen him put his pack in the pocket of his sweatpants, so she made her way back over to him, a hint of a sway to her hips as she approached. She reached for his hands and pulled him from his seat, making him stand before her. She craned her head to look up at him as she leaned into his body, her lip caught in her teeth. His eyes smoldered into hers as goosebumps formed on his arms, and she jerked his hips towards hers before slipping her hand into his pocket. She stepped away with a beaming smile, his pack of smokes in her hand, “Thank you, Mr. Morgan.” 

You’re going to get it one of these days, little girl.” He growled half heartedly, following her outside with a grin.

“That’s kinda my goal,” She giggled in reply. She sat down and lit a smoke before she threw the pack and lighter towards him on the chair. He gave her a smirk in reply, and they stared at each other for a moment before Kylin broke the tension to continue her interrogation.

Kylin spent the next four weeks in Austin. The first week, she barely left her bed, and barely ate. The second week, after most of the bruises had healed and only a minor scar remained above her right eyebrow, she ventured into the living room and out into the backyard. The third week, she had been so grateful that no one had brought up what happened, that she began to talk again. By the fourth week she felt almost better and decided that it was time for her to go back to Dallas. Jensen had insisted that she could stay, of course, but he also understood her need to move on and get past what had been the last three years of her life. He lent her enough money to find a new loft in one of the sub cities in the metroplex, and by the end of the second month, she had gone back to bartending. She had been in the industry before Anthony had stopped her from working, and the job came naturally to her. She was only working for the gentleman’s club for two months when she was given the promotion to bar manager. Her life was actually somewhat normal, and she felt her start to become a version of her old self again.

“Kylin, hun, I need your help tonight,” John, one of the floor managers, asked with his hands formed in a steeple before him. He was a large man with muscles on top of muscles, who was constantly sweating,  and looked absolutely ridiculous begging her for anything. 

“I’m not dancing again, John, stop asking,” Kylin smirked as she scraped the barcode off another empty bottle before she threw it in the trash.

“What? No. Not that. Well, that would actually help, too…Nevermind, stop distracting me, “ He grinned, walking around the edge of the bar.

“Then what? Kinda busy here, babe.” She replied with a sigh as another ticket appeared from the printer. She started working on the order as she waited for John to continue.

“Lucy called in sick, and there’s supposed to be this huge group of people tonight. Apparently there’s a comic convention or something in town and a few of the celebrities chose here to after party.” John stated as he wiped the never-ending downpour of sweat from his brow, “They literally rented out the entire VIP section.” 

“Okay, so? Don’t give yourself a stroke, big man. I’ll handle it.” Kylin replied with rolled eyes. She gathered the other bartenders and together they came up with a game plan. John stood back with an obvious relieved look on his face. The poor man was constantly a nervous wreck. 

--------------------------------------

The managers had banned together to rearrange the VIP section for more privacy for the special guests while Kylin worked at cleaning and stocking the bar for the interesting night ahead of them. By the time the guests had arrived, though, the wait staff was running around like decapitated chickens and the floor bosses were doing what they could to put out the fires in their wake. John was helping Kylin behind the bar at the same time as attempting to run drinks for Andrea, another one of the bartenders, and was honestly doing more harm than good after his third broken bottle of Scotch.

“God fucking damnit, John. Get from behind my bar! Go find me a real damn barback!” Kylin screamed as she pushed him out from the area with a huff. He quickly ran and hid at Andrea’s well area. He knew better than to be in Kylin’s way when she was overwhelmed. 

“Fucking hell, I thought that was you.” Came a deep, rough chuckle from the other side of the bar. Kylin’s skin prickled instantly, recognizing the voice. 

She turned slowly around to see the handsome man leaning over with his arms crossed on the bar top, empty glass in front of him. He was wearing a worn leather jacket, black tee, and his thick rimmed glasses. A smirk played on his lips as his eyes danced over her. Her uniform of a small black tank top and itty bitty shorts left little to the imagination. 

She gave a cringey smile of embarrassment and scratched the top of her head, “Err, Hey, Jeff. Uh, sorry about that.” 

“Ha! Hon, that was adorable. You made him run away like a baby!” He barked out a laugh as she walked over to where he was to refill his glass. 

“Still drinking whiskey?” She asked, changing the subject.

“Yup. Get yourself one too, while you're at it.” 

“Thanks, I need it.” She smiled and pulled out a shot glass for herself.

As she filled the glasses, her favorite dancer, Cali, threw herself onto one of the barstools towards the end of the bar. Kylin turned her attention to her after taking the shot. The pretty blonde sighed in exhaustion and laid her head on her arm draped across the bar top. “This place is ridiculous tonight, how is your bar so empty?”

“Pssh, It’s not. You see this printer? Hasn’t stopped.” Kylin nodded in the direction of the computer as the next three receipts emerged. 

Kylin made the orders and dropped them at the well as the waitresses lined up to grab them. She had almost gotten completely caught up when she heard Cali shriek.

“Holy crap, you’re Negan!” 

“Why, yes mam, I am,” was Jeffrey’s reply, and Kylin instantly winced as she faced them. 

“Christ, Cal, reel it in a bit.” Kylin glared as she watched the younger woman make her way over to where Jeff was sitting.

“Holy fucking shit,” Cali said, ignoring her completely as she perched herself on the stool next to the man, “How are you doing tonight, sir?”

“Doing good, how about yourself?” He replied, an amused smirk on his face. He proceeded to entertain her for a few minutes as Kylin got back to work. The constant flow of tickets distracted her until she heard Cali’s high voice pitchup again.

“Kylin! You didn’t tell me you know famous people!” She screeched, leaning over the bar on her elbows with her knees in the stool.

“I know famous people, I guess?” Kylin shrugged, which made Jeff laugh. Kylin refilled Jeffrey’s glass again and gave Cali a redbull. 

“Can I get some vodka in this?” The girl mumbled while she poked a straw through the tab. Kylin glared at her with her hand on her hip. 

“Whatever,” Cali replied as she leaped from the seat and turned to Jeff, an innocent look on her face, “Wanna get some dances?”

“Not tonight dear, sorry,” Jeff replied with a shake of his head, secretly earning him an internal sigh of relief from Kylin. He pulled out a few twenties from his jacket pocket and handed them to her. She smiled widely and looked to Ky, then back to Jeff, then back to Ky again and wiggled her eyebrows with a wink. Kylin replied with a roll of her eyes and went back to work.

Jeffrey stayed at the bar the rest of the evening, making small talk with her when she got a moment to come refill his glass. About thirty minutes before closing, while she was starting to clean up, a second loud voice finally joined the bar.

“There you are, God damn, you fuckin’ disappeared!” Kylin turned to see Norman Reedus clutch Jeff on the shoulder and drunkenly lean against the bar beside him. He looked towards Kylin and purred, “And who do we have here?”

“Norm, this is Kylin. Jensen’s baby sister.” Jeff answered, sarcasm covered the word ‘baby’ with a mocking tone. He gripped Norman’s shoulder a little tighter in warning, “I met her in Austin a few months ago. I told you about her, remember?”

“Oh yeah. Well, that makes sense as to why we haven’t seen you all night.” Norman teased. He winked at Jeffrey and flashed a grin before turning his attention back to Ky.

“You’re a cute little thing, What you weigh? About a buck?” Norman asked as he lit a cigarette.

“Jesus, fucker. Have some couth.” Jeffrey barked with wide eyes and an embarrassed laugh.

“Soaking wet.” Kylin smirked. She cocked her eyebrow as she watched Norman’s eyes roam her frame.

Jeffrey huffed out another laugh as Norman choked on the smoke in his lungs.

“I like you,” Norman replied with narrowed eyes. He pointed to her with the fingers holding his cigarette in a knowing gesture. He nodded to Kylin as he stepped away from the bar and started back towards the small group of people nearest to them. He looked back to Jeff and gave him a knowing look, eyes still squinted. 

Jeffrey shook his head as he turned back to Ky and propped his chin in the palm of his hand and elbow on the bartop, “What are you doing later?”

“It’s two in the morning, babe. I’m cleaning this bar and then going to bed.” Kylin answered, gesturing to the area behind her. 

“Hmm, well, I suppose I’ll let you get to it before I miss my ride,” He glanced over to the group of his friends that were making their way out of the small section and towards the exit. 

He pulled his phone out from his pocket and placed it on the bar in front of him, open on the ‘Add Contact’ screen. Kylin looked at him as she picked up the phone and quickly tapped in her number and name before giving it back to him. He grinned as he opened the camera and gestured for her to take a picture with him. She let out a breathy laugh as she climbed on top of the freezer and leaned over to get into the frame. Jeffrey clicked the button with a big smile on both of their faces. 

“Send that to me?” She asked as she hopped down. 

“Of course,” He replied, a grin still playing on his face as he rose up from his seat.

“It was good seeing you again, girl. Glad to see you’ve been taking care of yourself.” Jeff said as he watched Ky walk around the side of the bar to give him a hug. 

“Thanks, Jeff. That means a lot.” She replied with a squeeze. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tight and kissed the top of her head. His scent enveloped her and she breathed deep as the butterflies danced in her stomach.

“Anytime, Sweetheart,” He said as they pulled apart from each other, “Text me when you get home?”

Kylin nodded to him with a smile as he gave her another wave and turned to catch up with his friends. 

‘Holy fucking shit.’ was the only thing she could think.

--------------------------------------

   The next day, Kylin awoke to two new text messages. Both from Jeffrey. One was a picture from the night before, the other asking what she had planned for the day

“Nothing that i know of, today’s my day off FINALLY, lol.” She replied before she crawled out of the comfort of her bed.

“You should come to the con. I can leave you a pass.” Came his response moments later.

“I guess I don’t have anything better to do today ;)” She sent back, hoping he registered her teasing tone. 

“Well good ;) Come hang out with some old men.” 

Kylin shook her head with a laugh as she made her way to the bathroom to ready herself for the day.

Jeffrey sent Kylin the details that were needed while she stood in front of her closet to try and find something to wear. She found herself in a pair of shorts, (even though it was October, it was Texas and still in the 90’s) and a Family Business Beer Co shirt that was cut to hang off her shoulder. She also laced up her converse and tied a flannel shirt around her waist, in case she found herself out late enough that it got chilly. She did some basic makeup of lashes and a dark lip, wanting to avoid the possibility of it getting messed up.

Anxiety and nervousness started to sit in as she pulled into the parking lot of the convention center. Sure, she had hung out with actors before, and had been to numerous cons, but not without the safety blanket that was her brother and his friends. She grinned at the thought of how pissed she knew Jensen was going to be when he found out that she had gone against his obvious wishes and hung out with Jeff. She figured her excuse would be that she was a grown woman and allowed to do as she pleased, and after three years of hell, she deserved to have a little fun. Plus, they were just going to be hanging out as friends, right?

She entered the convention center and found the front desk where Jeff had told her her pass would be. She gave the receptionist her name, who lifted her eyes and asked to see her ID. She showed the lady her card and was handed over the gold pass and itinerary before being pointed to the direction of the lounge. She texted Jeff to let him know she was there, and he responded that he would meet her soon. Once she found where she was supposed to be, she sat herself at the bar and ordered a Bloody Mary while she waited. 

A side door that she hadn’t noticed before opened up and Norman popped his head out, “Psst, Ackles, over here.”

It was obvious that Norman was trying to avoid being seen by the few fans in the vicinity, so Kylin quickly grabbed her drink and scurried over to him. He opened the door wide enough for her to fit though and led her down a small hallway to the green room.

“Jeff got called to a photo op real quick, so he sent me to get ya. I’ve gotta get goin’ myself, though, but just wait here and he should be back in a sec.” Norman explained as they stepped through the door. The small room was filled with couches and tables adorned with snacks and drinks, and Kylin nodded in response while taking a sip of her drink. 

She was scrolling through social media and chewing on her straw when the door opened a few minutes later and his voice was heard, “ Thought you were a whiskey girl.” 

She looked up at him with a snort and shrugged, “Breakfast of champion.” She raised her glass in salutation.

Jeffrey chuckled as she stood up and stepped towards him. He opened his arms and she settled into them in what was only a semi-awkward embrace. 

“Thanks for comin’, hon. It’s good to see you again.” He drawled, looking down at her with his arms still wrapped around her shoulders.

She peered up at him and let a small smile creep across her face, “Good to see you too, Mr. Morgan.” 

They sat on the couch, close, but not uncomfortably so. He put his arm across the back of the sofa, his hand near her shoulder but not touching it, and turned towards her with a grin.

“How’s the con going? I haven’t been to one of these things in a while.” She asked as she drained her glass of the remaining tomatoey drink and placed it on a nearby table. She shifted slightly to look at him better. He was wearing his leather jacket, dark shirt, and glasses again. 

“It’s alright. Not the worst, but still pretty chaotic.” He started with a sigh, “They oversold everything and everyone’s squeezed in here like fuckin’ sardines. The line for autos was so long they had to start going by section because the fire marshal almost had a fit. People are pissed. Norm almost fought someone over a damn cigarette break.” He shook his head and lifted his glasses to pinch the bridge of his nose.

“Sounds like a shit storm,” Kylin replied, a sympathetic look on her face. She knew how stressful cons could be, and when one thing didn’t go right, a lot of other shit usually didn’t go right either.

Jeff had about an hour break before he had to get back to photo ops and autographs, which the two of them spent catching up some more. He commented again on how he was happy to see that it seemed she was doing better, and she thanked him for it again. The topic then changed to the horror stories that had been his past few conventions, and how he and his most recent girlfriend had called it quits.

“That’s the reason I was at Jensen’s that weekend. Crazy broad followed me all the way down there trying to ‘fix shit’ after I found her in bed with some Estonian male model.” He huffed. He shook his head to rid the memory and mumbled something under his breath that Kylin wasn’t able to make out.

“That’s fucking horrible, dude. I’m sorry.” Kylin sympathized, and reached out to touch his hand that was resting on his knee. He let his eyes linger there for a moment before looking back up to her.

“What are you doing tonight?” He suddenly asked with an intense gaze.

A blush creeped up along her neck and she moved her hand away to fiddle with her phone in her lap, “I don't have anything planned.”

“Come out with me. We’re going to the bar district here and it would be nice to have a tour guide.” He reached over and grabbed her hand back from her phone, returning her attention to him.

She thought about it for a moment before answering. What’s the worst that could happen? “Sure, what time?”

“Prolly around ten-ish. Can you meet us at the hotel? We’re supposed to be within walking distance of the bars.” He asked before telling her what hotel they were all staying at.

“Sure, that’s not that far from me,” She replied, taking her hand back to check the time on her phone. It was near six. 

He looked at his watch before he cleared his throat and rasped, “Damn sugar, it’s time for me to go back to work.” 

He twisted himself off the couch then reached down to give her a hand up, “ You can stay here if you like. No one will fuck with you. Or you can go explore, whatever you wanna do.” 

“I think I’ll go explore a bit before heading home to get ready. Any preference on attire?” She replied, still holding onto his hand that swayed back and forth between them.

“Oooh, sweetheart. I’m sure you’ll still be the most gorgeous girl in the room with anything you wear.” He said smoothly. He ran his tongue over his top teeth and flashed her a wolfish grin. 

She looked away with another blush, “I guess I’ll see what I can do.” 

The handler came in seconds later to escort Jeffrey to his next task. He gave Kylin a tight squeeze and kissed the crown of her head again before he sauntered away and out the door. She stayed in the greenroom for a few minutes while she gathered her thoughts around what had just happened before she slipped out of the room herself. 

--------------------------------------

After walking around the vendor area for a bit and looking at everything, Kylin headed home. She showered and got ready for the night while her anxiety continued to drive her crazy. She had blow dried her hair to perfect straightness and redid her makeup, though this time she added dark eyeshadow and left her lips nude. She slipped herself into a form-fitting black dress with black pumps to match, and adorned her wrists and fingers and neck with various pieces of jewelry. Jeffrey had already sent her the details on where to meet him, and so as soon as she was done she headed back out the door.

She sent him a text when she arrived, and he replied back with his room number. She made her way up the elevator to his floor, nervously fidgeting with a ring on her finger. She wasn’t as nervous once she actually got to his door, and she even smiled as she stepped up and knocked.

Jeffrey answered the door quickly, and his jaw dropped as his eyes took in her appearance. She felt a ping of panic flare again, and it seemed as though her body was having a similar reaction to his. He was wearing a deep blue dress shirt under a black blazer, and nice jeans and nice shoes. He had abandoned his glasses for contacts and his eyes seemed brighter than she remembered.

“God damn, baby girl, look at you.” He breathed, and jokingly clutched his chest as if to stave off a heart attack. He held his hand out for her to take as he escorted her into the suite.

“Everyone, this is Kylin,” He said cheekily, wrapping an arm tight around her waist and pulling her into his side, “She will be our tour guide for this evening.” 

“God bless Texas,” was called, which made Kylin flush in embarrassment.

Jeffrey introduced Kylin to everyone, and they all gave her smiles, waves, and handshakes. She found it relieving to be able to partake in their conversations easily while they waited on a couple members of the group to finish getting ready.

They soon departed from the hotel and walked in a group down the streets of Dallas for the few blocks it took to get to the bar district that was known as Deep Ellum. The guys all admired the graffiti artwork and murals that adorned a few of the buildings and Kylin pointed out all her favorite ones. JEff stayed by her side the entire time, occasionally throwing his arm over her shoulders and reeling her into him. They stole glances back and forth as they walked through the streets. 

They had made it to the fourth small dive bar sometime around one-thirty, and by that time everyone in the group was slightly intoxicated, though some more than others. Kylin was just tipsy enough to be a little more daring and flirt with Jeff. They were sitting in a booth towards the back with everyone, just joking and laughing. She was happy that she fit in so perfectly. 

“Isn’t she fuckin’ beautiful?” Jeffrey rasped as he interrupted Andrew and his tirade of something that Kylin seemed to be listening intently to. She flushed, eyes going wide as she turned to see Jeffrey shamelessly staring at her. He brought the arm behind her around to play with a piece of her hair, and a grin rose to his face as he watched her face continue to redden at his praise.

“You’re not so bad yourself, Mr. J,” Kylin replied slyly, her southern accent peaking through due to the alcohol. He gave her a smirk and a wink as he wrapped himself around her a little more.

She had been so captivated by Jeffrey that she hadn’t even noticed that everyone had turned to look at the both of them. Until, of course, Norman let out a mocking, “awhhhh” and everyone joined in making kissing sounds. Kylin leaned into Jeff’s side and hid her face with an embarrassed grin. Even with the teasing, it was the most comfortable she had felt in such a situation in a long time. The odd sensation of fingertips touching her skin didn’t make her skin crawl, and she felt like she could speak openly without being ridiculed. She didn’t feel the need to make herself seem small. Kyin lifted her head and looked up to Jeff, the whole group distracted back to their original conversation. She could see something in his eyes that oddly looked like adoration. He cupped her face with his hand that wasn’t wrapped around her, and gently stroked her cheek. He let his thumb run over the scar above her eyebrow, and she felt her lips part as she sucked in a small breath of air. She subconsciously leaned into his touch. 

Being the gentleman he was, though, Jeffrey moved his hand away and put a bit of space between them. Kylin was relieved, but also sad at the loss of contact. He cleared his throat as he straightened us both up, moving his arm back to its original place on the back of the bench. Kylin sat upright and took a sip from the glass of water in front of her to wash away the fog in her brain. It was only a few minutes after that the house lights brightened, signaling it was time to pay their tabs and head out. 

With it being two in the morning, the October chill had finally begun to set in, and Kylin shivered as they walked down Pearl Street and back to the hotel. Without her even asking, Jeffrey shrugged off his blazer and placed it over her shoulders.

“Thank you,” She said as she tugged the warmth closer to her. The smell of his expensive cologne mixed with his natural musk flooded her, the scent just as intoxicating as the alcohol in her system. 

“Anytime, Sweetheart,” Jeffrey replied with a deep chuckle when he caught her burying her nose into the collar. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder again as they continued to walk down the street, just a little bit behind the rest of the group. 

When they arrived back at the hotel, Kylin slowed herself down in the parking lot and Jeff told everyone he was going to walk her to her car.

“Sure you don’t wanna come up darlin’? You good to drive?” Jeff asked, a hopeful look in his eyes, once they approached her vehicle.

“I don’t think that would be a good idea,” She replied with a chuckle as she looked down to fiddle with her keyes, “I’m good to drive.” 

“Well, alright, then.” Jeff said with a disappointed sigh, “I guess text me when  you get home, then. You forgot last time.” 

“I’ll try to remember,” Kylin smirked up at him through her lashes. He gave her a huff of a laugh as a smile filled his face. He opened his arms and she stepped into his embrace. She curled her arms around his waist as he enclosed her shoulders and placed another kiss on the top of her head. She stepped back after a few moments and shrugged his jacket off in an attempt to return it.

“You keep it for now, gives me an excuse to see you again,” He said as he held up his hands in refusal.

“You wanna see me again, Mr. Morgan? Kylin asked, raising an eyebrow as the smirk still played on her lips.

“If you wanna see me, Ms. Ackles,” He answered, raising his own eyebrow at her. 

He opened her car door for her, and she threw his jacket and her purse into the passenger seat before she turned back around to him. She looked at him for a few seconds before she leaned up to kiss him on the cheek, “I’d love to.” 

The smile that appeared on his face was the sweetest thing she had seen in a long time, and it actually looked like he was blushing a bit. It was strange for her to watch him bashfully back up with and stuff his hands in his pockets as she climbed inside the car. He had always been known for being smooth with the ladies, and was acting like she made him nervous.

She rolled her window down and smiled up at him, “I had a really nice time, Jeff. Thank you.”

He nodded back at her with a grin, and gave her a small wave before turning back to the front of the hotel.

The next morning, Kylin was woken up by her screaming niece jumping on top of her over and over again as she laid on the couch.

“Birdie, why do you hate me?” She groaned as she pulled the little girl into her chest for a hug. 

“Auntie KyKy! Wake up!” Justice squealed. Her loud, shrill, voice made Kylin wince, her hangover in full effect.

“Shh, child, let’s go back to sleep” Kylin replied as she squeezed her close. She buried her face into the tiny terror’s hair while the girl continued to protest against her. 

“You stink!” Justice yelled, scrunching her nose as she pushed away from her aunt. 

“No, you stink!” Kylin countered as she rolled onto her side, her back against the couch cushions. 

“Nuh-uh!” The little girl insisted.

“Yuh uh!” Kylin answered before she shoved the child off the couch. The girl landed with an “oof,’ followed by a shrill giggle that made Kylin wince once more. 

“Go find your mother, spawn,” Kylin instructed as she threw her legs over the side of the couch to stand up. 

She made her way towards the bathroom with one hand pressed against the back of her head and the other against the bridge of her nose to suppress the throbbing that had been induced by her wonderful niece. She could feel the oil seeping from her pores, and when she brought her hand from her face to rub her eyes in her sleepy stupor, she felt the black smudge that had at one point been her eyeliner smear across her face. 

“Well, good morning to you, sleeping beauty,” Came a gruff voice as the door to the bathroom opened before Kylin could reach for the knob.

Standing before her, in nothing but a very low-slung cotton towel, was Jeffrey.

“Holy shit,” She managed to mumble in surprise, her brain half fried from not only her hangover, but the unexpected view. 

“Sorry, love,” Jeffrey chuckled as he moved around her, his fist gripped tight to keep the fabric around his waist together.

“Uh, no worries,” Kylin responded, entering the bathroom. Jeffrey made his way towards the guest room, and Kylin couldn’t help the way her eyes followed him down the hall. 

--------------------------------------

The shower was life changing. All the sweat, dirty, grime, even her headache, was washed away. While she dried herself off with a big, fluffy towel, she realized she had forgotten her backpack containing all of her clothes. She wrapped the towel around her body and opened the door to go look for it. 

She turned the corner and almost ran smack dab into Jeffrey’s chest. (Which was now covered by a worn out Harley Davidson tee.)

“Oh fuck, s-s-sorry,” She gasped. Embarrassment flooded through her as she looked up at him. He wore a smirk on his lips, and he gripped her by the shoulders to steady her. 

“A-hem” Was suddenly heard from behind Jeff, and Kylin peaked her head around his frame to see Jensen standing in the hallway with her backpack lifted up in the air by his index finger, “Looking for this?”

“Uh, yeah, thanks, Bubs,” Kylin answered, her blush growing deeper as she stepped around Jeffrey to grab the backpack from Jensen. 

She ducked into the nearest empty guest room, and Jensen followed her.

“What’s that on your neck, Ky?” Her brother asked. He ducked his head and gestured towards her neck.

Her hand automatically went to her throat and pressed against the newly formed bruise from the day before.

“Oh, uh, I had on a necklace yesterday that was, like, super tight, and I accidentally ripped it off, and uh.. Yeah…” She trailed off before turning her back to him to rummage through her stuff. She pulled out a pair of jeans and a long-sleeved t-shirt, as well as a bra and underwear.

 “Um, a little privacy here, big bro?” She laughed nervously, looking over her shoulder toward him before going back to her clothes on the bed. 

“Hmm, yeah, whatever.” Jensen replied, suspicion laced in his tone. She heard him set out a deep sigh before his footsteps retreated from the room.

A few minutes later, as she pulled her shirt over her head, Robbie’s concerned voice came from the door way, “Jesus Christ, Ky, What the fuck?”

She spun around and quickly pulled down her shirt, just in time to see Jeffrey walk past Rob in the hallway with an unreadable look on his face. He quickly averted his gaze from their direction, and increased his pace to his room. Kylin stepped over to Rob and jerked him into the room before she slammed the door closed. 

“Fuck, Robbie, what the hell?” Kylin growled in annoyance.

“What the hell is this?!” He asked in reply. He turned her around, and pulled on the hem of her shirt to reveal the bruises scattered across her ribs and back. His other hand gently trailed over the yellow and greenish marks, “He did this?”

She pulled away from him and scowled as she faced him, her arms wrapping around her body for comfort. 

“God damnit, Kylin.” He whispered angrily. He lifted her chin up with his fingertips to examine the darkening mark Jensen had mentioned earlier. She turned her head to the left as his fingers ghosted over her skin, her eyes trained away from him as tears began to form. 

“Shut up,” was the only thing she was able to choke out before she crumbled into Rob’s arms. He picked her up and carried her to the bed and held her as she cried for half an hour. 

The safe feeling of being in Rob’s embrace calmed her, and she wiped her eyes after the last tears had finally fallen. “Promise me you won’t let this happen again. Please.” Robbie begged, his voice cracking as he restrained tears of his own. 

“Promise.” She sniffled. 

He looked her in the eyes again for a moment and let a tear run down his face before he nodded and brought her head back to his chest. They laid like that or a little bit longer while they both steadied themselves. 

“Better?” He asked after a while, patting her on the back as he pulled away.

“Better.” She answered with a nod, using the sleeve of her shirt to wipe her nose again.

Rob stood and pulled her up by the hand. He linked their fingers together and led them towards the door. She followed him to the dining room, where it seemed everyone had already gathered as the morning routine of breakfast preparations had begun.

The moment she sat down at the kitchen island, Justice led the Padalecki boys on an assault against Kylin’s legs, equipped with foam swords. 

“KyKy, will you make us pancakes?” Thomas asked while giving her a set of puppy dog eyes that rivaled his father’s. The other two children soon followed suit with the same stare, knowing she couldn’t deny them anything. 

Kylin let out a huff of exasperation and hopped down from the stool she had been perched on to make her way past Dani and Gen to the pantry. She ignored their snickers at how easily she was broken down by the tiny demons. 

“Need any help there, darlin’?” A rough drawl came from behind her as she was mixing in chocolate chips into the pancake batter.

Jeffrey stepped up beside her at the counter and peered into the bowl while licking his lips. 

“No, sir,” Kylin replied cockily while she continued to stir, “If there’s one thing I’m good at, it's this. I can make these bitches in my sleep.” 

She moved from her place beside him to the island where the stove was to check the temperature of the oil in the pan. When she turned back around, Jeffrey was standing there with his finger in his mouth, batter dripping down the length of it. 

“Mmm-mmm-mmm-” He said, furrowing his brows and shaking his head back and forth in pleasure. 

She couldn’t help that her breath hitched, or the bright red shade that flushed her skin at the sight. 

“Hey, Jeff, I think your car’s here.” Jensen grunted as he entered the room, an annoyed look on his face as he glared at Kylin. 

Jeffrey pulled his finger from his mouth as he pushed himself off the counter with a roll of his eyes. 

“Alright,” He chuckled as he wiped his finger on a dish towel before he grabbed his jacket from the back of the nearby chair and shrugged it on.

“See you all later,” He waved to everyone, but gave Kylin a wink when their eyes met. He showed his teeth in a sweet smile before he headed towards the door.

With a sigh, Kylin turned her attention back to the pancakes.

--------------------------------------

The day went on, spent by playing with the kids and lounging on the couch with the girls. Kylin had received the phone call that she had been wanting from her dad- he had been able to sneak into the apartment while Anthony was gone and had gathered up as much of her stuff as he could. He was about as oblivious to the situation as Jensen was, but he also had his suspicions as well.

Jared and Jensen had been sent to the grocery store with the kids, the adventure deemed “Mission Impossible” by the boys, so when the doorbell rang as Kylin was laying on the couch, she automatically assumed it was just them needing help getting stuff out of the truck.

As soon as the front door opened though, she realized how wrong she had been.

Anthony’s fist came colliding with her face, the force knocking her back. He flung the door the rest of the way open and staked the four feet into the house to the entrance of the hallway. He grabbed a fist full of Kylin’s hair and pulled her up to knee her in the ribs.

“Stupid” punch “Fucking” knee. “Bitch.” slap.

Kylin tried her hardest to push him away and fight back, but the man was over twice her size. She screamed as loud as she could, knowing someone had to have heard the commotion.

Suddenly, the very distinct sound of a gun being cocked was heard above her, and they both looked up to see Danneel holding her pistol at the ready, aimed directly at Anthony’s head.

“Get out of my house.” Danneel seethed, a dangerous glint in her eyes.

It was a big enough distraction, thankfully, for Rob and Richard to rush him and get him to the ground. Neither of the two men stopped there, though. 

Rich held Anthony by the throat as Rob clobbered his face repeatedly with his fists. It wasn’t until Jared and Jensen busted into the hallway and pulled everyone apart that the chaos finally subsided.

“Oh look, it’s Hollywood, here to save the day.” Anthony spat the blood that had pooled into his mouth onto Jared’s shirt as he was hoisted to his feet. 

Rob and Rich rushed to Kylin, and Rob picked her up as Rich protectively positioned himself in front of them. Kylin held onto Rob for dear life as sobs wracked through her battered body.

“You will never, ever put your fucking hands on her again.” Gen raged. She walked up to the man and gave him another slap to the face of her own. 

“I’m sorry, you did what?” Jensen took the gun out of Danneel’s hand and pushed her and Gen behind him. “I know I didn’t hear that right.” 

“Fuck you. Not your fucking business what I do with my woman.” Anthony responded, spitting more blood. 

Jensen brought the barrel of the pistol to rest on Anthony’s temple. Everyone held their breath.

“Jensen, stop.” Kylin managed to squeak, “I’m not worth it.”

Her brother turned his head towards her in disbelief. He moved past Rich to grab her face in his hands and turn her head to look at him before he spoke, “Don’t ever say that again. You are worth so much more than this.” He kissed her hair before he turned back around and resumed his aim on Anthony. 

“You are so fucking lucky we don’t do cops, you know that?” Jensen snarked. He craned his head in order to be able to look Anthony in the eyes, “Well, for right now anyway.” 

Jensen took a step back before he flicked the gun’s safety on and held it out for Danneel to take. He grabbed Anthony out of Jared’s grasp and pulled him towards the front door, “You will get the fuck out of my house and away from my family. You will not go anywhere near them, or you will find out how much my sister means to me and how little your life does.” 

In one adrenaline-fueled heave, Anthony was sent flying out of the front door. Jensen and Jared stormed after him and proceeded to kick the ever-living shit out of him until he was back in his car. He fell into the driver’s seat, a bloody mess, before speeding off. 

The boys rushed back inside and Jensen scooped Kylin from Rob’s arms in a huff. He soothed her crying and kissed the top of her head as he carried her to the guest room with her stuff. He laid her down on the bed before climbing in with her and wrapping her up in his arms. 

“I’m so sorry, bubbah” She sobbed.

“No, no sissy. I should be apologizing. I knew. I fuciing knew and I didn’t do anything about it. I should have beat his ass the first time you came down here. I’m so fucking sorry. Everyone’s gonna fucking kill me.” He breathed through his own tears into her hair. He rocked them both back and forth. 

They laid there for a while and cried together. He did his best to comfort her while his own guilt tried to eat him up inside. Kylin let him know she wanted to be alone, so he decided it was probably smart to check on everyone and let them know she was okay for now. 

“You’re fucking useless, you know that? Like some useless blonde bimbo, I swear.” Anthony growled, advancing towards her menacingly.

“I-I, I’m sorry, something’s been wrong with the washer and I guess something got wrapped around the agitator-” She tried to explain, her voice shaking.

“Shut. The. Fuck. Up, you stupid bitch.” Anthony roared, raising his hand back and drawing it forwards across Kylin’s face. A cry of pain escaped her lip and her hand cupped her stinging cheek. She backed against the door of the couple’s bedroom and stumbled as the door fell open behind her, already broken from a previous altercation.

She slammed the door closed in his face, thankful to hear the click of the handle, rushing to lock it and secure it closed. Anthony banged on the door, threatening to break down, while Kyln grabbed her backpack from the closet. She packed up a few things before zipping it up and throwing it out the window closest to the driveway. The door was soon easily broken open by Anthony, and she dove out the window herself. Thankfully, she landed unbruised and quickly made her way to her car with the backpack.

But she wasn’t quite fast enough, unfortunately.

“Where the fuck do you think you’re going?” He seethed as his hand found purchase in her hair. He spun her around, pinning her against himself and the car door. His free hand came to wrap around her throat, squeezing her throat closed.

It had to have been pure adrenaline, she would think looking back, because she instinctively  brought her knee to his groin with all the strength she could muster. He dropped her to the ground, stumbling back as he gripped his useless nutsack. She took advantage of the moment and bound to her car, quickly locking it as he tried to stumble his way towards her. 

Before she even registered where she was going, she was already two and a half hours south of DFW on I-35.

_____________________________________

Half an hour later, Kylin pulled into her brother's gated community and gave the security guard the passcode. She followed the GPS through the neighborhood, even though she knew the way by memory. She put the car in park before turning off the engine as anxiety raged in her gut. Why did there have to be so many cars in his driveway at 11 o'clock at night?  A million ‘what if’s’ swam through her head, and she almost lost her nerve completely. 

But then she remembered every sad look her family had given her, how disappointed they were with her, how much it hurt them to see her in that condition... How much they tried to remind her that they weren’t raised to put up with bullshit like what she had endured. 

She rang the doorbell, and a relieved sigh left her when her sister-in-law answered the door.

“Oh my god, Kylin, What are you doing here?” Danneel screeched as she threw her arms around Kylin, not spilling a drop of wine as it sloshed around in the glass that was clutched in her hand. 

Kylin smiled as she returned Danneel’s embrace. She squeezed her tight as relief spread over her and her nerves seemed to immediately release themselves. She had misses her bestfriend SO fucking much. 

“Um, I-I hope I’m not intruding or anything,” Kylin sniffed as she pulled away to wipe the tears that fell without her permission, “ I uh, needed somewhere to go.” 

Danneel’s smile fell immediately. She looked around before pulling her into the empty den.  She gripped Kylin by the side of the head with her free hand as she asked in a whisper, “Did he…?”

Kylin nodded shamefully, “Don’t tell Jens, please. It’s over, and I’m not going back.”

“Stay here as long as you need. I’ll call Dad in the morning so he can deal with getting your stuff. You really drove here from Dallas?” Danneel replied with a hint of snark. She let out a laugh when Kylin answered her question with a shrug.

“Well, you picked a hell of a night to make an appearance.” Dani smirked, taking a sip from her glass of Cabernet, “Somehow everyone managed to be in the same place at the same time for once, so it’s a full house.” 

The girls made their way from the den and into the dining room where everyone else was gathered, Danneel rubbing Kylin’s back soothingly before pulling away to get her husband’s attention. 

“Look who came to see her favorite brother,” Danneel touched Jensen on his back and he whipped around, a smile immediately brightened his face. 

“Ky, what the hell are you doing here?” He whooped, moving quickly to engulf his younger sister in a smothering hug. He squeezed her tight around her ribs and she couldn’t help the shriek of pain that she let out as he lifted her up off the floor. Jensen let her go and gave her a questioning look.

“Err, sorry, Bubs. I, uh, fell off the ladder at Dad’s the other day trying to help him do something, Kinda, uh, bruised my ribs a little bit, I think. No biggie.” She excused as she rubbed the sore area. 

“He should know your clumsiness does not make you helpful,” Jensen joked, throwing his arm around her shoulders as she motioned for Dani to make Kylin a drink.

“Whiskey, please,” Kylin stated when she saw her attempt to reach for the wine. Danneel gave her a look, but obliged nonetheless.

“And who is this beautiful young thing you have yet to introduce me to, Jensen?” A thick drawl came from behind. Kylin turned her head towards the voice. 

‘Holy fuckballs,’ Kylin thought as she was met with the tall length of a man that was Jeffery Dean Morgan, clad in dark washed jeans and a faded band tee.

“This is my sister, Jeff, my baby  sister. She just popped in to surprise me from Dallas.” Jensen replied, his voice lowering with a hint of protectiveness. He wrapped his arm tighter around Kylin’s shoulders and she fought to wince with the tenderness. 

“She looks young enough to be your daughter, J,” Jeffrey chuckled as he let his eyes roam Kylin’s frame.

“Not quite, but she is definitely old enough to be yours, old man.” Jens replied, eyes squinted in annoyance. 

“Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Morgan,” Kylin replied as she stuck her hand out towards him, “Ignore my brother, he’s a bitch.” 

She ignored Jensen’s scoff as she smiled up at Jeffrey, who took her hand in both of his much larger ones. 

“Definitely related to you, Ackles. She’s cute.” Jeffrey smiled, letting go of Kylin’s hand after a moment. 

“Ky! How the hell have you been, woman?!” Was heard right before Kylin was scooped up from behind and spun around by Rob Benedict. 

He set her down gently and turned her in his arms to hug her properly. She couldn't help the whimper that escaped her throat as pressure was once again applied to her sore body. Rob brought his head back to give her a knowing look. Kylin simply smiled shyly before she dodged his eyes and looked away. 

She was quickly passed around by Jared, Gen, and Rob, and a sense of comfort graced her as she realized that she was finally surrounded by people who loved her and would protect her. She was safe. For now, at least. 

--------------------------------------

As she enjoyed the company of her friends, family, and warm whiskey, her phone was constantly vibrating in her pocket, Anthony not willing to give up. The alcohol was working its way through her system, and in her drunkenness, her anger started to flare up all over again. With a sigh of frustration, she retreated to the back yard to answer the phone. She lit a cigarette and took a deep drag before pressing “accept” on the screen.

She didn’t even get the chance to say “Hello,” before the verbal attack began.

“Get your stupid ass back to this fucking house, now.” Anthony demanded, his voice low and almost growl-like.

“No,” She replied simply, taking another anxious pull from the cigarette between her fingers. 

“Where the fuck did you even go, huh? Who are you with? You’re at some bar, huh? I’ll beat your ass in the middle of Pearl if I find you, you fucking whore.” He threatened, followed by a loud crashing noise coming from the background. 

“I’m done with this. This is not how you speak to someone, Anthony. Who the fuck raised you?” She hissed, attempting to keep her voice down so as to not draw any attention, “I’m done. Like, done, done.”

“Since when do you get to have a complex, bitch? You ruined my life having to deal with all of your shit, so you don’t get to just walk away from me.” 

“The fuck I don’t!” She barked, her voice raised, “Fuck you, you piece of shit. Fuck. you. My dad will be there by tomorrow to get my shit. I’m done with this conversation.” 

Anthony started on another tirade, but before she could tell what his next slew of curses would be, her phone was snatched out of her hand. She whipped around as Jeffery brought the phone to his ear. 

“I do believe the lady said she was done. Learn your manners, boy.” His drawl was thick and assertive, and he left no time for Anthony to reply before he pressed the “end” button and held the phone out for her to take back.

She hadn’t even realized she had started crying until she brought the forgotten cigarette back to her lips, and the ashes fell across her hand as she took a final drag before tossing it into the yard. She wiped her face with the sleeve of her sweater, trying to rid her face of the tears and snot. 

Jeffrey took a seat next to her on the bench she had been sitting on and lit up a joint. He took a couple of hits for himself before he passed it to her. 

“Thanks,” She whispered and took a deep drag. She hummed in appreciation as she held the smoke in her lungs for a moment before blowing it out. 

“Anytime, sweetheart. Sounds like you need it.” Jeffrey chuckled as he took it back from her. They sat there for a few minutes, passing the joint back and forth without speaking. The sound of the back door opening, followed by Genevieve’s voice broke the comfortable silence. 

“There you are! Oooooh, you have goodies!” Gen giggled as she sat beside Kylin, who was forced to move closer to Jeffrey, their shoulders touching. 

“Rough day?” Gen asked as she plucked the roach from Kylin’s fingers and took a deep drag. She had already been informed of the situation by Danneel.

Kylin simply replied with a huff of a laugh and a shake of her head.

“That boy needs to learn how to speak to a woman,” Jefrey stated simply as he brought a cigarette to his mouth.

“You have no idea,” Kylin replied. She picked up her glass of whiskey and finished it off. 

That earned her a sigh from Gen and a confused look from Jeffrey. She ignored both.

The silence washed over them again while Jeffrey finished his smoke. He tossed the butt in the yard with hers as he stood.

“Well, ladies, I have enjoyed your company, but I am going to hit the hay” He said smoothly, holding both his hands out for each of the girls to take one. He kissed them both, gave a small bow, and retreated back inside the house.

“Jay sent me out here, you know. Didn’t like the way Jeff was ‘looking’ at you.” Gen said, making sarcastic quotation marks with her fingers with a laugh. 

Kylin smirked and shook her head. Of course her brother was being his usual over protective self. 

“So is this the real last time?” Gen asked gently, after a few moments. 

“Yep,” Kylin replied, popping the ‘p’ sound. She dug around in her pocket and found her pack of cigarettes. She lit one and took a drag and then offered it to Gen.

“Good.” Gen nodded simply and brought the smoke to her lips. One of the best things about being best friends with Gen and Dani was that they all knew what the other person was feeling and needing without the use of words.

“Come on, chick,” Gen said suddenly as she grasped Kylin by the thigh and hoisted herself up. She turned and grabbed Ky by the hand and pulled her up with her, “Let’s go take shots until we black out.” 

“Sounds perfect,” Kylin laughed as she threw her arm over Gen’s shoulders and let her guide them inside. 

“Sweetheart, I promise you, it’s not going to hurt.”

“Doubtful,” you muttered as you looked out the passenger window of the Impala, watching the buildings slowly going by on Main Street.

Dean pondered your response and cleared his throat. “Alright, well… it won’t hurt as bad as a demon using you as a meat suit.”

You turned and gave him a rueful glare before looking back out the window as Dean maneuvered his baby into an empty spot in front of the neon sign that flashed “TATTOOS”.

“Besides, I don’t know why you’re acting so afraid of a little pinch. I’ve seen you get tossed across the room half a dozen times. Watched your bones break and still pulled off beheading a vamp. Hell, last month alone I sewed you up at least five times, and you didn’t flinch. Once.”

“I know… this is just… different.”

Dean turned off the Impala while his gaze continued straight ahead. “That’s crap. There’s a reason you’re scared and I wanna know why.” He turned to look at you. When you didn’t acknowledge him, he gently took your chin between his fingers and guided your face so you would be looking at him. “C’mon, I thought we were past all this and that you trusted us. Trusted me.”

“I do trust you, Dean. This just feels so permanent.”

Dean snorted a laugh and sighed. “Well, yeah. Tattoos are pretty permanent.”

“No… I mean getting this tattoo is a permanent link to hunting; to living this crazy ass life that I don’t know if I am ready to live. Also,” you paused, knowing the ridicule you were about to endure, “I hate needles, a lot.”

"C'mon, I promise you everything will be okay. And ya know, if you ARE in pain afterwards, I have plenty of ways to keep you distracted." Dean paused, a devilish smirk on his lips.

That smile–there was no way you could resist it. You slid closer to him, your fingers lightly stroking the back of his neck and your lips hovering close to his. "Would you even do that thing I love?" You asked softly, raising a seductive brow. 

"God yes."

"Okay," you whispered, then kissed him tenderly. "Let's get this over with so we can get home and you can take care of me."

You glided your hand down his arm, and to the top of his thigh. Just the hint of of what was to come made his jeans snug.

"Heh, yeah… um, why don't you head on in. I'm gonna need a minute."

Unable to hide your amusement, you got out of the car, paused, and bent down to say one last thing before closing the door.

"Just for the record, I'm scared to death of this life, but it's worth every second, long as I do it with you."

“Sweetheart, I promise you, it’s not going to hurt.”

“Doubtful,” you muttered as you looked out the passenger window of the Impala, watching the buildings slowly going by on Main Street.

Dean pondered your response and cleared his throat. “Alright, well… it won’t hurt as bad as a demon using you as a meat suit.”

You turned and gave him a rueful glare before looking back out the window as Dean maneuvered his baby into an empty spot in front of the neon sign that flashed “TATTOOS”.

“Besides, I don’t know why you’re acting so afraid of a little pinch. I’ve seen you get tossed across the room half a dozen times. Watched your bones break and still pulled off beheading a vamp. Hell, last month alone I sewed you up at least five times, and you didn’t flinch. Once.”

“I know… this is just… different.”

Dean turned off the Impala while his gaze continued straight ahead. “That’s crap. There’s a reason you’re scared and I wanna know why.” He turned to look at you. When you didn’t acknowledge him, he gently took your chin between his fingers and guided your face so you would be looking at him. “C’mon, I thought we were past all this and that you trusted us. Trusted me.”

“I do trust you, Dean. This just feels so permanent.”

Dean snorted a laugh and sighed. “Well, yeah. Tattoos are pretty permanent.”

“No… I mean getting this tattoo is a permanent link to hunting; to living this crazy ass life that I don’t know if I am ready to live. Also,” you paused, knowing the ridicule you were about to endure, “I hate needles, a lot.”

"C'mon, I promise you everything will be okay. And ya know, if you ARE in pain afterwards, I have plenty of ways to keep you distracted." Dean paused, a devilish smirk on his lips.

That smile–there was no way you could resist it. You slid closer to him, your fingers lightly stroking the back of his neck and your lips hovering close to his. "Would you even do that thing I love?" You asked softly, raising a seductive brow. 

"God yes."

"Okay," you whispered, then kissed him tenderly. "Let's get this over with so we can get home and you can take care of me."

You glided your hand down his arm, and to the top of his thigh. Just the hint of of what was to come made his jeans snug.

"Heh, yeah… um, why don't you head on in. I'm gonna need a minute."

Unable to hide your amusement, you got out of the car, paused, and bent down to say one last thing before closing the door.

"Just for the record, I'm scared to death of this life, but it's worth every second, long as I do it with you."