I’m a little over 30 minutes in and I’ve already started crying TWICE

You and Me (Part 1)

First time doing this. Severe lack of Dean Stanton content everywhere so if you like it I’m happy🩷

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The van rattled down the cracked, uneven road, its tires crunching gravel as the sun dipped lower in the sky. Inside, Y/N sat on the cold metal bench, her wrists bound in chains that bit into her skin with every jolt. She barely noticed. Her gaze lingered on the small, grimy window across from her. Through it, she caught fleeting glimpses of the outside world: fields fading into shadows, a rusted barbed-wire fence that stretched endlessly, trees with branches outstretched, and the occasional flicker of sunlight painting streaks on her face.

But it wasn’t the scenery she saw. It was her children.

She could almost hear their laughter, clear and bright like church bells on a Sunday morning. She could see the way her youngest grinned when he lost his front teeth, the way her eldest scrunched her nose when she concentrated on her drawings. Those memories felt like they belonged to someone else now, someone who lived a lifetime ago, someone who was supposed to be happy, someone who wasn’t her. And yet, the warmth those fleeting memories brought her was bittersweet, mingled with the ache of knowing she would never see them again.

Her fingers curled into her palms, she felt a dull pain… but that was all she’d ever felt, pain was the only thing that she knew would be with her forever. But she couldn’t let herself cry. 

Not here. 

Not now.

At the front of the van, Dean Stanton glanced into the rearview mirror. His eyes lingered on the woman sitting quietly in the back, her face bathed in the amber light of the setting sun. She didn’t look like someone who belonged in chains. There was no defiance in her, no cruelty, no bitterness, no hate, just a calmness that he couldn’t quite place, like she’d already made peace with the worst.

It unsettled him.

Dean shifted his grip on the steering wheel, his mind racing. Over the years, he’d seen countless prisoners come through the gates of Cold Mountain, each one carrying their own unique weight of guilt or resignation. But this woman… She was different. There was something almost fragile about her, like she might shatter if handled too harshly.

And yet, there was a strength there too, buried deep beneath the surface, she wouldn’t cry, she just seemed so distant.

The van came to a slow stop inside the gates of the prison the clang of the metal doors locking behind them sent a shiver through Y/N, pulling her back to the present, back to her end. 

Dean stepped out first, his boots crunching on the gravel. He walked around to the back and unlocked the doors, his movements steady and unhurried. When the doors opened she didn’t look at him, her eyes were closed and she was breathing deeply. Dean had seen it before, fear, fear and the knowledge the mile was all that was left. He slowly climbed into the van and sat opposite her.

“You’ll be alright,” he said, his voice low and calm as he met her eyes. “The guards on the Mile…we’ll look out for you. Anything you need, you’re safe with us”

For a moment, Y/N could only stare at him. No one had spoken to her like that in years—not with kindness, not without an ulterior motive lurking beneath their words. Her throat felt tight, and she forced herself to look away, but after a breath her eyes met his again and she felt brave enough to manage a soft, “Thank you” before looking away again

Dean nodded, his expression unreadable, but there was a softness in his eyes that lingered.

The moment shattered as Percy Wetmore strode up from the front of the van, his smirk already plastered across his face. Always the indelicate man he grabbed the door handle and yanked it open, his gaze falling on Y/N like a predator sizing up its prey.

“Well, well,” Percy drawled, his tone laced with mockery. “Look what we’ve got here. Hope you’re ready for the grand tour, sweetheart” he drawled.

Y/N stiffened, her muscles coiling with unease, she knew that tone, it reminded her of Him. Percy reached for her arm, his grip too firm despite Y/N trying to pull away, but before he could pull her out, Dean grabbed Percy’s wrist.

“That’s enough, Percy,” Dean said, his voice firm but measured. Percy let go and Dean was able to throw his wrist away causing Percy to stumble out of the back of the van, though he regained himself quickly he was undoubtedly shamed. 

Dean turned his back to the younger man, blocking him from Y/N entirely. Reaching out, he offered her his hand.

“I’m sorry about him, I promise he won’t touch you again. Just take your time,” Dean said, his tone softer now, his eyes never leaving her. 

“Watch your step.” Y/N hesitated, her gaze darting between the two men. Percy’s scowl was dark, his lips curling in disdain, but Dean’s calm presence felt like a shield, a small reprieve from the sharp edges of the world. With his hand still outstretched slowly Y/N took his hand. His grip was steady, warm, comforting, and it steadied something in her, she hadn’t even realised was trembling until he put his other hand on her waist slowly and steadily guided her out of the van.

As her feet touched the ground, the towering walls of Cold Mountain loomed before her, stark and unyielding against the fading light. The weight of the place pressed down on her chest, she shouldn’t been here…

But for a fleeting moment, the memory of Dean’s kindness cut through the suffocating fear.

Percy muttered something under his breath, stalking ahead with a sour expression, but Y/N didn’t hear him. Her focus remained on the building before her, the place where she would meet her end. And then there was Dean, who walked beside her as if to silently promise he wouldn’t let her face this alone.

The gates of E block closed behind them away with a deafening clang as the van rode ,and Y/N knew she was stepping into a new kind of hell. But for the first time in a long time, she felt the faintest glimmer of something she couldn’t quite name.

Summary:

Dean and Brutus cope with tragedy in their own way after Delacroix's execution. Percy ruins the afterglow, and Wharton enjoys an unexpected opportunity.

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Verena Anghelescu stared at the imposing building in front of her. The brunette took a deep breath before exiting her ancient pickup truck. She straightened out her blouse and skirt before walking into the building. Her heels clicked across the tiled floor as she traveled the long hallway to a secretary’s desk. Many men floated the hallways, giving her strange looks as she passed.

“Excuse me,” she spoke out to the dark haired woman at the desk, “I’m here to speak with the warden.” A confused look passed the older woman’s face before she smiled and said, “Right this way, dear!”

Verena followed the woman to a door which had the title Warden Hal Moores painted on. The older woman knocked, just a few seconds later a tall older man opened the door. Verena craned her neck to meet the man’s steely eyes.

“Please, come in.” The Warden said to Verena. She smiled and walked in as he held the door open. “Have a seat,” he said with a smile so small she could have missed it. Verena did as he said and sat in the chair across from the large wooden desk. The warden came over to his own chair and sat across from her.

“I understand you called about applying for a guard position Miss…” The Warden stalled for a moment, “I’m sorry but how do ya say your name, I’m ‘fraid I’ve never seen anythin’ like it?” Verena let out a light laugh.

“It’s pronounced ang-ya-les-coo, Sir.” Verena made sure to emphasize the pronunciation of her name. Her mothers surname made it through the immigration process, Viorica Anghelescu was a stubborn Romanian woman that wanted to keep her name alive and not become lost to indoctrination.

“Alright, Miss Anghelescu,” The Warden started, “How come you wanted the guard position and not one of the many nurse positions?” Verena knew this question would come up.

“Well, Sir,” Verena took in a breath, “The guard position pays more, I have a baby girl to take care of and I’m on the verge of losing our home to the bank.”

The depression hit Verena hard even more so now that her mother and sister, Visilica, had passed on. And Violeta, her niece, was only a month old. Viorica succumbed to sickness a few years ago and Visilica had perished due to complications from childbirth. Verena hung her head slightly as tears pricked her eyes. The Warden saw this and let out a sigh.

“I tell ya what,” Verena perked up a bit at his tone, “I’ll start you as a guard on E-Block but if there’s any complications you’ll be moved to a nurse position.” The Warden finished with a stern look.

“Thank you so much, Sir!” Verena beamed. The Warden gave her a small smile, before standing.

“We can provide a uniform jacket but you’ll be responsible for finding skirts or pants, you’ll be reimbursed for the money you do spend.” Verena nodded, the smile never leaving her face. “Follow me and I’ll show you to E-Block.”

The walk to E-Block was a decent length, the red soil kicked up with each step the Warden and Verena took. They soon came upon a tall cell block with the letter ‘E’ in bright white. Warden Moores swung up the metal door and led Verena inside. Verena looked up at the feeling of multiple eyes on her and she was right. Five men all stood staring at her with slightly confused faces.

“Gentlemen,” Warden Moores started, “I’d like y’all to meet your newest coworker, Verena Anghelescu.” The first man was tall with dark hair and light eyes, “Paul Edgecomb, I’m the head of this block, Miss Anghelescu.”

He held out his hand to which Verena took it and gave a firm shake, “Hal, can I speak with you in my office?” Paul asked the Warden before Verena could say anything. Warden Moores nodded with a knowing look and followed Paul down a short hallway.

The second man to approach was the largest. He had greying hair and kind blue eyes, Verena knew he was the largest man she’d ever seen. He was barrel chested with large arms and legs not to mention quite handsome. He stuck out a giant hand which Verena gladly accepted, “Brutus Howell, but everyone calls me Brutal, Miss.” Brutal said with a smile.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Verena started, “Please, call me Verena!” Brutal gave her a small smile before nodding and stepping aside for the other men.

The next two men were Dean Stanton and Harry Terwilliger, Dean was tall and thin while Harry was the oldest of the group. He had large eyebrows, Verena noted to herself. The final man came to stand in front of her, he was only a few inches taller but Verena could only describe him as gorgeous. He had delicate features, jet black hair neatly combed back, and piercing blue-grey eyes. He was definitely the youngest of the group, looking barely out of his teen years. He extended his hand to Verena.

“Percy Wetmore,” He said almost smugly, “Say, what’s a pretty young lady like you doin’ workin’ in a place like this?” There were audible groans from Dean and Harry.

“Percy.” Brutal said in a warning tone that fell on deaf ears. Brutal sighed.

“Well, if you must know,” Verena started cheerfully, “I’m a single woman with a baby that needs to be fed.” Silence fell over the room as Percy gulped. “I see.” Was all the short man said before backing away. The rest of the men dispersed, Dean and Harry left the block while Percy still couldn’t be found.

“Well,” Verena started, “How ‘bout a tour?” Verena asked sweetly. Brutal stepped forward before asking, “Where would ya like to start?”

Verena thought for a moment, “Maybe with the inmates?” She suggested with a smile.

“Right this way,” Brutal started, “Make sure to stay centered on the aisle, Miss Verena.” Verena let out an airy laugh, “Please, just call me Verena, sugar!” She chirped out, her southern drawl sounding sweet.

“If you say so, Verena.” A soft smile spread across his handsome face, a blush forming at the nickname. Verena smiled back, their little moment was broken by a Cajun accent.

“Who ya got der, boss?” A small, balding man was peeking out of his cell using a small mirror. Brutal nodded towards the man as he started over to him, Verena followed close behind.

“Del, this is Miss Anghelescu,” Brutal announced motioning towards Verena, “She’s our new guard.”

“You sure is the perttiest guard I’ve seen.” Verena felt uncomfortable under the man’s gaze.

“Watch yourself, Del,” Brutal warned, “You’re to treat her as you would me.”

“M’sorry, Boss.” The man shied away back to his bunk.

“I’d let ya meet the chief but he ain’t one for talkin’” Brutal said, Verena nodded in understanding. “I’ll show ya the rest of the mile, follow me.”

Brutal led Verena down a short hallway, making sure to point out the restroom, then stopped between two doors, “This here is the locker room and that is Paul’s office, we’re all welcome to the office.

Verena could hear Paul and Warden Moores arguing about her being there. Brutal picked up on this and let out a sigh before saying, “He’s jus’ worried ‘bout having a woman ‘round such a dangerous place.” He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, Verena placed one of her own hands on his larger one before speaking, “Well it’s a good thing I have someone as big as you to protect me.” She chuckled lightly. Brutal laughed, “Come one, I’ll show ya the rest.”

Brutal opened a large steel door and motioned for Verena to walk through first. She froze at what she saw, there against the right wall was the beast itself. The electric chair seemed to stand tall against the rest of the room. “That there is Ol’ Sparky.” Brutal said just above a whisper. “No offense,” Verena’s voice shook the smallest bit, “But he’s quite menacing.”

Brutal let out a laugh, “That he is but you’ll get used to him soon enough.” The room smelled damp and the air was a tad too thick for Verena’s liking. It was also the hottest room in the building, her dark curls becoming frizzier with each passing second.

“The last room is the tunnel but that can wait until later.” Brutal voiced, Verena just nodded. The heat of the room was becoming unbearable.

The pair walked together back to the front desk. Verena was glad to be back in the slightly cooler room, she could feel her body becoming slick with sweat. A light sheen shone across Brutal’s forehead. She couldn’t imagine how he felt in that dark woolen jacket.

“Can I ask you somethin’?” Verena spoke out, Brutal nodded with a smile, “Shoot.” He said.

“How the hell can you stand being in that jacket?” The man let out a laugh at her bluntness, Verena couldn’t help but laugh with him.

“S’not too bad once ya get used to it and we’re allowed to take em off.” Brutal answered with a smile. His smile was truly contagious. Brutal offered for Verena to take a seat at the desk to which she complied, the large man pulling out a chair for her. Brutal worked at the buttons on his jacket for a moment before breaking free from the stuffy fabric. Verena couldn’t help but stare as his muscles flexed beneath his white shirt. Brutal placed his jacket on the coat rack before rolling his sleeves to elbows and loosening his tie.

“Can I ask ya a question now?” His voice brought Verena out of her dazed state. She smiled and nodded for him to continue.

“How come you’re raisin’ a baby by your lonesome?” Wow. Not the question she expected, Brutal noticed the startled look on her face and quickly said, “M’sorry, Ya don’ have to tell me, I was jus’ curious!”

Verena laughed at the older man’s panic.

“I don’t mind you’re asking,” She said gently, “I’m raising my niece, her mama was my older sister.” Verena got misty eyed at the mention of her sister but continued, “It’s just me and Violeta now.”

“You both have such beautiful names,” Brutal said, “Where do names like that come from?” He asked to lighten the dampened mood.

“Romania.” The brunette said with pride.

“Well, I’ll be damned,” Brutal said in amazement, “I ain’t ever met a vampire before!”

Verena let out a loud laugh at that, Brutal had quite the sense of humor.

The sound of the office door opening startled both of them out of their relaxed states. The Warden was the first to come into view, Paul trailed slightly behind him. There was a pained look on his face that was gone as soon as it came. The two men stopped in front of the desk as Verena looked on expectantly.

“I see you’re all settled in!” Paul chuckled, Verena smiled at the older man. “Brutal already gave me a tour of the place and introduced me to Del.” Verena fought back a grimace at the image of the man popping into her brain.

The Warden said his goodbyes and wished Verena luck before making his leave. Paul gave a look towards Verena and Brutal before saying, “Miss Anghelescu, you can shadow Brutal for the rest of the day.”

Verena smiled before saying, “Alright sir but please just call me Verena?” She asked the man.

“Alright but only if you stop with that ‘sir’ nonsense, you’re makin’ me feel old as hell!” Paul laughed.

The day passed rather quickly and before Verena knew it, it was time to go home. Dean and Harry had left around an hour ago leaving Verena, Brutal, Paul, and Percy. Verena had said goodbye to Paul and Brutal before was heading for the door when she heard a voice from behind her.

“Here,” Percy started, “Let me get the door for ya.”

Verena decided to humor this behavior, Percy slipped past her and held the door open as she walked down the steps. “Thank you, Percy.” She called to him.

The young man looked as if he wanted to say something but kept his mouth shut, Verena noticed this and asked, “Would you mind walkin’ me to my truck?”

“Of course not!” Percy said almost desperately.

The pair walked in silence until they reached Verena’s truck. “Here we are!” She chirped as she went for the handle of the door.

“M’sorry,” Percy blurted out, Verena’s head snapped in his direction, “For what I said earlier, I din’ realize you were a mama.” The dark haired man looked ashamed.

Verena turned fully towards him and said, “It’s alright, sugar,” She laughed a little when she said, “If it makes you feel any better, I’m not a mama, I’m an aunt.” A small smile spread across her face as a look of relief washed over Percy’s face.

“Will I see you tomorrow, Percy?” Verena asked gently.

“Yes, ya will.” Percy said with a lopsided smile before turning to walk away. What an interesting, beautiful man.

The ride back to Verena’s home was long and dull, she kept replaying the day's events over in her mind. It was around 8:30 when she rolled onto her driveway. She exited the car and made her way up to the front door, took her shoes off and walked to the living room.

“Good evenin’, Miss Verena,” Said Hetty, the nanny, who sat in the arm chair, “I take it you got that job you was aimin’ for?” The older woman said with a smile.

“I sure did!” Verena could barely mask the excitement in her voice. “Good Lord, honey, I’m proud of ya!” Hetty said standing from the chair to hug Verena

“I just got one question for ya, girl.” There was a mischievous smile upon her face.

“And what’s that?” Asked Verena suspiciously.

“Ya find any good men?” Hetty laughed out although she was quite serious.

“Oh, Hetty!” Verena cried out in embarrassment.

“What?” Hetty laughed, “Was just a simple question?”

“Well if you must know,” Verena dragged out the suspense, “There’s two I have my eye on!”

Hetty let out a laugh and brought the younger woman into her arms again. She had been pestering Verena about finding a man for awhile now and hearing that she found two potential suitors made her nearly shed a tear.

“Well then,” Hetty started, “You have a good night, baby!”

“You too, Hetty!” Verena walked Hetty to the door and watched as she walked across the lawn to her husband's car where Malcom sat waiting for his wife. Verena shut the door and locked it before making her way upstairs to her bedroom.

Violeta lay peacefully asleep in the crib beside Verena’s bed. She gently stroked the infant's face before turning to grab a nightie from her wardrobe. She slowly undressed, the exhaustion finally creeping up on her. The woman sighed in relief as she was released from her bra. Her large, swollen breast hung freely, she would need to nurse the baby later in order to be comfortable enough to get a good night's sleep. The brunette slipped into her nightie before getting into bed. She made sure to tie her hair back with a ribbon before sleep encased her.

It was 3:45 in the morning when Verena awoke to infant cries. She sat up in bed and switched the dim light on before gently scooping Violeta into her arms. Verena freed her breast from her nightgown and brought the baby girl to it to which she instantly latched on. As Verena sat nursing the baby a troubling thought popped into her head, Hetty wasn’t able to watch Violeta tomorrow and Verena had to be at the prison.