Dean ended the call with Sam and turned back to Artemis. Walking to her, he sat down at the table and smiled.
"Okay, so my brother has a theory, and maybe a solution, to our mutual problem." Artemis raised an inquisitive eyebrow at Dean as she looked up from her book.
"Oh, do tell?"
"Sam says manticore, it can be killed with a spear. Do you know anything about them?"
"I.. Well.. Yes.. But Dean, those are some fast bastards, and mean as Hell. No wonder I couldn't keep up with it..."
"Well, we've both found it at least once. I'm sure we can find it again." Artemis smiled and placed her hand on Dean's, looking at him with loving eyes.
"I love how you have such faith. Never knew hunters to have such optimism."
"Really helps to have an awesome back up." Dean winked at her as they then started to plan out their day.
After an hour or two of game planning, Artemis stood and stretched, groaning in relief as she leaned against the back of her chair. Looking at Dean, she smiled as she realized he was looking at her like she was a precious gem.
She had seen that look seldom in her lifetimes, and watching it come across Dean's face made her heart break.
No... no, please don't do this...
A lump formed in her throat, and she did her best to swallow it before speaking.
"Well, it sounds like before we can get started, we have to wait until night fall. I can get the spears, definitely taking knives. However," she said, looking at her watch, "it's lunch time. Come on, I'll show you my favorite burger place," she added as she shrugged on her jacket.
Dean perked up with the mention of food, closing the book he was currently flipping through.
"That sounds amazing." He was also now very aware of how hungry he actually was. Standing, he made his way to the door and slipped his boots on, then shrugged on his jacket. Artemis ensured she had her keys and opened the door, allowing them both to leave and then locked it behind them.
They both walked down the hallway and down the stairs. The bar had lost its magical atmosphere, the emptiness very palpable as they exited into the sunny Philadelphia weather.
Walking to the Impala, Dean paused for a moment as Artemis whistled sharply, a return call coming moments later. He looked around, trying to find the source, which elicited a laugh from Artemis.
"There are more eyes on you at any point than you realize," she said and slipped into the passenger seat. Dean's face flushed as memories of the previous night flashed into his mind.
"That's... uh... ahem..." He slid into the driver's seat, started the car, and pulled off into the street.
It was a short drive, but they were both glad to be outside. Pulling into the lot, Dean parked and cut the engine. Exiting the vehicle, they met on the passenger side and Artemis looped her arm through Dean's; his heart skipped a beat.
"Best burgers in Philly, huh?" he asked as they started walking down the street to a line of food trucks.
"Yesss, so good! You'll love it," she said as they came upon their destination. Placing their orders, they then took the food to the tables available and sat down.
The day was warm, but comfortable. As they sat, Dean began to get to know Artemis.
"So, how long have you been here?"
"As a human, or in general?"
"Human."
"I've lived many lifetimes, but this current one has lasted about.. 30 years? I've always kept an eye out, though."
"Why Philly?"
"Held the biggest connection to home. Blending into the Greek Mafia was really easy, along with working alongside other hunters. Also, the burgers are pretty banger," she said as she took the final bite of her food. Wiping her hands and mouth, she disposed of her trash and returned to where Dean was sitting.
"I mean..." Dean took his final bite as well, "fair," he finished and threw away his trash as well.
They spent the day exploring Philly, enjoying the views as they waited for nightfall. As the day crept by, her heart ache had spread to her fingers. Lost in thought, Artemis had taken to rolling down the window and playing with the wind. Her hand dipped and dived and her rings sparkled in the sunlight.
Dean glanced over at her.
God, she's beautiful...
He didn't want to break her moment, but he reached over and placed his hand on her thigh.
"Hey..." he gently called and she broke from her trance. Her eyes fell upon his hand and she smiled softly.
"Hey."
"What's up? You just worried about tonight?"
Her chest tightened.
"Dean... I... can we spend just a little more time together?"
Dean's expression changed to concern.
"Is... is this a 'last night on earth' request...? Artemis, if this is going to end badly, I don't want you anywhere near this."
"Dean..." Artemis placed her hand over his and squeezed tightly, sighing.
Dean drove to the top of the hill, parking. Getting out, he went to the front of the Impala and leaned against it. Wiping his face, he sighed and sniffed, trying to quash the pit in his stomach. Artemis joined him just moments later, hands in her jacket pocket.
"Dean, this isn't going to end badly for me. It's going to end badly for you."
