[h3] Dean and Duke [/h3] 

Dean’s spine stiffened as Esme came into view, and he instantly knew she was going to be firing on all cylinders, ready to kill him. He held his hands up in front of him, putting a tiny bit of space between himself and Esme, as if she was going to stab him with a knife he couldn’t see yet. He looked to Bobby for help, and Bobby simply shook his head and stepped back, crossing his arms, “I ain’t touchin’ this with a ten foot pole. You did this to yourself, boy.”

“Bobby…” Dean started before Esme continued her rage at him, and his eyes widened even more. He hadn’t seen her this angry…ever. She never got fully angry with him. Agitated? Yes. A little bossy at times? Yes. But pissed…this was new. Dean took another step back, and pulled a chair in front of him, as Duke just watched with raised eyebrows.

“Now hold on…” Duke spoke up in his heavy southern drawl. He held up his hands, and took a step toward Esme, careful to not try to touch the angry woman. He had never seen her in his life, but it quickly dawned on him who she was, and he narrowed his eyes, “Hold on a minute.”

“Duke. Shut your mouth.” Dean warned him, closing his eyes, knowing that whatever was about to come out of Duke’s mouth was just going to make the situation worse. But Duke didn’t listen to him. Duke never listened to him.

“You’re the girl. The pretty blonde hunter that Dean’s all sweet on. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Duke. Will you shut up?!” Dean called to him. He tightened his grip on the chair in front of him, and turned back to Esme, his expression softening. “If we can calm down…just for a second, I can explain everything. Please? There were…complications.”

“Complications being me. It was me.” Duke chimed in, flashing a bright smile as if he was proud that he had almost got himself killed…but didn’t. Dean sighed, and closed his eyes, ready to knock Duke out himself.

“I’m gonna pour myself some more whiskey. This is better than anything on tv.” Bobby joked with a scoff, his own anger at Dean fading as he watched him navigate how to explain himself to Esme.