[h3] Dean and Duke [/h3]

Duke mulled over the idea of taking Esme for drinks. She seemed like the type that would be a lot of fun, when she wasn’t busted up and had a little alcohol in her system. He would have to bring it up to her later on. He was still insanely curious what Dean had said about him. Dean was pretty open with Duke about how he felt on the subject of his running, and his inability to hold onto any kind of friendship with anyone but those who ended up at Bobby’s. Esme at least seemed like one of those…

Duke raised his eyebrows as Dean barely got his dig in, and gave Esme a look that Duke recognized all too well. Esme hit him back immediately, and Duke folded his arms over his bare chest, choosing to watch the show unfold in front of him.

Dean on the other hand was taken aback by Esme’s scolding, at his look. He too raised his eyebrows and held his hands out to his sides, ready to defend himself, when she continued. He placed his hands on his hips and shifted to one foot, glancing between Esme and Duke. 

“No of course not. I don’t want you guys fighting or anything I just know…” Dean started, and Duke shifted to his right foot, tilting his head back as if asking Dean to continue whatever potentially hurtful thing he was going to say. “I’m just making sure that we all get to know each other, with no charming or manipulation.”

“So, you think I’m manipulating her?” Duke chimed in, the disappointment written all over his face, but Dean shook his head, holding a hand out.

“I didn’t say that. Look…”

“Well that’s what it sounds like. I mean, I can talk to people, and I can get pretty close to them, I guess, but I’m straight up just tryin’ to help. No romance. No gestures…” Duke explained and Dean nodded.

“I know. I’m sorry. I’m tired. I’m tired and I’m grumpy and honestly, I think I need a break.” Dean started, as Duke chuckled and shook his head, turning his eyes down to the ground for a moment, “What?”

“You were gettin’ your alone time, and you had to come out here and check on things, because you think that if you don’t watch me, I’m gonna grab the girl and run off like a bank robber with a hostage.” 

“What? No…” Dean started, but then he couldn’t argue because that was the exact reason he had come outside. He wanted to make sure that Esme was heeding his warning and holding Duke at arms length. Walking out and seeing them all tangled up in a hug was a bit jarring. Dean sighed, “Can we start over?”

“I dunno. Ask her.” Duke smirked, and glanced over at Esme, hoping to catch her eyes so she could see the glimmer of mischief in his own. “I owe her a drink…”