[h2]Esme[/h2]
Esme’s memory dream continued to play out with the two of them sitting and talking while waiting for Dean to return with food. Time had seemed to pass by slowly that night, giving them what felt like a rare opportunity to just sit and talk without worrying about injuries or concussions. If one had a concussion, the talks were random just to make sure they didn’t fall asleep. But this night, they had a true conversation that led to them learning even more about one another. Some of what they talked about surprised them, since they swore to themselves they would never tell another soul about it. Of course, teasing followed after secrets were revealed, which only strengthened the bond they had already started to form. They had both admitted that the secrets they shared were ones that couldn’t be pulled from them unless they were drunk, which sent them both into another fit of laughter and wincing from their bruised stomachs. After calming down and collecting themselves, Duke had set down the makeshift ice pack, then grabbed his Stetson as he got out of the truck bed, and walked around to the driver’s door as he placed it on his head. Esme watched him open the door, turn the key to where the battery kicked on, then turn up the radio. 

A single eyebrow rose as she watched his movements. He rolled down the truck windows before closing the driver’s door and walking back to the tailgate. His signature charming smile rested on his lips as he held out a hand to her and asked her if she’d care for a dance as he bowed slightly. If it had been anyone other than him or Dean, she would have called them crazy and would have turned them down in a heartbeat. With a warm, soft laugh in her throat, she scooted herself to the tailgate and took his hand, accepting his offer. How could she refuse an offer like that? Plus, a good song was playing on the radio. After Duke helped her out of the truck, he took her into his arms and led her around the field. What made the moment even more memorable was they both started to sing along with the song as they danced in the field. The two of them danced to a few songs before they could hear the Impala in the distance signaling Dean was back with the food, but that didn’t stop them from continuing to dance and sing along with what was playing on the radio. The memory dream faded as Dean pulled up in the Impala, parked it next to Duke’s truck, and then got out.

In the middle of the night, Esme woke to find herself wrapped up in Duke's arms and held close to his chest, and still in the truck bed with Sarah. A tired smile graced her lips as she realized he must have tried to wake her without success. So instead of risking waking her or losing his towel, he climbed in with her. She could only imagine what played out between him and Sarah at that moment. Carefully lifting her head so she didn’t wake him, she looked at Duke and noticed his head rested on Sarah’s hip, which was a good sign to her. She then noticed he didn’t take any of the blanket for himself, causing her tired smile to grow a little. He was obviously worried she’d get cold if he did. He was just so caring, and that was one thing she loved about him. Being careful once again to not wake him, she worked some of the blanket free and draped it over his body. “There you go, Bright Eyes.” she softly whispered. Esme then planted a soft kiss on his cheek before settling back down and snuggling up as close as she could to him. She fell asleep in no time with a sigh and nuzzle, as she always did, listening to his heartbeat, his breathing, and his slight snoring with a smile on her lips.

Esme slept soundly and deeply wrapped in Duke’s arms the rest of the night and through the morning. Being outside, you would think every loud noise would have woken her, but being exhausted and sleep deprived, she was, for a lack of better words, dead to the world. She had gone into such a deep restful sleep; she didn’t hear Anna when she left. She didn’t even hear Sam that morning when he came out of his room and started pacing in front of his door.