[h2]Esme[/h2]
As Esme waited for Duke’s response, she moved her hand to rest on his chest, and her mind momentarily drifted back to the times they had used the bucket to get clean. She could hear his voice echoing in her mind, telling her she didn’t have to use the bucket and that he didn’t want her to get cold with how cold the water was, and then somehow, a water fight would break out between them. It caused a slight smile to tug at the corners of her mouth. She was pulled back to the present when Duke responded to her. She softly shook her head as that smile tugged at her lips a bit more. “You’re right about that.” she said softly. She nodded to his statement, then almost clung to him as she felt him pull his good hand away from her. Esme wanted to stay like this just a bit longer, and it surprised her how quickly he reacted to her shower suggestion. When the door opened and the cool night air hit her, she shivered slightly. Duke then surprised her again, before she could slide off his lap, he scooted to the side, dropped to the ground, then slid her down his body until her feet touched ground. 

Once on her feet, she wrapped an arm around him and looked up at him with a soft, loving smile. Reaching up, she placed her hand softly on his cheek. “Leave keeping your cast dry to me. As for approaching the others…. We’ll get through that together, but I’m sure they’ll be happy that you're alive and home.” she told him as she rubbed his cheek with her thumb. “Emotions were high earlier, things were said and done. If it hadn’t been you and Dean who fought, it could have easily been two of the others or even me.” Standing on her tiptoes, she pulled his head toward her and kissed his jaw softly. “And besides, if any of them have a problem and come after you, they’ll have to go through me first. I’ll kick anyone's ass who tries to lay a hand on you.” she told him matter-of-factly with a warm smile. Esme knew Duke knew she would do it too, because this wouldn’t be the first time she had done it. More than once in their past, she had stepped up and taken on fights for him. 

This point in time was no different, except for the fact that they were now a true couple, and the link between them had grown even stronger than it was back then. “I know you’d do the same for me if I were in your position.” she added, letting her gaze and hand drop to his chest. Esme opened her mouth to say more, but quickly closed it when she felt someone drawing closer to them. She smiled softly when she realized it was Anna. She turned slightly to watch her come into view. “Anna’s coming.” she told him softly. Esme slightly tightened her grip around Duke just before Anna’s face came into view. She knew Anna was glad to see them both alive and okay, but she still wasn’t sure how close Anna wanted to be to her after seeing her use magic earlier that day. “Yes, we are. A little banged up and gross, but okay nonetheless.” she responded in a warm tone. Esme wanted to go and hug her to reassure her, but she remained at Duke’s side. She wanted to leave that choice up to Anna, since she knew she had freaked her out a bit. “How are you holding up, Anna?”