ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ: "I didn't tell you to stop."
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SOMEWHERE BETWEEN THE STUDY AND THE DANCE FLOOR, Bela had managed to steal the hand from Dean, replacing it with a similarly-sized ship in a bottle.

All three hunters were beyond pissed.

But Venus felt something else gnawing at her—a sharp sting of disappointment. A sick thought plagued her mind: Was Bela just playing her? Had the kiss been nothing more than a distraction, a ploy to steal the hand while she let her guard down? The questions dug in, mocking her for lowering her defenses, even for a moment, around someone as slippery as Bela.

Her chest tightened, and she clenched the comb in her hand until the teeth bit into her palm. She replayed the moment in her head, looking for anything that could prove it had meant something. But the cold, logical part of her, the one trained to spot a con, argued that it was all an act—a game Bela had played well.

Heat flushed her face, a blend of irritation and self-reproach. She wasn't naive, and she wasn't the type to get swept up in just anyone's charm. But the whole thing left a bitter taste in her mouth, a reminder of just how well Bela could play people.

That morning, as she stood by the bathroom sink, combing out her hair with more aggression than finesse, Sam's voice pulled her from her spiraling thoughts. 

"So, Bela, huh?" He looked over at her with a half-smile, toothbrush in hand, clearly fishing for details.

Venus glanced at him through the mirror, her face hardening slightly. "Of course, he told you."

Sam chuckled, the foam of his toothpaste visible as he spoke. "Yeah, he did. From what he said, you two were about ready to rip each other's clothes off."

Venus rolled her eyes, her tone low and clipped. "He's so dramatic. It was just one kiss."

The bathroom fell into an awkward silence, only the sound of Sam brushing his teeth filling the air. Venus turned back to her focusing a little too hard on packing her toiletry pouch, her movements sharp and deliberate.

Sam spat into the sink, rinsed, and broke the silence with a pointed question. "Was it good?"

Venus shot him a sharp glare from the corner of her eye.

"What? It's a fair question," he raised his hands in mock surrender, grinning.

She huffed, rolling her eyes and glancing away—but her mind flickered back to that kiss, to the unexpected spark that had set her pulse racing. "Yeah," she muttered, barely audible, almost like she was confessing to herself. "It was...really good."

Her fingers tightened on the edge of the sink, feeling the echo of that thrill even as she scolded herself for letting Bela get under her skin. She knew better than to believe in anything more, but that didn't erase the heat that lingered.

Sam studied her reaction, his expression softening. "Do you...like her?"

Venus snorted, snapping herself out of it. "Like her? She stole from us, Sam. I don't make a habit of liking people who pull that kind of stunt."

"Doesn't mean you didn't enjoy the kiss." Sam's words were a gentle nudge, more observational than teasing.

Venus glared at him, her mouth opening and closing while she fumbled for a response. "Shut up," she relented, grabbing her toiletry pouch and walking out of the bathroom with Sam's laughter trailing behind.

Of course, she thought bitterly. Of course, she enjoyed it. 

As the day wore on, she kept mostly to herself, her mind circling back to the night before, to the pull she felt and the way Bela's kiss lingered more than it should have. Now, she sat at the dining table, with a book about vengeful spirits open on her lap, but the words barely registered. Her fingers absently tapped the book's spine as she vaguely listened to Dean's angry ranting. Yet her thoughts strayed back to that heat, the reckless thrill of it—and her irritation at how easily it had rattled her.

But soon, a hurried knock echoed through the house, jolting them all. "Hello? Could you open up?" Bela's frantic voice pierced the air. It was the last voice any of them wanted to hear right now.

Venus was on her feet before she even realized it, her earlier unhappiness morphing into a seething anger in record time. Without a word, she stormed toward the door. Dean and Sam stood behind her, both equally braced for confrontation.

Bela's panting face greeted them on the other side of the door, desperation written across her features—this time, there was no trace of her usual smooth, deceptive charm. "Just let me explain," she said, eyes pleading with an urgency that Venus found infuriating.

Venus' glare was heated, unwavering. Her lips curled into a sneer, her voice dropping dangerously low. "You've got some nerve showing your face here after what you pulled."

For a moment, Bela held her gaze, and Venus could see the flicker of regret in her eyes. But it wasn't enough. Not nearly enough. Bela looked away first, unable to bear the weight of Venus' fury any longer. She swallowed hard, her bravado crumbling under the intensity of the moment. "I know. But please..." her voice softened.

Reluctantly, the hunters exchanged glances before stepping back, one by one, creating space for her to enter. Venus, still brimming with anger, was the last to move aside.

Once inside, Bela slumped into the nearest chair, visibly deflated. Her eyes flickered between the three of them, but she avoided Venus' gaze like it was a punishment she couldn't face head-on.

"I sold it," Bela finally admitted, her voice flat.

The three hunters stood around her like predators circling prey, their postures rigid with frustration.

"I had a buyer lined up as soon as I knew it existed," Bela explained, all attempts at evasion or lies now stripped away.

Venus leaned against the mantle beside Sam, her eyes boring into Bela with a cold, relentless intensity. She noted how the thief deliberately avoided her stare, and a small, twisted sense of satisfaction flickered within her. At least the woman had the decency to feel ashamed, Venus thought bitterly. She clung to that small—yet hollow—victory.

Sam narrowed his eyes at the thief, arms crossed tightly over his chest. "So the reason for going to the charity ball was..."

"I needed a cover," Bela confessed, nearly pained to admit how easily she'd used them. "You were convenient."

Venus' jaw tightened, and the disgust in her tone was unmistakable as she repeated the word. "Convenient. Thought so."

Bela squeezed her eyes shut, a flicker of something like shame crossing her face. She hung her head low. "Venus—"

"You sold the hand," Venus interrupted coldly. "Go buy it back."

A heavy sigh escaped Bela, and for a moment, she looked utterly defeated. "It's halfway across the ocean. I can't get it back in time."

"In time for what? And why should I give a shit?" spat Venus.

Bela hesitated.

"What's going on with you, Bela?" Sam said. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

"I saw the ship."

Venus' eyes widened. "You what?" she exclaimed, sharing a knowing look with Sam.

Dean chuckled wryly, stepping closer to the table. "Wow...I knew you were an immoral, thieving, con-artist-bitch, but just when I thought my opinion of you couldn't get any lower..."

Bela twisted to look up at him, confusion knitting her brows. "What are you talking about?"

Venus took a seat across from her, laying out a stack of papers. "We figured out the spirit's motive." She pulled out a photo and slid it across the table. "This is the captain of the Espírito Santo. He's the one who hung our ghost...despite the fact that they were brothers. Very Cain and Abel."

"So now our spirit, he's going after a very specific kind of target," Sam leaned in. "People who've spilled their own family's blood."

Bela froze. Her eyes widened just a fraction, and guilt washed over her features, quickly overtaken by a deeper, more primal fear.

Venus caught the shift instantly—again—her brows furrowing as she took in Bela's reaction. She cleared her throat and continued, deliberately gentler. "First, there was Sheila—killed her cousin in a car accident. Then the Warren brothers, who murdered their father for the inheritance. And now, you."

"Oh my God..." Bela murmured, a raw, horrified edge to her voice.

"So, who was it, Bela? Hmm?" Dean taunted, perching over her shoulder menacingly. "Who'd you kill? Was it your little sis? Daddy, maybe?"

Venus watched the way Bela's face went slack at the word 'daddy,' how her gaze faltered and her hands, previously hidden in her lap, clenched into white-knuckled fists. The fear in her eyes was unmistakable—something visceral and old, dredged up against her will by the mention of her father.

"It's none of your business," Bela whispered, her voice barely steady.

"Right. Well have a nice life—y'know, whatever's left of it," Dean said, giving Bela's shoulder a dismissive pat before rounding the table to grab his jacket. "Sam, Venus, let's go."

Sam met Venus' gaze, already seeing the flicker of pity there. As much as she hated it, something twisted in her gut. Bela's pleading expression stirred instincts Venus knew all too well—the impulse to help, to save someone facing down death. It was second nature for a hunter, a duty she took seriously. But even beyond that, some deeper part of her wanted to help Bela, for reasons she wasn't ready to admit.

Bela rose to her feet, trying to steady herself. "You can't just leave me here," she called out, finally locking eyes with Venus.

"Watch us," Dean replied coldly, already packing up his things.

Bela's face softened, desperation breaking through her usual guarded expression. "Please," she said, her voice wavering as she looked straight at Venus. "I need your help."

Venus' lips parted, but words escaped her. The conflict in her eyes was plain—she didn't know what to say or what she should do.

"Our help?" Dean turned back, stepping closer to Bela. "Now how could a couple of serial killers possibly help you?" he sneered, throwing her own insult back at her.

Bela sighed. "Okay, that was a bit harsh, I admit it. But it doesn't warrant a death sentence."

"That's not why you're gonna die," Sam said, his voice unyielding

Venus sank back into her chair, the anger in her gaze morphing into something almost sad. "What happened, Bela?" she asked quietly, her tone laced with a genuine curiosity, maybe even concern.

Bela's heart skipped, caught off guard by Venus' sincerity. For a fleeting moment, she considered it—considered confessing the horrors that led her to this, the betrayal that carved out her path. But then Dean and Sam's judging eyes bore into her, hardening her resolve. "You wouldn't understand," she murmured, shaking her head. "No one did."

Venus sighed, watching Bela's defenses shoot back up, blocking out the vulnerability that had briefly surfaced. She could see it—the exact moment Bela chose to hide behind her walls again.

"Nevermind," Bela continued, forcing a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "I'll just do what I've always done. I'll deal with it myself." She turned for the door, her steps steady but shoulders tense.

Dean's voice cut through the silence. "You do realize you just sold the only thing that could save your life."

Bela halted mid-step, turning back with a tight expression, a flicker of annoyance barely masking the fear underneath. "I'm aware."

Sam glanced between them, then sighed, the weight of what lay ahead clear in his voice. "Well...maybe not the only thing."

Venus glanced up at the full moon above them that night, its light cutting through the thickening storm clouds—the perfect peak for a séance. She sat atop a headstone in the middle of Oak Hill Cemetery, shotgun slung over her shoulder in a familiar stance, mirroring Dean's across from her. Between them stood Bela, her arms folded tightly for warmth, a rare, nervous tension in her eyes.

Sam stood some distance away, arranging the final items for the ritual. Five candles flickering at each point of a pentagram, a bowl of bull's blood, and a carefully mixed blend of five herbs. After a final check, he stepped back, flipping open John's journal to the ritual page.

"Do you really think this is going to work?" Bela asked, glancing around the deserted graveyard.

"Almost definitely not," Dean replied, his gaze fixed ahead.

Venus shrugged. "It's all we've got right now."

A sudden clap of thunder echoed through the graveyard, making them all flinch. Clouds shifted and darkened, and rain began pouring down, fast and hard. Sam yanked up the hood of his jacket, while Venus twisted her Yankees cap forward, tugging the brim low over her face.

Dean straightened, his grip tightening on his shotgun. "Sammy, you better start reading!" he shouted over the downpour.

Sam took a deep breath and began chanting. "Aziel, Castiel, Lamisniel, Rabam—" His voice grew steadier, matching the intensity of the rising wind. The storm escalated with each word, wind lashing and rain striking harder. The candle flames guttered and went out one by one.

Bela's gaze shifted upward, wide-eyed, almost in a panic. She took a step back, instinctively attempting to escape.

Venus reached out, catching her wrist before she could move farther. "Stay close!" she called over the storm. But as she felt Bela's grip shift, Venus realized Bela wasn't just being held back—she was reaching for her. Their fingers entwined, and Venus looked over, spotting the tears running down Bela's face, undistinguished from the rain but raw in their intensity. Venus pulled her closer, giving her hand a firm, steady squeeze.

But Bela's eyes widened, locking onto something just behind Venus. "Behind you!" she screamed.

Venus whipped around, barely lifting her gun before the ghost's icy grip closed around her throat. With a sudden force, it hurled her into a nearby crypt. Dean managed to fire off a shot, but the bullet phased through uselessly. The dead man seized him next, throwing him aside like a rag doll. He landed near Venus, groaning.

Sam's gaze darted over to them, worry flaring briefly in his eyes but he soon refocused on the spell.

Meanwhile, the ghost turned toward Bela, its wrinkled, decaying hand stretching toward her cheek with a growl. Bela froze, her eyes widening as a sudden gush of water began to spill from her lips, drowning her breath in an endless stream.

Venus stumbled to her feet, shaking off the disorientation clouding her vision. Her gaze locked onto Bela, who was convulsing in terror, sputtering while water kept pouring from her mouth. Tossing her gun aside, Venus staggered forward and caught her before she crumpled to the ground, holding her with trembling hands. "Hang in there, Bela," she whispered. Venus' eyes darted to Sam. "Sam, read faster!" she shouted, panic sharpening her tone.

Sam hurried, every word and phrase leaving his rain-soaked lips in a near shout. As he neared the final words of the spell, the storm began to settle. The downpour eased to a drizzle then stopped completely.

Venus rubbed Bela's back in steady, soothing circles, her own breaths slowing while Bela's coughing fit subsided. "You're okay...you're okay," she panted, whispering more to ground them both. Bela slowly lifted her head, leaning into Venus' chest as she caught her breath, her fingers gripping Venus' arm tightly.

Then all eyes snapped up, catching sight of the captain's spirit materializing nearby. The vengeful spirit turned, meeting his brother's eyes. "You hanged me," he spat, trembling with rage.

"I'm sorry," murmured the captain's ghost, his voice filled with remorse.

The dead man seethed, stepping forward. "Your own brother."

"I'm so sor—" But the captain's apology was cut short when his brother lunged with a fierce cry, and the two spirits collided in a burst of white light, dissipating in a swirl of mist and water.

Dean finally pulled himself to his feet, hurrying over to Sam's side and watching the interaction with a mix of disbelief and lingering shock.

Venus looked down at Bela, her chest loosening in relief at the sight of her. She was alive, breathing, and safe.

Bela rose shakily to her feet with Venus' help, sniffling away the last traces of her tears.

"You're still shaking," Venus murmured, noting the tremor in Bela's hands.

Bela waved her off with a small, strained smile. "I-I'll be fine," she replied, though her voice wavered.

Venus glanced toward the boys, who were busy packing up the ritual items, before turning back to Bela. "You shouldn't drive like this. Gimme your keys, and I'll take you home."

"You don't have to," Bela said quietly, but her eyes betrayed her need for company. For the first time in ages, she truly didn't want to be alone.

"I know," Venus replied, voice softening. "But I want to. It'd be a damn shame to save you just to have you get into an accident on the way home."

Bela let out a shaky laugh, sinking deeper into her jacket. "All right. Fine." She reached into her pocket and handed Venus the keys to her Porsche.

Venus accepted them with a small smile. "Hang tight. I'll just let them know."

Bela nodded, turning toward where her car was parked

Venus headed over to the boys. "Hey," she called out once she got close. "I'm gonna drive Bela home."

Dean crouched down, tucking the used candles into Sam's bag, but froze mid-motion. "Drive her home?" he echoed, lifting a brow, suspicion flickering in his eyes.

Venus shot him a look, folding her arms. "Yeah. That's what I just said, isn't it?"

Sam glanced between them, nodding a bit hesitantly. "Okay, just...be careful."

Venus nodded. "Shouldn't be too long. I'll call you to come get me." Without waiting for a response, she turned, following Bela out of the cemetery.

Once they reached the car, Bela leaned against the passenger side, attempting a lighthearted tone. "I take it they're not thrilled."

Venus sighed, pulling her soaked cap from her head and tucking it into her jacket pocket. "Couldn't care less right now," she replied, shrugging.

Bela's lips quirked into a small smile, and she slipped into the car, letting her guard down just a little. Venus climbed into the driver's seat with a quiet sigh, feeling a strange blend of nerves and excitement.

Bela glanced over, a playful glint in her eyes. "You have driven a sports car before, haven't you?"

Venus laughed, gripping the wheel with a mixture of confidence and unease. "I mean, sort of...if you count the Impala at a buck-twenty out on the open road."

"Not quite the same," Bela deadpanned, her smile returning.

Venus reached for the ignition, searching near the right side of the wheel, her fingers fumbling awkwardly.

Bela raised an eyebrow, suppressing a laugh. "Ignition's on the left."

"Right. Left. Got it." Venus quickly made the switch, and the engine purred to life, a powerful rumble vibrating through her fingertips. Her own pulse quickened with the thrill of it, bringing a grin onto her lips. "H-Holy shit," she whispered, easing into gear.

In moments, they were speeding out of the cemetery, the car roaring down the deserted road.

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With a swipe of her keycard, Bela pushed open the door to her hotel room, stepping inside with Venus close behind.

Venus couldn't help the way her gaze darted around the room, taking in the smooth lighting, the silky bedding, and the quiet elegance of the five-star surroundings. She forced herself to look away, clearing her throat as Bela set her keys down on a small marble table near the entrance.

"Alright, well, you're home safe, so I'll just head down to the lobby and call Sam to come get me," Venus said, inching back toward the door.

Bela's voice cut through the space, stopping her just before she reached for the handle. "What's the rush?"

Venus raised a brow, glancing back. "Hmm?"

Bela's gaze flickered down to Venus' clothes, soaked through from the rain, and then to her own equally drenched attire. "You'll catch a cold if you stay in those clothes any longer," she said, her voice softening. She nodded toward the bathroom. "This room has a really nice shower."

Venus tilted her head, a hint of a smirk tugging at her lips. "Are you...inviting me to take a shower?"

"Yes...by yourself! Obviously," Bela stammered, shaking her head quickly. "Not with me, that's—that's not what I meant."

Venus couldn't help a laugh, crossing her arms as she leaned casually against the doorframe. "Right. Got it."

Bela took a breath, collecting herself. "Look, you can have a warm shower, and I'll lend you a shirt and some sweatpants," she offered, gesturing to the plush closet nearby. When Venus hesitated, Bela took a step closer, her voice almost pleading. "Please. You just saved my life—this is the least I can do."

Venus shrugged. "It was a team effort, y'know..."

Bela's mouth quirked, and she took a step back, easing further into the room. "True, but they're not here right now, so..." Her eyes flicked to Venus', an invitation in the gaze she quickly attempted to downplay.

Venus stepped fully into the room with a teasing smile. "So if they were here, you'd be offering them a free shower, too?" she asked, brow raised.

Bela narrowed her eyes, feigning indignation. "Just for that, I'll be taking the first shower," she quipped, tossing a quick, mischievous glance over her shoulder as she disappeared into the bathroom.

Venus let out a light chuckle, sinking into the chair at the small dining table, her fingers tapping absently against its polished surface. The hotel room was quiet except for the faint sound of running water, which seemed to stretch time, her mind wandering to...places she probably shouldn't let it. She pushed back the thought, shifting in her seat, but couldn't quite shake the restless energy.

After what felt like an eternity, the bathroom door opened, and Bela stepped out, steam curling around her like wisps of mist. Venus' eyes flicked up and widened slightly before she could catch herself. Bela had wrapped herself in a large sweater that grazed just above her knees, and for a split second, Venus thought she was wearing nothing else beneath it. Then she noticed a glimpse of shorts under the thick knitted fabric, though they did little to cover the length of her toned, tanned legs.

Clearing her throat, Venus quickly looked away, running a hand over her mouth.

Bela eventually walked over, holding out a folded T-shirt and sweatpants with a small, almost-knowing smile. "Towels and washcloths are under the counter. Take your time."

Venus accepted the clothes with a nod. "Thanks," she said, making a beeline for the bathroom, resisting the urge to glance back. Maybe a cold shower would've been the better option, she thought as she shut the door behind her.

When she finally emerged, she found Bela settled on the couch. "Okay, you were right," Venus said, running a towel through her damp hair. "That bathroom is awesome."

Bela looked up, ready to answer, but her eyes lingered for just a second on how the sweatpants hugged Venus' frame, catching on her hips beneath the borrowed T-shirt. Venus caught the brief pause and arched an eyebrow, but Bela quickly snapped her attention back to the phone pressed to her ear, clearing her throat.

"Yes, I'm still here," Bela stammered into the phone, her tone a touch sharper— willing herself to focus. She listened briefly, nodding at something the front desk attendant said.

Venus stayed quiet, realizing Bela had been ordering room service. She moved to where her clothes were draped over a chair to dry, reaching into her jacket pocket for her phone.

Bela turned to her. "How does Rigatoni Alla Gricia sound?" she asked, lowering the phone slightly.

Venus blinked, eyebrows raising. "Uh—what?"

"It's pasta, darling," Bela explained, the endearment sliding effortlessly from her lips.

Venus bit the inside of her cheek, fighting the warmth that came with it. "Yeah, sounds great," she said, giving her a calm thumbs-up.

Bela finished up the order, listing off dishes Venus had only heard about in movies. "Thank you so much." She set the phone back on the receiver.

Venus eyed her, slipping her phone into the pocket of her borrowed sweats. "Guess that means I'm staying for dinner?"

Bela shrugged, almost casual. "Why not? I've even got a movie queued up."

Venus looked between the large TV and Bela, feeling her stomach twist at the unexpected kindness. She wanted to relax, let herself enjoy it, but an instinct warned her not to. She remembered the museum, every slight, every deception—this could easily be another trick.

"No tricks," Bela said, as if plucking the thought from Venus' mind. "Think of it as...an apology."

Venus huffed, sinking into the far corner of the couch. "I'd consider an apology an apology."

Bela paused, her usual cool facade breaking just a little. She let out a quiet sigh. She'd known this moment would come.

"Did you kiss me because you wanted to kiss me?" Venus asked finally, more vulnerable than she meant to sound. "Or was it just to get my guard down?"

She was almost afraid of the answer, afraid it would pop the stupid bubble they'd settled into and drag her back to reality—reminding her that Bela Talbot was someone who went against nearly every moral she held close and was only capable of deception.

"At first...I did tell myself it was a distraction, yes."

Venus swallowed hard, eyes flickering away. "Then?"

"Then it wasn't. I mean...I could've found a thousand other ways to distract you. But I chose to do that...because I really just wanted an excuse to kiss you," She moved closer on the couch, just like last night. But this time, there was hesitation in her movements, a softness Venus hadn't seen before "I...I am sorry, Venus."

Venus nodded, her gaze staying focused on the space between them. She didn't know how to feel. Despite Bela's words, the hurt lingered like a dull ache in her chest. She wanted to say something, anything to erase it, but she couldn't quite form the words. Finally, she gestured to the TV. "So, what are we watching?"

Bela smiled faintly. Venus hadn't stormed out or thrown her words back in her face. It was something. There was still a chance, however small. "Happy Feet," she replied, reaching for the remote.

Venus giggled. "The penguin movie?" 

Bela's jaw dropped slightly at the sound of her laughter, a faint, unexpected warmth spreading through her. "Don't laugh! Robin Williams is a comedic treasure."

"He is," Venus agreed, grinning. "But Happy Feet's not exactly the most common mood setter."

Bela turned toward her, a smirk playing on her lips. "What kind of mood should I be setting?" she asked, her voice dipping lower.

Venus bit her bottom lip, realizing her slip. "A...Rigatoni-Alla-Garcia-eating mood!" she answered, flashing an innocent smile.

"Gricia," Bela corrected with a smug little tilt of her head.

Venus leaned in closer, watching as Bela's eyes widened ever so slightly. "Gricia," she repeated, fixing her pronunciation. Then, without missing a beat, she reached over into Bela's lap and pressed the play button, the Warner Bros signature intro jingle filling the room. Bela's breath hitched at the proximity, her thoughts lingering on the brief closeness. But just as she considered leaning in, Venus pulled back, grabbing her phone to send a text.

Bela grabbed a bottle of water from the coffee table, swallowing a large gulp, trying to steady herself.

Venus hated Happy Feet.

But it had nothing to do with the movie itself. It was the hour and forty minutes of sheer torture. She was sitting on one of the most comfortable couches she'd ever felt, next to one of the most beautiful women she'd ever seen, trying to pretend she didn't want to kiss her until neither of them could breathe. It was a battle she wasn't winning. She chewed her food slowly, as if the deliberate pace would help her focus on the flavor. She refused to glance at Bela for more than a few seconds at a time, laughing when Bela laughed—pretending to pay attention to the movie. But the truth was, the movie was a blur. All she could focus on was every little shift of Bela's body, every inch closer she came, the soft sighs and chuckles that filled the air, and the smell of her shampoo—something fresh, floral, like a meadow after a summer rain.

"So. That was great!" Bela grinned, turning to face her.

Venus nodded, glancing at her for a moment before looking back at the credits, not trusting herself to say anything.

"What was your favorite part?" 

Venus swallowed, trying to force herself to sound casual. "Oh," she cleared her throat, "uh, the part where...Hugh Jackman...was just being Hugh Jackman, y'know?" She inwardly cringed. Idiot.

Bela smirked, her eyes flicking over Venus in a way that made the tension thicker. "Right, yeah. That was a good part," she said, nodding. Then, with the same casual ease, she slid a little closer. Venus tried not to stiffen, but her body betrayed her, every nerve alight. Bela's brows furrowed slightly. "You have," she paused, her thumb grazing Venus' cheek, "an eyelash here."

Venus froze at the touch, her pulse quickening. Her skin tingled where Bela's thumb brushed against her cheek, and she hoped to hell Bela couldn't feel the heat rising in her face.

With a deft motion, Bela captured the stray lash and prepared to flick it away, but Venus moved before she could. She surged forward, clutching Bela's wrist. "Wait."

"What?" Bela's voice was laced with slight alarm, her eyes wide.

Venus smiled, amused by Bela's reaction. Then she repositioned herself, sitting cross-legged and turning to face her. She stared at the lash in Bela's hand. "You're supposed to make a wish before you throw it away."

"A wish?" Bela repeated, raising an eyebrow skeptically.

Venus paused for a moment, thinking. Then, she leaned forward and blew the lash from Bela's finger, watching it float into the air and vanish.

Bela's gaze flickered from her lips to her eyes, the briefest hesitation hanging in the air. "What was the wish?" she asked gently.

Venus leaned in closer, as if she were about to reveal a secret. "If I tell you, then it won't come true."

"Ah I see," Bela replied, holding back a sigh when Venus pulled away and returned to her previous position.

A quiet moment settled between them, with Venus' eyes caught by the colorful credits rolling across the screen. Bela's gaze, however, was focused solely on the side of her face. Venus could feel the weight of it—like Bela was holding her breath, waiting for something. But instead of expressing what she really wanted to, Bela said, "How'd you like the pasta?"

Venus' eyes flicked toward Bela, lighting up at the mention of the meal. "It was great. Definitely a nice change from the usual diner or burger joint," she said with a smile, visibly appreciative.

Bela's lips curled into a smirk. "Then I suppose this counts as me buying you dinner first, yes?"

The playful tone in Bela's voice sent a small shock through Venus, and her thoughts briefly flickered back to the 'offer' Bela had made the night before—along with that damn kiss. Her mind buzzed for a second, and she chewed on the inside of her cheek as the weight of it all settled back into her chest. She turned her attention back to the TV, trying to avoid eye contact. "Maybe it does," she murmured.

The credits rolled to a hush, a low buzz of quiet filling the room. Then, Bela's voice sliced through, low and pointed. "You're thinking too much."

Venus let out a soft laugh, meeting her eyes with a glint. "Am I?"

Bela's eyebrow arched in challenge. "You don't think you are?" 

Venus leaned forward, her smile slipping into something darker, her voice barely above a whisper. "All I've been thinking about for the past twenty-four hours is kissing you again."

That confession held in the air, thickening the quiet between them. Bela's lips parted ever so slightly, her eyes brightening with a flicker of hunger that she tried to mask with an indifferent shrug. "So," she began, "what's stopping you?"

Venus exhaled, her hands pressing against her knees to ground herself. She looked down, her voice edged with frustration. "It's complicated."

A brief shadow of understanding crossed Bela's expression, only for it to harden again, shielded by practiced detachment. Then, she reached for the remote and turned off the TV, the silence between them deepening. "Look, Venus. I'm not in love with you. And you're not in love with me," she stated, her tone cool but her eyes lingering. "We're just two people who have...chemistry. That's all it is."

Venus' heart thudded, her mind racing, but as she looked at Bela she couldn't help but let a smile tug at her lips. "And what are we supposed to do about that?" she asked, teasing—but there was a spark, a challenge there, a dare for Bela to make the next move.

Bela didn't respond right away. She let the silence stretch, watching Venus lean back into the couch, arms draped over the back—silently surrendering to the moment. Then, with deliberate slowness, Bela moved. She crawled onto Venus' lap, straddling her with a fluid motion, the heat between them palpable.

Bela leaned in just enough that Venus could feel her breath against her skin. "Well," she said, voice dropping lower, huskier, "my offer is simple. One night. No complications. Just...this"

Venus didn't even blink. Her hands slid up the sides of Bela's body, fingers grazing over the fabric of her sweater, just enough to send a shiver down both of their spines. Bela's words sank in, a promise now hanging between them, impossible to ignore. "Just this, huh?" Venus repeated, her voice thick with eagerness she hadn't felt in a while.

"Hmm," Bela murmured, her gaze darkening as her lips hovered just shy of Venus'. Instead of closing the distance, she leaned in to press a slow, heated kiss to the curve of Venus' jaw, her voice a low hum against her skin. "Let me do what he won't."

Venus' breath hitched. Her hand came up to cradle Bela's cheek, her fingers curling slightly, holding her in place. She tilted Bela's head just enough to kiss the delicate skin of her neck, her lips urgent. Her hands moved with purpose, tugging Bela closer until a soft, involuntary moan escaped from her throat.

"I suppose that's a yes?" Bela breathed out, her voice shaky from the pressure of Venus' kiss.

Venus' other hand slid down to Bela's waist, squeezing her firmly, pulling her deeper into the moment. "It's a hell yes," she muttered against her skin, her lips already on their way back to meet Bela's. But just as she leaned in to kiss her again, Venus' phone rang sharply in her pocket, the sound jarring and sudden.

"Shit," Venus hissed, her body tensing, fumbling to grab the phone. Her eyes widened when she saw Sam's name flashing on the screen. "I texted him when the movie started...told him when to come get me," she muttered, already feeling the pull of reality creeping in.

"Right," Bela sighed, the sound tinged with unmistakable disappointment. She started to shift off Venus' lap, but Venus' hand shot out, fingers digging into her hip, halting her movement.

"I didn't tell you to stop," Venus said, a sly grin returning to her lips. Her gaze flickered to the phone, her thumb hovering over the 'ignore' button, but hesitation held her there, a split second too long.

"Answer it," Bela coaxed, leaning in again, her lips trailing tenderly over Venus' jaw. The warmth of her touch dissolved whatever resolve remained.

Venus swallowed a moan, her body reacting before her mind could catch up. "You're insane," she breathed, leaning into the kiss, letting herself get lost in the feel of Bela's closeness.

Bela's lips brushed the shell of Venus' ear, her whisper turning into something more dangerous. "I'll be quiet," she promised.

A shiver ran through Venus, and she tried to steady herself. Clearing her throat she answered the call. "H-Hey 'mano."

"Hey, V. You coming down?"

Venus' heart skipped as Bela nipped at her throat, soothing the small bites with a slow glide of her tongue. Her free hand tightened around Bela's waist, the warning clear. "Not exactly...I'm a little busy right now."

"Busy? You said come ten o'clock, it's ten o'clock."

Venus bit her lip, barely managing to suppress a moan, the sharp taste of blood on her tongue. "I know, I know. Things just changed."

"Alright, well, how long do you think it'll be?"

"Thirty minutes," Venus said. But then one of Bela's hands trailed up her shirt, just past her rib cage, and started to knead against her— "AH!-A-An hour!"

A beat of silence stretched between them until Sam's voice crackled through the phone, tinged with worry. "Are you in trouble?" he asked, his tone suddenly cautious.

Venus rolled her eyes, shaking her head as if he could see her. "No, Sam. We have code words for that, remember?" she shot back, her voice sharper than she intended.

"Then what—"

"Bela's showing me some stuff, okay? Some uh...lore books she just got shipped to her from South America," she lied quickly. Bela's other hand then dipped beneath the waistband of her sweatpants. "Okay, it's getting really interesting. Gotta go, bye!"

Before Sam could respond, Venus ended the call with a quick press of a button and tossed the phone aside. Her hands gripped the hem of Bela's sweater, yanking it upwards and off her body. "Time to put your money where your mouth is, Talbot."

Bela eagerly ran her hands up Venus' chest. "Hopefully I'll be putting a lot more where my mouth is."

Venus' giggles were promptly silenced by Bela's lips on hers, the world outside forgotten.

-ˋˏ [                                                                 

                                      ~ ] ˎˊ-

Venus' chest heaved, her head sinking back into the plush hotel pillows. Her eyes flickered to Bela's naked form beside her, a satisfied smile still playing on the woman's lips, while she tried to catch her breath. 

Despite how badly her body begged her to stay, Venus pulled herself up from the bed, her eyes drifting to her clothes, now dry, draped over the back of a chair. Her gaze flicked to the alarm clock resting on the nightstand—past midnight. Shit. She couldn't afford to let this stretch out any longer. "Okay, now I really have to go."

Bela groaned, sitting up, her fingers running through her tousled hair. "That's unfortunate," she teased, her lips curling into an inviting smirk. "I was hoping for a sixth round... maybe a seventh or eighth."

Venus couldn't help but laugh, her eyes tracing Bela's every move. She leaned down to capture her lips in a brief kiss, but then Bela's hand slid up to her waist, intent on pulling her back into the warmth of the bed. So, Venus broke away, stepping back a few paces to put some space between them. She pointed at Bela as if accusing her of something. "You... you're..." she trailed off, laughing again, her eyes sparkling. Intoxicating. Dangerous. A combination she had never been able to resist, but it was also a pattern she wasn't eager to repeat.

Venus quickly crossed the room to pull her clothes on, all too aware of the way Bela's eyes lingered on her as she moved. Buckling the clasp of her bra, she turned to face her, suddenly serious. "The boys can't find out this happened, okay?"

Bela, now half-wrapped in the sheets, raised an eyebrow. "Why not? Don't tell me the oh-so-righteous Winchester brothers are homophobic."

Venus straightened her jeans and then tugged her henley on with a grin. "No, they're you-phobic."

Bela shrugged, leaning back on her arms. "Fair enough," she smirked. "Fine, I'll be your dirty little secret."

Venus zipped up her boots, the motion sharp and hurried, then tugged her cap atop her head. "Thanks," she muttered, her voice just a little too casual as she made a beeline for the door. "For your discretion and the...uh...y'know."

Bela chuckled at the sudden shift in Venus' demeanor, the awkwardness hanging in the air. "Anytime," she said with a nonchalant wave, though her fingers lingered a little longer on the sheets than they needed to, the feeling of Venus' touch still warm on her skin.

"R-Right," Venus nodded, reaching for her jacket.

Bela rose from the bed, slipping out of the sheets. She started towards the bathroom but paused, realizing Venus was frozen by the door. "Darling, do you need something?"

Yes.

Venus' eyes flicked from the curve of Bela's body to her face, her throat tightening. Something in her chest twisted, but she fought it down. "No. All good. See you around."

The door slammed softly behind her, but Bela didn't move immediately. She stayed where she was for a long moment, her fingers absently playing with the edges of the sheets, staring at the empty space Venus had left behind.

Bela let out a slow breath, her eyes scanning the room, though nothing seemed to catch her attention. It was just sex, she reminded herself. And yet, even as she thought it, she knew it wasn't that simple anymore. Venus' presence lingered in the air, and the silence in the room was far too heavy.

With a soft exhale, Bela forced herself to head toward the bathroom. But as the sound of Venus' hurried footsteps echoed down the hallway, Bela felt something settle in her chest—an ache she hadn't expected. 

The familiar weight of her own thoughts settled back in while Venus bolted away from Bela's room, moving swiftly, probably trying to avoid anything that might remind her of what had just happened. Paranoia crept up, the cold hotel lobby seemed to close in on her. She didn't stop to glance around too long—couldn't afford to.

When the hotel doors finally opened, the cool night air hit Venus, though it did little to soothe the tension still winding its way through her body. Her gaze darted across the street, landing on the familiar black outline of the Impala parked down the block. She spotted Sam through the driver's side window, head down, absorbed in a book—classic Sam.

She rounded the car quickly and slipped into the passenger seat, flashing him an apologetic grin. "Hey."

Sam closed the book slowly, turning to her with one raised brow. "One hour? Venus, that was two and a half," he said, his voice teetering between frustration and disbelief.

"I know. I'm sorry," Venus sighed, her tone almost sheepish but not quite remorseful.

Sam gestured toward the hotel in front of them. "What the hell kind of reading were you doing in there?"

Venus blinked. "Reading?"

Sam stared at her, unimpressed.

"Reading! Yes!" Venus chuckled, but the laugh felt a little too bright, almost forced. She tried to steer her mind back to the lie. "It was very informative, I learned about this thing from Argentina—"

"Oh, just drop it," Sam cut in, shaking his head. "I know you two were having sex."

Venus' smile faltered. "Hmm? We didn't—"

Sam pinched the bridge of his nose with a sigh. "Venus, I heard her kissing you on your—wherever she was kissing you— through the phone."

Venus blinked, caught off guard for half a second before a smirk crept across her lips. "So you heard that, huh?"

Sam shook his head, looking thoroughly disgusted, as if trying to physically shake the memory loose.

Venus pressed a hand to her mouth, trying—and failing—to suppress the grin threatening to take over. Finally, she burst into laughter, her excitement bubbling over. "I mean, dude—imagine the hottest girl ever, but a hundred times hotter because she's basically a vagenius," she said, her hands flying in wild gestures to emphasize her point.

Sam raised an eyebrow, his earlier frustration melting into reluctant amusement. "A what?" he asked, laughing despite himself.

Venus leaned toward him, her grin wide. "I mean, she did things, 'mano...the kind of things I read about or that you and Dean watch on those filthy websites," she teased, wagging her eyebrows for extra effect.

Sam groaned, rolling his eyes, but his laugh broke through anyway. "That good, huh?"

Venus grabbed his shoulder, giving it a shake like she needed him to feel her excitement. "That-freakin'-good, man!" she exclaimed.

Sam chuckled, his expression softening as her energy settled. For the first time in what felt like forever, she looked genuinely...light.

"What?" Venus asked, catching the quiet smile tugging at his lips.

"Nothing," Sam said, shrugging once his laughter faded. "It's just...you're happy. I haven't seen you like this in a while."

Venus glanced down at her lap, the grin on her face shifting into something warmer, more thoughtful. "I guess I am," she said faintly, the words almost surprising her. Then her grin turned mischievous, and she looked back at Sam. "That's just the power of good p—"

Sam twisted the key in the ignition, bringing the Impala to a low rumble in time to cut her off. "Alright, that's enough!"

Venus laughed, leaning back in her seat as the car rolled into motion.

-ˋˏ [

~ ] ˎˊ-

"You should learn to lock your doors, anyone could just barge in."

Venus turned at the sound of that familiar British accent, halting her rummaging through her bag. "Anyone just did," she shot back.

Bela smirked, her eyes lingering even when Venus turned away.

"Did you come to say goodbye or thank you?" Sam chimed in from behind Venus, looking up from where he was folding his clothes.

Bela reached into the handbag hanging from her shoulders. "I've come to settle affairs," she answered, pulling out three neat stacks of cash. "Giving the spirit what he really wanted—his brother. Very clever, Sam." She then tossed a stack his way. "So here."

Sam caught it awkwardly, glancing at the money with raised brows.

Bela's hand moved smoothly, tossing another stack behind him to Dean, who caught it midair with a skeptical look. Finally, she flicked the last stack toward Venus.

Venus' face lit up when she spotted her phone tucked beneath the money band. She grabbed it eagerly, relief flooding her features. "Thank you," she mouthed silently, glancing up to find Bela already watching her.

"It's ten thousand," Bela eventually added, addressing them all. "That should cover it."

Venus thumbed through her stack quickly, her brow furrowing once she glanced at the boys' bundles. Theirs looked noticeably slimmer than hers.

"I don't like being in anyone's debt," Bela said smoothly, as though that explained everything.

Dean snorted, flipping through his own stack. "So ponying up ten grand is easier for you than a simple 'thank you'?"

Bela's shoulders lifted in an elegant shrug.

Venus scoffed, shaking her head. "You're so damaged."

Bela's lips curved into a smile. "Takes one to know one," she quipped, sending Venus a wink.

Venus smiled, but quickly caught the look Sam shot her. She cleared her throat, schooling her expression.

"Goodbye, lads," Bela announced, turning on her heel toward the front door, her heels clicking with purpose.

The hunters watched her leave, each lost in their own thoughts. Dean shook his head, muttering something under his breath as he eyed his cash. Sam frowned at the stack in his hand, while Venus' eyes lingered on the now-empty doorway, her thoughts clearly elsewhere.

With a sigh, she slipped her stack into her duffel bag and hurried out the door.

"Hey!" Venus called out, catching Bela just as she reached her car.

Bela paused, glancing back with a knowing smile. "No need for more 'thank you's."

Venus strode closer, her tone light but her expression curious. "I don't know if you noticed but my stack's a little bigger than the boys'."

"I did notice," Bela smirked, shifting to lean against her car.

Venus tilted her head, a teasing edge creeping into her voice. "Is it for last night? 'Cause if so, I'm pretty sure prostitution's illegal in like...nearly all fifty states."

Bela chuckled, taking a few steps closer to her. "If I had to put a price on what happened last night it would be a lot more than fifteen thousand dollars."

Venus raised a brow, but the faintest smile rested on her lips. "Thanks...I think?"

Bela's smirk softened, just slightly. "Keep it," she said, her tone sincere beneath the usual teasing cadence. "You've earned it. And maybe—just maybe—splurge on some pasta every once in a while instead of burgers, yeah?"

Venus grinned, looking away as warmth crept up her neck. "Yeah okay."

Bela reached into her coat pocket and pulled out a pair of sunglasses, sliding them onto her face. "Well this was fun," she chirped, throwing a glance over Venus' shoulder toward the window, where Sam and Dean's faces were partially visible behind the curtain. "We should do this again sometime."

"What the whole you-almost-dying-and-me-having-to-save-your-ass thing?" Venus smirked.

"That," Bela agreed with a sly nod. "And also this."

She stepped forward, closing the space between them in one smooth motion, and pressed her lips softly to Venus'. The kiss was brief but just heated enough to send her intended message. Pulling back, Bela grinned—catching the stunned expression on Venus' face.

But before Bela could fully retreat, Venus reached out, grabbing her arm to stop her. With a confident tug, she pulled Bela back in, their lips meeting again in a kiss far deeper than the first. Venus' hand slid up to cradle Bela's face, guiding the movements with an urgency that made the kiss linger.

When Bela finally pulled away, her laugh was breathless. "Always gotta have the last word, don't you?"

Venus smirked, her fingers slipping away from Bela's face. "Hmm mhm," she hummed in agreement, then spun on her heels to head back to the house. "Later, Bela," she called over her shoulder, tossing a peace sign without looking back.

Bela stood there for a moment, visibly amused, before slipping into her car and driving off.

Venus stepped back inside the house, her confidence intact as she made her way to her bag. She resumed packing with practiced nonchalance, though her pulse was still thrumming with adrenaline.

She didn't have to look up to know both Sam and Dean were watching her.

Dean cleared his throat, moving to lean on the table where she stood. "You and Bela find anything interesting last night?"

Venus' head snapped up, her wide eyes betraying a flicker of panic before she forced her features into a mask of indifference. "What?"

"In your reading," Dean added smoothly, his voice light but the edge in his tone unmistakable. His gaze held hers, the glint of something sharper—something closer to anger—hidden beneath the surface.

Venus reached over to where Sam stood nearby and punched his shoulder. "Chismoso," she hissed under her breath.

"Ow," Sam groaned, rubbing his arm and scampering away.

Venus turned back to Dean, her expression carefully neutral. "Yeah, we read up some South American lore," she said flatly, keeping her answer short.

Dean nodded slowly, his lips curving into a faint, knowing smile. "Hmm. See I don't usually kiss the people I do research with, though..." He let the sentence hang, his gaze sharp.

Venus' left eye twitched, her patience wearing thin. "Well, who I'm kissing in my spare time isn't your problem, Dean."

"Whoa, who said anything about a problem!" Dean shot back, throwing his hands up in exaggerated surrender. "I'm happy for you! Bela's hot," he said, forcing a smirk onto his lips.

Venus scoffed, crossing her arms. "Right."

Dean's smirk widened, though it didn't reach his eyes. "It's a shame, though," he went on, gesturing to himself with a dramatic sweep of his hands. "She passed up on this prime real estate."

Venus rolled her eyes but fired back without missing a beat. "See, there's this group of people—they're called lesbians—they don't usually buy the kind of real estate you're selling." Her grin was mocking, but triumphant.

Sam burst out laughing behind them, quickly covering it with a cough when Dean shot him a glare. He then stepped closer, gesturing to the stack of cash in Dean's hands. "Y'know, we don't even know where this money's been."

Dean's mood shifted instantly, his grin turning genuine as he held up the cash like a trophy. "No, but I know where it's going," he turned to his bags with a gleam in his eyes. "Atlantic City, baby!"

-ˋˏ [

] ˎˊ-

Dean had somehow managed to lose half his money during their night out in Atlantic City.

Venus, on the other hand, had doubled hers—a fact she was all too happy to gloat about.

The hunters were now holed up in a motel just outside Jersey, taking their usual breather between cases. At least, that's what Sam and Dean were doing.

Venus, however, was in her room, bent over her laptop and rifling through the pages of yet another lore book.

Rest was the last thing on her mind.

And, as it turned out, the last thing on Dean's mind too.

He couldn't shake the weight pressing on his chest. The image of Venus and Bela had been stuck on a loop in his head since Massachusetts—Venus pulling Bela in for that kiss, the way she smiled after. He told himself it wasn't his business anymore. He wasn't supposed to care.

But here he was, standing outside her motel room, pulse thrumming as he shifted from foot to foot.

Dean knocked twice, the sound loud in the quiet corridor. He drew a slow breath, trying to settle the nervous energy in his gut.

The door cracked open a moment later, just enough for Venus to lean against the frame. She gripped the edge of the door with one hand, her expression cool and detached. "What do you want, Dean?"

Her tone was sharp, a warning in itself. But Dean barely registered it. His throat tightened as he took her in—wearing a loose-fitting black tee and tiny shorts, her hair messily swept into a high bun—

Oh shit. That's my shirt. She's wearing my shirt. Fuckfuckfuckfuck—

His gaze dragged down, catching on the familiar fabric before snapping back to her face. But something else snagged his attention—those black round frames perched on her nose.

"Glasses?" The word slipped out before he could stop himself. It threw him off—almost as much as seeing her in his shirt did. A stupid t-shirt he used to wear inside his flannels. He had about six more like it.

Venus blinked, clearly forgetting she had them on. "They're blue light glasses." At his blank expression, she sighed. "For when I use the computer. Sam bought them and threatened to hide Sylvia if I didn't wear them."

Dean swallowed, still staring. Shit, why's this hitting him so hard? "Right..."

The air between them thickened with the weight of the past few months—cold silence, distance, and now this. He could feel her pushing him away, and it grated against every instinct he had. You wanted this, remember? he reminded himself. You wanted her to move on.

But now, standing in front of her, his resolve felt like it was crumbling fast.

Venus glanced back at the open laptop and the papers scattered on the bed, her lips pressing into a thin line. "I'm working, Dean," she said, a sharper edge creeping back into her voice, like she was trying to shut down whatever this moment was before it even began.

Dean cleared his throat, willing himself to get it together. You were here to talk. Just talk.

"I know," he shook his head, trying to clear the fog clouding his thoughts. "I just...I wanted to talk."

"About what?"

Dean's eyes darted down the empty motel hallway, suddenly feeling exposed. "Can I come in?"

For a moment, Venus just stared at him, her gaze hard and unreadable. Then, after a beat, she stepped back, opening the door fully, letting him inside.

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A/N: Hello beautiful gay people in my phoneeee did you enjoy yourselves??
(I did!)

I wonder what's gonna happen in Venus' motel room :)

Anywhooo, I've been out of the country for a bit so updates might be slow for the next few weeks—well, they've already been slow but you get the point...

Happy reading pookies!  🫶🏽

Translations:
Chismoso -  Gossip/blabbermouth etc.

Lovely GIF banner up above made by the incredibly talented prodigybitxhhh

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