The Lightning Strike Chapter 5

[hezio2]

*smut warning*

Dean shook his head as if to clear those words from his mind. "What? No way. You did not kill anybody."

"Yes, I did, Dean," Buffy said quietly. "I remember it clearly. I killed a man; a guy I was in love with." She looked into Dean's eyes. "That's why I ran away. That's why I'm leaving now, before I hurt you."

Dean could only stare at her as her unbelievable admission washed over him. When she took another step to leave, he grabbed her arm. "No, whoa, slow down. Tell me everything you remember. There has to be some explanation. You are not a killer." He led her to the small couch, having her sit next to him. "Close your eyes and remember every detail you can."

Buffy sighed again but did what he asked. "There was this guy. He was tall and good looking, and he said he loved me. And I knew I loved him, too. But then, I knew I had to kill him." She closed her eyes as she quietly confessed, "I stabbed him."

When she finished, Dean scrubbed a hand over his face as he took a minute to think. This couldn't be right; Buffy couldn't be a killer.

Frantically, he began to ask questions, hoping for some kind of logical explanation. "Why did you stab him? What did he do? Come on, Buffy, what else do you remember? What was the guy's name? What did he look like? You said tall. Was he tall like me? Taller?"

"I don't remember his name, but yes, he was tall like you. I, I don't know why I stabbed him, but I know I had to."

Dean stood up and dragged her up after him. "So, a guy my size? Were you fighting?"

"I don't know. I think so. Yes, we were fighting, not arguing, but actual fighting. But, then he changed?" she replied, her confusion evident. "I don't know, but suddenly he was different. He said he loved me and we kissed and the next thing I know, I'm killing him." Buffy felt anxiety rising within her.

"Okay," Dean said softly as he rubbed her arms, trying to calm her. "You were fighting, but there's no way a guy my size wouldn't be able to defend himself against you. He would have batted the knife away. Even if you surprised him, I doubt you're strong enough for a fatal - "

"It wasn't a knife. I had a sword. I ran him through with a sword."

Dean froze as his mind caught up to what she said. He struggled to keep a smile from his face. "A sword?"

She nodded and Dean almost laughed as his concern faded. "Buffy, come on, that had to be a dream, not a memory." She opened her mouth to protest, but Dean pulled her back down onto the couch. "Babe, think about it, people don't go around with swords anymore. It's not the middle ages."

"I know it doesn't make sense, Dean, but it happened. I know it was real."

"Buffy, do you remember anything else about the guy? His name? Where were you when you had this deadly sword fight?"

"I told you, I don't know his name," she whined impatiently. "And I don't know where we were. But, it was like a castle or something," she added, her voice drifting off as she realized what she was saying.

Dean couldn't help himself, he smirked. "A castle, really?"

Buffy hung her head in embarrassment, but smiled shyly. "It seemed so real."

Pulling her into a hug, Dean chuckled as he rubbed her back. "It must have for you to want to run away in the middle of the night." He kissed the top of her head. "Maybe the guy is someone from your past. But remember, Dr. Phil said all the stuff in dreams means something else." Buffy nodded against his chest, relaxing in his embrace. "You want to see if he can see you tomorrow, so you can ask him about it?"

"No," she said, pulling back. "I just want to go back to bed."

Dean smiled and slipped the bag from her shoulder as he stood. "Sounds good. Of course, this means along with the no horror films, no more Princess Bride." He took her hand to help her up. "I'll join you in a second. First, I'm going to clear the room of all swords and maces, you know, just in case." Buffy slapped his arm. "What? I don't want you going medieval on me in my sleep."

"Not funny, Dean," she scolded over her laugh. She undressed and they crawled into bed together.

When she rested her head on his chest, Dean yawned, "We'll figure it out in the morning, I promise."

Buffy held him a little tighter, kissed his chest, snuggled close and whispered, "Love you, Dean."

Dean's eyes shot open, his breathing stopped. Why did she say that? She can't mean that. Why did she have to be such a girl and ruin everything?

In the morning, Dean convinced Buffy they should go to the library. He remembered his brother doing a paper about dreams. He hoped they could find some of the same information and use it figure out her dreams. Before leaving the room, he called Sam again. When it went to voice mail, Dean slammed the receiver down. "What the hell, Sam, answer your damn phone!"

Taken aback by his outburst, Buffy tried to reassure him. "Maybe he didn't recognize the number, so he didn't pick up."

"Yeah, maybe. Or maybe he's mad at me, too."

Buffy ran her fingers through his hair to comfort him. "Why would Sam be mad at you?"

"Who knows," Dean complained. "It's just how my family works. Sam and Dad get mad at each other, but somehow it ends up with both of them mad at me. I should be used to it." He gave her a half smirk. "I checked in with my dad when I got back, but he hasn't called either." Buffy seemed about to say something, but Dean stood up. "Come on. Let's get to the library and do some research." He winced. "I can't believe I just said that. I hate research."

#*#*#*#

Together, they gathered several books on dream interpretation. Buffy wrote down images in her dreams, and they looked up the meaning of each in the books.

Through her research, Buffy discovered the girl she had been dreaming about was probably her sister. She dreamed about the girl frequently, and felt such a strong bond with the girl, a sister was the only explanation she could accept.

They looked up killing monsters and killing people, wielding swords and even the meaning of castles. When they were done, they did their best to analyze Buffy's dreams. The most logical answer was that she lost her temper when the guy in her dream stopped her from achieving a goal. They were competing for something that had been very important to Buffy, and she had to prove she was better than he was.

This interpretation made Buffy feel better. She hadn't killed anybody. She knew she was competitive, the card game taught her that, so it made sense that she'd want to better the man in her dream. She couldn't believe she had nearly run away in the night over a silly dream.

Dean suggested that since the sword was a phallic symbol, she probably just wanted to control the guy in bed. After all, he reminded her, she did say they kissed and then she 'ran him through with the sword'. "You're probably just repressing your inner freak," he teased.

Not amused, Buffy said, "Oh, I'll repress, I'll repress so much you don't get any for a week."

"Woman, please, that would hurt you as much as it would hurt me." He slung his arm around her as they walked to the car.

When they got back to the Bluebird, the Lee children and their friends were playing kickball in the parking lot, forcing Dean to park in the back. They watched the kids play for a while and cheered on the Lee kids when it was their turn to kick.

Seemingly out of nowhere, Dean said, "I don't know about you, but I need to do a laundry run."

Buffy nodded, "Totally with you on the laundry patrol."

Dean tossed her the Impala keys. "I've got a big duffel bag in the trunk. Why don't you grab it, we can stuff all the dirty clothes in there and use the packs in the room for the clean stuff. I'll ask at the office for the nearest laundromat."

"'kay."

#*#*#*#

At the Impala, Buffy grabbed the duffel, but didn't get far. The strap was caught in what seemed like the spare tire well. She tugged a few times, until she saw a hidden release. When she clicked the latch open, the Impala's false trunk bottom sprung up. Buffy pulled the strap free, but when she went to close the latch, it wouldn't stay shut. The strap had dislodged something and now it was blocking the catch. She lifted the false bottom completely and sucked in a breath. "What the hell?"

Buffy felt her adrenaline kick in. Scanning the trunk's inventory, she grabbed a silver dagger to examine the inscription. What is all this stuff? She thought to herself. Maybe Dean isn't the guy I thought he was. Maybe he is some kind of psycho killer. Buffy twirled the dagger absentmindedly as she examined the items before her.

"Buffy?" Dean's voice interrupted her thoughts. Buffy turned and knocked Dean to the dirt with a quick punch to his solar plexus. She spun the dagger to get a proper grip before she stood defensively before him.

"Buffy?" Dean coughed, from his spot in the dust.

"Who are you? What is all this stuff?" She pointed to trunk. Her voice was quiet, but threatening. "Guns, daggers, Holy Water, Latin spell books, machetes, rosaries?" Buffy moved menacingly closer and raised the blade slightly. "Who are you? What are you?" she demanded.

Dean's mouth fell open as she talked. He looked up at her, his face the picture of shock. "Holy shit. Buffy, are you a hunter?"

Buffy glared at him. "Dean, don't turn this around onto me. I asked you a question." She saw he was beginning to get up and she kicked his leg out from under him, sending him falling backwards into the dirt. "Who are you?" she demanded again.

"Whoa, hey, Buffy. I can explain," Dean replied in what he hoped was a calm and reassuring tone.

"Good. Make with the explainy." She circled in front of him twirling the dagger again.

Dean held up his hands in a sign of surrender. "I'm a hunter." he spoke slowly. "And, from how you're acting, I think you are, too."

Buffy narrowed her eyes. "A hunter, with silver bullets? Kinda expensive for your average jack-a-lope. Try again."

Dean began to smile in awe of the change in his sweet little Buffy. "We don't hunt jack-a-lope, Buffy. If you let me up, I'll explain."

"No." She stepped closer, threatening to kick him down if he tried to move again. "You can tell me from there," she countered with a cold voice and a firm grip on the dagger.

He looked around, making sure none of the Lee family was within hearing distance. "I'd rather we talked back in our room."

"I'd rather we talked right here. Unless you want me to show you what I can do with Mr. Pointy here." Buffy kept her expression stern, but wondered why she had said that.

Dean stared at her, trying to determine if she was serious and if he could take her down without hurting her. Buffy seemed to sense what he was thinking and moved between him and the trunk full of weapons.

Having no other choice, Dean explained quietly. "We hunt the paranormal, stuff like ghosts and demons."

"Demons?" she snorted and took a step back. Her eyes darted around before focusing on Dean again. "Great, you're a whack job. I've been living with a frickin' whack job."

"No. Just think about it." Dean said calmly, but a little louder. "You recognized the weapons in my trunk. Look at how you're holding that blade. And," he continued, rubbing his chest, "that was one hell of a punch."

He made an attempt to get up but stopped and held up his hands in surrender. "Can I get up?"

Buffy nodded, but took a step back in precaution.

"Thanks," Dean said as pushed himself up and stepped away from her. "I can't believe I didn't think of it earlier. It makes perfect sense." He dusted himself off, being sure to stay far enough away from her to keep her comfortable.

"Sense? No. This makes no kind of sense, Dean. Demon hunters? I don't think so," Buffy said hurriedly, then wrapped her arms around herself.

"I know you think it sounds completely bat shit crazy, Buffy, but it explains why no one is looking for you," Dean began. "A demon could have done this to you. Hunters usually work solo, or maybe with one other person. If you have a partner, the demon may have made them think you're dead."

Buffy stared at him for a beat, then shook her head. "No. You," she pointed at him with the dagger, "are a certifiable nut job. You need to see Dr. Phil." Dean sighed, but Buffy continued, "I'm going to call Jeanine and see if she can come get me so I can get away from you for a while. But, I want you out of our room by the time I get back." She tossed the dagger away from them and hurried back to their room.

Dean watched her leave and sighed. He picked up his silver dagger, replaced it in the trunk, shut the lid, and leaned against his car. He knew he was right. It was so clear to him, he wondered how he could prove it to her. Who could he call to see if there was a cute blond demon hunter who'd gone missing?

The one thing he did know was that he had to help Buffy. If a demon had done this to her, she was probably still in danger.

Buffy sat on her bed, her thoughts racing. Why would Dean say something like that? Ghosts? Demons? The images from her dreams replayed in her head. Those things with the fangs and the yellow eyes. Almost every night she would dream about fighting them. Was she supposed to think all of that was real?

Dean entered the room and quietly shut the door. "Buffy, you've got to know I wouldn't lie to you."

"Dean, leave me alone."

"Please, just hear me out," he begged.

"Why? So you can tell me ghosts and goblins are real?" Buffy suddenly realized he had her trapped. She glanced into the kitchen hoping to see something she could use as a weapon if she needed one.

"No," Dean paused and studied her. "But you just scanned the room for exits and something you could use for a weapon."

Buffy was stunned. "How did you know that?"

"Because that is what we are trained to do," he replied calmly, stepping back to allow her to get to the door if that was what she wanted. "I haven't done anything to hurt you, why do you think I'm going to hurt you now?" he demanded.

"Because, now, I know who you are," she replied hesitantly as she inched closer to a kitchen chair.

"Buffy, I would never hurt you." Buffy didn't look convinced, but he continued, "Maybe the doc was right. Maybe you saw something really bad that made you take off and now you're blocking that memory. I've seen," Dean paused, not really sure he wanted to tell her more about himself and his family's past. "I've seen some unbelievably horrible shit doing this job with my dad. I've seen people being torn apart by demons. I've seen stuff way worse than those horror movies we watched."

"So, you're trying to say monsters are real," she said as if she was convincing herself. "Fine, prove it."

"Sorry, I don't know how to prove it to you, but, yeah, the stuff of nightmares is real."

"Those things in my dreams," she looked at Dean with growing concern in her eyes. "The things with the teeth and the yellow eyes? They're real?"

"Maybe, probably."

"What are they then?" she challenged.

Dean took a moment to think, worried what his answer would mean to her. "When I was four years old, a demon with yellow eyes went after my brother and killed my mom. It's why my dad became a hunter."

Buffy studied Dean's open face. He wasn't lying; he looked worried, but not deceitful. She covered her face with her hand as she sank onto the bed. "Oh my god."

Dean sat on the other bed, just watching her come to terms with her new reality.

"Dean?" Her eyes now had the look of panic. "If those things are real, that means I killed that guy from my dream."

"No." His reply was spoken like he knew it to be true.

"Yes, I did, Dean. The dream was so clear, I - "

"No, Buffy, there has to be more that you don't remember. You didn't just kill somebody for no reason. You are not a killer." He could see that she wasn't believing him, so he said, "What if he was possessed? Maybe he was your partner or your boyfriend, but he became possessed and you had no choice."

Buffy nodded as she considered his words, but she wasn't reassured.

"Maybe he did something really horrible. Maybe he hurt your sister or, I don't know, he must have done something bad enough that you had no choice but to kill him. If it was you against him, life or death." Dean reached across the gap between their beds and took her hand. "I know a guy, he's like family to me. He became a hunter because his wife was possessed and he was forced to kill her."

In the six weeks since he found her in the storm, he had never seen Buffy look so demoralized, so broken. Dean felt like he was crumbling, too.

"That's why you found me in the road. I killed my husband or my boyfriend or whoever that guy was and couldn't deal." She pulled her hand free of his and began to pace.

"You don't know that for sure," Dean tried to reassure her. "Sam left because he wanted a normal life. Maybe you did the same."

"Oh my god, Dean, my sister! I left my sister out there somewhere. She's all alone and those things, Dean, those things are everywhere," her voice shook with overwhelming fear.

In the next instant, Dean was wrapping his arms around her. "We'll find her. She'll be okay. Everything will be okay."

"You don't know that," Buffy breathed into his chest, though she found herself slowly calming in his embrace.

"Yeah, I do." he kissed the top of her head. "I'm not going to let anything happen to you and you aren't going to let anything happen to her." Before Buffy could say anything to the contrary, he added, "We'll find her, and we can ask my dad for help. And if he won't help, I know someone who will."

Buffy nodded and pulled away. She wanted to take the comfort Dean was offering, but part of her was afraid of who she once was.

Buffy hadn't been the same since she discovered the truth about Dean and those things that go bump in the night. She retreated into a shell and even called in sick to the Owl's Nest. Dean gave her space, but continued his concerned vigilence.

#*#*#*#

In the morning, Dean called his father from the motel phone. Again, he wasn't surprised his dad didn't answer. "Dad, it's Dean. I'm leaving Texas today so my phone should be working again. Call and let me know you're okay. I'm thinking about heading up to Singer's. I think I've got a job for us."

Buffy watched Dean pack and make his call, but wasn't motivated to do anything herself.

#*#*#*#

Once he was ready to leave, Dean became worried. "Buffy, maybe you should stay here. You kind of have a life here. I'll leave like you wanted. If I find out anything, I'll call."

Buffy didn't reply, she simply stared at her sweater draped over the chair.

He put his bag down and sat across from her. "I know how you feel. You know you're a hunter now, but it isn't exactly good news. Sam took it the same way when he found out what our family did." Dean sighed. For as close as they had gotten over the past weeks, this wasn't how he expected it to end.

"I'm not from here," Buffy mumbled when Dean was at the door. "I have to go with you," she said with surprising conviction. "I'll be ready in two minutes."

Dean blinked at her sudden change, but smiled a little none the less.

It had taken several hundred miles, but Dean's cell phone suddenly sounded like a Las Vegas slot machine as it gained reception. Buffy started, but Dean laughed as he pulled over and eagerly grabbed it. There were dozens of missed calls, though only a few voice mails.

Dean scrolled through the numbers. His dad had called twice, one of the calls taking place at two in the morning. Drunk dialing, Dean decided. Most of the other calls were his brother. Dean dialed his voice mail and sat back to listen.

"Hey, Dean," Sam's message began. "I can't believe I'm still calling. I just keep hoping you'll pick up, you know? I miss you, man. I wish you were here. I," Sam's voice cracked and Dean swore it sounded like the kid was crying. "I'm sorry for how I left. I should have tried harder with Dad. I should have listened to you." Sam's message fell silent, then Dean heard a quiet, "I'm sorry, Dean."

The next message was Sam again. This time, he didn't sound as pathetic. "Dean, I hope wherever you are, you're having a great time. Of course you are, you always found a way to have fun. Remember that time in Wyoming when you turned our room into a giant blanket fort because it was too cold for me to play outside? That was awesome, man. I don't know if I ever thanked you for that, but, dude, I loved that. I should have told you that more often. You were an awesome brother. I really miss you, Dean."

Dean rolled his eyes. "It's official. College has turned my brother into a girl." He put away his phone and pulled back onto the road. "He called just to say he missed me."

"Aw, that's sweet. Do you want to go visit him?"

Dean cocked a brow at her. "Don't you think we should figure out your deal, first?"

"Dean, he's your brother! My sitch can wait. What's a few more days, given that I've spent the last two months not knowing?" Buffy replied with genuine affection in her voice.

Dean shook his head. "Sam's fine. I'll call him when we stop for the night."

Buffy's offer brought a change of attitude in Dean. He slowed his rush to Bobby Singer's.

As they drove through Kansas, Buffy could no longer ignore the questions stirring within her. She thought she'd start with an obvious one. "So, hunting. You and your dad, you're hunters not detectives."

Dean turned down the music. "Yeah. We do have to do some detective work, figure out what we're up against. But, no, we're not actual detectives."

"How do you do that? Find a case and figure out what you're hunting?"

"Well, uh, my dad's the expert, but we look for freaky accidents and unexplained deaths and then see if they had a supernatural cause."

"And all those weapons, all that stuff in the trunk, you use that to kill things."

Dean worried that his answer would upset her, but thought he should be honest. "Yeah, but these things are evil sons of bitches that need to be killed. We're not just killing for the sake of killing."

Buffy nodded. "Like what kind of things? What have you killed?"

Dean shrugged. "Mostly, I'm salting and burning spirits. But I did put down a werewolf when I was sixteen."

Buffy's eyes widened in surprised awe. "A werewolf? Werewolves are real?"

"Yeah. Like I said, most monsters are real."

"Do you know what those things are I'm dreaming about? The things with the teeth? Could they be vampires?" Buffy asked not believing they could be having such a bizarre conversation.

"I've never seen a real vampire; I don't think they exist, but who knows. The things might be Vetala. My dad would know for sure. Or Bobby would. Bobby's the guy we're going to see. He's really smart, has books about everything." Dean hoped taking Buffy to Bobby Singer would help them find answers and make Buffy feel better. Dean wanted his smiling, laughing Buffy back. He hadn't seen her smile since she found the weapons in the trunk.

Dean knocked on the door and turned to Buffy. "Bobby'll have the answers, babe, don't worry. Bobby knows everything."

"Keep your pants on, I'm comin'," Bobby grumbled and pulled open the door. He stared at Dean in shock, his mouth falling open to barely whisper, "Dean?"

"Hey, Uncle Bobby. I know you weren't expecting me."

Bobby shook his head in surprise.

Dean turned and wrapped his arm around Buffy as she appeared beside him. "This is my friend, Buffy. I'm helping her get back home, and I'm hoping you could help us with something."

Buffy smiled weakly at the stunned man. "Hi."

Bobby stood there blinking. He couldn't believe his eyes. "Dean."

The repeat of his name made Dean roll his eyes. "Looks like someone's been hitting the liquor cabinet a little early. Bobby, are you going to let us in?" He leaned close to Bobby and lowered his voice. "Come on, man. I told her you'd be cool and help."

Bobby shook himself and stepped back. "Yeah, yeah, of course, come on in."

Dean took Buffy's hand and led her into the dusty living room. Bobby rushed to clear some papers from his coffee table and Dean and Buffy sat.

"So, how did you two find each other?" Bobby asked, hoping to get Dean to begin again.

"I guess I should start at the beginning." He scrubbed a hand over his hair as he thought. "Right after the blow up over Sam going to school, I was driving through Texas. I came across Buffy here, laying in the road, unconscious. I took her to the hospital and it turns out she sort of has amnesia. She knows her name, but not much else."

Bobby looked back and forth between them. "Wouldn't seeing a doctor be the -"

"There's no medical reason for my condition," Buffy said with a glance to Dean. "Dean thinks he knows a better reason I may not remember my life."

"I think she's a hunter."

"What?" Bobby nearly laughed. The girl was tiny, a hunter? No way.

"Bobby, I'm serious. You should see her handling a weapon."

"And I've had these dreams where I'm fighting these things. I don't know what they are, but they're not human."

"I was thinking, couldn't a demon do this to her? Make her forget who she is and leave her in the middle of nowhere?"

Bobby could tell from their expressions that Dean and Buffy were serious, so he nodded. "I reckon one could. What exactly do you need my help with?"

"Do you know of any hunters that have gone missing? I think maybe a demon made her family forget her, or think she was dead or something."

Bobby pushed back his hat and scrubbed a hand over his face. "Well, it's not like there's a hunters' union or anything for me to check. But I can make some calls, see if anyone knows of a hunter matching your description."

Dean's face broke into a grin. "Told ya Bobby would help," he said, squeezing Buffy's hand.

"Thank you," Buffy said modestly.

"Yeah, thanks, Bobby."

"No problem kids. Miss, do you remember anything else? Where you were, if you have a partner? Anything I can use to narrow my search a little?"

Buffy thought for a moment. "I think I have a sister. And, maybe I work with an older guy. He's British, I think. Or maybe he's my step-dad. I don't know."

"A British guy, huh?"

Dean recognized Bobby's tone. "Is that important, Bobby? Do you know a British guy that's a hunter?"

Bobby put up his hand to calm Dean's enthusiasm. "I don't know, Dean. But, I have some contacts I can call. How do I get in touch with you if I find out anything?" Bobby asked as he stood.

Dean looked confused at the odd question, but figured it meant Bobby wasn't comfortable letting Buffy stay in his home. "You can call me or we'll stop back in a couple days."

As they were leaving, Dean rubbed a hand over his head. "Bobby, have you heard from my dad? He hasn't been returning my calls. I figure he's pissed, but he is okay, right? Nothing's happened to him?"

Bobby tried to give Dean a reassuring smile. "Dean, you know your father, stubborn as a mule. But, I'da heard if something had happened to him."

"Right, thanks." Dean didn't look reassured.

Once they had left, Bobby Singer stared at his phone. Part of him wanted to call John Winchester, but he thought it would be better to have some answers first.

"Harvelle's."

"Ellen, it's Bobby Singer. You know anything about a missing hunter? She's a young thing, early twenties, blond."

"No, Bobby, can't say that I have, but I'll keep my ears open."

"Thanks, Ellen. You remember that hunter named Cain that was goin' on about an English guy stopping his wolf hunt?"

Ellen paused as she thought. "Yeah, I remember Cain was all bent outta shape for a while after that. Said he wasn't going back to California."

"You don't happen to remember the English fella's name, do ya?"

"This got something to do with the missing girl?"

"I don't know, to tell the truth. But I've got a hunch the English guy might know a thing or two."

"Well, I don't remember the guy's name, but Jo might. She was kind of interested in Cain's story. Let me ask her and I'll get back to you."

"Thanks, Ellen, you're a doll."

Ellen snorted a laugh. "Right back atcha, Singer."

"So now what?" Buffy asked when Dean got behind the wheel.

"Bobby'll figure out something," Dean said defensively.

Dean's tone made Buffy shrink back slightly. In a quieter tone, she asked, "I meant, what do we do now?"

Dean was quiet and he rubbed a hand over his head as he thought. "You wanna look for a job?"

"A job? Didn't I just quit a waitressing job?"

"I mean, a hunt. Do you want to try hunting?"

"You want to go hunting the evil big bad things that go bump in the night and you want me to go with you?" Buffy wasn't sure if her voice quivered with shock or fear.

"Well, uh, there's not going to be any jobs around here, Bobby would have taken care of anything near Sioux Falls. But, Bobby has a cabin just a couple hours away, where the White River widens. We could go there, check the papers and internet for a job and see just how much training you've had."

Buffy grimaced, training didn't sound like fun, and neither did hunting bad things that went bump in the night. She wanted a normal life. "I don't know, Dean," she replied with as much enthusiasm as a person facing a root canal.

Her attitude didn't go unnoticed. "It might help you remember something," Dean suggested.

"Yeah, maybe." Buffy sighed and slumped against the window.

A couple hours later, they were leaving the local general store, loaded down with supplies to last the rest of the week.

Bobby's cabin wasn't luxurious, it was only a couple of rooms, but it was one of Dean's favorite places on earth. He spent plenty of time here practicing archery or shooting and learning how to track. Bobby also took him and Sam fishing here whenever their dad dumped them on the man for more than a few days. He had always found the place relaxing.

Buffy stood in the main room, looking around, as Dean carried bags to the kitchen. Returning from his second trip to the car, he found Buffy looking at the bookshelves. When she saw him, she held out a picture frame. "Who is this all bundled up like they're at the North Pole?"

Dean took the frame and smiled. "That's my brother, Sam. Bobby took us ice fishing."

"Ice fishing?" Buffy wrinkled her nose. "That sounds like it would be big on cold and not big on fun."

Dean shrugged. "It's a good survival skill." He put the photograph back on the shelf.

"Is this your dad with you in this one?" Buffy asked holding up a photograph of John and Dean with his bow as they stood over a deer.

"Yeah. That's my first deer," Dean admitted, waiting for the "Bambi killer" remark that was sure to come.

"He looks proud of you," Buffy said as she returned the picture to the shelf.

Dean shook his head. "I got it in one shot. I had been so worried I'd disappoint him, and he'd never take me hunting again. I guess all my practicing paid off."

Eager to change the subject, Dean said, "There's sheets and stuff in the chest in there." He pointed to the bedroom. "Why don't you get settled while I unpack the groceries? You want me to heat up the chicken stuff for dinner?"

"Okay." Buffy watched him walk away and felt an unfamiliar ache. He was giving her space, and though she appreciated it, she wanted things back the way they had been.

#*#*#*#

After their late dinner, Buffy cleaned up. They had an agreement, one would cook the other would clean. When she finished, she couldn't believe how tired she was. She was about to tell Dean she was going to bed, when she saw he had a pillow and blanket on the couch. "Dean? You don't have to.."

He barely looked at her. "It's okay, Buffy. The couch folds out. I'll be fine out here."

When he didn't look at her, Buffy felt that pang again, and slowly walked to the bedroom, shutting the door behind her.

Dean stared after her, wanting more than anything for things to go back to how they had been the week before.

Buffy walked on a beach by the ocean. The sun was out, but a light breeze kept if from feeling too warm. When a wave rolled over her feet, she felt someone by her side and an arm go around her waist in a soft hug. Buffy relaxed and moved into the hug. "Mom?"

"Hi, Buffy."

Buffy stopped walking to embrace her mom completely. "Mom, I've missed you so much."

"I miss you too, Buffy." As they released each other, Joyce ran a hand tenderly over Buffy's hair. "How are you, dear?"

"I don't remember who I am."

"Yes, you do," Joyce replied as they continued to walk along the beach.

"No, Mom. I remember my name is Buffy and that you're my mom, Joyce, but I don't remember anything else."

Joyce took her hand. "Well, you will, don't worry."

They walked in silence as Buffy's head swam with questions. Finally, a few came bubbling out. "How did I end up on that highway? Is it true I hunt monsters? Do I have a sister? Is she okay?"

"Your sister is fine."

"She is?"

"Yes, Dawn is just fine, your friends are taking care of her, don't worry."

"Dawn. My sister's name is Dawn. And she's fine?"

Joyce nodded.

Buffy nodded with her, but her brow wrinkled in confusion. "My friends? Willow? Xan-?"

Joyce smiled as Buffy began to remember. "Yes, and Mr. Giles."

"Giles," Buffy repeated as the memory of her watcher returned to her. "They're okay?"

"You don't have to worry about them anymore, Buffy," Joyce assured her with a squeeze.

They continued their stroll on the beach, enjoying each others' company, when Joyce squeezed Buffy again. "Tell me about the boy you're with."

Buffy felt herself blush. "Dean. I like him."

"I can tell." Joyce nudged her arm. "I haven't seen you blush like that since you asked Billy Fordham to be your Valentine in fifth grade."

"Dean's way better than Ford ever was," Buffy said with a smile.

"How did you meet him?"

"He's the one who found me when I didn't know who I was, and he took care of me."

Joyce nodded and looked around. "I'm glad he was there for you. Where's his family?"

"His brother's at school and his dad is working somewhere."

"So, he only has you."

Buffy paused as she thought about that. "Yeah, it's just us. Me and Dean."

She looked at her mother and worried that what she would say next would upset her. "Are monsters real? Dean said they are and that I fight them. Is that true?"

Joyce looked to the horizon for a moment as she thought. "Do you trust him?"

"Yes," Buffy answered without hesitation.

Her answer made Joyce smile. "Instead of worrying about being the Slayer, why don't you try to enjoy being with Dean? He needs you and you deserve this, Buffy. You both do." Joyce seemed to be looking at something in the distance. When Buffy turned to see what her mother was looking at, she found herself looking at a moon beam shining through a window.

She sat up, shocked to realize it had only been a dream. It had felt so real Buffy could almost smell the ocean.

#*#*#*#

She walked to the other room and watched Dean sleep. She hugged her pillow to her; she so desperately wanted to crawl into bed with him. Three nights of sleeping in separate beds made her ache to feel the warmth and safety of his arms around her. She took a step closer and stopped. She didn't want to be needy girl, she wanted Dean to want her again, the way she wanted him. Sighing, she returned to the other room.

Dean put aside the paper he was reading when Buffy entered the kitchen. "Morning. Did you sleep okay?"

"Yeah, you?" Buffy wanted to tell him that she hasn't slept well since they started sleeping apart, but Dean had gone back to his paper. "Anything good in there?"

"No, nothing that looks like a job," Dean scowled, then tilted his head towards the stove. "Coffee's ready. You want me to make you breakfast?"

"No, I'm good," Buffy answered, relieved he hadn't found anything for them to 'hunt'. She began to make herself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Dean watched her for a moment then said quietly, "This was a bad idea, wasn't it?"

"Huh?"

"Coming here. You don't want to be here. We shoulda stayed in Sioux Falls. I'm sorry. I thought this would help you remember, but," he looked at her, "maybe you wanted out of the life. And here I am trying to force it on you. Sorry."

Completely confused by what he was saying, Buffy just stared at him.

"If you want, we can head out whenever you're ready. Okay?"

"Okay," Buffy answered though she was unsure of what she wanted.

Dean nodded. "I'm gonna take a quick shower. Then you can let me know what you want to do."

Buffy sat at the table lost in thought. What did she want? She remembered her dream and all the answers her mother gave her. She was a slayer. She wasn't clear on where she was from, but it'd be easy to figure out and then Dean would take her home and... Buffy's mind cleared.

#*#*#*#

After his shower, Dean risked forcing Buffy's decision. He thought if he showed her they didn't have to focus on hunting, she'd want to stay at the cabin with him.

"Wanna go for a ride?" Dean asked.

Buffy shrugged, "Sure."

Instead of walking to the Impala, Dean dragged Buffy to the small out building on Bobby's property. "Dean? Where are you taking me?"

"Don't worry, I just wanna show you something." Dean lifted the overhead door to reveal a custom Harley-Davidson Sportster. Then, he turned to grin at Buffy. "Well, still wanna go for that ride?"

#*#*#*#

Buffy wrapped her arms around Dean's waist and held on tightly as he gunned the engine. They raced down back roads with the wind in their faces and the sun on their backs. Buffy felt like they were flying. It made her feel free and she let her worries slip away.

Buffy loved how Dean felt so warm and strong in her arms as she was basically forced into hugging him tightly. She rested her cheek against his back. Yeah, this definitely does not suck, she thought to herself.

Dean, on the other hand, was worried Buffy would figure out his motives. Buffy hadn't smiled or touched him since she saw what was in the trunk of the car. He knew she wasn't going to have much choice but to hold him as they rode. "You good?" Dean called over his shoulder.

"Yeah. This is awesome!" Buffy yelled back giving him a gentle squeeze to let him know she was enjoying herself.

Dean relaxed, hoping her reply meant she was smiling.

After speeding along for most of the day, they came to a small town, and Dean pulled into a roadside diner.

Buffy watched the girl working the counter flirt shamelessly with Dean and it made her blood boil unexpectedly. She grimaced and turned away, deciding to stretch out the kinks in her back from the long ride. When she turned back, Dean was watching her with a near leering grin. "Don't stop on my account," he said making Buffy blush.

Her blush and her reply evaporated as the girl from the counter approached them. Dean noticed the change in Buffy, but didn't know what caused it. "Here ya go," she said as she handed a small package to Dean.

"Thanks." When the girl walked off, Dean handed Buffy the package. "I got this for you. For your hair." Buffy unwrapped a pink bandana and gave Dean a questioning look. "Hey, I think your just got la- out of bed look is hot, but I figured you're tired of your hair whipping around as we ride."

There was a moment of panic as Buffy realized what she must look like after the long ride. She quickly checked her look in the bike's mirror, thinking she'd see a wreck. Instead she saw she did look wind blown, but not bad. She tied the bandana around her hair. "Thanks, Dean."

"Are you good with the ride? We can turn back if you want."

"No, I love it. Where are we going?"

Buffy sat at the picnic table and Dean sat next to her straddling the bench and pulling her into the vee of his legs. He rested his hand on the small of her back. "Well, honestly," Dean pushed down his nerves, "I've got no destination in mind. I just like the ride."

The waitress brought them an order of fries. "Don't get me wrong," Dean began, "I love my car. There's not a better machine on the road, but sometimes, I just like the freedom I feel on the bike." Buffy was looking at him strangely. "That was stupid, wasn't it?" he said, ducking his head. His embarrassment moved him a fraction of an inch away from her.

"No. It makes me feel like I'm flying."

Dean was relieved, but a little surprised; that's how he had always felt about it.

After a day on the bike, Buffy was eager to relax in a hot shower. The ride had been incredible, but once back at the cabin, Dean seemed almost skittish. He jumped at his chance for a shower the second Buffy was done.

Dean walked out of the steamy bathroom, with bare feet, his jeans undone, humming, and carrying a t-shirt because the bathroom was too humid to finish dressing.

From across the room, Buffy watched him. He tossed his shirt onto the couch and stretched his neck to crack it. He nearly jumped out of his skin when Buffy's hand touched his back. "Buffy! Geez, you scared the..." He turned to her and she let her hand skim over his shoulder to his chest.

The look in her eyes stopped his words. She wet her lips as her eyes met his.

"I don't want to hunt big bads. I don't want to go back to Sioux Falls."

"Okay," he replied, though he was distracted by the heated look in her eyes.

"I don't want to sleep in separate rooms," she said just above a whisper as she moved even closer. "I don't want to sleep in separate beds."

Dean nodded as Buffy's body pressed against his.

"I want -" she panted, stretching up and tilting her head to bring their mouths together.

She dragged her lips along his jaw, and worked her way to suck on a spot just below his ear. She whispered his name against his skin as she continued to kiss his neck. His hands suddenly gripped her arms, when she sucked on the spot where his neck and shoulder met.

Worried that his actions meant he wanted her to stop, Buffy went up on her toes, leaning against him for support, and kissed his lips. A soft moan escaped Dean as she sucked on his bottom lip and his hands moved from her arms to her back to hold her to him.

Now confident that he wanted her, too, Buffy slowly turned them so Dean would fall slowly back on the couch. She straddled his lap and continued her assault on his lips, jaw and neck. She broke contact to lean back and tear her cami over her head. Dean's breath stuttered as he watched.

Buffy loved how Dean's lust filled eyes drank her in. His hand on her back pressed her forward, allowing him to cover her mouth with his again. He kissed her slowly and deeply, as if there was nothing else in the world. Buffy thought she was going to come apart just from his kiss.

She slowly rolled her hips against him and moaned into his mouth. His hands began a torturous exploration of her body. Buffy broke the kiss just so she could lean back and look at him. Her gaze traveled from his eyes to his lips and back and somehow she wanted him even more. Her hips rocked against him and Dean's hand tightened on her. A soft, "Buffy" escaped his lips and his head tipped back.

Taking that as an invitation to explore his neck, Buffy didn't disappoint. He smelled of soap and generic shampoo and he tasted warm and salty and when she sucked on a tender spot, she earned another soft moan.

Buffy lifted off his lap onto her knees. "Please, Dean," she whispered hotly into his ear. He worked her panties down until she took over and he shifted around to slide his jeans and boxers down. The moment he was settled, Buffy guided him in. She remained still for a moment, completely entranced by the feel of him inside her. A tiny gasp left her and Dean took advantage and plundered her mouth. He twined his hand in her hair and tugged gently to get to her neck.

Buffy couldn't take it any longer. "Dean, I need to -" she didn't finish. Instead she began to slowly raise herself up then sink back down. Her slow movements were agonizing, but perfect as Dean grew harder once she moved.

His hands returned to her hips, in his weak attempt at having control over Buffy's movements. But that was futile once Buffy looked to where their bodies were joined. The insanely hot noise she made when she watched him slide in and out of her as she moved, nearly sent Dean over the edge. Watching her watch them, fried nearly all of Dean's brain cells. In a final attempt to send her over the edge before him, Dean took her hand from his shoulder and brought it to where they were joined so that together, they could bring her over. As she touched herself, her movements lost rhythm forcing Dean to keep the pace.

Trembling as her orgasm washed through her, she clung to Dean's shoulders panting as Dean increased his movements. His head tipped back, neck arching when his climax slammed through his body, leaving him sweaty, exhausted, and mostly incoherent.

With Dean still inside her, Buffy ran her fingers through his sweat drenched hair, and panted, "And I wanna do that, like, a million more times."

"Uh-huh." Dean was too sex addled to manage more.

Buffy wore a lazy grin. "Is that a 'yes'?"

Dean opened his eyes but couldn't manage much more. "Mm-hmm, wha'ever you want." he collapsed back pulling her into another searing kiss.

Master Post      Chapter 6