High School Sweethearts and Second Chances spn/btvs ch 17

[hezio2]

Title: High School Sweethearts and Second Chances (SPN/Btvs)
Author: Noturbaby
Fandoms: Supernatural, Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Rating: PG-13 - R
Warnings: None (eventual het sex between teens)
Pairings: Dean & Buffy Willow & Oz Most BtVS characters make an appearance.
Summary: Adds the Winchesters to Seasons 2 and 3 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Buffy's a junior and Dean's a senior at Sunnydale High. At first, Dean doesn't know Buffy's a Slayer. Story deals with dating when part of life is fighting the supernatural.
This chapter also takes place between seasons and contains some smut.
Chapter 16


Dean kissed Buffy until they were both breathless. He closed his eyes and rested his forehead against hers, “Buffy, I have wanted to do that for so long. Do you have any idea how hard it’s been to be around you and not --” He took a couple of deep breaths. He pulled back to look her in the eyes. “I don’t think I ever stopped loving you.”

Both Buffy’s heart and mind were racing, but all she could manage to say was, “Dean.” Then she was kissing him again. Her arms wrapped around him holding him close. Dean slowly kissed his way down her neck causing Buffy to practically purr.

“God, I want you,” Dean murmured as he kissed her neck and pulled at her shirt to gain access to more of her. He slowly began to control himself and made his way back up to her mouth. He pushed some hair off her neck and began to nibble and kiss his way down the other side.

“Oh god,’ Buffy complained.

Dean pulled back; he had made girls say ‘oh god’ before but usually they weren't complaining. "What's wrong?"

"Work. We have to go to work.." she whined.

Dean moved back to her neck, "If you're thinking about the store, I'm doing something wrong."

He kissed her neck again, but Buffy pushed him back and caught her breath. "Dean, we-"

"Buffy, I've waited too long for this, trust me the old crap downstairs can wait, I don't think I can." He gathered the material of her shirt and pulled it over her head. Then his own. Before she could deny him again, he moved over her, forcing her to lay back on the couch.

He drank her in for a brief moment before he attacked her neck and mouth again. When his mouth went to her breast she moaned "oh god" causing Dean to smile to himself, 'that's better'. He sat up and pulled her with him. "We gotta get you one of those lacy teddy things." He stood with Buffy's hand in his and started walking backwards towards Mickey's bedroom, not taking his eyes off her.

"You're thinking about lingerie?" Buffy teased smiling.

"Buffy, I have fantasized about this for months. So, yeah. Not that you need it right now," he said with a wide grin. He pulled her toward him and they fell into bed together.

After a few more minutes of kissing each other senseless, Dean sprang up out of bed, as if waking up from a spell, “Stay right here,” he kissed her, “I'll be right back." He ran to Ryan's room and prayed, "C'mon man, help me out here," as he rummaged through Ryan bedside table until he found a box of condoms. He took one out then shrugged and grabbed the whole box. He returned to Mickey's room, "Okay, where were we?" he grinned as he wrestled out of his jeans. The moment he climbed in bed, Buffy attacked him. She kissed mouth, jaw, and neck while her hands roamed over his body.

Her hand explored his body tormenting him until she slowly began to stroke him. Dean lost focus for a minute before he teased her in return. Buffy gasped, “Dean,” and squeezed him when his finger entered her. Before she lost all composure she straddled him, slowly sliding over him. At first she just slowly rocked her hips, then she began to move faster. Watching her throw her head back and moan, caused Dean to lose it. He gripped her hips as she rode him but he was done as soon as she was.

Buffy rested on top of him for a minute before rolling off and snuggling up next to him. She ran her hand over his chest as it rose and fell. Then she smiled and looked up into his eyes, only to find disappointment. Dean ran a hand over his face and frowned. “Dean? What’s --?” Buffy swallowed down the desire to cry.

“God, Buffy. That -- sucked.” Buffy’s heart stopped. Hearing her sharp intake of breath, Dean turned quickly on his side to face her. “I am so sorry, I promise I’ll last longer this next time. Okay?” Buffy began to breathe again. Dean caressed her cheek and she was pretty sure her heart started to beat again. “It’s just, you have no idea how hot you looked.”

“Next time?” Buffy managed to pant out, feeling totally relieved.
“Mm hmm,” Dean smiled into her neck as he began to kiss her. His hand slowly slid from her cheek to her breast and he gently teased her nipple.

“Ah, Dean?” Buffy began.

“Shh,” Dean lifted his head and looked at her. Moving over her, he slowly kissed his way down her body. He stopped at each breast to suck and kiss them and tease them with his tongue. Buffy’s moans gave him the encouragement to keep moving. When his mouth went down on her, Buffy become unglued. Her hands tore at the sheets, and she nearly screamed, but Dean wasn’t done. He grabbed another condom, before he entered her again. Since he was able to control the pace, this time, each time he brought them close, he’d slow down. Buffy could only take this action for so long, when Dean began to increase the pace again, she dug her fingers into his back, trying to force him to keep the pace. Soon, she was incoherent again. Moments later, Dean crashed on top of her. Dean rolled off her to lay on his back and catch his breath being completely unable to form thoughts.

Buffy was panting next to him, head reeling. “Okay,” she stammered not even realizing she was talking.

Dean blinked to attention and turned toward her, “Okay?” He looked confused and so did she for a minute. “Really? Only ‘okay’?” he muttered barely aloud. Dean was still trying to catch his breath, but he had thought she enjoyed that more than the first time.

Slowly it dawned on Buffy that she had insulted him and she quickly turned to face him. “Dean,” she almost laughed. She looked into his eyes and felt a bit light headed. “I didn’t even know I said that out loud.” Dean still looked put out by her ‘okay’. Buffy laughed, “I don’t think my brain works, yet.”

“Oh,” Dean still wasn’t sure.

But Buffy kept laughing. “I was still saying okay to your idea of a next time.” “Good,” he said relieved. “Cuz I was thinking it was kinda awesome.”

“Yeah, totally awesome,” Buffy agreed over her laugh. Dean pulled her to him. Buffy laid her head on his chest as they laughed.

That afternoon Mickey couldn’t help but notice Dean’s greatly improved mood and persistent grin. She also noticed how Buffy kept her eyes on Dean and her constant smile. She was torn between smacking Dean and being happy for him.

“Ow, damn, Mickey, what the hell?!” Dean rubbed the back of his head.

“You deserve it and you know it,” Mickey hissed as she pushed him into the back hall.

Feigning innocence, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” However, Dean wasn’t successful at hiding his smile.

Mickey raised her brow giving him a look that made him stop smiling immediately. “She’s like eleven kinds of vulnerable and you take advantage of her?”

“Mickey, it’s not like that. She told me how she feels and I told her…”

“Of course she thinks she loves you. You’re the hero, again. You’re the guy that showed up and took care of her when she called,” Mickey snapped at him.

“So that makes me the bad guy?” Dean scowled at her.

“No, Dean, but I know you. You’re thinking with your heart not your brain and both of you are going to end up hurt. She doesn’t need more to deal with and frankly, neither do you.” As much as she could, for the rest of the day, Mickey tried to keep them apart.

Late in the afternoon, a man came in carrying something wrapped in leather. He looked Buffy over, then squinted at Dean. “Hello, I’m looking for Ms. Foster or a Mr. Dallion.”

Buffy smiled at him, “Mr. Dallion isn’t here right now. Can I help you with something?”

“Then can I see Ms. Foster?” the man looked over at Dean as he asked.

“Ms. Foster is busy right now. Can I help you?” Dean offered as he walked forward. Few people knew Mickey’s maiden name, and those that did were dangerous. Since Mickey was in the back room attending to her baby, Dean thought he should take care of this customer.

“Do I know you?” the man studied Dean. He nearly circled him until Dean put a hand out to stop him.

“I don’t think so. Like I said, Ms. Foster is busy. Can I help you?” Dean sounded quite stern, surprising Buffy.

The man smirked. “No reason for attitude, boy. I have something that belonged to her uncle. I wanted to make sure it was returned, properly.”

Dean nodded, took the ledger from behind the counter. “Uh, I can help you. We’ll just need to go in the other room.” He gave Buffy a look to mean, stay here.

Shutting the door behind them, Dean placed the ledger on a table in the center of the room and flipped it open. “So, what is it you have there, sir?”

The man slowly removed the leather scrap that covered a silver blade. However, his eyes never left Dean’s face. “How is it these people trust you? Who are you?”

“Just a family friend,” Dean answered casually.

The man covered the knife, “Boy you will tell me how you know them or I just may use this on blondie out there.”

Dean’s eyes narrowed. “You know as well as me that if I’m here, with this book, they must trust me. So you can leave the blade or not.” Dean made an open hand gesture to show he had nothing to hide.

The man nodded. “I picked this up in Duluth. It should be in there under Vasquez.” The man stepped to the door. “Who’s the girl, anyway? I haven’t seen her before.”

“Anne? She’s just some local eye candy Ryan hired for tourist season,” Dean attempted to sound smooth as he checked off the knife and stored it in a curse box. “Thank you for returning this.” When he looked up he was alone in the room.

Dean hurried to the main room to see the man talking to Buffy. Before Dean could interrupt, Mickey handed Danny off to him. She put a hand on Dean’s arm to try to reassure him, yet pushed him back giving him a warning look.

Clearing her throat, Mickey stepped forward, “Mr. Turner can I help you?”

“No, your boy there helped me,” he didn’t even turn to her. “Miss Hetfield, it’s been a pleasure,” he bowed slightly to Buffy, “Mr. Winchester, say hello to your father for me.”

“What the hell?” Dean pushed passed Mickey and looked at Buffy as the man walked out the door. “Hey, hey, I’m talking to you,” Dean called after him. “Why’d you tell him my name?” he demanded angrily.

“I didn’t,” Buffy whined. “He asked if I knew who owned the classic Chevy, and I said you. I didn’t say your name at all!”

Dean turned to Mickey. Before he could vent on her, Mickey raised her brows, “A lot of people know your dad, Dean. He just put two and two together.”

“Who the hell is he?” Dean demanded again.

“He’s just another paranoid hunter. Don’t worry.”

But Dean was very worried, “If he figured out who I was by the car, could he have figured out who Anne is? Is he the type that would want to get his hands on a Slayer?”

“Hey!” Buffy interrupted. “Don’t talk about me like I’m not here! Why would that guy even care who I was?”

Mickey took a deep breath, “Dean, Rufus Turner doesn’t trust people he doesn’t know. Most likely he wanted to prove to you that he could find out who you were if he wanted to. He probably doesn’t know anything about Anne.” Mickey took Danny back from Dean. “So, let’s drop it. Uh,” Mickey smiled at Dean, “just because Ryan is coming back doesn’t mean we wouldn’t love for you to stay a while. The two of you are more than welcome here as long as you like.”

Dean nodded, “Thanks, that’s up to her. I’m gonna call my dad quick.” He walked out the alley door.

Mickey smiled at Buffy, “Well, think about it, okay?”

Buffy smiled, “Sure, Mickey, thanks.”

Dean’s foul mood continued for the rest of the afternoon. Buffy didn’t know what was said during the phone call, but obviously it left Dean irritated. He spent most of the afternoon on the other side of the small store pretending to read old magazine. Only playing with Danny seemed to snap him out of his cloud of anger.

When the day was over, Mickey handed each of them an envelope of money. “Didn’t have time for all the paycheck paperwork. Hope cash is okay.”

Dean nodded, “Yeah, cash works. Thanks, Mick.”

“You didn’t have to do that,” Buffy added. Dean looked at her incredulously.

Mickey smiled, “Yes I did. You worked for me all week, that deserves something.” She picked up Danny from the pile of boxes Dean had him barricaded behind. “Scott and Ryan should be home in a couple hours. You guys can come for dinner if you like.”

Without looking for Buffy to respond Dean shrugged, “’s’up to her. I’m going for a run.” He left the two women standing in the store, as he bounded up the stairs to change.

San Francisco may not be known for it’s heat, but running its hills left Dean drenched with sweat. By the time he returned to the shop he was looking forward to a shower, even if it was a cold one. The run had given him time to think and he concluded that he didn’t care what Mickey said. He knew he felt something for Buffy, he wasn’t sure if it was love, but it was more than just friends and it was more than just lust. He also realized he didn’t care if Buffy didn’t love him. Whatever they did have, was good enough for him, for now.

“Wow, nice dress,” Buffy was standing in the doorway to the balcony when Dean exited the bathroom.

“Thanks, it’s one of Mickey’s old ones, I really need to do laundry,” Buffy smiled at him, noticing he was only in jeans.

“Yeah, me, too,” Dean held his arms out. “These jeans are it for me. Ya think Ryan has something I can wear?” He rummaged through Ryan’s closet feeling Buffy’s eyes on him the whole time. “So, uh, are we doing dinner with them or did you want to go somewhere else?” He grabbed a green button down shirt hoping it wasn’t going to make him look like a kid wearing big brother’s clothes. “This okay?”

“Yeah, you look good,” Buffy answered admiring how the color made his eyes stand out.

Dean smirked, “I know I look good. How’s the shirt look?” He grinned at the smile that elicited from Buffy. Before that smile could fade, he grabbed her, wrapped his arms around her and kissed her. Just as Buffy thought she her knees would buckle, Dean broke the kiss. “I think I’d rather take you out for dinner. I’ve had enough of Mickey for today, and I’ve got cash to burn.”

They walked hand in hand as they returned from the restaurant, Buffy leaning into Dean’s arm as they made their way up Ryan’s stairs. Dinner had not been what Buffy had expected. She had wanted to know what had put him in such a bad mood that afternoon. She was dying to know about his conversation with his dad. But, every time she brought up the subject of them and what they were going to do next, Dean made some sort of joke that took them far off topic. Not that she minded much. Her heart raced every time he smiled or laughed and she knew for certain she was falling harder for him.

Buffy had been hoping for a repeat of that morning’s performance or at least something similar when they arrived back at the apartment. Instead, they were greeted by Ryan’s cheerful, “Hey, kids! How’re you doin’?” He paused and took in their appearances and their intertwined hands. He stared at Dean for a brief moment before continuing, “Surprised I didn't see you at Mickey’s, not like you to turn down free food.”

Dean wanted to release Buffy’s hand before Ryan gave him a lecture similar to Mickey’s. But before he could, Buffy gave his hand a squeeze and smiled at him when he looked at her putting him a bit off balance.

Ryan pretended not to notice and continued rambling, “Thanks for taking care of the place. It’s actually cleaner than when I left. That’s gotta be Buffy’s doing.” He winked at her. “Anyway, are you guys staying a while? It’s cool with me if you do, but if you’re leaving in the morning, I just want you to know you can come back anytime, Buffy.” Ryan moved around the kitchen. “Dean, I want my shirt back, looks better on me anyway.” Dean was about to retort but Ryan was faster, “Heard you met Rufus today. Guy’s a bit hard core. Even more than your dad if you can believe it.” Finally he stopped moving, “Uh, Buffy, would you mind if I talked to Dean alone for a second? It’ll just be a second.”

“Sure, I’ll be in the living room. Glad you made it home safely, Ryan,” She added giving him a quick hug before leaving.

Ryan glared at Dean for a second, “Dude.”

“What?”

“The shirt’s not the only thing you borrowed, is it?”

Dean shrugged then flinched and backed up a step. “You gonna lecture me, too?”

Ryan smirked. “What’s with the flinch? Mickey hit you or something?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, I’m not going to lecture you. I just wanted to say ‘I told you so’. And,” Ryan closed his eyes and made a face, “I know you used protection, but please tell me you didn’t use my bed.”

Dean‘s eyes got wide, “Dude!”

Ryan laughed. “Look, I gotta go, I’ve got a date with Cathy. So, don’t wait up.” He grabbed some keys, “Wait, are you taking off in the morning?”

“I don’t know. It’s up to her.”

Ryan embraced Dean. “Okay, man, well you can stay if you want. It’s been good seeing you.”

“You, too, Ryan.”

Buffy had made herself comfortable on the couch. She thought over the last twenty four hours and convinced herself that she could go on living like this. She had a place to stay, a job, a boyfriend; Buffy thought she had it pretty good.

She was still smiling to herself when Dean came in. He loved seeing her smile. “What’s got you so happy?”

“Everything,” Buffy sighed. Dean quirked a brow at her, but she patted the couch in an invitation to join her. “Why wouldn’t I be happy?” she asked when he sat by her. “I’ve got you taking a care of me, what else would a girl need?” She put her arms around his neck and kissed him.

However, Dean didn’t let the kiss become too passionate. He pulled back from her. “Hey, I love taking care of you but, I draw the line at doing your laundry.” Buffy looked totally confused and Dean stood up. “Not that I don’t want to make out with you all night, ‘cause I do,” he winked, “but come on, woman, we’ve got to get to a Laundromat or I’ll have nothing to wear.” He spun around with a huge grin. “Or is that your diabolical plan to keep me naked?” He laughed at her astonished blush and walked out of the room.

So much for a quiet evening alone with Dean, Buffy thought as she gathered her things.

Buffy was surprised how efficient Dean was in the Laundromat. They were utilizing nearly every machine and he was making sure she was entertained the entire time. He pulled a couple of chairs together in front of the sad, old television and handed Buffy a soda. Dean rapped on the tv in irritation trying to tune in a station. “I swear this thing worked last time I was here.”

“Dean, it’s okay, we don’t need to watch tv.” Buffy assured him but Dean was completely annoyed.

“Hold on,” he said as he dialed his phone. “Hey, Sammy boy, how’s it going?” He listened for the briefest of moments, “Sure, Sam, that’s great. Hey, remember the tv in the Frisco Laundromat by Ryan’s place? How’d you get it to work?” Dean listened closely. “No, Mrs. Rosalies isn’t here, it’s Sunday night.” Now he huffed in impatience. “Yeah, thanks, I’ll talk to ya, later.” He changed the channel to Telemundo. “Hey, sorry, Sammy says this is the only channel that works unless you get the antenna from Mrs. Rosalies. And, since she isn’t here, we can only watch Mexican soap operas.”

They sat in silence and watched the story for a minute and soon Dean was laughing. “What’s so funny?” Buffy asked.

“Sorry, I was just remembering how Sam would make up the story to these. We kinda get stuck watching these a lot.”

“Really? Xander does that, too. Willow and I were thoroughly entertained one night while he did the voices for the whole show. It was pretty funny.”

Dean looked at her a moment and nodded, “Huh, I would have thought Sam and Willow had more in common than him and Xander.” He watched the show again. “Hey, I remember this show. That lady -- total whore. She sleeps with every guy on the show. And that guy -- gay.”

“Really, the hot guy? He’s gay?”

“Yeah, he slept with her and then realized he was gay. Wait, you think he’s hot?”

The guy on screen took off his shirt and Buffy nodded, “Yep, he’s definitely hot.”

Dean pretend to look hurt even after Buffy laughed and rested her head on his shoulder. Soon the ‘gay’ guy was crawling into bed with the ‘whore’. Dean wore a confused expression for a minute, then he said, “Ya know, the whole ‘gay’ thing might have been Sammy’s story and not the real one.” Buffy threw her head back and laughed until she could barely breathe.

Dean insisted that Buffy relax while he put the loads of wash into the dryers. Overall, this had been a pretty good week, he thought to himself. Sure not a lot of sleep, but he also didn’t get his ass handed to him by some ghost or demon. He knew Sam wanted him back. Sam hated being alone with dad for too long. His dad had strongly hinted that he could use his help on a hunt. Dean sighed. He didn’t want to leave Buffy. He wondered if Buffy would consider going with him. Buffy caught him staring and smiled at him.

Even though she found herself enjoying this very light hearted Dean, Buffy knew they had to talk about what they were doing next. She wondered how Dean would take it if she said she wanted to stay at the store for a little longer.

Back in Ryan’s apartment, Buffy noticed that Dean didn’t unpack any of his laundry. She knew that meant he wanted to leave. They hadn’t even talked about it, yet. Her thoughts spun in different directions. Did Dean want to leave her? Frisco? Both? Was she overreacting? Maybe he just didn’t feel like unpacking. Her worried expression caught Dean’s attention. “Hey, Princess, what’s wrong you look upset?”

“You never call me ‘princess’ anymore. Why is that?”

Dean grinned, “Cuz you turned into one and I didn’t like you as much.” He grabbed her, stealing a quick kiss. “I like you,” he said and began tickling her mercilessly, “as Buffy, not” Buffy took his leg out and they fell onto the couch, “oof, Princess Neverwrong.”

“Not my fault,” Buffy said through gritted teeth as she fought off Dean’s tickling. “Ohmigod, please stop,” she whined.

Dean didn’t relent, “Are you going to tell me what’s bothering you?” He soon learned that even the back of her legs were ticklish.

“Nothing!” Buffy squealed. “Nothing’s bothering me.”

Dean stopped the assault but raised a brow. “Okay, I stopped. But, really, babe, what’s wrong? You were making that face you make when you’re upset.”

Buffy took a second to catch her breath. “I noticed you didn’t unpack anything when we got back from the laundry. I was wondering if that meant you wanted to leave.”

“Oh, no, just lazy.” Dean smiled grabbed her leg and pulled her towards him. Buffy wiggled away in fear he was going to tickle her again. Dean then grabbed her arm and pulled her so that she was on his lap. He lifted her head, twined his fingers in her hair, and tilted his head to meet her lips. He slowly intensified the kiss, letting his other hand move to her back and bring her in closer.

Buffy felt her insides begin to melt again. She knew she had to ask Dean about his plans before he had her brain completely mushy. “Uh, Dean,” she whispered into his kiss.

“Mm?” Dean moved his mouth to her jaw then her neck. Once he started that, it was too late for Buffy, her brain was mush.

“Dean, why don’t you stay with me again tonight?” She looked up at him and ran a hand through his hair. “It was the best sleep we’ve had all week.” She stretched up and captured his lips in a gentle kiss.

Suddenly, Dean cleared his throat and pulled back from her. He paused, tried to gather his thoughts. The lecture he got from Mickey began to play in his mind. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be doing this.”

“Why? I don’t get it. What’s wrong? ”

“You’re, uh, what’s the word, uh, vulnerable, and I shouldn’t have taken advantage of you like that.” He moved away from her shaking his head as if to clear it.

“Dean, you’re not taking advantage of me. I told you that I’m in love with you, too.”

“Buffy,” he looked over at her, “this isn’t a good idea. You’re not over Angel and I sure as hell don’t want to be your rebound guy again.” He went to leave the couch but Buffy’s hand on his arm stopped him.

“Dean, you were never ‘rebound guy’. If anything, Angel was.” From the look on his face, Buffy could tell that Dean didn’t believe her. Buffy sighed. “Yes, Dean, last spring I had a major crush on Angel. But that’s all it was, it never became anything more.” She held his hand. “I fell in love with you. I wasn’t with Angel, until after I heard you with that girl.”

“I told you that really wasn’t what you…” Dean interrupted.

“I know. But then you said you weren’t coming back. That’s what broke my heart.” Buffy tentatively held his face in her hand. Dean closed his eyes and leaned into it. A moment later Buffy went on, “Not that I didn’t regret it already, but when I saw you again in March. I totally regretted being with Angel. I wanted so badly for you to kiss me.” She smiled slightly.

“I wanted to climb up through your window that night,” Dean returned the smile.

Buffy’s smile grew even bigger, “Really? Why didn’t you?”

“I figured you’d toss me right back through it.”

“I doubt it. Not with how good you looked digging graves,” Buffy teased.

Dean’s eyes traveled all over her for a minute, but then he looked away. “Buffy, I want you, more than you can possibly know,” he sighed heavily, “And you might think you’re over Angel, but you’re not. Every night you scream for him,” Buffy looked down. Dean saw that his words hurt her, so he put his hand over hers to reassure her. “Don’t worry, I’ll still stick around. You can’t get rid of me that easy.”

Buffy sighed heavily, “Dean, you don’t get it. In my dreams, I relive every moment of that night.” She closed her eyes and continued, “I see Angelus trick me into leaving my friends open for attack. I see Willow and Xander unconscious because I was too late, I see Kendra dead because I let my focus be taken off the mission.” Her tears began again, and Dean put his arm around her. Once she caught her breath, she went on, “I see the look on my mom’s face. She doesn’t believe me. I see Giles all beat up and tortured.” She buried her head in his shoulder until she had herself under control. Dean held her, gently rubbing her back to try to calm her. “Angel spent months as Angelus torturing me and my friends. Had I acted sooner, none of that would have happened. The worst part of all is that I see Angelus turn back into Angel right when I need to kill him. He didn’t remember what he had done as Angelus. If I had not let myself get distracted I wouldn’t have had to kill an innocent --” She broke down.

“Sh, baby, it’s over now.”

“Dean, my mom thinks I’m capable of killing innocent people, and I am. I killed--”

Dean interrupted her, “No, no you’re not. Angel wasn’t exactly innocent. You saved the world, all of us, from going to hell. You can’t blame yourself for all the other stuff, Buffy, you’re just one girl.” He kissed her forehead, then wiped her tears away with his thumbs. “Believe me, no one else blames you.” He looked into her eyes then pulled her close.

Buffy rested her head on him, letting him hold her and comfort her. “You don’t blame me, everyone else does.”

“No, Buffy, I’m sure everyone under---”

Buffy sat up, “When I called you, I didn’t think you’d come. I really wanted you to, but, I never thought you would.” She sniffed and wiped her eyes. “I love you, Dean, because you are the only one that truly accepts me for who I am.” She shifted in her seat. “So, um, I was thinking that I wanted to stay here with you for a while.”

Dean nodded, but he didn’t want to stay. “Oh, sure, okay.”

Buffy shook her head. “No, Dean, I mean, I want you with me. But, it doesn’t have to be here. You miss Sam, don’t you?”

Dean wrinkled his brow, “Yeah, sure, but, Buffy, you’re --”

“So, can I go with you? Would your dad be mad if I came along? It’s not really fair for me to keep you from your family.” Buffy couldn’t look at him she was so nervous.

“You want to hang with me and Sam? And my dad?”

Buffy began to smile, “Yeah, if it means I get to be with you.”

Dean stood and offered her his hand. “Okay, sweetheart, but that means we better get to bed.” He pulled Buffy into a kiss. “No funny business,” he winked at her, “we’re gonna be leaving real early in the morning.”

Chapter 18