Two Guys, a Girl and a Chevy Impala: Fic 13: Home is Not Always Where the Heart Is (1/?)
Two Guys, a Girl, and a Chevy Impala Fic: Home Is Not Always Where the Heart Is
Authors: Clarksmuse and xtremeroswellia
Rated: PG-13
Disclaimer: Still not ours
The ride had been long and tiring, but the Impala somehow made it back to Kansas. Again. Dean frowned as he saw the somewhat familiar "Welcome to Smallville" sign and wondered why they had chosen to meet there, of all places. Lex Luthor lived there; one of his plants was housed there. Hell, Chloe's former flame was watching over her loved ones and the rest of the town. Why meet in such an obvious place?
His foot pressed on the gas, making the turn towards the Kent Farm hard and ragged.
Chloe winced a the sharp turn, biting down hard on her lower lip and pressing a hand against her ribs as she sat beside him in the passenger seat. She'd managed to keep the three of them out of her mind pretty well, but it was a struggle to continue to do so. She was tired. And more than a little nervous. It still hadn't sunk in that her mother wasn't crazy--that she was simply another meteor-infected person with some kind of special powers that Lex Luthor wanted to get his hands on.
Swallowing hard, she shut her eyes against the nausea that threatened to overwhelm her. She was far from being a hundred percent healed and she wasn't looking forward to the moment when Clark and Oliver and the others found out what had happened.
"Maybe this is a bad idea," she whispered almost inaudibly.
"Too late for that, Chloe," Dean replied flatly, seeing the Kent Farm driveway ahead of them, closing in quickly. "You said you wanted to make sure your mom was okay, so that's what we're going to do." He glanced back and looked at Sam, who was staring out the window, obviously distracted by something.
What's eating you? he asked in his mind, letting down his mental guard for a moment.
Sam blinked and turned his head to glance at Sarah, whose head was resting on the window as she slept. Then he glanced at his brother. Just worried about Sarah, he admitted.
The eldest Winchester glanced at his sister-in-law in the rearview mirror. She looked troubled, deeply troubled. Not something she was willing to mention, either, not since Sam had the forlorn puppy dog my-best-friend-just-died look about him the last couple days. What's wrong with her? he asked as he turned the Impala into the Kent driveway.
He tensed a little and stared out the window once more. The things the demon said to her...she's really freaked out, Dean. I don't know how to get through to her.
He glanced at Chloe and nodded ever so slightly. Maybe once Chloe's better, she'll talk to her, he replied with a deep frown. In the meantime... hell, I don't know, Sam. Give her space or something? "We're here," he said out loud, pulling the car next to an old red truck.
Yeah. I know. I'm trying. Sam sighed softly and hesitantly reached out and placed a hand on Sarah's shoulder. "We're at the Kent's, Sarah."
Rousing at a familiar touch, Sarah slitted her eyes sleepily. Then shot up straight when she realized Sam was trying to wake her up. Eyes wide, she looked at him. "Already?" she whispered, keeping her mental block up as best she could. Sam's mind was always with hers, gently pressing out of concern. She put a weary hand to her head.
"You've been Sleeping Beauty for most of the trip," Dean said, smirking faintly.
Sam gave her a small, warm smile though the worry was obvious in his eyes. "How ya feeling?" he whispered.
"Fine," she automatically replied, not looking at him. "Tired... I don't know."
Clearing his throat, Dean glanced at Chloe, who had turned a few shades of pale. "Hey, we can do this... tomorrow, if you want." He took her hand, pressing it gently.
"No." She straightened her shoulders, forced herself to take a deep breath, and reached for the door handle. If she didn't do this now, she was afraid she'd lose all nerve. She slid out of the car slowly and almost instantly got slammed by a wave of dizziness. Gripping onto the Impala door while she regained her balance, she looked toward the house, her heart thudding heavily in her chest.
Dean jumped out of the driver's seat and slid across the hood, grasping Chloe so she wouldn't fall into a puddle on the ground. "Whoa, take it easy," he whispered, putting his arms around her.
"Stood up too fast," she murmured, sagging against him for a moment.
Sam slowly climbed out of the backseat and moving around to the other side of the car to open the door for Sarah. He held his hand out to her, his eyes pleading with her not to turn him down.
Dark eyes begged, and it was more than she could stand. Swallowing hard, Sarah put her hand in Sam's and slowly got out of the car, moving into his warmth for a moment before turning up to stare at him with blank, emotionless eyes. "Thanks," she whispered, mustering a small smile.
He swallowed hard, nodding a little and lifting a hand to her cheek as he gazed at her. Even though he knew her mental walls were up, keeping him shut firmly out of her mind, he thought, I'm sorry.
Casting a glance at Sam and Sarah, Chloe drew a breath, knowing she was going to have to talk to Sarah very soon. She slowly pulled away from Dean and moved toward the front door, wrapping her arms around herself.
Looking back at the others, Dean followed closely behind Chloe to make sure she remained steady on her feet. The last thing they needed was a game of twenty questions from the Boy Wonder or Oliver Queen. In fact, he bit back an underhanded retort when he saw Clark standing on the porch, obviously having heard the Impala's purring engine.
"Chloe? Dean?" Clark called, a little shocked to see all four of the Impala passengers in such bad shape. What had happened to them?
Chloe managed to force a small smile on her face. "Hey, Clark," she said, her voice still weak like the rest of her.
It was on the tip of his tongue to ask what was wrong, but one dark look from Dean made Clark think twice. "How was the trip?" he asked, holding the door open for them.
"Long," Dean replied in a flat, emotionless voice.
"Thanks," she murmured, slowly stepping into the familiar house that had once been like a second home to her. She slowly made her way over to the sofa and sank down into it, closing her eyes.
Sam guided Sarah up the porch, a hand resting lightly on the small of her back. "Clark." He nodded at him.
Clark smiled cordially and nodded at both of them, noticing both looked worse for the wear. He kept his mouth shut, though: the last thing they all needed was any kind of trouble. Especially since Lex had spies everywhere lately.
He shut the door behind them and walked into the living room behind them.
Sarah sat down next to Chloe and covered her hand. "It'll be good to see your mom," she whispered.
She tried to smile but didn't quite manage it as she nodded a little, still feeling vaguely nauseous. She looked up, meeting Clark's eyes for a brief moment and then quickly looking away once more. "They're not here yet?"
"Oliver's coming," Clark replied, standing in the breezeway, apart from the rest of the group. "He's got the others scouting out the farm to make sure no one's looking."
Dean shot his head over to glare at Clark. "Oh please tell me Luthor's not here." I have unfinished business with that bastard, he thought.
Sam tensed at Lex's name, as well, and stared hard at Clark.
"Guys," Chloe whispered, looking between the Winchester brothers. "Try to relax." She could feel their tension as though it were her own, pressing harshly against her mind though she neither of them meant for it to.
"Yeah, Sam, relax," Dean replied in a nonchalant voice, trying to keep a lid on his anger.
Sarah rolled her eyes a little and looked at Clark. "When will they be here?"
Looking at them, his eyes alight with curiosity, he replied, "Probably in an hour. Can I get anyone something to eat or drink?"
Dean moved from his standing position behind the couch. "I really could use a beer."
"Make that two," Sam spoke up, glancing at his brother, then at the girls on the sofa.
Chloe shut her eyes, letting her head rest back against the sofa cushions as the urge to sleep washed over her.
Sarah watched the three men walk into the kitchen, then looked at Chloe. "Maybe you should... rest until your mom gets here," she suggested hesitantly, feeling the need to sleep for the next week herself.
She drew in a breath and let it out slowly. "What's going on with you?" she whispered, turning her head to look at Sarah with worry in her eyes.
Sarah met her friend's gaze, though every instinct told her to physically stand up and leave the room. "I'm afraid, Chloe," she whispered instead, seeing that same emotion in the other's eyes as well. "I think you know what I'm talking about."
She reached out and placed a hand on Sarah's arm wordlessly, her eyes tired and filled with worry and fear as she nodded slightly.
Blowing out a breath, she looked away and down at her hand against her stomach. It had settled there unconsciously, it seemed. "I can't stop thinking about... you know..." She shrugged, trying to blow it off.
"I know." She swallowed hard, remembering her own pregnancy scare right after she'd met Dean and Sam. "I know you know this but...if you are...pregnant." She paused, wincing a little as her ribs ached painfully. "This is your baby. You and Sam's. Not that yellow-eyed bastard."
She took a deep breath. "I know, I know, Chloe, but what if it's right? What if that baby...?" A shudder of panic sped through her body, making her shiver in terror. She couldn't bear the thought, even though it was the burning question. If the Demon wanted Sam, if Sam was to lead the army to fight it, then what would that mean for her? For their baby, if she really was pregnant?
A single tear slipped down her cheek.
Feeling her friend's pain intensely, Chloe winced and slowly pulled her into a hug. "I don't know," she whispered back. "But you need to talk to Sam. You don't have to do this alone. He loves you and I know you love him."
She put her chin on Chloe's shoulder and sighed, hugging her back. "I don't know what to tell him," she whispered, feeling his eyes on her suddenly and looking across the room at him. "I feel so... separated from him, and it's all my fault."
"No, it's not." Chloe shut her eyes. "This is because of the demon. Not you. And not Sam."
Sarah didn't quite believe her, but she smiled faintly. "I wish... I think Sam and I should probably talk, but I need to know first." She pulled back and looked at Chloe, her eyes sad yet anxious.
She drew in a breath and cast a glance over her shoulder, spotting all three men looking at them worriedly. She turned back to Sarah. "You wanna go get a test?" she asked very softly.
"As soon as humanly possible," she replied softly, not wanting the others to hear. She met Sam's eyes, filled with worry, and tried not to cry right then and there.
"Let's go now, then." She bit down on her lower lip as she rose to her feet.
Dean saw the women move and took a step towards them. "Wait, where are you two going?" he asked, his voice a little hard with anxiety.
"Making a quick trip to the store," Chloe said softly, meeting his eyes briefly.
"I'll take you," Dean immediately stated, reaching for the car keys. He was surprised to see Sarah brutally yank them out of his hand.
"Hey, we got this, okay?" she replied, giving him a cautionary look before glancing at Sam. "We'll be back soon."
Sam looked hesitant, worried. "Sarah, Lex lives here. For all we know, he knows we're here. I'm not sure it's safe to--"
"What? You two suddenly think we can't take care of ourselves?" she snapped, angry suddenly. "You think I can't protect Chloe, either?"
Clark looked between the men and woman and was suddenly glad he didn't have anyone in his life.
"Whoa, Sarah, that's not what Sam's saying," Dean replied, picking up the argument. "And I agree with him. It's not safe out there. You two could be taken."
Sam stared at her. "After what happened back there, do you really think you and Chloe either one could stand a chance of escaping Lex Luthor and his men? We know he's still after--" He cut himself off quickly, suddenly remembering Clark was in the room, completely unaware of what had happened.
Chloe flinched a little but avoided looking at him.
"Tough, Winchester, we're going." Turning on her heel, Sarah stormed out of the house, holding onto the Impala’s keys. She didn't want to have to explain herself now of all times. She wanted answers first.
"We'll be back soon," Chloe murmured, slowly following her friend out the door.
Dean watched them go, a little shocked and not comforted by this display of total disregard for their lives. Nice going, Sam, he thought, tossing a glare at his brother.
"Uh, you want me to follow them?" Clark asked, confused over what was happening.
"Yes," Sam said without hesitation, looking suddenly tired and defeated as his shoulders slumped.
Nodding, Clark listened for the Impala speeding down the driveway before taking off, a breeze the only indication he had left the room.
His beer still in hand, Dean tossed himself onto the couch. "Great, now what?"
Sam sank down into the chair, resting his head in his hands and not responding.
Authors: Clarksmuse and xtremeroswellia
Rated: PG-13
Disclaimer: Still not ours
The ride had been long and tiring, but the Impala somehow made it back to Kansas. Again. Dean frowned as he saw the somewhat familiar "Welcome to Smallville" sign and wondered why they had chosen to meet there, of all places. Lex Luthor lived there; one of his plants was housed there. Hell, Chloe's former flame was watching over her loved ones and the rest of the town. Why meet in such an obvious place?
His foot pressed on the gas, making the turn towards the Kent Farm hard and ragged.
Chloe winced a the sharp turn, biting down hard on her lower lip and pressing a hand against her ribs as she sat beside him in the passenger seat. She'd managed to keep the three of them out of her mind pretty well, but it was a struggle to continue to do so. She was tired. And more than a little nervous. It still hadn't sunk in that her mother wasn't crazy--that she was simply another meteor-infected person with some kind of special powers that Lex Luthor wanted to get his hands on.
Swallowing hard, she shut her eyes against the nausea that threatened to overwhelm her. She was far from being a hundred percent healed and she wasn't looking forward to the moment when Clark and Oliver and the others found out what had happened.
"Maybe this is a bad idea," she whispered almost inaudibly.
"Too late for that, Chloe," Dean replied flatly, seeing the Kent Farm driveway ahead of them, closing in quickly. "You said you wanted to make sure your mom was okay, so that's what we're going to do." He glanced back and looked at Sam, who was staring out the window, obviously distracted by something.
What's eating you? he asked in his mind, letting down his mental guard for a moment.
Sam blinked and turned his head to glance at Sarah, whose head was resting on the window as she slept. Then he glanced at his brother. Just worried about Sarah, he admitted.
The eldest Winchester glanced at his sister-in-law in the rearview mirror. She looked troubled, deeply troubled. Not something she was willing to mention, either, not since Sam had the forlorn puppy dog my-best-friend-just-died look about him the last couple days. What's wrong with her? he asked as he turned the Impala into the Kent driveway.
He tensed a little and stared out the window once more. The things the demon said to her...she's really freaked out, Dean. I don't know how to get through to her.
He glanced at Chloe and nodded ever so slightly. Maybe once Chloe's better, she'll talk to her, he replied with a deep frown. In the meantime... hell, I don't know, Sam. Give her space or something? "We're here," he said out loud, pulling the car next to an old red truck.
Yeah. I know. I'm trying. Sam sighed softly and hesitantly reached out and placed a hand on Sarah's shoulder. "We're at the Kent's, Sarah."
Rousing at a familiar touch, Sarah slitted her eyes sleepily. Then shot up straight when she realized Sam was trying to wake her up. Eyes wide, she looked at him. "Already?" she whispered, keeping her mental block up as best she could. Sam's mind was always with hers, gently pressing out of concern. She put a weary hand to her head.
"You've been Sleeping Beauty for most of the trip," Dean said, smirking faintly.
Sam gave her a small, warm smile though the worry was obvious in his eyes. "How ya feeling?" he whispered.
"Fine," she automatically replied, not looking at him. "Tired... I don't know."
Clearing his throat, Dean glanced at Chloe, who had turned a few shades of pale. "Hey, we can do this... tomorrow, if you want." He took her hand, pressing it gently.
"No." She straightened her shoulders, forced herself to take a deep breath, and reached for the door handle. If she didn't do this now, she was afraid she'd lose all nerve. She slid out of the car slowly and almost instantly got slammed by a wave of dizziness. Gripping onto the Impala door while she regained her balance, she looked toward the house, her heart thudding heavily in her chest.
Dean jumped out of the driver's seat and slid across the hood, grasping Chloe so she wouldn't fall into a puddle on the ground. "Whoa, take it easy," he whispered, putting his arms around her.
"Stood up too fast," she murmured, sagging against him for a moment.
Sam slowly climbed out of the backseat and moving around to the other side of the car to open the door for Sarah. He held his hand out to her, his eyes pleading with her not to turn him down.
Dark eyes begged, and it was more than she could stand. Swallowing hard, Sarah put her hand in Sam's and slowly got out of the car, moving into his warmth for a moment before turning up to stare at him with blank, emotionless eyes. "Thanks," she whispered, mustering a small smile.
He swallowed hard, nodding a little and lifting a hand to her cheek as he gazed at her. Even though he knew her mental walls were up, keeping him shut firmly out of her mind, he thought, I'm sorry.
Casting a glance at Sam and Sarah, Chloe drew a breath, knowing she was going to have to talk to Sarah very soon. She slowly pulled away from Dean and moved toward the front door, wrapping her arms around herself.
Looking back at the others, Dean followed closely behind Chloe to make sure she remained steady on her feet. The last thing they needed was a game of twenty questions from the Boy Wonder or Oliver Queen. In fact, he bit back an underhanded retort when he saw Clark standing on the porch, obviously having heard the Impala's purring engine.
"Chloe? Dean?" Clark called, a little shocked to see all four of the Impala passengers in such bad shape. What had happened to them?
Chloe managed to force a small smile on her face. "Hey, Clark," she said, her voice still weak like the rest of her.
It was on the tip of his tongue to ask what was wrong, but one dark look from Dean made Clark think twice. "How was the trip?" he asked, holding the door open for them.
"Long," Dean replied in a flat, emotionless voice.
"Thanks," she murmured, slowly stepping into the familiar house that had once been like a second home to her. She slowly made her way over to the sofa and sank down into it, closing her eyes.
Sam guided Sarah up the porch, a hand resting lightly on the small of her back. "Clark." He nodded at him.
Clark smiled cordially and nodded at both of them, noticing both looked worse for the wear. He kept his mouth shut, though: the last thing they all needed was any kind of trouble. Especially since Lex had spies everywhere lately.
He shut the door behind them and walked into the living room behind them.
Sarah sat down next to Chloe and covered her hand. "It'll be good to see your mom," she whispered.
She tried to smile but didn't quite manage it as she nodded a little, still feeling vaguely nauseous. She looked up, meeting Clark's eyes for a brief moment and then quickly looking away once more. "They're not here yet?"
"Oliver's coming," Clark replied, standing in the breezeway, apart from the rest of the group. "He's got the others scouting out the farm to make sure no one's looking."
Dean shot his head over to glare at Clark. "Oh please tell me Luthor's not here." I have unfinished business with that bastard, he thought.
Sam tensed at Lex's name, as well, and stared hard at Clark.
"Guys," Chloe whispered, looking between the Winchester brothers. "Try to relax." She could feel their tension as though it were her own, pressing harshly against her mind though she neither of them meant for it to.
"Yeah, Sam, relax," Dean replied in a nonchalant voice, trying to keep a lid on his anger.
Sarah rolled her eyes a little and looked at Clark. "When will they be here?"
Looking at them, his eyes alight with curiosity, he replied, "Probably in an hour. Can I get anyone something to eat or drink?"
Dean moved from his standing position behind the couch. "I really could use a beer."
"Make that two," Sam spoke up, glancing at his brother, then at the girls on the sofa.
Chloe shut her eyes, letting her head rest back against the sofa cushions as the urge to sleep washed over her.
Sarah watched the three men walk into the kitchen, then looked at Chloe. "Maybe you should... rest until your mom gets here," she suggested hesitantly, feeling the need to sleep for the next week herself.
She drew in a breath and let it out slowly. "What's going on with you?" she whispered, turning her head to look at Sarah with worry in her eyes.
Sarah met her friend's gaze, though every instinct told her to physically stand up and leave the room. "I'm afraid, Chloe," she whispered instead, seeing that same emotion in the other's eyes as well. "I think you know what I'm talking about."
She reached out and placed a hand on Sarah's arm wordlessly, her eyes tired and filled with worry and fear as she nodded slightly.
Blowing out a breath, she looked away and down at her hand against her stomach. It had settled there unconsciously, it seemed. "I can't stop thinking about... you know..." She shrugged, trying to blow it off.
"I know." She swallowed hard, remembering her own pregnancy scare right after she'd met Dean and Sam. "I know you know this but...if you are...pregnant." She paused, wincing a little as her ribs ached painfully. "This is your baby. You and Sam's. Not that yellow-eyed bastard."
She took a deep breath. "I know, I know, Chloe, but what if it's right? What if that baby...?" A shudder of panic sped through her body, making her shiver in terror. She couldn't bear the thought, even though it was the burning question. If the Demon wanted Sam, if Sam was to lead the army to fight it, then what would that mean for her? For their baby, if she really was pregnant?
A single tear slipped down her cheek.
Feeling her friend's pain intensely, Chloe winced and slowly pulled her into a hug. "I don't know," she whispered back. "But you need to talk to Sam. You don't have to do this alone. He loves you and I know you love him."
She put her chin on Chloe's shoulder and sighed, hugging her back. "I don't know what to tell him," she whispered, feeling his eyes on her suddenly and looking across the room at him. "I feel so... separated from him, and it's all my fault."
"No, it's not." Chloe shut her eyes. "This is because of the demon. Not you. And not Sam."
Sarah didn't quite believe her, but she smiled faintly. "I wish... I think Sam and I should probably talk, but I need to know first." She pulled back and looked at Chloe, her eyes sad yet anxious.
She drew in a breath and cast a glance over her shoulder, spotting all three men looking at them worriedly. She turned back to Sarah. "You wanna go get a test?" she asked very softly.
"As soon as humanly possible," she replied softly, not wanting the others to hear. She met Sam's eyes, filled with worry, and tried not to cry right then and there.
"Let's go now, then." She bit down on her lower lip as she rose to her feet.
Dean saw the women move and took a step towards them. "Wait, where are you two going?" he asked, his voice a little hard with anxiety.
"Making a quick trip to the store," Chloe said softly, meeting his eyes briefly.
"I'll take you," Dean immediately stated, reaching for the car keys. He was surprised to see Sarah brutally yank them out of his hand.
"Hey, we got this, okay?" she replied, giving him a cautionary look before glancing at Sam. "We'll be back soon."
Sam looked hesitant, worried. "Sarah, Lex lives here. For all we know, he knows we're here. I'm not sure it's safe to--"
"What? You two suddenly think we can't take care of ourselves?" she snapped, angry suddenly. "You think I can't protect Chloe, either?"
Clark looked between the men and woman and was suddenly glad he didn't have anyone in his life.
"Whoa, Sarah, that's not what Sam's saying," Dean replied, picking up the argument. "And I agree with him. It's not safe out there. You two could be taken."
Sam stared at her. "After what happened back there, do you really think you and Chloe either one could stand a chance of escaping Lex Luthor and his men? We know he's still after--" He cut himself off quickly, suddenly remembering Clark was in the room, completely unaware of what had happened.
Chloe flinched a little but avoided looking at him.
"Tough, Winchester, we're going." Turning on her heel, Sarah stormed out of the house, holding onto the Impala’s keys. She didn't want to have to explain herself now of all times. She wanted answers first.
"We'll be back soon," Chloe murmured, slowly following her friend out the door.
Dean watched them go, a little shocked and not comforted by this display of total disregard for their lives. Nice going, Sam, he thought, tossing a glare at his brother.
"Uh, you want me to follow them?" Clark asked, confused over what was happening.
"Yes," Sam said without hesitation, looking suddenly tired and defeated as his shoulders slumped.
Nodding, Clark listened for the Impala speeding down the driveway before taking off, a breeze the only indication he had left the room.
His beer still in hand, Dean tossed himself onto the couch. "Great, now what?"
Sam sank down into the chair, resting his head in his hands and not responding.