Chapter 10

Flashes of memory flitted quickly through Lucy's mind as she slept. Past hunts with Sam and Dean, raising horses wither her mother, Sam helping her with the dishes. Simple pleasant things. They all started innocent enough but then the memories soon grew darker, echoing her inner worries. The failed rescue of her mother, her mother's funeral, Lucy's first battle against Castiel. A young man with a slender yet handsome face, with blue-green eyes and unruly brown hair. Horrible burn scars marred one side of his handsome face and trailed down his neck, hiding under his t-shirt. His eyes looked at Lucy with a mixture of sadness and pain.

The last image jolted Lucy from her sleep and she woke breathing heavily, her body covered in a thin sheen of sweat. It had been years since she had last seen that face, she hadn't expected to dream about him. Maybe it had been her subconscious' way of telling her to take things slow with Sam. Lucy's gaze went down to her naked form, covered only by a thin bed sheet and she smirked. Too late for that.

Still covered, she rolled onto her side and saw Sam still asleep beside her. Lucy's expression grew pensive as she looked at Sam. She had been serious when she had decided not to let fear rule her anymore. However, she didn't want to ruin her blossoming relationship either by being too hasty. She was so lucky to be with Sam. It was a miracle that he didn't think she was a total freak.

Lucy watched him quietly for a few more minutes, admiring his peaceful look and watching the slow rise and fall of his chest with each breath. A small smile tugged at the corners of Lucy's mouth. Yes, she was indeed lucky. Being careful not to wake Sam, she carefully slid out of the bed and quietly tip-toed to the bathroom. Her nightmare and left her feeling sweaty and uneasy and she needed to be rid of the disgusting feeling, especially before Sam awoke. Lucy spared one last glance back at Sam's sleeping form, her smile growing wider, and then shut the bathroom door.

-)*(-

Shuffling noises from somewhere in the room woke Sam abruptly. He sat up partially, propped up by his elbows, and groggily looked around. At first he thought that he was back in his room that he shared with Dean. As his eyes adjusted though, he noticed the clothes strewn about the floor and that there was no second bed.

Sam looked down at himself, much like Lucy had done, the memories of the previous night coming back to him. A small chuckle escaped him and he could feel himself blushing. Things with Lucy had definitely progressed faster than he had anticipated. Sam grinned as he considered the night again. Fast yes, but it had been an honest affirmation of how they both felt and gave Sam relief. No more hesitance and tension, no more doubt. It was a fresh start.

The sound of the bathroom door opening broke Sam from his thoughts. He looked to the doorway and there was Lucy, dressed in her usual shorts and tank top. She was still toweling her hair dry when she noticed that Sam was awake. Both of them smiled shyly, both a little unsure of where to begin.

"Good morning, Sam."

"Good morning, Lucy."

Silence quickly fell over them and it was quickly feeling awkward again. However, this time it was Lucy who broke the silence. She coughed once then tossed her towel into the bathroom. The young nephilim coughed once then tossed her towel into the bathroom. She then walked to Sam's side of the bed and sat down while he was still propped up on his elbows.

"Sam, about last night," She paused unsure of how to continue and Sam fought hard to keep his face blank while inwardly he dreaded what she would say next. Lucy cleared her throat and tried again.

"Sam, about last night, I don't regret it at all."

Sam's eyes widened with surprise and a relieved smile crossed his face. He sat up and leaned closer to Lucy, his right hand resting on her shoulder.

"I'm glad you said that," he whispered.

Lucy replied with a brief smile of her own but all too soon, her face was serious again. Sam patiently waited for her to speak, unsure of what was coming next. Her brow creased and her mouth became a tight line as if she was contemplating her next words. After what seemed like a few minutes, Lucy's face finally relaxed as her eyes met Sam's.

"Sam, I know that this changes things between us and we need to figure out what that exactly means. But not until this job is over." Lucy paused again and Sam thought he saw a flicker of pain cross Lucy's features. A painful memory perhaps? Sam didn't get the chance to question her because she recovered quickly like it had not happened and jumped directly back into her explanation.

"I don't want us to be a distraction for each other. I know that I couldn't forgive myself if I brought you to harm."

Sam took in her words and nodded slowly. Though the young hunter wanted to resolve things between them then and there, Lucy's request was quite reasonable. This job had to come first. They could work out their issues later.

"I can do that," he agreed, adding some levity by offering another smile.

Lucy smiled again, this time seeming relieved, then gently rested her head against the side of Sam's face and gave him a soft kiss.

Their moment was quickly interrupted by the loud ringing of Sam's cell phone. Sam groaned softly in annoyance and leaned over the side of the bed, pulling the noisy object from his pants pocket. He glanced at the screen and saw that it was Dean. If they hadn't been in the middle of an important case, Sam would have just let it go to voicemail. This time though, he quickly picked up, hoping his brother had some news.

"Dean, what's up?" he asked quietly, in case their 'guard' was still hanging about outside the room.

"Hey, I got a call from Bobby. He found out what we're hunting."

Sam's eyes widened with excitement and a grin spread on his face. Lucy apparently had heard Dean as well because she too had a pleased look on her face.

"What is it?" he replied earnestly.

"A succubus. I'm gonna need you to come back to our motel and bring Lucy with you. We're going to need her on weapons duty." Dean answered quickly. He was saving the details for when they were all together and it would be safer to talk.

"Will do. Can you pick us up?" Sam answered, voice still quiet despite his excitement in the new lead.

"Yeah, I'll be over in a few minutes. Still have that guy following you?"

"Most likely."

Dean cursed softly then paused and Sam could her barely hear his breathing on the other end. Finally Dean cleared his throat and spoke again.

"Okay, I'll come up with something. I'll see you in a bit."

"Sounds good. 'Bye."

Sam hung up then tossed his phone onto the bed. He looked at Lucy, who was waiting patiently before him.

"Did you hear all that?" he asked curiously.

"Yes. To be honest, I don't know any lore for that kind of creature," she whispered.

"Me either. We'll just have to wait and hear from Dean. Let's get ready."

Lucy nodded her agreement and left to finish getting ready. Their discussion and the previous night's events were pushed to the back of their minds. The duo was all business now just like they had agreed. It seemed so easy, like flipping a switch. As he was getting his things together, Sam wondered if it would always be that way. But like Lucy had said, he couldn't worry about that now. So he pushed that thought away, just like the others that had been swirling in his mind, and focused on the job at hand.