Dean looked up from the laptop screen as his brother entered the kitchen. "Sam, if you want to stay here for the weekend, I'm gonna need your help."

Buffy's glow was hard to miss. Willow slid up to her, "Should I ask why you're so happy this morning?" Buffy blushed. "So," Willow whispered, "what did Dean do?"

"He slept over," Buffy whispered smiling brightly.

Willow's expression went from smile to serious. "What? Did you guys..?"

"No," Buffy giggled. "But we did come close."

"Oh my god, Buffy. I can't believe it. So, you guys just slept, together, in the same bed. That's pretty, um.."

"I know. Willow, he was so sweet. He said he wouldn't do anything I didn't want him to. And even though parts of me really wanted him to, we stopped. And he was okay with that." Buffy looked worried for a moment. "I think he was okay. What if he wasn't okay?"

Willow shook her head. "He stayed over, Buffy. I think that means he's okay." Willow grabbed Buffy's arm to stop her. "What did he say when you told him about being the Slayer?" She whispered.

Buffy looked down to avoid Willow's questioning eyes. "I tried. I really did. But he made with the kissing and I, well, my brain got all mushy and distracted." Willow wasn't returning Buffy's smile. "His lips could be a lethal weapon." Her attempted joke didn't amuse Willow.

"Buffy, you guys almost, you know. You have to tell him."

Buffy slouched, "I know. I will. Today. I promise." She nodded.

Willow joined in the nod, "You better."

Buffy took her turn to stop Willow. "Willow, I think I might be in love with him."

"Well, duh," Willow smiled. "It's pretty obvious."

"What if I tell him and he doesn't like it? What if he doesn't feel the same way?"

"Buffy, I don't know, but I think Dean thinks you're pretty special. I mean he did stay over and he stopped when you asked. And, well, it seems pretty clear that he likes you a lot." Willow debated with herself whether to tell Buffy what Dean's French phrases meant and decided against it.

Buffy leaned into her friend, "God, I hope so."

Buffy's head swam. She flipped through the computer printout Giles gave her. Something was capturing and probably killing kids at the Harvest Festival. The next pages provided evidence that there were ghosts haunting the You Won't Believe Your Eyes exhibit. There was no way she'd be able to do it all. How could she defeat the 'monster', destroy some ghosts, and have a date with Dean all at the same time? Of course, she had no idea how to destroy ghosts, but that was seeming easier than telling Dean she was the Slayer. After what happened between them last night, Buffy couldn't think about much more than Dean. She hadn't seen him that morning. Not in her room and not before school. Maybe, he fell back to sleep once he got home, Buffy thought. When he didn't show for American Lit, Buffy tried not to be depressed. By lunch, Buffy's mood was pretty obvious to Willow, the reason was just as obvious. Dean was absent.

After lunch, Buffy skipped class to meet with Giles. "So, have we learned what this baddie is? How about how I'm supposed to destroy ghosts?" Buffy was clearly irritated.

Giles pursed his lips and studied her. "Buffy," he sighed. "One thing at a time. Yes, I think I have determined what the entity is that is harming the children."

Buffy nodded, "Good, how do I kill it?"

"Yes, I'm getting to that," Giles flipped some pages in his book. Then he looked at some printouts and placed a picture of a djinn in front of her. "It appears you need to slit it's throat with a silver knife."

"Eww, Seriously?" Buffy slumped in her chair thinking that would totally limit her wardrobe choices for Saturday night. "Alright, what about the ghosts?"

"Well, those are a different story. You will need to prevent them from causing harm and you will need to destroy them. This isn't something you deal with very often, Buffy. The spirits will be most likely vengeful. They can disappear and reappear. They can move objects. You're going to need weapons with which you are not familiar. " Giles sat in the chair next to Buffy. "I think you may need help with this." He took in her surprised look. "I think," He paused to make sure she was paying attention, "it would be best if Mr. Winchester eliminated the ghosts, while you find the cursed object and take care of the djinn."

"No, I can handle this. If I can handle four vamps at a time, I can handle this."

"Buffy, what you don't understand is that these spirits cannot be reasoned with and all of them can attack several different ways at once. You have to find the remains, salt and burn them. "

"And again I say Eww." Buffy looked disgusted.

"Yes, what makes it even more dangerous is that one of the spirits may be controlling the djinn. All of them will be trying to prevent you from succeeding."

Buffy looked over the book Giles had open in front of her. Then she flipped through the printout again. "Oh alright. You call Mr. Winchester. I just don't want Dean involved."

Giles pushed his glasses further up his nose. "Buffy, I wouldn't presume to tell you how to run your personal life -"

"Good, then don't." Seeing that her watcher was giving her his 'look', Buffy sighed. "Giles, I know. And I will, I just need to figure out how."

Dean crept out of the computer lab grinning from ear to ear. He couldn't get over how easy it was to doctor Sam's findings. There was no way Giles would let the Slayer handle all of that on her own. They would have to call his dad and then, he would get to stay through the weekend. Now, all he had to do was find Buffy, come up with an excuse for being gone most of the day, and sit back waiting for a phone call. Sammy was going to get the best Christmas gift Dean could afford this year.

Dean was nearly skipping down the hall to wait outside Buffy's classroom for her when he came upon Cordelia sitting on some stairs. She was wearing a cheesy tiara and she appeared to be crying. Dean looked her over and sighed. He was in such a good mood he figured he should brighten Cordy's day. "Hey, beautiful, congratulations on being named Queen. I've got to say it looks good on you," Dean stood in front of her, giving her one of his most winning smiles.

Cordelia gave him a bitter look and tried to look like she hadn't been crying. "Laugh it up, Dean. Real nice."

Shocked, Dean sat next to her on the steps. He knew he heard the announcement correctly; Cordelia was named Homecoming Queen. Why did she think he was being mean when he congratulated her? "Cordelia, I don't get it, what's wrong?"

"Devon. Devon's what's wrong. Don't tell me you didn't know his band was playing the festival this weekend and that he wasn't going to take me to the dance." She wiped some tears from her cheeks. "I'm the 'Queen' and I don't have a date. I feel like a total fool. I'm the only one that didn't know."

Dean sighed. "Cordelia, you could have any guy." She looked at him with an unspoken 'duh' on her face. "What about taking Sven?"

Cordy just raised a brow. "Seriously?"

"Yeah, he's nice, right?"

"Dean, I'm the 'Queen'. I'm dating the lead singer of the best band this dump has to offer and I have to go to the dance with Swedish meatball man?"

Dean laughed. "The Dingoes gig is pretty early. Maybe Devon can meet you afterwards."

She appeared to think that over. Cordelia narrowed her eyes studying him for a moment. "Why are you being so nice to me?"

"Why can't I be nice to you? You've always been nice to me," Dean put his arm around her and squeezed her.

"Well, I'm not exactly Buffy's favorite person," Cordelia put her head on his shoulder for a second. "Ya know, if you weren't dating her," She turned to look him in the eye, "I would have jumped all over you."

Again Dean laughed, "Good to know." Dean lowered his voice, "If I weren't dating her, I'd let you." He kissed the top of her head.

Cordelia smiled, but then her look became earnest. "I know you probably think the whole 'Slayer' thing is sexy, but if I was her," She gently touched Dean's face, "I would never have let anything happen to you." She leaned over and kissed his cheek, "Thanks, Dean. You really are a great guy." Cordelia rose from the steps and dusted herself off, not knowing the destruction she left in her wake.

Buffy met Giles in the library after school. She had really wanted to check on Dean, but she knew this week's big bad wasn't interested in the Slayer's love life. Maybe after a cramming session with Giles, she could race over to his house. Willow researched different ways of containing cursed objects, while Buffy and Giles practiced hand to hand to prepare her for the djinn. Even after Giles told her that he had procured Mr. Winchester's assistance, the Watcher could see that his Slayer was distracted and it concerned him. "Buffy, let's take a break. I'll order something for us to eat," Giles removed his catcher's mask and went into his office.

Willow scrutinized Buffy for a moment. "You should call him. Maybe his brother was sick or something. Maybe his dad needed him."

Buffy nodded, but wasn't convinced. She had a sinking feeling that Dean was no longer interested in her. Dialing his number, she hoped to finally hear his voice. Voice mail, at least it was his voice, even if it wasn't him in person. Sighing Buffy left her message, "Dean, it's me. I missed you today. Uh, please call me, if you get the chance." She looked at Willow and shrugged. "He's not picking up." Buffy slumped in a chair. "Willow, I screwed this up, didn't I?"

"You don't know that," Willow assurance wasn't doing much to lift Buffy's spirits. "Maybe he -"

"Maybe he found out and he hates me." Buffy stood up and twirled the silver knife Giles gave her and with perfect accuracy threw it into a 'Read' poster on the library's wall hitting Jennie Garth right between the eyes. "Well, at least I can kill something other than my relationships."

"Dean, it's not fair," Sam whined. "I thought you said this was gonna guarantee that we stay through Saturday. We did a really thorough job. Dad's not gonna know it's fake until he gets there," Sam's argument was only depressing Dean more.

"Sorry, I should have told you sooner that Dad wanted to leave as soon as he got home. I promise I'll take the fall for this, it's really my fault, anyway. I'll tell him Willow helped me. Don't worry about it."

"I'm not worried about Dad being mad. I just really wanted to go to the festival with my friends, that's all." Sam slumped even further in ratty couch.

Dean didn't look at his brother. He grabbed another book and flipped some pages. "Yeah, I know, Sam." After a few minutes of silence, Dean noticed his brother was still sour. "Look, I did talk to Ms. Calendar today and the class you're in is actually a nationwide thing so you can do it practically anywhere. You can even keep the laptop." Sam's face showed his disinterest. "Really, she said if the district we're in next doesn't offer the program, you can take it online or something." Dean pulled a folded sheet of paper from his pocket, "Here's the form. You're already part of the grant program so no worries, man." Dean's smile felt fake even to him. "Look, I'm gonna wait up for Dad. Why don't you go hang with your friends for a while or something. Enjoy your last night of freedom for a while." Sam nodded and went outside to join some kids in a pick up basketball game.

Dean listened to his phone message again, wishing he understood why he liked torturing himself. It felt like she played him, he felt like a the biggest fool in the world.

John Winchester pulled in just before 2am dead tired and wanting nothing more than a bed. He certainly wasn't expecting to find Dean waiting up for him. He collapsed in the easy chair and let Dean take his duffel bag. When Dean came back from the kitchen with a beer, John knew there was real trouble. Taking the beer with a heavy sigh John asked, "What's going on, Dean?"

"I fucked up," Dean rubbed his hand over his face and cleared his throat. "I can fix it, and I will, I just… I just want you to know that I'll take care of it and we can leave like planned on Saturday."

John closed his eyes for a moment before studying his son. "Do I even want to know?"

"No, sir, you probably don't. Like I said, though, I'll take care of it."

Closing his eyes with a small silent prayer on his lips, "Tell me this isn't something about, um," he paused, he really didn't want to know, but, as a parent, he knew he had to ask. "you and Buffy and uh…"

Dean was confused at first but then his eyes nearly bulged out of his head, "Oh, God, no, Dad." John's sigh of relief nearly made Dean laugh. "It's about the job at the festival. I sort of embellished some details to make it seem worse than it really is."

"So what is it really?" John was irritated but too tired to be too angry.

"A cursed object. There is some evidence that there is a spirit, there's one claim. All the rest, I made up."

John made an effort to hold down the rage bubbling inside. "When did the job become a game to you?"

Dean winced at the anger in his dad's question. "It's not. I just wanted to stay in Sunnydale longer. I know it was reckless to waste everyone's time. Sorry." He bowed his head, knowing he was far from off the hook. "We're ready to leave as soon as you are. We can leave as soon as tonight. Well, after I take care of the job."

"So this had nothing to do with Buffy?"

"No, sir. You know me - next town new girl." This seemed to anger his dad just as much and Dean was at a loss. They were always being lectured to not make attachments.

"She that replaceable?"

Dean swallowed. "No, sir, I didn't mean that. I just meant, don't worry about me and Buffy. There is no me and Buffy."

"People aren't replaceable, Dean. That's why we're doing this. Remember that." Dean looked at his dad and tried to understand where that had come from. John in turn scrutinized Dean. John slumped back in the chair with a heavy sigh. "It's not like you to lie about the job. So, you know, huh, Dean?" Dean pursed his lips and looked away. "What, did it hurt your pride?"

Dean glared at the wall. He knew better than to look at his dad. "Whatever," Dean grumbled, through gritted teeth.

"Dean, you know this isn't an easy life, but you grew up in it. Can't you understand why she would want to keep something like that to herself?" John shook his head and cleared his throat, "So, cursed object?"

"Yeah, a mirror. Sam and I already traced it back to Vendredi's Curious Goods. I'll have it ready to ship to them."

"You called Ryan and Mickey, let them know?"

"Yes, sir."

"You will also tell Mr. Giles the truth."

"Yes, sir."

"Dean," John grumbled, shook his head, "I don't even want to know why you lied. Just take care of it." He got up and headed for his room.

"Yes, sir. I will."

"He didn't call?" Willow's anxiousness just increased Buffy's concerns. She studied the crowd gathered outside Sunnydale High. Not a trace of Dean. Most students were showing school pride in Gold and Red. Cordelia and her court were smiling through dozens of pictures. Buffy remembered when Homecoming was a high light of the school year. Nothing but pep rallies, parties, the game and the Dance. That was back in L.A. Back when she was normal Buffy. Normal cheerleader with football player boyfriend. She sighed. She had almost pulled off normal again this year. Almost. Buffy smiled slightly at Willow and shrugged.

"Willow, I know something's wrong. I called twice. I'm going to go meet with Giles," She said quietly to her friend as she saw Oz approach.

Willow held Buffy's arm, "Don't you want to see if Oz has seen him or… ?" Buffy just shook her head, and fought to keep from crying for the hundredth time.

"Hey, Chloe, right?" Dean smirked at the cute little brunette, ignoring the sharp elbow to the ribs from his brother. "You sure look cute today. Going to the big game tonight?"

The girl blushed looking from Dean to Sam and stuttered, "I d-don't know."

Looking in mock amazement at Sam, Dean's smirk turned to a grin, "Well, I'm sure Sam's going, right, bro?" Turning a dazzling smile to the girl, "He'd be happy to take you." Dean faced Sam to enjoy the scared stupid look on his brother's face. "Well, then, see you later." Dean chuckled as he watched his little brother stand there dazed as the girl grabbed his hand nearly dragged him into school.

Avoiding the crowd in front of the school, Dean circled to the auto shop doors in the rear of the high school. He went to the little office the shop teachers shared and knocked. "Winchester, what brings you here? Looking to make up for yesterday's absence?"

"Actually, sir, I was wondering if I could make a little project in wood shop." Dean held up a picture of a rectangular box with intricate designs on it's cover.

The woods teacher leaned forward in his chair. "Hmm girlfriend or mom?" Not noticing the reprimanding look from the auto shop teacher he continued, "'cause it's nice and all, but, if it's for a girlfriend, she's gonna want jewelry to fill it up." He laughed at his own joke.

Dean gave a small fake laugh, "Right, I guess I shoulda thought of that. But, um would it be alright…"

"Yeah kid, knock yourself out. Nothing happens on these stupid pep assembly days, anyway."

"Buffy, according the schedule that Ms. Calendar down lifted from the interweb," Giles knew that wasn't right but he went on, "the attractions are set to arrived early Saturday morning. I think if we get there early we should be able to eliminate any problems before the festival opens." He noticed Buffy's small nod. "Buffy, you will be able to handle this. Mr. Winchester said he has faced a djinn before and would be there to assist you in anyway, with the spirits or the djinn."

"So, the plan is to get there before opening on Saturday and, uh, just take care of things?" Buffy wasn't used to working in daylight, this would be new to her. "How exactly are we going to do this and not get caught? I mean, wouldn't some fest personnel try to stop us?"

"Again, Mr. Winchester assured me yesterday that he would have that covered. You'll be his "assistant" and he'll be OSHA inspector or some such thing," Giles looked at the clock and rearranged the books on his counter. "You are to be ready by 8am. The festival is scheduled to open by noon, so that should give you plenty of time."

Buffy closed the book containing the picture of the djinn. "I'll do an early patrol tonight. I'll be ready." Giles smiled his approval.

Dean finished his curse box, tucked it in a backpack, and cleaned up the shop. All classes were running on some sort of special schedule due to the afternoon's assembly so he had no idea what classes he had missed. After giving it a moment's thought, he figured he may as well just take off. It was his last day after all, why go to class? Just as he was leaving the building through the same back doors, he heard someone call his name. Dean kept moving.

"Dean!" Willow was close enough to know he heard her, so she kept following. "Dean!" He finally stopped once they were both in the parking lot.

Dean spun to face her, and raised a brow but didn't say anything. He kept looking around as if he expected to be caught doing something wrong.

"Dean, where have you been?" Willow breathed out.

Ignoring her question Dean turned and began to walk off again. Willow raced to catch up to him. "Dean, what's going on?"

"Nothing, just getting out of here before the marching band starts up." He didn't break pace or look at her when he spoke.

Willow took hold of his arm to stop him. "Dean is something wrong? You're acting -"

"Remember when we talked about me leaving?" Dean interrupted. "This is me leaving." Again, he started to walk away.

Undeterred, Willow went after him. "You're leaving? Sunnydale? Now?" Dean rolled his eyes and increased his pace hoping she'd get the hint and leave him alone. "Does Buffy know?"

He sighed heavily, "I don't know what Buffy knows and I don't-," he stopped and looked at Willow. "I'm just- I'm leaving Sunnydale, probably tonight. So, if I don't see her say 'bye for me." He started on his way again.

"Why don't you tell her yourself?" Willow went after him. "Why don't you tell her how you feel before you leave? You know, in English, so she understands?"

That stopped Dean dead in his tracks and he swallowed the lump in his throat. He tried a fake laugh, "Willow that, that was a joke, a line I use to-" he waved his hand and shifted his weight. "Willow, I've really got to take off." He didn't want to be as rude as that sounded, he liked Willow, but he couldn't take this conversation anymore.

Again she made the face like someone had kicked her cat, "I don't believe you."

Dean looked completely unaffected. "Whatever, suit yourself." He walked up to her and hugged her. "Willow, you're a sweetheart, I'm gonna miss you." He walked away, leaving Willow shocked.

The best part of this mess was his dad letting him use the car. Dean had to drop off Sam and Chloe at the Homecoming game and then it was off to the festival grounds. Dean loved having to chauffer Sam on his date, it was difficult to keep his comments in check. He figured Sam would thank him later for the 'forced' date.

He drove to a bluff that overlooked the grounds. The carnies were hard at it. Rides and food carts were hastily being set up. The bustle would make it easy for him to get in and out unnoticed. He located the old railroad car that house the You Won't Believe Your Eyes exhibit. The car was still dark, there was no need to set anything up in the exhibit until Saturday, allowing Dean plenty of time and opportunity to finish his work. From the Impala's trunk Dean took the back pack with the curse box. To it he added the EMF detector, a box of salt, and a bottle of lighter fluid. He tucked his gun in his jeans at the small of his back, 2 lighters were placed in his pocket, and his knife in his sleeve. As ready as I'll ever be, he thought, making his way down the path to the festival grounds below.

"That's weird," thought Buffy, the festival wasn't supposed to set up until Saturday. But, there, in front of her, were people stringing electricity and setting up tents. Trucks were unloading rides and ticket booths. This isn't right, Buffy's brains screamed at her, I wasn't supposed to worry about this until tomorrow. She leaned against a telephone pole, do I follow the plan or do I take action now? Follow the plan. Tomorrow, I have back up, I won't have to face the creepy ghosts at night, tomorrow. Yeah, follow the plan. Then why was she finding herself inching her way to the railroad car housing the haunted exhibit?

The grounds were so busy, Dean went unnoticed as he made his way to the exhibit. Dean had no trouble with the ancient lock on the door and crept inside. Looking around, he quickly found the mirror. He checked the picture Sam had downloaded for him, then put the mirror in the box and locked it. The easy part of his mission was accomplished. However, now he had to figure out which of the 'relics' was authentic and was the cause of the haunting. Dean sat down and took out the EMF detector. He was finding difficult to discern which noises were outside and which weren't. After taking a couple deep breaths, he realized he could see his breath. He gradually drew his gun, prepared to take a shot, if needed. Signs on the wall began to vibrate. As Dean turned to look, an apparition of a little girl appeared then blinked out of existence. Just as quickly, she reappeared and walked to the display case opposite Dean. Yahtzee. Dean rose walked to the case to check it out when the little girl ghost disappeared only to reappear and repeat her actions. Dean nodded, residual. Harmless. Inside the case were some wreaths made of human hair and a card that explained the disturbing custom. He broke the glass and threw some salt down into the case, then the lighter fluid. Before he flicked the lighter he looked around. The whole place was pretty old and crappy. It could all go up if he wasn't careful. Or. He smirked and squeezed the bottle of lighter fluid. Dean believed annihilating this entire crap shack was going to improve his mood. He flicked his Zippo, dropped it to the ground, and walked out the door. And right into Buffy.

Rather forcibly he grabbed her arm, "Keep walking. Trust me." His fast gait made Buffy have to nearly run to keep up.

"Wait, wait, Dean, stop, I have to," Dean wasn't stopping for her so she pulled her arm away from him. "Look, I have to go back there." She turned to the railroad car and a very puzzled expression covered her face. Was that smoke?

She'd figure it out or get caught, either way, he thought it best to keep moving. After a few steps, he stopped and slumped his shoulders in defeat, who was he kidding? He went back and grabbed Buffy again. "Keep walking." This time she allowed him to drag her away.

Once they reached the entrance to the path, Dean let go of her arm and dialed his dad. "Hey, I'm done."

"Everything go okay?"

Dean looked at Buffy but she was looking back at the railroad car, "Yeah, just one snag, but it's nothing. I'll be right home."

John coughed a laugh. "Really, you're gonna be right home. You have the car on a Friday night. Last time that happened you didn't roll in until nearly 2."

"Yeah, well, not this time. Do you want me to call Ryan?" Dean had reached the car and was replacing everything in the trunk. Buffy watched him, surprised at the number of weapons he had been carrying. Studying his face, he seemed to be very good at pretending she didn't exist.

"No, I'll call him. Maybe they've got a job for us. You need to call Mr. Giles. And call if you change your mind about staying out."

Dean disconnected and slammed the trunk lid down. That didn't alleviate his anger as he hoped it would. He rubbed his hand over his face before trying to talk to Buffy. Fixing her to where she stood with a glare he asked, "What the fuck are you doing here?"

His tone erased her fear of upsetting him, it was replaced with defensiveness, "I could ask you the same thing."

His brows shot up at that. "So, ask."

That reply wasn't what she was expecting. Buffy just looked at him for a moment before meekly asking, "What were you doing there?"

Dean swallowed and answered calmly, "I was collecting a cursed mirror, then I eliminated a ghost, then I figured I would just eliminate the whole crappy exhibit." He waved his hand. He glared at her, bitterly continuing, "Your turn. You weren't supposed to show up until tomorrow. Can't you follow a simple plan? What are you doing here?"

Buffy let everything Dean said sink in. She sighed. She had no idea what to say to him. "I, um, was just….I'm sorry."

"Yeah, whatever. I'm outta here. Do you need a ride? Or can I just go?"

"What about the djinn?" Buffy looked from the burning car, which was now getting attention from the carnies, to Dean.

"There wasn't one. I made that up. So, you walkin'? 'Cause I'm leavin'. " He turned and began to walk to the other side of the car.

Buffy was confused, "You made it up? I don't get it." Buffy looked at the ground and very quietly asked, "How'd you find out? Who told you?"

Dean came back to where she stood. "Well contrary to popular opinion, I'm not a complete moron. I figured it out when Snyder dragged us into his office. A girl like you doesn't get a record like that unless, well, not without extenuating circumstances." He leaned against the car. "I don't know why you didn't tell me, but, I'm sure you had your reasons."

"I do, I did. I didn't think you …"

"Right, you didn't think I'd believe you or maybe you thought you were keeping me safe? So, even after you met my dad, you still thought I needed protecting? Or that I wouldn't believe you?" His accusing tone made Buffy blink back tears. Dean noticed and it put a vice on his heart. He actually wondered why he was hurting so much. "I feel like such an idiot. I fell for the whole 'Dean you saved me' crap the night we faced those things in the alley. You actually convinced me that you needed my help." He hung his head and sighed.

"Dean, you did save me," Buffy pleaded. "They totally took me by surprise. I hardly had any weapons on me at all." He still looked beyond angry. "I just wanted to be normal. Have a normal boyfriend." She said quietly.

Dean stared wide eyed at her. "Normal? We are pretty fucking far from normal. We are like the complete opposite of normal."

"I know. But, I could just be me when I was with you. I didn't have to be The Slayer. I got to be Buffy, Dean's girlfriend. I didn't have to be the bravest or the strongest. I never wanted you to feel like an idiot. I thought that if I told you, everything would change and you would treat me differently."

Dean thought about that for a moment. "Well, if this is normal, normal sucks." He wondered when he was going to stop aching. He thought breaking heart was just a saying. His anger had been displaced by his ache. "If I had told you about me and my dad and what we do, would you have told me you were the slayer, then?"

Buffy looked at him and saw that he looked as miserable as she felt. "I don't know. Maybe. Probably." She shrugged. "I don't know. I guess." She looked down to the festival grounds. "I had no idea how I was going to keep it a secret tomorrow night."

"That was the idea," Dean replied under his breath.

"What?" Buffy spun around. "What was the idea?"

Surprised she had heard, Dean sighed realizing he may as well come clean. "Sammy found a website that claimed the exhibit was haunted and we did some research. Turns out someone took a photo of a little girl that wasn't 'really there'. There also seemed to be kids missing, every seven years, when the exhibit was around." Dean found the next part difficult to admit and took his time before he began again. Much to his discomfort, Buffy hadn't taken her eyes off him. "So, Sam helped me change the information. I added as much crap as I could to force you to ask for help. And I was sure to make it sound bad enough that he…. I figured my dad would stay here as long as you asked him for help." Dean had been looking at the ground, but now he looked her in the eye. "He wanted to leave today or tomorrow at the latest." He cleared his throat, but his voice was still thick. "Sam and I weren't ready to go." He cleared his throat again. "Anyway, sorry about all the bullshit I put you through." He pushed off the car and walked back to the driver's side. "There's nothing you've got to worry about."

Buffy was just staring at him. "You made that all up?" Dean nodded. "There's no ghosts or djinn thing?" Dean just looked down. "Oh, okay then," she huffed, wrinkled her brow.

"Look, I've gotta get the car back, so you want a ride or what?" Impatiently, Dean opened his car door.

"Sure." Buffy walked back from where she was watching the fire. Dean shut his door and walked back around to the passenger side to open her door. When he got there, Buffy put her arms inside his jacket and wrapped them around him. "Please don't be so angry at me." She whispered into his chest.

Dean put his hands on her arms, attempting to push her away. "Buffy, I'm -can we just go?" Buffy wasn't letting go and it was making Dean feel even worse. "Buffy!" She looked up at him and the tears in her eyes stabbed at Dean. He couldn't look at her, he sighed, completely defeated. "You made me feel so fucking stupid." Dean's jaw clenched, "I'm pissed about you not trusting me. I'm such an idiot that I go and make all this shit up, wasting everyone's time. Trying to force you to need us." Buffy released him and leaned against the car. He finally looked at her, "I even lied to my dad about it. I have never lied to him about a job. I don't know what I was thinking." Dean turned to lean against the car next to her. "To top it all off, you told Cordelia the truth and you hate her. She's way up there on you list of least favorite people, so where does that put me?"

"This is about Cordelia knowing before you did? Dean, Cordelia only found out because she needed me to save her so many times. She's like a danger magnet or something." Buffy wiped at her forehead. "I mean just this month some guys wanted to turn her into the Bride of Frankenstein, remember?" Buffy reached for his hand. "Dean, I trust you, I'm in love with you." Her sudden admission stunned her. Well, it's out there now, she thought, praying he'd say it back.

The knot in Dean's throat prevented him from talking. He closed his eyes and swallowed, great fucking timing. "Don't, Buffy," he barely whispered, "I'm leaving Sunnydale in the morning." Abruptly, he opened the car door to usher her in. "Let's just go. Please."

"No, what do you mean you're leaving?" Buffy moved around the opened door and took Dean's arm.

"The demon we're after won't come here as long as you're here. And," he shrugged, "Sunnydale already has someone to handle it's problems. So, um, we're, uh, going." Dean finally made eye contact and gave Buffy the smallest smile. With his voice cracking again, "C'mon, let me take you home."

"No." Buffy walked closer to the edge of the bluff overlooking the festival grounds. She looked back at the fire then quickly back to Dean. "Why'd you burn it down?"

Dean shrugged, "I don't know. Felt like it." Then he smirked, "There were these mice and they had all these cigarettes but they lost their lighter, so I gave 'em mine. They must have dropped it or something." Buffy's sudden smile lit up her face, making Dean feel happier than he had since he woke up in Buffy's bed. He stepped away from her. He knew he had to go but he didn't want to leave her. "Buffy, I don't want to fight, if you don't want a ride, that's fine, but I should go. My dad's waiting and I have to call Mr. Giles."

Buffy turned away from him sat in the Impala's passenger seat. Dean closed the door after her and took his time to walk around to his door. He knew that when he dropped her off at home, it would be the last time he'd see her. Buffy broke the silence they drove in, "I don't want to go home." Her voice was barely audible over the engine. She wrapped her arms around herself, rubbing at her arms.

Dean glanced at her, "Are you cold?" Buffy shook her head but he leaned over and turned on the car's heater anyway. "Where do you want to go?" His voice wasn't much louder than hers had been.

"Anywhere but home." Buffy looked out her window and wiped her eyes. She didn't want Dean to see her crying. Her throat was tight, she was finding breathing difficult. She wanted to curl up and cry.

"'kay," Dean stole another glance at her. He had been hoping to avoid her. He hadn't wanted to fight with her. He didn't want to tell how he felt. He wanted to disappear and try to forget about her. No wonder Dad doesn't want us to get attached, this hurts like hell. Dean sighed at the lump in his throat. He had been driving aimlessly when a very unlike Dean Winchester thought crept into his consciousness. Smiling to himself, he spun the car around and gunned the engine.

Buffy wiped her eyes again and straightened up. She looked around, "Where are you going?" Dean looked over at her beaming a genuine smile, making Buffy wonder what had gotten into him. "Dean?"

"You'll see. Just wait."

Buffy made a face at his cryptic answer. Her expression became even more surprised when she began to recognize their location.

When Sunnydale High finally came into view, Dean hit the steering wheel, "Damn! We're too late." He slowed down and looked over to Buffy, "I'm sorry, Princess. I thought maybe we'd make it."

"The Homecoming game? Why would you-?"

Dean pulled into the school parking lot. "It's normal, you wanted normal. I thought, well, doesn't matter, we missed it." There were a few stragglers getting into cars. Streamers were blowing around the lot and grounds. Even the visiting team's bus had left. He slumped back in his seat, "I'm sorry."

Buffy was astonished for a minute. She looked around at the empty field and school. Then she looked at Dean, who looked truly disappointed. "Oh my god." She slid across the seat and climbed halfway into a bewildered Dean's lap. "I love you." She kissed him so quickly Dean could barely react. "You are so sweet. This is perfect."

Dean was ready for her when she kissed him this time. Catching his breath between kisses, "I'm glad you're happy." Though his ache wasn't gone, he now thought his heart was going to pound out of his chest.

The lights on the field went out, followed by the lights in the parking lot. A car on the other side of the lot left and they found themselves alone. Dean broke the kiss nearly panting for air. "Could you hold that thought for a minute?" Buffy looked confused as Dean fumbled in his coat pocket. He quickly dialed and cleared his throat, "Dad, I'm gonna be late." Buffy tried to hear what was said on the other end. Dean looked up at her, brushing her hair back with his free hand, he cradled her head in his hand. "Yeah, I will." He put his phone back in his pocket and felt for the seat lever. Lowering the seat back, he pulled Buffy back with him. "I hope you remembered the thought you were holding."

Buffy giggled at him, "I've got a whole bunch of new thoughts now."

"Really?" Dean kissed her neck. He nibbled his way up to her ear. "Anything you want to share?" His breath was hot on her neck causing her to sigh lightly.

Buffy rearranged herself, moving her legs to either side of Dean. Her right knee was slightly pinned against the door, but she barely noticed. Their eyes met, and for a moment they could only stare at each other. Then, Dean's hands went to her back and he pulled her tightly against him, meeting her mouth eagerly. The way Dean was moving his tongue was making Buffy forget the discomfort in her leg. Buffy slowly moved her lips to his jaw and neck, gently sucking in his skin and then working her way back to his mouth. Although he was thoroughly enjoying every second, Dean fought with himself to keep his hands still. When their mouths met again, Dean reflexively lifted his hips forcing Buffy to grind against him and moan softly into his mouth. Pulling from the kiss, Dean was breathing hard. He closed his eyes, swallowed, trying to calm himself. He drew his hand down her thigh until it hit the door. "Buffy, you should move. Your leg must be killing you."

"I hadn't really noticed," Buffy was breathing just as hard as Dean. "We can move to the back seat," she whispered suggestively, leaning in to kiss him again.

"Buffy, are you sure?"

She just nodded.

Dean met her eyes still breathing hard. "Buffy, I don't think I've ever wanted anyone more than I want you right now, but you deserve so much better than me and the back seat of a car." He needed her to know he meant what he was saying.

"Dean, you are all I want, I didn't even know I could want someone this much," she leaned in, kissed him and moved her hands onto his chest.

Dean moved his hand to the door handle and opened the car door. Buffy crawled off his lap and out of the car. Dean followed her out and opened the back door. He took off his coat and laid it down on the seat before he and Buffy crawled in.

Buffy took off her coat and dropped it on the car's floor. Dean moved over her in the next moment and was no longer concerned with controlling his hand or his mouth. His new goal was to drive Buffy crazy. She didn't know how he got her shirt off so quickly, or where his shirt went, she just loved the feeling of his chest. She loved how his arms flexed as he held himself over her. Dean moved himself off her for a minute and Buffy instantly missed his warmth. He grinned at her as he removed her boots and then his beat up Nikes. He held up her boot for a second, "How the hell do you fight in these?"

Buffy looked at him as if he was crazy, "I have many talents, but I don't want to talk about them now."

Dean raised a brow, "Rather show me, huh?" He was over her again in a second. Buffy's hands began to roam his body, she wanted to touch him everywhere at once. In a matter of minutes, Dean had her gasping as her bra disappeared and he replaced it with his hands and mouth. Buffy attempted to undo his jeans a moment later, but he stopped her hands and sat back. "Buffy," Dean panted, "Are you sure?"

She nodded and smiled, "Yeah, I'm sure." She reached for the button on his jeans as his hands undid hers. They both struggled as they wrestled out of the rest of their clothes. Dean's hand began to touch her like he had in her room and Buffy nearly forgot to breathe. It didn't take much on Buffy's part to make sure Dean was ready. His groan when she touched him made her want him even more. Awkwardly, he felt under her for his coat pocket and pulled out a condom. Taking it from him, Buffy tore it open and smoothed it over him, making Dean suck in his breath.

Dean moved over her and stared into her eyes, "Buffy, this might hurt, but then it gets better. If you want me to stop, I will." As slowly as he could, he entered her, watching her face to see if he was hurting her. When she closed her eyes and grimaced, Dean stopped, "Baby, are you okay?"

Buffy opened her eyes to see him studying her. "Yeah," her voice was strained. "I'm okay. It's okay. Don't stop."

Dean began to move, slowly, but soon needed to increase the pace. Buffy forgot all about the pain as he moved faster. Soon, she was moving with him, and the sensations she was feeling intensified. Dean felt like he couldn't get enough of her and kissed her neck, shoulders, jaw. When their mouths met, Dean shifted his weight and slowed his pace trying to make this last as long as he could for both of them. Buffy ran her hands over as much of him as she could, driving Dean even more crazy. Their mouths broke apart as their breathing became erratic. Suddenly, Buffy felt the electricity surge through her body causing her to tense and cry out. Dean couldn't hold back any longer and he let himself go.

Dean carefully rolled off her, he grabbed her coat from the floor of the car and covered her. He took care of himself and quickly pulled his jeans back on. Laying back down next to Buffy, Dean held her. Buffy nuzzled into his arms and kissed his bare chest. She felt so warm and safe and happy. She felt incredibly happy. She knew she must have the stupidest grin on her face but she couldn't help it. Dean rubbed her arms, "You must be freezing," he whispered.

"Mm, no, I'm good," she scrunched closer to him. She tilted her head up and kissed him. When she opened her eyes, Dean caressed her cheek, and gave her a small smile.

"Buffy, I'm sorry for being such an asshole before. I just, I don't know, I guess I'm an idiot some times," Dean kissed her forehead. "Thanks for forgiving me."

She held his hand, "You know I tried to tell you the other night in my room. But you started kissing me and I kinda forgot what I was talking about." Dean chuckled a little at that and the sound of his laugh made Buffy's heart race. "So, you knew I was the Slayer for a while, since Snyder's office?"

"No, not really. That was a pretty big clue. I even told Sam, but he tried to talk me out of it."

"Hmm, what else gave me away?"

Dean shifted his position and kissed her. "You mean besides how much time you spend with Mr. Giles? Let's see, you always run to trouble instead of running away from it, like a sane person would." Buffy laughed but elbowed him lightly. "Ow, and there's that. You hit a little harder than a girl your size should."

Buffy shrugged, "Sorry."

Dean laughed, "You should have never been able to tackle me in the park that day. Not that I minded."

Buffy was embarrassed but laughed, "Your dad said I needed to work on my stealthy."

Dean raised his eyebrows in surprise, "Yeah, I can really hear my dad saying 'stealthy'. But, he probably gave it away the most. I mean, he obviously likes you and he doesn't like anyone. You know," Dean shook his head, "for like an hour or two, I thought it was Willow."

Buffy sat up in shock staring at him, "Willow? Seriously?"

Dean laughed while he answered, trying to defend himself, "Yeah, I know. But she knew all about demons and my family, it made sense for a minute." Suddenly he became very serious, "Oh, shit, Willow!" He closed his eyes and slumped. "Buffy, I was a total dick to her. You gotta apologize for me, okay? She must totally hate me."

"Willow doesn't hate you. She's been on my case to tell you the truth so, she probably figured you found out before I could tell you." Buffy was looking from his eyes to his mouth again making Dean smile, pull her close, and kiss her. "Dean, can I ask you something? How did you know I was, um, you know?" Buffy was grateful Dean couldn't see her blush.

"Uh, actually, I thought that was what you were trying to say to me in your room the other night." Dean was worried that he had embarrassed Buffy when he had made that assumption.

Buffy gasped in surprise. "You thought I'd tell you I was a virgin before I'd admit that I was the Slayer?"

"Uh, well, I don't know. I'm on your bed making out with you. I wasn't really thinking with the upstairs brain. You can be pretty damn distracting." Buffy kissed his neck and ran her hand down his side as she moved closer to him. "Keep that up and we'll have to go at it again," Dean murmured between kisses.

"Promises, promises," Buffy teased.

Dean pulled her on top of him. "Believe me, it's a promise I'll make good on." Dean stared at her a minute instead of kissing her. "You know I'm in love with you, right?"

Buffy was stunned into silence. It was exactly what she had hoped to hear, but she still didn't expect it. Her breath caught. Running his hands through her hair, Dean smiled that genuine smile again and kissed her. "Buffy, I mean it. I love you." He pulled her coat around her. "It sucks, but I love you."

"It doesn't suck," Buffy reprimanded. "It's perfect, we just have sucky jobs."

Dean nodded, "That we do, Princess." He held her head in his hands and kissed her, soon developing the desire to do more than kiss. Dean stopped himself. "You should get dressed 'cause you're driving me crazy and I really need to get home." His husky whisper tore at her. Buffy was terrified of never seeing him again.

She rolled off him and reached for her clothes. "Are you really leaving in the morning? Isn't there anyway you can stay?" She tried not to sound desperate, she tried not to sound like she was about to breakdown.

Dean sighed, unsure of how to answer. He had already lied to his dad in an attempt to stay, he didn't think there was more he could do. "Buffy," his voice cracked. "I don't want to go, but, we never stay anywhere." He grabbed for his shirt. "I'll come back, ya know. I'm sure we'll visit or something." He didn't believe his lie, but he wished for it to be true, just once.

Buffy pulled on her boots. She, too, wanted to believe what Dean was saying, but part of her knew better. "Okay, and I can call you, right? I mean, you will pick up when I call." Buffy tried for good natured teasing.

Dean shrunk at the reminder of his earlier actions. "Yeah, I'll pick up." He reached for her hand, "I'm sorry about that, but I just ….couldn't…." Meeting her eyes, Dean's ache was coming back. "I better get you home."

a/n: Vendredi's Curious Goods, Micky, Ryan belong to Friday the 13th tv series