Warning: Dean Kelly shower scene mildly racy.
Chapter 35: Heart
The door shut with a soft click. In the shower, Kelly stiffened. Putting her hand against the checkered black and blue ceramic tiling on the shower wall, she sucked in a deep breath. The tiles themselves seemed to be foreshadowing the inevitable future of her face, and Kelly herself was not looking forward to another scuffle so close to the last. She hadn't even gotten a chance to shampoo the brine out of her hair, yet. Where are the boys? She wondered. Had they left to talk with Madison without her? That form of thinking fit with the way they'd treated her pre-runaway. Now would being post make a difference? I thought Sam and I came to an understanding. She thought. A shadow moved across the curtain and Kelly hissed in response. Her fingers balling into a tight fist as her feet slid over the grips on the bottom of the tub, fighting to find a solid hold. Who is it? Maybe Beckett had gotten released from emergency care and had come to get payback. That or wipe me off the face of the planet. That thought made her suddenly feel very exposed, as water streamed down over her head, pebbling on her shoulders, before slipping down her chest and following the curves of her midsection. Wet hair clung to her forehead, cheeks, and the back of her neck. Kelly shook her head like a wet dog, water spraying from her hair to catch on the shower curtain. She brought her hand up as the shadow moved back, and the fan began to whirr. Kelly sucked in a deep breath as the curtain pulled back. She held it. Then Dean's head poked through the opening. His mouth curved into a wide smirk as he looked her over. "Boo!" He said. Kelly felt an angry flush rising to her cheeks.
"Dean!" She yelped. Falling back against the wall, and lifting her hand pathetically over her brow to stop the water from streaming into her eyes. Streams dribbled pathetically over the bridge, dripping through the openings between her fingers and onto the bridge her nose. Trails of water formed from the droplets to trickle down the sides of Kelly's nose, running along her cheeks like tears. She looked so sad and adorable with her free arm trying to cover the rest of her naked body that Dean couldn't help but laugh. Kelly frowned, her brown gold eyes growing murderous in their intent as she fought to gather together the shreds of her dignity. Amused to the point of being immune to her angry gaze, Dean removed his jacket and reached his arm into the shower to brush away the water beading on Kelly's chest. He understood that he was risking losing his arm to angry teeth, but somehow he found he didn't care. Instead he left his fingertips pressed against her chest. Watching as the excess water slid down the center of her cleavage, and as the more unlucky trails curved off the sides of her breasts to splash against the shower floor.
"Want some company?" He asked, his trademark leer never leaving his eyes and a smirk remaining fixated on his lips. "I could scrub your back." He raised his eyebrows at her and grinned. Kelly's throat fought to formulate words as her mouth stuttered. She was not going to allow Dean Winchester and his teasing to get the better of her. He leaned forward as the water thundered down overhead, the droplets splashed across his forearm, as he flicked his wrist upwards to run the pads of his fingertips along her collarbone. Kelly's skin shivered beneath his touch. "You know, massage out all that tension that's been gathering in your scalp." He tilted his head to the side, watching her body sway as she bit her lip. "What's the matter?" He asked. "Where's the clever come back?"
"So we're really doing this?" Kelly asked. Her voice sounded strangled, as her heart beat quickened in her chest. Dean raised his eyebrow at her and withdrew his hand.
"Why wouldn't we?" He asked. His expression was quizzical. Had she forgotten their agreement already? He was suddenly thankful that Sam had offered to stay out longer. If she's going to have selective memory loss, it might take the whole thirty minutes to explain the situation to her again. Or did she just not believe him?
"I…" Kelly trailed off. In hindsight she wasn't at all surprised that he'd come into the bathroom after her. That will teach me to lock the door. Even if she hadn't felt the need to in the past, the agreement they'd made on the deck of Lorna's ship had now significantly altered the rules. I guess I really am his girlfriend. She thought back to cleaning the scrapes on his knuckles and withheld a sigh. Kelly tilted her head. "I thought you were only kidding about that." She said. A playful tone finally found it's way into her trembling voice. If he was here to joke with her, then she was going to flirt back. I never agree to easily giving Dean Winchester what he wants. So instead, she stepped back underneath the flowing water, and lifted her hair up to her crown, exposing the nape of her neck to Dean's hungry hazel eyes. She was now less unnerved by the passionate heat radiating out of his irises as he stared at her, unabashed and shameless. Slowly, swallowing her embarrassment, she ran her right hand index finger along her shoulder as she turned her back to Dean. "I didn't know whether or not to take you seriously." She said in a small voice. Listening with satisfaction at Dean's sudden swift in take of breath, she was hardly prepared for his arm to come snaking out and grab her. With a sharp yank he pulled her towards him, and falling, her back collided with his chest. His arms enclosed around her naked form as his mouth descended to her ear. His voice rough and passionate he whispered.
"I never kid about relationships." And Kelly's breath sucked itself back down her throat, as his hand rose to sidle it's way down her neck. He sounded completely serious. Silently, she began chewing on her lower lip. "Or love." His arm tightened around her midsection, and Kelly could feel the dampness of her body soaking into his shirt.
"And?" She asked. Tilting her head back, she looked up into his eyes. "Do you love me?" Dean watched as a tiny smile curved it's way onto her lips, and he was thankful that he didn't have to say those three embarrassing words. Instead he could give her a straightforward answer.
"Yes." He said. His hand moved down to cover her abdomen, and her back tightened against his chest, as her head rolled into the curve of his shoulder. Kelly closed her eyes, as Dean kissed her temple. The gentle moment only lasted for a second, because the next, Kelly's elbow was gently colliding with his stomach, and as he gasped for breath, she stepped back into the water. Turning to face him, Dean watched as a mischievous smile lit up her features. Her lips pulling back to reveal beautiful white teeth, and he noticed that her canines were sharper than the average human girl's. Her brown gold eyes glittered as she put her finger to her lips and asked.
"So, Dean Winchester?" His heart thumped steadily in his chest as she said his name. "What will you do to win me?" As the water splashed on the top of her head and dribbled down her across her forehead and through her hair, along her neck to break upon her shoulders. It continued to travel in separating lines down her body, but Dean's eyes were on hers and the hand she extended towards him. Calmly, Dean discarded his over shirt, and then his white tee. Standing before her in nothing but his jeans, he reached into the shower, and taking her hand, pulled her back to him.
"I'll please you." He said, running his fingers from the small of her back up her spine. Feeling the pleasant shake of her skin beneath his hands, he tilted her chin towards him, and lowered his mouth to press against hers. Kelly relaxed into his hold, and his arm tightened around her. The flat of her palm burned against the flesh of his chest, as she stood on tiptoe to deepen the kiss. Dean was a predatory creature by nature, and right now Kelly was his prey. He intended to take her, all of her, and make her his. He pulled out of the kiss, and dipped his head to press his lips against the side of her neck. A gasp escaped from her lips. Dean smiled. He continued to press feather light kisses down the side of her neck, until Kelly finally managed to summon her vocal chords back into her own control.
"I don't know." She said softly, her lips moving against his. Her hand running up his chest, as her arm circled around his neck. "What if Sam overhears us?" From the way she voiced the question it didn't sound like it would be to bad if Sam did overhear them. Damn, I love this woman. Dean thought as he attempted to kiss her again, but instead she pulled her head back, just out of reach of his mouth. Dean looked down at her, she was grinning.
"Why?" He asked. Her fingers descended towards the button of his jeans, as he lipped the top of her ear. "Does the thought of having Sammy at the door arouse you?" He looked down at her, her eyebrow rose in response to his question, and her tongue dashed it's way across her upper lip.
"And?" The words came out slowly. "Would it be wrong if I did?" She asked. Her voice was prim and challenging as amusement danced in her brown gold eyes. Kelly's fingers undid the button of his jeans, and moved to the zipper. Dean couldn't help it. He smirked. Reaching out he tucked her wet bangs behind her ear, as he let the pads of his fingertips trail leisurely down her cheek. Electricity sparked and left a burning sensation everywhere he touched, and Kelly gasped. She was barely able to stop herself from leaping out of control and yanking him into the shower with her. Instead, she stood stock still, and only allowed her fingers to move as they unzipped his pants. Dean's forehead leaned in to press against hers, as their eyes met. Kelly's heart thudded against her ribcage as her lips tingled, still feeling sensations from their last mouth bruising kiss. Dean chuckled.
"Dirty girl." He said. Kelly smiled.
"Yes." She said. "I do believe I am." Then Kelly yanked him forwards. Dean managed to kick off his jeans just before he was pulled into the shower. He'd always been surprised by her strength, and now was no exception. A dark feverish light shone in Kelly's eyes as she met his, and Dean felt the added weight of her desire. He couldn't help but grin. Water flowed down over his head, as he pressed Kelly against the wall. Crushing her mouth to his as his tongue darted in past her lips. Kelly let out a happy sigh, all her worries about their future evaporating beneath his rough caresses. Dean pulled back a grin on his lips, as he gazed down at her bruised mouth. He reached out, and with tender eyes, ran his finger around the outside of her mouth. "Water's escaping." Kelly murmured, as the water pressure broke across his back. "Our clothes will get soaked." Dean trailed his thumb over her lower lip. After momentary deliberation, he glanced back over his shoulder, and shut the curtain.
Fifteen minutes later, a damp but satisfied Kelly snuggled into the knoll of Dean's shoulder. Her boyfriend lay next to her, one arm wrapped around her shoulders, and the other behind his head as he gazed contentedly up at the ceiling. Yawning, Kelly murmured. "That was great." She listened as Dean chuckled. His skin vibrated under her cheek, tickling her. Dean tilted his head and pressed his lips against her forehead, as his fingers ran up and down the smooth skin of her upper arm. Completely comfortable in his embrace, Kelly let her eyes close. Warm and sleepy, her mind wandered back towards the events that had occurred behind the shower curtain. She hated to admit it, but it had been even better than the night they'd spent in the back of the Impala. She sighed contentedly into his chest, and listened as Dean laughed again.
"That good?" He asked. Kelly could feel his eyes on the top of her head, as his lips brushed across the crown of her hair.
"I said it was didn't I?" She replied.
"Well, you're sighing an awful lot." He teased. "I like to know when I've made you happy."
"If you're looking for more compliments about your sexual skills, then why don't you call up one of your flings." Kelly responded. Her voice had the same light tone to it, but Dean could feel the competitive edge building beneath it. "I'm sure they'll tell you that a night with Dean Winchester is one you never forget." Dean snorted, she was back to being his usual Kelly.
"And?" He asked, unable to keep the grin off of his lips. "Was it?" His fingers dipped underneath her armpit, and, giggling, Kelly began to writhe against him. "Because if it wasn't I'm more than ready to go around again." Kelly sighed. Rolling her eyes, she flattened her body against him.
"I knew it." She said. "You're just in it for the self gratification." She looked up at him, her brown gold eyes dancing merrily. Dean chuckled as Kelly's fingers played with the golden medallion around his neck. In one smooth motion he snatched her hand, and pulled her palm to his lips. His tongue flicked down the center, and he was satisfied when he felt Kelly's entire body shiver.
"Round two." He told her, and she let out a loud plaintive sigh. He supposed he should take that as an insult, especially if she didn't want a repeat performance. But from her quick glances at the clock ticking on the far side of the room, he had a feeling she knew they didn't have the time. Still, if she plans on being difficult… Then he would spend the remaining time getting her hot and bothered. Just for the expression of pure torture. And he would laugh as she tried to hide it around Sam.
"It certainly scratched an itch." She said. Kelly sounded resigned when she said the words, and the compliments came out slowly. "And it was highly therapeutic." Her head fell back against his chest, and Dean noticed the tired circles beneath her eyes. She hasn't fully recovered. But she would, given time to rest. Something they weren't likely to get. "I'm looking forward to being scratched again." Kelly mumbled. She sounded sleepy. His arm tightened around her, and he relaxed back into the pillows. Cradling her against the side of his body, he was forced to admit that this felt far more satisfying than any of the lone encounters he'd had over the years. While some had certainly been more fun, they hadn't left him with the same warm feeling in his heart, or the anticipation of getting to experiment again. Even the sex with Cassie had left him wanting something more. But this? He looked down at the girl dozing in his arms. This I'll have again. So what did boyfriends generally do for their girlfriends? Dean had never really been one for the dating game, and his only experience had been with Cassie. Still, Sammy's style of flowers and romantic dinners isn't really my style. He was more of a popcorn and movie kind of guy. Something that was made better by an evening of hunting. But that didn't strike as good dating material. Even if Kelly is some kind of hunting hound. One didn't bring romance on the job. Still, Dean wanted to prove to Kelly that he was serious about their relationship. Much as I have a problem with emotional attachment. Somehow his feelings for Kelly had snuck up on him. Now I just have to make it last.
"A date?" He asked. Sleepily Kelly's head lifted off his chest, and she looked up at him with a raised eyebrow.
"What?"
"To prove my…" He paused. Devotion sounded to girly, and it was something that Sam would say. The word wasn't one Dean could say with a straight face. "Intent. And my…" He paused, and swallowed. Damn, he was starting to sound whipped. "Commitment." He smiled down at her, but this time it was strained, and he knew that he sounded strange. "How about I take you out on a date tonight?"
"A date." Kelly repeated. She was surprised. Her lips quirked into a half-smile. "Dean…" She trailed off.
"Yeah?"
"You don't exactly seem like the dating kind."
"Well, this won't be a fancy dress shirt and champagne kind of deal." Dean said. "I won't have roses for you at the door, and I won't be telling your daddy that I'll have you back by twelve." He watched as Kelly's face fell at the mentioning of the word 'daddy'. Her eyes clouded over and Dean swore he saw tears beginning to gather at the edges of her eyes. He peered down at her. "You okay?"
"Yeah." She swallowed.
"You remember something?" He asked. His fingers played with her hair. Dean was trying to be comforting, but somehow he had the feeling he wasn't doing a very good job.
"No." Kelly said. "It's nothing."
"I know this may sound weird, me saying this." Dean said. "Hell, I think it sounds weird, but you can talk to me." He tilted her head up so that she was looking at him. He swallowed, and he tried to work more compassion into his dry voice. "You can trust me." He stared into Kelly's eyes, his own earnest.
"It was a dream." Kelly said. "One I had after Lorna shot me, I…" Dean's brows furrowed together as he listened to her. Normally Sam would have interjected a "what?" into the conversation, perhaps in hopes of pushing Kelly towards her end point. But for the moment, Dean was content to sit and wait for her to open up on her own. However, the silence continued to stretch out between them. Kelly's eyes remained fixed on his medallion, as her fingers kept pushing it back and forth across his chest. Finally, Dean gave up.
"What?" He asked. "You saw something?" Kelly nodded, but her eyes didn't leave their focal point. "Like what?" He didn't want to make jokes, but somehow the funny bone in his body never managed to be serious. "The world's greatest collection of cheese? Carrots?" He raised his eyebrows. "Rampant sex bunnies?" He asked. "The light at the end of the tunnel? You didn't look did you? Because that would have been bad." Somehow the more he tried to be serious, the more it seemed to get away from him. But Kelly remained silent, and the tears kept welling up in her eyes. "God?" He peered at her. "Kelly?" She looked up at him.
"I saw my family." She said.
"What?" Was all he could manage. It felt like a bat had come sailing out of left field and struck him soundly across the face.
"I went home." Kelly's fingers closed around Dean's amulet. "I woke up in my bed, and saw my mother, my brothers, and my little sister." She sounded sad, and Dean felt a lump welling up in his throat. "It was my birthday." Kelly said. Dean's arms tightened around her body, she seemed so small now. He watched as the tears leaked out of her eyes, and she wiped her cheeks.
"Sorry." She said.
"You don't have to apologize." Dean said. "I may not go in for all that touchy feely stuff, but that doesn't mean I can't listen." Kelly hiccupped, and suddenly the tears began rolling down her cheeks. She began sobbing uncontrollably. "Or…" He trailed off, at a loss for what to do. "I'm not good at it." Dean ran his hand over her head. "We don't have to talk about this." He said. Watching as Kelly swallowed, and straightened up.
"Let's not." Kelly said. She looked down at her hands. "Thanks though." She said. "Really, Dean it means a lot."
"Yeah." Dean said. "No problem." I bet you'd spill your guts out to Sam though. This was one of the very many times in his life where he'd suddenly felt jealous of his little brother. Dean wasn't one to admit to it, and as he watched Kelly struggle to reorient her emotional balance, he couldn't stop himself from reaching out and wiping some of the excess tears off her cheeks.
"So…" She trailed off. "Dean Winchester on a date." Her smile suddenly came back. "This I want to see."
"And you will." He nodded. "Tonight. It may take a little planning, but I figured a romantic drive on Highway One is just what the doctor ordered." And isn't something that leaves me feeling like I'm running around with no pants on. Dean paused. Actually, that thought didn't leave him feeling uncomfortable. In a clown suit. That was better. Dean Winchester hated clowns.
"Aren't we working to catch a werewolf tonight?" Kelly asked. She slid away from him, and stood.
"Where are you going?" Dean called as she headed towards the bathroom. Right, how could I forget about the werewolf?
"I'm getting dressed." She replied. Throwing her damp hair back over her shoulder, she knelt down and began searching through the plaid bag. Time in the shower had left her feeling more dirty rather than not. And Dean didn't even give me time to condition my hair. "Sam will be back soon right?" Dean nodded.
"I'll figure something out about the date." He said. "There's no reason why I can't spend the evening working and then take you out."
"We." Kelly corrected. She pulled on a bra, and hooked it closed. Then began the laborious process of pulling on a fresh set of underwear and jeans. Her skin wasn't totally dry, so the fabric clung to her legs, twisting itself inside out before she finally managed to get it on her body. "We're not mixing business with pleasure, Dean." His pants and a fresh shirt on, Dean walked up behind her and unwound the cloth of her underwear. Kelly flushed and grabbed for her shirt.
"There's always time for pleasure." He breathed into her ear. Exhaling the breath she'd been holding, Kelly began tugging her jeans on, as Dean chuckled behind her. It was at this point in the conversation, when the door swung open and Sam entered.
"Hey Dean." He said. Dean raised his eyebrow at his brother as behind him, Kelly busily began buttoning her jeans and zipping them shut. Sam looked past his brother and smirked as he saw a bare arm reaching for a shirt left on top of the television. Dean crossed his arms, and remained in place. "Hey Kelly." He called.
"Hey Sam." She replied. "You're back early."
"Actually, I'm late." He replied. Kelly pulled her shirt on and peered around from behind Dean. Dean glanced down at her and smiled. His posture relaxed as she stepped out from behind him. She noticed a white plastic bag hanging in Sam's free hand, and she frowned. "And you guys look sufficiently…." He trailed off, a smirk finding it's way onto his lips. "Wet."
"Showers, Sammy." Dean said.
"They have water." Kelly nodded. "You get wet." She couldn't help but feel that what she said sounded stupid. "And clean."
"Or in some cases dirty." Dean grinned. Sam sighed, and rubbed the back of his head. "Did you get the donuts?"
"I got the donuts." Sam replied, setting the bag on the table. "So, are you lovebirds ready to go?" He swallowed the second half of his sentence, along with the jealousy behind it. Got all your kinks worked out?
"Ready and able." Kelly said. Grabbing her plaid bag, she swung it over her shoulder, and headed towards the door. Sam couldn't help but smile. Even if there was a stiffness to her gait, he could see how eager she was to get back in the fray. "Let's book it." That caused Sam to snort. Who uses vocab like that?
"Whoa." Dean said. Putting his hands up, he looked at her. "Don't you think you should stay here…" Kelly turned around, her hands on her hips, and her eyes blazing. They were dark, intense, and annoyed. "And rest up." Dean finished. Kelly looked about ready to pull her USP 9mm out of the bag and shoot him in the kneecaps. That or pull out a giant hammer and bury me in the ground.
"No." She replied. Her voice flat. Then she turned and stalked back towards the door. As she passed Sam, she smiled at him. "I'll be waiting outside." Then she kept walking.
"We're going to be posing as detectives." Dean called. "They work in groups of two! Two!" Kelly looked back over her shoulder and sent him a withering glare.
"Then Sam and I will play detective while you wait in the car." Kelly said. Her voice sweet.
"Like hell!" Dean growled. "We're the ones with all the experience sweetheart, you'll be spending the afternoon in the Impala." His lips quirked. "Doing Cheeto runs." Kelly raised her eyebrow at him.
"I'm coming whether you approve or not." She said. "So, stick that up your misogynistic ass and get over it."
"You like this ass." Dean yelled. But Kelly just shrugged. Throwing open the door, she stalked out, and slammed it shut behind her. Dean's head rolled back, and he heaved a heavy sigh. "Bitch." He muttered.
"Guess you didn't get all her kinks worked out." Sam chuckled.
"I'm going to shoot her." Dean growled.
"As long as it's not in public." Sam said. "I'm sure she'll bounce right back." Dean's eyes snapped to his brother.
"That's not funny, Sammy."
"You completely got the luck of the draw." Sam laughed. "I'm so glad you got the girl."
Dean glanced at his brother and paused for a long moment. Then finally he said. "No you're not."
"True." Sam said. "But at least now, I can watch you suffer."
"The girl's bi polar." Dean snapped. "One minute she's lovey-dovey and the next she's chewing my ass off."
"They call that a woman." Sam replied. He was unable to keep the grin off of his lips. Seeing Dean struggle with a woman was like Christmas come early, and for all his sensitivity Sam intended to milk this for all it was worth. Dean glanced at Sam. "And that's what you get for trying to keep her home and knitting."
"She's exhausted." Dean grumbled. "I was trying to be nice."
"Dean Winchester being nice." Sam chuckled. "That's something new."
"Shut up."
"For what it's worth." Sam said. "You sounded like you didn't want her on the mission."
"I don't." Dean replied. "She doesn't need to be putting herself in the line of fire." Sam nodded, but not in agreement. He understood where his brother was coming from.
"So this has nothing to do with her getting shot." He said. The sarcasm was heavy in his voice. "That's good to know." Dean sighed, shook his head, and followed his girlfriend. Sam laughed. Knowing they were in for a rip roaring good time. That or a very long car ride. Then he too went after Kelly.
One hour later, Sam and Dean were talking with Madison Sinclair. "I don't understand." She said. "I already gave my statement to the police." Sam nodded, still surprised by how much hotter the brunette was in person. He'd thought she was pretty in her photograph, but… She's amazing. At least as far as her looks were concerned, and unlike a certain older brother of his, Sam never judged worth on looks alone.
"We just need to verify a few things." He said as he and Dean followed her into the living room of the apartment. "It shouldn't take long." At least, he hoped for Dean's sake that it wouldn't. They'd left a very disgruntled Kelly in the car. She had agreed to Sam's terms, only because it had made sense to her. And I promised that we wouldn't cut her out of the actual werewolf hunt. He was willing to side with Dean over the fact that Kelly had looked very tired. But it's only been a day since we found her. Even Dean needed about a week to recover after being shot. Much less mortally wounded. But Kelly was a very stubborn girl. Just as stubborn as Dean. Which is probably why the two of them get along so well. Sometimes, Sam was certain that they're bickering was just a some kind of weird foreplay. And Dean is actually concerned about her well being. Which was the only reason why Sam had agreed to back off in the first place. They paused, at the entrance to the living room as a dark haired man stood up slowly. He had large soulful brown eyes and a thick bushy beard and moustache, one that barely looked like it had been trimmed.
"This is my neighbor Glen." Madison said. Her dark hair swinging behind her as she spoke rapidly, her tone clipped and business like. Sam's eyes narrowed slightly on Glen, he was wearing a faded yellow t-shirt with the words Mission Church emblazoned across it, with a tall cross and the shadow of what looked like a friar. "Glen this is Detective…" She spun around and trailed off. Sam realized that they hadn't mentioned their names.
"Landis." Dean said. "And my partner Detective Dante." He slapped Sam on the back. Glen said something about casserole in a low mumble, and then proceeded to make a run for the door. Sam watched Madison thank him, before he disappeared out the door. Sam wondered what would have happened if Kelly were here instead of Dean. Would Madison believe I'm single? Most likely not. So, as Dean would say, it's better for my overall libido… He trailed off, suddenly embarrassed.
"He's sweet." Madison said, looking from one Winchester brother to the other. "He comes over every day to check on me."
"And that's not stalkerish at all." Dean coughed under his breath.
"What was that?" Madison asked.
"How's that cough doing, partner?" Sam asked. He smacked Dean on the shoulders several times for good measure. "Feeling better?"
"Much." Dean said. Rubbing his neck he glared at his brother.
"I'm sorry, are you feeling sick?" Madison asked.
"It's nothing." Dean lifted up his hands. "Just a cold."
"You're lucky she didn't catch that." Sam said in a low voice, as he turned away from his brother. Smiling, painfully, back at Madison. There was an awkward pause, before Madison gestured to the nearby table.
"Have a seat." She said. Stuttering a little, before hurrying over and sitting down. She's nervous. Sam realized. Not that he could really blame her. Two hot police officers standing in her living room… He paused. That really did sound like something Dean would say. When did we start swapping brains. He wondered. She probably doesn't want to relive what happened that morning. And Sam couldn't say he blamed her.
"We'll try to make this as quick and painless as possible." He said. Sliding into his seat across from Madison. He felt Dean sit down beside him, but all of Sam's attention was focused on the girl.
Madison took a deep breath. Then she smiled. "I appreciate that." She said. Sam swallowed. It was definitely a good thing that Kelly wasn't here. Dean's the only one now who has to worry about random hookups. He wondered if anyone had told Dean that they were now out of the question. Didn't Dean say something about taking Kelly out on a date tonight? That had to be some kind of joke. As far as I know Dean's never gone out on a date. But then again… Dean's only ever dated one girl seriously before. And why was he feeling so involved in his brother's love life? Because I want him to be happy. He wanted her to be happy too.
"You must be pretty shaken up." Sam said. "So you were Jason Bank's assistant?" He phrased the statement like a question and waited for her to respond.
"For two years." She nodded.
"So you knew all about him?" Dean cut in. An intense look in his eyes. Sam was glad to see that Dean was taking the job seriously. At least he's not rushing. Kelly had taken Dean's not wanting her on the mission as a sign that he didn't value her skills as a hunter. Dean had yet to reject the statement, but Sam had spent most of the ride trying to pacify the angry girl. Dean had only made vague statements about how he liked her as a person. Sam knew that Dean didn't want Kelly involving herself in the hunt. He also knew his brother's reasons went back to a misguided overprotective instinct. He doesn't want her to get hurt, and he's doing everything he can to keep her out of it. The problem was that the more Dean rejected that side of her, the more quickly she rebelled. Dean's just going to have to get used to it. If Kelly was to be believed, then her very nature as a… Hound? Or a black dog dictated that she hunt. Like she was born to do it. But getting a concept such as change through Dean's skull took more than a few hammer blows, and Sam just hoped that Kelly could be patient. Instead of flying off the handle. Because, as Dean had so elegantly put it. She hits hard. Which was one of the many reasons why his brother had seemed dead set against pissing her off. Well, that was before he slept with her... After staking his claim as her boyfriend. A position that was an entirely new concept for his wayward brother. Internally, Sam shook his head. This was not about Kelly. The focus here was Madison. The very beautiful, intelligent, and witty woman sitting in front of him. Sam could worry over what was stewing in the Impala later. When the time came.
"I probably knew more about him than he did." Madison was telling Dean. "Jason was…" She paused. "Well, he was sweet. But get a few drinks in him and he was hitting on everything with legs and a pair of breasts." She glanced at Sam. "You know the type." Sam cast a sidelong glance at his brother. For once, Dean looked entirely serious. There wasn't even a hint of drool around his mouth. Strange how much one day in a relationship has changed him. Sam nodded. Then Dean made a soft 'huh' sound, and Sam re-evaluated the goofy grin on his brother's face. Never mind, same old Dean. Sam looked back at Madison.
"Yeah." He said. "I do." Dean glanced at his brother. "Actually…" Sam added. But seeing the annoyance in his brother's eyes, Sam cut himself off. Dean glanced down, then he glanced back up at Madison.
"Did Jason…" He paused. "Did he have any enemies?"
"Jason?" Madison asked. "What do you mean? It sure looked like an animal attack."
"No." Dean shook his head. "We just want to be thorough, make sure we're covering all the bases." Madison paused. "Anyone who might have had a beef with him, a former client, an ex?" There was a strange look that came over Madison's face. Catching it, Sam asked.
"What?" She looks good when she's flustered. He realized.
"Well, this is embarrassing, but…" She began, closing her eyes as she looked down at the table. "My ex boyfriend Kurt…"
"Kurt have a last name?" Dean asked.
"Mewler." She said. "After we broke up he went kind of nuts." Sam glanced at Dean. Sounds like you to have something in common. He thought. At least about the going nuts part. Again Sam wondered how Kelly was fairing. And has the boredom killed her yet?
000
Outside the apartment building, and beneath a large oak tree. Kelly Jones sat on the hood of the Impala, her arms crossed over her zipped up brown leather jacket. Looking up at the old Victorian style building, Kelly sighed loudly. So much for letting bat girl join the club. She thought. More irked by the thought of being left out of the loop, again, than the fact that Sam and Dean were inside talking to a witness. "It's our first mission together as a team." She muttered. "Or am I still the unusable third wheel?" Examining the dirt beneath her nails, Kelly inhaled deeply. She had no idea what werewolves smelled like, and even if she found something odd on this street, she'd never be able to track it. Not after a thousand feet have graced these sidewalks. The clinging smells were so jumbled, that she couldn't tell a pug's piss from a Shirley Temple. "This feels exactly like it did before." Kelly groaned. "Those two doing the work, while I'm along for the ride." She didn't really believe Sam when he'd said they'd make it up to her. If I'm going to believe something then I want to hear it from my so-called boyfriend. She thought. She understood Dean's protectiveness. But it has it's limits. And she would make him see her as a hunter or spend all her evenings kicking him in the shins until he relented. Kelly sighed again this time loudly. Tilting her head back she looked up at the pale blue of the sky. Ignoring the gray fluffy clouds drifting in from the bay, she growled. "I am a competent hunter." She would make Dean see that.
"And it's horribly disappointing how he doesn't see that." A familiar voice said from her right. Kelly turned her head to stare into a pair of overwhelming yellow irises. "But all the better for me."
"You're getting predictable." Kelly said. She let her head fall to the side as she looked over at him. Her brown gold eyes mocking. "How can I see you as some terrifying big bad, when I know that every time something life changing happens, you'll show up to throw in your two cents?" Her tone remained dry as she added. "Really, it takes the mystery out."
"That tongue of yours is getting wicked." The Yellow Eyed Demon said. He was dressed in his usual cowboy attire, jeans, jeans jacket, some random shirt and a pair of leather boots. "You're lucky I like a little spunk in my girls." Kelly snorted. "Brains too." He smirked at her, his eyes glowing in the afternoon sunlight. "I tell you, Kelly. I like some smarts in them." He pointed at her. "And you, kid? You've got the whole package. Everything I'm looking for. Which is why I've come to congratulate you." He smiled. It was a dry cold smile that twisted Kelly's gut into knots. "On a job well done."
"Huh." Kelly said. "Praise. Something new and different."
"Trust me kiddo, you want to keep on impressing me." He said. She knew better than to ask what he'd do if she didn't. He'll give me a threat that he's more than happy to follow through on. Most likely he'd threaten the Winchesters. Kelly's eyes snapped up to the house.
"Looking for your boys?" The Yellow Eyed Demon asked. "I wouldn't worry about them. They're all tied up with that pretty girl in there." Kelly glanced at him. "They're not about to come hurrying back." She raised an eyebrow, but kept the rest of her face placid. "If there's one thing I know about those Winchesters, it's that they're thorough."
"You know the Winchesters?" Kelly asked. That sounded right, but she had no way to back up the inclination. It was just a gut feeling.
"Another story, for another time perhaps." The Yellow Eyed Demon said. "Let's get back to the nitty gritty of your outstanding performance."
"Well, considering that this is probably all in my head." Kelly said. "I'll humor you for now." She glanced at him. "Let's talk about what happened on Lorna's boat?"
"Now, now, Kelly girl." The Yellow Eyed Demon said. "You of all people should know that things that happen in your head don't make them any less real." He accentuated his pronunciation of the last three words, and Kelly stiffened. She knew he was talking about her dream. Was it real? She hadn't found the strength to talk to Dean about that, at least not go any deeper than the required bare minimum.
"You wouldn't have set up that whole encounter with Timothy?" Kelly asked. The Yellow Eyed Demon chuckled.
"Now why would that little brain of yours come up with that fantastic scenario?" He asked.
"To speed up my progress." Kelly said. She leaned forward. "I think we're getting near game time." She said. "And you want the puppy to look her best."
"You may be right about that." The Yellow Eyed Demon said. "But I didn't sic Timothy on you." Kelly raised a caustic eyebrow. "Scouts honor." The demon raised his right hand.
"But you knew exactly what was going to happen." Kelly said. Her voice flat. She didn't appreciate being toyed around with like a puppet. Kelly's eyes narrowed as she stared at him. She wasn't about to thank him for this latest awakening. It had hurt. Hell, had it hurt. And she knew that without a Binder it would be a while before she'd be able to take dog form again. It takes so much energy. She thought. Her arms remained crossed over her leather jacket, and she crossed one leg over the other so that her entire body was in unison.
"Not knew." The Yellow Eyed demon raised a singular finger. "Hoped." His lips curled into another cold smirk. "And my investment certainly has paid off." Kelly shivered. She knew exactly what he was referring to. I finally get it. She thought. She understood what he was planning, and what he'd done when he'd tasted her blood the first time they'd met. Blood calls to blood. She thought. Blood binds us, even more strongly than the use of our names. Kelly shivered. "What you did to Timothy was pure poetry." The Yellow Eyed Demon continued. "It had the perfect touch of…" He paused. "Viciousness."
"That wasn't me." Kelly growled. She was spitting out a lie. But it makes me feel better. Not that she had anything to feel guilty about. Timothy was a demon. I followed my instincts.
"You're right, kiddo." He said. "It was pure instinct." His gaze hardened as it locked with hers. "You're instinct." Kelly swallowed. Her actions had only been natural. So why is he looking at me like it tickles him pink? "Instincts above and beyond what's normal for a doggy your age." Kelly gritted her teeth. I am not unnatural. Besides, ripping Timothy out of his host body had been a fluke. Nothing more. It's not like I can possibly do that again. It required a level of power that was completely beyond her current state. "You'll make the perfect guard dog." Kelly's eyes snapped back up to him. On his face was a self-satisfied smile that made her gut start twisting knots. He coerced me into it. At the very least, he'd set her on the road. And he did it just to see if I could. She'd almost died. And all he wanted was to jumpstart me into spiritual form. Her true form. That rankled her pride.
"I didn't do it for your satisfaction." She growled. Her voice low in her throat. "I did it…"
"For survival." Kelly fought for calm as his hand rested on her head. Every instinct in her body told her to twist around and sink her canines deep into his flesh. Instead, she held herself still. "And you exceeded all expectations." The Yellow Eyed Demon smiled. "You are a prime specimen of your delightful species." He patted the top of her head. Kelly stiffened. Demons lie. That's what they do. Demons lie. Her eyes remained focused on the spot of pavement between her boots, as her fists clenched.
"It wasn't my intention." Kelly snapped.
"Now, now." He said. "There's no need for tantrums." His hand remained on her head and Kelly swallowed the revulsion wriggling on her tongue. It sank into her already knotted stomach, and Kelly began to feel a little queasy. Hunt, kill. The words pounded in her skull, and she could feel her nails sharpening as her eyes began to blaze. She closed them. "There's no need to ruin my good mood just yet." His voice was suddenly frighteningly cold. Kelly froze beneath his hand. "After all, your compliant behavior is the only reason I'm still letting you run loose."
"I thought it was because you wanted me to grow stronger." Kelly said. Her voice soft.
"Ripping Timothy from his host and casting him back into hell proved you strong enough." The Yellow Eyed Demon said. His voice blithe. She could feel his eyes fixed on her skull, but she refused to look up at him. "I know how much power it took to manifest that particularly advanced ability." Kelly swallowed. Her throat suddenly felt thick. And he's right. She thought. I won't be shape shifting anytime soon. "Especially without a Binder of your very own." The last part was thrown in casually, but it caused her to stiffen straighter.
"With or without a Binder, I'm still dangerous." She said. There was a mild challenge in her voice. In response the Yellow Eyed Demon laughed.
"And there's the spunk." He said. "Right on time." His hand tightened on her skull, and Kelly winced. "Looks like my time is almost up." He said. Leaning in close, she could feel his breath against her ear. Kelly withheld a shudder. "And remember breathe a word of this to dear old Dean-o, and he'll be tasting his intestines before you can say uncle." Kelly gritted her teeth as he exerted more pressure on her skull. But she nodded. I want to let the Winchesters into this portion of my life. But she was scared for their safety. I know Dean would say safety be damned, but… She had never once doubted the Yellow Eyed Demon's intention to make good on his promise. And if Dean is going to go down, it won't be because of me. The Yellow Eyed Demon had hinted at being involved in the Winchesters lives. Maybe they'll talk to me about him. She wondered why the Demon cared so much about whether or not she told Dean. He talks about him like he's a gnat. A buzzing annoyance who was no real threat. He once said I was going to be his great surprise. She wondered if it had something to do with that. The Demon tightened his hold, and Kelly nearly yelped.
"I understand." She said through gritted teeth. I need to figure out a way out of this. Well there was one easy solution. But I need a Binder. And she had no intention of subjugating herself to someone by means of a simple blood pact. I'm not going to follow in the Yellow Eyed Demon's footsteps. Besides, that method had more than a few loopholes. Even if the Binding is ironclad. Kelly paused. She'd surprised herself. I'm remembering more. However, it was still mostly a jumble. And the true Binding is still missing.
"Good dog." He said. "You don't have much longer to wait."
"I'm already on the road to damnation." Kelly growled. "What's a few months between that?" She shrugged. The Yellow Eyed Demon laughed, and released her. Kelly was left sitting on the hood of the car. The next time he comes. She realized. It won't just be a visit. He'd be coming for her. And I don't have much longer to wait. But with no memories, no help, and little time, how would she figure out what she needed to do? Sucking in a deep breath she closed her eyes, and felt a hand settle on her shoulder, shaking her awake. Kelly looked up. So it was a dream after all. "Dean." She said. Her boyfriend had an annoyed expression on his face, and Kelly looked past him to see Sam standing a few paces away. There was an odd smile on his lips.
"Christ." Dean muttered. "If you're going to doze off in public, at least do it inside the car." She felt his hands close around her upper arms as he hauled her to her feet. "Come on." He said. "We've got a werewolf to kill."
"We should find it first." Kelly said. She always felt a little weak after visits from the Yellow Eyed Demon. Behind Dean, Sam laughed, and Kelly smiled at him. Sure she was stable on her feet, Dean let Kelly go and walked around to the driver's side door. Sam walked up to her as she yawned, rubbing her eyes. She looked up at him, and then glanced back at Dean. He was already sliding inside the car. Kelly smiled. She loved them both. Looking into the reflection of the hood, Kelly almost swore she saw the Yellow Eyed Demon's reflection staring back at her. But it was only a disfiguring of her own eyes. She reached out and let her fingertips rest on it. "Always in my dreams." She mumbled. Not yet fully awake, her hands squeezed into fists. She felt Sam's hand come down on her shoulder, and it squeezed gently. Kelly looked up at him. There was worry in his chocolate eyes.
"Who's always in your dreams?" He asked. Kelly's heart stopped. Shit. Now she'd have to lie. Smiling her most charming smile, Kelly rubbed the back of her head.
"It's a little embarrassing." She laughed. "But lately in my dreams I've been chased by this Candy Cane Man." She shrugged, letting a flush rise to her cheeks so she looked suitably embarrassed. "I'm running through the forest, and he's following me swinging this huge sticky peppermint cane and yelling 'YARG!'" She threw up her hands in imitation of a pirate. Laughter choked itself in Sam's throat, and sputtered out through his lips.
"You wouldn't happen to have a hatred of peppermint?" He asked. Kelly looked up at him, and then shook her head.
"Honestly, I don't know why I've been having the dream." She said. "Honestly, it sounds really silly when you say it out loud." A self conscious smile graced her lips as the flush turned her cheeks rosy.
"I wouldn't worry about it." Sam said. "That's no weirder than half the stuff that runs through Dean's mind on a day to day basis." He glanced at Kelly. "At least you still had your clothes on." Kelly paused, and Sam raised an eyebrow. "Unless, you didn't?"
"I was dressed." She snapped.
"Well a Candy Cane Man is better than visions." Sam said. He tapped the side of his skull. Kelly nodded, Dean often made comments about Sam's psychic tendencies, but he'd never bothered to elaborate on what those actually were. Well the circle of trust isn't big with the Winchesters, it consists of two. She glanced up at Sam. Maybe three if you include Bobby. But she'd never been included in the inner circle.
"Visions?" She asked. "About what?" Pure curiosity drove her forward, even as Dean honked the horn and waved for them to get a move on.
"People dying, mostly." Sam said. His voice was cool and Kelly paused. Maybe he finally trusts me. Maybe this meant she could finally ask about what had happened to their father. She glanced at Dean.
"They're usually related to stuff happening around the Yellow Eyed Demon." Sam said. Kelly swallowed quickly as he mentioned the name. Composing her features into innocence instead of recognition, she met Sam's eyes. The Yellow Eyed Demon? She knew what he wanted with her. But what does he want with Sam Winchester? Memory of his touch sent thrills of revulsion through her stomach, and Kelly fought the panic sending her now rapidly beating heart into a tailspin. I need to be calm.
"The Yellow Eyed Demon?" She asked. The words came out of her mouth slowly, like it was a name she was only hearing for the first time. Instead of one I curse with every other breath. Kelly hated lying to Sam, especially when he was being honest with her.
"We never told you about that?" Sam asked. He sounded surprised. Kelly shook her head. Sam was about to go into more detail when Dean honked the horn a second time. He leaned out the window.
"Get a move on ladies!" He yelled. "The two of you are wasting daylight."
"I guess that's fine." Kelly said. She glanced up at Sam with a fairly substantial grin overpowering her features. "Since werewolves come out at night."
"Even so." Sam said. "We shouldn't keep Dean waiting." He smiled down at her and offered Kelly the crook of his arm. "Shall we?"
"Let's." She replied, hooking her own arm through his. Together they headed to the passenger side door. In gentlemanly fashion swung it open for her, and Kelly climbed in. She slid across the smooth black leather of the back seat to lean forward through the head rests and give a disgruntled looking Dean a peck on the cheek. "So where are we headed?" She asked.
"We're going to investigate Madison's…" Sam began, but was cut off by Dean who added.
"Sam's new girlfriend's ex." Dean smirked at his brother.
"Shut up." Sam growled. Kelly laughed, suddenly it felt like her troubles with the Yellow Eyed Demon were very far away. And she realized how glad she was to be back with the Winchesters. I wish these moments could last forever. She thought.
"So does Sam's new girlfriend's ex have a name?" She asked.
"Kurt." Dean said. "Mewler." He held up a card. "Here's his address." He glanced back at her. Kelly handed the card to Sam, and glanced back at Dean. "Sit back and buckle up." Rolling her eyes, Kelly complied.
"I never realized you were such a stickler for passenger safety, Dean." She said. Snapping herself into the backseat, she listened as Sam chortled.
"Not until you started riding in my car, sweetheart." Dean replied. He twisted the ignition key and stepped down on the break as the engine roared to life. Kelly's head rested on the cool glass of the back seat window pane.
"You always know the right thing to make me feel special, baby." She called back. Sam snorted, and Dean smirked. "I hope you don't treat the other girls this way."
"No honey." Dean quipped. "Just you. The one and only pain in my ass." The car rumbled forward and the streets began to whiz by.
"When did Sam no longer qualify?" Kelly asked. Her tone cheerful.
"I don't think you're going to win this one, Dean." Sam said. He glanced back at Kelly, and winked.
"Shut up, Sam." Dean growled.
"Boy." Kelly said. "I'm so glad you guys found me." There was a moment of silence in the car, and then all three of them burst out laughing, as they headed deeper into the heart of San Francisco.
AN: My muse felt so bad that she didn't manage a quick update, that she gave you an extra long chapter to compensate. Tell me how you liked the Dean and Kelly shower scene, the whole thing really. Plus YED is back for more enigmatic hints. I hope I did his character justice. As always the characters will keep pushing forward. So I hope you enjoy, and continue to enjoy. As always leave my muse reviews, she loves them, she really does.
The next chapter 36 will be called Seeing the Beast.
Spoil her and she will spoil you. Review.