I cleaned up my 'alter' and began packing. I was leaving tonight to go camping for a couple of days at the coast with my friends.
I took out my deck of tarot cards. I picked up me cell phone and I made sure that it was fully charged. I ran over the things in my over night bag and went to go pick up a large canvas like one. I put in it a journal or two, some pens, all of my knives, all of my lighters, two compasses, several bandanas, bug spray, a little container with all average immediate pills, such as pain killer, a small flashlight, batteries, my camera, and I turned to look at my shelf.. I couldn't leave all of my books, less my parents go though them, I pulled out a book bag and stored them all inside.
My astrology book, a Wicca/ neo-pagan book, and of course my ouija board. Into the canvas one I added guidance cards, angle cards, rocks and my tarot book. Then I decided to put my knives, lighters, compasses, medicine, and cell phone in my purse. I threw the duct tape into the canvas bag as well. Then I loaded my clothes for three days into my small suitcase and emptied the overnight bag into it as well because I realized that my friends might want to go out one night. I threw in some make-up also. I took all of this into the kitchen where my mum was making dinner. I stored it to the side and out of the way.
"Will you go see if those two boys want to stay for dinner?" my mum asked. She was going to ask them to dinner to be polite like she did all of our guests.
"Sure mum." I answered and went outside to do just that. They eventually said yes since they were going to be here for a few more hours anyway as I had pointed out. They were deep at work on their big black truck with my dad. He had a beer in his hand. Guess I had to drive tonight.
We came in and washed up for dinner. I poured the two drinks and I realized that my sister's usual place was set for an adult.
"Mum, where's Lay?"
"She had to baby-sit tonight. The neighbors just called."
"Okay."
After the guys and my father come in for dinner we are all sitting at the table…
"So how do you know Billy?" I started.
"He and our father go way back. He's like an uncle." Offered Sam.
This sparked conversation between them and my father again. Pretty soon we were all laughing and having a good time with good food and new friends. Well, at least until my mother chimed in and stated that after diner, since it was getting dark, they could bring their things out to the game room.
"What?" I asked, confused and hoping that it wasn't true.
"That's what Billy had called about. He didn't have room at his place so they are staying here. Just until the party."
I froze, that would mean that they were here with out me being here. If they could some how distract my parents that would mean that they could get into my room. My demon stuff was in my room… I needed them. My chest got tight with anxiety. These guys might know something about demons. They might be able to help me. I'd been so helpless for so long. I was just barely able to keep the demon off my back with the methods I had. If these two pegged me for one of the bad guys, really bad guys, then they wouldn't even try to hear me out. I had to find a way to talk to them alone.
Dean gave me a look from across the table that only I could see before he asked almost sweetly, "Is that a problem?"
"No. I was just curious." I covered and then conversation went back to normal. I would find a way for them to stay somewhere else since there was no way I was canceling this trip. I had had it planned for almost a year now.
I helped my mother clean up and then I went outside and entered the garage that we used for storage and my car. I pulled out the camping box that contained all of the cooking materials that I would need.
I carried it with effort into the shop and set it down by the dive boat, weaving my way between the guys as I went. My scuba gear was being brought up by another friend.
The phone rang and my dad picked it up. I walked back to the storage garage and missed his half of the conversation. I picked up a tarp and my tent. I hesitated then I decided that I would be more comfortable with the 5 person tent instead. What the heck, huh? I trucked theses things over into my pile by the boat and went inside to get my suitcase, pillows, sleeping bag and large first aid kit. I swung my purse over my shoulder and grabbed by canvas and book bags on my second trip. As I added the last things to my small but growing pile and I said to my father as he was looking for a tool,
"Dad, when are we leaving?"
He looked at me and then realized that he was supposed to drive me out to the coast and I would get a ride home in a couple of days.
"Oh," was all he said.
"In the next hour please. I'm almost ready."
"Okay hun."
I went to the other side of the boat and pulled out and ice chest.
"Do you need a hand?"
I turned around to see Dean standing there.
"Sure." I offered. We each took a side of the ice chest and walked out of the shop and into my house and set in on the kitchen floor. I opened the pantry and filled a grocery bag with food. Then opened the fridge and pulled out all of the food I had bought at the store a few days ago as well as some leftovers making sure to have lots and lots of chocolate and apple juice. Little did Dean know I was packing food for three people. Dean silently took the things from my hands and put them into the ice chest. I had a feeling that he was staring at me from behind. I threw some fruit and some pre-made bread doe and a stick of butter. I turned around to close the lid on the chest but Dean had done the same. Our faces coming inches apart,
"You did that on purpose." I breathed. I knew the game but damn. Go ahead Danny. Kiss him. Feed me. Stupid demon.
"So, it worked didn't it?" he winked.
"Maybe." I replied and stood. We walked the food out in silence.
All the while my mind was wracking me with thoughts. Dean had just made a move into the big game. I know the game of men and women like the back of my hand. I am the master. They called me Danny the Tease for a reason. Because I was good. Real good. My reaction to Dean was fine but I had to admit that my breath had caught for a second. It had been two years since that had happened. Was I slipping up? Or was Dean just that good? If he was that meant that he was a challenge. I love challenges. But Dean? And he was gorgeous too. It didn't matter, whatever happened I would never be close to him. I would never be close to anyone. Not ever again…
Except me. The demon hissed inside my head. I'm the only one who will ever know you and accept you Danny Hadez. Me and only me.
Dean wasn't the type to want a close relationship anyway…right?
When we go back out to the shop I added drinks and lots of waters. I skipped back to the house and found a box. I put the poker chips inside along with a couple of decks of cards, Uno, and my homemade set of Truth or Dare cards. I grabbed my medical card last minute and lots of cash. I walked out to the shop. The sun was almost totally down. It was getting late. I had been wracking my brain the entire time thinking about what I would do about my demon stuff. If I could just get my father to say yes…
"Dad?"
"Hmm?"
"Can I bring the hatchet?"
"Ya."
"Thanks!"
I made it very noticeable as I retrieved it and set it on my pile of camping things.
I turned to the brothers, "Why don't you come?"
At this chills crept at me and the demon let me know of his dislike for the idea.
"Where're ya headed?" asked Sam.
"I'm going camping with a bunch of friends."
"We got nowhere to go for a few days until Billy's party. Why not?"
"Great!" they walked outside to check on something but I suspected that they wanted to talk since Dean just volunteered them for camping trip.
My dad turned to me, "Are you sure you're comfortable with that?"
"Dad, we discussed this. There are already going to be strangers there. Guys and girls. I'm only about an hour away. I know how to kick somebody's butt anyway. Remember I did take self defense classes. I have my cell phone. I can take care of myself for a few days."
"I know but I still don't like it."
"I've waited for this trip forever. It's going to be great." I ended as they walked back in.
"We can take our truck since it's new. Save you the trip Sir." Said Dean. I was betting that he didn't ask his brother about that either. Ahh, to have a sibling.
"Alright." Said my father sternly. He and Dean shook hands as I walked out and then Dean followed me load the ice chest into their truck. I heard my father say to Sam,
"You take care of my little girl. She's a wild one and through I trust her judgment keep her out of trouble."
"Yes sir." He replied, promise in his words. Sam better not stop me from throwing axes with my friends. I smirked. It would make him squirm.
Sam came out with my box of games and cards. Dean followed with the camping box and the food bag was left to me along with my suitcase. I grabbed my purse, book and canvas bags and set them in the back seat of Sam's truck. We loaded the remaining things from dean's car, a second tent and two more sleeping bags. I ran inside to say goodbye to my mum who was almost asleep in her bed upstairs. She wished me luck and I ran outside again and say goodbye to my dad as the guys started the car.
My dad said something more to the guys and I felt the demon. I turned quickly to see a shadowy figure standing just beyond the light of the shop. I froze but Sam and Dean were coming. It vanished but not without giving me a strong warning feeling, I had to get to the ocean quick before this thing got any stronger.
I parked my car in the garage and put the keys in my pocket. There was no way my little sister was going to steal my car while I was gone.
I hopped in the back and said my good byes once again. Sam turned the truck around and we drove down the long private drive to the street. Just before the first intersection Sam pulled over the truck and hit the lights to warn other people that we were there.
I sat silently with my pocket knife in my hand, suddenly rethinking the entire idea. Dread filled me.
"What the hell?" I said a little cockily to avoid sounding scared. I am never scared. At least not on the outside.
"No," said Sam, "You tell us what the hell. How did you control that demon and what is the symbol on your wrist?"
It took me a second but I let it register on my face slowly.
"Oh," I said and then to make light of the situation I continued, "And I thought that 'yall were gonna ravage me in the back seat and dump my body or something." I laughed but they didn't think it was funny.
"You can't blame me for thinking it. You are two complete strangers who are going to spend the weekend with me and my friends and the only reason my parents said that this was okay was because they would be alone for a day or two and my dad just got a promotion so he's extra happy about everything. I wanted you to come only so you wouldn't go though my stuff while I was gone and peg me as some voodoo, demon using, freak."
"Your dad asked me to keep you out of trouble." Replied Sam.
"Well that's impossible. I've got news for you, I don't really listen to anybody. I will tell you right now that you will not stop me from being dangerous. It's what I do. Within reason obviously. But, look at you two. From the second you saw my wrists you both raised flags and I knew right away that you knew about the supernatural or something. Don't tell me you don't risk your lives every day. The only thing I haven't figured out yet is if you are the good guys or not."
"Trust me." said Dean, "We are the good guys."
"The question is, which are you?"
"I'm on the good side." I stated but not too firmly.
But not for long, I thought. Not if we don't get to the ocean in time.
"Ya, but you work with demons." Spat Sam. Something pained him about that thought.
"Sam." Said Dean to cool his brother off before turning to me.
"Explain yourself."
"I'm going to tell this to you as nonchalantly as possible," I explained, "I ain't gonna break down in front of no one. This demon came to me and I need you to understand that. Two years ago some pretty bad stuff went down and I lost faith. Then, because my defenses were down, I assume the demon found a way to get to me. At first I could feel its presence and then it took shape. I was slowly regaining my faith and I prayed that the evil would not take me. Do you know what it feels like to have something so ultimately evil shadowing your very breath? I have ways of protecting myself but the demon is always there and wanting get at me. It's getting stronger too. The closer I am to the ocean the weaker it gets. I'm trying to get rid of it. No exorcisms or holy water nor anything else even phases the thing. I don't know what to do. The reason I suggested that you guys come on this trip is because I was hoping that you could help me."
Oh, how desperate I had just become. I never let anyone know if I need something. No one knows. I thought to myself. No one knows and no one cares. If I had to bring about my own death by my own hand to stop this demon I would.
I waited on the edge for their reaction. I felt bare for giving them my secret but I had to do it so I bit the bullet.
Sam just nodded and relaxed while Dean gave me no reaction. I was beginning to get an idea of what kind of person Dean was. That included a secretive, woman magnet with a cocky attitude and ego. He was a hard ass and he loved his car and fast women. Just my type I thought and then gave myself pause. No one was my type. Right? Because I would never let anyone touch me emotionally again I reminded myself.
We all sat there for a second and then I piped up, "If you need more details I'll tell you when we get there. Alright?"
"I'll take you up on it." Said Dean sliding back into his demeanor again which broke the tension in the truck as Sam started the engine again.
We pulled into a parking lot where I jumped out of the truck before they went to go park it.
I walked inside and the little bell went off as I opened the door. I walked straight to the back and opened the freezer; I pulled out a sac of ice and closed the door. I proceeded up one of the isles to the counter and I bought the ice. I carried it outside and I heard the door open again behind me as I left. Someone was walking behind me, I could hear the soft foot falls on the pavement and the sound was almost intimate as there was no other sound traveling on the night air but a soft rustling of trees and wind embracing each other at this hour on the local street.
The black truck was on the other side of the parking lot and I picked up my pace as best as I could to get there. The lights were off and there was no signal that the guys were inside. I had assumed that they were but I was wrong, very, very wrong.
I pretended not to hear the person behind me. I put down the tail gate and I threw the ice onto it and I wheeled around round house kicking my follower in the side of his rib cage. He stumbled but as I landed my foot and made to run he pushed me into the tailgate of the truck. The line of metal hitting me in the lower back and I cringed at the pain. Then I realized that it was Dean
"What the hell?"
"Shut up!"
"Make me!" my voice sizzled. I pissed that he would even try to stalk me. The pain in my back reminded me of Jack and that made it hurt more.
"Don't worry. I will." He said to me, and I gave him a look before realizing that he had gone for my wrists. I heard a click and felt the metal on my wrists before I could realize what he had just done. I flashed on when Jack had tied my wrists. I was gagged but I didn't fight him. I'd kick his ass later. He pushed me around the side of the truck and opened the back door. He shoved me inside and slammed it shut. He got in the back seat and I could see Sam on the phone, standing under a streetlamp on the sidewalk. He had no idea what Dean was doing.
Was I going to get raped after all? Somehow I didn't think that that was Dean's thing. He walked in between the two front seats and couched between them, getting eye level with me.
"Tell me what the hell is going on Danny. Sam wanted to be nice about this but I'm not going to be." He stopped when he saw my eyes. I guess the thought of Jack had flooded them with fear. When I had taken in that he had noticed I erased if from my mind. I would not be weak. Never again would I be weak.
He reached up and undid the short lived gag. I just stared at him for a moment, realizing Sam was engaged in a deep conversation. Dean had this planned.
"I saw the look on your face when you talked to us. What else is there to the story that you aren't telling? It could be very important. It might help us help you."
"I'm not bad." I said blankly. "If I thought that it had anything to do with the demon I would have told you. Some things are just left unsaid."
"I'll trust you're judgment…for now."
"Thanks." I said softly.
"But for now," he said moving his face very close to mine and waiting for a reaction. God it was tempting to close that inch of space! But that would have meant that I would lose the game. So I cocked my head to the side, "You know I like handcuffs." I said with a smile on my face that wasn't a lie. It was true the thought had brought a grin to my face but Dean didn't have to know that. He also didn't have to know that I was almost out of them.
He pulled back a little. I think he had expected me to surrender and kiss him but not to give him a tid bit of kinky information.
"Ya?" he said, obviously liking what I was saying.
"You like 'em too?"
"Depends on who they are on."
"What else do you like Dean?"
"You, Danny." It didn't register what he had just said but I continued anyway.
"Hand cuffs are only the beginning, baby." I said bringing my face closer but still not touching. I was drawn to him like a magnet but I still had my eye on the ball.
"And where does it end, darlin'?"
"It doesn't."
His face changed as he took in what I had said. I responded to his face change,
"I know. I'm into some freaky shit. Not much scares me Dean. It's no big deal. I know how to handle myself."
"But do you know how to handle me?"
"Roughly." I answered.
"You read my mind, darlin'" He had taken it as an innuendo which it hadn't meant to be. Men only had one thing on their minds.
I lifted my now free hands from behind me and dropped his hand cuffs into his lap, "I definitely know what I'm doing." I smirked.
"Don't underestimate me. That would be a huge mistake."
He looked down at the cuffs and back up at me. When his smoldering eyes hit mine they were full of something that wasn't all lust. I leaned foreword and I kissed him on the lips
His lips were soft and before he could react to make the kiss deeper I deepened it and beat him to it. When he got caught up in it I pushed him backwards and he lost his balance falling on his back to the floor of the truck and I sat back staring at his bewildered expression.
Just then Sam opened the door to see his brother on the floor. He looked pointedly to me and I just pulled the seatbelt over my shoulder and buckled it.
"You underestimated me not even 30 seconds after I told you not to Dean. They call me Danny the Tease for a reason."
Dean looked at me sternly and then I saw his old cocky demeanor slide back into him.
"I'll remember that Danny. You know what a tease really means though?" he asked but then answered his own question with,
"It's girls who can't finish what they start."
My jaw dropped. What? Huh? I was speechless. He smirked at me and pulled himself up off of the floor and into his seat.
My wall of calm vanished. I was comfortable in myself doing only two things in life. One was being in dangerous situations and the other was teasing guys. Making them pay for what Jack had done to me.
That had never happened to me before. Never, not after I was the first to make a move, had a guy said something like that back. They were always just intimidated or attracted. But once I had made my move I wasn't interested anymore because they couldn't keep up. Was I interested in Dean? No, certainly not. Or was I? Danny… I shook my head at myself. Did I just question myself? Pull it together Danny. If Dean wants to play that game then beat him at it.
And beat him at it I would because now I was pissed. He ha dme uncomfortable. When I had so very little I was comfortable with it wasn't fair for it to be taken away.
God, in heaven, give me the strength to get though one more day, I prayed.