We Hunt Demons

Part Five

Sam and Dean drove in an irritating silence. Sam was losing his mind waiting for Dean to speak. Dean's Metallica tape ran out almost an hour ago and since then neither one of them had spoken. Dean was driving recklessly. Luckily, the highway was empty so Dean wasn't endangering anyone but themselves.

"Dean," Sam whispered.

Dean's eyes were totally focused on the road. He didn't even blink when Sam spoke again.

"Dean, please..." he started.

Sam watched as Dean's hands gripped the steering wheel tighter. His face was pinched tightly. He was annoyed but Sam decided that he didn't care.

"I don't care about your past, Dean," Sam declared.

He saw Dean tense up, heard the Impala roar as they sped up. Dean face no longer held any emotion that Sam could identify.

"I lo–"

Before Sam could form the word love the car came to an almost screeching halt. Sam was thrown forward. He yelped as the seatbelt pulled him back. The car swerved to the right and Sam could hear the tires screech as Dean moved onto the highway's shoulder.

When the Impala finally came to a dead halt, Dean ripped his seatbelt off and turned towards Sam. He looked hurt, and mad all at the same time. Sam reluctantly removed his seated belt and leaned in towards Dean.

"Don't you dare say that."

Dean's voice was low and sounded almost like a growl.

"But Dean I –" Sam desperately started again.

Sam gasped as he felt Dean grasp his shirt and pulled him near. Their eyes were locked. Sam couldn't hear anything but the beating of his own heartbeat and his unsteady breathing.

"Sam, I...We can't."

Sam didn't understand. Dean clearly wanted him. Dean cared about him. Dean treated him with respect (most of the time). What was his problem?

Sam silently reached his hands behind Dean's head and pulled him ever closer. He leaned down and set his forehead against Dean's.

"Dean..." Sam sighed. "Please, give us a chance."

"Dude, you are such a chick—"

Sam tightened his grip around Dean's head.

"Please, just let me talk," Sam whispered.

Sam closed his eyes letting himself listen to Dean's steady breaths, then pulled away and opened them. He wasn't going to hide the tears there.

Dean gave Sam a worried smile. They both leaned back in their seats, looking at the empty road in front of them.

"You know, when my dad died it nearly killed my mother," Sam whispered. "Who am I kidding, it nearly killed me."

Sam ran his hands through his hair. Dean's silence was surprising to him. He rested his hands in his lap and continued speaking.

"I loved my dad so much. I knew every time he walked out the door; he might never come back."

Sam lowered his head and stared at his hands. He could feel Dean's stare as he continued, "For a long time I was angry at him. Why was it his job to hunt these things? Why'd he have to leave me and mom all a-alone?"

Sam bit his lip in an attempt to keep the tears from falling, adding, "But while he was alive...my mother and my father they really loved and respected each other. I want that."

Sam finally found the strength to glance over to Dean, meeting his eyes.

"I don't care about the danger. I don't care that we could be alive today and dead tomorrow."

Sam bravely reached over and grabbed Dean's hand and finished, "I just want to be with you."

He held his breath as he waited for Dean to speak. Sam felt Dean's hand grasp his; his thumb moved gently across the knuckle of Sam's hand.

"Wow, do I need to make sure you didn't turn into a girl?" Dean said with a smirk.

"Jerk!" Sam yelled, wrenching his hand away. His yell was a playful one which was followed by laughter.

As Sam's laugh died down silence took over.

"I'm s-sorry, Sammy."

Sam was shocked to hear a quiver in Dean's voice.

"Sorry?" Sam repeated.

Sam noticed Dean turned away from him, looking out the driver's side window.

"You know, I kind of thought you'd ask me...after all the time we've spent together," Dean continued.

Sam felt his chest start to tighten. Since they started hunting together Dean had made it clear that he didn't want to pursue a relationship with him. Even though he wore a brave face sometimes Dean acted so afraid.

"Ask me what?" Sam asked with hesitation.

"I was there on the hunt when your father died."

Sam didn't move or speak. He couldn't even think. Why had Sam never asked Dean about it before? He knew John Winchester and his father had been on a hunt when his father was killed. But Dean had been no older than sixteen. How could he have possibly been on the actual hunt?

"Dean, just explain to me what happened," Sam said as calmly as possible.

He tried to remain composed but inside he was going crazy. He needed to know what the hell Dean was talking about.

"When my mother died, my dad became obsessed with killing whatever murdered her. Your father was dedicated to helping us. But as soon as he found out that he were hunting was a demon, he backed down. He didn't want you or Ellen to get hurt."

Dean stopped abruptly. Sam wished they weren't trapped in the Impala, in the middle of nowhere. He wanted to put his arms around Dean and kiss all his fear and doubts away. Sam leaned over as close as he could, placing his hand on Dean's shoulder.

"Please, look at me," Sam begged. He pulled his hand away as Dean turned towards him. Dean wasn't crying but Sam could see the sorrow in his eyes.

"We had a lead on the demon. In the old days, Will would have never gone with us. After the Shtriga incident I guess we felt like he owed me and dad. He was the bait. It was a stupid thing to do. We moved too early, the demon attacked him. It ripped—"

Sam pushed himself forward. Sam silenced Dean with a kiss. It was quick. Sam pulled away but kept the space between him and Dean close.

"I don't care what happened," Sam sighed. He shut his eyes. He couldn't stand the sad look painted on Dean's face.

"You were sixteen years old, Dean. What could you have done against a demon?"

Sam opened his eyes. Dean's eyes really were beautiful.

Sam captured speechless Dean's lips. He moaned when Dean started responding. Sam felt like he was on fire as Dean's hands moved behind his neck. Sam pulled back as Dean's tongue traced his lips.

"Dean?" Sam whispered.

"I've wanted to do this for a long time."

Sam felt a blush creep up his cheeks.

Dean crushed their lips together causing Sam to whimper in surprise.

All Sam could think as Dean's tongue pressed against his own, urging him to battle was that he wanted to be closer to Dean.

Sam started to battle Dean's tongue and hesitantly started exploring Dean's hot mouth. Kissing Dean was like a drug. Each moment felt more and more right.

They separated a moment. Both of them were breathing heavily.

"Dean," Sam moaned as Dean moved to Sam's neck. Sam felt his whole body shudder in shock as Dean started biting his neck.

Sam grumbled under breath and decided he had to do something with his hands. Without another thought Sam moved his hands to the small of Dean's back, and pulled him he closer.

Sam didn't care that there would most likely be a huge hickey on his neck in the morning. The sensation of Dean's mouth and teeth working its way down his neck was almost enough to send Sam over the edge.

"I'm sorry, Sammy, for treating like I didn't care." Dean mumbled against Sam's neck, "I thought for sure you'd hate me."

"Hate you?" Sam groaned.

"For being there when…"

Dean pulled away from him. Sam automatically missed the contact.

"No, Dean. I don't." Sam said firmly. Sam could see the doubt in Dean's body posture and expression. "Dean, you know I felt a connection to you since that moment you kissed me, years ago. Can't we just try to make this work?"

"I'm not perfect Sam. I care for you but I can be a jerk sometimes."

Dean paused.

"Don't you think I know that?" Sam interjected, "Jerk." He added with a laugh.

Dean's smiled. His smile was lovely but still almost sad. Sam wondered if he'd ever make the sadness Dean seemed to carry go away.

"Bitch." Dean laughed.

Sam moved in almost nervously. Suddenly, he was kissing Dean again.

"We ended up at the grand hotel, it was empty cold and bare..."

They jumped apart. Dean's damn cell phone continued ringing. Sam leaned back in his chair as Dean pulled out his cell phone. Suddenly with the separation, Sam felt self conscious and immature. Had he really just started making out with Dean...in the car? But he couldn't deny that he had wanted to since they started their travels.

Sam watched Dean answered the phone. Dean's whole face seemed to fall the second he answered it.

Sam knew the other person on the line was talking because Dean wasn't.

When Dean answered a clear, "Yes, sir," Sam knew exactly who it was.

John Winchester.

Sam found himself hating the man more each and every day. That man had clearly raised his son to be a soldier. John had taken Dean on a horribly dangerous hunt in which he had to watch his father be killed when Dean was only 16. And now he just decided to call Dean up after ignoring him for almost a month.

"Yes, sir," Dean said for about the hundredth time and Sam found himself wanting to choke him for it.

He should be asking where the hell his father's been! Should be yelling at the bastard for leaving paper clues and unfinished hunts but Dean doesn't. He speaks so respectfully Sam wants to vomit.

"Yes, sir. I will be there as soon as possible."

Dean ended the call and Sam watched stare off into space for a moment.

"He's alive," Dean murmured.

"I gathered that much," Sam grumbled back.

Dean put on his seat belt and Sam automatically did the same. Dean could be a crazy driver so Sam decided it was better not to hesitant.

"He wants me to go to Manning, Colorado," Dean continued as he revved up the Impala.

Sam felt his stomach drop like he was on a rollercoaster ride.

"Why the hell would you need to go there?" Sam asked nervously.

Dean sped off on the shoulder and back onto the highway.

"Because there's a man there named Daniel Elkins that I need to find," Dean explained. "You know him?"

Sam felt uncomfortable at that moment.

"Yes, he's stop in a few times for Ash's help," Sam confessed.

Please don't say this is about the colt, Sam whispered to himself.

"He has something we need."

"What?" Sam asked trying to sound as curious as possible.

"A gun that can kill demons."

They sat in silence till Sam found his choice of words.

"And your dad wants you to get it from Daniel."

"Yes."

"Don't, Dean," Sam objected.

Dean shot him a sharp and confused look.

"What the hell, Sammy? Did you hear what I said! A gun that can kill demons," Dean started.

"I know—"

"A gun that can kill the demon that killed my mother and..."

"The demon that killed my father," Sam finished. "Dean, something that powerful should stay hidden. We don't know whose hands it could fall into."

"Actually, you know exactly whose hands. Mine. Unless you don't trust me?" Dean yelled as he did a Texas lane change.

"Dean, don't be silly. You know I trust you," Sam pleaded. "I just...what would happen if a demon got possession of the gun. It could be the end of everything."

"I won't let that happen, Sammy," Dean growled.

"Please, Dean..."

Sam wanted to beg and plead some more but suddenly pain shot through his head. He felt like he was on fire.

"Sammy?"

If he had to describe the pain as a color, it would be white. He even saw white when he closed his eyes. He screamed as the pain continued. He placed his hands on either side of his head, attempting to block the pain out.

Clear as a picture of a screen Sam could see the Roadhouse, his mother, Ash and a petite blonde girl. She had delicate features, brown eyes and long locks of wavy blond hair. She looked harmless. Then her eyes turned black and Sam could hear himself shout. When he opened his eyes the picture was gone. Sam felt his whole body trembling. He could hear Dean shouting at him but he didn't have the strength to respond.

"Sammy?"

"Dean, turn around," Sam said when he found the will be speak.

Dean's worried voice asked, "Why?"

"I need to get to the Roadhouse," he explained. "I think my mother's in danger."

"You think?" Dean asked. "What just happened?"

Sam didn't know. Something like this had never happened before. Sam had had vivid dreams all his life. Sometimes the day after a life-like dream Sam was exhausted. It was almost like he had actually been awake in his dreams. He knew it sounded crazy so he never told anyone. But this, seeing dreams while he was awake. This was definitely crazy.

"I don't know. It was like a dream...but I'm awake."

They were still driving away from the Roadhouse.

"Dean –"

"Sam, I know you're scared. But I have to go get this gun."

Sam could tell Dean was leaving the part where he needed to because his father told him so unsaid.

"And I have to go home." Sam tried to make his voice sound authoritative as possible.

"It was just a dream, Sam."

"But I was awake!" Sam argued.

"Dreams don't come true. You don't know—"

"Yes I do!"

After he screamed, they sat in a short but bitter silence.

"My roommate in college, Jessica. I dreamed about her dying for days. I didn't do a thing about it. I went on a hunt in a town nearby. Classic salt and burn." Sam felt the tears coming as he remembered Jessica's pretty face and kind heart. He recalled the last night they went out together. It was Halloween and she had dressed up like a nurse. She had been so cute.

"I got back and she was dead...just like I had dreamed she was…"

Sam braced himself as Dean did a quick u-turn. The turn was fast and sudden.

Sam wanted Dean to speak. He wanted Dean to tell him he wasn't crazy, that he loved him despite the fact that he was a freak.

"The second after we get to the Roadhouse and check on Ellen, I'm going to Colorado." Dean explained. "We're going to need that gun."

"Okay," Sam agreed. He could tell Dean was thinking a hundred thoughts a minute. Usually Sam was good at reading Dean but the headache stopped him from thinking clearly.

"And you're not coming with me."

Sam felt his whole body tense.

He couldn't say that he blamed Dean. On one hand, who would want to be with him, the person who had let his best friend get murdered? But Sam then tried to think not so negatively.

Sam's neck still stung for him and Dean's earlier encounter. He could feel the bruise starting to form. At least he'd have a temporary reminder of Dean before Dean found out he was a freak.

"Okay," Sam agreed again. He didn't question him.

Sam knew Dean wouldn't find the colt in Colorado. If Dean ever wanted that gun he'd have to come back to the Roadhouse. Dean couldn't run away from him that easily.

The hours they rode in silence was more unbearable than before. Anger, fear and uncertainty hung in the air. As they pulled up to the Roadhouse, Sam noticed a few cars of regulars. He leaned forward and looked through the Roadhouse's two large windows. Nothing appeared to be wrong. He saw his mother walking around and people talking like it was a normal day.

Sam looked to Dean for a moment before reaching into the back seat to get his stuff.

"Sam, I—"

"It's okay, Dean," Sam interrupted. "I should have known you of all people wouldn't want someone like me around."

"Someone like you?"

Sam couldn't understand why Dean sounded so hurt.

"A freak," Sam muttered under his breath.

"Sam."

Sam clinched his bag tightly. He wanted to just jump out of the car and go back home.

"Sam, that's not what I think."

Sam searched his eyes. Dean's eyes never lied.

"I just don't want you going with me this time. And you wanted to come home. See? Everything is fine. But maybe you need to spend some time with your family. Maybe that's what your...dream was telling you."

Sam suddenly felt guilty for ever thinking Dean would hate him.

"Maybe you and Ash can talk about these vivid dreams."

Sam nodded. He couldn't look Dean in the eye.

"Sam."

He hesitantly lifted his head up and gave a whimper as Dean captured his lips suddenly and without warning. The kiss sped up in no time. Dean was the first to pull away.

"You should have come back," Sam whispered. "When you started hunting on your own."

Dean appeared speechless for a moment.

"I wanted to," he confessed. "But I couldn't face you and Ellen after—"

"My mother doesn't blame you Dean. She blames your father. And she let that anger go years ago."

"Well, if I had come back right afterwards you would have been a pimply, naive teenager," Dean smirked.

"Nah, you still would have wanted me," Sam smiled back.

"I bet," Dean laughed.

Dean hesitated a moment before he moved in to kiss him again.

"Dude, my mom could catch us if we keep this up." Sam meant it as a joke and was surprised when Dean back away in a second.

"Right."

Sam laughed as Dean looked around for his mom.

"Seriously, you're afraid of my mom."

Dean pretended to be thinking before answering, "Yes."

Sam leaned back in and gave Dean a chaste and quick kiss.

"Good bye Dean," he murmured as he climbed out of the car.

"Sammy."

Sam looked at Dean who sat so confidently in the driver's seat.

"I'll be back in a week at the latest," he yelled.

Sam found himself waving as Dean left. When the Impala was out of sight he slowly lowered his hand. He had waved to his father goodbye so many times as a child. At those moments he had never really thought of the possibility of him never coming back. Dean would come back. Sam knew he would.

Sam entered the Roadhouse on cloud nine. He quickly spotted his mother at the bar. The few hunters there were gathered up and playing some poker. He loved his home. Sam approached the bar and sat down quietly.

"Can I get you something—" his mom started but quickly stopped. "Sam!"

"Hi mom," he grinned.

She practically ran around to the other side of the bar. Sam opened his arms for a hug but was greeted with a punch to his gut.

"UGH!"

"Boy, don't you know to call your mother if you're coming home," she snapped.

"Mom," Sam groaned.

She broke her frown and hugged him tightly.

"Where's that no good Dean Winchester?" she asked as she pulled away.

"Mother!" Sam shouted in surprise.

She smiled at him.

"Mom, something wonderful has happened!" Sam started. He couldn't wait to tell her how Dean had been an asshole the last five weeks and now he was finally giving them a chance.

Sam didn't even realize there was someone standing behind him until he heard his mother say, "Dear, can I get you something?"

Sam turned around and came face to face with the blonde from his dream.

"No, I've got what I want right here."

Sam wanted to scream or shout as the girl raised her hand with her palm facing out.

He felt his body being flying in the air and connected with one of the walls behind him.

His gaze fell on the girl as she fought some hunters that were attacking her. He saw his mother get throw into the bar.

His body was glued to the wall and Sam felt helpless. When she had knocked the last standing hunter unconscious, she turned back to Sam.

"Hi, Sammy," the sweet looking blonde said.

"They call me Jo, well the girl I'm in is called Jo."

Sam watched her eyes turn black. He felt his head being forced against the wall. Then all he could do was succumb to the darkness.

Author's Notes

X I may have jumped the shark but I really enjoyed writing this chapter.
X "Texas lane change" means going from one lane of traffic...all the way over.
X I changed some things after this chapter got beta-ed, so all the mistakes are mine!
X Please review! Thank you!