Chapter 6

One week later…

Three hunters sat around the room… Lex thought to herself as she took in the sight before her. There had to be a joke in there somewhere. Lex leaned up against the door frame half listening to Bobby and Sam's conversation, half paying attention to the burgers frying on the stove. If the cooking was left up to them, it would be grease and fat for breakfast, lunch and dinner, if at all.

"Honestly Sam, I have no idea what your Daddy was doing." Bobby noted looking over the last remaining pieces of John Winchester's life. It was an accordion bill-o-file filled to the teeth with maps, geometric data scans, unexplained phenomenon and so much more. It was John's legacy, and the burden he left on the shoulders of Sam and Dean. "You dad was a meticulous son of a bitch weren't he." He voice was riddled with respect.

He continued to sort through what he could while Sam's interests remained transfixed on an old analog cell phone found hidden amongst his dad's belongings. "Lexi, you're a computer hacker, can't you hack this?" He tossed her the phone.

Lex gave it the once over before tossing it back to Sam. "It's possible but those phones are outdated. Analog. Untraceable. Your best bet is to guess John's password, it'd probably take you less time. Its four digits, knowing John it's probably a year, or maybe a date – something of significance."

Sam nodded in agreement. Over the last couple of days Lex had taken time to show Sam a few tricks about hacking. It was impressive the things she knew, but with a degree from MIT it should be expected. She showed him back doors into FBI and other government files. She showed him how to find IP addresses from posts and websites and then determine their locations. She even showed him how to bypass the more common security systems and firewalls to obtain information. It was easy for him to learn. Sam loved to learn and with such a good teacher it was easy to grasp. His only trouble was focusing on what she was teaching rather than her. Once in a while would she catch him smiling at her, sometimes she would comment, most times she would just smile back.

Having Lex around made getting over the loss of his father a little easier to bear. When Sam was lost in thought, or forcing down a tear, Lex was there. She didn't have to say anything. Her presence was enough to sooth the savage beast. It was times like that when he felt sorry for Dean, who rarely stepped foot inside the house. He didn't have anyone to comfort him; instead he stayed out in the yard underneath the hood of the Impala day in and day out. He came in to shower and sleep and sometimes not even then.

For the past two days Lex would make food and Sam would bring it out. He would try and start some kind of a conversation with Dean only to get the 'I'm fine' response. Of course everyone knew it was bull shit. Dean was about to break. It wasn't hard to see. Yet, if the man was going to be so stubborn, there was nothing Sam could do.

So Sam did the only thing he could - research to try and figure shit out. "So like my parents' anniversary…"

"… Or maybe a mesh of yours and Dean's birth years… something like that." She turned into the kitchen and took the burgers off the stove. Lex already made up four different plates, each one with a freshly toasted bun topped with lettuce and tomato and a hand full of riffled chips. "Lunch's ready."

Sam set down the phone and made his way to the kitchen table where three places were set. "I'll be right back." He reached out his hand to take Dean's place. His brother never ate with them.

"You sit, play with your phone. I'll go take this to Dean." Sam didn't argue, he was grateful for the relief of duty.

After making sure lunch was all set she took Dean's plate out back. Dean was squirreled away deep in the mess of Bobby's back yard, right next to one of Bobby's main salvage sheds. It was a busted down and broken old thing, made of the same color as his home. It was the only area in the back yard that Bobby kept clean, because when he wasn't hunting he was fixing up old cars. Everyone had to have a hobby.

Dean was huddled deep under the Impala. Lex could hear the cranking of a wrench, a sudden bang all followed obscenities He quickly rolled out wiggling his thumb and then checking it for damage. It was only then he realized he had company. "You can leave it over there." He pointed to an abandoned workstation. It had a barely touched turkey club sandwich and several finished bottles of beer. That was the extent of his conversation skills. He laid back down on the board and wheeled himself back under the lifted impala.

For a moment Lex considered turning around and walking away. Since John passed, Lex was fighting with herself about talking to Dean. She needed the courage and what little she finally mustered was rapidly disappearing.

"I'm fine," was his answer the silence.

Lex killed vampires, vanquished demons, and hunted ghosts… what the hell was stopping her now… "I'm sorry Dean," She blurted out.

He didn't come out from underneath the car. "You've got nothing to be sorry for Lex. I deserved it."

"Yeah, for the reason you think I punched you, but not for the reason why I 'really' did."

The wrench stopped. The wheels squeaked as he rolled himself out. Apparently he had yet to change from the same white shirt he was wearing yesterday, the only difference was the amount of oil and sweat stains it had accumulated. "Okay, you've piqued my curiosity." He set the wrench down on a nearby mat, which was home to his other tools of the trade. "If you didn't punch me because I was being an ass then why did you?"

"Don't get me wrong, you still deserved it, but I was angry at you for bringing Sam back into this life. He'd escaped; he'd gotten out and then you pulled him back in. I can't help but think if you'd left Sam alone at college then he wouldn't be in this mess…"

What Lex didn't know was the seclusion from Sam, all the time Dean spent alone was all because he was thinking the very same thing. Dean rose to his feet, "what?" He asked, his inquisitiveness and concern growing.

"Like I said, I'm sorry. Deep down I know this isn't your fault. I mean how in the hell where you supposed to know anything like this was gonna to happen. Everything happening would still be happening with or without your involvement. So… I'm sorry."

Lex was about to turn and walk away but Dean grabbed her arm with force. "Where is this coming from? What the hell do you know?"

Lex sucked in a stifling breath. "I did mention I overheard the conversation between your dad and the demon right?" Dean nodded. "Well, at one point the conversation became about Sam and the other kids."

Dean squeezed her arm. "What did they say!?"

"That Sam and the other kids were important and that your father knew about them for a while… that he's been playing dumb when you two asking him about it." Dean swallowed hard letting Lex go. That's what he was afraid of. "But the way he said Sam's name… it was like he was important to the demon more important than the other kids, almost like he was expecting something more of Sam more than the others."

"Did he say anything else? Anything about what he plans to do? Anything about why he wanted Sam?"

Lex shook her head. "John changed the subject. Since then, I couldn't stop thinking that if Sam were still at college he wouldn't be here right now, the demon wouldn't want him. Obviously I know its pure bullshit, which brings us back to why I am sorry for punching you."

"I've been thinking the same damned thing." Dean ran his hands through his hair. "I'm guessing you haven't told Sam any of this?" Lex shook her head. Dean nodded letting her know he accepted the apology. Dean's anger was growing. He wanted desperately to believe his father last request were nothing more than desperate words from a dying man. Now Dean knew the truth. His dad knew exactly what he was asking of his eldest son. He ran his hands over his head in frustration… "Dad told me if I couldn't save Sam, I'd have to kill him."

Shock and fear grew upon Lex's face. "What? That doesn't make any sense. Jesus Christ, he's your brother! His son! "

"Thank you for pointing out the obvious."

"Sorry, it just, why would he ask you to do that? Why would he put that on you?"

"I don't know. But I can tell you, I have no intention of killing Sammy. God damn it! He's my flesh and blood for Christ sake!"

"De… We can't tell Sam… not yet. Despite everything, he loves John and if he found out what John asked you to do… Dean this is going to kill him, his spirit… the part that makes Sam… the Sam we love. I'm gonna do whatever it takes to make sure whatever the hell John was worried about doesn't happen, but I can't do it alone. I'm not gonna pretend like you and I are best friends, but I'm really hoping we can work together for Sam's sake."

"What do you have in mind?"

"I have some leads I've been meaning to check out. I'll be leaving later today… after I talk with Sam."

Dean snorted, "You're breaking up with him."

Lex rolled her eyes at the hunter. "We were never dating, but I think it best if he and I had less contact especially since Azazel has made it clear he has plans for both of us."

"I'm starting to feel left out."

Lex didn't bite. "Dean you need to realize this is a two way street. We need to keep each other updated on anything and everything we find. If there is a lead, or something you need to keep me in the loop and vise versa… that's the only way this will work. Can you do that?"

Sam did say Dean needed to either get over his issues with Lex or fix them. If there was going to be a good time to trust her, it would be now. He reached out his hand, "If it helps keeps Sammy alive and out of the demons grasp…"

Lex took it. "Good."

Before he let her go, he asked one more favor of her, "Please don't hurt him Lexi. He really likes you…"

She smiled, "I promise. I won't."

Sam's face grew over joyous as he realized he'd cracked his father's password. It'd taken several hours of him trying a couple of numbers then putting it down and only to come back later and try a couple more. He'd tried his birthday, Dean's birthday, Lex's birthday, Eli birthday, his mother birthday, then a combination there of. He even scrambled up the years wondering if perhaps John was trying to make it difficult. He began to get extremely creative and started to think of GPS coordinates of John's favorite places, including their Lawrence Kansas home. Nothing. After a while he just began to throw out street address and years of importance. On an annoyed whim, Sam punched in the impala's year… /You have one new voice mail. First voice mail:

John, it's Ellen. Again. Look, don't be stubborn, you know I can help you. Call me./

"Ellen? Who the hell is Ellen?"

This question remained unanswered. Sam looked around realizing he was the only one still here. Bobby was out doing some errands, Dean was still working on the Impala, and Lex… well he honestly didn't know where she was.

Sam, excitedly, closed the phone and raced outside expecting to find her talking with Dean, but instead found her throwing her duffle bag into the trunk. He knew this was coming, but this soon? A small string pulled at his heart when he realized she would be gone and he would only get to hear her voice over the phone.

"You're finally heading out?"

Lex was startled by his approach. "Sam…" She quickly closed the trunk to her car feeling if she didn't, Sam would somehow convince her to stay longer. "Yeah, I've been putting some things off, and now they are starting to catch up to me. Did you finally figure out the phone?" She pointed to the device in Sam's hand.

Sam nodded, "Do you know a woman named Ellen?"

Lex took a moment and then nodded, "If it's the same Ellen, then she owns a bar call the 'Roadhouse Saloon' known for its hunter clientele."

Sam hesitated a moment, "It was Dean wasn't it? Did he say something?"

Now utterly confused, Lex questioned the sharp turn in the conversation, "Wait what? How did our conversation about a woman named Ellen turn into a conversation about Dean?"

"He said something and it's making you leave."

"Sam, no… You knew I wasn't planning on staying long. Hell I stayed longer than I was expecting, because I was enjoying the time I got to spend with you, getting to know you."

"But?"

Lex sighed, "Sam, I'm falling for you. Hard. I have feelings for you, feelings I've never had for anyone before. I know you still haven't gotten over Jessica and I wouldn't expect you to. And really this has nothing to do with that. This has to do with the Demon who has made it perfectly clear you and I are bright red dots on his radar. Right now he has a hard on for you and the other kids, to do gods know what. I'm starting to think you and I being around each other is just making it that much easier for him to get everything he wants all wrapped up minus the pretty bow."

Sam swallowed hard, trying to come up with a valid argument, but nothing was coming. She was right. Yet despite himself a cheesy smile grew on his face. "You have feelings for me?"

"Out of everything I just said, that's what you take away?" Lex laughed. "Yes Sam Winchester I have feelings for you. But right now, those feelings have to go on the back burner. Right now the only way you and I can make sure we see tomorrow is by not being with each other… romantically." Lex shrugged "Maybe, after all this is over and if we still feel the same way, we can pick up right here were we are leaving off."

Sam ran his hand over her cheek. "Since Jessica, you're the only woman who's really made me feel anything. I don't want to lose it, but I also can't disagree with you. So let's make a deal, once this is all over, you and me… we'll find each other again."

Lex shook her head grabbing his hand with her own, "I'm still gonna be right here. There's not gonna be any finding each other. Neither one of us is leaving. If you need me, call me. But for now our relationship needs to be strictly hunting related." Lex, who was enjoying Sam's touch, pulled his hand from her face. Sam looked puzzled. Her body shivered, and her hand hesitated as she slipped away from him. "But don't hold back Sam. Don't wait for me."

"Lexi…"

"No, Sam. Who the hell knows how long this will take. If a woman, or several came down the line don't not take the chance because of me. We're hunters Sam, our lives are shorter on principle alone, I don't want you to regret not being with someone because you were too busy waiting for me."

Despite how easy the words escaped her lips, the feeling of disgust and torment riddled through her heart. As the words danced in her ears her stomach began to do flips hoping to hear Sam tell her he wouldn't make such a promise because no one else was out there for him. Yet, her head wanted Sam to find someone, anyone that he could love as much as he loved Jessica whether it be her or someone else.

The words were hard to swallow for Sam. For a single instant, it felt like the woman just stabbed him through the heart, but slowly as he digested her words… they made sense. She was right. The life of a hunter was unpredictable. There was no way to know where the road would lead, and it was an idiot's dream to think they would live happily ever after. If they were really meant to be together, one day they would be together. "Same goes for you Lexi."

"Take care Sam."

"You too Lex."

"Tell Dean and Bobby I said goodbye." Sam gestured that he would as she slipped into her car and drove off. There was no long and drawn out goodbyes. There were no tears and no looking back. They both knew how they felt about each other and deep down they were both hoping they would end up together in the end.

But little did either of them know how intertwined their stories would get.

Three days later…

The room smelled of mold and mildew. There was water dripping in the distance, but it was so loud it was hard to sleep, it was hard to concentrate, or think of anything expect the water dripping. Drip. Drip. The room was small too. It was a basement. Drip. Drip. The ground was hard and cold. There was no light. Drip. Drip. There was a small gap in the distance, but a man was blocking it. His face was covered in shadows. "You look so beautiful in green."

There was a girl, a redhead. She was hearing a beautiful flowing green summer dress. Drip. Drip. She was tall and athletic. From behind she looked like Lexi. Drip. Drip. She was scared. Afraid she would never get out. Drip. Drip. "Once he says yes, you too will succumb…"

The man reached out his hand to the girl. She pushed back. She was now even more afraid. Drip. Drip. He was going to hurt her…

Sam woke up. Sweat was rolling down his face. The pit of his stomach hurt. Dean, shot him concerned looks while keeping his eyes on the road. They were driving back to the Roadhouse. "Everything alright Sammy? Oh don't tell me this case gave you clown nightmares!"

He didn't answer, instead he raced through his book bag and pulled out his cell phone. It rang twice. /Hey Sam. Everything okay?/

"Lex do you own a green dress?"

She laughed, /What's this about?/

"Humor me, please."

/No. I don't own a single dress besides my work cloths and nothing is green. What's this about?/

"Nothing. Thanks Lex." He didn't want for her to respond. He hung up the phone allowing his heart to reach normal rhythm again.

"Shit, now I'm curious. What the hell was that all about?"

"I had a vision, there was a girl in a green dress. She was being held hostage in a basement of some old hunting lodge. I could hear the sounds of a river nearby. I could feel her fear, Dean…. But she wasn't afraid about dying… she was afraid of something else. Dean, I could've sworn it was Lex."

"But Lex isn't like one of you… is she?"

"No."

"And you only dream about others… like you right?"

"Yes, but this vision, Dean… it was different."

"How so?"

Sam rubbed his temples, "I don't know, it just was."

"Where am I going?"

Sam looked at his brother, puzzled by his question, before he realized what Dean was asking. "Nowhere. This was a vision from the future."

"Aren't they all?"

Sam ignored the snide comment, "I saw a watch, it said July 10."

"Wasn't that a week ago?"

"Which means it won't happen for another year."

"Or it already happened."

Sam shot him a look, "Hopefully it won't happen at all." Dean caught Sam's tone and decided it would be best if he let this one drop. And so he did, and the rest of the drive continued in silence.