Chapter 2: My Charade is the Event of the Season
Ben watched as Donna gave Claire one last hug before they hit the road. Ben was already seated in the car. Standing for too long made his ribs ache. He had already said his goodbyes with Donna. She had been amazing the last few days. He had given her all the information he had gotten regarding his mother's disappearance. He was hoping she could find him a new lead to follow.
Claire got into the car after accepting and care package from Donna laden in with snacks and drinks for both of them.
"Let's hit the road," Claire said.
"Gently please, three broken ribs," Ben joked as she started the car.
"Did you take your pain pill?" Claire asked.
"Yes mom," Ben teased.
His smile fell as he thought of Lisa. She would have said the same thing to him. Hell she had said the same thing after every taekwondo match he had. She always made sure he had something on hand Incase he got hurt.
"Hey, we will figure out what happened to her," Claire said, sensing his hesitation.
"I hope so," Ben said looking down at his lap.
He noted the way Claire had phrased that too. He knew she believed that Lisa was dead. She was probably right. Deep down he knew there was a high possibility that she was dead. He just didn't want to admit it.
Demons were the worst souls that had been tortured in life and then in death. They had no remorse. What would they need with Lisa Braeden? She wasn't connected to the Winchesters anymore. She didn't even remember them.
That Angel made sure of it. He thought bitterly.
"I'm sorry," Claire said softly.
"You have nothing to be sorry for, I just…I feel like I would know if she was dead and I don't feel that. Something deep inside is telling me to keep searching," Ben said.
"I know the feeling," Claire said, "I knew my mom was alive and nothing was stopping me until I found her either. That's why when we find your mom, I hope she's alive."
"We?"
"Yes we, you are a liability if you're left on your own," Claire said, glancing over at him for a moment. He saw behind her words was something else. She was worried about him.
"Could it be, that you now consider me a friend," Ben gasped.
"Shut up," Claire said rolling her eyes.
"Love you too bestie," Ben teased.
He watched as Claire cracked the smallest smile at that. She remained silent though.
"So music?" Ben asked, turning the radio on.
"Anything really," Claire said, shrugging.
Ben fiddled with the radio scanning the channels. He finally settled on a classic rock station that was playing some AC/DC. They both started singing along with Claire head bashing along. Ben moved as much as his sore ribs allowed.
—Wayward Son—
Jack watched as Sam and Eileen ran around in the water. They were splashing one another and having fun. It had started with Eileen challenging Sam to see who could do a better wet hair flip. Then the splashing and pushing started. They had been laughing the entire time.
Meanwhile Castiel and Dean were laid out on beach towels beside him under an umbrella because Castiel was worried about skin cancer. Dean was sitting with a Lord of the Rings book in hand. Castiel was sprawled across the other man's lap. Dean had a hand tangled in his hair. He was commenting on the book here and there teaching Castiel the ins and outs of Toilken.
Jack was sitting in the sand with some ice cream. He was just enjoying the weather and people around him. It was a perfect sunny day in Texas.
They had arrived a few days ago and helped Eileen with the vampires. She then talked them into a mini vacation with her. She had convinced the guys that Jack needed a normal vacation. He had so much left to experience. They had done all the touristy things. Today was a day to relax. No plans, just vibes.
"This place is going to the dogs."
Jack looked up as an older gentleman walked past them with his wife. They seemed to be in their early fifties. Behind them were two young adults, a man and a woman, carrying a toddler. The man looked very upset as he continued to rant about not being able to go anywhere without having to see them "homos" everywhere. His wife nudged him and pulled him along, shooting a glance at Dean and Castiel, almost sympathetically and apologetic.
"Asshole," Dean muttered.
"What did he mean by that?" Jack asked, turning to the elder Winchester.
"It seems that he doesn't like same-sex couples," Dean said glaring after the man.
"It's because Dean and I are being affectionate," Castiel clarified sitting up.
"Oh," Jack said.
He hadn't seen this before. He had watched some movies where it happened. To see someone talk about Dean and Castiel like that was new. It made his stomach hurt and chest ache. How could someone hate love? What Dean and Castiel shared was so special. It was something Jack aspired for. He wanted someone to look at him the way Castiel looked at Dean or care for him the way Dean did for Castiel. Maybe even find someone as playful as Eileen and Sam. He wanted love. Who didn't? To shame two people for finding it was stupid in his opinion.
"Don't worry kid, it's mostly older folks," Dean said shaking his head, "your generation is a lot more accepting."
"My generation?" Jack asked, confused.
"Teenagers and young adults," Dean chuckled, "sometimes I forget you're really not that old."
"Oh," Jack said.
"And by the way kid, you're free to love whoever you want. It doesn't matter to me," Dean said, "took me a while to figure it out, but love is love in any shape or form."
"Yeah, Sam said you were so deep in the closet he thought you would never come out," Castiel said, nudging the elder Winchester.
"Ha ha," Dean deadpanned.
"Let's take a walk," Dean said, closing his book. He nudged Castiel and He looked towards Jack.
"Me too?" Jack asked.
"Yeah, let's go see if we can find some sea glass," Dean said standing up. He tossed his book into their bag.
Jack jumped up excited. This was something he had never done before. It was such a normal thing. Mundane even. He was excited to see what he could find.
Dean led them towards the shoreline. He started walking in the direction the older couple had gone. Castiel gave Dean a look that had a hint of a warning in it. Jack ran ahead to the water. He waded in ankle deep.
He started walking and looking for glass and shells. Dean and Castiel walked a little ways behind them. Dean crowded close to the Angel. They were talking and searching the shore as well.
Jack found lots of shells. He only picked the cool ones and made sure they were empty. He found a couple glass pieces. Dean and Castiel found a couple as well for him. Eventually Jack saw the couple from earlier. They were sitting on a blanket under an oversized umbrella.
Jack turned to glance back at Dean and Castiel. Dean was now close to the other man. They were practically touching as Dean leaned in to kiss him on the cheek. Castiel turned red and leaned away from Dean, giving him a wary look. Dean just smirked and nudged him playfully. Castiel huffed before he got a mischevious glint in his eyes. He leaned down and scooped up some wet sand and tossed it at Dean. Dean gasped in shock. Castiel started running. Jack laughed as Dean came to and started chasing him.
They bolted past Jack. Dean caught Castiel and they tumbled into the water. They were taken under a wave. Jack moved to run after them, only pausing when they both came up coughing and laughing. Dean stood and pulled Castiel to his feet. Without warning he pulled the Angel close and kissed him.
"Disgusting."
Jack whirled around to see the same man. He was glaring at Dean and Castiel. Jack looked at him confused. How could someone else's happiness make him so upset? He just didn't understand this hate. It kind of made him a little angry. He did t know why people felt the need to hate on people being in love. Why was he being so loud about it anyways. Couldn't he just keep it to himself.
He startled as Dean stalked past him. He grabbed the older man's wrist. He didn't want him to start a fight. That was the last thing they needed.
"Don't-" he said. It stalled Dean enough for Castiel to catch up.
"Leave it be, Dean," Castiel said, giving him a pleading look.
"Dad, let's go find Sam and Eileen," Jack said, knowing Dean had a weak spot for that.
Jack didn't give him a chance to say anything. He pulled Dean back down the beach. Castiel followed slowly behind them.
Once they were away from the couple, Jack let go of Dean. He turned to face him.
"I don't care what strangers think of you and Cas," Jack said.
"He didn't have to be a dick about it," Dean said angrily.
"Who cares if he wants to hate love, let him. That's his problem," Jack said.
"Dean."
Dean looked past Jack to Castiel. He walked up to the other man with a frown. He shook his head. Castiel was looking up at him with an almost pained look.
"Don't even go there Cas," Dean said gruffly.
Jack watched the pair confused. Dean already seemed to know what Castiel had been about to say.
"I could though," Castiel said softly, stepping up to the elder Winchester.
"If it would make you happy then yes by all means take another vessel. I will tell you again I am bisexual. I have been attracted to men for as long as I have been to women," Dean said.
"I know but it would be easier," Castiel said, looking away from Dean.
"Easier doesn't mean better," Dean replied.
"But-" Castiel started.
"I was so in denial about my attraction to men, and you can thank John for that one," Dean said, his glare hardening for a moment. "Besides I like you this way."
"Cas, I like you just the way you are," Jack piped in.
Castiel looked at Jack with a smile. His shoulders sagged and he looked conflicted. Jack knew it would be easier for Dean to be with a woman. They would get less stares and glares, but Jack liked having two dads. He loved Castiel and Dean just the way they were. Sure, they weren't perfect, but what parent was?
Jack walked up to Castiel and pulled him into a hug. He truly wouldn't have him any other way. He knew Dean wouldn't either.
"There you guys are."
The three turned as Sam and Eileen approached them.
"Enough of this chick flick crap," Dean grumbled. He turned to Sam with a grin. He told him Jack was looking for sea glass.
—Wayward Son—
Ben watched as Claire and Kaia argued over what to watch on TV. He was mostly healed from his injuries now. Claire had taken him to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She had introduced him to her makeshift family.
First was Jody, another sheriff. She was the mom. She welcomed Ben in with the one rule of no hunting near home. She didn't care if he hunted, just didn't want him or Claire to bring anything home.
Next was Alex. She was basically Claire's older sister at this point. They had been with Jody the longest. They had their ups and downs. On the surface, Alex was standoffish with Claire, but Ben could see she cared. She was in nursing school, almost done actually. She had her own apartment in town.
Next was Kaia, Claire's girlfriend. Ben had learned all about her on the trip here. She was pretty quiet, but she was cool. Kaia had been through a lot, but was getting better. Ben quickly learned they had a common interest in anime, much to Claire's dismay. Kaia was finishing her GED and trying to figure out what she wanted to do whether that was college or join Claire on the road.
Last was Patience. She was the quiet one, working on her college classes. She was torn between being a hunter with her gift and trying to live a regular life. Claire explained that she was a true psychic and that if she warned you of danger, to take heed. Patience was in college, unsure of what she wanted to major in.
"Come on Claire all we have been watching is slashers you pick," Kaia said, "while I do like a good scary movie, can we watch anything else?"
"Fine," Claire sighed in defeat.
"Hey Kaia, you ever watch Delicious in Dungeon," Ben asked.
"Not yet, is it any good?" Kaia asked, turning to him with a smile.
"Is this another anime thing?" Claire asked.
"I've seen a few episodes and they were pretty good. Haven't had time to finish it," Ben said.
"We are watching it!" Kaia declared.
"God there's two of you now," Claire groaned. "I'll make popcorn."
"Do we have any gummy worms left?" Kaia asked.
"Sour or regular," Claire asked as she walked away.
"Sour preferred, but will accept regular," Kaia called after her.
Kaia queued up the show. Claire returned to the living room with snacks. She tossed a bag of sour gummy worms at Kaia before tangling with her on the couch.
Ben sat back in his chair as the show started. These last few weeks had been so calm compared to his last six months on the road. He had almost forgotten what it was like to be a normal person.
This was only temporary. He was almost completely healed. Then it would be time to hit the road again. Donna had gotten a hit on the demon name he had given her, she was following it since he was out of commission. He was hoping to hear back from her soon. Once she got the lead for him he would be back on the road. No matter how much Claire and Jody tried to dissuade him.
He was grateful to both of them. Jody had given him a stable roof over his head. Claire had taken the time to teach him more about hunting and creatures he had yet to face. She wanted him prepared for anything. They had both given him so much these last few weeks. He could never truly repay their kindness. He still had a mission though. He needed to find Lisa. He needed to know what happened to her.
A few hours passed and the three were laughing at the antics on the TV and getting hungry as all the food was prepared.
"Ok time for dinner, I think Jody's working late. I can order pizza," Claire declared.
"Works for me," Ben said, stretching as he stood. He excused himself to the bathroom.
As he was finishing washing his hands he glanced down to his ribs. He lifted his shirt carefully looking at the faded bruises around the slowly healing scar.
He closed his eyes as he thought back to that night. That was the closest he had come to dying due to a hunt. He had been lucky thus far not to get injured too badly. If he hadn't met Claire he might've died at the hands of that werewolf. He shuddered at the thought.
He dropped his shirt. He closed his eyes as he thought back over the last six months. He had never thought this was where he would be. He was supposed to be in college figuring out what he wanted to major in. His mom was supposed to be at home calling him every week for a life update and to send him care packages. She was supposed to make sure he was eating healthy and taking care of himself.
He opened his eyes. He didn't see a college student. He saw a young man who was lost. Someone who had been thrust back into the world of monsters after years of running away from it. He had tried so hard to shield Lisa from hunting and monsters. She had no idea about any of it. He had wanted to keep it that way.
That meant whoever took her, was connected to…him.
Ben's glare hardened at the thought of him. He had abandoned them a long time ago. What would a demon want with Lisa? She knew nothing about him anymore. Her memories had been wiped. Ben had erased any trace of him from their lives as soon as he could too. It was like that year was gone. None of it happened.
So why did they come for her? Why now? After all this time? It didn't make any sense.
He sighed as he leaned on the sink. He took a few deep breaths. He didn't need to go down that road right now. What happened happened. Now all he had to do was fix it and get Lisa back. And he would get her back, one way or another. Dead or alive. She wasn't going to be left with that Demon.
The rest of the night he tried to live in the moment. He spent time chatting with Kaia about anime rom-coms or which anime was better. Claire had limited opinions, but let them nerd out.
It wasn't until that night when he was in bed did those thoughts return. As much as he tried to fight it he couldn't help but think about Lisa. He missed her so damn much. Even if her weekly calls had annoyed him at the time, or she got on his nerves when she bagged him. He missed all of it. He didn't realize how much he would miss her until she was truly gone. It sucked.
Ben pressed his palms to his eyes, trying to fight the tears that were threatening to fall. His breathing started yo labor as his chest tightened. It wasn't from the broken ribs either.
He tossed his blanket aside as he struggled to sit up. He leaned over the edge of the bed. Looking at the floor he tried to calm himself.
Eventually he made his way down to the kitchen to get some water. He sat down at the table with his water. He just needed to breathe. Get out of his own damn head. He was going to figure this out.
He toyed with the glass before him. Mind racing, playing every bad scenario over and over again. As days passed the good scenarios were harder and harder to believe in. The hope he had held on to for so long was slipping away.
"You ok?"
Ben looked up as Kaia approached him. She had a She walked over to the cupboard. She pulled down a box of snack cakes. She set it on the table and punched it towards Ben.
"I couldn't sleep," Ben shrugged.
"Me either," Kaia said, "the nightmares still come even though she's gone. I can't…" she trailed off.
Kaia had shared her past as a dream walker. She was heavily traumatized from it. It was a big reason why she shied away from hunting. The stories she had shared of the other world were horrifying.
"I can't stop worrying about my mom," Ben said looking down at the table. "Everyday I'm here and not out there looking for her…"
"Ben," Kaia said softly. She reached a hand across the table.
Ben pulled away. "I know, I mean I do-I-I—" Ben said as the tears came back. He turned away, refusing to let her see. "I know how this is most likely going to end, but I need to know. She deserves that much at least." He wiped at his tears.
"Yeah, that sounds reasonable," Kaia said, withdrawing her hand.
"Exactly, my mom is all I have. She-she…she's my mom. I have to find her," Ben said.
"I get that," Kaia said, "before moving in with Jody I had nobody. Now if something happened to one of them…especially Claire. I'm sure I would tear Hell apart looking for her."
"Exactly," Ben said.
Kaia grabbed one of the snack cakes and offered it to Ben. He smiled at her, taking the sweet. They sat together for a while longer. Eating and talking about lighter topics.
—Wayward Son—
Dean stood on the balcony of their hotel room. Eileen had sprung for some nice rooms for them. She and Jack were currently in her adjoined room watching rom-coms while Sam made a run for dinner. Castiel was in the shower. Dean had decided to get some air.
He was still thinking about that asshole from the beach the other day. Hearing that man had awoken something inside him. A rage he had long since buried. He had wanted to punch that man. He wanted to punch John.
He took a breath. That man wasn't John. Sure had sounded like him. Had the same ideals as him. Treated him like he was a freak of nature.
Anger bubbled in his chest again. He clenched the railing beneath his hand. Pushing that rage back down. That was ancient history. Things were different now. Dean was different now.
Dean Winchester was bisexual and proud of it. He was in love with Castiel, Angel of the Lord. Who happened to identify as a man.
"Dean?"
Dean glanced over his shoulder. Castiel stood in the doorway. His hair was tossed from the towel drying. He was wearing one of Dean's old Zeppelin shirts and a pair of boxer briefs. All that rage in his system was gone. Instead all that was left was everything he felt for the Angel before him.
"Hey Cas," Dean greeted, forcing a smile.
"Are you-?" Castiel paused his question.
Dean knew what he was asking. He too was thinking about their earlier conversation. Castiel's thoughts were probably on the aftermath and his offer.
"Yeah, c'mere," Dean said, turning. He beckoned the Angel closer.
Castiel padded across the small balcony. Dean enveloped him in a hug once he was near.
"I love you just the way you are Cas," Dean said, pressing a kiss to the side of his head.
Being affectionate with Castiel was as easy as breathing. Years of holding everything back, made every touch seem more special. It was such a natural thing to want to be near the Angel in anyway he could. Castiel fit perfectly against him.
Castie mumbled something into his chest. He shifted in the hunters arms.
"A little more coherent," Dean said.
"I could take a different vessel. It would be so much easier," Castiel said, leaning back and looking up at the hunter.
"No," Dean said, "I don't care."
"Ok, but…" Castiel said, shifting away from the hunter.
"No buts Cas, I am very fond of you just the way you are." Dean took a step back. He looked Castiel up and down. He placed a finger on his chin tipping his face up. "This vessel is you Cas. I can't imagine you being in a different body."
"Ok," Castiel said. His shoulders sagged. He alsmot seemed relieved to hear that. "It's just that man, it upset you."
"I wasn't mad that you're a man, I was mad that he had to make a scene out of it," Dean said.
"So that man triggered you," Castiel said.
Dean looked away from the Angel. He cast his glance out across the water. He sighed, shoulders slumping a little.
"My old man was very much like that guy. He'd use queer or gay as an insult. I didn't want him to use those words for me so I hid myself very deep in the closet," Dean said. He took a breath, closing his eyes for a moment. When he opened them he looked at Castiel. "I don't care what form or shape you take. Man, woman, or primordial being, it doesn't matter to me. I love you for what's inside. If you truly want another vessel that's ok. I will be a bit sad, I've grown rather fond of this one, but I can't stop you. Besides it's like I said before. I've been into guys my whole life. I just never said it out loud. I mean Benny and I were a bit more than friends, why do you think he wanted to leave you behind? Do you think I'd let Garth hug me if I didn't like it? He was adorkable in his own way."
"Oh," Castiel said, shocked.
Deans cheeks reddened at that admission. He had never told anyone about his crush on Garth. Castiel seemed just as shocked as he felt. He arched a brow at the hunter.
"Don't-" Dean started.
"I knew you had a type," Castiel smirked.
"Shut it," Dean groaned. He dropped his head onto the angel's shoulder.
"For now," Castiel chuckled. "Dean Winchester is a softie."
"Only for certain people, consider yourself lucky," Dean said.
"Everyday I spend with you I consider myself extremely lucky," Castiel replied.
"Ok enough sappy shit," Dean said, his face flushing again.
Dean took another small step back to look into the angel's eyes. He smiled as he leaned in, sealing their lips together in a kiss.
Kissing Castiel was an experience. Dean had his fair share of sexual partners. Some better than others, but Castiel was on a whole new level. Everything was so intense. Something as simple as a kiss could have Dean seeing fireworks. He finally understood all those sappy rom-com moments. Everything just clicked into place.
It seemed Castiel agreed too as he moved closer to the hunter. His hands gripping his shirt. Dean slid an arm around his waist pulling him closer. There was never enough closeness with Castiel. He always craved more. He had waited so long to have the Angel. There was no more waiting. As long as Castiel was willing to give he was going to take.
"Have I told you how sexy you look in this shirt?" Dean asked gruffly when they parted.
"A time or two," Castiel replied, smirking at the hunter.
"Fuck Cas," Dean groaned.
"I'd thought you'd never ask," Castiel said, with a wink. He turned and started back into their room.
Dean groaned again, hanging his head as he followed the Angel into the room. He was a slave to him. A fact Castiel used to his advantage very often.
Castiel swayed his hips as he walked away. Dean but his lip. He picked up his pace catching the Angel by the waist. He pulled him back against him.
"How about we skip dinner and go straight to dessert," Dean growled in the angel's ear.
"Dean," Castiel said lowly.
It was like music to his ears. Hearing Castiel come undone with just a couple words. The power he had over the Angel was intoxicating. A chill ran up his spine as he thought about how easy it was to make Castiel weak in the knees. Sometimes all it took was a look. On the flip side Castiel held so much power over him. A simple touch from the Angel could send him into a frenzy. It was a push and pull. They were hooked on one another and there was no going back.
Dean backed the Angel into a wall. He caged him in. Castiel gasped, his knees practically buckling. Dean grinned, feral.
"Cas," he growled.
"Yes," Castiel panted, cutting him off. He pulled the hunter down into a heated kiss. "Take me, I'm yours Dean."
—Wayward Son—
Ben slowly made his way up to the cabin before him. Donna had given him information on the Demon who had kidnapped his mother. It wasn't far from Sioux Falls.
That was the reason he had met Claire. It was to end up here. This was perfect.
He snuck out after everyone was sleeping. It was a short drive into the woods. A fifteen minute walk. That was it.
Here he was at the cabin. He watched the shadows move within. According to Donna this was where they were keeping Lisa. He was so close.
He gripped the blade at his side. He slowed his breathing. According to Donna this was a demon safe house. They kept their victims here when they wanted leverage. Most of the time they kept them alive. Which was good.
"Ok Ben, it's ok, you got this," he quietly told himself.
He crept up to the window. He kept himself low to the ground. Watching every step he took. There was no room for error here. The element of surprise was all he had. This was a suicide mission. There was only one way this was going to end.
He peeked in the window. His heart jumped into his throat. His ears started pounding. Sitting, tied to a chair was Lisa. She had a cloth in mouth as a gag. Her chest was moving which meant she was breathing. There was no other signs of life anywhere. No demons. He didn't even hear the sound of the peepers outside. No birds or bugs. Nothing
He glanced around the room. He saw no one else. He gripped his blade tighter.
Now or never Ben.
He steeled himself and made his way inside the house. He kept his blade drawn and ready to attack. No one came. There wasn't a soul in the house. He made his way to the back room. He saw the chair Lisa had been tied up to.
"Fuck."
He slumped back into the wall. She was gone. Was she even there to start with? Had someone played a trick on him?
"You kiss your mother with that mouth?"
Ben jumped up, turning to see Lisa behind him. Except it wasn't Lisa. Her eyes were pitch black. Demon.
"Give me back my mom," Ben growled.
"Aw the wittle baby wants his mommy," the Demon taunted. They walked up to Ben, who still held his blade out.
"I mean it," Ben said. He was unsure of what he was gonna do. He didn't want to hurt Lisa, but this was a demon.
"I'll make the decision for you!"
The demon lunged forward and grabbed the blade. They plunged it into Lisa's stomach, laughing maniacally.
"Nooo!"
Ben sat up breathing hard. His chest ached. Taking a few deep breaths he looked around the unfamiliar room. He was in Sioux Falls. There was no lead. Lisa was not in Sioux Falls. His shoulders slumped and jaw quivered. He looked down at his lap, fighting not to cry. That had felt so real.
The alarm started blaring beside him. He snatched his phone, shutting it off. He tossed it back on the bedside table with a grunt. He sat there trying to gather himself.
"Ah fuck," he grunted, tossing the blanket aside. He clambered out of bed ignoring the flare of his ribs.
Once he was ready for the day he made his way to the kitchen. Jody was already there. She had a bowl of cereal in front of her as she scrolled on her phone. According to Claire it was boring news stuff she checked every morning.
"Mornin," she greeted him.
"Morning," Ben greeted, giving her an awkward smile.
He found himself some breakfast. He sat down at the table, his own phone out. He had a few missed texts from some school friends. They all thought he was home taking care of his sick mom. They wanted to hang out soon.
Jody finished her breakfast and was putting her dishes away when she spoke.
"Todays my day off and I'm taking Claire to the range to shoot," Jody said, "would you like to join us?" She asked.
Ben looked up from his phone. He had never really been much of a gun person. Dean hadn't let him touch his guns. A quick "here's how to turn the safety off." and that he should point and shoot only in an emergency. Dean had promised to take him shooting when he was a little older, but that never happened.
"Uh sure," he said slowly.
"You don't have to, but I just…" Jody started.
"I would like to, but it's just…" Ben trailed off embarrassed. "You'll have to show me how to load a gun first."
"Oh," Jody said, "aren't you a hunter? I thought Claire said-"
"I am, like a baby hunter according to Claire. I have other areas of expertise," Ben said.
He was a fighter. He had a black belt. Lisa had made him take self defense. He knew how to handle a blade. He could take down a werewolf no problem. He was great at close combat.
"Ok, we all have our strengths," Jody said putting a hand up. "So how did you get mixed up in this?"
"It's a long story," Ben sighed.
"I've got time," Jody said, returning to the table.
Ever since he arrived, he had kept his story to a minimum. It wasn't that he didn't want to share. It was just Jody didn't push.
Ben sighed looking away. He swirled his spoon in his bowl. Biting his lip
"My mom was taken by a demon," Ben said.
The look of pity was soemthing he expected. Every hunter he told gave him that look. He knew the next thing she was gonna say too.
"Ok, was it a demon deal come due?" Jody asked.
"No, mom didn't know about the supernatural," Ben said.
"Ok, did you?" Jody asked.
"Yes, but she didn't. Her memory was wiped," Ben said.
He told her about how his step-dad had their memories wiped and how it failed on him. He refused to use Dean's name too, even though Jodyvwas subtly fishing for his name. She didn't push further for any more information.
"Do you think she's still alive?" Jody asked eventually.
"I hope so," Ben said.
He looked up. He didn't see pity in her face. There was something else there; empathy. It was then that Ben understood why Jody had so many kids in and out of her house.
Jody was a mom. She cared for all the girls. Ben could tell she cared for him too. As long as he was under her roof, she would take care of him. That much he was certain of.
Ben spent the rest of the morning with Kaia and Claire. They had helped Jodybwith some house work before crashing in the couch to watch some more anime.
Jody left to run some errands. She told Claire and Ben to be ready by three so they could go to the range.
"You're going shooting?" Kaia asked.
"I figure it's time I actually learn how to," Ben shrugged.
"You don't know-how are you alive?" Claire asked.
Ben shrugged. It wad a mystery how he had made it this far. He was sure his black belt helped.
Once Jody arrived back she took Ben and Claire with an offer to Kaia, who politely declined. The ride there was filled with Jody and Claire chatting. Claire was getting ready to head out on her own soon. She just had to wait for a visit from a friend. He was on his way uo from Texas in a few days. The were excited for the visit from the boys.
Ben stared out the window, thinking about Lisa. He had to get back out there. He was wasting time.
They arrived at the shooting range. Jody grabbed her bag and got them all set up.
Ben stood back as he watched Jody and Claire shoot. They were at the shooting range at Jody's insistence. Claire had told him this was good. It meant Jody wanted to size him up and see what he was capable of doing.
He wasn't much of a shooter. He preferred hand to hand combat. His black belt in taekwondo spoke for itself. Sure he could shoot a gun if needed, but he was a crap shot. In an emergency situation it would do. He knew the basics. Make sure the safety is off and point and shoot.
Claire's aim was flawless. All shots gathered in perfect clusters in the head or chest. Her smirk was dangerous. She was not one to be messed with.
Jody's shots varied but hit the target. Her shots seemed more to incapacitate. To stop, but not necessarily kill. The glint in her eye told Ben she was just as dangerous as Claire.
"Alright kid, let's see what you got," Jody said, taking off her ear protection. "Let's start with what you know."
"Safety off, point, and pull the trigger," Ben recited.
Jody then spent the next couple hours teaching Ben the basics. Claire would add a few pointers here and there. By the end of their session Ben was an ok shot. It was better than where he had started.
Once they were done Jody took Ben and Calire to get a treat. With ice cream in hand the three started a walk around the park. The conversation turned back to Ben's current mission. He was leaving in a few weeks to continue. As soon as Donna gave him the information he needed, he would be gone.
"Anyways, that led to my wild goose change across the Midwest," Ben said with a shrug. He had been talking about Lisa.
"Well, I don't think you're going to like the end of this road," Jody said.
"Me either, but it's something I gotta do," Ben replied.
It didn't matter what anyone thought. He was going to keep searching until he found his answers. It was a compulsion that drove him to keep going and keep searching.
"Ok, all I can say to that is you will always have a place to stay with me if you need it," Jody said.
Ben looked up at her, shocked. Claire had told him Jody was generous. If the rotating girls he saw in and out of the house was any indication. He just never expected it for him.
"If you're ever around feel free to stop in and rest. I'll make dinner and wash laundry and what not," Jody continued.
"Thank you," Ben said.
"Welcome to the family dork," Claire said, nudging his shoulder.
"Thanks, I always wanted a bratty sister," Ben teased.
"And I wanted a brother who can't shoot worth a damn," Claire laughed.
"I have other skills!" Ben defended himself.
"Fight nice you two," Jody laughed.