Don't Fear The Reaper

Chapter 1

"Are you fucking serious right now? You're joking, right?" Dean's voice started to raise in his agitation.

"What? What's wrong with wanting to take a fucking vacation?" I asked.

"We're monster hunters, Knox. We don't just take vacations whenever the hell we want," he practically growled.

"Dean," Sam snapped.

"Shut your pie hole, Sammy. This is between Knox and me," Dean snarled.

Sam and I both just shook our heads. I sighed heavily, hands on my hips, pausing before I looked back up at him.

"I'm taking one, whether you like it or not. I need it," I said.

"Dammit, Knox. It doesn't work like that," Dean said.

I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from screaming. "I am trying really hard here, Dean. I really am, but I need a break. We have been going non-stop for months. I have an arm in a half cast and stitches and bruises that are still healing. I need time off," my voice softened.

He sighed. "Then just stick around the bunker and do research for us. You don't have to leave," Dean cajoled. Walking over to me, cupping my face with his hands and leaning forward to kiss my forehead. "You don't have to go."

I placed my hands on his hips as I stared into his eyes. "I love you, Deano, but staying here still means I'm working, and I am done in. Please, can't you see it? We all need a break."

He groaned in frustration and pulled away. "Whatever. Just go."

My mouth dropped open. Shocked at how he was acting. "Rude much?"

"Just go, Knox, go. Do whatever," he rolled his eyes as he waved a hand. "It doesn't matter."

"Why are you being so mean?" I asked as I sniffed, trying to hold back tears.

"You'll do whatever you want anyway, so just go. I don't care." And he walked away.

"What the fuck just happened, Sam?" I tried not to cry as I asked him.

Sam was shaking his head. "I don't know, Knox. I really don't. I just think he wants to keep you safe here, but that," -he shrugged- "I can't tell you why he said that."

I swiped at the few tears that fell. Sam saw and hauled me into a hug.

"He loves you, Knox. He might not say it, but he does. You know that," he whispered against my temple.

I snorted. "He's got a funny way of showing it. I'm going to go confirm with family about going to visit and get to packing. Thanks, Sam." I kissed his cheek and gave him one more squeeze before walking away.

"Dean, you're an idiot." I heard Sam mutter.

Sam saw me off. He tossed my duffles into the SUV before coming to the driver's side.

"You all set?" he asked, brushing stray mahogany hair behind my ear.

I bit at my lip, nodding. "Yeah, I think so."

"Just a few weeks, right?" he gripped my forearms lightly.

"Yup, you'll barely notice I'm gone." I smiled at him.

He grinned and gave me the small chuckle I wanted. "I doubt that. Dean is lousy at making coffee, and you can out sing him any day of the week."

I chuckled. "Coffee, I'll concede. But singing, nah. He's got me beat." I sighed and leaned into Sam. Wrapping my arms around his waist. "Thanks for understanding."

"I've got your back, Knox. Always. You're family." He hugged me close and kissed the top of my head. "Keep safe and call if you need anything."

I nodded into his chest. "You be safe too. If I get a call from Bobby saying you're doing stupid shit, imma be pissed."

I felt his rambling laugh beneath my ear.

"Not sure if I should be more afraid of you or the monsters," he snickered.

I pulled back to wink at him. "The correct answer is me."

"Leaving without saying goodbye?"

I gasped. I honestly didn't think he'd come to see me off.

"You told me to leave and walked away. I didn't think you'd care," I tried to say casually with a shrug as I stepped back from Sam.

"Idiot," Dean muttered, striding forward to cup my face in his hands and capture my lips in a crushing kiss before I could even move.

My eyes fell shut with a sigh as I wrapped my arms around his neck and leaned into the kiss. One of his hands wound its way into my mahogany locks, and the other went to my waist to haul me closer.

"I'll just leave you two," Sam coughed.

I snorted and pulled back, a blush creeping up my cheeks. Dean frowned but didn't let go.

"I gotta go," I whispered.

"I know. Be safe, call me. Like all the time, I don't care," Dean rushed the words.

I smirked. "I'll call."

"Tell that moron brother of yours he better look after you, or he and I will be having a conversation," he threatened.

I giggled. "I'm betting the conversation would be with your fists."

Dean's lips tipped up. "Well, they are really good at doing the talking for me."

My eyes rolled as I shook my head. "Considering who my brother is, I don't think it's in your best interests to do that."

He scoffed. "Like I care who he is. Mess with what's mine, and you're gonna answer for it."

I raised a brow at him. "Yours, eh?"

He looked a little sheepish as he nodded. "Yeah, mine."

I grinned. "Too cute for your own good. Cya around boys."

I kissed Dean once more before getting into the vehicle.