Don't Fear The Reaper

Chapter 15

"Everything is vanishing," Fitz rushed out as we approached.

"Vanishing?" Mack asked.

"It's true. Like it was never there," Jemma confirmed.

"I told you, words have power," I said.

"Let's go," Phil directed.

We all packed up and went back to the compound.

After getting cleaned up, everyone made their way to the dining room. Everyone was chatting and discussing things.

I was getting a second brownie when Dean approached.

"Hey, can we talk?" Dean asked.

I could tell he was nervous as he picked at the label on the beer bottle he held.

"Sure. What's up?" I said.

"Knox, I have to leave," Dean said, not looking me in the eyes.

My head canted, and I stared at him. Taking in his passive-aggressive stance, eye avoidance, and the tone of his voice — something was seriously wrong.

"Okay," I strung out the word. "Not as though I expected you to stay here with me."

He shook his head. "No, I'm leaving, Knox. Like, leaving for good."

I gaped at him for a split second, putting the brownie in my hand back on the table. "What exactly are you talking about? Cause you are definitely not telling me everything, Dean."

His head came up, looking a little bit angry that I didn't seem to be getting it. "Lisa called me."

My mouth dropped open and shut quickly as everything came together in my head.

"Gotcha," I said softly as my head and heart pounded so hard I thought I might pass out. The bastard was leaving me. For good. "So last night was a pity fuck and goodbye."

Tears welled in my eyes as I spoke to him so cruelly, but I didn't know how else to react. I heard sharp inhales and gasps from behind me.

"Dammit, Knox. You know it wasn't," Dean snapped at me as he lifted a hand to touch me.

I stepped out of reach. "Like hell I do. You just said you were leaving me for Lisa Braeden. What else am I supposed to think?" I wrapped my arms around my chest, willing myself not to break.

"Knox, I care about you," Dean stammered, tears forming in his eyes.

"But you love her," I finished for him. Giving him the chance to tell me I was wrong. The problem was, he had never said it to me. He never once told me he loved me, only saying, 'I hate you, brat.'

He heaved a huge sigh, looking down at his feet. "Yeah, I do."

"Then go," I said. Lock it away and never let them see you cry, raced across my thoughts.

"Knox, I need you to know," he said, eyes pleading with me.

I held up a hand to stop him from saying anything more.

"I don't need to know anything more. Go, 'cause right now I just wanna target shoot something, so leave before I let into the urge," I hissed. "It's not the first time I've been left behind. I've made it just fine on my own." My voice was even and cold. "Good hunting, Dean Winchester."

I turned and walked away from him.

"Knox! Knox, wait!" Dean yelled, and I heard footsteps behind me.

"I think you've done enough, don't you? Why don't you just leave?" My brother's voice could have cut glass.

"Dammit, I need to talk to her," Dean growled. "She needs to understand."

I tuned him out.

"You've said more than enough," Phil spat back.

Sam's hand on my arm brought me up short. When I looked up at him, there was nothing but sadness.

"I am so sorry, Knox. I had no idea," he said.

I shrugged. "It's fine, Sammy. Call me if you need anything," I said. I braced a hand on his chest as I reached up to place a kiss on his cheek. "Be safe."

He heaved a sigh. "You too, Knox. He might not say it, but I love you."

I nearly fell into his arms, sobbing, my heart-shattering. "I love you too. Goodbye, Sammy." I patted his chest and stepped away.

Bobby didn't even speak at first. He just hauled me in for a hug.

"Don't cause any trouble, you hear me?" he commanded.

I chuckled. "Like I could cause any more trouble than these two idjits." I hugged him back tightly, not wanting to let go, but I did.

"Ain't that the truth," Bobby muttered. "All the same. Be safe, sweet girl." He caressed my cheek before leaning in to whisper. "He's an idiot. Love you, baby girl." And he kissed my cheek and pulled away.

I swiped at the tears that fell. "Love you too, old man," I said loud enough for him to hear before walking away from it all and feeling completely numb.

End of part 1