Sleeping At The Wheel

A Chink In Rusted Armor

CHAPTER 19

Juniper's POV

DAY ONE

The early winter chill cooled the interior of the Impala as I rolled down my window, letting the loud wind caused by the speed of the car blow inside and disturb my previously tamed hair.

I had taken back my place as designated driver shortly after we left town, and Jade and I actually talked a little as we headed for the highway. I hated to admit it but I was, in some way, enjoying this feeling of mutual companionship.

Now, though, Jade was leaning against the car door on her side, eyes closed. I kept my focus on the road ahead.

Several minutes of silence, besides the sound of the wind, followed, but the quiet was eventually broken by my phone ringing in my lap. I picked it up, glancing briefly at the caller ID before holding it to my ear.

"Hello?" I greeted, a small smile growing on my face.

"Hey, Juni." Dean answered. "I'm sorry, I know you wanted-"

I shook my head even though Dean couldn't see it. "No, no, it's fine." I assured him. "Really."

Dean sounded relieved. "So, uh... I just wanted to make sure you and Jade were..."

"We're fine." My smile grew wider.

I suddenly had the urge to tell him all about the case Jade and I had just finished, suddenly wanted him to know everything about it, like a young child recounting an exciting day at school.

"So, you'll never guess what Jade and I hunted." I started, to break some of the awkward tension between us.

Dean chuckled. "What'd you hunt?"

"Guess!"

"Hmm... Werewolves?" He guessed, completely at a loss without any clues.

I shook my head again. "Nope."

"Vampires?"

"Not even close."

"Demons?"

"No."

"Alright, I give up." Dean said.

I held in a laugh, glancing at Jade to see if she was still sleeping. "A Baku."

"A what?" Dean asked.

"A Baku. They take peoples' dreams. Pretty weird, actually." I said, beginning to tell him about the whole experience.

About halfway through my story, Jade stirred a little and looked over at me. "Who are you talking to?" She groggily asked.

"Dean." I answered before diving back into my story.

I quickly wrapped up the tale, leaving out the part about the Baku almost taking my dreams, and Dean was quiet.

"Damn." He finally said. "I'm impressed."

I smirked pridefully, sending Jade another glance and noticing her confused look. "Yeah, so now we're just kinda... Driving. Figured we'd find a motel somewhere, get a little sleep, and go from there."

"Ah," Dean said. I had particularly avoided mentioning that we weren't coming back to the bunker yet, and Dean particularly avoided asking. "Sounds like a solid plan." I heard a voice in the background, probably Sam. "Hey, I gotta go. I guess I'll, um, talk to you later?"