Chapter 9

Sam and Dean waited for Skye by the Impala. Sam felt pretty sure that she would complete her task and get out quickly, but Dean was so tense that he just stood there, not moving, not speaking, like a statue.

"I'm going in."

Dean started walking to the diner. Sam stepped in front of him.

"No. She trusts you to stay here. Nothing can happen to her, remember."

Just then, the roof collapsed, blowing up puffs of black smoke.

"I'm going!"

Dean ran toward the diner. Sam ran after him and pulled Dean back by the shirt.

"Dean, you can't! That building is up in flames, you'll go down with it!"

"I don't care!"

Dean tried to get Sam off him.

"Well I do!"

Sam threw Dean back. Dean swallowed hard, trying to center his emotions. The fire started going out. There was still no sign of Skye. Dean became nervous. His heart began to race. Where was she? The ashes and whatever was left of the diner rustled. A spark of hope came to Dean's eyes. A piece of wood from the roof was thrown aside as Skye got up.

"Skye!"

Dean ran to her. This time, Sam didn't stop him. Skye stumbled to her feet. Dean got there just in time to break her fall. She grabbed onto his jacket sleeves as he pulled her up. This time she had cuts and burns that didn't seem to go away. She looked weak, like something had drained her life from her. He held her arms as she got up. They wrapped their arms around each other. She hugged him tightly. He accepted it.

"Are you alright?"

Dean pulled away from her to see if she was well. She looked up at his face.

"I'll live."

Dean watched in amazement as new layers of skin covered up the scars within seconds. Skye looked into Dean's green eyes with long black lashes.

"Thank you."

Dean looked puzzled.

"For what?"

"For being there. I know I haven't known you long, but for as long as I have… you've helped me."

"It's what I do."

He gave a playful smirk. She tried to step over a pile of rubble, but she tripped and fell toward him. He caught her and pulled her close to him. A sudden urge came over her as she bent forward and gently kissed him on the lips. His cheeks flushed a pale colour of pink. She laughed, knowing that he was the type of guy that would never blush. Sam watched from the car. A smile came across his face. He was happy for his brother. Dean never had girlfriends. He had "dates". If anyone deserved love, it was Dean. With all of the family crap he's had to deal with, he needed someone other than Sam to comfort him.

"What was that for?"

"Man, guys really don't have a clue, do they?"

Dean thought about her question. He still didn't get it.

"Have a clue about what?"

Skye shook her head in disgust.

"Exactly!"

She hit him in the chest and walked off. She obviously had her energy back.

"What?"

Sam laughed even more as he watched his brother screw up another "would be" moment. As Skye passed Sam, he apologized for his brother's behavior.

"Dean can be an idiot sometimes. Just ignore it."

"I plan to!"

Skye walked over to her motorcycle and grabbed her helmet.

"Nice bike."

Sam stared at the symbol on her vehicle, knowing it stood for Satan.

"Thanks."

Her eyes followed his and found him looking at the symbol.

"I know what you're thinking and don't worry. I'm not a Satan worshiper. I just like scaring people."

Sam laughed. So did she. Dean caught up to them.

"We'd better get out of here before the cops come."

They all knew it, but they didn't want to part. Sam took the first move and got into the passenger seat of the Impala. He gave a small wave to Skye as he did so. She smiled back, and then turned to Dean.

"I guess this is goodbye then."

"Yeah. I guess so."

Dean hesitated. He wanted to kiss her, but was afraid she would reject him. He leaned forward slightly, but he changed his mind and turned his back. He walked to the car.

"Wish you luck."

He opened the driver's side door. Skye just stood there. Dean was about to get in the black car when he stopped and turned back to her. She anticipated what he was going to say.

"Hey, Skye?"

"Yeah?"

He looked at Sam for permission. Sam nodded his head "yes".

"You know… there's room in the car for one more hunter… if you want."

Skye smiled.

"You know it!"

She threw the helmet in the fire, grabbed her pack of belongings and dashed over to the car. They both got in and slammed the door shut. Dean turned around to face her.

"You know, once you get in my car, there's no leaving."

She bowed her head, making it look like doubt. She lifted her head and nodded.

"I'm fine with that."

Dean smiled and started the engine. The Impala roared with such power. Dean leaned over and turned on the music. The guitars strummed the tune of Back in Black, one of Dean's favourite songs by AC/DC.

"You listen to this?"

At first Skye looked horrified. Dean answered.

"Hell yeah!"

"Good, 'cause I do too."

They started singing the words to prove it. After awhile, the tune became contagious and even Sam started singing. Bopping their heads and shaking their hair, they left the diner behind and headed for a new hunt.