Two Guys, a Girl and a Chevy Impala, Fic 13: Home Isn't Always Where the Heart Is (2/?)

[xtremeroswellia]

Fic: Two Guys, a Girl, and a Chevy Impala: Fic 13: Home Isn't Always Where the Heart Is...
Rated: R




Chloe leaned heavily against a wall as she watched Sarah look over the aisle of pregnancy tests nervously. She drew in a breath and let it out slowly, closing her eyes for a moment before opening them again. Her eyebrows furrowed as she detected movement out the corner of her eye. "Clark. Come out." Her voice was quiet, but she knew he'd hear her.

Crap, Clark thought, turning the corner and meeting Chloe's tired, blank eyes. "Have I lost my touch?" he whispered, glancing over at Sarah, a little confused.


A wry smile touched her lips. "Only with me," she responded.


He crossed his arms and maintained a semi-hidden posture behind the end of the aisle. "So what exactly is going on, Chlo?" he asked, concern touching his blue eyes.

"Really long story," she said wearily. "Let's just say that...a lot's gone on since the last time we saw each other."

"Apparently." He glanced over at Sarah, who was still looking at an assortment of boxes, her brow furrowed with concentration. "I take it things aren't... going well?"

"That's an understatement." She shut her eyes, a wave of exhaustion sweeping over her as she leaned heavily against the wall.

"Chloe, I think I might have found--" Sarah turned to see the blonde leaning against the wall, on the verge of collapse. "Hey, let's get back to the Kent's, okay? I should have done this alone."

Out of sight in this original hiding place, Clark grimaced.

"No, it's fine. I'm all right," she said, more energy in her voice than she felt. She forced herself into an upright position once more, wincing as her body ached with the movement.

She wanted to kick herself. "No, you're really not. Come on, I've got what I need." He held up the box and tried to smile, though it didn't reach her eyes.

"It's gonna be okay," she whispered, slowly pushing herself away from the wall for momentum to walk. "Come on."

Sarah put an arm through Chloe's and helped her walk towards the cashier's station to pay for her purchase. Knots of anxiety formed in her stomach: she prayed Sam wouldn't know about this until she got the results.

Casting a glance behind them, she saw Clark dart out the door and a faint, sad smile touched her lips. She knew the guys had sent him to watch out for them. And wondered if they'd ever be truly safe again.

Sarah walked Chloe to the car and put her into the passenger seat before getting in. She wasted no time getting her back to the Kent Farm. Her friend looked pale and weary. "Chloe, I don't think... maybe you really should wait to see your mom until you're better." She wished she could back up her own words with feeling, but she knew, if Lex or any of his goons was around, they were all in danger.

A sad smile touched her lips. "I don't think I have the luxury of waiting," she whispered. The breath caught in her throat as the car drove over a bump, jostling her painfully in the seat. She swallowed hard, shutting her eyes against the rush of tears she felt.

"I’m sorry, Chloe," Sarah whispered, her words taking on several meanings. "I know we don't have much time. Nothing's in our court right now, it seems." She shook her head, thinking how under-exaggerated that statement was.

"I know," she murmured, biting her lower lip as her mind shifted to a different place. As much as she hated to think it, her friends were in danger--because of her. Because Lex was after her. She shut her eyes.

"Oh no, don't go there, Chloe Sullivan," Sarah responded harshly, having heard her friend's thoughts stray from her mind. "None of this is your fault, okay? Lex would still be after us because of Sam. Because he's working for that yellow-eyed freak."

Chloe winced a little, realizing she was too tired to keep the barriers between them up anymore. "Maybe. But the fact is...Lex has had it out for me for awhile now. Because he knows I know...about Clark."

"All the more reason to wipe this guy off the map." Sarah turned the Impala into the Kent driveway, going as slowly as possible so as to not hit any potholes or bumps.

She let out a breath, feeling Dean's mind brushing against hers worriedly. "So we just...kill him?" She stared out the windshield.

She swallowed hard. And nodded faintly. "It might have to come to that," she replied in a whisper, pulling the Impala to a halt and shutting off the engine.

Chloe was silent for a moment, feeling uneasy on top of nervous and tired. "We should head in." She slowly climbed out of the car.

Feeling Sam's worry pressing against her mind, Sarah closed her eyes and swallowed hard. "Yeah," she whispered, suddenly more tired than she ever was. She reluctantly followed Chloe back into the house.

She met Dean's eyes the moment she stepped inside the house and offered him a small smile.

"Everything okay?" he asked, grabbing her by the arms and pulling her into his hard body. He looked over at Clark and smiled a little, thanking him a small nod.

She slid her arms around him, resting her head against his shoulder. Yeah, she thought, closing her eyes.

Hiding the pregnancy test in her purse, Sarah walked inside and glanced at Sam, his mind questioning even as he took a step towards her. She held up a hand. I can't talk, not right now, she told him, her mind opening enough to let him hear those thoughts.

Sam swallowed hard, looking down at the floor, trying to deal with the bitter sting of rejection again.

Blanching, Sarah gently reached out a hand and touched his sleeve. "Tomorrow, okay?" she whispered, a trembling smile on her face.

"Sure," he whispered, not looking at her.

Sighing, she moved away and sat down in the furthest chair, away from everyone else. So she could sneak out when no one was looking and get definitive proof.

Dean helped Chloe onto the couch again, putting a hand on her cheek before looking at Clark. "So, where's Queen? Thought he was supposed to be here by now." He looked over at Sam, alarmed.

Sam looked back at his brother worriedly and started to speak when the doorbell rang.

Chloe tensed immediately, her face draining of all color.

"I think that's them," Clark said softly, starting hard at the door for a second, then nodding. "Yeah, it's your mom." He glanced at Chloe and frowned.

Glancing at his brother, Dean scratched the back of his head, confused. "How do you know?" he asked cautiously. The kitchen window curtains were closed, and though there was a shadow behind it, he couldn't make out who it was.

Sam raised an eyebrow but remained quiet, regarding Clark curiously.

Chloe let out a breath and slowly rose to her feet, feeling vaguely nauseous. "X-ray vision," she responded, giving Clark a faint smile as she slowly headed into the kitchen.

Blinking, he whispered, "He can see through things?"

Sarah rolled her eyes but said nothing, taking this moment to leave the room while no one was looking at her.

Swallowing hard as she paused at the door, she held her breath and then slowly pulled it open, her face ghostly pale as she found herself gazing at Oliver, who stood right in front of her mother.

Oliver's face fell a little at Chloe's face. She looked like she'd been through hell: he glanced over at Dean, his eyes questioning, but the man looked no better. In fact, they both looked like hell. "Chloe," he said, mustering a small smile. "I'd like to introduce you to... your mother." He stepped aside quickly behind a middle-aged woman, ushering her inside.

She bit down hard on her lip, gazing at the woman for a long moment. Her voice was strained. "Hi, Mom."

"Hi, Chloe," Moira Sullivan replied, a graceful smile on her face. She looked around the room and noticed the men standing in various places in the kitchen. "Can I come in?"

Clark blushed a little and stepped back. "Uh, yeah, Mrs. Sullivan. Make yourself at home."

Taking her daughter's hand, Moira walked towards the couch, though she was always aware of Oliver moving just behind her.

Chloe walked with her to the sofa and slowly sat down, her heart thumping wildly against her chest. A rush of emotions hit her: fear, anger, confusion, joy. Her eyes immediately sought out Dean's as she held back a sob that was building.

Feeling her mind tug violently against his, Dean immediately moved towards her, his eyes dark with worry, concern. He knew this was too soon: her wide, frightened, overwhelmed eyes spoke volumes. It's too soon for this, Sammy, he thought distractedly, not looking at his brother as he sat down next to her and put her hand in his, squeezing it a little.

Moira knew she should say something, but no words escaped her lips. She sensed her daughter was incredibly stressed, and not just because she was there, sitting with her, having not laid eyes on her in way too many years. She noticed the shortest of them men sit next to her and understood they shared a bond. "Hello," she said to him.

Dean nodded. "Hi. Dean Winchester." He glanced at Chloe, then at her mother, unsure of what else to say.

Sam sat awkwardly across the room, looking at his brother with uncertainty. Should I get Clark and Oliver out of here? he wondered.

Chloe sat back a little, resting against Dean for support, her body trembling. "Mom, what..." Her eyebrows furrowed and she blinked back tears. "You're not really..."

Dean glanced back at Sam. Might be a good idea, little brother, he mused with a frown, his arm snaking around her shoulder to offer extra support.

"No, I'm not," Moira replied quietly, gazing into her daughter's troubled eyes. "I'm not dead, honey. I'm alive, and safe, thanks to Mr. Queen." She looked up at Oliver gratefully.

Oliver caught Sam's slight nod toward the kitchen and he smiled faintly. "Clark, why don't we go discuss that project we're working on?" He suggested, turning to look at his friend with raised eyebrows.

Clark looked worried, his gaze having been fixed on Chloe and her mother, but he nodded. "Yeah, good idea. We'll be around if..." He looked at Sam, thumb hooked towards the kitchen.

Sam nodded a little, watching them disappear and looking at Dean worriedly.

"Mom, this is...Dean's brother, Sam," she whispered, motioning toward him.

"Hi, Ms. Sullivan. Nice to meet you," he said quietly.

Moira smiled at Sam, then at Dean. "Nice to meet you, too. How do you know my daughter?"

Dean's gaze was steady, remaining on Moira, though he felt anything but. "We kinda... ran into her."

"They saved my life actually." She paused, glancing at Dean and then back at her mother, still shaken. "Dean and I are together."

Moira's brows shot up at that remark. "Oh," she whispered, looking between Chloe and Dean with interested eyes.

Okay, awkward, Dean thought, a determined smile on his face. He had never experienced scrutiny like this before: hell, at this point, he would have preferred the Demon himself over having to answer to Chloe's mother.

"Well, that's nice," Moira said after a few strained moments. She wasn't sure what else to say to her daughter.

Finally Chloe couldn't take it anymore. "Mom, what...what happened to you? You disappeared and then...when I found you..." Her voice was strained and she shut her eyes.

Sam winced, her scrambled, painful thoughts filling his own mind.

Moira cleared her throat gently and looked into her daughter's eyes. "Yeah, about that... I know you saw me as being... sick, but the truth is, I made you believe that."

Dean blinked in surprise and snuck a look at his brother. Uh oh, he thought suddenly, gripping Chloe's hand gently.

"What..." She shook her head. "What do you mean?" she asked uncertainly, her body tensing involuntarily.

"Chloe, I can talk people into believing what I want them to believe. Into saying what I want them to say."

Chloe stared at her blankly for a long moment, shock washing over her. "And you made me think you were sick."

Sam quickly looked at Dean, his own eyes wide with shock.

Chloe's mother nodded a little, her eyes filled with sadness. "I had to," she replied simply. "It wasn't like I had a choice."

Dean connected with his brother's anxious eyes and wondered what kind of person Moira Sullivan was. He never thought she might have some connection with the Demon... until now.

She pulled away from Dean and stood up, turning her back to her mother. "Of course you had a choice," she whispered. "There's always a choice."

Moira sighed. She had known this was coming, and she was prepared. "When the choice was between putting my only child, my husband, in permanent danger or keeping them safe and in the dark, I made the right choice."

She turned to look at her mother, her eyes filled with tears. "For the past two years, I've been terrified that I was going to end up in an institution because I may have inherited the same disorder as you! And before that? Before that I didn't know if you left because you didn't love us, or if you were dead or if you had some other family or--" Her voice broke, her body trembling as the tears spilled down her cheeks.

Dean stood up and wrapped Chloe in his arms, momentarily glaring at her mother for putting her though this. In fact, as the anger coursed through his veins, he began to wonder if all parents enjoyed getting some sick kick out of torturing their children like this.

Moira stood up, understanding her daughter's frustration and anger. "I'm so sorry, Chloe. You have no idea how many times I wanted to see you, tell you what was really going on. Even Gabe didn't know the truth. I left because I had to, because I knew someday, someone would want to hurt you. Especially if... you've inherited my... abilities."

"Oh yeah? And you planning on using those abilities on us?" Dean demanded harshly.

Chloe flinched at the implication, swallowing hard and feeling sick to her stomach. "You mean someone like Lex Luthor?" Her voice was pained.

Sam closed his eyes as he rose to his feet, moving to stand closer to his brother and friend. "Is that the only ability you have, Mrs. Sullivan?"

"Yes, Chloe, I'm talking about Lex Luthor... and yes, it's the only ability I have," Moira replied, cocking an eyebrow at Sam. Why did he want to know? What did it matter, so long as Lex Luthor wasn’t after her?

He gazed at her intently. "Because Lex is after Chloe," he said in a quiet voice, watching the surprise flicker over the woman's face.

"Sam, don't," Chloe whispered.

"No, Sam's right," Dean countered her, gazing at the older woman. "Lex is convinced Chloe has super powers of some kind. Do you know he's already kidnapped her and done God knows what to her? How the hell can you stand there, telling her all this was for her own good when all it's done is hurt her?" His ire rose with each word spoken: he let Chloe go, though he held onto her hand tightly.

"What?" Moira whispered, horrified at the notion. Her mouth gaped open, unable to utter another syllable.

"That's how I found out that you weren't really crazy," Chloe said, shutting her eyes. "From Lex. He said...that you were just meteor-infected like I was." She swallowed hard.

Moira closed her eyes and fell back against the couch cushions, a single tear slipping down her cheek. "I'm so sorry, Chloe," she whispered miserably.

Her heart hurt as she leaned against Dean for support. "I just...I wish I'd known."

"I didn't think... I didn't know he'd come after you," she whispered, putting a hand to her head. "I was sure he'd leave you out of this..." Her words trailed off as she realized what she was saying.

Dean wrapped his arms around Chloe and kissed the back of her neck. He watched Moira carefully, however. "What are you talking about?"

Her own eyebrows furrowed. "What are you talking about, Mom? Leave me out of what?" She shook her head.

Sam looked at Chloe and his brother worriedly.

Swallowing hard, Moira opened her eyes and stared at her daughter. "Before Oliver found me... Lex Luthor... he found me... at the institution."

Dean felt his whole body go numb with shock, though he kept his arms firmly around Chloe, whose body suddenly felt like jelly.

Her face paled even more. "What...what did he want?" she whispered.

"He wanted... me." Moira looked pained. "He knew about my abilities and wanted to take me... to test on me."

Chloe's knees buckled and if Dean's arms hadn't been around her she would have fallen. "But he didn't...right?"

She shook her head. "No, he didn't. Fortunately, Oliver walked in and saw Lex there." He glanced back at the two men who hovered in the kitchen, heads bent in quiet conversation. "He and Clark, they managed to get me out without Lex laying a hand on me."

The muscle in Dean's jaw worked furiously, seriously angry that Lex had come after Chloe because he hadn't gotten to her mother. "That's why he went after you," he whispered in her ear.

She bit down hard on her lower lip, feeling relieved that her mother was all right, but feeling weak and dizzy at the same time.

"Dean. She needs to sit," Sam whispered worriedly.

Taking his brother's cue and mentally berating himself, Dean immediately swept Chloe into his arms and sat down on the opposite couch, ignoring the horrified look on Moira's face as he did.

"No, don't tell me..." she began but the words died in her throat when Dean glared at her.

"He took her," Dean replied, his voice emotionless and flat. "He tested on her... and did God knows what else... because he couldn't take you."

"Don't," she whispered, squeezing his arm. "Please, Dean." Her voice was pained.

"What?" Clark stood in the entrance of the living room, Oliver right behind him, both looking stunned.

"Nothing, Clark." Dean didn't bother looking away from Chloe's mother and ignored the frown crossing Oliver's brow.

"Please tell me you're joking," Oliver remarked, glancing worriedly at Chloe and then at Sam.

Sam blew out a breath, looking over at the other men. He shook his head slightly, his face weary. "I wish I could."

Chloe shut her eyes, leaning back against Dean as a wave of exhaustion washed over her.

Moira looked up at Oliver, her eyes empty and hurting. "We need to go," she whispered, afraid to look at her daughter, especially since she knew she had suffered unnecessarily. Moira would never forgive herself.

Oliver nodded but glanced at Sam and Dean. "Probably a good idea," he replied quietly, his gaze settling on Chloe finally. "She needs to get some rest."

Dean felt a growl rise in his throat but kept it at bay.

"You're just...gonna leave?" Sam asked in disbelief, staring at the woman.

"What choice do I have?" Moira snapped, standing up and moving towards Chloe, though she didn't make a move to touch her. "Chloe can't take anymore of this."

He shook his head, his eyes darkening with anger. He felt his brother's anger too. All of the things that had happened were starting to spin together in his mind. "She came here to see you. To make sure you were safe. She put her own life at risk by coming here, this close to Luthor again, and you're leaving?"

Feeling the emotion smack her in the face, she took a step back. "Yes, I am, and I don't care how angry that makes you," she replied softly, her eyes boring into the taller man's. "Chloe and I will talk about this when she's stronger."

"Stronger?!" Dean demanded, his eyes nearly glowing red with rage. "Who's to say she'll ever be stronger? Ever again?! Luthor could have killed her had we not been able to get her out!"

Oliver intervened and took Moira's arm gently. "Okay, that's enough."

"You're right. You should go," Sam said, his voice blunt and hard. "We'll take care of Chloe." He moved to the sofa and sat down beside his brother, his eyes dark and still intently focused on Moira.

Chloe bit down hard on her tongue as she struggled to sit up. "Be careful," she whispered, looking at her mother tiredly.

Glancing down at her daughter, Moira bit back the tears. "You too," she whispered, wishing Oliver had never found her. Wishing Lex had taken her instead... because anything was better than watching her daughter suffer for her mistakes.

Dean's head pounded from his brother's anger and glanced over at Sam. Dude, tone it down with the angst, he thought, weary from all the pressure on them. He smoothed Chloe's hair out of her face and cradled her in his arms.

"I'm gonna get some air." Sam glanced at Dean before rising to his feet and moving out on the porch without another word.

Clark looked at Oliver. "See you in the morning?"

Oliver nodded at Clark but said nothing, watching the younger Winchester storm out of the room, his anger and frustration emanating off him in waves. Something had happened, and it had nothing to do with Lex Luthor. He gave Dean a curious glance, but all he got in return was a stony yet weary stare. "Get some sleep tonight," he replied carefully.

Dean snorted. "Sleep, yeah."

Not looking at anyone else, keeping her eyes fixated on the floor, Moira Sullivan moved slowly past Oliver and outside into the night.

Clark shifted uncomfortably from one foot to the other, his worried gaze locked on Chloe's pale face.

"Dean? Can you give us a minute?" Chloe whispered, hearing Clark's troubled thoughts.

No, he protested mentally, looking at her. I don't want to leave you.

She leaned back against him, covering his arms with her own. I know. But he's really freaked out right now and I need to talk to him.

And you can't do that in front of me? He felt a small surge of jealousy behind his words and kicked himself. He knew there was no reason behind it, that Clark was just a friend to her. He couldn't help it, though: as weak as she was, he felt compelled to spend every waking moment with her.

A sad weariness crept into her. He didn't trust her. And that was almost as painful as what she'd been through in 33.1. She swallowed hard.

Dean glanced down at the blonde head and blinked in surprise at her thoughts. He didn't know how she could think that, but he eased her onto the couch, letting her go gently. He didn't know what to say to that, so instead, he kissed her gently on the cheek and blocked his mind from her, to keep his pained thoughts to himself for the moment. Better she not feel his anxiety, he thought as he left the room.

At that moment, Sarah re-appeared quietly, her face tear-stained. She paused, however, when she noticed Dean exit the house through the kitchen door, Chloe and Clark left behind alone. She frowned but snuck into the front hallway, making for the front door. She needed some air.

Chloe swallowed hard, watching Dean go and not picking up on Sarah's presence as her friend slipped out the front door. "You can sit down, Clark. I'm not gonna bite."

Taking in a deep, frustrated sigh, Clark moved slowly across the room and sat down next to her. "Why didn't you tell me?" he whispered, his voice small and almost weary with fear.

"Which part?" Her voice was quiet.

Where did he start? "Lex, for starters," he said out loud, running a hand across his cheek. "I knew something was wrong, but I never would have guessed he was capable of... this."

"Well he did have you taken," she murmured, resting her head on the sofa tiredly.

"That's because I'm from another planet, Chloe. You're not. You might have powers... but he's going to pay for what he did to you." The ire in his voice rose when he realized just how much he wanted to kill Lex. A former friend, now his worst enemy.

Chloe drew in a breath and let it out slowly. "I'm okay, Clark."

"No you're not," he protested in frustration. "You look like you've been through hell. I know what that's like, remember? I wouldn't wish that on anyone, but it happened to a friend. And I don't know what's gotten into Sam Winchester, but he's acting strangely, too..." He paused at the look on Chloe's face.

"It's been a really long few days," she admitted, closing her eyes. "Things haven't been going in our favor for awhile now."

"Tell me about it," Clark grumbled, looking down at his hands. "Lex has plants everywhere. Literally. And for every one we take down, it seems like two more pop up." He sighed and glanced at Chloe.

She ran a hand over her face, feeling ill at the thought. "So it's like demon hunting," she murmured.

"If that's what Dean and Sam have been doing, then yeah, just like that."

"Not just Dean and Sam." She gazed at him. "The four of us. They've been doing it longer, but...it's a never-ending battle."

He sighed and nodded. "I don't know the end of it, either, Chloe. Unless... we kill Lex."

She visibly flinched. "We can't, Clark." Her voice was pained.

He paused for a moment. "We may not have a choice," he whispered quietly, "and deep down inside, you know it."

"We don't kill people," she whispered back. "We're not monsters, Clark."

"No we're not," Clark agreed, looking at her, concern in his eyes, "but if he comes after you again, someone's going to kill him. If it's not me, it'll be Dean and Sam. Mark my words."

She closed her eyes again, wincing involuntarily. Sarah had all but said the same thing, and deep down, Chloe knew it was true. She bit down on her lower lip. "I know."

He covered her hand with his gently and mustered a small smile. "Can you tell me... what Lex did to you?" he asked gently, keeping his voice deliberately void of emotion.

Her face was pained at his question. "Clark..."

"Was he there?" he persisted.

Chloe bit her lower lip, nodding slightly and not looking at him.

Clark frowned, his eyes dark with concern and anger. "Do Dean and Sam know that?"

"I don't know," she whispered, raking a hand through her hair. "After they got me out...they used a spell to wake me up. It uh...we're connected now. Mentally. I...I don't know how much they know. I've been trying to keep them away from all of it." Her voice was strained.

"That's probably a good thing," Clark said, not fully comprehending the full impact of her words for a moment. "Because knowing your boyfriend and his brother, they'd go after... Wait, did you say the four of you... are mentally connected?"

She nodded slightly, exhaling as she opened her eyes to look at him, wondering how weirded out he was.

Clark cocked an eyebrow. "How's that working?" he asked. "Is it... permanent?" They used a spell to get her out of a coma. How was that possible? he wondered. This was way beyond his league.

"It's different. And I don't know if it's permanent," she confessed. "And yeah. A little beyond your league." A smile tugged at her lips.

He looked up in surprise. "How'd you do that?" he asked, his lips curling into a curious smile.

"Apparently that's my power. Mind reading." A look of confusion passed over her.

"So this isn't just the spell working?" He looked intently at her. "What is it?"

"I just realized...before Lex took me...I was only hearing Sam's thoughts." She swallowed hard.

His intense stare became a worried one. Did Lex do something to trigger her ability? he wondered, squeezing her hand slightly.

Chloe bit her lip. "He must have," she whispered.

Clark couldn't fight the grimace that appeared on his face. "Chloe, I'm... sorry," he whispered, at a loss. "I should have been there for you. I don't know how the Winchesters got you out, but... I should've been there, too."

Her eyes watered as she felt the guilt he was experiencing. It was horrible. Wordlessly she shifted closer to him, wrapping her arms around his waist and burying her face against his shoulder. She wasn't sure if she was trying to comfort him or herself.

Clark slung an arm around her and held her tightly for a moment, reining in his thoughts, keeping them from her as best he could. He heard the kitchen door slam and looked up, seeing Dean standing there.

"Everything okay?" Dean asked quietly, his eyes betraying his weariness.

Chloe tried to smile but couldn't quite manage it. She nodded a little and held her hand out toward him. "Clark? Can you do me a favor?" Her voice was very soft.

"Sure," Clark said, pulling away and looking at her.

"I really need to see Lois." Her eyes were sad, her heart aching. It had been so long since she'd seen her cousin and it was beginning to hit her how badly she'd missed her.

He smiled sadly. "I figured you would," he replied, looking at Dean. "That's why we're meeting up with Oliver and the gang tomorrow. Lois'll be there."

Cocking an eyebrow, Dean nodded. It was a good idea, he thought, glancing at Chloe. She needed some sense of normalcy at this point, and her cousin might be able to offer that.

She nodded a little, relaxing back against Dean as he moved to sit behind her, his arms winding around her waist. I'm tired, she thought, her eyes drifting shut.

Dean looked over at Clark. "She needs her sleep," he stated as evenly as he could. "Point us in the direction of a spare room?"

"My mom's out of town. You can take her room," he volunteered quickly.

"Thanks." He picked Chloe up, sweeping her into his arms, and headed for the stairs without looking back. I'll put you to bed, he thought, a joke in his voice as he reached the second floor.

She was too tired to smile but she pressed a soft kiss against his collarbone. I love you, she thought, resting a hand against his shoulder.

Fortunately the door was open, so Dean swept in quickly, pulling the blankets back with one hand and laying her down quickly, then turning to shut the door. Moving back to her, he pulled her shoes off and tucked her into bed. "I love you," he whispered in her ear, nibbling on her earlobe. "It's why I'm... jealous of Clark. It's not about trust, because I trust you with my life."

"I'm not in love with Clark," she whispered, closing her eyes and shuddering a little as his lips pulled lightly against her earlobe.

"I know you're not," he replied gently, sitting down next to her, cupping her cheek. "But I sometimes wonder if Clark is."

"In love with himself?" she asked in confusion.

He smirked at her question, because she was obviously so tired she wasn't making any sense. "Nevermind," he answered, stroking her hair gently. "Get some sleep. I'll stay here... if you want me to."

"Don't leave me," she murmured.

"I won't. Wasn't planning on leaving, anyway." He shed his jacket and shoes and crawled into bed next to her, pulling her against his chest, spooning her body against his.

She leaned her head back against his chest, exhaling slowly as the fatigue pulled at her. Do you think things will ever be okay for all of us?

He relaxed as best he could against her, grasping the covers and gently tucking them into them. I hope so, he thought absently, feeling her fall into the unconsciousness of sleep. They would get through this, because Dean didn't want to spend the rest of his life hunting and fighting. What he wanted more than anything else was the home his father had wished for him. And in Chloe's arms was the answer to that wish: she had become his home.

And he'd be damned if anyone or anything would disrupt that again.