Penny's hand fit comfortably in Christian's. He found it comforting in a way he wasn't used to, but it also felt like the most natural thing in the world. It was strange how something so normal felt so uniquely special. Christian mulled this over while he set the pace of their walk, leaving Penny to sort through her feelings. When she finally spoke up, Christian turned his head to look at her, trusting his feet to keep them on a safe path.

He smiled when she apologized, unable to help himself. ”Human emotion is one thing I am quite comfortable with, actually. It's buying trailers and grilling I am rather under prepared for,” he said with a slight chuckle. Christian squeezed Penny's hand before he spoke again. ”I think your brother does care… but he may not understand how to be a brother. Why do you wish you didn't care?”

“Right,” Penny chuckled in response to what he’s actually prepared for. While Penny knew he was a reaper and what his job entailed, she sometimes forgot about the whole ‘comforting’ aspect of the job.

“I wish I didn’t care… because every time I do care, my heart breaks repeatedly. As soon as I start to believe that he’s going to make an effort and contact me more often or include me, he doesn’t and I’m left disappointed. It’s just an ongoing process. It’s the same for Liam, my other older brother.” Penny had a hard time blaming them for it too.

“I can’t blame them either, even though I try- which makes me feel even worse. Distancing themselves from me and our family was a way to cope. Our mother… she would hit us and throw things at us if she was mad or drunk. Even if we did something wrong. I was her favorite to beat on because I came way later than Luke and Liam. I was unwanted and with all of mother’s attention on me, they were free.”

Penny no longer cried when she talked about her abusive home. While it was a sensitive topic and she didn’t exactly go around broadcasting it to everyone, Christian deserved to know what skeletons hid in her closet. Honestly, she feared Christian leaving her and becoming too busy for her. She didn’t want her relationship with him to turn into what she had with her brothers.

A wave of sadness washed over Christian while Penny spoke of her past, coupled with the sensation of child-like fear and confusion. Why her? Why them?

Christian's thumb started to rub against Penny's while she spoke. An unconscious action that may have been more needed for him than her.

”Pain and suffering are never easy emotions to deal with or forget about, especially when they happen to children. I can see how your brothers may have wanted to distance themselves from having to experience those feelings, not to excuse their behaviour towards you. Perhaps it is time to have the hard conversations, even if you may not want to. This same principle is applied to spirits wanting to cross over but can not. There is a moment in time or an emotion they are denying themselves and until they can embrace it, they remain lost. This is not a choice you have to make today, but it may be one you will have to make soon. I apologize for being blunt, but none of you know how to be a family. There are bound to be mistakes made and feelings hurt on the road you'll take, but if it is something you desire, it may be worth it.”

Christian may not understand the basics of humans like cooking, but emotions were something he felt confident in. Of course, even he got it wrong from time to time. He only hoped this time he was right, even if it was only a small amount. He did not like seeing Penny hurting, but Christian believed her journey was not meant to be an easy one and he was going to have to get used to that.

”You're a fighter, Penny. Which is why I think you can't stop caring about your brothers. It's certainly why you are still here. You got that second chance at life because you were ready to fight for it.”

Penny mulled over Christian's words before angling herself so she can look up at his face. She stared at him in awe. "You're right, as usual," She mumbled the last part quietly. Perhaps it was time for her to let go of her childish disappointment and desire for familial love and work on repairing the relationships first.

"I'm stil mad he didn't tell me he was getting freaking married." Penny ran a hand through her tangled hair, wincing when it snagged on a knot. She turned to look behind them and saw the lights of the farmhouse casting shadows against the dirt driveway. Penny squeezed Christian's hand lightly- she enjoyed the feeling of his thumb rubbing against hers in a calming manner. "Thanks, for letting me rant." She smiled up at him sweetly and genuinely, her eyes crinkling at the corners.

"I guess we should get back and say a proper goodbye. I want to drive my new truck," Penny said, a hint of excitement in her voice. She smirked at Christian and tugged him forwards. "How do you feel about learning how to drive?"

Christian grinned, pleased he was right and that Penny seemed so distraught over it. He had to agree with her on the marriage front. Not telling a family member something that important even though he declared he wanted to be closer seemed the complete opposite. As far as Christian understood it, marriage was a right of passage for humans. It was just as important as their birth and death day.

"I have to agree...he should have mentioned something in the last year." He pondered over the different reasons why Luke may have withheld that information but none of it made sense to Christian. Not if Luke genuinely wanted Penny a part of his life. The pressure on his hand pulled Christian back to reality and he smiled at Penny. "You can rant anytime," he assured her.

Christian nodded his head along, agreeing a proper goodbye was in order, but he stopped nodding when Penny asked him about his feelings about driving. Panic filled his eyes from the idea of being behind the wheel. He didn't move from his spot until the pull on his arm from Penny demanded him to.

"Can't we just call someone to come pick up the car?" he asked miserably.

"We could," Penny validated Christian's question, amused at his trepidation. "But I still think it would be good for you to learn. Just in case. I mean, I know you can teleport and all, but what if something like this happens again? Plus, you're free. Calling someone else costs money."

Penny felt him resisting against her pulls and she stopped, dropping his arm and turning to face him again. "Listen, I don't want to force you if you're uncomfortable, but I really do think it would be a good idea if you learned. The first four hours of the drive are all farmland anyways, so there's barely any traffic. We'll leave early tomorrow from the hotel so I can show you the ropes."
Penny walked up to the front door and walked into the house, almost running face first into Luke.

"Penny! Listen, I-"

Penny held up her hand, stopping Luke's sentence. "I'm sorry, Luke. I shouldn't have exploded on you like that. Let's both try to be better from now on, yeah?" She smiled at him. "I'd love to meet Melissa, but I'm afraid we do have to get going." Penny put her hands on her hips and scowled at him. "But you better invite me to the wedding! I'll be so mad if you don't!"

Luke engulfed Penny in a hug, his big arms hugging her close. "I'll do you one better- I'll ask Melissa if you can be a bridesmaid."

Penny felt her face heat up and she shook her head, pushing herself out of Luke's embrace. "No, I don't want to impose-"

"You're not. Let me be a good big brother for once and include you in something important to me."

Penny felt her eyes water up at that and something inside her glued itself back together. "Okay."

Penny and Christian said their goodbyes before walking to the truck and the car. Penny looked at Christian with a raised eyebrow and a smile. "So, mister reaper? What'll it be?"

Penny was making a compelling case for getting Christian to drive. Besides, he was enjoying all these chances to have human experiences. It was something he had always wanted. Christian hung back while Penny said goodbye to her brother properly. He was still mulling over driving when Penny asked him what his decision was.

He smiled at her wryly when she used his nickname and looked at the car. ”Did you know there are over one hundred fatal car accidents in America per day?” Of course, Christian couldn’t die. But what if he hit someone, killed them and then had to reap them? Christian kicked the ground and sighed.

”Fine. Show me what to do,” he said, caving to Penny’s whims.

"Well there's always a risk to something, right?" Penny tried to make the idea sound a little better. Her grin widened when Christian gave in and she bounced on her toes lightly. She opened the drivers side door of the car for him and she climbed into the pasenger seat.

"Adjust the seat so your feat are comfortably reaching for the pedals." Penny explained all the basics of driving to Christian and he seemed to understand and pick the idea of it up really easily. Understanding the theory and putting it into practice were two totally different things though. "So, you just need to turn around. There's plenty of room in the driveway, so just pull foward a little bit and pull the wheel all the way to the left. When you're straight facing the other direction, then straighten out and go forward again."

When Penny was satisfied and felt confident in Christian's abilities to drive, she patted him on the shoulder. "You can follow behind me. I'll dive slow." She got in her truck and then gave him a small salute through her window before pulling ahead of him. The truck drove really smoothly and Penny enjoyed being a little higher up while driving.

Christian listened intently, committing Penny's teachings to memory. The concept seemed straightforward enough, but it was the application Christian was unsure of. Christian took a deep breath and turned the key. The car came to life under him and he felt this surge of emotion that had him tightening his hands on the wheels. Adrenaline and excitement. Ah, so that's what it felt like.

”Okay, ready.” Christian waited for Penny to leave before he turned the car, slowly but successfully and followed behind Penny.

It was slow going at first but soon Christian found his rhythm. Driving was rather uncomplicated. It was a simple and easy action of steering correction, acceleration, braking, and turning. Christian learned more in the small town with the traffic lights and stop signs. By the time he parked in the hotel parking lot and shut the car off he was feeling rather confident with his driving skills. Of course, there was the city to contend with the next day.

Christian got out of the car and smiled at Penny. ”How was that?”

Penny jumped out of her truck and gave Christian a smug, satisfied nod. "You did amazing for a first time driver. I didn't know how to drive till I turned eighteen. I hit my neighbors dumpster and had to get stitches in my forehead." She laughed nervously before shrugging and checking in to their room. Once she got the keycard, she and Christian made their way down the hall of the first floor and entered their room. Penny had her small bag of overnight clothes and she threw them on the bed before flopping down on it on her back. Her arms were spread out and her legs hanging off the side. The room was really simple and had two beds, a tv, and an armchair.

"I know you don't sleep, but there weren't any comfortable seats. I figured a bed might be nice for you to lounge in while you watch tv or do whatever it is you do while I sleep." She told her friend, head still staring at the popcorn ceiling. She brought herself up onto her elbows and kicked her shoes off, leaving them on the floor and staring at Christian. "So you said you'd tell me about work. I need to take a shower before bed, but when I'm done, did you wanna talk about it?"

”Well, I think it helped that I had a good teacher,” Christian said, smiling warmly at Penny. He followed her into the hotel, looking forward to a quiet night with his friend. After the excitement of the day it would be nice to relax in a nice chair with a good book.

Once in the hotel room, Christian saw the two beds and looked at Penny. ”Ah,” he said and chuckled. He sat on the edge of the other bed. It did seem rather fluffy and comfortable, and it was better to have two separate beds rather than just one. He was grateful Penny thought of it. He never would have.

”Yes, I think you'll want to hear what he had to say,” Christian said.

He waited for Penny to go to the bathroom and clean up before he left. Christian wanted to change into something a bit more comfortable and he could quickly do that in the space between worlds. A few moments later, he returned to Penny's hotel room. He could still hear the shower running and decided to relax on the bed that was his. Christian stacked up some pillows and sat back, opening a book and reading quietly while he waited for Penny.

Penny washed her body and hair, getting the dirt and grime from kicking up all the dust at Luke’s house off her skin. She forgot her products, so luckily the hotel had shampoo and body wash to use. Though, it didn’t smell the best. She thoght about what Christian may have meant when he said Death said something important. Penny’s stomach fluttered slightly. Was his boss going to make Christian leave? Perhaps Penny was going to have to find a way to survive without Christian there if that was the case.

Penny turned off the shower and stepped out. She toweled off her body and hair before realizing she forgot her clothes in the room. She froze and stared at the door, mortified. What did she do? Any normal person would just go out and get them, but she had Christian sitting in there. Penny looked at her towel and felt her face turn hot. The mirror showed it was a bright red. Penny closed her eyes and wrapped her towel around her, making sure it’s secure before opening the bathroom door a crack and peeking her head out.

“Um, Christian? Are you there? I forgot my clothes.” She called out slightly. “I can grab them, but, uh… I just have a towel. Is that okay?” Penny winced at her question and she mentally berated herself. It didn’t matter if it was okay. She needed her pajamas. She stepped out into the room, chilly air spreading goosebumps on her arms and chest.

Christian looked up from his book when he heard the bathroom door open and Penny called out. Christian shifted on the bed and stood. ”Oh! Of course. Here, let me grab your things.” Christian set his book aside and gathered Penny's clothes and bag for her. He turned to find her standing there in just a towel, and it wasn't much of a towel.

Christian looked away, offering Penny her clothes. ”I could step out while you change,” he offered, ready to teleport from the room right then and there.

Christian wasn't embarrassed that Penny was standing in front of him basically naked, he honestly didn't mind. It was more the fact that he didn't mind and wanted to look at her that left him struggling. Luke's words from earlier filled his mind and he shut his eyes before clearing his throat.

”I think I'm going to go to a vending machine actually. Get us some water or something. Excuse me,” he said and quickly left the room.

Christian pulled the door shut tightly behind him and leaned against the door for a moment. He sighed heavily, running hands over his face. ”Just friends Christian, just friends.” He pushed away from the door and headed down the hallway until he found a vending machine. Christian gathered a selection of drinks, taking his time before he returned to Penny's room. He knocked on the door, deciding that was the safer choice.

It became more and more clear that Christian was developing stronger feelings for Penny. However, Christian didn't think that's what Death had in mind when he passed along the blessing to Christian. Then there was Luke, not to mention the fact that Penny's entire life had been upended. Christian didn't want to push Penny into anything, especially something that he didn't even think was possible. Then again he had just learned to drive and that was supposed to be impossible, too.

Despite the cold air hitting her wet skin, Penny felt hot and she was sure her face was red as a lobter right now. Christian seemed to struggle for a minute on some unpoken question in his head, but he ultimately decided to leave to grab water. Once Christian left the room, Penny quickly toweled off and threw her undergarments and pajamas on- a tank top and sweats, as usual. She let her hair drip onto the floor and she hung her towel up before going and sitting on her bed. She covered her face and groaned into it. Did she make it weird? She totally made it weird. Though the really weird thing was that Penny almost didn't mind if Christian saw anything. Penny shook her head. They were just friends. That's it. Besides, he was a reaper- romance was probably hard for them. Heck, friends were probably hard for them. She hoped Death hadn't said anything bad to him that may cause him to leave her.

A knock sounded at the door and Penny startled slightly before going to get it. Christian stood on the other side, holding an assortment of drinks. She focused on those instead of looking into his face and she gave an awkward smile. "Thanks for getting us drinks." Her face still felt warm. She closed the door behind him and grabbed an apple juice that he brought up, giving it a sip. She sat back on the bed and criss-crossed her legs, facing Christian.

"So, what did your boss say?" Penny mentally prepared herself for the worst. Maybe he told Christian she had to die anyways. Would Christian kill her if it ever came to that? Penny almost didn't want to know.

Christian unloaded his bundle of drinks onto the table before he took the chair. He opened a bottle of Coke and took a sip, finding the taste crisp. He felt something tickle the back of his throat and fill his belly before dissipating. Interesting.

He looked at Penny for the first time since returning to the room. He smiled at her comfortable appearance and damp hair. He had to admit he found her more endearing and attractive like this. Wait, what? Christian’s face coloured and he looked away, drinking more of the pop before clearing his throat.

”Well, he is disappointed I didn’t heed his earlier advice, but because I didn’t, I’ve changed your story and mine. Without giving away too much and upsetting the Natural Order of things, every human's story is written out... How you'll live, how you'll die. There are some variations, but everything is relatively set in stone, so to speak. Because I interfered that day in the basement, your story changed, and because I remained, your story changed again. Death warned me that it would make life difficult, but it would be worse if I were to leave you now. So, I can stay,” Christian said, smiling warmly. He hoped Penny would be happy, even with the cryptic words. Unfortunately, he wouldn't be able to tell Penny her story. One, because he didn’t know it, and even if he did, that was a boundary Christian wouldn’t cross. That sort of information could have catastrophic consequences.

Penny sipped her juice and listened intently to Christian as he talked about Death (that was a weird thought). She felt slightly bad when he said that her story had changed, along with his, but she also felt relieved in a way. She, quite literally, cheated death and it was all thanks to Christian. "So, basically, my life is mine to live now? You and Death don't know how my story is going to unfold anymore." Penny asked for clarification. Penny knew it wasn't quite as black and white as she was picturing it, but it was the best way to wrap her mind around the information he gave her.

Penny felt excitement and happiness build up within her when Christian said he was allowed to stay. "It doesn't matter how difficult life will be. I'm alive and you're here with me," Penny made eye contact and gave him a warm, sweet smile. "I don't know what I'd do without you, Christian. You've been a really good friend, and quite frankly... the one consistent good person in my life." Penny didn't want to think how sad that statement was and could be to other people, but it was true.

"A part of me is interested to know what my story could have been, but it doesn't really matter now." Penny finished her apple juice and went to the bathroom to brush her teeth before bed. When she got back to the room, the duvet on her bed was soaked from where her hair dripped, but she didn't pay much attention to it. She climbed under the covers of her bed and fluffed the pillows behind her so she could lay back, but be propped up. "Luckily we aren't in a rush tomorrow. We just have to take the car back to the dealership and then the truck to the trailer dealer. He said he'll hold it till I get there. We'll hook it up and then be on our way."

Penny turned to look at Christian once again. "What's our next move after that? How do I go about training and aquiring weapons? Should I keep a closer eye on the news?"

"In the most basic sense, yes. You're life is unwritten as it were," Christian said, smiling before he took another sip of his pop. He found the taste was growing on him.

Penny's words hit Christian harder than he expected. He shifted in his seat, finding that he liked Penny saying he was good, and that she didn't know what she would do without him. "You would have been fine," Christian insisted. "You're a survivor. My involvement wouldn't have changed that."

He watched Penny leave for the bathroom and sighed, rubbing his face and looked at the empty bed that was supposed to be his. Christian stood, walked over to the bed, and ran his fingers along the covers. He pulled back the mass of blankets and sheets, wondering what on earth a person needed with so many layers of bedding. It seemed excessive. Christian sat on the edge of the bed, pushing on the pillows when Penny came back from the bathroom. He watched her rearrange the pillows and did the same before he rested against them. He wiggled around until he found support.

"Oh, I suppose we could purchase some sort of weaponry. Training usually comes from being on-the-job, but we could run through the lore on the most common monsters. That'll give you something to start on, then we can hunt for signs of them or listen to the news as it would be. I could also let you know if there is a monster kill in the area if I end up reaping the soul," Christian offered. He didn't think he would be breaking any rules by doing that. At least, not any more than he already was.

Penny hummed in acknowledgement. She stared at the dark tv for a minute before turning it on and switching the lamp beside her bed, off. "Sounds like we'll make a great team," Penny rearranged her pillows so she was laying down. She turned on her side to face Christian and to see the tv better. "Don't worry about keeping the tv off to let me sleep. I'm a pretty heavy sleeper and sometimes some background noise is nice."

She put the tv remote on the shared middle dresser that was between the two beds and gave Christian a smile. She fell asleep about halfway into the show that was playing.

--------

Penny knew she was dreaming- she had to be. The house that used to haunt her dreams stood before her, dark and brooding in the black of night. A cold wind blew by, but Penny didn't feel affected by it. Red glowing eyes stared at her from the window on the second floor and seconds later, Penny heard yell. Her heart picked up and her lungs ached from how fast it pounded. The yell sounded like Luke and it came from the house. Penny scratched at her arms, the feeling of her blood being drained and tainted returning full force. This couldn't be happening. She got rid of those vampires. Of all of them. There was no way she missed any. The yell cam once again and Penny, despite her shaking and heavy breathing, ran into the house.

The house was dark save for a few candles. The vampires she killed with Charles, Dylan, and Annie lined the rooms and halls, staring at her as she ascended the stairs. Penny felt as if the walls were closing in on her and her breathing grew heavier. Blood leaked from the ceiling and soaked into the floorboards and carpet. It was warm and sticky on Penny's head and face. The scream came again, this time calling for her. She pushed herself up the stairs even more and through into the room where she killed Beckah, only to find Luke, strapped to a chair and dying.

"Luke!"

"Did you really think you could get rid of us so easy?"

"I was told you couldn't come back after beheading you." Penny spat at her, anger mingling with her fear.

"Oh honey, we're not here in body. We're in your mind. You may have gotten rid of our physical bodies, but the damage you went through to do so?" Beckah clicked her tongue in disappointment. "You can't get rid of me that easily, Penny. I'll torment you to the ends of the earth if I have to. Now be a good girl, and watch while I drink your brother dry."

"No!"

Penny bolted upright, gasping for air and feeling like she was suffocating. She kicked at whatever was wrapped around her legs, wanting to be free. Tears ran down her cheeks as she pulled and kicked. Why wouldn't they come off?!

Christian settled into the bed and watched the TV while he drank his pop. After Penny fell asleep, Christian switched the channels until he found an interesting TV program that had people doing an obstacle course and falling a lot. He found it strange that humans actually wanted to do such things, but also found it strangely inspiring. He looked over at Penny while she slept, a slight smile on his face as he watched her eyes flutter from side-to-side under closed lids. He wondered what she was dreaming of, and was briefly tempted to enter her dream to find out for himself.

Eventually, Christian became bored with the TV and shut it off in favour of reading. He moved locations to read by a low lamp light, so as not to disturb Penny. Christian flipped a page when Penny started to toss and turn in her bed. She mumbled in her sleep, and Christian leaned forward with a slight frown on his face. Luke...Luke...

Her brother? Christian set his book down, waiting to see if Penny would naturally settle down.

"No!" She cried before flailing in the bed. Christian jumped to his feet, hurrying to Penny's side.

"Penny! Penny, it was just a dream!" He cried in an effort to get through to her. Penny continued to thrash, trying to untangle herself from the blankets. Christian quickly assisted, pulling off all the blankets and sheets before he grabbed onto Penny's arms with some force. "Penny! It's Christian, you're safe. You're safe," he repeated, hoping to get through to her and prevent her from hurting herself.

Firm hands gripped her arms and Penny struggled against them before realizing she knew those hands. Her legs had been freed and she shuddered, blinking a few times. Christian sat in front of her, his hands on her and his face showing nothing but worry for her wellbeing. "Christian?" She croaked. Her cheeks were wet from the tears, but they had subsided once she realized she had just been dreaming. She looked around, grounding herself with the familiarity of a hotel room and not that vampire den. Penny slouched and brought a hand to her face.

"Ugh, I thought I was done with the vampires. It's been weeks since I killed them and I haven't had problems. Now they just decide to... haunt my dreams?" Penny look at Christian and she wanted to touch him. Wanted to feel his sturdy and warm frame under her. She pushed herself forward and wrapped her arms around his neck, face feeling slightly hot. "Thanks for pulling me out of it," She mumbled into his shoulder.

Once again, warning bells rang off in the back of her mind when she realized how much she liked hugging Christian. Not just hugging him, but being with him. Running errands with him, staying in hotel rooms with him, teaching him how to drive...

You're setting yourself up for heartbreak, Penny. Do you really think he can stay with you forever?

Penny locked up that little rational voice in her head. That wasn't something she wanted to think about right now.