Alone in the Woods - (Ben/Jo)

[Jade Stone]

Jo

Jo was once again sitting in Ben's car going somewhere she had no idea where. It was another surprise. He liked to do that and she didn't mind at all. They always ended up good surprises. It had been a little over two weeks since Ben had shown up in the Roadhouse. They had spent the majority of that time together in one way or another.

Either just hanging out at the Roadhouse or going out on dinner dates, clubs or something or other... They even had gone out on a short hunting trip taking care of a troublesome ghost. Now they were winding along some mountain road going who knows where.

Jo was sitting back in the seat, relaxing listening to the music. She didn't even bother trying to get where they were going out of him. She had learned to just go with it and trust him. They had been driving for hours though and she was starting to get a little bit antsy. They hadn't ever gone this far away before. Not even for the ghost hunting trip.

"How much longer? Are we almost there? You didn't take tell me you were kidnapping me and taking me across the country or something."

Jo grinned at him then turned back to watching the scenery go by the window. Her head resting back against the seat.

[Jade Stone]

Jo

"We're almost there. Shouldn't be too long now."

Was the only answer Ben gave her. Not shedding any further light on where they were going or what they were doing. Returning to just watching the world go by the window she couldn't help but smile when Ben started to sing to the music again. He always did it quietly but she found it too cute for words.

Finally they made a turn off the main road. Down an old dirt road deeper into the woods. Jo sat up straight in her seat now. Knowing they must be close to where they were going. Anxious to see what was in store for her. They were pretty high up in the mountains and the snow blanketed the ground. The skies were clear and the sun was out for now but this time of year the weather could change quickly. Jo looked over at Ben again smiling. Obviously excited about what little adventure he had in store for her.

[Jade Stone]

Jo

Jo sat watching as they continued down the old dirt road. Trying to be patient and contain her excitement. The only thing Ben had mentioned was that he was taking her away for a few days. To get out of the Roadhouse and spend some real alone time together.

They kept going and Jo could see what appeared to be some kind of house or cabin up ahead. As they got closer she could see it was a beautifully built cabin and it was certainly secluded out in the woods here. It looked like a perfect winter scene with blankets of snow covering everything. Everything seemed pristine and peaceful.

Ben asked if she was ready for the surprise and she nodded emphatically. Turning to look at him and smiling. She pointed out the window toward the building.

"Is this it?Is this where we're going?"

The closer they got the more impressed Jo was. The place looked like it was custom built by hand. The wooden structure was beautiful. The way the wood had been finished made it gleam and it looked like it had just been polished with loving care. There were windows all around and she imagined the view from inside was spectacular.

Finally Ben pulled the car up and stopped. Jo was anxiously bouncing up and down in her seat. The suspense was killing her. If the inside was half as nice as the outside this was going to be amazing. She smiled at Ben and quickly unbuckled her seat belt. Not waiting for him. She jumped out of the car into knee deep snow. Moving quickly she rounded the front of the car and got to Ben's door before he had even gotten out.

"Come on, come on. I want you to show me! Let's go slowpoke."

She was so excited she felt like a little kid again who was waiting for a special Christmas present. Grabbing Ben's arm she practically dragged him out of the car.

[Jade Stone]

Jo

To say she was excited was an understatement. A few days alone with Ben out here in the secluded woods in what appeared to be an amazingly beautiful cabin. Jo was looking forward to it. Some time to just relax and spend time with Ben. Away from the Roadhouse, away from her mom, from hunting and everything else.

It was cold out but the sun was still shining. It was late afternoon and it would get dark soon. Jo tugged on Ben's arm trying to get him to walk faster as the moved toward the house.

Finally getting to the front door Ben pulled out some keys and started to unlock the door. Jo took in the site of the beautiful house close up. She saw the protection symbol embedded in the door handle. Bouncing around on the balls of her feet while she waited. After what seemed like forever Ben got the door opened and asked her if she was ready. She gave him a look that said, 'Are you CRAZY,' and nodded her head enthusiastically while she waited for him to push the door open and let them in.

[Jade Stone]

Jo

Jo was getting impatient but trying to not get to antsy. Ben was taking his time unlocking and opening the door. Seeming to enjoy teasing her. Finally he opened the door and held the door open and motioned her to come in.

She could see the symbols on the door and inside the door frame. Jo new she had a goofy grin on her face as she looked around the place in awe. It had a rustic feel but it was just as beautiful inside as it was outside. It had all the comforts of home. This was no striped down bare bones cabin in the woods. It had everything you could want or need.

Jo was brought out of her daze when she heard Ben's voice talking to her. Asking if she liked it. She laughed and nodded her head.

"Yeah, it's really great. I love it."

Then he offered to show her around. Starting in the living room where they were standing. He pointed out all the basics and indicated Jason's collection of books that was extensive.

He was about to move out of the room and go into the next when he stopped. He indicated the ceiling bringing her attention to the devil's trap up there and then explaining that there was also one under the rug. Telling her that Jason had wanted to make sure this place was protected. Jo smiled and nodded silently.

Ben then grabbed her hand and they moved into the next room that happened to be the kitchen. Giving her the rundown again on where everything was. He then asked if she wanted anything and she nodded her head as he grabbed a couple beers out of the refrigerator. She took the beer from him and took a sip as she looked around.

Next they headed upstairs to see the rest of the place. She tagged along behind him sipping on her beer as she looked around as they continued the tour. As soon as they got upstairs it was obvious that this is where the bedrooms were. Ben pointed out Jason's room. Another bathroom. Then the guest room which Ben mentioned they would be staying in. She laughed when he acted like she might make him sleep on the couch and gave her his best sad puppy pout.

"Ummm... no, unless you want to sleep on the couch."

Jo leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

There was one last bedroom and she could hear Ben had whispered something but not what it was. When she looked at the door though it was obvious. Along with the protection symbols there was a sign that said, DANGER! Ben's room. Jo smiled at the thought of a young Ben coming to this place, having his own room. At least it was some sort of a home outside just life on the road.

She saw Ben turn to her and his expression seemed sad when he confirmed the fact that it was his old room from when he was a kid. He seemed to not want to go inside for some reason. Jo reached out her hand and touched his arm lightly.

"It's OK, we don't have to go in there."

She smiled at him to try to reassure him that it was OK if he didn't want to show her. She wasn't sure why, but it was obviously upsetting him. He smiled a little smile back at her and spoke.

"So, what do you think? You like the place?"

She took his hand and leaned over to kiss him on the cheek again. It was a beautiful place. How could she not love it.

"I love it. It really is a amazing place. You can tell there was a lot a care put into building it. Why don't we head back downstairs then? We could just relax for awhile. unless you have other plans?"

She grinned at him and quirked an eyebrow up at him. Then she tugged on his hand to lead him back downstairs. Standing back in the living room she pulled him over to the couch and took a seat.

"Wanna watch a movie or something? You do have movies here right?"

She waved her hand in the direction of the TV. Setting her beer down on the table she sat back on the comfy couch and waited for Ben to respond.

[Jade Stone]

Jo

Jo picked up her beer and sat back again. Watching as Ben looked through the movie collection. The truth was Jo didn't care about the movie, he could pick anything and it would be fine with her. She just wanted to kick back, relax and enjoy the peace and quiet for a little bit. Have a couple beers and sit with Ben and not worry about anything for awhile.

"I don't care... You pick. Maybe an action movie or something. I know you're not big on chick flicks. Just find something and come sit down."

Chuckling a little bit Jo took another drink of her beer. Then she set the beer down again while she decided to get comfortable. She took off her boots and put them on the side of the couch. Shrugging out of her jacket she tossed it over onto the chair that was next to the couch. Picking her beer up again she settled back down on the couch. Tucking her legs up underneath her and sipping on her beer while Ben decided what movie they should watch.