#udb

The look Bobby was giving you was not one you were willing to acknowledge.

You knew it all too well. In the past few years since you’d first run into the hunter, he’d been gazing at you with something akin to sorrow- pity, even.

“We can talk about it,” Bobby finally said, rubbing the back of his neck in a gesture that told you he was uncomfortable.

You’d come to know pretty much everything about the man who considered himself your adoptive father. Not that he’d ever explicitly worded it like that. (This was the great Bobby Singer after all, he had a reputation to maintain.) Still, besides the few ‘friends’ you’d made in the hunter community, you didn’t really have anyone else. Thus, Bobby became the one person you could trust.

And he never, ever took that for granted.

“If you want to,” he shrugged, eying you closely.

He knew that if it was a particularly bad dream, you wouldn’t want to. There were ones that you would let fade so far into your mind you’d never hope to think of them again. And then there were the ones you’d wish more than anything to dream of again.

You echoed his gesture.

“I don’t remember much,” you admitted. Your unwillingness to think about what you did remember remained unspoken, but he understood.

He cleared his throat.

This subject had a way of making the both of you uncomfortable. Before Bobby found you in the backwoods of some old town in Montana, you knew nothing. Not where you’d been, not where you were going, not even why blood dripped down the front of your shirt.

You were banged up really bad, though it didn’t seem that the vamp nest you’d been dragged to had anything to do with it. And Bobby, bless his soul, didn’t have the heart to turn down a kid with wide eyes and glistening tears.

He’d been wary at first, but you broke down the walls around his old heart. The two of you found your own little family, and you knew that no matter what happened in your past, you would always have him.

“Dean called,” Bobby spoke finally, hoping for a change of topic.

You gave a noncommittal hum. You knew the Winchesters boys by name only. You’d met their father a few times, and he was a little rough around the edges, but he’d warmed up after you helped him with a wendigo in Michigan. Bobby didn’t seem to mind that you’d never met the boys he’d talked so much about though.

You had a sneaking suspicion it had to do with the numerous complaints he’d made about Dean and one too many hookups when they were working a case together.

“He thinks John’s missing.”

You quirked a brow, a clear sign you wanted him to elaborate.

“He went on a hunt and didn’t call. It’s been longer than normal.”

A thoughtful nod was all you offered in reply. Personally, you didn’t think anything could take the great John Winchester down. He fought with such tenacity and proceeded with far more caution than most hunters. He was as good as they got.

“He’s going to look for him, wanted me to go with.”

“And are you?” You asked.

He shook his head.

“I’m too old for wild goose chases. ‘Sides, I figured now would be the best time to let you stretch your wings.”

Your eyes went wide as you searched for some sort of sign that he was joking. Bobby had always made sure that when you went on hunts, you were close to him, if not with him. There were very, very few instances where he’d let you go without him, and those were only ever if you were with another seasoned hunter.

Despite the fact that you had turned 20 months before, he still didn’t want you out on your own. And you fully understood why. Hunting was a dangerous business, and you’d only been at it for four years- at least to your knowledge.

You were skilled though. Exceedingly so. Had been since the very beginning. Bobby had wondered if there was a possibility you were a hunter before he’d found you, but all of his research had yielded nothing. He’d never found information on your life before.

“Honestly?”

The serious glint in his eyes grew in intensity. You knew what the look meant, but Bobby still found the need to voice his concerns.

“Dean will be here tomorrow.” He told you, leaning forward an inch in his chair. “I don’t know how long this is going to take, but…”

He paused, almost as if he wasn’t sure what words he wanted to use at the moment. After an extended silence, he put the utmost sincerity into his words.

“Be careful.”

The rest of the day- and, if you were being honest, most of the night- was spent training. The majority of it was with Bobby, though you’d spent the better half of the night without him. He needed his rest, and you needed to calm your own nerves. You weren’t particularly afraid of hunting without him, but you were afraid of the dreams that might plague you.

The funny thing about having no past was it seemed to always want to tease you while you slept. It was like little snippets of what you’d been doing would seep through the cracks while you were unconscious. Bobby was the only one you trusted to talk to about it. 

Eventually, however, exhaustion set in. Training would do no good, so you put your fears aside and fell into a fitful sleep. Unlike most mornings, Bobby woke up before you did.

He was conversing with a deep voice on the floor below you while the tendrils of unconsciousness retreated from your mind. You stretched out, grimacing at the tiredness you still felt. The clock by your bed let you know it was nearly noon.

Most days you woke early, if only because nightmares and dreams plagued your sleep. You had a feeling most of it was memories, but no real way of knowing. Some days your exhaustion would cause you to sleep for far longer than considered healthy. You were glad you at least got a little rest before starting on this journey, because you didn’t know how well you’d fare without Bobby by your side.

You took your time getting ready, knowing that Bobby wanted to catch up with Dean. (Plus, the warm water of your shower felt very nice.) You’d already packed your stuff, but you found yourself double checking that you had everything.

Before you headed down, you looked at yourself in the mirror. The bags under your eyes were nearly gone from the extra sleep. Your hair was pulled back from your face, which you noticed seemed to have a healthier glow than it had the night before. You’d grown up a lot in the past four years, you noted.

It wasn’t just the disappearance of baby fat and the womanly figure though, it was the look in your eyes. They were like a storm, thundering with a knowledge even you couldn’t interpret. Sighing to yourself, you wrapped Bobby’s flannel tighter around your shoulders. He’d given it to you the very first day he’d found you, and it’d just become yours from then on.

You headed downstairs then, slinging your bag over your shoulder.

You weren’t sure what to expect from Dean Winchester, but it certainly wasn’t what you saw. His gaze was drawn to you before you’d even stepped into view, no doubt a nod to his training as a hunter. His gaze was almost playful, and a boyish grin tugged at his lips. His eyes, a gentle green, shined brightly. His lips were a pale pink, and you found yourself hard pressed to continue your assessment.

“Hi,” he greeted, though there was something in his voice that spoke of a little more than an introduction.

Bobby groaned.

“Don’t even think about it,” he bit out.

Dean frowned when you giggled at Bobby’s reaction.

“Nothing to worry about,” you promised your adoptive father with a sweet smile.

He didn’t look particularly convinced, but he also trusted you far more than most people. (And he still didn’t know about all the times you’d snuck out with Blake the past few years. You’re sure that might make him a little less trustworthy when it comes to boys, but what didn’t know him won’t kill him.)

“I’m (Y/N),” you said as an introduction.

He nodded his head, a smirk on his lips.

“I’ve heard a lot about you.”

You had no doubt about it. Bobby always was proud of you, even if he never admitted it.

“Can you give us a minute?” Bobby asked, shooting Dean a look.

The man paused, then gave a winning smile.

“Of course, I’ll take your bag out.”

You raised a brow, but gave Dean your bag. He took it without hesitation, turning around without so much as a goodbye. You watched him go before you turned to Bobby, knowing the man wouldn’t speak up until Dean was gone.

“Okay, what do you-”

You were cut off by your own surprise when Bobby pulled you into a tight hug. It took a moment before you returned it, but you hugged him just as fiercely.

“Be careful, kid,” he said seriously, loosening his grip just a little. He pulled back far enough to look into your eyes. “If you need anything, I’ll be here.”

You laughed breathlessly, nodding through the tears in your eyes.

“I know.”

He jerked his head in the direction Dean left.

“Go.”

You gave him one last smile- wide and without restraint- and then left the house you’d called home for the past four years. Truth was, you didn’t know how long this would take, but deep down you had one hell of a feeling you were approaching something big. In the time you’d known Bobby, he’d taught you well. Now, it was time for you to take a new adventure, and whatever may come, you knew you’d be prepared.

Dean insisted on driving through the night.

Not that you were against it, but you found yourself a bit put out when he didn’t let you drive his (very nice) ride. Bobby had helped you fix, and drive, many cars that he’d repaired. It was one of your favorite past times, besides hunting of course. 

“If you’re getting tired…” You singsonged, watching the man in the driver’s seat closely.

“Not going to happen, princess,” he shot down, looking oddly agitated.

You chewed your lip thoughtfully.

Despite the easy atmosphere between the two of you, and the steady conversation, you could tell Dean was worried about something. He’d mentioned heading to California to make a stop before beginning the search, and from what Bobby told you of the younger Winchester brother, you knew why.

Clearly, he was apprehensive about seeing his brother. Not that you blame him, it had been quite a while.

You cleared your throat.

“So, tell me about him,” you decided, leaning against the passenger side window.

You hoped by keeping your gaze on your surroundings rather than on him you might relieve some pressure.

“Who?” Dean asked.

Even though you’d only known him for a day and some change, you knew he was perceptive enough to know just who you were talking about.

“Your brother,” you replied. “Sam.”

“He’s a pain in my ass,” Dean grumbled, though you could detect the hint of a smile in his words. After a thoughtful pause, he continued. “Real smart, you know. And he’s… I don’t know, he’s got a way with people. Nice, really.”

You chanced a look at Dean, not surprised to see pride in his eyes. You could tell how much he loved his brother. It helped you to understand why he’d be so hesitant to see him now.

“Are we going to stop somewhere and visit in the morning?” You inquired, furrowing your brow at the very large sign that read ‘Stanford University’.

“No,” Dean answered, “We’re going to break in.”

You didn’t miss a beat, expecting something like that from the hunter beside you.

“Picking locks and going through the front door or slipping in through the window?”

Dean chuckled.

“I like you.”

You shrugged and shot him a playful wink.

“I’ve done my fair share of sneaking around,” you offered as you pulled into a parking spot.

Dean let his car run a moment longer as he met your gaze.

“Oh yeah? And what’s Bobby think of that?”

You both share a laugh, mostly because Dean is more than well aware of how Bobby views you, and he would not take too kindly to the thought of you sneaking around.

“Let’s see what you got, old man,” you teased as the two of you crept up to a fire escape.

He pulled his brows up in mock offense.

“I’ve got plenty,” he assured you, hoisting himself up onto the ladder.

You followed his steps, albeit far quieter. What was that saying about strict parents and sneaky kids? At this point, you were the poster child for that.

Not a word was exchanged between the two of you as Dean eased open the window. He gestured for you to enter, which you did gracefully, only for him to knock over a lamp as he jumped inside.

You stifled a laugh, leaving him on his own as you kept to the shadows. A very large man, who you could only guess was Sam, engaged Dean. There was a short altercation, which you’re sure Dean would’ve won had it prolonged, before he muttered, “Woah, easy tiger.”

Sam pulled back.

“Dean?”

The shithead on the ground had the audacity to laugh. You bit your lip to not give yourself away.

“You scared the crap out of me!” Sam proclaimed.

“That’s cause you’re out of practice.”

You watched with an amused smirk as Dean was thrown to the ground by Sam.

“Or not.” He murmured, a quick look in your direction.

You were smirking victoriously, having still not been spotted.

“Get off of me.”

Sam obliged, helping Dean to his feet. Deciding you’d soaked in your victory long enough, you cleared your throat.

Sam jumped, his head whipping towards where you were standing. Clearly, he had no idea you were there before then.

Dean frowned at that.

“Who’s this? And why are you here?”

You opened your mouth to reply, but Dean beat you to it.

“That’s (Y/N),” he said, brushing invisible dirt off himself. “Bobby’s uh… yeah.”

You didn’t even bother hiding your laugh at that one.

“Nice to meet you,” you smiled. “I’ve heard a lot about you. Good to put a face to a name.”

He shook himself from his stupor. “Likewise.”

Your conversation was interrupted by the sudden appearance of overly bright lights. You blinked a few times to regain your sight.

“Sam?” A softer, distinctly feminine voice called out.

The voice in question belonged to a woman who looked about the same age as Sam. Her eyes were bleary, a sure sign she’d been sleeping only moments ago.

“Jess. Hey. Dean, (Y/N), this is my girlfriend, Jessica.”

You gave her a polite smile. Truth was, you didn’t know if she knew anything about hunting or not, and you were not going to be the one that opened that can of worms if she didn’t.

“Hello,” you greeted, hoping you sounded friendly enough. Exhaustion was starting to creep up on you, and you found yourself wishing that you’d stopped by after a night of rest.

“Wait, your brother Dean?” She asked after answering you with a smile of her own.

Sam nodded, looking distinctly uncomfortable as Dean took a step closer to her. His lips were pulled up, and you could already guess what he was about to say.

“Oh, I love the Smurfs.” He nodded, eying her shirt a bit too closely. “You know, I gotta tell you. You are completely out of my brothers league.”

You groaned.

“I am so sorry,” you apologized on the older Winchester’s behalf, knowing she probably didn’t care to hear what he had to say.

“Jealous?” Dean teased, a twinkle in his eyes.

“Only of the girls who don’t have to talk to you,” you shot back, focusing back on Sam. “We have something to talk about.”

“Right,” Dean agreed, turning towards his brother. “Gotta borrow your boyfriend here, some private family business to discuss.”

Dean turned to go, expecting Sam to follow, but he shook his head instead.

“No,” he argued, wrapping an arm around Jess.

You bit your lip out of habit, knowing that things were probably going to get very awkward very quickly if she wasn’t accustomed to Sam’s hunter life.

“Whatever you want to say, you can say it in front of her.”

You cough.

“Um, maybe it’s best if-”

“Fine.” Dean relented, and you shut your mouth with a click. You weren’t about to broach this topic with a fifty foot pole, but if he wanted to you wouldn’t stop him. “Dad hasn’t been home in a few days.”

Sam blew out a breath, obviously expecting something worse.

“So he’s working overtime on a Miller Time shift. He’ll stumble back in sooner or later.”

Dean straightened himself up a bit, willing his brother to understand without saying it in so many words.

“Dad’s on a hunting trip. And he hasn’t been home in a few days.”

Though he stood stock still, you could see the moment it registered in his eyes.

“Jess, excuse us. We have to go outside.”

You didn’t need to be told twice. You were already out of the door by the time the two Winchester brothers followed.

Deciding the conversation was best left to family, you made your way back to the Impala. If you were being honest, you were very jealous. Bobby hadn’t really let you keep any of the cars you’d worked on, and hunting didn’t exactly leave you with a full bank account. So, you were stuck driving some less than stellar cars whenever you could.

The Impala though, that was a nice car. And cars were something of a passion for you. You ran a hand down her sleek, black frame longingly.

Maybe when you and Dean became better friends he’d let you actually drive her. Though, you had a feeling that was just a pipe dream. He seemed very resolute on who drove her. That brought a frown to your face.

Briefly, you wondered what she looked like under the hood.

Clearly Dean had worked on her more than a few times, and she sounded like heaven when she drove. A girl could dream, and boy did you.

Your thoughts must’ve shown on your face, because Dean laughed when he and Sam approached you.

“The answer is still no.”

“Don’t listen to him,” you whispered conspiratory with the fine machinery near you. “One day.”

Sam had an amused look on his face, which was a stark difference between the expression he’d held only seconds ago. Dean cast one more glance to his brother before he moved to the trunk of his car, propping it open with a shotgun.

There was a stockpile of weapons in the trunk of the Impala, filled with all of the basics and some of the more difficult to find tools for hunting. You’d perused through the selection once already when you placed your own weapons back there.

“Where the hell did I put that thing?” Dean asked himself, sorting through the clutter.

Sam looked up to you, obviously a little unsure. You gave him a reassuring smile, knowing just how rough it was to leave hunting behind. Bobby had tried to get you away from it a few years ago after a particularly bad hunt, but you hadn’t been able to make it more than a couple of weeks before you were pulled back in.

“So, when dad left why didn’t you go with him? And when did you come along?” The second question was directed at you.

“I was working my own gig. This, uh, voodoo thing, down in New Orleans.” Dean answered his portion of the question, only really half paying attention.

“Dad let you go on a hunting trip alone?” Sam blurted before you had a chance to reply.

“I’m twenty-six, dude.” 

“Old man,” you muttered with a wink. Dean frowned. “Anyways, Dean picked me up a little over a day ago.”

“And Bobby is fine with you hunting with just him?” Sam nodded to his brother, a curious brow quirked.

You shrugged.

“I’m twenty, and more than capable,” you assured him.

They, of course, didn’t have to know about all the times you’d had to beg Bobby in the past to let you go hunting on your own. He was very firm on making sure you were safe, and having a seasoned veteran was safe in his book. Sam and Dean Winchester were not considered veterans to him.

“All right, enough chit-chat. Here we go. So Dad was checking out this two-lane blacktop just outside of Jericho, California. About a month ago, this guy.”

Dean handed Sam a paper. He’d already briefed you on the case during the drive. To be honest, it seemed a bit… lackluster. You’d seen John Winchester in action, and he was a powerhouse. There was no way in hell this case took him down. It really just seemed like a salt and burn.

“They found his car but he vanished. Completely MIA.”

“So maybe he was kidnapped,” Sam suggested, and you could see his hesitance in his words.

He didn’t believe it, not really, but he didn’t want to get involved.

“Yeah, well here’s another one in April.” Dean tossed another paper his way. “Another one in December 04, 03, 98, 92, ten of them over the past twenty years. All men, all the same five-mile stretch of road.”

As Dean fiddled with a tape recorder, you piped up.

“My guess is some man did a woman dirty and she’s taking it out on these unlucky bastards.”

“Wouldn’t be the first time,” Dean agreed, finally able to get the recorder working. “It started happening more and more so Dad went to dig around. That was about three weeks ago. I hadn’t heard from him since, which is bad enough. Then I get this voicemail yesterday.”

You remembered very clearly the change in Dean’s demeanor before and after hearing what he had on the recorder. He had been worried, but he was able to talk and act like nothing was wrong at all. Then, the minute he’d heard it, he’d sped up and refused to stop for anything. His apprehension was visible, and you found yourself carrying the conversations.

“Dean…” The garbled voice of the Winchester patriarch spoke. “Something big is starting to happen… I need to try and figure out what’s going on. It may… Be very careful, Dean. We’re all in danger.”

“Now play the rest of it,” you reminded him.

Sam didn’t look particularly phased, and you knew he must’ve realized there was EVP on it.

“I can never go home,” a soft, particularly feminine voice spoke. She sounded sad.

Sam echoed the words as Dean put everything back in the trunk and closed it up. He looked so casual standing there like that, and briefly you thought he might even look better than his car.

“You know, in almost two years I’ve never bothered you, never asked you for a thing.”

You’d known that, of course, but it still surprised you. When Dean talked about Sam it was very obvious how much he cared for his brother. To think he had gone two years without talking to him was crazy.

“I’ll go.” Sam confirmed. “But I have to get back first thing Monday. Just stay here.” 

“What’s first thing Monday?” Dean asked, mirroring your own thoughts.

“I have an interview.”

Dean, ever the insensitive one, said, “What, a job interview? Skip it.”

“That’s not how job interviews work,” you laughed.

“No, it’s a law school interview, and it’s my whole future on a plate.”

“Oh damn,” you commented. “Good luck with that.”

“Law school?” Dean questioned aloud, a smirk on his face.

“We got a deal or not?”

Dean let the offer simmer in the air, looking for all the world like he wasn’t going to answer. You rolled your eyes.

“First thing Monday, you got it,” you assured the younger Winchester. He gave you a smile and a nod before he turned on his heel to walk back to his apartment.

“So, you’re calling the shots now?”

You shrugged.

“If he wants to be a lawyer, good on him.”

Dean scoffed. Clearly, he didn’t agree with your mentality, but he left it at that. He slid into the driver’s seat, and you got into the back. Sam was far too large to be trying to fit into the backseat.

There was a tense silence while you waited for Sam, and an even more awkward one when the younger brother entered.

The rest of the night and into the next day continued in the same way.