That Awkward Rper

Dean chewed on his inner check. Typically, people, usually women, were so easy for him read. Not her.  Not at all her. “You haven’t offered much for me to go off of, sweetheart.” Hell, Sammy knew her better. How the hell did she pick Sam? Sam wouldn’t have known what to do with any attention.

Sam reached around a found a piece of paper. “There’s some in trunk and I know where to get more. We need to find a body or a grave,” they mused from their previous reading.  Sam leaned back in his seat when she asked the question. That was Dean’s decision.

Silently Dean debated it and handed it back to her. “I trust that you’ll handle it with care. It’s my dad’s.” His tone took a more serious note. It meant a lot to him. “I trust you with it.” Why did he though? This was not a thing he did to get someone into the bedroom. 

“Well, I’m fairly sure I said from the start, don’t call me sweetheart.” She reminded, her attention still on the journal in her lap. Shifting so that her knees her up to her chest, a sort of desk to rest her book on, her eyes flicked up to the front seats. “Hopefully both of those things reside in the same state. We’d be actually fucked if the body and grave are across the country or something.” Not that it was a common thing to happen, Sophia had seen it happen before.

Looking up at Dean, frankly she was surprised when he handed his fathers journal over to her. Closing up her own, she placed hers on the seat and carefully took the one from Dean. “Uh, wow..” She murmured at his statement, not quite sure how to respond. Looking through its pages, she was surprised to see new information, things that either she didn’t know or hadn’t been in her own parents journal. “Wow, he took some pretty extensive notes in this.” 

“Impressive,” Sam said. “Our dad keeps adding to ours.” They had never taken much interest in their dad’s journal. Though, he had never taken much of an interest in hunting. Not until he had been forced back into the family business.

Dean’s brow rose. “Hell, of a lot of information to keep,” he mused. A grin spread across his face. “I wouldn’t have taken you for a diary woman.”  

“Dean, the uh road,” said Sam. Their brother seemed far more interested with Sophia.

He rolled his eyes but focused his attention back on the road. “From what I’ve heard it could be a poltergeist or a woman in white or some other demon needing to be sent back to hell. Those journals should come into play.”

With the road straight ahead, Dean reached out and pulled out John’s journal and grinned. His pride and joy. 

“Seeing as how you’ve missed most of the marks as to what kind of woman I am, what’s one more to add to the list.” She said rather quickly. If there was anything she got from her parents it was her quick wit from her mother. Sometimes she swore her father wanted to pull out his hair when they both were in the same room. 

Flipping through her own journal for a few pages, she found her own entry about when she’d come in contact with a poltergeist for the first time. “We’re gonna need a lot of salt.” She said out loud, not really reminding the boys seeing as they probably knew, but more so letting herself recall the hunt. 

Her gaze flipped to the front seat, watching the brothers interact before her eyes landed on the journal that Dean held. “Impressive..” She murmured. “...mind if I take a look?” She asked looking between both Dean and Sam. 

The amusement fell right off Dean’s face. He bit down on his bottom lip to avoid the ‘bite me’ threatening to come out. It was one thing to insult him and another thing to insult baby. His eyes narrowed as Sam laughed. Dean and Sam piled into the car. The engine roared to life with a flick of the key. Dean grinned. “Doesn’t she sound pretty?”

Sam rolled his eyes. He reached over and grabbed the clippings before Dean had a chance to answer. “Connecticut.”

Dean’s eyes glanced up in the rear-view mirror. “You keep a hunting journal?” Of course, he knew hunters had them, but he was surprised to see that she had one. What was this girl doing to him?   

Looking up at Dean from where she sat, it took almost everything in her to say something snarky. But, knowing full well he could kick her out of this car whenever he so saw fit and leave her in the middle of nowhere, she wasn’t about to say anything. “Sounds nice.” She hummed in agreement.

“Kind of.” She said flipping through a few pages. “This one was my parents when they were my age. They’ve since filled about three other journals in their time, but this is the one that I always tend to keep on me.” She pointed out. “I do have my own though.” Sophia pulled another dark red leather bound journal out of her bag. “That ones far more personal and not full of monsters though.” 

Tucking that journal away, she went back to the monster one in her lap. “So, what exactly in Connecticut are we going to fight?” She asked pulling at a few of the tabs she’d marked for the more common monsters she’d come across. 

Dean’s brows knitted together. “Hey, my music is classic. Timeless classics. Ipod’s couldn’t handle my music.” Why didn’t more people understand the beauty of cassette tapes? Besides, they held a lot of memories, that he didn’t want to talk about. He smiled as she respected Baby’s name. Not too many did that. “She’s a beauty. You won’t find too many like her.”

Without a choice to argue, Sam and Dean followed behind her. Oddly enough, Dean was quiet. He didn’t even sign along to Bon Jovi. “She doesn’t seem to like me,” he grumbled.

“Maybe because you’re drooling on her,” said Sam.

Rolling his eyes, he pulled up and hopped out of the car. “The car will be fine. Trust me, I appreciate a beautiful car, and I’d never let anything happen to her.” He pointed to Sophia’s car. “Now, we need to get on the road.”  

Sam glanced between the two. “Dean’s something else, but he’d never hurt a car.” Or, her for that matter. His brother respected cars too much for that. 

“I’m sure I could probably find one more like her.” Sophia teased, running a finger along the hood of the car as she rounded it. Licking at her lips, she spun the keys around her pointer finger a few times before letting out a long sigh. Pointing a finger at both of the brothers, she shook her head after not finding the right words to threaten them. “Alright, alright, I’ll trust you I suppose.” Placing the keys just inside the hatch for the gas tank, she gave the car one last longing look before going to get into the backseat of Baby. 

Making herself comfortable, knowing they’d be on the road for awhile, she stretched one leg out along the seat. “So where are we headed again?” She asked, digging through her own rucksack to find an old beat up journal. Maybe there was a chance her mother or father had come across the creature before and may have some notes on how to best be rid of the creature.

Once Sophia stepped out to call her mother, the two brothers began to bicker back and forth about her coming. Sam was annoyed about how Dean was practically drooling on her, and Dean was annoyed that Sam was bringing it up. The pair stopped once she came back in. “We’ll be sure to let him know. I’m sure she has something hunting related.” 

Both brothers pushed to their feet and nodded. Dean pulled the car keys out of the jacket pocket and shook his head. “Baby will enjoy having all three of us. I know a spot you can leave your car.” Leading them outside, Dean gave her instructions on where to live it. It was a pretty common hunter spot. “Besides, we can get to know each other.” 

Sam rolled his eyes. “Oh, yeah, I’m sure she’ll love seeing your cassette collection.” He’d never get why Dean wouldn’t get an iPod at the very least. 

Following behind them out of the bar, Sophia couldn’t help but scoff a bit. “Really? A cassette collection? I mean, why not just get an 8 track player?” She joked. Running her fingers through her hair, the brunette thought for a moment. Was this really the best idea. Going out on a hunt with men she barely knew. Only really going off the word of her parents that the Winchesters were good people. “Baby? That’s what you call your car right?” She asked as they came up to the vehicle in question. 

“Meet me up the road a few blocks I guess? I’m staying at the motel there and I still gotta check out and grab the rest of my things.”: Pointing out the direction, she didn’t give them a chance to argue that they could drive her up there, she frankly wanted to use the time to make sure this was the right choice. To get her head wrapped around the idea that she would be hunting with someone that wasn’t her brothers for the first time, well ever. Getting to the hotel took her about ten minutes. Checking out and gathering up her things only took her about 5.

Standing out by her car, she waited for Dean to tell her where to go. “Are you sure the car is gonna be safe where ever we plan to stash it? My brother would kill me if something happened to this car.” 

Surprise flashed into Dean’s eyes. As quickly as the surprise came, it faded away. He hadn’t expected her to agree so soon to going with them. Dean exchanged a quick glance with Sam. “I was hoping to be on the road by tonight. It looks like about a five or a six hour drive.” Sure, he could’ve used a decent night sleep, but he didn’t get too many of those. 

“Go ahead, we’ll be here,” Dean said. He grinned when she said that she was all his. He knew it wasn’t suppose to be meant like that, but he saw it as a win. “I can’t wait.” 

Sam nearly gagged watching Dean try to be charming. “Go call her and we’ll figure out the way.” He was happy she was coming with them. The pair seemed o get a long well, but it meant he’d be stuck with Dean trying to get with her. “We’ll drop him off somewhere.” he teased. 

Getting up from the table, she looked Dean up and down for a moment before shaking her head. Maybe this wasn’t the best idea. But, frankly she was getting rather tired of having to hunt alone all the time. And if her parents trusted the Winchester name, then she would too. “Hey, Mom?” She said softly leaving the bar with the phone pressed to her ear. “Yeah, I’m fine, sorry I uh, well I ran into some friends of yours...” The call only lasted another ten minutes. The excitement her mother seemed to have at her saying she’d met with the brothers could be felt through the phone.  Coming back after a bit, Sophia put her hands on her hips. “My Mother sends her love, I guess. And says she’s been trying to get a hold of your Dad for some reason and to send him her way when you see him next.”  Grabbing her jacket off the back of her chair, Sophia shifted her weight from one hip to the other. “So, shall we? I’m gonna have to stash my car somewhere that my brothers can find it though, unless we’re taking separate cars.”

“If he thinks that, he’ll never leave you alone,” said Sam. Or, so Sam assumed. Dean wasn’t falling into his regular partners with Sophia.  

Dean stared down at the beer. “Thanks.” Truth be told, he wasn’t sure what to make of what the beer meant. He wasn’t sure if it was pity or she was coming around to him. He shifted in his chair at the mention of their dad. “He’s ok. He’s working a job. Sent Sammy and I to take care of other things.” 

Sam sipped his beer. He motioned towards Dean. “Dean knows where the next job is.” His brother always had a next job lined up. 

Reaching into his leather jacket, Dean pulled out a variety of newspaper clippings. He set them on the table. The article discussed several people dying after being at one house. Mostly men. “We’re thinking poltergeist,” he said. “Wanna join in?” Dean wasn’t exactly sure why he had offered. He didn’t typically invite people, but the words fell out of his mouth before he could stop them. 

Picking up the scrap of newspaper, Sophia read it over rather quickly. Lifting a brow she thought for a moment. She really should check in with her mother. See what really needed to be done. But, on the other hand, he was inviting her to come. She was being given essentially a free case. Looking between both men for a moment, her gaze lingered on Dean for a moment before letting out a sigh. “Sure, why not.” She replied, a soft smile threatening to pull at the corners of her lips.  “When do we head out then?” She asked, finishing up the drink she had. Pulling out her cell phone, her eyes narrowed slightly seeing a few missed calls from her mother. “Just gotta tell my mother where I’m going, then I’m all yours.”  

Sam didn’t understand why his brother was trying to hard with this one woman. Normally he would’ve lost interest and went to chat with the other women eyeing him in the bar. “Yeah,” he chuckled. “Or your immune to his charm.” Though, he wouldn’t call Dean being charming right now. 

Dean’s brow raised. ‘Thanks,” he said. “Is this a pity beer?” he chuckled. Why did he care so much about impressing her? And, he wasn’t doing a good job. 

Sam sat and sipped his. “We’ve heard that name a time or two. Our dad’s never been good at keeping friends.” Besides Bobby, who was family. And typically a place to just drop them off at. 

“It’s part of the job, Sammy.” Dean said, holding his beer up in the air. 

“Let’s go with that, don’t want him thinking he can win me over or anything.” Once she was comfortable back at the bar, Sophia ran her fingers through her hair. “It’s whatever you want it to be.” She said looking at him. “How is your old man doing?” Sophia questioned, looking between the brothers. 

Eyes flicking down to the table infront of her, Sophia’s mind already started to flick to the new job at hand. Something routine probably, she hadn’t quite gotten in touch with her mother yet about it. “Speaking of part of the job, whats the next one you guys are on?” She asked, with a tilt of her head. 

Surprise flashed across both Dean and Sam’s face. “Who’s your dad?” Sam asked. He had heard names of his dad’s hunting friends sometimes. Other times his dad was really secretive.

“Dad brought people together?” Dean asked, more to himself. It shouldn’t have surprised him, but it did. Their father wasn’t known for his warm talks. They didn’t exist in Dean’s mind. Only tough love.

Dean smiled. “A campfire outside with a few beers sounds real nice about now.” He didn’t allow himself to dwell on the thought for too long. Vacation were a fool’s dream. Apparently, like the one person in front of him. His smile fell.  

“I’d love another,” said Sam. He rose and followed Sophia over to the bar. Once they were out of earshot of Dean, he turned towards her. “He’s usually not this dumb with anyone.”   

Watching his expression fall, she felt only a small twinge of regret. She’d only just met these guys, frankly they shouldn’t have this kind of effect on her. Scratching at the back of her neck, leaning against the hardtop of the bar, she glanced back over at Dean. “Guess I’m just the lucky one then?” Setting a few bills down to pay for the beers, she took a quick swig from her bottle before heading back to where Dean sat.  “Anyway, as far a who my father is his name is Roman. Roman Flynn.” She said, pushing another bottle of beer across the table at Dean. “Both my parents always talked very highly of your father, then one day they kind of just stopped talking about him and I never really asked why.” 

Before his younger brother could chime in, Dean cleared his throat. A cocky smirk rested peacefully on his face. “We’re them, sweetheart,” he said. “I’m Dean Winchester and that’s Sam Winchester. You’d probably know John Winchester.” 

Sam cringed listening to throw out their last names. This was not his usual MO with females. He chuckled at the thought. “I’d give anything for a hunt at the beach.” Though the cabin felt more like something he could talk Dean into easier. 

“As long as the cabin has a decent fireplace,” Dean said. His brows knitted together. “Are you offering to buy me a drink, sweetheart?” 

Looking between the two of them, Sophia rolled her shoulders back. Biting at her lip she watched them for a moment longer before sighing. “Yeah, I know your Dad. My Dad used to hunt with him a lot. Pretty sure he’s the reason my parents got together in the first place.” Swallowing hard, she shifted in her place a bit. It felt odd, meeting them. She’d told herself she’d never call on them, but here she’d basically fallen into their lap. 

“Eh, I’d still probably build a fire outside.” She said with a shrug. “Nothing like a nice large campfire to set the mood.” When he called her sweetheart, Sophia just shook her head. “Well, now that you’ve said that, you aren’t going to get one.” Looking at Sam, she gave him a sweet smile. “Do you want another drink?” 

The two brother exchanged a glance. The two had a code word for hunters. Sam shook his head. He didn’t need to ask, or rather he shouldn’t ask. Sophia didn’t seem to need, or want, anyone’s help. Especially Dean’s. 

“Would be in Winchester?” Dean asked with a cocky grin. 

Sam smiled softly. “I’d give anything for a vacation.” Or a break. Dean wasn’t exactly the type that enjoyed taking a break. Their father didn’t let them take a break.

Dean snorted. “She’s right, Sammy,” he said. “In this line of work, there isn’t time for spending time on a beach. There’s things to be done.” He didn’t get why people liked sitting on the beach. Mostly he figured it’s because they didn’t know what was really out there. 

Chin lifting from its spot in her hand, Sophia lifted a brow. “Uh, yeah actually, I think that’s right. Do you know them too or something?” The woman questioned, running her fingers through her hair once more.  “Well, I mean the monsters could choose to hang out at a beach and make these hunts a little more fun. But, frankly I’d suffice for being up near a nicely furbished cabin.” Watching the way Dean seemed to get serious for after a moment, the woman moved to get up from the table. “Do you want another drink or something?” 

Dean and Sam exchanged a glance with each other. Both brothers were sure their father had given the same speech when they were younger, it was why they couldn’t go sometimes. “Hunting with in groups is easier when you know their work habits.” Sam mused. He knew Dean’s, for the most part. There had been a learning curve. 

“And to have someone else read books for hours,” Dean forced a chuckle. Having Sammy around meant there was always someone willing to spend the afternoon in the library. 

Sam sipped his drink. “It’s nice to have someone who checks in on you like that,” he said. He knew their dad never would. “And to provide you with some back-up in the event you need it.” 

Dean chuckled. “I’m sure they’re just alright,” he said. “Did she tell you the name of the hunters?”

Sam looked over at Dean. Dean shrugged. He took a swing of his beer and tried to get the thought of his own mother out of his head.  “I’ve heard about a case down south. A woman in white sort of situation. We were thinking about heading down there and checking it out. Where’s your next hunt?” 

Shaking her head a bit, Sophia ran her finger around the rim of the bottle she was drinking from. “I don’t really remember. It was Win-something or other. We’ve got a secret codeword that only we know, so if I do run into trouble, I can use it and they’d know who I am.” Frankly she was thankful that she never had to use the codeword. Sophia was very capable of hunting on her own. 

Sam snickered. Normally women melted under Dean’s sweetheart but this one threw it right back at him. “Hunting is numbers is sometimes safer, but I think we just got in your way.” he chuckled. Or, rather Dean and his need to save everyone seemed to get in her way. 

“Windigos are a bitch to get rid of,” Dean said. “She doesn’t mind that you go off on your own?” he asked. Ignoring the bit about Dean just getting in her way. He was trying to help her. That’s what hunters did for each other, right? 

Her expression made the shrug more difficult. “It happened a long time ago.” Dean Winchester did not do chick flick moments. Not even with a girl who looked at him like that.  “Now it’s just Sammy and our dad. We get a long just fine.” 

Sam knew that tone. That was Dean’s ‘I don’t care about anything’ tone. And, it was dangerous when he spoke like that. 

“If it isn’t an easy job like a vampire, yeah it can be good to hunt in numbers.” She admitted after a moment. “But, I also tend to like hunting alone. Just makes things easier, I do things on my own time in my own way. Don’t have to worry about helping or protecting someone else.” Gaze flicking between both of them, Sophia rolled her shoulders, a hand coming up to massage at the joint in her shoulder that was starting to act up again. 

“She doesn’t mind. I do my check ins with her every hour. And if I miss one by more than thirty minutes, she sends either my brothers, or some other hunters that she knows in the area. Haven’t actually met them yet, but apparently they are some big deal.”

Tilting her head slightly, she hummed a bit. “Doesn’t mean it’s easily forgotten.” Chewing at her lower lip, she watched Dean carefully. Studied the way his jaw seem to set and his tone changed when he spoke about her. Swallowing a bit of a lump in her throat, she cleared her throat to try and clear the slight tension between them. “So, uh, where are you guys headed next?”