Fighter: Dean Winchester (REVAMPED VERSION)

αre yoυ тнere God? ιтѕ мe deαɴ wιɴcнeѕтer; pαrт oɴe

The chilly wind nipped at Nadia's fingertips as she sat on Bobby's porch, the phone pressed to her ear. Fall had settled in, painting the world in hues of orange and gold, and the sun hung low, barely warming the earth.

"You were supposed to call days ago!" Benjamin's voice on the line held a mix of annoyance and relief.

"I know, Benji, I know." Nadia adjusted her arm, propping her elbow on her knee. "Things have been... busy."

"What do you mean? Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm okay. I've been here at Bobby's. Some things came up that we're trying to figure out." She hesitated. "It's hunting stuff, but above any hunter's pay grade."

"Like what?" His voice dipped lower, probably wary of Irene overhearing. "You're not talking about that guy from months back, are you?"

"The one who showed up at our door? Yeah. Dean's alive."

"Didn't he sell his soul?"

"He did," Nadia replied, keeping her voice even, "and now he's back. I don't know how yet, but Bobby and I, along with his brother Sam, are working on it."

She chose her words carefully, her respect for Irene stopping her from giving too much away. There was no need to weigh Benjamin down with all the mysteries she herself could hardly understand. Angels, Heaven, Castiel... It was a lot, even for her.

"But the point is, I'm okay, and I can't wait to see you for your birthday. Are you excited?"

There was a pause. "Yeah, I guess..."

"You don't sound it."

He sighed. "It's just Mom. Whenever we have guests, she gets all stressed and—well, treats me like a kid."

"Don't let it get to you," she said, smiling softly. "She's just trying to protect you. Take my advice and cherish this time. One day, you'll look back and wonder why you didn't enjoy all the naps while you could."

"Really?" Ben chuckled. "You miss naps?"

"Trust me, naps are key to a good life," she laughed with him. "So, how's Dad?"

"He's been good. Got home a few days ago. He's actually been in a great mood lately."

"Glad to hear it." Nadia felt the familiar pang of guilt; it had been a while since her last visit. But she knew the space was better for all of them.

After a few more exchanges, she hung up with a quiet "I love you." Her hand lingered on the phone as she thought of her family, her heart torn between duty and home.

Back inside, she walked into the kitchen to find Sam and Dean mid-argument. Their voices were low but intense, each one holding their ground.

"Well, then tell me what else it could be?" Sam demanded, his face tense.

Dean scoffed, pacing. "All I know is I was *not* groped by an angel."

"Why would Castiel lie about it?" Sam countered, his voice a mixture of frustration and disbelief.

Dean threw his hands up. "Maybe he's a demon! Demons lie!"

Sam rolled his eyes, forcing calm into his voice. "A demon who's immune to salt, devil's traps, *and* Ruby's knife? Come on, Dean."

Dean leaned against the counter. "If angels were real, don't you think some hunter would've seen one at some point?"

Sam gave him a look. "Well, you just did, Dean. And so did Nadia."

The brothers turned to her as she shrugged, nonchalant. "He's got a point." She smirked, crossing her arms. "Maybe it's time to reconsider a few things."