Fighter: Dean Winchester (REVAMPED VERSION)

αɴ αɴɢel ιѕ вorɴ; pαrт ғoυr

"Now, Vanessa, I'm always happy to watch Nadia. She's such an angel," Ms. Furches explained over the phone. "But you dropped her off two days ago, and she's been worried sick. She mentioned some woman she'd never met at your house. The more I think about it, the more concerned I'm getting. Is everything okay?"

"Everything is just fine, Ms. Furches," Vanessa lied, pacing the kitchen. She pressed the bridge of her nose, the weight of her worry crashing down on her. "A work friend of mine showed up needing help. It's all settled now. There's nothing to worry about. I'll be there to pick Nadia up in about an hour, okay?"

"If you need her to stay longer, it's no problem."

"No, no, no, you've done enough already. Thank you, Ms. Furches. I'll see you soon. Bye."

Vanessa hung up the phone and glanced at the half-empty bottle of whiskey on the dining table. She sighed before joining Nadia in the living room. Her daughter sat on the couch, worry etched into her expression.

Vanessa sat beside her, placing a pillow on her lap. "Come here."

Nadia laid her head down, her eyes fluttering closed as her mother gently stroked her hair. The simple act made Nadia feel like a child again—small, fragile. And then the tears came, unbidden, as the reality of what was to come hit her full force.

"I know," Vanessa whispered, her own tears falling silently. She kissed Nadia's temple, offering what little comfort she could. "I know, honey. Let it out."

Nadia's voice trembled. "How are you—how can you—"

"Take your time."

"How can you just walk into your death after this?" Nadia's words were raw, desperate.

Vanessa didn't flinch. "Because your present matters. It may not feel like it, but you are exactly where you need to be. Your little brother needs you. They all need you."

"I need you," Nadia whispered, a choked sob escaping her.

"It seems like you've done just fine without me."

"You know what I mean!" Nadia's frustration cracked through the sadness.

"I know," Vanessa murmured, brushing her thumb over Nadia's cheek. "I know."

Nadia wiped her tears, her sniffling softening with the weight of her words. "He won't do it, Mom."

"Who, Dean?"

"Yes! What you're asking him to do... it's too big."

Vanessa sighed but stayed silent, waiting for Nadia to continue.

"I thought you said he's willing to lay his life down to save the world," Nadia said softly.

"He is. But this isn't just about dying, Nadia. He's been trapped in his own body while Michael and Lucifer fight for control. What happens to Dean after? Does he get his body back? What happens to the world if they succeed?"

"I—Nadia—"

"Oh, right," Nadia stood, crossing her arms over her chest. "This is just about sibling rivalry now. Forget saving the world."

"No, it's not," Vanessa's voice hardened, but only slightly. "I won't lie to you. Humanity will suffer. There will be pain and loss. But trust me, humans are resilient. I've seen it. I've watched them rise from the darkest times, come back stronger."

"Maybe. But what about Dean, Mom?" Nadia's voice cracked again, the emotion spilling out of her. "He's been through so much. Doesn't he deserve a chance at happiness? I'm not talking about us. I'm talking about his life."