"Well I'm glad that mark is gone because you were a crazy bitch."
"Claire!"
"No, Jody, she's totally right." You laughed and she smiled sadly at you.
"Dean's cool with you being away from him this long?" Claire smirked and you widened your eyes at her, "Surprised he can go more than a day without seeing you."
"Claire!" It was your turn to scold her, but you did it through gritted teeth.
"You and Dean?" Patience asked, her interest piqued, while Alex let out a chuckle.
"Uh," You scratched the back of your neck nervously while cringing, "Yes?"
"I'm so happy for you both!" Donna cheered.
You smiled your thanks and then hesitantly looked over at Jody. It wasn't that she wouldn't approve, she loves Dean, but she was like a mother to you in many ways and you talked to her when you broke it off with Charlie. It wasn't a particularly messy break up, but it was your first and it was fucking painful. She was protective, probably of Dean too, and you couldn't help but to feel anxious about how she'd take it.
"Does he make you happy?" Jody asked you quietly while the others started cooing over the news.
You smiled at her and she nodded, understanding.
"I just hope I make him as much." You breathed out and her smile grew.
"There's not a doubt in my mind." She pushed your hair off your shoulder, "But if he hurts you-"
"I'll kick his ass." You told her proudly and she laughed.
"And then send him my way, I'll have a few choice words."
"Thanks, Jodes."
"For what, sweetie?"
"All of this. I'd be dead without you or Bobby or even Rufus and Kenny."
She smiled warmly to you and patted your hand, trying to will her tears away.
It wasn't the easiest thing in the world to be vulnerable with people, but you loved them, and you knew that to keep them you had to open yourself up more in the process.
The group of you went to a bar and those of you who could drink did and the only one that didn't sneak some, Patience, was the designated driver. It was a nice night, completely off of hunting or any impending doom, and it was something you really needed.
You all crashed in random places when you got back and in the morning Donna and Jody made a huge breakfast for everyone. Sometimes greasy food was the right remedy.
"You're not heading back already, are you?" Claire groaned when she saw you zipping up your duffel.
"Nah," You waved her off with a smile, "This was the only stop I wanted to make before I headed back, so I've got plenty of time."
"Good to know we're one of the three groups you consider family." Jody teased.
"Yeah, I only wish there had been another." You frowned.
"I miss Kenny too." Jody offered you a sad smile.
"Revenge only feels good in the moment, I guess," You shrugged, "Not like it brings them back."
"Tell me about it." Claire mumbled and Alex had a tight-lipped smile, nodding in agreement.
"Sam told me you're adjusting well, though?" Donna chimed in, trying to lighten the conversation, "Said you were strictly solo until recently?"
"Yeah," You smiled and then blurted, "If I got pregnant would I have to stop hunting?"
"Oh my god, you're pregnant?" Jody practically shouted.
"Holy crap." Patience breathed, wide eyed.
"No, no, no!" You shook your head furiously, immediately regretting it because of the hangover.
You had accidentally let your quick thought stumble out of your mouth, but that only happened around people you trusted, so there wasn't really a reason to keep it from them. It's true, they're your family and if something was on your mind, they'd want to know.
"But you're thinking about it?" Alex asked.
"I think so?" You shrugged and Jody put her hand to her mouth.
"Wow." Donna nodded with raised eyebrows and the others fell silent.
"But it's probably stupid," You scoffed, "I mean, I'd be an awful mother and I don't deserve the apple pie of it all."
"Oh, stop it," Jody shook her head, "You'd make an amazing mom and you deserve happiness."
"She's right, kiddo." Donna smiled.
"Yeah, and I could help you with anything medical." Alex offered.
"As long as you're sure it's what you want." Patience nodded and you sent her a smile.
"Yeah, you wouldn't suck." Claire shrugged with a smirk and you rolled your eyes with a laugh.
"He mentioned it last night and uh..." You trailed off, feeling flustered.
You were always so blunt and open about most things in your life, not giving two shits about what others think, but when it came to Dean, it was different.
They were all waiting for you to expand and after a moment, your phone went off and they teased you about it probably being him.
After letting out a sigh of relief at the save, you picked it up and scrunched your eyebrows when you realized it was from an unknown number.
Unknown: 290 Grandville Rd. Mesquite, NV.
"Is it him?" Patience asked, taking a sip of her drink, and you snapped your attention to her.
"Uh, no," You cleared your throat, "But I should get back."
It felt like an alcoholic being offered a drink.
These solo hunts were your addiction and even though you told them you'd avoid them; you couldn't resist this.
"You said you weren't leaving," Claire rolled her eyes with a frown, "Who was that?"
"A job." You cringed, looking at Jody.
"Then we'll come with you." Claire offered and you kept your eyes on Jody, begging her to understand.
"I'm gonna have to tell him when he asks." Jody shrugged slightly, giving you a stern look.
"Stall for a day?"
"Stall for what?" Claire asked and Donna gave her a look before she looked down, shaking her head with a sarcastic smile, "You're joking. You hunt behind their backs?"
"They worry so goddamn much." You smirked then frowned seriously when she glanced up at you.
"Then go," Claire urged, "I'll distract them for a day. I've made them uncomfortably speechless before, I can do it again."
"He told me about that," You laughed, patting her on the shoulder, "Thanks guys."
"Go kick ass and call us if you need us." Alex smiled encouragingly.
"Will do." You mock saluted before grabbing your bag and waving goodbye to them before going out to your jeep.
Honestly, you weren't even sure it was a job. Could be a rescue, wrong number, or any number of things, but you intended to find out because in your gut you felt like something was wrong and you needed to be there. You had the address, a bunch of weapons in the trunk, and plenty of people to call if it became too much.
What could go wrong?
Yeah, so maybe you've asked that right before something goes horribly wrong, but who knows, this time could be different.
...Right?
