Chapter Text
Upon a friend's recommendation I started watching supernatural. I honestly relate to both Dean and Sam for different reasons tbh so I'm neither team. And I grew up watching Buffy so it's nostalgic for me somehow? Same vibes.
Please be kind, as this is my first attempt at a fic. I'm happy to join a new fandom, I look forward to reading other users works
You stretched, cracking your stiff joints and enjoying the petrol station, you could ignore the fragrant fuel wafting around. It was a scent you'd become familiar with, that and the smell of metal among other things. The familiarity of it all had just become something you were used to. The ever changing surroundings, nomadic life, severance of relationships, becoming a faded memory to some and a treasured one to others. It gave you a greater respect for what these boys had been born into, what they were forced to accept. The tragedy of losing their mother moulding their lives into this, throwing away their childhood. Their loyalty to one another, their love of family, how well they knew one another. It made you jealous, wishing you had a bond with someone like that.
Joining these two hunters, learning the ropes, engraining their teachings onto you. Mentoring you the same way their father had towards them, albeit in a less traumatic way. Educating you and protecting you from the many dangers in the world. Creatures you had long since believed were just make believe. The research and devotion you had to do, in order to understand what you were up against. Time and energy put towards finding every detail. They never asked for this life, they never wanted it, forced to accept and embrace it. You'd been given a choice and you had decided to go with them. You could have said no, turning down their offer and choosing to forget. But instead you went with them, throwing away the past for the future. The things you had seen, the memories you had made, the lessons you had taken. But the bond you had forged was the most important. Taking a break every now and again felt like a reward, a refresh from your life. You'd never been so happy to touch grass in your life, so long as you got to stretch your legs a while after sitting on your ass for what felt like days. You remembered when Dean told you he'd even slept in this car once before, you wondered how he managed it. There seemed to be a never-ending capacity of people that always needed help. Always some kind of creature or entity that was plaguing a town or a person. The brothers following the lead in order to protect people. Dean had spent so many years of his life driving around, working alongside his father to train and fight.
You were at least relieved Dean was a careful driver, but then the Impala was his baby, his most prized possession of all things, the only good thing his father ever gave him. The rocking of the car, the long drive and exhaustion, all of it accumulated eventually causing you to drift in and out of sleep. You slept on and off throughout the trip, as did Sam. You didn't want to think about what the backseat of this car had also been used for, given Dean's flirtatious behaviour. Dean always made sure he never woke you both, assuring you got the rest you needed. He always used the same excuse that he needed you both sharp, but in reality, he wanted you both to rest and assure your wellbeing. He even turned the music down or off just so he wouldn't wake you, which given how much Dean loved his classic rock didn't come easy to him. The aforementioned Winchester had gone missing, but he never strayed far from you both. He always came back, he'd never abandon his brother. You'd learned to follow the instinct that wherever you were, Dean would be somewhere nearby.
Dean had disappeared inside to pay for fuel while Sam topped up, no doubt searching for a plethora of his usual snacks. You swore Dean had to have an oral fixation, or at the very least, a high stamina for the amount of food he ate. You didn't want to ask the darker questions, given their relationship to their father, he never wasted food, due to him sacrificing most of his meals growing up for his brother. Ensuring Sam ate while he went hungry. You'd never met John and you truly hoped you never did, how such a miserable human being could exist you didn't know.
You allowed yourself to be distracted by the gnawing feeling in your body, the thought of food made your stomach gurgle "Do you think he'll ever find something nutritious?" you joked. It was a recurring joke that unless it was at a diner, Dean would never buy anything nutritious. His snack foods mimicked his inner child, all the things he never had.
You saw the knowing smile on Sam's face, he'd been doing this for so long he knew Dean too well "Not without supervision" Sam quipped. You snorted, it wasn't Dean unless he had M&M's or something incredibly sugary at his disposal, you didn't know how he didn't make himself sick eating it all the time. He gave you a concerned expression, he'd learned to be perceptive and reading body language. Hell it was what had kept him and his brother alive for so many years. He could see how exhausted you looked, driving really took it out of you, the hunting, the research, the missions, always keeping your guard up. You never once complained, you never projected onto them, you never berated them. You trusted them, you confided in them, though you had no idea, the faith you had placed in them meant a great deal to both brothers. You were always following instinct, you'd learned just how handy that was as a hunter. You'd adapted to this life pretty well, better than they had at least. They'd been kids when they were forced into this life, you had the choice to forget. You always looked out for them, in small ways that probably came as naturally to you as breathing, but to them it meant the world. You trusted them, which meant a lot to both of them.
"I'm sure we'll find a hotel soon, it can't be much longer to drive" Sam reassured you. They'd all rest easier in a bed, regardless of the quality of it. Moving from place to place, they'd learned to never complain at what was available. They were all tired, all stiff and frustrated, but it came with the job. You'd once joked about getting camping gear as an emergency, which Dean had briefly been tempted as a consideration.
You felt heat bloom in your chest, you'd become adapted to sharing a space with the brothers. You were familiar with one another, that sense of comfort. But it didn't help that your feelings for the eldest Winchester made it awkward. Dean had always had a sense of charm, atop those piercing green eyes of his. You'd melted instantly, whether he was aware of it or not. You'd follow him to the ends of the earth, he'd gotten his hooks into you. You'd thought crushes and boy obsession were over for you, the teenage mentality. But here you were head over heels for him. "If we have to share rooms, I'll take you as a roommate. There's less chance of you snoring" you chuckled. It wasn't uncommon to rent hotel rooms for the night, just to get a good night's sleep.
Sam smirked in amusement, his brother could sleep like the dead, but he was known for his annoying habits. Growing up, Dean always had a way of flirting with people, all of the girls noticed him when puberty hit. As they started travelling and reading their dad's diary, Dean found more and more girls he enjoyed the company of. But after a while (Y/n) realised, that Dean wasn't biased about gender when it came to partners. Being a hunter made having a prospective romantic life complicated, so why not date another hunter? "You never know, we may have to rock paper scissors, we may all have to share one room" Sam wiggled his eyebrows.
You blushed, it was their childish way of making decisions when they could never agree and you loved it. It was nice to have someone you could talk about these feelings with, so you didn't have to bottle them up. Sam had made it known he was aware of your incessantly embarrassing crush on his older brother, I mean anyone with common sense could see how you felt about him. How easily flustered you became, the way you would sometimes stare at Dean for long periods. How Dean's jokes and teasing would make you laugh or make you blush. It was like watching their brief high school experience all over again. Watching his brother meet all the cute prospects, hey, he was aware Dean was a flirt and he was popular with the girls. Dean knew he was cute, he used his winning smile and charm to get what he wanted all the time.
But what wasn't as well known was his brother's taste not just for the fairer sex but the rugged sex too. Their father may not have been the most tolerant and accepting of Dean, especially in high school. But Dean made it clear, if he found them hot, he would make a move, he wasn't biased on the gender of his partners. Dean could always tell when someone was checking him out, he could feel their stares in the back of his head. Be it a pretty girl at a bar batting her eyelashes who made him smile, or a guy he could charm enough to fuck into the headboard. He'd seen way too many girls giggling at his brother's terrible jokes, and plenty of men giving him the eye regardless of what he was doing. For someone like Dean who flirted with a pretty face in a heartbeat, he was painfully oblivious to the very obvious crush you had on him.
"Dean may be perceptive when it comes to monsters, but he's pretty oblivious when it comes to crushes. Unless it's a girl batting her eyes on him, men are harder to perceive when it comes to flirting" Sam reassured you. He wasn't used to men outwardly hitting on him, let alone acting on his feelings. It took a long time for himself to even accept it, once he got out from under the thrall of his father. It wasn't until their father went on his hunting trip, that Dean was even able to start openly acting on it. Dean had always acted on his attraction to guys in a more secretive manner, just to protect himself against their father's thrall. One less thing for him to berate Dean about. I mean sharing a hotel room, meant if they brought someone back, always warn the latter. He'd caught Dean kissing guys more times than he could count.
That was not the confidence boost you needed, if you ever attempted to flirt with Dean. There was no guarantee he'd even realise that you were. "Great, so I'm a hopeless dork and he's an oblivious hottie, I'm doomed" you groaned, placing your face in your hands.
Sam smirked, you were perfect for one another, watching you play cat and mouse was entertaining as well. He'd tried his best to tailor a romance between you both, using small encouragements. "Hey if you need a wingman" Sam offered, with an amused smile. Dating as a hunter never came easily, the secrets, the dangerous lifestyle, the occupation of threats for your partner. Never being able to stay in one place, growing attachments only to break them off. Dating another hunter, you could avoid all of that, you had a bond and a relationship that other people didn't understand. You understood the lifestyle, you knew the risks, you were prepared for the consequences.
You blushed darker "Sam, I swear to god..." you warned, he was enjoying this too much. The last thing you needed was Sam bringing you and Dean together, it would be too embarrassing to have to explain. Entrusting your love life to Sam wasn't something you were sure you were comfortable with doing just yet. You heard footsteps, knowing that signalled the return of Dean, you really hoped he hadn't overheard any of this or you would never be able to live it down.
Dean noticed you hiding your head in your hands, your slumped body language. He knew it had been a long drive and they were all feeling it. "I'm not that bad a driver, am I?" he questioned with an amused expression. You didn't look pale or sickly, but then hiding your feelings was second nature as a hunter sometimes. If you were feeling car sick you should have just said. He turned to Sam for a silent communication, expecting an explanation. Sam shook his head but still had a shit eating grin on his face.
You raised your head in confusion, before you realised what this looked like. You were sitting in the car with your head in your hands, your face flushed. This was not how Dean would learn you were in love with him, it didn't have to be perfect but it wouldn't be today. You needed to make up a lie so he would stop pushing the question. "Even your driving can't stave off the symptoms of numb ass, muscle stiffness and exhaustion" you smirked.
Sam bit back a laugh, you'd dodged a bullet
Dean raised an eyebrow but smirked, the one thing he cared about above all else in life was his brother. He'd been worried when you joined them about the dynamic between you and his brother. But you'd easily fell into place, adopting to their lifestyle and forming bonds with them both. The friendship between you and Sam was endearing to watch. He wouldn't lie, he'd become fond of you. You were so comfortable with expressing yourself, while retaining an innocent air they had both lost a long time ago. They were all hungry, all tired and all fatigued, but you always handled it like a champ.
He approached to hand you something, to which you took it gratefully, praying it wasn't a pack of M&M's. You were surprised to find (favourite snack). You briefly remembered having a conversation about food, casually mentioning your comfort snacks. He'd remembered? Of all the random information you'd ever confessed to, this was the one he chose to retain? A fuzzy tingle swirled in your stomach, you'd forgotten how charming Dean could be.
"I know it's not (favourite food), but it should appease your stomach until we get to our hotel. Seriously (Y/N), your stomach is distracting" he smirked. They all needed a good meal, they all needed sleep. But he promised he would find the best recommended diner in their next location. So long as they had pie that was all that mattered.
You blinked, before your face flushed red. You hadn't exactly been paying attention to your bodily habits as of late, but now you suddenly became very self aware of any noises it would make. "It's not that loud" you protested, your voice trailing off.
"It is.." they replied in unison, Sam more sympathetic than Dean's childish amusement
You had never wanted to crawl into a hole more than you had in that moment. This was the worst case situation of anyone with a crush, when something embarrassing happened and you couldn't run away. What made it worse was the cat-like smile that Dean was making as he watched you squirm.
Dean's POV
Dean watched you from the petrol station window, ringing up the snacks he'd bought for himself, Sammy and you. Watching you lean out of the car and stretching amiably like a cat. It was the cutest fucking thing he'd ever seen. The fact that you were so unaware of how adorable you were, only caused his affection for you to deepen. You wore your heart on your sleeve, while he kept his guarded and protected.
While he would have never chosen this life for himself, he was glad they had someone like you to help alleviate their burdens. Bringing a sense of comfort they hadn't known in a long time. He would never wish the life that their father had brought them into onto anyone, nobody should live a life on the road, hunting down what went bump in the night. Watching good people become dragged into circumstances caused by supernatural means. But you had entered this life of your own volition, you had jumped into it and never looked back, regardless of future consequences. And you'd handled it like a champ, all things considered. You took the punches, you processed experiences in your own way. But you entrusted them both with your safety.
A few times they'd been driving, he briefly watched you in the wing mirror. Something about you just drew him in, like a moth to the flame. A warmth blooming inside of himself, like a flickering candle flame in a dark cave, nurtured and protected. You curled up in the backseat of the Impala, sleeping soundly, like there wasn't something out there that would love to drag you into the darkness and eat you alive. Your hand tucked under your face, breathing softly, the outline of your body, your hair flopping into your face. Sometimes you even talked in your sleep. Though he and his brother were by far not the only hunters out there, for years it had just been him and Sam against the world. He'd been doing this since he was in his twenties, this is the only life he'd ever known. He didn't know anything different, he'd never had that choice. He wasn't the same person he was when he first started out, that twinkle in his eye and that same boyish naivety and mischief. He'd been hesitant about bringing someone else into this life, now it became the best thing that ever happened to them. Sam loved you as one of their own, an adopted brother and a best friend, a confidant to both brothers, a constant.
Though there was always that worry that you would eventually try to come between them, become spiteful. You never did, you never revealed a hidden agenda or true colours. You didn't betray them and you never became a bad guy, a pleasant surprise for both of them. You wore your heart on your sleeve, whether you were aware of that fact or not. You'd made it known you were jealous of their brotherly bond, but never in a cruel way. You'd never seen a bond like theirs, one as both twisted, reliant and entangled; but also one as loyal, loving and genuine. The way Sam had become so comfortable around you was endearing to watch.
"Can I get you anything else today?" the counter assistant questioned.
Dean snapped out of his gaze, redirecting his attention to the sales assistant behind the counter. A pretty young thing, eyes full of sunshine and a smile that could dazzle anyone. As tempting as that should be, all he could think about was you. He handed over the money, before gathering his spoils and headed back to towards the car. As he approached the car he became vaguely aware of you talking about something with Sam. Just catching the last of your conversation with his brother.
"Sam, I swear to god" you huffed.
Dean couldn't help the smile playing on his lips, wondering just what his baby brother had said that got under your skin so much. Whatever he had said got you flustered. He took you in, your slumped posture, hiding your face in your hands, the embarrassment in your tone. He had a feeling Sam was teasing you about something. He also considered the fact you were just exhausted from the drive and Sam was getting on your last nerves. "Hey, I'm not that bad a driver, am I?" he teased.
You stiffened, flinching like a cat caught off guard. Your whole face flushed bright pink, only just realising that he had retuned from his purchases. The way you reacted so suddenly was nothing short of adorable. He loved seeing this look on your face. He averted his gaze to Sam, raising one eyebrow questioningly, silently asking for input on the prior conversation. Sam merely bit back a laugh with a knowing look, a shit eating grin forming on his face. A sense of annoyance and frustration at being left out of the loop washed over Dean.
You raised your head to face Dean, avoiding eye contact, reminiscent of a scolded child embarrassed to look their parent in the eye. You hesitated, contemplating on what to say before finally speaking up "Even your driving can't stave off the symptoms of numb ass, muscle stiffness and exhaustion" you smirked.
Sam broke, stifling back laughter as he covered his mouth and turned away. Some hidden joke Dean wasn't aware of being shared in that moment. Whatever Sam was in the know about he would get out of him eventually.
Dean bit back the urge to make a flirtatious comment in response, the smirk dancing at the sides of his mouth. He'd love to trace his hands across your skin, give you a taste of just how exhausted he could make you. All the ways he could bring out the sweetest voice in you. He approached to hand you your snacks, he knew you were sick of M&M's, you'd made in passing a few comments about what you were craving. He'd scanned every shelf to find them or at least something similar. As soon as he found them he grabbed a few packs in case you ran out. A flicker of surprise and joy appeared on your features, genuine shock that he'd even remembered you liked these. God you were so fucking cute it hurt.
"I know it's not (favourite food), but it should appease your stomach until we get to our hotel. Seriously (Y/N), your stomach is distracting" he smirked. The sooner you found a hotel, he'd scope out the prospects for dinner. They all needed a hot meal, and he felt like he could eat a horse. Living off of junk food and snacks could only take you so far. He was impressed after everything you'd seen you could even still have an appetite.
He watched as you slowly descended from stunned silence to beet red with embarrassment. The sense of shock that he'd even been paying attention to your stomach. He couldn't help but want to tease you when you so easily took the bait every time. It was endearing and amusing at the same time. You made a pathetic argument that died as soon as you opened your mouth "It's not that loud".
Sam must have read his mind, because while his expression was sympathetic he had the same response. "It is" they replied in unison. You then made an embarrassed groan, hiding your face in your hands as you relented to the fate of embarrassment. In to which Dean could hide the catlike smile on his face. Enjoying the moment. Reminding himself of that innocence and honesty that just made him all the more attracted to you.