Disclaimer: I do not own Supernatural or anything you recognize from it. I only own Tony and her story.
AN: I promised the story would pick up…
Chapter Three
Everybody Loves a Clown Part I
"What does a lady have to do around here to get a damn beer?" Tony shouted as she pushed the Roadhouse doors open, she knew they weren't open yet and taking that chance now was the perfect time to stop by. Before others came by and noticed her, and that was something she was trying to avoid, try to remain nobody for a reason.
Hearing a snort coming from behind the bar, she let her eyes relax before taking in a site she couldn't be happier to see.
"You've now resorted to snorting? Are there any other farm sounds you can emulate Jo?" Tony mused as she made her way to Jo, who tried as she may to act nonchalant and lean against the bar; Tony could see excitement in her eyes. She was never that good at hiding her emotions, Tony thought before being cut off.
"You a lady? Yeah, that'll be the day. Tell me do you still eat more than a pig? And you imply that I--" Jo retorted before being interrupted.
"Hey don't be badmouthing my babe. She came here to visit me." Both were alerted to the shouting from the doorway in the back room. There stood Ash, mullet sporting, pants missing Ash, prouder than ever.
"Ash, dammit man, pants! If mom sees you like this—" Jo muttered loudly before finding something, anything, to stare upon instead of pant-less Ash. Somehow, through the slight nausea, Jo still managed to pass a cold beer to the waiting Tony, who nodded slightly.
"Hey, if you've got it, flaunt it!" Ash retorted before making his way to the seat besides Tony, who up until this point, was smirking endlessly into her beer.
"Hey Ash?" Tony inquired still staring at the clock above the bar.
"Yeah, sweet-cheeks?" Sweet cheeks? Wait, what cheeks is he referring to? Damn, how could I actually miss this? Thought Tony as she did an inner eye roll.
"I never really would have guessed you'd be the white sporting brief kind of boy. See, my man…Boxers all the way," she replied quickly glancing at him, biting her cheek in desperate effort to not laugh out loud.
Jo somewhat oblivious to the bickering and mocking that the duo always managed to conjure up at any interval, simply eye rolled and walked to the back to probably alert Ellen, Tony was sure of it.
"You still game to finish what we started?" Tony questioned, now turning her full attention to the questionably attired Ash.
"Hell yeah, you're going down Tony McBride Holloway!" Ash pumped his fist zealously in the air and began walking back to the back area where his room was.
Tony couldn't help but snort and let out a giggle as she realized Ash was totally oblivious to the fact that one side of his briefs had ridden up and one of his ass cheeks was hanging out mocking her.
"Hey Ash?" Tony called back, still grinning from ear to ear.
Not once glancing back Ash stopped, waiting for her to continue. "You ever say my full name again and I'll kick your ass."
Just as Tony was getting up, she could have sworn she heard him say, "Threats, threats," before shaking her head and turning to get her duffel bag, she heard a throat clear. Looking up and seeing Ellen, hands on her hips, staring at Tony, she couldn't help but let out a little sigh.
"Haven't seen you 'round here in a while. Three months, two weeks and forty-five hours to be exact. I mean, c'mon Tony, I thought you knew better. You don't just phone in the dead of the night. The call full of EVP and start muttering for help, and—", Ellen held up her hand as she noticed Tony was going to interrupt her. "And you never phoned back, I mean not only was Jo freaking out, but Ash! Poor guy couldn't even think straight long enough to track you."
Tony sighed and ran her hand through her hair before meeting Ellen's hard gaze, "What about you?"
Ellen's eyes softened as she opened her arms beckoning Tony, without hesitation, Tony blindly threw herself in Ellen's arms; still mindful of her bruises and hung on for her dear life. It felt good to have some human contact and Ellen was always like the mother Tony never had, Jo more of the annoying sister you could never get rid of and Ash, the creepy neighbor kid who she loved to tease.
Ellen ran her hand down Tony's hair as she let the girl collect herself, no matter how strong Tony was, she always did manage to be vulnerable to only those she let in, and that was what touched Ellen's heart more. And after everything this girl has been through, she still somehow found something in her to be human and to let herself feel.
Thank god she didn't end up like Gordon, it must have been those times when he was too frustrated with the girl, that he would abandon her at the junkyard or at the Roadhouse. And during those times, Ellen tried to undo what was already done, but she always felt like somehow it was too late. Sure the poor girl never spoke about anything that happened between her and Gordon, nor did she ever openly speak about her past to either her or Bobby, but both could see it in her quiet demeanor.
They never once questioned her skill though, hell, if anything passed from Gordon to Tony, it was the skill, the constant urge and need to hunt, but she was a smart girl and Ellen knew it was only a matter of time before Tony left. She was restless like that, a constant wanderer. Ellen knew first hand that a hunter's life was a long road of nothingness, but for some reason, Tony seemed to almost enjoy it.
"Babe, what are you doing out there? Cowering? Afraid I'll whip your ass again?" Ellen snorted and quickly looked Tony over before kissing the top of her head and stalking back to the back area.
Tony shook her head and laughing, she grabbed her duffel, composed herself and got ready to kick some Ash ass. God, it was good to be back, even for a while.
0000000000000000
"This is humiliating," Dean muttered, as Sam looked him over, trying not to smirk. Both getting out, Dean couldn't help himself, "Feel like a freaking soccer Mom!"
Rolling his eyes slightly, Sam gazed over the empty lot, well except for the car at the end of the dirt rubble filled lot, "It's the only car Bobby had running."
Walking up to the car, Sam let his eyes roam over the clean 1969 Dark Blue Chevy Camaro. He would never admit it, but Sam always did like muscle cars, he should probably thank Dean on that one. Too deep in his thoughts, Sam almost didn't even hear Dean approach.
"See, now why couldn't Bobby have a car like this running?" Sam rolled his eyes and left Dean to examine his new "fling" as he went to go check the back for anybody.
Looking up from the Camaro, Dean noticed Sam was nowhere in sight, trying not to feel slightly anxious, Dean immediately let out a breathe he was holding when he saw Sam make his way back to the front porch.
"Hey, did you bring the—" Sam huffed out a breathe, trying to act insulted and threw Dean the phone. Not bothering to say anything, Sam still didn't want to push this new Dean around too much.
0000000000000000
Tony was having the time of her life, playing video games, or "manly chores" as Ash told her to call it, was way more fun than she could last remember. She didn't know how long they were playing for and the TV was so loud, Tony was oblivious to everything on the opposite side of the door. She wasn't really comfortable with that thought but, she was armed and hell, she didn't have the heart to tell Ash to turn it down.
"Dude, I'm parched," Tony muttered as she threw down the controller and made her way from the maze of dirty laundry, to his door. She heard Ash stumble after her and couldn't help but grin as she waited for him to follow.
Letting him go ahead of her, she stopped by the doorway where she left her duffel and took out a folder of a hunt she was working on, she meant to ask Ellen about some details she couldn't crimp out. Hearing a conversation in the opposing room in mid swing, Tony silently crept to lounge area and hid behind a post, well aware that no one knew she was eavesdropping.
It wasn't like it was illegal or something, she was just looking out for her safe being. Plus, it gave her time to observe the two newcomers. One was tall, and the other was a giant, if the shorter one was a little taller then Ellen's height, that would make him out to be around 6'1, and the other stood a good four inches over him.
The shorter one was handsome, something Tony knew he was quite aware of. With short spiked hair, a tawny shirt snugly fit and biceps that probably could—closing her eyes from the assaulting images her mind was setting up, Tony frowned. Trying not to feel slightly mad, she couldn't help it, whenever she was around handsome creatures she felt…standoffish. Like they were questioning her very being.
Glancing at the other man, Tony quickly looked him over, cuts assailing his face, wearing a blue Henley and beautiful dark chestnut shaggy hair that Tony felt the need to—Tony was now openly glaring at the newcomers. How dare they make her into some bumbling idiot? She knew it wasn't their fault, and she could feel an air of sadness and desperation around them, but did they have to look so damn beautiful at the same time? They looked like freaking avenging angels.
Now aware of what she missed when she was daydreaming, Tony was trying really hard to get the gist of it from where she was standing. She knew it was her time to leave, but maybe she should wait. Just until they weren't paying attention and looked the other way, nodding and pleased with her plan, Tony went back to retrieve her duffel, only dimly aware of the folder she was still clutching.
Finding her way back to Ellen's room, forgetting her duffel, she quietly knocked and walked in. Finding Ellen at the desk with glasses on the tip of her nose, Tony smiled and approached the desk.
" I'm working on this hunt," Tony said as she passed the folder to Ellen. "And I had a question. I've never encountered something like this before, I mean…a clown? A freaking clown Ellen? I could take anything but, damn. I mean c'mon, how the hell am I supposed to hunt a Rakshasa, when it disguises itself as a clown? At a freaking carnival! Ellen—", Halfway through her rant, Tony looked up to see Ellen thoroughly enjoying herself, Tony gave her a damning look before waiting to see what Ellen had to say.
"Is The Tony, the one who can be sliced open not once bitching, is she now…whining?" Ellen asked, not once letting Tony's look ruin her good mood. "Why Tony, are you scared of clowns? Or a simple Carnival?" Ellen leaned back grinning.
"No…well dammit Ellen! I mean, why do they always have to be so damn cheerful? And what is with those Carnies? Creepy and smelly too." Tony sighed, frustrated and roughed up her hair slightly. "Anyway, I sound too much like a pms-ing Jo." Hearing Ellen laugh, Tony continued, "I hate to admit this but, I think I need a partner on this one, and it would be kind of nice to see him again. Do you think Bobby would help me out? For old times sake?"
Ellen stared at Tony, letting her grin falter slightly before answering. Bobby would have been more than happy to help her out; it was rare for Tony to even contemplate seeking out help. But what of the boys, should she send her to the Winchesters? She could definitely handle them, and she wouldn't have to warn Tony, she was already suspicious of damn near everything. It'll be good for both sides; maybe one of them could get Tony to loosen up a bit, and maybe Tony could help them over this rut. It could work, I mean either that or the trio would end up killing each other, Ellen thought before voiding her face.
"No, last time I spoke to him he was damn near swamped. You know how Bobby gets," Ellen replied, staring at Tony's now depleted face. "But I do know who can help you with this hunt, they are talented and I think you all would make a fine trio." Ellen knew lying was a sin, but she couldn't help it and anyway, it wasn't like she was lying. She sure as hell wasn't being honest, but she wasn't lying through her teeth either.
"Trio? Whoa, whoa, whoa—", Tony held up her hand and continued, "I said I wanted a partner, for this case, not a freaking tag team."
Ellen rolled her eyes, "C'mon, they are out in the lounge, you'll like them. Just go in and talk to them, if you don't like them, then whatever. Phone Bobby. Look I'm not twisting your arm here, you're an adult, decide," Ellen finished rather harshly, she knew Tony wouldn't hold it against her, and she also knew Tony would take the chance. She could see her itching for change, and this was a great opportunity for that.
Nodding slightly, Tony made her way back to the group. Ash was sitting at the bar, with the short one standing and the giant sitting with Jo cleaning some glasses in front of them. Slowing down, Tony tried to make out what they were saying before she waltzed in.
"You gotta be kidding me, this guy is no genius," short one said, trying to size up Ash. Probably a lot smarter than you'll ever be, Tony thought defensively. "He's a Lynard Skynard roadie."
"I like you." Tony couldn't help but smile broadly as she saw Ash's ego inflate even more than necessary.
"Thank you," the short one muttered.
Seeing this as her chance to walk in the conversation, Tony made her way cautiously to where the trio was residing; Jo glancing up at her with a question in her eyes, Tony ignored her.
She liked Jo, she spent some of her greatest teen moments with Jo, but that didn't mean she had to like Jo all the time. Jo was someone you liked when you were away from her, but the moment you were around her again, she became an annoying tick.
She felt all eyes on her, and she couldn't help but feel a little overwhelmed, the short one had the most sharpest, clear eyes she had ever seen and the giant, well, he simply made her knees week. That had something to do with dehydration, right? Chalking that whole brain wave up to nerves, Tony sat beside Ash and nodded to each of the men. Staring at the huge folder the men had resting between their arms on the bar top, she hoped they would stop staring.
When she walked in, she saw the short one's eyes light up, taking in her appearance and then dejecting that thought, it was fascinating how fast the thought came and left his eyes. Having only glanced at the taller man's eyes, Tony knew she was in trouble, not only was he adorable, there was something in his eyes that unnerved her. Having almost never seen such eyes that held so much, she didn't know how to handle that thought. She could tell that he was weary of her, as she expected, but she also saw kindness and vulnerability floating around, and yet, she was sure he never missed a detail. Having always ignored the saying that the "eyes are the windows to the soul", Tony now knew what that meant. It was startling and uncanny how he could almost go through her barriers and read her inner workings.
Shaking her head of her thoughts, Tony now was fully aware that they had now ignored her and were paying attention to Jo again. How Jo could always steal things from her, she'd never understand. She noticed however, that the tall one was still glancing at her when he thought she wasn't aware.
"Just give him a chance," Jo said as she placed some glasses on the bar.
"Alright," the shorter man smirked and sitting down he then slide the folder to where Ash and Tony were sitting. "This stuffs about a years worth of our dad's work, so uh, lets see what you make of it."
Trying not to pry, Tony couldn't help but look over Ash's arm and let her eyes bulge as she took in what she was seeing. This stuff, that to random people was nothing but mere clippings and loose leafs, but to one brilliant hunter, this was the best outline tracking that she had ever seen.
"C'mon this shit ain't real. Ain't no body could track a demon like this." Even Ash was in disbelief. Moving her eyes from the sheets to the faces of the men now glancing at her, Ash and the pile, she couldn't help but stare.
The men shared a look, which to Tony seemed like a whole conversation passed between them in silence. He looked to Ash, "Our dad could." They were brothers? Tony almost snorted, they don't even look alike--…okay so they kind of did, with the looks and the mind reading. And wait, could? Past tense? That mean he's…?
Tony blinked back some explicit words that flashed in her mind when she heard Ash mutter things that only he could understand. Obviously the brothers were on the same boat, as they both had the same glazed over look that she shared.
"Damn, they're signs, omens, if you can track 'em, you can track this demon," Ash said with awe as he glanced at the two brothers. Tony could tell he was impressed and for someone to do that to Ash, that was something big. "You know like crop failures, electrical storms; you ever been struck by lightning? It ain't fun." Tony smirked as Ash said that, he always did manage to bring it up every chance he got.
"Can you track it or not?" the tallest one asked. Tony's eyes immediately shot up to his face; somehow she would have guessed he'd have a smoky almost sensual voice.
Damn! I need to take a cold shower, what are they doing to me? Maybe this isn't the best idea to follow up on. But I do need help and I can't take this damn case alone, not with those fucking bruises littering my whole right side of my damn body. Next time when my instincts say to shoot a little creepy girl, shoot the damn girl. Rock salt doesn't hurt that much anyway, giving herself an inner eye roll, Tony shuddered slightly. Still thinking about that creepy ass girl, kept giving her shivers and could still make her bruises ache.
"This? I think so, just gonna take time," Ash replied, not once tearing his eyes away from sheets, "Uh gimme…" Tony moved her head slightly forward so she could watch his face tick. It always gave her some delight in seeing him estimate and think he was always precise, even to the smallest detail. Seeing his whole body twitch, he continued, "fifty-one hours."
Glancing back up at the brothers and back to Ash, she couldn't help but feel the urge to suppress a smirk. How little they knew about Ash, he seemed like a roadie, but he was, as Jo said, a freaking genius.
Somehow Ash managed to forget all about Tony as he stood up and took all the papers in his arms, and he was just about to leave before the short one stopped him.
"Hey man, dig the hair cut," he smirked. Tony rolled her eyes and waited to see how Ash would take the jab.
"All business up front, party in the back," Ash replied ruffling his dead mop, it still creeped Tony out to stare at it for long periods of time.
Just as he was leaving, Ash looked back over his shoulder to Tony, "Babe, another time?" Making kissing noise as he finally left, Tony couldn't help but snort and roll her eyes. He was oblivious, but still Tony loved the guy.
Noticing the brothers shared a quick look and a few eyebrow raises later, they stared at her as if waiting for an explanation why someone like Tony would even associate with someone like Ash. Refusing to do so, but still feeling the need to defend Ash, Tony was going to speak up before she noticed Ellen at the bar setting the folder down in front of the trio.
"Hey Ellen what is that?" the taller one questioned, nodding towards the folder, Tony immediately sat up straighter and started her mental knuckle cracking. Tony barely even noticed the shorter one getting up and moving to a random table in the back.
"It's a case." Ellen looked to Tony who only nodded as if accepting the brothers; the man glanced at her and back to Ellen to continue. "Tony here needs a little assistance and I thought you boys would like to give her a hand. Take a look if you want." Ellen pushed to folder to him as Tony got up quietly and sat down at the now vacant seat of the other brothers.
Not even glancing up at her, the man went through the whole folder and Tony couldn't help but wrap her arms around her stomach. It always made her nervous when other people looked in at caseworks, she almost forgot that she was in close proximity to him, and he smelled like vanilla with a hint of musk, not over powering, but very alluring. Rolling her eyes at the thought, Tony only now noticed Jo trying to make her move on the other man.
It was always uncomfortable to watch Jo make her move, and now with that man, she somehow looked like a freakishly small child compared to him. Smirking slightly, Tony felt better as she thought of ways to rip Jo's hair out. She wasn't jealous, was she? No, she just hated watching the game of cat and mouse.
Vaguely hearing their conversation, Tony felt herself get a little more peeved at Jo, I mean, how many times does the sob story of her family work? It sounded worse than a broken record. No one ever heard Tony's story, and she knew for a fact it was much worse than Jo's could ever be. Please tell me he won't fall for it, Tony sighed.
"Hey Dean, check this out," the man sitting beside her called out to the shorter one. So his name is Dean, eh? Better than Shorty, although I still prefer Shorty.
Hearing Shorty get up and reply, "Yeah", Tony was fully aware now that she was in fact caged in by testosterone. Trying to remain calm while Dean leaned in over her shoulder to stare at the case on the bar, where the other brother had laid it out.
The other brother glanced up at Dean and then at Tony and somehow a scowl formed on his brow; Tony unaware of the silent mode the man sitting beside her had taken, she let out a frustrated sigh and raised her hand.
"Dude, personal space mean anything to you? To anyone these days?" Tony muttered as she moved her arm in front of her slightly and pushed away from the bar to resume her spot where she sat, when Ash was still there.
Dean moved back as she shoved herself away, this was something he was unaccustomed to. Even though he felt the way he did now, grief stricken; he still was a little perturbed by her attitude. He still had the shit going on, right? He didn't dull out; he was still hot, right? Glancing to his side, Dean openly glared and mouthed a shut up to his smirking idiot of a brother.
Rolling his eyes, Dean then settled his eyes back to the woman. She wasn't that bad, her hair reminded him of Betty Page, yet shorter, above her shoulders shorter, and it had gone somewhat spike-y; probably from her trying to rip it out in frustration he assumed, and it was an amazing color. Just when he thought it was black, it changed to a dark brown; her eyes were the same way. They unnerved him, same as Sammy's eyes. Except hers in a different way, he could see a sea of calm yet somehow sense a controlled violent storm underneath. Remind me never to piss her off, Dean thought amused.
"Earth to Dean," Sam said as he moved his hand in front of Dean. Somehow Dean suddenly felt the urge to bite it off.
"Shut up Sammy," Dean muttered, before resuming his eyes back to the woman.
Tony, quite flustered with having Dean openly goggle at her, she had to admit, it wasn't half bad. I mean, when was the last time someone like him goggled at me? Yeah, that's right, never, Tony thought. Sighing again she stuck out her hand to Dean and staring at it for a few seconds realized, she meant for him to introduce himself and his brother.
"Name's Dean…Winchester and this here is my brother Sammy—"
"Sam, it's Sam." Dean smirked and rolled his eyes at her, and she smiled slightly at the duo before removing her hand from Dean's grasp and moving to shake Sam's hand, to which she was shocked to notice his almost engulfed hers.
She knew she wasn't that skinny or small, she was a little over 5'8! What a fucking giant! Tony smirked as she suddenly pictured him all green, semi-nude, as the big green friendly giant on cans she saw at the market.
Shaking her head from the assaulting image, Tony realized they were still waiting. What are they staring at? Oh right, Tony mentally slapped herself.
"Name's Tony." Exhale…Inhale. "And you both will be helping me out with, that," Tony said as she motioned to the case file on the bar.
Noticing, Dean looked more uncertain than Sam, she knew what would sell it, it always got the same reaction she noticed all men; no matter how young or old, they did it when they walked by, stopped and openly stared upon it with lust glazing over their beady eyes.
"I've got a Camaro."