Again, chapter is coming out late. I made my Halloween costume from scratch this year, so that side tracked me quite a bit. Here's hoping things go back to normal after next week!
Enjoy the chapter!


Home

"Carry on my wayward so~n! There'll be peace when you are done! Lay your weary head to re~st- don't you cry no- Hey!" I readied my wooden spoon to throw at whoever had dared to turn down my radio. The culprit: Peyten. "I was listening to that."

My niece snorted and held up my cell phone, "Yeah, well, while you were jamming out you missed your phone. It's Sam."

I swiped the phone and grinned as I held it to my ear, "Sammy!"

"Were you singing Kansas?"

"Shaddup. What do you need?" I went back to stirring the dough for my cookies.

"How are your nightmares?"

I sighed. It'd been a little over two months since they left (I was going stir crazy) and Sam had made a point to call at least once a week to check up on me. "We've had this conversation before, the nightmares are gone. And before you ask: no, Oana hasn't found anything. She's actually been taking on hunts again."

"So you would be up for hunting with us again?"

"Uh, yeah, Peety is ready to kick my ass out the front door." I slapped Peyten's hand as she tried to grab some cookie dough.

Peyten rubbed her hand but looked ecstatic, "You're leaving?"

I grumbled, "Yeah, yeah, don't sound too excited about it." I was surprised to not hear Sam laugh at that. "What's wrong, Sammy?"

I heared Sam sigh, "Could you meet us in Lawrence, Kansas."

"I'll ignore the irony of that- wait, why does that town sound familiar?" Something didn't feel right.

Sam's voice got quieter, "It's mine and Dean's home town. I think there is something in our old house."

Instantly, I dropped the wooden spoon and went to wash my hands. My boys needed me. I motioned for Peyten that I needed my stuff ready to go ASAP. "I'll be there as soon as I can."

"Thanks, Dani."


My Beast was normally loud, almost as loud as a diesel, but as I drove down the road in the middle of the night and pushing the truck past my personally instilled speed limit it wasn't loud enough to drown out my thoughts. As I left home my mind had flown through every possibility of what could be in the Winchester's old house and I came to the realization that I didn't know why they had left.

Remembering back to when we were in Wisconsin, when Dean was talking to that kid he had said something about seeing something bad when he was young. I didn't know what that was nor did I feel right asking at the time. Now, however, it seemed I might find out and to me it felt like I was intruding.

'Sam called and asked you to be there, that means he wants you there.'

'Yeah, but knowing Dean-'

'Dean will get over it and be thankful that you are there. You're the one who wants to help them shoulder their problems, don't start thinking you can back out now.'

My voice of reason was right, as always. Didn't mean that depressing feeling disappeared, though. I flipped on the radio, loud, and continued to push my Beast faster.


I pulled up to the address Sam had given me when I had called him upon entering Lawrence. I yawned as I shut off the truck and nearly jumped out of my own skin when there was a knock on the passenger window. Hand on my pistol, I looked over and breathed a sigh of relief. It was Dean.

He did not look happy.

I sighed and unlocked my doors, letting Dean get in. He didn't say anything, just motioned for me to drive. So I did just that.

After about a mile of him giving me silent directions and me subtly watching him screw his face into multiple emotional expressions I pulled over, left the truck running, and turned my whole body to look at him. "What's going on?"

Dean continued to stare forward. Seconds passed, but I had patience. It was a good minute before he finally spoke. "Why are you here?"

"Sam called me."

He laughed with no humor and gave me a flat look, eyes guarded. A wall hiding away a storm of emotions, no doubt. "Did he tell you why we're here?"

I looked down at my hands, feeling a little self conscious as I knew I looked like shit since I hadn't slept since the night before Sam had called. Eventually I looked back up, "All he told me was that you guys think there is something in your old house."

Again there was that dry, humorless, laugh, "No, Sam thinks there is. Says he's been dreaming about our house and the people that live in it."

"You don't believe him?"

Dean looked incredulous, "Really? You want me to believe that my little brother is having the freaking Shining?"

'He's scared. He doesn't know how to deal with it.'

'So help him "deal" with it.'

"Dreams of the future aren't that unheard of," I spoke gently.

"Yeah, but Sam- our old house… what happened…" Dean trailed off and sighed, frustrated.

Just at that moment I heard and saw the Impala drive passed us, but it seemed Dean was too lost in thought to realize. I placed a hand on his shoulder, hoping it came across comforting, as he stared down. Again I kept my voice soft, "Dean, what happened?" I felt both surprise and my heart break when he looked at me with tears in his eyes.

Cutting the engine, I scooted closer to him and took his hand in my other one as he started speaking. "It's the reason Dad starting hunting- why me and Sammy grew up the way we did…" My hand on his shoulder moved to his back, urging him to go on. "We were normal: me, Sam, Dad, M-Mom…" his hand gripped mine as he stuttered.

Soul crushing sadness washed over me as Dean told me his story. Half way through he seemed to have shut off his emotions, telling the tale like he wasn't the one to live it. At that point I had moved close enough that my knees touched him, the hand that was holding mine moved to be placed on my knee and his other hand replaced it. I tried to convey as much comfort as I could, letting my hand on his back begin to rub circles between his shoulders.

As he spoke the feeling in my chest only intensified, but I also felt honored beyond belief that he was willingly opening up to me. I made a mental note that I should do the same later.

When he finally let the story trail off, as I already knew what happened to Jessica, everything was clear to me. Why Dean had gone to get Sam when John disappeared; why Sam was so driven to find John; why I was able to understand Dean so well.

"You practically raised Sam, didn't you?" I asked and took note that it was starting to get late.

Dean solemnly nodded, "Dad didn't have to tell me: he's my baby brother, it's my job to take care of him."

"I know," I smiled when he looked up at me, "and I understand."

I felt victory as I saw the corner of his mouth twitch and his eyes brightened in curiosity. "How?"

"You were 4 when Sam was born; I was 4 when Peyten was born. I know being an older sibling is different than being an aunt, but when Peyten's mom and dad split I became the one Peyten looked up to as her female role model. Actually," I gave a small laugh as I reminisced, "the same thing happened to Morgan, she called me mama when she learned the word."

"Morgan? Is that another niece?" he asked and I nodded, pushing away all memories of my family other than Peyten as bad ones began to surface. Luckily Dean must have noticed, he looked out the windshield and changed the subject, for both of us. "We should probably go before Sam and Missouri start hunting us down."

I scooted back over to my seat and turned the key, smirking over at Dean to show him that I was confident, "Don't worry, Chestnuts, we'll protect Sammy."

Dean openly chuckled (no doubt feeling lighter after getting all that stuff off his chest) and my heart fluttered at the sound, "Whatever you say, Cherries."


I glared at Missouri, not even trying to be subtle about it, for she had put Dean to work making poultice bags while she and Sam spoke. She had said that I didn't need to help him, but I was anyway. I took a moment from my working and glaring to slap Dean's hand as he tried to taste something.

"Hey!"

I moved my glare from the psychic to Dean, "Haven't you ever heard that curiosity killed the cat?"

He fixed me with a smirk and a wink, "Yeah, but satisfaction brought it back."

I rolled my eyes and let a small smile escape, ignoring the small blush that heated my cheeks.

"Sam, Dean, I need you two to get some sea salt for me," Missouri spoke as she sat down across from me and I returned my glare to her.

"Um…" Sam turned around, one eyebrow raised and holding a container labeled 'sea salt'. "There is a full container right here."

Missouri looked at Dean and snapped, "Yes, I am trying to get rid of you. Now go, get!" Dean raised his hands in defeat and I stood with him thinking that I would tag along. "No, Dani, I'd like you to stay here."

Both boys gave me looks, Sam's being one of confusion and Dean's telling me 'good luck'. I shrugged and sat back down. Missouri may have irked me in her treatment of Dean, but that didn't mean I would disrespect her wishes.

Missouri waited until she heard the front door shut before speaking. "Do you know about your abilities?"

'Huh? What does she mean?' "What abilities?"

The psychic smiled gently, despite my glaring and colorful thoughts she didn't seem angry. "I'll take that as a no. And, hun, I know the reason you were angry at me is because of your feelings for Dean. Truthfully, I did it to see how you would react."

My eyebrow twitched showing that I was not impressed with the fact that she did it just to get a rise out of me. I was also disbelieving in her reasoning. 'It's just a stupid crush.'

She narrowed her eyes at me, having heard my thoughts. "Now stop right there, missy, don't you think for a second that what you feel for Dean isn't love. It's why your abilities have latched on to him so strongly."

That caught me off guard. "What?"

Taking a deep breath, Missouri reached for my hand and I let her take it. This time her voice was softer, "You have the power to sense auras, a basic ability for many psychics. I noticed it when you first walked in here: you relaxed instantly, sensing that there is no danger here."

That made sense, I guess. When I had stepped into Missouri's house I felt safe and warm.

"Yes, exactly, but your power goes beyond that. I believe you have unconsciously latched on to Sam and Dean, Dean more so than Sam. I know you love Sam, but the love you hold for Dean is different, that's why you are denying it." Missouri gently squeezed my hand before continuing, "I know you're scared: because of what your family did and because you have never felt this way before. I admit, love is a scary thing; it makes people do crazy things, but that in no way makes it a bad thing.

"With your powers connected to them it lets you sense things about the boys. When they need comfort: when they are angry, or sad, or happy- basically any emotion that overwhelms them: you feel it."

'That explains why when Dean gets angry I'm angry, and when he's sad my chest hurts.' "So you're saying that I'm doing all this unconsciously?"

Missouri nodded, "Yes."

"Why are you telling me? Dean is already freaked about Sam's dreams; I don't want him to know about this!"

Another squeeze to my hand, "Then don't tell him. They trust you regardless. I'm only telling you to help you in your self inflicted task of taking care of them."

I looked down and my voice came out quiet, "Do you think what I'm doing is right?"

"I think John wanted you and Dean to meet again. Maybe it was to slow Dean down and distract him from looking for his father, that I do not know. I do know that you are following your heart, and though unwillingly your heart lies with Dean, that is good. Like you, I feel something is brewing and those boys are going to need all the help they can get."

'Listen to her, she's right.'

I waited a moment for Missouri to agree with the voice.

Missouri looked confused, "What voice?"

'She can't hear me, only you can.'


"Poke," I whispered as I poked Sam's shoulder. He gave me a weird look. We sat in the back seat of the Impala, Missouri in front and Dean (as always) driving. The ride over to the Winchester house was quiet and tense, so I decided to make some fun. "Poke."

Sam's lips twitched and he poked me back in my ticklish spot. I giggled and poked him again. We continued like that, laughing and poking at each other, until Dean barked at us to stop. Both of us stopped and sat back in our seats.

I, being the child I am, grinned as I got an idea. I saw Sam shake his head, having caught on to my train of thought; and heard Missouri stifle a laugh, having heard my thoughts. I leaned forward, as I was the one to sit behind Dean, and grinned evilly. "Poke."

I got Dean in his pressure point and he jumped, "Damn it, Cherries!" I cackled, Missouri and Sam joined in on the laughing. I smiled innocently when Dean looked at me through the rear view mirror. He gave in and chuckled.

'Whoohoo, victory!'

"Seriously, Dean? Cherries?" Missouri shook her head, "You're hopeless boy."


The back of my neck tingled and heated, like I was being watched. A quick glance around the room told me that nobody was there. I went back to readying my hatchet to break a hole in the wall. I swung and made the first small hole. While going for the next swing I felt fear wash over me, but I recognized it as not my own.

'See? Missouri was right to tell you, now you know that it's one of the boys that is scared. So get that bag placed and go see if they're okay.'

I did as the voice said, though still a little concerned that Missouri hadn't been able to read it. Quickly, I finished breaking open the wall and placed the poultice then rushed out the room. I found Dean holding Sam in another room and breathed a sigh of relief. 'They're both okay.'

I walked over and crouched down, "Everything done?"

Dean let go a Sam as the younger brother coughed, "Yeah, the lamp just tried to choke me."

I placed a hand on his back and helped him stand. I didn't like the idea of staying in this house any longer, even if we did get rid of the poltergeist. It held too many memories. "Then let's get the hell out of here."

They both agreed as we walked downstairs and I saw the mess in the kitchen. That had been where Dean was placing his bag. I raised an eyebrow at him, "Playing with the cutlery?"

Dean rolled his eyes, "Yeah, they were dancing and singing 'Be My Guest'."

"Whoa, wait- you've seen 'Beauty and the Beast'?!" I turned to Sam and whispered, "I never pegged him for a Disney kind of guy."

I heard Dean grumble from behind me, "I didn't watch it; it was background noise as I did… other activities."

That easily made my mood go sour. Thankfully, Missouri took that moment to join us.

"I know Dani and your brother don't want to hear about you sex life, Dean. And stop thinking about it!"

I was okay with Missouri yelling at him that time: it made me feel better. Missouri came to stand next to me and gave me a knowing smile.

The psychic then looked at each of us individually, "Dani and I are going to walk around the house and make sure that nasty spirit is gone."

"Why are you taking Dani?" Sam asked, eyebrows drawn down in confusion.

I watched Missouri smile slyly, "Because Dean trusts more in Dani than he does me."

Dean glared at Missouri as Sam laughed, "Yeah, I guess that makes sense; all she has to say is that she has a 'bad feeling' about something and he doesn't even question it."

"Well, I've never been wrong, have I?" I smirked.

Dean snorted, "Yes you have: the wendigo."

"I do believe that has more to do with the fact that she was alone; no one to protect," Missouri interrupted before I could open my mouth to argue with Dean. I silently thanked her, I guess Sam did too because she smiled at both of us. "Now, if you'll excuse us."

I followed behind her as she left the room, sticking my tongue out at Dean as I passed him. He returned it with a goofy face and I laughed. I heard Missouri as she chuckled and said, "You two crack me up."

When we reached Sam's old nursery, now the little girl's room, I became light headed. I shook my head, trying to shake it off, but that just made it worse. I closed my eyes for a moment and opened them again.

Instead of a little girl's room it looked like a nursery. I heard a familiar voice behind me. 'John.' I whipped around to search for him.

"Mary?" John looked far younger and it confused me. It also confused me as to why John would be here, dressed in pajamas and a night robe.

"John?" I stepped closer just as a hand touched my shoulder. It startled me and my vision blurred for a moment. When it cleared I was once again in the girl's room.

It was Missouri's hand on my shoulder, "Dani, what happened?"

'You just got a glimpse of what happened the night Mary died.'

I really wanted out of that house. Without answering Missouri I left the room and went back to the boys. When I got back to the kitchen I saw Sam attempting to clean up some of the mess and grumbling at Dean for not helping. Both perked up as they saw me enter the room.

"Something wrong?" Sam asked, worried.

I shrugged, "Just a small feeling. Is it okay if I go lay down in the car while Missouri finishes up? I haven't slept in two days."

Dean nodded and handed me the keys, "Go get some rest." I heard him speak more after I left the kitchen, "Looks like we're staying."


Despite my exhaustion I couldn't sleep a wink, even with being in the back seat of the Impala.

"You know, I could be sleeping in a bed right now. Why'd you have to go and sense something weird?" Dean turned in his seat to look pointedly at me, "You better not have freaky psychic stuff going on."

I raised an eyebrow, "How else do you explain it?"

He groaned and returned to sitting forward, "Am I the only one normal?"

"I'm pretty sure Bobby could be considered normal," Sam chimed in, tearing his eyes from watching the house. He divulged to me after joining me in the car that he too got a bad feeling about the house.

"No, Bobby is paranoid," Dean deadpanned and I snickered.

"Technically that is normal for hunter."

Dean grumbled and slid down in his seat. "Whatever; I'm gonna try to get some shut eye."

It was quiet after that. At least for a moment. I felt a spike of fear tingle up my spine. A second later and Sam was yelling at us to look at the house. Looking out the car I saw the mother banging on an upstairs window.

We all got out the car and rushed for the house as Dean gave us orders, "Dani, Sam: get the kids. I'll get Jenny."

I nodded and went straight for the little boy. Kids were always sensitive to this kind of stuff, so I wasn't surprised when I found the toddler crying. "It's okay, little one; I've got you and I won't let anything hurt you." I picked him up and carried him out, almost running into Sam in the hall. He already had the girl.

"Let's go!" We heard Dean shout from the front of the house. Sam let me take the lead in our rush out.

I shouldn't have let him do that.

"Sari, go with her outside!" I heard behind me and turned just in time to see Sam put down the girl before being dragged back into the house.

Dread turned my blood cold. "Sammy!" I screamed. I grabbed the girl's arm and brought her to me, "Take your brother and get out, don't look back. Find your mom."

The girl nodded and I briefly felt proud of her courage before giving her brother over and running where Sam was taken. It seemed the stupid poltergeist really liked the kitchen. I saw Sam being held against the wall, grappling at the invisible hand around his throat.

A similar force did the same to me before I could do anything to help Sam. I heard Dean's yelling and the sound of wood being broken. That tingling of fear grew until it was all I felt. I fought the invisible force, but it was useless. Soon my vision blurred and darkened. Breathing was not an option as it crushed my windpipe. My feet dangled off the floor and my legs became numb as the poltergeist had my spine pinched against something on the wall.

'Help!' I shouted out in my head, not able to do anything else. Maybe that thing that saved me all those months ago would do so again.

It did.

One moment I was trapped against the wall, the next I was being held standing by that same man from the first time.

I breathed in harshly and closed my eyes against the bright light of the shiny room. My body shook from the shock and lack of oxygen.

"Take it easy, Princess," he spoke soothingly.

I looked up at him with a glare. I wasn't angry- grateful actually- but Sam was still in danger. "Put me back."

He nodded, like he understood. "I will, just take a moment to recuperate. I promise they will be okay when I put you back."

I tried to calm my breathing. Adrenaline, worry, and fear made it hard. "Why just me?"

"Because I care about you more. They may be more important in the grand scheme of things, but to me you are number one." The man removed one hand and snapped his fingers, that blinding light coming with it.

I opened my eyes to see the Winchester house before me. All my memories of what just happened gone, yet again. I was just glad I was back.

Sam and Dean stumbled out of the house and the relief that washed over me was almost staggering. I ran to them, calling out their names. I wasn't even ashamed of the tears I couldn't hold back as I wrapped my arms around both of them. They held onto me just as tight.

"We're all okay," Sam assured me as I pulled away. I nodded and covered my face as I let out a sob. I was just so tired; I couldn't hold back any emotions. Sam wrapped an arm around me, "Come on."

I let Sam lead me to the car and he had me sit in the front seat with him. I uncovered my face and gave him a questioning look. He smiled, "I don't think Dean is going to want you too far away after you just disappeared again."

I sniffled and snuggled into Sam's side. I wasn't looking forward to being squished between the two giants, but there wasn't anywhere else I wanted to be or felt safer. It didn't take long before my thoughts became fuzzy and sleep was claiming me.


"So it had happened before?" Missouri asked Dean after they had said goodbye to Jenny.

Dean nodded, "Yeah, but only when she was in real danger."

Missouri let out a hearty laugh, "I'm surprised with how strongly you feel about her that you haven't locked her away somewhere."

The green eyed man just shook his head, knowing he couldn't hide anything from the psychic; angry that he couldn't. He just got in his car and shut the door as quiet as he could, then pulled away from his childhood home to find a motel so that his brother and best friend could get some real rest.

Missouri watched the black Impala leave her sight, silently calling both Dean and Daniella idiots.


What'd you think of it? I actually am very happy with this chapter, mainly because some things are revealed and Dean opens up to someone. *gasps*
Now that Dani's little voice is revealed to not be "normal" I'm thinking of making it easier to discern between her thoughts and the mystery voice. Probably will just underline it.
Let me know your thoughts! Next episode covered is 'Scarecrow'.
**P.S. I and my writing helper have started a tumblr. Should be able to find it by searching "Red Like Cherries".