It was 2:30 am on a school night—Monday night to be exact—when my phone jarred me out of a very restful sleep. Groggily, I answered it.

"Hello?" I said, not bothering to check the caller ID.

"Mercedes? It's Dean."

"Dean?" As soon as I heard his name, I say straight up. "Dean, what's wrong?"

"This whatever we're against is a bad mother. It's not just a spirit, but a sorcerer too."

"What, you're kidding, right?"

"Nope, sorcerer is controlling the son of a bitch."

"Damn," I answered.

"I saw a spell book at your place—"

"Dean, you have to be kidding. If those spells work, that's some major voodoo."

"I know!" Dean snapped, "We've got no time! The spells we have don't do a damn thing!"

"Fine, fine," I said, "where do you want me to meet you?"

"Can we come to your place? They've got all sorts of creepy crap all around the motel. I'm afraid to push my luck."

"Ok, whatever," I said, "you owe me coffee and donuts once this is over."

"Fine," he said, "we just need the book."

"Get here as soon as you can," I answered.

When we hung up, I called off work due to a "family emergency." I made up some story about my brother getting into a car wreck. They didn't know my past, I figured I could fudge this.

Dean and Sam were at my house not 10 minutes later. Sam had a nasty gash on his arm, and Dean's face looked like it got smashed into concrete.

"This was nothing," Dean explained, "the poor bastards they got, got it far worse."

"I don't even want to know," I said. "So you said, a sorcerer was there, too?"

"The whole time."

"So the hex bags weren't just nasty spells, this guy wields a demon."

"Basically," Dean answered, "The hex bags dictate what the spirit does and who to go after. But this sorcerer sets it all up.

"How do you know for sure?"

Dean dropped a hex bag on the table in front of me that was half charred.

"Found it under the driver's seat."

"Oh shit," I said, looking at it.

"Most spells are done by the person," Dean said, "this one's got the spirit bound to him. That's where all the nasty stuff is coming from."

"But," Sam said, "we break the bond between the man and the demon, the rest is useless. Instead of trading his soul, he took control of an entity."

"Guys, I believe you," I answered, "But it's 3 am Monday night, and I only research this stuff. I don't practice it."

"You don't have to," Dean said, "just let us borrow the book."

"I…maybe I should call someone in a few hours. I talked to quite a few shamans while doing my research."

"Mercedes we don't have time. Give us the book. We have to stop him before someone else gets hurt."

"How do you know it'll work?"

"We don't," Dean said, "but that's all we've got right now."

"Just be careful," I said, handing them the book. "I do need this."

"I know," Dean said, "thanks Mercedes. We make it out of here, breakfast is on us."

"Deal," I said, "now be careful. I don't want any for real accidents."

"We'll try," Sam said.

"Try isn't an option," I said, smiling and trying to be positive.

"Alright, fair enough," he said.

"Now, you wake me up at 2:30 for a spell book, I want a hug from each of you before you leave. For luck."

"You're killing me, Mercedes," Dean said, joking with me as he gave me a hug. Good old Dean…

"You're not safe either," I said to Sam. He smiled.

"I know, I know," he said, giving me a hug. He winced a bit, thanks to the gash he had, but managed. He even kissed the top of my head.

"Thanks Mercedes. For everything."

"Hey, I have to be good for something, right?"

"You're good for more than you think," Sam said. I gave him an extra squeeze.

"Be safe," I said, "I just got you back. I'm not ready to lose you."

"You won't," Sam said, "I promise."

"Good," I said as I let him go.

Dean and Sam headed out, armed with my spell book. Whether they used it or not, I hoped that they came back in one piece. I saw them off and then waited until they were completely out of sight. I went back inside and started the coffee pot.

I couldn't go back to sleep. I drank cup after cup of coffee, trying to occupy myself 'til they came back. 5 am…6 am…7 am…Good Morning America…Daytime TV…Talk Shows…Soap Operas…It was nearly noon when they returned. I jumped out of my seat when I heard a car door slam shut. I ran to the front door and saw Sam and Dean get out. They were battered, bruised, and Dean walked with a limp, but they were ok. I practically ran out to them, giving them both a hug at the same time.

"I've never been so happy to see anyone come back as I am to see you two right now, I said.

"You too, Mercedes, but…ow." Dean said. I let go.

"Oh um, sorry."

"No, it's ok," he said, "I'm glad someone cares."

"Of course I care," I said, walking them inside.

"So," I said, putting the spellbook away, "everything is ok? No more sorcerer?"

"No more sorcerer," he said, "wasn't easy, but he's gone."

"We had to burn the body, which is what took us so long getting back," Sam added.

"Fair enough," I said.

"I think he took so long to burn just to spite us," Dean said. I laughed a bit.

"Always so dramatic, Dean," Sam joked.

"Me? Dramatic? I think that's you, Sammy."

"Yeah, whatever Dean," Sam answered.

"Well, after all this brotherly banter," I said, "we still up for breakfast?"

"At noon?" Sam said.

"Hell yes at noon," I said, "I called off, I want breakfast at noon because I can."

"You got a shower I can use? I'm not going anywhere 'til I get clean," Dean said.

"Me either," Sam added, "and maybe let us do some laundry?"

"Sure," I said, and told Dean where the bathroom was.

"I'll get our stuff out of the car," Sam said before going back out.

He came back in a few minutes later with clean clothes for the both of them.

"Want me to grab Dean's clothes?" Sam asked.

"Sure, if you don't mind," I said, "I'll get the laundry set up for you."

"Sounds good," I said.

I went to get the washer ready, and realized I ran out of detergent the other day. I had more in my garage, and went out to get it. When I got back in, Sam was already there, loading up the washer. As soon as I walked in, he pulled his shirt off and threw it in the washer.

I tried not to stare, but I couldn't help myself. He had filled out since high school. His body was firm, and his muscled well-toned. He had a few battle wound scars, which I felt made him more attractive.

"Oh, sorry," he said when he caught me staring. "I can…I mean…"

"No don't, I mean, um, I guess it's not anything I haven't seen before, "I joked, trying and failing miserably at easing the awkwardness. Sam smiled and laughed a bit.

"I guess you're right," he said, "sorry, bad habit I guess."

"No, it's ok," I said, and then realized my mistake. "shit, I'm digging my own grave, aren't I?"

"You're fine, Mercedes," he said, "I get it."

"Ok, good," I said, remembering the bottle in my hand, "oh, here."

"Thank," he said, taking the bottle.

"I'll leave you be," I said, "do whatever you need to."

"Alright, thanks again," he said, as I walked out.

I went back to my room, realizing just how hot and bothered seeing Sam still got me. It had been years since I had been with anyone, and even longer since I'd been with Sam. Sure, we reconnected, but reconnecting emotionally, and finding someone physically attractive after all this time, still, was very different.

I dug through my closet, trying to find something to wear. For the first time, I realized how matronly and teacher – like my wardrobe was. I only had a few pairs of jeans, and a few old t-shirts from college. Wait, I couldn't believe I was saying this. I began to feel much older than my 26 years.

I ended up finding a deep V-neck, thin, white shirt I bought months ago when I told myself I would go to the gym more often (that never happened). I settled on that, a pair of dark wash skinny jeans, and my faithful black and white Chuck Taylors. I even busted out the studded belt I hadn't had an excuse to wear in years and found some of my old jewelry I decided to hang onto just in case. I even wore my makeup like I used to when I first started college. I felt like, even in something so simple, I was looking more like the person I had been all those years ago, before premature widowhood. I even got a little brave, and picked out a black bra, and a pair of red lacy underwear that had sat neglected in my drawer for far too long. Whether all this was enjoyed or not, for the first time in a long time, I wanted to show off a little, and have some fun. I felt like the old me again.

When I got done getting ready, I went back downstairs, to find Dean watching TV, and heard a shower running. I assumed Sam was finishing up in the bathroom.

"Don't get too comfy," I joked with Dean, "I might start charging you rent."

"Hey now, no need to get nasty," he said, smiling. "Well look at you. Don't you look like something special?"

"I had the time for once," I replied, "being a teacher keeps me busy."

"You look good," Dean said.

"Thanks," I answered. Shortly after, Sam came out, his hair still damp, but he was dressed.

"About time," Dean teased.

"Yeah, yeah," Sam said, but he was smiling when he said it. I had a feeling the rest of the day was going to be a good one.

We had a good time out together. I could see how relieved Sam and Dean were now that the case was over. I can't say I blamed them. I would be too in their shoes. I liked to think that running into me helped too. Old friends and all that. On the flipside, being around them again helped me cut loose. I'd become so serious the last several years, between finishing my Master's degree, losing Jean – Luc and then suffering a miscarriage, I'd forgotten the old me. Sam and Dean were bringing it out. It felt nice to see the old rebel-without-a-cause, independent and stubborn me again.

"You guys, you're something else, you know that?" I said.

"Always happy to serve," Dean answered. I laughed a bit.

"I'm really glad you guys found me," I said, "I've thought about you two a lot over the years. I'm glad you guys are ok."

"Hey, don't mention it," Dean said, "you helped us too. That spellbook has some major voodoo. We might have to come by more often. Or at least give you a call."

"I'd like that," I said, "my life can use some more excitement."

"Be careful what you wish for," Sam said.

"Fine, fine," I said, "I'll rephrase it: It's nice knowing everything I've studied has a real world application and that it can help people. I'd be happy to work with you guys."

"You've definitely been in college way too long," Sam answered. I laughed.

"Safe to say you don't miss academic jargon?" I asked.

"Oh hell no," Sam said, "it drove me crazy."

"And you were the one who wanted to be a lawyer," I poked back.

"Just rub it in," Sam said. I laughed a bit.

"I don't think you would've been a bad lawyer, though," I said, "if something can slash your arm like that and you don't even blink, I don't want to think of you in a court room."

"Well, who knows," he said, "no use in wondering now."

"I guess so," I answered, "either way, I think you've done well for yourself."

"You do?" Sam asked.

"I do. I know you never wanted to be a…what you are, but at the same time, think about it. You're standing up for the little guy. You're making a difference and helping those who need it most. That's the same reason you wanted to be a lawyer, isn't it?"

"Yeah I guess so," Sam said.

"I never knew that," Dean said, "I knew there had to be some Winchester in there somewhere."

"He never told you that?" I asked.

"Sammy didn't tell me much back then."

"And I didn't think it mattered now," Sam added

"Fair enough," Dean said.

"We finished our meals soon after that and Dean paid the tab.

"So, is this where we say good bye?" I asked.

"Are you kidding?" Dean said, "We've got some time to kill before we head out. Probably should rest up before we leave."

"Dean, you never suggest that," Sam said.

"Yeah well, we don't usually run into hot chicks from our past either," Dean joked. I rolled my eyes, but blushed a bit, enjoying the compliment.

"Guess you have a point," Sam said, smiling a bit.

"You guys are more than welcomed to crash out or whatever," I said, "I'd like the company."

"Alright, Mercedes' house it is," Dean said. We all piled into the Impala, and Dean drove us back to my place.

The guys stayed well into the evening, and we spent the time watching movies, drinking (I haven't consumed this much alcohol in a while…they always were a bad influence), and generally enjoying ourselves. I think we all needed it. As it neared 10 pm, it was getting time for me to wind down for the night, and to get to bed. I may have called off today, but I needed to work the rest of the week.

"I really am glad you guys found me, again," I said as we stood by the Impala that night.

"It's been good seeing you too, Mercedes," Dean said.

"Come by whenever you want, or if you need help on a case, call," I said.

"Be careful, we may take you up on that more than you think," he said.

"Bobby may start bothering you too," Sam added.

"Hey, I'll call it doing my good service to the world," I answered.

"I don't know if I would say that, but I can't argue either," Dean said.

"Works for me," I answered.

"Well, I'll let you two say your good byes and all," he said, and went to give me a hug, "take care of yourself, Mercedes."

"I will," I answered, hugging him back. He held on for a moment longer, then let go, and got into the driver's seat of his car.

"I guess now is goodbye," I said to Sam, looking up at him.

"It's never goodbye, Mercedes," he said, "it's see you later."

"Guess your line of work, you need to see it that way," I said, "in that case then, see you later."

"See you later, Mercedes," he said. I gave him a hug as well, holding on tightly.

I had forgotten how safe I felt when I hugged him, all those years ago. That feeling came rushing back, suddenly, and I let myself sink into it for a moment.

"I missed you," I whispered into his chest.

"I missed you too," He answered, "we'll be back as soon as we can."

"I hope so," I said, "I don't want to go almost another 10 years before I see you again."

"You won't," he said, "I promise."

I looked up at him, and he smiled a bit before kissing my forehead.

"Be careful, Mercedes," Sam said, "I don't want to lose you again."

"You won't, I promise," I said, smiling up at him. He smiled back before letting go.

"I'll call when we get to our motel tomorrow," Sam said.

"Please, do," I answered.

"See you around," he said.

"See you around."

Sam got into the car as well, and Dean started the engine and backed out of my drive way. I watched the car speed off until it left my line of vision. I went back in and resigned myself to the fact tomorrow was back to normal.