Disclaimer: Not mine.

I have a Naruto poll up on my ffnet Scififan33 account.

Chapter 18

Jo tried not to fidget as the guy she hoped was her….boyfriend? Lover? Whatever the right word was, walked towards her mother, his brother at his side like always. She was nervous but happy to see them again. Her mother may not hunt much but she was still a hunter so if things went wrong…no, everything would be fine. She would see that Dean and Sam just wanted to live their lives and help people, despite their own supernatural issues.

Ellen watched the two young men as they approached. She could see bits of John in both their features and the taller boys colouring. But there was none of his natural aggression in their movements, none of his pride. They walked close enough together for their arms to brush as they moved and she caught them scanning the area for danger. And did the shorter one just sniff the air? That had to be Dean then, canine senses. Despite knowing he was a werewolf she didn't feel threatened at all by him coming closer. She'd asked around carefully after Jo's admission, trying to get information on the boys. She hadn't learnt anything concrete but she was sure that at least Singer was in contact with them. He may be gruff and direct but if he wasn't out to kill them then she had decided they were safe to meet. She still wasn't sure about one of them being with her baby girl, not just because of that but also due to their father.

"Hey Jo." Dean called and Jo moved from her side to throw her arms around him. Dean wrapped his arms around her and held her close gently. "Missed you." He whispered, moving to rest his face in the crook of her neck, inhaling her scent. Sam stood guard, watching Ellen closely. He saw the concern in her eyes but she hadn't gone for a weapon which was always good. Jo pulled back enough to drop a chaste kiss on Dean's lips before turning to face her mom.

"Mom, this is Dean and Sam. Guys this is my Mom, Ellen Harvelle."

"Good to meet you." Dean smiled at her while Sam remained quiet. He might appear the friendlier of the two but honestly Sam was the quieter and shyer, more likely to stand back and observe, watching for danger.

"Must admit I was never sure whether to believe John actually had children till Jo talked about you. There are a lot of mixed stories about you boys."

"And most of them are false." Sam finally spoke.

"I'll have to see for myself.'

"Well it could have gone a lot worse." Dean admitted as he flopped onto the bed and Sam nodded.

"Bobby said she rang a few days ago so at least she's willing to listen and learn."

"Maybe." Dean sighed and stared at the ceiling. He wanted Ellen to accept them because of Jo but also because with the Roadhouse she ran it would give them more information on those who may hunt them. "Anything?" He asked when he spotted Sam on the laptop.

"No." He admitted softly.

"You'll find her Sammy, I know you will."

Jess glared at the demon, unwilling to show the monster fear. She hadn't seen her baby since they had taken her from her and now she dreaded why he had come. Would she die today?

"I have an ongoing issue to deal with. Care to guess what it is?" He asked but she remained silent. "You are the issue. I don't really need you anymore so I could kill you. Then again keeping you alive could be useful as leverage with dear Sammy. But seeing your dead, broken body could be just as useful. Any thoughts?"

"Drop dead." She snarled and he laughed.

"Well you still have spirit I see. Then I guess you live for now, perhaps I shall make Sam watch you break. Have a good day my dear." He turned to leave and she threw her plate at him but missed as he closed the door. She fought back tears at the thought of being used against Sam. She couldn't let that happen.

Jo sat at the table, picking at her dinner. She was waiting for her Mom to finally tell her what she thought of Dean and Sam. What would she do if she wanted to kill them? She cared about the brothers, they had saved her life twice after all when they could have left her to die. Evil beings would have left her to die. She just hoped her Mom would understand that.

"I'm not sure about you being involved with him Jo."

"Mom Dean would never hurt me." She argued.

"I'm not saying he would but there a lot of hunters out there trying to kill them. If they realise what's between you…" Ellen looked away and Jo relaxed, she wasn't against them but just being a Mom and worrying about her.

"I can look after myself. I know there are risks but I really like Dean, maybe even more than that. I just wish there was something we could do to get everyone to see the truth and leave them alone."

"You can't make idiots stop and think Jo. You better get going, have fun and be safe." Ellen said and Jo blinked before throwing herself into her Mom's arms for a hug. Then she ran for the car, wanting to see Dean again. Soon she was knocking on the door and Dean quickly opened it so she greeted him with a kiss.

"Dinners on me tonight." She announced with a grin and Dean smiled back.

"Your Mom?"

"Worried about the idiots after you but I'm a big girl now and she trusts me."

"Good."

TBC…