How Far We've Come
After he has calmed down, Sam regrets the way he treated Caitlin. He's just so distraught over Dean's death and then furious at the thought of a demon possessing his body that he took it out on Caitlin. He pulls out his phone to ask her if she is okay and sees he has a text. He opens it and sees it's from Kevin.
Kevin: Caitlin is with me at my mom's. I figured you'd at least want to know she's safe. I'm sorry about Dean. He was a good man.
He's glad she is with Kevin and not out on her own. No matter how mad he might be, he will always care about her safety. Not to mention, if Dean were alive, he would kill him for letting any harm come to their little Cat. Instead of replying or messaging Caitlin, he scrolls down to Cas' number and hits call.
"Hello?"
"Hey Cas."
"Sam? How's Dean?"
"Dean is…..dead." Sam replies brokenly.
"So Metatron wasn't lying." Cas sighs sadly.
"That's only part of why I called." Sam says.
"What is it?"
"Crowley took Dean. I think he has a demon possessing him."
"What?! Do you have any idea where he is?"
"No. I was hoping you might have some contacts that could help."
"I'll see what I can do. How is Caitlin? It must be hard for her too, losing someone she sees as her older brother."
Sam, still upset, replies "She wouldn't tell me where he is so I kicked her out. She is with Kevin and Mrs. Tran."
There is a long pause before Cas sighs. "At least she is safe with the Trans. You Winchesters are so infuriatingly stubborn sometimes. How do you think your brother would feel about what you did? You know how torn up he was about when he kicked her out. It took months for him to finally forgive himself."
Sam is annoyed by Cas' response and says, "Let me know if you find anything." and hangs up. He leaves the room, shutting the door behind him before going to the kitchen to get a much needed drink. Cas' words bounce around in his head as he sits there, but he refuses to admit Cas was right.
POVPOVPOVPOVPOV
It's been a little over two weeks since Sam kicked me out. Mrs. Tran was very welcoming and even offered to give Sam a piece of her mind. I talked her out of it though. I figure that once Dean gets back, they'll let me come back. I can only hope that's true. At the very least, I pray they'll contact me. I've missed them terribly.
While living here, I've become really happy. There's nothing supernatural, no brothers constantly leaving me alone, and no being stuck in the Bunker. With my hex bag and anti-possession charms, I'm free to go where I will. Kevin and I have spent some lovely days at a nearby park. I finally got to check 'have a romantic picnic' off my list.
This morning, Kevin gets a call and leaves quickly. "Hey, Cat?" Kevin calls as he comes in the front door a few hours later.
"In the kitchen!" I holler, stirring the pan of macaroni I'm making for lunch. The dough balls for calzone are sitting on the counter to rise. Ms. Tran has been teaching me how to cook since all I knew how to make were frozen things baked in the oven, mac and cheese, grilled cheese, and hot dogs.
"Can you come here?" he asks.
"Just a minute!" I reply, removing the pan and draining the noodles. I quickly stir in the cheese sauce and walk down the hall to the living room, where Kevin is standing with his hands behind his back. "What's up?" I ask, wiping my hands on my apron. It's a ridiculous hot pink that says Kiss the Cook. It's cliché, but Kevin gave it to me so I always wear it.
"We've known each other for about two years and been a couple for about one." he starts. He seems a bit nervous and I begin to worry.
"Yeah. What does that have to do with anything?" I question. My mind is racing with possibilities and it's beginning to upset me.
"In that time, you've been through a lot of trials. You've proven over and over again how strong you can be. Most girls would be a puddle if they went through half of it."
I'm not sure where this is going, but I can't stop smiling and blushing.
"None of us even knew when your birthday was until it passed. So I decided to get you something to keep that beautiful smile on your face." Kevin finishes his speech nervously.
"That wasn't y'all's fault and besides, you gave me the best Christmas ever." I object. I will always treasure that Christmas. They went all out with decorations, food, and fun.
"Please, Cat. Let me do this." he pleads. I nod and he carefully pulls his hands out from behind his back and presents me with a blindfold.
"What's that for?" I question, staring at the thin piece of black cloth.
"Do you trust me?" he answers with his own question.
"Of course I do!" I exclaim, surprised he had to ask. He motions for me to turn around. I follow his directions and he carefully ties the blindfold over my eyes.
"We're going to be in my mom's car." he tells me as he guides me outside and into the passenger seat. I don't tell him, but I'm incredibly uncomfortable. This reminds me too much of when I was blind, but I trusted him then and I'll trust him now.
About thirty minutes later, he parks the car. "We're here. No peeking!" he reminds as he gets out and comes over to open my door. He guides me across asphalt then stops. "I hope you like it." he says nervously as he unties my blindfold.
I blink from the blinding light then I see where I am. He brought me to a lot that is full of classic cars. The one we're stopped in front of is a red and white 1958 Corvette convertible. The only reason I know that is because it was my dad's dream car. He would watch a big car auction show and any time one of these beauties was up, he would joke about making a bid. One day we got him a mini replica of the car, which had a place of honor right in front of the TV.
"Oh Kev, it's beautiful!" I gasp, tears filling my eyes as I think of my family.
"I remembered you telling me it was your dad's dream car. Since you never seemed to have one of your own, I figured you could have this to remember your family by." he says with a smile.
"I love it, babe! I can't drive standard, though." I sigh.
"No problem. I had them upgrade it to automatic." he reveals.
I beam at him and say, "How did I ever get so lucky to fall for such an amazing man?"
"A bit of magic and the Winchesters." he jokes. "Want to try her out?" He holds out the keys and I snatch them, moving to the driver's seat and sliding into the supple leather seat. The interior is a mix of classic and modern, there's even an iPod jack. I can imagine Dean's face if he ever sees it. Laughing at that image, I wait for Kevin to get into his car before starting her up. The rumble of the engine reminds me of the Impala. I follow him back to the house and park my baby next to his mom's car.
We go back in and I reheat the macaroni while Kev pulls out some bowls and forks. After we eat, we share dishwashing duties, him washing while I dry and put away. As we are washing the dishes, Kevin asks, "What are you going to name her?"
"Hmm?" I hum in confusion.
"Your car. I thought it was customary to name classic cars." he elaborates.
"Oh! I guess you're right. I'll have to think on it for a bit." I muse. I've never been good with names, but this car definitely deserves a good one. We finish the dishes and cuddle up on the couch to watch Netflix.
As we're watching a movie, I comment, "Dean is going to hate my new car. He'll see it as an abomination. The look on his face will be priceless!"
"Have you heard from him?" Kevin questions.
"No, I haven't heard from any of them since I've been here." I sigh sadly.
"I'm sure they'll contact you eventually, they are your brothers after all." he reassures.
"Thanks, babe." I smile and kiss him on the cheek before turning back to the movie.
A few weeks later, I get a call.
"Hello?" I yawn, having been woken up by the ringing.
"Cat? It's Dean."
I sit up, causing Kevin to groan in his sleep before rolling over. "Dean?"
"Yeah, sweetheart."
"Are you okay?" I ask as I leave the room to avoid waking Kevin up.
"I'm fine. How are you? Sam told me a bit about what happened. I chewed him out for it, especially since he admitted he never even checked on you."
"I'm good. I've been living with Kevin at his mom's house."
"Any problems with the supernatural?"
"No. It's been pretty quiet."
"I'm so sorry Sam kicked you out like that. You're welcome to come back any time you want to. I already miss you and I was just cured yesterday."
"I don't know, Dean. I don't think Sam will want me there. He was pretty adamant that he didn't want to see me."
"I'm sure he's changed his mind. You just need to talk to him. You and Kevin should come over for dinner. I'll make my burgers that you love, and we can discuss everything."
"Alright, Dean." I agree. "See you later this evening."
"See ya, Cat."
"Where did you go?" Kevin asks, sitting up in the bed as I walk back in.
"I got a call from Dean and didn't want to disturb you."
"He called?"
"Yeah, he invited us to dinner. He wants us all to discuss everything."
"You know, if you decide to move back, I'll join you."
I smile at him tenderly. "Thanks, Kev. I hope everything can be resolved. I've really missed being with them, but I know I'll miss this too."
Dinner time rolls around and I convince Kevin to let me drive us to the Bunker. Wanting to make a good impression, I dress up in a dark blue dress that is fitted but flares out a bit at the waist. I add pearls, nude pumps, and makeup to complete the ensemble.
"Why do we have to dress up?" Kevin complains as he buttons up his dress shirt.
"Is it a crime to want to look nice?"
"It's just your brothers. They wouldn't care if we showed up in sweats."
"Let me do this, Kev. Please."
He sighs in defeat and we load up into the car and drive to the Bunker. "Why don't you just fly us inside?" Kevin questions as we walk up to the door.
"We're guests not residents. Guests wait at the door to be let in." I state. He groans in annoyance of my attempts to be proper but doesn't raise any more objections.
I knock loudly on the door, and a confused Dean soon opens it. "Why do you look so fancy and why didn't you just fly in?" he asks.
"Ask her." Kevin grumbles mutinously.
"I was trying to do things properly, but apparently you men don't understand that." I sigh.
"Well come in, milady." he chuckles with a mock bow.
I shake my head at his antics and walk in, followed by Kevin.
"Where's Sam?" I ask casually.
Dean answers "He's in the kitchen. I should get back to the burgers. Come on."
With that, we all head to the kitchen. When we walk in, Sam is sitting at the table, reading something on his laptop while his right arm is in a sling. "Hey, Sam." I greet, taking the seat across from his as Kevin sits beside me.
Dean moves over to the stove where he is cooking burgers. "Hey, Caitlin." Sam responds evenly, shutting his laptop. "How've you been?"
"Pretty good. I've been living with Kevin and having a pretty normal summer. What about you? How's the elbow?" I reply.
"I'm better now. Running around frantically trying to find Dean was a hard time. As for the elbow, it's more of an inconvenience than anything" he tells me.
"I'm glad you got him back." I respond with a smile, which he returns.
"Wait. Did I miss something?" Kevin injects. "Aren't you two on bad terms?"
"That's ancient history, Kev. As long as Sam isn't still mad, we're good." I inform him.
"I'm not mad any more. Dean made me realize that I was a bit harsh on you. I'm sorry I never even checked on you. I was just so busy trying to find Dean." Sam apologizes.
"I understand. I knew one of you would call when you cured him. We're still a family after all." I assure. I was upset at first, but thinking over the brother's relationship, I realized it was the obvious response for him. "How long til the food is ready?"
"Just a few more minutes." Dean tells me.
When the food is ready, we all grab a plate and a drink before heading to the library. While we're eating and taking, Dean turns to me. "Was that your car out there? She's a beauty."
"Yeah, Kev got her for me. I named her Daphne." I reply, smiling over at Kevin.
"I didn't think you knew how to drive a standard." he muses.
"Oh, I don't. It's an automatic." Choking sounds follow that revelation as Dean stares at me in horror.
"You modernized her?!" he shouts.
"As he starts a tirade about how a car like that should be left in factory condition and the values of original parts, I lean over to Kevin. "Told you he'd freak out." I chuckle. After we are done eating, I say, "Be right back!" and fly away.
I return quickly, my hands behind my back. Kevin smiles at me, knowing what I went to get. "Where did you go and what's behind your back?" Sam asks curiously.
"Wait. Do I smell...pie?" Dean asks in anticipation.
"You've got a good nose." I laugh as I pull the fresh apple pie out from behind my back. I pulled it from the oven right before we left, so it's had time to cool to the perfect temperature.
"Mmmm, that looks and smells amazing!" Dean exclaims enthusiastically.
I quickly serve the pie and we all dig in. Considering this was the first time I ever made a pie instead of baking a frozen one, it's delicious. "Please tell me you are moving back and will make more of these heavenly pies!" Dean begs after the entire pie has been eaten. I think Kev and Sam only got one piece each while Dean and I demolished the rest.
"Oh I see. You only want me for my pies." I joke.
"Consider it my fee for tolerating having your disgrace of a car in our garage." he replies with a grimace. With that, Kevin and I move back to the Bunker.
The next day, Sam and Dean propose a family vacation. They're thinking about just relaxing by a lake for a few days, reconnect as a family. A lot has happened and they think it's for the best. "What about Kevin?" I ask them.
"He can come if he wants to. He's a part of this family too." Dean replies.
"Alright, I'm in. I'll see if Kev wants to come." I reply as I head to our room. I walk in and see Kevin rummaging around in the drawers. "Hey, Kev. You up for a family vacation with us Winchesters?"
"Hmm? Oh, I'm good. You need to have some time with just your brothers." he responds.
"What will you do then?" I question curiously. I had expected him to jump on the vacation.
"I'll work on moving all of our stuff back here." he decides. Thinking over that, I realize that is going to be a lot of trips and we're a few hours away from the house.
"Are you sure? I can help you by flying back and forth instead of driving for hours." I offer.
"No, honey. You need this family time. I'll be fine, promise." he insists.
"Fine, but I'm leaving Daphne for you to use. Take good care of her." I concede, giving him a quick kiss before walking back to my brothers. "Looks like it's just us."
Dean pretends to be insulted. "What, is Kevin too cool to hang out with us?"
"He thinks we need some time with just the three of us. While we're gone, he's going to move us in." I explain.
"Well go pack for a few days, we leave in thirty." Dean states and we all head to our rooms. Thirty minutes later, we're loaded into the Impala and headed to a lake in an undisclosed location. They won't tell me where because they want me to ride with them the whole way.
Dean and I obnoxiously sing along to his cassettes as Sam attempts to ignore us. It reminds me of one of my early memories with them, the time we went to the zoo. I feel like that was the last time I was in the Impala with danger or trauma being involved, and isn't that just sad. Over a year since we all went out as a family.
We definitely have interesting lives, always fighting for our lives as well as those of loved ones and even random strangers. I guess that's what it means to be a hunter. Always willing to sacrifice your life, time, and normality to save those in need. I still haven't been on a proper hunting trip, but I feel it will only be a matter of time. I'm a Winchester, after all. Saving people, hunting things, the family business. Right?
A/N: Can't believe it's over. I loved writing this and I hope y'all enjoyed reading it. To clarify one part of this, the Trans didn't go back to their old house since the demons knew where it was so I put them a few hours from the Bunker. On to announcements! First, This is not the end of Cat Winchester's story. I am currently working on a sequel as well as some one-shots. If there are any scenes mentioned that you want a more detailed story for, or if there are any other scene requests, feel free to PM me. I will admit, my free time has drastically shrunk from what I had last semester when the bulk of this story was written so future updates will most likely be slower, but I'm not going to stop. I already have some great ideas including tying up a plot-line from this story that was abandoned due to wanting a certain character involved that doesn't show up til later.
Off topic, but did anyone see the last episode, Regarding Dean? I laughed and cried and won't spoil anything!