The story takes place right after the season 10 finale, after Dean killed Death, the Mark of Cain was removed and Darkness was released into the world. I mentioned before, new characters will be added and thrown in the story and I will bring back several former characters from the show in the upcoming future.
Chapter 118 Good Buddy Charlie
Later that evening, the whole gang enjoyed a nice dinner of pepperoni pizza as Charlie requested followed by anchovies even though all but Adam took out the anchovies on their pizza slice as well as soda for Charlie and beer for the guys. Castiel also joined them although as an angel he didn't eat or drink but just hung out with them as they enjoyed their meal.
Afterwards, they all continud to hang out and head to the pool room to play a game of pool with Charlie and Adam trying to compete against each other to see who's better. Even Castiel gave it a try after a lot of coaxing from Dean and Sam and to their surprise he did quite well for a beginner. Then after the game, they just continued to chat, laugh and joke around just like a close-knit family with Castiel occasionally laughing along. The hours seemed to fly so quickly and soon they gang was getting tired despite it not being very late. Castiel decided it was time for him to leave and they all including Charlie thanked him once again before he left. The remaining four continued to hang out with each other listening to good music on the CD the guys and having a whole lot of fun. Time flew some more and before they knew it was close to midnight and they were all tired out from having so much fun, so they decided to retire for the night.
"Well, I can't wait to get some shut eye, it was nice to hang out with you guys though, it felt like real family" said Charlie.
"Well, that's what we are, kiddo a real family" Dean told her.
Charlie just smiled feeling so touched by his words. "Anyway, see you all in the morning bitches" she told them.
"Same here in Charlie" said Sam as Charlie headed to her room. "It's good having her back for good this time, no longer under Rowena's spell" he said to Dean.
"Yeah, it's like she never left in a way, she just back to her regular self" Dean said.
"Yeah, I like having her around too, but I still never get used to her calling us bitches" said Adam.
Dean and Sam laughed a bit.
"You will little brother" said Dean as he just playfully swatted his head as Adam laughed too.
"Well, I said we all need some to get some shut eye" said Adam.
"You head up, me and Sam have to take care of some things" Dean told him.
"Alright" said Adam a bit curious by what he meant but was too tired to want to get into it with him, so he just wanted to get to bed realizing how tired he really is.
"Good night guys" he told them.
"You too Adam" said Sam. After Adam headed to his room, Sam turned to Dean a bit curious to what he meant.
"What do we have to take care of?" he asked him.
"I wanted to wait until Charlie and Adam both left before we stash away the book and the codex, plus the notebook. I feel safer if they didn't know where we put this time" Dean told him.
"But Dean, Charlie is no longer under Rowena's spell, we have nothing to worry about" Sam explained. "
I know but after what went down the last time, I just want to be extra careful now, I'm not taking anymore chances" said Dean.
"Alright, Dean" Sam replied although not too convinced, but he didn't feel like debating over it.
The two of them then placed the book, the codex, and notebook in one of the big curse boxes they have and locked this time with a pad lock and placed it in another storage room hidden behind other items and objects and they agreed to never reveal to neither Charlie or Adam where they are. Afterwards, they two said their goodnights and retired to bed for the night. The next morning, the guys got up first and ate their breakfast but Charlie having slept in a bit arrived later after they were all finished and ate what the guys saved for her. She was still in good spirits as if this was just a typical day with no signs of any distress after her experiences with Rowena. She still insisted on going out to do something and wanted to make up for lost time and enjoy herself and now that she was truly free from Rowena's influences. The Winchester brothers couldn't wait to enjoy another outing with her which will feel very real and not fake like the last time.
Castiel briefly dropped by to check up on all of them got to enjoy hanging out with them for about over an hour before he just dropped out again. Later that afternoon, all four of them left the bunker to hang out and headed to the local bar again and was greeted once again by Reese the bartender.
"Hey, guys, long time no see" he said as they walked up the counter.
"Hey, there Reese" Dean greeted back.
"You guys haven't been here for while again, I thought you once again found someplace else you rather go to" said Reese.
"No man, we just had a lot going we had to deal with family, that's all but hey, we could never stay away from this place too long, anyway everything is fine now" Dean replied.
"Well, glad to hear that, what it would be fellows and ladies?" he asked glaring at Charlie noticing her presence.
"Get us the usual, Reese" Dean said.
"I can use a brew" replied Adam.
"Just get me a anything light, not in mood for beer today" Charlie replied.
"Gotcha, I got just the thing you might light there" Reese replied.
Soon they were pouring down the drinks they ordered as well as some lunch. After the were finished their meals, the gang decided to play some pool at the pool table. They all took turns at the pool table which the played for a bit longer than they expected not realizing how much time flew. Then Charlie decided to play a bit darts with Adam joining her and the two once again decided to compete with each other with Charlie turning out the winner again. Sam and Dean just sat back at their table chatting, admiring how much fun Charlie seem to having now that she was truly back to her old self this time not under Rowena's spell. After a couple of hours passed, they all decided to leave and just continue for the day with an hour long joy ride before heading back to the bunker. They were all a bit tired and got a little rest before heading out again for dinner that evening, and they went to a nice Chinese restaurant out of town.
Afterwards, they retired for the night and just hung out watching TV drinking some beer and an after dinner snack before heading to bed. In fact, for that whole week, the gang spent their days going out to for Charlie's benefit, going wherever she wanted like fishing at the lake, shooting some cans outside despite having a shooting range inside the bunker because she just wanted to be outside. Heading out to the bar to play pool or darts and listen to good music on the jukebox, or just joy riding out of town and stopping to where ever to have a snack or lunch or even play video games at the arcade as both she and Adam enjoyed playing video games together. Sometimes during the evenings, the foursome would go out to dinner or just stay and play a game of cards or Adam and Charlie played a game of chess together as the two got reacquainted again and really started to bond. After the end of the week, one day when they just decided to stay in for today, Charlie was in the library area amusing herself with a book she was reading that she found one afternoon by herself as the others where busying themselves with whatever and Adam had gone out to the store to get some thing for the evening as it was his turn this time. Just then Sam walked in as he was leaving his bedroom and put away his iphone that he had in his hand as if he was talking to someone.
"Hey" said Charlie as she looked up from the book she was reading.
"Hey, what're reading?" Sam asked curiously.
"Oh, just old book about the history of witches and all the lore about them, it is quite interesting" she told him.
"Yeah, I sometimes read about that whenever I get a chance, both me and Adam, Dean does too although he wouldn't admit it" replied Sam just trying to start conversation.
"Yeah, Dean doesn't want to admit he can be a geek just like the rest of us, I guess" Charlie replied as Sam just kind of laughed.
Then Charlie looked a bit serious as if something was on her mind. "Sam, do you mind if we have a talk, there is something I need to get off my chest" she told him.
"Of course, anytime" said Sam as he sat down next to her on the couch. "What is it Charlie?" he asked her willing to discuss anything she wanted.
Charlie just cleared her throat and had a hesitant look on her face, but she felt she had to discuss it no matter how uncomfortable.
"You know, Sam we never discussed what happened to me at the motel when one of the Stynes found me and you know" she replied with an awkward look on her face.
Sam just looked uncomfortable, as he didn't want to talk about that horrible day when he and Dean found Charlie's bloody body in the bathtub at the motel when they were trying to find her before the Stynes did.
"Charlie, I don't think I want to think about that" he told her.
"Wow, you are usually the one that wants to talk about things, where as Dean is the one that likes to keep it all buried, so ironic" Charlie pointed out.
"You know, Charlie it's just that time was a lot for me and Dean to deal with it's just easier…." Sam replied but Charlie cut in.
"I know it had to be painful for you all, finding me like that and then and you probably blamed yourselves but I just wanted to say I never blamed you guys for what happened not a bit" Charlie told him.
Sam looked a bit sad thinking about that time and the guilt he felt afterwards.
"Well you know, I do blame me and even Dean blamed me for a while, I mean I was the one that dragged you into helping with the Book going behind Dean's back and all. Face it, If I hadn't, those Stynes wouldn't have you know" Sam told her still haunted by it all.
"Hey, Sam, I wanted to help you guys, even if you hadn't asked for my help if I had known what was going on, I still would have insisted on helping. You guys are like the big brothers I never had, I would do anything for you guys" she told them.
Although Sam was touched by her words it didn't make him feel any better. "Maybe that's just it, Charlie, it seems every time, people get involved in our battles, they end up getting hurt even dead" he told her.
"Hey, I was doing some hunting even while on my own and I learned there is always risks, I accept that and so should you. But I have no problem taking risks to help you and I know you guys would do the same for me right?" she asked him.
Sam just nodded. "Of course, Charlie, but still a part of me still can't help feeling responsible, no matter what. Thinking I should have just kept you out of it and you would have been okay" he told her.
"You know Sam, I sometimes blame myself for what happened" Charlie told him. Sam, eyes lit up at the thought of her feeling guilty for her own demise.
"Hey, Charlie no, you didn't do anything wrong" he told her.
"Well, I don't always see it that way. I mean sometimes feel like I should never had gone off on my own to that motel, just stayed at the warehouse with Castiel and Rowena, even though Rowena was driving me crazy and I wanted some peace and quiet so I could think clearly. I could have just gone to another part of the warehouse to finish my work but I was so on edge and had to get away from Rowena and just made it easier for that crazy Styne dude to find me" she explained.
"Hey, look Charlie, like I said before, none of this was your fault at all, there is no way you could have known that creep was going to find you" Sam reassured her.
"Still, I feel like I caused you and Dean more pain and I know you had to give me a hunter's funeral and all, that must a been hard for you guys, it would have been hard for me if the situation was reversed" Charlie said.
Sam nodded. "Yes, Charlie it was but you mustn't take the blame for it, me and Dean don't, plus we got you back in our lives now that's all that matters" he told her.
Charlie just sighed. "I guess that's the only good thing Rowena did for any of us besides helping remove the Mark from Dean. Maybe we both need to stop blaming ourselves and try moving on, better than making ourselves miserable" Charlie said.
Sam just nodded his head. "Yeah, that sounds like a good idea" he said.
They paused for a few seconds then Charlie spoke up again. "You know that's not the only thing I wanted to talk about" she told him.
"Really, what else is there?" Sam asked her.
"Well, I wanted to talk about you and that girl Gwen" Charlie said. Sam just sighed and looked a bit awkward like someone who was trying to avoid the unavoidable.
"You know Charlie, I really….." Sam was about to say but Charlie cut him off again.
"Sam, look, I know you been trying to avoid it, and I'm been trying to respect your space but I just can't in good conscience ignore what I see" she told him.
"There is nothing to see" Sam said.
"Yes, there is Sam, for one thing I know that you have been in contact with her since she left" Charlie said.
Sam looked a bit surprised. "How do you know that?" he asked her curiously.
"Sometimes I hear you talking to her on your iphone when I'm walking past your bedroom when you think nobody is around" she told him.
"Oh" replied Sam with a look of embarrassment.
"It's not just me, Adam has heard you too, he told me he heard you talking when he past your bedroom to go the bathroom late last night and could see you bedroom lights on, although he didn't want to say anything. And I bet you were talking to her just right now" she said.
Sam didn't know what to say so he just gave in and nodded. "Yeah, I confess, I have been talking to Gwen. I mean we just talk and all" he told her.
"That's all, just talk? Come on, Sam I know there is something more than that going on, you can tell me you know. I mean it could be just between the two of us, if that's what you want but, I know there is a lot more" said Charlie.
Sam just nodded his head again, kind of relieved that there is someone he could confide in about this. "Okay, okay, Gwen really thinks we should explore our feelings and see each other on occasions when we're not hunting. Just visit each other and see where it leads to" he said.
"And what have you told her?" asked Charlie curiously.
"I told her I would think about it and so far we just talk sometimes but she is really pushing for an answer now" Sam said.
"In other words, you're avoiding it altogether" Charlie said.
Sam just nodded not willing to deny this. "Yeah, I guess, I mean I told her we had to deal with finding you and then spending time with you to make up for lost time but, she really is getting impatient now and I suppose I have been putting it off and I know that's not fair, I have to address this soon, I know" he said.
"Well, you know what I think you should do, I think you should call her back and tell her yes, you would love for you two to see each other and see what happens" Charlie said.
Sam looked a bit surprised and felt more awkward.
"Look, Charlie, I not sure if that is a good idea" said Sam.
"Hey, I can tell you have feelings for this girl and she feels the same way so I don't see why can't you" said Charlie.
"Yes, I admit I do care about Gwen, more than I want to and I can't stop thinking about her lately and yes, I call her up just to hear her voice and as much as a part of me wants to say yes, another part of me feels I shouldn't" Sam told her.
"Why not?" asked Charlie.
"Charlie, you have to ask, there is a lot of reasons why this wouldn't work" said Sam.
"Name one" Charlie replied.
"Can name more than one. There is the fact that we live many states apart. I mean yes, it may be good for a while to occasionally drop in and see each other when I not hunting that is, but that won't be enough forever. After a while, we would want more I know she would, and I can't just keep just stringing her along" he told her.
"Have you discussed that with her?" Charlie asked.
"Yeah, we did, and she even mentioned that if it came to that point, she would be willing to move down here to be near me if push came to shove" said Sam.
"Well, that would be great wouldn't. To have her right in the same town as you and see her more often?" asked Charlie.
Sam still just had a conflicted look on his face. "Yeah, but I wouldn't expect to her to just leave her home and her life especially the life with her grandmother. You know she is all who she has right now, it wouldn't feel right" he told her.
"Wouldn't feel right, says who says? Hey, if she's willing to make such a huge choice for your relationship that is her right to make and I find that admirable. Besides, who says she had to stay in her hometown for the rest of her life, she's a grown woman she could leave her home and find a new one whenever she wants" Charlie said.
"I know that Charlie, but she has a life there with her grandmother who is the closet family she has right now, I mean growing up she was all Gwen has, I don't feel if she just left her life with her grandmother behind just to be close to me" he told her.
Charlie just rolled her eyes in annoyance. "But Sam again, that is not your call. If she is willing to leave her life behind including her grandmother to be near you that is her choice. She is a full grown woman. Besides, I doubt her grandmother wouldn't just want her to be happy even if it meant leaving her hometown to be with someone she cares about. From what you told me and from what I've seen myself, she seems like a sweet old lady" she said.
Sam nodded again. "Yeah, Gwen said that to me too, that her grandmother would support her no matter what her choice is and wouldn't expect her to live with her forever" he replied.
"So there you go, Sam, you seem like you could have a good thing with this Gwen, so I think it would be foolish to shut it down before it had a chance to get started" Charlie said.
"You know Charlie, it's more than just the long distance between us that was just one example" Sam told her.
"I think I know what else is bothering you Sam" Charlie said.
"You do, then enlighten me" Sam said.
"I know you feel your life as a hunter would get in the way with all the baggage that comes with it. And you feel after losing a few close people in your life because of your hunting life, like Bobby, Kevin, me and your Jessica, you are think you are afraid to open yourself for the possibility of a relationship, and maybe you feel you are just doomed not to ever have a real-lasting relationship in your life ever" she said.
Sam just sighed not phased by what she said and not denying any of it. "Well, you pretty much summed it up" he told her.
"Only the thing is Sam, you are wrong. I mean sure you have lost close people in your life, you even lost me for a while, but I came back by luck or I say magic. But you also gained more people in your life. I mean there is Castiel, you got your long lost half-brother back, there is your other friends you told me about this Jody Mills, who by the way I got to meet someday and of course there are these women. I mean from what you told me, you all already went through a lot with them, you and Gwen especially been through a lot with each other and shared a lot. And it's not like she or her grandmother are typical women, they're psychics for Christ's sake and have been useful to you guys, you can relate to her in many ways you couldn't with any ordinary woman. She already knows all who you are and accepts it and still wants to be with you. You can't deny that there isn't already a good bond between to the two of you. Right now, you are letting fear keep you from pushing forward with her. But you can't keep letting fear to hold you back, I really believe maybe it some kind of fate that brought you two together, unlike the past women this really could be the one" Charlie explained.
Sam eyes just look up with a de ja vu. "Wow, you two should have been secret twins are something because you sound exactly like her right now that is definitely something she would say" Sam told her.
"Oh, so she told you the same thing?" asked Charlie.
Sam just nodded. "Almost the same thing" he told her.
"Now, I like her even more" she said.
Sam just had a thinking look to him. "You know Charlie, I have to admit, me and Gwen had been through a lot together, she has shared in some of our adventures with all the dangers and all and even though it would scare most people away it didn't scare her away. She and her grandmother even helped in some of the cases. She is the first woman, I truly opened up about myself, my life, my childhood, she knows a lot about me. She's even seen some of my past in her visions. I never had to hide my past with her not like I did with Jessica even though I loved her, I never told her about my life. But with Gwen it felt just naturally to open up. She's so good-natured with a good heart, so sweet, gentle, smart, and she's stronger and braver than she comes off. She's has optimistic look on life despite all the dangers out in the world which I admire about her" he said. Charlie just smiled.
"You see, you do have real true feelings for this woman, and it sounds like you have a real connection. And if she really believes like me it might be fate that you two were brought together and giving you another chance at possibly relationship than she may be something to it. I really think you should go with your feelings on this" she said.
Sam was now in deep thought as seemed to stare into space.
"Sam, did you listen to a thing I said?" asked Charlie trying to snap him out of it.
Sam broke out of this thought and turned back to Charlie.
"I was just thinking Charlie, that after what Gwen told me and now you, that I don't know, I never thought I would say this but maybe you are both right about this" said Sam.
"Really, you mean it, I got through to you?" asked Charlie excitedly.
"Hey, don't get too excited, I'm still a bit unsure about all of this and having a bit of doubts and a bit scared about all of this, but another part of me right now feels I should just stop being scared and give a try" said Sam.
"Well, that's enough for me right now just glad I could get you to see some sense" said Charlie with a prideful look on her face.
"Well, I'm not making any promises, I can't be sure what will come of this right now, I'm just taking baby steps, okay, I just hope you are right about this Charlie, you and Gwen" he said.
"Me too Sam" she said truly hopeful.
Sam sighed again. "Thanks Charlie a lot, you really helped me with this" he told her.
"Anytime, I mean that's what family is for. Now, if I could convince Dean to try with that chick Ava then it would be perfect for both of you" she said.
"Well, how knows, he may come around too, I do know for a fact he still talks to her when he's in his room and thinks nobody is listening" said Sam.
"Yeah, I know, I can hear him when I walk past his room a couple times as well. Boy, you two really should be more discreet if you want to have secret conversations with your lady loves" said Charlie.
Sam just laughed a bit.
Just then Dean who had been in one of the rooms that had a TV set so he could watch the football game on TV walked as he noticed Sam and Charlie just sitting on the couch.
"Hey, you two what have you all being doing reading like a couple geeks?" he remarked jokingly.
"No, we were just talking just to clear some things up" said Sam.
"Yeah, well anyway, I think will just take this book and read some more in my room just to get some bit of quiet time" said Charlie as she got up from the couch grabbing her book.
"Hey, don't get up on my account, I was just going to head to the kitchen anyway to get drink" said Dean.
"Oh, I'm not just need a little solitude that's all, later bitches" she said giving them the typical peace time.
"Hey, thanks again Charlie" said Sam.
"Anytime, and if you need advice again Dr. Charlie is always in the house" she replied with a smirk at headed out of the room to her bedroom.
"Woah, what was that about?" asked Dean.
"Oh, Charlie was helping me decide something really important" said Sam.
"Yeah, like what?" asked Dean curiously.
Before Sam could answer Adam strolled in from upstairs.
"Hey, guys, I'm back" he said holding a couple of grocery bags.
"And I brought back favorites, TV dinners!" he cried out to them.
"We'll talk later Dean" replied Sam.
"Okay" said Dean looking bit confused.
Adam heading downstairs with the bags. "Hey, could use a hand you guys" he called to them.
"Sorry Adam" Dean said and both he and Sam helped Adam with the groceries when he reached downstairs and put them away in the kitchen.
Sam didn't mention anything more about what he his conversation with Charlie and Dean couldn't help keep thinking about it feeling like it was something big from the way Sam sounded.
I know this was very late again, but I have been wrapped up with other things. I will post some of the chapters daily to make up for lost time. I also have just a few more chapters to write before I'm finished with this fanfic. I hope you all will continue to enjoy them. Thank you.