Author's note. It cracked me up that people are wondering about the kittens. I didn't write them going with them because Marie has dogs. Assume they are hanging out at Jody's house while the Winchesters are gone.

Andy's eyes snapped open and he sat up. Caleb and April were both asleep and the house was quiet. He wiggled happily. It was Christmas morning. He reasoned that it would be okay to get out of bed to go to the bathroom. He tiptoed out of the room and did just that. He heard low voices in the kitchen and thought that a drink of water would be nice.

John turned his head and saw Andy. "You are up early."

Andy's eyes got wide.

Dean leaned so he could see him. "If you want to hang out, that is okay."

Andy hesitantly stepped into the kitchen and saw Bobby, Rod, John, and Dean. "Where is Ms. Marie?"

"She is in the backroom gathering stuff for the big meal. If you want to go in there, you can." Rod said.

Andy sidestepped toward the pantry and walked in.

Marie smiled. "Good morning. Are you hungry?"

Andy shook his head. "Do you want some help?"

"Thank you. You're such a gentleman." Marie said. She pointed to some cans. "Can you carry those to the kitchen and put them on the counter?"

Andy carried three cans at a time and got them moved to the kitchen. He dusted off his hands and yawned with a stretch.

Dean asked Marie if she needed help and she shook her head. "Andy is the best help."

Andy gave him a big smile. "Yeah, I got it."

Conversation at the table revolved around finances and future plans.

Andy walked back through and tapped Dean. "Is it okay if I hear things? I am not allowed to eavesdrop."

Dean ruffled his hair. "It is okay. If we talk about anything you can't hear, we will take it somewhere else."

Andy dramatically let out a breath of air. "Whew."

Dean patted his back. "Let me know if she needs help because she isn't going to admit it if she does."

Andy grinned and gave him a thumbs up.

Caleb heard Ian fuss and rolled over. He rolled out of bed and caught him before he fell out of the crib. "Look who learned to climb out."

Ian giggled and held onto him.

April stretched. "Where is Andy?"

"Probably with whoever is awake," Caleb said. "I've got the boys. You rest or shower."

April smiled. "Thank you."

Caleb leaned down to kiss her. "Marie's cooking is the best and I'm shameless."

"Just admit you are being sweet." April said.

Caleb winked at her and left the room.

"Good morning." Marie cooed and touched Ian's cheek. "Did you all sleep well?"

Ian bounced happily and reached for Marie.

"I woke up to him climbing out of that crib." Caleb said.

Andy washed his hands in the sink and turned around. "He can share my bed!"

"He can have his own bed too." Caleb said.

Andy furrowed his brows. "Why?"

Caleb simply shrugged. "How about we figure that out when we get back home?"

Andy nodded and started his job of pinning pineapple to the ham with toothpicks. "Do we have presents?"

Marie spoke up before Caleb could scold him. "Of course but we have to wait for everyone to wake up."

Kate, Taylor, and Jo woke up soon after that and busily helped Marie.

Dean looked at the time. "Since when does Sam sleep in this late?"

Kate raised an eyebrow. "Since you aren't waking him up at unreasonable hours."

Marie pulled biscuits out of the oven. "Well, breakfast is ready."

Dean hopped up. "I'm going to go wake him up."

John shook his head. "I swear those two haven't grown up."

Dean used the side of his fist to bang on the door to Sam and Jess's room. "Rise and shine!"

Sam groaned and opened the door.

"Ew, put a shirt on." Dean teased.

Sam punched him in the stomach. "Jerk."

"Bitch." Dean shot back. "Go back to bed if you want but Marie made biscuits."

Sam threw a shirt on and shook Jess. "Breakfast."

Dean gave Jess a smirk and backed out of the room. He sauntered back into the kitchen. "Sam's awake."

### ###

Ellen unlocked the Roadhouse although it was early morning. Holidays were a depressing time for most hunters and they often sought cheer at the bottom of a bottle. It was good business for her and kept them from getting drunk and spilling the truth to civilians. The menu didn't change that much but there were extra festive desserts and Christmas music played on a low volume.

Ash was asleep on a pool table which wasn't abnormal for him.

Ellen wondered how he had any brain cells left. He was the smartest person she had ever met but drank like a fish. She smacked his shoulder and shook him. "Up and at 'em."

A family with two young kids entered the Roadhouse.

Ellen was a little shocked. "Well, good morning."

The mother held her son's hand. "Are you open?"

Ellen smiled. "Yes."

"This was the only place for miles. The kids just need to use the restroom." The man said.

Ellen ushered them in. "You two look like you could use a cup of coffee too." Seeing the kids brought a little holiday cheer. Jo loved Christmas at that age. That was before Bill was killed. She made a fresh pot of coffee and offered the kids some Christmas cookies.

The parents thanked her and left a half-hour later.

Ellen leaned on the bar. "If all our customers today would be that pleasant."

Ash raised a beer bottle in acknowledgment.

### ###

Andy was running out of strength to contain himself. He shook Caleb's arm. "Everyone is awake. Breakfast is done."

Caleb put an arm around him. "Hold on."

Andy bounced on his toes. "I'm trying."

Marie patted Caleb's shoulder. "Let me get the others and then you and Ian can open gifts."

Andy pulled Caleb with all of his strength. "Come on."

Caleb laughed and stood up, causing Andy to slip. He caught him and put him over his shoulder.

Andy giggled and held onto Caleb's shirt.

Caleb deposited him on the couch in front of the tree. "I'll get your mom. Stay here."

Andy sat down on the floor in the exact spot that Caleb left him. He drew shapes in the carpet with his fingers. They had nice carpet. It was soft. The carpet in the apartment wasn't that nice but it was nicer than the creaky floors at the old house. He wondered how Cody and Ezra were doing. He snapped his head up when people came into the room. He counted them. Did they really need John and Rod in the room?

April put Ian on the floor and sat with Caleb.

The older kids knew that the gifts were for the little ones and none of them scared the least bit.

Marie handed a box to Andy and told him to open it.

Andy excitedly removed the paper and pulled out a set of army men. He dumped them out in his lap and started to set them up on the coffee table.

Caleb nudged him with his foot.

"Thank you, Ms. Marie." Andy said.

Ian was just happy to tear paper. He found some toy trucks in the box he was tearing apart and started playing with them.

Marie showed them the rest of the gifts and saved the bike for last.

Andy walked outside and gasped. "I have a bike?"

Marie nodded.

He ran over and got on it. He wiggled the handlebars then jumped off and hugged Marie. "Thank you!" He tugged on Caleb's hand. "Can you help me? I have only ridden the kind with training wheels."

Caleb smiled. "Yeah, you need some warm clothes on though."

Andy looked down at his socked feet. "Right."

The conversation took a turn with Andy out of the house.

Bobby had spoken to Ellen and Gordon Walker was known for being a problem. "Taylor, Jo, we need to speak to you."

Jo sat down. She was unsure why they looked concerned.

Taylor sat down too. "What's going on?"

"What happened outside the Roadhouse?" Bobby asked.

Jo traded looks with Taylor. "A hunter grabbed me and wouldn't leave me alone. Taylor fought them off."

John shook his head. "What exactly happened?"

Taylor swallowed hard. "I uh, told him to let go. He moved her hair back like he was going to kiss her neck and I flicked my hand. He hit a car and then came at me so I knocked him out."

Bobby rubbed his face. "Could anyone have seen that?"

Jo shook her head. "Not many people were there. They were all inside."

"Are you absolutely certain?" Dean asked.

Taylor was silent for a moment before speaking. "It is possible that someone did but I didn't fling him far. I didn't want to hurt Jo. It was kind of like shoving someone."

"There is a hunter named Gordon Walker. He is a great hunter but is a hothead. He sees things in black and white." John said.

Taylor slowly nodded.

"After we left, he started asking questions about Taylor." Bobby said.

"Me? Why?" Taylor asked.

"His questions are getting more specific." Bobby said. "The only thing we can think of is maybe he saw you knock Ivan out."

Taylor's heart rate quickened. "How? Oh, God, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have used an ability." He leaned forward and pressed on the back of his head with the palms of his hands.

"Don't panic." Dean said.

Taylor stood up quickly. "Don't panic? Don't panic! I was stupid and used an ability in public... at a hunter's bar no less." He paced back and forth and drove the heel of his hand into the side of his head. "I screwed up. I screwed everything up."

John cleared his throat. "Sit down and calm down."

Taylor ignored him and continued to pace. He turned on his heel to pace back the other way and ran into John.

"Sit." John said, firmly.

Taylor stumbled back and sat down. He eyed John apprehensively.

"You didn't screw up. You were protecting Jo. As you said, you didn't throw him far." John said.

Taylor fidgeted with a thread on his jeans. "I could have just punched him. I didn't need to use an ability."

"We aren't here to chastise you." Bobby said. "We needed to know what happened so we can head Gordon off at the pass."

Taylor groaned. "He flicked holy water on me."

"What?" Dean asked.

"A hunter walked through the door and I felt a drop or two of water hit me. I didn't think anything of it. I don't know. I should have known."

John snapped his fingers in front of Taylor's face. "You did nothing wrong."

"I did though. I let my guard down and." He shut his mouth when he saw John's face.

"Stop. We will remedy this." John said.

"I can say that I hit him where it hurts and he jumped back." Jo said.

"Ellen hasn't acknowledged that anything happened because that would tell him there is something to hide. He has been asking who you are and stuff about you. He hasn't claimed that you are anything but human but Ellen is suspicious." Bobby said.

"If he sees me again and something happens and I act normal, that would prove that I'm human." Taylor said.

"No, you just need to be aware of your surroundings." Dean said.

Taylor's breath hitched. "At the gas station, I felt something was off."

Bobby put his hand up. "You did what you were supposed to. I didn't see anything off."

Taylor wracked his brain. If he was just a hunter, could he have been in the woods earlier? No, that was crazy. He was still at the Roadhouse. Could he make a case on possibly seeing Taylor push the guy?

Dean put a hand on Taylor's shoulder. "You have to breathe."

John knew Taylor was as bad as Dean about taking the blame upon himself. "Let's go for a walk."

Taylor got his shoes and jacket on. "I'm sorry."

John put a hand on his back and steered him toward the back door. "Taylor."

Taylor shook his hands as they tingled. "I didn't mean to. I just saw red when he grabbed her."

John pulled a pair of gloves on. "Taylor."

Taylor stopped. "Yes, sir."

"I'm only going to say this once. You did nothing wrong. We just needed clarification. Stop fretting."

Taylor grinned sheepishly.

John shook his head. "I thought Dean was bad about keeling over when he thought he had done something that endangered the family."

"Well, this could cause a lot of issues. We can't advertise what we are and hunters could turn on us." Taylor said.

"They'd have to go through me." John said. "I am fairly strict, aren't I?"

"Yes, sir." Taylor said.

"I'd call you out on it if you did anything that you weren't supposed to do or that put yourself or others in danger." John said.

Taylor relaxed. That was true. Dean may try to make him feel better but John would be on him if he had been irresponsible. "So what is the plan?"

John raised an eyebrow. "We will figure that out."

Taylor looked out over the snowy fields. "Are we going to be hunted for the rest of our lives?"

"No. I wouldn't let that happen. You have a purpose and that bothers some angels and demons. As far as hunters go, I will put an end to anyone who raises a hand to any of you kids." John said.

Taylor chewed his cheek. "Thanks for the papers."

Dean looked outside. John's posture was relaxed and Taylor relaxed after an exchange of words. "They are walking."

Sam smirked. "Are you jealous?"

Dean scoffed. "No."

"Are you sure? It looks like you've been replaced. Come on, Dean. He is hard on himself. He's quick to listen and looks at dad like a god." Sam teased.

Dean smacked his head. "Shut up."

Kate knelt on the couch so she could look at Dean and Sam. "We have been calling him baby Dean behind your backs."

Dean smirked. "That makes you baby Sam."

Kate scrunched her nose.

Dean raised an eyebrow. "Sam argued himself to death growing up, he always questioned orders and dove head first into hot water every chance he got. Who does that sound like?"

"Questioning authority is a sign of intelligence," Kate said.

Sam gave her a high-five.

"Both of you are a pain in the ass." Dean said.

Jess patted Kate. "It is okay, Katie. You are my favorite."

Dean turned and leaned on the wall. "Better watch those two, Sam. She'll have Jess dragged into the fire with her."

Jess winked at Kate. "I support you, Kate."

Bobby shook his head. "Idjits." He joined Marie and Rod and left the kids to argue.

Sam grabbed the lottery ticket for Dean and handed it to him.

"Ah, Sammy, you didn't need to get me anything." Dean said.

"I'm just keeping with traditions." Sam said, teasingly.

"I didn't get you anything." Dean said.

Jess scoffed. "He has me, what more could he want?"

Sam nodded in agreement.

Dean sat down and used the edge of his knife to scratch off the silver coating of the card. He laughed. "It's my lucky day. Look."

Sam grinned. "300 dollars isn't bad."

Dean clapped him on the back. "Thanks. Lacy and I had a little something planned for my birthday but the plan could do with some upgrades."

Sam wondered if it was luck or if that was what Taylor intended for him to get. Sure, 300 dollars was nice but was it enough to walk back through time for?

In general, they had decided not to exchange gifts. Kate and Taylor couldn't think of anything they wanted and were just happy to have a Christmas as a family.

Taylor stood on a fence railing and ruffled the mane of one of the horses. He was deep in thought and having trouble getting the nerve to talk.

John leaned against the fence and let Taylor think.

"Um, are you going to get back on the road from here?" Taylor asked.

John nodded. "I've got a lot of work to do."

Taylor sighed and chewed his lip. "This summer, when school is out... do you think maybe I could go on a few of those jobs?"

John shifted so one of his feet was crossed over the other. "You could play one of those summer sports or hang out with your friend."

Taylor hung his head. "I wasn't raised into this like Kate was. I can read and listen to stories but it isn't the same. I want hands-on experience."

"You are thirteen." John reminded him. "You have plenty of time to be a kid."

"Maybe." Taylor said and got off the fence.

John stopped him again. "Speak."

"We have had angels and demons coming after us, just because of who... or what we are." Taylor said. "Sure, things are quiet right now but I let my guard down at the Roadhouse. I'm not blaming myself. I am just stating the facts. We were given the option to grow up normally and not become hunters but we are being hunted. I think it is irresponsible to pretend that everything is going to be okay. I will drop it and won't ask again if you say no but I think that I need the experience."

John mulled it over. "Okay."

Taylor's eyes widened. "Wait, really?"

John nodded. "You made some good points."

Taylor stood up straighter. "Thank you."

"You don't have to be back at school until after new years. I can take you on the hunt I'm leaving for first and then you can go back to Bobby's." John offered.

Taylor stammered and finally spat out that he was grateful for the opportunity.

John put a hand on his shoulder. "Stand up straight and try that again."

Taylor tilted his head.

"You were confident enough to ask in the first place. If you are going to be learning to hunt, you need to learn to trust yourself and not stutter." John said.

Taylor's face turned red. He straightened his shoulders. "Thank you for the opportunity. I would like to go with you."

John clapped him on the back. "There you go."

Taylor was at ease when he went back into the house. He poured himself a cup of cider to warm his face.

Dean asked John what was going on.

"He is going to leave with me. I will drop him off or you will come get him before school starts back." John said.

Dean leaned back and yelled toward the kitchen. "How'd you manage that one?" He grunted and held his head when John smacked him.

Sam laughed. "I told you that you are being replaced." He got a smack to the head as well and rubbed his head while giving Dean a smirk.

Kate wanted to ask if she could go too but she knew the answer would be no. She understood but it also frustrated her. Taylor needed time with a father figure but... well, so did she. She grew up with a dad, kind of. He was never abusive like Craig was. He wasn't always there but neither was John. She was happy for Taylor. Taylor needed to feel like he belonged. She kept her mouth shut so she didn't ruin his good news. Maybe Dean would take her hunting.

Dean caught the look on Kate's face and knew trouble was brewing in that head of hers. "Bobby, when are you taking Jo back?"

Bobby shrugged.

"Kate and I could take her." Dean offered.

"I'll call Ellen." Bobby said.

Andy stumbled back inside, frozen solid. He had a huge grin on his face and stepped into the house.

Caleb grabbed the back of his coat. "Don't track snow in." He helped Andy get his jacket and boots off.

April looked at him. "How did it go?"

Andy grinned brighter. "I did it!"

"He barely needed any help. He's a natural." Caleb said.

Marie clicked her tongue. "Let me run you a warm bath."

Andy shivered and held onto Caleb's hand as he peeled his wet jeans off.

Caleb pulled his own boots and coat off and picked Andy up. He carried him to the bathroom and grabbed an extra set of clothes.

April traded with Caleb and handed Ian off.

Ian was cranky and sleepy.

Caleb patted his back. He got him changed and worked on getting him to fall asleep.

Ian was having none of it. He wouldn't lay down in his crib and made his opinions on naps known.

Caleb smirked and carried him to the kitchen. "Bobby, you are needed."

Bobby grumbled and held Ian. He rubbed circles on his back and slowly calmed him down.

Caleb leaned against the door facing. "What is his deal with you?"

Bobby shook his head. "I don't know."

Ian did have a distinct attachment to Bobby. No one could get him to sleep quicker than him.

April got Andy cleaned and dressed and back into the living room. "Where is the baby?"

"With Bobby." Caleb said.

April checked on him. "He's asleep."

Bobby smirked proudly.

"Would you mind putting him in his crib?" April asked.

Bobby carried him to the bedroom and placed him in the crib. He patted his back when he stirred and shut the door when he left.

"Maybe Ian is your long-lost grandson that you didn't know about." Kate said.

Bobby chuckled. "That would be a little hard since I don't have any kids."

"You never know." Kate said.

Bobby patted her arm and sat down. "I know."

Marie worked on the 'big meal' and got it all done for that afternoon. She gathered everyone into the dining room and expressed her gratitude that they chose to spend the holiday with her and Rod.

"This is the best Christmas ever." Andy said. He reached for a roll and got a gentle smack on the hand from Caleb.

Marie eyed Caleb. "You let that baby eat all he wants to."

Andy grinned and snatched the roll from the plate.

Caleb chuckled. "You have to eat more than just bread."

Time slipped by and John announced that he needed to get on the road. Festivities were over and he needed to get to a job.

Taylor was sad to leave but happy that John was taking him. He hugged everyone and promised Marie that he would be around more often.

Dean gave him a pep talk on his way to the truck. "I'm happy you are getting to hunt but he isn't as flexible as I am. If he says jump, you jump."

Taylor smiled. "Yeah, I know."

Dean squeezed his shoulder. "You don't want to screw up a hunt. Trust me."

Taylor gave him an uneasy look. "I won't."

"You're a good kid. Have fun." Dean said.

John looked over the truck at Dean. "Stop hazing him."

Dean scoffed. "I'm not."

John gave him a look and got into the truck. "Let me know when you drop Jo off and when you get back to Bobby's."

Dean nodded. "Yes, sir." He waved them off and went back inside.

Kate was slightly appeased by being able to take Jo back home. She felt like she was going to miss out on hunting but Jo was cool. They had things to discuss anyway.

"Jo, Kate, we will head out early tomorrow morning." Dean said.

Sam patted Jess's leg. "We will have to head out tonight if we want to make it back to do Friday night dinner with your parents."

Jess groaned. "We could just feign car trouble and stay here."

Sam smiled. "I don't want to be on their bad side."

Jess nudged him. "Come on, what happened to the Sam Winchester I hear so many stories about? Where is the rebellious side."

"He is only rebellious when given orders." Kate said.

Sam rolled his eyes. "Like you are much better."

"Oh no. She is way worse. She rebels even when not given an order." Dean said.

Kate scoffed. "The more you pick on me, the more determined I am to make things difficult for you."

Dean hugged her. "You know you are loved."

Kate scrunched her nose. "Meh."

Marie chatted with April while everyone else was in the living room. "If you ever need a break, I'd be more than happy to look after the boys."

April sighed. "That is so nice of you."

"I mean it. I miss when my kids were little. I miss when Taylor was little." Marie said.

"Thank you. I'm sure Andy will run me ragged this summer." April said.

"Well, you have Caleb on your side." Marie said.

April fidgeted with her bracelet. "He loves him so much."

"Andy?" Marie asked.

"Yes. He has been so happy. I couldn't give him that kind of happiness." April said.

Marie patted her hand. "Does that bother you?"

April blushed. "No. Of course not. I just feel like I failed somewhere. I promised my sister that I would take care of him. I made so many bad decisions and he was at risk. I got lucky with this arrangement. I love him with every bone in my body."

"You are his mom. You are his safe place. You are going to get the brunt of the attitude and lip. Caleb is new still. Both of my kids listened to Rod better than me. Just keep doing what you're doing." Marie said, comfortingly.

### ###

Dean woke up the next morning and turned the car on to warm up. He had no shame in taking the stack of containers that Marie demanded that they take with them. "Jo, Kate, get a move on."

Kate snarled and pulled a beanie over her head. "We aren't on a time crunch."

"Ellen expects Jo back soon." Dean said.

Kate rolled her eyes. "She will understand if we get there ten minutes later than expected."

Dean counted to ten in his head. He looked at Jo. "Did she sleep last night?"

Jo shrugged.

Kate hugged Marie and Rod and thanked them for everything.

Jo did the same.

Dean tossed towels in the floorboard of the impala. "There, now snow won't flood the floor."

Kate got into the backseat and shut the door. She opened her notebook and started to draw.

Jo wanted to chat with Kate but she didn't look like she was in the chatting mood.

Dean pulled the car onto the road. "Do you mind calling your mom and letting her know we are headed out?"

Jo called Ellen. "Hey, mama. Yeah, we are headed that way. Yes, mom. I will update you." She smirked. "She says to drive safe."

Dean huffed. "I always drive safe."

Ellen grumbled. "Tell him he better because he has my daughter in the car."

Jo relayed the message.

Dean took the phone from Jo's hand. "Even if she wasn't in the car, I drive safe. I love baby too much to risk wrecking her."

"I know you have a lead foot, Dean." Ellen said with a smile.

"Uh, yes ma'am I have been known for that." Dean said.

"Just get my girl back here in one piece." Ellen said.

Dean blushed. "Yes ma'am." He hung up and gave Jo the phone.

Jo laughed. "You clammed up in a hurry."

"Shut up." Dean said and looked back out the window.

Kate started a sketch of something she didn't know. That is usually how it worked. She could plan out drawings of people and places but some things came to her like a blurred photograph. She'd draw and let her mind fill in the blanks and details.

Dean was concerned with Kate's mood but didn't want her to snap. She had been in a twist since John said he was taking Taylor. However, it could be anything that set her off. It could be a vision or memory. He'd wait until Jo was out of the car before making her talk about it. Although, maybe Jo would make a nice shield. Kate would be less likely to mouth off if Jo was around. He looked in the rearview mirror. She was drawing. Good, he'd let her draw.

Andy didn't want to leave Marie's house. He had fun and she was nice. "Can we stay longer?"

"No, buddy. We have to get back to our house." April said.

Andy whined. "Why?"

"We stayed our two nights. We have to get back home."

"But why?" Andy whined.

Marie decided to step in before Caleb had to. "You can come back another time. Unfortunately, I have work to do too. I have to get all of this put away and then I have to get back to the organization I work with."

Andy frowned. "We can come back soon?"

"Yes but you are going to have school. You'd have to come back during one of the breaks. Listen to your mom, okay?" Marie said.

Andy sighed. "Okay." He hugged her and put on his shoes.

Caleb carried Ian outside and put him in his car seat. He returned for the bags and put them in the back of the truck along with the bike and other large items. He secured the cover over the bed of the truck and motioned for Andy to get in the truck.

Andy reluctantly left the house and got in the truck. "When we get home, can we ride around the block on my bike?"

Caleb looked at the time. "If it isn't late. If it is too late or too gross outside, I can take you another day."

Andy was okay with that answer. He buckled his seatbelt and sat back. He gave Ian one of his toys and grabbed one of his own.

Sam and Jess left that morning too, followed by Bobby.

Marie was saddened by the sudden emptiness of the house. It was quiet but some of the Christmas cheer was left in her heart. "We need to do this more often."

Rod smiled and hugged her. "I'd be okay with that."

### ###

Taylor fell asleep with his head rested against the window. He woke up when John smacked his arm. He blinked. "I'm awake."

John gave him a biscuit to eat. "We will get a motel room tonight. We have to get where we are going."

Taylor looked around. "Where are we?"

"Wyoming." John said.

Taylor yawned. "What are we hunting."

John handed him his journal. "Read."

Taylor read through John's notes. "What are you thinking it is?"

"You tell me." John said.

Taylor licked his lips. He filtered through the information he had on supernatural creatures. "Is it a ghost?"

"Look again." John said.

Taylor pinched the bridge of his nose. "Wyoming is known for hauntings. It is also known for ancient Native American burial grounds. Is there one of those where we are going?"

John nodded.

"So, why are we going?" Taylor asked.

John turned his head and eyed Taylor.

"Whole tribes were slaughtered. Settlers wiped out these places. If a Native ghost is haunting the place, why should we get rid of it?" Taylor asked.

John studied him for a moment. He wasn't being disrespectful. "People are dying. Maybe the people that wiped out the tribe deserved to die but not the people that are dying now."

"What is the plan?" Taylor asked.

"Put some thought into it, Taylor." John said.

Taylor swallowed. Maybe Dean's warning was needed. "Uh, do we know if it is a spirit or a curse?"

John nodded.

Taylor read back over the information. "It is a cursed object!"

John nodded again. "So what do we do?"

Taylor rubbed his head. "We need to find the object and destroy it."

"So how are we going to do that?" John asked.

Taylor sighed. "I have no idea."

John gave him a small smile. "That is what you will learn with experience."

Taylor let out a breath. "Oh."

John shook his head and kept driving. Taylor was going to need to get over his fear of failure. It would hold him back. "Follow my lead and we will get the job done."

"Yes, sir." Taylor said.

### ###

Kate couldn't get out of her funk. She covered four pages front and back with intricate lines and sketches. Her hand was cramping and her neck hurt from looking down at her notebook.

Dean slowed the car. "Are either of you hungry?"

Jo said that she could eat.

Kate didn't respond.

Dean sighed and stopped at a burger joint. "Let your mom know we stopped." He tapped on Kate's window. "We are going inside."

Kate registered what he said and got out.

"Are you okay?" Dean asked.

Kate scoffed. "Yeah, why?"

Dean sighed. "You have been distant and off."

"I'm fine." Kate said and tried to walk by him.

Dean groaned. "Do not lie to me. If you don't want to talk right now, fine. Don't lie to me though."

Kate growled. "I said I'm fine."

Dean rolled his eyes and let her go. He didn't understand why she hid things and didn't talk to him. He'd give her the chance to work through it and ask her about it later.

Jo saw what Dean did and was worried about her friend. When they went to the restroom she tried to talk to her. "Kate, what is wrong?"

"God, nothing." Kate said.

Jo grabbed her arm and pinned her against the wall. "Bullshit and you know it. Now, you can ice Dean out because he's authoritative and nosey. You aren't going to ice me out though. I am your friend and if no one else is going to sympathize with you or understand you, I will."

Kate tried to push her away but Jo was bigger than she was. "Let me go."

Jo didn't let her go. "Talk to me."

Kate's eyes flashed blue. "Let me go."

Jo growled. "Fine, dig your hole as deep as you want."

Kate shoved her back and stomped out of the bathroom and slammed herself into a chair.

Dean got a look at Jo's face and groaned. Kate wouldn't even listen to her.

Kate picked at her food. Her head was elsewhere and she didn't even know why she was so irritated.

Once they were back in the car he turned around. Obviously, Jo had tried talking to her so he didn't need to wait for privacy. "What is wrong?"

Kate glared at him. "Nothing."

Dean smirked. "Well, if it is nothing then you shouldn't have the attitude you have right now."

Kate's eyes flashed blue again.

Dean sighed. "If you are upset over Taylor going with dad, I get it. If this is irritability because you have a vision-type itch you can't scratch, I get it."

Kate just looked out the window.

"Katie, come on. Please talk to us." Jo said.

Kate shrugged and looked out the window.

Dean pressed his forehead against the steering wheel. "Okay, so here is the deal. I'm not going to drive back from the Roadhouse with you glaring and growling."

Kate glared at him. "So leave me there."

Dean snorted. "No, I'm not going to do that. You have until we get there to decide if you want to talk or not. If you are still set on not talking, I'm sure Ellen wouldn't mind us borrowing their apartment."

Kate's eyes snapped to Dean. "That isn't fair."

"Your choice." Dean said. "Either way you are going to talk."

Kate fought the urge to kick the seat.

Jo pleaded with her friend one more time. "Katie, I can put earphones on. I'm understanding though."

Kate opened her notebook and started drawing again.

Dean tapped Jo. "Leave her be." He hated that he knew her so well. She'd get so irritated that she couldn't see straight. There was no reasoning. There was no bribing. She'd wind up in hot water and break down after getting her ass kicked. Then, she'd spill and regret that she tried to manage it on her own. In that way, she was like Sam. Sam would push buttons and realize he was in over his head but wouldn't stop because he was too stubborn. Dean never understood it.

Kate couldn't make sense of her drawings. That made her angrier. She couldn't think straight. She wanted to spill and let Dean put her back together but she didn't know where to start. It was stupid and she hated herself. One day, she'd be able to manage her abilities better. She ran her fingers down her thigh as it tingled.

Dean got on the road and headed to the Roadhouse. He just hoped Kate acted out of character and talked before she broke.

Kate drew but the itch in her leg made the drawings sloppy. Dean told her to talk to him if she ever felt like hurting herself but Jo was in the car. Nothing tragic had happened and she felt stupid. She felt of her knife and bit her lip. She leaned forward so Jo and Dean couldn't see. She reasoned that she could get her mind clear and tell them what was on her mind. Then, she could avoid butting heads with Dean at all. She drew her blade across her hand and wiped it on a paper towel. The itch left her leg and her brain cleared. She wiped her hand and shoved the paper towel into her pocket. She went back to drawing. It was easier that time. She felt moisture on her leg after a while and pulled checked her water bottle beside her. She held her breath and turned her hand over. It wasn't healing. She squeezed her eyes shut and swore silently. Jo was right, she just had to dig that hole deeper.