Beneath the Surface

by goodbyefarewellfriends

Annie was a hunter, a lone one. Once, she wasn't, but the world had taught her to rely on no one. She'd heard the rumors about the Winchesters, but had no interest in meeting them—until one night, when their paths crossed. The brothers couldn't quite figure her out, and something about her left an impression they couldn't shake.

8. Stand By Me

Chapter 8: Stand By Me

The Impala cruises down the highway, passing neighboring motels as Dean and Sam scan the roads for any signs of Annie.

"You know, I don't get it," Sam says, looking up from his phone.

Dean glances over from the road. "Yeah? And what's that?"

"You're all kind of… worked up about Annie. I mean, she left, but you've been off since Cas told us," Sam says, watching Dean's reaction.

Dean sighs and shrugs. "It's not that deep. I just don't get why she took off like that when she's hurt. We helped her, didn't we? Then she just walks right out the door without saying a word. Doesn't sit right."

"Yeah, but that's not it," Sam presses. "You're not just frustrated that she left. There's something else going on."

Dean hesitates, his eyes flicking to Sam before returning to the road. "I don't know, Sam," he tries to deflect. "I just feel like we're supposed to be the ones who help her."

Sam furrows his brow, his tone soft but probing. "You or we?"

"It's not something I can explain. It's just a gut feeling, alright?" Dean bites back.

Sam leans back in his seat, still trying to piece it together. "A gut feeling, huh? Okay."

Dean nods, Sam's questions starting to bother him. "Yes, I know it sounds dumb, but I can't shake it. Every instinct says if we let her go, everything will go sideways. You're always saying we should look out for signs on hunts and stuff. I know this isn't a hunt, but, you know, it's… the same."

Sam smirks at Dean's response. "You know, it's usually me who acts like this. I'm the one who gets attached quickly."

"Oh, trust me, I know," Dean says, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Sam laughs, but there's an underlying seriousness as he continues. "But you're not normally like this, man. You're not the one who jumps headfirst into helping someone you barely know."

"I know," Dean admits, rubbing his hands over his face. Frustration builds as he struggles to explain. "I don't know what to tell you, Sammy. It's like we have to help her. Like we're supposed to. You know?"

Sam considers for a moment before nodding. "Well, if you're in, then so am I."

"Serious?" Dean asks, glancing at him.

"Yeah," Sam replies. "If you think we need to help her, then I'm with you. No questions asked."

Dean gives a small nod, his attention shifting back to the road. Together, they keep their eyes peeled, searching for any sign of Annie in the dim light of the highway.