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.

9. I Won't Back Down

Chapter 9: I Won't Back Down

The Impala creaks to a stop in front of a run-down motel sign that flickers dimly in the night. The only other light is the dull glow from a lone streetlamp nearby. The motel's parking lot is nearly empty, save for a few sketchy vehicles that don't look like they've moved in weeks.

Dean kills the engine with a tired grunt and leans back in his seat, eyes scanning the surroundings. Sam's already unbuckling his seatbelt, looking less than thrilled about the location.

"This place looks... charming" Sam says as he opens the Impala door.

They both get out of the car, stretching their stiff limbs after hours of driving. Dean glances over at the front office where a half-sleepy clerk watches them from behind a dirty glass window. The place feels abandoned—creepy.

They spot Annie near the ice machine, her face tired and tense. She doesn't notice them at first, and Dean briefly hesitates, watching her gather ice into the bucket. He can't help but feel a flicker of concern under his usual jaded exterior.

"Got her," Dean says, more to himself than to Sam, already starting toward her.

As they approach, Annie sees them and immediately scowls. As she reaches the door to her room, she pulls out the key and quickly opens it, stepping inside attempting to shut the door behind her. But before the door can click shut, Dean's foot wedges into the doorframe with a quick, practiced move, preventing it from closing completely.

"Not so fast" he says, calm but firm.

"Really? You two just don't know when to quit, do you?" Annie says, her tone harsh. "I'm fine. Go home."

Dean shrugs, the usual "whatever" vibe in his voice. "Sure, fine. But you're gonna be a pain in the ass about it, huh?" He stands there for a moment, foot still blocking the door. "Whatever, we'll leave. You do your thing."

Annie glances at him, her expression softening just slightly. She doesn't say anything more, but there's a shift in her eyes—maybe a tiny bit of trust, or maybe just acceptance of the fact that they won't leave.

Sam steps forward, offering a small, supportive smile. "You shouldn't be out here alone. You need to come back with us, to the Bunker. We can help you. Let us help you." He stands firm, not giving up. "Annie, this isn't about pity. We're not leaving you like this. It's not safe, and we're worried about you. You don't have to go through this alone."

With a reluctant gesture, she waves her hand toward the open door as if to say come in. It's not an invitation, but more like a surrender. "Fine, come in."