July 11th-15th, 2005
Lorelai watched as Dean disappeared into the bathroom, the door clicking shut behind him. Her shoulders tensed, nerves humming beneath her skin. She was alone with John Winchester. One of the infamous hunters Aurors warned against. He had a reputation that put hers to shame as far as not playing nice with otherswent, coupled with a distrust of anything supernatural, friendly or not. And here she was, an undercover witch in his son's motel room.
Talk about awkward situations. This was the definition of what she'd been looking to avoid. Or one of them, anyway.
Lorelai risked a glance over at John. He was casually leaning back in his chair, regarding her with a mix of amusement and scrutiny. Like a cat toying with a mouse before pouncing.
Fucking hell, it was too early in the morning to be dealing with this. Hungover and without coffee no less.
She straightened her spine, meeting his gaze head-on. She wouldn't cower or act ashamed. What happened between her and Dean was no one's business but theirs.
"You can take a seat, you know," John said after a moment, gesturing to the chair opposite him. "Unless you'd rather stand there waiting."
Lorelai hesitated. Her instinct was to keep space between them, but she was overreacting. And even if she weren't, it would only arouse more suspicion… or make her look weak. Neither of which were acceptable. So reluctantly, Lorelai crossed the room, dropping into the chair Dean had vacated and doing her best to seem at ease even as her whole body tensed.
"So," John drawled. "You and Dean seem...close."
Lorelai pressed her lips together. To date, she hadn't managed to bring herself to actually talk about what was going on between her and Dean with even her closest friends, much to Olivia's frustration… hell, she'd hardly discussed it with Dean… his dad was the last person she felt like having this conversation with.
"We've been hunting together some," she said neutrally. It was mostly true, she reasoned, but John's eyes narrowed. In all fairness, there was a certain level of perception needed to really be a good hunter. And fuck if she knew what Dean had said while she'd been taking her own shower.
"Dean doesn't usually partner up."
"Me either," Lorelai admitted with a shrug. She wasn't going to apologize for how things had developed between her and Dean, even if she was still figuring it out herself. Apologizing wasn't exactly her way.
"Hmm." John didn't seem convinced. His fingers drummed once on the table. "And hunting together led to...this?" He gestured vaguely around the room. Lorelai felt her cheeks warm but met his gaze steadily.
"I don't see how that's any of your business...sir." She managed to tack on the honorific, but only barely. John's eyebrows shot up. She felt like a damn teenager again. Her inability to mind what she said had always gotten her into trouble then too. To this day, Lorelai counted her lucky stars that Molly and Arthur Weasley had already known her a couple of years before she'd started dating their son. They'd already been used to her rough edges by then.
"He's my son."
"He's an adult. What he does is up to him."
John looked mildly impressed, like she'd exceeded some low expectation. It made Lorelai want to hex him. But she swallowed the urge, threading her fingers together tightly in her lap.
After a tense moment, John leaned forward, arms braced on the table. His eyes were flinty.
"Let me be clear. My boys are the most important thing in this world to me. Their safety comes first, no matter what." His voice was low, resonating with restrained power. "If you do anything to compromise that, we're going to have a problem."
Lorelai bristled, hackles raised at the implied threat. As if she would ever hurt Dean intentionally. Now, however, was not the time to lose her temper.
"Dean's a big boy," she bit out. "He can handle himself. We watch each other's backs just fine."
"Oh, I'm sure you do," John said wryly. Lorelai clenched her jaw, holding back a scathing retort. There was another tense beat, and when Lorelai didn't fold, John sat back with a sigh, his features softening marginally.
"Look, I can tell my boy cares about you," he admitted gruffly. "But this life we lead...it's a lonely one. People like us, we can't afford distractions or attachments." Regret flashed across his face, there and gone so quick she almost missed it. "I just don't want Dean to get hurt."
Lorelai looked down, throat tight. She understood John's sentiment all too clearly. Keeping people at arm's length had become second nature to her long ago, to the point that her twelve-year-old sister had called her out on running scared a matter of weeks ago. It was just safer that way. A lesson she'd learned the hard way more than once.
But Dean...somehow, he'd slipped right through those walls of hers. Made her want things she'd sworn off. The thought of losing him twisted her gut.
"Dean's a big boy," she repeated, quietly this time. "He can make his own choices. I won't apologize for being one of them." She met John's gaze evenly once more. "But I'd die before I let anything happen to him."
John searched her face, and upon seeming to find whatever he was looking for in her eyes he gave a single nod. The set of his shoulders loosened slightly.
"That's all I can ask."
Silence fell between them, heavy but not as tense as before. Lorelai fidgeted with a loose thread on her shirt, thoughts churning. She couldn't deny John had a point. Her life didn't lend itself well to relationships. Hell, Dean still didn't even know the truth about her. It was hard not to wonder again what the hell she was thinking. One or both of them was going to get hurt, one way or the other. So why was she letting this continue?
John cleared his throat, drawing Lorelai's attention back to him. His expression had softened further, a hint of understanding in his eyes.
"You've lost someone before, haven't you?" he asked quietly.
Lorelai stiffened, caught off guard by the question. It was too on-the-nose… made her feel seen in a way she didn't want to be.
"What makes you say that?" she asked carefully. John's lips quirked in a sad smile.
"Takes one to know one. I recognize that look in your eyes. The one that says you know exactly how much it hurts to lose someone you love."
Lorelai swallowed hard, fighting back the wave of memories threatening to overwhelm her. Fred's laughing face, the warmth of his embrace, the devastating emptiness when he was gone. She took a steadying breath.
"Yes," she admitted softly. "I have."
John nodded, understanding passing between them. "It changes you," he said. "Makes you wary of getting close to anyone again."
"And that's why you're so… protective… of Dean?" Lorelai posed, only just managing to stop herself from saying overprotective. Stifling came to mind too, but Lorelai suspected that was more her baggage talking.
"My wife... Dean's mother... she was taken from us. By something evil." His fists clenched on the tabletop. "I've spent every day since then trying to keep my boys safe. To make sure they're prepared for whatever's out there."
Lorelai felt a pang of sympathy, despite herself. She could relate all too well to that driving need to protect the people you loved, to try and shield them from the darkness in the world. He hadn't mentioned the driving need he felt for vengeance, but Lorelai knew his file well enough to know that was a close second as far as John's motivators went, and she could relate to that too.
"I'm sorry," she said softly. "I can't imagine how hard that must have been." John waved off her sympathy, but his posture relaxed slightly.
"It is what it is. We do what we have to." He fixed her with another searching look. "Which brings me back to you and Dean. This thing between you... is it serious?"
Fuck, she needed coffee. Or a drink. Or the floor to open up and swallow her whole. She wasn't ready for this.
"I... care about him," she said finally. "More than I probably should, given our line of work. But I'm not looking to tie him down or change who he is. We both know the risks that come with this life."
John nodded slowly, considering her words. Lorelai prayed to whatever force was at work he'd let it drop, but of course, her prayers never seemed to be answered.
"And if things go south? If one of you gets hurt, or worse?"
Lorelai's throat tightened. It was a fear that haunted her, one she tried not to dwell on.
"Then we'll deal with it," she said, more confidently than she felt. "But I'm not going to sit around and let my fear of what might happen dictate my life."
It was a sentiment that once upon a time had been true. These last few years it had been grossly untrue, but Lorelai still clung to the idea that she was stronger than that. The ghost of a smile crossed John's face.
"You sound just like him, you know that?" Lorelai blinked, surprised.
"Like who?"
"Dean," John said. "He said almost the exact same thing about you earlier."
Warmth and guilt bloomed in Lorelai's chest in equal parts at the thought. John chuckled, shaking his head, while she tried to push the swell of emotions down.
"You two are more alike than I'd have guessed." he continued on. "Stubborn as hell, the both of you." Lorelai allowed herself a small laugh.
"You have no idea."
The tension between them had eased considerably, but Lorelai could still sense John's wariness and the alarm bells in her own head were still blaring. She was getting better at ignoring those, though, and so she tried to focus on John. She didn't blame him. In his position, she'd probably be just as protective… and in this case, her guilty consciousness reminded her he wasn't entirely wrong for not welcoming her with open arms.
"Look," she said, leaning forward slightly. "I know you don't know me, and you have no reason to trust me. But I promise you, I would never intentionally put Dean in danger. His safety is just as important to me as it is to you."
The words came to her easier than anything else she'd said, and she figured it was because they were completely true. John studied her for a long moment, his expression unreadable, until finally, he nodded.
"I believe you," he said gruffly. "But intentions aren't everything in this line of work. Sometimes the people we care about get caught in the crossfire, no matter how hard we try to protect them."
Images flashed through Lorelai's mind: her shield charm failing as the corridor exploded, crumbling the castle wall on Fred while they were all sent flying… Mark forcing her away from the middle of the action in the Department of Mysteries only to be cut down in a flash of green light moments later… the fragmented and distorted memory of her mother being tortured until she was bloody and broken on the floor…
Lorelai pushed them away forcefully, back into that box she kept shut in protection of her own sanity.
"I know," she said quietly. "Believe me, I know. But that doesn't mean we stop trying."
John's eyes softened slightly. "No," he agreed. "I suppose it doesn't."
They lapsed into silence once more and Lorelai could hear the shower running in the bathroom, Dean's off-key humming barely audible through the thin walls. The normalcy of it made her chest ache with a longing she couldn't quite name.
"So," John said after a moment, his tone lighter. "Tell me about this Chupacabra case you two are working on. Dean filled me in a bit, but I'd like to hear your take."
Grateful for the change in subject, Lorelai launched into an explanation of the evidence they'd gathered so far. As she spoke, she could see John's demeanor shifting, his hunter's instincts kicking in. He asked pointed questions, his eyes sharp as he absorbed the information.
Lorelai felt something ease in her chest. This was territory she was comfortable in. And it didn't escape her attention that it was territory John seemed more comfortable in too. She was suddenly grateful for the hour or two she and Dean had talked through everything in the car yesterday after she'd finished digging through his research.
"Sounds like you've done your homework," he said when she finished. Lorelai caught the hint of begrudging approval in his voice.
"I like to know what I'm up against," she shrugged. John nodded.
"Smart. Too many hunters these days think they can just charge in guns blazing and figure it out as they go. That's a good way to get yourself killed."
Lorelai couldn't help but agree. It was her biggest complaint with the rookies MACUSA tried to stick her with.
"So what's next?" John asked. "How are you going to track this thing down?"
Discussing the case helped her continue relaxing further. She could talk shop with the best of them, and John knew his shit. It was confirmation she didn't need of what she'd already heard.
They were still deep in conversation when the bathroom door opened and Dean emerged in a cloud of steam, hair still damp, and skin flushed. Relief rushed through Lorelai at the sight of him. No matter how complicated things were, she was undeniably drawn to this man. His eyes immediately sought her out, a small smile tugging at his lips when their eyes met.
"Everything okay out here?" he asked, his tone light but his eyes searching as they flickered between Lorelai and his father. John nodded, leaning back in his chair.
"Just getting to know each other," he said casually.
Dean crossed the room, pausing to drop a kiss on the top of Lorelai's head before settling on the bed. The casual affection made Lorelai's heart flutter, even as she marveled at how at ease Dean seemed now compared to earlier.
"Awesome. So," Dean said, his gaze shifting to his father. "You said you're sticking around to help with the Chupacabra?" John nodded again.
"Might as well," he said. "Been a while since I've tangled with one of those bastards."
"Should be fun," Dean grinned, a hint of excitement eking through his voice while John pushed himself to his feet.
"I'm gonna go grab a room," he said. "Meet you two outside in ten to grab some breakfast?"
"Sounds good," Dean agreed. John headed for the door but paused with his hand on the knob. When he turned back his gaze settled on Lorelai and she resisted the urge to fidget.
"It was nice meeting you," he said, his tone gruff but sincere.
Lorelai managed a small smile.
"You too, sir," she replied.
As the door closed behind John, Lorelai let out a long breath, some of the tension finally leaving her body. She slumped back in the chair, running a hand through her hair.
"Well," she said, her voice slightly shaky, "that was... awesome."
Dean leaned forward, resting his forearms against his lap while his eyes scanned her face. She knew he'd caught the sarcasm, and she knew he was reading the panic setting in, even as she did her best to mask it.
"You okay?" he asked softly after a moment. Lorelai nodded, but it was a waste. Dean knew better, and the next thing she knew he was reaching out, grabbing her hand and tugging. Despite it all, Lorelai found herself moving willingly. She let him pull her between his legs, and sank down to sit on one while he wrapped an arm around her waist, keeping her close.
"I know that wasn't exactly how you planned on the morning going… or meeting my dad," he said, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "Hell, it wasn't how I planned it either."
Lorelai let out a humorless chuckle. The truth was she' hadn't been planning on meeting John Winchester, period.
"Gee, you think?" she quipped instead. "Pants would have been a big improvement." Dean winced sympathetically.
"Yeah, that wasn't great," he conceded. "But hey, at least you made an impression, right?"
Lorelai let out something between a groan and a laugh as she dropped her head against Dean's shoulder.
"Oh yeah, exactly the impression I was aiming for. Nice to meet you, sir. I'm the half-naked woman corrupting your son." Dean laughed, trying to stifle it when he dropped a kiss to the top of her head and smoothed a hand over her hair in what she was sure was meant to be a comforting gesture.
"Trust me, sweetheart, if anyone's doing the corrupting here, it's me, and my dad's seen worse." Lorelai sighed, a smirk tugging at her lips, and she turned her head so that her face wasn't buried anymore. Dean sobered a bit, his thumb mindlessly tracing circles on her upper-arm. "Seriously though, Lor. Are you okay? I know this is a lot."
Lorelai hesitated. The honest answer was no, she was not fucking 'okay.' Saying yes to Dean when he'd asked her to come here instead of retreating to New York as planned had been terrifying enough. Now here she was, stuck in Blairsville, GA, still making peace with the most recent development between them, trying to work herself up to accepting the inevitability of what letting Dean in further meant, only to be confronted with the reason she'd been so insistent on keeping him at arm's length in the first place. Not to mention the fact that she didn't do relationships, let alone meeting family.
But there was a voice in her head that irritatingly pointed out her anxiety surrounding John Winchester wasn't necessarily rational at this point. For starters, she knew how to blend with Muggles. She felt pretty confident she could get through the hunt without revealing her magic. She'd been keeping it from Dean for how long at this point? And he had a lot more access than John did. And then there was the question of what happened even if John did figure it out? Her safety wasn't a concern, never had been. Dean's reaction? Yes, that's what she was afraid of, but there was that inevitability she was still struggling with. She was going to have to tell him eventually, and Lorelai strongly suspected the reaction was going to be whatever it was at this point, regardless of the when.
And as far as not being the relationship type went… the uncomfortability with meeting his family… that wasn't exactly fair either. They'd been involved for a far shorter time when Dean had been ambushed by George and Katie in Tullahoma, with no warning. Granted, he'd been dressed at least, but she was still sure it hadn't been ideal. Dean, she knew, had even less experience than she did navigating relationships, and he'd taken all of it in stride anyway.
So instead of complaining, Lorelai took a deep breath, trying to steel herself.
"Yeah," she breathed. "I'm fine… it's just… a lot."
Dean nodded, continuing to let her lean against him.
"I get it. And I'm sorry. I wouldn't have sprung this on you. If I'd known he was coming…" But Lorelai shook her head against him.
"It's not your fault," she murmured. "You didn't know."
There was a moment of silence, heavy with unspoken words. Lorelai fidgeted with the hem of her shirt, trying to quell the wave of anxiety threatening to drown her despite the voice that had tried to rationalize it all for her. That fight or flight instinct of hers was strong, and while it was typically dialed unnervingly into fight, right now she was finding the urge to flee nearly impossible to drown out.
"Dean, maybe I should head home," she said quietly, hating herself even as the words came out. "Give you guys some space to work the case." Dean's grip on her tightened slightly.
"No, Lor. C'mon. Don't do that. Don't… this was good… you coming out here. Don't go home."
Lorelai finally lifted her head again, her bottom lip caught beneath her teeth, eyes meeting his with a conflicted expression.
"Dean, I'm not… I'm not cut out for this. I don't know how to do the whole family… thing. And I don't want to get in the way."
Dean shook his head, and Lorelai tried to ignore the emotions she could see swirling in those green eyes of his.
"You're not in the way," he told her firmly. "And you don't have to be 'cut out' for anything. It's just my dad, Lor, and we ain't exactly conventional. He's not expecting you to be anything other than who you are." Lorelai couldn't help but snort.
"What, a fucked-up twenty-something that hunts monsters that doesn't know how to play nice with others or handle normal human interactions, let alone meeting my… whatever you are's father."
"Your 'whatever I am,' huh?" Dean parroted back, his lips quirking up at the way she stumbled over how to define their relationship. "That's a new one."
Lorelai groaned and dropped her head again, covering her face.
"Shut up," she complained, feeling her cheeks heat. "You know what I mean." And the next thing she knew Dean had her chin in his hand and he was gently lifting her head back up, forcing her to meet his gaze.
"Yeah, I do," he admitted gently. "And I'm cool with it, I don't need a label. But Lorelai, I… I like having you here. With me. I wouldn't have asked you to tag along if I didn't, and my dad showing up doesn't change that."
Lorelai's breath caught in her throat at the vulnerability in Dean's voice and she searched his face, finding nothing but sincerity there. The all-too-familiar guilt began churning in her stomach and she knew she was done for.
"I like being here with you too," she admitted softly. "I just... I don't want to screw this up."
Dean's smile was warm, his thumb brushing across her cheek. That damn smile of his was enough to make her do almost anything these days it felt.
"You won't," he told her. "We're in this together, remember? Partners."
Lorelai let out a shaky breath and leant into his touch. It was the closest thing to a label, as Dean had said, she'd been able to verbalize.
"Partners," she echoed. A nagging voice she didn't have time for in that moment reminded her that partners implied she was going to have to deal with the paperwork Nick had tried to force on her sooner rather than later. She pushed the thought away, though, reasoning she at the very least had until she got back to MACUSA before she had to process that.
Dean leaned in a moment later, brushing his lips against hers, and her mind went frustratingly blank.
"So, what do you say?" he asked as he pulled away. "Stick around? Help us gank this Chupacabra before we get you back for your sister?"
There was only half a beat of hesitation, the warm feeling his kiss left her with doing more than it should have to dispel her nerves, and Lorelai nodded.
"Yeah, okay. I'm in. Let's do this."
Relief flooded Dean's features just before he kissed her again, deeper this time, but still not for very long. And this time when he broke it off he held her close, letting her nestle her head under his chin. She felt the cord of his necklace press against her face while the smell of his soap invaded her senses.
"Thank you," he murmured into her hair. Lorelai nodded against his chest, her arms tightening around his waist.
As they sat there, wrapped in each other's embrace, Lorelai tried to quiet the voice in her head that whispered this was a bad idea. She told herself she could handle this, that she could work the case and keep John at arm's length. It would be fine.
It had to be.
The rest of the day, as well as the next, passed in a blur of research and reconnaissance. Lorelai found herself hanging back more than usual, trying to keep her distance from John while still contributing to the case. It was a departure from how she'd typically handle things, but Lorelai reasoned it was safer. The less time she spent around John, the less likely she was to slip up and reveal something she shouldn't.
Even from a distance, however, she couldn't help but notice the difference in Dean's demeanor.
It was subtle but striking. The easy-going, wise-cracking, sarcastic hunter she'd been falling head over heels for was gone, replaced by a more serious, almost rigid version of him. And for all their talk of being partners, that seemed to have vanished too. Around John, there was no joint decision making. He barked orders, and Dean followed them without missing a beat, his usual cocky demeanor replaced by an almost military-like obedience. And while Lorelai found herself bristling under John's drill sergeant tendencies, constantly biting her tongue to keep from snapping and her skin crawling every time she heard Dean give a crisp 'Yes, sir,' Dean didn't seem to think anything of it.
"Dean, I need you to check out the livestock reports from the surrounding counties," John barked, not looking up from the map spread out on the motel room table. "Lorelai, why don't you take a break? We've got this covered."
It was around lunchtime that second day, a little over twenty-four hours since John had made his surprise appearance. The three of them were gathered in his room, still trying to figure out where the Chupacabra was likely holed up. Lorelai bit back a retort, her jaw clenching as she watched Dean immediately move to comply with his father's orders. Moments before she'd tried to suggest cross-referencing the reports with local weather patterns, but apparently her input wasn't needed.
"Sure thing," Dean replied, reaching for the stack of crap she'd printed out at the library earlier that morning. Lorelai caught his eye, raising an eyebrow in silent question, but he just shrugged, offering her a small, apologetic smile.
Frustrated and feeling increasingly out of place, Lorelai retreated to the small kitchenette area, busying herself with making a fresh pot of coffee. She could hear John and Dean discussing strategy behind her, their voices low and focused. It was clear they had a well-established rhythm, honed over years of working together. Lorelai felt like an intruder, watching from the outside.
The aroma of the coffee was a small comfort as it began to drizzle out into the pot, but Lorelai still found herself longing for her wand. Tracking the damn Chupacabra with magic would be easy, and the sooner they could wrap up the case the sooner she could put all this bullshit behind her. But of course, using magic wasn't an option. Not with John around, and certainly not with Dean still in the dark about all of it.
The thought sent a fresh wave of guilt washing over her. She hated lying to Dean, hated the growing chasm of secrets between them. But she still wasn't ready to face the alternative, and the last twenty-four hours with his dad hadn't done anything to make her feel better about how the reveal was going to go. If anything, it had only further convinced her she was right in expecting the worst whenever she did tell him.
"Hey," Dean's voice broke through her reverie. He'd come up behind her, close enough that she could feel the heat radiating off his body. "You okay?"
Lorelai plastered on a smile, turning to face him.
"Yeah, fine. Just... needed a caffeine fix."
Dean's brow furrowed, concern evident in his eyes, obviously not buying it. A moment later he sighed, loosely threading his fingers through hers.
"Look," he began, "I know my dad can be a bit... intense. But he means well."
Lorelai bit back a sigh. It wasn't just John's intensity that was bothering her, but she couldn't exactly voice her true concerns. Instead, she shrugged, aiming for nonchalance.
"It's fine, Dean. Really. I'm just not used to working with a team, that's all."
Dean's expression softened, and he drew her in for a chaste kiss.
"I know. But hey, you're doing fine. And you and me, we make a pretty good team, right?"
The words didn't ring as true the way they had yesterday, but the easy affection in his touch still made Lorelai's heart clench. She leaned into him despite all of it, allowing herself a moment of comfort.
"Yeah," she murmured. "We do."
Dean's lips quirked into a smile, and he leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.
"It'll get easier," he promised. "Just... give it time, okay?"
Lorelai nodded, not trusting herself to speak. As Dean returned to the table where John was still poring over maps, she couldn't shake the feeling that things were only going to get more complicated.
Predictably, it was later that evening that things came to a head, the tension that had been simmering beneath the surface finally boiling over. Lorelai was sprawled on the bed in her and Dean's motel room, idly flipping through some local newspaper clippings while Dean got ready to go stake out a location with his father. It was something they'd discussed earlier; a lead Lorelai thought was a waste of time.
"You sure you don't want to come with us?" Dean asked as he checked the clip in his gun. Lorelai shook her head, not looking up from her papers.
"Nah, you guys go ahead. I'll hold down the fort here."
Dean paused, studying her for a moment and Lorelai could sense his own frustration hitting some kind of ceiling.
"Why don't you want to come?" he asked.
"I still think this is a wild goose chase," Lorelai tossed back flippantly, still not looking up but noticing Dean holster his gun from the corner of her eye. "The reports from that area are sketchy at best. We'd be better off focusing on the ranches to the north."
Dean sighed, running a hand through his hair.
"Look, I know you don't agree with the plan, but my dad's been doing this a long time. He knows what he's doing." Lorelai felt a flare of irritation she couldn't bit down.
"And I don't? Dean, I've been hunting just as long as you have. My opinion should count for something!"
"No one said it didn't! But what's it hurt to check this out?" Lorelai huffed but bit her tongue. They'd already had this argument and she didn't feel like having it again.
"Like I said, you go. I'll see you in the morning."
There was a moment of silence between them, and Lorelai could feel the weight of it as Dean stood between her and the door. He didn't have much time, Lorelai knew he had to meet John, but she wasn't about to make this any easier.
"Lorelai, what's going on?" he finally asked. The gentle tone of his voice caught her off guard and Lorelai found turning her head to meet his eye despite herself. He was looking at her imploringly, and Lorelai felt uncomfortable with where the conversation was heading. So she shrugged, breaking eye contact when she did.
"Nothing's going on. I'm fine. Just… focused on the case."
Dean sighed, and she felt the bed dip a moment later as he moved to sit on its edge.
"C'mon, Lor, I'm not an idiot. I can tell something's wrong. Talk to me. What's going on?"
Lorelai looked at him again, biting her lip as she picked at one of her cuticles. She wasn't normally one to mince words, but it was different with Dean. And that alone was terrifying.
"It's just... this whole thing with your dad. The way you are around him. It's... different," she finally said. Dean's brow furrowed immediately.
"Different how?"
Lorelai sat up, setting the papers aside. His lack of awareness wasn't at all encouraging but now that she'd started talking it was like she couldn't hold the words back.
"You're like a completely different person, Dean," she vented. "All 'Yes, sir' and following orders without question. It's not like you."
Dean's jaw tightened, a flash of something Lorelai couldn't quite identify crossing his face.
"Seriously? What do you want me to say, Lor? My dad's tough but he's got his reasons, and his way of doing things keeps us alive. So yeah, when he says something, I listen. It's called being a good son."
Lorelai scoffed, unable to help herself.
"No, it's called being a good little soldier. There's a difference."
The moment the words left her mouth, Lorelai knew she'd struck a nerve. Dean's eyes flashed, his posture stiffening.
"You don't know what you're talking about," he said, his voice low and tight.
Lorelai held up her hands placatingly. "Dean, I didn't mean-"
"No, you did," Dean cut her off, standing abruptly. "You meant exactly what you said. But you don't get it, Lor. This is how we work. It's how we've always worked."
Lorelai stood as well, frustration bubbling up inside her.
"And that makes it okay?" she shot back. "Dean, you're not some kid anymore. You're a grown man, a damn good hunter in your own right. You don't have to just fall in line every time your dad snaps his fingers."
Dean's eyes narrowed, his hands clenching at his sides.
"You don't know anything about me and my dad, Lorelai. Don't pretend like you do."
The use of her full name stung, and Lorelai felt her own temper flaring.
"Maybe I don't. But I know you, Dean. And this? This isn't you."
They stood there, tension crackling between them, neither willing to back down. Finally, Dean's phone buzzed, breaking the moment. He glanced at it, his jaw clenching.
"I've got to go," he said, his voice clipped.
Lorelai nodded stiffly, crossing her arms over her chest. "Right. Wouldn't want to keep Daddy waiting."
Dean's eyes flashed again, but he said nothing, moving to grab his jacket. As he reached for the doorknob, Lorelai felt a pang of regret.
"Dean, wait," she called out. He paused, not turning around. Lorelai sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have... that was out of line."
Dean's shoulders sagged slightly, and he turned to face her. The anger had faded from his eyes, replaced by a weariness that made Lorelai's chest ache.
"Yeah, well... maybe you're not entirely wrong," he admitted quietly. "But Lor, this is... it's complicated. My dad, he's..."
"I know," Lorelai said softly, closing the distance between them. "I get it. Well, I don't, not really. But I shouldn't have pushed. It's none of my business."
Dean looked conflicted, even as his eyes searched her face.
"We okay?" he asked. She didn't feel okay, but Lorelai gave him a small smile anyway.
"Yeah, we're okay. Go on, get out of here. Don't keep your dad waiting."
Dean hesitated for a moment before pulling her into a hug. Lorelai went willingly, breathing in his familiar scent.
"We'll talk more when I get back, okay?" Dean murmured against her hair. Lorelai nodded, squeezing him tightly before stepping back.
"Be careful out there," she said. Dean flashed her a crooked grin, some of his usual spark returning to his eyes.
"Always am, sweetheart."
With one last lingering look, Dean slipped out the door, leaving Lorelai alone with her thoughts.
The next morning, Lorelai woke before Dean, the events of the previous night and the last two days still weighing heavily on her mind. She glanced over at his sleeping form, taking in the dark circles under his eyes. He'd gotten in late, long after she'd fallen into a restless sleep. She'd stirred long enough to curl into him, his arms immediately slipping around her waist, but there'd been nothing else said between them.
Carefully, so as not to wake him, Lorelai slipped out from between the sheets. The air felt cool relative to the warmth of the bed and raised goosebumps on her skin while she changed into her running gear. She needed to clear her head, work out some of her aggravation… and running was probably the healthiest way she could think to do that.
The sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon as Lorelai set out, her feet pounding a steady rhythm against the pavement. The Impala and John's truck were both still in the parking lot, but Lorelai assumed John was still asleep too. There wasn't much activity at all outside, something she was grateful for given that she really wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone. In fact, she was quite happy to let her mind wander as she ran, trying to sort through the jumble of emotions swirling inside her.
The motel they were staying at may not have been much, and Blairsville may have been a letdown of an experience, but Lorelai had to admit the area itself was rather breathtaking. The town was quaint, with a lot of old, Southern charm, but the surrounding wilderness was what really called to her. There was a trail through the woods she'd stumbled across while they'd been narrowing down possible places the Chupacabra could be that was perfect to run along. It was about halfway through that she came to a small clearing that overlooked the water. It reminded her distantly of the cliffside clearing off her favorite running trail when she'd been Lytton, and Lorelai slowed to a walk, deciding she could take a breather and grab some water before turning back around.
She dropped onto a large bolder, deliberately situating herself behind a grouping of trees. Then, after ensuring she was truly alone, Lorelai subtly drew her wand, waving it once to conjure a water bottle and again to fill it with water. She was taking a long pull from it when her phone buzzed, and Lorelai fished it out, her chest easing when she saw it was only a text from Nick.
Just checking in on the Chupacabra. Got your report on the water wraith. You've been subpoenaed on the Dallings case. Ezra's got some remains he's stumped on if he hasn't already called.
Lorelai felt the corner of her mouth twitch up as she began to type back, confirming she'd be back in the office on Monday and making a mental note to call Ezra when she had a moment away from the Winchesters. Some things never changed.
She hit send and leaned back against the tree, closing her eyes and tilting her face up towards the warming sun. Part of her wished she could just stay here, in this peaceful moment, and forget about the complications waiting for her back at the motel. But she knew that wasn't an option. So with a resigned sigh, Lorelai pushed herself to her feet and set off again, her pace slightly less frantic than before.
By the time she approached the motel, Lorelai was feeling marginally better. The endorphins from her run had helped clear her head somewhat, even if they hadn't solved any of her problems. And when their room came into sight, Lorelai spotted a familiar figure leaning against the Impala. Dean straightened as she approached, two cups of coffee in his hands.
"Thought you might need this," he said in way of greeting, holding out one of the cups. Lorelai accepted it gratefully, inhaling the rich smell.
"You're a lifesaver," she murmured, taking a sip. The hot liquid burned pleasantly as it slid down her throat and Dean's lips quirked up in a small smile.
"Least I could do. Listen, Lor, about last night..." But Lorelai shook her head, cutting him off.
"Dean, it's fine. We don't have to-"
"No, we do," Dean insisted. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have snapped at you like that. You were just trying to understand, and I... I got defensive."
Lorelai's eyebrows rose slightly. She hadn't been expecting an apology, especially not so soon, and especially when she'd started it.
"I'm sorry too," she said softly. "I shouldn't have pushed. It's not my place to judge your relationship with your dad."
That same conflicted look was back, but Dean still nodded.
"It's just... complicated, you know?" he said after a moment. "My dad, he's... he's not perfect. But he's done the best he could. And this life, it's..."
"Dangerous," Lorelai finished for him. "I get it. Really, I do." Dean reached out, his hand coming to rest on her hip.
"I know you do. That's why... that's why I want you here, Lor. You get it in a way most people don't."
Lorelai leaned into his touch, her free hand coming up to rest on his chest.
"I want to be here too," she admitted quietly. It wasn't entirely true… the truth was she wanted to be with him, but it was the closest to the truth she could bring herself to say.
They stood like that for a moment, the early morning sun warming their skin, the scent of coffee mingling with the crisp air. Finally, Dean broke the silence.
"So, we good?" he asked, a hint of uncertainty in his voice.
Lorelai nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Yeah, we're good," she agreed, the sentiment feeling a lot more genuine than it had the night before.
Dean's answering grin was bright enough to rival the sun. He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her lips. Lorelai melted into it, savoring the taste of coffee and something uniquely Dean.
When they broke apart, Dean rested his forehead against hers.
"You should probably grab a shower," he murmured. "Dad wants to meet up in an hour to go over what we found last night."
Lorelai nodded, stepping back reluctantly.
"Yeah, okay. I'll be quick." As she turned to head into the motel room, Dean called out after her.
"Hey, Lor?" She paused, glancing back over her shoulder.
"Yeah?"
Dean's expression was soft, a warmth in his eyes that made Lorelai's heart skip a beat.
"I'm really glad you stayed."
Lorelai felt a smile spread across her face, unbidden.
"Me too, Dean. Me too."
The next day found Lorelai still on edge but feeling marginally better as she leaned against the hood of the Impala. She and Dean hadn't really resolved anything, but he'd at least been making more of an effort to find opportunities to partner up with her away from John, and it had made a difference. She'd been trying to do a better job of not letting John and Dean's dynamic bother her, reminding herself that at the end of the day, it truly was none of her business. It still unnerved her, but she figured that unless she actually wanted to define what place they held in each other's lives, she could butt out.
Currently, she and Dean were on their way to check out another patch of woods, one that looked promising based on activity the night before. They'd stopped to grab lunch, and Dean was inside double-checking directions with a local before they hit the road again. The Georgia heat was oppressive, even in the shade, and Lorelai could feel the sweat beading at her hairline. She was questioning her decision to wait outside, contemplating ducking back in, when her phone buzzed in her pocket.
To her surprise, Nolan's name was on the caller ID when she dug the phone out, and Lorelai couldn't stop the smile that spread across her face as she flipped it open.
"Well, if it isn't my favorite brother," she drawled. "To what do I owe the pleasure?" Nolan's warm chuckle was coming through the line before she'd even finished speaking.
"Careful there, sis. Don't let the others hear you playing favorites," he said, though they both knew it was no secret amongst their siblings that they were in fact each other's favorites, even if Lorelai questioned it in recent years. Now, though, she snorted.
"Please. As if any of them could compete with our charming wit and devastating good looks."
"Flattery will get you everywhere," Nolan quipped. "How's the States treating you? Still hot as hell over there?"
"Hotter," Lorelai groaned. "I'm in Georgia right now, and I swear, I'm melting. How's London? Still dreary and damp?"
"Always," Nolan replied. "Though we've had a few sunny days. Katie's been loving it."
At the mention of their younger sister, Lorelai felt her smile softening, a warm feeling spreading in her chest.
"How is the little nerd?" she asked affectionately. "Driving you and Jane up the wall yet?"
"No, though I'm sure that's in spite of your influence and not because of it," he said. "She's over at Harry and Ginny's right now. We'll all be sad to see her leave."
"Tough shit," Lorelai told him quickly. "I need my partner in crime back."
"Don't worry, I wouldn't dare think of keeping the dream team apart. Speaking of," Nolan segued, "that's actually why I'm calling. Just wanted to confirm we're still on for Saturday? I'll bring Katie home, and maybe we could grab lunch or dinner or something while I'm there?"
Lorelai's eyes flitted back to the building for a moment. There was no way she was pushing Katie's return home out, but it was Thursday. They needed to finish up tonight or she was going to have to duck out tomorrow to keep everything believable. Dean knew she had to be back on Saturday, and it was a thirteen-hour drive back to NYC.
"Yeah, Saturday's still good," she confirmed. "And dinner sounds great," she added, trying not to feel too hopeful. She couldn't remember the last time they'd gotten together for a meal that didn't involve some sort of family obligation. "Just us, though, right? No Jane?"
Nolan sighed. "No, no Jane. I promise."
"Good," Lorelai agreed, unable to keep the relief out of her voice. "Because I love you, but I might have to disown you if you subject me to her company again."
"Lorelai," Nolan started, a warning in his tone, but Lorelai cut him off.
"I know, I know. I'll play nice. Just... keep her on your side of the pond, yeah?"
"And what exactly are you going to do on vacation? You know Jane's coming right?"
"Fuck, don't remind me," Lorelai complained. "There's a reason I finagled my way into the guest house this year."
Nolan groaned. "You know, it wouldn't kill you to try and get along with her. She's not that bad."
"Not that bad?" she scoffed. "Nolan, you can hardly stand her. She's a soul-sucking, catty, joy-killing harpy who -"
She broke off as she spotted Dean approaching, his brow furrowed in confusion at her animated conversation. Lorelai smiled, even though her momentary distraction had given her brother the opportunity to cut her tirade short.
"That doesn't change the fact that your antagonizing doesn't bloody help anything. I swear, the pair of you drive me mental."
"Look," she said into the phone as Dean drew nearer, "we can debate the merits - or lack thereof - of your wife another time. For now, let's just focus on Saturday, yeah?"
"Fine," Nolan conceded, though she could still sense the tension. "But this conversation isn't over. And you know, it wouldn't kill you to call more often, either. I miss you, even if you are a pain in my ass."
Lorelai rolled her eyes, even though Nolan couldn't see her. Dean, however, looked amused, sliding an arm around her waist as he drew level.
The truth was she missed Nolan too, but she wasn't about to admit that to him. It was then that she realized he'd lost his place on the very small list of people she was willing to let her walls down around, and that epiphany felt like a gut punch.
"Yeah, well, maybe if you hadn't married a harpy, I'd be more inclined to call," she quipped instead.
The corners of Dean's mouth quirked up in amusement and Lorelai shifted the phone away from her mouth while Nolan launched into what she was sure would be more lecturing about giving it a rest with Jane. Catching onto what she was doing, Dean leaned in to press a quick kiss to her lips in greeting. Lorelai didn't hesitate to deepen it, tangling her free hand in Dean's short hair, pulling him closer as her tongue swept across his bottom lip.
Dean made a surprised noise in the back of his throat but quickly caught on, his hands coming to rest on her hips as he returned the kiss with equal fervor. In her ear, Nolan's voice grew more exasperated.
"...and honestly, Lorelai, do you have to be so bloody difficult about this? I swear, sometimes it's like you enjoy making things harder for everyone..."
Lorelai broke away from Dean, unable to suppress a grin at his dazed expression. She brought the phone back to her mouth, cutting off Nolan mid-rant.
"What are you, new? When have you ever known me to hold my punches? I'm sure as hell not about to start now."
"You're impossible, you know that?"
"And yet you love me, and you'd be lost without me anyway," Lorelai reminded him. "Look, I've got to run. But I'll see you Saturday, yeah? Text me the details."
"Yeah, alright," Nolan sighed. "Take care of yourself, Lorelai. Try not to cause too much trouble, yeah?"
"No promises," she laughed. "Love you, big brother."
"Love you too, brat," Nolan replied fondly before hanging up.
Lorelai pocketed her phone, turning her attention back to Dean. He was watching her with a mix of amusement and curiosity.
"Everything okay?" he asked, nodding towards her phone. Lorelai gave him a wry smile, drawing him back against her for another brief kiss.
"Yeah, just Nolan. Checking in about bringing Katie home this weekend."
"That explains the harpy comment," he chuckled. "You weren't exaggerating when you told me how much you hated your sister-in-law, were you?"
"Not even a little," she snorted. "I see you were paying attention."
"Kind of hard not to," Dean said with a grin. "You're not exactly subtle when you're annoyed."
"Yeah, well… what can I say?" she shrugged. "Jane brings out the worst in me."
"She sounds like a real piece of work. But hey, at least you've got Katie coming home soon, right?"
Lorelai's expression softened again at the thought, and she nodded.
"Yeah, I'm looking forward to it. I've missed her."
Dean smiled, his green eyes crinkling at the corners while he smoothed a thumb over her cheek and slid his hand from her waist to the small of her back.
"I know you have. I'm sure she's missed you too." Lorelai nodded, and Dean dipped his head for a final kiss before taking a step back.
"So, did you get what you needed?" she asked, walking around to the passenger side while Dean pulled out his keys and headed for the driver's. He caught her eye and nodded, an easy grin spreading across his face.
"Of course I did. Let's just hope this goes better than the last few places we checked out."
Lorelai couldn't help but silently agree, her patience with the case wearing thin as they climbed into the car.
As they drove, the scenery gradually shifted from small-town storefronts to dense forest. The air grew cooler as they ventured deeper into the woods, the canopy overhead blocking out much of the afternoon sun. Eventually, Dean pulled off onto a narrow dirt road, the Impala bouncing slightly as they navigated the uneven terrain. After a few minutes, he cut the engine, the sudden silence almost deafening.
"This is as far as we can drive," he said, reaching for his gun. "We'll have to go the rest of the way on foot."
Lorelai nodded, double-checking her own weapon before climbing out of the car. The forest air was thick with the scent of pine and damp earth, and she took a deep breath, centering herself. Dean came around to her side, his expression serious.
"Alright," he murmured. "Let's see what we can find."
They armed themselves with the usual array of weapons before setting off into the dense underbrush. Lorelai kept her senses on high alert, eyes scanning the forest floor for any signs of their quarry.
As they pushed deeper into the woods, the silence grew oppressive. There were no birds chirping, no rustling of small animals in the undergrowth. It was as if the entire forest was holding its breath. Lorelai was reminded of the deeper portions of the Forbidden Forest.
"Dean," Lorelai whispered, reaching out to grab his arm. "Look."
She pointed to a nearby tree trunk. Deep gouges marred the bark, too large and evenly spaced to be from any normal animal. Dean crouched down, running his fingers over the marks.
"Definitely not your average bear," he muttered.
They continued on, finding more signs of the creature's presence - tufts of coarse hair caught on brambles, unusual tracks in the soft earth. With each new piece of evidence, Lorelai felt her certainty growing. They were on the right track.
It was nearly an hour later when they stumbled upon what they'd been searching for. The ground sloped sharply downward, revealing a small ravine. At the bottom, partially hidden by overgrown vegetation, was the mouth of a burrow.
"Bingo," Dean said softly, a note of triumph in his voice.
They made their way carefully down the embankment, approaching the burrow entrance with caution. The stench hit them before they even reached the opening - a nauseating mix of rotting meat and something distinctly animal.
"Oh, that's lovely," Lorelai gagged, pulling the collar of her shirt up over her nose. Dean grimaced.
"Yeah, I'd say we found our guy's home sweet home," he agreed.
They peered into the darkness, but it was impossible to see more than a few feet in. Dean pulled out a flashlight, sweeping the beam across the entrance. The light glinted off something just inside - a pile of bones, picked clean and discarded. Even from a distance, Lorelai was pretty sure some of them were human, but she kept the observation to herself.
"Well, that's reassuring," Lorelai muttered instead, and Dean nodded grimly.
"Looks like our Chupacabra's been busy."
They spent the next half hour carefully examining the area around the burrow, gathering what evidence they could without venturing inside. For a moment they debated the merits of going in - they couldfit, at least it looked like they could, and given that the thing was nocturnal, logic dictated the Chupacabra was likely sleeping, which would be an advantage. They didn't know what they didn't know, though, and venturing into the thing's home seemed shortsighted. There was no need to give it any more of a home court advantage than it already had.
"We should head back," Dean said finally, wiping sweat from his brow. "Let my dad know what we found, come up with a game plan for tonight."
Lorelai nodded, relief washing over her at the prospect of getting out of the stifling heat and away from the overwhelming stench. As they made their way back to the car, she found herself dreading the night ahead. Not because of the hunt itself - that, at least, she was confident in her ability to handle. No, it was the prospect of working alongside John Winchester that had her stomach in knots. At least, she reasoned, the end was in sight, and it looked like they'd be done before she had to leave for Katie.
The drive back to the motel passed in companionable silence, both of them lost in their own thoughts, music playing from the radio like always. When they pulled into the parking lot, Lorelai spotted John's truck parked in front of his room.
"You want to come with me to fill him in?" Dean asked as they climbed out of the car.
Lorelai hesitated. Part of her wanted to beg off, to retreat to the relative safety of their room. But she knew that avoidance wasn't going to solve anything.
"Yeah, sure," she said, forcing a smile. "Let's do it."
John answered the door on the second knock, his eyes sharp as he took in the dirt, grime, and sweat they'd managed to come back covered in.
"Find something?" he asked, stepping aside to let them in.
Dean nodded, launching into a detailed account of what they'd discovered. Lorelai hung back, content to let him take the lead. She watched John's face as Dean spoke, noting the way his expression shifted from skepticism to grudging approval.
"Good work," John said when Dean finished. "Sounds like you've found our guy's hidey-hole."
"So what's the plan?" Dean asked, leaning against the wall. "We go in after dark, catch it when it comes out to hunt?"
John nodded.
"That's the idea. We'll need to be careful - Chupacabras are nasty sons of bitches when cornered."
"We've dealt with worse," Dean said confidently but John's eyes flicked to Lorelai.
"You up for this?" he asked. His tone was neutral, but Lorelai still bristled at the implication that she might not be. She kept her voice steady, though, instead of rising to the bait.
"Of course. It's not my first rodeo."
John studied her for a moment longer before nodding. "Alright. We'll head out around sunset. Get some rest, both of you. It's gonna be a long night."
As they left John's room, Lorelai felt some of the tension leave her shoulders. It hadn't been as bad as she'd feared, but there was still an undercurrent of wariness that she couldn't quite shake.
"You okay?" Dean asked as they reached their own room. Lorelai managed a small smile.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just... ready to get this over with, you know?"
Dean nodded, understanding in his eyes.
"Yeah, I get it. But hey, by this time tomorrow this thing should be six feet under and we should be home free."
His easy confidence was infectious, and Lorelai found herself relaxing slightly.
"Yeah, you're right. We've got this."
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the motel parking lot, Lorelai felt the familiar thrum of anticipation coursing through her veins. This was what she lived for - the hunt, the adrenaline rush that came with facing down something bad and taking it out. It was almost enough to make her forget the tension of the past few days.
They met John by the cars, going over the plan one last time before setting out. The drive back to the woods was quiet, each of them lost in their own pre-hunt rituals. Lorelai found herself running through spells in her head, cataloging which ones might be useful if things went sideways. It was second nature by now, even if she couldn't actually use them with the Winchesters around. She moved on from that to cataloguing the weapons she'd stashed on her person.
The forest seemed even more ominous in the fading light. Shadows danced between the trees, and every rustle of leaves had them on high alert as they found the ravine and approached the burrow. Quietly, they took up positions around the entrance, weapons at the ready.
The wait was interminable. Lorelai's muscles ached from holding still for so long, and she had to fight the urge to fidget. She kept her eyes peeled, watching for any sign of movement.
It was nearing midnight when they heard it - a low, guttural growl that sent shivers down Lorelai's spine. She tightened her grip on her gun, heart pounding in her chest.
Despite only having seen pictures before, in textbooks and case studies, there was no mistaking the creature that emerged. It was roughly the size of a large dog, but its body was hairless, its skin a mottled gray-green. Its eyes glowed an eerie red in the darkness, and when it opened its mouth, Lorelai caught a glimpse of razor-sharp fangs.
For a moment, everything was still. Then, chaos erupted.
John fired first, the sound of his shotgun echoing through the trees. The Chupacabra let out an unearthly shriek, wheeling around to face its attacker. Lorelai and Dean opened fire as well, but the creature was fast - impossibly fast.
It lunged at John, who barely managed to dodge out of the way. Lorelai saw an opening and took it, emptying her clip into the beast's flank. It howled in pain and fury, turning its attention to her.
Time seemed to slow as the chupacabra charged towards her. Lorelai's mind raced, cataloging her options. She could feel her wand pressing against her ankle, hidden in her boot, but she knew she couldn't use it. Not here, not now.
Her hand had wrapped around the handle of a knife she'd stashed at her hip instead. The thing was going to lunge at her, which would give her a good shot at its heart. Hopefully she could take it and roll away before it landed.
Dean, however, had other ideas. Before the creature could reach her, he tackled it from the side, sending them both tumbling to the ground. They grappled in the dirt, Dean struggling to keep the Chupacabra's snapping jaws away from his throat.
"Dean!" Lorelai cried out, her heart in her throat.
John was there in an instant, his machete flashing in the moonlight. With one powerful stroke, he severed the creature's head from its body.
For a moment, the only sound was their heavy breathing. Then Dean groaned, pushing the creature's lifeless body off of him.
"Well," he said, his voice strained but tinged with humor, "that was fun."
Lorelai rushed to his side, helping him to his feet. Her hands roamed over him, checking for injuries.
"Are you okay?" she asked, unable to keep the worry from her voice. Dean nodded, wincing slightly.
"Yeah, I'm good. Might have a few new bruises, but nothing serious."
John approached, wiping his blade clean on a rag.
"Good work, both of you," he said gruffly. "Let's get this thing buried and get out of here."
As they worked to dispose of the creature's remains, Lorelai found herself stealing glances at Dean. The easy way he bantered with his father, the fluid grace of his movements even after the fight - it all served to remind her of why she'd been drawn to him in the first place.
By the time they made it back to the motel, exhaustion had set in. Lorelai's muscles ached, and she longed for a hot shower and her bed. As they climbed out of the car, John cleared his throat.
"Listen," he said, his eyes moving between Dean and Lorelai. "You two did good out there tonight. I know things have been... tense. But I want you to know, Lorelai, that I appreciate your help on this one."
Lorelai blinked, taken aback by the unexpected gratitude. It was the kindest thing he'd said since he'd gotten there, and if Lorelai were being honest, it didn't feel deserved. Her performance on this one had been lackluster at best, her nerves pushing her to hold back where she normally wouldn't have.
"Oh. Uh, thanks. I'm glad I could help."
John nodded, a ghost of a smile tugging at his lips.
"Alright, get some rest. I'll see you two in the morning before I head out."
As John retreated to his room, Lorelai felt some of the tension she'd been carrying for days finally start to ease. It wasn't a ringing endorsement, but it was something.
"See?" Dean cajoled, wrapping an arm around her waist. "Told you it'd be fine."
Lorelai leaned into him, allowing herself a moment of vulnerability.
"Yeah, yeah. Don't let it go to your head, Winchester."
The next morning dawned bright and clear, the Georgia heat already beginning to build as Lorelai and Dean made their way to the parking lot. John was there, loading the last of his gear into his truck.
"Heading out?" Dean asked, his tone casual but Lorelai could hear the underlying tension. John nodded.
"Yeah, got a lead on another case up in Tennessee. You two got plans?"
"Actually, I'm gonna drive Lor back to New York," he answered after a brief glance in Lorelai's direction. "Her sister's coming home tomorrow."
They hadn't talked about that, and it certainly wasn't necessary, but the fact that getting her home in time was on his mind was sweet. Lorelai watched something flicker in John's eyes - surprise, maybe, or curiosity. But he just nodded again.
"Alright. You be careful out there. Both of you."
He turned to Lorelai then, holding out his hand. "It was... interesting meeting you, Lorelai."
"Likewise, sir," she said, shaking his hand and unable to completely fight off the smirk that was making itself known on her face. And as John climbed into his truck and drove away, Lorelai felt a weight lift from her shoulders. She turned to Dean, raising an eyebrow.
"So, New York, huh?" she asked. "You know you don't have to do that. I can catch a train or something."
Dean rolled his eyes affectionately, ducking back into their room to start grabbing bags.
"So stubborn," he teased. "I know I don't have to, but I want to. It's not like I've got anywhere else to be."
Lorelai felt a warmth bloom in her chest at his words, even as she tried to tamp it down. She couldn't deny that the thought of spending more time with Dean was appealing, but the practical side of her brain was screaming about all the ways this could go wrong.
"Dean, that's sweet, but it's a thirteen-hour drive. You'd be wasting an entire day just to drive me home before going off on whatever hunt you line up next." Dean shrugged again.
"Actually, I was thinking we could stop halfway, blow off a little steam. Or more than halfway, we could probably make it up to DC, or Baltimore. Katie's not getting in until tomorrow, right?"
Lorelai bit her bottom lip and nodded slowly.
"Yeah, tomorrow afternoon," she confirmed, and Dean grinned.
"Great. So you and I can go drink ourselves stupid tonight, have one last hurrah, and I'll have you home in time for the kid, no harm no foul."
Despite her reservations, Lorelai found herself laughing. It was moments like these that made it so hard to keep her walls up around Dean. His easy humor, the way he could make her smile even when she was stressed... it was dangerously addictive.
"You're ridiculous."
"If by ridiculous you mean ridiculously irresistible, then yeah," he retorted and Lorelai snorted, shaking her head. She wanted to say yes, but there was still the problem of her apartment. She couldn't exactly invite him up when there was magic literally woven into the walls. And while she could theoretically find a way around that, the idea of lying to him even more made her stomach churn.
"I appreciate the offer, I really do," she said slowly. "But I don't want you to go out of your way. And besides, I've got to meet Katie at the airport. She and Nolan are flying in, remember?"
It was another lie, but it was a good enough reason to avoid her building.
"Yeah, I know," Dean agreed. "So I'll drop you at the airport, no big deal. You gotta stop worrying about out of my way, Lor. There is no out of my way. I go where I want when I want, and I drive everywhere anyway. C'mon, let me do this."
Lorelai hesitated. She was running out of excuses and the hopeful look in Dean's eyes was making it increasingly difficult to say no.
"Alright, fine," she conceded. "JFK it is. But you're letting me take care of wherever we stay tonight. And I need coffee before we hit the road."
Dean grinned and swooped her up into a hug, wasting no time in kissing her deeply.
"Deal. C'mon, there's that place on the way to the highway. If we get moving now, we can make it to Baltimore by dinner."
The sun was climbing higher in the sky as they finished loading the car, the heat outside already beginning to build. Lorelai slid into the passenger seat, the familiar leather cool against her skin. Dean settled in behind the wheel, his hands running lovingly over the steering wheel before he turned the key in the ignition.
The Impala roared to life, the rumble of the engine a comforting sound that Lorelai had come to associate with safety and... well, with Dean. As they pulled out of the motel parking lot, classic rock playing softly from the speakers, Lorelai felt a mix of excitement and trepidation settle in her stomach. There was no doubt about the fact that she was in uncharted territory, and she knew there were realities she was going to have to deal with soon. It would all be waiting for her on Monday though, and for now Lorelai was more than happy to enjoy the ride.
Another one down! This one ended up being longer than I anticipated, hopefully it came out alright. There's a chance that the update next week may be slightly delayed - there are some potential staffing issues this week at work that may be taking up a lot of my free time. Still aiming for a Sunday update though, and if it's delayed it shouldn't be by too much.
Hope you all enjoyed! As always, thank you so much for reading 😊
To the lovely guest that requested HP x Teen Wolf in the comments last chapter, I am extremely flattered. Unfortunately I do not know Teen Wolf, but I am leaning towards posting the HP story.
Thank you to all of you for your reviews - they bring the biggest smiles to my face! Thank you!