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Odessa, with a gleaming grin, snickered alongside Sam Winchester while they entered the suffused establishment. The Guardian comfortably evaded the intoxicated shoves and lustful gazes, merely pushing the stumbling men and woman away with a nudge. Her attire consisted of her usual color palette; charcoal and ashen grey, though she replaced her six-inch bondage boots with combat boots. Sam said something, she wasn't entirely sure because of deafening music playing over the speakers and the hundreds of clamored conversations, and her attention was directed elsewhere. Her eyes flickered from the mass of drunken adults to Dean Winchester's charming demeanor instantaneously. She looked. He was already staring. She motioned for him to follow both her and Sam to an empty table.

She perched herself on the stool beside Sam, watching as Dean ambled in their direction with a prideful expression. "I talked to the bartender." Odessa toyed with her necklace, eyeing the intricate designs embedded into the cadaverous gold. Sam was unfolding patches of cut-up newspaper, hazel eyes flickering back and forth as he read over the article. Sam's eyes remained on the article as he nonchalantly replied. "Did you get anything besides her number?" Odessa clenched her jaw, exhaling sharply.

Dean feigned an offended expression. "Dude, I'm a professional. I'm offended you would think that," He fumbled over his own words. Noticing both Odessa's and Sam's bland stares, his authentic grin revealed as he displayed the neatly written digits on a napkin. "All right, yeah." Odessa rolled her eyes, settling her elbows on the tabletop as she leaned forward.

"Thinking with your downstairs head already, and it's only 9:43," She teasingly pointed out. "Though it's I suppose it's fine because that's the only head you have that isn't hallow." Sam chuckled, and Dean glared while laughing mockingly. 

Fiddling with his napkin tainted with Sharpie, Dean shrugged. "There's nothing to find out. Meredith worked here. She waited tables. Everyone here is her friend. Everyone says she's normal. She didn't do anything or say anything weird before she died." Odessa pursed her lips into a thin line, sighing as the lack of evidence made the case much more burdensome. "What about that symbol? Did you find anything?" He asked.

Odessa raked her fingers through her hair, shaking her head 'no'. "Nada, absolutely nothing in your father's journal or the usual books. We're just gonna have to search a bit deeper." Dean's dazed expression as he peered down at the bartender's number was beginning to irk her, so with an innocent smile, she harshly kicked his shin. He winced, crumbling the napkin back into his palm and tossing it aside. "There was a first victim, right, before Meredith?" Dean questioned. Sam nodded, fumbling through the heap of folded newspaper and passages of messy handwriting from their father. 

"Right, yeah. His name was Ben Swardstrom. Last month he was found mutilated in his house," Sam said, handing Dean the newspaper. "Same deal. The door was locked. The alarm was on." Odessa peered over her shoulder, winking flirtatiously at a bundle of average-looking men. She wiggled her finger 'hello' and flashed them her notorious grin before returning her gaze back to the pile of papers. Dean was glancing at her questioningly, then behind her, scoffing before returning to his reading. "Is there any connection between them?" He asked.

"None that I could tell. I mean, not yet at least. Ben was a banker. Meredith was a waitress. They never met, never knew anyone in common. They were practically from different worlds." 

Dean scoffed once more, "So the only successful intel we've scored is the bartender's number." He smiled tightly, and Odessa rolled her eyes. She ruffled her lengthy waves, resembling spilled ink, and unzipped her leather jacket. Dean's verdant eyes shamelessly examined her revealing blouse and darkened emblems that were somewhat visible. "And we're gonna score some free drinks because of me." However, before she could pivot to charm her way into the men's pockets', Sam's attention was piqued and dashed to the middle of the bar. The brunette beauty halted, furrowing her brows as she and Dean looked at each other, perplexed with the youngest Winchester's behavior.

Grabbing their father's journal, Odessa turned to face Dean. "What was that about," She asked. Dean gave her a half-shrug. "Let's go find out." She jaunted across the room, bypassing the people and she reached Sam's side. The woman with pale skin and dark green eyes, pixie cut blonde hair was rambling about California and meeting some man Odessa never heard of. She eyed the woman, questionably and not judgmentally. Dean cleared his throat, hoping to capture either of their attention be introduced to the attractive blonde. Odessa quirked an eyebrow as the woman flirted with Sam candidly. 

Dean cleared his throat louder this time. Exasperated, the blonde woman glared harshly his way. "Dude, cover your mouth." Odessa snickered, and Dean looked taken aback by her attitude, mouth opening and closing. Sam glanced at his older brother. "Yeah, I'm sorry, Meg. This is my brother, Dean," Sam introduced as he motioned to Dean. "And this is my best friend, Odessa." Nearly a year traveling together, and Odessa still enjoyed being referred to as Sam's best friend. Though, Sam introduced Dean with an edge in his voice, chuckling nervously as he did so. 

Meg's mouth fell agape and her eyes widened momentarily. "This is Dean?" She clarified. Dean grinned proudly, however, her tone suggested he shouldn't appear so prideful. Sam nodded, mumbling a 'yeah'. "So you've heard of me?" Dean asked.

"Oh, yeah, I've heard of you. Nice—the way you treat your brother like luggage. Why don't you let him do what he wants to do," Meg's harsh glare transfixed on Odessa. "And why do you let him treat Sam that way? Don't you have him wrapped around your finger? Stop dragging him over God's green Earth." Odessa folded her arms across her chest. Her chin was held high, and both Sam and Dean witnessed Odessa argue and fight, Meg was going to be ruined. Odessa inched forward, mouth open to retaliate, but was stopped as Sam held his arm outward. 

"Meg, it's all right." The atmosphere altered drastically and Dean whistled. 

"Okay. Awkward. I'm gonna get a drink now," He sent Sam a bewildered look and grabbed Odessa's hand. "And you're coming with me." He dragged her away from Meg and Sam. "Last thing we need is you destroying her face in." 

Minutes must've gone by when Sam motioned for them leave the bar alongside with him. Trudging beside Dean, Odessa her arms fell back to her sides. "Who the hell was that?" She asked, not bothering to coax her annoyed tone. Dean hummed in agreement.

"I don't really know. I only met her once."

Odessa handed Dean his father's journal, to which he quickly put it inside his jacket. "Meeting up with her again? I don't know, man. It's weird." 

Dean scrunched his eyebrows together. "What was she saying—I treat you like luggage? Were you bitching about me to some chick?" 

Sam too appeared exasperated with the whole situation. "Look, I'm sorry, guys. It was when we had that huge fight when I was in the bus stop in Indiana. But that's not important—"

Odessa scoffed, "Was she telling the truth? Are we keeping you from accomplishing greater things, Sam?" She briefly wondered if he was aware there was nothing from stopping him, nothing to keep him from leaving. "No, of course not. Now, would you listen? I think there's something strange going on here, Essie."

"Yeah, tell me about it. She wasn't even into me." Odessa couldn't refrain from elbowing his side and grinned in satisfaction as he grunted.

"No, man, I mean, like our kind of strange. Like maybe even a lead," Both Odessa and Dean asked what he meant by that. "I met Meg weeks ago literally on the side of the road. Now I run into her in some random Chicago bar—I mean the same bar where a waitress was slaughtered by something supernatural. You don't think that's weird?" 

Odessa shrugged nonchalantly as she crossed her arms. "Stuff like this happens, Sam, I'm sure this is just some coincidence." She didn't understand why Sam was blowing this completely out of proportion, perhaps he was worried because a woman was vaguely interested in him, and he hadn't been with someone since Jess.

"Well, yeah, it happens, but not to us. Look, I could be wrong. I'm just saying there's something about this girl that I can't put my finger on." Both Odessa and Dean snickered, grinning like little schoolgirls. 

Dean tenderly nudged Odessa's side. "But I bet you'd like to. But maybe she's not a suspect. Maybe you got a little thing for her, huh? Maybe you're thinking too much with your upstairs brain, huh?" Odessa pursed her lips, clearing her throat as she realized she and Dean thought alike, maybe too much. 

Sam's thin lips revealed a ghostly grin. "Do me both a favor? Check and see if there's a Meg Masters from Massachusetts and see if you can't dig anything up on that symbol on Meredith's floor."

Odessa pinched her nose as she closed her eyes. "And what are you going to do?" 

"I'm gonna watch Meg." 

Dean laughed. "Yeah you are." Odessa's gaze narrowed and she scoffed, punching his abdomen gently. 

"I just want to see what's what. Better safe than sorry."

"All right, you little pervert," Sam protested. "We're going. We're going."

<<>>

Dean's attention was gathered from his bundles of folded newspaper, passages of poorly written descriptions, and illuminating computer screen as the click of the motel's bathroom florescent lights rang through the serene atmosphere.He raised his head. A darkened outline of Odessa's figure was partially visible in the murky doorway leading to the bathroom. She stumbled into view, and Dean's hands gripped the edge of the wobbly table tighter, eyes wide and his breathing became shallow. There she was, nonchalantly leaning against the wooden panels of the wall with drowsy eyes and head tilted. His over-sized flannel was draped over her physique and ink-black hair draped against her skin with tangles. Moonlight cascaded across her exposed golden skin, black lace lingerie woven to perfection. 

Her blackened emblems were outlined with precision and elegantly scattered across and above her torso. She lazily grinned, and Dean swallowed the lump lodged in his throat, Adam's apple bobbing as he scrutinized every faded scar, overshadowed rune, and every detail that appeared otherworldly. He wasn't sure how long she'd been resided inside the bathroom, he'd been too distracted by Sam's phone call and the symbol. Though that wasn't why he was bewildered. Exhausted and distressed, Odessa still managed radiate elegance and alacrity. She inhaled deeply, exhaling with a composed smile. She pushed herself off the door and ambled in his direction, head cocked indolently. Every step, every inch, made his heart thump increasingly brisker. 

Sharp and stimulated, Dean nearly flinched as Odessa's delicate fingers intertwined with his. Her hands weren't as smooth as he expected, they were calloused and evidence of several years of battle. With their close proximity, she reeked of tequila and whiskey, and Dean pondered on if she was having nightmares again. "Come lay down with me," She muttered. Her voice breathless and exasperated. "Just hold me." Dean blinked. There was surely an upside to this; holding an unclothed Odessa, but he'd never just held someone while they were undressed. Nonetheless, he disregarded the unfamiliarity of the situation and nodded. She grinned widely, chuckling breathlessly as she guided him from his creaking chair to the edge of her bed.

Odessa nonchalantly slid across the wool duvets, displaying her exposed bottom and thighs. Back against the pillows and forearms rested against the headrest as she laid her head on left arm, Dean sat on the corner of the bed, watching her chest heave up and down intently. Her eyes were closed, breathing restfully. Dean concluded she looked her finest that very moment. He excluded her lack of clothing, and marveled the raven-haired beauty. Her ebony hair sprawled atop the cream pillow covers, steady breathing, and flaws on display. Her eyes fluttered open, scrunched nose as she readjusted her position. "Correct me if I'm wrong," She mumbled, hardly decipherable. "But I think I said lay with me." Her lopsided grin glistened in the dim room. 

Dean cleared his throat, apprehensively standing and moving closer to the intoxicated beauty. He kicked off his shoes and laid underneath the sheets, raising the duvets and making sure Odessa was comforted with the warmth of the bed. Dean raised his arm, pulling her close and enwrapped her beside him. She hummed in response, wrapping her own arm around his torso and settled her temple on his chest. Dean was certain she could hear the rapid thumping of his heart, but she didn't seem to notice, or mind. He stared above at the ceiling, eyes flickering to each crevice and dent. This hadn't made sense. He didn't admire women for their intelligence, or they way their nose crinkled when they laughed, or the way they regard other people's safety than their own. 

He sighed, tightly closed his eyes as he exhaled in content. 

<<>>

Awakened by the whimpers of her slumber, Odessa hesitantly opened her eyes and grunted softly into the bundled sheets. Dean's absence was the first thing she noticed, and she furrowed her eyebrows while gradually glancing around the room. He was nowhere in sight, and she wondered if she'd done anything regrettable. An acute amount of alcohol consumption was something that was beginning to become an annual activity. Though she wouldn't consider herself an alcoholic, hardly attaining that status. 

With uneasiness, Odessa pushed herself off the sheets and ruffled her hair with nimble fingers. There was indistinct mumbles deriving from the kitchen, resembling both brothers. She groaned as the pounding from her temple expanded. Suddenly, she regretted ever sipping the tequila-whiskey mix she abruptly constructed. Pushing herself through the slim hallway, she squinted as the alteration in lighting briefly blinded her, discerning the distressed brothers with difficulty. They were speaking about Meg affiliated with demons and Lawrence, Kansas. She sent Dean a puzzled look, only to receive a wave of dismissal and look that he would explain later. She nodded, walking to the cabinets and pulled out a glass, filling it with tap water.

Minutes passed, and Dean was leaving a message for his absent father. Sam returned to the room with a large bag over his shoulder, carrying what he considered necessary to defeat the demon. They loaded their guns, and Odessa sipped her water. "It's a big night." Dean commented as he loaded his double-barreled shotgun with rocksalt shells. Sam nodded. "You nervous?" He asked.

Dean shook his head, scrunching his nose. "No. No, are you?" He questioned, stealing a glance at his younger brother. 

Sam also shook his head. "No. No way," He stayed silent for a few seconds. "God, could you imagine if we actually found that damn thing, that demon?" 

Dean halted. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves, all right?" 

"I know. I'm just saying what if we did? What if this whole thing was over tonight? Man, I'd sleep for a month, go back to school, just be a person again." Odessa stopped drinking her water, and registered the words Sam had just said. 

Wistfully, she stood from the couch, placing the glass on the nightstand beside her. "You want to go back to school?" She asked, eyebrows puckered and mouth lightly ajar. The pain demolished, along with her desire drink her worries away. 

"Yeah, once we're done hunting the thing." He said as he loaded another gun. Dean hummed, appearing to have the same thoughts Odessa was having. "Why? Is there something wrong with that?" Sam asked, holding out his arms. 

Odessa tugged at her earlobe, eyeing Dean carefully. "No, no, it's great. Good for you." He replied as he unfastened his holster. Sam furrowed his eyebrows, looking between Odessa and his brother with questionable glances. "I mean," Sam began, "what are you both gonna do when it's all over?" 

She opened her mouth, before tightly closing it again. She didn't want to remain reticent, however, she didn't necessarily want start an argument with either of the Winchesters. "It's never gonna be over," Dean retaliated as he fastened something on his forearm, something Odessa couldn't see from her angle. "There's going to be others. There's always gonna be something to hunt." 

"But there's got to be something that you want for yourself."

Dean's jaw clenched. "Yeah, I don't want you to leave the second this thing's over, Sam." Sam, evidently shocked by Dean's sudden outburst, questioned him. Odessa inched forward as Dean turned from view, firmly clutching the edges of the drawer. She reassuringly caressed his shoulder. "Why do you think I drag you everywhere, huh? Why do you think I came and got you at Stanford in the first place?" 

"'Cause dad was in trouble. 'Cause you wanted to find the thing that killed mom."

"Yes, that, but it's more than that, man. You and me and Dad—I want us to be together again. I want us to be a family again."

Odessa, with a tone resembling silk, stood forward. "Dean, you guys are a family. Sam, he'd do anything for you, and you know that. But asking for things to go back to how they were, and asking Sam to put aside how your dad made him feel, it's unrealistic." She felt terrible seconds after she said it, but it had been the truth.

Dean nodded softly, "They could be. Return to how things were, I mean." 

Sam licked his lips. "I don't want them to be. I'm not gonna live this life forever. Dean, when this is all over, you're gonna have to let me go my own way." Odessa pursed her lips, motioning with her head to leave the room. 

"Come on guys, we've got a bitch to interrogate." She said after a moments pause.

<<>>

Odessa lifted herself with ease, gripping the rusted, metal bars firmly. Placing both her palms flat on the concrete, she pushed herself atop the platform and reached for her semi-automatic handgun from her waistband. She soundlessly dashed behind a pillar of asphalt, aiming her weapon high and directly towards Meg's blonde hair. "Guys. Hiding is a bit childish, don't you think?" Odessa furrowed her eyebrows, stealing a glance at both Winchesters. Dean had mumbled something indecipherable from where she was standing. "Why don't you come out?" 

Meg gradually trudged towards the three as they apprehensively exposed themselves, a smug smile tugging at her lips. "Sam, I have to say, this puts a real crimp in our relationship." 

Sam's double-barreled shotgun was still raised. "Yeah, tell me about it."

Dean spoke ruggedly. "So, where's your little Daeva friend," Meg responded nonchalantly, replying with a complacent 'around'. 

"And that shotgun's not gonna do much good." Meg said, eyeing the weapons both Sam and Dean were carrying.

"Oh, don't worry, sweetheart. The shotgun's not for the demon." Meg chuckled humorlessly before returning her gaze back to Sam's rigid form. 

Sam sneered with distaste as he spoke Meg's name, almost if it were poison on his tongue. "So, who is it, Meg? Who's coming? Who are you waiting for?" She tilted her head, calmly replying with a self-assured 'you'. From Odessa's peripheral vision, she noticed the edges of a moving shadow jerk back and forth before hastily speeding towards Sam, slashing his cheek. How could she battle with a monster she couldn't perceive? Abruptly, her handgun was tossed out of her clutch, and she was thrown against the concrete pillar. Groaning, she allowed the darkness to engulf her.

Moments must've passed when Odessa regained consciousness, wrists securely wrapped in thin rope. Meg was casually perched on Sam's lap, mumbling incoherent comments, biting his earlobe, and Odessa refrained from groaning in aversion aloud. With much effort, she managed to reach for her coiled whip's sharp end, the part that clashes against whatever Odessa pleased. The end was carved with precision, allowing a more excruciating sensation when collided with skin. After minutes of carving, the rope snapped and Odessa was freed. Though the snap wasn't unheard by Meg, and she quickly craned her neck towards her direction. She was by Odessa's side within seconds, and inched behind the pillar to check her ropes.

Using this chance to escape, Odessa collided her forehead with Meg's nose, punching her once vigorously, then kicking her down and away from both brothers. Sam shouted something about the altar, but she was already there and tossing the wooden table to the ground. The Daeva's   screeched and dragged Meg from her ankles outside the window. Not caring for Meg's outcome, Odessa dashed in Dean's direction, swiftly untying him. She then untied Sam.

"I deserve a box of pizza and beer." She mumbled as she clutched her forehead.

<<>>

Odessa shuffled alongside Dean as he bickered with Sam and opened the door of their motel room. Her pain had diminished into a faint throbbing and her minuscule lacerations were no longer bleeding. The swung open and Dean entered first, Odessa trailing not for behind, but slammed into Dean's back. "Hey," He shouted. She peered past his broad shoulders and glimpsed at the obscure figure by the window sill. He stepped forward, moonlight illuminating his face. "Dad?" Dean muttered. Their father smiled tightly. 

"Hey boys." Odessa watched intently as Dean trudged in his father's direction with a ghostly grin rising. A small grin tugged as she watched Dean's shoulders loosen and sigh heavily as he embraced his father. Sam stepped forward, and her grin lowered. She wasn't sure how Sam felt about his father's sudden appearance. Both Dean and John Winchester warily glanced at Sam. "Hi Sam." 

Odessa mentally debated if she should introduce herself, speak when she had the chance. There was a brief moment of silence, and she concluded this was their moment, and she wasn't going to ruin it. "Dad, it was a trap. I didn't know. I'm sorry." 

John glimpsed down at the floorboards. "It's alright. I thought it might've been."

"Were you there?" Dean asked.

"I got there just in time to see the girl take the swan dive. She was the bad guy, right?"

In sync, both brothers replied with respect. "Yes sir."

"Good. Well, it doesn't surprise me. It's tried to stop me before." 

Odessa hesitantly stepped forward from the doorway. "The demon has?" She questioned with furrowed brows. John hardly regarded her presence. 

"It knows I'm close. It knows I'm gonna kill it. Not just exorcise it or send it back to hell, actually kill it," He nodded with affirmation. Dean asked how, "I'm working on it." He grinned. 

Sam still appeared to be fidgeting from his diminishing adrenaline. "Let us come with you. We'll help." 

John shook his head. "No, Sam. Not yet. Listen, try to understand. This demon is a scary son of a bitch. I don't want you caught in the crossfire. I don't want you hurt—"

"Dad, you don't have to worry about us." Sam interjected.

John smiled again. "Of course I do. I'm your father," Odessa restrained herself from commenting on his 'exceptional' parenting skills. "Listen, Sammy, the last time we were together, we had one hell of a fight." Sam sucked in a breath, replying with a mannerly 'yes sir'. "It's good to see you again. It's been a long time."

"Too long." They embraced each other, and she beamed with elation, catching a glimpse of Dean's expression, which resembled her own. They released each other and John was swiftly tossed back against the cupboards. Odessa shrieked in pain as four slashes sliced through her shoulder, and tossing her back. She closed her eyes and hastily thought of the possibilities to rid of the shadow demons. That's it. 

Uncoiling her whip, she clashed it onward and onto the duffle bag's straps. She pulled it towards her and brought the flare out. "Close your eyes," She shouted over the Daeva shrieking. "They're shadow demons, so let's light this place up." She pulls the cap off and throws it to the middle of the room, blinding herself and the others with the bright burst of light. She screams for Dean to get his dad and exit the room.

They descend down the stairs outside and are by the Impala's doors when John and Dean decide he's better of without his sons. 

Talk about great parenting.

Yeah, I know the ending was rushed, sorry about that. Have a great day/night :)