Evie had ended up falling asleep, but she suddenly woke up with a jolt, her heart racing. She blinked, her vision adjusting to the darkness. She could make out the Impala's interior, and the silhouette of Sam in the front seat. The engine was silent, the car parked in front of a gas station.

"Hey, Evie," Sam said quietly, turning in his seat to look at her. "You okay?" He had been worried about her since she had fallen asleep. She had tossed and turned for a while before settling, but the nightmares were evident in her expression.

Evie swallows, her throat suddenly dry. "Yeah, just...Nightmare," She croaks out . She sat up, running a hand through her disheveled hair. She paused when the jacket she used as a pillow fell on her lap, her brow furrowing. That wasn't her jacket. She glanced at the front seat, realizing it was Sam's. She felt her cheeks heat up. "Sorry," She said sheepishly. "I guess I was using your jacket as a pillow."

Sam smiles, his eyes twinkling. "It's okay," He assures her. "You looked comfortable, so I didn't want to wake you." Evie returned his smile, her gaze lingering on him. In the darkness, he was almost ethereal, his features highlighted by the moonlight. Her heart did a strange flip in her chest.

"What time is it?" She asked, clearing her throat.

"It's the next day. Dean went to get some something to eat. I stayed behind, didn't want to leave you alone." He admitted.

"Aw, how sweet," Evie teases, grinning at him though her cheeks flushed. "Always looking out for me, aren't you?"

"Well, someone has to." Sam replies, his expression softening. "Are you okay, though? You were tossing and turning a lot. I didn't want to wake you, but if you were having a nightmare..."

"I'm okay," Evie smiles reassuringly at him. "Really, I'm fine. It was just a bad dream, that's all."

Sam's brow furrows, his concern evident. "Do you normally have bad dreams?"

Evie averts her gaze, her smile faltering as she remembers her abusive toxic ex the boys helped her escape from. She swallowed hard, pushing the memories back. She didn't want to burden Sam with that right now, not when he was already doing so much to take care of her. But she could feel the weight of it pressing on her chest, the remnants of her past creeping in.

"Not...Not usually," Evie stammers after a pause, her voice soft. "Just every now and then..." She glances at Sam, feeling guilty for making him worry. "I'm fine, really. Just some stuff from before. But I'll be okay."

Sam studies her for a moment, as if trying to read between the lines. His gaze was steady, compassionate, and for a moment, Evie thought he might press her for more. But instead, he simply nodded. "Okay," He said quietly. "If you ever want to talk, you know you can. We got your back."

Evie gave a small, grateful smile. "Thanks, Sammy. I know." She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, feeling a strange warmth spread through her chest. Maybe it was the moonlight, maybe it was Sam's gentle support, but something about the moment made her feel less alone, less burdened by the darkness of her past. Soon Dean came back and he got back in the car, giving Evie a drink and something to eat. She's surprised it was her favorite snack, her face lighting up.

"How did you know?" She asked with surprise. 

Dean chuckles. "Come on, Evie. We've known each other for how long now? We're basically family. You think I don't know what your favorite snacks are?" He grins, settling back into the driver's seat. "I've got a knack for picking up on the little things. Besides, when you're stuck in a car with someone for as long as we've been, you start to notice these things."

Evie smiled fondly, touched by their attention to her. It felt good to be cared for, especially after everything she'd been through. She took the snack from Dean with a grateful nod, savoring the familiar comfort it brought.

"I guess I'm lucky to have you guys around." She responded, her voice soft but sincere.

Sam glances back at her, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "We're lucky to have you too, Evie. You fit right in with us."

Evie felt a warmth spread through her chest at his words. It wasn't often she felt like she truly belonged anywhere, but with Sam and Dean, she felt like part of something important—something that didn't judge her past but accepted her as she was. "Thanks." She voiced, her smile widening. She took a deep breath, feeling the tension of the nightmare start to lift as she settled into the quiet companionship of the brothers. The world outside the Impala seemed far away, and for the first time in a while, she felt safe, truly safe. Plus she hadn't had someone pay attention to her like that in a long time. It was nice, and it made her feel cherished and loved.

"So, where are we heading next?" She asked after a few minutes, her voice slightly muffled by the chip she was munching on.

"Jericho, California. Dad had been working on a case there. Figured we could check it out." Dean replied.

"What kind of case?" Evie inquired, looking curious as she sat up straighter. She honestly missed going on hunts with the boys, but with her life taking a turn, she had stopped. It was good to be back in the game, even if it was only to find their missing dad. She'd do anything to help the Winchesters, and she knew they'd do the same for her.

"Missing person case. Men have gone missing a lot lately," Sam replies, glancing back at her. "We're gonna check it out and see if we can find any clues about dad."

"Cool," Evie says. "I'm happy to help." She's eager to do something, to take her mind off her ex and the abuse. She needs to feel useful and like herself again, and going on a hunt is the perfect way to do that. At least she hoped it would be.

The boys smiled at her, thankful for her assistance. They had missed having her around on hunts. She had a knack for them, and her expertise was a welcome addition. Plus she always seemed to know what to say to cheer them up or diffuse an argument. She had always been the peacemaker, and the brothers were grateful for that.

"It's good to have you back, Evie." Dean at her in the rearview mirror, his voice warm and genuine. "We could use someone with your skills. And, well, your good vibes. It's been a little tense around here lately."

Evie smiled, feeling her heart swell with affection for the brothers. She hadn't realized how much she missed being part of the team until this very moment. The familiarity of the Impala, the easy camaraderie with Sam and Dean—it felt like home.

"I'm glad to be back," She said softly, her voice catching slightly as she glanced out the window at the dimly lit gas station. "Really."

Sam caught her eye in the rearview mirror, his expression softened. "You've been through a lot, Evie. If you ever need to take a break or talk...We're here for you." His words were simple, but there was a sincerity in them that made her chest tighten.

"I know," Evie said, her voice full of gratitude. She didn't say it often, but she was thankful for Sam and Dean—thankful for their understanding, their willingness to let her find her own pace. "I really appreciate it, guys. You don't know what that means to me." She glanced at Sam, who gave her one of those smiles that made her heart melt. Yeah, it was good to be back.

As they drove through the night, Evie couldn't help but feel hopeful. With the Winchesters by her side and a hunt on the horizon, she finally felt like she was moving forward. She was leaving her old life behind and starting a new one, and she couldn't wait to see what the future held.

****

Dean had stopped along the road when they came across a bridge blocked by police cars. It looked like a crime scene. And of course he wanted to check it out. Evie wasn't surprised when she saw the fake ID's in the box he pulled out. But the look on Sam's face was priceless. She snickered at her best friend's expression, earning a glare from him.

"What?" She shrugs, giving him an innocent look. "He's the one that brought them. Not me."

Sam rolls his eyes. "You're supposed to be the responsible one, remember?"

"I am," Evie replies, smirking. "But sometimes, you've gotta break the rules a little." She glanced at Dean, who grinned back at her.

"I knew you had a wild side, Evie," He teases. "Glad to see it's still there. And that you're down to help me snoop around this crime scene."

Evie grins. "Well, it's not like you could get anything done without my help. These two need someone with actual brains." She teasingly said. "Plus, I can't let you have all the fun. Now can I?"

Sam shakes his head, his lips curling into a grin. "Unbelievable. You're a bad influence on her, Dean."

"Me?" Dean feigns innocence. "I would never." He winks back at Evie, who rolled her eyes and chuckled as he got out. "Come on, let's go."

"Don't wink at my best friend, it's weird." Sam retorted as he got out of the car, making Evie chuckle.

"You're weird." Dean shot back, earning a groan from Sam. Evie giggles at the exchange, watching them fondly. "You coming with us?" Dean asked her, looking back at her.

"I'll hold down the fort," She replies, settling more comfortably in her seat. "Can't risk being caught, after all."

"Your loss." Dean teased before closing the door and starting to walk away. Before Sam closed the door, he looked back at Evie with concern.

"You sure you'll be okay?" He asked, his brow furrowing.

Evie gives him a reassuring smile. "I'll be fine, Sam. Really. Go, help Dean."

Sam hesitates, then nods. "Okay. If you're sure. But if anything happens, call me. Alright?"

"I will," Evie promises. "Now go."

Sam gave her one last smile before closing the door and following his brother. Evie appreciated his concern, but she was perfectly capable of handling herself. Besides, she wasn't in any danger. It was just a crime scene. Plus it would be nice to have some alone time. It's been awhile since she had it.

Evie leaned her head back and closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. The familiar scent of the Impala surrounded her, bringing back a flood of memories. She had spent many hours in this car, on countless road trips and hunting trips. It had become like a second home to her, a place where she could escape and feel safe. And despite the situation, she felt safe now. She always did with the Winchesters.

She had known the brothers her whole life. They had been friends ever since their dads started hunting together before she and the boys were even born. Their parents had been friends for a long time and were in the hunting business together as well. It was inevitable that the kids would end up becoming close. Evie and Sam had become best friends right off the bat, sharing a bond that was deeper than just friendship. They understood each other in a way no one else did, and they could always count on each other. With Dean, it was a different story.

Dean and Evie had a playful but close relationship too, marked by banter and a mutual understanding. They had been through many adventures together, always having each other's backs. Despite their differences, they complemented each other well, with Dean's boldness and Evie's quick thinking often proving to be a winning combination. With Dean, he had always been like an older brother figure to her too. He was always protective of Sam and, of course, her as well. But it could be a bit annoying at times, especially when he'd tease her about her feelings for his little brother.

Speaking of Sam, the man was always protective of her too. She didn't have to tell him what was happening in her life. He'd just know, like he had a sixth sense when it came to her. He'd be able to read her like an open book. And he was always there for her, no matter what. Dean was like that too, especially when he was being overprotective of her. She understood where he was coming from, though. He cared deeply about both her and Sam, and that protective nature was part of who he was. 

As she sat in the quiet of the Impala, Evie let her mind wander. Thoughts of the recent events tugged at her, reminding her of the turmoil she had been through. Leaving her abusive ex had been a monumental step, but the emotional aftermath lingered. She felt a mix of relief and anxiety, grateful to be away from him yet apprehensive about what lay ahead.

She sat up straighter when Sam and Dean came back. "So?" She asks, raising an eyebrow. "What did you find out?"

"No evidence left behind. This guy went missing and his car is still there. No body nearby," Dean informs her. "Not sure what it is yet, but what they know is not a lot. They don't really have a theory yet, but the officer thought maybe serial murderer or a kidnapping ring." Dean rolls his eyes and starts the car. "If only he knew what was really going on."

"Do you think it's a ghost?" Evie asked curiously.

"I think it's safe to say it is, considering it's our line of work." Dean replies, driving the car down the road. "Though they said there's not any evidence of struggle. That it was spotless. The guy's girlfriend is putting up missing posters downtown so we're gonna go see if we can check in with her and see if she knows anything the police don't."

"That's a good idea, though I doubt she knows much." Evie murmured. She wasn't sure if the girlfriend would have any useful information, but it was worth a shot.

****

Evie walked alongside the boys after they drove downtown to find the girlfriend. She was blocking out the argument from the boys, who were arguing about how they should talk to the teenage girl putting missing posters up. She rolled her eyes at them and didn't say anything as she walked ahead, surprising and confusing them.

"Hi, are you Amy?" She asked gently, catching the girl's attention.

"Yes," The teenager asks, looking confused. "Do I know you?"

"No, but I know Troy, actually," Evie said, keeping her tone calm and friendly. "I'm Evie, he's my cousin. I heard about what happened, and I just wanted to see if you needed any help."

Amy's eyes flickered with a mix of hope and disbelief. "You know Troy? I never heard of him talking about someone named Evie."

"We're more so distant cousins." Evie continues to lie, trying to convince the teenager. She points at Sam and Dean, who had joined them and stood by her. "And this is Sam and Dean, they're his uncles."

"He never mentioned you guys either." Amy replied, pulling out another missing poster from her bag to put up.

Dean chuckles. "Well, that's Troy, I guess. We're not around much. We're up in Modesto."

"Anyway," Evie cut in, her voice soothing and supportive. "We've been asking around and was wondering if we could talk to you about Troy and see if you could share anything that might help us find him."

Amy paused, biting her lip as she considered Evie's request. Evie hoped reassuring enough to gain the girl's trust. It was crucial they got as much information as possible about Troy's last known whereabouts.

"I mean, I guess," Amy said hesitantly, glancing around as if she were checking for eavesdroppers. "But I don't know how much help I'll be. I just...I don't understand how he could just disappear like that."

Evie nods, empathy washing over her. "I can't imagine how hard this must be for you. But any detail, no matter how small, might help us find him. Would it be alright with you if we talked? Maybe we can go talk in a diner or something." She suggested, not wanting to push the girl.

Another teenage girl then walks over, looking at Amy in concern. "Hey, are you okay?"

Amy nods, reaching over to squeeze her arm reassuringly. "Yeah."

"Your friend can join us if you want." Evie added, figuring maybe that would make Amy feel more comfortable and convince her more to talk with them. That seemed to be the last push she needed.

"Yeah, okay." Amy agrees. "There's a diner nearby we can go talk at."