As Evie walked toward the door, Sam and Dean right behind her, her resolve wavers and her vision blurred as tears welled up in her eyes. But she refused to break down, to show her weakness. Not in front of the Winchesters. They had enough to deal with, without having to worry about her. But even as she put on a brave face, her mind replays the events of the night, her ex-boyfriend's words and actions haunting her. She could still feel his hands on her, could still see the anger in his eyes. It was too much. She felt like she was going to explode.

But before she can do anything, she felt two strong arms wrap around her, holding her close. Before she could flinch at the sudden touch, she instantly recognized Sam's familiar scent, the way his arms felt around her. He was always the one who would give her a hug when she needed one, even though she would insist that she didn't need it. He was always the one who seemed to know exactly what she needed.

And in this moment, that was exactly what she needed. She felt safe and protected in his arms, his presence soothing her frayed nerves. She could feel her walls crumbling, her defenses collapsing. She turned around in his arms to properly hug him, burying her face in his chest as she finally let her emotions overwhelm her. She was surprised to feel tears sliding down her cheeks, but she didn't bother to wipe them away. She let herself cry, the weight of everything she had been through finally crashing down on her.

Sam holds her tightly, his hands rubbing her back soothingly as he lets her cry. He knew she needed to let it all out, that she had been bottling up her feelings for too long. He hated that she had been dealing with this alone, that she hadn't reached out to him or Dean. But he was determined to be there for her now, to show her that she wasn't alone. He would do whatever it took to help her heal, to show her that she was loved and valued.

"You're not going back to him," Sam whispers, his voice firm and steady. "I won't let him hurt you again." After Dean coughed, he corrects himself. "We won't let him hurt you again. You're part of the family, Evie. You always have been. And we protect our own."

Evie doesn't say anything, just buries her face in his chest, her tears soaking his shirt. She's not used to letting people see her vulnerable side, but with the boys, she feels safe enough to let her guard down. She nods against his chest, silently accepting his words and the comfort he's offering. She knew she couldn't go back to her ex-boyfriend, couldn't subject herself to any more pain and abuse. She needed to move on, to start fresh. And having the Winchesters by her side gave her hope that she could do just that.

"Thank you," She finally whispers, her voice choked with emotion. "Thank you for being here for me, for saving me."

Sam squeezes her tighter, his own emotions threatening to spill over. He hated seeing her like this, hated knowing what she had been through. But he was determined to help her heal, to make sure she knew she wasn't alone. "Anytime, Evie," He murmurs, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "We'll always be here for you. Always."

Evie nodded, her heart swelling with gratitude. She knew she was lucky to have the Winchesters in her life, to have friends who cared about her well-being. And as she leans into Sam's embrace, she knows that no matter what challenges lie ahead, she'll always have them by her side. And with that thought, she finally allows herself to let go of the pain and fear that had consumed her for so long, embracing the hope and love that the Winchesters offered her. Together, they would face whatever came their way, stronger and braver than ever before.

Dean had already went to get in the Impala, knowing that Evie and Sam needed a moment alone. And honestly, he wanted to give them some space, not wanting to intrude. So he started the engine and waited for his brother and Evie to join him. He knew Sam would take care of Evie, would make sure she was okay. The two always had a close bond, and Dean knew Sam would do anything for her. He was protective of her, just like Dean was. But he also knew that the two needed some time alone, that Sam would help Evie through her pain. He would be there for her in a way that only he could.

Dean knew the two had feelings for each other, could see it in the way they looked at each other, the way they always seemed to gravitate towards each other. But he also knew they were both too stubborn to admit their feelings, to risk their friendship for something more. It frustrated him, but he knew it wasn't his place to interfere. Plus now they both were in relationships. Well, thankfully Evie had just left her abusive boyfriend. But Sam was still with Jessica. Still, Dean couldn't help but wish things were different. That the two of them would realize how perfect they were for each other, that they could find happiness together. Maybe one day they would.

Evie eventually calms down, her sobs had turned into soft sniffles. She reluctantly pulls away from Sam, wiping the tears from her cheeks. She meets his gaze, her eyes filled with gratitude and admiration. "I don't know what I would've done if you and Dean hadn't shown up," She admits, her voice still thick with emotion. "I thought I was going to be trapped in this relationship forever. But you guys showed up and saved me. You gave me the courage to finally leave him. I can't thank you enough for that."

Sam offers her a reassuring smile, his eyes shining with affection. "We're just glad we got here in time," He says, his voice laced with concern. "I'm sorry you had to go through that, Evie. I can't imagine what you've been going through. But you're safe now, and we're not going to let anyone hurt you again." He hesitates, his expression softening. "I'm sorry we weren't there for you sooner. I should've seen the signs, should've realized something was wrong."

"It's not your fault," Evie replies, shaking her head. "I didn't want anyone to know what was happening. I thought I could handle it, that I could tough it out. I didn't want to be a burden, to drag you into my problems. You have enough to deal with, without having to worry about me."

Sam frowns, his brows furrowing. "You're never a burden, Evie. You're one of the most important people in my life, and I hate that you've been suffering alone." He pauses, his gaze flickering between her and the car, where his brother waits. "I know you're strong, but sometimes we all need help. It doesn't make you weak or a burden. It just means you have people who care about you and want to be there for you. We're always going to be here for you, no matter what."

Evie feels a fresh wave of tears pricking her eyes at his words, her heart swelling with gratitude. She didn't realize how much she needed to hear that, how much she needed him and Dean. "Thank you, Sam. You have no idea how much that means to me."

Sam smiles softly, reaching out to brush a strand of hair from her face. "Anytime, Evie," He murmurs, his hand lingering on her cheek. "Come on, we better get going before Dean starts complaining. Here, let me carry that for you." He took the duffle bag from her, their hands brushing against each other.

Evie can't help but notice the way her skin tingled where his fingers had touched, her cheeks heating up. She wondered if he could feel it too, the sparks between them. She pushed the thought aside, chalking it up to the emotional night they had had. Besides, he had a girlfriend, and she wasn't in a place to be starting a new relationship. Even if the attraction was undeniable.

"You don't have to carry my bag, Sam." She protested, but he waved her off.

"I want to," He insists, giving her a small smile. "You've been through a lot tonight. Let me do this for you."

Her heart flutters at his words, the sincerity in his voice. She can't help but smile back, feeling a spark of hope amidst the turmoil of the night. With the Winchesters by her side, she knows she'll be okay. That she'll get through this and come out stronger on the other side. Because with them, she's never alone.

"Alright, fine. If you insist," She relents, her tone teasing. "But only because I'm exhausted and don't feel like fighting you on this."

Sam chuckles, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "That's what I thought," He replies, his tone light and playful. He slung the bag over his shoulder, his eyes meeting hers once more. "Ready to go?"

Evie paused, glancing back at the apartment. Where was she going to go after she helped the boys find her dad? She had been living with her ex, but she couldn't go back there. Not after everything that had happened. She didn't have any family nearby, and she didn't want to burden the Winchesters by staying with them. She needed to figure something out, but for now, she pushed the thought aside. She couldn't worry about the future when the boy's dad was still missing. She needed to focus on helping the Winchesters find him, and then she could worry about where she would go from there.

She looks back up at Sam, smiling a little. "Yeah, let's get out of here."

They climbed into the car, where Dean was already waiting. He flashed Evie a sympathetic smile, his gaze assessing her. "You okay?" He asked, concern evident in his voice. He knew that was a dumb question, but he couldn't help it.

"Yeah, I'm okay," Evie reassured him, forcing a smile. "I'm glad that's over." She climbed into the backseat, sending Sam a thankful smile as he closed the door for her. He had opened it for her too, which made her smile even more. He had always been the gentleman.

"Alright, let's get out of here then," Dean announces, turning to start the engine as his brother got in the passenger side and closed the door. He glances back at Evie, raising an eyebrow. "You still a fan of Metallica?"

"Well, duh," She answers sassily, earning amused looks from the boys. "I'm offended you even had to ask." She couldn't help the smile that tugged at her lips, the tension slowly easing from her body. Being with the Winchesters always seemed to have that effect on her, no matter what was going on. She felt safe and comfortable around them, like she was home.

Dean smirks, satisfied with her answer. "Just making sure." He replied, winking at her before he reached over to turn on the music.

"I still can't believe you got her hooked on that." Sam grumbled, earning a playful punch on the arm from his brother.

"Shut up, b***." Dean says, shooting him a glare. "It's good music. Just because you're a pansy who doesn't appreciate real rock doesn't mean Evie can't."

"Actually, I appreciate all kinds of music." Evie chimes in, smiling mischievously. "Sam has good taste too, just so you know. His playlists are awesome."

"Ha." Sam gloats, shooting his brother a triumphant smirk. "See? She appreciates my music taste."

"Whatever," Dean huffs, rolling his eyes. "We all know Metallica is the superior band. Right, Evie?"

"Hmmm...I dunno. AC/DC has some pretty great songs. So does Guns N' Roses. And Bon Jovi." Evie teases, laughing as she sees Dean's annoyed expression. "But yeah, Metallica's definitely up there. Though Sam's taste is pretty good, too."

Dean shakes his head, sighing dramatically. "Great, now there's two of them. I'm doomed." He turned up the volume, drowning out his brother and Sam's best friend's laughter. As Metallica's Enter Sandman began blasting from the speakers, Evie can't help but smile a little. 

It was a familiar scene, one she had been a part of many times over the years. But it was a scene that she would never take for granted, one that made her feel like everything would be alright. With the Winchesters by her side, and Metallica's music playing loudly in the background, Evie finally felt at ease. She looked behind her at the apartment building as they pulled away, a sense of relief washing over her. She was finally free of her ex-boyfriend, free from the pain and suffering he had put her through. And as she glances back at Sam and Dean, her smile widening, she can't help but feel hopeful. For the first time in a long time, she had hope for the future.

Hope that things would finally work out and she would get the happiness and love she deserved. Hope that her life would be better than ever. Because with the Winchesters by her side, she knew anything was possible.

A/N i already love this trio so much