04. sammy's secrets

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  NATALIE DIDN'T COME BACK to Ruthie's. Andy waited and called, and waited and called some more. Eventually, Natalie's number stopped working. "The number you are trying to reach does not exist," the operator would tell Andy over and over again. No matter how many times she heard it, she didn't believe it. Natalie would never do this to her.

But then again, she wasn't really Natalie. She was Sariel, an Angel of the Lord.

Andy found herself calling Sam often, updating him on the situation, and in turn, he would tell her about the hunts he and Dean were on, or if there were any Angel updates. Apparently, Castiel had taken a liking to the brothers. He kept the details sparse on what he and Ruby did, though.

And after a routine werewolf hunt gone awry, Andy began picking up Natalie's shift at the bar. A week turned into two, two into a month, and it wasn't long before she was working Ruthie's more than hunts. She could practically see the disappointed gaze of her father every time she poured a beer or made a cocktail.

But there was something rewarding about it to Andy. She had never known anything but Hunting. When girls in high school were getting part-time jobs, she was killing vampires, werewolves, and shifters. There was no separation between life and 'the job' to the Cranes.

It was a busy Friday night at Ruthie's. Andy had no time to herself in between serving drinks. Her back was turned to the customers when a man spoke. "Could I get a whiskey?"

"Just a sec!" She nodded, finishing up the martini another man ordered. She passed it to him at the every end of the bar and finally she turned around. Sam Winchester leaned against the wood, smiling. "Sam! Hey!" Andy smiled back. She was surprised at how happy it made her to see him. Maybe because he was the first friendly face she'd seen since Natalie and the Angels.

"Hey, Andy. Got a sec?" He glanced around.

Andy sighed. The bar was packed. She winced. "Can it wait till closing?"

Sam nodded. "Of course. Whiskey?"

"Yeah, yeah..." Andy rolled her eyes. She poured his drink and slid the glass to him. "On the house." She smiled.

Sam raised the glass, returning the smile.

  A FEW HOURS LATER and Ruthie's had finally quieted down. The only ones left were regulars or people who drank themselves to sleep. Andy wiped her hands on her towel and walked around the bar to sit next to Sam. "Okay. What can I do for you, Winchester?"

"I was hoping you could help me with a...hunt." He fiddled with his fingers.

Andy raised a brow. "Is that all? Sure. I don't have much going on, anyway." She looked around the bar. "Where's Dean?"

Sam cleared his throat. "It's uh...just me. And...Ruby."

Andy sucked in a sharp breath. "The demon? Forget it, Sam. I'm out." She stood, shaking her head.

Sam followed her quickly. "Wait, just hear me out. Please."

His pleading tone stopped Andy. In their short time of knowing each other, Andy had developed a soft spot for the youngest Winchester. She saw a part of herself in him -- the younger sibling who just wanted to prove themself. "Fine."

His eyes softened thankfully. "We're gathering information on Lilith. We tracked a demon to a town not far from here. I knew you were close and thought you could help."

"Does Dean know?" Andy tilted her head.

Sam pursed his lips. "Dean...he doesn't understand. You know how stubborn he is."

Andy chuckled dryly. Sam was right about that. "Okay. You said you've been gathering information for a bit. How come you need my help now?"

"I don't need it." He said suddenly. He noticed the slight shock on Andy's face and clarified. "I would appreciate it. You're in the area and I...trust you."

A smile slowly spread across Andy's lips. "Trust me? Aw, Sam. You flatter me." She took another glance around the bar. Truthfully, Sam was worrying her. He seemed erratic and nervous. But Dean not being around was the most worrying of all. She nodded. "I'll come. But I'm not happy about working with a demon."

"I know." Sam chuckled.

"I'm looking forward to getting to know you, Andromeda." A new voice, interjected.

Andy turned around and was greeted by the face of a demon. "Ruby."

Ruby fake pouted. "Ouch. So cold." She turned to Sam. "We gotta go. Clocks ticking."

Something changed in Sam as she addressed him. His body seemed to curve towards her and it was as if he was under some sort of spell. Andy's suspicion continued to grow.

She followed them out of Ruthie's to their car. "So...Lilith. She's a demon, right?" She asked as she got into the back seat.

"Yeah." Sam nodded from the steering wheel. "But she's not like Ruby or any demon you've ever faced. She's a devoted follower of Lucifer. She's breaking these seals all over and if she completes 66, he's freed."

"Shit." Andy breathed out. "That's a big deal."

"It is. Which is why this demon is so important. He works closely with Lilith." Ruby explained.

Andy's eyes narrowed. "And how do you know that?"

Ruby laughed softly. "Ever heard of a double agent?"

Andy crossed her arms as Sam drove out of Ruthie's parking lot. He was walking a thin line working with a demon, especially when the circumstances could benefit Ruby. Andy was confused. What demon wouldn't want their King to rise?

They drove for two hours straight. Sam took back roads and side streets. It almost felt purposeful, so that Andy wouldn't recognize where they were going. Maybe he didn't trust her as much as she thought. Or maybe it was Ruby's idea. But eventually, they ended up in a small town. Sam pulled up to the side of the Main Street.

"Where are we?" Andy asked as they all got out of the car.

"Winterset, Iowa," Ruby replied.

The street was quaint, lined with cafes and small businesses Andy was sure would be bustling with tourists in the summer. But at 3 AM, it was a ghost town. She turned to Sam. "Where's this demon?"

"Ruby set up a meeting with him in the diner. It's just up the road."

Andy raised a brow. "Ruby set up a meeting?"

The demon scoffed. "How else would we know he'd be here for sure?"

Andy narrowed her eyes and opened her mouth to argue, but Sam interjected. "Andy, please. Trust her. I do."

Andy looked at the tallest Winchester sadly, but she nodded and backed off. She had to bite her tongue at the smug look on Ruby's face.

She followed behind the two of them, her hand hovering over the hip flask filled with holy water in her pocket. They reached the diner in question, which was empty, except for the motorcycle in the parking lot. "That's his," Ruby whispered.

"How are we playing this?" Andy asked. "Just walking through the front or taking him by surprise?"

"He's expecting me, not you or Sam," Ruby explained. "You two take the back. Could you keep watch, Andromeda?"

Andy nodded slowly. "Yes...and what about Sam?"

Ruby smirked and winked. "He knows what to do."

"Cryptic..." Andy mumbled to herself.

But she didn't linger on it. She and Sam went around the back. Sam picked the lock and Andy shut the door quietly behind them. She could hear Ruby's voice as they crept through the kitchen, along with a man's voice -- the demon they were meeting.

Pressed against a bread proofer, Andy took out her holy water and bowie knife, holding one in each hand. She mouthed "Go," to Sam and he nodded. As he turned, she could see a shift in his eyes. He seemed...excited.

Andy watched him in anticipation. Sam emerged from the dark, taking the male demon by surprise.

"You set me up!" He shouted angrily at Ruby.

Before he could even raise a finger, he was suddenly frozen in place, as if a Devil's Trap appeared out of nowhere. But there was no Devil's Trap. Andy's breath caught in her throat as she saw Sam, arm extended and hand held up. He was doing it. "Tell us where Lilith is." He demanded through clenched teeth.

"Fuck you!" The demon spat.

Ruby moved to Sam's side and whispered in his ear. A cruel smile appeared on his face. Andy's stomach twisted.

Sam shut his eyes and his head tilted ever so slightly. The black smoke that was the Demon's essence began spilling from its mouth. He convulsed, unable to return himself to his vessel. Ruby put her hand on Sam's shoulder, stopping him. Sam was breathing heavily.

Ruby stepped forward. "Tell us what you know."

The demon was actually shaking. Andy's jaw hung agape.

"I-I don't know where Lilith is! I swear!"

"Lair." Sam hissed. He went to do whatever he had done prior.

"Wait! Please! I can tell you what seal she's after next!" The demon begged.

Sam raised his brow, prompting him to continue. The demon began sputtering. "Lake Michigan! That's the next seal!"

"What about Lake Michigan?" Sam asked impatiently.

The demon shook his head. "I-I don't know! Lilith is very secretive. I only know the next one has to do with Lake Michigan!"

Sam looked at Ruby, who nodded. Sam took a deep breath and once again, the black smoke began expelling itself from the demon. Only this time, Sam didn't stop. The vessel's body dropped and the smoke descended to the floor and burned through it. Sam had a crazed look in his eyes when he opened them again.

"All clear, Andromeda!" Ruby called out.

Andy couldn't move at first. She didn't know what to think about what she just witnessed. Was she scared or intrigued? Eventually, she managed to start walking, and pushed the door of the kitchen into the main diner. She must've looked pale because Sam asked, "Are you okay?"

Andy blinked up at him. "What?"

Sam genuinely looked worried. "Are you okay, Andy?"

His words finally made their way to her brain. She nodded. "Yeah...I'm fine. I think I'm just in a little shock."

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you," Sam frowned. "Ruby thought it would be best for you to see it first."

Andy's eyes snapped to Ruby. "What is 'it'?"

Sam ran a hand through his hair. "I was...uh, born with it. These powers. I can expel demons back to hell and if I get strong enough, I can permanently kill them."

Andy clenched and unclenched her fists, brain buzzing with confusion. "This is fucking crazy." She, too, ran a hand through her hair, then shook her head. "Why am I here, Sam? To witness your powers? Is that all?"

He shook his head. "No. Not entirely. I just hoped I could trust you with this mission. You're a damn good Hunter and we could use you in finding Lilith."

"We?"

"Ruby and I." Sam nodded. "Help us, Andy."

Andy swallowed, her throat dry. "Why not ask Dean? He's your brother."

"I told you. Dean doesn't understand."

"And you think I do?" Andy crossed her arms.

Sam frowned. "You're a good person, Andy. I know you enough to know this is a cause you could get behind."

She bit down hard on her tongue. Sam was way in over his head. And having a literal devil on his shoulder, whispering into his ear, certainly wasn't helping. Andy didn't trust Ruby around him. And for some reason, she felt the need to help him, but not because of Lilith or Lucifer, but because after knowing him for only a couple months, she cared about Sam Winchester.

Slowly, Andy nodded. "I'll help. But I don't wanna be involved in any of...these again." She gestured to the dead man on the floor.

Sam sighed gratefully and smiled. "Thank you, Andy. I mean it."

  SAM DROPPED ANDY BACK at Ruthie's, leaving her with a mountain of homework to research. She watched him leave, Ruby next to him in the passenger seat. She couldn't help the pit in her stomach when she saw the two of them together. But she shook her head and headed inside.

The bar was empty except for the owner, Mr. Ruth. He greeted Andy cheerfully as she headed back to her 'shed'. As she sat on her bed, she pulled out her phone and bounced it in between her hands.

"Dammit, Sam." She huffed.

She clicked through her contacts until she found Dean Winchester's name. She really didn't want to call him. If he picked up, she was sure he would berate her for not calling sooner, or letting 'Sammy' risk his life.

She dialled anyway. Despite her dislike of Dean Winchester, they at least had the well-being of Sam in common.

She let it ring until she was sent to voicemail.

"This is Dean's other, other cell so, you must know what to do." Followed by a beep.

Andy sighed.

"Hi, Dean. It's Andromeda. Listen, this is about Sam. He came to Ruthie's and asked for my help on a demon hunt. He was with Ruby, that demon friend of yours. Anyway, I went along because frankly, I don't trust her. I think I was right on that, too, because Sam did this...thing. I'm not really sure how to describe it. He basically exorcised a demon with his mind. And something about the way he smiled after..." She shivered. "I didn't like it. He's asked me to keep helping on his hunt for Lilith. I said I'd do it. Mostly to keep an eye on him, and mostly to make sure Ruby stays straight...ya know? Anyway...call me back if you get this. Again, it's Andromeda. Bye."

AUTHORS NOTE

And here is chapter four!! I'm a little iffy on this chapter but all in all, I think I'm okay with it. I needed a way to get Andy in on the whole 66 seals and Lilith thing so, here we go!

As always, lemme know what you guys thought!