CHAPTER TWENTY SIX:
METAMORPHOSIS.

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BIRDIE AND THE boys didn't speak to anyone aside from Hiro when they headed back into the funeral home, sticking to standing in the back of the room to avoid another confrontation with Darius or Layla. Thankfully it continued on smoothly after that, a few more people and family members Birdie didn't know speaking sweetly of Kaiya. Occasionally Birdie would spot someone glancing in her direction, doing her best to ignore it as the service continued. Before she knew it, the service was over and people were beginning to part ways with tear stained faces and sad smiles. Some stayed behind for the burial that would commence a few streets over, but Birdie couldn't bring herself to go. She felt terrible not going; she owed it to Kaiya to go. Yet, something held her feet in place as she watched the Hamed's move towards their vehicles that were lined in front of the funeral home, preventing her from going with them. Sam and Dean didn't question her for not wanting to go and stood beside her in silence; she'd gone through enough as it was——seeing another one of her best friends be put in the ground might've been too much for her.

They left town after that, their belongings they'd left at Kaiya's house already in the car since they packed their things before they left for the funeral. Dean drove straight through the day and into the night, only stopping when Sam suggested they all needed to sleep. Birdie didn't object to it. She needed sleep almost as much as Dean needed something to eat.

Light rain pattered against the foggy windows of their small motel room, just a few days after the funeral. Tiny droplets trickled down to the windowsill and plopped against the pavement below, beginning to make tiny puddles that would only become bigger as the rain carried on throughout the night. Dean was fast asleep on the bed closest to the door, sleeping on top of the covers with his gun discreetly slipped under his pillow. The bed on the other side was still unmade, Sam curiously reading through an article on his laptop at the table. Birdie was in the bathroom, pulling part of her hair up into a bun so it was out of her face after finishing a quick shower. Her phone was placed next to her toothbrush on the sink, Birdie not paying much attention to it as she adjusted some strands of her hair so they dangled down past the sides of her face. Her necklace was secured around her neck once more after she and the Winchesters had closely inspected it the other night, desperately hoping there was something that could've clued them into. . .into, well, anything; they had nothing to go off on to find Lilith and, seeing that demons were purposely staying clear of the Winchesters, they had nothing left to do but go back to square one. It was still unsettling not knowing why the necklace was taken and then returned in the first place, but that was just another thing Birdie would have to try and figure out, too.

A faint vibrating sound cut through the silence a few seconds later, causing Birdie to look down at her phone with furrowed brows. She picked it up, pursing her lips when reading over the name. But, she flicked it up and placed it to her ear, taking a few steps towards the toilet to sit down on the lid. "So much for keeping your distance, huh?"

"I'm trying my best, Bird," Ruby said with an annoyed huff. "I wasn't plannin' on callin' so soon, but. . .I found someone who might know something about Lilith."

"Might?" Birdie repeated, raising her brows. "You're calling over a might?"

"Oh, I'm sorry. How are you and Sam doing with finding any leads again?" Birdie tightly pursed her lips, silently glancing towards the tile floor. "Yeah, that's what I thought. I got him just outside the town you and Sam are in."

"You wanna do this now?"

"Would you prefer to do it when you know Dean will be awake?"

Birdie heavily sighed, momentarily closing her eyes. She would've questioned how the demon knew that Dean was currently asleep, but she figured Ruby had tracked them down once she got her hands on her fellow demon; it wasn't much of a surprise. "Okay, okay. Uh, just text me the address. We'll leave in a few minutes."

"Okay," Ruby said, pausing for a brief moment like she was deciding if she wanted to continue. "How're you doing by the way? You haven't really said much since——"

"I'm fine," Birdie said, standing up from the toilet. She moved towards the sink, stealing a glance at her appearance. There were some dark circles under her eyes and her lips were slightly chapped. She licked at her lips, quickly looking away as her brown eyes bored back into her own with what almost appeared to be pity.

"You sure about that? I mean, I know it's been a few months, but that f——"

"Ruby, I said I'm fine," Birdie sharply interjected.

"Okay, okay," Ruby grumbled, annoyance laced within her voice.

Birdie ran a hand along the side of her face, letting it flop down at her hip. "I'm. . .I'm sorry. I know you're just tryna help."

"I'll text you the address."

Birdie ended the call with that and tucked her phone in her jeans, pulling open the door. She jumped in surprise when she saw someone standing right there, sucking in a sharp breath when she realized it was him. His features were darkened by the lack of light inside the room, but she could faintly make out his features through the soft moonlight that crept into the room from a crack in one of the dingy curtains. "Shit, Sam," Birdie said under her breath, placing a hand over her heart. "Don't do that to me."

Sam bit back an amused laugh, nodding his head. "I'm sorry," he quietly apologized, not wanting to awake Dean by speaking too loud. "Who were you talking to?"

Birdie playfully narrowed her eyes on the older boy, suspiciously tilting her head to one side. "Were you eavesdropping on me, Samuel?"

Sam scoffed, giving her a pointed glare. "You do it to me, and Dean, all the time."

Birdie slightly narrowed her eyes, shrugging after a few seconds. "Touché."

Sam shook his head with a smile as Birdie walked around him, standing directly in front of him with her hands placed on her hips; the same way Sam was currently standing. "Well?" he pressed.

"It was Ruby," Birdie quietly said. Sam's brows furrowed in confusion. "She found someone who might know something about Lilith."

Sam raised his brows. "Might?"

Birdie breathed out a faint laugh. "I know, but. . .it's all we've got right now."

"Okay," Sam softly sighed. "Where's she at?"

"She's——" Birdie felt her phone vibrate, reaching into her pocket to pull it out. She flipped it open, reading over the text message before she looked up at Sam again. "425 Waterman."

"Let's go."

Birdie nodded and moved over to the round table, snatching up her jacket as Sam shrugged his on. Birdie adjusted her hair some so it wasn't stuck under her jacket and picked up her keys, gripping them tight so they didn't jingle and wake up Dean. She softly sighed to herself and started to follow Sam towards the door, pausing when her eyes fell on Dean as she gave him one last glance. She pursed her lips together in thought and moved back over to the empty bed, not catching the way Sam frowned from the door when seeing her turn back. But, a faint smile appeared on his lips when he saw her take the blanket and carefully place it over Dean with a tiny smile. Then she moved around the bed, giving Sam a cheeky smile as they finally headed out of the room.

They quickly made it outside, making their way towards Birdie's motorcycle. The rain had thankfully stopped within the last few minutes, a few drops trailing down the bike; nothing they couldn't just wipe away. "You want me to drive this time?" Sam wondered, turning his head towards Birdie.

Birdie made a face. "Uh, why?"

"I don't know," Sam said, shrugging as he stood beside the bike, eyes pinned on Birdie as she stopped in front of him, her hands casually tucked in the pockets of her jacket. They hadn't spoken much about Kaiya even after the funeral, but it was clear that was what Sam had on his mind. "I-I just thought I'd offer since. . ."

"I'll be fine, Sammy," Birdie told him with a small smile.

"Whatever you say, Bird." Birdie gave him a cheeky wink and handed him an extra helmet that she'd been keeping on her bike lately, picking up her own. Sam playfully rolled his eyes and started to tug on his own while Birdie climbed on the bike. However, Sam immediately stopped when he saw Birdie scrunch up her face as if she was in pain. "You sure you're okay to drive?"

Birdie turned her head, giving him a sharp look. "What? Of course——"

Sam reached over, just lightly poking Birdie's left side ribs. She sharply hissed, quickly moving away. "Birdie, you're still hurt," he sighed. "Let me drive."

"Sam, I'm fine. Really," Birdie stressed, shaking her head while Sam scoffed, his eyes peering down at her. "I can manage."

"Nope, scoot back," Sam denied, motioning her to scoot back with his hand.

"You're fuckin' jokin'," Birdie said.

"Not this time, Bird," Sam firmly said. "It's gonna take longer to heal if you keep pushing yourself too far."

"You and I both know I'll be fine," Birdie said.

Sam heavily sighed, closing his eyes for a moment. "I know, I know, but. . .just do it for me. Please?"

Birdie frowned, seeing the pleading look looming inside Sam's eyes. She sucked in a deep breath, scooting back to the passenger seat, raising her brows at him with a bored expression. "Happy now?"

"Very."

Birdie narrowed her eyes, keeping her gaze on him as he sat down in front of her. "Was this your cheap way of getting me to wrap my arms around you again?"

Sam loudly laughed, tugging the helmet down all the way. "I know better ways to do that."

Birdie gasped, playfully swatting Sam's arm as she put her helmet on as well. "Sam, you freakin' flirt."

Sam chuckled again and started up the bike, feeling Birdie's arms slowly wrap around his waist. A small smile appeared on his lips, feeling her tighten her grip on him. "425 Waterman?" Sam asked, his smile evident in his voice.

"Yeah," Birdie said. "You know how to get there?"

"Yeah, I think so," Sam said. "That's the same road we took into town."

Birdie nodded her head despite him not being able to see her. "You ready, Sammy?"

"Definitely," Sam said.

Then Birdie let out a sigh, tightening her grip on Sam even more when he drove off, a small smile spreading across her lips as they headed away from the motel.

Birdie sucked in a sharp breath, shaking her head as her gaze landed on the grimy ground beneath her feet. The demon who Ruby had managed to capture was tightly secured to a wooden chair, a Devil's Trap made of metal wire hung above him to keep him from breaking free. The abandoned warehouse reeked of grimy sweat and rusted metal, the cool air doing nothing for the irritating demon as sweat ran down the sides of his face, coating his neck. His shirt clung to his skin, the air only growing warmer as the minutes ticked by.

"Where's Lilith?" Sam sharply demanded once again, standing in front of the demon with his eyes burning into him with pure hatred. Ruby was to his left, Birdie on his right while they both stared down at the demon who was only mouthing off the longer they tried to get any information about Lilith out of him.

"Kiss my ass," the demon replied, his eyes turning black.

Sam harshly smiled, narrowing his eyes. "I'd watch myself if I were you."

"Why? Huh?" the demon taunted, his eyes returning back to their normal shade after a few seconds. "Because you're Sam Winchester, Mr. Big Hero?" the demon continued, a wicked smile spreading across his lips as he tilted his head. "And yet here you are, slutting around with not one but two women——including a demon. Real hero."

"Shut your fucking mouth," Sam snapped.

"Tell me about those months without your brother. . .about all the things you and that fucking bitch do in the dark," the demon taunted, nudging his head towards Birdie. Ruby shifted her feet, eyes briefly flickering between Sam and Birdie. Birdie narrowed her eyes, watching Sam clench his jaw. "Huh? Tell me, hero."

The corner of Sam's lip twitched, his nostrils flaring as he felt his anger increase. Then he lifted his hand, beginning to force the demon out of the man. The demon gagged as the smoke slowly poured from his mouth, billowing around his feet. The man's head slumped forward almost a minute later, the smoke burning into the floor and disappearing from sight. Sam lowered his hand and let out a shaky breath, glancing over at Birdie.

She gave him a small smile, letting her hands fall down at her sides. Sam returned it before moving towards the man. Birdie watched with hope as Sam bent down beside the man to check for a pulse. Please let him be alive.

Sam breathed out a laugh, turning his head to look over at Birdie. "He's still alive?" she asked, unable to stop her smile from widening.

Sam nodded. "Yeah."

"How'd it feel?" Ruby wondered.

"Good," Sam truthfully answered, starting to untie the man. "No more headaches."

"Really? None at all?" Birdie said, eyes twinkling in the dingy lighting. "That's great, Sam."

"That is good," Ruby agreed, sharing a smile with Birdie.

The sound of the man stirring in the chair with a soft groan caught their attention. "Hey, hey. I got you," Sam said, patting the man's shoulder in a comforting manner. The man turned his head, seeing Sam smile at him. "It's all right."

He carefully helped the man out of the chair, beginning to walk him towards the door. Birdie wanted to help, but when she moved, Sam sent her a quick look that told her he didn't need any. She playfully rolled her eyes and started to walk in front of him, stopping dead in her tracks when she heard the door open.

She quietly gasped, watching Dean step inside with a rather pissed off expression.

"So. . ." Dean started, slowly moving closer. Sam let out a shaky breath, letting go of the man as he stood beside Sam, partially hunched over. "Anything you wanna tell me, Sam?" Dean asked, eyes flickering over to Birdie; she could see the rage burning in his eyes as if he was holding himself back from shouting at them. "Or you, Bird?"

Birdie deeply frowned, glancing over her shoulder at Sam. She felt like a deer stuck in a pair of headlights; she knew there was trouble ahead, but she couldn't bring herself to move in order to save herself. Ruby stood off to the side of Sam, looking rather calm while Dean only got closer.

"Dean, hold on, okay?" Sam said, brows raised. "Just let me——"

"You gonna say, let me explain?" Dean demanded to know. "You're gonna explain this? How about this? Why don't you two start with who she is, and what the fuck is she doing here?" Dean looked over at Sam and then Birdie as he now stood in front of Sam, noticing how Birdie quickly turned away from him to avoid his harsh gaze. Sam turned his head towards Ruby, the woman offering Dean a sly smile when he looked over at her as well.

"It's good to see you again, Dean," Ruby said.

Dean blinked, tilting his head in thought. "Ruby?" She smiled a little and Dean looked over at Sam again, brows raised and a forced smile on his lips. "Is that Ruby?"

Sam didn't respond, nervously twisting his lips as his eyes stayed pinned to Dean.

Dean looks over at Ruby again, her smile fading as she took in his expression. Then without warning, Dean grabbed hold of Ruby's shoulders and harshly shoved her up against the wall behind her. Birdie gasped, eyes widening in surprise. Dean pulled out his knife and raised his arm to kill Ruby with it, but Sam grabbed hold of Dean's hand to stop him. "Don't!"

They both struggled for the knife, teeth gritted together. Sam managed to get it out of Dean's hand and into his own, but Dean roughly shoved him aside. Sam smashed against the wall to the side, bumping into some metal shelves that tumbled to the ground. "Dean, stop!" Birdie shouted, going to rush over.

Dean turned to finish off Ruby, but she grabbed Dean instead and pinned him up against the wall he had her against seconds earlier. Birdie paused, feeling her heart racing inside her chest.

"Ruby!" Sam shouted, heavily panting. "Stop it!"

"Ruby, stop!" Birdie shouted, pleadingly looking towards the demon with wide eyes.

Ruby just stared straight into Dean's narrowed eyes, keeping him in a chokehold with her right hand as he grunted under her grip. Dean stared right back at her, seething with rage. Birdie made a move towards Ruby and she instantly let go of Dean, Dean pushing her hands away as she took a step back to put some distance between them.

Dean briefly looked over at Sam and then back at Ruby. "Well, aren't you an obedient little bitch?" She didn't respond, but it was clear as day that she wanted to attack him again.

"Ruby," Sam firmly said. Ruby hatefully stared at Dean for a few more moments, finally looking over at Sam again, an unpleasant expression still on her features. "Ruby, he's hurt," Sam pointed out, indicating towards the man who was possessed earlier. "Go."

Ruby gave Dean one more hateful look and then turned on her heel, walking over to the man with Dean's gaze still pinned to her. She helped the man stand up straighter and put his arm over her shoulder, ready to take him outside.

"Where the hell do you think you're going?" Dean demanded to know.

"The ER," Ruby answered, looking at him again. "Unless you want to go another round first." The man weakly coughed, head lowered as he struggled to remain standing upright; he needed to get to the hospital as soon as possible.

Dean didn't respond. Birdie let out a heavy sigh once Ruby started to walk away with the man, stealing a quick glance towards Sam. Dean looked at Birdie and then Sam, catching both of their gazes.

"Dean——"

Dean just looked away from Sam, heading towards the exit.

"Dean, wait——" Birdie tightly clenched her eyes as Dean bumped into her, heading towards door. Birdie slightly winced, gingerly touching her arm as she turned her head to watch him leave. Her eyes followed Dean all the way to the door, but he didn't spare Sam or Birdie another look.

"Dean!" Sam shouted, but Dean just ignored him again.

Birdie pursed her lips, shaking her head as she saw Sam come to a stop beside her. "Well, this should be fun."

"I should've just told him," Sam sighed.

"We haven't had time," Birdie said, offering Sam a sad smile.

Sam shrugged, puffing out his cheeks. "He still would've been pissed."

"Yeah. . ." Birdie faced the door, hearing the rumble of the Impala as Dean left. She felt guilt sting at her insides that Dean had found out that way instead of by being told by them like they'd hoped to do. They didn't like hiding things from him since it always did more harm than good; only this time they hadn't had the right time to confess. Birdie shook her head at the thought and peered up at Sam. "I think we'll be alright, though."

"Yeah, I don't know about that this time. . ."

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Sam was sitting at the table in the motel room the next morning, reading a book as he waited for Dean to finally return from wherever he'd gone after leaving them at the warehouse; he wouldn't answer Sam or Birdie's calls or texts, but they could've only imagined where he might have gone when there were only a few bars nearby. When they found the motel still empty by the morning, they weren't exactly surprised. Yet, they thought he would've returned by now despite how pissed off he was at Sam and Birdie.

Instead of simply waiting around, Birdie went to get them some breakfast, hoping Dean would be back by the time she returned. She wasn't very excited to have to face him again, but she wanted to get it over and done with.

Soon enough, the sound of something being put in the lock was heard, capturing Sam's attention almost instantly.

Sam immediately got to his feet when he heard the door open, seeing it was Dean. He quickly moved away from the table, eyes watching Dean pick up his bag from the bed and start to pack up his things without even acknowledging his little brother. Sam held his hands out at his sides, walking over to Dean. "Dean, what are you doing?" Dean just ignored him and placed his bag on the table by the TV, continuing to pack. "What, are you-are you leaving?"

"You don't need me. You, Birdie, and Ruby go fight demons," Dean said, grabbing his bag and starting to head for the door.

Sam sighed, grabbing Dean's arm to try and stop him. "Hold on. Dean, come on, man."

Dean swung around and punched Sam in the face with his right hand just as the door opened again. Sam whirled around by the harsh force, clenching his eyes shut due to the pain. Dean just watched him as Sam turned back to face him, some blood now smudged on his bottom lip.

Birdie's eyes tripled in size, quickly setting the bag of food down on the floor before heading towards the brothers. "What the fuck is going on?" she demanded to know.

"You satisfied?" Sam asked, keeping his eyes focused on Dean.

Dean hit him again, feeling two smaller hands roughly grab hold of him seconds later. He winced slightly as he was forcefully shoved against the wall, being met with the enraged eyes of Birdie. "I guess not," Sam sighed.

"What the actual fuck, Dean?" Birdie harshly demanded, not budging when Sam tried to pull her away from Dean. Her hands were firmly pressed against Dean's shoulders, keeping him pinned in place.

Dean grunted and shoved her arms off of him, returning her sharp glare. "You're one to fuckin' talk," he snapped, harshly peering down at her. "Is this what you call lookin' out for him? Huh?"

"I kept my promise, Dean," Birdie said, keeping his gaze.

"No, you didn't," Dean said, firmly shaking his head.

Birdie sucked in a sharp breath, stealing a look over at Sam. She could still see the blood on his bottom lip as he wiped it away with one of his hands. Dean followed her gaze, face hardening as Sam met his eye. "Do you even know how fucking far off the reservation you've gone?" Dean demanded. "How far from normal? From human?"

"I'm just exorcizing demons," Sam softly replied.

Birdie shifted, moving to stand off to the side of Sam in case Dean tried hitting him again. "With your fucking mind, Sam!" Dean shouted. He angrily shook his head, looking straight at Sam. "What else can you do?"

"I can send them back to hell," Sam truthfully answered. "It only works with demons, and that's it."

Dean reached out towards Sam as if to grab him, but Birdie instantly moved forward, smacking his gruff hands away before he could manage to get either of his hands on Sam. "Don't you even fuckin' think about it," she said, pointing a stern finger at him as a warning, dark eyes not looking away as he held her gaze.

"I can't fucking believe you're supporting this shit, Bird," Dean harshly said. "You didn't like his-his psychic whatever either——"

"I said I didn't understand it," Birdie bit back, narrowing her eyes on Dean.

"Oh, but you do now?"

"Dean——"

"He's saving people, Dean," Birdie said, cutting off Sam when he tried speaking up. "Isn't that what we've been trying to do this whole fucking time?"

"Not like this," Dean snapped. Birdie rolled her eyes, huffing under her breath. Dean shook his head, looking towards Sam again. "What else can you do? Huh? What else?!"

"I already fucking told you!" Sam yelled back, eyes slightly widened. How many times would he have to repeat himself for Dean to understand?

"And I have every reason in the world to believe that," Dean firmly said. He gave Sam a harsh look, starting to walk away.

"Look, I should have said something," Sam said, moving behind Dean. Birdie folded her arms over chest, wide eyes flickering between the boys like she was just waiting for one of them to swing again. Dean stopped, his back still to Sam and Birdie. "I'm sorry, Dean. I am. And this-this is all me, not Birdie——"

"Sam——"

"No, Bird, it's alright. It was my choice," Sam said, briefly looking aside at her. Birdie frowned, silently shaking her head. Sam sighed, facing Dean again. "But try to see the other side here."

Dean spun around, facing Sam and Birdie, his hardened expression unwavering. "The other side?"

"I'm pulling demons out of innocent people."

"Use the fucking knife!"

"The knife kills the victim! What I do, most of them survive!" Sam shouted, brows scrunched together with emphasis. "Look, I've saved more people in the last five months than we save in a year."

"That what Ruby want you and Birdie to think?" Dean wondered, turning to look over at Birdie. She pursed her lips, hands tightly gripping her arms. Sam heavily sighed, shifting his posture while his eyes looked away from Dean. "Huh? Kind of like the way she tricked you into using your powers?" He looked at Sam again, shaking his head. "Slippery slope, brother. Just wait and see. Because it's gonna get darker and darker, and God fucking knows where it ends."

"I'm not gonna let it go too far."

Dean falsely smiled at that, shaking his head as walked towards the opposite wall. Then he moved his arms, hitting the lamp on the table beside the TV. It flew off the table and crashed into the floor with a loud clatter. Birdie flinched at the sudden sound, instinctively stepping closer to Sam as she looked at the broken lamp with wide eyes.

"It's already gone too far, Sam," Dean said, moving closer to stand in front of his little brother. Birdie stayed beside Sam, feeling something strange tug on her heartstrings as Dean's expression shifted into one she couldn't quite distinguish. "If I didn't know you. . .I would wanna hunt you." Birdie's lips fell open in surprise, hands dropping down at her sides as she heard those words. Fresh tears blossomed in Sam's eyes, nodding his head before he looked down. "And so would other hunters."

"Surely you don't mean that," Birdie said, causing Dean to look at her.

Dean shook his head. "I do. And you. . .I trusted you to protect him, not let a demon——especially Ruby——around him again. But now look at you."

Birdie deeply frowned, the words like a direct punch to her face. "How could you even say that?"

Sam finally looked up at Dean, blinking back the tears. "You were gone, Dean. I was here. I had to keep on fighting without you. . .both of us," Sam said, sadly smiling as tears seemed to appear in Dean's eyes as well. Birdie refused to let Dean's words get to her, simply gripping her arms tight with her gaze anywhere but on him. "And what I'm doing. . .it works."

Dean pursed his lips, backing up some. "Well, tell me," he started, "If it's so terrific. . .then why'd you lie about it to me? Both of you?" Both Sam and Birdie looked down, clearly ashamed they hadn't told him yet. "Why did an angel tell me to stop you?"

Sam and Birdie looked up simultaneously, visibly stunned. "What?" they asked in unison.

"Cas said that if I don't stop you, he will," Dean said, giving Sam a look that said he was being completely serious. "See what that means, Sam? That means that God doesn't want you doing this. So, are you just gonna fuckin' stand there and tell me everything is all good?"

With tearful eyes, Sam and Dean exchanged a look, making Sam look down after a few seconds. Birdie shook her head, her hateful stare burning into Dean.

How could he say such things to them?

The tense silence was broken by Sam's phone ringing, Dean slightly flinching at the sound. Sam pulled it out of his pocket, letting out a shaky breath as he flipped it open.

"Hello?" he answered, pinching the bridge of his nose to try to collect himself. "Hey, Travis. Yeah, hey. Uh. . .It's good to hear your voice, too, yeah. Um, look, it's not a really good time right now. It's. . .yeah, okay. Uh, well, just give me the details, and, uh. . ." Sam moved over to the bedside table in between the beds, picking up a pen to write on the notepad next to the phone. Birdie turned, unable to stop her gaze from swiveling over to Dean again. His eyes were still focused on Sam, but as soon as his eyes swiveled over to her she quickly looked away. "Carthage, Missouri. Looking for Jack Montgomery."

•❃°•°❀°•°❃•

Dean was seated behind the wheel of Baby just a few hours later, silence lingering in the air after Dean told Sam and Birdie about what he found out in the past about their mom and family. Birdie was still reeling from the fact that an actual angel had sent Dean back in time as if it was nothing, trying to understand what the point of it even was. And the fact he'd met his parents when they were nearly their age. . .it sounded like something straight out of a movie (and Birdie already had one in mind).

"I can't believe it," Sam said, shaking his head in thought, brows furrowed together. "Mom——a hunter?"

"I wouldn't have believed it either if I hadn't seen it myself," Dean said, breathing out a chuckle. Birdie scooted further up in her seat, resting her chin on the front seat. "That woman could kick some ass," he said, stealing a glance towards Sam in the passenger seat before looking towards Birdie for a brief moment. "I mean, she almost took me down."

"How'd she look?" Sam wondered, turning his head towards Dean. "I mean. . .was she happy?"

"Yeah, she was awesome. Funny and smart. So hopeful," Dean answered, briefly looking over at Sam for a moment and then back on the road. "Dad, too. Until of course. . ."

Sam softly sighed to himself, shaking his head. Birdie turned her head towards him, watching him peer out of the passenger window. "What?" she softly asked.

"Nothing," he quietly answered. He sucked in a breath, turning his head, eyes flicking between Dean and Birdie. "It's just——our parents. And now we find out our grandparents, too? Our whole family murdered, and for what? So Yellow Eyes could get in my nursery and bleed in my mouth?"

Dean tilted his head, brows furrowing together. Birdie felt a shift in the car, lifting her head just as Dean started to look from the road and then at Sam. "Sam, I never said anything about demon blood," he said. Oh, shit. Sam purposely avoided Dean's gaze, twisting his lips. "You knew about that?"

Sam still didn't face Dean, eyes trained on the road in front of them. "Yeah, for about a year."

"A whole year?" Dean repeated, partially shaking his head. "You know, too, Bird?"

Birdie cleared her throat; there was no point in lying. "For a few months, yeah."

"I should have told you," Sam said. "I'm sorry."

"You've been saying that a lot lately, Sam." Sam just looked down. He didn't know what else to say besides sorry. Dean scrunched up his nose, shaking his head. "But whatever," Dean said, breathing out a forced laugh with a fake smile etched on his lips. "You don't want to tell me, you don't have to. You guys can keep stuff to yourselves, it's fine."

"Oh, come on——"

"Dean," Sam said, tilting his head back as he looked over at his big brother. Dean didn't respond to Sam or Birdie, keeping his focus on the slick road ahead of them. "Whatever," Sam grumbled, sighing a few moments later.

Birdie slouched in the backseat again, turning her head to look out of the window. She clenched her fist, biting the inside of her cheek. If she responded now, it wouldn't do any good. They would just go back and forth like they'd already done, putting them back to where they started.

But first, they needed to focus on the case at hand. Maybe then they could try to work things out.

Hopefully.

Not much else was said after that. There were a few questions or comments here and there, but nothing that addressed their ongoing issue; not that any of them actually minded that at the moment. Sam searched for a Jack Montgomery in Carthage, Missouri, only finding one which hopefully meant he was the right one. They stopped at a nearby motel and got a room, dropping off their things before heading back out. Music filled the silence in the car as Dean drove to the address, Birdie not saying a word as she sat in the backseat again. About ten minutes later, the trio pulled up across the street from a nice two story house in a seemingly normal neighborhood, not a single person in sight as it neared 11:00 P.M.

"Are you sure that's him?" Dean asked a few minutes later as he, Sam, and Birdie all looked into the two story house with binoculars from the comfort and safety of the Impala. They could see a man with short black hair in his late thirties inside, looking through a fridge in the kitchen.

"Only Jack Montgomery in town," Sam answered.

Dean lowered the binoculars, elbows resting on the back of the front seat. "And we're looking for. . ."

"Travis said to keep an eye out for anything weird," Sam said, binoculars in his lap as he peered back at Dean, shrugging his shoulders as he spoke.

"Weird?" Dean repeated.

"Yeah."

Dean lifted the binoculars again, looking inside the house to see the man, Jack, drinking a beer as he stood in front of the fridge. "Alright, well, yeah, I've seen big weird, little weird, weird with crazy on top. But this guy?" Dean dropped his hand again, glancing between Sam and Birdie. "I mean, come on, this guy's boring."

"I don't know, Dean. Travis seemed pretty sure," Sam said.

Birdie let out a tired sigh, scooting closer to the window with her own binoculars held in front of her eyes. Jack wasn't there anymore, but a few seconds later they saw him again, peering into the fridge once more. He grabbed some leftover chicken that was wrapped in aluminum foil, not bothering to heat it up before he dug in. Birdie raised her brows, watching the man devour the food as if he hadn't eaten anything in days. He sat it down after a few more bites, pulling something else out of the fridge. Birdie shook her head, scrunching up her nose in disgust as she saw Jack begin to eat a thing of raw meat, throwing looks over his shoulder as if making sure his wife wasn't there.

Then he suddenly stopped, almost like he realized what he was doing was incredibly wrong.

Sam lowered his binoculars, eyes still pinned on Jack. "I'd say that qualifies as weird."

Birdie gagged, closing her eyes. "No, nope. . .I'm not-I'm not gonna do it. . ."

Dean looked over at her, doing a double take when he saw her holding her hand over her mouth. "Don't you dare puke in my baby," he warned her.

Sam turned in the seat, frowning when he saw her expression.

"I won't. . ." Birdie said, shaking her head as she looked at Dean. "Unless we don't get out of here in the next ten seconds."

"You got it." Dean started up the Impala, taking off in the direction of the motel.

Birdie cleared her throat and folded her arms over her stomach, trying to distract herself from what they'd just witnessed. She expected the nausea sensation to dissipate once they got back on the road, but it lingered. She sucked in a deep breath, laying her head back with her eyes still closed. Sam stole a look over his shoulder at her, concern etched on his face. But thankfully, Dean pulled into the parking lot of the motel and Birdie opened her eyes. She felt relief when he pulled into a parking spot, but the nausea returned seconds later.

Maybe once she made it to the room she'd be fine.

Or not.

Dean unlocked the door to their room, him and Sam stopping when they saw an older man sitting at the table near the far window. Then they both smiled, realizing who it was.

"Travis," Dean said, watching the man set a beer down on the table with a laugh. He glanced aside at Sam, his smile still on his lips. "See, Sam. Told you we should have hid the beer."

Travis got up and with a warm smile he walked towards the boys, meeting them halfway. "Smartass. Get over here," Travis laughed, opening his arms up for a hug as Dean stopped in front of him. "Ahh, good to see you."

"You too."

They broke apart and Travis and Sam hugged next. "Good to see you, too," Travis told Sam.

"You too, Travis."

They let go of each other a few seconds later, Travis's eyes looking up at Sam's noticeably taller figure. "Man, you got tall, kid," he said, making them all chuckle. "How long has it been?"

"Ah, gotta be 10 years," Sam said, stuffing his hands in the pockets of his jacket.

"You still——oh, what was it? A mathlete?" Travis wondered, looking at Sam.

Sam scoffed a little, chuckling. "No."

"Yep, sure is," Dean said.

"Been too long, boys. I mean, look at you——grown men," Tavis said with a smile, "John would have been damn proud of you. . .sticking together like this."

"Yeah. Yeah, we're as thick as thieves," Dean said, looking over at Sam. Sam's smile faltered slightly, looking over at Dean. Thankfully, Travis didn't catch the passive aggressiveness of it. "Nothing more important than family."

The sudden sound of the door opening caused them to look over, seeing Birdie pulling a ponytail out of her hair as she closed the door behind her. Her eyes fell on Sam and Dean, doing a double take when she saw the older man in front of them, spotting a white cast along his right wrist. "Uh. . .hi," Birdie awkwardly said, dropping her hand down at her side. Her eyes swiveled back over to Sam and Dean, giving them a look that asked who the hell is that.

Sam smiled, looking over at Travis. "Uh, Travis, this is our friend, Birdie," Sam said.

Birdie awkwardly smiled as she walked over, twisting her lips as Travis looked at her, then at Sam, and then back at her. "Birdie?" he asked, watching her come to a stop next to Sam. "As in Reese Fowler's kid?"

Birdie nodded, tucking her hands in the pockets of her jacket——unknowingly mimicking Sam. "Uh, yeah," she answered, letting out a faint sigh.

"Damn, I haven't seen you since you were a toddler," Travis said, softly chuckling. "I knew your dad. . .I never got to meet your Mom, though. I was sorry to hear about their passin'."

"Oh, uh, yeah. Thanks. . ." Birdie sighed, nodding her head. "Anyways——"

"What took you so long?" Dean asked, turning to look at her. "We thought you were right behind us."

"Oh, I, uh. . ." Birdie shifted, eyes looking between Sam and Dean, "I had to tie my shoe."

Dean looked down, slowly blinking back at her. "Your shoes don't have laces."

Birdie huffed in annoyance. Why was he being so nosy all of a sudden? "What'd I almost do in the car?" she asked, giving him a sharp glare. Dean looked at her for a moment, eyes slightly widening in realization. Sam made a face, instantly knowing what she meant. Birdie shook her head, giving Travis a small smile. "If you'll excuse me, I need to use the restroom. . ."

Their eyes followed her to the bathroom, Travis looking between the brothers once the door shut behind Birdie. "Is she with one of you or——"

"Oh, not me," Dean said, shaking his head. "But her and Sam are pretty close——"

"It's not like that," Sam interjected, softly chuckling as he gave Dean a quick glare that went unnoticed by Travis.

Travis hummed and walked over to the table near the window, Dean and Sam following him. "Well, sorry I'm late for the dance," he said, sitting back down at the table. Dean sat in the seat across from him, Sam sitting on the edge of the bed that was placed near the table. "Thanks for helpin' out an old man. I'm a little, uh, shorthanded." Travis indicated to his right arm, him and the boys laughing together. "So, you track down Montgomery?"

Birdie shook her head inside the bathroom, bending down and splashing some cold water onto her face. She ran a hand along her cheeks, lifting her head to look at her reflection in the mirror. She blinked a few times, sighing when she spotted the dark bags under her eyes. She tilted her head, two of her fingers tracing along the mark on her right eye. She still remembered the feeling of the blade slicing her skin, the sharp pain that shot from her cheek and all the way to her eyebrow. How it actually managed to miss her eye, she still didn't know. It'd looked the same for the past few weeks now as it continued to heal, but Birdie figured it was about the best it would get now.

She pursed her lips and dried her hands off on the towel on the wall, lips parting when she thought she saw something strange in the mirror. "Not right now," she murmured. Then she dabbed at her face, making sure it was dry before she opened the door.

She walked out, giving the three men a small smile as she walked towards them. Sam returned her smile and scooted over on the bed. Birdie's smile partially widened, sinking down beside him. Dean watched them, shaking his head as he faced Travis.

"A rugaru?" Dean repeated, casting a side look towards Sam and Birdie, seeing Sam shrug. "Is that made up? That sounds made up."

"They're mean, nasty little fuckers," Travis said with a sigh. "Rotted teeth, wormy skin, the works."

"Well, that ain't this guy," Dean said, partially shaking his head. "I mean, he was wearing a cellphone on his belt."

"He'll turn ugly soon enough. They start out human, for all intents and purposes."

"So, what? They go through some kind of metamorphosis?" Sam asked.

"Yep, like a maggot turning into a bull fly. But most of all, they're hungry. About age thirty they start changing——bones shift around, animals instincts kick in."

Birdie frowned. "Hungry for what?"

"At first, for everything, but then. . ." Travis paused, looking over their faces, "for long pig."

Sam exhaled at that, understanding what Travis meant.

Dean and Birdie appeared confused, not understanding the term long pig. "Long pig?" Dean repeated, brows furrowed together.

"He means human flesh," Sam explained. Birdie sharply turned her head, looking at Sam with eyes wide and lips twisted in absolute disgust.

"And that is my word of the day," Dean said, firmly nodding his head.

"Hunger grows in till they can't fight it," Travis continued. "Till they got to take themselves a big, juicy chomp, and then it happens."

"What happens?" Sam wondered.

"They transform completely and fast. One bite's all it takes——eyes, teeth, skin; all turns. No going back either. They feed once, they're a monster forever. And our man Jack's headed there on a bullet train."

"Well, how'd you find this guy if he's a walking, talking human?" Dean asked.

"Let's just say it runs in his family," Travis said.

"You mean, uh. . ." Sam started, raising his brows.

"Killed his daddy back in '78. Son of a bitch mangled eight bodies before I put him down. Guy used to be a dentist——Cadillac, trophy wife. Little did I know, pregnant trophy wife. She put the boy up for adoption. By the time I found out, he was long gone, lost in the system."

"You mean to tell me you couldn't find someone?" Sam asked, a playful tone in his voice while he softly smiled and tilted his head.

Travis sighed, a faint smile on his lips before it fell. "I'm not sure I wanted to. The idea of hunting down some poor kid. . .I don't think I'd have the heart. No. I wanted to wait, make damn sure I had the right man. Apparently, I do," Travis said before he picked up the beer, taking a sip as Sam and Birdie shared a silent glance.

⋅ ∙ ∘ ☽ ༓ ☾ ∘ ⋅ ⋅

Dean and Travis were seated at the table the next morning, using tiny gas tanks to make makeshift flamethrowers. Two more were placed in the middle, already done and ready to be used when or if it became time to stop Jack Montgomery.

Sam and Birdie returned to the room soon after, Sam holding some papers in one hand. "Not wasting any time, are you?" he asked as he walked over with a small smile, dimples slightly poking out. Birdie smiled to herself, trailing behind him after she kicked her shoes off by the door.

"None to waste," Travis said, briefly looking up from the tank in his hand as Birdie and Sam sat down on the edge of the bed. "The guy hulks out, we won't be finding bodies, just remains."

"What if he doesn't hulk out?" Sam slowly wondered, head tilted to one side. Travis paused, shifting in his chair as he looked at Sam almost in surprise. Dean slowed his movements, brows raised. "Bird and I did a little homework. Uh, we've been checkin' out the lore on rugarus."

"What? My 30 years of experience not good enough for you?" Travis asked the two fo them, taking a sip of his coffee.

"What? No. No, I-we just wanted to be prepared," Sam stammered, adjusting the papers in his hand. "I mean, not that you didn't. . ."

"Sam loves research. He does——Bird, too," Dean said, wiping off a piece that still needed to be attached to the makeshift flamethrower. Sam scoffed under his breath, looking over at Dean. Birdie just rolled her eyes. "Sam keeps it under his mattress right next to his KY. It's a sickness," he continued, looking across the table at Sam. "It is."

"Look, everything you said checked out, of course, but uh, we found a couple of interesting stories about people who have this rugaru gene or whatever," Sam said, using his hands as he spoke. Travis and Dean listened, both still as their eyes focused on Sam. Birdie listened as well, eyes flickering towards the papers in Sam's hands as he continued. "See, they start to turn, but they never take the final step."

"Really?" Dean asked.

"See, if they never eat human flesh, they don't fully transform."

"So what——go vegan, stay human?"

"Basically," Birdie shrugged.

"Or in this case, eat a lot of raw meat, just not——"

"Long pig," Dean said.

Sam nodded. "Right."

Dean smiled a little, turning head towards Travis.

"Good on you two for the due diligence, Sam, Birdie," Travis said, picking up his mug as he stood from the chair. "But those are fairy tales," he sighed. He made his way over to the counter, speaking as he poured himself some more coffee, "Fact is, every rugaru I ever saw or heard of. . .took that bite."

"Okay, well, that doesn't mean that Jack will," Sam said, standing up as well. Dean watched Sam, moving to his feet, too. Birdie raised a brow, lips parting as she did the same.

"So what do we do?" Travis wanted to know, raising his brows with his eyes slightly widened for emphasis. Dean frowned slightly, taking the papers Sam had been holding to see for himself. "Sit and hope and wait for a body count?"

"No, we talk to him. Explain what's happening." As Sam spoke, Travis looked down with a smile, finding it amusing that Sam thought they could make Jack understand what was going on. "That way he can fight it."

"Fight it?" Travis laughed. "Are you kidding me? You ever been really hungry?" This got Dean's attention, making him look up from the papers in his hand. "I mean, haven't-eaten-in-days hungry?"

"Yeah," Dean said.

Travis nodded. "Yeah. Right, then. So somebody slaps a big, juicy sirloin in front of you, you walkin' away?" Dean thought for a moment, turning towards Sam with his brows raised as if to say that he wouldn't walk away. "That's what we are to him now——meat on legs. I'm sorry." Sam swallowed, glancing down at the ground but looking up when Travis continued. "I'm sure he's a stand-up guy, but it's pure, base instinct. Everything in nature's gotta eat. You think he can stop himself 'cause he's nice?"

"I don't know," Sam firmly answered. "But we're not gonna kill him unless he does something to get killed for."

Dean looked over at Sam at that. Sam took a few breaths, clenching his jaw before he walked out of the room without another word. Birdie frowned, softly sighing as the door closed behind him. Travis looked over at Dean once the door shut, a bit puzzled by Sam's reaction. "What's up with your brother?"

Dean looked at the door and then Travis, tilting his head. "Don't get me started."

Birdie pursed her lips, sharply turning her head towards Dean. He caught her gaze, holding her harsh stare. Then she rolled her eyes, scoffing under her breath as she headed out after Sam.

Travis raised his brows as Birdie left as well, turning towards Dean in confusion again. "Is there something goin' on that I should know about?"

"No, no," Dean denied, moving back towards the table. "Just a lil ol' family feud."

Birdie jogged after Sam, catching up to him near a vending machine. "Sam," Birdie said. Sam sighed, partially turning to face her. Birdie stopped beside him, seeing the ache looming in his eyes. Having Dean back, neither of them would've thought they'd be having any troubles; so soon, at least.

"I don't know if this is gonna work, Bird," Sam said, shaking his head. "I mean, if Dean doesn't trust us. . ."

"Hey, it's gonna be okay, Sam," Birdie said, giving him a small smile. "We're in this together, remember?" Sam's eyes flickered to Birdie at that, twisting his lips. He tilted his head, but Birdie shook her head as if she wasn't done speaking. "We just. . .let's just focus on the case for now, and once it's all done. . .then we can worry about the other things."

"Other things as in——"

"Yes," Birdie answered before Sam could finish what he was about to say.

Sam faintly nodded his hand, tucking his hands in the pockets of his jacket. "Yeah, I guess you're right."

"You guess I'm right?" Birdie wondered, cocking a brow.

Sam breathed out a laugh, playfully rolling his eyes. "You're right. . .twelve percent of the time."

"Twelve?" Birdie gaped, jaw dropping.

Sam chuckled, peering down at Birdie. His eyes momentarily flickered to her neck, his smile faltering when he saw there was still some bruising from the wreck.

Birdie felt his stare, pursing her lips as she reached up to place a hand on her neck. "Before you ask, yes, I'm fine," she said. "We both know some things take a little more time."

"Yeah, I know, but still——"

"Hey, there you guys are!" Dean shouted, jogging towards Sam and Birdie. They shared a discreet look with each other, watching Dean come to a stop in front of them. "What's goin' on?"

"Nothing," Sam said, nonchalantly shrugging his shoulders. "What'd you and Travis decide?"

Dean briefly looked towards Birdie, quietly sighing. "Let's go see him."

"You serious?" Sam asked.

"Yeah," Dean said. "It's worth a shot, right?"

Within three minutes, Birdie and the boys were in the Impala again as Travis stayed at the motel to finish making the rest of the blow torches. "All right, so we're gonna go have a little chat with this guy. . .which, you know. . .I'm down," Dean explained, glancing aside at Sam who was quietly sitting next to him, staring out the front windshield with a serious look on his face. Birdie was in the back, situated in the middle seat so she could equally see both of the brothers. "But I just wanna make sure, if push comes, you're gonna shove."

Sam blinked, finally looking over at Dean. "Meaning?"

"Well, odds are we're gonna have to burn this guy alive."

"This guy has a name and a wife."

"Yeah, who we're probably gonna make a widow, okay?" Dean replied, focusing back on the road. Birdie frowned at that. "I mean, you heard Travis. He's gonna turn. They always turn."

"Well, maybe he won't," Sam said. "Maybe he can fight it off."

"And maybe he can't, that's all I'm saying."

"All right, we'll just have to see then, okay?"

"This is what I mean, Sam," Dean said, looking at Sam again. Birdie furrowed her brows together, gaze landing on Dean. "You sure your emotions aren't gettin' in the way here?"

Sam shook his head, looking at his big brother with a confused expression. "What are you talking about?"

"You know, nice dude, but he's got something evil inside," Dean said. Sam looked away, still listening as Dean continued. Birdie tiredly rubbed at her eyes, unable to do anything but listen. She really didn't wanna have to listen to another fight between them, but she didn't really have much of a choice. And, if it was similar to the last one they had, she would most likely have to get involved again. "Something in his blood. Maybe you can relate."

Sam clenched his jaw, facing forwards still. "Stop the car."

"What?"

Sam sharply turned towards Dean, tears starting to appear in his eyes. "Stop the car or I will!"

Birdie sat up straight, immediately noticing the harsh tone in his voice. Dean kept his eyes on Sam for a few seconds, shaking his head as he faced forward. He silently drove to the side of the road up ahead, but before the car completely slowed to a stop, Sam already opened his door and was getting out.

"Sam, wait," Birdie called out in surprise, hastily climbing out of the backseat. "Sam!"

Dean quickly got as well, Sam slamming his door shut as he turned to face Dean from the other side of the car. "You wanna know why I've been lying to you, Dean? Because of shit like this," he snapped, moving along the front side of the car.

Dean walked towards the front, too, brows knitted together. "Like what?"

"The way you talk to me," Sam started, throwing his arms out as he rounded the front of the Impala, walking past Dean and towards the lake a few feet away. Birdie moved around the trunk, stopping near the back door with a prominent scowl etched on her lips. "The way you look at me like I'm a fucking freak!"

"I do not," Dean firmly denied.

Birdie scoffed, folding her arms over her chest as she leaned against the car. Dean clenched his jaw, turning towards her. "Don't look at me like that," Birdie said.

"You know, or even worse, like I'm a fucking idiot!" Sam shouted, walking closer to Dean so he was almost getting in his face. Birdie shifted, hands carefully dropping to her sides. "Like I don't know the difference between right and wrong!" Then he turned, anger still on his face as he moved closer to the water again. He sighed, stopping and placing his hands on his hips. He turned again, seeing Dean look down with something unfamiliar written on his face."What?"

Dean looked up at him again. "Do you know the difference, Sam?" he wondered, sounding rather angry. Sam scoffed at the question, dropping his hands down as he turned in disbelief. "I mean, you've been kind of strollin' a dark road lately."

"You have no idea what I'm going through," Sam sharply said, shaking his head. "None."

"Then enlighten me!"

"I've got fucking demon blood in me, Dean!" Sam yelled, holding his hands out in front of him with emphasis. Birdie's features softened, unable to stop herself from frowning. "This disease pumping through my veins, and I can't ever fucking rip it out or scrub it clean! I'm a whole new level of freak!" Sam let out a shaky breath, Dean remaining silent as he stared across at Sam. "And I'm just trying to take this. . ." Sam scoffed, faintly shaking his head, "This curse. . .and make something good out of it. Because I have to."

Dean stared at him for a few moments as Sam looked down at the gravel beneath his boots. A tense silence washed over the three of them, the gentle sound of the waves hitting the rocks along the shore. Dean mulled over Sam's words, taking another glance at Birdie. She didn't say anything, instead just facing Sam.

Dean looked at Sam again, sighing to himself. "Let's just go talk to the guy." Sam scoffed, shooting Dean a sharp look. "I mean Jack. Okay?"

After a moment of thought, Sam gave a small, almost non-existent, nod, but he didn't look at Dean. Birdie sucked in a deep breath, moving to grab the door handle. Time for another awkward car ride.

But like Dean said, they went to visit Jack Montgomery in hopes that they could explain things to him (and that he wouldn't freak out and/or shut Birdie and the boys out).

They found him in his backyard watering some plants with a rather bored expression on his tired features like he wasn't entirely all there. His wife wasn't anywhere to be seen, her car gone which left Birdie to assume she wasn't home at the moment. Birdie wasn't too sure how the conversation would go, though, she should've known not to be too hopeful. However, at first it appeared Jack was following along with what they were saying, but at the mention of him being anything but human, he was quick to put a stop to what they were saying. When Sam tried to reason with Jack further, he shouted at and ordered them to leave his home. With nothing else that they could do, they left. Unbeknownst to Jack, they stayed parked down the street where they could keep tabs on him for any more weird things to go on. And, a few hours later after it became dark, they saw him leave the house.

Dean was quick to follow him, keeping Baby a good distance behind to make sure Jack didn't realize that he was being followed. He stopped outside of an apartment complex not long after, his head tilted slightly as he gazed up at one of the opened windows of the building. His phone was clutched in his hand, but he soon pocketed it and started to move towards the building.

Sam quickly turned around to the backseat to as Jack hurried across the street, clearly disappointed. "Damn it, Jack, no." Sam grunted, reaching back towards the backseat where Birdie handed him one of the makeshift flamethrowers.

Dean and Birdie both grabbed their own, getting out of the car to quickly follow Jack. "Come on," Dean urged.

Jack hastily climbed up the fire-escape, heading straight for the woman's window. Birdie and the boys raced up to the building, looking up at Jack to see him moving further up at a fast pace. Birdie heavily sighed and followed Sam and Dean to the main entrance, hurrying in behind them. They rushed down the main hall and up the stairs, stopping in front of the door that led to the apartment Jack had been watching. Birdie stayed a few steps back in case Jack tried to make a run for it, watching Dean lift his leg and forcefully kick the door in. He and Sam hurried into the apartment, flamethrowers ready to use.

A woman screamed from inside, causing Birdie's eyes to widen slightly. Sam and Dean instantly stopped in the doorway, looking slightly off to the side as they watched the woman step back into her bedroom and slam the door shut.

"Wait!" Dean shouted, not having expected to find the woman alone in the room. "Whoa, uh, we're here to save you, I guess."

Sam carefully examined the apartment, not spotting Jack anywhere inside. Birdie curiously came up behind him and Dean, a faint frown on her lips. "I'm calling the police!" she heard a woman shout, sounding like it was coming from behind the door off to the side of the kitchen.

"We should go," Sam quickly said.

"Yeah," Dean agreed.

All three of them spun around, Sam gently nudging Birdie back down the hall. Dean quickly turned on his heel and closed the apartment door, letting out a little embarrassed laugh.

"Where'd the hell he go?" Dean asked as they hurried across the street. "He couldn't have just stopped, right?"

"I don't know."

"I'm gonna call Travis," Dean said as he settled into the front seat.

"Dean——"

"Just to check in," Dean said, shooting Sam a look.

Sam sighed but didn't protest further. Birdie made herself comfortable in the backseat, waiting to hear Dean start speaking with Travis. "Son of a bitch," Dean huffed, slamming his phone shut. "He's not answering."

Birdie frowned and leaned forward, resting her elbows on the front seat. "You don't think he——"

"Yeah, I do," Dean said.

Sam rolled his eyes in frustration. Birdie shook her head and leaned back in the seat, shakily exhaling. She didn't know Travis as well as the boys, but she didn't picture him to be someone who did something so reckless. There could've been a logical reason that he wasn't answering Dean's calls; that was rarely ever the case. So Dean quickly started the Impala, the engine roaring to life seconds before he drove off and in the direction of Jack Montgomery's home once again.

They pulled up in front of the house just a few minutes later due to Dean's speeding, seeing a familiar truck parked on the other side of the street. They slowly got out of the car, flamethrowers in hand as a precaution. Birdie got out of the backseat, tightly holding her flamethrower as her eyes glanced around the quiet neighborhood for any sign of life. Some of the homes were lit from the inside, signaling that some of the residents were still awake. Dogs could occasionally be heard barking, but there wasn't a single person in sight aside from Birdie and the Winchesters.

Dean walked around the front of Baby, making his way towards Sam and Birdie as they waited for him on the sidewalk.

"I guess now we know where Travis is," Dean said after spotting Travis's truck, sharing a weary look with Sam and Birdie.

Birdie let out a sigh, walking behind the brothers as they made their way towards the house. Don't get your hopes up.

"That stupid son of a bitch," Sam said. Dean looked over at Sam due to that comment, but Birdie wasn't fazed. She just kept her gaze straight and focused on the dark house. They made their way up the porch steps, glancing around one last time to make sure no one was watching them.

Dean slowly opened the front door, carefully eyeing the stairs as he entered the house. Sam and Birdie quietly trailed in behind him, eyes roaming the house for any sign of Travis, Jack, or Jack's wife. They moved towards the living room that was to the left of them, seeing a knocked over chair near the archway that led into the dining room. Some rope was tossed down beside the chair, partially still twisted around one of the armrests. As they walked closer, they noticed the large blood stain on the rug in the middle of the room. It trailed around the coffee table, leading behind the couch like someone, or something, had dragged it across the floor.

Birdie pursed her lips together, stealing a glance over at Sam and Dean where they shared a look with one another. Birdie followed Sam closer to the couch with Dean behind her, a grimace tugging on her lips when seeing a piece of flesh on the floor.

"Oh, God," Dean breathed out, taking another look around the room. "Think that's Travis?"

Sam heavily sighed. "What's left of him," he said, looking defeated. Dean looked over at him, noticing his solemn expression. "Guess you were right about Jack."

Before Dean could respond, he was suddenly pushed forward. Birdie jumped in surprise, seeing Jack slam Dean against the coffee table, knocking him out cold.

"Dean!" Sam and Birdie shouted, eyes wide and filled with sudden panic.

Sam and Birdie moved to the side, both reaching for their lighters to try and light the flamethrowers. Jack whipped around and rushed at them with his arms thrown out, knocking them both to the ground. Birdie grunted as her body smacked into the floor, the flamethrowing tumbling out of her hand. She clenched her eyes and then opened them, turning her head just in time to witness Jack use Sam's flamethrower to hit him in the head, knocking him out next.

Birdie's eyes widened and darted to the side, seeing her flamethrower near the stairs. Jack turned, snarling as he saw her looking at him. "Oh, shit," she muttered under her breath, rolling onto her stomach to crawl towards the flamethrower. Jack scrambled off of Sam and grabbed hold of Birdie's legs, yanking her over to him. "No! Jack, don't!"

Jack didn't respond. He flipped her over and grabbed her by the collar of her jacket with a snarl on his lips, lifting her up and smashing her body against the ground.

⋅ ∙ ∘ ☽ ༓ ☾ ∘ ⋅ ⋅

Sam blinked a few times as he finally regained consciousness, suddenly remembering what had happened before he was knocked out. His eyes widened and he frantically looked aside, letting out a shaky breath when he saw Birdie laid next to him against the opposite wall with her eyes closed and head tilted forward slightly.

He scooted over to her, gently shaking her shoulder in an attempt to wake her. "Birdie, hey," he softly said, frowning as she didn't budge. "C'mon, Bird, please. Wake up!"

Birdie's eyes fluttered open, sucking in a sharp breath. Her eyes darted to the side, visibly relaxing when her eyes fell on Sam. There was already a bruise forming on the left side of his forehead, some blood smudged near the area. A thin trail trickled down from his nose, the sight causing Birdie to frown. Birdie carefully sat up, eyes wide as she gazed back at Sam. "Dean's still——"

"Come on," Sam said, starting to stand with his hands grabbing hold of her arms, pulling her up along with him. Then he moved towards the door, trying to open it but found it had been locked. "Dean?"

"Dean can't come to the phone right now."

Sam slammed his hand against the door twice, head leaned close to the door. "Jack! If you hurt him, I swear to God!"

"Calm down! Your brother's alive." Sam breathed out a sigh of relief, leaning against the door, panting. Birdie's frown only deepened, heart thumping loudly in her ears. "But not if you don't calm down."

"Alright, Jack. Listen," Sam said, sounding calmer than before. "Open the door. We can figure this out, okay?"

Jack merely laughed at that. "We'll have ourselves a little brainstorming session."

"Jack, come on," Birdie said.

"Jack. Please," Sam begged.

"I don't think so," Jack gruffly said. "After what you did?"

Sam and Birdie shared a confused by that. "What? What are you talking about?"

Birdie shifted, watching Sam feel around in his pockets——most likely something that he could use to unlock the door. "You sent your friend here," Jack harshly said. "He tried to burn my wife alive!"

Birdie's jaw fell open at that, Sam pausing his movements. "What?" Sam asked in disbelief, continuing to rummage inside his pockets. "Why?"

"He didn't say," Jack said after a few moments. Birdie sighed, turning her head. Her eyes fell on a metal hangar that was hanging on the rack behind them, turning her head to look at Sam. She quickly grabbed it and handed it to him. "I guess psychopaths don't have to explain themselves."

"Listen to me. You gotta believe me," Sam said, now tightly holding the hangar, "The three of us, we never would have hurt her, okay?"

Jack didn't respond. "Jack?" Birdie asked, heart rate picking up at his lack of response. "Jack!"

"Oh, God. I'm so hungry."

"Jack, don't do this," Sam pleaded, bending down to use the hangar after he bent the hook part so it would fit inside the lock.

"I can't ever see my family again." Sam nor Birdie responded, Sam continuing to work the lock. "You three——our friend. You made me into this!"

"No one's making you kill us," Sam said. He struggled with the lock, panting as he lowered his hand for a moment, partially leaning against the door. "Listen to me. You got this dark pit inside you. I know. Believe me, I know." Birdie pursed her lips, unable to look away from Sam as she remained kneeled beside him. "But that doesn't mean you have to fall into it. You don't have to be a monster."

Jack scoffed. "Have you seen me lately?"

"It doesn't matter what you are. It only matters what you do," Sam replied. "It's your choice."

Birdie placed a hand on Sam's shoulder, giving him a small smile. He partially returned it, keeping his focus on the lock. He finally managed to get the door unlocked, and just in time to witness Jack leaning close to Dean.

"Jack!" Sam shouted.

Jack whipped around towards the closet door, spotting Sam and Birdie there. Sam held his flamethrower and lighter, holding it out in case he needed to use it. He gave Jack a look, almost pleading with him not to do it.

Jack sat still for a moment like he was deciding what he was going to do, Sam and Birdie silently waiting. Then he lunged for Sam just as Dean slowly lifted his head. Birdie involuntarily flinched as Sam lit the lighter, a stream of fire flowing from the flamethrowing and enveloping Jack. Dean turned away with a wince, hearing Jack's pained screams fill the entire room. Then he looked back, seeing the flames cover every inch of Jack's body.

Jack crumbled to the floor after a few seconds, his screams beginning to quiet until they became nonexistent. Dean breathlessly looked over at Sam, a defeated look on his face. Birdie softly sighed, momentarily closing her eyes.

Despite Sam's best efforts, he failed to help Jack.

The Impala sped down a long and narrow highway, tense silence filling the stuffy space. Dean had a small cut on the right side of his forehead, the surrounding area a little red. He looked over at Sam who was just staring out of the passenger window, obviously lost in his thoughts. Dean turned back to the road, adjusting his grip on the steering wheel. "You did the right thing, you know. That guy was a monster, there was no going back." Sam didn't respond, only lowering his head. "I wanna tell you I'm sorry——to both of you. I've been kind of hard on you guys lately."

Birdie shrugged her shoulders, finger mindlessly thumbing over her phone that was placed on her lap. "It's fine," she said. Dean stole a look at her in the rear view, getting the impression that it wasn't actually fine like she claimed. "We're good, Dean."

Sam lifted his head, a glum expression on his face. "Don't worry about it, Dean."

"It's just that your, uh, your psychic thing, it scares the shit out of me."

"Look, if it's all the same. . .I'd really rather not talk about it."

Dean looked at Sam when seeing him turn his head, beginning to playfully smile. "Wait a minute. What? You don't want to talk? You?"

Sam didn't return to the smile or reply with a joke. "There's nothing more to say. I can't keep explaining myself to you. I can't make you understand."

"Why don't you try?"

"I can't," Sam answered, facing Dean again. "Because this thing, this blood——it's not in you the way it's in me. It's just something I gotta deal with."

"Not alone," Dean said.

Sam sighed and looked out through the passenger window again. He heavily sighed, remaining silent for a few moments. "Anyway, it doesn't matter. These powers——it's playing with fire. I'm done with them." Dean looked over at him at those words while Birdie raised her brows in absolute surprise. "I'm done with everything."

"Really?" Dean wondered. Sam continued to gaze out of his window and Dean faced the road. "Well, that's a relief. Thank you."

Sam turned around to him and scoffed a little. "Don't thank me," he said. "I'm not doing it for you. Or for the angels or for anybody. This is my choice."

Birdie wanted to smile at that, but something inside caused her to frown instead, an uncomfortable sensation swirling in her stomach. She curled into herself and wrapped her arms around her body, a small twinge in her back making her close her eyes. It dissipated after a few seconds, thankfully, but the feeling in her stomach remained and she didn't think it would be leaving anytime soon.

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KAOS OKAY I'M SO I POSTED THIS AND THEN UNPUBLISHED LIKE A WEEK LATER. I'm currently editing the next chapter, and I remembered that the next chapter was originally before this one when I realized the next one started talking about the funeral (which doesn't make much sense to have it there instead sod in this one).  But, all I really changed was the first few paragraphs so the rest of the chapter should be about the same as before. I didn't fully go back through this chapter, so I'm sorry if there's any errors or inconsistencies (though, that also happened in the show so 👀)

But anyways, please don't forget to leave your feedback in the comments and I hope y'all enjoyed!