CHAPTER THIRTY THREE:
PLAY WITH FIRE.

⋅ ∙ ∘ ☽ ༓ ☾ ∘ ⋅ ⋅

"I CAN'T BELIEVE we actually made it out of there."

"Again."

Sam sighed to himself, his eyes flickering back towards Birdie. A heart monitor beeped at a regular pace, an IV steadily dripping every so often. The attached needle was stuck in Birdie's arm, more monitors stuck to her chest to monitor any possible changes. Each of her wounds were skillfully bandaged, only the one on her wrist visible. The thin blanket was pulled up a little past her waist, carefully tucked at her sides with her head slightly leaning to the side on the plush pillow. She'd been in the hospital for just a few hours, but the doctor said she should be waking up anytime, so the boys were just waiting until then. She was meant to stay a few nights after waking so the doctors could make sure there weren't any underlying issues they might've missed; Sam and Dean didn't think that would actually happen, though.

But, until she woke up, Sam and Dean had agreed to stay so they would be there when she did.

With it also being her first time being in a hospital again——the same place she lost Kaiya——they didn't want her to be alone when she finally woke up. They weren't sure how she would take it, or if she would even appreciate that they brought her there despite it being the best option with the wounds that were inflicted on her. She'd endured much more than they could've expected, and even with Felicity's healing abilities, it would have been unwise to still not bring her to a hospital; not to mention Dean would've been suspicious if Sam didn't agree.

"I know you heard him," Dean said after a few moments, taking another look at Birdie's sleeping figure to make sure she wasn't awake yet.

"Who?" Sam asked, turning his head towards his big brother.

"Alastair," Dean said, briefly catching Sam's eye. "What he said. . .about how I had promise."

"I heard him."

"You're not curious?"

"Dean, I'm damn curious," Sam admitted, sighing as he faintly shook his head. "But you're not talking about Hell, and I'm not pushing."

Dean nodded for a moment and then stood up, moving towards the window at the back of the stale room. It faced the parking lot, cars and people coming and going without any idea that the looming threat of the apocalypse was growing bigger and stronger. "It wasn't four months, you know."

Confusion appeared on Sam's face, turning in his chair to look at Dean. "What?"

Dean didn't look at Sam as he spoke again. "It was four months up here, but down there. . .I don't know. Time's different. It was more like 40 years."

"Oh my God," Sam breathed out.

"They, uh. . .they sliced and carved and tore at me in ways that you. . .until there was nothing left. And then, suddenly. . .I would be whole again. . .like magic. . .just so they could fuckin' start in all over. And Alastair. . .at the end of every day. . .every fucking one. . .he would come over. And he would make me an offer. To take me off the rack. . .if I put souls on. . .if I started the torturing. And every day, I told him to fuckin' stick it where the sun shines. For 30 years, I told him. But then I couldn't do it anymore, Sammy." Tears started to brew in Dean's eyes, his gaze remaining settled on the window in front of him. Dean didn't want to see Sam's expression as he spoke. Sam's features softened and he stood up, his own tears starting to speckle in the corners of his eyes as he stared at the back of Dean's head. "I couldn't. And I got off that rack. God help me, I got right off it, and I started ripping them apart. I lost count of how many souls." A tear rolled down Dean's cheek as his bottom lip wobbled, the tears turning into a stream. "The-the things that I did to them."

Sam thickly swallowed. "Dean. . ." Sam cleared his throat, trying to find the right words to say to his big brother. Dean clenched his eyes shut, lowering his head. "Dean, look, you held out for 30 years. That's longer than anyone would have."

Dean shook his head as more tears trailed down his face. "How I feel. . .this. . .inside me. . .I wish I couldn't feel anything, Sammy. I wish I couldn't feel a fucking thing."

Sam blinked back his tears, letting out a shaky breath as he absorbed Dean's words. Dean sniffed and cleared his throat, wiping at his eyes. Birdie kept her eyes closed, unsure if she should open them yet as she had a feeling she wasn't meant to hear that conversation.

But, she could feel the uneasiness in the room as Dean's confession lingered in the air. Sam wasn't sure what to say to his brother, how anything else he could say could even make Dean feel better in the slightest. Knowing Dean, though, he might've preferred it if there was a sudden change in conversation.

Birdie's eyes fluttered open a few seconds later, blinking aside as her eyes fell on the wooden door to her left. She slowly turned her head to the right, seeing Dean gazing out of the window and Sam sitting in one of the chairs off to the side of her bed, peering down at the ground with a weary expression.

Birdie shifted, lifting her hand to rub her eye until she felt a pinch in her arm. She instantly frowned and looked down at her arm, pursing her lips into a fine line when she saw the IV. "Alright, which one of you fuckers let them do this to me?"

At the sound of her voice, Sam and Dean's heads snapped in her direction. Looks of relief appeared on their features, both of them moving towards her to stand beside the bed. "Bird, hey," Sam said, offering her a small smile. "How're you feelin'?"

Birdie sighed, partially lifting her arm with the IV for emphasis. "How the hell do you think, Samuel?"

Dean chuckled, tilting his head as he peered down at Birdie. "About time your sorry ass woke up," he said, giving her a playful glare. "I think Sammy here was about to start goin' crazy."

"I was not," Sam quickly denied, shooting Dean a glare.

Birdie tilted her head. "How long was I out?"

"Couple hours," Dean answered, snickering as he stole a glance aside at Sam.

Birdie playfully rolled her eyes, chuckling under her breath. Her eyes briefly flickered around the room, feeling a sharp pang in her heart. It was a completely different hospital than the last one she was in, but it was still a hospital with the same sounds, the same smells, and the same results——death.

Sam appeared to realize what was going through Birdie's mind. "They're wanting you to stay a few extra nights to make sure everything's okay——"

"But we all know that won't be happenin'," Dean finished. Birdie faintly smiled, nodding in agreement. "You need anything? Food, water——how 'bout a bedpan?"

"I'll take a bedpan," Birdie said, eyes narrowed on Dean. "I can use it to hit you."

"Damn," Dean said, scrunching up his face with offense. Sam laughed beside him, dimples poking out as he shook his head. "I'll add xanax to the list."

Birdie huffed, rolling her eyes. "No, but actually. . .I am kinda hungry."

"Anything specific?" Sam wondered.

"Surprise me," Birdie said, giving him an overly enthusiastic grin. Sam and Dean smiled in return, heading towards the door. "Thank you, boys. . .for everything."

"Anything for our favorite damsel," Dean said, opening the door. Birdie huffed, giving him a dirty look. Dean just loudly laughed and stepped out into the hall.

Sam started to step out as well, pausing to look back at Birdie. "You sure you don't need anything else?"

"Yes, I'm sure, but thanks," Birdie said.

Sam gave her another smile and nodded, shutting the door behind him.

Birdie sighed to herself and leaned forward slightly, hissing when she felt a stinging sensation radiate through her lower stomach. Careful! It's gonna take some time to heal these wounds.

Birdie's lips curled into a frown, brows knitting together. "What? But you've healed worse a lot faster."

I know. . .but the knife didn't hurt just you, Bird.

Birdie heavily sighed, leaning forward only a fraction so she could readjust the pillow behind her so she was more comfortable. Then she slouched back against it, biting the inside of her cheek as her eyes roamed the bland hospital room. The boys' jackets were thrown over the backs of the chairs off to the side, a clear plastic bag of her own belongings on the tray table by the heart monitor.

Birdie turned her head to the side, watching the monitor beep at a steady pace with her heartbeat. She deeply frowned, shaking her head as she closed her eyes.

It was almost unavoidable going to the hospital in her line of work, but she didn't think she'd be back in one anytime soon.

The memories were still fresh in her mind, vividly remembering that her last trip to one ended with her sobbing in the parking lot with Sam and Dean doing their best to comfort her. It felt like it was just yesterday she'd lost Kaiya, and with how frequently her face popped into her mind, Birdie could've sworn it was.

Soon there was a faint knock at the door, momentarily startling Birdie as she lifted her head. She furrowed her brows, surprise appearing on her face when she saw Hiro step inside carrying two boxes in his hands. He warmly smiled when he saw her, using his hip to push the door open more. "Hey, Bird. How're you feeling?" he wondered, stepping around the bed. He placed the boxes on one of the chairs, wiping his hands off on his jeans as he approached the side of the bed. "I called you earlier, but your tall friend, uh, Sam, answered and told me you were in the hospital, so I thought I'd come see you."

"Oh, Hiro, you didn't have to do that," Birdie said, offering him a small smile.

"I know, but. . .I also needed to talk to you," Hiro said, his smile faltering ever so slightly.

"Oh," Birdie said, curiously gazing upwards at Hiro. "I'm sorry I didn't call you. I was planning on it, but I just couldn't find the right time——"

"Because of all of the monster hunting?"

Birdie blinked at those words, lips parting in utter shock. He had to be joking. He shouldn't know——he couldn't know. "Wh-what? I don't——"

"Yes, you do," Hiro softly said, moving towards one of the boxes. He opened one of them, pulling out a small stack of folded-up pieces of paper. "And so do the Winchesters."

Birdie nervously gulped. "Hiro, I don't know what those are, but I——"

Hiro sighed, holding them out for Birdie to take so she could see them for herself. She pursed her lips together, eyes flickering up to Hiro as she hesitated to take them. "Please, Birdie," he said. "I-I need to know the truth."

Birdie shakily exhaled, reluctantly accepting the crumpled papers from the older man. She set them down on her lap as Hiro grabbed one of the empty chairs and dragged it closer to Birdie's bed. He sank down on the cushion, watching Birdie open up the first piece of paper.

As soon as she did so, Birdie felt her heart sink.

Her head snapped to the side, looking towards Hiro with enlarged eyes. "Wh-where did you find these?" she asked.

"In the back of one of your sketchbooks," Hiro answered. "You wrote 2000 in the front, which means you would've been, what, fifteen? Almost sixteen?"

Birdie shook her head in disbelief, gaze immediately falling back on the paper. The rest of the papers were laid in her lap, but she didn't need to look at them to know what the rest said.

It was a lengthy letter she wrote to Kaiya that informed her that Birdie and her parents hunted monsters for a living. It was incredibly sloppy and some of the writing was smudged together, but it was still legible. But after she was done with it, she stuffed it inside one of her sketchbooks instead of giving it to Kaiya out of fear she'd scare the girl away and she'd be without any friends once again.

But. . .she thought she threw it away that same day.

"This was. . .this isn't what you think it is, Hiro."

"Birdie, don't lie to me," Hiro said, a pleading look swirling in his dark eyes. "I-I just lost my sister, and if it. . .if there is a chance that it wasn't really an accident. . .I need-I need to know. Please, Bird."

Birdie's heart clenched.

She couldn't lie to him.

She sighed and set the papers off to her side, a small frown on her lips as she stared at Hiro. There never was an easy way to give the monsters are real talk. "They're, uh. . .monsters are real, and me and the Winchesters. . .we-we kill them," Birdie slowly said. Hiro leaned back in the chair, momentarily closing his eyes. Birdie's frown deepened. "And the wreck. . .we think it. . .might not have been an accident." Hiro breathed out a sharp breath, lowering his head into his hands. "I'm sorry, Hiro."

Hiro cleared his throat and lowered his hands, facing Birdie again. "Do you know who, or-or what?" he asked.

"We have an idea——"

"I wanna help." Birdie's eyes noticeably widened, raising her brows. Hiro firmly nodded when he saw her reaction, a stern expression on his features. "For Kaiya."

"Hiro——"

"Birdie, I need to——"

"You have no idea how-how this works, Hiro," Birdie said, her response causing Hiro's face to falter. "I'm sorry, but it's too dangerous. It's safer if you just let us handle it."

"But I can help."

"No. Not with this you can't."

Hiro puffed out his chest, shaking his head. He pushed himself to his feet, making his way toward the window. He placed his hands on his hips, gazing down at the ground below. Birdie shifted slightly, unable to tear her eyes away from Hiro. "I owe it to Kaiya to do this, Bird. I-I wasn't always there for her when I should've. . .but if-if dealing with monsters is how I can do it, how I can get justice, then I'll do it."

Birdie's gaze briefly fell on the letter. She understood Hiro's desire to go after the monster who was responsible for his sister's death. She would've been the same if she had siblings; and even now, she wanted Lilith to pay for what she did to Dean and so many others more than anything. But, she grew up knowing about the monsters. Hiro didn't. And with more seals being broken, Birdie didn't have time to explain all the monsters or to train Hiro on how to kill all of them.

"I know you wanna help, but it's best if you leave it to me and Sam and Dean. And I promise you, we're not gonna stop until the bitch is dead."

⋅ ∙ ∘ ☽ ༓ ☾ ∘ ⋅ ⋅

The boxes Hiro brought for Birdie were in the backseat of the Impala, partially hidden under a blanket that Birdie had used during the drive to up Iowa. Birdie and the boys were down the street from the motel they'd gotten a room at, a mysterious death of a magician having brought the trio to Sioux City, Iowa——right in the middle of their annual Magic Week; only Dean seemed annoyed by that, though. He also wasn't too fond of Birdie getting right back into things, but she seemed to be doing okay despite what she'd just recently gone through.

They'd headed off only one day after Hiro's visit, deciding to work a case while they tried to find another way to locate where Lilith might've been hiding out. Hiro had only briefly spoken with Sam and Dean when they returned to Birdie's room with some food, incredibly stunned to see the oldest Okada sibling there. There was some lingering tension in the air, but no one had commented on it until Hiro bid them all goodbye and said he'd speak to them soon; which Birdie didn't doubt. When she admitted that he now knew monsters were real and one was most likely behind the "accident", neither of the Winchesters were exactly happy. But, Birdie assured them that she didn't go into details or give him Lilith's name——all he knew was that monsters were real.

Though, the more Birdie thought about it, the more she wished she might've clarified which ones were real.

"This, this isn't a trick, okay? I-I-I don't do tricks. This is a demonstration about demons and angels, love and lust——"

"What a douchebag," Dean said, the trio standing behind a small crowd of people that were watching a magician who'd come into town for Magic Week. Birdie glanced aside, raising a brow when she saw a person holding a camera and another holding a large microphone in the audience, holding up their equipment so they could clearly see and hear the man.

"——all that stuff mixed up in my head."

Sam breathed out a laugh, glancing aside at Dean and Birdie. "That's Jeb Dexter."

Birdie tilted her head, an amused smile appearing on her lips at the face Sam knew. Dean shook his head, looking slightly disappointed. "I don't even want to know how you know that," Dean said.

"He's famous. . .kind of," Sam said with a nonchalant shrug.

"——but whatever happens, no matter how——"

"For what?" Dean asked with a scoff. "Douchebaggery?"

"——messed up it gets, don't touch me, okay? For your own safety," the magician, Jeb Dexter, said with a stern look on his face while his eyes roamed the faces in the crowd. Birdie folded her arms over her chest, eyes slightly narrowed with suspicion.

Jeb sucked in a deep breath, sharply exhaling a few seconds later as he shook his head and adjusted his grip on the deck of cards in his hands. Then he started to groan, imitating what Birdie thought was a terribly done fake possession. He quickly stretched his arm, shaking his arm as he flung the cards in the direction of the window behind him. "Go back to hell, demon!" he shouted as he did so, breathing heavily as only one card stuck to the window; it was the ace of diamonds.

Birdie tilted her head, her dark eyes following Jeb as dragged his hand over the card to show that it was now on the other side of the glass. "Is this your card?" he asked, turning his head to look at one of the women standing in the crowd.

The woman nodded in complete shock, a bright smile spreading across her face. The other onlookers applauded as well, incredibly impressed.

"You've gotta be fuckin' kidding me," Dean said, looking at Sam in disbelief. "A fake demon possession?"

Birdie shook her head, blinking a few times as she stared at the card still on the window. How the hell did he do that?

He's a magician. What did you expect?

'Shut up', Birdie replied inside her head.

Dean shook his head and turned away, prompting Sam and Birdie to follow him. "I can't believe people actually fall for that bullshit," Dean said.

"It's not all bullshit," Sam said.

"What part of that was not a steaming pile of bullshit?"

"Okay, that was bullshit, but that's not all magicians," Sam said. "It takes skill."

"Oh, right, right, I forgot. You were actually into this stuff, weren't you?" Dean said, a smile appearing on his lips. He slowed to a stop, Sam and Birdie doing the same. Birdie stood to the side of them, able to look in between them easily. Amusement was obvious on her features, vividly remembering a time when it was just Sam and Birdie staying at Bobby's and Sam spent the majority of their stay showing Birdie every magic trick he learned.

"I mean, you had- you had, like, a deck of cards and a wand."

Birdie smirked, catching Sam's eye. "And you had a cape——a silk one."

Sam scoffed, rolling his eyes. "Guys, I was thirteen. It was a phase."

"Just——it bugs me. Actually, it offends me," Dean said. "You know, playing at demons and-and magic when the real thing'll kill you bloody."

"Like a guy who drops dead of ten stab wounds without a single tear in his shirt?"

Dean made a face, holding his hands out at his sides. "That's what I'm talking about."

Birdie gave the boys a small smile and turned on her heel, beginning to walk in the direction of where the victim, Patrick Vance, formerly lived. They were set to meet his assistant there after Sam found her number online, hoping that she could give them some answers that could clear up if they were truly dealing with something paranormal. She walked between the Winchesters, bantering back and forth about magic and all the trouble it often caused when someone got a little too caught up in the power.

They rounded another corner, spotting the apartment complex directly across the street. The trio hurried across the crosswalk and stepped inside the dimly lit building, heading towards the staircase to go to the next floor. Their eyes skimmed over the numbers tacked onto the doors, looking for the one that the assistant said she'd be in. It was just a few doors down and Sam stepped in front of it, knocking a few times.

A woman with red, curly hair greeted them, opening the door to allow them inside. Sam quietly thanked her and she led them into a living room area. There was a large, black trunk placed on a nearby table, most of it already filled with typical items a magician would own. She picked up a few things off the couch behind her, answering the basic questions as she packed them into the trunk. Then she picked up a collection of metal rings, tossing them inside before she faced the trio again.

"So did your boss have any enemies that you know of?" Dean questioned next.

"Vance had plenty of enemies," the woman answered, leaning down to grab the end of a series of tied-together handkerchiefs from a bag on the coffee table.

"How so?" Sam wondered.

"He would steal from other magicians——all the time." Birdie raised her brows, seeing the handkerchiefs kept coming and coming with no end in sight. Birdie stole a quick look at Dean, noticing he had the same expression on his face that she did.

"What would he steal?"

"Stage effects, closeup techniques," the assistant answered, pulling the last of the handkerchiefs out. She partially turned on her heel, stuffing it into the trunk. "Anything he could get his hands on."

"Is that enough to get him killed?"

The woman breathed out a forced laugh. "These guys take this stuff pretty seriously," she said. She moved a silk cloth, Birdie's jaw dropping in surprise when she saw a white rabbit hidden underneath. "There you are."

Birdie shook her head, watching the assistant pick up the rabbit. "Did you happen to find anything weird in Vance's stuff? Or, well, weirder than usual?" Dean asked.

"Matter of fact, I did." She carefully set the rabbit down on the couch and reached into a pocket inside the cape beside her; presumably the one that belonged to Vance. Then she held it up, showing a tarot card——the Ten of Swords; an image of ten swords sticking out of a man's back.

"I'm guessing this didn't belong to Vance," Sam said, reaching forward to take it.

The assistant shook her head and handed it to Sam. "He hated card tricks, never wanted them around. Let alone in his precious cape."

Sam looked at both sides of the card, but it appeared to be a perfectly ordinary tarot card. "Thank you. Uh, if you think of anything else that might be useful, here's my card," Sam said, offering the woman a kind smile as he did so.

She accepted it, nodding her head. "Thanks."

Dean and Birdie nodded as well, bidding the woman goodbye. The woman followed them to the door, quietly shutting it behind them. Dean glanced back as they walked down the hall, making sure that there wasn't anyone behind them to overhear their conversation. "So, what do you guys think?" he wondered.

"I don't know," Sam sighed, holding the card out toward Dean. "It looks pretty normal."

"You know how magicians are, though," Birdie said. "Nothing is ever as it seems. This could be the real deal."

Dean sighed, holding the tarot card back out to Sam. He took it and slipped it into his pocket. They descended down the stairs, heading back outside and in the direction of the motel. "Why don't you two see if you can find anything on that card?" Dean asked, slowing down as something seemed to catch his attention.

Birdie did the same, raising a brow in his direction. "What're you gonna do?"

"It's magic week, right?" Dean asked. Sam and Birdie nodded simultaneously. Dean nudged his head towards a building across the street where Jeb Dexter was walking inside along with his camera crew. "How much you wanna bet some of them are in there?"

"None, because you're probably right," Sam scoffed, a faint smile on his lips.

"You sure you don't want one of us to come with you?" Birdie wondered.

"No, no, I think I can handle this," Dean denied. "You're not even supposed to be out of bed right now."

"Dean, I said I'm fine," Birdie said, rolling her eyes.

Dean skeptically raised his brows, reaching out towards her shoulder where a bandage was hidden under her clothes. Birdie's eyes slightly widened and she leaned back. Dean smirked, tilting his head. "My point exactly."

"Shut up," Birdie grumbled, stuffing her hands in the pocket of her blazer. Sam snickered, subconsciously mimicking her as he stood beside her.

Dean chuckled. "I'll meet you guys back at the motel when I'm done. Let me know if you find anything." Then he tossed the room key and Impala keys to Sam, Sam swiftly catching them in his hand.

"Yeah," Sam said.

Birdie gave Dean a small smile, sighing to herself as he jogged across the street. Then she turned, raising her brows at Sam. "Back to your favorite part of hunting——research."

Sam scoffed out a laugh, starting to walk again. Birdie did the same, falling into step with the taller man. They brushed past random people on the sidewalk, not paying any attention to them as they approached the motel. There was a small group of kids dressed up as magicians, perky smiles on their features as they zoomed between Sam and Birdie. A teacher rushed out a sincere apology, chasing after the children to let them know they were going in the wrong direction. Birdie giggled and shared a smile with Sam.

They reached the motel almost a minute later, quietly entering their room on the second floor. Birdie immediately shrugged off her blazer when she stepped inside, placing it over the backs of one of the chairs by the table. She undid the first few buttons of her polka dot blouse, tiredly plopping down on one of the beds. She winced when she felt a pinch in her lower stomach, leaning back on her hands so she wasn't putting as much pressure on the wound.

"Hey, you alright?" Sam wondered, frowning when he noticed Birdie's pained expression.

"Yeah, yeah, I just. . ."

"Let me see," Sam said, automatically walking towards her.

"No, Sam, it's fine," Birdie tried, but Sam motioned for her to scoot over so he could see if the stitches had come undone. Birdie sighed but did as asked, scooting on the bed so her legs were pulled up in front of her and she was fully facing Sam. Sam sat down beside her, lips parting open as his eyes flickered from Birdie's face and her lower stomach where the bandaged wound was hidden under her shirt. Birdie breathed out a giggle, reaching down and partially lifting up her shirt where Sam could see the bandage.

Sam shot her a small smile and reached forward, carefully peeling back part of the bandage. Birdie curiously peered down, scrunching up her nose when she saw some blood smeared on the inner part of the bandage. "The stitches are holding up, but I-I thought it'd be looking a little by now."

I'm trying my best, Sammy.

Birdie twisted her lips, watching Sam reapply the bandage, gently pressing on the edges to make sure it was secure. "Felicity says she's trying her best," Birdie said, tilting her head at Sam as she spoke. "Sammy."

Sam quietly huffed, standing up from the bed. He moved towards his bag that was placed on the table, unzipping it as he cast a look at Birdie. "She needs to try harder," he said, the look on his face being directed not at Birdie, but at Felicity.

Tell your boyfriend that I took a little damage myself too during our little torture session. It wasn't just you.

Birdie subconsciously pursed her lips, a chill running up her spine as flashes of the other night popped into her mind. It wasn't the first time a monster had harmed her, but that kind of pain, that kind of torture——that had never happened to her before.

Sam seemed to sense the flashbacks were going through Birdie's head, but Birdie spoke before he got the chance. "Anyways. . .what do you think about the card?"

Sam sighed, pulling his laptop out of his bag. He moved one of the chairs at the table, sinking down before opening up his laptop. "Honestly? I-I have no idea," Sam said. He tapped a few buttons on his computer and slipped off his blazer, tossing it on the backside of his chair. Birdie scrunched up her nose at the thought of having to do research, laying on the bed. "You know, Bird, it might go faster if we both work on this. The doctor said you needed to exercise your brain——"

"He did not," Birdie hastily interjected, abruptly lifting her head with an appalled look.

Sam raised his brows. "He did, but you just ignored him."

Birdie opened her mouth to object, but truthfully, there was no point. Sam was right. She hadn't listened to a single word her doctor told her; though it was gonna take a little longer than usual for her to heal, she'd be healed faster than her doctor could've ever imagined. "Anyways," Birdie started as she stood up, hearing Sam chuckle to himself as she opted to change the subject once again, "I'm gonna change and then I'll he——"

You know. . .Ruby had a point the other night.

"Huh?"

Sam tilted his head, furrowing his brows together. He shifted in the chair, noting how Birdie wasn't looking at him anymore. Her eyes were focused on the wall behind Sam, her brows knitted as if in deep thought.

I know what you're gonna say, and I know what you're thinking, but. . .Birdie. . .

"No."

"Bird?" Sam softly questioned.

Just ask him. If he hears it coming from you, he might actually listen to reasoning.

"What's she saying? Birdie?" Sam asked. Birdie finally turned her head towards him, quietly sighing under her breath. "What? What is it?"

"She wants. . .she wants you to reconsider what Ruby said the other day," Birdie timidly answered, unable to bring herself to meet Sam's eye.

"She what?" Birdie took a small step back and sat down on the edge of the bed to face Sam. Sam moved his legs to the side, leaning back in the chair as his gaze focused on Birdie. "She——I said no."

"That's what I told her."

Try harder, Birdie. He needs all the strength he can muster for when we finally find Lilith.

Birdie clenched her jaw, puffing out her cheeks with annoyance. 'No,' she angrily thought, 'and if you bring it up again, you're outta my body. Got it?'

Yeah, yeah, I got it.

Birdie stood up again and then grabbed her bag, giving Sam a forced smile as she slung it over her shoulder. "If you need us, I'm gonna go change into something that doesn't remind me of a middle school receptionist."

Sam breathed out a faint laugh, watching her step into the bathroom. She closed the door behind her and Sam sighed, shaking his head. He had a feeling that there was more being said by Felicity, but Birdie wasn't sharing either because she didn't want to, or because she didn't like whatever it was Felicity was saying. Sam pursed his lips at the thought while his gaze lingered on the bathroom door. After a moment he tore his eyes and started to search up different types of tarot cards to see if the one left on Vance wasn't an ordinary card.

Birdie set her bag on top of the toilet lid, placing her hands on her hips as she faced the mirror. Rather than her expression harshly glaring back at her, Felicity blankly peered back at her with her arms folded over her chest. "What the fuck?" Birdie harshly whispered. "What-what're you doing? How many times does he have to say no for you and Ruby to understand that he doesn't wanna do it anymore?"

"Maybe he wouldn't be saying no if you actually tried to convince him," Felicity replied, raising her brows.

"He said no. What more can I say that he hasn't heard from you or Ruby already?"

"You want Lilith dead, don't you?"

"Of course I do," Birdie sharply replied, planting her hands on the counter. "More than anything."

"And how do you ever expect that to happen when the one person who can actually kill her is not at his best?"

Birdie threw her arms out at her sides, eyes wide with frustration and irritation. "Not like this, Felicity. There-there has to be another way."

"You know there isn't, Birdie." Birdie rolled her eyes at Felicity's response, running one of her hands over her face in exasperation. "I don't get what your deal is. I don't remember you complaining a few months ago when——"

"This isn't about me," Birdie hastily interjected. "This is about Sam. If he doesn't wanna do it anymore, I'm not gonna pressure him. It's his choice."

Felicity let out a quiet sigh, her face softening as she peered back at Birdie through the mirror. "Are you forgetting that I'm inside your head? I hear your thoughts, I-I feel what you feel, I see and hear what you do——you can't lie to me, Birdie."

Birdie pursed her lips together into a fine line, scoffing under her breath. Then she sharply turned on her heel, reaching into her bag to grab some more comfortable clothes to change into. If she didn't finish up in the next few minutes, Sam might've started to wonder what was taking her so long if he wasn't already.

This conversation isn't over, Bird.

"Actually, I think it is."

Felicity didn't respond after that and Birdie was greatly relieved by the woman's silence. She just wanted to focus on the case at hand and not be pestered about Sam. So, she quickly changed out of her suit and slipped on a striped button-up top and some black leggings. Then she crammed her other clothes back into her duffle bag and stepped out of the bathroom without bothering to take a look at her reflection. She glanced over at Sam, offering him a small smile as she placed her bag on the chair opposite of him. "You find anything?" Birdie wondered.

"No, not yet," Sam softly answered, glancing up from his computer screen. "I'm not sure if the card——"

Birdie visibly tensed when a knock on the door interrupted Sam's response. She and Sam shared a silent look and Sam stood up, cautiously making his way toward the door. Birdie reached down into her bag, grabbing the first weapon her fingers touched; a silver knife. The person knocked again and Sam placed his hands on the door, leaning forward to look out of the peephole. He heavily sighed, turning his head towards Birdie as he opened the door.

"Don't tell me it's——"

Sam raised his brows, giving Birdie a look that confirmed what she was trying to say. Then he turned his head towards the figure in front of the door. "What're you doing here, Ruby?"

"I should be asking you the same thing," the demon replied.

Sam rolled his eyes as she brushed past him, entering the motel room without an invite. Birdie folded her arms over her chest, catching the demon's eye. "We're workin' a job," Sam said, closing the door and taking a few steps to the side.

"The whole world's about to be engulfed in hellfire, and you're all in Magictown, USA," Ruby said, looking between Sam and Birdie in utter disbelief.

Sam breathed out a laugh, tucking his hands in the pockets of his pants. "You got something against magic?"

"That would almost be funny if thirty-four seals hadn't been broken already. Thirty-four, guys," Ruby firmly said, eyes widened as they flickered between Sam and Birdie. "That's over halfway. The angels are losing this war. Every day is one-day closer, and if someone doesn't do something soon——"

"And that someone is me?" Sam interjected.

"Who else would it be?"

Sam took a few steps closer, gesturing to himself. "We don't fucking know where these seals are. We don't know jackshit, Ruby. So why don't you tell us where you'd like us to start?"

"Well, you guys can quit fuckin' around here, for one," Ruby replied, a displeased expression on her lips when she stole a quick glance in Birdie's direction. "Bigger fish. And if the seals are being broken, you might want to go after the one doing the fucking breaking."

Birdie shifted her stance, focusing her gaze on Ruby. "Lilith?"

"Cut the head off the snake. You're the only one who can stop her, Sam. So step up and kill the fucking bitch already," Ruby said, walking past Sam to head toward the door. Birdie rolled her eyes at the demons unrelenting persistence, pursing her lips together.

"Oh, I'm game, believe me," Sam firmly said, turning on his heel to look at Ruby. "It's not the psychic thing I got a problem with."

"Yeah, I know what you got a problem with, but tough shit, Sam," Ruby snapped, annoyance etched on her features. She was exhausted trying to get Sam and Birdie to see her side of things, but they needed to listen to her. Sam was the only one who could stop Lilith, but in order to do that he needed to accept what he'd have to in order to kill the demon. And if Sam and Birdie got back on board, then they might've actually stood a chance. "It's the only way."

Sam's face hardened and Ruby shifted, her expression faltering ever so slightly when she saw the shift in his features. "No," he said.

"You didn't like the idea of me doing it, so you and Birdie agreed that she'd be the one to help you, and that's still not enough for you?"

"I said no."

"You know, this would all be so much easier if you'd just admit to yourself that you like it." Sam turned his head, a fake smile on his lips. "That feeling that it gives you guys. . ."

Sam looked at Ruby again. "You don't know what you're talking about."

"Oh I don't, huh? Fine." Ruby stole a brief look at Birdie, raising her brows before she turned on her heel and stopped in front of the door. "It's simple——Lucifer rises, the apocalypse starts. You guys think that you have demons on your hands now? People are gonna die. Fucking oceans of people. So you just let me know when you're ready——well, let Bird know when you're ready."

Birdie placed her hands on her hips, dark eyes burning into the back of Ruby's as she left the room. Sam puffed out his chest, shaking his head. Then he turned his head, catching Birdie's eye. "Can you believe her?" he asked. "She's fuckin' relentless."

"I know," Birdie said, tiredly shaking her head. She dropped her hands down at her sides and moved to sit down on one of the beds.

"Kinda ironic Ruby shows up just a few minutes after Felicity tried to——"

"That wasn't planned," Birdie sharply said, her head snapping in Sam's direction. Sam's eyes widened, anger sparking on his features. Birdie shook her head, quickly standing when she noticed Sam's expression. "Sam, I'm sorry, but you needed to hear it from me."

"Felicity, give Birdie——"

"I just needed to talk to you for a second," Birdie——technically Felicity at the moment——hastily said. "I swear, that was not planned."

"And I'm just supposed to believe that?"

"You and Birdie have trusted me this long, haven't you? Haven't I proven myself to both of you by now?" Felicity wondered, offering Sam a faint smile; a smile she knew Birdie often used. Sam clenched his jaw, momentarily glancing away. "Sam. . .just tell me you'll think it over. Please?"

Sam scoffed, heavily exhaling. "We'll see."

⋅ ∙ ∘ ☽ ༓ ☾ ∘ ⋅ ⋅

"You guys find anything interesting?"

Birdie sharply turned her head, spotting Dean standing off to the side of her. Sam stood to the right slightly in front of her, people milling about the large theater as some of the stage crew finished preparing for another magic show that was set to begin in the next few minutes. Birdie was back in a suit much to her grief, eyes flickering over the nicely dressed people who were already seated at the tables in front of the main stage. Dean had called Sam and asked them to meet him at the theater——while also telling Sam to tell Birdie to be in her suit since he had a feeling she might've already changed out of it——so they could continue their ruse as FBI agents.

"What? Uh. . .no," Sam answered. "You?"

"Nothing I want to talk about, or think about, ever again," Dean answered.

Birdie furrowed her brows together, but Dean shook his head with a shudder. He really meant it when he said he didn't want to talk or think about it. "Okay. . .is there a reason we're here, or are you actually into magic now?" she asked.

"Those two grandpas right over there," Dean said, narrowing his eyes on two older men that were standing at the end of the stairs where some round tables with chairs were set up.

Sam raised a brow. "Vernon Haskell and Charlie Rubinstein?"

"Come on," Dean said, walking down the steps as he waved his hand for Sam and Birdie to follow. Birdie silently glanced over at Sam, watching him shrug in response. She let out a quiet sigh and made her way down the steps behind Sam and Dean. The magicians turned when they saw them out of the corner of their eyes, turning to face the trio. "The Chief, huh?"

"What's the matter?" The one with white hair, Charlie, asked as an amused smirk appeared on his lips. "Chief not your type?"

At that comment, Birdie stole a look at Dean, seeing him smirk back. "You know, I could have you both arrested for obstruction of justice," Dean said.

"How?" the other man, Vernon, asked. "You're no Fed."

"We con people for a living, son. Takes more than a fake badge to get past us," Charlie said, glancing between the three hunters.

Dean laughed, prompting Sam and Birdie to do the same. Birdie tucked her hands in the pockets of her green blazer, tilting her head as a small smile was displayed on her lips. "You got us," Dean said. "Yeah, we-we are actually. . .aspiring magicians."

"Yeah, we-we came to the convention 'cause we thought we could learn something," Sam said, continuing along with Dean's lie.

"Yeah, get some ideas for our new show," Dean said.

Vernon raised his brows, appearing amused. "Ooh, what kind of show?"

"Well, it's-it's a——"

"It's a brother act," Sam answered.

"Yeah. Yeah, you know, with the rings and doves and. . .rings," Dean continued.

Vernon and Charlie's eyes flickered to Birdie and she forced a bigger smile onto her lips. "I'm just the assistant," she said, answering their unspoken question.

A round of applause suddenly went around the room, capturing Vernon and Charlie's attention. Dean let out a breath of relief due to the interruption, rolling his eyes as he stole a look towards Sam and Birdie.

Birdie briefly looked at the stage, seeing a man around the same age as Charlie and Vernon was talking into a microphone. Charlie faced them again, a small smirk on his lips. "You kids wanna learn something? Stick around."

Then he walked away and rounded the stairs on the side of the stage. Vernon shifted and faced the stage, gaze focused on the man in front of the microphone. Birdie curiously glanced between Sam and Dean, looking towards the stage again. As she focused her eyes on the man in front of the microphone, she recognized him as one of the magicians from a poster outside the motel she and the boys were staying at, Jay. His white hair was styled upwards with a slight twist in the very front, unlike Charlie's which was flat against the top of his head. He wore a silk button-up that was tucked into some black slacks, his pants matching his blazer, and his neatly done bowtie that looked oddly familiar to Birdie.

Birdie furrowed her brows, turning her head towards Sam. "Hey, didn't you have an outfit just like th——"

"Ladies and gentlemen, what you're about to witness is a feat so daring, so dangerous, even the great Houdini dared not attempt it," Jay spoke, cutting off Birdie and making Sam sigh with relief. "I give to you. . .The executioner!"

From the stand behind him, a noose dropped down from the bar. The audience murmured at the sight, some smiling in excitement while others appeared to be uncertain about the act. Jay just smiled and turned towards the audience, pointing at a man near the front. "How would you like to be my assistant?" The man nodded and Jay grinned, beckoning the man to join him on stage. The crowd clapped along with Jay as the volunteer stood up, making his way onto the stage. Charlie handed him a straightjacket and Jay held out his arms, allowing the volunteer to slip it onto him. Then Jay stepped onto the stand behind him and the man finished securing the restraints on the backside. "Now, sir, as you can see, this jacket is the real article," Jay said, seeing the man step back once he finished. "Thank you, sir. You may take your seat."

"I have a bad feeling about this," Birdie murmured, leaning towards Sam so only he heard her.

"I do too," Sam quietly replied.

"Now, I will have one minute——sixty seconds——to escape certain death," Jay said, the tone in his voice making Birdie wonder if he actually knew this could truly and tragically fail. "Let's see if I can do it."

Charlie grabbed one side of the curtain, pulling it in front of Jay so that they could only see Jay's silhouette behind the curtain. The large clock above the curtain started to move, ticking as it continued to count down how much longer Jay had left to escape before it was too late and the stool beneath his feet was taken away. Birdie shifted her feet, furrowing her brows as she saw Jay struggle, twisting in futile attempts to undo the restraints.

The seconds just ticked and ticked, not much longer left with Jay still struggling to break free. Birdie's eyes noticeably widened when she looked at the clock again, lips parting as she felt her heartbeat start to increase with worry.

"I don't think he's gonna make it," Dean said.

The timer suddenly dinged and the stand below Jay's feet was quickly whisked out from under him. The crowd gasped as he dropped down, the noose still wrapped around his neck while his feet dangled above the ground. Some of the audience members stood up in horror, hands covering their mouths or their eyes.

Charlie hurried up to the stage as the stage lights were turned off and they could no longer see Jay's shadow, yanking the curtain back. Seconds later, Jay pushed the other part of the curtain aside, completely unharmed as he held the straight jacket in one of his hands with an ecstatic grin on his face.

"Oh! That was amazing!" Dean exclaimed, his eyes lit up and a bright smile on his lips as he clapped along with the rest of the audience. "That was fuckin' amazing!"

Sam tilted his head, eyes wide with disbelief. "That was. . .not humanly possible."

The next morning, Birdie and the boys got straight to work looking into Jay and his magician friends that were in town for Magic Week. Sam was seated at the table in a plaid button-up and jeans, his computer open in front of him. Birdie was in a Metallica shirt with a black and white flannel over it. A pair of leggings were covering her legs, the woman opting for optimal comfort as they did research. She was lounging on the bed she'd shared with Sam, her laptop in front of her as she laid on her stomach near the edge of the bed. Dean was seated on the opposite bed in a flannel and blue jeans, three books open in front of him.

"Looks like this guy Jay was a pretty big deal in the '70s," Sam said.

"Which in magician land means what, exactly?" Dean wondered.

"Big enough to play radio city music hall."

"What got him stuck in their 'where are they now?' file?" Dean asked, not looking up from one of the books in front of him. Birdie adjusted her arms, resting her head on her hands while she listened.

Sam breathed out a sigh, looking at his computer screen again. "He got old."

Dean lifted his head, eyes moving back and forth between Sam and Birdie as he spoke. "Okay, so maybe incredible Jay is using real magic to stage a comeback."

"It's possible," Sam said, curling his lips in thought for a moment. "Some kind of spell that works a death transference."

Birdie dropped one of her hands, lowering her computer screen to be able to see Sam along with Dean. "But what about the tarot card? What does that have to do with anything?" she asked.

Sam shook his head. "I don't know," he answered, tapping on his keyboard to continue his search.

"Man. . ." Dean breathed out, standing up from the bed to make his way towards the table, picking up the tarot card, "I hope I die before I get old. Whole thing seems brutal, don't it?"

Sam turned his head, waiting a few seconds before he spoke. "You think we will?" he wondered.

"What?" Dean asked, gaze focused on Sam.

"Die before we get old."

"Haven't we already?" Dean cheekily replied. Then he shook his head, glancing over his shoulder towards Birdie with an amused smile. "Almost all of us."

Birdie pursed her lips together in annoyance and Sam rolled his eyes. "You know what I mean, Dean," Sam said. "I mean, do you think we'll still be chasing demons when we're sixty?"

"No, I think we'll be dead. . ." Sam scoffed out a laugh, shaking his head. "For good. What? You want to end up like-like Travis? Huh? Or Gordon, maybe?"

"There's Bobby," Sam suggested.

Dean raised his brows, shaking his head. Then he turned, tarot card still clutched in his hand. "Oh, yeah, there's a poster child for growing old gracefully," he sarcastically replied, forcing out a chuckle.

Sam licked at his lips and shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe we'll be different, Dean," Sam said, momentarily catching Birdie's eye. She offered him a small smile, nodding in agreement with him. She wasn't actually sure if that was possible, but it was nice to think about.

"What kind of Kool-Aid you drinkin', man? Sammy, it ends bloody or sad. That's just the life."

Sam closed his laptop, sitting up in his chair. "What if we could win?"

"Win?" Dean repeated.

"If there was a way we could just. . .put an end to all of it."

Birdie closed her computer as well, tilting her head. Is he suggesting what I think he is? Birdie didn't respond to Felicity, instead keeping her focus on Sam.

Dean blinked, a strange feeling washing over him. "Is there something goin' on you're not tellin' me?" he questioned.

"No," Sam immediately denied.

"Sammy."

"No. Look, I'm just saying. . ." Sam started, standing up as he spoke, "I just wish there was a way we could. . .go after the source. That's all. Cut the head off the snake."

Birdie raised a brow, a small smirk starting to play on her lips. Atta boy, Sammy.

Dean made a sour face. "Well, the problem with the snake is that it has a thousand fucking heads. Evil bitches just keep piling out of the Volkswagen."

"Yeah," Sam softly said. "Guess you're right."

"Why don't you go see if you can track down Jay? I'll see what I can dig up on this tarot card."

Birdie frowned at that, raising a brow at Dean as he stood up from the bed again. "What the hell do you want me to do?" she asked.

"Rest," Dean said, giving her a firm look. "This shouldn't take us too long."

"But——"

"Dean's right, Bird," Sam said. Birdie's jaw dropped, quickly looking between the Winchesters. Sam chuckled and walked over to his jacket that was laid on top of his bag, slipping it on over his shoulders with a cheeky smile. "It's better if you just wait here. We'll let you know if we need your help."

"So I'm fuckin' benched?" she huffed, folding her arms over her chest. "Again?"

Dean reached over, just barely touching Birdie's shoulder. She immediately hissed, recoiling away from his reach. "See my point?" Dean smirked.

"Yeah, yeah," Birdie bitterly grumbled. Dean loudly chuckled, grabbing his own jacket as well. Sam adjusted his sleeves, giving Birdie a faint smile while she just watched them with narrowed eyes. "If either of you hear anything, and I mean anything——"

"We'll give you a call," Sam said, his amused smile etched on his lips. "We know."

"I don't know. Sometimes you guys forget."

Dean scoffed and grabbed his keys from the table. "Yeah, right."

Birdie rolled her eyes and leaned back on the bed, resting on her elbows so her torso was propped up. "Be careful, okay? These grandpa magicians might be the real deal."

"Yeah," Sam said, nodding in agreement.

Birdie then tilted her head, giving them each a small smile as they headed for the door. "If you don't find anything useful, bring me back some food."

Dean rolled his eyes, but a smile was displayed on his lips. "Sure thing, Big Bird."

Birdie shook her head, watching them exit the room. Birdie puffed out her cheeks and flopped back on the bed once the door closed, tiredly gazing up at the water-stained ceiling above her.

Don't you ever get tired of this?

"Of what?" Birdie wondered, tucking her arms under her head.

Working cases, staying in these shit motels, fighting monster after monster after monster. . .just to do it all over again?

"Don't you get tired of eavesdropping on my life?" Birdie retorted.

I'm serious, Bird. Is this really the life you want? To die doing this?

Birdie heavily sighed, shrugging her shoulders. "It doesn't matter what I want. This is my life. There's no changing that."

Well, if Sam doesn't do what needs to be done, you and the Winchesters won't have a life at all.

Birdie dramatically groaned, rolling her eyes as she sat up on the bed and swung her legs over the edge. "I swear to fucking god, Felicity, if you don't drop it, I'm gonna——"

Birdie's head sharply turned to the bedside table where her phone was placed, pursing her lips as it obnoxiously vibrated. She sighed and reached over, taking a glance at the name. She debated on whether or not she should answer it, but the thought of ignoring Hiro made her heart clench. Birdie sighed and picked it up, flipping it open before she placed it to her ear. "Hey, Hiro."

"Hey, Bird. How're you feeling?" Hiro asked, his voice soft and warm.

"Uh, I'm okay," she answered, scooting back on the bed to rest her back against the chipped headboard. "How-how're you?"

"Honestly I've. . .I've been better." Birdie frowned, glancing down at her lap. "But I'm trying my best. That's what Kaiya would want, you know?"

Birdie sadly smiled. "Yeah, it is."

"And-and you know, I-I could really use your help, Bird."

"With what?"

"You know what."

Birdie heavily sighed, closing her eyes and leaning her head against the headboard. "Hiro——"

"No, look, Birdie, I just——I can't just try and go back to my life while you and the Winchesters fight monsters and go after Kaiya's killer. I need to help."

"Hiro, I get it——believe me, I get it. But you cannot help with this. There are things you just don't understand and I can't explain it all to you in time——"

"'Not in time'? What do you mean by not in time?"

Way to go, Big Bird.

"Shut up," Birdie grumbled.

"Excuse me?" Hiro scoffed, clearly having overheard Birdie.

"Huh? No, wait, Hiro, I wasn't talking to you."

"Who were you talking to then?"

"No one important," Birdie huffed in response. "But just listen to me, alright? I will. . .I will keep you in the loop, okay? There's no way you're gonna be fightin' monsters anytime soon, but. . .I'll. . .I'll let you know when we're close."

"Thank you, Birdie."

"You're welcome. Now, I gotta go. But Hiro?"

"Yeah?"

"Don't. . .stay safe out there, and don't do anything dumb, please?"

Hiro chuckled. "Sure thing, Bird. I'll talk to you soon."

"Bye, Hiro."

Hiro hung up and Birdie closed her phone, setting her phone beside her.

You know there's no way in hell he's just gonna sit back, right? That's his sister you're talking about. You do remember what Sam was like when Dean was gone, don't you?

"Yeah, I know," Birdie murmured. "But hopefully we'll kill the fucking bitch before he can figure anything out."

⋅ ∙ ∘ ☽ ༓ ☾ ∘ ⋅ ⋅

The sudden death of Jeb Dexter was a shock to Birdie.

She wasn't a fan of his, or any magicians in particular, but she didn't think he deserved to die; and certainly not in "The Executioner" style that Jay performed that same night. Dean managed to swipe a tarot card from the crime scene, one that was identical to the one that was found on Patrick Vance. And, what was more confounding was that Vance and Jeb were not so kind to Jay on the nights that they died. Birdie thought that was more than enough reason for her to get off the bench, but the boys figured they could handle it. So, she reluctantly agreed to hang back still, making them both promise to call if they hit a dead end.

However, it wasn't long until there was another knock on the door. Birdie wasn't sure about answering it since she wasn't expecting anyone, but something inside told her she should at least see who it was.

She immediately regretted it when she did.   

Birdie's eyes skeptically glanced from the food, to the figure, to the food, and then back at the figure. "What the hell is this?" she demanded to know.

"Food," Ruby said, giving Birdie a strange look for asking such a thing. "You still like fries, don't you?" Birdie suspiciously raised a brow and pulled the bag closer to her, spotting a rather large carton of fries stuffed inside. She stuck her hand in and pulled them out, cautiously taking a bite out of one. Ruby rolled her eyes and folded her arms over her chest, pursing her lips together. "If I was gonna try to kill you, I wouldn't fuck with your food to do it."

Birdie grabbed another fry, popping it into her mouth. "Yeah, okay. Now, what do you want? Sam already told you no, and unless you've miraculously found out where Lilith is or what seal she's going for next, you can go back to doing. . .whatever it is you do when you're not pestering us."

"When I tell you why I'm here, you're gonna thank me for sticking around," Ruby said.

"Oh, I am?"

Ruby nodded. "Sam and Dean were arrested."

Birdie dropped her half-eaten fry back into the carton, gaping across at Ruby. "Again? What the hell happened?" she asked, wide eyes gazing into Ruby.

"They did what they always do. They fucked up," Ruby said, nonchalantly shrugging her shoulders.

Birdie tilted her head slightly and sighed, setting the fries back in the bag. "Well it's only a matter of time before the police find out who they are, and that they're supposed to be dead," she said, shaking her head.

"They'll be fine," Ruby said. "No matter what, they always find a way out."

"Yeah, usually," Birdie said. But then she huffed, shaking her head as she looked towards Ruby. "What're we still doing here? I need to go help——"

"Look how it turned out the last time you did," Ruby hastily interjected. Birdie's face faltered and Ruby quickly shook her head. "That's-that's not what I meant, Bird. I just mean. . .they'll be out by the time you get there."

Birdie sighed, crossing her arms. "What do you suggest I do instead?"

"Why don't you ask me why I stuck around?"

"I don't know. Maybe because you're secretly in love with one of us?" Ruby deadpanned, narrowing her eyes at Birdie. Birdie held her hands out at her sides, raising her brows. "Can't you just tell me? I-I never know with you. You're like a goddamn sour patch kid!"

Ruby furrowed her brows, sighing as she dropped her hands down to her sides. "I stayed. . .because I know that you know I'm right."

"God dammit Ruby——"

"No, just listen to me, Bird," Ruby said, taking a few steps closer with a hint of desperation in her eyes. "What do you think's gonna happen if you do manage to find Lilith?"

"Uh, we kill her?"

"No, she'll kill you, the Winchesters, and everyone you've ever even looked at. But, she won't get the chance if Sam can stop her."

"And he can——"

"Not like this he can't. He needs this, Birdie."

"Ruby. . ."

"Tell me you don't agree."

Birdie's eyes snapped up, a scowl spreading on her lips. "What?"

"Tell me you actually think he shouldn't do it, and I'll be gone." Birdie's lips parted, eyes remaining locked with Ruby's. "I know Sam said no, but that's all you're saying. You're not telling me what you think, what you want."

"It doesn't fucking matter what I want."

"Then tell me you don't think he should do it, that you actually think you'll find another way before Lilith breaks another seal and we're one step closer to Hell on earth."

Birdie sucked in a sharp breath, pursing her lips together. She shook her head, placing her hands on her hips as she glanced aside. Honestly, she still wasn't sure about the whole thing. She'd been so against it at first along with Sam, but it was actually helping——they were saving more lives than ever before.

Birdie couldn't deny that no matter how much she wished she could.

She reluctantly sighed, shaking her head. "I'll. . .talk to Sam."

"I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch that," Ruby said, turning her head slightly as if she was trying to hear Birdie better.

Birdie narrowed her eyes and firmly placed her hands on her hips. "I said I'll talk to him, asshole, but I'm not promising you anything."

"That's all I need," Ruby said, giving Birdie a small smile as she started to back up towards the door. "Let me know if it goes well."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Birdie said, dismissively waving her hand. She picked up the fries, faintly smiling at Ruby. "Thanks for the fries."

Ruby flashed Birdie a wink and stepped into the hall, closing the door behind her. Birdie glanced around the room and grabbed a couple of fries, stuffing them into her mouth with a pleased smile. She took a few steps to the side and set the fries down before she grabbed her phone. She flipped it open, seeing a text from Dean that asked her to meet them at the bar down the road; it was sent only two minutes ago.

Birdie quickly swallowed her fries, replying with a 'on my way' before grabbing her jacket. She slipped it on past her shoulders with her smile remaining on her lips, thankful the boys were no longer in police custody; she didn't need to know why or how just yet. Then she grabbed her phone again and her room key, starting to make her way towards the door when she paused. She turned her head, her eyes immediately falling on the fries. She smirked to herself and jogged over, snatching them up off the table before slipping out of the motel room.

She reached the bar in three minutes, doing a double take when she passed Jay. He had a solemn look on his features, shoulders hunched forward and eyes drained of all color. Birdie slowed to a stop, pursing her lips together. "Jay?" she called out. He paused, glancing over her shoulder at the younger woman. "Is everything alright?"

Jay sighed, shaking his head. "No, everything is not okay." But, before Birdie could respond, he faced forward and began walking away once again. Birdie's frown only deepened, her dark eyes lingering on the man as he continued down the sidewalk.

What's his deal?

"I don't know," Birdie whispered.

Birdie sighed a few seconds later and walked forward, opening the door to the bar and stepping inside. Sam and Dean were near a standing table by the entrance, Dean's back to her while Sam's face was visible as he faced his big brother. Birdie tossed the empty french fry container in the trash can by the door, wiping her salty fingers off on the sleeves of her jacket. A small smile spread across her lips as she approached the brothers, but her expression faltered when she noticed the distant look in Sam's eyes.

"Hey," she softly greeted the boys, eyes flickering between Sam and Dean.

Dean shifted, giving her a smile. "Hey, Birdie. We, uh, it's-it's over."

"That's good," she said, nodding her head. "Who was it?"

"Charlie," Sam answered, sighing with a shake of his head.

"Charlie? He was one of Jay's friends, right?"

"Yeah, he was. Wait, didn't you look at your texts?" Dean wondered, furrowing his brows.

Birdie did the same, feeling for her phone in her pocket. "I-maybe? Why?"

"Charlie died last night. Well, technically, but——"

Birdie blinked, shaking her head. She pulled her phone out of her pocket, clicking on her messages and then Dean's name. And, sure enough, there were texts that said another magician died, but they didn't think it was that simple and were going to check it out. Birdie frowned, rereading the message a few times.

She didn't remember reading it.

"Jay stopped him. . .to save us," Sam said, catching Birdie's gaze. There was no smile evident on his lips, no shine of relief shimmering in his eyes that the person behind the deaths had been stopped.

Birdie's lips parted, going to speak, but then they smacked closed. She didn't know what exactly Jay had done, but she remembered the look on his face when she passed him outside; she now saw the same exact expression on Sam's face.

That was when Birdie decided she didn't want to know what actually went down.

"I don't know about you guys, but I could go for a beer," Dean said, his eyes flickering back and forth between Sam and Birdie.

Birdie stole a look at Sam and then turned her attention back to Dean. "I think we're gonna take a walk," she said. Dean knitted his brows, lips curled downwards. "We'll be back in a little bit."

"Yeah, okay," Dean said, curiously looking between the two.

Birdie gave him a tired smile and looked at Sam, nudging her head towards the door. He silently followed her, fully aware of Dean's eyes on them as they slipped out into the cold. They walked in the opposite direction of the motel and the bar, unknowingly matching each other's steps as they walked side by side. There were some dark clouds overhead, preventing the stars from twinkling down on them. The wind was beginning to pick up as it got later into the night, fewer people were out and about due to fear of being caught in the possible storm passing by. There was an occasional stranger who would pass them by, but neither Sam nor Birdie paid any attention to them; their minds were clouded just like the skies above them.

Birdie wasn't sure how long they walked without speaking, but she could sense there was something lingering on Sam's mind. She wasn't always one to talk about her feelings, but she didn't mind listening to other people if they needed someone to talk to. "So, do you wanna talk about it?" she asked, turning her head to look at him.

"I just. . .Charlie died and came back, and he was younger. He'd unlocked a supposed secret to immortality. . ." Sam sighed, shaking his head.

"But other people had to die for it?" Birdie asked. Sam nodded. "And so you and Dean tried to stop——"

"Jay killed his best friend for us. Charlie offered him immortality, but. . ."

"He was killing people," Birdie softly said. "Someone had to stop him."

"Yeah, I know. . .but now Jay's gonna spend the rest of his life old and alone. . .because he did the right thing."

Birdie slowed to a stop, causing Sam to do the same. She peered up at him, seeing a sliver of something she hadn't seen in a few months evident in his eyes. "The right thing may not always seem like the right thing, but it usually is, no matter how much it hurts."

Sam nodded, briefly glancing down at his shoes. Then he lifted his head, gazing into Birdie's softened eyes. "I'm in."

"You're in?" Birdie asked, raising her brows. "In——"

He's in, dumbass!

Birdie's eyes widened, mouth falling open in surprise. "Wait, really?"

"I don't wanna be doing this when I'm an old man."

Birdie's eyes raked over his features for any sign of hesitation, but there wasn't a single one. He was serious.

Birdie gave him a small smile, a mischievous glint momentarily glossing over her eyes. "No time to die, right, Sammy?"

⋅ ∙ ∘ ☽ ༓ ☾ ∘ ⋅ ⋅

Here is chapter 33 y'all! 🥰

I feel like this chapter was pretty bland, but hopefully y'all still enjoyed!! Hiro made another appearance and I freaking love him so much <3 There's still plenty of chapters that're gonna show up + some more exciting and angsty things are gonna happen as well!!

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