everyonelives | but oh what a year

Yeah, I know. And, it doesn't feel over, or like a longshot. It feels doable. It's just a lot to surmount. Mount? Overcome.

( Words, ugh. )

He knows what it means that he's here. And, it feels pretty damn good.

Good. He's a good kid. Which feels weird to say because I think we're technically around the same age.

[It's what happens when you die in your twenties.]

I like Elena too. Though you do know she is running around descending on people with gifts like some kind of Christmas Fairy.

You're a good kid, too. Not that you asked, but I'm 41 now.

( He smirks, taking another sip from his beer. )

I left her alone for a few weeks and she's giving like that. Let her have this. She just got back like, her whole dead friend group, parents, aunt... She knows Sam and I suck at gifts.

( But he did get some gas station gifts for ... Elena, Sam, Allison, Ben, Lisa, Rudy, and, not to be left out, Dickerson. )

So should I be calling you an old man?

[Because that feels like that's what you're saying, Dean.]

Hey, I'm not judging her. I'm just giving you a warning in case you didn't already know.

Feel like one. Call me whatever you goddamn please.

( Seriously. Oh my god and Jo and Ellen! Ugh. )

There's very few things Elena and I don't know about one another. She's a talker.

Seems like she's good for you, though.

[Jo tips to the side, giving him a gentle nudge with her shoulder.]

Seems like you're happy for a change.

Really.

( He knows. But people seeing it from the outside, he isn't used to. )

Shit, Jo. That's a tall, tall order. Really. Well, maybe I'm doing something right, then.

Maybe it's the last time I saw you.

[When he was ready to commit suicide by Jo.]

But you seem like you're in a way better place. And it's really good to see.

I remember that. Osiris, right?

( Things weren't good. Even a little. )

[She nods, because yep. She doesn't remember much of her time as a ghost in between - that's the last clear memory she has.]

I know it was a long time ago for you. But when you're a ghost you hold on to the things that stick.

A good time was not had by all.

( But, he is no longer there. )

Had a close call with Sam a year or so back. Vampire nest almost got the better of me. Took a few months to recover.

Glad you did.

[Jo takes a breath, before offering him a softer smile.]

I know I make it my job to give you shit, but it really is good to see you.

You too. You're a sight.

( For tired, tired eyes. )

[Jo smiles, before leaning into his shoulder again.]

If I go back to hunting, how long do you think it'll take before Sam stops giving me sad puppy eyes every time?

[Also a tentative ask of how Dean would react to that, to her putting herself in the line of fire again.]

That's just his default look. You're thinking of taking it back up? Maybe with a certain partner?

( He indicates Matt, who's in a neighboring room, laughing with Tyler. )

Gotta have someone watch my back.

[So yes, she is thinking about doing it with a certain partner. But that being said:]

It's all I've ever wanted to do. I'm not going to give it up just because I died.

Not saying you should. It's in your blood. Just - what's your mom gonna say. You're back, you're alive, and you're going back on the road.

( he's guessing there isn't a third chance. )

I'm not sure she'll be doing much different.

[She has no Roadhouse to go back to. Hunting might be the thing to get her started.]

I don't know. I was also thinking about trying to get a Roadhouse going again, but that's going to take time. And money.

Money's not always an issue, we could find a channel somewhere. Not a bad idea, though. Bunker was pretty central for a while because we had this influx of hunters from another world.

( That was a tense time. )

Yeah, but I'm sure you don't want me fleecing a bunch of drunks in your living room.

[Does the bunker have a living room? Guess she'll find out soon enough.]

It's good for them to have a place to socialize that's ... neutral. Where they can do what comes naturally.

[Gossiping like little girls and giving Jo all their money.]

Like the bunker.

( She is not hosting a US crossing for hunters at the bunker. )

Damn straight, Annie Oakley. Sam and me will back you. You know your mom's in. Matty Blue-Eyes.

( Thank Katherine for that one around the time of the murder party. )

Matty Blue-Eyes?

[Is that what people are calling him? She will be saving that for later.]

We'll see. Gotta find a place first. And more than anything I just want to get back on the road.

Then we'll get you a car.

( And they'll make it happen. )

We want you to do whatever you need to with this second chance. We've done this before. With friends. We'll help in any way.

I know.

[She trusts the boys not to leave her hanging.]

Until then, we enjoy the party. Especially since they're willing to spring for the top shelf.

Top of the top.

( He pats her knee once, before pushing himself up and offering her his hand. )

Party we should get back to, though. Or, else we'll start collecting them.

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