help"

"What kind of help?"

☆

Bela stood in the living room, a vision of elegance draped in a long, flowing black gown that cascaded like a midnight waterfall. The dress, with its open back and delicate shoulder straps, clung to her form with the grace of a shadow at dusk. Around her neck, a large diamond necklace sparkled with the fire of captured stars, while matching earrings and a bracelet completed her ensemble, shimmering like a constellation against the night sky.

Beside her, perched on the table, was Jovi, a delicate princess brought to life. She wore a dress that transformed her into a fairytale vision: the bodice, a rich black velvet, hugged her small frame with straps that gently encircled her upper arms. From there, the dress blossomed into a skirt of emerald green, layered with a gossamer black mesh that whispered secrets of enchanted forests. At the center of her chest, a black and white flower held the shoulder straps together, like a timeless bloom captured in a spell.

Jovi's blonde hair, spun gold under the light, was pulled into a whimsical messy bun, with loose strands artfully framing her face, resembling delicate tendrils of ivy curling around a fairy's dwelling.

"You know you should get your ears pieced, I have a set of earrings that's go perfectly with this dress" Bela told the child adding the finishing touches to Jovi's look "I want to, you think daddy will let me?" Jovi's eyes sparkled with hope

Bela grinned, a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "He will when I'm done with him. Actually, I have something else for you." She walked to her clutch bag and, with the grace of a magician revealing a hidden treasure, pulled out an emerald and white topaz tennis bracelet. The gems caught the light, sending a cascade of green and white reflections dancing around the room like tiny sprites.

Returning to Jovi, Bela revealed the bracelet to the child "I thought this might match your dress," she said, her voice soft and warm, as if wrapping Jovi in a blanket of affection. The bracelet completed the ensemble, its sparkle harmonizing perfectly with the ethereal elegance of Jovi's attire, a final touch to her transformation into a little princess.

Jovi's eyes widened in shock and awe, a small gasp escaping her lips as she looked up at Bela. "Is that real?" she asked, her voice a blend of wonder and disbelief.

"Mmhmm, real emeralds. Don't tell your dad; he'll probably pawn it" Bela replied with a conspiratorial wink. Jovi didn't quite understand what that meant, but her smile widened.

"And it's for me?" she asked, her voice tinged with excitement.

Bela nodded, her gaze softening. "I think it brings out your eyes. Want me to put it on?"

Jovi eagerly nodded, thrusting her right wrist forward. Bela deftly clipped the bracelet around her small wrist, the emeralds glinting like captured forest light. Before she could pull away, Jovi threw her arms around Bela's shoulders in an exuberant hug. "Thank you! I love it!"

Bela stood in surprise, blinking rapidly, not expecting the sudden embrace from the youngest Winchester. Slowly, she wrapped her arms around Jovi, accepting the hug. There was something about Jovi that had a way of slipping into people's hearts, even hers— a heart she often believed was impervious to such warmth. Yet, this little girl had somehow unlocked it.

For Jovi, Bela might even take a bullet— an uncharacteristic sentiment for someone as guarded as she was. How had Dean ended up with such a perfect daughter? Jovi almost seemed too perfect to be his, a little angel in a world that often felt like anything but.

When Bela pulled away, she smiled at Jovi. "Are we sure your father's not a woman? He's taking forever."

Jovi giggled, shaking her head. "He might be."

Bela chuckled, then turned her attention to the staircase where Dean had vanished an hour ago. "What is taking so long? Sam's already halfway there... with his date!" she called up the stairs, placing a hand on her hip in a pose of mock exasperation. "I'm so not okay with this!" Dean's frustrated voice echoed from the top of the stairs.

"What are you, a woman? Come down already."

Jovi laughed, her eyes twinkling with amusement, as the first sign of polished dress shoes appeared at the top of the stairs. Dean descended, each step revealing more of his transformation. He wore a crisp black suit, a pristine white shirt beneath the blazer, and a bow tie snug around his neck. Bela inhaled sharply, her eyes appraising him with an appreciative glint.

Dean stopped at the bottom of the stairs, where Salem was lounging indifferently. He slapped his hands against his sides and sighed. "All right, get it out. I look ridiculous."

Bela's smile widened, a rare softness touching her usually guarded expression "Not exactly the word I'd use" Bela told him with a genuine smile, Dean's face scrunched up in surprise "what?"

Bela glanced at Jovi, who was playing with her bracelet, in her own world before looking back at Dean "You know, when this is over, we should really have angry sex"

Dean blinked, his eyebrows raising, he shuffled on his feet crossing his arms over his chest awkwardly acting as though that comment didn't effect him "don't objectify me" Bela only smiled in amusement, Salem then hissed swiping at Dean's leg making him jump back to avoid the felines claws "hey!" He glared daggers at the cat silently cursing it out before his gaze lingered on his daughter, like a painter admiring his masterpiece.

As he beheld her, a bittersweet melody played in his soul, a melody of nostalgia for the little girl she once was and a prelude to the woman she would become. The realization that she was growing up, like a delicate flower reaching for the sun, tugged at his heartstrings, filling him with a mix of pride and apprehension. It was a dance of emotions, a waltz of joy and sorrow intertwined, as he watched her bloom into a vision of beauty before his eyes.

"Jov, you look like a princess from a fairytale" he remarked, his voice gentle as he approached her. Her face bloomed like a delicate flower in the sunlight, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Really?" she inquired, a grin dancing on her lips. He nodded, sweeping her up in his embrace, a melody escaping his lips. "All you're missing is a crown, but no need to kiss any frogs, alright?" he teased, evoking a playful smile from her. With a hint of distaste, she wrinkled her nose, "Yuck, I'd never want to kiss a frog." Her father chuckled softly, "Good, that rule applies to boys too." Bela playfully rolled her eyes, trailing after the father and daughter duo as they made their way to the door.

☆

When they arrived at the museum, Bela handed their invite to the doorman while Dean held his daughter's hand. Jovi looked around in amazement, her eyes wide with wonder at the opulence of it all — she had never experienced anything quite like this before. Bela's arm was looped through Dean's as they entered the ball, but she stopped in her tracks and glared at Dean. "Are you chewing gum?" she asked, her voice a mix of disbelief and irritation.

Dean was indeed chewing gum. "Try to behave as if you've lived this life before, yeah?" Bela continued. Dean dropped Jovi's hand momentarily and surveyed the room, his eyes settling on the ornate fountain in the center. Bela took Jovi's hand to prevent her from wandering off while Dean nonchalantly spat his gum into his hand before subtly sticking it to the fountain. Bela sucked in a deep breath, closing her eyes in annoyance as Dean rejoined them, a mischievous grin on his face. They made their way into the main ballroom, Jovi practically being pulled along by Bela as she marveled at the women's fancy gowns, her awe palpable.

At the bar, Jovi was placed onto a seat beside Bela while Dean ordered drinks. Sam, who'd been there a while entertaining his date — Ms. Case, the old lady whose niece had died because of the ship — approached them with a bored and embarrassed frown. "Exactly how long do you expect me to entertain my date?" he asked, his patience wearing thin.

"As long as it takes," Bela responded, her tone unapologetic. Sam sent her an annoyed look, which she returned with just as much attitude. "Look, there's security all over this place, all right? This is an uncrashable party without Gert's invitation, so..."

"We can crash anything, Dean," Sam interrupted, his brother grinning.

"Yeah, I know. But this is easier and it's a lot more entertaining," Dean replied. Jovi giggled, sipping on her lemonade.

"You know there are limits to what I'll do, right?" Sam said, blinking harshly at Dean, whose smile wasn't fading.

"Aww, he's playing hard to get. That's cute," Dean teased.

Bela cracked a smile as Dean picked up two champagne glasses, handing one to his date for the night. "Come on, I want all the details in the morning," Dean said, sending his brother a smirk before lifting Jovi off the tall chair and placing her on the floor. She continued drinking her lemonade, only pausing to wave bye to her uncle. "Bye bye, Sammy!" she called out.

Sam forced a smile, sending her a small wave back, watching as she followed Bela through the crowd with Dean behind her.

They walked back to the foyer, both Bela and Dean putting their champagne down. Dean took Jovi's lemonade, which was nearly gone anyway but still earned a groan in protest from his daughter. "No! I was drinking that," Jovi pouted, her eyebrows pulling together in confusion.

Dean bent down to speak to her. "Hey, we're on a case, remember? I can't be dealing with a sugar rush too." Jovi huffed in annoyance while Dean stood back up to speak to Bela, who was observing the room. "Private security?" she asked, her eyes focused on the guards in the room.

"I don't think so. Look at the way they're standing—they're pros, probably state troopers moonlighting," Dean told her, glancing around at the uniformed security guards. "Posted at every door too."

"Yeah. I don't think we're gonna be able to just waltz upstairs," Dean said, his tone serious.

"What do you suggest?" Bela asked, turning to him.

"I'm thinking," Dean replied, avoiding her eyes.

Bela waited a few seconds before leaning forward and whispering, "Don't strain yourself."

Dean shot her a look of offense. "Interesting how the legend is so much more than the man," she added.

Jovi laughed, somewhat understanding Bela's words. Dean sent her a 'really?' look, which got him a shrug in response. "You got any bright ideas, I'm all ears," he challenged.

"Okay," Bela said, pretending to faint and falling into Dean's arms. "Honey? Honey? Are you all right? Jovi, get help!" Dean put on a caring voice, glancing at his daughter, hoping she understood to play along.

Jovi nodded, running up to a guard. "Help! My mom, she's not waking up!" Jovi's puppy eyes and trembling lip, we're in full effect it was something Sam had taught her. The guard bent down to her level. "Show me where she is" he said gently.

Jovi nodded before running back to where her dad and Bela were. "Daddy!" she called out, gaining Dean's attention as he looked up at the approaching guard.

"Sir, what seems to be the problem?" the man asked, looking down at Bela.

Jovi sniffled, appearing frightened as she clutched Bela's hand. "Uh, the champagne. My wife — she's a lightweight when it comes to the sauce. Is there somewhere I can lay her down till she gets her sea legs back?" Dean asked.

The guard nodded. "Follow me."

"Right," Dean said, handing Jovi Bela's bag before lifting the woman into his arms. "Come on, you lush."

They followed the guard up to a room where Dean dropped Bela onto a couch carelessly as if she were a ragdoll. He turned to the guard, who stood in the doorway. "You think she's a pain in the ass now, try living with her."

Bela opened her eyes, throwing Dean a glare. "Thank you very much."

He closed the door before turning to face the two females, both their acts dying. Jovi's sad puppy dog face dropped into a proud smirk. Bela sat up on the couch, a small smile playing on her lips. "Hey, maybe next time give me a little heads-up with your plan."

Dean hissed at her while Jovi handed Bela her bag. "Jovi played her part well, and I didn't want you thinking. You're not very good at that," Bela said, her tone teasing.

Jovi grinned, rocking back and forth on the heels of her feet happily. Dean shifted, opening his mouth to say something before closing it. "Oh, look at you. Searching for a witty rejoinder?"

"Screw you."

"Very Oscar Wilde."

"Who's Oscar Wilde?" Jovi questioned, raising a brow in confusion and looking between her dad and Bela.

"I'll tell you later" Bela said, the child nodding before letting her eyes drift around the room.

Dean turned to the door, and Bela called out "Room 235, it's in a locked glass case wired for alarm. I'm sure that won't be a problem."

Dean mimicked her high-pitched voice before throwing one last sassy look over his shoulder and leaving the room. "And I'm supposed to be the child" Jovi mumbled, making Bela laugh.

Jovi watched from the edge of the bed as Bela strolled around the room, her fingers lightly grazing the various objects on the tables. The room was dimly lit, shadows dancing on the walls, adding an eerie ambiance. Out of the corner of her eye, Jovi spotted a young girl appear next to the bed. The girl's complexion was ashen, her once-vibrant brown eyes now a lifeless grey, and her brunette curls had faded to a dull hue. She wore an old-fashioned dress, its lace edges frayed with age.

Jovi blinked at the ghostly figure before smiling warmly. "Hi."

The ghost child tilted her head, her expression curious and hopeful. "Hi," the ghost replied, her voice barely a whisper, like the rustle of leaves in a forgotten forest.

Bela, oblivious to the ghostly presence, turned from where she'd just picked up a glass bottle containing a miniature ship. She thought Jovi was talking to her, but the girl's head was facing a blank wall. There was no one there, yet Jovi seemed to be happily conversing with someone. The woman tilted her head in confusion, her brow furrowing. "Jovi? Who are you talking to?"

Jovi glanced at Bela, then back at the ghost child. "My new friend. Her names Victoria" she said simply, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Bela's eyes widened slightly, a shiver running down her spine. Concern flooded Bela. She wondered if Jovi Winchester had some kind of psychic abilities, communicating with a ghost—a friendly one, she hoped. She carefully set the bottle back down, her movements slower now. "Victoria, huh?" she said, trying to mask her unease. "And how long has she been here?"

Jovi shrugged, her innocent eyes meeting Bela's. "A long time, I think. She says she's lonely."

The ghost child nodded solemnly, her translucent form flickering like a candle in the wind. Bela swallowed hard, her skepticism wavering in the face of the unexplainable. She took a step closer to Jovi, her curiosity piqued despite her initial discomfort. She hoped to gather more information about this spectral visitor before calling Dean or Sam.

"Well, Victoria" Bela said, her voice softer now "maybe we can help you find some peace."

Jovi smiled, her small hand reaching out as if to hold the ghost child's hand. Though their fingers didn't touch, a sense of calm seemed to settle in the room, the shadows retreating slightly as if acknowledging the connection between the living and the departed.

Before they could say anything else, a knock came from the door, drawing their attention. Victoria vanished instantly. "Sir? Ma'am? Everything all right?" the soldier from earlier called through the door, his voice muffled but tinged with concern.

Bela glanced at Jovi, her mind racing with thoughts of what she had just witnessed. "Hide" she whispered to the child, her eyes briefly lingering on the spot where Victoria had apparently stood. The room felt emptier without the ghostly presence, a strange silence settling in its place.

Jovi quickly leaped over the bed and ducked behind it, her heart pounding. Bela moved swiftly to the door, pulling down one of her dress's shoulder straps before opening it, greeting the soldier with a wide, disarming smile. "Hi."

The soldier's gaze swept over her, suspicion flickering in his eyes. "Feeling better, I see?"

Bela caught on to his scrutiny, forcing a light chuckle. "Yes, much better, thank you."

"So if you're...done with the room?" he asked, his tone pointed.

Bela shifted her stance awkwardly, searching for the right words. "Well, not exactly. Could we have a few more minutes? We don't get a lot of time away from our daughter, so while she's with her uncle..." She let her voice trail off, a hopeful smile playing on her lips.

The soldier's stern expression softened, and he nodded respectfully. "Uh, yes, ma'am."

Bela closed the door with a theatrical flair before bursting into giggles, playfully calling out, "stop it, that tickles!" Jovi emerged slowly from her hiding spot, a quizzical expression on her face, radiating innocence and confusion. "Don't ask questions" Bela whispered softly to the child, who responded with laughter and flopped onto the bed, her eyes wide with curiosity. "Why not?" inquired Jovi. Bela shot her a mischievous look, a smirk playing on her lips as she shook her head. Just then, Dean reentered the room, his gaze falling on Bela adjusting her dress strap. "Any trouble?" he inquired, his eyes then drifting to his daughter, who peered up at him with a gaze as bright as stars, her chin resting on her arms, exuding pure charm. In that moment, his heart swelled with pride at the sight of his adorable daughter.

"Nothing I couldn't handle," Dean replied, locking eyes with Bela once more. "The hand?" she asked eagerly. Dean reached into his jacket pocket and retrieved the covered hand. Bela moved closer in disbelief, while Jovi raised her head, hoping to catch a glimpse of the mysterious item. "May I?" Bela inquired, reaching out, but Dean swiftly pulled back, rewrapping the object. "No."

Bela just stared at him, "it might be more inconspicuous in my purse."

"Nice try," Dean said, avoiding her gaze. "Just trying to be helpful," Bela muttered innocently.

"Well, sweetheart, I don't need your kind of help," Dean stated firmly, tucking the hand back into his pocket before walking over to his daughter and lifting her into his arms.

☆

The three made their way back down the stairs and into the ball where Sam was still being forced to dance with Ms Case, Jovi couldn't fight the amused smile that pulled at her lips her head resting against her fathers chest "well, having a nice time?" Bela asked the older lady who stepped away from Sam and leaned in to Bela, muttering under her breath "He wants me."

"Oh?" Dean raised his brows at his brother, who only clenched his jaw. Bela smoothly linked arms with Ms. Case, turning back to the Winchesters. "I'm going to get Gert into a cold shower."

"Great idea," Dean acknowledged.

Bela smiled at them, leading Gert away. "See you at the cemetery," she said, giving a small wave to the youngest Winchester, who tiredly waved back. Dean turned to his brother with a pointed look. "You stink like sex."

☆

Bela had managed to snag the hand, leaving both Winchester brothers fuming. They made it back to the house where they were staying, the walls closing in with the weight of their frustration. Dean helped his daughter into her pajamas, the fabric soft against her