replied, softening just a bit. "And if anything feels off, you call. No questions, no lectures. Just call."

She gave him a quick hug, trying to hide the fond smile on her face. "I know, Dad. Thanks."

Dean released her reluctantly, watching her head over to her friends who were waiting impatiently. As she joined them, Jovi shot one last look back, waving as her friends laughed and dragged her along, already chatting about the night ahead.

Dean watched her go, his protective instincts warring with his pride. Jody clapped him on the shoulder, grinning. "Relax, Dean. She's got your sense for danger. And she's smart."

"Yeah, I know," Dean replied, still watching Jovi disappear with her friends, a soft smile playing on his face. "But she's still my little girl."

As the players started filing out of the locker room, Jovi and Kat were huddled with the rest of the cheer squad near the edge of the field, excitement buzzing in the cool night air. Jovi spotted Blake first, striding confidently through the crowd. He brushed a stray strand of hair out of his face, his grin somehow cockier and cuter all at once. Right behind him, with his usual mischievous grin, was Ares, hands stuffed in his pockets and looking like he was already planning some kind of trouble.

Blake's gaze zeroed in on Jovi as he approached, a smirk creeping across his face. "Gotta hand it to you, Jovi," he said, stopping just close enough to catch her eye. "You nailed it out there. Kinda hard to keep my head in the game when you were out there stealing the show."

Jovi raised an eyebrow, giving him a sly smile as she flipped her ponytail back. "Just trying to keep things entertaining for you boys. But hey, don't get distracted out there—we both know who the real MVP was tonight."

Kat snickered beside her, nudging her shoulder, while Ares rolled his eyes dramatically, leaning toward Kat. "And don't think I didn't see you, Kat, killing it on that routine. Like, give the rest of us a chance to shine, why don't you?"

Kat laughed, shrugging. "Enough with the flattering, Cassidy."

"Oh he's right though, you nailed it. Told you you'd be amazing as a cheerleader" Jovi added sending her friend a smile, Kat felt her cheeks flush in embarrassment "don't forget, you owe me one now, Winchester" Jovi grinned back at her friend in amusement.

Blake chuckled, his eyes flicking back to Jovi. "Anyway, you two ready for the party? Because we're celebrating this win, I've got a whole car waiting to take us there."

Jovi smirked, exchanging a glance with Kat, who was already grinning. "Thought you'd never ask," Jovi said. "Just point us to the strangers car." Jovi couldn't help but make the joke, she loved the fact that she'd been told never to get into a strangers car but here she was getting into a strangers car just because a pretty boy told her to...

"Lead the way, football star," Kat added with a smirk of her own.

Blake gestured over his shoulder, and they followed him, with Ares tagging along beside Jovi, giving her a sidelong look. "Just so you know," he whispered loudly enough for everyone to hear, "if Blake gets annoying, I can swoop in and save you. Kind of my thing."

Jovi snorted, nudging him. "Thanks, Ares, but I think I can handle Blake's charm."

They reached the car, where Blake's friend was waiting, already revving up the engine with a grin. Blake opened the door with a mock bow. "Your chariot awaits, ladies."

Jovi and Kat climbed in, Jovi giving him a teasing salute before sliding over to make room. Blake settled in beside her, with Ares taking the seat up front, shooting Jovi a thumbs-up as if they were all about to head into battle.

As they pulled out, Jovi leaned back, a smirk playing on her lips as she caught Blake glancing her way. Tonight, she wasn't thinking about the hunt or her family's legacy — she was just Jovi, a teenage girl ready for a night she'd never forget.

☆

𝑨𝒔 𝒔𝒐𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒔 they pulled up to the party — a sprawling house lit up with string lights and filled with the thumping beat of music — Jovi felt the thrill double. Blake helped her out of the car, flashing her that smirk of his before he took her hand. Jovi unexpectedly loved the way her heart jumped as she glanced back at Kat, who shot her an amused, knowing look. Blake carried on leading her and Kat through the crowded entryway with Ares following. The house was buzzing, people everywhere holding red cups, laughing and shouting over the music, the energy almost electric. It was like stepping into a scene she'd only seen in movies, but she was living it, and it felt like nothing else.

Blake pulled her toward the kitchen, pouring drinks and handing one to each of them with a casual grin. "To cheerleaders and football wins," he toasted, clinking his cup against hers. Jovi rolled her eyes but grinned back, taking a sip as she watched him over the rim of her cup. He was looking at her, like she was the only person in the room, and it made her feel like she could float. Though her awe was ruined by her bitter taste in her mouth that had her face scrunching up, though her dad and uncle lived off of alcohol she'd never actually had any which made all of this new for her. Although she wasn't sure if she actually liked it she was going to keep drinking it because she didn't want to be a buzzkill that ruined everyone's fun.

They moved through the house, greeting people and catching high-fives, Jovi and Kat getting compliments on their cheer routine. Jovi was taking it all in, bantering with Blake and making sarcastic comments that had him laughing and Ares rolling his eyes. But just as she was getting into the rhythm of it all, the familiar beat of Shake That by Eminem blared from the speakers, and her eyes widened as she looked at Kat.

"Oh. My. God," she said, eyes alight. Kat was already grinning, giving her a nod.

"Come on!" Kat squealed, grabbing Jovi's hand and dragging her to the makeshift dance floor in the living room joining the crowd.

Jovi shot Blake a wink before spinning away with Kat, diving into the beat, the two of them moving perfectly in sync. Jovi felt the music pulse through her veins, her confidence amping up with every move. She loved the way the room felt alive around them, how it all felt so exhilarating.

From across the room, she noticed Blake watching her with an intensity that made her heart beat faster. But just as she was caught up in the thrill of it all, a familiar voice came from over Blake's shoulder.

"Well, well, looks like someone's got it bad for Winchester," came the smug, lazy drawl of Ares Cassidy. He crossed his arms, his own signature smirk playing on his face as he looked from Jovi on the dance floor back to Blake.

Blake shrugged, eyes still on Jovi, completely unfazed. "Yeah, maybe I do," he replied, his tone easy but completely unguarded.

Ares raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. "Damn, didn't take you for the type to get starry-eyed over a girl who could probably wipe the floor with you."

Blake just laughed, his eyes not leaving Jovi. "Guess that's exactly why she's got my attention."

Ares chuckled, glancing back toward the dance floor. "Good luck with that, man. You're gonna need it especially when you meet her dad."

But Blake just shrugged again, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth as he watched Jovi and Kat lose themselves in the music. "I think I can handle her." He then paused glancing at Ares "what's her dad like?"

Ares only laughed in complete amusement, he could barely wait for his friend to come face to face with Dean Winchester. "Let's just say, you hurt her, he will shoot you"

Blake's eyes widened slightly as he looked back at the girl, Jovi caught his eye, flashing him a quick, wicked grin before turning back to the beat, and for the first time that night, Blake wondered just how deep he was getting into something completely out of his control.

As the night went on, the crowd around Jovi and Kat only grew, their energy infectious. They danced, laughed, and moved with a confidence that had everyone's attention. When the song transitioned into something slower but with a deep, pulsing beat, Jovi felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned, and there was Blake, grinning down at her, a glint of challenge in his eyes.

"Mind if I cut in?" he asked, voice low enough to be heard only by her over the music.

She raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a smirk as she stepped closer. "I don't know, Blake. Think you can keep up?"

"Try me," he shot back, his hand slipping naturally to her waist, pulling her toward him.

They fell into the rhythm of the music, the beat thumping through the air as they moved together, his hand warm and steady on her waist, guiding her. Jovi leaned in, close enough to feel his breath against her cheek, her heart racing as their faces hovered inches apart. The playful banter, the flirting glances — it all felt electric, like they were the only two people in the room.

"You're pretty good at this," she teased, swaying with him. "Didn't take you for a dancer."

Blake chuckled, pulling her a little closer. "Maybe you're just a good teacher."

Her eyes sparkled, and she spun out, only to come right back, feeling his grip firm as he pulled her close once again. She liked the way he didn't hesitate, didn't flinch, meeting her intensity with a confidence that surprised her. They moved effortlessly, their eyes locking, matching each other's steps with an ease that felt natural.

"Having fun?" he asked, leaning close, his voice low in her ear.

"Maybe," she murmured back, glancing up at him with a playful smile. "But you haven't impressed me yet."

"Oh, I think I'm starting to," he replied, his gaze steady and confident, his hand still holding her close.

Jovi rolled her eyes but felt the blush creeping up her cheeks as they swayed together, the music washing over them. For once, she was in the moment, not thinking about what came next, not worried about who was watching. Just Jovi and Blake, caught up in a dance that felt as thrilling as any hunt, and maybe even more dangerous.

☆

𝑨𝒓𝒆𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒑𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 carried Jovi up the porch steps, her arm slung around his shoulders, laughing at nothing in particular. She'd had one too many at the party, and though she'd put on a tough act about holding her liquor, the swaying and giggles betrayed her. Ares shook his head, half-exasperated, half-amused, as he managed to get her to the front door of Jody's house, fumbling for his keys as Jovi leaned heavily against him.

"Keep it down," Ares whispered, trying to unlock the door. "The last thing I need is Dean Winchester tearing me apart at two in the morning."

"Dean Winchester..." Jovi slurred, giggling and poking Ares in the chest. "That's my dad. My dad could so kick your ass."

Ares raised an eyebrow, suppressing a laugh as he finally got the door open. "Oh yeah? I'm shaking, Winchester."

But as they stumbled into the dimly lit living room, a familiar figure was already sitting on the couch, arms crossed, eyebrow raised in that classic Dean way. Dean looked them over, fighting back a smirk as he took in his daughter's slightly wobbly stance and the way she clung to Ares for balance.

"Well, well, well," Dean said, his tone amused but with an edge of reproach. "Look what the cat dragged in."

Jovi lit up, spotting him. "Daaaad!" she slurred, waving a little too enthusiastically. "Guess what? We won. Like, the game. And I was—like, cheerleading. So good."

Dean chuckled, shaking his head. "I know, kiddo. I was in the crowd remember?"

"Oh my god! You were!...I forgot" Jovi beamed, though her eyelids were heavy, and she leaned against Ares, eyes starting to droop. Ares gave Dean an apologetic shrug. "She went a little hard on the party scene, didn't realize she could...well, uh, drink."

Jovi perked up, trying to look serious, though it came out as more of a sloppy grin. "I can handle it. I'm a Winchester, we're functional alcoholics."

Dean laughed at that, coming over and patting her on the shoulder. "Sure you are, Jov. But that doesn't mean I don't remember when your old man was exactly where you're standing now, thinking he could handle it too."

Jovi gave a dramatic gasp, putting her hand over her heart. "Are you...are you saying you drank too much once, too?"

"More times than I care to count," Dean admitted, smirking. "Difference is, I didn't have someone like Jody waiting to catch me in the act."

Ares shifted awkwardly, trying not to get sucked into the family scene, but Dean gave him a nod. "Thanks for getting her back safe."

"Yeah, well," Ares said, scratching the back of his neck. "Couldn't just leave her there."

Jovi tilted her head up at Ares, looking at him with slightly bleary gratitude. "Thanks, Ares. You're like...not the worst, you know?"

Dean chuckled, giving Ares a small nod of approval, and then turned back to Jovi. "Alright, lightweight, time for bed. Let's get you some water, huh?"

Jovi pouted but let him guide her toward the stairs, muttering under her breath about how unfair it was that 'everyone thought she was a kid.' But even she couldn't hide the small smile on her face as she let her dad help her upstairs, her heart full from a night of laughter, friends, and family — even if she'd be paying for it in the morning.

Dean guided Jovi into her room, helping her sit on the bed as she flopped back with a dramatic sigh while he helped her take off her shoes. She looked up at him, eyes half-closed, a soft, sleepy smile playing on her face. "Y'know, Dad...this whole normal thing..." she mumbled, her words slurring together. "It's...better now. Like, better than with...Lisa and Ben."

Dean's face fell for a split second, the words hitting deeper than she probably realized in her tipsy state. He hadn't really thought about that time in a while, and hearing her mention it brought a flash of memory — a life he'd tried to settle into but couldn't make work, no matter how hard he tried. He couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt; back then, he'd wanted to give her stability but was still half in the world of hunting, unable to be all in. Jovi's words made it clear that she remembered it too.

But as he looked down at her now, sprawled on the bed, eyes heavy, there was something else in her words that softened the sting. She was here, safe, in a place where she was just a kid going to high school, making friends, and feeling free enough to be herself. Dean managed a small smile, his hand brushing a strand of hair off her forehead.

"Glad you like it, kiddo," he said quietly, sitting on the edge of her bed. "I know it's not perfect, but...it's good seeing you have this, y'know? Just...being you."

Jovi smiled, her eyes fluttering shut for a moment. "Yeah. This is better," she mumbled, almost to herself. "Kat, the games, cheer...Blake, even if he's a dumb jock." She grinned, barely opening her eyes to shoot Dean a lopsided smirk. "It's...nice."

Blake. There was that name again, Dean raised a brow having a clear idea about what Jovi thought of Blake but he wouldn't get into it right this second because she could barely put a full sentence together. Dean chuckled softly, feeling a mixture of pride and relief. It felt good to know she'd found a sense of belonging here, something he'd wanted for her for as long as he could remember. "I'm glad you have it, Jov. Really."

She nodded, mumbling something incoherent, and Dean realized she was nearly asleep. He pulled a blanket over her, watching her face relax as she drifted off, looking younger and more at peace than he'd seen in a while. But before she slipped into unconsciousness she mumbled "I love you"

"Love you too, Angel. Get some sleep" he responded placing a gentle kiss to her forehead before standing up, Dean took one last look, feeling both the ache and the satisfaction of knowing she was safe here. Away from hunting, from danger, from everything he'd never wanted for her. And as he turned off the light, he whispered softly, almost to himself, "Sleep tight, kid. You deserve all of this."

☆

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒙𝒕 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈, the unmistakable sound of retching came from the bathroom, and Dean shook his head with a smirk as he pushed open the door. Sure enough, Jovi was hunched over the toilet, looking worse for wear, her hair a messy tangle around her face. He didn't hesitate, kneeling beside her and gently pulling her hair back, keeping it out of the way while she clung to the porcelain bowl, groaning.

"Rough night, huh?" he teased lightly, holding back a laugh.

She managed a weak glare, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. "Don't. I feel like I got run over."

"Yeah, well," he chuckled, patting her back. "You went pretty hard on the 'fun' part last night. Rookie mistake."

She rolled her eyes, leaning back with a groan, her face pale. "I'm never drinking again."

Dean snorted, leaning against the wall beside her. "Yeah, that's what they all say. Just remember this moment next time you think you can 'handle it.'" He smirked down at her, unable to resist adding, "Speaking of, that guy—Blake, right? How'd he fit into this whole thing?"

Jovi shot him a look, though there was a hint of a blush creeping onto her cheeks. "What do you mean?"

"Oh, don't play coy with me." He gave her a teasing grin. "I saw the way he looked at you when you were out there last night, and the way you didn't exactly mind it."

She looked away, fidgeting slightly, her face flushed. "It's...he's just a guy, Dad."

"Uh-huh." Dean's grin softened, though his gaze held a hint of protectiveness. "Well, 'just a guy' better know who he's dealing with if he's messing around with my daughter."

Jovi groaned again, covering her face with her hands. "Please don't scare him off. He's actually...he's nice, okay?"

Dean chuckled, gently ruffling her hair. "Alright, alright. I'll play nice. Just...don't forget, I'm here, Jo. If this Blake kid's worth his salt, he'll respect that."

She looked up at him, managing a small smile despite her misery. "Thanks, Dad."

"Anytime." He gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder, helping her to her feet. "Now, let's get you some water and maybe a greasy breakfast. Trust me, it'll help."

Jovi winced but nodded, leaning on him as he led her to the kitchen, and even through the haze of her hangover, she felt that familiar comfort in knowing her dad had her back — through every mistake and misstep.

☆

Admittedly Shake That is my weakness.