Adore you
Harry Styles

0:30 —•———————————
𝑰 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒔𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒆𝒚𝒆𝒔
𝑾𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒕?

𝑷𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒑𝒖𝒕 '𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒔 𝒔𝒐 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕' 𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒏𝒆
𝑺𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒐𝒏 11
𝑶𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓

☆

𝑱𝒐𝒗𝒊 𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒆𝒚𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒏, the early morning light seeping into the cozy guest room at Jody's house. For a split second, she forgot why she felt this weird hum of excitement under her skin, then it hit her — her 16th birthday. Grinning, she stretched, savoring the moment. Being at Jody's felt like family, even if it wasn't exactly "normal." But, honestly, when was her life ever normal?

She slipped out of bed, throwing on some clothes, and padded down the hall. The smell of something delicious — pancakes, if her nose wasn't lying —filled the air. She followed it to the kitchen to find Jody at the stove, flipping a stack of birthday pancakes with a grin. The others already up and sat at the table like Jody had gotten them up to make sure they had everything ready for Jovi's birthday, as she entered the room they glanced up from either their phones or textbook in Alex's case "happy birthday!" They chorused all sending her a smile but Jovi didn't like Ares mischievous grin, it was like he had something planned and she hated it.

"Thanks" Jovi mumbled her face flushing in embarrassment.

"Morning, birthday girl!" Jody greeted, pushing a plate stacked high with pancakes toward her. Each one was covered in whipped cream, berries, and sprinkles — maybe a bit much, but Jovi couldn't care less. She dug in, savoring the sugary sweetness of every bite.

"16? You're getting old now, Buffy" ares commented digging into his own stack of pancakes, Jovi rolled her eyes "shut up, you're literally the same age as me"

"You're still older" Ares added snickering.

"So, since it's a special day," Jody said, leaning against the counter, "how about we go get your hair done? Whatever style you want, my treat."

Jovi's fork paused mid-air, and she looked up, surprised. "Like, a real hair salon? With, like, people and all that?"

"You've never been to a salon before?" Claire couldn't help but ask as she looked at her friend, Jovi stared deadpan at her "do I look like I go to hair salons every week? I mean have you met my dad?"

"Yep, a real salon" Jody cut back in, clearly amused. "And they'll fuss over you the whole time. Think you can handle that?"

Jovi laughed, already imagining the possibilities. "I guess we'll find out"

Alex put a small bag on the table, wearing her usual laid-back grin. "Open it" Alex said, shoving the bag into Jovi's hands. Inside was a collection of essentials — mascara, eyeliner, a palette of neutral eyeshadows that made Jovi's eyes light up. "So, you can stop raiding my makeup bag,"

"Now I can finally achieve the popular cheerleader look without worrying about sneaking it back," Jovi said with a laugh, giving Alex a playful nudge. Jovi didn't like that they had to wear a full face of makeup for the games but she found the thought of learning to do her own makeup exciting, she never really been interested before she started cheer and had Alex do it for her. She liked how she felt with it on. "Thank you" she added sending Alex an appreciative smile.

Just then, Claire held out a folded piece of paper with a mischievous grin. "Happy birthday, Jo. It's...a tattoo gift card. Jody's gonna love it." She winked.

Jovi burst out laughing as Jody's voice echoed from the kitchen. "Claire Novak, you'd better be joking!"

Claire just laughed harder, shrugging. "Maybe I am, maybe I'm not," she said, leaving the card in Jovi's hand. Jovi grinned, delighted by the chaos of it all. Would she totally get a tattoo? Absolutely. Was this actually a gift card? Yes. Yes it was. And Jovi was already considering making herself a fake ID so she could use it, she wondered what her dad would say. He had tattoos so he couldn't be against it...though he might be if she randomly rocked up with one. Jovi met Claire's gaze silently saying 'thank you' which made Claire smirk.

Then, just when she thought she'd seen all the surprises the day had to offer, Ares cleared his throat, his usual cocky smirk replaced with a slightly nervous look. He held out a small velvet box, handing it over. "Uh, happy birthday, Jovi. Don't get all mushy or anything."

Jovi raised an eyebrow, intrigued. She hadn't expected anything from Ares —maybe a half-hearted "happy birthday" at most. She opened the box and her breath caught. Inside was a delicate gold bracelet with a tiny engraved paw print charm, her late cat Salem's name carved into it.

She glanced up at Ares, genuinely taken aback. "Ares... I didn't think you remembered Salem. I mean, I only mentioned him once." It was true she'd only mentioned him the one time when they were walking back from school, a black cat had jumped out from behind a car scaring Ares which made her laugh at him before explaining about her first and only pet but she didn't think he was actually listening.

Ares shrugged, trying to brush it off, but she caught the hint of a smile in his eyes. "Don't read too much into it, Winchester. I just didn't want to be outdone by Claire's tattoo card."

"Oh, really?" Jovi smirked, slipping the bracelet onto her wrist, silently swearing to never take it off — he didn't need to know that though. "Because it kinda seems like someone actually has a heart under all that attitude."

Ares scoffed, crossing his arms with a smirk of his own. "Don't push it, Jo."

Jovi couldn't help but grin, a warmth blooming in her chest. Ares was a lot of things, but he was also a...sort of friend, in his own messed-up way. Even if he didn't say it, he cared. She gave him a quick hug, silently showing him that she truly appreciated the gift which he awkwardly tolerated, but she didn't miss the small, embarrassed smile he tried to hide.

After breakfast, Jovi and Jody drove into town. She didn't know how she wanted her hair styled — maybe something fierce, something that made her look as bold on the outside as she felt inside. The stylist was excited to give her a fresh look, and by the end of it, Jovi could barely recognize herself in the mirror. Her hair was layered and highlighted with honey blonde highlights which made her look like she'd been in the sun, adding an edge to her look she hadn't known she'd wanted. She couldn't help but smirk as she admired herself. She loved it, she was so used to having plain straight blonde hair that the change was nice.

"How do you like it?" Jody asked leaning over Jovi's shoulder looking at her through the mirror, Jovi couldn't wipe the grin off her face. "I love it" Jovi said glancing up at Jody who smiled back pleased to see the teen so happy "good, it suits you".

Jody grinned at Jovi as they stepped out of the car and into the sunlight, making their way toward the row of little shops downtown. "So, birthday girl, any place in particular you want to go first?"

Jovi shrugged with a smirk. "Anywhere but a grocery store."

Jody laughed, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "Well, lucky for you, that's not what I had in mind." She steered her toward a small, quirky boutique. "Thought we'd do a little bit of shopping. This place has a lot of vintage rock shirts and jewelry. Your dad would lose his mind if he knew half of what they have in there."

Jovi's eyes sparkled. "Okay, okay, that's actually kinda cool."

While Jody and Jovi browsed through racks of worn leather jackets and shelves full of band T-shirts, back at Jody's house, Dean stood on a chair, untangling a string of balloons, while Sam meticulously placed streamers around the living room. Claire and Alex darted around, setting up a table full of snacks and Jovi's favorite cake while Ares strolled around being unhelpful as he stole snacks from the table.

"Seriously, how is this so complicated?" Dean grumbled, glaring at the balloons like they were a monster he had to hunt.

"It's just balloons, Dean," Sam said, not looking up from his decorating.

"Yeah, well, I don't trust them."

Claire snorted, setting down a platter of cupcakes. "You fight demons, but balloons are your weakness?"

Dean shot her a look but didn't respond. Alex was practically bouncing with excitement, leaning over to Claire with a mischievous grin.

"You think she'll be surprised?" Alex asked, watching Dean meticulously place her favourite sour candy into neat rows on the snack table.

"Oh, she's going to be surprised," Claire replied with a smirk already knowing what Ares had up his sleeve.

Back in town, Jody led Jovi into a cozy cafe and ordered them both lattes. As they settled into a booth, Jody pushed a small box across the table.

"Happy birthday, kid," Jody said warmly.

Jovi blinked, surprised. "Jody... you already got me lunch. And shopping."

Jody shrugged. "Can't spoil you a little? Go on, open it."

Inside the box was a silver necklace, a pendant shaped like a crescent moon. Jovi stared at it for a moment, then looked up, touched beyond words.

"Jody, it's beautiful."

Jody grinned, nudging her. "Something to remind you that you're stronger than you know—and you're loved."

Jovi gave her a quick hug, eyes bright. "Thank you."

☆

𝑨𝒕 the house, the doorbell rang which immediately caught Ares attention. A mischievous smile finding its way onto his face as he sauntered over to the door, dramatically pulling it open only for his smile to widen. "Blake! Blake Winslow! So glad you could make it my dude" he was being over the top on purpose, he wanted Dean to hear of Blake's arrival mainly because he'd been waiting for a chance to introduce Dean to Blake so he could stir the pot up just a little bit. Blake raised a brow at Ares dramatics holding a small wrapped box in his hands. "Yeah? Me too" Ares clapped his friend on the shoulder and steering him toward Dean. "You've met Jovi's dad, right? No? Dean Winchester, this is Blake. You know, the guy Jovi's been talking about?"

Blake froze under the weight of Dean's sharp gaze. "Uh, hi, Mr. Winchester. It's really nice to meet you."

Dean's eyes narrowed slightly, his tone casual but deliberate. "Blake, huh? Jovi's mentioned you."

Blake's face flushed. "Oh, uh, she has?"

"Yeah. Quarterback for the high school team, right?" Dean asked, his expression unreadable.

"Yes, sir." Blake nodded quickly. "Uh, we've got playoffs coming up soon."

Dean raised an eyebrow. "Playoffs, huh? How's your O-line? They holding up, or you getting crushed out there?"

Blake blinked, startled by the question. "Oh, uh, yeah, they're good. Strong this year."

Dean's lips twitched, the faintest hint of a smirk appearing. "Good. 'Cause the last thing you want is getting blindsided. One wrong hit, and that's it. Game over."

Blake gulped. He felt like that had a double meaning. "Right. Definitely."

Ares, watching with barely concealed amusement, chimed in. "Come on, Dean, you're grilling the poor guy like it's the NFL Combine. Let the kid breathe."

Dean shot Ares a look. "I'm just making conversation." He turned back to Blake. "You run much, or just stand back there tossing the ball around?"

"I, uh, run sometimes. Scramble, mostly," Blake stammered.

Dean nodded slowly, still scrutinizing him. "Well, make sure you protect yourself. Don't want anyone running you into the ground."

Blake nodded again, his hands fidgeting nervously. "Yes, sir."

Sam, sensing the tension, clapped Dean on the shoulder. "Maybe we let Blake get back to the party setup? It's Jovi's birthday, after all."

Dean stepped back, still watching Blake like a hawk. "Yeah. Sure."

Blake hurried off to help Alex, while Ares leaned casually against the counter, a smirk playing on his lips. "That was subtle. You're practically his best friend now."

Dean grunted, not bothering to respond as his eyes lingering on Blake.

☆

𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 was in place, and everyone waited in anticipation, hiding in various corners with grins on their faces as they heard Jody's car pull up. The front door opened, and Jovi stepped in, her eyes going wide like a deer in headlights as she saw the streamers, lights, and familiar faces packed into the room.

"Surprise!" everyone yelled like a pack of caffeinated hyenas. And Jovi? She doesn't scream (disappointing), but her eyes light up, and this massive grin takes over her face like she just found out Chuck E. Cheese was back in business.

Dean strides up, pulls her into one of those warm-dad hugs (you know, the ones that say, "I love you but will also smite anyone who messes with you"). "Happy birthday, Angel," he says, probably smirking like he just won the lottery. "Hope we didn't give you a heart attack."

Jovi, all teary-eyed but trying to play it cool says, "I thought you forgot!" (Classic guilt trip move, 10/10 from her.) And Dean, the man of the hour, throws back with, "As if I'd forget my only child's birthday. C'mon, give me some credit here. Look at this masterpiece!" He gestures around the room like he just built the Taj Mahal, not realizing they probably used leftover Christmas lights for the setup. Jovi shook her head as if to say 'Yeah, okay, Dad, pat yourself on the back' but she did appreciate the effort.

But oh, the power Jovi could've gained if he'd forgotten. Leverage for YEARS, people. Forget grounding her — Dean would've handed her the ultimate 'You owe me' card. She could've milked that like a dairy farmer at sunrise...

Jovi looked around, overwhelmed in that 'I didn't know I needed this' kind of way. She could actually say that this was one of the only birthdays she's had where she's had actual friends to celebrate with and family who showed up for her. "You guys... you didn't have to do all this," she says, trying not to cry (but, like, in a totally badass way).

Cue Uncle Sam, aka Mr. Sentiment, with his classic soft smile. "Oh, yeah, we did. Only turn sixteen once. Might as well go big." See? This is why Sam's everyone's favorite.

Jovi hugged him, muttering "Thanks, Uncle Sam" Jody then piped up from across the room with a wink and a smirk "Bet you didn't see this one coming, huh?" Jovi cracks up, because honestly, no one expects Sheriff Mills to be this much fun, but here we are.

The living room hummed with a cozy kind of chaos, balloons deflated in the corners, empty plates scattered across the coffee table, and the faint hum of classic rock still playing in the background. Jovi sat beside Kat the two of them gossiping but when Dean and Sam stood in front of them, each holding wrapped packages Kat gave the family some space to have a moment with Jovi.

"Alright, listen up, Spawn," Dean started with a smirk on his face. "you're somehow sixteen now which is a big milestone. You're still a pain in my ass, but I figured you've earned this." Jovi smiled smugly glad that she's the reason her dad probably has high blood pressure but before she could retort back Sam raised an eyebrow. "What your father is trying to say—poorly—is that we wanted to make today special." He stepped forward, handing over a neatly wrapped box, the paper so absurdly perfect it screamed Sam Winchester's OCD at work.

Jovi raised a brow and tore into it with the enthusiasm of a kid at Christmas. Inside was a simple leather bracelet, aged and worn but somehow... comforting. She flipped it in her hand and caught sight of a tiny sigil etched into the leather.

"It's protective," Sam explained. "It, uh, used to be your mom's. She gave it to me back when things were... different. Figured you could use the luck more than me now."

For a moment, Jovi stared at the bracelet, her usual snark caught in her throat. Then she noticed her dads face twitch at the mention of her mom, his jaw tightening for just a second. Of course, he didn't say anything, but that little look said everything. Jovi wasn't sure if she wanted something that reminded her of her mother but knowing that it meant something to Sam meant that it was now important to her, her mother may have given it to him but Sam gave it to her and that's how she was going to remember it.

"Thanks, Uncle Sam," she said, sliding the bracelet onto her wrist. "You know, for protecting me and... giving me ancient family relics that'll probably save my ass one day."

"Always," Sam said softly, stepping aside as Dean straightened up and cleared his throat.

"Alright, my turn," he said, pulling out a small, square box and tossing it into Jovi's lap. "No speeches, no drama, just... open it."

With an amused glance, Jovi tore the paper and lifted the lid, revealing a matte black pistol. Her eyes widened as she picked it up, the weight of it fitting perfectly in her hand. Along the barrel, etched in tiny silver letters, were the words Daddy's Little Hellraiser.

"Dad," she breathed, her grin spreading like wildfire. "You shouldn't have."

"You're damn right I shouldn't have," Dean said, grinning despite himself. "But you're old enough now. Figure you might as well have something that packs a punch, just in case some fang-faced bastard tries to catch you off guard."

Jovi aimed the gun at an imaginary target, testing the balance while also making sure her back was to the guests so they wouldn't be alarmed by the gun in her hands. "This is better than cake," she said, already envisioning all the ways she could use it especially when she goes back to hunting...if she goes back to hunting.

Dean smirked. "That's my girl. But remember—this isn't a toy. It's for life-or-death situations only."

Jovi gave him a mock salute. "Got it. Only use it on bad guys and people who cut me off in traffic."

Sam groaned. "You're really encouraging her, Dean."

"Eh, she's got good instincts," Dean said with a shrug, his pride barely contained.

Just as Jovi was admiring her new weapon from the safety of its box, a nervous cough drew her attention. Blake stood near the doorway, hands stuffed in his pockets, his usual cocky grin replaced by something almost... shy.

"Hey, uh," he began, stepping forward like he was walking into enemy territory, "can I borrow you for a sec?"

Jovi smiled placing the box on the arm of the sofa "sure" she glanced up at her father who was sending Blake a stink eye making her subtly nudge him with a glare which made Dean roll his eyes watching as Jovi walked off with the boy to a more private space away from the group. Once Jovi was stood opposite him, Blake held out the nearly wrapped box. "I got you something too."

Jovi's eyebrows shot up as she glanced between the silver wrapping paper and Blake's nervous eyes. "Well, well, if it isn't Mr. Tall, Dark, and Broody getting me a present?"

Blake shrugged, trying to play it cool. "Yeah, don't make it weird."

Jovi took the box, her heart doing a stupid little somersault as