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You had given up hunting years ago but when you saw Sam and Dean enter your diner, every memories of those times, the good and the bad, came rushing back to you.
"I can't believe it you guys! Hi!" you said warmly, welcoming them inside. The three of you had kept in touch but you hadn't seen them in years. Back when you were a hunter, you worked together on several cases around the area and grew closer to the Winchester brothers. But a nasty fight with a nest of vampires and a bad hit to your right knee forced you to pursue another career.
"It's been too long, kiddo!" Dean said, hugging you tight. He looked around at your small diner, all the decorations were souvenirs you had gathered from your numerous travels during your hunter years. Some truckers were there with you, enjoying a peaceful Christmas dinner, taking a break from their journey on the road.
"How is it going?" Sam asked, wrapping his arms around you, "we were scared you wouldn't be open tonight but we saw the neon sign was on."
"I'm good! I stayed open tonight for these guys so we can keep each other company!" your usual customers raised a glass to you and cheered. "I didn't expect you though," you continued, excited.
"Yeah, we wanted to come check how our favorite chef was doing," Dean said rubbing his hands together, "also, Merry Christmas!" he smiled.
"Thank you, Merry Christmas to you too! No quiet Christmas by the fire this year?"
"You know it, no rest for the wicked," he answered with a bitter smile.
"Don't I get it... well, sit down, sit down, make yourself comfortable" you said, leading them to a cosy nook, with a dark wood table in the corner, "what would you like?" you asked, giving them the menu.
"I think we won't need a menu," Sam laughed, "ever since you sent us those pictures of the specials named after us, it's been on our mind, especially Dean, he hasn't shut up about it..."
"And I have been very patient if you ask me!" the older brother added.
"So, the SAM and the Dean special?"
"Yes, the Dean special and the..." Dean started but as his eyes lit up, you read his thoughts.
"The pie, no problem," you smiled, Dean gave you a thumbs up, "two beers?"
"Yes, please!"
"Alrighty, coming right up!"
You emerged back from the kitchen soon after with a salad and meatloaf for Sam on one hand and the biggest burger Dean had ever seen balancing on the other.
For dessert, you brought three warm slices of cinnamon and apple pie. Dean and Sam looked at you confused at first and quickly scooted over to let you sit down with them.
"Oh no, no, this ain't for me. These two are for Dean because we all know, just one slice isn't enough. And the last one is for Sam, I thought maybe you'd wanna try it," you smiled.
"I think I love you..." Dean said, clearly talking to the pie.
Sam hesitated and added, "you know what? Why not? Screw the diet, it's Christmas!" Dean, already with his mouth full, looked partly happy to see his brother give in to the dark side and partly bummed that he wouldn't have the three slices to himself.
At the end of the night, the restaurant got quieter, the majority of the customers had left and you had already cleaned up everything. Behind the bar, you took a bottle of bourbon and went to sit down with the brothers for some well deserved rest.
"Ok, Chef, everything and I mean everything that was put on this table was incredible, what a talent," Dean said, wiping his mouth, "it's a shame you're so far from our place..."
"Uh I'm sorry wha-? Your place?" you asked confused as you poured the golden liquid, "no more motels?!"
"No more motels!" Sam said happily.
"Well, cheers to you guys settling down!" The three of you toasted and drank, feeling a little warmer, "how was it? Must have been weird for you?"
"A little at first yeah, but the water pressure alone..." Dean said, closing his eyes, lost in bliss.
"Haha I feel you and where is that place of yours?"
"It's in Kansas," Sam answered.
"Ah, it is a little far indeed..."
"It's only a five hour drive and after that feast, I'd happily travel back and forth for that pie... and to hang out with you more of course!" Dean smiled.
"You're welcome here anytime, you know that!"
"And the same goes for you, our door is always open, whatever happens, ok?"
"Thank you guys, I'll visit someday for sure... On another note, here for a case? Need any help?" you asked, lowering your voice.
"Thank you so much for the warm meal Chef! It was delicious as always!" the last truck driver yelled from the door.
"Anytime Rita! Please drive safe! See you in a few days?"
"Yes, Chef!" she replied as you got up to close the door behind her.
"No, back from a case actually" Sam resumed, "but it's all taken care of, don't worry yourself with any of that now... Enough of us, how about you? How are things going? It's been a little crazy lately, we didn't even had time to check on you, we're sorry by the way," Sam said.
"Don't apologize, are you crazy?" you laughed, getting closer to the jukebox, putting some Christmas tunes, "it's going great! The transition hasn't been easy but I love what I have here, what I made of myself, you know? And now you're here too! It's one hell of a Christmas gift by the way, I missed you guys so much! Shall we have a little Christmas party of our own tonight? For old time's sake? There's a lot more food and drinks where that came from," you smirked.
"Hell yes!" Dean shouted.
The three of you sat around the table, the snow outside was frosting the windows at their edges, the jovial music and happy laughs filled in the room. You looked around, at their smiling eyes, at the diner you own, at the memories that travel with you wherever you go, at the lives you had lived. The three of you sat around the table and you wouldn't want to be anywhere else.