Chapter Text
Claire was in the kitchen at the Bunker. The previous night she, Dean, Sam, and Castiel went on a hunt together. Did it require all of them? No, but they were overprotective as usual and Claire didn't know what she was dealing with exactly. Alex was busy, Patience still isn't really built for hunting, and well Kaia was traveling for a bit. To find herself. Jody had a girlfriend now and they had a date night. Claire didn't want to get in her and Donna's way. The young blonde told Jody she could handle it. She, in fact, could not handle it. By herself at least. So she called “the boys” who always rushed to help her at the drop of a hat. After solving the case, she crashed on their couch.
A.K.A, in one of the many rooms the Bunker had. It was closer than going all the way back to Jody's from Texas. She really needed to move out soon though. Maybe she and Kaia could find a place together. Anyway, that led Claire to spend her morning in the kitchen. She hadn't been up long, but she was listening to music and making breakfast for all of them since she was not going to be a bad guest. That was until Dean barged in like a bull in a China shop and broke her tranquility. Immediately the young blonde paused the music and looked at him a little startled. “Woah.” Dean said with his hands up as if he was approaching a baby deer. He was already dressed; an olive green t-shirt, a flannel over top, some boot cut dark wash jeans, a pair of dark brown work boots.
His hair was even done. Claire frowned as she pointed the spatula at him. “Damnit Dean, don't scare me like that.” She said and he rolled his eyes. “Didn't know you were in here, kid.” The older hunter replied. She was dressed too. Obviously, she wasn't walking around the Bunker in her boxer briefs and oversized T-shirt with no bra on like she does at Jody's. The boys wouldn't care, nor would they be weird about it, but the young blonde was a girl and they were all guys. It just felt inappropriate to her. That's why she and Dean were basically dressed the same. Sometimes she really did wonder if they were the same person. Claire huffed and turned around as she heard Dean repeat what she said in a mocking tone while he opened the refrigerator door.
She knew he was just teasing and he's lucky she knew, otherwise she would kick his old ass. Sometimes he felt more like an older brother than a father figure like Castiel and Sam do, even though the Angel is still literally wearing her dad's meatsuit. How many kids get to say that line on career day at school? Claire then heard the lid of a cheap beer pop off and land in the sink. She can't blame Dean, but it really was bad for his health to be drinking so much. However, at this point, quitting might not even matter and it's not like he would listen to her lecture about it anyway. Surely, Sam has given it to him many times. “You gonna play your music?” Dean asked as he leaned against the counter near her.
She was making eggs with melted cheese and he was clearly eying it. Claire glanced at him. “So you “didn't know it was me,” huh?” She retorted and he shook his head. “Actually, thought you were Sammy. He likes playing music when he's cooking his crappy vegan meals.” Dean said and the younger blonde snorted a little. “Not sure you'll like it, Dean.” She told him. The older Hunter hummed and took another sip. “Try me.” He urged. For a moment she hesitated and she almost never hesitated anymore. Hunting for so many years will do that to you. Hesitating for even a second can cost you or someone else their life. “Just remember, you asked for it.” Claire mumbled and he looked a little confused as she hit the play button on her phone.
Then she added a few more eggs to the scramble in her pan. She might as well make Dean some too. The nostalgic yet new sound left her phone and filled the air between them. “‘Cause you ain't gotta tell me, it's just in my… nature. So take it like a taker, ‘cause, baby, I'm a giver!” The artist sang and an emotion slid over Dean's face that Claire couldn't decipher. “Ain't no need to hurry ‘cause, baby, I de-liver. Ain't no country boy quitter, I get the job done! I get the job done!” Dean finally looked at her after staring at her phone for a few minutes too long. Honestly, the young blonde felt a little embarrassed. She wouldn't say she was blushing, but this felt like the time when she needed Castiel to pick up some pads for her a few years ago.
He was all too understanding, but that didn't make asking him less embarrassing. “I thought you didn't like country music.” He commented, eyes narrowed a little, and suddenly she wanted to burst out laughing. “Well, it's gay so…” Claire shrugged. Dean sputtered nearly spewing out his beer he had just taken another sip of. “It's what!?” He asked bewildered. The young blonde flushed a little as if she was a school girl again. “It's, you know, about women that like women.” She told him. The older Hunter was silent for a moment as more of the song played. “Girl, I don't need no lifted truck, revvin’ loud to pick you up, ‘cause how I look is how I touch.” Dean looked like he was concentrating hard as he listened to the lyrics, but Claire's shoulders were hiking.
“And in this strip-mall town of dreams, good luck finding a man who has the means to rhinestone cowgirl all night long.” The artist sang and Dean seemed to have another question as he looked at Claire again. “What does-” The younger blonde hiked her shoulders up more. “Dude, I'm so not explaining it to you.” She told him and turned off the stove. “Alright, fine!” Dean grumbled, raising his hands in defeat. He didn't seem to be judging her. Of course he knows she and Kaia are together, but he sort of just doesn't say anything about it. Like he ignores it. Claire doesn't know where he stands with stuff like that. She doesn't think he's a straight up bigot, but Dean grew up in a different time with a dad that grew up in an even more different time.
Sometimes it's best not to bring it up and get your feelings hurt.
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Dean was working on Baby, she just needed a tune up, when Castiel entered the garage unannounced. “So take it like a taker ‘cause, baby, I'm a giver. Ain't no need to hurry ‘cause, baby, I de-liver. Ain't no country boy quitter, I get the job done.” The older Hunter mumbled as the Angel drew closer and tilted his head. “Dean?” He said. Dean jerked up, hitting his head on the hood of the car. “Damnit, Cas, don't scare me like that.” He huffed and looked at the other as he rubbed the top of his head. “My apologies. Are you hurt?” Castiel asked, concerned as he stood on the other side of Baby ready to reach out and heal if needed. “Nah, m'fine. Just hurt like hell.” Dean mumbled. Actually Hell was way worse.
The Angel nodded understandingly. “You need somethin’?” The Hunter asked as he went back to his task. “I needed to speak to you about something, but were you singing Claire's new favorite song?” Castiel asked. Dean frowned. “No.” He said in a tone the other detected as a lie. “But I'm pretty sure the next lines are: girl, I don't need no lifted truck, revvin' loud to pick you up 'cause how I look is how I touch. And in this strip-mall town of dreams, good luck finding a man who has the means to rhinestone cowgirl all night long.” The Angel recited monotonously. Dean sighed feeling slightly flustered for some reason. “Yeah. It's stuck in my head.” He conceded. Castiel smiled a little as if proud. Of what? The other wasn't sure.
“Well, it is a good song. I prefer Hot To Go though and I think Charlie's favorite is Red Wine Supernova.” Dean looked up at him. “I haven't heard those.” He said. “Claire can show you if you ask her.” Castiel urged as the Hunter paused then kept working. “I don't think she wants to, Cas.” He told him and the Angel frowned with a tilt of his head. “Why not?” Dean rolled his eyes. “I didn't think about it until now, but look at me. Don't exactly look like a guy who would be super, you know, accepting.” He said and sat his wrench down to wipe his grease stained hands. “Accepting?” Castiel tilted his head. “Yeah, of her… liking women or a girl.” Dean said since she was dating Kaia currently. He felt the need to tread carefully.
The Angel nodded. “Right, because some humans dislike when others like the same sex. That's what I came to talk to you about.” He said and the Hunter frowned this time. “You're literally part of the Bible, Cas. You have no room to judge or lecture humans.” Castiel thought for a moment. “While I agree and I don't really judge those humans, technically the Bible doesn't specify you can't fall in love with someone of the same sex. Jesus himself was bisexual or what you would consider that to be now.” The Angel said. Dean just stared at him for a moment because he had so many questions, but he didn't know where to even start. He then shook his head and put the rag down.
“It's not that I care, Cas. As long as no one is gettin’ hurt then it's fine with me. But to her, I’m sure I don't exactly look like… you or Sammy.” Dean told him. Castiel seemed to be trying to decipher what he was saying until he moved his head in a way that let the Hunter know he understood. “Because you fit into a stereotype.” He concluded and Dean nodded. “Why don't you talk to her then? You seem like you want to and she did express some concern about how you feel.” The Hunter sighed as he shut the hood. Honestly, he didn't think Claire cared that much. “It's weird to bring that crap up and I'm not her dad, it's not like she needs my acceptance to live her life.” Dean said.
He would never force Claire to talk about it if she was uncomfortable around him. Being a hunter puts you in enough dangerous situations. Dean doesn't want to make her feel like he’ll add to that. She was a good kid and if she wanted to talk about it with him she would have. There was a clear boundary. Yeah, it kind of hurts that she clearly talked about it with Castiel and probably Sam, but the Hunter just wasn't them. The Angel placed a gentle hand on Dean's shoulder after he rounded the car. “I think she would love to know you support her.” He nodded. “You're the closest thing she has to a father that's not an Angel wearing her real father's face.” Castiel said, trying to be funny and usually it didn't work, but this time it made Dean laugh a little.
“I don't think she sees it like that anymore. You're a lot different than Jimmy was anyway.” The two were quiet for a moment as Dean grabbed his beer and took a sip. “I still think you should talk with her. I understand you don't want to make her uncomfortable, but letting her know she can talk about her relationship with Kaia with you might help you bond.” Castiel told him. “I guess I'll try. If she's that worried about how I feel about it.” The Hunter shrugged. Castiel nodded again. “I know you think Sam or I are better father figures than you are, but she values your opinion and feelings more than ours. She also wants to gain your approval even if she won't admit it.” He said and Dean glanced away.
He knew all too well what that feels like and how hard it can be to get it. He's nearly killed him to get John's approval. It felt like he never got it. Until the very end when his dad finally told him everything. At that point it felt like it was too little, too late. Dean would never do that to Claire. He never wanted to put her in that situation. Life was hard enough. Other people would make it hard for her too and not just the monsters that go bump in the night. Sometimes the worst monster is the one right next door. Dean won't be that. As much as he doesn't want to address it, he really should let her know that he's alright with it as long as she's happy and safe. After everything, she deserved that at least.
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It took the older Hunter a while to, not drum up the courage, but drum up the courage to talk to her. By a while that meant a few months later when Claire and Kaia were visiting. They just needed a place to stay for the night before heading another state over to investigate a case. Of course the boys offered to help, but they denied it. It was late, but the young blonde was up researching in the library. The rest of the Bunker was already asleep except for Castiel who was being a weirdo and gardening at night. Dean spotted Claire when he made his way into the kitchen for a midnight snack. She was sitting at the war table with a big book on her lap. Her feet were of course up on the table.
The older Hunter rolled his eyes, but fixed himself something to eat, enough to share, and made his way to her. “How's it goin’?” He asked once he sat down next to her. Claire put her feet down, tossed the book on the war table with a loud thunk and sighed. “Just peachy.” She replied and an annoyed groan followed as she dropped her head back. Dean chuckled a little, knowing the feeling, and she glared at him. “What's with the midnight snack? You pregnant or something?” Claire crossed her arms and it was his turn to frown. “Funny.” The older Hunter replied unamused as he took a big bite of his sandwich. “I think I'm hilarious.” The younger blonde said as she crossed her arms quoting the other.
Dean just shook his head. “Pretty sure you're dealin’ with a Banshee.” He told her. Claire looked at him like she was confused. “But it's not-” She was going to argue. “It must be on a leash. All the other signs point to Banshee, though.” The older Hunter shrugged because it was only killing family members in the surrounding area. He assumed someone had a vendetta against them and was using the Banshee to off each one. How do you put a leash on one? He doesn't know, but with everything they've seen, he wouldn't put it past anyone to figure it out. Especially someone who’s angry and doesn't want to go to jail. Claire picked up the book again and flipped a few pages while Dean continued to eat.
This didn't feel like the right situation to bring it up, but when will it feel right? They were alone so maybe the young blonde wouldn't feel uncomfortable, but being alone might also make her feel uncomfortable. Ugh, who has he become? He just needs to face this head on like he does with everything. So while Claire was reading he sighed and spoke up. “You know, growing up I never met someone like you or Charlie… or like Jody, honestly.” Dean started. It wasn't a lie. People didn't talk about things like that back then. Of course in each school he transferred to there was always someone people joked about, picked on, or bullied for being queer, but how many times was it actually true?
He didn't know. Even if it was, wasn't that worse? People can't help who they love so why should it be considered bad? The older Hunter can't even really blame Sam for falling for a demon. “Only in the gross porn you watch, huh?” Claire quipped. “I'm bein’ serious.” Dean said and the younger blonde looked towards him again. She didn't say anything for a moment and of course the air between them got weird. “You're being awkward.” Claire retorted. Dean ate the last of his part of the sandwich then leaned back in his chair leaving the chips for her. “Because I'm trying to tell you something.” He rubbed his tired eyes. This wasn't his strong suit. The younger blonde glanced away laughing, but it sounded like she was uncomfortable.
“Right and you're bad with feelings.” She said as a dig, but Dean could tell it was just a deflection tactic. He's done it too many times himself. He wondered if she was feeling scared. “Anyway. I've met a few guys like that too, but more recently than back then.” The older Hunter forced himself to continue. “My dad wouldn't let me do a lot of shit because… well I’m sure you can guess what he said.” He added. “He didn't want you to seem gay?” Claire said and Dean cleared his throat. “So to speak.” He replied, sounding too much like Castiel. The younger blonde frowned. “John sounds like a real asshole.” She leaned back in her chair after putting the book down again. The older Hunter chuckled a little.
“He tried his best, but that's not always right and growin’ up when he did, he was taught differently than I was or even you were. That's not an excuse though. I'll never excuse the shit my dad did anymore but it's just what he was taught.” Dean said. The younger blonde wasn't looking at him and she was tense. Afraid. “Dean, where's this going?” She asked, sounding a little too hesitant for his liking. "My point is… I grew up with those same opinions, most were forced on me by dad or other people.” The older Hunter said. “In school I didn't do anything when people were being bullied or harassed for being whatever version of gay they might’ve been. Sometimes I was in on it.” He confessed. Was he saying the right terms?
Claire was white knuckling the arms of her chair. “If you're gonna say some bigoted shit just get on with it, but don't say anything in front of Kaia or I swear I'll kill you, Dean.” She told him. Of course she would use herself to shield her girlfriend from hate. She would do anything to protect Kaia. Dean shook his head. “Just let me finish.” He said and she grimaced. “Sammy never was and he got mad at me sometimes for it, but we moved around a lot and I didn’t wanna be an outcast. So every time we transferred to a new school I did anything I could to fit in. As we got a little older, I noticed our dad was like that too. At first it was just small comments here and there, mostly to me.” The older Hunter shrugged.
“Until he criticized Sam for “acting like a faggot.” Sammy was just more interested in his chemistry book than baiting a girl to get intel for a hunt. That's all it took for dad to say that to him.” Dean frowned remembering the incident. Claire flinched at the word. “I was angry, and offended that dad would even accuse Sammy like that and that was the first time I actually stood up to my dad.” He said. The young blonde looked towards him, a little shocked. He laughed in disdain. “He was so damn angry at me. I've been afraid of my dad a lot, but I've only seen him that pissed at me a few times.” The older Hunter never backed down from admitting how his father was to them growing up.
He was tired of defending a man that most of the time didn't deserve it. “I'm sorry, Dean.” Claire told him. “Don’t apologize for my father.” Dean shook his head, waving it off. “You should have seen Sammy though. He was probably as angry as dad, but he had always been braver than me so instead of doing what I did he told dad “So what if I am? Why does it matter?” Back then I never thought about the possibility that my brother might like guys.” The older Hunter shrugged. “It shocked the hell outta both of us and of course dad started shouting a bunch of homophobic shit at us, but all I could think about was what if Sam was? What kind of brother would I be if I wasn't there to protect him from people like that, like dad.” He said.
“Was I upset that Sammy could be gay or upset that dad was acting like it was a bad thing? I was just young and stupid.” Dean said, but Claire frowned. “You weren't stupid.” She defended. It seemed like she understood where things were heading. “I was stupid. I always let people push me around instead of standing firm on what I believed in.” He told her. “It’s hard to be different or have different opinions when it feels like everyone else around you will hate you.” The younger blonde nodded understandingly. Dean sat up straight and looked right at the other. Since then, he's grown up a lot. His dad didn't push him around anymore. There were no classmates the older Hunter tried to fit in with.
Dean was just Dean and it took years to find the parts that were truly himself. “I don't wanna be like him. I don't want my kids to feel afraid of bein’ themselves because it seems gay or whatever. I want you to talk to me when you have problems and not be worried I'll judge you for not doing it exactly right or what I would do.” The older Hunter rolled his eyes. “Actually, I recommend doin’ most shit exactly the opposite of how I did them.” He said, making Claire laugh lightly. Dean then shrugged. “I want that… Pink pony club where boys and girls can all be queens every single day.” The younger blonde scrunched her nose at how cringy it was, but it was very sweet.
It was very Dean. She then grinned and shook her head fondly. “It took Chappell Roan to make you talk to me?” She asked. Dean nodded. “Yeah.” Claire then narrowed her eyes at him. The older Hunter smirked. “I'm just kiddin’, Claire. Cas gave me a push. Sometimes I need it when it comes to this.” The younger blonde raised her brows. “Feelings?” She said and Dean shrugged. “Yeah.” Then the two went quiet for a moment, basking in the new development between them. Claire knew the older hunter didn't hate her. She knew it, but there was a part of her that worried he did. At least a major part of her. She appreciated his speech, but he didn't have to explain if he didn't want to.
There was a part that made her really happy though. “You called me your kid.” Claire broke the silence with a big grin. Dean shrugged fondly. “You are. In a weird, confusing way.” He said honestly. The younger blonde tilted her head back with a sigh. “Do you think my biological parents would hate me?” She asked him and he frowned for a moment. “You mean Jimmy and Amelia?” Dean questioned and the other nodded. He then considered it from what little he knew about them. “I only met them a few times so I didn't get to really know them. They might have been religious, but I really don't think they would hate you, Claire.” He said. The younger blonde was quiet until she shook her head.
“It's just… sometimes when I see Cas- He's so supportive, you know? But I wonder if my biological dad would be the same. If he and mom would make the same faces at me that Jody and Cas do. If they would hate Kaia.” Claire glanced away and laughed regretfully. “It’s fucked up, but sometimes I'm glad they're not here because knowin’ they might hate who I am would hurt really bad, Dean.” She told him, her voice breaking a little. The older Hunter nodded. “I'm not gonna pretend I get it, but you should live your life how you want, not worry about how your parents feel or even how we feel. Fuck everyone else Claire, be happy.” He leaned forward to pat her shoulder supportively.
“Took me a long time to learn that myself. I always tried to be my dad, do what he wanted, never been more miserable. Well, it depends on what else was going on but you get my point.” Dean waved his hand dismissively as he leaned back in his chair. Claire chuckled, wiping her eyes. “Yeah I do.” She nodded and looked at him. “Thanks, Dean.” She smiled softly at the other who just shrugged. “Anytime.” He said but he was holding something he just had to bring up. “Jody told me you were gonna ask Kaia to marry you though.” The older Hunter revealed. “Damnit, Jody.” Claire face-palmed almost immediately. Dean chuckled. “Hey, she's just happy for you.” He said and she scoffed.
“Maybe you should worry about your own marriage.” Claire retorted. Dean frowned. “Marriage?” He questioned and she nodded. “You and my dad's meatsuit.” She said and the older Hunter tensed. “Hell no, Claire. Cas and I aren't… like that.” He told her. She looked baffled. “Dean, you don't…” Her sentence trailed off as she stared at him. The other looked a little uncomfortable. He was and he isn't exactly sure why. “Don't what?” Dean asked unsure if he wanted her to continue. Claire then snorted. “Wow. You're stupid.” She said teasingly as she rolled her eyes. “Hey!” The older Hunter retorted defensively. The other stood up shaking her head like a disappointed mother.
“All this talk about my feelings, but you won't confront yours? Take a look around you, Dean. Cas loves you.” She told him and the other glanced away. “No he… doesn't.” Dean said in denial. Claire frowned and leaned her hand on the table. “Doesn't or you don't want him to?” She asked. The older Hunter didn't answer because he couldn't. There was just no way Castiel liked him and he didn't… they couldn't. There was too much baggage. Dean was hard to love anyway. Claire then crossed her arms. “Hmm. Maybe think about it. You want me to be happy, but don't you wanna be happy too?” She added. Dean rolled his eyes. “He's an Angel, Claire.” He said as if that meant they couldn't be together.
“An Angel who would fight every Demon in hell to save you, jump stars to find you, and defy every god to stay with you.” Claire said, sounding so poetic that it made the older Hunter a little sick. Castiel should never risk that much. He realized that when he thought the leviathans killed the Angel. The younger blonde faltered a little. “We're hunters, Dean. We don't get long, like you always say. Kaia is from a completely different universe and she and I love each other. So Cas loving you isn't the weirdest thing to happen on our weird shit list.” She said. Dean rubbed the back of his neck feeling heat rise to his face. “Fine. I'll… I don't know. Think about it.” He conceded. Claire nodded promptly. “Get the job done.” She smirked.