Title: memory and use of that sweet song of love
Fandom: Supernatural
Rating: PG
Length: 270 words
Content notes: Referenced character death.
Author notes: Title and cut text from Dante's Purgatorio, Canto II, Cary translation.
Summary: If Dean had met Emma in purgatory before he met Benny...


"Easy," said Emma. "I'm not here to hurt you."

"And why should I believe you?" asked Dean.

"Maybe because I'm your daughter?"

"Isn't that why you tried to kill me in the first place?" Dean snapped. "Because you're my daughter?"

Emma flapped a hand. "Bygones. I knew you'd come back, anyway. You always do. The car crash, hell, heaven—yes, by the way, I do remember a lot of what happened to you. It wasn't supposed to be that way. I was supposed to remember everything that happened to my mother. Instead I got some of her and a whole lot of you. And you wonder why I was born with daddy issues? I inherited yours!"

"Are you going somewhere with this?" Dean asked.

"Yes, actually, and I'd like you to come too," Emma said. "There's a place, off that way," and she waved a hand in the general direction. "Looks like a door out, but I tried stepping through and nothing happened. Rumor is it's a way for humans to get out of purgatory, since you were never meant to be here in the first place. I show you where it is, you give me a ride out, you go find Sam, I go find my clan, we never see each other again. That sound something you're willing to work with me for?"

Dean hesitated, a long moment.

Emma turned away.

"Wait," Dean called. Emma glanced back. "You sure you can find this place again?"

"I'm a good tracker," Emma said. "I learned from you."

"Okay, that's just creepy," said Dean. "But you've got a deal."