Hotel California
AN: If this title brings up thoughts of a certain song or band, it's supposed to. I think it would be awesome for Sam and Dean to 'visit' the hotel made 'famous' by The Eagles. Though, while it is not an actual place, a couple of groups have made accusations about it describing different places in California. But in my world of FF it will be every bit as spooky, dark, and deadly as the song portrays.
As quoted from Wikipedia. "The song is an allegory about hedonism, self-destruction, and greed in the music industry of the late 1970s.[DeMain, Bill. "Rock's Greatest Urban Legends" Performing Songwriter 13.92 (2006): 50-55.] Don Henley called it "our interpretation of the high life in Los Angeles"["500 Greatest Songs of All Time: The Eagles, 'Hotel California'". Rolling Stone magazine] and later reiterated "it's basically a song about the dark underbelly of the American dream and about excess in America, which is something we knew a lot about."
At any rate, whatever it is, it's an awesomely eerie song that I think makes for a great 'urban legend.' Also, please remember, I have only gotten through S1 of the DVDs, so if the writers HAVE covered this subject, please forgive any similarities my story may have to theirs. It is, of course, completely unintentional.
(The lyrics are included below for your enjoyment.)
On a dark desert highway, cool wind in my hair
Warm smell of colitas rising up through the air
Up ahead in the distance I saw a shimmering light
My head grew heavy and my sight grew dim
I had to stop for the night
There she stood in the doorway, I heard the mission bell
Then I was thinking to myself this could be Heaven or this could be Hell
Then she lit up a candle and she showed me the way
There were voices down the corridor I thought I heard them say
"Welcome to the Hotel California
Such a lovely place
(Such a lovely place)
Such a lovely face
Plenty of room at the Hotel California
Any time of year
(Any time of year)
You can find it here"
Her mind is Tiffany twisted, she got the Mercedes Benz
She got a lot of pretty, pretty boys that she calls friends
How they dance in the courtyard, sweet summer sweat
Some dance to remember, some dance to forget
So I called up the captain, "Please bring me my wine"
He said, "We haven't had that spirit here since 1969"
And still those voices are calling from far away
Wake you up in the middle of the night just to hear them say
"Welcome to the Hotel California
Such a lovely place
(Such a lovely place)
Such a lovely face
They're living it up at the Hotel California
What a nice surprise
(What a nice surprise)
Bring your alibis"
Mirrors on the ceiling, the pink champagne on ice
And she said, "We are all just prisoners here of our own device"
And in the master's chambers they gathered for the feast
They stab it with their steely knives but they just can't kill the beast
Last thing I remember I was running for the door
I had to find the passage back to the place I was before
"Relax," said the night man, "We are programmed to receive
You can check out any time you like but you can never leave."
"You do know that it's just a song, that place doesn't actually exist?" Dean said as he and Sam exited the car.
Sam nodded. "I know. Different groups have said it was a satanic church. Others have said it was a mental hospital here is California." He paused. "But I wonder…."
"Nothing to wonder about, Little Bro." Dean said, rubbing his stomach. "I'm starved, let's eat."
They then made their way across the parking lot and into the diner.
"I'm gonna ask the waitress." Sam said as their waitress approached their table with the coffee they had ordered as they were seated.
"Dude, leave it alone." Dean warned.
Their food came a few minutes later. Dean looked at the amount of food on Sam's plate. Dean smiled, time to have a little fun.
"If you're pregnant, I'm in so much trouble." Dean grinned. "How am I going to explain it to Dad?"
"Dean?" Sam said, looking around, hoping no one else was hearing their conversation.
"I mean, I was supposed to be looking after you, and…."
"Dean!" Sam said again, a little louder, his face reddening.
"Just…just tell me who the Baby Mama is…" Dean said, his face was sincere, but his eyes were sparkling with mischief. "…I'll go kick her ass. I mean, you're in no condition…."
"Dean!" Sam said, with even more force. He was still looking around the room; luckily no one seemed to notice.
Dean put his hand on his brother's arm. But he was laughing by this time. "Don't worry. You won't have to raise Samantha or Sammy, Jr. alone. I'll be there to help you."
Dean laughed louder, leaning back in the booth. Soon Sam got over his embarrassment and was laughing too. They finished their meal in a comfortable silence. Sam kept looking at Dean. Dean was grinned every so often and shaking his head at the memory.
"You just did that so I wouldn't talk to the waitress." Sam replied as he finished his coffee.
Dean shook his head. "No, I did that because you had enough food on your plate for three people." Dean paused. "And because you are so easily embarrassed." He threw a couple dollars tip on the table after paying the bill.
"What is freaking you out about this?" Sam asked, studying his brother's expressions. Something was wrong. He stood as Dean did, grabbing his coat.
"Nothing is 'freaking me out about this.' It's just a song. Let it go." Dean said as he and Sam left the restaurant.
Sam looked at his brother. There was something there, and Sam opened his mouth to say so. He then thought better of it. He climbed into the passenger side and shut the door.
"Wake me when it's my turn." Sam said as he turned his head to the window and closed his eyes.
Dean nodded never taking his eyes off the road as he eased the Impala out onto the highway. What was bothering him about that 'place', that song?
TBC