November 19, 2009
Carthage, Missouri
Jo Harvelle was dying. There was no denying it, despite Ellen's efforts. Jo watched attentively as the boys gathered things for the bomb. Sam would look over every once and a while and give her a small smile. Dean, however, refused to look at her and Jo felt her stomach sink.
Finally Dean started connecting he wires. Sam moved next to Jo and looked at her hesitantly. Jo gave him a small smile.
"I never really told you," she sighed. "Duluth-"
"Jo," Sam started.
The blonde shook her head. "It's okay, Sam. I survived." Sam smiled slightly and looked at the ground. Jo looked over at Dean then back at Sam. "Take care of each other."
Sam nodded. "Will do, Jo." Jo smiled and squeezed his hand before he moved to allow Dean in.
Dean looked at the detonator in his hand. "Guess this is it." Slowly his eyes rose to look at her. "See you soon. Probably sooner than later."
Jo smiled. "Make it later."
Dean nodded and handed her the detonator before placing his lips on her forehead. Jo's eyes squeezed shut so she could focus on he feel of his warm lips on her cooling skin. Slowly he pulled back to look at her and Jo bit her lip nervously, but wasn't willing to look away.
Without really thinking about it Dean kissed her, tangling his hand in her hair. Jo closed her eyes and leaned into him, but all too quickly he pulled back and was gone.
Last was Ellen, who looked at her daughter with tears in her eyes. Silently she took Jo's hand and squeezed it. Then something in her eyes changed.
"Mom, no," Jo begged, tears finally coming to the surface.
"Someone has to let them in, baby." Deciding time was too precious to waste it on a fight, Jo simply nodded and handed Dean her shotgun. Ellen settled herself next to her daughter. Both boys turned to leave. "Dean," Ellen called. "Kick it in the ass."
Dean nodded and followed his brother to the roof.
Ellen wrapped an arm around Jo. "It's gonna be okay, baby."
XXXX
Loosening the pipe was a slow, delicate process. Luckily Meg liked to talk. Castiel realized this was a lesson in patience. But he also knew that this lesson wouldn't mean a thing if Sam and Dean were dead.
Finally the demon was in place and the pipe came crashing down on to her back sending her into the flames of the holy fire. Castiel stepped on her, crossing the boundary and trying to locate the Harvelles since they were the only ones Castiel could sense. Which is how Castiel ended up in the hardware store, staring at Ellen and Jo, both of whom were crying. Castiel frowned, his gaze instantly going to the elder Harvelle
"Ellen?"
Ellen's only concern, however, was Jo.
"Cas," Ellen ordered, her voice leaving no room for argument, "take her." Castiel nodded and approached Jo, who instantly started to argue.
"No," she murmured, but she was too weak to fight as the angel picked her up. "No, Mom. Don't."
Ellen smiled and kissed her forehead. "I love you, baby."
Before Jo could fight again, Castiel disappeared.
XXXX
The boys stood in Bobby's study, unable to keep the defeat from their faces. They had failed. Bobby rolled in at the sound of Castiel's wings.
"Welcome back," he murmured to the three of them. Castiel stepped forward.
"Joanna?" he asked.
"Sleepin'," Bobby sighed. Sam and Dean stared at the angel.
"Jo?" Dean demanded. "What about Jo?"
Bobby looked at the boys. "She's upstairs."
Dean rushed for the stairs but Castiel intercepted him, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"She is resting. You should not disturb her."
Dean's green eyes narrowed. "How?" he demanded. He trusted Cas whole heartedly but why hadn't Cas shown up earlier? Why hadn't he saved Ellen too?
The angel sighed. "I escaped Lucifer, but there wasn't enough time." Dean stepped back from the angel, eyes darting looking for an escape.
"I'll be out back," he murmured and this time no one stopped him. Sam sat on the couch and looked at the angel.
"Thank you."
Castiel nodded. "Of course."