Author's Note: Thank you to those who read and reviewed my story! This chapter's still a little slow, but I swear it'll pick up soon. On a happy note, here's the next chapter:
Chapter Two: A Stranger in the Bunker
Dean groaned, rolling over in an attempt to catch the fleeting traces of sleep. Spotting his alarm clock perched on the nightstand, another groan escapes him, but he pushes himself up anyways.
Sam must've had the same problem because as Dean walks into the kitchen, the younger Winchester is pouring a cup of coffee, black. His eyes land on his brother, and with a smirk, he grabs another mug from the cupboard, filling it.
"Couldn't sleep either, huh?" Sam jokes, handing the cup to his brother before making his way back to the library, where books are spread across the table. Lore books, stories, Men of Letters reports of encounters with angels. Anything and everything that might help with their ever present Lucifer problem. The same information that they'd been going over for months. Hell, some of the same things they'd looked at the first time they'd tried to put the angel back in the cage.
Dean sits heavily in one of the chairs and pulls out his laptop. "I need a case before I go insane."
"Good luck with that," comes the condescending response, and the boys' eyes meet briefly, Sam's humor dancing in his. "You'll get the same results as yesterday. And the day before that. And the day before that…"
"Worth a shot," the elder Winchester grumbles, clicking through various newspaper websites, noting a few out-loud, celebrity deaths and the like. One even earns a chuckle. "Authorities find two bodies with heads severed in an abandoned barn," Dean reads, looking to see Sam's reaction.
"Hunter?" Is the only response.
Dean skims. "Whoever did this, kudos to them. Looks like they took out a pair of vamps."
Silence ensues for a few extra minutes before Dean loses his patience. "I'm going to call Cas."
A smile flickers covertly on the edges of Sam's mouth, returned with a glare from Dean. After three rings, the familiar voice picks up the line.
"Hello, Dean."
"Hey, Cas, how're you?"
"I'm doing well, Dean. I was about to call you," the angel's voice begins.
"What, did you find a lead?" Dean asks desperately, sitting up straight in his seat.
"No, it's something else." The word is heavy and deflating. "I may need your help."
"Sure Cas, with what? Wait a moment, I'm gonna put you on speaker." The phone is set on the table and Sam looks up, attentive.
"There's a young hunter under my protection, she's in danger. I need to keep her somewhere safe while I figure out how to handle this situation."
"Bring her on over to the bunker, I'm sure we can help," Sam responds smoothly. "How far away are you?"
"We have to wait until after her basketball game," Castiel responds, a touch of his usual confused self sending a smile to both the boys. "We can be there late tomorrow."
Dean chuckles softly at the confusion in the angel's voice. "Sounds great. We'll wait up for you."
The line goes dead without another word and the elder Winchester shakes his head a little. "Some things never change."
Cas is true to his word, and it's late into the next night when creaking sounds can be heard near the entrance to the bunker.
"This bunker is warded, the demons will not be able to trace you here," Castiel's monotone explains. A deep sigh indicates the teen's presence, followed by a kickback.
"If you tell me that one more time, I'm going to shove my angel blade where the sun don't shine Castiel." The voice is distinctly feminine, and both boys get up to meet the pair as they descend the stairs.
Castiel is back to his regular dress, even donning a tie underneath the long tan trench coat. Upon seeing the men, a smile leaps onto his face and he embraces both, first wrapping his arms firmly around Dean, then Sam. "It's good to see you."
The girl stands back, watching the interaction unfold and laying her heavy bags upon the floor. One is a dark brown duffel, showing wear of many years, and the other is a bright neon colored book-bag, first day of school new.
Seeing the "hugging" done, the girl walks forward, extending her hand out to the younger Winchester in greeting. "Sadie," she introduces herself, then extending the same greeting to the other brother. "Don't worry about introducing yourselves, I know who you are." Dean stares at the young girl in shock. How- "Sam and Dean Winchester. As a hunter, it's my honor to meet you. Thank you so much for taking me in."
Castiel shoots a glance at the girl filled with terribly hidden skepticism. However, obviously eager to get past the awkward hellos, Sam gestures to the teen. "Well, I'm sure you had a long drive, so why don't I show you to an empty room you can use while you stay."
"That'd be great." A grin sneaks onto her face. "I'll go anywhere if I can get away from Cas for a few hours."
All but the angel laugh, and she follows Sam out of the common area, but not before turning back to meet Castiel's eyes. Dean tries to interpret the message, but it's lost to him. Whatever it is, it must be important because Cas nods slightly and relief floods Sadie's face.
With the two gone, Dean turns to said angel with inquiring eyes. Of the girl, of their connection, of everything. But Cas answers as if none of that is important. "You should get some rest as well, Dean."
The Winchester begins to protest, but is cut off. "I can explain everything tomorrow. You should sleep."
And with that, Dean nods and takes his leave, heavy footsteps down the empty halls, followed by the gentle breath-like footsteps of the angel.
Something about this case, this teen. Kids shouldn't hunt. They shouldn't have to.
And this young stranger is dancing along a dangerous line.