As I said in the previous chapter: these songs aren't mine, I do not own them. All the lyrics will be highlighted with apostrophes. I strongly suggest you check out these songs (listen to them while you're reading) and, if you can, buy them! Songs in this chapter: "Black Velvet" by Alannah Myles, "Maybe" by Janis Joplin (only referenced), "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns n' Roses and "Whole Lotta Love" by Led Zeppelin.
The quote of the tattoo is from Marilyn Manson's "Mechanical Animals".
Please let me know what you think about all this and I'm sorry if you had already read the first part of this chapter.
Chapter 2 – Tattoos and lasagna
When Dean wakes up Sam is sleeping on the other bed and the sun is shining bright through the crappy motel curtains. He sighs and gets up to shower. Thoughts of the previous night were running though his head. Things like What the hell? and That was hot! and Who the fuck is that girl and what's with the tattoo? His head was all over the place because nothing about the events of last night made sense to him. Besides the boner. That part he understood. Once out of the shower he grabbed some clothes and went to wake Sam up.
-Good morning, lover boy! – he says with a grin when Sam opens his eyes looking like he hadn't slept much.
-Shut up…
-No way! You slept with a stripper. And a hot one, I must say. I'm just proud of you, baby brother!
Sam was putting on some clothes trying to ignore his obnoxious brother.
-You look like shit though. Lets go for some breakfast, I'm starving! – his younger brother nods rubbing his eyes with the back of his hands and the boys leave the room headed for the same diner where they'd been the night before.
The diner is pretty much empty with only two customers sitting in bar stools. The brothers sit at an available booth next to the door and are greeted by a tired looking Candy.
-Good morning, boys! What can I get you this lovely morning? – she covers her mouth when she yawns and blushes lightly – Sorry about that…
Dean grins. – Don't be. It's good to know the kid's still got it in him… - which earns him a kick in the leg from his brother and a giggle from the girl.
-Don't listen to anything he says. – Sam says giving Candy a smile – Good morning. How come you're already working?
-Oh, I usually work dinners but I promised my boy I'd spend some time with him before the show so I asked Tracy to trade shifts with me.
Sam tries to hide his surprise: - …Your boy?
She opens her eyes wide realizing what she'd just said and puts her hand on Sam's shoulder. – I mean, my son! I have a son.
-Oh! That's… that's great! – he's visibly taken aback – I mean, I guess it's great, if you like kids and stuff. – Candy giggles but takes her hand off his shoulder.
Dean gives his brother his best telepathic "Sammy, what the hell, man?" and decides to save his brother's ass: - So what's the little monster's name?
-Johnny. John, actually. – she says smiling – He's only three years old. – she sighs looking happy but tired – He's a nice boy. I'm just sorry I can't spend more time with him, you know?...
-I'm sure you do your best to provide for him. – Dean says give her an honest smile.
Sam seems to snap out of it and blurts out: - And… the father?
Candy looks at him a little surprised but answers in a serious tone. – I don't know. – she forces a big smile and shrugs – Those weren't my best years. Anyway, you must be hungry and here I am delaying you with my big mouth! - Sam blushes with his memories from just a few hours ago and so does she when her brain processes what she just said.
-Pancakes and black coffee for both, please. – says Dean clearly amused with the situation.
Candy nods still a little red. – Yes. Great choice! – she leaves the boys, clearly embarrassed.
-Aw, she's cute. Right, baby brother?
-Dean! I just completely froze! I'm acting as childish as you. – Sam says facepalming.
Dean laughs. – Just don't stress over it. She's hot, nice and legal and you two had fun. What's so wrong with that? Absolutely nothing! And yeah, she's got a kid but you know… good for her!
-Yeah, yeah, don't give me the "supporting the single MILFS" speech, I don't want to hear it from you.
They shut up and try to look nice and unsuspicious when Candy walks over with their order. Once she's gone Sam relaxes again, opens the newspaper on their table and stars eating and reading.
-So we got no news from Cas and no case. What are we going to do?
-I think we might have something here, Sammy. – Dean answers over a mouthful of pancake – Did you notice if Candy has any tattoos?
-Just a fairy. Why?
-Remember the singer from yesterday? – Sam nods – Did you notice the tattoo? – Sam raises one eyebrow, enough for his brother to understand – Of course not, you were all focused on the blondie. Well, the singer, Zo Hyde apparently, has a tattoo just like ours right above her boobs!
-So? She's got a lot of tattoos and it's a pentagram. Most people think a pentagram is badass… She probably found the design online and doesn't even know what it means.
-You don't think it's worth checking out? You said it yourself last night, that place seems suspicious.
-I got over it after we met Tony. – Sam shrugs finishing his pancakes.
-True. But still, we should make sure. She can be something! She gave me a weird vibe.
Sam directs a bitchface at his brother. –No, that was a boner.
Candy is back at their table to take the empty plates back. – Everything ok? Anything else, boys?
Dean kicks his brother's leg again. – Well, Sammy, don't be rude. Let the pretty lady sit. – he says smiling and Sam moves leaving some space for Candy.
-Oh, I shouldn't… - she says looking around but there is only one customer now and he seems to be pretty busy with his gigantic plate of eggs and bacon so she shrugs and sits – Hell, why not? Thank you.
Dean smiles. – We wanted to thank you for your suggestion yesterday.
-Did you enjoy it? I was afraid you guys would find it weird or something…
-Oh, we did. But a good kind of weird. – which makes Candy smirk.
-It was a good night… You caused quite the disturbance.
-I heard. What's that all about, by the way? Eve said that if I wanted to know about that singer you're the one to question.
-Yeah, Zo is my bestfriend. I owe her a lot. She's actually babysitting Johnny right now.
-And what's with the touching thing? Tony was freaked about it.
-Yes… I haven't had the chance to speak to her much since yesterday so I don't know what she was thinking but what happened today between you two was a rare thing. Scratch that. It was a first. I have never seen her touch a man voluntarily.
-Any idea on her reasoning? – Sam asks when both brothers look confused and Candy shrugs.
-I'd say she liked his eyes but that's not her style either… Never seen her with anyone in the three years we've known each other.
-Three years?! Well, that's just not normal!
-She's anything but ordinary, trust me.
-Any idea where we might find her? – Sam asks.
-Why would you want to? – she seems to find the question suspicious.
-I just wanted to get to know her a little better, you know? – Dean gives her a sweet smile and she takes a moment to consider everything.
-She's at my place right now with Johnny. – she looks at Sam turning her head to him and looking slightly embarrassed – You remember the way, right? – he nods ignoring his brother's smug grin.
Dean takes a bill from his wallet and slides it to Candy. – Thank you. – she grabs the bill without looking at it, leans into Sam and kisses him lightly.
-You're very welcome. – she stands up leaving a surprised Sam behind, puts the bill in her pocket and picks up the plates.
-Lead the way, Sammy.
Candy's house was by the main road, two minutes away from town where there isn't much besides miles and miles of road and trees. It was a typical white wood house with a porch and flowers, nothing like what Dean had expected. The brothers stopped the car after the house so they could do some recognition beforehand and as they were reaching the house, Dean stopped Sam with a hand on his chest. From their position they could see the porch where Zo was sitting on a hanging swing chair with her legs crossed. By her side was a little boy, who they guessed to be Johnny. He was quietly playing with a miniature car and she was just starting to play the first notes of "Black Velvet" and singing:
-"Mississippi in the middle of a dry spell. Jimmy Rogers on the victrola up high. Mama's dancin' with a baby on her shoulder. The sun is settin' like molasses in the sky. The boy could sing, knew how to move, everything. Always wanting more, he'd leave you longing for."
She was moving her head and shoulders to the rhythm of the song, looking very relaxed in denim shorts, boots, a tight black Motörhead t-shirt, aviator shades and her hair on a messy bun.
-"Black velvet and that little boy's smile. Black velvet with that slow southern style. A new religion that'll bring ya to your knees. Black velvet if you please…" – the two brothers stand still watching this perfect picture of a lazy sunny morning.
-"Up in Memphis the music's like a heatwave. White lightning, bound to drive you wild. Mama's baby's in the heart of every school girl. "Love me tender" leaves 'em cryin' in the aisle. The way he moved, it was a sin, so sweet and true. Always wanting more, he'd leave you longing for!" – Johnny has let go of his toy and is now clapping, almost to the rhythm, which makes Zo turn her attention to him and smile warmly. Dean gestures to Sam to follow him and starts walking to the steps of the house.
-"Every word of every song that he sang was for you. In a flash he was gone, it happened so soon, what could you do?... Black velvet and that little boy's smile. Black velvet with that slow southe- - Zo suddenly stops singing when she notices the two men standing in front of the stairs watching her and Johnny. She gets up looking alarmed and stands in front of Johnny protecting him with her body, still with the guitar hanging from the her – What do you want?
-It's ok. We're friendly. – Dean says smiling. As he places his right foot on the first step, meaning to walk up to her, she takes a dagger out of her mid-leg boot.
-Stay right there! – she looks ready to fight and Dean stops putting up his hands up to his chest as if stating his innocence and Sam just quietly looks surprised. Johnny peeks out from behind Zo, curious to see the two men and Dean waves at him with a smile which makes the little boy give a childish giggle. She notices this interaction and carefully pushes his head back with her left hand.
–Who are you and what do you want?
-Hey, Zo. We mean no harm, really. Candy told us you'd be here. – Sam says and Dean nods giving his best innocent smile.
She raises an eyebrow but puts the guitar down, the dagger back in her boot and folds her arms over her chest. – …Continue.
-My name's Dean Winchester and this is my brother Sam. – Sam looks at Dean with a "what are you doing?" look that Dean ignores. – We were at the club yesterday, remember?
-Did you just say Winchester? – she takes off her sunglasses and hangs them in the collar of her t-shirt - As in… John Winchester's sons? – the two brothers nod but before they have time to answer she lights up with a smile and motions with her hand for them to come closer.
– Just sit there and I'll be back. – she picks up Johnny and as she's going in the house and says: - Don't touch the guitar though.
-That went well… - Sam says as they walk up to the porch and sit in two pink vine chairs.
While they were sitting outside the two brothers could hear the vague sound of Zo talking on the phone and talking to Johnny. – J, put the remote down, please. Yes, C, I just wish you'd let me know next time you do that. I mean, I threatened them with a knife! Alright, alright. Yeah, he's fine. Bye. – they see her put down the phone and squat down to face Johnny – Can you be a good boy and go ask the guests if they want coffee, please? – Johnny nods and Zo kisses his cheek.
Johnny walks fast to the door and peeks out looking timid – Coffee?
-Yes, please, little dude. – Dean says smiling at the boy.
A few minutes after Zo comes out holding Johnny on her left hip and a tray on her right hand. On the tray are three mugs of black coffee and one of chocolate milk that she sets on the vine coffee table and then sits with Johnny on her lap.
-Thank you, Zo... and Johnny. – Sam says reaching his mug.
-My name is J. – Johnny says.
-You know that's not true, Johnny. Quit trying to fool people. – the little boy shrugs with all the sass of a three year old – So Dean and Sam, what can I do for you?
-How do you know of our father? – Sam starts.
Zo lifts the boy off her lap to help him stand. – J, why don't you go to the living room play with your toys while we talk?
-But Zooo… – he says prolonging the name with a whiney sound.
-No buts, little fellow. – she pats his head and, pouting a little, he goes sit down on the carpet of the living room where both the Winchesters and Zo can check on him through the window.
-You're very good with him. – Dean says and she smiles at him. Once she sees Johnny settled on the carpet with a couple of toys she takes a deep breath as if summoning the strength to answer.
-I grew up in a very strict catholic orphanage in Texas. They had a big library and I was a very curious kid so I read everything I could. – she takes a sip of her coffee and crosses her legs which allows Dean to read the long tattoo along her right leg that says "I was a hand grenade that never stopped exploding" - One day, around the time I was fourteen, a man went to the orphanage to speak to one of the oldest nuns. That man was your father, John Winchester, and he ended up saving my life. He was different from most people surrounding me at the time so, obviously, my curiosity took the best of me and that night I followed him to see what he was doing with a massive machete. – she shrugs – Of course this all sounds ridiculous now but try to keep in mind that I was curious, reckless and bored. – both brothers give her an understanding look and wait for her to continue - The vampire that he was after noticed me and attacked me and your father saved my life by cutting off his head, which at the time I found awesome. – Dean grins.
-I remember reading about that case in his journal but he never mentions you. – Sam says.
-I don't know what to tell you. Anyway, ever since your father saved me I did a lot of research and figured out a lot of stuff about hunters like you two and supernatural beings.
-So what about the tattoo? The one on your… cleveage. - Dean asks letting his eyes wonder over the Motörhead lettering.
-Well, what do you know about angels?
Sam gives her "oh, please…" look and Dean laughs. – Enough to say they're all lunatics, trust me.
-Have you heard of Castiel?
Sam and Dean look surprised and Dean is even a little shocked: - Cas?! Yeah, we know Cas, damn right!
She raises an eyebrow surprised by his reaction. - …Did he steal your booze or something?
-No. We just have history with him. But usually we're on the same side. – Sam says and Dean whispers: - Usually. How do you know him, anyway?
-Three years ago, I had an accident and he healed me up. Second time someone saves me and I got this tattoo right here in his honor, I guess. – she shows them the long black feather on her left forearm.
-I'm sure he liked it... - Sam says trying to be nice.
Zo laughs. – Actually he was very confused by it! He still checks on me often though. Well, lately he's been a little busy, I guess. But every few weeks he swings by to see if I'm ok. Which is nice, considering he's a celestial being and all.
Dean gives her a discretely sad smile and nods: - Yeah, he swings by us too, sometimes.
Zo gets up and gets the tray and the guitar. – You're staying for lunch. Candy should be arriving soon. - the two brothers look at each other having one of their telepathic conversations to which Zo adds: - It's homemade lasagna…
Dean smiles big at Sam with begging eyes. - Yeah, sure. Thank you, Zo. – Sam says smiling politely.
-Just come in, guys. – she says walking through the door.
Twenty minutes later, when Candy got home, Johnny was showing Sam and Dean his miniature cars and Zo was in the kitchen getting lunch ready and half singing half humming to Janis Joplin's "Maybe".
-Hello again, boys. Hey, honey, I'm home! – Candy says with a singing voice, catching Johnny in her arms and kissing his cheek.
-Hey, sweetie! – they can hear Zo say from the kitchen.
-It's sort of a private joke… - Candy says to the Winchesters who are sitting on the couch, Sam still with a car in his hand.
-Hey, Candy. – he says putting down the toy.
She goes sit on the lounge chair next to the couch with Johnny on her lap. – So she convinced you to stay?
-Yeah, she got us with the lasagna. It's a really nice house you got here, Candy.
-Thank you, Geezer. – she answers with a smile and Dean fake-coughs.
-Well, about that… My name's Sam Winchester and this is my brother Dean.
-Nice to meet you. - Dean offers her his hand and she laughs lightly shaking his hand.
-Candace Hope. Nice to meet you too, Dean. – she offers her hand to Sam who shakes it looking surprised.
-You're taking this very well…
-Let's just say Geezer doesn't suit you very well, Sam.
After a few seconds they haven't let go of each other's hand yet so Dean breaks the moment: - I'm going to go... – he points awkwardly in the direction of the kitchen - …help.
In the kitchen Zo is distractedly singing and dancing to "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns n' Roses while finishing the layers of lasagna. -"She's got a smile that it seems to me, reminds me of childhood memories where everything was as fresh as the bright blue sky. Now and then when I see her face she takes me away to that special place and if I stare too long I'll probably break down and cry."
Dean's leaning against the door frame watching her when she turns around to put the lasagna in the oven and notices him standing there. She gives him a pleased little smirk and continues singing now looking at him: - "She's got eyes of the bluest skies as if they thought of rain. I'd hate to look into those eyes and see an ounce of pain." – she's only a few inches away from him now – "Her hair reminds me of a warm safe place where as a child I'd hide and pray for the thunder and the rain to quietly pass me by…". – she reaches for the table cloth and pile of plates on the table by her side and hands it all to him – You can set the table. – she smiles innocently.
He nods. – Yes, Ma'am. - he says as he turns to do as told with a little smile on his face.
Zo gets the tableware and napkins and joins Dean. He's finished setting the plates so he reaches for the tableware. She hands him the forks letting her fingers brush again his hand, which doesn't go unnoticed, but she does it very naturally as if they'd been doing this for years. They're circling around the table to reach for all five seats and when they meet on one side of the table, with their backs to the other three people, Zo is so close that their elbows are touching.
-Your brother's not going to break her heart, is he? – she whispers.
-We're leaving soon. Don't think she'll even have time to fall for him.
Zo giggles lightly and looks over her shoulder. – Too late for that, buttercup.
Dean looks over at his brother who's now talking to Johnny but then suddenly his brain seems to register the words and he looks confused and a bit like his male ego just got slapped: - Buttercup?!
The music changes and the familiar riff of "Whole Lotta Love" is heard louder as Zo opens the door of the kitchen winking at Dean over her shoulder. He follows suit and when he closes the kitchen door behind him Zo is bending over the oven slightly to check on the lasagna so Dean eyes her down, taking his time to notice the way the tattoo on her right leg flows with her thigh and calve muscles and how there're thin black lines from a hidden tattoo showing from the end of her shorts on her left hip. When she seems pleased with her cooking, she turns around to face him and leans back against the counter. The way she looks at him matches the song so well that Dean just moves in her direction, holds her up and sits her on the table placing himself between her thighs and his hands on her hips. There are moany mumblings in the air as Mr. Plant does his magic, which only makes the situation hotter. Zo leans in, putting one hand on the back of his head and the other on his chest, and whispers in his ear prolonging his name softly: - What now, Dean?
He can feel her breath on his ear and smirks: - Now "I'm gonna give you every inch of my love." – which, of course, makes her giggle but his right hand goes higher feeling the curve of her waist and she forgives the silliness.
The moment his lips touch her neck, they hear the very characteristic sound of wings as Castiel pops up about two feet away from them. Zo jolts upright and pushes Dean away while he just throws his head back and grunts: - Damnit, Cas!
-I'm sorry, Dean. – he says not looking very sorry though. – I didn't mean to interrupt.
-It's fine, it's perfectly fine, Castiel. – Zo says as she slides off the table and moves away from Dean to go hug Castiel who only puts one hand on her back. – How are you?
-I'm well. Thank you for asking, Zo. – he looks at Dean with a "at least someone's polite" sort of look to which Dean just rolls his eyes.
-What are you doing here, Cas? – Dean questions pulling a chair.
-We were going to call him anyway, Dean! – Zo says opening the oven and taking out the extremely hot dish.
Cas looks a little awkward almost embarrassed. – I was… forced to come. – he says looking down.
-Forced? Care to explain?
-When you're together your prayers are… - he frowns a little as if looking for the right word – enhanced.
-You mean me and Dean? – Zo asks opening her big eyes even wider.
The angel nods but adds: - You and the Winchesters, specially Dean.
Zo looks at Dean with confusion and some shock in her face and he looks almost as confused but can't stop from noticing how funny confusion looks on her.
-Wait a second, Cas! Why? What's she got to do with this? And what prayers, man? We weren't praying!
-I am bonded to her too, Dean. It's not a bond as profound as the one we share but it's there still.
Zo looks so confused that she just shakes her head and throws her hands up in defeat. – Enough of this "bond" talk. Dean, get a plate for Castiel. – she turns off the radio, grabs the lasagna in one hand and the bowl of salad on the other and gets out of the kitchen. – Come on, Castiel.
-The dude doesn't even eat, Zo! – she doesn't hear him anymore because she's out the door.
Cas shrugs a little, looking at Dean. – I enjoy her food… - he says as if he needs to find an excuse.
Dean rolls his eyes again but goes get another plate and tableware, having to open a few cabinets to find the stuff.
Zo sets the food on the table and takes Johnny to the bathroom to wash their hands.
-Castiel?! – Sam asks surprised when he sees Dean and Castiel come out of the kitchen.
-Hello, Sam.
-Holy shit! – Candy says looking half shocked half amused – Zo, you never said the freaking angel was handsome! –she screams in the direction of the bathroom.
-I didn't think it was appropriate, C! – Zo says coming out of the bathroom with Johnny on her hip and looking at her friend with a scowl.
Castiel looks at Dean with a self-aware expression and Dean just shrugs. – Thank you, I think… I'm sorry to intrude in your house, Candace.
Candy gives him a pat on the shoulder and smiles. – Don't be, don't be! We got a full house today! Take a sit!
Castiel nods and they all sit down to eat in the big oval table. The two women are on one side with Johnny in the middle, the two brothers on the other side and Castiel on the head of the table between Dean and Zo.
Lunch goes by slowly and peacefully with Dean repeating his share and saying "awesome" a lot and complaining about how they're all mixing salad with the lasagna. Johnny is a well behaved kid and doesn't cause much trouble but has to be helped every now and then. Candy makes light conversation and asks Castiel a couple of innocent questions about the food and wings and his lack of halo to which the angel answers, as always, honestly and bluntly but she seems to like it that way. Zo is not speaking much but smiles warmly when she sees Castiel enjoying her cooking and Dean loving it.