DISCLAIMER: I don't own these characters, their fabulous outfits or their adorable blue-green VW Bug… although my mom used to own one! I did create the characters of Freddie and Phil below… but let's face it, they're pretty one-dimensional. (*Hangs head in shame*)

MINOR SPOILERS for the Song Remains the Same and Lazarus Rising

WARNINGS: Out of control Angel / Psychic passion! OH MY!!!

CHAPTER 10 Not For Very Much Longer Part 3

Missouri Moseley's Volkswagen Bug- 1978

Castiel took the woman's extended hand a little too eagerly. She helped him to his feet and then staggered back slightly against her car as if in a swoon. The angel quickly stretched out his arms to steady her, feeling a strange fluttering in his chest he hadn't ever experienced before.

"Are… are you all right…?" he asked as the Fortune Teller struggled to compose herself.

"WHEW!" Missouri exclaimed, "Yes, Honey, I'll be fine. I just wasn't prepared for that. I've been sensing celestial beings coming and going all live long day- Which is how I knew some force powerful enough to help Frinky here get back to the future was about to manifest itself. But you're the first angel I've actually gotten up close and personal with so to speak. Talk about image overload! You've got quite a lot going on in that pretty little head of yours, Cassy Baby!"

"What do you mean?" Castiel wondered.

He hadn't had much experience with psychics. The one time he had made contact with a medium the encounter had inadvertently burned her eyes out. However, that was before he had his Earthly vessel and so hopefully neither he nor Missouri would be experiencing such an unfortunate incident. He was enjoying looking into this woman's eyes and would be deeply disappointed if they burned away.

"I can't read your mind really, if that's what you're asking," Missouri commented, "Just lots of flashes of memories and emotions. You're both desperate not to be found and at the same time desperate to find someone… Someone you care about very much and feel responsible for. There's a lot of grief and guilt going on in here…"

Missouri ran a hand over Castiel's chest and he felt his wings unfurl and flex slightly. He wasn't sure why but he had a sudden urge to fluff out and preen his feathers.

"Not for the man you seek," Missouri continued "But someone connected to him."

The angel nodded solemnly.

"Sam was my friend and I was unable to save him," Castiel sighed, "It's his brother I'm searching for. Dean can behave very… irrationally when he's upset and I'm afraid he may land himself in deep trouble or do something regrettable if I don't find him soon. Professor Frink believes you can help me."

"I can," Missouri said with a sly smile, taking Castiel's hands in hers, "And I can also tell you this. You won't be grieving for your friend Sam. Not for very much longer. The reason why is unclear to me, but I get the sense that deep down you know the answer."

Castiel cocked his head to the side considering the woman's words. He didn't know the answer unless she meant that he would be able to return back to this time and have another chance to save Sam. If he was able to find Dean and get him and Frink to safety he would be able to concentrate on setting things right. For the first time since beginning this horrible journey, Castiel felt a surge of genuine hope flow through him. A warm, tingling pleasant surge of hope.

Then he looked down at hands that clasped his own and suddenly wondered if this pleasant tingling sensation was something else entirely.

"Uhh… do you…umm… feel anything else… any…other emotions, I mean?" he asked shyly.

Missouri chuckled.

"You're figuring out a lot about this world of ours and although you've been overwhelmed and frightened much of the time, you're slowly learning to enjoy yourself… But at the same time… I can feel a deep sadness within in you. A deep longing… Homesickness… that's what I sense… and something else… something about… mean brothers and…Manna being 'Num Num'… Then buried far beneath all that there's another layer of emotions… very different images… A nice house…a young girl and a pretty blonde woman and… Hamburgers. Lots and lots of hamburgers…"

She shook her head in puzzlement eying the angel curiously.

"Those are my vessel's left over memories and cravings," Castiel explained, "This form you see before you is a man named Jimmy Novak… An angel's true form can be very… hard on human eyes…Uhh… melting out of their sockets hard…"

"Oh, you don't have to explain the vessel thing to me, Honey," Missouri put a hand on her hip and tossed her beaded headdress back in a huff, "My main man Tyrone got hijacked by one of your kind this evening, you know. Although, now that you've explained the exploding eyeball thing I suppose I can appreciate y'all needing to take on a form that's easier on the human eye… Mmmmm… Very easy on the eye in your case. Umm Hmm! Jimmy is definitely Num Num!"

The angel felt a rush of warmth travel over his face all the way to the tips of his ears. He wasn't sure why but his mouth was suddenly very dry making it necessary to lick his lips. He saw the woman standing before him copying his action and the sight of her tongue trailing over her glossy lips made his legs feel very wobbly again. This time the weakness in his knees didn't cause him alarm or concern, however. The Fortune Teller had been right. He was learning to enjoy himself in this world and especially this… latest development.

Before he could think of what else he should say or do in this strange new situation the Professor began to hop around spastically, pacing about and pulling at his wild hair.

"Please, I am ever so sorry to interrupt this fascinating exchange of pheromones, but in case you two have forgotten we are in imminent peril! With the hot pursuit and the potential abducting and the smiting and the fire breathing bassists! We really need to get a move on, by glayven!"

"Frinky!" Missouri spat, "If we were in imminent peril don't you think I would know about it? Please! These rockers and angels after you are still battling it out with each other… Though you're right, we should be moving on. Club Manero closes in three hours and all the regulars will be beside themselves if I don't make an appearance before the night is through. Come on, Blue Eyes. I can get a better read on finding your friend once I have a Mojito or two in me! It would help also if I had a photo or drawing…"

"I can be of assistance there!" Frink announced, retrieving a sketch pad from his breast pocket "I met this young man in 2007 after all. Artistic expression, Heh, Glayven!"

"Good," Missouri said, "You get to sketching, Professor. Draw the brother too. If he has crossed over I may be able to make contact with him as well. Don't you worry, Cassy Baby. One way or another we're gonna get you reconnected with your friends… And how about we feed this vessel of yours while we're at it? The chef at Club Manero makes the best burgers in Lawrence!"

The angel smiled as Missouri led him towards the passenger side of her tiny car. And after adjusting the seat to allow Frink to climb into the back, the psychic took the wheel and zipped on down the road. Castiel sat quietly with his hands folded in his lap trying to still the trembling in his legs and belly. The anxiety he felt over finding Dean was mixed now with that same deliciously squirmy sensation he remembered from being his brothers' main target in Tickle Choir. He stole a glance at the woman in gold beside him studying her self-assured command of the vehicle and her firm grip on the stick shift as she switched gears. She caught his gaze and with a smirk reached down again towards the stick shift only to take hold his knee instead.

"Oh, excuse me!" she giggled, "This car is so small… Although I have foreseen that in the near future I'll be able to afford a Mustang! I've been wanting a bit more muscle in my ride."

She winked at him, giving his knee a quick squeeze and casually tracing her fingers along his thigh before grasping the stick shift once more. Castiel cleared his throat and adjusted his collar. He hadn't remembered Jimmy's tie ever feeling quite so tight.

Club Manero was alive with passion and excitement. People lined the street surrounding the building kept at bay by a long velvet rope and several burly body guards. Occasionally, a very attractive or wealthy looking person or group would come straight up to the entrance and the guard would lift the velvet rope allowing them access. It was little surprise to Castiel that the rope was lifted for their group the instant the guard set eyes on Missouri.

They passed through the doors and into a world of flashing lights, dazzling decor and thumping music. The recorded voices of several enthusiastic men were singing to Castiel:

"BODY! CHECK IT OUT MY BODY! BODY! DON'T YOU DOUBT MY BODY! BODY! TALKIN' BOUT MY BODY! BODY! CHECK IT OUT MY BODY!"

The air was a buzz with life and love and freedom as strangers met, cajoled, drank, danced and instantly grew intimate. The lustful energy made Castiel a little nervous and before he realized what he was doing he reached out and took Missouri's hand again. She gave a tiny snort and passed his hand over to a thickly mustached man wearing a leather vest with no shirt and several gold chains across his hairy chest.

Startled, the angel tried to pull his hand out of the strange man's grasp but found himself held tight.

"You over 21, Hot Stuff?" the man asked, giving Castiel an appreciative once over.

"Over 21 Millennia at least" Castiel stated plainly.

"Oh go on!" the man giggled, pressing an ink stamp onto the angel's wrist before moving on to stamp Frink and address Missouri, "Well, hello, Ms. Tardy- Ass Moseley! About time you finally decided to grace us with your presence! And where is Dr. T? I thought he was going to provide the entertainment this evening!"

"Uhh… Tyrone is otherwise… occupied," Missouri answered honestly, "He's just not himself tonight."

"I see," the man raised an eyebrow as he watched Castiel slip his newly stamped hand back into Missouri's grasp, "And while the cat's away, eh Missy?"

"Mind your beeswax, Freddie!" Missouri sassed, "You best not start spreading gossip about a woman who can read every deep dark secret floating around in that X-Rated mind of yours! We'll be at my regular table and we are not to be disturbed! Got it? Anyone wanting their palm read tonight is just shit out of luck! And have Phil send over a round of drinks and a couple burgers… and don't you cuss at me!"

She swatted the man on the back of his leather pants as she linked arms with Castiel and strutted towards a secluded booth near the back. The angel felt someone goose his hind quarters as they passed by and wasn't sure who had done the deed until Missouri called out.

"I saw that too, Freddie!"

He glanced back to see the man rocking his hips and singing along with the music.

"MACHO MACHO MAN! I WANT TO BE… YOUR MACHO MAN!…"

The trio settled into their seats as a man wearing nothing but a huge Indian War Bonnet and loin cloth came up on roller skates with a tray of Mojitos.

"Whatcha doin' on your butt Miss-Ouri!" the man lisped, "You know we can't end the night without you shaking your gorgeous Boo-Tay on that dance floor!"

"I'm with clients, Phil!" the psychic made a shooing motion with her hand, "Just hurry up with our burgers… and tell the DJ to play some Tavares!"

"Will do," Phil grinned, before turning to Castiel, "And what about you Mr. Shy Quiet Type. I know beneath that stuffy suit and trench coat there's a Dancing Machine just dying to let loose, Boogie Down and shake his tail feathers!"

"My feathers have been shaken enough tonight," Castiel said, grabbing the minty drink in front of him and draining the glass in a single slurp.

"I'll…I'll bring you another Mojito…" Phil blinked in awe.

He rolled out of sight leaving them alone. Frink was giving his undivided attention to his sketch pad, which left Missouri and Castiel to bask in one another's company. The psychic coyly sipped at her drink as Castiel idly stirred through the leftover ice in his glass. A mischievous grin broke over the woman's face as the DJ switched songs and a brand new melody wafted through the air. Swaying in her chair to the beat she teasingly nibbled at the sugar cane stick from her beverage and sang along with the music:

"Heaven… Must be missing an angel… Missin' one angel child… 'Cause you're here with me right now…"

Castiel swallowed hard as he felt that increasingly familiar flush rise up through his face.

"Heaven is missing many angels," he spoke softly, clearing his throat and averting his eyes "But… I am still… glad… to be here with… you right now…"

"Aww, Cassy!" Missouri cooed, twirling her fingers through the dangling gold coins and beads of her headdress.

The angel's eyes widened as he felt the pointed tip of a shoe invading the cuff of his pants' leg beneath the table. He plunged his fingers into the melting ice then splashed droplets of cool water over the heated skin on the back of his neck as the shoe disappeared and was replaced by a set of dainty bare toes traveling over his ankle and wriggling towards his calf.

"Wait…" Missouri said frowning slightly, "Are… are you wearing… fishnet stockings under your trousers…?"

Castiel stared blinking in silence for a long moment and then seized Professor Frink's unclaimed Mojito and knocked it back in one gulp. Missouri chewed at her lip, thoughtfully.

"I've been honing my psychic abilities since I was three years old and I must admit I did not see that one coming..." she said flatly pushing her straw aside to take a giant swig from her drink as well.

"Eureka!" Frink called out all at once, gratefully breaking through the awkwardness, "I have completed my latest artistic masterpiece! Behold, the Winchester Brothers… Just flip past the first four pages of the sketch pad… that's what KISS looks like without their make-up… ha, Glayven!"

Missouri took up the sketch pad gazing over the images appreciatively.

"Your taste in friends is as good as your taste in vessels," she playfully poked her toes against Castiel, fishnets and all.

She then set to the task at hand, bowing her head and laying her hands over the images of Sam and Dean. After a long moment she lifted her head and blinked her eyes open.

"I don't know if you should feel relived or concerned about this Honey," Missouri said finally, "But these boys are no longer with us."

"What!" Frink gasped, "You mean now they're both dead?"

"No," the psychic shook her head, "Not dead, not at all. In fact, this one, Sam, is no where to be found in the spirit world. If he ever crossed over, he's crossed back now... But neither are here in 1978… They've moved on to another time…Perhaps their own time…"

"But how can that be," Castiel wanted to know, "I brought them here, how did they get back without me?"

"Great Glayven! Did they build a time machine too!" Frink wondered.

"Well, Cassy Baby. You ain't the only one of your kind that's been traipsing around these parts," Missouri said, pointedly ignoring Frink, "In fact it's pretty much been Grand Celestial Station around here for the past 24 hours. Your buddies must have hitched another angel out of town."

"Michael…" Castiel realized at once, "Michael was here. Uriel said he killed Anna right after she killed Sam… He must have brought Sam back and then sent both brothers back to the future… except… Missouri, I can still sense Dean's presence. I've been able sense him ever since I woke up here in this time. I know he's still here somewhere too!"

"Well, I'm not sure what to tell you, Cas Honey," the psychic sighed, "I don't have your angelic sense that's for sure. But I can promise you that the man in this picture is no where around. Not even in the same Century."

Castiel frowned, a sense of dread washing over him at once.

"It must all have something to do with Michael." he said, straining against the rising panic he felt, "Dean was chosen as Michael's vessel, but had been resisting him all this time in order to prevent the massive bloodshed that would occur if my brothers were allowed to start their… Battle Royal across the Earth. What if Michael convinced him to say 'Yes' in exchange for bringing Sam back to life?… Would you be able to tell if that happened?"

"Well, no," Missouri admitted, "But I can tell you that I can still sense my Tyrone's presence even though he's been taken as a vessel… But then he always had a strong willed personality…"

"So did Dean…" Castiel said grimly, standing and running his hands through his hair in frustration, "What if that's why I still sense him here? What if he's here but only as Michael's vessel?"

"Now Cas, Babe," Missouri soothed, wrapping her arms around the angel's shoulders and gently stroking the hairs at the back of his neck, "Don't go jumping to any conclusions just yet. None of us have any answers right now, but we'll figure it out. In the meantime, we need to get you calm and focused… and I think I know a little something we can do that'll make it all better!"

"What… what would that b…be…" Castiel asked, trembling at the woman's proximity.

"Kiss…" Missouri said plainly.

"KISS! WHERE?" Frink cried out, diving under the table.

Castiel squeezed his eyes shut and puckered his lips.

"Ok…" he said finally, "And…and… maybe… t…tongue's ok too."

The psychic smiled and planted a soft sweet wet one against the angel's lips. A flood of images flew through Castiel's mind, all warm and safe and soft and… happy… But then the woman pressed against him was letting out a startled cry against his mouth and pushing him away, her eyes wide with shock.

"What?" the angel gasped, "I'm sorry… did I do something wrong…? Was… was I… bad…?... Was it the stockings…?"

"No, Cassy Baby. You were good. You were very very good," Missouri said quickly, "But Bad just walked in the door!"

All heads turned to see the vessel formerly known as Tyrone standing in the center of the dance floor his eyes fixed and blazing on the couple.

"It's my brother Uriel!" Castiel gasped.

"Inside my boyfriend!" Missouri nodded, "Honey, I don't think we could get anymore busted than this!"

To be continued…

AUTHOR'S NOTE- Can you believe I thought this would be a SHORT chapter when I started. Anyone else who writes ever had the characters totally take over the story? Yeah, that went down here. I just thought Cas and Missouri would flirt a little… Who knew ROMANCE was in the air!

The lyrics above were "Macho Man" by the Village People and "Heaven Must Be Missing an Angel" by Tavares. (Which is just about the most appropriate song that could have been written for this scene, no? ;-)

P.S. UH OH!! Doubly Busted!! What'll happen next…? Stay Tuned…

As always, reviews are greatly appreciated. I love hearing what everyone thinks of this crazy story! More to come soon!