A/N: We interrupt your regularly scheduled program to bring you this special special chapter. Okay, not really...but anyway...according to my outline, this was supposed to be #10 but sometimes outlines change, right?

Thank/blame Silverspoon for the timing of this post because she asked for it. I'm beginning to think she's a glutton for punishment. ;)

While I was thrown for a loop by this little alteration, my friend and beta stephaniew refused to let it rattle my confidence. For that, and for all the other little behind the scenes things she does to help me with this story, I am eternally grateful. Check out her stories and send her some lovely reviews?

Disclaimer: I don't own Supernatural.

Chapter Nine: Interlude - Master Plan

I stand alone in a small room. It's cozy, but not what one would expect from me or this place. Keeps them on their toes I think. Makes them forget my power. Power that I have developed a practiced ease for convincing them I no longer want. Flipping on the television, I watch a trench coated man get thrown from a bus for not paying the fare. I can't help but chuckle softly.

There are things that even after spending time with the Winchesters Castiel hasn't learned. Hot-wiring the old Dodge Shadow sitting two blocks from the bus station would've been instinct to Dean or his brother, Sam. I'm banking on the angel's innocence holding him back to give her the time she needs.

"Deserved that one, didn't he?" I hear a voice say as he comes up behind me. I don't have to turn around to know who it comes from or that he'll have a cherry sucker hanging from his lips.

Switching to a different channel, I fold my arms over my chest and wait for the other voice I know is coming. The one with the crisp, clipped accent I gifted him with thousands of years ago for my own amusement.

"And to think, you've gotten on me for doing this very thing," he teases affectionately. Without looking at him, I can see the smile spreading across his face.

"Where'd you think I got the idea for this rewrite of the history books?" I ask him.

"Really?" he asks me as they come to stand at my left and right. "If so, I'm quite flattered."

Leaning back, the other man mouths the words 'suck up' before they both adopt my stance and stare at the monitor before us. "I heard that," I chastise.

Taking on a rather sullen expression, the man with the lollipop's eyes become innocent. He knows his tricks won't work on me, but the fact that he employs the tactics anyway is very him. There's a reason he's one of my favorites and has been allowed to run amuck for centuries. It's something he's keenly aware of.

Growing serious, he asks, "You sure this is a good idea, boss?"

I look from him to his counterpart. The latter's head dips slightly and he smiles almost shyly as he rubs the back of his neck. I grin, shaking my head. I know precisely what I'm doing...even if they don't believe it. I find it odd that these two are the ones doubting me.

"Are you sure we should let her go through with it?" he asks, the words falling from his lips almost sheepishly in comparison with those from his brother.

"I underestimated her before," I tell them, pausing as we watch her climb from behind the wheel of the classic Impala. She moves with determination, taking a key from her pocket and disappearing into a storage shed. "Joanna is strong. She can do this." I smile as she tucks an object wrapped in an old cloth into the pocket of her jacket. "And for her sacrifice, she shall be greatly rewarded."

A/N: *ducks* I'm in trouble, aren't I? Look for another post from me later this evening. It's currently untitled, but let's just say it involves Protective!Dean and smut.