A/N: Well I know it's a little early for christmas, but it is right around the corner...
The car ride was silent as they drove to question the family about their latest case. The silence was broken by Katie's cell phone ringing. She looked at the screen then sat it back down without answering it.
"Who was that and why are you dodging their calls?" Dean asked.
"That was Lacey and she's only calling to see if I was coming to my mom and dad's Christmas party" Katie said eyes glued to her book. She wasn't joking when she said she was gonna work overtime to get Dean out of his deal. It was rare that you caught her lately with out her head buried deep in a book or scribbling notes in her notebook.
"Why aren't you going?" Dean asked.
"One I don't really get along with my parents, two we're on a case, and three I just really don't want to" Katie said.
"Yeah but they're family you can't just-"
"Dean, just drop it, I'm not going" Katie snapped tearing her eyes from the book for a moment.
"If you say so" Dean said.
"Good" Katie replied before looking back down at her book. They pulled in front of the victim's house.
"You coming?" Dean asked looking back at Katie who haven't moved. "We are on a case" Katie looked up and glared at him. She pulled off her glasses and made to open the door, but Dean beat her to it. She got out still glaring at him. "You're welcome" Dean said as he followed behind her and Sam to the front door. Sam rang the doorbell and a woman opened the door. You could tell from her face that she'd been crying.
"Mrs. Walsh, hi I'm Agent Brown and these are my partners Agent Price and Agent Rodgers" Sam said, before all three of them flashed their fake badges.
"I already talked to the police" Mrs. Walsh said.
"We know ma'am but we like to ask a few questions ourselves, just to make sure we have all the information we need to find your husband" Dean replied.
"Ok what do you want to know?" Mrs. Walsh asked.
"Actually do you mind if Agent Price and I look at the crime scene while Agent Rodgers asks you a few questions?" Sam asked.
"That's fine" Mrs. Walsh said before letting Sam and Katie in to look around.
"Hello" Katie says to the little girl who's standing by the window. The girl looks at Katie before turning back to watch her mother and Dean. Katie turned back in the living room. The house looked like any other house that'd been decorated for Christmas. She looked at the three stockings that hung above the fireplace and smiled. She looked over at the Christmas tree that was beautifully decorated.
"I bet that big one right there is mine" A thirteen year old Jason said.
"I don't think so Jay, that looks like the right size to be my easy bake oven" a seven-year-old Lacey replied.
"What do you need an easy bake over for, so you burn the house down?" Jason teased.
"I can cook Jason, can't I Kat?" Lacey asked the ten-year-old Katie who was too into making her ornament that she was hardly paying attention to them.
"Sure Lace" Katie replied.
"See told ya" Lacey said a triumphant smile came over her face.
"Whatever" Jason said before continuing to color his picture.
"Kat what do you want Santa to bring you?" Lacey asked. Katie looked up at the tree for moment thinking.
"I want Santa to make me not weird" Katie said. Lacey and Jason both looked at her.
"There is nothing wrong with being weird" Jason said.
"Yeah it is when weird stuff happens out of no where" Katie replied.
"Look at it this way, what would you rather be a cool weirdo like your big brother or a stuffy miss no it all like your big sister of there" Jason said pointing to Bridget who was sitting on the couch reading a book.
"I guess a weirdo" Katie said looking at Bridget then back at Jason.
"Good choice" Jason said.
"Oh am I a weirdo too?" Lacey asked smiling. Jason and Katie both looked at each other before turning back to Lacey
"Definitely" they both said in unison.
"Yay, I'm gonna go tell mommy" Lacey said for hopping up and running upstairs. Jason and Katie looked at each other, with fear before jumping up and running after Lacey.
"Lace wait!" Jason called.
"Katie look at this" Sam called breaking Katie out of her memory. She looked to see Sam bent down by the fireplace. She walked over to see what had caught Sam's attention.
"Is that what I think it is?" Katie whispered. Sam looked over at her and nodded.
"We should go" Sam said standing up. Katie stood and followed Sam out the door. "Thanks for letting us have a look around, Mrs. Walsh. I think we uh, got just about everything we need." Sam and Katie walk over to stand next to Dean.
"We're all set." Katie said.
"We'll be in touch." Dean said before they all turned to walk down the porch.
"Agents!" Mrs. Walsh calls. They all turn to look at her.
"The-the police said my husband might have been kidnapped." Mrs. Walsh said.
"Could be." Dean said.
"Then why haven't the kidnappers called? Or-or-or demanded a ransom? It's three days 'til Christmas. What am I supposed to tell our daughter?" Mrs. Walsh said tears starting to fall.
"We're very sorry." Katie replies, before they turn and walk away. Katie stops and watches as Mrs. Walsh walks back in her house. She feels sorry for the woman and hopes that in a couple of months, that won't be her.
"Find anything?" Dean asked and Sam sighs.
"Stockings, mistletoe.." Sam says before pulling something out of his pocket. " And this" Sam hands it Dean.
"A tooth? Where was this?" Dean asks as they hop into the impala.
"In the chimney." Katie replied.
"Chimney? No way a man fits up a chimney, it's too narrow." Dean replied.
"No way he fits up in one piece." Sam countered.
"Alright. So if dad went up the chimney-" Dean started.
"-we need to find out what dragged him up there." Sam finished. Katie looked between the two after just witnessing their starting and finishing each other's sentence.
"What?" Dean asked looking back at her.
"Nothing, I didn't say anything" Katie said before putting her glasses on and going back to read her book.
Later back in their motel room Sam sits at his laptop trying to figure out what's pulling people through their fireplaces. Katie is sitting on the bed with her head in a book scribbling away little note. Dean comes through the door with a paper bag in his hands.
"So, was I right?" Dean says closing the door. He walks over to Sam who's on the couch putting the bag down on the table. "Is it the serial-killing chimney sweep?"
"Yap. It's uh.. It's actually Dick van Dyke." Sam replied,
"Who?" Dean asked looking confused and Sam looked up at him. Even Katie tore her self out of her book.
"Mary Poppins" Sam said.
"Who's that?" Dean asks.
"You're joking" Katie says. Dean turns back to look at her, then turns back to Sam.
"No seriously who is that?" Dean asks again.
"Oh come on you-... Never mind." Sam replies before looking back at his screen. Katie shakes her head before looking back down in her book.
"Turns out that Walsh is the second guy in town grabbed out of his house this month." Dean says walking past the couch and taking off his jacket.
"Oh yeah?" Sam asks looking back up at Dean.
"Yeah." Dean replies.
"The other guy get dragged up the chimney too?" Sam asked.
"Don't know. Witnesses said they heard a thump on the roof." Dean said. "So, what the hell do you think we're dealing with?"
"Actually, I have an idea." Sam says.
"Oh yes you really need to hear Sam's idea" Katie said lightly laughing still looking in her book. Sam glared over at her.
"Yeah?" Dean asked.
"It's uh.. It gonna sound crazy." Sam replied.
"Really big understatement Sammy" Katie said still laughing.
"What could you possibly say that sounds crazy to me?" Dean asks and Sam smiles.
"Uhm.. Evil Santa." Sam says. Dean looks at him with a 'really' face.
"Yeah, that's crazy." Dean said.
"Yeah. I mean, I'm just saying that there's some version of the anti-Claus in every culture." Sam said. Katie's phone rings and she looks at it and moans.
"Lacey?" Dean asks.
"Yes" Katie replies.
"Just answer it" Dean says.
"I'm gonna take this outside, my language might not be to Christmassy" Katie said walking outside their room.
"The answer is still no Lacey" Katie snapped.
"Really, you're not going, Jason say's he's not going that leaves only me, you'd really do that to me" Lacey said.
"Really guilt tripping me Lace will not work" Katie said. " Plus it's a party there will be lots of people there"
"Please I'm going to be stuck in a room with the most uptight-" Lacey started. "Pleassse Kat I'm begging you don't abandon me on Christmas"
"First off I'm not abandoning you, second Bridg will be there, just hang with her" Katie replied.
"If you were me would you want to spend an entire evening with Bridg. I've been here for weeks for Christmas break and I'm this close to strangling her" Lacey said.
"Look Lace I just can't not, now there just too much stuff happening at the moment, and I need to be here" Katie said looking at their motel room door.
"Look I know you and the parents don't get along to well and I know that spending Christmas here would feel like torture, but please just think about it. I haven't seen you in a while, and it'll be nice to spend Christmas together like the good ole day" Lacey said.
"Fine I'll think about it" Katie said.
"Oh thank you, thank you" Lacey said
"Lace I didn't say I was definitely coming" Katie said.
"Oh please you know you so are" Lacey said before hanging up.
Katie looked at her phone before almost growling at it. The last place she wanted to go was to a party at her old house. She walked back in the room to see Sam and Dean putting their jackets on.
"We're leaving?" Katie asked.
"Yes my dear we are" Dean said handing Katie her jacket. "C'mon we're going to Santa's Village"
"Yay" Katie said monotone.
As they walk into Santa's Village they look around to see many people dressed as elves and reindeers.
"It does kind of lend credence to the theory, don't it?" Dean said looking around.
"Is that Carmel corn, uh I'll be right back" Katie said before walking off.
"Yeah, but.. Anti-Claus?" Sam scoffed. "Couldn't be"
"It's a christmas miracle. Hey, speaking of. We should have one this year." Dean said looking over at Sam.
"Have one what?" Sam asked.
"A christmas." Dean said.
"No thanks." Sam scoffs.
"No, we'll get a tree. A little Boston market. Just like when we were little." Dean says.
"Dean, those weren't exactly Hallmark memories for me, you know." Sam replied.
"What are you talking about? We had some great Christmases." Dean says looking at bit confused at Sam.
"Whose childhood are you talking about?" Sam asks and they turn to face each other.
"Aw come on, Sam." Dean says smiling a bit.
"No. Just... No." Sam says, which upsets Dean and he walks away.
"Alright Grinch" Dean says to himself before going to find Katie.
Katie stands in line for her caramel corn and spots a little girl pulling her father to see the reindeer.
"C'mon daddy" Katie said pulling one of her dad's hands.
"He's gonna be gone before we get there" Lacey said pulling her father's other hand.
"I'm sure he wouldn't leave without seeing you two" Robert said smiling at his two youngest daughters.
"I can't wait to see Santa" Katie said.
"Me neither" Lacey replied looking over at her sister.
"Hurry up daddy, you're moving too slow" Katie said pulling her father a little harder.
Katie smiled at the memory, before moving forward and getting her snack.
"This is so good. Wants some?" She asked Dean when he walked up.
"Nah I'm good" Dean said still a little upset about his conversation with Sam.
"Hey what's wrong?" Katie asked.
" Nothing c'mon" Dean said before walking away. Katie looked at his retreating form for a moment before following him.
"You'd think with the 10 bucks it costs to get into this place, Santa could scrounge up a little snow." Dean said walking back over to Sam. Sam who wasn't paying attention was staring off into space.
"What?" Sam asked looking at his brother confused, he looked at Katie who shrugged her shoulders and continued eating her caramel corn.
"Nothing. What are we looking for again?" Dean asked.
"Uhm... Lore says that the anti-Claus will walk with a limp and smell like sweets." Sam say as they start walking looking around.
"Great. So we're looking for a pimp-santa. Why the sweets?" Dean asked.
"Pimp santa" Katie said laughing to herself.
"I think you may have had enough sugar" Dean said reaching for the bag but Katie pulled away, glaring at him.
"Dean I love you but if you touch the corn, you'll be sorry" Katie said, and Dean eased his hand back. Sam just shook his head at the exchange.
"Think about it, Dean. If you smell like candy the kids will come closer, you know?" Sam finished.
"That's creepy." Dean says as they continue walking. "How does this thing know who's been naughty and who's been nice?"
"I don't know." Sam replies.
"Maybe he has a list" Katie says and both guys turn and look at her. "He probably checks it, I don't know twice, you know just to make sure he can't accurately decipher who's naughty and who's nice" Katie said a huge smile on her face.
"Seriously what did they put in that caramel corn?" Sam asked.
"Awesomeness, they put awesomeness in it Sammy" Katie says taking another handful in her mouth.
"I don't know what they put in it, and I certainly don't like it" Dean said shaking his head. They turn to see house where Santa is sitting. They look at the long line of children waiting to sit on Santa's lap.
"So Ronny, come sit on Santa's knee." Santa says to the next boy in line. " Ah, there you go. You've been a good boy this year?"
"Yeah. " Ronny replies.
"Good. Santa's got a special gift for you. " Santa says before laughing unnervingly and rubbing Ronny's back.
"Maybe we do." Dean says watching as Ronny's mother comes and gets him from Santa's lap.
"Welcome to Santa's court. Can I escort your child to Santa?" An elf asks walking up to the three Winchesters.
"Uh-" Sam says not quite sure what to say.
"No. No. Uh.. But, actually my brother here-" Dean says putting a hand on Sam's shoulder. " It's been a lifelong dream of his." The elf looks at them a little not really sure what to say.
"Uh, sorry. No kids over.. 12?" she says.
"No, he's just kidding. We only came here to watch." Sam says with a smile.
"Ew." the elf said before walking away.
"Ah.. I-I didn't mean that we came here to w-. Y-" Sam called after her. He turned to Dean who was looking innocent, and then over at Katie who was just laughing.
"We only came here watch, Sammy that was priceless." Katie said shaking her head.
"Thanks a lot, Dean. Thanks for that." Sam says. Dean just laughs before noticing Santa getting out of his chair.
"Check it out" Dean says. Sam and Katie turn their attention to pervy Santa. They notice the limp in his step as he walk.
"Are you seeing this?" Dean whispers.
"A lot of people walk with limps, right?" Sam says.
"Tell me you didn't smell that. That was candy, man." Dean replies.
"That was ripple. I think. Had to be." Sam says.
"Maybe. We willing to take that chance?" Dean asks.
"Of course we're not." Katie says looking at her empty bag. " Aw man I'm out, I'll be right back" Katie says before walking away. Sam and Dean share a look.
"Princess, get back here" Dean said following after her.
Later that night they all are parked in front of the impala watching the Santa's house. All three of them sitting in the front.
"What time is it?" Dean asked yawning.
"Same as the last time you asked." Katie replied, before closing her eyes and lying on Dean's shoulder.
"Here." Sam says handing Dean a thermos. "Caffeinate."
Dean takes it and takes off the cap to pour out coffee, only the thermos is empty so nothing is pouring out. Dean looks over at Sam and then puts the cap back on, handing it back to Sam.
"Wonderful." Dean says and Katie lifts up her head.
"This is ridiculous, you guys should've let me buy another bag of caramel corn" Katie said. "I would be so awake right now"
"And we'd probably be chasing you around town" Dean says.
"Funny, Dean I am an adult and I can handle my sugar" Katie says.
"Sure you can" Dean says shaking his head.
"I don't think I want to sit next to you any more" Katie says lifting herself up.
"C'mon I was just kidding" Dean replied.
"Yeah sure you were" Katie said sliding in the back seat.
"Women" Dean sighed.
"I heard that" Katie snapped.
"Heard what? " Dean asked playing dumb. He smiles at the house then looks over at Sam.
" Hey, Sam" Sam turns to him, looking tired.
"Yeah?" Sam asks.
"Why are you the boy who hates Christmas?" Dean asks. Katie popped her head up she looked between the two as Sam looked away.
"Dean…" Sam says obviously not wanting to talk about it.
"I mean, I admit it, you know? We had a few bumpy holidays when we were kids." Dean says.
"Bumpy" Sam says looking at Dean confused.
"That was then. We'll do it right this year." Dean says, but Sam still isn't convinced.
"Look, Dean. If you guys want to have Christmas knock yourselves out. Just don't involve me." Sam says.
"Oh yeah, that'd be great. Me and the Mrs. making cranberry molds." Dean says getting a head slap from Katie.
"Shut up Dean" Katie said. They look out window again to see the Santa looking out before pulling the curtains close.
"What's up with saint nicontine?" Dean says before the sound of a woman screaming could be heard.
"Oh my god!" A woman screamed. Sam, Dean and Katie all barreled out of their doors, running toward the front door. Dean took the lead. Sam and Dean both took out their guns as they got closer to the door.
"Ha." Sam said
"What?" Dean asked.
"Nothing" Sam started. "It's just that uh.. well, you know, Mr. Gung-Ho Christmas might have to blow away Santa." Dean takes that in for a second and then turns around and opens the door. When they come in they are a bit shocked to see Santa sitting on the couch nursing a bottle of alcohol watching some kind of Christmas porn.
"The hell are you doing here, huh?" Santa asked his speech a bit slurred.
Dean looks over at Sam. Katie just looks between Sam and Dean and the voices of the actors in the movie.
"I-" Sam starts but still isn't quiet sure what to say before out of nowhere the unexpected happens.
"S.. Silent night" Dean sings, very badly. Everyone in the room looks at Dean a bit surprised.
"Holy night" Dean sings as Sam joins. Katie looks totally horrified between the two. They are really, really bad.
"All is well" Sam says both clearly not knowing the words. Katie just smiles wide slowly walking backwards out of the house. She quickly walks to the impala and leans on the hood waiting for Sam and Dean to finish their horrible rendition of Silent night. These boys were totally Christmas challenged and she figured she might have to change that. Soon she saw Sam pulling Dean out of the house and they headed to impala. Katie looked at Dean and couldn't help the smiled that came across her face.
"What, I panicked" Dean said.
"Yeah but next time make sure you know all the words" Katie said patting him on the shoulder.
"You could of helped you know" Sam said.
"Oh no, I wasn't touching that with a ten foot pole" Katie said getting in the car.
"I didn't think we were that bad" Dean said shrugging before getting in the car. Sam just shook his head before getting in the car himself.
The next morning Dean awoke to his wife side of the bed empty. He looked up and seen Katie reading a book with her notebook nearby. But there was something he didn't expect.
"Where did that come from?" Dean asked. Katie looked up and followed his gaze to the corner of the room, to the gimpy Christmas tree she'd bought.
"Oh I bought it" Katie said smiling.
"You bought it. Where?" Dean asked.
'A store, I don't know the name of it but hey they had a tree" Katie said. Dean walked over and looked at the decorations she'd put on the tiny tree. There were key chains that he saw she'd put little pictures in. And of course there was a string of caramel corn that went around it.
"I know its not much but, I think it'll help Mr. cranky pant get into the Christmas spirit" Katie said looking over at Sam.
"Its perfect" Dean said walking over to Katie and giving her a kiss. He deepened the kiss, and moved the book out of her hands as they lay down on the couch.
"Guys-" Sam said getting up. " I'm still in here, c'mon we've talked about this" Katie and Dean just laughed at Sam's expression.
They found out about another disappearance that happened the same way as the other two victims. They got dressed and headed over to the Caldwell residence. They notice Mrs. Caldwell's black eye as they question here.
"Santa took daddy up the chimney?" Dean asked as they entered the home behind Mr. Caldwell.
"That's what he says, yes." Mrs. Caldwell replied referring to her young son.
"And where were you?" Katie asked and Mrs. Caldwell stopped walking and turned to face them.
"I was asleep. And all of a sudden, Al was being dragged out of bed, screaming." She recalled.
"Did you see the attacker?" Sam asked, but she just shakes her head trying not to cry.
"It was dark and he hit me. He knocked me out." Mrs. Caldwell replies.
"I'm sorry. I know this is hard." Katie replies.
Yeah. Uhm- Mrs. Caldwell, where did you get that wreath above the fireplace?" Sam asked.
"Excuse me?" Mrs. Caldwell asked confused about the question.
"Just curious, you know?" Sam says looking a bit uncomfortable. Dean just gives a half-smile, and Katie just starts aimlessly looking around.
"I think that's all" Katie said reaching in her bag and pulling out a card. " Call of if you remember anything else that might help us" Katie handed the woman the card and they all headed out. They all walk down the porch as Mrs. Caldwell closes the door behind them. Katie looks back at the house of yet another woman who has lost her husband. Katie looked up at the sky, hoping this was some kind of sign.
"Wreaths, huh? Sure you didn't wanna ask her about her shoes? I saw some nice handbags in the foyer." Dean said still confused about Sam's question.
"We've seen that wreath before, Dean." Sam states.
"Where?" Dean asked.
"The Walsh's. Yesterday." Sam replies as Dean walk around the impala.
"I know. I was just testing you." Dean said getting into the car.
"Sure you did" Katie said. " Good catch Sam" She said patting him on the shoulder before getting in the backseat. Sam smiled before getting into the car as well. They drive back to the motel.
"Yeah. All right. Well, keep looking, would you?" Sam says on the phone as he sits on the couch in front of his laptop. "Thanks, Bobby." Sam says before hanging up his phone. "Well, we're not dealing with the Anti-Claus."
"What did Bobby say?" Dean asked putting down the papers he was just looking at.
"Uh.. That we're morons, uh especially you" Sam said pointing over at Katie. Katie looked up and seen Sam pointing to her.
"Hey why especially me?" Katie asked.
"Because apparently you're supposed to know more about this stuff" Sam said.
"Whatever" Katie said shaking her head and going back to reading. Sam just turned back to Dean.
"He also said that it was probably meadowsweet in those wreaths." Sam said.
"Really" Katie said looking up at him.
"Wow. Amazing. What the hell is meadowsweet?" Dean asked.
"It's pretty rare and it's probably the most powerful plant in pagan lore." Sam replied.
"Pagan lore?" Dean asked.
"Yeah." Sam said pulling up some pictures on his laptop. Katie looked down at her book before closing it and going over by the guys.
"See, they use meadowsweet for human sacrifices. It was kind of like a chum for their gods. Gods were drawn to it, they'd stop by and snack on whatever was the nearest human." Sam said turning the screen a bit so Katie could see.
"Why would somebody be using that for Christmas wreaths?" Dean asked walking over to the pantry counter and picking up a mug.
"It's not so crazy as it sounds, babe. I mean, pretty much every Christmas tradition is pagan" Katie said looking over at him.
"Christmas is Jesus' birthday." Dean said walking back over to Sam and Katie.
"No, Jesus' birthday was probably in the fall. It was actually the winter solstice festival that was co-opted by the Church and renamed "Christmas"." Sam said
"But I mean, the Yule log, the tree, even Santa's red suit, that's all remnants of pagan worship." Katie added.
"How do you know that?" Dean says walking away. " What'll you tell me next? Easter bunny's Jewish?"
"Actually-" Katie starts and both guys look at her confused. " Never mind it's not my place"
"So, you think we're dealing with a pagan god?" Dean asked.
"Yeah, probably Holdenacar, god of the winter solstice." Sam before picking up a book.
"And all these Martha Stewart wannabes buying these fancy wreaths." Dean says taking a seat next to Katie.
"Yup, it's pretty much like putting a neon sign on your front door saying: "Come kill us"." Sam says looking through the book.
"Ah the Christmas spirit" Katie says sarcastically.
"Great." Dean says.
"Huh. When you sacrifice to Holdenacar, guess what he gives you in return?" Sam asks. Dean and Katie scoot closer to see the screen.
"Lap dances, hopefully." Dean says getting a slap on the arm from Katie.
"Mild weather." Katie says looking at the screen. They all glance toward the window,
"Kind of like no snow in the middle of December in the middle of Michigan." Dean stated pointing a thumb toward the window.
"For instance." Sam says.
"Do we know how to kill it yet?" Dean asks.
"No, Bobby's working on that now. We gotta figure out where they're selling those wreaths." Sam says.
"Think they're selling them on purpose? Feeding the victims to this thing?" Dean asks.
"Let's find out." Sam says standing to his feet.
"Ok why don't you guys go do that and I'll stay here and see what I can find out about our pagan god, prove to Bobby that I am not a moron" Katie said folding her arms.
"We know you're not a moron" Dean said putting on his jacket. " All the time" he mumbled.
'Hey I heard that" Katie said as Sam and Dean left the room. Katie closed the door and turned to get her phone.
"Hello" a man answers
"Ho ho ho Merry Christmas" Katie says in her best Santa voice.
"Of course its you, you do know I am busy around this time of year" the man says.
"Well its good to hear your voice too, Richie" Katie said.
"C'mon you leave without a word, then you call me after two years, excuse me if I'm not overjoyed to hear your voice" Richie replied.
"Doesn't the bible say to forgive, father?" Katie asked.
"Oh bite me" Richie replied
"Oh such language for a man of the cloth" Katie teased.
"I wonder where I learned it" Richie said. "What is that you want?"
"Straight to the point I see, Look I was just wondering if my library was still in tact?" Katie asked.
"All of your books are still here, I could never bring my self to move them" Richie said.
"Or there were so many of them you just didn't bother" Katie said.
"Potato potahto" Richie replied.
"Where are you right now?" Katie asked.
"In my office, why?" Richie asked.
"Are you alone?" Katie asked.
"Yes, why?" Richie asked.
Katie closed her eyes and concentrated on Richie's office. She felt something moving inside of her and when she opened her eyes she was standing in front of a shell shocked Richie.
"Hey Richie" Katie said putting her phone in her pocket. Richie didn't say anything, just continued to stare. " C'mon you've seen me use my powers before"
"I've seen you move chairs not pop out of no where like Houdini" Richie replied hanging up his phone.
"Oh I'm so way better then Houdini" Katie said smiling. " Now give us a hug" Katie said arms open. Richie just rolled his eyes.
"Why are you here?" Richie asked annoyed.
"I just need some books from downstairs" Katie said lowering her arms. " Are you really that upset with me?"
"You disappeared from the hospital after the attack. I was worried about you" Richie snapped.
"Why do you think I left, huh out of all your years when has a bunch of demons just strolled in here and attack you" Katie said and Richie was silent. " Exactly, my presence here put you in danger, so I left. Did I want to do it, no I really liked it here, but I had no other choice"
"But you're my friend and I would've least had like to say goodbye" Richie said standing to his feet and walking over to Katie.
"Look maybe leaving like I did wasn't the best idea, but it was the easiest. I'd had enough goodbyes and I just couldn't handle another one. So you forgive me?" Katie asked.
"I guess, it is in the bible" Richie said holding out his arms for a hug. Katie smiled and hugged her old friend.
"That's the spirit, Richie" Katie said pulling out of the hug. "I really need to find that book so come on catch me up on what's been up with you" Katie and Richie walked out of his office.
"Well I'm still here so that's pretty much it" Richie said. " What's new with you"
"Nothing much really" Katie said shrugging her shoulders. " You know killed a bunch of demons, saved a bunch of lives, got married and got duped into going to my parents Christmas party." Richie stopped in his tracks and Katie turned and looked at him.
"What?"
"You got married?" Richie asked.
"Oh you caught that part did you" Katie said smiling. "Yes I am a married woman, which means you no longer have a chance with me" Katie turned and continued walking down the hall.
"Do you listen to what comes out of your mouth?" Richie asked following behind her.
"I try not to" Katie said reaching the basement door.
"I think I feel sorry for your husband" Richie stated.
"I feel sorry for him too sometimes" Katie said laughing as she walked down the stairs.
"What's his name?" Richie asked.
"Dean Winchester" Katie stated proudly.
"So I'm assuming you are now Mrs. Katherine Winchester" Richie replies.
"You are correct padre" Katie said before flicking on the light switch illuminating the large basement. Katie looks around at the walls and walls covered with her books.
"You know I still don't quite understand how someone your age has acquired all of these books" Richie said looking around.
"Well when I was young I wanted nothing more than to be normal, and when I became a teenager I realized that was impossible." Katie said going to the pagan section. " So I decided if I was going to be a freak I might as well learn as much about me and the world I'm apart of" Katie said picking up the book she was looking for.
"I find it ironic that all of these books are sitting under a church" Richie said smiling.
"Does that make you nervous, I mean with the big guy and all?" Katie asked.
"Weirdly no, for some reason I think he wants me to help you" Richie replied. " I mean why else would I put up with the crazy that is you"
"Richie are you hitting on me, because I told you I'm married" Katie said smiling over at the priest.
"You see, there is no way I would put with you if it were of my own free will" Richie said turning and going up the stairs.
"I love you too" Katie called after him laughing. Katie sat the book down and took a seat in front of it.
Katie are you here!
Katie looked confused as she looked around the room. That was Dean's voice but its not possible for him to be here.
Katie!
Katie took out her cell phone and dialed Dean's number. She listened to it ringing before Dean finally answered.
"Uh Dean were you just calling me?" Katie asked.
"Yeah where are you?"
"Wait so you're in the motel room right now?" Katie asked.
'Yeah and you're not where are you?" Dean asked.
"Ok this is weird" Katie said. " Dean I'm in Bismarck"
"North Dakota, how did you- Why are you- I'm seriously confused" Dean said rubbing his forehead.
"I'm confused about how I could hear you calling me, when we're hundreds of miles from each other" Katie said.
"Why are you in North Dakota?" Dean asked slowly.
"I needed to get a book, you know find out about our pagan god problem" Katie said.
"So you had to leave the state without telling me to get a book" Dean said.
"I thought I would be back before you guys, then I got to talking to Richie-"
"Wait, who is Richie?" Dean asked.
"My friend, he's a priest." Katie replied.
"Wait you have a friend who's a priest?" Dean asked.
"Yes, I'm at his church where I keep all my books of the supernatural" Katie replied.
"You keep supernatural books in a church? That's kind of mess up" Dean said.
"Maybe, maybe not. Look I still have to find out how to kill this thing. You guys find out who's making our wreaths?" Katie asked.
"Uh, Yeah a Mrs. Carrigan, Me and Sam are gonna go check it out" Dean replied.
"Ok you guys be careful and call me if you need me" Katie says.
" I guess I can literally call your name and you'll hear me huh?" Dean asked.
"Yeah, but don't do it just to do it, save it for emergencies. I already can barely handle me in my head, I don't need you in there" Katie said.
"Yeah, stay put you find what you need to find and you get back here ok" Dean said.
"Sure thing boss" Katie replies sarcastically. "
"Funny, very funny. I'll see you later, like soon. I love you" Dean says before hanging up.
After hanging up with Dean Katie went into full research mode, channeling her inner Sam so to speak. She went through a couple of pagan lore books and talked to Bobby, before she finally figured out how to kill this thing. Katie looked at her watch and didn't realize how late it was. What else was weird was that it was late and her obsessive, over protective husband hadn't called her. Katie figured Bobby must have filled them in on the whole evergreen stake thing to kill the bastard. Katie stood and went to put the books away when she saw a book she forgot she had. Katie pulled out the book and ran her hand over the old rough cover.
"What's that?" Richie asked startling Katie a bit. " Is that the book that's gonna help you?"
"Not quite yet" Katie said carefully putting the book back in its place. That book would be her last resort and she hoped she'd never have to use it. " Look I did find what I needed though so I'm going to head out"
"At least I get to say goodbye this time" Richie said.
"No you don't" Katie said and Richie looked a bit confused. " Goodbyes mean you're never gonna see someone again, this Richie is a see you later" Katie said hugging her friend.
"I guess I'll see you later" Richie said after they pulled from the hug.
"Oh I almost forgot" Katie said pulling something from her bag. " Here you go, padre Merry Christmas" Katie said handing Richie a small box that was wrapped in Christmas paper.
"Thank, but I didn't get you anything" Richie said looking at the gift.
"That's ok, Christmas is about the spirit of giving, right." Katie said smiling. " Plus I need all the positive karma I can get now a days. So if you wouldn't mind the next time you talk to the big guy make sure you put in a good word for me" Katie said.
"You know you can always talk to him yourself" Richie replied.
"I don't know if he'd listen" Katie said before a feeling of dread came over her.
"What's wrong?" Richie asked noticing Katie's expression.
"I have to go" Katie said before shutting her eyes. Something was wrong with Dean, and she felt it so strongly. Katie focused all of herself on Dean and when she opened her eyes she was standing in front a house. A house that was the epitome of Christmas spirit with all of its decorations. " Ok this is weird" Katie looks around the neighborhood before walking to the back of the house. Katie walks up to a window and looks inside to see Sam and Dean tied to chairs in the kitchen. "Son of a bitch" Katie whispers to herself. She then sees an older, normal looking couple standing around them. "Pagan gods I presume" Katie thinks to herself. " Ok I have to get in there" Katie walks back to the front just in time to see a woman with a plate walking to the front door.
"Oh I didn't see you there hello" the woman says to Katie.
"Oh hi is that fruit cake, my aunt and uncle are just gonna love this" Katie says taking the plate.
"Oh you're related to the Carrigans?" the woman asked.
"Yeah, I just came out here to get some fresh air, but I'll take this in, thanks" Katie said smiling.
"You're welcome" the woman said before turning and walking away. Katie looked down at the plate then back up at the door.
"I sure hope this works" Katie said as she walks up to the door and rings the doorbell. "Merry Christmas." Katie says smiling a big smile when the door opens.
"I told you I smelled fruitcake." Mr. Carrigan says smiling at Katie.
"You shouldn't have, I don't believe I've seen you around the neighborhood?" Mrs. Carrigan asked.
"Oh I'm sorry I'm Lois me and my husband just moved in a couple of doors down and I decided why not make some good ole fruit cake to meet the neighbors" Katie replies.
"It looks scrumptious." Mrs. Carrigan says.
"Oh thank you, so much, I know this may be a little awkward seeing as we just met, but do you think I could use your restroom right quick" Katie asked.
"Uh actually we're having some plumbing problems right not. We're sorry Dear" Mrs. Carrigan replied.
"Oh that is a shame" Katie says before waving a hand in their face causing them both to freeze, but she can instantly see it not holding. She hurries past them into the kitchen noticing Sam and Dean gone. "Of course I come to the rescue and no one needs to be rescued."
"A witch, how interesting" Mrs. Carrigan says from behind Katie. Katie turns to see Mr. and Mrs. Carrigan standing in front of her.
"You didn't think your little magic would work on us did you" Mr. Carrigan asked.
"No but I did hope it would buy Sam and Dean some time" Katie said smiling.
"Where are they" Mrs. Carrigan says angrily. Katie starts easing backwards into the living room .
"Oh is someone upset" Katie says before reaching out a hand causing the doors to close separating her from the Carrigans. Katie turns to see Sam and Dean closing the other door. "Good to see you guys" Katie said her hands still up holing the door, where's the evergreen stake?"
"In the basement" Dean says.
"That's a perfect place to keep them" Katie says turning back to the door.
"Well we need more evergreen" Sam yells over the pounding on the door. " I think I may have an idea" Sam says looking over at the Christmas tree. " Katie you think you can hold both doors?" Sam asked.
"Yeah, just hurry" Katie says lifting her other hand toward the other door. This was taking a lot out of her than she realized. Sam and Dean headed for the Christmas tree. They threw it down on the floor and began to tear branches loose from it. They tear small sticks and put them around two branches making them stake like. Both hold the instant stakes in their hands.
"Ok Katie let it go" Dean says before Katie lowers her hands letting the doors open. Katie moves to the corner of the room and slumps to the floor exhausted. Soon Mr. Carrigan shows up, screaming, lunging for Dean from the hallway. He tackles him to the floor, landing on top of him. Soon Mrs. Carrigan comes and attacks Sam. Katie slowly moves to the feet trying to muster up all the strength she has. She points both her arms toward Mr. and Mrs. Carrigan sending them flying. Sam and Dean look at the couple before looking over at Katie.
"Ok I'm awesome, now kill them" Katie snapped, before Sam and Dean run over and stabs the Carrigans with the stakes.
"Merry Christmas." Katie says and Sam and Dean scoff. Dean walks over to Katie to check her out.
"You ok?" Dean asks.
"I'm fine, nothing a little caramel corn won't fix" Katie replies.
"Sure there's probably some at that party you're going to tonight" Dean says wrapping an arm around her waist as they headed out of the house.
"Aw Dean why did you have to remind me" Katie says burying her face in his shoulder.
You'd never know that Katie had just helped kill two pagan gods as she entered the Christmas party wearing a red and green sweater dress. She walked in and the scene was all to familiar. She wanted nothing more then to turn around and leave, but she wouldn't, she couldn't run forever. Katie spotted her little sister looking particularly bored as she sat in the corner.
"So are you ready to spike the punch?" Katie asked and Lacey looked up a smile gracing her face.
"Oh Kat you came" Lacey said giving her sister a big hug. " But I sort of have to go"
"Wait what after begging me to come here, you're bailing on me?" Katie asked.
"I'm sorry, but Luke Grey, you remember him tall, dark and delicious, is having a Christmas rave and I so can't miss it" Lacey says.
"A Christmas rave?" Katie asked.
"Yeah and I have to go change and go so, here" Lacey said handing Katie a bag of gifts. " Those are for you and the boys"
"Well here" Katie says handing Lacey a bag. " That's from all of us"
"Merry Christmas Kat" Lacey says before giving her sister one more hug and running off. Katie stands there for a moment looking around when she spots her mother and father in a conversation with some one. Katie thinks about going over and talking to them but decides not to, she has a new family now, and she decides she wants to spend Christmas with them. Katie walks over to a nearby closet and looks around before ducking in. She closes her eyes and before she knows it she's standing behind Sam and Dean as they watch the game. She looks down at the table and see their gifts to each other.
"Really skin mags and beer" Katie says startling the brothers. " I guess this is a Merry Christmas"
"You know its cool you can like pop in and out where ever you want but the sneaking up on people really isn't" Dean says.
"Fine I'll be more considerate, unlike you two who started the whole gift exchange without me" Katie says. " Here these are from Lacey" Katie says handing Sam and Dean gifts from the bag before walking over to the motel's closet and pulling out two gifts herself.
"She got me a book on how to pick up women" Sam says looking at Lacey's gift.
"Well she did tell me about you two in Vegas" Katie says laughing. " What did she get you?" Katie asked looking over at Dean. Dean opened the gifts and pulled out two pine tree car fresheners.
"Your sister is something else" Dean says tossing the air fresheners on the table.
"Yes, she is. I guess its my turn. Here you go" Katie says handing Sam and Dean very neatly wrapped presents. They both looked at them oddly, neither really wanting to mess up how perfect they looked. " Guys the papers meant to be torn" Katie says laughing. Both brothers were like kids as they began tearing through the paper. Sam opens his present and a confused expression crosses his face. Dean seems to mirror the same expression.
"Uh shampoo and conditioner?" Sam asks holding the bottles up.
"Yes see now you won't have to sneak mines, and I won't have to make my husband brotherless" Katie says smiling.
"Thanks" Sam says putting the bottles on the table. "What did you get Dean?"
"Yeah what did you get Dean?" Katie asked, and Dean pulls out a toilet seat key chain and Sam laughs.
"I get it, I will try and remember to put the seat down" Dean says shaking his head.
"Good, because if you don't I might have to make Sam brotherless" Katie says smiling. " Now where's my gift" Katie says holding out her hands.
"Well me and Sam decided to get you something together" Dean says smiling.
"Yeah we put a lot of thought into too, you're gonna love it" Sam say with a sly smirk.
"Ok close your eyes princess" Dean says and Katie did excited. Sam and Dean shared a look before Dean reached and pulled out a bag that was on the side of the couch.
"What is it?" Katie asked, before a sack of caramel corn came showering on her head. Katie opened her eyes to see Sam and Dean in pure hysterics as they looked at her covered in the snack.
"Merry Christmas babe" Dean says before kissing Katie on the cheek.
"You guys are funny, really funny" Katie says dusting her self off. " But how funny do you think this is" Katie says picking up hands full of the caramel corn and throwing it and Sam and Dean.
"You do know that you're dead don't you?" Sam asked as he and Dean stood up.
"You boys do know you're gonna have to catch me first don't ya" Katie says jumping over the couch. Sam and Dean were about to charge her when she stopped them . " Hey look its snowing" Katie said pointing out the window. Sam and Dean both turned their attention to the window to see that in fact it was snowing. They turn back to see that Katie was gone. They looked at each other before feeling something cold hit the back of their heads they both turn to see Katie standing in front of the door.
"Yes princess you are so gonna get it" Dean says running after Katie who runs out side. Sam follows behind only to close the door behind them, locking it. Dean and Katie turn back and knock on the door. "Sam open the door" Dean calls. Dean looks through the window to see Sam sitting on the couch drinking eggnog. Dean knocks on the window and Sam turns and gives him a wave smiling before turning back to the TV.
"I think we've taught young Sammy well" Katie says looking through the window. Dean looks over at her and she starts easing back. Katie walks over and leans on the hood of the impala. She looks up at the falling snow and can't believe how pretty it is. Dean stares at her for a moment, the snow was ok but right now he couldn't believe how beautiful his wife was. "Have you seen anything more perfect" Katie says closing her eyes as the snow falls on her then feels warm arms wrap around her waist and she opens her eyes to see her husband.
"Yes I have" Dean says before pulling Katie into a kiss.
"You know this is our first Christmas as Mr. and Mrs. Winchester" Katie said smiling up at Dean.
"Yeah and I think this maybe the best Christmas yet" Dean replied.
"You know I was thinking the same thing" Katie said pulling Dean closer. " But I plan on having even better Christmases with you husband" Katie said and Dean just smiled at her before pulling something out of his pocket.
"Dean what is that?" Katie asked looking at the box.
"Well its christmas, so..." Dean says handing her the box, keeping one hand
"Yeah I thought a shower of caramel corn was my gift" Katie says taking the box.
"Yeah, well you must have been a very good girl this year" Dean says as he watches Katie shake the box by her ear.
"You besides the turning evil and trying to kill my friends and family" Katie replied smirking at him.
"Just open it smartass" Dean replied. Katie tore the box open and looked inside. She picked up a beautiful silver charm bracelet. She looked at the charms and saw a heart, a tiara, a car, and what looked like a magic wand. "So you like it?" Katie looked up at Dean willing her self not to cry, but she realized she fail when she felt a warm tear fall down her cheek.
"Yeah I like it" Katie says. " Here help me put it on" Katie says handing Dean the bracelet and holding out her arm. Dean clips the bracelet around her wrist then kisses her hand. Katie grabs Dean's jacket and pulls him close for a kiss. One of Dean's hands feels for the door to the impala as they slide in and making their Christmas even better.
A/N: Aww I love early christmas stories... what about you? Press that button down there and tell me