Disclaimer: I don't own anything Supernatural, I just play in their sandbox for a while. Anything you recognise either belongs to Eric Kripke or the CW. All OCs are mine.
Note: This was suppose to just be a tiny paragraph in Chapter 26 and it turned into a monster…one I had way too much fun writing. It's a bit long but there's just no way to split it. Thank you ccarmich52 (AO3) for your endless patience, input and encouragement. The song mentioned is "Wet Wet Wet - Love is all around". Please let me know what you think. I would really love to know your thoughts, even if you don't like it at all ;-)
Chapter 27
Isabeau and Andrea found Nelle and Rowena downstairs in the kitchen quietly talking amongst themselves.
"Hey girls, what's up?" Andrea interrupted them, looking curiously between the two.
Rowena looked up pleased. "Just the girl we've been talking about." She smiled coyly at Isabeau. "How would you and Andrea feel about coming to town with Nelle and me? We need to get some supplies for tomorrow night as well as a ritual dress for you, darlin'."
"A dress? For me?" Isabeau asked surprised but shook her head. "We can go, but I don't do dresses."
"Oh my dear, you will have to. It's all part of the ceremony." Rowena smiled at Isabeau who only met her with a frown.
"But how will we get there?" Andrea asked. "Will Dean let us take his car?"
Nelle's face lit up instantly. "I could ask him. He allowed me to drive before; maybe he'll be okay with it this time too."
"But what will you say we need it for? I mean, didn't they go on a supply run just yesterday?" Isabeau asked.
"Yeah, you're right, I suppose." Nelle said, biting her lip. It grew quiet in the kitchen for a moment. "I've got an idea though. You girls go wait outside at the car and I'll meet you there.
"He will not be pleased." Rowena whispered, frantically looking over her shoulder. "I don't think they would want Isabeau to leave the house yet."
"Rowena has a point." Isabeau let out a sigh.
"But can't we just ask Cas to go along, for security?" Andrea smiled, her eyes sparkling. "He seems gullible enough to come with us without asking too many questions."
"You're right. The angel is not always the brightest pencil in the packet, though I would not stand before him when he's pissed off." Rowena advised.
"Well, let's see what I can do. Bobby and Adam should be in the car shop." Nelle said as she stood up from the table. "Do we know where the rest of the guys are?"
"Sam is upstairs, reading a book." Isabeau offered.
"I think Pieter is doing something on the Internet." Andrea added.
Nelle tiptoed to the living room and peeked around the corner. There was no sign of Dean. Grabbing a pen and paper, she quickly scribbled a note for him and placed it against the kettle then motioned for the girls to slip out of the house as she quickly ran upstairs.
Nelle slowly pushed the bedroom door open, peeking inside. She knew Dean loved to clean his guns during the day and since she hadn't seen him do it the past couple of days, she figured he might be busy with it. To her delight, she heard the shower when she stepped into the room and couldn't help smiling when she found his clothes in a heap on the floor next to the bed. Without a second thought she picked up his pants and retrieved his keys. Reaching for her handbag, she couldn't believe how lucky she got as she quietly closed the door again and briskly walked down the passage. But just as her luck would have it, she bumped into Sam who just stepped out of his room.
"Hey, Nelle." He said, rubbing the back of his neck, yawning.
"H-hey, Sam." She breathed out, smiling sweetly at the giant.
"What's up?" He asked as he reached behind to close the bedroom door. Nelle walked past him until she stood on the top step. She briefly looked down. Escape was so close. Oh please Sam, don't get nosy now! She almost prayed.
"Nothing much and with you?" she asked, trying not to appear too eager to chat.
"Same old, same old. Have you seen Iz?" He stepped closer. Nelle's heart nearly jumped out of her chest. Calculating how long it took Dean to shower, he should be just about done and if Sam starts with the twenty questions, they'd never get away in time.
"Uhm, yeah. She's…uhm downstairs at uhm with Bobby and Adam, I think." Nelle held her breath. She knew it was a weak lie and Sam would see right through it but by some miracle it didn't seem to bother him as he stopped in front of the bathroom door.
"Oh, great. I'm glad she can at least come out of the house a bit. The garage is a good place for her to be, especially with Bobby there." He opened the door and Nelle held her breath as he almost stepped inside.
"Yeah." She agreed, anxious for the moment to pass. It felt like she was frozen in time. The silence almost became weird between them when Sam finally pushed the door wider and disappeared into the bathroom. Nelle let out the breath she's been holding and started skipping down the stairs when Sam suddenly appeared at the top of the stairs. Her heart practically jumped out of her throat as his voice vibrated through her.
"Oh by the way," Sam smiled down at her. Nelle slowly turned around and looked up to him, digging the keys further into the palm of her hand to hide them from sight. "I just wanted to tell you, lunch was awesome." He grinned from ear to ear.
Nelle smiled back relieved. "Wow, thanks Sam, it really means a lot coming from you. I'm going to start on supper soon." She added, desperately trying to keep her heartbeat under control.
"Great. I'm gonna grab a quick shower, then I'll join you downstairs." He smiled again and she felt her anxiety take hold as her knees started to quiver.
"Awesome. Enjoy it." She waved at him and slowly walked down the stairs, listening with bated breath until she heard the bathroom door close. Once downstairs, she ran out of the kitchen and sprinted down the porch steps to the Impala. The girls were anxiously waiting close by.
"I've got it!" She held up the keys as they all quickly piled into the unlocked car. She slipped the key in the ignition and turned it once, holding her breath for a smooth getaway.
ooOoo
"Hey Bobby!" Sam called over the noise as Bobby made some final adjustments to the car he was working on. The old hunter peaked out from under the hood as Adam turned off the ignition.
"Sam?" Bobby eyed the younger Winchester suspiciously. It wasn't often that Sam came down to the garage just to chat.
"I'm looking for Isabeau." Sam said, looking around.
"She ain't here, boy. Did you check the house?" Bobby frowned as he watched Sam intently.
"Nelle said she was down here with you." Sam frowned as he walked out of the garage, looking towards the house. Thinking it over, he also didn't see Nelle in the kitchen when he came downstairs but he figured she would be with Dean since he was in his room.
"What's wrong, Sam?" Bobby asked, wiping his hands on a rag which he threw to the side.
"Not sure, Bobby." Sam said over his shoulder as he started jogging back to the house.
ooOoo
"How does Dean call Cas?" Andrea asked as they sped on towards town.
Nelle smiled as she looked over her shoulder to where Isabeau and Andrea were sharing the backseat while Rowena was riding shotgun. "I think he called out to him or something." She said, tapping on the steering wheel. "I'll try." Clearing her throat, she quickly looked up while still maintaining her eyes on the road.
"Hey Cas, we know you're super busy but can you come down for a second? We're in the Impala." Nelle said out loud then started to giggle. This entire trip was exhilarating. She knew Dean might be a little unhappy with her for taking his car without permission, but she felt strangely okay with it since she knew he trusted her; even with the Impala. It was quiet for a moment until the faint flutter of wings was heard and Cas appeared between the girls at the back.
"Hello Nelle." Cas said, looking around before acknowledging the other girls. "Isabeau, Rowena, Andrea." He cocked his head to the side, frowning.
"Hey Cas!" They all sang together, giggling.
"What is going on?" The angel asked, slightly confused. "Where are Sam and Dean?"
"They're back at Bobby's. We're going to the shops quickly, before they close. Would you mind hanging with us for security?" Andrea said, rubbing her hand over his arm.
Cas looked nervously at Andrea's hand on his arm. There wasn't much space to pull away from her. Isabeau noticed his discomfort and touched his knee while sweetly smiling at him.
"I know I'm on some Djinn's hit list but with you around, I'll be safe, right?" she batted her eyes, knowing it was super cheesy since he was an angel but she felt like they needed to win his favour, get him to stay without telling the guys what they were up to. Not yet anyway.
"Are Sam and Dean okay with this?" Castiel looked between the girls as he cleared his throat and smoothed out his trench coat.
"Well," Nelle looked at him in the rearview mirror. "Dean does trust me, you know. Besides, I left him a note."
Castiel sighed out loud, turning his head slightly to the side, as if listening but looked back at the girls. "I would feel better if they were here. Maybe you should turn around."
"Sorry, Cas, can't do. Besides, look, there is the town. Just a couple minutes more." Andrea pointed excitedly as they drove past the pub.
Rubbing his arm slightly, squeezing his biceps a bit, Isabeau smiled sweetly at the angel. "It's okay if you don't want to stay, Cas. You probably have more important things to do in heaven than babysit me. But it could be fun if you stayed." She leaned a bit closer and kissed him on the cheek. Castiel blushed a little and turned his head away just to be met with Andrea's smiling face.
"We do feel safe with you since you are so strong and brave." Cas nodded, feeling proud.
"Look, here's the shop with the dress I had in mind." Rowena said excitedly as Nelle swiftly parked the car in a spot right in front of the shop. All the girls piled out of the car, leaving Castiel still sitting in the middle of the backseat. Rowena leaned in through the door. "Well, are you coming, angel?"
Frowning at her, he swiftly moved over the seat and stepped out of the vehicle, closing the door behind him. Nelle, Isabeau and Andrea were looking at all the beautiful dresses in the window display when Rowena pushed the door open and beckoned for them to go inside. Reluctantly, Cas followed.
It was already buzzing with excitement when Cas stepped inside the shop as everybody was talking at the same time. Confused, he stayed back. He didn't understand all the psycho-babble about dresses and accessories. Everyone was huddled around Isabeau and after thoroughly scanning the shop from top to bottom and the people working there, satisfied that they posed no threat, Cas relaxed a bit but stayed alert as new customers would arrive every few minutes.
He wasn't entirely convinced the boys were okay with them going on this impromptu trip but since he was there he felt obligated to protect that which belonged to the Winchesters and that meant Nelle and Isabeau.
ooOoo
"Cas, CAS!" Dean called again as he kept the cellphone against his ear. It was the third time he was calling Nelle's cell but she was still not picking up.
"Hey Dean, did you see this?" Bobby asked as he came from the kitchen, holding a note in his hand.
Both Sam and Dean walked closer as Bobby held out the piece of paper for them to see.
Hey Dean
We're taking the Impala for a quick trip to the shops.
Have to get a ritual dress for Isabeau.
Be back soon!
Love ya!
N
xoxox
"Son of a bitch!" Dean roared as he felt his pockets and realized for the first time that he did not have the Impala keys on him.
ooOoo
Several shops later, the girls sank into the chairs at the café on the corner. It was just after five and they were exhausted. Having bought way more than just a ceremonial dress, as Rowena called it, they had bags full of accessories, make up, shoes and one or two strange ingredients Rowena picked up at the herb shop in Long Street. Nelle knew about the place but was always hesitant to enter. Rowena seemed confident as she dragged Isabeau inside with her. They weren't there for long before they came out with several small, unusual glass bottles.
Through it all, Cas lingered a step or two behind. While enjoying the enthusiasm and joy the girls brought to the day, he was always watching, searching out every face they passed. Everybody was given a definitive stare as Cas was analyzing every corner of town, always keeping a watchful eye on Isabeau and Nelle.
He could feel Isabeau's ecstasy coming off her in waves as she skipped alongside her new friends, going from shop to shop. Never tiring, always giggling. He didn't understand it all; the human need to have things. Like a crow attracted to shiny things, the girls were picking up items, touching everything. Even Rowena enjoyed herself. It wasn't often that she could spend a leisurely day out with the girls and Cas noticed, more than once, how she paused, deep in thought. A sad smile would tug at the corner of her mouth as she watched them having fun.
"Did we get everything?" Isabeau asked out of breath as she bent down to rub her ankles. At long last they were able to get her some sneakers, since she wasn't too fond of the flip flops she borrowed from Nelle. The dress was beautiful too.
"Well I hope so," Andrea said as she peaked into the bag she had with her.
"I don't want to cook tonight," Nelle complained as she quickly looked over the menu on the table. "Maybe we can get pizzas or something and pie. What do you girls think?"
The overwhelming response was positive.
"You think we can get milkshakes?" Isabeau asked, looking between the girls.
"Oh yes, I haven't had a milkshake in forever!" Nelle licked her lips, glancing back at the menu. "I'll go ask. Which flavours though?"
"Chocolate for me!" Andrea said.
"Me too." Isabeau nodded.
"What are milkshakes?" Cas asked curiously as Nelle quickly walked to the counter to place a large order of pizzas and milkshakes.
"You'll see, Cas. We'll get you a chocolate one too." Andrea patted his arm before getting up to join Nelle at the counter, and to add a milkshake for Cas. Looking at Rowena, Isabeau sighed loudly.
"What is wrong, darlin'?" the witch asked, watching her closely.
"Nothing, I'm just thinking you know, tomorrow night I'll be a creature of the supernatural kind so this is my last night on earth as a human."
"You are still human, Isabeau." Cas started but Rowena stopped him, shaking her head.
"What would you like to do for your last night, my dear?"
Thinking for a bit, Isabeau stared off into the late afternoon, watching the sun beginning its descent over the western sky. "We should celebrate."
"What are we celebrating?" Andrea asked from the side as she balanced the milkshakes in both hands while Nelle carried the pizzas.
"My last night as a human." She smiled at her friend. "Do you think we should buy some booze, Nelle?"
"No need, the boys bought wine the other day. It's in the pantry. Will that suffice?" Nelle asked as she handed the pizzas over to Cas and dug for the Impala's keys in her handbag.
"Yip that will do." Andrea smiled as they gathered all the bags and headed for the car.
ooOoo
The drive home went much quicker than the one into town. Cas offered to drive as the girls were already spent and couldn't stop talking. Relieved, Nelle slipped into the backseat with Isabeau and Andrea, discussing everything they've seen and more. Cas looked over to Rowena where she sat staring out of the window.
"You're very quiet." He noted.
Turning her head to briefly look at him and nodded. "Just been thinking." She replied.
Cas didn't want to nudge her too much. He could feel the nervous energy bouncing off her in waves. He knew she wasn't one to talk and open up either but yet he was concerned for Isabeau and the impending ritual.
When he felt the silence had stretched out long enough, he cleared his throat. "Are you ready for tomorrow?"
"Aye." The witch replied. "But what happens after tomorrow?" She turned her head and looked at him.
"I don't know." The angel replied in truth. Nobody had really thought about the day after tomorrow when all would be different. "Would you stick around to guide her?" he asked.
"I don't know. We'll see." Was all she offered as Cas turned into the Salvage yard.
ooOoo
Dean was waiting for them on the porch when Cas parked the Impala in the appointed spot and they all piled out of the car. If it was possible at all, Cas would have said that there was lightning and thunder in Dean's eyes as he glared at them. Without a word, he opened the kitchen door and went inside without waiting for them.
Quietly they walked into the kitchen, but abruptly stopped inside the kitchen door, with their arms full of parcels, pizzas and milkshakes. Bobby, Sam, Adam and Pieter were quietly standing at the opposite side of the room, their arms crossed over their chests, waiting for Dean to start lashing out at them. Dean was quietly pacing. They watched him for a couple of minutes before he finally stopped in front of the angel. Dean looked him up and down for a moment. "Something wrong with your phone, Cas?"
Tipping his head slightly to the side, the angel frowned in confusion. "No, Dean."
Slipping his hand over his face, Dean stared at his protector. "So you couldn't just phone me and tell me you were with them?"
"I was told that you knew." Cas tried but Dean didn't give him a chance.
"Knew? You thought I knew? I called you Cas!" Dean cried out, despondent.
"I heard you, Dean, but I couldn't come. I was with the girls, keeping them safe."
"Well, next time I call and you cannot answer, use the damn cellphone. Isn't that why you have it?"
Cas didn't reply, he just stared at the ground. He was sad that Dean was angry with him. He didn't quite understand why though. He thought he was doing the right thing.
"We brought you pie." Nelle quietly said when silence fell over the kitchen and the only sound that could be heard was Dean's heavy breathing.
"Don't you even start, woman." He briskly walked up and down again, rubbing his face with the palm of his hand. He stopped for a moment but didn't look at her, just shook his head. "I can't believe you did that, Nelle! Driving off without telling me or better yet, asking me if you can take the car! Then lying to Sam about Isabeau's whereabouts and doing so without me or Sam going with you? What were you thinking?"
"I…uhm," Nelle started but he swiftly turned to Rowena.
"And you," he paused for a moment, pointing at the red-head. "How could you coerce these girls into doing something so stupid? You know what's out there!" Rowena pursed her lips and stared right back at Dean.
"We thought you were kidnapped!" Dean huffed. To say he was upset, was putting it mildly. Maybe pissed off was also the wrong term to use. He was growling and huffing and puffing like a bull about to charge.
"Whose ridiculous idea was this in any case?" He roared.
"I'm sorry." Nelle whispered softly, biting her lip that started to tremble. Isabeau grabbed her hand and squeezed it tight, then stepped forward and placed the milkshakes on the table in front of her.
"It was my idea." She said loudly. Dean's head snapped up. Within two steps he stood in front of her, looking her up and down. Isabeau didn't back down, she just straightened her back and looked up into his eyes, without blinking.
"Your idea?" Dean asked, narrowing his eyes. "The shopping or taking the car?"
"Both," Isabeau said but Andrea interrupted her as she too stepped forward, taking her friend's hand.
"No, it was actually my idea," Andrea stood up straight, staring at Dean. She was a tad shorter than Isabeau and therefore had to look up even more to stare into his eyes but she didn't let that intimidate her.
Nelle set the pizzas on the table and joined the girls, holding Isabeau's other hand, she looked up to Dean. "It was actually my idea to go." She couldn't stop the tears anymore but she was done backing away from this fight. She knew she messed up and she was facing it head on. She couldn't let the girls take the heat for this alone.
Dean stepped a bit back, properly looking at all three of them. Shaking his head, he narrowed his eyes, giving them the Winchester-glare. "So all three of you decided on this ridiculous idea? At the same time?"
Clearing her throat, Rowena stepped forward to stand in front of the girls, glaring at Dean. "Oh please, Winchester, like you were such a golden boy. If you want to be mad at someone, then you be mad at me. It was my idea after all. But let me tell you something," she stepped forward, pointing a finger at him. "These are not children. They are full grown women that can think and reason for themselves. I doubt they need a babysitter. The way you tantrum, one would think we've left to go on a hunt all by ourselves. You think I have an ulterior motive and that I was manipulating them but all I've done since I've joined you on this case was to help out and assist and stand by this girl who is so fragile and new to all this supernatural business. I don't need to be here but I am the only one that can unlock the mystery inside of her. So shut your mouth, Dean Winchester."
"Gmph," Dean snorted as he turned around and looked at Sam and Bobby. He was out of options. He didn't know what to say anymore. Were they children, he would have spanked them all and sent them to their rooms with no dinner. But Rowena had a point. They were all grown women.
"At least they are safe, Dean." Sam stepped forward, resting his hand on his brother's shoulder as he looked at the girls. "I'm sure you are sorry for what you did. It could have turned out to be a disaster. We were worried sick when we discovered you were gone."
"I'm sorry, Sam." Isabeau looked down to her new black sneakers. It was a comfortable fit and she liked the way the pink and purple stars glimmered in the light. Sam came to stand in front of her and opened his arms. She immediately stepped forward into his embrace where she fit so perfectly against him. She sagged a bit against his warmth, glad to be in his arms, relieved that he wasn't mad at her.
"All is forgiven," he whispered into her hair, "but I was so worried. I really thought you were kidnapped. Please don't ever do that again!" She nodded but didn't let go. She needed the reassurance just a little bit longer.
"Can we eat, I'm hungry." Adam piped up from the side. With all the shouting and anger, everyone forgot it was supper time and the smell of freshly oven baked pizza hung in the air.
"That's a great idea," Bobby said as he got out some plates and set the table while Nelle quickly helped unpacking the pizzas and milkshakes.
Despite the unpleasantness at the start of the evening, everyone did enjoy the food; even Cas who said chocolate milkshake was much better tasting molecules than beer. They discussed the ritual and Rowena gave them an overview of the events of the following evening, what the spell entailed and how she envisioned things were to happen. The only thing they still needed was the proper area to do the spell. Since the spell required the four elements of nature, she advised they should do it outside in an open space under the full moon.
"What about that field at the back of the salvage yard?" Isabeau asked, looking up with a gleam in her eye. "You know, the one I ran off to that one time."
"It's not warded." Bobby noted.
"Yeah but can't you secure it somehow?" Adam asked excitedly. It was the first time he would be involved with some major supernatural event and he couldn't contain himself.
"We'll have to check it out tomorrow. It's too dark now." Sam offered. "But perhaps it can work."
"I'm sure it will be fine," Nelle said. "There are trees, and a large open field and nothing else for as far as the eye can see. I'm sure it will be perfect. What do you think, Dean?" She looked at him expectedly but he didn't say anything. Just excused himself from the table and went outside. Dean was still unhappy and Nelle knew it. She felt really sad that she betrayed his trust and had tried to keep quiet most of the evening.
"Don't worry about it," Sam said, reaching over, patting her arm as she tried to hide the tears slipping over her cheek.
"I'm really sorry, Sam. I shouldn't have done that. And lying to you, I knew it was wrong but I just…"
Sam suddenly stood up and walked around the table to envelop her in a big hug. "Shhh," he comforted her. "I'm not mad, okay. You made a mistake and you're sorry for it. We've all done that and much, much worse, even Dean. Just give him a couple hours to cool down. He'll be back to his old self in no time."
Nodding, she smiled up at him before turning to the table to start cleaning up. Isabeau got up to help her and soon the kitchen was clean again. Moments later Sam and Bobby walked into the kitchen with flashlights and some salt.
"Is everything okay?" Isabeau asked, looking concerned.
"It's fine, Iz. Bobby and I decided to go check on that field now. Maybe tomorrow is too late. There won't be a lot of time to do all that needs to be done if that isn't the right spot." Sam bent down and quickly kissed her on the forehead before following Bobby out the door.
Nelle stood to the side, watching them go when Adam walked into the kitchen with a container of salt. Bobby waited for him until he stood on the other side of the door. "Now you girls stay here with Adam. He will look after you. No running after us. Cas and Dean will be going with us as well." Bobby looked between Nelle and Isabeau, waiting for them to confirm they understood. Then, looking at Adam, he closed the kitchen door and motioned through the window. "Don't break the salt line."
Adam nodded and promptly got to work, pouring a thick layer of salt against the closed door. When he was done, he took a step back and also placed a layer of salt at the window.
"What's with the salt?" Isabeau asked, frowning just as Andrea walked into the kitchen.
"It keeps most supernatural things out, especially demons." Adam said as he closed the lid of the container and put the salt away in the pantry.
"You're kidding right?" Isabeau said, looking down.
"Nope." Nelle shook her head.
"Uhm…okay then, I'm not even gonna ask." She shook her head.
Looking from one to the other, failing to notice the salt, Andrea asked, "Where's that wine you kept bragging about on the way over here?" Turning around, Isabeau stared wide-eyed at her friend.
"Dré, what are you doing?"
"Celebrating, remember." She smirked as she opened the cupboard, looking for wine glasses.
"Well, I guess you're right. There isn't a better time than now and we did say we were celebrating your last night on earth as a human." Nelle grinned as she helped Andrea find the wine glasses.
"You think it's safe to go sit outside on the porch?" Andrea asked, eyeing the door.
"Nope." Isabeau shook her head. "We just sealed the door with salt besides we're in enough trouble as it is and remembering a few nights ago when I sat outside with Rowena in the middle of the night, the boys were also pissed, so I vote for drinking right here in the kitchen!" She fist bumped into the air, causing Nelle and Andrea to burst out laughing.
"I've got a better idea," Nelle winked at them. Leaning closer to her she whispered out loud. "Basement."
"Basement?" Isabeau asked, confused.
Nelle started smiling while nodding her head. "Think about it. It's safe, as per Bobby and Sam, it's even warded and it's right here in the house. I'm sure it will be okay, what do you think?"
"Best. Plan. Ever." Andrea smirked as she gathered three wine glasses between the fingers of each hand and headed for the basement door. She kicked the door lightly with her foot and it swung open slowly.
"Where's the light?" Isabeau asked, coming up behind her.
Nelle quickly reached past her and with a flick of her wrist, light flooded the space. "Tada." She said, triumphantly. "Let me just get some scatter cushions. No need to carry the table down again."
"Bring some music too!" Andrea yelled as Nelle disappeared up the stairs again. Ten minutes later Rowena had joined the festivities down below as they were listening to a playlist on Nelle's phone and dancing.
"Come over, we have to toast!" Nelle called above the music as she poured the red wine out into all the glasses, handing one to each woman.
"To being human, woman and badass!" Nelle said, lifting her glass.
"To being human, woman and badass!" Everyone echoed and then took a sip of the red liquid.
Isabeau pulled a face after her first sip. She wasn't very fond of red wine. Rosé was more her thing or Bad Girl but since red and white was all they had, it would have to do. One other fact also came to mind as she ignored the taste and took another sip, swirling it around her mouth like a pro at a wine tasting farm, she knew she should go easy on the alcohol since she was a lightweight when it came to drinking. But tonight was all about her last time as a human. Last hours as a silly girl. After tomorrow she would be known as a hybrid...whatever that meant.
Rolling her eyes and clearing her throat, she raised her glass. Everyone looked up expectantly.
"To the last of human-me!" She giggled and brought the glass to her lips again but waited for the others.
"Hear-hear!" Andrea echoed as they all nodded and took another sip of their drinks.
"What is this? You girls drinking without us?" Adam and Pieter curiously came inside.
Giggling, Nelle handed them each a glass and then filled it to the brim, careful not to spill. "We're celebrating being human. Now, less talking, more drinking!" And with that she turned back to the girls to clink her glass once more. "To Isabeau!" she called out.
"To Isabeau," they all echoed.
ooOoo
Sam shone his light over the trees and field. It was quite dark without the moon but they had strong flashlights that shone very brightly in front of them.
"This is a good spot." Bobby said, coming up from behind. "We can clear an area here." He said, shining his light in a circle.
"What do you think Dean?" Sam looked up at his brother who had not said much since he agreed to follow them to the field. He still looked mad. "Dean?" Sam asked again, tapping the older Winchester on the shoulder.
"What?" he asked annoyed.
"What do you think? Will this suffice for the ritual tomorrow night?"
Shaking his head, to clear his head and focus on the task at hand, he quickly scanned the area. "Yeah, should be fine. We can secure it with some sigils or hex bags or something. Should be okay."
"Are you okay?" Sam asked softly.
"I'm fine, Sammy." He grunted and walked away. Cas jogged over to where Bobby was still standing in the middle of the field. He didn't have a flashlight as he could see perfectly well in the dark, as if it was day.
"Found anything Cas?" Sam asked curiously.
"There's nothing here, for miles. It all seems a bit too good to be true though."
"Dean said we can secure it with sigils and hex bags. Will you help us identify some areas tomorrow?" Sam asked, looking at the angel.
"Yes." Cas nodded as he looked past Sam to where Dean disappeared back through the branches next to the old VW Beetle.
Dean was tapping the steering wheel as he waited for everyone to get back to the car so they could make the short trip back to the house. Once they parked in front of the house again, everyone got out except Dean.
"Aren't you coming?" Sam leaned down, looking at his brother.
"I'm going for a drive, I'll be back later." Dean said as he promptly put Baby in reverse and drove towards the exit.
"What's eating him?" Bobby asked, coming up behind Sam.
"Not sure, Bobby." Sam shook his head, staring after the disappearing lights of the Impala.
"Shall I follow him?" Cas asked, joining them.
"I'm sure he's fine, Cas. Just needs to work this out by himself."
"He's still unhappy about earlier." Cas replied sadly. He felt responsible for causing this.
"It's not your fault, Cas. Besides, it's been dealt with and forgiven. He just needs some time to cool off." Sam said as he turned and headed up the steps. But stopped as soon as he reached the kitchen door, peering inside.
"What's wrong?" Bobby asked, coming from behind.
"Where is everyone?" Sam opened the kitchen door and carefully stepped over the salt line. It was dead quiet inside the house. Taking out his gun, he carefully walked towards the living room but quickly stepped back into the kitchen, concern etched all over his face.
Picking up on his distress, Cas headed for the stairs. He soon came back down again, shaking his head. "Where can they be?" Sam asked confused, taking out his phone to let Dean know but just as it started ringing they heard the faint sound of distant laughter. Frowning, he ended the call and followed the sound, followed closely by Bobby and Cas.
Sam cautiously walked down the stairs towards the basement. Gun and flashlight held out in front of him but he soon put it away as he saw the open basement door and the dancing bodies inside. Andrea and Pieter were attempting some form of folk dancing. Twirling and spinning around the room while Isabeau showed Adam some basic dance steps. Rowena was swaying by herself and Nelle sat on the floor between some scatter cushions, enjoying a large glass of wine.
Looking up, Nelle froze for a moment as she saw Sam standing in the door, before jumping up. She momentarily looked down at the spilled wine and giggled as the liquid ran down her hand to her elbow which she chased with her tongue, trying to lick it up while walking between the dancing bodies towards Sam. Without a word, she took him by the arm and led him towards the back where there were a couple of empty bottles standing on the floor next to the cushions.
"Nelle, what are you guys doing?" Sam started asking but Nelle shook her head, placing her fingers on his lips. Pulling him down, she leaned over to whisper in his ear but since she couldn't keep her balance, she nearly fell. Luckily Sam kept her upright as he bent down. "We're celebrating."
"I can see that but what are you celebrating?" He asked, looking about. It was clear they've had more than enough wine as nearly all the bottles were already empty.
"You're here!" Isabeau let go of Adam and skipped towards Sam, giggling like a schoolgirl. "Come dance with me." She pulled him by his arm and he reluctantly let Nelle go who somehow kept herself from falling.
"I uh…I don't dance, Iz." Sam said, pulling her out of the way as Andrea and Pieter danced past them to the beat of a rather fast song.
"Nonsense!" She called out as she lifted his one arm and twirled underneath. Sam just stood there, watching her go, holding her hand. She kept dancing around him, giggling and leaning in for small kisses and when the song was over, she fell against him. Half hugging, half leaning against his large frame.
"I think you girls had about enough for one night." Sam said as looked down, cupping her face.
"No. This is my last night, Sam. We have to see this through."
"I think you've seen it through enough. Come on." He said, but Isabeau pulled away from him. Walking over to the cushions she picked up one of the glasses and took a rather large sip. Sam shook his head as he followed her. Taking her glass he smelled the content and pulled a face. "What is this?" He asked.
"That," Isabeau said, straining to keep her eyes open, "would be the last bit of red of the one bottle and the last bit of white of the other bottle," she giggled. "I couldn't let them go to waste and it was not enough for one glass only."
"So you combined them?" He asked, looking at her with big eyes.
"Well, they mix in my stomach in any case." Isabeau grinned up at him.
"I think it's time for bed. You've got a long day ahead of you tomorrow."
"Ah, Sam, don't be a spoilsport now!" Andrea sang from the side of the room where she was resting against Pieter. Looking over to Bobby, Sam shook his head.
Bobby picked up Nelle's phone and turned off the music. "PARTY'S OVER, TIME FOR BED, ALL OF YOU!" He growled and they suddenly all seemed to stand a little bit straighter, a little more attentive.
"My head doesn't feel so good." Adam said as he stumbled across the room towards the door.
"Yer a bunch of idjits." Bobby said as he quickly helped Adam towards his room.
Once Adam was settled for the night, Bobby came back to help Sam with Andrea and Pieter who refused to climb the stairs while Cas helped Rowena settle in for the night. Since that night she was found chatting to Isabeau alone on the porch, Bobby had offered her the study as an alternative to sleeping in the living room on the couch. At least there was a sleeper couch she found comfortable enough.
When Sam came back down he found Isabeau and Nelle sitting between the scatter cushions. They were blowing into the empty bottles, trying to create different sounds and giggled every time they couldn't coordinate their mouths correctly to blow into the bottle. Dean made his appearance in the doorway. Looking over the scene in front of him, noticing the state at which the girls were in, he shook his head at first. Sam noticed him standing there and they had a silent conversation before Dean joined his brother.
"Hey Sweetheart, it's time for bed." Dean gently took the bottle from Nelle and cupped her face, lifting her head so she could look at him.
"'m sorry." She mumbled, pushing slightly against him, knocking some bottles over in the process.
"I know you are." He combed his fingers through her hair, curling some behind her ear. "I'm sorry too."
"I thought it would be okay." She opened one eye and peeked at him. Dean smiled at her as he gently pulled her up.
"Let's talk tomorrow, 'kay?" He kissed her cheek and she stood in front of him for a moment before nodding. Leaning forward, she fell against him but Dean caught her just in time. He lifted her bridal style and started for the stairs.
"Sam?" Isabeau called as she traced a pattern with her finger over the bottle's label.
"Yes, my love," he knelt next to her, resting his hand on her thigh.
"I'm sorry," she slurred, blinking slowly but her eyelids were becoming too heavy with alcohol- induced sleepiness to keep them open for long.
"Come to bed sleepy head, we can talk about this tomorrow."
"I'm not drunk." She said as she abruptly stood up, grabbing on to him for balance.
Sam shook his head, smiling as he pulled her closer. "Sure not at all," he smirked.
"I'm not, promise. See, my feet can walk in a straight stripe." She managed to take two steps away from him before sinking to the ground, giggling.
"Whoops, let's get you up." He hooked his arms under her small frame and picked her up bridal style.
"You're really strong." She giggled as he started climbing the stairs.
"And you're really drunk," he chuckled.
"Am not." She argued, raising her finger in the air. "I'm just like that song."
"What song?" He asked as they reached their room and he gently laid her on the bed and started on untying her sneakers.
"You know, that wet song."
"Wet song?" Sam frowned.
"I'm gonna sing it, don't laugh." She said, looking seriously at Sam.
Trying hard not to smile he kept a straight face as he promised to not laugh.
"Okay, here goes: I feel it in my fingers, I feel it in my toes," Isabeau's clear voice echoed through the room. Towards the back of the house, Andrea joined in "Love is all around me, and so the feeling grows."
"SHUT UP!" Everyone else shouted to quiet them down. After a fit of giggles, Isabeau lay down against the pillow, still giggling as Sam removed the last of her clothes and slipped the t-shirt and pants on her. She wasn't even fazed about him seeing her naked. Propping herself up on her elbows she looked at him as he quickly stripped out of his own clothes and climbed into bed next to her.
"You're hot!" she said, licking her lips.
Sam just smiled at her, shaking his head. Leaning over he held his hand out to her. "Drink this, you'll thank me later." Eyeing the two white tablets, Isabeau frowned up at him.
"I don't think alcohol and drugs should mix."
Grinning he handed her the bottle of water too. "Yeah, but if you don't take it you're gonna have one hell of a hangover tomorrow. It's just Aspirin, promise."
Without another word, she placed the tablets at the back of her tongue and quickly washed them down with the water. Sam switched the light off and slipped under the covers next to her. Snuggling into his chest she whispered, "I love you, Sam," before falling into a deep sleep.