The Light's Journey

Garth smiled as he sat down at the computer. It had been a good day. He got to see his old friends Sam and Dean. He even got to help said friends. He practically rescued them from the fight club for monsters. He 'Garthed' that massive vamp!

It was strange though. It was strange that the Winchesters, who seemed so invincible, were going through normal problems. It was something that he did every day. Well, what was normal for a werewolf, at least. Sam and Dean… they were larger than life to the point that they were practically legends. To hear Dean have cavities and Sam getting a cold… it sounded weird. Not mention what they went through with that huge vamp. It was kind of embarrassing.

At least he got to see his old friends. Garth was more than happy to help with the normal stuff. Plus, Bess was serious and you didn't want to cross her. Her cousin got that loud and clear when she essentially made him tell the Winchesters about the fight ring. Garth was glad that she was there. She and Bess would have tag teamed and it wouldn't have been pretty.

A beep on the computer sounded and he turned it on. He smiled and said, "Perfect timing as always. They just left."

Angela's face showed on the screen. She had Jess sitting with her and the little girl was beaming at the screen. She was a pretty baby and Garth always thought she got the looks from Angela. He smiled and said, "Hi Jess. Being good for Mommy?"

Gar!

Garth chuckled at the little girl's attempt to say his name. She was definitely Sam's kid and credit did have to go to Angela since she was the one that made the effort to make Jess familiar with the people that mattered. He looked at Angela, "Like I said, perfect timing."

I figured as such.

"You're really not going to tell me how you do that."

I haven't even told Sam, much less Dean. Besides, a little mystery keeps things interesting. How are Bess and Gracie?

"Good."

And Sammy and Cas?

"Boys." Garth made a slight face, but it was hardly effective since it was clear he loved his boys. He looked at his friend and almost felt guilty that he never mentioned that Angela kept in touch. Sam didn't want to bother him because they didn't want to bring trouble to his family. Garth didn't quite see it that way when Angela kept in touch after meeting Bess.

That had been rather rocky since Bess was ready to rip Angela apart for no reason other than that she had vamp blood in her. It was crazy how close they became after differences were settled. They became like best friends, the kind that were friends in the PTA kind of thing. Then again that was always the thing with Angela. She treated everything as normal even when for the most part it wasn't. Garth appreciated that especially when she hugged him after learning what happened to him.

Yeah, I know a thing or two about that. Did Bess try that herbal remedy for colic that I recommended?

"Oh yeah. Worked like a charm," Garth replied, pulled from his musings. "She told me to email you the secret recipe for a cold. She said you might need it."

I'm always in the market for different ideas. I take it that it worked on Sam?

Garth nodded, "Yeah." He then smiled, "Oh and Dean has a clean bill of health for his teeth."

I'm glad. How were they?

"To be honest," Garth looked around like he expected the Winchesters to pop out from behind the door before turning back to the screen, "They kind of… sucked." He looked at Angela almost apologetic. "They were normal."

And I bet they thought they were in hell.

"They didn't say that, but… yeah they did." Garth nodded in agreement. He frowned a little and asked, "Angie… I don't mean to be… blunt, but it seems that you are taking this way too well. I mean… you've lived with Sam and Dean for years. You've done some pretty incredible things yourself. How is it that you're… not… affected?"

He really didn't have any other way to describe what his thoughts were. He did find it strange that Angela did seem normal. He spoke to Sam and Sam revealed that she was fine and that nothing unusual was going on. It had him puzzled as he looked at the woman on the screen and prayed that she wasn't offended by his choice of words.

I don't really know. The only explanation I have is the fact that Chuck can't affect me as he likes.

Garth looked at the equally puzzling frown on her face as she thought about it. "It just doesn't make sense, Angie. The things I've read about you…"

A normal person doing extraordinary things when the occasion calls for it.

Garth gave a slight smile. "But you really aren't normal, Angie. You're…"

A woman with a condition that causes her to have abnormal strength and occasionally eye flares.

Garth started laughing at the straight face she had as she gave her reasoning. It caused Jess on her lap to wriggle and giggle. The smile that formed made him laugh even more. He sat back in his chair. "Okay, you win."

I usually do.

"And the right amount of smugness too." Garth smiled at her as he leaned back in his chair. He sobered and sighed. He looked at her, "Is it really that bad. With them…"

It's a good learning experience.

Garth didn't say anything. He leaned forwards and propped his chin on his hand as he looked at the twins in their playpen. He wasn't sure of what to say since she was so matter of fact about things.

It's how I am.

"What?" Garth looked at the screen and frowned since he wasn't sure that he heard correctly.

Garth, I don't consider myself the hero. Never did. I always saw myself as an ordinary person, give or take the fact that I can beat up a wrestler and kicked the crap out of an angel at full power. I am not bothered by it because that is how I lived most of my life. Yes, I was a part of different groups as time went by, but I was just like the humans. I had my abilities but I never used them. You know me… I prefer to drive, walk… take a train than use Angel Air.

I wash, cook, and clean. I have Jess. I am just like any other mother.

Garth took in the smile. To him, she wasn't just any other mother. She was… Angie. He didn't see her as like anyone else. She was above the little people. Yet, she never saw that about herself.

I learned and have lived without depending on my abilities.

Garth looked at her. "So you've lived like a human all your life."

Probably why I'm not freaking out. It's always been normal for me.

"And it drove Sam and Dean crazy." Garth couldn't help but grin. While it had been serious business in that the guys that he hero worshiped were stripped of what made them the heroes, it had been hilarious. He looked at her and said in a sober tone, "It would be bad if they were to go up against God like they are."

I know. The thought crossed my mind. I also know that even without their 'luck', they would still do the job. It's how they are.

"How you are too," Garth pointed out. "I read about you. I read how you fight no matter what the odds. Even when things are super bad… you fight."

And the price was often high, Garth. Enemy became friend and friend became enemy based on the choices I made. I know the life of a hero. I am no hero.

Garth studied her. "I think you're wrong on that," he replied. "You are a hero. Nothing you say will change that."

You are hopeless, but I still love you.

Garth was well aware of how Angela saw the world. She didn't say the word lightly. She was the kind of person to mean what she said and to hear it from her… it was an honor and it cemented the bond as friends they were. He smiled at her, "You're my friend. Always."

As the song goes, friends stick together.

They shared a chuckle at that. Garth tried hard not to laugh too hard since the twins were quieting down and if they knew that their auntie Angie was on the computer, then he would never have peace and quiet. He sobered when she sobered. She was smiling but he could see the serious expression on her face. He nodded, "I pointed them in the direction of Alaska."

I know. Thank you.

"It's the least I can do. Like you, the Winchesters do what they have to. I know they are going against God or Chuck even as they are."

I don't expect nothing less. It is who they are.

"And who you are, too. They'll need you."

And when the time comes, I will be there. For now… someone needs my attention.

Garth looked at Jess as Angela adjusted Jess on her knee. It did seem strange, but he knew that Angela operated on priorities; what was most important in her view. Always it circled around life. The choices she made before meeting Sam and Dean and even after were geared to reap highest level of life. It tore her up as it did anyone when someone died, but she kept going. He got it and sure as hell the Winchesters did.

I don't doubt that the boys will figure things out. Once they do… it'll work out.

"Ever the optimist?"

I have faith.

Garth chuckled at that simple answer. It was always the same when they talked. This time it was no different. He still didn't understand how she could be so calm about what happened, but he got the distinct feeling that she knew what it was about. Even if she didn't, she would find out and take it from there. He spent the remaining time chatting with her about the normal things, mostly about the kids and differently parenting techniques. It was a pretty normal evening between two friends.

A/N: Garth and Angela have a normal conversation after Sam and Dean leave for Alaska. Normal as in the kids and the overall health of everyone. Tag to The Heroes' Journey.