Chapter 26

Special thanks to bjq for your reviews! Means a lot And Arianna Le Fay for your request.

Two months had gone by since Hailey had found out Dean was back. Two months she hadn't heard a word from him. Castiel tried popping in as much as he could, which wasn't a lot. He would give her the latest news. Seemed even if Lilith was dead her minions were continuing her quest to break the 66 seals to free Lucifer from the cage. So far they weren't doing so great... Seemed like Dean was getting to Castiel more than the angel would let her know.

Hailey finished another work shift, she could feel her ankle swell up and start to throb. She couldn't wait to get her feet up and watch a sappy romantic movie that she would usually cry about, damn hormones she thought to herself. She entered her studio apartment and stripped heading right to the shower. She enjoyed the hot water wash away her day, she washed her hair, getting the coffee smell out of it. She stayed under the stream of water a bit longer before shutting off the shower and stepped out, wrapping a towel around herself. She opened the door of the bathroom and rammed into something hard.

Jesus! Castiel! You need a bell or something. Hailey said backing away to a more comfortable distance.

So I have been told... The angel said pensively.

You shouldn't take your showers so hot, it will not help the swelling go down...

Wh- Have you been spying on me?!

How else can I assure your safety?

God you're creepy. Hailey rolled her eyes, walking to her bedroom, shutting the door behind her and got into a pair of sweats and a tank top, she looked at her reflexion and sighed, her tank top was too small now, her belly was popping out from under.

I do know when to look away... If you go to the washroom, when you're getting dressed or- Castiel said through the door.

For the love of god stop talking. Hailey pleaded not liking the thought of Castiel watching her.

Castiel kept silent while Hailey changed into a bigger shirt, one she had stole from Sam a while back. She left her room and sat on the couch, putting her achy feet on the coffee table. For a moment both of them just looked at each other, she could tell something was bothering him.

Alright, not that I don't like your company and all, but, is something on your mind, Castiel? She asked as she wiggled her toes, leaning a bit more against the couch, her back also started to ache.

Without a word Castiel sat on the coffee table and she almost jumped up as he took her foot into his hands, on his lap and started to massage it. Hailey sat up to protest but as he started she leaned back onto the couch and closed her eyes, the sensation was unbelievably relieving.

I was ordered to kill one of my sisters... Actually I used to work under her command. She got away... Castiel broke the silence, never looking away from her foot.

Oh. Hailey said quietly opening her eyes.

The problem is... I didn't want to kill her. I was relieved when she got away. I am a soldier. I should follow orders and not question them... What is happening to me? Castiel asked gently switching foot and which Hailey couldn't help a moan escape her lips. She blushed but he didn't seem to notice.

It's called a conscious. Guess, being around humans is rubbing off on you.

I think I'm starting to understand, why she did it... fall.

Fall? Hailey asked trying to keep focus.

When an angel decides to cut out their grace and fall... To become human. Castiel quickly explained.

You could do that? Hailey asked amazed.

It is an abomination to do so, but yes... I'm starting to question my orders...

Starting? Hailey laughed and Castiel looked at her puzzled.

Castiel, I'm kinda living proof of you not following orders. She laughed and for the first time she saw a shadow of a smile cross his face.

I guess you are.

You wanna know what I think?

Yes, I do.

Trust yourself. You're a good... Angel.

I don't think your friends share the same opinion...

They will, hunters just keep their guards up, especially Dean. She laughed.

Well I can assure you he let it down for Anna... Castiel mumbled but as soon as he said it his eyes grew wide, realising what he just told her.

Come again? Who the hell is Anna? Hailey got up feeling anger rise in the pit of her stomach.

The fallen angel... I- I am sorry... I should not have-

Get out. Hailey order bitterly.

Hailey I- Castiel pleaded, hating himself for the slipup.

I said GET OUT! Hailey shouted and Castiel was gone.

Hailey stared where Castiel was standing a second ago, tears were burning her eyes. Dean had moved on. A rational part of her knew they weren't together even before he was sent to hell. They haven't seen each other for six months now, seven really and haven't spoken except for that one phone call. He had asked her to stay away... But it still broke her heart. She took a deep breath, she didn't want to cry, she was sick of crying. She wanted to kill something, she wanted to drink her sorrow till she passed out, but she couldn't. She needed comfort and before she realised she had grabbed her phone and dialed a number and let it ring.

Hailey? The older hunter answered, worried in his voice. Hailey took a deep breath, feeling her throat tighten.

Hailey!? What's wrong? She heard the panic in his voice.

Nothing... She answered quickly, clearing her throat.

Doesn't seem like nothing. Bobby answered.

I'm fine. I just... I miss you dad. She sniffed.

I miss you too sweetheart... Things are crazy here, can't say I'm not happy you're not here though...

That bad, huh? Hailey knew exactly what they were dealing with, but she knew they wouldn't tell her.

Nothing we can't handle. Don't worry. He lied and Hailey smiled.

What about you? How's the normal life treating you? Bobby asked, changing the subject.

Boring? She laughed and sobbed at the same time.

I wish we could get boring for once... Bobby said trying to light up his daughter's mood. He knew Hailey better than anyone and she was worrying him. When he heard a chuckle on the other end he smiled a little bit relieved.

Dad, remember our vacation back when I was in high school?

Yeah, palm beach? Bobby answered not sure why she was bringing that up.

You were so miserable! You couldn't wait to get back home and hunt something.

It was too damn hot! Bobby defended himself.

Right, and you followed that woman that worked at the front desk, till she actually called the cops on you. Hailey laughed remembering the incident.

She was too damn tall... Bobby mumbled.

Anyway, boring doesn't suite you dad.

Yeah, yeah... Bobby answered rolling his eyes. Hailey was quiet again.

Hailey?

Yeah?

I thought, not that I'm complaining, but I was sure you'd be back as soon as you knew Dean was back.

It's complicated dad... Look I got to go... It's getting late and I have an early shift tomorrow at the coffee shop. She refused talking about Dean.

Right. Ok well good night Hailey, sleep well.

Thanks and dad?

Yeah?

I love you. Hailey said with all the pain of not be able to hug him.

Love you too pumpkin... And Hailey?

Hm?

Don't you ever go two months without calling, again. Bobby said sternly.

Right, I'm sorry, I won't. She smiled

Goodnight.

Goodnight dad. Hailey hung up the phone and crawled into her covers.

She felt better, sure it hurt her knowing Dean was probably back into his glory days of being a man whore, but she could always count on one man in her life and that was Bobby.

I'm sorry Castiel. I shouldn't have kicked you out like that... Still friends? Hailey asked, knowing she wasn't going to get an answer, but knowing he would hear her, before falling into a deep sleep.

/

Can't believe we made it out of there... Dean said with a smirk.

Again. Sam finished, both bother clung the beer bottles, settled on the impala, at the fact they were still alive, after being in between the crossfire of Alastar and the Angels. Their plan worked. It was a miracle. After taking a sip Dean's smile faded.

I know you heard him... Dean said looking afar.

Who? Sam asked, but knew who he was talking about.

Alastar... what he said... about how, I had promise. Dean continued bitterly, pushing the words out.

I heard him... Sam nodded.

You're not curious? Dean was surprised Sam wasn't pushing him to talk.

Dean, I'm damn curious. But, you're not talking about hell and I'm not pushing. Sam answered his brother. Dean took a moment, thanking whoever to have Sam at his side.

It wasn't four month, you know... He had to tell him, Anna told him he didn't have to be alone. He was sick of carrying the guilt and shame.

What?

It was four months up here, but down there... I don't know time's different... It was more like forty years. Dean continued not able to look at his brother. For a moment Sam couldn't speak.

Oh my god... was all he managed to say, waiting for Dean to continue.

They a... They sliced me... carved and tore me in ways that you... until there was nothing left... And then suddenly... I would be whole again. Like magic. Just so it could start all over. And alastar. At the end of every day... every one... he would come over and he would make me an offer... to take me off the rack... If I put souls on. If I started to torture... And every day I told him to stick it where the sun shines. Dean paused as he couldn't hold back the tears, Sam stayed silent knowing his brother had to get it out.

For thirty years I told him... But then I couldn't do it anymore Sammy... I couldn't. And I got off that rack. God help me I got right off it... And I started ripping them apart... I lost count of how many souls... the th- The things I did to them... Dean stopped, trying to calm the sobs escaping him as flashed of terrible memories hunted him.

Dean... Sam cleared his throat, Sam had never seen his brother brake down like this before, his heart broke for him. He had to say something.

Dean, look you hold out for thirty years, that's more than anyone would've.

Dean broke down more, of course he could count on Sam to try and make it seem less horrible, but it wasn't... He felt like a monster.

How I feel... Inside me... I wish I couldn't feel anything Sammy, I wish I couldn't feel a damn thing... He sobbed again, wiping his tears away. Sam stayed silent, not knowing what to say, well more like knowing there wasn't anything he could say to soothe his brother.

After a long moment Dean cleared his throat and down the rest of his beer. Pushing himself away from the impala and grabbed two more beers from the cooler and threw one at Sam, who caught easily and leaned back against his car. They were silent for a long time before Sam spoke softly.

That's why you told Hailey to stay away?

Hailey... Dean thought, another wave of guilt ran down his veins.

I slept with Anna... He confessed and Sam's eyes grew a bit, but he didn't say anything.

I'm not... I can't be what she wants anymore Sammy... I can't... Not after... Hailey deserves... so much more... He choked out then finished his second beer, throwing it with all his might before making his way around the car and sat inside the driver's side.

Sam wanted to tell his brother she was exactly was he needed, but decided to give him a break and finished his own beer before chucking it and jumped off the impala, sitting next to Dean. Without a word Dean started the engine and both brothers were off to Bobby's.

The ride to Bobby's was long and silent. Sam tried to imagine what Dean went through... forty years of hell... He couldn't believe his brother survived that. He could believe his brother wasn't turned into a demon... He wanted tell him how strong he was, to have gone through all that and still be... well Dean. Sure he knew most of it was a facade, so they wouldn't worry... But his brother was still in there. He just wished he could prove it to him. His thoughts were pulled to Hailey. He had a hard time believing she still hadn't come back. Knowing Hailey, no matter what Dean could've told her, she wouldn't have listened. She never did. But Dean was back for two months now and she never showed, or called. That wasn't like her.

Dean pulled in Bobby's drive way. Sam noticed Dean stare at the mustang a minute before sighing and got out of the car. Sam followed as they grabbed their bags of clothes and weapons, making their way inside.

Dean told Bobby what had happened, leaving out the part about him and Anna and his confession about hell.

Well, I'm glad you boys are alright, damn miracle if you ask me. Bobby told them before giving them all a tall glass of whiskey. Dean drank half of it in one gulp.

Did... Did you get any news from Hailey? Sam asked and received a death glare from Dean before the later drank the rest of if glass, getting up and serving himself another tall one.

Actually I did... Couple of hours ago. Bobby answered a little surprised. Bobby had Dean's full attention then. When the elder hunter didn't say more Dean cleared his throat.

She alright? He asked trying not to look to much interested, looking at his glass as he swirled the liquor around, but he didn't fool any of them.

Says she is... I don't know she seemed... off.

Off? Sam asked before Dean could.

Yeah, guess she's getting home sick. Not sure why she called but, hell it was good to hear from her. Bobby said the last part warmly.

Dean took another sip, not saying anything.

Am I the only one who thinks it's strange she hasn't come back yet? Sam asked, not looking at Dean.

No. I expected her to come running as soon as she knew you were back. Bobby said looking at Dean.

Maybe she just moved on... Dean said, hating Sam had to talk about the elephant in the room. Of course Dean was expecting her come running and when she didn't... He was relieved but, couldn't help but worry about it. Since he came back he hadn't really had the time to think about it. What if something was keeping her away? What if something bad happened...

From hunting? Yeah maybe... You? HA! Bobby said and Sam smiled a bit.

Listen, if Hailey was in any kind of trouble, she would find a way to let me know. Hell I'm still processing the fact your here in my living room... Maybe she just needs time is all... Bobby reassured them and himself.

Bobby's right. If she needed us... we'd know. Dean said finishing his glass and made his way upstairs to take a shower.

That night, all three men fell asleep with Hailey in their thoughts.

Bobby woke up in the middle of the night. He got dressed and quietly made his way through the house making sure he didn't wake the boys, who were camped in the living room... No one ever used Hailey's room and Bobby never offered it either. He made his way through the kitchen and outside to the salvage ward. Once he was far enough from the house Bobby took a deep breath.

Can't believe I'm doing this... He mumbled.

Listen, I know we don't see eye to eye here... But I need to talk to you, Father to angel and whatnot... Cast- Before Bobby even finished, he heard a flutter of wings behind him.

There was the angel, Castiel. Bobby took a few steps back. He regretted right away calling to him, knowing the boys who ruined their plan to kill Anna were just in the house.

I'm listening. The Angel said deeply.

Right... Bobby couldn't help but still be amazed angels were real, and dangerous.

Bobby searched for the words as the angel waited patiently.

Hailey... Bobby said and Castiel head turned slightly to the side, the hunter had his full attention.

She's... She's my daughter and... and well, I was wondering if... If...

...If she was alright? Castiel finished the sentence for the nervous hunter.

Yeah... Yeah that...

Castiel couldn't help but smile a bit. Here was Bobby, calling to him even though they seemed to hate him, fear him. He knew Bobby was well aware Castiel could end him here, now, in a blink of an eye. But he was a father. All that didn't matter, to a worried father. This is what Castiel admired from humans. It overcame rivalries, fear, pain or war; Love.

Castiel closed his eyes and made a show for the elder hunter, squeezing his eyes and even hummed a bit. Knowing if he just answered right away the man would be skeptical. He opened his eyes and saw Bobby intensely looking at him.

She is safe. Sleeping.

...Nothing, odd happening? She ain't held up somewhere against her will or hurt or anything? Bobby asked worried.

No. Castiel answered simply.

Alright. Thank you... You think... Bobby trailed off.

Never mind...

You want me to look out for her. Castiel again said for him.

No, no that would be... odd.

I respect humans more than you think. A father's love... well it got you to pray, to me.

Yeah! Bobby laughed, nervously.

If I ever pick up trouble, for your daughter, I will do as possible to help. I might not know what a father feel for a child, but my vessel does. Castiel explained and looked back at the house.

Dean's awake. I should... Castiel trailed off and both men nodded and Castiel was gone.

Bobby let out a breath he didn't know he was holding.

Damn angels... Bobby mumbled shaking his wet palms and walking back into the house.

Author's note: Hey guys hoped you liked, really worked hard on getting this chapter right. Review if you liked and not ;) till next time!