Chapter 3

"You know this is really going to send Dean into the realm of porno reality."

"Only because I like screwing with his head on occasion."

"Yeah because brushing a picture of me brushing your hair would freak him out." Jo rolled her eyes as she finished running the brush through Angela's long locks, working out the tangle from the night's sightseeing. "Damn Angie. The last time it was shorter."

"Letting it grow. Seems good." Angela shrugged while letting Jo finish. "Remember how I taught you."

"I know, I know." Jo made a snort as she adjusted the way she was moving the brush. "So damn picky about your stupid hair."

Angela hummed as she let Jo finish. It felt good. Not as good as when she did it but she was indulging in the two girls' need to go almost slumber party on her. They had stargazing and presents outside and now they were back in the cabin that was part of the motel place they were at and they wanted to go girly. "Sometimes I wonder why I indulge you and Augie."

"Because you have wisdom beyond your years," Augusta replied with a smile as she held the toiletry bag. It was tempting to do something to Angela's hair but that was just asking for it. She sensed that Jo might be able to get away with something but she wasn't going to try it. "You're just lucky that Jo hasn't decided on any embellishments."

"Because Jo knows that I will do worse and at a least convenient time," Angela replied as she opened one of her eyes and looked at Augusta. She turned slightly to shoot a look a Jo.

"Don't I know it. To this day Mom still blames me for the purple streaks that took nearly a week or two to get out. Not to mention the 'tattoo' that wasn't washable."

Angela grinned revealing her toothy grin. She remembered that and that was only because Jo had gone too far and refused to be obedient. It was one of those temper tantrum days and Jo decided that she wanted to be like the sluts she had seen around. So she taught Jo a lesson. It was creative and Ellen thanked her later for breaking Jo out of it. "Don't forget how I messed with your system Augie. You threw a fit…"

"But you were teaching me a lesson," Augusta interrupted. She smiled warmly at the memory. "I was a brat especially after going blind but… you taught me how to live with myself."

"Dry your eyes Augie. I was a harsh taskmaster and I wasn't taking crap."

"And you didn't. I am grateful for everything."

Jo had finished brushing the last of Angela's locks and took a moment to run her fingers through it. As a child she had done the same thing, liking the silky smoothness of them. She always had wondered how Angela was able to keep her hair as such. Every time Angela came around, she couldn't resist running her fingers through it. "Same here Angie."

Angela knew she was going to be smothered by girl power. She didn't have a thing against it but it felt too much and too fast. She made a mental note to take back the kiss on the cheek she gave Sam. Had she known the whole plan, she would have insisted Sam go or hogtie him and told Augusta and Jo to have fun. She did have to give him credit though in terms of running interference with Dean. It was a kind gesture on his part and she appreciated it, which was why she gave him a kiss on his cheek.

Looking at the two girls Angela pretended to get all alpha on them and said, "Alright enough with the chick flick moments. You end up killing me, I will make it my mission to haunt both your asses."

"Already did," Jo retorted. "Well you possessed me." She smirked at Angela while Augusta started to giggle.

It turned out to be a giggle fest that had Angela smack them with the pillows that were in the cabin. She did have the presence of mind to set up a webcam to record the whole thing. Jo and Augusta agreed to it and they went into a pillow fight. It was followed by a few more things that would have more sensible ladies squeak at the scandal but she knew Sam would appreciate the 'prank' on his brother though…

It was a late night that ended in the early hours and Angela found herself alone and awake with the laptop open. She glanced over at Jo and Augusta and hoped that Jo wouldn't be too hung over to take Augusta back to where she was to meet Grace. The girl could hold her liquor pretty well and she learned that from Ellen and her even though Ellen threatened her not to teach Jo anything like that. There were also a few other things but that didn't apply. Angela blushed at the thought and was glad that Jo kept their little secret.

Looking at the screen, Angela read the emails that had been collecting the last couple of days. She grinned at the email Akira sent her. She murmured, "Go easy on Fang Boy. He's only male."

She continued to read until she got to a section that had her pause. When it was clear that there were gaps in her memory from the spell, she appealed to her friend to find out why. As far as she knew, it was a very old spell that had adverse effects if not allowed to run to completion. The way Akira made it sound like was like when you downloaded software. If the download was interrupted, there could be corruption in the program and that kind of thing.

That led to her asking questions but the answers produced more. It seemed that there were some things Akira couldn't or wouldn't talk about and it was hinted that she should ask the Winchesters. So far she had held off asking. Her recent revelation to Sam had been a milestone. It was what she had from day one in terms of being returned to normal. It felt good but made her nervous and it wasn't exactly like she went into further detail.

It did sound stupid but it was honest. The dominant scent she remembered made her feel safe. It was inadequate but it was close to describing how she felt and she didn't tell Sam that his scent was the one she remembered and the more dominant. True she remembered Dean's and Bobby's and a hint of Ellen but it wasn't as strong as Sam's had been. She could easily see how it could be taken the wrong way and really how could she describe something that was part of her being a dhampir with an unusual sense of smell.

She was relieved that she said something if not all. Dean would be proud of her taking the first step. He practically nagged her to do something about her feelings but in his more subtle Dean way that had Sam completely clueless or wary that they were planning a prank. She shook her head at that since she didn't quite get how she could love such a pair of clueless men that were good at the hunting game. Was is fate? Who knows?

Looking at the email, Angela read the news. She blinked at the email and rubbed her eyes to determine if she was going insane. It wasn't farfetched since she was one of the oldest on record and they typical went nuts after two hundred years. It wasn't a trick and she clicked on the attachment. She was greeted with a sonogram video image.

I know you might not remember anything but I got the feeling you were able to sense or sniff it out. But just in case…

Angela felt her lip twitch as she watched the image. She was happy for her friend and the Fang Boy. She couldn't help but make a small sound as she studied the image some more. She wondered if her friend even knew.

At that moment the IM popped up. Recognizing the handle, Angela chuckled and typed, 'Perfect timing as always Princess.'

Did you get it?

Angela grinned as she typed, 'Yep. And I noticed a couple of things though maybe you should have me or Fang Boy take a whiff than the OB. I'm sure he wants to keep his head.'

Chris did. You know he doesn't like it when you call him that.

Don't call me that Ice Queen.

Angela put a hand over her mouth to make sure that no sound came out since she was fighting the urge to laugh. She replied, 'I will when it stops being true. Thanks for bringing me in the loop.'

More likely you told Sam and he didn't say a thing.

Ignore him. He's sore because I said that you told me.

Angela chuckled as she continued the conversation. She admitted that this was an interesting birthday. The funny thing was that before she hooked up with the Winchesters, she had never felt the urge to acknowledge it. She didn't because death pretty much hung around that day. How could she forget losing Mary? Then meeting Sam and Dean… she was starting to get a more positive outlook on things.

They talked for about twenty minutes until Angela shut down but not before she sent the video to Sam's account. She managed to get a good night's sleep feeling happy. It was a nice way to get out of the slump that just seemed to follow. It certainly helped when Gabriel paid a visit in her dreams and actually somehow managed to drag Castiel there.

Morning brought Angela bright and cheery while she tormented Jo about her drinking habits. It certainly was fun making Jo snarl at her. She sounded like a cat that was getting into a ferocious mood and Angela merely said, "Your fault you drank. Good cure is a SPAM sandwich in a dirty ash tray."

"Screw you."

"You're fault for claiming you can hold your liquor."

"You taught me how to hold my liquor!"

"Newsflash: I don't get drunk off of Jack."

"I hate you."

It certainly was a birthday to remember. Eventually Jo forgave Angela and was back to smiles as she loaded up the truck she was using to take Augusta where she needed to go. As she finished loading up the truck and Angela put in the last bag she said, "So… feeling better?"

Angela looked at Jo with a raised brow, "Why wouldn't I be?"

Jo gave a look as she sighed in exasperation. "You know what I mean."

Angela thought about it for a moment. Things were what they were but they weren't as bad as before. "It'll be okay Jo. It is what it is."

"You know I mean about you and Sam." At the look Angela shot her, Jo held up her hand and waved her off. "Look I promised not to heckle. This is more of a 'talk'. So… are you gonna talk to him about it?"

"No."

"No?"

"No."

"Angie… why?"

"I go my own pace."

Jo sighed at that. "You know I felt how you felt about him. Do I need to give you the spiel about life being too short?"

Angela looked at Jo. She knew what the girl was getting at. "I did talk but… Truth is Jo, I am scared but I've taken a step."

"Finally," Jo replied. "I was afraid that I was going to have to badger you some more. And I'm nicer about it than Dean."

"I'm not even going to grace you with an answer," Angela replied smiling. She sighed, "Thanks Jo. I am working on it. I've been to hell and back and that was nothing. This… terrifying."

"You'll figure it out." Jo smiled at Angela before shouting for Augusta that they were burning daylight.

Angela smiled as she watched the truck pull away from the cabin. The tab had been paid for so all she had to do was pack up and leave. This had been good. She was still unsure about what she wanted to do about talking to Sam. Maybe Dean would have some answers for her. She frowned as she pulled her phone out and checked the call ID. "Speak of the devil," she murmured as she flipped it open and said, "This is early for you Dean. You need to check your alarm clock."

Sam usually was up early. In fact he was known for it and teased for it by Dean more often than most other people probably. Rarely was he woken up by his brother as he was now. He recognized his brother's bellowing something about indecent exposure or something. He blinked as he shook the last vestiges of sleep from his eyes. "What the hell Dean?"

"Unbelievable. She's a total prude."

Sam frowned as he sat up and rubbed his face and ran his fingers through his hair. "Dean, what are you talking about?"

Dean was sitting at the table and staring at the laptop, looking at something that was obviously getting him enraged. He barely heard Sam and continued to spout, "I mean the whole thing in the Roadhouse was…" He gestured wildly.

Having enough, Sam got out of bed and walked over to his brother saying, "What the hell are you getting up in arms about?"

Finally acknowledging Sam's presence, Dean looked up at his little brother and asked, "Is this what you agreed to?" He turned the laptop around to show what he had been looking at to Sam's annoyed and sleepy expression.

Sam looked at the laptop. He recognized it as his and bypassed the image and narrowed his eyes at Dean. He didn't want to get into an argument this early in the day but… "You messing with my laptop? Dean I told you to leave it alone."

"Did you see what's going on? I told you that it wasn't a good idea to let her go."

Sam frowned at Dean and retorted, "What the hell are you talking about?"

"Look."

Sam rolled his eyes and sighed as he directed his attention to the laptop to see what had Dean nearly screaming his head off at seven in the morning. He saw that it was a video and it had been sent via email to his account. He mentally cursed the fact that he left the automatic sign in on. "You accessed my email? Jerk."

"Not my fault. Besides I wanted to see how her trip went and she sent that." Dean pointed at the laptop like it was the cause of the problem.

"You're still a jerk." Sam bent over and activated the video. He read the email that accompanied it and then clicked the video to play. He watched it with a blank look.

"See? Indecent."

Suddenly Sam started laughing at that. "What? Dean, she sent it to me to mess with you."

"That is not messing with me." Dean sat back in his seat and was actually pouting. "That is indecent. I thought she was straight."

"Dean, she was messing with you," Sam tried to placate his brother. "She even wrote me saying that it was payback for your overprotectiveness."

"This is your fault," Dean pointed at his brother as he stood up and went to grab his clothes for the day.

"How is this my fault?"

"Let her go Dean. It's Gus. Nothing bad is gonna happen." Dean stared at his brother. "Ring any bells? Hmm?"

"Nothing happened," Sam countered.

"Yeah sure," Dean replied. "Put a bunch of girls together…"

Sam rolled his eyes. He rubbed his head thinking that Angela was crazy to instigate this. Then again she had been counting on him to show Dean this. He remembered the last time she and Jo messed with them and Ellen was involved with that. It was harmless. "It was nothing and I'm leaving it at that. I'm taking a shower."

Dean watched as his brother stalked towards the bathroom. He couldn't get how Sam could be so Zen about this. Maybe he was overreacting but what he saw… He knew that she was the kind of person to be very proper about things. He may joke with her about things and often in a lewd manner but to see her doing something like kiss Jo in front of the camera and looking at them like she was enjoying it. It just out of there since he knew that she had feelings for Sam.

Sighing he picked up his phone and dialed her. He was ready to give her the third degree for this. He didn't care if it was too early or not. He tapped his foot impatiently and waited for her to pick up.

This is early for you Dean. You need to check your alarm clock.

"Yeah blow it out your ass, Angie," Dean retorted as he glanced at the bathroom. Sam was still in there and was willfully ignoring him. "You know why I'm calling."

Something about a video clip that was addressed to Sam… pervert.

"That is so wrong and you know it," Dean pointed out.

It was harmless fun. I'm betting even Sam got it and you just continued to flutter around like a mother hen. So adorable.

Dean growled at that. "That ain't right Angie. Being coy and stuff like that ain't you."

And it has nothing to do with that. Like I said harmless fun. You know I would never do anything to hurt Sam.

Dean heard the hurt tone in her voice and sighed. He was being a grade A douche nozzle right now. "I'm sorry," he replied a little gruffly. "It's just…"

Oh I get it. You had the perverse thoughts watching it. Dean… you are a dog.

Dean heard the laughter in her tone and groused a little at that. "Far be it from me to ogle at a good looking body."

Nah. The idea that I willfully kissed another girl and Jo no less… that got you on. You are a dirty little boy.

"Stop teasing me," Dean countered, aware that he was sounding like a child. He paced around and managed to see the clip of the video. With a sound he shut the laptop. "I appreciate your good looks but thinking of you that way…"

I know you don't mean it Dean. I just get a kick out of making you uncomfortable. Only because I know your weakness.

"Do I have to bow to a new prank master?"

God no. Like I told you a long time ago, you would need to double team in order to get me. Since you know I'm not above recruiting certain things that take a liking to you.

"Did you mess with my kachina?"

No. I messed with the dogs.

Dean was aware that laughter was coming from the direction of the bathroom. He also heard the click from the cell phone camera. He turned to see his brother holding his phone and laughing at him. Sam said out loud, "You were right Angie. He would get bent out of shape."

That Sam?

"I knew you were in on this," Dean spluttered.

"Only because she wanted to get back at you for being overprotective," Sam countered looking a bit smug at his part in the whole thing.

"And that was to make me look like an ass?"

That is a no brainer for you. You do that on your own. I just like Kodak moments of it.

"Shut up Angie."

The laughter from the phone and Sam's had Dean turn away to grumble. He could admit that it was pretty good. He didn't want to admit that she may be better but he did like she could give a good hit. After looking at Sam who was laughing and probably saved his picture to the Internet or something geeky, he started to smile slightly. He could hear her laughing over the phone. "Just laugh it up at my expense."

Just did and it was the most fun I've had in a while. Oh by the way, Augie says hello. She mentioned something about a meeting of sorts…

Dean felt the blush rise up on his face. It just wasn't his day and he knew Sam was enjoying it. Shooting a glare at his younger brother, he put the phone on speaker and retorted, "You know that's not how it is."

Only going by what she told me. She said that you would know what it meant. Judging by the tone of your voice, I'd say I have a pretty good idea of what it means.

"Dammit Angie, quit it."

Okay. Okay. So apart from trying to chew me out, what other reason would you have to call me? Another job?

"I want to know how fast you can get your ass back to Sioux Falls," Dean retorted, not at all worried about the use of language. "Better yet you got today to get back."

And are you trying to boss me Dean Winchester?

Sam took the lead since it was clear that Dean would have done something like claim big brother rights or some other shit he normally did. "No. Angie, he was asking," he shot a look at his brother, "when you planned on coming back."

What for? So he can try to boss me and end up with his ass kicked?

"Yeah and I'd so kick your ass," Dean muttered.

Sam glared at Dean and motioned for him to shut up. "Well… we wanted to do something for your birthday." He gave a look since Dean was being a jerk.

I'll be there in time.

A/N: More girl fun and Dean gets bent out of shape with Sam laughing. More to come on To Hell and Back...