A/N: HUGE thank you to JbethH for being such an awesome reviewer and supporter! You all NEED to go read some of her work, you'll love it.
Again, what do you guys think so far? It may get a little darker in the upcoming chapters.
6
I KNOW YOU
Jo drank the wine that was offered, not caring that it was early in the day. She couldn't tell what time it was, because the room they were in had no clocks or way to tell time. Towards the back of the room were a set of doors that led to some sort of patio. Being in Hell, there was no sun so outside didn't help with telling time. Pointedly ignoring Dean and Arirca's conversation, she saw Jeannie standing off to the side. She looked like she was waiting for Jo or Dean to tell her what to do, but Jo remained silent.
"Jo?" Dean questioned, and was looking at her expectantly. Pulled from her thoughts, she snapped her head to face Dean.
"What?"
"Did you hear anything I just said?" Dean asked, raising his eyebrow.
"No," she honestly answered. Sighing, Dean rolled his eyes.
"After drinks we'll announce you. Demons need to know Hell has finally found a Queen," Dean explained.
"Are you sure that's a good idea? Just gathering everyone and announcing it?" Arirca asked. He sat very stiff, and didn't move except to drink amber liquid from a glass placed in front of him. With raven hair and grey-blue eyes, the demon glanced in Jo's direction. She felt uncomfortable in the presence of demons. It was all too new to her, and she didn't trust anything they said.
"Why wouldn't it be?" Dean asked.
"Well, sir, I think it might be different considering that she was on the rack for a period of time. Some demons may have a hard time…adjusting," Arirca explained. Dean narrowed his eyes in the demon's direction and they flashed red. Jo's muscles stiffed and she anxiously looked between Arirca and Dean.
"What are you implying?" Dean sneered.
"Nothing, I assure you. If you'd like to announce it today, then we shall. I was simply making a point about the demons who were working on the rack," Arirca held his hands up in defense.
"If anyone has an issue, I will deal with it. Not you, it's not your concern," Dean said in an indifferent voice.
"Of course," Arirca answered. He shot a glance at Jo, who quickly avoided his eyes. Jo drank her wine, feeling Dean's gaze on her. She was sure that he was inspecting what she was wearing, but didn't comment on it. There were fine pastries set out on the table, and Dean ate a few of them. The act of eating was a mere habit, not a necessity. She figured that Dean conjured up the best bacon cheeseburger somehow, and was imagining how delicious it would taste. Nearing an hour later, Dean dismissed Arirca and looked to Jo.
"Ready?"
"Ready for what?" Jo asked, draining her glass.
"To make the announcement. I like everyone to know what's going on, and with my position completely fulfilled by Death's requirements, I want all the demons to know. That way, they won't overthrow me like they did Crowley," Dean explained. He stood up and watched as she stood with him and adjusted her dress. "I like this one," he said, fingering the silver patterns on the fabric. She didn't say anything as her gaze bore into his green eyes.
"Let's get this over with," she muttered and turned her back on him.
"Even in death you hate being the center of attention, don't you?" he teased as he followed her. A few minutes later they were in Dean's office, which was previously Lucifer's throne room. Dean had made improvements and it looked much more modern than when he'd started. Snapping his fingers, a second chair appeared next to his and Dean gestured her to take a seat. Deciding to remain standing, Dean moved towards the bar and made himself another drink. The effects of alcohol were different in Hell also, and it took a lot longer for him to feel anything.
"You have a busy day sir," Harvey's voice rang from the entrance. He spotted Jo and nodded politely before approaching Dean. Dressed in his usually t-shirt and jeans, Dean stretched his arms and turned to face Harvey.
"I know. First, we have an announcement to make."
"Of course," Harvey said, looking at Jo once more. She was sitting in the provided chair looking extremely uncomfortable and out of place.
"Perhaps after you'd like to discuss the current issue concerning him?" Harvey asked. Jo was listening, and her eyes darted over to Dean. His expression faltered, and he avoided Jo's stare.
"After," Dean stated, and with a wave of his hand Harvey was walking towards the chairs. Within minutes, hundreds of demons were filing into Dean's office. Jo was surprised, thinking there would be way more demons that what she saw. Looking at Dean in question, he gestured towards the crowd of demons and said, "I killed most of them off. I don't like having to manage that many, and if I need more I've got plenty of souls. They're replaced as needed." She nodded her head in quick understanding and then turned her attention to her feet. Distracting herself, she focused on the different parts of her shoes and traced the designs on her small dress.
"Attention!" Harvey called to the crowd. Everyone was staring at Jo, and a few demons were whispering to each other. They quieted down, looking at Dean expectantly.
"This is Jo. She's your new Queen. I expect the same respect for my Queen that you give me. With Death's requirements completed, I'm you're new Lucy," Dean said in a light tone, and smirked with red eyes winking at the crowd. Some demons cheered, others whistled, and a few just clapped. Dean outstretched his hand for Jo to take, and she hesitantly accepted. Pulling her to a standing position, Dean put his hand on her cheek. Bending her down, he kissed her dramatically in front of the crowd. More cheers were heard and Dean set Jo upright with an evil grin.
Towards the side of the crowd, two demons stood motionless. One was grinning at Jo, and she recognized him from the rack and from the day before. His name was Mark. He was standing next to another demon, who Jo remembered as Edith. She was there the day prior as well. The duo continued to stare at Jo, their gaze not faltering. Fresh memories of the rack surged through her mind as she glared at Mark. Dean's hand held hers and she was brought back to the demonic commotion in front of her.
A/N 2: Well? Comments? QUestions? COncerns?
