Chapter 9

Morning didn't come soon enough and the police were there to take the body of the guy who played Hook Man away. It was easy to give a story that would sell thought privately Angela thought that given that most of the attendees there had seen a real ghost… it was going to be a tough sell. She took a few steps to stand on the porch and survey what was going on.

"You have done a good thing, princess."

Angela gave a slight smile, "You're really going to have to work on what you say in public, Kess." She turned to look at the Avian as he surveyed what was going on. "Not everyone understands the old ways or even knows about them." She looked back to survey the crowd.

"I know that but it doesn't mean that I should disrespect you," Kesset replied. "You've earned that right."

Angela's lip twitched into a half smile. She glanced at the Avian and said, "You've always been bluntly honest and it's not the oath talking."

"I chose to take the oath because of what people said of my father. I didn't like what others thought of my kind."

"Misunderstanding is a problem." Angela leaned against the railing as she looked around. She was not worried about the police since she more or less hid in the crowd and became a non-entity. "Often people get a clouded view of things because a few things went wrong. They refused to believe me when I told the truth about what happened then."

"And I don't blame you Shifaa'. You went to save him." Kesset looked at her. "You are what you are and it's you. Nothing will change that."

"You certain about that?"

"My father said once that nothing in life is certain. You take what comes at you and in the end figuring things out is the only freedom anyone will ever have. I think you call it free will?"

Angela chuckled at that as she leaned on the railing. "You know I think you know more about humans than you care to let on. And the cute clueless Avian is a cover. You sly dog." She gave a wry grin to tease the Avian though it would probably be lost on him.

"I don't understand how a dog could be sly. Yours is a sneaky bastard."

Angela snorted at that. She couldn't disagree with that. She looked down at Cerebus who joined them and murmured, "That he is. But a good hell's bitch." She rubbed the dog's shoulder and patted it. "Wouldn't want anyone else."

"You always seem to bring out the best in people, princess." Kesset turned to look at her. "It's what you do. You fight but always something good comes out of it. Even if you don't see it."

Angela looked at Kesset. She knew that the Avian wouldn't lie to her. Even without the Oath of Veracity, he would tell the truth. She didn't know why she had trouble believing others who wouldn't lie to her either. "The faith you have in me… sounds a little like hero worship."

"No." Kesset peered at her much like a bird looked at the world. "Just what I've observed since I was asked to watch over you." His head moved slightly as he added, "A champion of people… and that is a rare thing even among those that earned that title."

"Better watch out Kess. Kate might get jealous," Angela teased.

"Oh most definitely," Kate entered as she wrapped an arm around Kesset's arm. "I may not growl away my competition but I can put up a good look." She grinned at Angela to indicate she was teasing.

"Yes the evil stare. But it is much more fun to mock while still being polite." Angela looked at Kate. "Beats wanting to rip off limbs." She leaned on the railing, well aware that she was baring her feelings to a complete stranger and an Avian who really knew how to make things sound simpler than they really were. And yet she really couldn't tell how she felt to the one person she wanted to.

"Any woman would get that way when her man is touched by another and it is obvious of her attraction," Kate offered. She gave a shrug of her shoulders. She really didn't have an idea of what was going on but she had seen Sam and Dean during the convention wandering around and she noticed the way Sam looked very uncomfortable around a blonde that made eyes at him. "But the alternatives work too. You often find that you can live with yourself."

"I take it this dude caused a ruckus?" Angela gestured at Kesset who was looking a little confused but he had the faint hints of a blush on his face but it was funny because he was still keeping a straight face. "You can count on it."

"Only mild ones," Kate replied as she hugged Kesset's arm. "Can't just resist the cute clueless look."

"Your attempts at embarrassing me will come to no end," Kesset said.

"Your face says otherwise," Angela pointed out with a grin.

"I could say the same about you."

Angela raised her brow in appreciation at Kesset's comeback. She nodded a little at that. "Never pegged you to hit hard Kess. But I see your point."

Kesset gave a slight nod. He hadn't wanted to bring that up but he felt compelled to. He had observed much of his charge especially when she was small and up to the events that occurred recently. He saw many things and he came to some conclusions. Some of it he already knew but others were a discovery and he was happy about it. There was nothing he would like more than to see what was supposed to be to happen.

Kate observed the interaction and added two and two together to make five. It fit based upon the responses from their conversation. Most people would have thought Angela was a cynic about jealousy but Kate saw it for what it was and that it was the truth. She said, "I guess this kind of opened eyes for some of us didn't it? I mean seeing what you and Sam and Dean do…"

Angela looked at Kate and blinked with a slight smile. "It's the job. It's what we do."

"I figured. It's why I thanked Dean for what you guys do. I can't imagine the life you lead and yet… you seem happy to do it."

"I wouldn't say that it's all sunshine and rainbows." Angela cleared her throat slightly. "But it's a good life. I mean making people safe from a world the vast majority of them don't know about. It's thankless at times but… it's a good one."

It was the yearbook answer. Angela had decades to centuries to come up with that one. True that it was a fulfilling life in helping people and saving them but it was not a pretty life. It was dark and ugly at times. She would know since she had been to hell and back literally and figuratively. She had seen horrible things and done horrible things so that people could live their lives without worry and for the most part they didn't even know about it.

It wasn't all bad. The greatest thing she discovered was how she truly felt about the Winchesters and Sam in particular. And that was what had her throwing up walls like a scared little girl. She was used to putting on the brave face and the mask that was the people's Absolution.

Kate studied Angela and gave a subtle signal to Kesset, gently and silently asking that he leave them alone. When the Avian left, she sidled up next to Angela and stood there. They stood silently, leaning against the railing of the porch. Finally Kate said, "You don't have to hide from me. I won't tell but I want you to know that you have a good thing."

It was on the tip of her tongue to lie to Kate. It was second nature for Angela. She didn't want to and instead replied, "Brave new world and it's a scary thing. Has me terrified."

"I figured. Everyone has this image of Absolution. Even the books portray you as a mysterious character." Kate paused and looked to see Angela looking at her. "I read the books and I figured out a few things. The details about Absolution are scarce but the clues are there and it's you."

"Well at least I know how some fans figured it out," Angela chuckled in reply. She clasped her hands together as she looked to see Dean talking to the two guys that she had met and looked at her like they had seen a ghost. No pun there. "And it works in your favor that I like you."

"Glad to know, kid," Kate replied, letting it slip. She turned to look at what Angela was watching and continued, "Just know that what I read… it's only the part that people see and what gives them hope."

"You've got a lot of insight. You sure you're not spying on me?"

Kate chuckled a little at that. "Let's just say that I remember a little girl with tawny eyes that was given to me to keep an eye on. You were cute."

Angela turned to look at Kate. She raised her brow. "You know me?"

"Took me awhile to figure it out after I met you but I put it together." Kate shrugged her shoulders. "I have to thank you. You were the one that introduced me to Kess."

Angela took in the information and thought about it. She didn't remember any of that and she regretted it. She would have liked to remember that introduction and it would have been good material to tease the Avian. She admitted quietly, "I actually don't remember that."

Kate nodded in understanding, "Kess mentioned something like that. He was disappointed. Something about the princess not remembering how her suitor made her feel." She had uttered it in a low tone so as to keep anyone being a busybody from hearing. "I find it a shame."

"I know." Angela shifted her gaze to see Becky talking to Sam. She tensed slightly as she saw it but continued to watch the scene. She realized that the demeanor was different and relaxed slightly.

Kate noticed the whole thing and it only confirmed what she was suspicious of. She gave a slight smile as she watched and glanced over where Kesset was standing and looking like he was just a spectator. She looked back at Angela and studied her demeanor. "Steps have to be taken but… you know that."

"I know."

"It's a scary ride. Believe me I know but…" Kate paused as she straightened up. "I think you'll find a way. You seem to be the kind to do that even when the shit gets tough. I think it's why people like you and remember what you do."

Angela listened, getting the feeling that Kate's words held a double meaning and they were related to each other. She appreciated it from the woman. She had to ask, "Even when it brings more harm than good?"

"I'd like to think that you're the kind of person that would exhaust every possible option and if you have to go down that road, at least you know what you're in for." Kate pushed away from the railing. She stretched slightly since that night had been an interesting one. "Though it would be wise to give the choice to others. They know risks too and to deny them choice…"

Angela nodded, "I know. It's just hard when you are willing to go through hell and then some just to keep that something good safe."

"And I think you know what that is. Just take a leap of faith. I'd think that if you don't it will be your biggest regret." Kate started to go down the steps since it was time that she and Kesset left. "Well I guess we better get going."

"Go easy on Kess," Angela teased while giving a look that conveyed what she truly meant. "I don't want to try and explain his battle scars to his superiors." She didn't know how much Kate knew about Kesset's position but she chose what felt safe.

Kate chuckled and replied, "I think I'd feel sorry for the guys that get in his way." She sobered and added, "He does care about you."

"I know but not as much as someone I just met… again." Angela smiled and gave a slight toss of her head. She felt better about that whole experience. There was still a few things to work out but the pep talks helped. She walked down to locate the Winchesters so they could leave and get back on the road. She ended up running into Dean and the two guys that she met.

Another case was done and Dean was glad that they would be leaving soon. A plausible story was given to the cops regarding the Hook Man's death. After all, who would believe a ghost story? And he had to admit that they couldn't have done it without the two guys that he and Sam gave a dose of reality to. He got to say that to them as they followed him out of the hotel as he went to look for his brother and Angela, "You know, I gotta hand it to you guys. You really saved our asses back there." He paused to allow them to catch up. "So uh, you know… thanks." He held out his hand

The two fans took his hand and gave a shake. It really had been an experience for them. The one playing Sam said, "Well your dog did most of the digging. I gotta admit that we've never seen a dog dig that fast."

Dean felt his mouth twitch. These two had touched the tip of the iceberg. They had no idea what his world contained. He doubted that they would believe that Cerebus was a full blooded hell hound and had just decided to play daddy hell hound and with a Wilder no doubt. It was still something to wrap his head around and the fact that there were going to be more dogs… He couldn't help but give a slight chuckle as he replied, "Well… Hell I don't even know your names."

The one playing Sam introduced himself, "Oh. Well I'm Barnes." He then gestured towards his partner, "And this is Damien. What's yours?"

Dean paused a moment on how to word that. Better to tell the truth. "Dean. The real Dean."

The reaction had Dean raise his brow slightly as Barnes and Damien stared at him and then burst out laughing. Damien said, "Yeah right! Me too!"

Should have known that they would have thought I was messing with them. I'll be glad to leave this place. Dean kept his thoughts to himself as he shared a slight laugh with them. He felt his smile was forced when Barnes joked with him, "Get the hell. Outta here Dean." Definitely want to put this place in the rearview mirror.

Dean though was grateful for their help. Even though Angela had come through and managed to buy some time with her alpha thing going on, they were the ones that salted and burned the brats' remains. They were the ones that saved everybody. "Well anyway… thanks. Really." He gave a wave and started to walk away.

"You're wrong you know."

Dean paused and turned to look back. "Sorry?" He frowned a little, not sure what Damien meant by that.

"About Supernatural," Damien replied. He shuffled a little on his feet. "No offense but… I'm not sure you get what the story's about."

Dean shifted to face them. "Is that so?"

At that moment Angela joined them and she merely stared at the scene, not saying anything. It encouraged Damien to continue after he got over his moment of fan boying out, "Alright look. In real life… he sells stereo equipment." He gestured at Barnes before pointing at himself and added, "I fix copiers. Our lives suck.

"But to be Sam and Dean… to wake up every morning and save the world… to have a brother who would die for you… to have a friend, a complete stranger, do something for you with no thought of reward… well who wouldn't want that?" Damien shrugged his shoulders at that. He looked at Angela who was looking like she was deep in thought.

"Maybe you have a point," Angela said softly. "There are good points to the story. And I for one think that it is a good one."

Dean thought about it for a moment. They did have a good thing going. It was just easy to look at the dark and bad things since they always seemed to be hit with it. Yet the best thing that happened to him and Sam was standing next to him and he got the feeling that she was inclined to think the same. He nodded in agreement, "You know, you two don't make a bad team yourselves. How do you know each other anyway?"

"Oh we met online," Barnes offered. He looked at Angela a little sheepishly as he added, "Supernatural chat room. We got to talking about Absolution and we both agreed that Absolution was a girl and should be paired with Sam."

"Oh," Angela replied, her featured twisting into a smile, much to Dean's surprise. "I read the books and there isn't much to go on."

"Well it's there. And the way how Absolution and Dean talk to each other…" Damien shrugged his shoulders. "Well it's there and she's not a literary device. She is needed whether she knows it or not."

Dean listened to the conversation with interest. He was surprised that his girl wasn't reacting like she usually did. Maybe she did think about things or she was just still playing the fan card with them. He gave a chuckle as he nodded, "Well it must be nice to get out of your parents' basement… make some friends."

"We're uh… more than friends," Damien said as he took Barnes hand. "We're partners."

Dean blinked at that but Angela didn't seem to mind. She merely smiled at that and joked, "Howdy partners."

Barnes had put his head on Damien shoulders as they joked back. Damien said, "Maybe see you around."

"Maybe," Angela replied with a smile as she and Dean turned to walk away. When they were a distance away, she said, "You know they do make a cute couple."

Dean looked at her like she had gone insane. "What poison have you been drinking?"

"Whiskey, port and some concoction that the barkeep said was beer," she answered with a slightly puzzled frown but it was ruined by the slight smile that creeped at the corner of her mouth. She looked at Dean and noted the expression and added, "Dean, I may not swing that way but I don't condemn either. You'd be surprised at how much I saw when I was growing up. And I thought it was normal."

"You'd think brothers and sisters kissing on the mouth is normal," Dean groused but it was halfhearted.

"Now that was a cover and you know it," Angela pointed out. "Besides it's plain gross and the whole thing with the Borgias… eww." She shuddered a bit but she was still grinning. She sighed as they walked to the car and paused to lean against it.

Dean joined her and they sat side by side while they waited for Sam. He glanced at her and asked, "The Borgias eh?"

"You don't wanna know."

Dean chuckled at that. He liked it when she mentioned something about her past lives as much as Sam did. Half the time though he didn't know if she was kidding or not because of the way she mentioned it. Then again it was part of the fun and it was like an unspoken game between them. It also was a subtle signal that she was feeling better about whatever had been bothering her. "So… you feel any better?"

"A little. Just a lot going on."

"Understatement I think."

Angela hummed a bit on that. She crossed her arms over her chest as she leaned against the Impala. "I'm in agreement on that one. You can take a picture of it."

Dean snorted at that since she loved teasing him when he made a point of being right or she agreed with him on something they were at odds on. He sobered and asked, "So you really think those two got it right?"

Angela looked at the ground to think a moment and then looked at Dean. "I like to think so. At least as far as you and Sam are concerned. I guess we live pretty exciting lives compared to theirs but I think the point was… that you and Sam especially show that you go through thick and thin and the lengths you'll go for each other… I can see why."

"And you're taking yourself out of the equation again."

"Not really." She thought about it for a moment since she wanted to choose her words carefully. She didn't want Dean to take it the wrong way since the way she saw it did sound… "Don't take it the wrong way but… for the most part I would gladly give my life for someone else to save them. But for some… it's different and that list is very small. I would go through hell and back and even down that slippery slope if it meant keeping them safe. I mean I was willing to go back to hell to save you." She gave a slight shrug of her shoulders.

"I know but it wasn't just for me was it?"

"At the time, yes and then… It was more of one and the same." Angela shifted a little. "But…"

"Kind of like you can get a salute from anyone on a ship but you need the shoulder thing."

Angela nodded, impressed at Dean's inside and noted it, "I'll admit that I'm impressed Dean. But yeah pretty much that but different you know?"

"Well at least you can admit it," Dean muttered, getting where she was coming from. "Just wish you'd tell Sam." He regretted it the moment he said it but he knew that this could get ugly and not go the way that it should. "Look just saying that you let it keep, it might not go as nice."

Angela looked at Dean. She knew he was right and what everyone else had been telling her was right. She was being too stubborn for her own good and she was scared. It terrified her even though she looked like the stoic bitch she was known as. "I know. Just…"

"I get it. Just being big brother."

"Good. Because I'd hate for you to be anything but that." Angela smiled and gave a shoulder bump. "What about you? You okay?"

Dean looked at her and thought about it for a moment. "Yeah. I think so."

They sat there side by side until Sam came to join them. Dean motioned for everyone to get into the car and barely asked, "Where's hell on four legs?" when Cerebus came up and into the back seat when the door was opened. They were on the open road once again.

A/N: Looks like another case is wrapped up but wait... Y'all have to stay tuned for the conclusion of There a Hunter in the House?...