Catching Up
Chapter 16 – The Here and Now

A/N: Hey guys, I need to offer my sincerest apologies. I know I had promised to have Season One finished well before now but these last couple of months have been extremely hectic and I didn't want you to wait any longer for an upload so I'm giving you what I have right now. But on a happier note, for my 100th story, I am writing a SuperWhoLock that I think everyone will enjoy. My schedule should ease up by the end of April but I will try to do at least one upload before then. Until next time folks, ENJOY! R&R PLZ!

The foursome dispersed with the unspoken agreement to meet back there in a little while. Dean went to the library and booted up Sammy's laptop. It wasn't so much about going to meet her as it was seeing how she was. He never really thought about how those around him were affected after he and Sam rolled out but this was one time when he needed to reassure himself. Going on to a search engine, he typed in Cassie's name and pulled up her profile. From what he could glean, she was working in Jefferson City though he couldn't tell if she was married or not. "No one would blame you, you know," someone said from behind. It was Cas, holding a cup of coffee and offering another.

"Blame me for what?" Dean asked accepting the beverage.

"Finding her, continue to work things out," Cas said placidly. "You have a far to go before ninety."

"That's if I live that long," Dean shut the laptop. "You know what happened with Lisa, what would make things with Cassie any different?"

"Because you know what happened with Lisa," Cas re-joined. "And won't make the same mistakes again."

"Seriously Cas?" Dean snorted. "You're one of us, you know making the same mistakes are our trademark."

"I suppose that's true but we do try," Cas toasted him.

"And fail," Dean tacked on, clinking mugs. "Then try again." He paused before taking a sip, "But we can't play with someone else's life like that."

"We frequently toy with the fate of the world if not the universe, at least once a year. We have the television documentary to prove it," Cas pointed out.

"You got me there," Dean allowed. "But I still can't bring myself to drag another person down with me again. I don't even know what I was thinking back then."

"You had hope," Cas said simply. "Something I ardently wish I had the power to restore to you."

"Thanks," Dean replied. "But I've got all I need right here." The pair continued to drink in companionable silence.

*CU*

Cas had made coffee so Mary helped herself to some, leaning on a counter, letting the warmth permeate her. She had been given a lot to think about over the last couple days. John's behaviour, Sam and Dean's life, and all the little details she had heard. Cas playing god, these Leviathan the boys kept mentioning, killing Death, and the idea of them working with demons/the king of hell (not to be mistaken for Satan) just to name a few. Both of her boys had already lost their first loves thanks to hunting and it didn't seem like the pain was going to stop. She still know who Ben was or why Sam immediately apologized for simply mentioning him. It really stuck with her, so much was shrouded in ominous mystery. "Mom? You okay?" she looked over and saw Sam by the doorway.

"I'm fine sweetheart," she assured him. "Want some coffee?"

"No thanks," Sam shook his head. "I just want to look something up on my laptop before we start watching the show again."

"Okay," Mary smiled. "I'll make some popcorn for us."

"Sounds great," Sam approved. "See you in a bit." Mary nodded but Sam didn't see it as he had already walked away. She grabbed a couple of bags of microwave popcorn and began to prepare them. She couldn't dwell on these thoughts at the moment, she still had so much to find out and, more importantly, right now figure out a way to connect with her sons.

*CU*

Sam went to the library and found Cas and Dean in there drinking coffee, his laptop in front of Dean. "Hey, you using that?"

"Nah go ahead," Dean pushed the computer towards him.

"Thanks," Sam sat down and opened it. He saw what Dean had been looking at but didn't comment. He just sent his brother their customary look and then jumped back to the search engine but paused. Was he really going to do this? Come on, you know you want to. Sam made a face and pulled up a word document. Only because you put it in my head. Directly at that. Sam sighed and typed in 'Polka Dot Shorts coincidence I think not' and clicked on a link to a video, The Sandwich (1995). He surreptitiously plugged his headphones in and watched, half-amused, half-questioning his life decisions as some kind of giraffe creature, a ragdoll friend, and a teddy bear friend to make sandwiches. Somehow he watched to the end and couldn't help but laugh – at himself. Oh please, you know it was good. Sam said nothing but cleared his history and turned off the laptop with finality. He walked away, intent on getting some water and trying not to think about he just forfeited about 8 minutes of his life. At least now you'll understand it if I call you Polkaroo. "Don't you dare," Sam warned. "How did you even know about that show?" Bear is my spirit animal. "Sure," Sam rubbed his temple. "Just don't call me Polkaroo, I'll take moose over that any day." For now…

A/N: P.S. Yes I'm Canadian and I loved Polkaroo, I have no idea what possessed me to put it in my story but I thought it was fun. Don't worry, I'll try not to be too ridiculous. XX