I know some people don't like Dean leaving... hell I don't either but he had to. But don't worry Clara is gonna be okay! Thanks for review and let me know what you think of what I did with this chapter! :)
That first month was weird. Not having Dean or Sam call with a major problem or having a case to go on. I had to get used to the whole normal life thing and it was difficult. After you're up against Angels and demons for so long it's odd to deal with humans.
When I told Penelope what happened she was so worried about me. She said I needed to stay with her and Derek until I was back on my feet. I smiled at her concern and reassured her that I was actually fine. I wasn't heartbroken or pinning for Dean. I understood why he left and I didn't see the point in thinking to much into it and going crazy over it. Penelope still suggested I stay with her just for a little while.
And I did. I stayed with her and Derek for about a week before I found my own place and started to get back into the world. I had gone to Aaron and told him that Sam and Dean were going to fix the world and that they didn't need me to help. He gave me a pitied look but I stopped him before he could ask if I was alright. He told me my job had always been waiting for me.
I was so grateful to hear I could have my old job and basically my old life. I could actually move on. So that's what I did. I worked in the field with my team and we saved people and caught killers. Some how my return didn't make agent Asher Quinn go away. He still worked in the BAU but just got transferred to another team. Cases were pretty open and shut, we solved them quickly and moved on.
I had finally reconnected with my team and friends again. They all seemed over joyed to have me back and it was just like I hadn't left at all. I went to random old movies with Spencer. I worked out with Derek every morning. I went to Jack and Henry's birthday parties. And most of all I help Penelope plan her wedding.
She was so excited. I don't think I had ever seen her so happy. JJ and I went to any dress shop she wanted, we tasted about a dozen cake samples, listened to at least twenty wedding bands, and she must have made us try on at least a hundred bridesmaids dresses. Derek had pretty much kept his distance form the plans, he knew Penelope wanted everything just so and if she wanted his opinion she would alway ask and he would always say yes with a smile.
As time went on it got easier and easier to get up and go to the BAU and not drive off. After about 6 months I rarely thought about Dean, and only prayed to Cas to keep him, Sam, and Bobby safe. I never saw Cas but somehow I just knew he was listening. Everything was going fine. Until one day we hit a bad case.
"Walsh!" I heard my name in a panicked scream from down the hall. I was sitting at my desk and jumped at the sound of Morgan's voice. I jumped up dropped the paper work I had and ran toward him. "Walsh!" He called again and it was coming from Penelope's office.
"What? Is everything okay?" I nearly tripped over myself as I ran into her office hitting her file cabinet on the way in. I was out of breath but my deep breaths weren't the loudest. I looked up to see Derek staring at Penelope in a panicked state. I looked over to her and she was having a major panic attack. Her face was turning blue she was breathing so fast. "What's wrong?" I asked walking over to her.
"I walked in and she was hyperventilating... she hasn't said anything." Derek looked really freaked out.
"Penelope?" I asked in a soft tone and she didn't respond. I tried again placing my hand on her shoulder. She said nothing. "Penelope!" I yelled and she finally jumped with a blink and a long inhale.
"Flowers." She snapped shaking her hands. "The florist called and said that I can't have the flowers I want... apparently they aren't in season!" She yelled.
"Seriously." I sighed letting my guard down. "Jesus you scared us..." I laughed and Derek sighed.
"God damn it Baby girl..." He laughed shaking his head. "I assume you got this?" He looked at me and I smiled with a nod.
"There's some paperwork on my desk... I'll probably be here for a while if you would-"
"Yeah yeah I got it." He rolled his eyes at me.
"Thank you!" I called out as he walked away. I turned back to Penelope. "Alright what's all this about the flowers?" I asked forcing her to sit down.
"All I wanted were simple baby blue roses and daisies." She said shaking her head. " I mean that isn't to much to ask now is it!" She yelled.
"Okay! Calm down..." I smiled and she took a breath. "Look I can fix... just don't have a melt down. They are just flowers..."
"They aren't just flowers!" She snapped. "They were my mother's favourite flowers!"
"Why are you yelling at me?" I asked quickly.
"I'm sorry..." She looked down.
"It's alright. You want baby blue roses and daisies?" I asked. She nodded. "Who is your flower guy?" I asked with a smile not really knowing what they were actually called.
"The florist..."She corrected me with a smile. She handed me a card with the business and the number.
"Alright. I'll get you those flowers." I smiled.
"How?" She asked.
"Please..." I laughed as I stood up. "I've battled demons, monsters, and a few angels... you think I can't get you a few flowers?" I laughed. "Don't worry about it. By tomorrow you'll have the flowers you want." I smiled.
"Really?" Her eyes lit up.
"What is a maid of honour for?" I asked and she giggled and hugged me.
"Oh and don't forget about your appointment with the seamstress on Sunday... You have to pick a dress still." She said as I headed for the door.
"Couldn't you just pick one... I'm terrible at picking dresses." I sighed.
"Oh for god sakes Clara! IT's been six months... I'm getting married in like 8... You need to pick one." She sighed.
"Fine!" I threw my arms up. "Sunday I'll take JJ with me."
"Thank you." She smiled.
"You got it." I winked with a smile and headed back to my desk.
"Fire out?" Derek asked without turning.
"You're Fiance is calm now." I smiled over at him. "You done with that paper work?" I asked.
"Yes Ma'am." He handed me the folder.
"Good... you wanna come threaten a florist with me." I said taking the file and throwing it down and grabbing my jacket. I smiled over and Derek smiled too.
"Oh hell ya." He said jumping to his feet and grabbing his jacket. "So that was really about flowers?" Derek asked as we headed for the elevator.
"Yes... Don't make me explain why she was so worked up. Everything is important to a bride on her wedding." I smiled.
"Shouldn't the only thing that matter if the two people get married or not?" He asked.
"You know how it is... You have sisters. You must have heard all about their weddings when you were growing up." I laughed.
"True... but they were like six and ten. All that stuff really matters?" He asked before the door opened.
"Yes." I smiled at him.
Morgan laughed as the doors opened and Rossi and Hotch stormed out of the elevator. We had to jump out of their way because they were to busy arguing back and forth to see us there.
"Well I don't see how this isn't a case." Rossi asked.
"Rossi it just isn't for the whole team. Look JJ has another case lined up for you and the others." Hotch sighed. Derek and I exchanged looks as we slowly followed them back into the bullpen. "Walsh and I just need to handle this case."
"What about you and Walsh?" I spoke up and he turned around quickly. "We got a case?" I asked.
"We do." Hotch said looking at me with a small nod.
"Not the whole team?" Derek asked.
"JJ has your case ready for you in the morning." Hotch said. "Walsh and I leave in an hour."
"What?" I laughed following him up the stairs.
"My office." He ordered.
"Morgan tell Penelope I'll handle it once I get back." I called out before I walked into Hotch's office.
Morgan nodded and then I focused on Hotch who was rushing to his desk. "Fresno." was all he said. He seemed out of breath and he quickly rushed through his drawers.
"Who's in Fresno?" I asked.
"Not who, what." Hotch corrected me.
"No." I said right away when I knew he was talking about a hunt. "No." I shook my head again.
"Walsh we have no choice we need to take this one." He said looking up at me.
"How can you just think I would come with you?" I asked. "Hotch it's been six months since I even looked at a damn bible. I'm not going with you." I said shaking my head. I turned my back and headed for the door.
"Adrian Holton, he's 14." Hotch spoke with a demanding and booming voice that made me stop as I reach the door knob. "He just shot his mother six times. He was in a coma for a few hours. His heart just gave out. He woke up and has no memory of anything." Hotch's voice softened and I sighed. "We need to take this case."
I tilted my head up and just sighed again. "Fine... I'll be back in thirty. Have the jet ready to take off the minute I get back." I didn't turn my back. "I need weather reports, and other repots of strange deaths in the area in the last six months." I said opening the door.
"You think this is my first hunt Clara." Hotch said looking over at me and I sighed looking over at him.
"It's been a while... for both of us." I said raising my eyebrows and quickly walking down the stairs. I was lucky not to run into any of the other team members. I took the stairs and rushed back to my place as fast I could.
I had bought a small three bedroom house just ten minutes from the BAU. It was newly renovated and had a white and light blue finish on the outside. I was never home enough to have a lot of furniture so a bed, a kitchen table, a chair holding some books and a few pictures on the walls worked for me. Once I had packed a bag of clothes I headed to the attic. Everything from my hunting days was up there. Lore books to weapons, I just stashed it all away hoping never to use it. Most of it was collecting dust and I as I grabbed my father journal, some holy water, some knives, and an extra gun I sighed looking around the cluttered space.
I didn't waste time wishing I wasn't going on this hunt because I had no choice. So I kept my anger inside and rushed to the airstrip where Hotch was waiting. I got on the plane and he had everything I had asked for and more. He didn't look to happy and he knew I wasn't either. I had never been on a hunt with Hotch so I had no idea how this would go. I assumed he would run this like he did all the other cases. But apparently hunter Aaron was a not like SSA Agent Hotchner.
"How do you want to do this?" He asked up front as I sat across from him.
"Huh?" I couldn't help but question not expecting that at all.
"I may have been hunting before you were born but are still the best demons hunter of your generation." He said.
"You think it's a demon?" I sat forward.
"All the signs point to it. People going missing for weeks at a time then returning have no memory of where they were, stormy weather, all the signs of omens." He sighed. "Plus you know the whole apocalypse..."
"You think Adrian and the others are connected?" I asked again.
"It's possible." He said and I sat back and shook my head. "What?"
"I'm not saying you're wrong but no demon is taking over a 14 year old kid to snuff out his mom because Lucifer said so." I sighed rubbing my face. Even after all these years of flying I never really got used to it. The turbulence was going to start soon and I hated that part. "And whether it's a demon or not that's not really the biggest problem." I sighed.
"Then what is? I'm a bit rusty on my demon lore... in my day there was only like two possessions ever ten years." He let off a little laugh.
"Wow I wonder what that is like." I smiled. "The problem is what kind of demon it is. The ones with the back eyes, those are literally the bitches of hell. Kinda like soldiers. Catch them in a devils trap and a simple exorcism will do the trick." I nodded and sat forward. "Then there are you're crossroads demons... the deal makers. They got red eyes and are really arrogant. Holy water and the same exorcism said at least twice should send them back. It's the ones with the grey clouded eyes that we have to be worried about. I've only come against two of them and each time it did not end well." I sighed.
I could tell Hotch hesitated but I knew he needed to asked. "What happened?" He sighed looking at me.
"I died." I sighed and Hotch nodded. I didn't need to say much else. It was quiet for a long time. "Alright we land, check into a hotel, go to talk to the locals. Sound good?" I asked.
"What about Adrian?" Hotch asked.
"Leave him to me." I nodded.
When the plane landed we did just as I had planned out. We headed to a hotel where we encountered our first problem. Our hunt hadn't even started yet and we already had problem. "I'm sorry Sir but all we have left is one queen." The kid behind the counter talked to Hotch as I followed him in. Looks like me and Hotch were sharing a room. That was going to be interesting. We dropped off our bags and went to the police station. Big cities always had annoying cops. They think just because they found the kid with blood on him they have closed the case. They also have no problem in voicing their opinions on the FBI, which are never good opinions.
"I'm gonna head back to the hotel and change." I said to Hotch as we left the police station.
"Why?" He looked back at me just before he walked to the SUV.
"When you were 14 did you even want to talk to a cop?" I asked with a small smirk. "Plus I have a feeling I can appeal to him better when I'm not FBI." I laughed. "You go talk to the victims and the families. I'll take a cab to the hospital and meet you later?" I asked and Hotch nodded.
Working with Hotch on a hunt was a lot easier than I thought it was going to be. He didn't argue when I said something, and he wasn't hell-bent on just going after the demon. He was an actually professional, gather all the information before making any decisions. As I made my way back to the hotel I wondered what Hotch was like during his hunting days? I bet he was pretty well off, I bet he never needed back up.
I quickly changed into some jeans and a sweater, kept my gun on my belt and shoved my FBI badge and fake Child Services badge in my back pocket. I was hoping no one would question me but the gun might get people nervous.
When I got to the hospital only one doctor stopped me. I flashed him my FBI badge and he quickly shut up. I asked him where Adrian was and he pointed the way. I could hear a commotion coming from down the hall and as I got closer I heard yelling coming from Adrian's room.
"Get away from me!" A young male, who I assumed was Adrian screamed and then the sound of something crashing to the ground. "Stop! Leave me alone!" he yelled. I quickened my pace and made it to the door to watch as he fought and yelled at a few nurses. "Get the hell away from me!" He yelled and pushed a nurse away. She went crashing to the ground as Adrian sat up and started pulling tubes from his arms.
"Everybody back off." I said calmly as two doctors grabbed his arms forcefully and tried to restrain him. Everyone looked up and paused. "Let the boy go and get out." I ordered and a few of the nurses ran. The two doctors holding Adrian just stared at me. The boy continued to struggle. "I said let him go." I walked into the room quickly and stared at the doctors who slowly let Adrian go.
"Listen lady I don't know who you think you are-"
I quickly pulled my badge and flashed it at the doctor who spoke. "It's SSA Walsh to you." I said raising my eyebrows at his disrespect.
"I don't think you understand..." He tried again.
"Oh no I understand jut fine. You are assaulting a 14 year old and more importantly my witness." I said and the doctors looked at each other. "No if you don't mind I would like to speak to Adrian... alone."
"The police told us-"
"Does it look like I give a damn what the local police told you?" I asked.
"Well-"
"That was rhetorical..." I sighed. "Just get out." I demanded and they finally left.
"Wooh..." Adrian smirked as we both watch the doctors leave with anger in their step. "That was cool." He said under his breath.
I smirked at him and turned to face him. "Sorry about that... some men just don't know when to shut up." I said and Adrian just looked at me. "I just want to ask you a few questions." I said with a sigh as I stood at the end of his bed.
Adrian quickly sat back and crossed his arms over his chest. I hadn't even asked him anything he was already pulling away. "Who are you anyways?" He asked.
"Well I'm FBI..." I sighed knowing this wasn't going to go very well.
"I already answered the cops questions. They don't believe me why should you." He huffed looking away.
"Well I'm not a cop." I offered and he rolled his eyes. "And I think you know more than what you are letting on." I sighed as he looked away. "I read the statement you gave to the locals. You went to school, you walked home, and that's the last thing you remember. You woke up the next day with blood all over you so you called 911." I repeated his statement and I watched as he held his breath and closed his eyes. "I'm really sorry about what happened to you mom." I offered as I walked around and stood next to his bed and he shifted away and looked down.
"Like you care." He muttered.
"You think I would be here if I didn't?" I asked with a small laugh. I knew he was holding back. "Adrian I work for the FBI. I'm a profiler, I am trained and paid to read behaviour. I catch serial killers and put people who kill behind bars." I said and raised his shoulders to try and protect himself. "You aren't someone I want to see behind bars." I said softly as I looked around.
"doesn't matter. Police say I'm gonna rot in jail." He raised his voice.
"I want to change that." I said quickly. "I don't believe in putting innocent people in jail." I said and his shoulders lowered quickly and looked at me.
"You think I'm innocent?" He asked quietly with big eyes.
I smiled. "You're an only child. You're father died when you were 5. Your mother raised you, while working two jobs. You are smart, but don't have a lot of friends. Your mother was all you had." I said and he looked confused.
"How do you know that?" he asked.
"Most of it was in your file but when I look around this room I don't see balloons or cards from anyone." He looked down quickly.
"People think I killed my mom... why would they care?" He sighed.
"Your mother loved you, cared for you, and was the only person you had in the whole world... now why would you kill her?" I sighed. "I don't think you did." I smiled and he looked over at me. "I think someone else did but you just don't remember."
Adrian let out a laugh. "I remember." He said under his breath so I couldn't hear him.
"Then tell me what happened." I said pulling a chair over and sitting next to him.
"Why so you can laugh at me." He shrugged.
"So I can help you." I smiled.
"No one believes me." I argued. I could tell he was desperately trying to hold back. "I shouldn't even be talking to you. Just go." He shifted away and turned his back as he pulled his knees up to his chest.
"Would you talk to me if I told you I know what you're going through and I know exactly how crazy you think you are?" I asked and he laughed.
"Trust me Agent," He mocked me. "You would have me throw in a padded room if I told you about the blacksm-" He stopped and I smirked. "You have no idea what I am feeling and you know nothing about me. SO GET OUT!" He yelled and I stood. He was a very angry boy and I understood why. The mentioning of the black smoke only made me smile because I how to get him to talk to me.
I stood next to his bed and looked out the window. It had started to rain and I sighed. "When I was sixteen I lost my dad." I said with a sigh. "He was all I had to. My mom and baby brother were killed when I was two and he may not have been the best dad in the world be I loved him." I smiled down at Adrian who tried not to look at me. "I know you love your mother... so you can either tell me what happened so I can find the person who did this faster or I can leave and you can go to jail." I said and Adrian pulled away.
"Leave." He sighed as he buried his head in his knees.
I sighed as I walked over to the front of Adrian's bed. I placed my hands on the rail and leaned forward dropping my head. "I watch my dad get ripped apart my invisible dogs." I said quickly and quietly. I looked over slowly after I heard Adrian gasp. His eyes were wide as he stared at me. "I could hear them barking under his screams and I know what it feels like to have the blood of someone you love on you." I said with a sigh. "My father was taken by a hell-hound. They collect after a deal has been made." I sighed.
"A deal?" Adrian asked with a shaky voice.
"A deal...with a demon." I sighed as Adrian's legs dropped as did his mouth. His eyes grew even bigger and I sighed. "Now will you tell me about the black smoke and how it attacked you and made you do something awful?" I asked with a bit of a beg.
"You...you believe me agent?" He asked with a scared tone.
I walked over to his side and he watched. "You can call me Clara, and what happened to you is very real and you are not crazy. Trust me I've seen and heard it all." I smiled kindly and he sighed looking down again.
Adrian was quiet for a second but then I heard his sniff and I sat across from him on the bed. He looked up and his eyes were watery. He took his time and I was happy to wait. He took a deep breath and sighed. "I was on my way home from school. I always cut up an alley a few streets over so I don't have to run into anyone from school. I was running late and I knew she would start to worry so I started to run and took a faster route through two more allies. I was almost home when I ran into this guy. He was just standing in the middle of the ally. He was wearing all black and his eyes were..." Adrian paused and tears started to roll down his face.
I reached for his hand and when I took it he was shaking. "What colour were his eyes Adrian?" I asked needing to know what I was dealing with.
"Black..." He sighed and so did I. "He said he needed my help. I tried to run away but that's when the black smoke started. It circled around my ankles and then I couldn't move. I called out for help but then..." He paused. "That's it... it was like I couldn't control myself anymore. I was running home and when I got there I opened the cabinet in the basement that my mother told me never to go into and grabbed a gun. I didn't even know my mom had a gun!" Adrian began to get upset.
"Okay... calm down." I said trying to get him to settle.
"She didn't even see it coming! I was screaming inside to stop but I just pulled the trigger." He sobbed as tears flowed and he shook.
I sat forward and put my arms around Adrian and he quickly took hold. He was shaking as I held him and he squeezed me tight. He was really afraid. "Adrian..." I stroked his back. "None of this is your fault. You hear me... I'm going to find the thing that hurt you and your mother and I swear you'll be okay." I said quietly and he shook his head.
"How do you know?" He asked.
I sighed as he pulled away and looked up at me. "I've been in some rough spots myself... I've killed a lot of things, watched people I love die, and I've even died a few times... and somehow it always turns out okay." I sighed and Adrian just stared at me. "What I'm saying is... that I'm going to make everything okay." I smiled and he nodded slowly. "I swear to you." I sighed. "Now you need to get some rest. I'm going to leave my number with the nurse outside and if you need me I'll be here with in minutes. Aright?" I asked as I stood up.
Adrian nodded as he pulled the sheets of his bed over himself and laid down slowly. I sighed as I left and I could hear Adrian continue to cry. He was so scared and I didn't want to leave him but I knew a way to help him.
I ran outside and grabbed a cab. I told the cabbie to run the lights and speed. He hesitated and I threw him some money. Once I got back to the hotel I could hear Hotch in the shower. I knew this was my chance to appeal to someone I hadn't seen in a while for help.
I pulled my jacket off an threw it on the bed. I stood in the middle of the room and closed my eyes. "Alright I know you are listening and I need you to hear me. I need your help." I said loudly. "Come on Cas! I know you are listening!" I called louder. "I bet Dean told you to cut me out too but this isn't about me or him... or even the apocalypse. This is about a kid who is hurting and really needs the help of an angel." I paused. "Cas!" I called out and waited.
"You think he could help?" I opened my eyes quickly almost assuming Cas had actually shown up. I turned to see Hotch running a towel through is wet hair. He had jeans and a t-shirt on and no shoes. I almost laughed at his appearance. I had never seen Hotch not in a suit.
"I know he can." I smiled and waited for a minute. "Come on Cas... just this once." I sighed to myself and I heard Hotch sigh.
"I don't think he is coming. Wouldn't he have better things to do then help us?" Hotch sighed.
"No... Cas he's a friend... he should be here." I said.
"Why?" Hotch laughed. It was almost like he didn't believe Cas was real.
"Oh my god you think I'm lying? You don't believe in angels?" I asked and Hotch shrugged. "oh come on! Everything we know about the world and angels are too much for you?" I asked.
"I'm more of a see it to believe it kinda guy."
"Well trust me Castiel is very real."
"Well I don't see anyone."
"You're right." I smiled walking over to my journal and looking through the pages slowly getting angry that Cas hadn't shown up. "If you don't wanna show up... then fine." I muttered to myself.
"Clara?" Hocth questioned cautiously. "What are you doing?" He asked.
"I'm gonna summon an angel." I looked up at him with a smile. "You wanna come?" I asked grabbing my jacket and the keys to the SUV. Hotch sighed deeply. "Oh come on we both know you wanna see me piss off an angel." I smiled jingling the keys.
Hotch hesitated. "Five minutes." He said and smiled
Everything I needed to summon an angel was in my bag and I knew it would piss Cas off but this was the only idea I had. I couldn't let Adrian suffer his whole like. He was just a kid. Hotch stood back and watched me recite Enochian and then light the ingredients on fire. It was a cold night and it was still raining but I didn't care.
"So if you actually do get him here... what is gonna keep him here?" Hotch asked.
"The agents asks a good question." Cas' voice made me turn and face him. He sighed when he saw me. "What do you want Clara?" He asked annoyed with me.
"Well hello to you too..." I huffed and he looked unamused. "Why didn't you answer me?" I asked getting to the point. "I've been praying to you for like an hour... for months..." I sighed. "What you just decide not to answer anymore?" I asked.
"Why am I here Clara?" Cas raised his voice and narrowed his eyes.
"I need a favour." I got right to the point.
Cas laughed and rolled his eyes. "And why would you call me?" He asked.
"You're the only one who can help."
"Look I have other things to do. I shouldn't even be talking to you." Cas said turning his back.
"Why?" I stopped him and he sighed. "Cas I may not special anymore and I know angels don't exactly have feelings but I always thought you were different. I thought we were friends." I said with a sigh and Cas turned to face me.
"Friends?" He laughed. "I have watched humanity for thousands of years and I was never surprised when someone betrayed others but you came along." Cas shook his head. He sounded really angry. "You have always fought for what is right no matter the consequences but now... you are nowhere to be seen. You just turned your back on us." His voice raising. "I don't know if you noticed but the whole world is coming to an end and you just give up!" Cas yelled. "Just decide it isn't your problem anymore?"
"Cas..." I started.
"Why should I help you!?" He yelled.
"You wouldn't be helping me..." I sighed. "You would be helping Adrian." I smiled. "Look I don't know what Dean told you or what you think happened... but Lucifer and the end of the world isn't the problem. Adrian is only 14 and he hurting Cas. He thinks he killed his mother. He really needs to forget." I sighed. "He is scared and all alone..."
I watched as Cas looked down. "What happened?" He asked.
"A demon..."
"No." Cas sighed. "With you." Cas looked up at me with sad eyes. "What happened in 2014 that made you leave?" He asked.
"2014?" Hotch asked from behind me.
"Um.. that's where we were before Dean left." I said quickly turning a bit.
"Dean what?" Cas asked generally confused.
"Look Cas it was a weird few days and..."
"Just tell me what happened!" Cas snapped.
I was going to lie until Cas snapped. I took a deep breath and shrugged. "I killed Sam." I paused. "I killed Sam, Lucifer didn't need permission once he was dead, Lucifer took over, and Dean couldn't let it go." I sighed. "We end up hating each other." I sighed.
"So you left?" Cas squinted.
"Um no, Dean did." I sighed. "Said he didn't want to end up hating me and he didn't want me to die again... so he told me to stay away."
"I don't believe that." Cas shook his head. "Dean.. he... he loves you why would he..." Cas backed up and I watched as Cas started to breathe heavily. It was like he was surprised, confused, and angry all at the same time. He was panicking.
"That's exactly why." I sighed. "Look Cas this isn't about me and Dean... It's about Adrian. Just a scared kid who needs an angel." I smiled walking over to Cas and placed a hand on his shoulder as he looked down. "He really needs an angel..."
"I can't help." Cas sighed
"Why?" Hotch asked taking a step forward.
"I am cut off from heaven. Apparently conspiring with the Winchesters was not the best choice." Cas sighed I couldn't help but laugh a bit.
"Can you help at all?" I asked.
"I can probably get him to forget the demon taking over his body but I don't think erasing the demon from the equation will work." Cas said.
"Alright... whatever you can do." I smiled. Within seconds Cas was gone again. "Cas?!" I called out and sighed.
"So that was the angel?" Hotch asked with a bit of a laugh. "Not exactly what I imagined... What's with the trench coat?" He asked.
"Um it was what his vessel was wearing... I guess he just ran with it." I shrugged. "But I told you angels were real... they don't all look like humans." I sighed as we walked over to the SUV.
"What do you mean?" He asked before I could open the door and get in.
"Well they are as big as building and have these wings that just..." I stopped and sighed.
"How do you know that?" Hotch asked with a small smirk.
"Um before I died I could see and hear them... Their true voices and true forms. Just this gift I was apparently born with." I sighed.
"But you can't anymore?" Hotch asked.
"Nope." I shrugged ready to leave.
"Why?" Hotch asked.
"Does it matter?" I asked a bit angry he was pushing so hard.
"Look Clara we are all really happy you are back and everything but you kinda just showed up and didn't really explain where you had been for over a month." Hotch sighed. "Just trying to get some answers."
"Yeah well how about we do the whole sharing thing later... I'm tired." I sighed. "We still need to find that demon." I sighed opening the passenger's side door.
"The demon is dead and Adrian is safe." Cas' voice surprised us both.
"What?" I asked quickly walking over to him.
"Lower level demon... didn't know enough to leave town." Cas sighed and I smiled. "Found it without even trying." Cas broke a small smirk but looked down quickly. "And the boy... he is going to be out for a few days but he won't remember killing his mother." Cas looked up his smile gone.
"Thank you Cas." I smiled at him and when I reached out for his shoulder he moved back.
"I should go." He started and turned.
"Wait." I begged and he stopped. "I'm really sorry..." I sighed feeling so guilty. "Are they alright?" I asked and Cas turned.
"Dean drinks more than he should, throws all caution to the wind, and is still set on killing the devil." Cas said.
"And Sam and Bobby?" I asked.
"They don't know you're alive. Dean nor I have told them." He sighed.
"But they are alright... right?" I asked.
"They're fine." He sighed.
"And you?" I asked and Cas looked up slowly. "Being cut off from your home... dealing with three of the most stubborn and reckless men on the face of the earth... must suck?" I smirked and Cas did too.
He let off a small laugh. "Yeah, it kinda does." He sighed.
"I really am sorry." I sighed stepping closer to Cas.
"I know." He nodded.
I smiled and quickly threw my arms around him. He was stiff at first. "Now you take care of those idiots... and you be careful." I whispered and Cas let out a breath and wrapped his arms around me.
"You too." He said.
"Thank you Cas." I whispered as he let go and was quickly gone.
It was quiet for a second and for some reason I felt odd. It was like something was missing. I slowly turned to face Hotch who saw the confusion I was feeling. "Drinks on me?" He asked with a kind smile.
That night I didn't sleep. Hotch had offered to take the couch in our room and I sat in the queen sized bed alone and unable to close my eyes. Seeing Cas had an odd effect on me. He was so upset about what Dean had did and I never seen him so disappointed. So different then the Castiel angel of the lord I met almost two years ago. I guess with time everything changes. Then my mind wandered to Dean and Sam. I wondered if they had beat the devil, or maybe they needed my help. I knew if I called no one would answer and Dean would be pissed. Then Bobby came to mind. I wondered if Dean had told him about how I died, and if Bobby held it against Sam. I'm sure Dean made up some lie about me going down fighting. Then just as I was about to lay down I thought of Adrian. He must be so alone and so scared.
When the sun finally came up I was already awake and jumped into the shower then got dressed. I was half out the door when Hotch woke up and stopped me. "You think this is a good idea?" He pushed himself up from the couch. It was like he knew what I was going to do.
"He needs a family Aaron." I sighed.
"And you're gonna give him that?" He raised his eyebrows.
"Better someone who knows what he is going through and can help him deal with what he knows then some stranger." I shrugged and left quickly. I headed to the hospital where I found Adrian sitting up in his bed. I knocked on his door and he looked up almost happy to see me. "Hey kiddo." I smiled as I walked.
"Clara? What are you doing here?" He asked sitting straight.
"Well I came to see how you were doing and give you some good news." I smiled.
Adrian's face quickly lit up. "You found it?" he asked. "You got the thing that killed my mom?" He asked.
"That I did." I smiled.
Adrian jumped up and threw his arms around my waist. He hugged me tightly. "Thank you..." He sighed then sat back with a sad look.
"What's wrong?" I asked as I watched his eyes shift to the door.
"Here we are." a women's chipper voice came around the corner and walked in. She was a middle aged women, pencil skirt and glasses. She walked with pride but had this weird smile. Two people followed her. A couple I would assume. "Adrian this is Dr. and Mrs Turner." She smiled walking in quickly. She didn't even see me. "These are your new foster parents." She smiled brightly and Adrian looked down and shifted toward me.
"Foster parents?" I questioned and the three of them looked up at me.
"Who are you?" The women asked with a bit of disgust. I quickly pulled my badge and flashed it to her. "Oh well Agent Walsh... what can I do for you?" She asked.
"How about explaining who these two are?" I asked crossing my arms.
"Well these kind people have agreed to take Adrian in for the time being... until we find him a more permanent home." The women smiled over at Adrian who looked away.
"What? You can't be serious... you are just signing him off to strangers?" I asked and walked over to them. "Look I'm sure you are very nice people but come on you can't expect a 14 year old to just go with them." I said.
"Actually I can and he will." The women straitened her back. "With cases like these we have to.."
"Cases like these?" I stopped her.
"Well when the child has no family to take him in." She explained.
"Well that's were you are wrong." I said. "I'm gonna take him in." I said and she looked confused.
"What? You can't just-" she paused and didn't know what to say.
"Don't you think it should be up to the child who he stays with?" Mrs Turner spoke up. "I mean if she is family we have no right to take him." She smiled over at me. Finally someone who talks sense. I didn't exactly know what I was doing but I couldn't let this kid go with strangers. Plus I like him, he should have to go through this alone.
"Clara! I choose Clara." Adrian said quickly before we could even turn around. I smiled at him. He didn't want to stay with strangers and I think he knew I could help him.
"Well..." The child services women looked over at me. "You do realize that you will be responsible for him, as his legal guardian."
"Yes I realize that." I rolled my eyes. "So what do I have to sign so we can get out of here?" I asked.
The women laughed as she took my by the arm and showed me out of the room. "Adrian just excuse us for a second." She said closing the door. The young couple made their way out of the hospital and I suddenly became very aware this women was still holding onto me. "You see there are a few things we have to go through before you take the child..." Her grip suddenly got tighter around my arm as she lead me down the hall and into a room away from people.
"What?" I questioned and before I could say anything I was quickly thrown to the ground with a swift kick to the back. "Jesus." I swore as I tumbled to the ground.
"No quiet sweetheart." The women's voice lowered and when I looked up her eyes flashed black.
I sighed deeply and climbed to my feet as she stared me down. "Alright there's more of you." I sighed.
"Well you see when you sent broken little angel Castiel here, I was sent to check things out." She smiled walking over to me quickly. I took my chance and swung and punched her in the face. Stumbled back a bit but laughed. "Loosing your touch deary." She said looking up and throwing her hand up sending me crashing into the glass cabinet. Before I could get up she lifted her hand and sent me flying into the wall. "Come on this isn't as fun as I was promised." She laughed and gave me a minute.
I had glass sticking from my hands and my head was ringing but I quickly got to my feet. "Promised?" I questioned pushing my hair out of my face. "Who did the promising?" I asked as I ran toward her and tackled her to the ground. Once she hit the ground I climbed on top of her and punched her a few times. As blood dripped from my knuckles and her face I paused and looked down at her. "Who sent you and why?" I demanded. She laughed. I shook my head and grabbed my gun that was still somehow attached to my belt. I put it against her shoulder and she laughed again.
"You really have lost it... bullets are going to get you out of this."
"Yeah?" I asked and let one round off quickly. She jolted against the ground and I got off of her. I smiled down at her as she struggled to get up. "What about a bullet with a devil's trap engraved on it?" I asked with a smile. I took a second to catch my breath and pull the glass from my hands and knees. "Now... tell me what I want to know." I said sending another round into her other shoulder. She cried out in pain and I shook my head. "I'm waiting." I sighed licking my lips tasting blood. "Who sent you!" I yelled pulling her up and slamming her into the wall.
"Crowley!" She yelled out of breath.
"Who? What does he want with Adrian?" I asked. I had never heard of a demon names Crowley before and wondered what he wanted.
"Nothing..." She cried as I shot off another round into her leg and punched her in the face. "He just wanted to see you." She sighed.
"Why?" I demanded. She said nothing. "Fine... Exorcizamus te, omnis immundus spiritus." I started and she twitched.
"Stop." He begged before I could continue. "I'll tell you!" She sighed.
"Better make it quick... I'm tired of waiting." I said quietly.
"Oh! Down girl." An english accent came from behind me and I quickly dropped my grip on her and turned. I turned to find a man in a well tailored suit, clean cut hair, and the walk of someone who had more ego then anyone I had ever met. "I must say I have met a lot of hunters... killed a lot of them too... but you my dear are by far the most interesting." He smiled. I quickly pulled my gun on him but he waved his hand and stuck me against the wall. "Please... you should know better by now darlin'." He smiled.
"Who are you and what do you want?" I struggled against his hold as he walked up to me.
"Oh right.. how rude of me." He sighed. "Names Crowley. It is a pleasure to meet you Clara." He smirked and took my hand and kissed it lightly. As he did the hold on my body was let go.
"Don't touch me." I barked and leaned forward. All he had to do was move to the side and he was behind me.
"Fistey." He laughed and I turned. "Good." He nodded.
"Alright enough flirting, what do you want." I said and he smirked at me.
"I want to talk." He exhaled.
"Talk?" I laughed and quickly looked around for the other demon but she had vanished.
"Yea talk." Crowley rolled his eyes. "Look I don't have all day. Now about your connections with the Winchesters." He said quickly.
"Wooh! This is about Sam and Dean?" I asked with a sigh. Of course it was, nothing ever happened without them in the middle.
"It has occurred to me that your boyfriend and his over grown brother aren't easily persuaded." He sighed.
"Well you know the whole blacked bitch thing kinda ruins it." I winked and his smile fell. He flung up hand and I flew back into the wall and crashed to the ground. "Ou didn't know you were so sensitive." I laughed as I rolled onto my back and got up. He quickly knocked me down again.
"You think I am just some punk ass run of the mill demon... Agent." He said wrapping a hand around my neck and slamming me against he wall.
"Better dressed but yea basically..." I choked out and Crowley shook his head.
"Well I'm not." he said through his teeth. "I'm king of the bloody crossroads you smug...little..." He stuttered and I laughed.
"Oh save your insults." I choked and he finally let me drop and I gasped for more air. "Look..." I said slowly standing up and stepped away from Crowley. "I don't care who are you... or what you and the Winchesters have been doing." I sighed dusting some of the dirt off of me.
"You don't care?" He questioned with narrow eyes.
"No." I sighed. "Sam and Dean need to kill Lucifer and however they plan on doing it... well just so happens to not be my problem anymore." I nodded with a sarcastic smile and headed for the door. My body was already aching enough I didn't need to be thrown around more.
"I have the Colt." Crowley's words made me stop.
I turned quickly. " You have the Colt? Like the Colt?" I asked.
"The gun that kill Lucifer." He smirked.
I took a deep breath. "Alright listen... You bring that gun to Sam and Dean now." I said. "There is no discussion or debate. Just do it." I demanded.
"Slight problem darlin'." He sighed. "I've tried, they don't seem to trust me."
"Then put it in a box and mail it to them for all I care. Just get it to them. It's in a hunter's nature not to trust filth like you but everyone can be persuaded." I smiled.
"And you?" he stopped me from walking away again. I turned a bit confused by his question. "Can you be persuaded?" he asked.
"To do what?" I asked wiping my mouth as I felt blood run down.
"Kill Lucifer?" He asked pulling something from his jacket. I took a step back quickly and he pulled th Colt out.
"You just carry that around with you?" I asked with a bit of a laugh. "For a King you're not to bright." I teased and Crowley rolled his eyes.
"Take it." He tried to hand me the gun.
"Take it to Sam and Dean." I shook my head taking a step back.
"The great Clara Walsh backing out of a fight?" Crowley laughed.
"I'm not great." I shook my head. " I was asked to stay away and that's what I'm doing." I sighed.
"Oh how sweet." He joked. "Never thought I would face the most talked about demon hunter and have her turn me down." He shook his head. "All is well I just thought if anyone wanted to kill Lucifer it would be you but I'll see what I can do with the two knuckle heads." Crowley shrugged.
"Good." I stood straight despite the pain in my legs and back. "Don't come after me again. Or you will be sorry." I warned and Crowley smirked.
"Darlin' I look forward to our next meeting." He winked and then he was gone.
I sighed as I walked over to my gun and picked it up. I could hear people down the hall talking as I tried to leave the room quietly. There was a lot of damage and blood just about everywhere and I needed to get out of there. I looked down at my hands that were bleeding and as I passed a window I saw my reflection. My lip was swelling and my left eye was already darkening. "Son of a..." I stopped when I heard Hotch's voice coming from Adrian's room.
"She left about twenty minutes ago." Adrian said. "That women took her." He shrugged.
"Who took her? And Where?" Hotch's voice sounded panicked.
"Aaron." I said from the door and they both looked toward me.
"Jesus." Hotch swore as he walked over quickly. "Are you alright?" He asked.
"I'm fine." I smiled.
"But you're bleeding." Adrian said jumping from his bed and walking over to the chair Aaron made me sit.
"Eh not the most blood I've seen." I smiled.
"Really?" Adrian's eyes grew. I nodded. "Cool." He whispered.
"Well you are lucky you are in a hospital." Hotch said walking out and coming back with some sutures and a needle. He sighed as he took my wrists and made me hold them out. I tried to pull away but he looked up at me. "Stop." He ordered.
"Alright... geez." I laughed.
"Clara what happened?" Adrian asked sitting on the chair arm and watching as Hotch sowed the wound in my hands.
"Ah nothing to worry about. But I can guarantee that no demon will ever bother you again." I winked over at him.
As Hotch pushed my sleeves up to sow the other cuts Adrian gasped. I looked up at him quickly to make sure he was alright and he was just staring at my arms. "Woooh..." He breathed out and when I looked down I sighed at what he gasped at. "How did you get those?" he asked an Hotch looked up at me.
I sighed looking down at the scars on my arms. "Umm..." I tried to think of a lie but I saw no point. "Just a bad day on the job." I shrugged. I watched as Hotch rolled his eyes and put some bandages over my hands and arms.
"We should go." Hotch said as he stood and I followed.
"What about me?" Adrian asked.
"You're coming too." I smiled and he sighed in relief.
"Clara..." Hotch warned. "You sure?" he asked.
"Yeah." I smiled. "Come on Kiddo, I think you'll like Virginia." I laughed as Adrian walked over to my side. I looked over to Hotch. "I could ask Penelope but I think you would be better at making this legal?" I asked.
"When we get back I'll change somethings in the system." Hotch smirked as we headed out of the hospital.
It was odd how easy it was to just leave the hospital and state with Adrian. I didn't question it and he seemed fine for the time being. I had no idea what Cas had done but whatever it was I thanked him for it. When the plane landed Hotch went back to the BAU and I took Adrian to a few stores so he could pick out some clothes and stuff to put in his room.
He had a love for books and comics. I smiled at him as he talked on and on about Captain America and how he and other Marvel characters were ten times better then DC. We made our way back to the house and I brought everything inside quickly. Adrian didn't move from the car though. He just stared at the house. When I came downstairs to find him not around I was confused. I walked outside and he was just staring at the house.
"Adrian?" I asked and he jumped. I walked over to his window and he rolled it down and looked at me with big eyes. "What's wrong?" I asked.
"Why did you take me?" he asked. "I mean I'm not family, You've only known me for like 27 hours, I'm not your responsibility... why would you take me in?" he asked with a sigh.
"Well because I know what it's like to have no one." I smiled. "When my father died I was alone for a while... until I found my family." I smiled and opened the door. "We may not be related but as someone who is very dear to me always says... Family don't end with blood." I said in a gruff voice and a smile. "People like us gotta stick together." I said and he slowly climbed out of the car.
We walked into the house and Adrian looked around. I'm sure it was nothing like his old out but it was the best I could do. "You live here alone?" He asked. "It's so big." He said.
"Really? Never noticed..." I smirked as he looked around. "I'm never really alone though." I smiled. Adrian turned quickly and looked panicked. "Relax there's no supernatural being here... I checked." I smiled. "My team and I are very close. We spend a lot of time together." I nodded.
"Your team?" he asked. "Like Agent Hotchner?" he asked.
"Well he's part of the team... well leader actually." I smirked. "You'll meet everyone soon. Just thought you would want to get set up in your room first." I said leading him to the stairs.
"I really get my own room?" He asked.
"Well of course. Adrian if you're going to live here you need your own room." I smiled.
The rest of the day Adrian spent putting everything in the right place. I watched as he lined all his books up on the shelf just right. He told me he could be a bit OCD at times and he likes things just so. I listened to anything else he had to tell me. He was a sweet kid and bit more mature for his age, yet still young at heart.
As the sun went down Adrian and I sat on his bed and talked. He told me all about his childhood and when he talked about his mother he was trying not to cry. I told him all about my childhood. I didn't lie about anything and I told him all about Bobby, Ash, Ellen, Jo, John, Sam, and Dean. I left out some information he didn't need to know like me and Dean or what Sam had done. He listened so well and he was amazed by our lives.
"Wow... that would be the best book to read." He laughed and I sighed.
"Surprisingly enough there are books. Apparently prophets like to write." I laughed.
"No way! Can I read them?" He asked.
I hesitated for a minute but then I saw no harm in it. Maybe it would help him cope with loosing his mother. "I'll see what I can do." I smiled. "You hungry?" I asked and he nodded. "You wanna go grab something?" I asked.
When we got back the sun was long gone and it was getting late. Adrian was getting tired and I told him that he should take a shower and head to sleep. Tomorrow I would look for a school he could go to and hopefully it wouldn't be long before he had friends. He walked next to me as we walked in and I locked the door behind me.
I paused when I heard something from the living room. I tugged on Adrian's arm and he looked up at me. I pulled him behind me as I reached into the side table drawer and pulled the gun I had hidden. I put my finger up to my mouth and told Adrian to be quiet. He nodded as he hid behind me as I walked around the corner and flicked on the light I was faced with another gun pointed at me.
"Clara it's me." Sam's voice came quickly but I didn't drop my gun.
"Sam?" I questioned flicking more lights on. "What are you doing here?" I asked narrowing my eyes.
"I just came to talk." He said.
"With a gun?" I questioned still not lowering my weapon.
"Seeing as I'm pretty much the last person you would ever want to see... I thought a little protection wouldn't hurt." He sighed slowly putting his gun back into his jeans.
"Clara?" Adrian's whisper reminded me he was there.
"Adrian go up stairs..." I said looking down at him with a smile.
"Should I call someone?" he asked.
"No... me and Sam are just gonna chat for a minute. Just go read or something, okay?" I asked he nodded and quickly bolted up the stairs.
"Who's the kid?" Sam spoke and I looked at him again.
"None of your concern." I answered still not moving to dropping my aim.
"Look I just need to talk to you... can you put the gun down. Please?" He asked flashing me those puppy dog eyes.
"Oh no those eyes are not going to work this time." I shook my head. "Tell me what you want and leave." I said.
"Wow..." His eyebrows went up and sighed. "Never thought you would say that to me..." He said looking down.
"Never thought you would kill me." I jabbed at him and he looked up. "Don't tell me.. you came to apologize." I rolled my eyes slowly lowering my gun.
"No." Sam said straightening his back.
"No?" I repeated and he shrugged.
"There is nothing I can say to you that would get you to believe how sorry I am. No matter how hard I try you won't forgive me. Hell Dean hasn't and I am never going to forgive myself." He sighed those eyes slowly glazing over. "What I did was..." He paused.
"Thought you were apologizing." I said suddenly feeling guilty that I was so mad at Sam.
He cleared his throat. "I'm not. I'm here to thank you." He said.
"For what?" I questioned putting my gun back into the drawer but keeping my eyes on Sam.
"What you said to Crowley." He answered.
"Oh that pompous douche." I rolled my eyes.
"He told us he paid you a visit." Sam sighed.
"He did more than visit." I rolled my eyes pointing to the bruising and cuts. Sam sighed. "He gave you the Colt I would imagine." I walked into the living room keeping space between Sam and I. I stopped and listened as I crossed my arms.
"Yes, and where Lucifer was." Sam nodded. "We tried Clara..." Sam sighed.
"And you failed?" I questioned. "You just have to try again. That's how it works." I rolled my eyes and headed toward the kitchen.
"Ellen and Jo are dead." I stopped dead in my tracks when Sam spoke. "They went out fighting." Sam's voice was shaky and I turned around.
"Ellen and Jo..." I stuttered and I ran a hand through my hair and breathed out. "Jesus..." I sighed rubbing my face. I tried to stop the tears and just held my breath for a second.
"Lucifer said in six months I say yes." Sam didn't even give me time to process what he had said before. I looked up at him quickly. "He said I would say yes, in Detroit in six months." Sam's voice was shaky as my body started to fill with fear. I shook my head. "I know that you hate me and want to shoot me in the head... trust me I'm really close to doing the same but..." Sam paused walking over to me quickly. "You have always been the person I turn to when I need help. You always know exactly what to say..." He sighed. "Clara I don't know what to do." he sighed as his eyes grew and the tears threatened to fall.
I wanted to do a lot of things in that moment. I wanted to yell at Sam, push him down, hell I wanted to beat the crap out of him but I just looked up at him and sighed. I couldn't help but see the 15 year old Sam that I had met so long ago, who just wanted a normal life.
I closed my eyes for a second and took a deep breath. "Alright listen up Winchester." I said looking back at him with seriousness. "You need to buck up, and move on." I said and he looked confused. "You know damn well that you will never say yes to Lucifer so that's what you focus on. You stay alive, you don't die, and for the love of god just don't give up." I said with a shrug. "You can beat Lucifer... okay well you have to beat him. There isn't exactly a choice so you just do whatever you have to do to kill that son of a bitch... except say yes." I said putting my hands in his shoulders. He sighed deeply like that's what he needed. "You got all that?" I asked and Sam smiled at me with a nod. "Good. Now go you got work to do." I said patting him on the back.
Sam hesitated for a second and he looked at me. "Dean never told me what happened. He just came back out of the blue." Sam said. "I don't know what he said but I'm sure he just-"
"Stop." I interrupted Sam. "I don't need to hear you apology for Dean. I'm not mad, he did what he had to do." I nodded. "It's been six months... I'm fine." A small smile broke and Sam nodded.
"I'm glad." he smiled and then before he turned to leave he just wrapped his big arms around me quickly. Sam squeezed me tightly. "I'm sorry..." He whispered and I put my arms around his waist.
"I know." I whispered back.
The hug lasted another minute before Sam headed for the door."By Clara." He nodded as he opened the door. I smiled at him.
"Bye Sam." I said quietly once he was gone. Then that was it. Sam was gone and it was quiet.