Taylor woke up before his alarm went off. His nerves were eating him alive. Why was he nervous? He was used to playing sports. He wasn't used to high school sports or being the center of attention. They would do the homecoming ceremony for the locals and then the game would happen after that. There would be a pep rally at school too. It was almost too much. He kind of missed being invisible.

Kate woke up in a better mood. She didn't have visions and was excited to see Taylor play.

(Caleb's house)

Andy was also excited about the football game. He wasn't excited about school. Jimmy was a constant source of annoyance. He kept himself in line and just played with Owen. As he was eating his breakfast, he asked April about Ian's program. "You're gonna leave him there?"

"Well, he should have fun. They have toys and stuff." April said. She too was nervous. "I'll be nearby in case he doesn't like it."

Caleb told Andy to hurry up. "I'll drop you off at school." Karen was going to pick April and Ian up so that Ian could go to the play program and April could go pick up the van. "You may get to ride in the new van after school."

Andy grabbed his bag and shoes. He put his lunch bag in his backpack and stood by the door.

Caleb got his keys and headed outside. "I will get off of work early today so we can go watch Taylor."

Andy smiled. "Can I have a shirt with the team on it?"

"Yep. Karen is working on those. We want everyone to know we are cheering for Taylor." Caleb said.

Andy got in his seat and buckled up. He hummed to himself as they drove and started to get out when the truck stopped. "I love you, dad."

Caleb reached back to put a hand on Andy's knee. "I love you too. Have a good day."

Andy fist-bumped Caleb and ran up to the front of the school. He met Owen in line and asked if he was going to the game too. It was going to be a good day.

(Marie's house)

Desiree woke up to Ben wedged between her side and James. She ran her fingers through his hair and watched him breathe deeply. The night before, Rod had shown them all of the warding and safety measures around the house. When James had told her that he left the kids with someone she had never met, she was weary. After she met them and saw how the kids acted around them, she relaxed. The room they were in had an air conditioner and a ceiling fan. The decor was simple but welcoming. She was honestly very comfortable.

Ben woke up suddenly and shot out of the bed. He ran to the door and swung it open.

Desiree startled and followed him after slipping socks on her feet. She found Ben standing on a step stool by the stove.

Marie gave Ben a tiny oven mitt for him to stir the eggs that she had placed in the pan. She saw Desiree and smiled. "Would you like some coffee?"

Desiree sat down. "Yes, please. Is he in your way?"

"Not at all. He has been helping each morning. I think he knows I'll let him taste-test everything." Marie said. She put a hand over Ben's to help him reach the eggs in the back of the pan. She turned the heat down and asked him if he wanted to help cut up berries.

Ben hopped off the step stool and opened a drawer. He got out a cutting tool that was meant for little hands.

Marie got him a cutting board and strawberries.

Desiree watched him slowly cut through several berries. He was being careful and responsible. She would never have thought to let him help cut things. She didn't know a tool like that existed.

Ben got some measuring cups out of the same drawer and held them up for Marie.

"Do you want biscuits?" Marie asked.

Ben nodded his head. "Yes."

Marie pulled ceramic containers out of a cabinet and sat them where Ben could reach them. She put bacon in a pan and started to cook it. "Yep, big cup, blue container."

Ben was so focused that he stuck his tongue out the side of his mouth. He spilled a little flour but swept it into the sink.

James woke up right before breakfast was ready. He got the girls up and went to the kitchen. "This all smells amazing."

Marie smiled. "Ben is a good cook."

Ben looked up at James with his cheeks stuffed with a warm biscuit.

James chuckled. "Did he help?"

Desiree reached for James's hand and squeezed it. "He cut up the berries and everything."

James followed the plate of bacon with his eyes.

Caitlyn and Caroline got plates and utensils without being asked.

Caitlyn poured James some coffee and poured a second mug and placed it where Rod was going to sit.

James and Desiree traded looks. The kids acted like they had been there for years.

Charlie had been working on something and suddenly remembered what time it was. "Oops, sorry, I got carried away."

Rod joined them and helped Marie with the rest of the prep work.

Marie finally sat down and took a deep breath. "Let's eat."

After breakfast, Rod told Desiree and James that he and Marie were going to go to Taylor's game. "You are welcome to come. We could also take the kids so you two could have some time. I know this is all a lot to take in. Taylor is our biological grandson and he will be the quarterback tonight."

Desiree was unsure.

"If we went, we could drive our own car and leave if it got to be too much," James said.

Desiree nodded. "Okay."

(Kate and Taylor)

Kate was able to talk to Taylor through their telepathic connection. She knew he was nervous and tried to distract him a little bit. He had a test so she left him alone.

Hannah was bouncing off the walls with excitement. "Can you please, please, please come to my house before the game?"

Kate blushed. "I can ask but I doubt it. I kinda made my dad mad last night."

Hannah frowned. "Bummer. My mom was going to help us do our hair for tonight. We have to look the part and wear team colors."

Kate chewed her thumbnail. "What were you thinking?"

"Ribbons. My hair is too dark to dye." Hannah said with a sigh.

"Bring the ribbons with you," Kate said. "I'm going to be there forever anyway."

They walked to their next class and took their normal seats.

Kate didn't mind the class. It was pretty basic science but they were going over anatomy. It was a bit boring because she knew more than the book covered. The day's focus was on the heart and health. Easy stuff for Kate.

Hannah found it easy too but didn't have the background that Kate did.

They checked their heart rate after they had been sitting down for a few minutes and wrote it down on a worksheet they were given. Then, they stood up and counted again. Kate didn't think much about hers until they went out to run around the soccer field. She was no stranger to being able to run without fatigue. Even if she didn't have abilities, Dean or John made her run most mornings. She ran the laps that the other kids did and stopped when the teacher blew a whistle. She counted until the teacher said to stop and record their findings.

The purpose of the assignment was to show how the heart rate increased as exercise increased.

Hannah looked at Kate's paper and then put her fingers on Kate's neck.

"What?" Kate asked.

"Why is yours that low?" Hannah asked, counting in her head.

Kate looked back at her number. "Oh, crap, that is low." Her pulse was 62 which was a low normal for a resting heart rate but incredibly low for someone that had just run laps. She quickly erased her numbers and used Hannah's paper to adjust her's to look normal.

"Do you feel sick?" Hannah asked.

"Not at all. I feel great." Kate said. She added that change to the long list of changes that she had experienced. "It is probably due to my abilities."

"Well, Miss, if you want to blend in, you're going to have to figure that one out," Hannah said, taking her paperback.

"No one is going to be touching me and feeling my heartbeat," Kate said.

"Unless you get hurt or have to act hurt. Someone will think you're having a heart attack."

"Thanks for ruining my day," Kate said. She sat down on the ground to finish filling out her worksheet. "I'll just compel someone if I have to cover this up."

"If you're passed out, I'll create a distraction." Hannah offered.

Kate laughed. "Thanks."

Taylor tried to focus on his test. He didn't miss any of the questions but he just couldn't focus. Halfway through the day, everyone filed into the gym for a pep rally. Everyone that played a fall sport got introduced to the whole school but the emphasis was on the football team. He didn't mind playing out on a field but having every single person in the gym look at him made his stomach flip. He nearly shed a happy tear when he was able to return to the bleachers. The cheer and dance teams did their thing and the final bell finally sounded, releasing Taylor from awkward social interactions for a bit.

Hailey met Taylor at one of the lamp posts by the sidewalk. "We can run through this pretty fast and then you can have time to do whatever you wanted."

Taylor walked with her. She chattered as they walked but he didn't mind. He blushed slightly. "This is going to sound really stupid but I don't know what I am supposed to wear to the dance."

Hailey smiled brightly. "Black pants and a blue button-up. No vest or jacket."

Taylor raised his eyebrows and let out a slow breath. "Well, that was easy."

"Not everyone has the money for suits and fancy dresses. So, the committee made the dance more casual. You could even wear jeans." Hailey said.

They mapped out exactly where to walk and did a test run. Taylor was a good bit taller than Hailey and had to slow his pace. "This isn't really my thing."

Hailey wiped a stray piece of fuzz from his jersey. "Just smile and walk. I'll make sure you don't go the wrong way."

Kate rested her elbows on the fence. She smirked and pushed into his head with a whistle.

Taylor snapped his head toward the stands and glared at Kate.

Kate didn't know how Hailey was going to manage all of the stunts and dancing with the giant bow in her hair. It looked heavy. She hoped that wasn't what Hannah meant by ribbons. Nephilian or not, she was certain it would break her neck.

Bobby, Karen, Dean, and John drove over before the ceremony so that they could get good seats. They had a big group and didn't want to fight people to see.

(April)

April picked Andy up in the new van and drove over to pick Ian up. She was nervous. She knew he could be a handful. She signed him out and asked the teacher how his day was.

"Oh, he was lovely. He is very hyper but the sweetest little boy." The woman responded.

April nearly asked if she was sure that she got the names right. She followed her to the toddler room and met eyes with Ian.

Ian ran to April and wrapped his arms around her leg.

April crouched down and kissed his head. "Did you have fun?"

Ian waved to his new friends and pulled April out of the room.

Andy grabbed his backpack and carried it for April.

April got Ian into his car seat and walked back around to the driver's seat. "We are going to eat and then go to the game."

Andy frowned. "We can't get stuff there?"

"It is expensive. You can get a few things but not a whole meal. Besides, we are going to meet your Dad for food." April said.

Andy settled into his seat. He didn't want to miss anything.

Caleb parked his truck at the house and stood outside so that April could pick him up. "How was your day?"

April smiled and kissed him. "Good. Both boys had good days too."

Caleb looked behind him. "That is great. Andy, did Jimmy give you any trouble?"

"A tiny bit," Andy said. "Hurry, mama. We have to eat and go so we don't miss Taylor's turn to walk."

(At the stadium)

Dean got the message from Rod and showed him where to park. He was a little surprised to see James's family.

Taylor ran up the steps and sat beside John for a moment.

John asked him how he was feeling.

"Good. I guess I'm a little nervous." Taylor said.

John put a calming hand on his shoulder. "You'll do great. Don't worry."

Taylor saw Marie and left John in order to say hi to them.

Marie gave him a big hug. "I'm so proud of you."

Taylor blushed fiercely. "Thanks, nana."

Rod gave him a side hug to save his dignity.

Right before everything started, Caleb's bunch arrived.

Ian saw Ben and took off running, tackling him onto the ground.

Ben giggled and sat up. He handed Ian one of his toys and pulled him over to where his parents were.

Desiree heard about Ian and seeing the two boys play was uplifting.

Taylor was antsy. He wanted to get the showmanship out of the way so he could play. He zoned out until Hailey grabbed his arm.

"Come on, remember, smile and walk," Hailey said.

Taylor's group cheered loudly and embarrassed him slightly. Marie nudged Dean. "Who is the girl?"

"He claims she is no one but he caught her midair when she fell off the stands and he turns a couple of shades of red if you mention her name," Dean said.

Marie chuckled and went back to watching the ceremony.

Taylor didn't remember much of the ceremony because he was so focused on other things. He did manage to smile and walk, though.

Hailey bounced on her toes. "Look, you survived!"

"Was it that obvious?" Taylor asked.

She smiled. "Only to me." She heard her sister call her name and turned to go. "Oh, you have a little bit if you want something to eat or anything. The other team is already here and they are kind of jerks."

Taylor had been warned about the other team. They were big and mean. They took cheap shots and broke every rule they could get away with. "Thanks."

Hailey ran off to talk to Heather and the other cheerleaders.

Taylor stayed in the locker room with the other guys. He had already spoken to his 'fan base' and needed to get his head in the game.

Hannah found Kate and pushed her to sit down. "Be still, my mom will braid your hair."

Kate waved at Hannah's mom. "Hi!"

Mandy said hello to the others and quickly added ribbons to Kate's braid. "There you go."

Ian decided he needed to check out the ribbons. He got close to Kate's hair and poked at one that had glitter on it.

Mandy asked if it was okay if she tied one around his wrist.

The stands started to fill with people. Kate was glad they got there early. She saw a few more people she knew and acknowledged them. She scanned the crowd and saw Logan. He must have seen her too because he went sheet white and ducked behind his dad. That made Kate happy. She nudged Charlie. "That guy is the one that tried to drug me."

Charlie saw him briefly. "Wow, what a dweeb."

"Notice that he is hiding because we made eye contact."

Charlie smiled. "As he should be."

With ten minutes to go before the game started, the cheerleaders worked on boosting morale. They did a few routines and waved pom-poms.

Ian had been playing with Ben but his attention shifted. There was a skinny gap in the railing that separated the stands and the place the cheerleaders were. He looked to make sure no one was watching him and made a mad dash for the gap. He slipped through before Caleb could grab him.

Caleb snapped his fingers. "Ian Grant, get your little butt back over here."

Ian had other ideas. He ran until he hit one of the girls' legs.

People in the stands thought it was hilarious, much to April and Caleb's dismay.

One of the girls lifted Ian onto her hands and bounced him like he was a flyer. Another helped support him so he could do a simple stunt. That also got cheers from the crowd.

April about passed out when they flipped Ian in the air. She grabbed her chest and Karen's leg.

Ian grinned and clapped his hands. He could do that all day.

The tallest girl carried him back to the stands and gave him back to Caleb. She blew him a kiss and waved before going back to the squad.

John blocked the gap so that Ian couldn't escape again although he found it pretty funny.

Caleb held onto Ian for a few minutes. He turned him so that he could look him in the eye. "No running. You stay up here."

Ian nodded, distracted by toys again.

The game started and Taylor got to make his first play. He instantly saw what everyone meant when they said the team was mean. He got tackled but not before he threw the ball to Damon. He hit the ground but it didn't bother him.

Damon was able to run for a few yards before he also got tackled.

Later, Taylor's team was working on their third touchdown and the other team was pissed about it. Taylor heard Kate's voice in his head. 'Don't react'. He and Kate both knew he was going to be hit hard and shouldn't expect it. To act like they were normal, he needed to not have a reaction. As soon as the ball left his hand he got knocked back, hitting the ground hard enough to knock his helmet off. He gasped for a good breath and rolled to his side.

Everyone in the stands grimaced and hissed from the impact.

Albright had the ball and barely managed to score again before he got sent flying.

Taylor got up and shook off the hit. Had he not been able to heal, he would have been hurting the next morning.

Albright limped back to the sidelines. The guy that hit him landed on his leg when they both fell.

Taylor had to force himself to stay back. He couldn't heal his friend. Not with that many people around.

By halftime, the Sioux Falls fans were fed up with the other team.

Marie was a wreck but keeping herself in check because she knew that Taylor could heal. She just didn't like seeing him get thrown.

John and Kate walked down to the benches at halftime. John said he was a medic and could take a look at Albright's leg since the team's trainer wasn't there that night. The team couldn't rely on Taylor alone and it seemed like Albright and Damon were essential. John wasn't going to let the other team win like that. He had Albright sit down and asked him where his leg hurt. "He landed on your knee?"

"Yes, sir."

John flicked his eyes to Kate. "Hold right here. I'm going to see if his knee cap is dislocated."

Kate nodded in understanding. As John 'reset' the kneecap, she healed his leg.

Albright gasped loudly. "Holy crap! It doesn't hurt."

"It will tomorrow. You just tweaked the knee cap." John said.

Albright got up and walked around, stretching his leg out. "Thanks. I really appreciate it."

Taylor found them and gave them a look. "So much for don't stand out."

John gave him a fresh bottle of water. "Those kids are punks. They will not be walking away with a win tonight."

Taylor wiped the sweat from his face. "I'm trying not to overdo it."

"You're doing good. Keep doing what you're doing." John roughly ruffled Taylor's hair and turned Kate around. "Run the ball if you need to."

Dean's eyes never settled. He and John were both on high alert. Nothing should happen but anything could. Taylor's name was broadcasted and that could bring unwanted creatures around. It was a special Winchester brand of paranoia.

The second half of the game was rougher than the first. It was entertaining but frustrating as well. The scores were close. Each touchdown made a new wave of anxiety flow through the stands.

Kate had dug into Dean's leg with her nails and been threatened with a permanent set of gloves if she didn't 'retract her talons.'

The last few moments of the game were crucial. If Taylor's team didn't score, they would lose. The coach was flustered. He decided to have the boys run a different play to catch the other team off guard.

Taylor felt the ball hit his hand and fired it to Damon. He dodged a tackle and took off sprinting down the field. He turned just in time to catch the ball and continue his sprint. He had to dodge several guys and was grateful that his teammates were preventing him from getting flattened by angry linemen. He heard Kate again. 'Pull back.' He slowed just a little but was still faster than the questionably muscled defensive player that had outlasted the rest of his team. He zig-zagged once and heard the guy hit the ground behind him as he crossed the line. He heard a lot of screaming and a few moments later, he got tackled by his own team. He fell on the ground and looked up at the sky feeling truly joyful. He ran back to the benches and chest bumped Nate.

Kate tuned in to what the other team was saying. She gripped the edge of her seat and gritted her teeth.

"Why do you look like you are about ready to kill someone?" Dean asked.

Kate snapped her head up. "The other team."

Dean covered her ears. "Stop listening. I can imagine what they are saying."

Kate crossed her arms. "Jerks."

Taylor jumped over the railing once he broke free of his teammates. He had a huge grin on his face and couldn't quite get a good breath due to how happy he was. He got hugs and handshakes from everyone but the firm handshake and none to gentle clap on the back that he got from John felt the best.

Andy high-fived Taylor. "That was awesome!"

"Thanks. I about didn't make it."

Dean smirked. "Turn around."

Hailey was standing below the railing. She gave Taylor an enthusiastic thumbs up and a big grin.

The away team left and the majority of the fans from the home team did as well. Players started to go home and the crowd fizzled out.

One of Taylor's teammates walked over to him. "You have no idea how good this feels. They were undefeated last year."

Taylor and Browne chatted until Hailey ran up the steps.

"I'll message you about the details for tomorrow." She gave him another grin. "You could pick me up at 3."

Taylor blushed slightly. "Okay. I will. See ya then." He ignored the look he knew Dean was giving him.

Browne playfully shoved him. "Hailey, really?"

"Yeah, why?" Taylor asked.

Browne just shook his head and fist-bumped Taylor. He noticed Kate. "Are you going to the dance?"

"No!" Taylor and Dean answered at the same time.

"She's in 7th grade."

"She's 12."

"She isn't going."

Browne held his hands up and back up slightly. "I didn't know."

Kate looked like she wanted to crawl into a hole. She glared at both of them and clenched her fists.

"Uh, she's your sister," Browne said, realizing who she was.

"Yeah," Taylor said.

Browne shrugged sheepishly. "I'll just see you, Taylor, at the dance."

Kate stomped her foot as soon as he left. "What the hell?"

"He is a junior," Taylor said.

"He's a guy. You are not going to a high school dance with a guy." Dean added.

"Obviously, Dean. Any normal human would have let me tell him I wasn't going." Kate said.

"No, then he'd want to ask if you would and he needs to know right now that isn't happening," Dean said.

Kate looked to John for help. "Dad?"

John pinched the bridge of his nose and tried not to laugh. "They are just looking out for you. He is definitely too old for you."

Kate threw up her hands and stomped down the steps with Charlie hot on her heels.

Charlie hugged her. "Annoying, yes but they love you."

Kate sighed. "I know. They are just incredibly dumb sometimes."

"I heard that!" Dean yelled.

"You were supposed to!" Kate yelled back.

Desiree and James enjoyed the game and enjoyed seeing their kids interact with the entire family. They did start to head back to Marie's house as soon as it was over though. Ben was tired and cranky and the girls were worn out.

Ian pressed his face against the fence. He pointed to a few of the cheerleaders that were left and waved pitifully when they turned around.

Dean scooped him up. "A boy after my own heart. I too like the older women."

April flicked Dean. "Give me my child before you corrupt him."

Dean handed Ian to April. "I had no part in him escaping and joining them."

Andy buzzed around, listening to the adults talk. He accidentally yawned and made eye contact with Caleb. "I'm not sleepy."

Caleb chuckled. "Yeah, you are. Let's head home."

Marie and Rod said their goodbyes and walked over to get Charlie.

"Ren faire and gala. Don't forget." Charlie said as she walked quickly behind Marie and Rod.

Kate gave her a thumbs-up.

Marie turned. "I'll have your dress ready."

"Thank you!" Kate said. She turned back around and saw Dean in her personal space. "What do you want, weirdo?"

"Some respect," Dean said with a fake huff.

Kate hugged him. "You have to be old and grumpy before you get that."

John turned his head.

"Oh come on, there is no way that you heard that," Kate said. She scoffed. "No abilities my ass."

Hannah hugged Kate and ran off to follow her mom home.

"This was fun," Kate said.

"Eh, it wasn't too bad," Dean said

Taylor frowned jokingly.

"The game was great. Having to sit by Kate and have her make cornrows in my leg with her claws wasn't great." Dean said.

"I was anxious," Kate whined.

Dean rested his elbow on her head. "Let's get you home before you get grumpy."

Taylor rode with John. He was sweaty and gross but in a weird place mentally.

John could read him like a book. "I am proud of you. You and your team worked hard out there."

"Thanks. I don't know why I just feel weird." Taylor said with a sigh.

John nodded slowly. "I'm guessing things have been intense for a while. You saved the day a few times and you've fought some nasty creatures. Football is normal. You aren't sure how to take pride in something that feels mundane."

Taylor slowly turned his head "I'm with Kate. You have abilities."

John chuckled. "I do not have any abilities. It is called being a parent."

"I guess you are right. Creepily, accurate though." Taylor said with a raised eyebrow.

Ian was a limp noodle as soon as the van started to move. He fell asleep and left Andy trying to hold his head up.

Caleb carried him inside and wiped him down with a warm cloth before putting pajamas on him. "He slept through all of that."

"When he is really tired, and really deeply asleep, he can," April said with a yawn. "Even with sound he usually sleeps through it. Lauren will have to learn to do that. There is no way I can keep two boys quiet."

Andy let Caleb wipe his hands and face. He kept yawning and stumbled around trying to put pajama shorts on.

Caleb couldn't help but laugh. "Okay, bud, just lay down." He put Andy on the bottom bunk so that Andy didn't have to climb. "What do you do if Ian wakes in the middle of the night."

Andy rolled over and mumbled. "Wake you up." as he pulled his covers over his head.

Back at Bobby's house, everyone there also got ready for bed. Taylor needed a good shower which Kate loudly let him know, just in case he forgot.

Dean brushed his teeth and went to his room. He narrowed his eyes. "Get off my damn pillow." He lifted Millie under her front legs and carried her to Kate. "Take this."

Kate cradled Millie and carried her to her bed. "Goodnight."

Dean yawned. "Goodnight."

John and Bobby stayed up a little bit later, discussing the game and surrounding events. "That crowd made me paranoid."

Bobby figured as much. "We can't ward everywhere."

"I know. There won't be a time that I don't look around and wonder if something is just waiting to take one of them." John said.

"I was watching the perimeter too. Everything is okay. Taylor deserved this." Bobby said.

John slowly sat down. "I told him I was proud of him but I'm real damn proud. Just like I'm proud of Sam for going to Stanford and proud of Dean for managing all of this. I'm proud of Kate too but seeing him out there was good for the soul."

Taylor froze midstep. He heard everything John had said. He pumped his elbow in a small celebration and scurried off to bed. Marie and Rod had always had his back but weren't always allowed to be around. Being able to look at his family in the stands was healing for him. It wasn't just Marie and Rod. It was John, Dean, Kate, Bobby, Karen, and Caleb's crew. Sure, the first 12 years were hell but that one game almost made up for all of it.