Raising Katie

by amycoe37

This is a sequel to Saving Katie. Same warnings, same characters but new adventures. trigger warnings for discipline of minors and talk of abuse. (two separate entities)

241. Chapter 241

Author's note: Emotional whiplash ahead. The end of the chapter is pretty sad and traumatic. It is for character development. Just a little heads up that I'll add a little note so you can skip the scene if you would like.

Caitlyn and Caroline walked through the double doors to go to the playground. They had a favorite spot to go on the playground, far from where the boys were throwing sticks and dodge balls.

Caitlyn saw Allie. "That is her."

Caroline studied her. She looked like a kid.

Caitlyn waved Allie over. "This is my twin sister, Caroline."

Allie smiled. "Hi."

They decided to play on the swings for a while but Allie grew bored.

"What games do you like?" Caitlyn asked.

Allie shrugged.

Caitlyn shared an off feeling with Caroline. They could do that because they were twins. Still, Caitlyn tried to be friendly.

Allie seemed nice but lacked social skills. That could have meant she was home schooled or just shy.

Caitlyn felt better after recess was over. It was fun playing.

Caroline wasn't so sure. Maybe the second recess of the day would be different.

(Andy)

Andy met TJ between classes and signed enthusiastically. He felt cool because he was getting to do something that a teacher tried to tell him not to do. A different teacher asked him about it. He had heard his mom explaining things to Caleb but she was using a lot of big words and was talking fast because she was irritated. "The indivi– in– individual….. IDEA act says you have to let kids learn how they learn best." He wasn't sure if that was exactly what April said but it sounded good.

The teacher just smiled. "Can you show me a few signs?"

Andy and TJ showed her simple signs that she could use to say good morning.

Andy had to say goodbye to TJ but promised that he would find him at recess. He wanted to find the teacher that sent him to the principal's office but Caleb thought ahead and told him he wasn't allowed to say anything unless she did. He liked having a dad but he wanted to be able to do stuff like sass the teacher without getting into trouble. Sometimes a kid just needed to blow off steam.

(Taylor)

Hailey, like Andy, was on a high from having the upperhand. She was bubbly and twirled when she had enough space to do so. "Did your dad get mad?"

Taylor blushed. "I don't think anyone really told him but no one else is mad."

"Good." Hailey said. "My parents aren't mad either. I got home and kind of crashed."

"The adrenalin wore off?" Taylor asked.

Hailey bounced on her toes "Yes but that was so much fun."

"I was a little confused at first." Taylor said, lightly.

Hailey spun around, letting her skirt flow out to the sides. "I can be assertive."

Taylor groaned. "Class time."

Hailey frowned. "Boo." She gave Taylor a kiss on the cheek and flittered away to her class.

Taylor took a moment to watch her. He was level headed but also hooked. It was a good thing she wanted to look good for college because he didn't know what he would do if she decided that rebellion was more fun.

(Bobby's house)

Kate didn't miss school but she did miss Hannah. She knew her future self made it to adulthood with plenty of spite and spirit. She wondered where Hannah was going to be. She assumed Hannah would always be with her but no one had heard anything about her. No one said anything about anybody. She knew Taylor and Dean were still around.

Dean found Kate laying on the sofa, looking at the ceiling. "Dad will be here in a few hours."

"Why does Taylor need to talk to him?" Kate asked.

"Nothing bad." Dean said. He sat down on the end of the sofa, making her move her feet.

Kate's eyes shifted from left to right as she traced invisible lines on the ceiling. She wasn't quite 100 percent from time travel. She was missing time. It was irritating and stayed at the side of her thoughts like a persistent itch.

"Talk to me." Dean said.

"About what?" Kate asked.

"What are you thinking about?" Dean said. "A lot has happened. You held back information and ended up time traveling against your will."

"I don't think the two were related." Kate said.

"Did you know you could time travel before?" Dean asked.

Kate eyed him. "No?"

"Did you have a theory and didn't share it?" Dean asked.

"I feel attacked." Kate said.

"I am in the boat with you. I would just like to know if there are holes in the boat that you have noticed." Dean said.

Kate looked back at the ceiling. "What is the boat in this metaphor?"

Dean flicked her foot. "You know exactly what I'm talking about."

"The situation? Time? I mean, I don't feel like there are any boats." Kate said.

"You are feeling better. That means I can encourage you to talk if you don't do it willingly." Dean said.

Kate sat up. "Straight to threats."

"You are lucky that the time travel thing wasn't so black and white. That doesn't mean you get free reign to just do anything you please." Dean said. "You are not telling me things."

Kate groaned. "I can't think straight enough to tell you anything."

"Do you have new abilities?" Dean asked.

Kate was slightly irritated. "What, like starting fires?" She flicked her fingers toward the ceiling. "Oh, shit."

Karen stepped out of Bobby's office. "Katelyn Amelia, you had better put that out and clean it up."

Kate shot off the couch and pulled the curtains down to stop the flames.

Dean was wide eyed. The burst of fire hit the ceiling and rolled into the curtains. He used a blanket to smother the remaining flames. "You don't just set fires inside the house!"

"Well I didn't know it was going to do that." Kate said.

Karen cleared her throat. "Get those curtains thrown away and put the blanket in the washer." She opened up a few windows to rid the house of smoke.

"I'm sorry, Karen. I didn't mean to." Kate said.

Karen relaxed. "I know you didn't but from now on you will not be trying new abilities in the house."

Kate shrunk. "Yes ma'am."

"What kind of curtains do you want to replace these?" Dean asked.

"Surprise me." Karen said. She hugged Kate when she finished cleaning.

Kate hugged her back. "I really am sorry."

"I know sweetie." Karen said. "You scared me."

"I didn't know I could do that." Kate said. "I'm worried about these last few months before I turn 13."

Karen let Kate step back from the hug. "Why?"

"We were warned there would be big changes when I was 12. I just feel like there have been so many changes and I gain and lose abilities constantly." Kate said.

"All it took was trying to burn the house down for you to verbalize that." Dean said, lightly.

Kate chewed on her thumbnail.

"That shocked me and I'm not angry at you. However, you have passed up the dozen opportunities you had to spill." Dean said.

Kate frowned.

"Do you want to talk to Karen?" Dean asked.

Kate shrugged.

"I'll give you five minutes to figure out how you want to work through all of this." Dean said. He was afraid of what was going to happen too. She kept certain abilities like healing but others only showed up when it was an emergency or they caused harm, mostly to her. He felt responsible for her safety. If he didn't get her to talk, something bad would happen and he would be at fault. Something bad was going to happen anyway but he had a thread of control over certain aspects. He wasn't going to sever that thread at any cost.

(April's house)

Ian dashed over to the lightswitch and flipped it off. "Oh no, its not workin!"

April chuckled.

Ian turned the light back on. "I fix it!"

April was amused as the trick was something Ian had learned and it was adorable. However, she was trying to fix her hair and she didn't want a comb to the eye. "It is fixed. Leave it alone."

Ian considered turning it back off but that would make April mad. He ran out of the bathroom in search of Riot. He clapped his hands and yelled for Riot.

April heard a few thunks and stepped out to see if Ian or Riot had fallen down the steps. Both were running around so whichever one fell wasn't hurt. She was going to take Ian to toddler time at the local gymnastics gym. She had only found out about it that morning as Caleb was reading the newspaper. "Ian, where are your shoes?"

Ian grabbed his shoes. "Here, mama."

"Can you put them on?" April asked.

Ian sat down with his tongue to the side of his mouth. He pushed his toes into the shoe and tried to shove his foot in but the shoe slipped. He got frustrated but Riot licked his face, making him laugh. He saw his boots and ditched his shoes at the side of the couch. He put his foot into the boot and stomped. "Ready!"

April put her hair in a ponytail and grabbed Lauren. "Where are your shoes?"

Ian pointed to his feet.

"No, silly. Where are the other ones?" April asked.

Ian pointed to the discarded shoes. He looked from April to the shoes and back again. He grabbed them and put them back with the other shoes.

April smiled. "Good job. I am very impressed with your behavior today."

Ian smiled. He liked being told he had good behavior even though good behavior was very boring.

April drove over to the gym and parked. She saw a few other toddlers going in and figured she was at the right place. She got the kids out and walked Ian to the front door. She told Ian to wait while she completed paperwork. She was surprised that he stayed.

A young woman, probably a college student, walked over and held out her hand. "Hi, Ian. You are going to be one of my buddies today!"

The gym assigned a helper to two or three kids to even the workload.

Ian didn't think twice about following her.

April sat with the other moms. She was close enough that she could intervene if Ian kicked off but far enough away from him to be independent. She stopped one of the volunteers. "My son, the one with the yellow shirt, he is a little wild and likes flying off of things."

The volunteer smiled. "He is in the perfect place."

Ian stretched his arms and legs the way that he was instructed to. He reached for the sky and touched the floor. He rolled over his head when the teacher did and threw his hands up like she did as well. He put his hands down and flipped over his hands, catching the helper off guard.

"Oh goodness." The helper said. "That was a very nice flip but we should watch out for our friends." It was clear to her that Ian was ahead of the other kids and would be getting bored. She spotted a male gymnast at the back of the gym and asked for his help. "This is Ian. He is very good at flips. Would you mind showing him a few things?"

April gave them a thumbs up.

The guy, Jace, had Ian follow him. He showed him how to walk on the floor balance beam and how to jump off but stick the landing. He helped Ian reach one of the bars but held onto his hips.

"I do it myself." Ian said.

Jace let go but kept his hands close.

Ian raised his legs and tucked his toes under the bar by his hands. He then pushed off with his toes bringing his legs back over his head, twisting his shoulders.

Jace caught him as he let go. "Whoa!"

Ian grinned. "Again."

Jace moved him to a lower bar but kind of let him do what he wanted to do. He had never seen a kid that small be that strong and in control of their body. He barely pushed Ian's feet to get him above the bar. He then helped him flip forward.

Ian held on and hung by his hands.

Jace scratched his head. He let Ian climb onto the taller balance beam. He was amazed at how balanced Ian was, especially when he walked into the gym like his feet couldn't move fast enough for where his body was going. He spent the 30 minute gym session with Ian and only had him rejoin the group at the end when snacks were handed out.

April smiled. "You did good, bud."

Jace spoke to someone for a moment. He approached April and crouched down. "How old is he?"

"Two." April said. She had a pit in her stomach.

"He is strong." Jace said. "Have you noticed his forearms?"

April's brows furrowed.

Jace had Ian ditch his snack for a moment and held out his arm so that Ian would hang from it. He used his other hand to run his thumb down the underside of Ian's arm. "I'm just a kinesiology student but I think he has an extra muscle." He saw the look on April's face. "I mean. That's cool. That's not bad. I may be wrong. There are olympians who have something extra going on and it gives them an edge."

April tried not to look relieved. Ian standing out was going to happen but it put him at risk.

"You should totally bring him back. There are usually more guys here for the team but they tend to come in the afternoon. We are overrun by girls in the sport and we don't get a lot of little guys in here. That or they are more interested in jumping in the pit." Jace said. He stepped back and showed April how he could dislocate his shoulders to bring them back around his body. He popped them back in. "In my opinion, you have to have something weird going on to be a good gymnast."

April gasped and grabbed Ian's arms. "No sir, you will not try that."

Ian frowned.

Jace ruffled his hair. "Should have warned ya."

(Caitlyn and Caroline)

Allie was increasingly weird. She repeated herself a lot and just acted odd.

Caitlyn tried to overlook it. Sometimes kids were just weird.

"Will you be my friend forever?" Allie asked.

Caitlyn shrugged. "Sure."

Allie frowned. "No, will you be my friend forever?"

Caroline grabbed Caitlyn. They were halfway through the day and math was their favorite class. They had played with Allie outside and didn't need to hang out with her between classes.

Caitlyn waved to Allie and let Caroline pull her toward the class. "Geeze, I'm coming."

"I think she is weird." Caroline said.

Caitlyn did too. Something in her eyes made her uncomfortable.

"What if she is a creature?" Caroline asked.

"She passed all the tests." Caroline said. "She is a kid. Even if she is a creature, that doesn't mean she is bad. Remember the helpful vampires?"

Caroline wanted to argue but the teacher called everyone to their seats. She wanted the day to be over as soon as possible so that they could go home and not worry about that type of stuff.

(Andy)

Andy and Owen were also ready to go home. School was boring and they wanted to play with Riot. Owen was supposed to go home with Andy that weekend because they asked enough times for their parents to finally agree to a sleepover.

TJ was unsure of Owen but decided he was a cool person because he tried to copy the signs that Andy showed him.

Owen didn't understand why TJ didn't talk. He had heard of the word autism before but he didn't know what it was. He'd have to ask his mom.

Andy looked through his folder and frowned. He fidgeted nervously and bit his lip. Finally he got the nerve to approach the teacher.

The teacher asked Andy what he needed. She was alarmed that he looked so guilty.

Andy showed her the squished paper that had gotten folded at the bottom of his backpack where it hadn't been properly stored in the folder. "I forgot to do this homework." He had told April the night before that he was sure that all his homework was done.

The teacher tilted his chin up. "How about you just make sure it gets turned in before the end of class."

Andy relaxed. "I didn't put it in my folder very good."

"That is alright. We all make mistakes." The teacher said.

Owen nudged Andy. "What is that?"

"I accidentally forgot to finish this and I told my mom I did." Andy said.

Owen winced. "Do you want mine to look at?"

Andy's eyes grew wide. "No. Are you crazy?"

Owen shrugged.

"I can't cheat." Andy said. "You know that."

"I didn't think of it as cheating." Owen answered, honestly.

"You have to be careful." Andy said. He wasn't as worried about getting into trouble as enjoying all the praise he was getting lately. He had something he really wanted his parents to buy for him and buttering them up needed to take place over weeks so that they didn't realize he was buttering them up.

(Later in the day)

An older Kate watched the clouds pass over the school. Everything was quiet before the rush of cars as parents fought for a space in line to pick up their kids. She didn't know why she bothered coming back to that day and time. She had numerous times but she hadn't been able to change anything. Correction, she had changed things but Atropos went behind her and changed them back. She blew air through her nose. "It is too early, even if I wanted to fix this."

Atropos smoothed her skirt with her palm before straightening her glasses. "You cannot be trusted."

"If I do anything, you'll just screw it up." Kate said.

"I simply restore things to their natural order." Atropos said.

"Who decides what the natural order is?" Kate asked.

"God. The universe." Atropos said. "I have explained this to you."

"I am proof that the natural order can be disrupted." Older Kate said.

"Not without consequence." Atropos replied.

"Well screw consequences. Sometimes the consequence is better than what should happen." Kate said

"You cannot change this." Atropos stated, firmly.

Kate flicked her fingers, opening a small rift. "With the least amount of respect possible, go fuck yourself."

(Caitlyn and Caroline)

Caitlyn had pretty much gathered that something was wrong with Allie. She even voiced her agreement with Caroline but she wasn't any of the big things that they were told to watch out for. She wanted to figure a few things out before going home that afternoon.

Allie acted slightly irritated.

Caitlyn approached her. "Who is picking you up?"

Allie didn't answer. She took a step closer to the sidewalk to the left of the building.

"Do you live close by?" Caitlyn asked.

Allie kept inching back, causing Caitlyn to inch forward. "Will you be my friend forever?"

A loud pop and sparks of electricity sent kids running the opposite direction. It was loud but only lasted a moment.

Cailtyn sucked in a breath of air and whipped her head around. Holly put a hand on her shoulder. "Stay."

Caitlyn was shaking with fear. "Caroline?"

Caroline wrapped her arms around Caitlyn. "Here. A nymph got us."

Caitlyn met eyes with Caroline.

"I didn't trust Allie. I called a nymph." Caroline said, quietly.

Caitlyn felt her body relax slightly. They were safe. If a nymph got them away that quickly, Allie must have been bad news.

(Sioux Falls)

Kate accompanied Dean on his trip to pick up Taylor from school. She promised to talk but admitted that she needed to work a few things out first. The trip to town was supposed to wake her up.

Dean stopped the car and turned it off. He didn't dare pull up into the parent pick up line so he stayed to the side where Taylor could still see the car. He had standards.

"Ayoo! Baby Winchester. Older Winchester" Kate heard from across the parking lot. She was sitting on the impala and didn't see the owner of the voice at first. Her face turned red and she shot Taylor a glare.

A few of the football players approached. They always seemed to walk in a small group. There were four of them that were rarely seen apart from each other.

"That isn't my name." Kate said.

Smith, the owner of the voice, smiled. "None of us go by our names."

Taylor smirked. " You don't want to go by Landon?"

Smith lightly shoved him. ""Watch yourself."

Dean was the older Winchester in that situation. He was no stranger to going by last names. The majority of hunters went by last names, if for no other reason than to make it easier to know what type of hunter they were.

"Why am I baby Winchester, Taylor?" Kate asked.

"Oh you didn't tell her?" Smith asked.

Taylor grimaced. "I didn't get around to it."

"Your brother here was just being protective." Smith said.

Kate narrowed her eyes.

"Not that you couldn't protect yourself." Smith said with a raised eyebrow. "We know what happened to Logan."

Kate's face turned another shade of red. "Huh?"

"We are just all impressed you kicked his ass." Smith said.

Kate groaned.

Taylor rubbed his face. "One of the other freshmen guys asked if you were single after that and I said no, that you were 12 and still a baby."

Kate gasped.

"So everyone knows baby Winchester is off limits." Smith said.

Kate smacked Taylor.

"I wouldn't let anyone on the team date my sister either." Smith said.

"Your sister is pretty." One of the other guys quipped. He laughed and dodged a punch from Smith.

"So it was harmless. That is just what they call you." Taylor said.

"This is Baby." Kate said, motioning to the car.

Dean snorted softly. "She has a point."

"I didn't come up with the name." Taylor said.

Smith stepped off of the sidewalk to get a good look at the car. "You ever take her out on a dirt track?"

Dean leaned against the hood. "I have done something of the sort."

Kate rolled her eyes. "He can't admit to doing anything wrong when he was a teenager because that would set a bad example."

Smith laughed. "Definitely don't want to set a bad example. If you change your mind there is a place outside of town that gets lively on the weekends."

"He works with the cops. I wouldn't tell him anything." Kate said.

Dean pinched the bridge of his nose. "I don't think you are helping yourself look any less like the baby Winchester here."

Kate scoffed.

Dean smirked and opened the driver's door.

Kate rolled off the hood and grabbed the front passenger's door. "You get to ride in the back."

Taylor shrugged. "If it makes you feel better." He grabbed the side of his head where she smacked him.

Kate scrunched her nose and got into the front seat. "Jerk."

(Marie's house)

The girls were joined by another nymph and escorted to their house. The perimeter had been strengthened and nymphs were on high alert.

Desiree had been on her way to get the kids when a nymph turned her around. She was frazzled and just as confused as the girls were.

Holly returned eventually. She cleared the area and moved Allie to the facility in which they kept creatures.

"What is going on?" Desiree asked.

"There was a safety breach." Holly said, looking at Caitlyn.

"Allie?" Caitlyn asked.

"She is a mimic." Holly said.

Caitlyn gasped. "What is a mimic?"

"They are related to shapeshifters." Holly said.

Caitlyn grew quiet.

"It appears that they have the ability to bind you to them." Holly continued. She produced a book that was held open to a page about mimics. "You did well to call me."

Caroline met eyes with Holly.

"A mimic was at their school?" Desiree asked.

A short chat filled in some of the gaps.

"That is why she kept asking if you would be her friend." Caroline asked.

"I didn't even answer her." Caitlyn said.

"You did but not the way she wanted. I bet if you had just said yes that would have done the trick." Caroline said.

Desiree looked between the girls.

Cailtyn shrunk under the forming glare.

"Did you know she wasn't human?" Desiree asked.

Caroline's eyes grew wide.

Caitlyn, not wanting Caroline to get into trouble, groaned before speaking. "We just thought she was weird like she was homeschooled or something. Then I checked and she wasn't anything like a demon or vampire."

"Why would you check?" Desiree asked. "If you had any concern you should have called a nymph."

"She was just a kid." Caitlyn said.

"So you decided you two would wait it out and figure out what she was by yourselves?" Desiree asked.

"No, mama. Caroline didn't. She was cautious and she even called Holly." Caitlyn said.

Caroline could have called Holly sooner but she did once they were in actual danger.

Holly explained to Desiree that the mimic was very humanlike and an adult would be fooled.

Desiree was happy that her girls were okay but needed to talk to the other adults to alert them to the new tactic.

(Sioux Falls)

Dean got a call from Bobby who had gotten a call from Desiree. He wasn't entirely sure what was going on aside from the fact that he lost money on the bet over which kid would screw up first. He was right down the street from Caleb's house so he thought they could stop by to make sure April and the kids were okay. Also, it was easier than calling Caleb and hoping he answered his phone.

Ian stopped and pointed down the street. "Dean!"

April heard the motor a moment later. She made sure Ian didn't run out into the street and waved as the car got closer.

Dean parked and got out, followed by Kate and Taylor. "There has been a change and I figured it was easier to just stop by and explain."

April let them into the house. "Is everything okay?"

Dean sighed. "Not exactly." He grabbed Andy and sat him on the table. "You and I need to talk."

Andy yelped. "Why? What?"

Kate snorted. "He is mad that he lost money because of you."

Andy covered his chest. "I didn't steal it."

Dean lightly flicked Andy's head. "Your dad, me and Sam had a little bet going about which one of you kids was going to screw up first."

Andy's mouth dropped open.

"I put my money on you." Dean said.

"That isn't very nice. Why would you want me to do that?" Andy asked.

"It isn't that I wanted you to do anything. I just made my bet based on your track record. Now, not only did I lose, Sam won." Dean said.

"Are you crazy? I learned my lesson about that stuff." Andy said, eyebrows furrowing.

Dean ruffled his hair. "I'm giving you a hard time. I do owe Sam money though."

"How much?" Andy asked.

"Twenty dollars." Dean said.

"How many dollars do you have?" Andy asked.

Dean took his wallet out. He thumbed through the money. "84."

Andy held out his hand. "I'll take 20."

Dean raised an eyebrow.

"Sam told me you bet on me so I'd be extra good." Andy said.

Dean scoffed. "April, are you hearing this? He acted like he didn't know about the bet, which is essentially lying and he admits that he hasn't actually learned his lesson and has only followed the rules to get money."

"I didn't care too much about the money. I was just a little offended you bet on me." Andy said.

April smiled.

Dean let Andy down from the table.

"What happened?" April asked.

"Caitlyn ran into a mimic." Dean said. "That is about as much info as I've gotten."

"So everyone is in full paranoia now." Kate said.

"Is Caitlyn okay?" April asked.

"Yes. I guess a nymph handled the dangerous side of things." Dean said.

April poured herself a glass of water. "That is scary."

Dean leaned against the table. "The bad guys are getting creative. I was picking at Andy but this is pretty bad."

"Katie, would you mind reading me? Ian and I went to a toddler time thing earlier and I want to make sure my own guard wasn't down." April said.

"I don't know, warden, am I allowed to?" Kate asked.

Dean narrowed his eyes. "You are in no position to be sassy. Yes, you can read her."

Kate took April's hand and looked through the day. "He's cute."

April chuckled.

"Jace is harmless." Kate said. She eyed Dean. "Cute college guy that works at the gym."

Dean blew air through his nose. "Do you want to have that conversation here?"

April hugged Kate. "What is the matter?"

"I feel weird and don't know how to explain it." Kate said.

April had her sit down. "Why don't we have your brothers entertain the boys and you and I can talk." She met eyes with Dean to make sure that was okay.

With the guys outside in the backyard, Kate let out a slow breath.

"I can only help if you tell me what's going on." April said.

"Part of it I don't know. I feel like I'm missing time again. It happened in the bunker where everyone forgot Nate and Ellie." Kate said. "I time traveled and that messed with my head. I just know I've been here before."

"That is confusing and difficult." April said.

"It is and I don't know how to explain it to anyone but Taylor." Kate said.

April offered Kate a drink. "Try me."

"There are plot holes, so to speak. Things happened and I can't remember when or why. Usually things happen in a domino or circuit pattern where one thing leads to another. I'm aware enough to see that something isn't adding up but I can't figure out what it is. I should know. It should be obvious. If I'm going to exist outside of time and space, I should at least be able to see things." Kate continued. "I have been stuck with this feeling for months and I think it is distracting me from focusing on something important."

"There is a lot weighing on you but it is not reasonable to think that the universe is your responsibility to save." April said.

"Then what were we created for?" Kate asked.

"I don't know." April said. "Walk me through the last few weeks."

Kate explained as much as she could remember.

"Oh, I see what you mean. That is a plot hole." April said, pointing out a period of time where Kate skipped. "What was going on before you time traveled?"

Kate inched her way through the week or so before she completely lost time. She slowed down and went blank.

"Katie?" April asked.

"Oh no." Kate said.

"What?" April asked.

Kate's face changed colors. "Something happened that I fully intended to tell them about but it got swept away in a flood of other things."

April placed a hand on Kate's arm. "What happened?"

"I need to talk to Hannah." Kate said.

April frowned. "Does it involve Hannah?"

Kate nodded.

"Is it about demons?" April asked.

"No… its…." Kate trailed off, chasing a thought.

"Katie." April said.

Kate rubbed her face. Was that the pebble? Did that cause the time travel? Was it even connected? It wouldn't be the first time she set something into motion without knowing it. "Do you think there is any chance I can pull all of this onto me? Hannah got her butt kicked over the demon and I don't think she can handle this too."

"If she made the choice with you, I don't think there is anything that can be done." April answered, honestly.

"I think it is one of those gray area things that isn't in the parenting handbook." Kate said.

"Aren't most of the things we have dealt with lately?" April asked.

"Yeah but…" Kate paused.

"Call her while we are sitting here." April said.

Kate trusted April but also knew she needed to explain the blood thing. She dialed Hannah's number and answered quietly. "We need to tell them."

April listened to the conversation but didn't get a lot of information. Neither girl wanted to make it obvious what the issue was.

Kate eventually put the phone down. "Her parents aren't home."

"Maybe she would like to come here for a little while." April said.

"Yeah, right. Get us in the same room and Dean's going to flip." Kate said. She closed her eyes and swallowed. "Dad already does the creepy timing thing, you really don't have to."

Dean stepped into the house. "I was grabbing a towel for Ian but you've gotten my attention." He took a quick call and rubbed his face. "Andy, give me my money back!"

Andy patted his pocket. "Why?"

"False alarm." Dean said. Caitlyn hadn't actually screwed up but they did need to be careful with what was out there. It was enough to scare everyone but that crisis had been averted. He snapped his fingers and turned around, focusing back on Kate.

Kate gave him a sheepish grin.

"What sha-hannah-gins have you and Hannah gotten into." Dean asked. He was pleased with the play on words but figured the problem wasn't all that funny.

Kate groaned. "She can absorb my grace."

Dean's phone chimed, alerting him to a message. He held his phone up so that Kate could see it. "Dad is just now getting into Sioux Falls."

April pulled Kate into a hug. "If it makes you feel any better, I think he might actually be a touch psychic."

Kate leaned into the hug.

Dean cleared his throat. "How can she absorb your grace? What do you mean?"

Kate stepped back. "You know how my blood doesn't hurt you? It doesn't hurt her either and she can kind of siphon grace."

Dean pinched the bridge of his nose.

"I tried to tell you and things kept getting in the way. Sure, I was scared at first but please no I didn't intend to lie to you." Kate said.

Dean held an arm out for her. "I will give you that one."

"Maybe it would be a good idea to talk to Hannah's mom." April said.

Kate cringed.

"Are they home?" Dean asked.

Kate shook her head. "It is just Hannah and Austin."

"We need to talk to her anyway." Dean said. "With the mimic situation everyone needs to be on the same page."

"I can tell her." Kate said.

Dean raised an eyebrow.

Kate bounced on her toes. "I don't want her to get into more trouble. She learned her lesson with the demon and this is just something out of her control."

"Did the two of you do something you knew wasn't right?" Dean asked.

"It was an accident the first time." Kate whined.

"What about the 2nd time?" Dean asked.

Kate looked down to study her hands.

Dean grabbed her arm before sitting down in one of the kitchen chairs.

Kate squeaked. "No. Please. I'm talking."

Dean didn't let go of her arm and didn't move. "Last chance."

"We knew it was wrong but the 2nd time was because she got really tired and groggy. I didn't want her to be sick. I know… we should have told someone. Then eventually I didn't think of it as bad because I wasn't swapping blood with her." Kate said.

"So this is big." Dean said.

Kate chewed her thumbnail. "It is and I take full responsibility. I'll explain everything."

Dean studied her.

"Hannah being in trouble would be beating a dead horse basically." Kate said.

Dean sighed. "I'm going to talk to her mom."

Kate chewed on her lip. "Really you should just focus on me. Dad is going to be mad at me. There is no reason to loop her in, especially right now. He will want to speak to her parents and then it is just super tense all day."

Dean looked into Kate's eyes. There was more there. He put himself in her shoes. He had been in that situation plenty of times. He had tried to protect Sam more than once. That was the feeling he was getting from Kate. "You have to know by now that covering or protecting your partner in crime doesn't work."

Kate's brows furrowed. She rocked back onto her heels and then up onto her toes. "Her parents are home."

Dean connected the dots and blew air through his nose. "You think that since her dad isn't home, our dad is going to handle her."

Kate nodded. "They will be home later."

"Even if they were, she'd still be in it." Dean said.

Kate met eyes with him.

"Her dad was fed up with her last time and said that if that didn't teach her a lesson he'd hand her off." Dean said.

Kate gasped. "This happened before that was said." She shifted from foot to foot. "She is a civilian."

"What do you think Caleb was?" Dean asked.

Kate groaned. "That is Caleb though. You guys were teenagers and Caleb is a guy."

"I don't know what will happen. I'm just letting you know, historically, dad has never given a damn." Dean said.

"Austin is with her." Kate tried.

"Aren't Andy and Austin friends?" Dean asked.

"You can't abduct people." Kate said.

"No one is being abducted." Dean said. He felt for Kate although he also felt angry at her. "I have to make phone calls. You stay here with April and help with whatever she needs."

Kate sighed. "Okay."

Taylor tiptoed inside to see what was going on. "Dean was supposed to get a towel."

April remembered Ian. "Why does he need a towel?"

Ian ran up behind Taylor, placing his hands on the back of Taylor's pants, leaving perfect muddy handprints.

"Hey, I'm supposed to go to Hailey's later." Taylor said. He tried to brush the mud off but it was stuck.

April covered her mouth. "Oh no. Ian Grant."

Ian's face was covered in mud, as well as his hair and clothes.

Ian made a mud puddle with the water hose and was quite proud of himself.

April gasped loudly. "Riot no!"

Riot darted by April with muddy feet and tracked pawprints through the house.

Kate lunged and grabbed him.

April needed to think quickly. "Ian, you need a bath."

Ian gave her puppy eyes. "I just playin' mama."

"Taylor, could you watch him? Riot can get a bath first since this will be harder to get off of him." April said.

Kate wrestled Riot into the bathroom and dropped him in the tub. She was now covered in mud and Riot was slinging mud and water by shaking.

April ran up to check on her. "Oh my goodness." She grabbed Riot's soap and pulled the showerhead down.

Lauren started crying, catching April's attention.

"Go, I've got the dog." Kate said.

April hurried to Lauren's crib and picked her up. "Little miss, you just had to join the chaos."

Dean returned to the house with a plan. He opened the front door and froze.

April saw him. "You forgot the towel."

Dean palmed his face. "My bad." He took off his boots and helped her clean up the pawprints. "Ian is kind of covered."

April smiled slightly. "I noticed."

"Where is Kate?" Dean asked. He sat back on his heels when Riot barked. "Giving the pup a bath?" He rubbed the back of his head. "I talked to my dad. If it is alright with you, Karen is going to stop by to help you with the kids. If you don't mind Austin hanging out, that would be helpful."

"No, not at all. He is welcome here." April said.

Dean whistled for Taylor. "Dad said you are good to go to Hailey's house."

Taylor looked down at his hands. "Ian got me muddy."

Dean shook his head. "Karen is coming over. Have her bring you a fresh set of clothes." He smirked. "I'll call her, since your hands are….coated."

John got to April's house before Karen did and was caught off guard.

Dean shut the door behind him. "Ian and Riot found some mud."

Riot bounded down the stairs, nearly smacking into the backdoor as it was shut before he could run out. He wagged his tail and shook the water that Kate hadn't towel dried from his fur.

April cracked the back door to tell the boys to come inside. She got a short burst of disagreement for Ian but stopped it with a stern tone.

Ian let Taylor carry him so that he could look pitiful. He was limp and giving his best sad face to April as they entered the house.

"Can you take him to Kate?" April asked.

Ian perked up because he remembered he could play in the bathtub.

Kate's eyes widened.

Taylor sat Ian down inside the bathtub. "This buys you extra time. Dad is here."

Kate's shoulders slumped. "Thanks."

Taylor gave her a wink. He gratefully took the clean clothes from Karen when she arrived. He cleaned up at the kitchen sink and changed out of sight. He was ready to get away from the tension.

"Dean, take him to Hailey's house." John said.

"Yes, sir." Dean said, jingling his keys. "I'll give him the talk on the way over."

Taylor jabbed Dean. "I don't need the talk."

Dean cranked the car. "Right, you are being a gentleman. I can trust you not to screw up because everyone else is."

Taylor rolled his eyes. "I wouldn't screw up anyway but yeah, glad my name isn't some form of Kate or Caitlyn."

Dean dropped him off at Hailey's house. "Keep your phone on. I don't know what time I'll be back to get you."

"Will do." Taylor said, shutting the car door. He knocked on Hailey's door and smiled when Heather answered.

Heather welcomed him and waved to Dean.

Back at April's house, things were calming down. Andy washed his hands in the kitchen and changed out of his slightly dirty clothes. He heard his stomach growl and asked for food.

John offered to get food. "Dean will pick Hannah and Austin up."

"Why?" Andy asked. He met eyes with John. "None of my business, got it." He gave John a thumbs up and checked his backpack for homework.

April gave him a list of what they would eat and thanked him before he left. She saw Karen replace John's truck in the parking spot and took a deep breath. She needed the backup. She hadn't even taken her shoes off yet.

Karen took Lauren from April so that April could run upstairs. She chatted with Andy while they were together.

Andy kind of told her what he knew as far as what was going on. "I think that's adult stuff though."

"Yeah, best not to put your nose in it." Karen said.

Dean stopped by Hannah's house after dropping Taylor off. He helped her gather a few things and got Austin into the car. He offered to pick her up instead of having John do it. It was likely less alarming for Austin to ride in the cool car with someone who wasn't staring a hole through his older sister.

"Am I gonna spend the night?" Austin asked.

"Your mom will pick you up later." Dean said. He turned in his seat. "I am pretty sure there will be pizza and those cookies that you can order on the side."

Austin's eyes lit up. "Cool!"

Dean didn't say much to Hannah until they got to April's house. He let Austin run up to the door and figured he'd say something while Hannah was outside. "Are we on the Kate scale with this?"

Hannah groaned.

Dean sucked air through his teeth. He tapped his fingers along the steering wheel. "This is lame but no one is mad at you because you are annoying." He tilted his head. "I mean… you are but the anger comes from concern. You are kind of part of the family. Hell, Caleb pissed my dad off more than a few times and we still hang out with him."

Hannah grimaced. "Thanks…. I guess."

"The way I see it, if her blood didn't kill you, you are probably supposed to be here for some reason." Dean said.

Hannah wiped a tear from her cheek. "My dad is going to kill me."

Dean opened his door. "I don't think it is your dad you need to worry about."

Hannah snapped her head up. "What do you mean?"

Dean tilted his head to tell her they needed to go into the house.

"Dean… what do you mean?" Hannah asked, her voice squeaking. She whipped her head around as John's truck pulled up to the house. She shot out of the car and glued herself to Dean's side. She pulled on his arm, hissing through her teeth. "What do you mean?"

Dean lightly shoved her toward the house. "I'm going to help him carry food."

April let Hannah inside. She gave her a warm smile and told her Kate was drying off.

Hannah stayed at the bottom of the stairs, wishing she could vanish like Kate could at times.

Kate's clothes were wet and muddy but she knew Hannah was downstairs. She ran down the steps just as John and Dean came back inside. She locked eyes with John and froze in place.

"Hannah, have you eaten?" John asked.

Hannah shook her head.

"You girls get a slice or two, there is plenty for everyone." John said.

Hannah walked over and grabbed a slice of pizza, even though her stomach was in knots.

Dean was supposed to drive the girls to Bobby's house so that Kate could clean up but also to give John a moment to think. He also thought it was to freak Hannah out a bit more as well. He didn't remember the first time Caleb got it from John. That was either because it was less of a big deal in his head or because they had done so much over the years that it skewed his memory.

Kate didn't dare ask John anything before leaving. She knew what the answer would be and she didn't like it.

Dean rounded the girls up. He decided to ask them a few questions while going to Bobby's house. Since he was good cop for the evening, he figured they'd tell him things.

Hannah was on autopilot. She just followed Kate and didn't open her mouth.

Dean turned the car back on. "How did you find out that your blood didn't cause damage?"

Kate sighed. "I accidentally cut my hand on a table. I was zoned out. Hannah cut her hand in the same spot because I healed and people already saw the blood."

Dean reached back to push Hannah's leg. "Is that what happened?"

Hannah slid back in the seat. "Yeah."

"Do you think if you had told us when that happened that we would have been mad?" Dean asked.

Kate sighed. "No."

"That was really an accident." Hannah said. "Then later it was a necessity."

Kate leaned forward to bury her face in her hands.

"Then it didn't have negative effects and this is actually a good thing and I think your dad is really mad and he doesn't have to be." Hannah blurted out.

Dean snorted. "You don't think he should be mad?"

Hannah licked her lips. "You aren't that mad."

"Hannah. I am livid. The only reason I haven't blistered Kate's butt is because it involves you as well." Dean said.

Hannah shrunk in the seat.

"Kate, you had all day to tell me all of this." Dean said.

Kate sat up. "I tried."

"You tried? You couldn't say that you two screwed up at least?" Dean asked. He rubbed his face. "I still haven't decided if I should blister you before dad even gets home."

"Dean." Kate said, in a soft voice.

"You have no issue showing her the dark side of things. She has been down and dirty with demons and vamps. You can't just decide to clam up when you meet human consequences." Dean said.

"That's not the same." Hannah said.

Dean turned into Bobby's driveway. "My advice is to get over your embarrassment issues now because I promise it isn't going to get any better."

Kate covered her face. She didn't like being scolded. She really didn't like Hannah being scolded. She felt like a little kid, which she guessed was the point.

Dean settled himself. "Kate, you know the drill. Don't hold anything back. Hannah, you two had better tell us every detail of what is going on. Trust me, you do not want one of us to find out later that you are hiding something."

Hannah nodded quickly.

Dean was mad but honestly, he was tired. He was tired of his heart being shredded and the worry strangling him. He didn't want to sugar coat anything for Hannah's sake as hope was nasty at a time like that.

Hannah melted into the couch while Kate ran upstairs to change and clean off. She was uncomfortable. Everyone seemed mad and they didn't even know the full story. She had been startled when Dean's tone changed in the car. He wasn't harsh but he was definitely upset. She didn't like it. It made her feel small.

Dean saw John's truck pulling in and whistled for Kate. He waited until both girls were in front of him. "You are going to want to argue with him. Don't. You will not win. You will make him angrier. Arguing looks like you do not understand why what you did was wrong. That is not in your best interest." He paused and looked outside. "If either of you try to argue with him, I will give you one warning. After that it is disobeying a direct order. Got it?"

Hannah and Kate both nodded.

John stepped inside and placed his keys on the hook by the door. He pulled his jacket off and hung it over the keys. He left his boots on since the walk to the door wasn't muddy. He sat down in the big chair and rubbed his face. "Report."

((TW))

Kate and Hannah traded looks. How did they even begin?

John took a deep breath. "One."

Kate gasped.

Hannah looked confused. She looked from Dean to Kate for an explanation.

Dean rested his elbows on the back of the couch. "Typically that is your warning that if he gets to three he is going to start adding licks with his belt."

Hannah looked horrified.

John raised an eyebrow.

Hannah shook Kate.

Kate pulled herself together. She told John about what happened at the school. She told him about the next few times and how it lead to Hannah being able to absorb things.

John processed what Kate was saying. "Your ability to sense the demon you talked to. Was that because you had some of her grace?"

Hannah just nodded her head.

"Verbal answer." John said.

Hannah licked her lips. "Yes," her eyes drifted to where Dean was standing. "Sir."

John picked through their story. "Is it possible that doing this allowed you to time travel?"

Kate swallowed. "It is possible but I don't know."

John leaned back in the chair to study each of the girls. It was a bit deeper than he was expecting. They were foolish and irresponsible. "Is the boost you get from Kate enjoyable?"

Hannah just stared at him until he shifted. "It feels tingly."

John nodded. "Does it give you abilities?"

"Kinda." Hannah said. "Not big ones though. My skin heals."

"How do you feel since the last time you swapped grace?" John asked.

"It has been a long time." Hannah said.

"That isn't what I asked you." John corrected her.

"I feel tired and groggy." Hannah said.

"Headache, body aches, brain fog?" John asked.

"No." Hannah said quietly.

"Two." John said.

"I mean… I sometimes have stuff like that but I did that before this happened. You know… if you don't get enough sleep." Hannah stopped talking when John put his hand up.

"I got poked by one of her feathers and it felt like I had taken some type of drug. From how it sounds, your reaction wasn't as strong, likely because it was blood." John said.

Hannah slowly nodded.

"You both got lucky. You could have had a negative reaction." He eyed both of them, daring them to speak up. "The first time was an accident. You shouldn't cut your hand like that but I understand why you did it. Every time after that was not an accident and wasn't necessary. Do either of you want to attempt to explain to me how this is any different than drugs?" John asked.

Both girls paled slightly.

Dean shook his head, telling them that arguing wouldn't help.

"Katelyn, how do drug addictions start?" John asked.

Kate shifted uncomfortably. "You get prescribed something after an injury and build up tolerance until you get addicted."

"Did that ever cross your mind?" John asked.

Kate looked away from him.

"Three." John said.

Kate snapped her head up. "I was worried that she would react badly and knew I needed to stop. Then I had the idea that maybe it was supposed to happen."

"Why?" John asked.

Kate sighed. "Things are happening. If this gives her a layer of protection, it wouldn't be so bad."

"You don't gamble like that." John said.

"It helps me heal and connects me more to her so when she is disassociating I kind of know what is going on." Hannah added.

"What if it harms you in the long run? What if it just makes it easier for demons to control you?" John asked.

Neither girl answered.

"If you had a bottle of something or a potion that said it would help but you weren't sure, would you drink it?" John asked. "No. You would have the sense that it could be dangerous. Explain to me why that sense didn't kick in with this."

"Dean said I would have died if I wasn't supposed to be here." Hannah blurted out.

Dean pinched the bridge of his nose. "That is true. Just like you would have died when that vampire grabbed you. I think you are falling into the same trap that Kate does where she thinks she is invincible because she has a purpose."

Hannah pulled a pillow into her lap.

"That would explain why you felt you could stare down a hellhound. So did that attitude come from siphoning grace or did you just decide to copy her attitude about the supernatural?" John asked.

"I was scared of the hellhound." Hannah said.

"That didn't stop you from approaching a demon." John said.

Hannah looked away from him, mumbling under her breath.

John sat forward. "You might as well repeat that clearly."

Hannah slowly met eyes with him again.

"Consider that warning gone." Dean said.

Hannah's mouth opened a few times, searching for the words she wanted to say.

"Dad, she knows. She is just scared." Kate said.

John stood up. He talked to Bobby for a second and stepped back into the living room. He opened the front door slightly and tilted his head. "Hannah."

Hannah shook her head.

Kate stood up. "Dad. Please."

Dean sighed and walked around the couch. He crouched down in front of Hannah. "Remember what I told you?"

Hannah nodded.

"Then you shouldn't be shocked." Dean said.

Hannah sniffled.

"He will drag you out if he has to. Trust me, just going with him is going to end better." Dean said.

Hannah heard Dean and understood him but she still didn't want to go.

Dean held his hand out to take her hand and pulled her to stand up. "No one has died yet. Just own up to your mistake, take your consequences and when you are my age you'll find it funny." He turned her to face John and lightly pushed her.

Hannah stumbled slightly. She shot Kate a desperate look but walked through the door before John got mad at her for stalling.

John took her upper arm to escort her out to the shop, more to keep her moving than to intimidate her.

Dean turned to Kate. He crossed his arms.

Kate covered her face. "Dean."

"I don't know what you were expecting." Dean said.

"He doesn't need to do this." Kate said.

"Apparently he does." Dean said.

"This is a different situation. She has parents. She's just a kid." Kate said.

"She is a kid but so are the rest of you. You can't have a partner in crime and hold them to a different standard." Dean said. "Seriously, have you learned nothing from my teen years?"

"Sam and Caleb are different." Kate said.

"Oh because we are guys and Hannah is a girl?" Dean asked.

Kate nodded, sadly.

"What are you?" Dean asked.

"A nephilian." Kate said.

"A little girl." Dean corrected her. He let her work through her angst so she didn't work through it with John. "The two of you had better get used to it or actually learn from this because her parents handed her off on anything supernatural."

Kate gasped.

"They thought she'd think twice that way." Dean said.

Kate broke into tears.

"It's just a spanking. She will be fine." Dean said.

Kate's stomach flipped.

"Take this as a lesson. You feel bad enough now. Imagine if your blood had hurt her." Dean said.

John shut the door behind him and let go of Hannah's arm.

Hannah stared at him.

"Do you understand why you are here?" John asked. He didn't get an answer. "The supernatural is dangerous. We are all under attack but especially Kate. You cannot take chances. You got thrown into this and that isn't fair. It is life though. You are smart enough to understand how things work with everything you've helped Kate with. So, I know you are smart enough to grasp why you are here."

Hannah stammered. "My… my dad…."

"Didn't make you explain?" John asked.

Hannah shook her head.

"Figure it out." John said.

Hannah sniffled. "Because I did the blood thing with Kate and didn't tell anybody."

"What else?" John asked.

Hannah bit her lip. "The blood thing is really dangerous."

"Your attitude as well. You are not invincible. You are very much still a child and you will not get into the habit of throwing your life away." John said. "If you cannot be trusted to stay in the lines, that adds stress to people that are looking out for you. You both went so far behind our backs that we wouldn't have had any idea how to help should something happen."

Hannah felt really bad.

"Understood?" John asked. "Verbal answer."

"Yes, sir." Hannah said.

John pulled Hannah to the spot in front of him. "I'm not going to use my belt with you. I'm not going to lecture through this. Your dad has given me permission to handle anything you do related to the supernatural. I do not like repeating myself." He put a foot up on a box and pulled her over his leg. He wasn't thrilled with the extra responsibility but she was Kate's Caleb and dammit if he wasn't going to make sure they all made it to adulthood. He didn't give Hannah time to think before peppering her backside with a volley of swats. He didn't stop until she was well and truly sorry. He slowly let her back down onto her feet and steadied her.

Hannah had the hiccups and couldn't see straight through tears. She threw her hands back and rocked onto her toes. She apologized although she had done that dozens of times. She really meant it.

John wiped her face with the edge of his shirt. He let her calm down the best she could before clearing his throat. "I need to have a discussion with Kate."

Hannah hiccuped and sniffled. She couldn't think of anything else besides how bad her backside and thighs stung.

"You are going to go inside and finish calming down. Do you need a hug or anything?" John asked. He sighed and pulled her into a hug. "Please learn from this."

Hannah accepted the hug and nodded her head into his chest. The message was received loud and clear.

Kate rushed to Hannah and wrapped her in a hug, apologizing over and over again.

"Kate." John said. "Shop."

Kate forced herself to let Hannah go. She hated herself for putting Hannah in that position.

Hannah told her it was okay to go. She was still sniffly and only realized that Bobby and Dean were in the room as Kate left. She froze and tried to hold back a sob.

Dean groaned. He sat down and let her sit on his leg, wrapping her in his arms. "You are like off brand Kate and I don't know how to feel about it."

Hannah appreciated the comfort. She just couldn't say anything back.

Dean let her go when she was somewhat calm. "Go up to the bathroom and wipe your face. I'm going to get you a drink and you can chill on the couch for a little bit.

Hannah just nodded and trudged up the steps.

"Off brand Kate?" Bobby asked.

"Did you not see her face?" Dean asked.

Bobby snorted softly. "I think you just have a big soft spot."

Dean spun on his heel to get a glass of water. He placed it on the coffee table and got an extra blanket for Hannah. He felt a little tiny bit bad for the girls. That just made him human.

Kate jumped as the door shut behind her. She was torn between being mad that Hannah was in pain and feeling a troubling amount of guilt.

"How many times are you going to pull stuff like this?" John asked.

Kate studied her feet.

"What is it about her that makes you decide that you do not need to follow rules?" John asked.

Kate drew a circle on the floor with her foot. "I don't feel like we don't need to follow rules. Things just happen. I promise it isn't intentional. I take full responsibility for this. I just don't know."

"A good friend is a good resource but also a great advocate for doing things you shouldn't." John said.

"Caleb?" Kate asked.

"I wasn't certain he or Dean would make it to their 20s." John said.

"Because of you or because of stupidity?" Kate asked.

"Both." John said. "Dean is right about Hannah being here for a reason. That being said, I refuse to let you two fall into a trap because you think you are so special that bad things can't happen." He had Kate look at him. "This is being counted as lying and I was serious about the drug parallel."

Kate couldn't argue with him. He was right. "How do I manage choices when everything around me is bursting into flames?"

"You manage the choices that you have control over." John said. "Don't lie to us. Don't hide things."

Kate just wanted to get everything over with so she could stop feeling so guilty.

"Why are you here?" John asked.

Kate repeated everything that they had pieced together. "I'm guessing I'm not allowed to hide things for Hannah's sake. It didn't work well when I did it for Taylor."

"No. It didn't." John said. "It always snowballs." He took her arm and did the exact same thing he did with Hannah.

Kate felt a little worse for Hannah as the sting built. Atleast, Hannah was through the worst of it. Kate wasn't by a long shot. Damn hindsight.

John paused. "Did you stop to think about the consequences?"

Kate groaned. "A few times." She gritted her teeth. He did not appreciate her sass the way Dean typically did.

"This or you possibly hurting her?" John asked.

Kate shifted. "Both. It got fuzzy."

"That is what happens." John said, shifting to the back of her thigh. "Something works once and lines blur each time it works." That was one of the main things he had try to get her to understand. She was lucky. She always got lucky. One day, the luck would run out and she wouldn't be able to cope with what bad luck looked like. "You cannot keep stuff like this a secret. How many times do I have to tell you that hiding it always ends poorly?"

She knew that. She had always known that. There was just something that happened in the middle of things that pulled reason away from reality. If it was something she was going to learn with age, she was going to struggle.

John's hand stung so he felt confident that Kate's tears were probably real. He shook his hand out. He decided to give her a few with the belt to cement the lesson but also because she had way thicker skin than Hannah did. He put her on her feet and started to unbuckle his belt.

Kate wanted to whine that she was already sore enough but she kept her mouth shut. She had earned all of it but it still sucked to accept.

"You've got four." John said. He pulled her back over his leg and gave her the final four in rapid succession. He shifted her into a hug and sat his belt on the work table.

"I'm sorry." Kate said.

"You have to learn." John said.

Kate kind of forgot about Hannah for a bit, as her brain was preoccupied. She remembered her as she calmed down. "Hannah."

"I'll call her mom to see how far away she is." John said. He let Kate step back.

"I feel really bad." Kate said.

"I'm not going to say you shouldn't." John said.

Kate had an uncomfortable knot in her chest.

John threaded his belt back through the loops on his jeans. "You can go talk to her."

Kate wiped her face with her sleeve. "I wouldn't blame her if she hates me."

"She doesn't." John said. "I think it would take a lot more than this to make her do that."

Kate gave him a strained look. "I don't think she will hate me because of the supernatural stuff."

"She isn't going to hate you over any of it." John said.

Kate sighed and went inside to check on Hannah. She saw Dean sitting on the couch beside Hannah who was laying down.

((ETW))

Dean motioned that Hannah had fallen asleep. He held an arm out for Kate to hug him.

Bobby let John know that everything had been okay. "Dean says she is like an off brand Kate."

John blew air through his nose. "They are a lot alike."

(A few hours later)

Hannah's mom called John to let him know she was headed home. The hours between learning Hannah had done something to being able to go home were painful. She stopped by April's house to get Austin since it was on her way home.

Austin's hair was sweaty. He looked tired but happy.

Mandy thanked April. "Was he any trouble?"

"Not at all." April said. "The boys played hard."

"I had pizza and cookies." Austin said.

Mandy smiled. "Thank you for watching him." She got the full story of what the boys did on their way home.

"He has a bunk bed and transformers!" Austin said, excitedly. "More than I do."

"I am glad you had fun." Mandy said. She figured that Austin's mood would be the direct opposite of Hannah's mood.

Dean agreed to drive Hannah home. He let Kate tag along as well to talk to Mandy. An apology and explanation would mean more to Mandy than it ever did to Caleb's dad. Having Kate and Taylor around pulled him back to himself at those ages. Things were a lot different back then. Kate and Taylor didn't have to worry about having food or raising a younger sibling. Young Dean didn't have to worry about abilities or starting the apocalypse. Caleb had been a good friend since the day that they met. He was reliable and a good hunter. Sure, Dean probably found himself in trouble more often when Caleb was around but it was stupid stuff like messing with Sam or sneaking off to a bar when they were very clearly underage. They caught hell after trying to hunt down that slime witch. He could think of a few more times they thought they were ready to hunt but John had a differing opinion. They were raised around the supernatural, like Kate. Hannah wasn't. She had a normal life until she got kidnapped by a vampire. Hannah was a tough kid. She dove in head first with Kate and did things a younger Dean wouldn't have dreamt of doing. She threatened a hellhound and looked a demon in the face. 12 year old Dean wouldn't have done that. One reason was that John would have skinned him. Hannah had grit but she was also naive. She didn't know, on a deep level, how dangerous things were. The big problem with tough and gritty kids was that they had incredibly thick skulls. While Hannah was a lot like Kate, Dean did think she would learn her lessons more quickly. He didn't think for a second that her run in with John was going to be a one time thing. That would be too simple. He looked into the rearview mirror. Hannah still looked slightly traumatized. He didn't want any of the kids to truly mess up and find themselves in a bad situation. Caitlyn got lucky because she could have easily screwed up astronomically. She didn't though. That bet was still safe. He considered waging a bet on how long it would take Hannah and Kate to end up in hot water again. He shook his head. Betting against the kids was probably cruel but it was a slight coping mechanism. They all knew for a fact something was going to happen, just not when.

Hannah sighed as Dean parked the car. She saw her mom's silhouette standing in the doorway.

Mandy welcomed Hannah with open arms. She hugged her and rested her chin on Hannah's head.

"I am sorry, mom." Hannah said.

Mandy let her go and told Kate and Dean to come inside as well. Austin had already fallen asleep directly after a shower. Ryan was playing video games in his room and the other kids were off at friends' houses.

Hannah and Kate told Mandy everything that they had told John and Dean.

Mandy's eyebrows furrowed. "Why didn't you tell me when the nurse called to say you cut your hand?"

Hannah frowned. "I didn't want to say anything in front of the nurse and then I was afraid that you'd be mad at Kate."

"It was an accident." Mandy said.

"I know." Hannah said.

"Well I hope that both of you learned something tonight. It is always best to tell us things. Even if we are upset, it is a whole lot less upset than we are now." Mandy said.

Dean messaged Taylor to let him know they were about to leave Hannah's house.

Mandy hugged Kate before they left. She wanted Kate to know that she wasn't so upset that she didn't want Kate to visit anymore.

Dean put a hand on Kate's shoulder. "Let's go get Taylor."

Kate hugged Hannah one last time and followed Dean out to the car. She still felt like she had been through that day before. She even told Dean that the feeling was still there.

"Do you feel mentally stable though?" Dean asked.

Kate snorted. "Yes."

"You have good impulse control?" Dean asked.

"Yes, Dean." Kate said.

"Good. I don't think I can handle anything else." Dean said. He turned onto Hailey's street and tapped his breaks as a dog ran from a nearby yard to nip at his tires. The dog followed him, barking a few times before running back to its yard.

"He is going to get run over." Kate said. She looked behind them at the dog sitting on the grass. She was slightly worried about the dog since it liked to bite moving tires.

Dean sniffed the air. "Somebody is grilling." His stomach growled.

"Kind of late isn't it?" Kate asked.

"Nah. It is a weekend and not freezing cold." Dean said. "We need to grill."

Kate told Dean to stop the car. She jumped out and stood on the sidewalk. Her eyes were dilated and her heart was in her throat. "I've been here before."

Dean quickly got out. "Kate."

"No, I've been here before." Kate said.

Dean slowly approached her.

Kate put a hand up. "The dog barking. The smoke from the grill. Us on our way to pick up Taylor." Her face went blank. She felt like she had been punched in the stomach. "This has happened…."

Dean swore and took off after into a wooded area that separated the side street they were parked by and one of the main roads down below. He thought she would hold it together a little longer considering she had just gotten her ass handed to her and she had said she had impulse control. He stumbled, nearly falling over his own feet.

(Sad Scene)

A loud bang sounded through the trees, followed by several more. The sound of metal crunching and horns blaring filled the previously quiet night. He ran after Kate, toward the commotion.

Kate was overwhelmed with the chaos of people and cars. There had been a crash. There was scattered metal and glass. Someone's alarm was going off.

Dean saw Kate veer to the side and go down a severely steep embankment. He followed her, ignoring the scene on the road. He slid down the embankment, catching roots and branches on his way down. He hit his knees at the bottom but jumped up.

Kate saw a car on its top. She hit the ground and crawled on her stomach through the window. She grabbed someone's wrist. They were alive. How many people were in the car?

Dean was at her side. He pulled at the door but it was mangled. He knew that someone was alive but everything was so loud that he couldn't make out what Kate was saying. He suddenly felt the door give way, ripping its way out of his hand. He met eyes with Taylor and simply nodded before trying to flag someone down. Had Kate not taken off, it was likely that no one would have known about the car until things had calmed down, wasting precious time that the occupant didn't have.

Taylor pried the twisted metal apart, gaining access to the inside of the car. The driver was gone, probably died on impact. The back passenger was who Kate found. He couldn't move them for fear that he would cause more damage. He heard voices and made the opening wider for whoever was trying to help. The cover of night and the state of the car would hide that he ripped the door off and threw it.

Dean lost sight of Kate. He lost sight of Taylor.

Kate felt as though she had been in that moment more intensely as seconds passed. She knew where to go. She saw someone that had flown out of the car, tucked away where no one could see them. She checked to see if they were alive. They were. Barely. She took their hand and tried to heal them. It didn't work. She was being blocked by something. Her ability was useless. All of her abilities were useless. She was just a frightened kid kneeling at the side of someone she didn't know.

Dean let his heart lead him. He found Kate and ran to her. There was no helping whoever was on the ground. He saw her hands fall away from their side and pulled her away, into his chest.

"Heyyy, baby Winchester. Why are you out here?" A voice asked.

Kate tore herself away from Dean and stared ahead, looking for the voice.

Taylor heard Kate's scream over everything else. He abandoned the car as paramedics were there. The scream was nearly inaudible. It was a high frequency that he didn't think anyone else could hear.

Dean saw a flurry of movement and locked eyes with Taylor, who had the same horrified look on his face that Kate did. Dean couldn't see what they were seeing.

Kate took the person's hand again and tried to pull his soul back into his body. She couldn't. Why couldn't she do anything? Why was she so useless at a time where she was desperately needed?

"Oh, shit. Is that me?" The voice asked.

Dean caught a glimpse of the person's form as it glitched and faded, unstable from a sudden death.

Taylor was frozen.

Kate was shaking. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

Dean wrapped his arms around her. "Kate. You can't. You have to stop."

The figure formed although they were faint and not visible to others. "You got that ghost whisperer stuff going on?"

Taylor blinked. "Smith." His eyes left his friend's ghost to look at his body and back to his ghost.

Tessa appeared beside Smith.

Kate scrambled. "Don't you dare!"

Tessa had actually been pulled by Kate's anguish. Kate just didn't realize it. "You can't save him."

Kate glared at her, blue light shining from her eyes.

"I knew you had something going on." Smith said, hauntinly calm considering he was outside of his body.

"I…" Taylor couldn't process. He tried to boost Kate but Tessa put a hand on his shoulder.

"You can't save him." Tessa said.

"Why?" Kate asked in a yell. "Why can't I? Why when I can actually make a difference do I fail? Why am I here if I can't fucking do anything?"

Smith tried to touch Kate but his hand phased through her. "It is okay. I mean.. I planned on going to college and stuff but shit happens."

Taylor's eyes flashed as he fought to keep himself together.

"Since I can't really tell anyone, what are you?" Smith asked.

Taylor dropped his hand away from Kate. "Not quite human."

Smith snorted. "I knew some wiry ass freshman couldn't just walk onto the team and play like that." He was able to touch Taylor. "You know, some of the guys talk. No one would be mad. Who is going to bitch about having Superman on the team?"

Taylor nearly laughed.

Tessa let them have a short conversation. She knew that the boy's soul would begin to degrade though. "It is time."

Kate found a bit of her strength. "No."

"Kate. You cannot save him." Tessa said.

Kate growled and reached out, putting a hand on Smith's chest.

Tessa gasped. "Kate… you… you can't…"

Smith looked down at his arms. He had writing forming over his arms and hands.

"What did you do?" Dean asked.

"She tagged him." Tessa said.

"I may not be able to save lives but I'll be damned if I can't save souls." Kate growled.

"Death…" Tessa started.

"Can fucking fight me." Kate said through gritted teeth. Her wings came out, casting a bright light across the area.

Dean looked up at the sky as hail started to fall. He grabbed Kate and shook her lightly. "Kate!"

Kate registered his voice and pulled herself back together. She had a crazed look on her face but her wings were gone.

Smith's eyes were wide. "Oh, damn."

Tessa touched his arm. "I'm sorry. It is time."

Dean looked around, surely someone had witnessed the wings. He saw a heavy fog pulling away from them. They had been shielded.

Kate felt weak. She felt human.

Without the cover of fog, Dean was worried about the kids. How was he going to explain why Kate looked the way she did? How was he going to explain that they just so happened to be there when the wreck happened? He put a hand on each of Kate's shoulders. "Katie. You cannot stay here."

Kate felt sick to her stomach.

"I can explain why Taylor is here. I can't explain why you are here, covered in blood." Dean said. "I'm going to call dad."

(End of sad scene)

John got to the scene in record time. He wanted to help but Kate was extremely fragile. He had to pick her up and carry her back to the truck.

Kate was quiet. Her head was splitting. They pulled into Bobby's driveway without her noticing that she had even left the wreck. She saw someone standing on Bobby's porch and bailed out of the truck.

John caught up with her, keeping her from falling. He saw the person too.

Atropos straightened her glasses.

"You bitch." Kate growled. "I knew today had happened before."

"Eight times." Atropos said. "Surely, this time you will realize that you can't change everything."

John kept Kate from going after Atropos. She was barely holding herself up but he had no doubt she could find strength to rip off the being's head if he let her go.

"Why?" Kate asked, her voice breaking.

Atropos waved her hand, allowing Kate to remember the other seven times that the day had happened.

Kate was pale. She covered her mouth and swallowed a sob. She had saved Smith's life every other time. She had even prevented the wreck twice. She found loopholes and tricks that caused the day to take a different path but each time, she woke up and the day was still the day of the wreck. She felt a pit of fire building in her stomach.

"You cannot change history. Everything happens for a reason. You just have to understand that you can't do a thing about it." Atropos said.

"Clearly I can or you wouldn't have restarted the day over and over again." Kate said through gritted teeth.

Atropos pulled a gold thread from her book and dropped it on the ground in front of John and Kate. She vanished as soon as the thread hit the ground.

John got Kate inside. He carried her upstairs to the bathroom where he could clean her face and arms.

Kate was blank, having cried all she could cry.

John used a warm cloth and wiped her face and neck. He had only gotten a brief explanation from Dean and Atropos further confused him.

Kate suddenly let out a growl. "Maybe I am human."

John let her stand up.

"Maybe I am useless. I don't know why I try. Nothing ever works. I make everything worse." She was starting to spiral.

John didn't want her to continue her spiral, knowing that if she got too far, she would lose control.

Kate threw her hands back. "Oww!"

John had popped the back of her leg because she was too far into her panic to hear him telling her to calm down.

Kate sniffled and fell into his arms.

John soothed her. He eventually tapped her arm. "Kate."

Kate moved her head back. "I couldn't save him."

John sighed. "I know. I'm sorry."

"I was going to fight death." Kate said.

John raised an eyebrow.

"Tessa said I couldn't revive him. I marked his soul so he couldn't go to hell and she said death wouldn't like that. I said then tell him to fight me but I didn't actually call him." Kate said.

"I am glad you didn't call him down." John said. "What stopped you?"

Kate gave him a look. "My promise to control myself was fresh on my mind. I feel disgustingly human and thought that I probably wouldn't win that fight."

"Being human isn't a bad thing." John said.

Kate looked at herself in the mirror. "It hurts. When I was trying to heal him, I couldn't. The ability was useless. I felt so weak."

"You aren't weak." John said. "Why don't you get a shower. I'm going to check on Dean and Taylor."

Kate agreed. She was in a weird place, mentally. Atropos did get through to her. She couldn't change it. She was just angry that Atropos considered Smith to be a disposable character. His life meant nothing in the long run. It meant something to Kate. Everyone meant something to Kate. There were going to be people she couldn't save and tragedies she couldn't prevent. She just couldn't harden herself enough to accept that.

(Dean and Taylor)

The paramedics poured in as it was not only Smith's car involved in the wreck. People on the road had bumps and bruises. One had a nasty laceration from hitting the window after swerving to miss the main crash.

There was an old beat up car at the top of the embankment that Smith's car went down. The door was opened and the driver was gone. Police helped look for the driver, unsure if he had been injured and wandered off. The smell emanating from the car gave them a possible cause for the wreck. There were empty beer cans all over the passenger seat.

Taylor got pieces of information from listening to the chatter. He had shown the paramedics where Smith was and had been sent away with Dean. He caught a smell and whipped his head to the left, up the embankment that Dean's car was on.

Dean was right behind Taylor. He knew Kate was safe so Taylor was his top priority.

They found the driver staggering down the street.

Taylor was behind him in a second, grabbing the back of his jacket and slamming him on the ground.

Dean ran over. "Hey, I have him." He put a knee in the man's back and told Taylor to get a police officer. He didn't want Taylor to kill the guy because that was more blood on his hands. He also wanted the guy to live a long, miserable life behind bars.

The man tried to get on his feet but he was very intoxicated and Dean had him in a secure hold. "Let me go."

Dean snorted. "Not until you are arrested."

"I didn't do nothin." The man slurred.

Dean grabbed the back of his head and pressed his face into the concrete. "You killed someone."

"I was just walking." The man said.

"Bull shit. You hit another car, causing a multi car wreck and killed more than one person, actually. One was in highschool." Dean said. He wanted to slam his head into the ground a few times but he had taken over because he thought he could control himself more than Tayor could at that moment.

The man saw flashing lights and tried to break Dean's hold, only to have his face pushed back into the sidewalk. He spit insults at Dean and the officer driving the police car until he caught a fist to the mouth.

Taylor shook his hand out.

The officer pretended he didn't see the punch. He tossed him in the back of the police car and took a statement from Dean and Taylor.

Dean and Taylor could no longer help. Everyone involved with the wreck were accounted for by the police or the paramedics.

Taylor sat down on the sidewalk and held back a scream.

Hailey had heard some of the commotion and ran out of her house. "Taylor!"

Taylor snapped his head up. He stood up on shaky legs.

Hailey ran to him and threw her arms around him.

Taylor tried to gently push her back.

Hailey got a look at him in the headlights of the police car. She got very pale and let her mouth drop open.

"There was a really bad wreck." Taylor said.

Hailey saw the pain in his eyes.

Dean told Hailey to give Taylor space. "I was on my way over here and we both heard it. Taylor ran down to try to help." He took a slow breath. "He knows some of the people involved."

Hailey got a whole lot more pale, realizing that he had blood on him and it was probably from the people in the car. She pulled on Taylor's arm. She wanted him to go back to her house so she could help him clean up.

Heather must have gotten information from neighbors or heard something because she knew about the wreck. At first, she thought Taylor had been involved.

Hailey grabbed wet washcloths and a towel for Taylor. She swallowed hard. "Who was it?"

Taylor's jaw hurt from clenching it so hard. "Smith."

It was Heather's turn to get pale.

Taylor looked up at Heather. "I didn't see him. I don't think he was with Smith."

Heather scrambled to get her phone. Her boyfriend was one of the players that ran with Smith. They were always together. She got an answer and tearfully asked if her boyfriend was okay. He was. He had been dropped off at his house a few minutes before the wreck happened. Heather choked out that Smith was in the car and didn't make it.

Dean was a little overwhelmed with the emotion in the room. He was prepared to help Taylor but Hailey and Heather were different.

"Can you pick up her boyfriend?" Taylor asked.

Dean rubbed the back of his head. He didn't necessarily want to but said he would do it. The house was not far away and Taylor was stable with Hailey around. He called John on the way over to check on Kate.

John said Kate was okay. She was showering and he would continue their talk when she got done. He had a similar thing happen when he was a teengager. Except it was three kids he went to school with and a sheet of ice. He wasn't best friends with any of them but remembered the intense depression that covered the school in the following weeks.

Dean pulled up to the house and waited for the guy to walk out to the car. He had met him before so he nor the kid needed to ask a ton of questions. "Do your parents know you are leaving?"

Dustin said they knew. He thanked Dean for picking him up and got into the car.

As Dean drove closer to Hailey's house, the flashing lights became visible. As he parked, he turned to speak to Dustin. "You don't need to go down there."

Dustin looked out the window.

"It is rough but everyone that can be helped is being helped." Dean said. "Trust me, you do not want to see your friend."

Dustin just nodded because he couldn't speak without his voice breaking.

Heather opened the door and wrapped her arms around Dustin's neck. "Dusty, I am so sorry."

Taylor knew him as Dusty as well. Like Smith, he never went by his real name. He tried to answer questions since he had been down to the scene but it was hard. He was heartbroken and he didn't want them to know certain things. He said that Smith died on impact even though he didn't. He wasn't alive for long after the wreck but was likely in a lot of pain. The others needed a sense of peace that he didn't suffer.

Dean let them cope for an hour before telling Taylor they should probably head home.

Taylor wanted a shower anyway. He had taken off his jacket and cleaned his face before Dusty got there. That hid most of the blood. He couldn't help but feel the weight of the truth wearing on him.

Dean spoke to Taylor in the car. "Are you alright?"

Taylor blew air through his nose.

"You know what I mean." Dean said.

"Yeah." Taylor said.

Dean just nodded. He didn't want to force Taylor to burst into tears although he knew Taylor wanted to. He also knew Taylor wanted to wait until he didn't have an audience.

At home, Kate paced on the porch until she heard Dean's car. She met Taylor at the door of the car before Dean even got the car in park. "I'm sorry."

Taylor got out. "No. You don't need to be sorry."

John shook his head, letting Kate know not to tell Taylor about Atropos yet.

Karen had gotten back home after helping April right her house from the chaos the boys created. She laid out a towel for Taylor's shoes and told him that she would get them cleaned up while he got himself cleaned up.

"We caught the guy who caused the wreck." Dean said, bitterly. "Drunk driver."

Bobby shook his head. While none of them were strangers to alcohol, they knew not to drive while drunk. No one else needed to suffer due to their bad decisions.

Dean saw Kate and held his arms open for her. He squeezed her and rubbed the back of her head. "I am sorry, kiddo."

Kate listened to his heartbeat. "I couldn't save him."

"I know." Dean said. "Stuff like this happens and we can't fix it."

"He's in heaven." Kate said.

"How did you mark him?" Dean asked.

Kate wasn't totally sure. She just knew it worked.

(Smith's heaven)

Smith wanted to play football in college. He had gotten a letter saying that he was accepted onto the team he had wanted to join since he was a little kid. He sat on the bench, taking a few deep breaths after his first game with the team. They won, thanks to him. He made the game winning play and his adrenalin was pumping. He was approached by a pretty cheerleader and grinned. "Hey, babe." He had everything he ever dreamed of. He didn't know he was in heaven but knew that it all felt like heaven. He was happy and didn't have a worry in the world, life was perfect.