If you are looking for other stories to read and haven't already checked in, ClaireEmmaley has a great story called "From the Heart." Definitely check it out.
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Dean fell asleep out of pure exhaustion. The conversation with the angel was so brief and so bizarre that he wondered if it hadn't been a dream. He could wrap his head, partially, around Aprhim being a guardian angel and having a reason to speak to Kate but this guy was different. Why would an angel want to speak to him? Why had he popped into the room during his shower and why had he disappeared?
He started the next morning with gas station coffee and started the drive back to Sioux falls. He had checked all of the warding and salt lines and nothing in the room had been disturbed. He called Bobby to tell him about the exchange.
Bobby smirked. "Good thing you didn't drop the towel."
Dean grumbled. "You aren't listening to me. A freaking angel showed up in the room. He got by the warding and everything and pulled a knife out of his chest like it was a toothpick."
Bobby chuckled. "No, I heard you. I just think it could have gone differently."
Dean realized that. "He just said he'd return and poof.. he was gone."
"I wonder if it has anything to do with what is going on with the kids." Bobby said.
Dean felt a migraine forming. "Probably. Are they up yet?"
Bobby looked at the time. "No. I've got food on the stove so I suspect they'll be headed down soon."
"I want to talk to them when they get up. If they are still glowing, we can't send them to school."
Bobby sighed. "I thought about that. I haven't voiced that thought because Kate would go out of her way to keep the eyes like that."
Dean snorted. "She has probably already considered it."
Liam caught the scent of sausage before the kids did. He ran across Taylor's face and meowed at the door.
Taylor sat up and rubbed his eyes. "What is wrong?" He opened the door and stretched.
Bobby heard a few light thunks and silence before something crashed into his foot. He picked up a small piece of sausage and put it on the floor.
Liam took the food and ran away.
Bobby saw Taylor when he looked back at the door. "I see that your alarm clock woke you up."
Taylor yawned. "Kate and Millie are still sleeping. Dean may still be an apt name for Liam. "
Bobby chuckled and then frowned. "Your eyes are still blue."
Taylor tilted his head to pop his neck. "I wonder if sunglasses would cover the glow."
"We could try it but that would only work if you were outside. If you wear them inside, that would be suspicious." Bobby said.
Taylor shrugged. "We have a day to work that out. The glow went away when Kate healed Dean so maybe we just need to use up the power."
"Eat some breakfast. I'd like to hear about yesterday from your point of view." Bobby said.
Taylor fixed his plate and sat back down. "We were using the slides and just one drop of blood. That went well although Kate's blood did something weird on the slide when it got mixed. She tried to replicate it and I guess used too much blood."
"Mhm, did you try to stop her?"
Taylor nodded. "I did but could have tried harder. There was a burst of light and it shot up and hit the ceiling. She had to compel Nate's dad. Then she had to compel Ellie. We put the stuff away and called it a night. Then, when we went into the woods we climbed a tree. Ellie slipped and I grabbed her and fell under her. My back was messed up and Kate told you about that part."
Bobby poured Taylor some juice. "Have you used your abilities other times?"
"Ellie was trying to make a basket and getting really down about missing. She got the ball pretty close but it was going to hit the rim so I just bumped it in." Taylor said.
Bobby sighed and rubbed the back of his head. They did say not to use abilities but he could see why Taylor had made the choice.
Taylor dropped his head "I shouldn't have."
Bobby studied him. "I think you did that for a good reason. Using your abilities around other people does come with risk but I think it was a nice thing to do."
Taylor relaxed a little. "Thanks."
Kate rolled out of bed and carried Millie down the stairs. "Morning."
Bobby pointed to the stove. "Food is still hot." He dialed Dean's number and put the phone on speaker.
"Hey, Bobby."
Kate leaned forward. "Hi, Dean."
Dean smiled a little. "Hey, kiddo. How'd you sleep?"
"Decent. Are you headed home?" Kate asked.
"Yes. So, tell me about yesterday."
Kate sighed and repeated much of what Taylor did.
"Taylor used his ability to help Ellie make a basket at school." Bobby said. "But the ball was close anyway."
Dean pressed on his temple. "Did anyone see?"
"No, I bumped it just a tiny bit." Taylor said.
"Kate, have you been using yours at school?" Dean asked.
Kate swallowed. "To help Ellie."
"To help Ellie do what?" Dean asked.
"Well, there were only two teams left in the trivia game and the other team finally got a question wrong. If we got it wrong too, no one would get extra credit. So, I wasn't cheating." Kate said.
Bobby tapped the table. "What did you do?"
"I got the answer from the teacher." Kate said, quietly.
"Is that the only time you've done that?" Dean asked.
Kate nodded. "Yes."
"Is that the only time you've used your abilities?" Dean asked.
Kate swallowed hard. "Yes."
"That's a lie."
Dean jerked the steering wheel and almost drove into oncoming traffic. He spun the wheel the other way and onto the shoulder. "Son of a bitch!"
Kate heard the tires squeal and Dean sounded scared. "Dean!"
Dean tried to reach for his gun but the man beside him reminded him it wouldn't work.
"You can't pop in when someone is driving!" Dean yelled.
The man simply looked at him.
Kate yelled for Dean again.
Dean told her to calm down. "What do you want?"
The man looked out the window and then back at Dean. "She lied."
"I gathered that. Why are you here?" Dean demanded.
"Dean, who is that?" Kate asked.
"Uh, an angel... of the ... lord." Dean said.
Kate's mouth dropped open. "Aphrim?"
"No." The man said. He flicked his pointer finger and the phone lost signal.
Dean's mouth was dry. "Are you here to smite me or something?"
The man furrowed his brows. "Why would you think that?"
Dean threw up his hands. "You show up out of nowhere."
"No."
Dean waited for the man to continue but he didn't. "So, why are you here?"
"I was sent."
"By who?" Dean asked.
"Heaven."
Dean sighed. "Look, if you aren't going to talk, get out. I have to get back home."
"You've been my assignment since your birth. I am supposed to pull your soul from hell but things have changed."
"So, Kate's visions were real?" Dean asked.
"Yes. I do not have much time. The children have been releasing energy and others are getting close to finding them. The lie is how I found them." The man said.
"Wait, who is trying to find them? Are they safe? What about the power-ups?" Dean asked.
The man looked back out the window. "I do not know. No. The 'power ups' as you call them are from a fallen angel."
"The Aphrim guy?" Dean asked.
The man nodded. "He is being hunted. He knows he will be found and has given them small bits of grace. They will need it for what is to come. However, when they take on that much power, it is like a beacon. Tonight, Aphrim will release the rest of his grace before he faces retribution. Contain it."
Dean blinked his eyes. "Contain it how?"
The man's eyes shifted around the outside of the car. "You'll know."
"Who are you?" Dean asked as the man disappeared. He sat back in the seat and rubbed the back of his head. What kind of name was that for an angel?
"Dean!" Kate cried.
Dean blinked. "Hey, I'm here."
Bobby spoke up. "You went silent for a minute."
Dean furrowed his brows. "Creepy angel guy showed up."
"What did he say?" Kate asked.
"He said you lied." Dean said in a low tone.
Kate gulped. "He came down from heaven and jumped in your moving car just to tell you I lied?"
Dean scoffed. "No. Apparently, that is how he found you. Every time you use an ability and especially when you absorb the grace, you are sending out signals to tell the bad guys where you are."
Kate felt bad. "Oh."
"He said that he was supposed to pull my soul from hell but things changed." Dean added.
"What?"
"Yep. So, Kate. What did you do?" Dean asked.
Kate licked her lips. "I'd like to remind you that I'm pretty much the reason you aren't selling your soul in a few years."
"Kid, we have bigger issues. Tell me what you did." Dean said.
"Well, Ellie studied and her parents wouldn't let us do the sleepover if she did poorly on the test. She got stuck and I... suggested answers." Kate said.
Bobby shook his head. "So you cheated."
Kate put her hands in her lap.
"Consider that strike one." Dean said. "We have bigger issues."
Kate relaxed.
"Angel dude said Aphrim was compromised and has been sending small bits of grace. He is going to send the rest of it tonight and we have to contain it." Dean said.
Taylor spoke up. "What do you mean he was compromised?"
"It seems like he went against an order and showed us the bunker. He has been hiding out and is giving you two his grace because you'll need it. If it shows up, do not absorb it. You have to trap it." Dean said.
Kate's face fell. "Is Aphrim going to die?"
Dean was silent.
Bobby cleared his throat. "Are the kids in danger."
Dean sighed. "I think we should head to the bunker for a bit."
Kate wiped a tear. She felt responsible for Aphrim being in harm's way.
"Taylor, could you talk to your grandmother? If we are in that place for a week or so, we are going to need food. She will want to see you and we can change up our route if anyone is following." Dean said.
Taylor borrowed Kate's phone and called Marie.
"Kate, can you start packing bags? I'll need some of my own stuff." Dean said.
Kate nodded. "Okay."
Bobby took the phone off of speaker. "What all do you need? I can go too."
Dean pushed the car to go a little faster. "I can get them there, safely. I'm going to talk to dad. It may be a good idea to have someone stay back for a day or two. The school will want to know where they are."
Bobby volunteered to try to find a way to contain the grace.
Kate packed a duffle of stuff and zipped it. Millie curled up on top of the duffle and yawned. Kate knew she'd be taking the kittens, even if she had to compel Dean to allow it.
Marie was happy to gather food and bake a few more things. She was worried about Taylor and Kate but tried to focus on her job. Her husband was fading and, although she didn't say it, it was good that Taylor would see him one last time.
Dean pulled into Bobby's driveway as the sun lowered in line with the trees.
Kate ran out and wrapped her arms around his waist. "I'm scared."
Dean tilted her chin up. "It will be okay. We just have to work together."
Kate shifted from foot to foot. "Can the kittens come to the bunker?"
Dean groaned. "They can stay here."
Kate let another tear fall. "They calm us down and it isn't fair for Bobby to take care of them."
Dean brushed hair back from her eyes. "Bring their stuff and a box. You will be removing every stray hair and spec of dirt from the car once we get to the garage."
Kate squeezed him. "You are the best!"
Dean held her at arms length before turning her to the side and landing one hearty swat.
"Ow." Kate frowned.
"Cheating? Really?" Dean said.
Kate smiled sheepishly. "If someone you knew had abilities and could have given you test answers, would you have said no?"
Dean nudged her toward the door. "No but we have established that younger Dean was not the best role model."
Taylor carried bags to the car and situated them in the trunk. "We packed your clothes and toiletries."
Dean did a check of his room. He didn't know how long they'd be gone but an angel of the lord had swooped down to warn him, so it was probably prudant to pack for more than a few days.
"Nana knows we are coming." Taylor said.
Kate looked out the window. "Whoa."
Taylor looked over her shoulder. "It is here."
Dean turned. He could see white tendrils forming a ball of light. "Bobby, how do we trap that?"
Bobby hadn't found enough information.
Taylor grabbed a jar and walked to the door. "I know how."
Dean stopped him. "Taylor, we have to be careful."
Taylor nodded. "Having it chill outside the door is going to attract visitors." He stepped onto the porch and beckoned the grace toward him. He held out the jar and capped it when the grace was safely inside.
Dean furrowed his brows. "You can control it?"
Kate got sad again. "It is from Aphrim. Maybe that is why."
Bobby packed the final things and gave each kid a long hug. "Be good." He clapped Dean on the back and pulled him into a hug. "I put reinforcement in the bottom of your bag in case you need it."
Dean chuckled. "You have so much faith in them."
Bobby looked toward the door. "Keep me updated."
Kate placed a blanket in a cardboard box and placed it on the backseat. She put the kittens in the box and buckled her seatbelt. Her emotions were all over the place but at least she had Millie with her.
Taylor took the front passenger seat and let Marie know they would be headed out soon. He hadn't expected the need to run and his heart was racing.
Dean looked in the rearview mirror and gave Kate a small smile. Thankfully, they would be driving to Marie's house first. He needed a plan for the road trip. He couldn't let them go into a diner or crowded area with eyes that glowed. He'd need to rest at some point. How was he going to manage the two of them at the bunker, by himself? How would he manage if something attacked?
Kate pulled out her drawing pad and sketched a face she didn't know.
Dean turned toward her. "Can you see what you are doing?" It was dark and the stretch of road they were on had no street lamps.
Kate looked up. "I can see perfectly fine."
Taylor sighed. "Me too."
Dean let the first yawn escape his lips. "Well, that is handy."
Marie opened the front door and ushered the kids and Dean inside the house. She hugged each of them and made a pot of coffee. "I don't think I'll ever get used to those eyes."
Taylor frowned.
Marie gave him a warm smile. "You are just as handsome with or without."
Kate helped Marie pack some of the food in a box. The house smelled amazing and the scents made her mouth water.
"Dean, honey. You have a long drive ahead of you. There is a spare bed that you can sleep in." Marie said.
Dean stifled a yawn. "I'm okay."
Marie put a hand on his back. "If you are going to be driving with my grandson in the car, I'd rather you didn't fall asleep at the wheel."
Dean gave in and followed her. "I just need an hour. If anything happens please let me know. I don't know what is after them or if they are actually after them."
Marie grabbed an extra blanket. "You just rest. I can handle those two."
Dean didn't doubt that.
Taylor sat beside his grandfather and patted his hand. The man worked most of his life and seeing him in a weakened state hurt Taylor's heart. He was so out of it that he didn't notice Taylor's eyes.
Kate gave Taylor's shoulder a reassuring squeeze.
Taylor worried about his grandmother. The couple had grown up together and married young. His nana hadn't been the same since his grandpa got sick. Money was getting thin and he feared what would happen once his grandpa died.
Kate could read Taylor's emotions without having to read him. She saw the worry in his eyes and pushed into his head. 'We could heal him.'
Taylor looked at her. 'We can't. We can't use our abilities.'
'Then let me do it. I will gladly take the punishment for it if Dean gets mad. I think healing would get rid of enough grace that my eyes would be normal again.'
Taylor looked at the frail man in front of him and watched his chest struggle to rise and fall. 'Okay.' He held his hand out, letting Kate know he wanted to help.
Kate placed her hand on the man's chest and envisioned the grace flowing into his veins and healing the damage to his organs. She felt the energy leaving her fingertips and more flowing through Taylor's hand.
Taylor slumped to the floor, followed quickly by Kate.
Marie was in the kitchen making sandwiches when a strong arm wrapped around her. She yelped and spun around, gasping in surprise. "Rod."
Rod, Taylor's grandfather, hugged her to him and kissed her.
"How?" Marie sputtered.
Taylor sidestepped into the kitchen. "The treatments you've been trying worked."
Marie made eye contact with Taylor and let happy tears fall. It had been a couple years since her husband had been so sure on his feet.
Rod let go of Marie and put an arm around Taylor. "You got tall."
"I'm 13 now." Taylor said with a grin.
"Already? Who is this young lady?" Rod asked.
Kate held out her hand. "My name is Kate."
Marie sighed. "You were sick for a long time. A lot has happened."
Rod listened as Marie, Taylor and Kate caught him up on things that had happened. They left out the abilities and angelic involvement but told him the rest.
Rod walked around the table and hugged Taylor to him. "I'm so sorry. I didn't know."
"It is okay now, grandpa" Taylor said.
"Your... brother is sleeping?" Rod clarified.
"Yes, sir." Kate said. "We have a long drive ahead and Ms. Marie didn't want him falling asleep at the wheel."
Rod smiled. "Where are you going?"
Marie spoke up. "There have been some complications and they will be staying in a sort of safe house."
Kate had carried the kittens into the house and they were following Marie around.
Marie gave each of them some boiled chicken. "Do you need anything for these two?"
Kate shrugged. "We have food and stuff."
Marie clicked her tongue. She left the room and returned with a small bag of spools and other toys for them. "Rod, would you mind getting some of the wormer and flea medication?"
Rod kissed her cheek and went to check the barn for the medication.
"So, how is he up and walking?" Marie asked.
Taylor blushed. "We healed him. Please don't be mad. It made our eyes go back to normal."
Marie sighed. "Oh, honey. I'm not mad. I'm thrilled. We were preparing for hospice."
Kate bit her lip. "Dean may be mad. We weren't supposed to use any abilities because the energy burst is visible to others."
Marie winked at her. "If he tries to smack you for it, I'll just have to smack him, won't I?"
Kate giggled. "That would be funny."
"No, sweetie. I'll talk to him. I'll even tell him you asked me first." Marie said as she poured warm milk into a mug.
Taylor furrowed his brows. "Where were you the other day?"
Marie stirred cocoa into the milk and handed it to Taylor. "You, young man, deserved that one."
Taylor's face got red.
Rod returned with medicine for the kittens and instructed them on how to use the meds. "Wait before you give them the wormer. You don't want them making a mess in the car."
It was late at night and Kate was starting to get tired. Without the extra grace, she was at the mercy of human limitations.
Marie packed the last bag and handed it to Taylor. "I suppose it is about time you kids got going. You're welcome to stay as long as you want."
Taylor hugged her. "I wish we could."
Rod hugged Taylor again. "It is so good to see you. Don't be a stranger."
Kate opened the room Dean was in and tiptoed to the bed.
Dean sat up quickly and relaxed once he saw that it was only Kate. "What time is it?" He looked at his watch and groaned. "I shouldn't have slept that long."
Kate yawned. "Not even three hours."
Dean started to walk out the door but stopped at Kate's assistance.
"We did something. Marie said it was okay but if you get upset over it, I'll take the consequence. It was my idea." Kate hung her head.
Dean ruffled her hair. "What did you do?"
Kate nudged him toward the door. She pulled his arm and made him turn around. She tiptoed and smoothed down the little bit of bedhead he had.
"Hi, you must be Dean." Rod said.
Dean spun around and shook his hand. "Yes, sir." He shot Kate a look.
"Marie and Taylor have told me about the last few weeks and I'd like to thank you for taking care of him." Rod said.
Dean nodded. "He's part of the family now."
Taylor asked Rod to help him with something, leaving Marie, Dean and Kate in the room.
Dean looked at Kate. "Okay, explain."
Marie cleared her throat. "They healed him. Their eyes are no longer blue."
Dean rubbed his face. "I knew that much."
Kate swallowed.
"Dean, he was dying. They gave me my husband back." Marie said.
Dean softened. "You did good, kiddo."
Kate grinned. "Whew, I thought you'd be mad."
Marie raised an eyebrow at Dean.
Dean put his hands up. "You got rid of the glow and helped someone. That is a far cry from plotting an assassination attempt with demons."
Marie gave him a list of everything that she put in the car. "Most of it is shelf stable but the box with the red label should be put in the fridge when you get there."
Dean thanked her. "You are a saint."
Marie touched the side of his face. "Dear, you are as well."
Dean scoffed. "If they get too rowdy I'll just send them back here."
Marie winked and patted his shoulder. "You'll be fine."
Back on the road, Dean told the kids to get some sleep. He could afford one motel stop if needed but was trying to avoid stopping too often. He figured he'd play it by ear.
Kate said she wasn't sleepy but Millie curled up on her lap made her fall asleep.
Dean chanced a glance into the backseat. "Huh, Millie seems to have some abilities of her own."
Taylor leaned his head against the window and tried to shut his mind off. Helping his grandfather was amazing but how long would it last?
Dean waited until both kids were asleep before calling Bobby. "Hey, we are on our way to Kansas. Yeah, they are both asleep. They healed Taylor's grandpa. He was up walking around like nothing had ever happened to him. I hope it didn't attract any kind of nasties but I'm going to drive as far as I can without stopping."
Bobby offered to call John and update him so that Dean could focus on driving.
Kate woke up a few hours later when Dean pulled over at a rest stop.
"Use the bathroom, stretch your legs. Let the kittens use their litter box. No one is here so we have a couple minutes." Dean said.
Kate grumbled but got out of the car. She took the litter box to the bathroom and returned for the kittens. She splashed water on her face and waited for the kittens to be done. She dumped the litter, washed the small box, and returned to the car.
Taylor was groggy but a drink of water helped wake him up.
Two hours went by and Dean could feel the tension rising. Both kids were awake and obviously sleepy. He suggested that they get some rest but neither of them went back to sleep. Fatigue was giving him a headache and the lines on the road were hyptonizing. He caught a flash of blue from the corner of his eye and looked at Taylor. "What was that?"
Taylor leaned back in the seat. "Nothing."
Dean snapped his fingers. "I saw your eyes flash. Are you about to hulk out?"
Kate thumped the back of the seat. "He's being a massive jerk and is mad I called him out on it. "
Dean whipped his head around. "Hey, do not hit the seat. Have you two been arguing?"
Taylor shrugged.
"What part of don't use abilities do you not understand?" Dean asked.
"Fine, I'll talk out loud then." Kate said.
Taylor shot her a look.
"David is still bothering him and he won't admit it." Kate said with her arms crossed.
Taylor glared at her. "He can't contact me."
"Are you sure about that?" Kate shot back.
"I don't have a freaking phone, Kate!" Taylor's eyes flashed again.
"Enough!" Dean yelled. "I don't know what started the argument but listen to me right now, it ends now. You two can tell me what is going on or sit back and shut up. No more using abilities. We cannot afford to be sending off signals for people to follow."
Kate rolled her eyes and sat back.
Taylor dropped his shoulders and rested his head against the dashboard.
Dean sighed and continued driving. He turned the music on and tapped along to the beat. He was startled a half hour later when Taylor whipped his head around and yelled.
"Kate. Shut. Up." He flicked his hand and glared at her.
Kate felt an invisible force around her. "Let go of me!" She kicked the back of his seat and tried to escape his hold on her. A flash of light flooded the car.
Dean briefly lost his vision and slammed on the breaks. "That is it!" Dean yelled, pulling the car over. "Do I really need to kick both of your asses?" He opened the door to get out.
Kate rolled her eyes and shot back in the seat as Taylor let her go. "No. You can't do that anyway. We have someone after us."
Taylor saw Dean's face and glared at Kate. "You just have to run your mouth, don't you?"
Dean smacked the hood top of the car as he got out. "Hey! Everybody keep your mouth shut. We do not have time for this and Kate is right. So I'm going to give you both something to think about and when we stop, at a motel or at the bunker, we can all have a nice long talk about what is going on between you two." He opened the trunk and pulled something from his duffle. He slammed the trunk and opened Kate's door. "Out."
Kate moved back. "Dean, no. There are cars and it isn't safe."
Dean bent down to look at her. "You two fighting in the car isn't safe."
Kate squeaked when he grabbed her arm and pulled her out.
He walked around to the back of the car and lifted her so that she had her upper body on the trunk of the car. "Dean-" She gritted her teeth and let out a screech. Her hands flew back. "No!"
Taylor heard the unmistakable crack of the paddle and his anger left him.
Dean pulled Kate from the car and put her on her feet. "I do not have time to spank you right now. So, consider that a preview."
Kate rubbed the sting away. "You never hit me that hard."
"Do I need to make it two?" Dean asked.
Kate shook her head. "No."
"Get back in the car. If I have to correct you again, I'm going to add it on to what you have coming."
Kate got back into the car and gave Taylor an apologetic look.
Dean tapped Taylor's door. "You too."
Taylor took up the same place that Kate had and bit back a yelp. He waited for Dean to tap his back before moving.
"No more fighting. We can talk about what the argument is about but no more. Got it?" Dean said.
Taylor nodded.
Dean got back into the car. "You two blinded me for a moment. We are damn lucky I wasn't driving around another car."
Kate frowned. "I'm sorry."
Taylor echoed her statement.
Dean pulled the car back onto the road. "Bobby put that in the bottom of my duffle. I laughed about it because I thought he didn't have enough faith in you two. Turns out he was the one who was right"
Taylor hung his head.
"No more abilities. I'm serious. If we stop again my belt is coming off." Dean said.
Kate sunk down in her seat. She hadn't intended to piss Dean off.
Dean heard his phone. "He always calls at the best times." He answered the phone. "Hey, dad."
John could tell Dean was annoyed. "How far have you three made it?"
"Not far enough." Dean said.
John sighed. "Report."
Dean told him about what had happened. He put the phone on speaker and held it up so both kids could hear.
Taylor felt like a three year old by the time John was done with his speech. "Dean, stop for the night. Let everyone get some rest and then get to the bunker."
"Yes, sir." Dean said and found an exit with a motel.
Kate chewed on her thumbnail.
Dean paid for the room and carried the needed bags inside.
Kate put the kittens stuff in the corner of the room, under the sink.
"Sit." Dean ordered.
Taylor sat on the bed that Dean pointed to. He, wisely, kept his mouth shut.
Kate sat beside him.
"I don't know what the hell is going on with you two. Is the argument over something that would change what you did? Is there anything you want to say?" Dean asked.
Taylor shook his head.
Kate rolled her eyes.
Dean raised an eyebrow. "Got something to say, young lady?"
Kate sat up straight. "No."
Dean got the paddle out and put it on the bed. "Who is first?"
Kate scoffed. "People are sleeping. The cops will get called. That thing is loud."
Taylor shot her a horrified look.
Dean pinched the bridge of his nose. "Let's go quieter then." He unbuckled his belt and doubled it in his hand.
Kate gasped. "No. I'm sorry."
Dean pointed to the spot in front of him.
Kate made herself move. "I'm just tired."
"Let's get this done so you can go to sleep then." Dean said.
Kate looked at Taylor. "But Dean."
"Taylor, you can turn your back or hide out in the bathroom, up to you." Dean said.
Taylor shut off the bed and nearly ran to the bathroom.
Dean sat down on the bed and pulled Kate over his lap.
Kate twisted. "Please."
"Start thinking before you speak. Taylor kept his mouth shut and is going to get three with the paddle. You had to mouth off and argue so you're getting a spanking and then three with the belt. Was it worth it?" He asked as he smacked her.
Kate groaned. "No."
Dean peppered her backside until he had covered all necessary ground.
Kate wiggled but couldn't escape the fire. "I'm sorry!"
Dean stood her up. "Over you go."
Kate didn't fight him. She just wanted everything to be over with. She jumped at the first lick of the belt. "Ow!"
"Two more." Dean pushed her back down and landed the final two across her sit spots. He let her jump up and hugged her. "Are you going to behave now?"
Kate wailed into his chest. "Yes."
Dean kissed the top of her head. "I need you to wash your face and get ready for bed. I'm not angry with you. I know you like to be held but I have to deal with Taylor and I need to sleep too."
Kate sniffled and hugged him. "At least we didn't blow the car up."
Dean gave her a light swat. "Brat."
Kate tapped on the bathroom door and kept her head down so she didn't have to look at Taylor.
Taylor skirted by her and looked at Dean.
"Do you want to argue too?" Dean asked.
Taylor's eyes flew open and he shook his head.
"You're getting three." Dean said and pointed to the bed.
Taylor had heard what Kate got and was so happy he kept his mouth shut. He gritted his teeth through all three and hissed as he stood up.
"I will want to know about the argument but right now you need some rest."
Taylor nodded. "I'm sorry."
"Clean slate." Dean said.
Kate exited the bathroom and made a pallet on the floor.
Dean said, "I can sleep on the floor."
Kate yawned. "I'm okay. I'm still youthful and the kittens can cuddle me."
Dean shook his head. "You know, I never sassed my dad after getting my ass handed to me."
Kate snorted. "No, that was Sam's M.O."
Dean shrugged. "You should learn from his mistakes kid." He kissed the side of her head and put a hand on Taylor's back. "Get some sleep."
### ###
The next morning, Dean woke up outside the motel room, standing across the street. "What the hell?"
The angel cleared his throat.
"Castiel, dude. You can't kidnap me." Dean said.
Castiel tilted his head. "You are still in the room. I am just borrowing your consciousness."
Dean rubbed his face. "What now?"
"You will need to leave soon. Yesterday's events have marked you." He reached out to touch Dean's forehead.
"No, man. What are you doing?" Dean said.
Castiel found Dean to be a particularly confusing human. Any human he had met thus far had been fearful and respectful. Dean just seemed annoyed. "You haven't had enough sleep."
Dean raised his eyebrows. "Then why wake me up?"
Castiel got closer to him. "As I said, you need to leave soon. I can remove your fatigue."
Dean tried to pull back but felt the angel's fingers on his head. He felt a rush of energy and then woke up in the motel room. He felt great. He wasn't sleepy and the ever-present knot in his neck was gone. He saw the sun rising and figured he'd start moving stuff while the kids slept. He left a note on the door and went to get warm food and some coffee.
He was confused by the strange angel but Kate made a comment about him getting to call his own angel whatever he wanted. His own angel or not, Cas seemed suitable. He slowed his stroll and felt of his forehead. He had gotten zapped by an actual angel and his current train of thought was how lame the name Castiel was. He had assumed that Kate would bring changes to his life but he wasn't prepared for that one.