rp ][ I'm swimming in the smoke of bridges I have burned

[beingreally_hot]

{Catching up on old logs, ignore.}

Zoe: Hey. Watch that.

Owen: Watch what?

Zoe: Where you're poking.

Owen: [brow raise and smirk as he gently jabs her in the side] Why?

Zoe: [squirms away. she might be juuuuuuust a little ticklish] Because.

Owen: [that cute smile that really only his family ever sees. The honest kind] Because why?

Zoe: [tightens her cardigan around herself a bit, before giving him a look] It's impolite.

Owen: You're ticklish. It's cute.

Zoe: [there may just be the slightest bit of a blush] Yeah, well. It's ... uncomfortable.

Owen: [snorts] That's why it's called being ticklish.

Zoe: I don't like it.

Owen: [eyeroll] Sorry your highness.

Zoe: [now she's uncomfortable] I didn't mean it like that.

Owen: I'll be a good little boy and keep my hands to myself, don't worry.

Zoe: Fine.

Owen: ...fine.

Zoe: Sorry.

Owen: [shrugs] Do I look bothered?

Zoe: No, just ... saying.

Owen: What?

Zoe: I don't know.

Owen: Look, I've got other things I could be doing.

Zoe: So ... do them. I'm not looking for your pity.

Owen: Well I don't do pity. It's a waste of time.

Zoe: So what are you trying to say?

Owen: That this is getting too heavy and I'd rather go do something fun with someone who isn't uptight.

Zoe: I'm not ... uptight.

Owen: Yeah you are.

Zoe: I don't like being tickled, that makes me uptight.

Owen: I touched you. Briefly.

Zoe: So I don't like people invading my personal space. Most people don't.

Owen: Sorry.

Zoe: And you don't know me. So ... don't judge.

Owen: Sweetheart...I don't give a shit either way.

Zoe: Oh. Well good to know.

Owen: Yeah. See ya.

Zoe: Bye.

Owen: [later goes home and starts slamming things around]

Cordelia: [follows the sound of the slams] What got into you?

Owen: [doesn't look over at her as he slams the fridge shut and opens the milk to drink from the carton] Nothing.

Cordelia: I'd say whatever it is you're taking out on the fridge isn't nothing. Especially considering I don't think it did anything to you.

Owen: [takes a chug of milk and shrugs, wiping his mouth on his shoulder] People suck.

Cordelia: Which people this time?

Owen: Just people.

Cordelia: [moves over and rests a hand on his shoulder] C'mon. Talk to me. Who am I gonna tell?

Owen: You know...normal kids don't talk to their Moms.

Cordelia: We ain't exactly normal -- that's not an excuse you can use.

Owen: Exactly. Why can't we be normal?

Cordelia: Normal's overrated.

Owen: Yeah well you and Dad suck.

Cordelia: What'd we do?

Owen: You made me a freak.

Cordelia: How did we do that?

Owen: I don't know. Maybe Dad didn't hug me enough or some shit. [and...now he's just being a prick. and he knows it]

Cordelia: Okay. Out with it. Now. [and there's that 'do not push me' tone]

Owen: [looks at her with a straight face] Out with what?

Cordelia: [a look. you know the one. the 'I know how to REALLY make your life hell' look. The one she usually saves for your father, but she's making an exception here]

Owen: [looks away, then down]

Cordelia: What happened?

Owen: Don't you ever wonder why my only friends are my lame friggin' cousins who all think they're better than me?

Cordelia: They don't think they're better. They just have the Winchester ego. And Winchesters have never been good at making friends.

Owen: Yeah well I never asked to be one.

Cordelia: Owen. This didn't just come out of nowhere, so what happened? Today. Specifically.

Owen: [looks at her, his eyes set and dark] I'm just sick of not being a normal kid who knows how to make friends, okay?

Cordelia: Ever think that maybe you just don't let yourself? Cuz I love you, Owen, but you're not exactly Mr. Personality. Ever try just turning off the ego and talking to people?

Owen: About what?

Cordelia: About anything. About you.

Owen: The fact that I might one day get visions and because of that my real parents couldn't handle me? [he might say that kinda sharply on purpose]

Cordelia: [the 'real parents' comment stings a little, but this is Cordelia Chase. she isn't one to let a little sting get her down -- though Dean may have to deal with it later] That's not what happened.

Owen: No? [and then Dean will yell at his kid for hurting his mom]

Cordelia: [seriously, and she knows that this is probably a lot to dump on him at this particular moment, but he needs to hear it] No. They died trying to protect you.

Owen: [jaw tightens and he glares] Liar.

Cordelia: Ask the angel. There's a reason Cas brought you here, otherwise he wouldn't have interfered.

Owen: So why'd I go my whole life hearing it was that I'd be with people who "got" me and whatever shit that was?

Cordelia: Because that was the truth. The angels couldn't leave you with just anyone. Besides, what kid wants to hear that his parents got killed because of a destiny that no one's even sure of yet?

Owen: [doesn't miss a beat and his eyes are a little empty when he says it] So maybe they shouldn't have bothered.

Cordelia: [shakes her head as she moves closer to him] They loved you. I bet that they'd do it again in a heartbeat, and so would we.

Owen: Then you're as big of idiots as they were.

Cordelia: No. That's what family does.

Owen: [pulls away] I'm goin' out.

Cordelia: You just got back.

Owen: I'll be home by curfew.

Cordelia: ... Fine.

Owen: [just takes off]

Cordelia: [goes to sit at the table again, burying her face in her hands]

Dean: [eventually comes home from work, coming in the front door and kicking off his shoes and other such getting home noises]

Cordelia: [looks up and heads over to the sink to splash some water on her face. doesn't want him worrying, after all]

Dean: [slows and...stops when he sees this. Raises a brow too] Babe?

Cordelia: I have a headache.

Dean: [immediate worry] Headache? Sit down... [first thought is bad vision]

Cordelia: [shakes her head, but she's gonna sit anyway] Not that kind of headache. I haven't had one of those in years.

Dean: Yeah..I know. [goes up behind her] What is it?

Cordelia: [sighs] Owen. I ... screwed up.

Dean: [flat] What happened?

Cordelia: I told him about his parents.

Dean: [sighs] Well...he was gonna find out one day.

Cordelia: I know. But it shouldn't have happened like that. Something happened, he was in a bad mood, and I let him bait me.

Dean: Yeah well....he does that shit. Don't blame yourself. What'd he say?

Cordelia: Apparently we screwed him up and he can't make friends like a normal person.

Dean: ...and that's our fault how?

Cordelia: Because we're not "normal." [complete with airquotes]

Dean: [snorts] Is he just figurin' that out?

Cordelia: I don't know. I think this has to do with whatever it is that happened that he won't talk about. [a beat] Do you know who he was hanging out with after school?

Dean: Cor, he tells me even less than he tells you.

Cordelia: I just wish I knew what happened.

Dean: [sighs and moves over to wrap his arms around her] He's a teenager. It coulda been anything.

Cordelia: [leans into him] I know. It's just ... frustrating.

Dean: [kisses her forehead] A lot goes on in that head of his that he doesn't let us in on, but....one day he will.

Cordelia: This was so much easier when he couldn't talk. Remember how he actually used to smile when he saw us?

Dean: [looks at her] You kiddin'? He still smiles more often then not when he sees you.

Cordelia: [shrugs, before tucking her head under his chin] Maybe.

Dean: No maybe about it. He likes you more than he likes the rest of us.

Cordelia: Not today.

Dean: Would it help if I said I love you today?

Cordelia: [looks up at him with a smirk] As oppose to every other day when you only mildly tolerate me?

Dean: [corner of his lips tip a bit, but he shakes his head] You even have to ask?

Cordelia: [smirks as she kisses him] I know.

Dean: [kisses her back] He'll be okay. [thinks about it] After I smack him.

Cordelia: Dean, don't.

Dean: Why not? It's what my old man woulda done.

Cordelia: You're not your old man.

Dean: Hey, set me straight, didn't it?

Cordelia: But it's not going to help Owen. And you're a better father than that.

Dean: So what do you suggest I do? Personally, I'm sick of his attitude. I don't care how much anger he's got goin' on.

Cordelia: [sighs] I don't know.

Dean: ....you okay? Really?

Cordelia: [nods] I'll be better when he gets home. [is not going to bring up the 'real parents' jab. it'll just make Dean's temper worse]

Dean: Where is he?

Cordelia: He went out again. I figured it was better idea to let him go then to push the issue.

Dean: [sighs and rubs his face] I'll call him. Tell him to come home.

Cordelia: Don't be too hard on him.

Dean: [oh he will alright] I won't.

Cordelia: I'm serious.

Dean: He's being a punk.

Cordelia: He's also sixteen.

Dean: Hey when I was sixteen... [stops and...doesn't finish that statement]

Cordelia: Mmmm-hmmm.

Dean: We could send Cas after him. He listens to him more than he does me.

Cordelia: It might not hurt.

Dean: If he doesn't do some Angelic Screening of my calls.

Cordelia: I don't think he's the type.

Dean: You'd be surprised the lengths people go to to avoid me.

Cordelia: Yeah, but not Cas.

Dean: You think?

Cordelia: I do.

Dean: Okay. I'll give him a call. Later. [kisses the top of her head]

Cordelia: [nods and curls into him again]

Dean: You're a great mom, you know that, right?

Cordelia: [shrugs her shoulders a bit] I just wish I knew what was wrong.

Dean: Me too.

Cordelia: [sighs, before pulling away] I'm going to lie down for a bit.

Dean: Want me to come with?

Cordelia: I won't complain if you do.

Dean: Okay. [guides her up to their room]

Cordelia: [goes with]

Dean: [helps her into bed]

Cordelia: [curls up closer to him]

Dean: [pulls her close and kisses her lightly] Just get some rest. He'll be home when you wake up.

Cordelia: [nods into the kiss before closing her eyes and starting to drift off]

Dean: [holds her until she does]

Cordelia: [doesn't take her long, and soon she's sleeping comfortably next to him]

Dean: [just lays there a bit longer to make sure she's really out]

Cordelia: [she is. like a light]

Dean: [can either lay there a bit longer or call Cas]

Cordelia: [it's up to him. she'll still be there when he gets back]

Dean: [he is fine with it if Cas is up for being called]

Cordelia: [sure he is]

Dean: [pulls from Cordy after awhile and goes to try and call Cas]

Castiel: [picks up after a few rings] Hello?

Dean: Hey Cas, it's me.

Castiel: Dean. Hello.

Dean: So...havin' a problem with your favorite angsty teenager.

Castiel: Owen is in trouble?

Dean: I don't know what's goin' on. He and his mom had a fight and he's pissed off about somethin' or another. He took off.

Castiel: Do you need me to find him?

Dean: I don't need you to, no. I can take care of my own son. But... [sighs, because it's not his favorite thing to admit] Look. He looks up to you, okay? For whatever reason. Maybe he'll be less of a brat to you then he would to me.

Castiel: So ... you want me to find out what's wrong.

Dean: Yeah. No. No, just...go...be his friend. Or...whatever it is you two are.

Castiel: .... Alright.

Dean: It's not that I can't handle my own family. I can.

Castiel: I didn't mean it that way.

Dean: I know. I'm just....makin' it clear. [someone might be a little jealous here]

Castiel: I know.

Dean: Good. Long as we're clear.

Castiel: Yes. We are clear.

Dean: Good. Get him home in one piece.

Castiel: I will do my best.

Dean: Thanks Cas.

Castiel: You're welcome.

Dean: Anything else?

Castiel: I will bring him home soon.

Dean: ...thank you.

Castiel: You're welcome.

Dean: See ya soon.

Castiel: [hangs up and goes to poof to the playground]

Dean: [lets Cas poof]

Castiel: [arrives, looking at the two teenagers on the swing, presumably after they finish the conversation about Zoe? [

Owen: [glances up and sees Cas] Well, guess I am in trouble. [mutters this to his cousin]

Philipa: [eyebrows go up and sighs] I guess that's my cue. I gotta get back to studying anyway.

Owen: Yeah. Good luck with that.

Philipa: [gets up and nudges the angel in the shoulder, before heading home]

Castiel: [looks at Owen] Your parents are worried about you.

Owen: [shrugs] Hey, they chose it.

Castiel: They did. But they still worry regardless.

Owen: So?

Castiel: I am told I am to find out what's wrong.

Owen: [snorts] Mom or Dad?

Castiel: Dean. Though I'm sure that Cordelia would like to know as well.

Owen: Well I'm fine.

Castiel: I see.

Owen: So what do you want?

Castiel: I told you. I am told to find out what was wrong.

Owen: Yeah, I got that much. What if I don't wanna talk? You gonna force it out of me?

Castiel: [sighs, before moving to sit in the empty swing] I can't force you to do anything, Owen. But I am good at listening.

Owen: [kicks the ground a bit]

Castiel: [just sits and waits]

Owen: They never should have taken me in.

Castiel: Why?

Owen: Becuase. I'm...just trouble. And...they don't need it.

Castiel: Your father is far more trouble than you have ever been. And you have made your mother happier than you would ever know. If you hadn't come into their lives ... I'm sure she would have deteriorated much faster than she has.

Owen: [looks upset when he says this, like he wants to cry] What if she's holding on...because of me? What if she'd....be in less pain if she... [licks his lips]

Castiel: [turns to look at him before responding] It wasn't her time. It isn't her time. From what I understand of humans, having something that makes you feel better emotionally can ... sometimes alleviate physical pain.

Owen: [looks down] Sometimes I think maybe....she blames Dad. And...then he resents me.

Castiel: She will never admit it, but there was a part of her that blamed your father and I both. But Dean does not resent you, Owen. Far from it.

Owen: Maybe he should.

Castiel: If anything you have made Cordelia happier than he ever could have alone. Dean is more grateful for you than he will ever be able to put into words.

Owen: So...I should be glad I made us one big, happy family? [slightly bitter]

Castiel: The way your biological parents died is unfortunate. I'm not saying that you should be happy for their deaths. However, I am merely stating that believing you bring unhappiness to everyone around you is not the case. Dean and Cordelia would have probably been lost long ago without you.

Owen: I'm not....sayin' I do. Just...maybe a little, yeah, but...why? Why does it hafta be like that? Why couldn't they have just been happy and whatever without me? Why is it on [my [ shoulders?

Castiel: I'm sure at this point they could manage it. However, at the time when you were brought into their lives ... they needed something to remind them that they weren't completely without purpose. You gave them that.

Owen: [jumps out of the swing he's been sitting in forever and lets it fly backwards] I don't want to be a "purpose"! I just....I wanna be normal and insignificant.

Castiel: [watches him and sighs] No one is insignificant.

Owen: [snorts] You're an angel. They like....pay you to think that.

Castiel: I don't get paid.

Owen: [eyeroll] I didn't mean literal payday.

Castiel: [looks up] Everyone is significant to someone, regardless of their place in the larger picture. I'm sure there are places you can go where no one would care who you are, but to Cordelia and Dean, you're always going to be their son. And they will always do what the believe is necessary to protect you.

Owen: But I'm not theirs.

Castiel: Family is more than blood.

Owen: Hear that one enough and you get sick of it. [but he's backing down more, arms wrapping tight to his chest]

Castiel: [looks up at him] That does not make it less true.

Owen: Yeah...I know.

Castiel: They only want you to be happy.

Owen: Then why can't they tell me how to be.

Castiel: Because some choices you need to make for yourself.

Owen: [takes a step or two backwards, watching the ground still] I....pointed out to Mom that...that they're not my real parents. [feels really REALLY bad]

Castiel: Do you feel that that's the case?

Owen: [shrugs] It's the truth.

Castiel: But it does not bring you any peace.

Owen: Why should it?

Castiel: The truth usually does.

Owen: [shrugs] The truth is just the truth.

Castiel: And do you believe that the man and woman who died sixteen years ago are your only parents?

Owen: No.

Castiel: [nods] They're just words, Owen. She knows how you feel.

Owen: [quietly] I know.

Castiel: [gets up from the swing and reaches to put a hand on his shoulder] Let me take you home.

Owen: [snorts] Right. Where Dad's gonna whoop my ass.

Castiel: Right now he's more concerned for your safety.

Owen: And then he'll beat my ass.

Castiel: That is a possibility, yes.

Owen: [sighs]

Castiel: It's better to face it then to run from it.

Owen: Yeah, well he actually likes you.

Castiel: He loves you.

Owen: Yeah...I guess. [moves to go with Cas though]

Castiel: [tightens his hand on his shoulder and teleports him home]

Owen: [and when they get there he stands in the kitchen and listens to see if he hears any movement]

Cordelia: [had come down to get a glass of water, and relaxes instantly when she sees him] Owen ...

Owen: [feels horrible when he sees her and guilty, and after standing there for a moment, just walks over and wraps his arms around her, sinking his face into her shoulder]

Cordelia: [wraps her arms around him, letting one hand rest to the back of his head as she keeps him close] It's okay.

Owen: [just clings, not sure how to say the things he should say]

Cordelia: [turns her head to press a soft kiss to his temple]

Owen: [a whisper] I love you, Mom.

Cordelia: I know. I love you, too.

Owen: Is...Dad home?

Cordelia: He's sleeping upstairs.

Owen: Don't wake him up? Please?

Cordelia: [nods] I won't.

Owen: Thanks.

Cordelia: [pulls back after a moment, rubbing his arms] Go to bed. We'll talk in the morning.

Owen: [nods] Okay. Night. [takes another glance at Cas, before heading for the stairs]

Cordelia: [turns back to the angel before nodding] Thanks, Cas.

Castiel: [nods and disappears]

Cordelia: [turns and heads back to bed]

Dean: [holds onto her when she gets there]

Cordelia: [curls in closer and rests her head to his chest]

Dean: [doesn't much stir other than that, leaning in closer to her as he sleeps on]

Cordelia: [closes her eyes and drifts back off to sleep]