In which they arrive at Angeline's

[jstliketherifle]

The Impala pulled up in front of the old plantation home, and Dean gave it an apprehensive look as he killed the engine. He knew that this couldn't possibly end well for him. That there would be pain, lots of pain, and that there was no way he could avoid said pain because he knew this was his fault. But for the time being? He was willing to just sit in the car and wait it out, holding on to the slim hope that maybe, just maybe, he was over reacting.

The house itself he always loved. It was like one of those houses that probably had the old secret passageways in the walls for smuggling things or people. Watching Angeline move through it, he was almost convinced there was. He was always too scared of her to even think of trying to explore it, though, and instead was just content to sit on his hands and wonder. That was the furthest thing from his mind now however, as he spotted the tall, gorgeous blond sitting on the porch in the sun, reading a book. Well, formerly reading a book. As of now, she was glaring at his car like it was carrying the spawn of Satan, and he just swallowed slightly, meeting her eyes through the windshield. He had at least been hoping for a head start, but it seems now that he wasn't even going to get that.

He heard the sound of Ben's car pulling up behind him, and he took a deep breath, reminding himself that this was for his kid, and he needed to be some measure of a man about this. But that didn't mean he couldn't at least wait for him to have some kind of shield first.

"You guys go ahead," he replied, reaching over and patting his brother on the shoulder. "I'll catch up."

Alec had come out of his doze loose limbed and a little bit drugged as the car slowed and then stopped. He was used to the feeling at this point but this was a little more so to help cope with being in the car for long stretches with not bed to sprawl on when his body sent out a memo in protest. And after a minor sniping match with House, mostly with Alec listening and House telling him to not be stupid, he'd learned to just shut up and take the meds when he needed them.

He squirmed a little until he had his chin resting on the seat by Dean's shoulder and one arm hanging over the seat. Jinx's head soon popped into view at Alec's elbow, a big dog grin on his face. Alec looked at the woman on the porch. "The ex?"

Sam looked over at his brother like he was crazy. "I’ve known enough blondes with weapons who are pissed off at me at various points in my life. This one's after your head, big brother. You go."

Layla pulled in next to the Impala and Ben looked over at Anna, giving her a small smile. Then he looked over her shoulder at his family. "Are they trying to debate on who gets out of the car first?" he chuckled.

"I have no idea," Anna said, shaking her head slightly. "Though I don't know if Tina has a shotgun or not, so he might just be worrying for nothing."

"Oh, c'mon, dude," Dean said, giving his brother a look. "She won't shoot you. And she won't shoot me through you. I'll be in in a second, you just -- go on ahead."

There was a long pause as Alec watched them both sit there like yellow bellied lumps. "You're kidding." He fell back against his seat and reached for the door handle with only a minimum of fumbling. He knew if it looked like he was going to take point his father and uncle would scramble to stop him. Thus stopping the stupidity. "I can't believe you two." They were hilarious.

Actually, the hurt one being point was a good idea because it meant that no one would get shot. But Sam sighed and looked back at Alec. "Don't try it, kid. Don't need you getting hurt on your father's stupidity."

Ben shook his head and opened his door, getting out and looking up at Tina, then looked back at Anna before taking a few steps forward. "I'm hoping that you don't hold genetics against me. Hi, I'm Ben."

Tina looked him over for a moment, before raising an eyebrow. There was no doubting that this boy was Dean's son -- all you'd have to do is look at him to see it -- but the fact that he actually managed to have one was -- astonishing, to say the least. "Someone actually let that man procreate?" Her eyes wandered back to the boy starting to climb out of the back seat of the Impala. "They let him procreate twice?" She shook her head slightly, before burying a face in her hands. "Dear Lord, I think the world may be comin' to an end."

She sighed after a moment before shaking her head. "Where are my manners -- Tina. Tina Walker."

Dean rolled his eyes. "What did I say? She's not going to shoot through you to get to me. She's just going to shoot me. Alec can go ahead, he'll be fine -- so long as he takes it easy and doesn't work himself to hard." He peered out through the windshield again, continuing to watch her carefully as she talked to Ben. "God, I hope she doesn't have a gun."

So go ahead Alec did. He slid out of the car carefully, and eyed Tina. She seemed to be getting along okay with Ben. If Alec was wrong and Dean got shot he'd apologize later. Jinx hopped out behind him, took a long look around and stretched. Instead of heading for the porch Alec instead headed for the trunk. He didn't need a key to get it open. He could get their duffle bags out all on his own. Right Dad?

Sam rolled his eyes. "Yeah, and they're hunters, right? You really think they won't shoot the Antichrist to get through to you." Sam rolled his eyes, but opened his door and got out, stretching a bit and just looking over at the house carefully.

Ben reached out his hand to shake hers. "Nice to meet you, Tina. Anna's told me a bit about you, so it's a pleasure. And as for Dad, well, it was 23 years ago and my mom was wild back then. But she says I was the best thing that ever happened to her, so I think she's grateful that he did."

Tina chuckled slightly, before nodding. "I suppose she may. Don't make it any easier knowin' that there's someone else with his genes walkin' 'round in the world, darlin'. I'm still surprised it hasn't started rainin' fire yet."

"Dude, they are so not hunters. So very, very far from hunters. They hate most hunters. With the exception of me, who they usually mildly tolerate. And maybe Bobby. I'm not sure. But still -- I think you're safe with regards to the whole AntiChrist thing," Dean nodded, before glancing back over his shoulder at Alec. "What the hell is he doing?"

What is he doing? He was using a paperclip to open the trunk. Because his father and uncle were hiding like beetles under a rock so he was going to get their bags himself. Jinx looked back and forth between Alec and the two in the car. Were they for real?

"Better stop him before he hurts himself," Sam told his brother. "Alec, chill. We don't need to unpack right away. Who knows if we're even allowed to stay or if we have to take your father and hide him somewhere for his safety."

"I thought I heard that in the weather predictions for next week," Ben said to Anna, but smiled gently. "Sometimes the upgraded versions will surprise you."

Dean rolled his eyes before pushing the door open and looking back at him. "Dude, what're you doing? You're gonna pull something." If he stayed on this side of the car -- she wouldn't shoot him through the car. She liked his car. His car was probably the most beloved member of the Winchester family. He pushed himself up and kept his car between him and her, before making his way over to Alec. He knew what Alec was doing -- or what he was trying to do. And he didn't like it -- nor did he like the fact that it worked.

Tina pushed herself up at this point, making her way to the edge of the porch. "Don't worry, sugah. I don't have a shotgun."

"Forgive me if I don't exactly take your word for that one, Tina," Dean replied, taking the bags from Alec gently.

Alec let him. Honestly he most likely wouldn't have pushed things to far, but what could he say? He was capable of being a manipulative little shit. He figured the worst punishment he would get is extra fussing. He could live with that. "Nah. You wouldn't let me." He grinned a little. "Besides I'm not fragile."

Jinx snorted because he was pretty sure that he weighted more than Alec at the moment. A hundred and thirty pounds was a big dog but a very, very thin person for Alec's size. He grabbed Alec's sweater and pulled him away from the trunk of the car.

Tina just started to make her way down off the porch, making her way over to him and Alec, watching Dean carefully. Dean just watched her back as he put the duffel bags back in the trunk. "You know, darlin', I think you think us more trigger happy than we really are."

"Tina," he began, crossing his arms in front of his chest. "The last time we saw each other, you said that if you ever saw my face again, you'd blow it off with a shotgun."

Tina just smirked slightly. "Dean. Darlin'."

"Yes, Tina?" he said, raising an eyebrow slightly, right before Tina reared back and clocked him hard across the jaw. Dean took the punch as best he could, stumbling over into the trunk, and Tina just smirked at him as she shook out her hand.

"Why would I shoot ya when punchin' ya is so much more satisfyin'?"

Jinx didn't think when he let go of Alec and planted himself between that woman, Dean and Alec with a snarl that made a chainsaw sound cuddly.

"Whoa. Jinx." Alec pat his thigh and Jinx just shot him a look. "Oh for. . ." Alec marched over and put a hand through his collar. "Seriously." He looked at Tina. "I think she just needed to get it out of her system." He shook the collar a little but them let go and laid an affectionate hand between Jinx's ears. Protecting the family was more praise worthy than anything else.

"Would it help if he deserved -- " Her voice cut off when she finally got a good look at the dog, and her eyebrows went up as she took a step back. " -- Is that what I think that is?"

"Yeah," Dean sighed, before looking back over at Jinx as he rubbed his jaw. "And she's right -- I did deserve it."

Jinx huffed and sat himself down, the chainsaw sound falling away. He was still pressed close to Alec though. Just in case.

"He, actually." Alec corrected easily. "His name is Jinx."

Tina started laughing, but they weren't happy laughs. She started to walk away from him, hands in the air. "You brought a hellhound to my mother's house. Oh, Dean you are askin' to get shot."

"Hey, hey, whoa. Back up the convoy. I brought a hellhound to your mother's house. And no one is getting shot over my dog." His nose wrinkled. "I mean. . .doesn't that seem like over reacting a bit?"

"Child, do you know where you are?" Tina replied, turning around to face him again. "This is New O'leans. We see hellhounds, and they scare the holy hell out of us, not make us inspire warm, snuggly thoughts."

"I like to go on an individual basis. And he's great for being a pillow." He shrugged a little.

Tina didn't look impressed. "Mmm-hmm. I'm going to find Momma. Stay out of the house for the time bein'." With that she disappeared into the house, brushing past Ben and Anna on the way in, and the screen door slamming behind her.

Dean just ran a hand over his face and rubbed his throbbing jaw. "Well -- that went a little better than I expected."

Alec leaned against the car, taking weight off his healing leg. "If it's a problem Jinx and I will just stay out here."

Ben looked at Anna. "Why do I have a feeling this sounded easier than it's going to be?"

Sam smirked and leaned against the car near Dean. "I can see why you liked her," he said.

"You're not stayin' out here. We'll work somethin' out," Dean said to Alec before glancing back at his brother. "And if you think she's hot now -- wait till you see her when she's actually flirting with you. Swear to God the woman's an artist. I think it's a Southern thing."

Alec blinked at Dean. That tone was what Alec thought of in his head as the 'Dad' voice. The man didn't use it often but when he did it was to make statements like that. Like he's decided and everyone else would have to get with the program. He shook his head at the entire mess. "It's the accent. It would melt O.C. into a girl-puddle." Take that how ever you want.

Sam held his hands up. "Hopefully she won't be flirting with either of us, otherwise there will be two other feisty blondes wanting to shoot us. Or stab."

Anna looked up at Ben before sighing. "Because it probably did."

Dean just smirked. "Yeah, well -- I'm just hopin' I don't get punched again."

"Never a dull moment."

"I just hope they don't end up getting hurt. Or married again." Ben looked up at the doorway. "Just need to hang on for a few days, right?"

Sam leaned closer to his brother. "Then don't flirt with her at all. And especially don't marry her again."

Dean just smirked back at Sam, and Anna nodded placing a hand on Ben's shoulder. "Right. Just a few days."

It was a beat before the screen door opened again, and Angeline stepped out onto the porch, one hand on her hip. "Dean Winchester. As I live and breathe."

Dean gave her a thin smile, but stayed where he was, leaning against the side of his car. "Angeline."

Angeline's eyes darted from him to Sam, then down to the Jinx and Alec, before turning to Ben and Anna with a slightly friendlier smile. As she went, they could probably feel the brush of a cautious telepath, getting the feel for everyone in the yard. She looked Ben up and down for a moment before speaking again. "You must be Benjamin."

Alec coiled both mentally and physically at that brush, but kept a hold on himself. It was just a brush. Not a push or invasion. Not harm meant. Nothing worse than Ben or Blake. His fingers tightened in Jinx's fur.

Sam felt the brush as well and he watched her carefully. His shields were up automatically, but it was now more for protection of himself since he was vulnerable to a lot of things he hadn't been in awhile. Mind control and invasion being two of them.

Ben smiled, nodding and taking a step closer. "Yes, ma'am, but you can call me Ben."

"Noah called and told me you were comin'," she said with a sigh, before looking over at the older of the Winchesters. "Y'all can c'mon in -- there's some lunch and something cold to drink in the back." She paused for a moment, as her eyes fell on Jinx again, considering him for a moment. No threat -- no immediate one anyway, but it was good to set limits, just to be safe. "That dog starts tearin' up my furniture, he's sleepin' on the porch." She felt that it went without saying that the rule applied to people as well. She could understand the companionship a dog could provide, but she wasn't going to underestimate the fact that that was indeed a hellhound.

That last bit got a small smile from Alec. And her letting Jinx into the house so easily won her more points than she'd lost with the mental touch. "We can work with that. The last thing he ruined was a pair of my boots. But he was a puppy and teething. I'm also pretty sure he thinks my stuff tastes better than everyone else's." He'd never really told anyone that he occasionally came across pairs of his own mutilated socks. He figured for all that Jinx put up with and did for him, he could afford to replace as much foot wear as Jinx wanted to make him.

The thought of food didn't do much for him, but a drink would be nice. He stood when Jinx ducked back into the car and pulled Alec's messenger bag out and held it until Alec took it. Alec sighed. He was getting mothered by his dog now too. Again.

Ben looked over at his father, uncle and brother to make sure they were alright, then took Anna's hand and started in. He'd get his bags later, and his important stuff was already on his body.

Sam grabbed his laptop bag which had most of his personal possessions inside of it. The rest of the stuff in the car could wait until they were sure they would be allowed to spend the night. No use unpacking if you'd have to just pack it all up again.

Dean, Anna and Tina all followed inside in suit, but Angeline waited at the door, looking over each of them as they went. She waited until most of them were inside, before sticking a hand out to stop Sam. "Can I have a word with you? Just a quick one, I promise."
Alec and Jinx followed the rest of the parade inside, leaving everything but his messenger bag which, when it really came down to it, had everything he needed to live. He hadn't actually intended to get anything unpacked anyway.

He looked over his shoulder at Angeline and Sam but forced himself to keep walking. His dad seemed to trust these people. At least with everyone's safety but his own. Besides the house was amazing. He could already feel the curiosity uncurling.

Sam was a bit confused and looked at his brother a moment, then nodded at Angeline. "Sure, not a problem." His hand gripped the strap on his bag just a bit tighter because no one likes to get singled out of a pack, and that's what Sam felt like was happening to him.

Well, it was. And frankly, she didn't really care if that made him uncomfortable. She had a point to make and she was going to make it now. "Look, I don't like hunters. I make an exception for Dean, but as a rule they're generally not welcome in my home. Everyone knows that. But just because I don't like hunters doesn't mean I'm not listenin' on occasion, and I've heard quite a few things about you, Sam. Now I just want to make something perfectly clear -- Dean vouches for you, and that's good enough for me for the time bein', but if you bring any of that demon business into my house, you will be out on your ass so fast that you won't even be able to blink, no matter who your brother is. Do we understand each other?"

There was a moment of annoyance that flashed through him, then he closed his eyes and lowered his head in regret. No, she was right. Things he had done weren't going to make anyone comfortable or want to welcome him into their home, and he was grateful that Angeline was going to extend the offer, even if it was just on Dean's word. He would text Ruby and tell her tonight that he and Ben were out of communication until they left here. "Yes, ma'am," he said softly, not looking up at her and instead at the ground like a kid being scolded. "But if you don't want me here," he lifted his head, "you aren't the first to ask me to leave, and you won't be the last. I don't plan on bringing the demon business here, but I also know that it'll follow me where ever I go anyway. It's who I am now. And if you want I will go somewhere else. This trip is for Ben so he can get a handle on these powers and not have to suffer the way I've had to most of my life. I don't want to do anything that would jeopardize his chance for some kind of peace and understanding you can give him."

"Demons are everywhere regardless, Sam. I know that. I don't mean demons attacking you -- I've learned that when your name is Winchester, that happens no matter how careful you are," she said thinly, crossing her arms in front of her chest. "You're welcome. Your demon friends are not. And I'm not going to shove you away just because you have a better understandin' of the abilities than I do, so I may need your help. But those are the ground rules. Do those work for you?"

He nodded. "They already know not to come here, but I will remind them. And if they need me, I will have them call so I can leave here without disturbing you."

"Good," she said slowly, before pushing the door open more and letting him head inside. "Hope you like tuna fish."

"I do, actually." He offered her a small smile, grateful as he ducked his head into the doorway and walked in.

Dean looked up as his brother and Angeline walked into the room, letting his eyes dart between the two of them for moment, before leaning back against the chair. Neither of them looked overly upset, so he just hoped that it hadn't come to blows over anything. Sitting on the table in one of the sunnier rooms of the house was a platter full of tuna fish sandwiches cut in half, as well as a pitcher of lemonade and some glasses to go along with it.

"Noah said he was a little ways behind y'all. He's hopin' to get here sometime tonight, but it might not wind up bein' till tomorrow mornin'," Angeline said as she sat down at the table. "Since you're probably gonna be stayin' for a while -- what do you like to eat, so we know what to cook?"
Alec was already leaning one shoulder against the window basking in the sunlight. The house was apparently one huge perfect place to sleep. He kept his peace about food choices though. It somehow seemed incredibly rude to say that he'd kinda been living on milk with strawberry syrup and lots of ice cream and the like. He'd manage on what ever was available. Though. . . the tuna was kinda smelling good. He eyed it with a slightly predatory gleam.

Sam sat next to his brother, but didn't speak up. He gave Dean a nod though, so he would know that his little brother was ok. It was easier than Sam had thought it would be to slip back into that role.

"We're not picky," Ben said, taking point to speak up. "Alec is the only one with food allergies, and probably the softer the better for him." Yes, he's a protective big brother.

Angeline nodded slowly, before reaching forward and starting to pour everyone a glass. "I'll keep that in mind and see what we can come up with." She paused for a moment, before looking over at Alec. "You like soup, sugah?"

"Yeah. Soup is good." He took the glass of lemonade when it was offered. Which was true. It usually settled okay with him.

"Good," Angeline nodded, before settling back in the seat and turning her attention on Ben. "Now, Noah told me bits and pieces about what's been goin' on, but he hasn't really given me the whole story -- personally I have a feelin' he just didn't know it. Y'all wanna tell me what happened?"

Alec was content to fade back and sit while Ben started the process of getting himself sorted out. Though he did sneak half a sandwich, figuring he might as well eat while he felt hungry.

Ben licked his lips a bit. He had a good idea that suddenly all the attention in the room was on him, and he wasn't really sure he was comfortable with that. Especially since he hadn't told most of the people in the room what he wanted done in detail. His nervousness would filter out a bit so anyone without shields up would feel it coming off him. "Well, my psychic powers were kinda awakened while I was possessed by a demon that was after Dad. She then used them to manipulate a lot of people. When she left my body, it overwhelmed me, and I've been working since then to get control, but I have hit a point where I'm not sure how to anymore. Plus, there are memories that I can't tell if they are real or not, as well as feelings and emotional responses. And then my powers keep shifting and I just, I don't understand what's going on in my own head anymore."

"And that's never good -- especially with abilities like yours," Angeline said slowly, leaning back in her own seat as she listened. She knew that that was calling a lot of attention for him, but this was more of a technical discussion. She wasn't going to ask him about specific memories until they were alone. She just wanted to make sure everyone knew what she was going to be doing. "Well, I'm going to have to have a look myself. And when I actually go in to fix things -- if I can fix them -- I'm going to need to sedate you somewhat. How do you feel about hypnosis?"

Yeah, Alec didn't like that at all. It was a knee jerk response to a lot of bad experience. Because anything Angeline wanted to try to help Ben, Manticore had done to rearrange, remake or just to see what happened. He fed the rest of his sandwich to Jinx and closed his eyes. This wasn't about him, what he needed or wanted. So he did his best to tamp it all down. It had no place here.

"Seeing that you're helping me, I don't want you to get hurt doing this. If that's what you need to do to help me and protect yourself, then I'll do it." Ben was wringing his hands, not really looking at her or anyone in the room.

Angeline nodded slowly. "We'll work it out when the time comes. No need to worry about it now."

"No. Not yet. Probably better if I rest tonight anyway. We've been driving after all." He looked over at his father.

Dean nodded. "Yeah -- I dunno about you guys, but I could use a good night's sleep."

"Fair enough," Angeline nodded. "Well, there's plenty of room upstairs, just -- go find a room and settle in. If you need anythin', let me and Tina know."

"Thanks." And he meant for both letting them stay, the food, and most of all being willing to help Ben. Alec was sick of seeing his brother tied up in knots.

"I'll go get our bags." Sam stood up. It would give him time to call Ruby as well and tell her to stay away.

"Same here." Ben got up to join him, planning on getting his and Anna's. He'd corner his father after dinner to have a talk with him.