Fic: Supernatural: Jedi!Verse: Dean/Castiel: Dreams, Droids, and Red Heads (1/6)
Title: Dreams, Droids, and Red Heads (1/6)
Author: nicole9514
Rating: R
Genre: AU, Fusion w/Star Wars, slash, action, romance
Pairing: Dean/Castiel
Warnings: language, death, blood
Spoilers: None
A/N: This fic takes place in my recently created Jedi!verse series of fics - where both Dean and Castiel are Jedi - with a forbidden attraction to each other.
Summary: Cas and Dean travel to Devon Four to meet with Sam.
Word Count: 2,798
New to the series; here's a Link to the Masterpost
Blood was smeared in thick stripes across the walls, and floors.
The smell of death permeated the air.
Fires burned.
Chancellor Roman’s eyes glittered with malice, and arrogance.
A scream echoed in the distance, bouncing off the temple’s walls.
A body was crumpled on the floor at the Chancellor’s feet; his dark cloak swayed, as he smirked down at the lifeless form.
He lifted his leg, and kicked at the cloaked body. The impact caused the otherwise still form to roll over.
The dead, unseeing eyes of Master Ellen Harvelle stared at nothing.
Blood dripped from the corner of her mouth.
The Chancellor smiled.
Cas bolted up, his hand clutched at his chest, his heart pounded. Sweat trickled down his back, and he swallowed back a scream.
No. No. No.
That hadn’t been a nightmare - it had been a vision - he’d had enough of each to know the difference.
Ellen’s blank eyes wouldn’t fade from his memory.
Dean shifted next to him.
He felt a hand brush his leg briefly.
“Cas, you okay?”
Cas took three deep breaths, and met Dean’s bleary, gaze.
The other man was blinking rapidly, laying sprawled out on the bed they had been sharing on their journey to the outer rim.
They would arrive at Devon Four early tomorrow.
Cas managed a shaky half-smile. “I‘m not sure.” He rubbed at his eyes, trying to wipe the remnants of the vision away.
It didn’t work.
Not Ellen.
Dean sat up, his eyes gauging Cas’s reaction as he moved in closer to embrace him.
Cas knew he was remembering the last time he’d tried to comfort him after he’d had a nightmare.
Cas swallowed, and pushed that memory to the back of his mind - it still hurt to remember the look on Dean’s face when he’d pulled away from his touch.
Cas took his hand, and squeezed hard.
Dean wrapped an arm around Cas’s waist - the warmth, and smell of the other man calmed his nerves instantly. He leaned into it.
“Bad dream?” Dean breathed.
“I wish.”
He could feel Dean studying him. “Vision?”
Cas nodded once. “It was similar to the one I had in the Chancellor’s chambers - but this time - there was more.”
Dean waited - kissing his cheek tenderly.
“Ellen,” Cas whispered, hating to speak it out loud, afraid voicing it would make it real. “She was…she was dead. He‘d killed her, Dean.”
Dean’s breathing hitched, but his voice was calm when he spoke. “It hasn’t happened - Ellen’s fine,” his tone darkened, his shoulders straightened. “We won’t let it happen.”
Cas turned his head, meeting Dean’s fierce, beautiful features. “You’re right - what I saw was only a possible future -not destiny or fate.”
It still didn’t make it any less terrifying, but it gave him hope, and he clung to it.
“Yeah, screw destiny - and fate can go fuck itself.”
Cas leaned his forehead into Dean’s, and chuckled. “The things you say.”
“I’m a real charmer aren’t I?”
“Always.” Cas snuggled into Dean’s arms as they laid back down.
The vision was still fresh in his mind, but he didn’t allow it to consume him - it would do no good. It was a warning - that was all.
He and Dean would do everything in their power to prevent that future - meeting with Sam was a step in the right direction.
****
Morning came too slowly, and sleep was elusive. Cas found himself laying in bed, staring at the dirty ceiling, tracing paths in the smudges, and grooves with his eyes.
Dean would grunt, or mumble unintelligible things in his sleep every now and then breaking the otherwise silent room.
There was something nagging at him, and it had been for awhile - every since they‘d boarded this vessel on Coruscant. He kept thinking he was picking up on a tremble in the force, then it would vanish, and he’d convince himself he was just imagining things.
The past week had been a struggle on all levels.
Alastair, the council, leaving Coruscant and all that was familiar behind
He buried himself under the covers, and pressed his nose into Dean’s shoulder, inhaling him.
Warmth, love, and safety.
A reminder that he still had a home; a place he belonged.
It just wasn’t a place, it was a person.
Cas felt himself drifting off again.
PING.
Cas’s eyes flew open; Dean cursed.
Cas shambled out of bed, and pulled on his top, turning on the lights.
Dean had rolled over, and was rubbing at his messy hair, one eye open, the other squinting up at him.
Cas grabbed his saber just in case, and stood in front of the door, reaching out, sensing for danger.
He felt no hostile presence.
But there was something familiar.
Cas opened the door.
He heard Dean shift on the bed, sitting up.
The captain, a Riorian, of the long haired variety, with tufts of green hair smattering his face, and scalp. He had two ridged flaps of skin that extended from ether side of his head, and black eyes. Their species were classified as ‘insectoid’ meaning they’d evolved from insects. Cas found him to be pleasant, and friendly.
His voice was high pitched, and had a slight warble to it.
Cas stared in stunned silence as he pulled someone that had been standing behind him forward. Red hair, and nervous hazel eyes looked up at him.
“Do you know this girl?”
“Anna?” Cas stammered.
She glanced down and back up. Her pale face became determined, and she crossed her arms over her chest, and nodded.
“I found her hiding in the cargo hold - she mentioned your name.”
Cas felt Dean come up behind him. “ Sneaking on board huh kid?” Dean leaned over his shoulder. “Color me impressed.”
Anna’s lips twitched.
Cas spun, and gave Dean a warning glance.
Now he knew why he’d been sensing something - it had been Anna. He should have realized, but it simply had never occurred to him that she would have stowed away on their vessel.
“I’m very sorry Captain, is there anyway we could avoid involving the authorities in this - she is my responsibility.”
The Riorian watched him with dark eyes, then nodded. “Just make sure she leaves with you - no damage was done.”
“Thank you.” Cas said sincerely.
Cas gestured for Anna to enter, and gave the captain a grateful smile.
Anna wasn’t wearing her robes, instead she’d opted for black pants, and a purple tunic, she dropped her bag onto the floor, and turned to face them both. Her face impressively blank.
“Anna what are you doing here? Does the council know you left?” Cas blurted, trying to get over the shock of seeing her.
“I didn’t ask their permission, Master.”
Cas rubbed at his face. “Anna. We‘ve been over this, I‘m not you‘re master.”
“Yes. You. Are.” Her expression was pure, youthful defiance.
Dean seemed to be enjoying this way too much; he made a noise of amusement in his throat.
Cas glared at him - he did not see the humor in this.
Dean’s green eyes were laughing, but he attempted to keep his face somber.
Cas sighed.
He stepped towards Anna. “It’s not that I’m not happy to see you, but you can’t stay with us. What we are going to be doing is incredibly dangerous and I-”
“You told me that we are family.” She said fiercely, her body tense.
Cas swallowed, his heart clenching.
“You told me that you would always be there for me.” She paused, her eyes strong, and vulnerable all at once. “Well that goes both ways.”
Cas felt that sense of pride swell - she wasn’t a child anymore.
“I know something is going on; I’m not blind or stupid. I want to help you. This is my choice, my life, you always taught me to do what was right. And I know this is right, Mast,” she caught herself, and stood up tall. “Castiel.”
Cas glanced at Dean, who wasn’t laughing anymore. “Considering I’ve spent my life butting head’s with the council, I’m sure as hell not going to tell her how to live hers,” Dean said quietly.
Cas nodded. This was her choice, not his. And she’d clearly made it, going so far as to stowaway on their vessel, and leave her home.
“I have never been prouder of you, Anna and I would welcome your assistance.”
Her eyes warmed, and her face broke out in a huge smile. “Thank you.”
*****
“Kids smart, Cas.” Dean told his lover while Anna was cleaning up in the refresher. “Smart enough to realize what more experienced Jedi can’t wrap their head around.
“I know.”
“And I know you’re worried about her - but you trained her well - and she’s probably safer with us than living in that snake’s den of a temple.”
Cas’s eyebrows raised.
“It’s true; you and I both know while there are a lot of good people there, anyone of them could be working for the enemy.”
Dean knew he sounded bitter and a bit paranoid, but he couldn’t help it. Between Cas’s visions, and an army of dark Jedi, he wasn’t feeling very confident about the future.
He told Cas not to worry about his vision, it wasn’t real. But even though he’d never admit it, he was terrified of what might happen.
Ellen was the closet thing he had to a mother - if she died - no - he pushed off the thought - he couldn’t even go there right now.
Anna gave him hope that more Jedi might realize they needed to stop worrying so much about rules, and attachments and focus more on the bigger picture. The evil within the republic.
Cas had no idea what an amazing young woman he’d helped Anna to grow into. Leaving like she had, going against the council, had taken guts, and a strength of character that was rare in someone so young.
Cas licked his lips. “You‘re right.”
“Of course I am.” Dean leaned forward, and took his hand. “Babe, you’ve earned her loyalty - and believe me that’s something that can’t ever be bought or forced. This is what she wants.”
Cas smiled almost shyly. “When did you become the wise one?”
Dean snorted. “This isn’t wisdom; just me picking up a few tricks from my boyfriend.”
“Thank you - and I am glad she’s here.”
Cas kissed him gently. Dean closed his eyes, savoring the chapped, but soft caress.
The refresher door opened, and they pulled away.
Dean turned and found her smiling, watching them with a knowing glint in her eyes.
Cas blushed, and ducked his head.
“Glad you finally finished in there,” Dean smirked, “I thought we might have to stage a rescue mission if you were missing for much longer.”
Anna mock glared at him. “Just because you’re comfortable smelling like a hutt’s ass doesn’t mean I have to.”
“Anna,” Cas chided without any malice, affection simmering in his eyes.
She smiled somewhat apologetically, then flopped down on the bed next to them, and sat cross-legged.
Cas smiled back at her, she bumped him with her elbow, and Dean found himself beaming.
Father and Daughter - he couldn’t shake that image. In so many ways, that’s what they were, and he was glad Cas had that. Someone who had been through so much pain in his life deserved to be loved by those who really knew him.
“So, what’s next?” she asked.
*****
The three of them departed the ship, Anna apologized to the Captain, and even bowed to him.
Dean and Cas had filled her in on close to everything they knew - if she was going to be involved in this she had to be aware of just how much shit she was going to be trudging through.
She had paled a bit at the realization of exactly how deep this went, and what they might be facing, but she had held her head high, and handled it with grace and maturity.
Hell, they were stepping back onto the world she’d been beaten, and almost killed on, and she was taking it like a champ.
Bobby was waiting for them again.
“Deja-vu.” Dean smiled at the older man.
He clasped all of their hands firmly. “Good to see all of you again, just wish it were under better circumstances.”
“Me too, Bobby,” Dean replied, as he led them to his hover car.
“I thought it was just going to be the two of you?” He said quietly, as they closed the doors.
Dean chuckled. “Yeah, well, the kid had other ideas.”
“I can see that.” Bobby smiled at Anna. “Good to see you again.”
She returned the gesture. “You too.”
“Has Sam arrived?” Cas asked, with his trademark head tilt.
“Yep, and he’s got plenty to tell you.”
Dean forward. “Care to elaborate.”
“Nope.”
Dean rolled his eyes and sighed dramatically.
Cas simply nodded, and with the patience of a saint rested his head against his seat and watched the buildings whirl by.
Dean drummed his fingers on his knee, watching for Bobby’s shop to come into view.
Anna was watching him, her eyes amused.
“What?” He asked after several minutes of her staring.
She sat up straight and put her hand on his shoulder. “You really need to meditate more,” she deadpanned.
There was a moment of silence, then Cas and Bobby burst out laughing.
Dean tried to glare at all of them, but gave up fighting the smile tugging at he corners of his mouth and ruffled her hair instead.
“You’re all assholes.”
*****
Singer’s Salvage looked the same -simple, and lived in - Bobby probably wasn‘t the type to redecorate.
They all hefted their bags, and headed inside.
Sam was sitting on the couch, his hair had gotten even longer since they’d last seen him, but otherwise he hadn’t changed either.
His eyes were warm, and slightly sad as he stood to meet them.
He offered a hand; Cas took it without hesitation.
Dean eyed it for a moment, then smiled at the younger man. He might be annoying at times, but overall, he was growing on Dean. He’d helped them - given them good intel - without his help they wouldn’t have found Alastair so quickly, if at all. And he ‘d agree to meet with them when the Council had given them the boot.
Actions meant a lot to Dean.
He‘d been pissed for awhile about the whole ‘drugging their drinks’ incident, but he in the end all he’d wanted to do was talk. He’d had the power to do a lot worse, and he hadn’t wielded it.
He took Sam’s hand and squeezed. “Good to see you again.”
Sam seemed surprised, but he smiled back. “Yeah, you too. I’m sorry for what happened to you both. Neither of you deserved that.”
Cas tilted his head a tiny bit. “Thank you, Sam.”
“Yeah, thanks.” Dean grunted.
Sam’s eyes moved to Anna. “Hey there?” He gave a friendly wave.
She blushed, then smiled. “Hi.”
Dean snorted. She apparently found giant moose men, with too long hair appealing. Good for her.
“This is Anna.” Cas introduced her. “She’s my pada…she’s like family to me.”
Sam’s face flickered with understanding.
“She’s with us.” Dean said. “You can trust her.”
Sam smiled. “I know. Bobby never would have brought her here if she couldn’t be.”
Bobby shrugged, and his expression said, “Kid’s right.”
“Not to break up this touching reunion, but Bobby mentioned you had something for us.”
Sam nodded. “Yeah. I have a lead on where the Chancellor may have went while you two were hunting Alastair.” He smiled at Cas. “Thanks for that by the way; I sure as hell feel a lot safer with him out of the picture.”
Cas stood a little taller, and his eyes warmed. “That’s kind of you to say.”
Dean felt his new fondness for Sam grow.
Sam nodded, then got back on track. “The planet Bendii. My people did some recon, there’s an unregistered droid manufacturing plant there. Heavily guarded; they couldn’t get close, but I’m betting they aren’t making protocol droids. If we can find evidence that he was there, that he’s involved, we can bring that son of a bitch down.”
Cas stared at Dean, his eyes hopeful.
Neither of them had expected to find something this quickly.
If this was true the Chancellor was going all out for his private army.
Dean felt his adrenaline spike as Cas’s vision of Ellen’s death rose up - the sooner they could expose him for the monster he was, the better.
“Sounds like a plan.”
A/N: Sorry for the long wait, but I took an 'unofficial' hiatus from online life for a few weeks. I blame the holiday season, and Mass Effect 1 finally being available on the PS3 :P
Part 2
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Comments are always loved; how else will I know if you guys are still enjoying this series :)
Author: nicole9514
Rating: R
Genre: AU, Fusion w/Star Wars, slash, action, romance
Pairing: Dean/Castiel
Warnings: language, death, blood
Spoilers: None
A/N: This fic takes place in my recently created Jedi!verse series of fics - where both Dean and Castiel are Jedi - with a forbidden attraction to each other.
Summary: Cas and Dean travel to Devon Four to meet with Sam.
Word Count: 2,798
New to the series; here's a Link to the Masterpost
Blood was smeared in thick stripes across the walls, and floors.
The smell of death permeated the air.
Fires burned.
Chancellor Roman’s eyes glittered with malice, and arrogance.
A scream echoed in the distance, bouncing off the temple’s walls.
A body was crumpled on the floor at the Chancellor’s feet; his dark cloak swayed, as he smirked down at the lifeless form.
He lifted his leg, and kicked at the cloaked body. The impact caused the otherwise still form to roll over.
The dead, unseeing eyes of Master Ellen Harvelle stared at nothing.
Blood dripped from the corner of her mouth.
The Chancellor smiled.
Cas bolted up, his hand clutched at his chest, his heart pounded. Sweat trickled down his back, and he swallowed back a scream.
No. No. No.
That hadn’t been a nightmare - it had been a vision - he’d had enough of each to know the difference.
Ellen’s blank eyes wouldn’t fade from his memory.
Dean shifted next to him.
He felt a hand brush his leg briefly.
“Cas, you okay?”
Cas took three deep breaths, and met Dean’s bleary, gaze.
The other man was blinking rapidly, laying sprawled out on the bed they had been sharing on their journey to the outer rim.
They would arrive at Devon Four early tomorrow.
Cas managed a shaky half-smile. “I‘m not sure.” He rubbed at his eyes, trying to wipe the remnants of the vision away.
It didn’t work.
Not Ellen.
Dean sat up, his eyes gauging Cas’s reaction as he moved in closer to embrace him.
Cas knew he was remembering the last time he’d tried to comfort him after he’d had a nightmare.
Cas swallowed, and pushed that memory to the back of his mind - it still hurt to remember the look on Dean’s face when he’d pulled away from his touch.
Cas took his hand, and squeezed hard.
Dean wrapped an arm around Cas’s waist - the warmth, and smell of the other man calmed his nerves instantly. He leaned into it.
“Bad dream?” Dean breathed.
“I wish.”
He could feel Dean studying him. “Vision?”
Cas nodded once. “It was similar to the one I had in the Chancellor’s chambers - but this time - there was more.”
Dean waited - kissing his cheek tenderly.
“Ellen,” Cas whispered, hating to speak it out loud, afraid voicing it would make it real. “She was…she was dead. He‘d killed her, Dean.”
Dean’s breathing hitched, but his voice was calm when he spoke. “It hasn’t happened - Ellen’s fine,” his tone darkened, his shoulders straightened. “We won’t let it happen.”
Cas turned his head, meeting Dean’s fierce, beautiful features. “You’re right - what I saw was only a possible future -not destiny or fate.”
It still didn’t make it any less terrifying, but it gave him hope, and he clung to it.
“Yeah, screw destiny - and fate can go fuck itself.”
Cas leaned his forehead into Dean’s, and chuckled. “The things you say.”
“I’m a real charmer aren’t I?”
“Always.” Cas snuggled into Dean’s arms as they laid back down.
The vision was still fresh in his mind, but he didn’t allow it to consume him - it would do no good. It was a warning - that was all.
He and Dean would do everything in their power to prevent that future - meeting with Sam was a step in the right direction.
****
Morning came too slowly, and sleep was elusive. Cas found himself laying in bed, staring at the dirty ceiling, tracing paths in the smudges, and grooves with his eyes.
Dean would grunt, or mumble unintelligible things in his sleep every now and then breaking the otherwise silent room.
There was something nagging at him, and it had been for awhile - every since they‘d boarded this vessel on Coruscant. He kept thinking he was picking up on a tremble in the force, then it would vanish, and he’d convince himself he was just imagining things.
The past week had been a struggle on all levels.
Alastair, the council, leaving Coruscant and all that was familiar behind
He buried himself under the covers, and pressed his nose into Dean’s shoulder, inhaling him.
Warmth, love, and safety.
A reminder that he still had a home; a place he belonged.
It just wasn’t a place, it was a person.
Cas felt himself drifting off again.
PING.
Cas’s eyes flew open; Dean cursed.
Cas shambled out of bed, and pulled on his top, turning on the lights.
Dean had rolled over, and was rubbing at his messy hair, one eye open, the other squinting up at him.
Cas grabbed his saber just in case, and stood in front of the door, reaching out, sensing for danger.
He felt no hostile presence.
But there was something familiar.
Cas opened the door.
He heard Dean shift on the bed, sitting up.
The captain, a Riorian, of the long haired variety, with tufts of green hair smattering his face, and scalp. He had two ridged flaps of skin that extended from ether side of his head, and black eyes. Their species were classified as ‘insectoid’ meaning they’d evolved from insects. Cas found him to be pleasant, and friendly.
His voice was high pitched, and had a slight warble to it.
Cas stared in stunned silence as he pulled someone that had been standing behind him forward. Red hair, and nervous hazel eyes looked up at him.
“Do you know this girl?”
“Anna?” Cas stammered.
She glanced down and back up. Her pale face became determined, and she crossed her arms over her chest, and nodded.
“I found her hiding in the cargo hold - she mentioned your name.”
Cas felt Dean come up behind him. “ Sneaking on board huh kid?” Dean leaned over his shoulder. “Color me impressed.”
Anna’s lips twitched.
Cas spun, and gave Dean a warning glance.
Now he knew why he’d been sensing something - it had been Anna. He should have realized, but it simply had never occurred to him that she would have stowed away on their vessel.
“I’m very sorry Captain, is there anyway we could avoid involving the authorities in this - she is my responsibility.”
The Riorian watched him with dark eyes, then nodded. “Just make sure she leaves with you - no damage was done.”
“Thank you.” Cas said sincerely.
Cas gestured for Anna to enter, and gave the captain a grateful smile.
Anna wasn’t wearing her robes, instead she’d opted for black pants, and a purple tunic, she dropped her bag onto the floor, and turned to face them both. Her face impressively blank.
“Anna what are you doing here? Does the council know you left?” Cas blurted, trying to get over the shock of seeing her.
“I didn’t ask their permission, Master.”
Cas rubbed at his face. “Anna. We‘ve been over this, I‘m not you‘re master.”
“Yes. You. Are.” Her expression was pure, youthful defiance.
Dean seemed to be enjoying this way too much; he made a noise of amusement in his throat.
Cas glared at him - he did not see the humor in this.
Dean’s green eyes were laughing, but he attempted to keep his face somber.
Cas sighed.
He stepped towards Anna. “It’s not that I’m not happy to see you, but you can’t stay with us. What we are going to be doing is incredibly dangerous and I-”
“You told me that we are family.” She said fiercely, her body tense.
Cas swallowed, his heart clenching.
“You told me that you would always be there for me.” She paused, her eyes strong, and vulnerable all at once. “Well that goes both ways.”
Cas felt that sense of pride swell - she wasn’t a child anymore.
“I know something is going on; I’m not blind or stupid. I want to help you. This is my choice, my life, you always taught me to do what was right. And I know this is right, Mast,” she caught herself, and stood up tall. “Castiel.”
Cas glanced at Dean, who wasn’t laughing anymore. “Considering I’ve spent my life butting head’s with the council, I’m sure as hell not going to tell her how to live hers,” Dean said quietly.
Cas nodded. This was her choice, not his. And she’d clearly made it, going so far as to stowaway on their vessel, and leave her home.
“I have never been prouder of you, Anna and I would welcome your assistance.”
Her eyes warmed, and her face broke out in a huge smile. “Thank you.”
*****
“Kids smart, Cas.” Dean told his lover while Anna was cleaning up in the refresher. “Smart enough to realize what more experienced Jedi can’t wrap their head around.
“I know.”
“And I know you’re worried about her - but you trained her well - and she’s probably safer with us than living in that snake’s den of a temple.”
Cas’s eyebrows raised.
“It’s true; you and I both know while there are a lot of good people there, anyone of them could be working for the enemy.”
Dean knew he sounded bitter and a bit paranoid, but he couldn’t help it. Between Cas’s visions, and an army of dark Jedi, he wasn’t feeling very confident about the future.
He told Cas not to worry about his vision, it wasn’t real. But even though he’d never admit it, he was terrified of what might happen.
Ellen was the closet thing he had to a mother - if she died - no - he pushed off the thought - he couldn’t even go there right now.
Anna gave him hope that more Jedi might realize they needed to stop worrying so much about rules, and attachments and focus more on the bigger picture. The evil within the republic.
Cas had no idea what an amazing young woman he’d helped Anna to grow into. Leaving like she had, going against the council, had taken guts, and a strength of character that was rare in someone so young.
Cas licked his lips. “You‘re right.”
“Of course I am.” Dean leaned forward, and took his hand. “Babe, you’ve earned her loyalty - and believe me that’s something that can’t ever be bought or forced. This is what she wants.”
Cas smiled almost shyly. “When did you become the wise one?”
Dean snorted. “This isn’t wisdom; just me picking up a few tricks from my boyfriend.”
“Thank you - and I am glad she’s here.”
Cas kissed him gently. Dean closed his eyes, savoring the chapped, but soft caress.
The refresher door opened, and they pulled away.
Dean turned and found her smiling, watching them with a knowing glint in her eyes.
Cas blushed, and ducked his head.
“Glad you finally finished in there,” Dean smirked, “I thought we might have to stage a rescue mission if you were missing for much longer.”
Anna mock glared at him. “Just because you’re comfortable smelling like a hutt’s ass doesn’t mean I have to.”
“Anna,” Cas chided without any malice, affection simmering in his eyes.
She smiled somewhat apologetically, then flopped down on the bed next to them, and sat cross-legged.
Cas smiled back at her, she bumped him with her elbow, and Dean found himself beaming.
Father and Daughter - he couldn’t shake that image. In so many ways, that’s what they were, and he was glad Cas had that. Someone who had been through so much pain in his life deserved to be loved by those who really knew him.
“So, what’s next?” she asked.
*****
The three of them departed the ship, Anna apologized to the Captain, and even bowed to him.
Dean and Cas had filled her in on close to everything they knew - if she was going to be involved in this she had to be aware of just how much shit she was going to be trudging through.
She had paled a bit at the realization of exactly how deep this went, and what they might be facing, but she had held her head high, and handled it with grace and maturity.
Hell, they were stepping back onto the world she’d been beaten, and almost killed on, and she was taking it like a champ.
Bobby was waiting for them again.
“Deja-vu.” Dean smiled at the older man.
He clasped all of their hands firmly. “Good to see all of you again, just wish it were under better circumstances.”
“Me too, Bobby,” Dean replied, as he led them to his hover car.
“I thought it was just going to be the two of you?” He said quietly, as they closed the doors.
Dean chuckled. “Yeah, well, the kid had other ideas.”
“I can see that.” Bobby smiled at Anna. “Good to see you again.”
She returned the gesture. “You too.”
“Has Sam arrived?” Cas asked, with his trademark head tilt.
“Yep, and he’s got plenty to tell you.”
Dean forward. “Care to elaborate.”
“Nope.”
Dean rolled his eyes and sighed dramatically.
Cas simply nodded, and with the patience of a saint rested his head against his seat and watched the buildings whirl by.
Dean drummed his fingers on his knee, watching for Bobby’s shop to come into view.
Anna was watching him, her eyes amused.
“What?” He asked after several minutes of her staring.
She sat up straight and put her hand on his shoulder. “You really need to meditate more,” she deadpanned.
There was a moment of silence, then Cas and Bobby burst out laughing.
Dean tried to glare at all of them, but gave up fighting the smile tugging at he corners of his mouth and ruffled her hair instead.
“You’re all assholes.”
*****
Singer’s Salvage looked the same -simple, and lived in - Bobby probably wasn‘t the type to redecorate.
They all hefted their bags, and headed inside.
Sam was sitting on the couch, his hair had gotten even longer since they’d last seen him, but otherwise he hadn’t changed either.
His eyes were warm, and slightly sad as he stood to meet them.
He offered a hand; Cas took it without hesitation.
Dean eyed it for a moment, then smiled at the younger man. He might be annoying at times, but overall, he was growing on Dean. He’d helped them - given them good intel - without his help they wouldn’t have found Alastair so quickly, if at all. And he ‘d agree to meet with them when the Council had given them the boot.
Actions meant a lot to Dean.
He‘d been pissed for awhile about the whole ‘drugging their drinks’ incident, but he in the end all he’d wanted to do was talk. He’d had the power to do a lot worse, and he hadn’t wielded it.
He took Sam’s hand and squeezed. “Good to see you again.”
Sam seemed surprised, but he smiled back. “Yeah, you too. I’m sorry for what happened to you both. Neither of you deserved that.”
Cas tilted his head a tiny bit. “Thank you, Sam.”
“Yeah, thanks.” Dean grunted.
Sam’s eyes moved to Anna. “Hey there?” He gave a friendly wave.
She blushed, then smiled. “Hi.”
Dean snorted. She apparently found giant moose men, with too long hair appealing. Good for her.
“This is Anna.” Cas introduced her. “She’s my pada…she’s like family to me.”
Sam’s face flickered with understanding.
“She’s with us.” Dean said. “You can trust her.”
Sam smiled. “I know. Bobby never would have brought her here if she couldn’t be.”
Bobby shrugged, and his expression said, “Kid’s right.”
“Not to break up this touching reunion, but Bobby mentioned you had something for us.”
Sam nodded. “Yeah. I have a lead on where the Chancellor may have went while you two were hunting Alastair.” He smiled at Cas. “Thanks for that by the way; I sure as hell feel a lot safer with him out of the picture.”
Cas stood a little taller, and his eyes warmed. “That’s kind of you to say.”
Dean felt his new fondness for Sam grow.
Sam nodded, then got back on track. “The planet Bendii. My people did some recon, there’s an unregistered droid manufacturing plant there. Heavily guarded; they couldn’t get close, but I’m betting they aren’t making protocol droids. If we can find evidence that he was there, that he’s involved, we can bring that son of a bitch down.”
Cas stared at Dean, his eyes hopeful.
Neither of them had expected to find something this quickly.
If this was true the Chancellor was going all out for his private army.
Dean felt his adrenaline spike as Cas’s vision of Ellen’s death rose up - the sooner they could expose him for the monster he was, the better.
“Sounds like a plan.”
A/N: Sorry for the long wait, but I took an 'unofficial' hiatus from online life for a few weeks. I blame the holiday season, and Mass Effect 1 finally being available on the PS3 :P
Part 2
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