Supernatural Fan Fiction ❯ Angels and Demons: A Supernatural Fanfic ❯ Epilogue ( Epilogue )

Epilogue

Bobby's Place, 6 years later…

An alarm clock sounded, shattering the already half forgotten dream that Grace had been having. She groaned, rolling onto her opposite side, slamming a pillow over her head as her hand sought out the snooze button for the third time that morning.

A few seconds later she heard her door creep open as bare feet padded against the wooden floor. “Come on now sleepyhead, you have to get up some time today. Don't forget that Ellen and Jo are flying in and we still have to set up everything for the kids' birthday party.”

“Where are my kids anyway?” Grace asked, her voice thick with sleep and being muffled by the pillow.

“Well Bobby is showing Micah and John how to disassemble and reassemble a few rifles, but don't worry, it's just a demo. Dean took Faith with him to work on the Impala. Mary and Hope are with Sam and Ruby in town, picking up a few last minute things, and Cas and Jadon are in the living room watching TV. I was working in the kitchen but I could use some help, hence my coming up here to get you.”

“Oh come on Rachel, give me five more minutes.” Grace whined, not wanting to leave the comfort of her nice, warm bed.

“You're joking right? You sleep more than any mortal I've ever come across. Now come on, it would take me forever to bake a six layer cake by myself, not to mention everything else I have to do.” Rachel murmured, wincing as the alarm clock started going off again. Walking over to it, she shut it off while alternately pulling the covers off of Grace, who groaned in annoyance and threw her pillow at Rachel.

“You don't have three kids to take care of, and Dean makes four. It's a wonder I get any sleep at all.” She groused, her blonde curls tangled and her blue eyes dim with sleep. Giving her best friend a playful glare, she sighed and got out of bed, shuddering slightly as her bare feet hit the cold floor. Walking over to her closet she began searching for something to wear while at the same time conversing with Rachel.

“Well I might not have three kids, but I'm stuck taking care of the rest of you.” Rachel replied, smirking as Grace laughed. “Yeah, you're right. Without you we'd all fall apart.” She responded. “I'm going to take a quick shower and change, but I'll be down in a minute.”

“Okay then.” Rachel said, walking out of Grace's room. Walking down the stairs and into the kitchen she saw her five year old sitting in his father's lap, both of them laughing at the failed attempts of contestants to win the prize on a game show. Smiling as she heard Jadon say something to Cas in Inokian, she walked into the kitchen and began assembling the ingredients for cake batter.

When her son had first begun talking, instead of saying Ma or Da he had said the Inokain equivalent of the words. It had been highly unusual in the beginning because Jadon had understood and spoken words and phrases in the angel's language before he ever learned what the human's translation was. It was made even more unnatural because at the time Castiel and Rachel had still been human and hadn't gained back their powers, and thusly had never spoken their native tongue around their son.

Around the time of the children's third birthday however, everything had once again changed. God ascended back to his throne in Heaven, restoring Rachel and Castiel's powers and due to the conditions of the deal they had made, Ruby and Grace gained theirs back too. Unfortunately news leaked out about their restoration and this made them targets of other immortals who were keen on revenge.

So to keep their families safe, Rachel pleaded with God so that some sort of deal could be made to keep everyone she cared about from harm. A very generous offer soon followed. Giving up their immortal powers, the four received mortal souls in their place. In the end, it all worked out good for them, because now that they had souls they could all go to Heaven when they died, if they so chose, not to mention that they wouldn't have the unfortunate outcome of outliving their spouses or children.

Grace came down the stairs and joined Rachel in the kitchen, both of them exchanging amused glances as an exited Jadon shouted out something in Inokian. “Will he ever grow out of that?” Grace asked, spraying the baking pans with non stick cooking spray.

“He should. Jadon is learning more human words all the time and sucks up vocabulary and knowledge like a sponge. He's fluent in both languages, both the angel's and the human's, but sometimes he forgets that when he speaks in Inokian that only Cas and I understand him.” Rachel murmured, using a spatula to scrape the last of the batter out of the bowl. As if on cue a second later her son appeared, his grey eyes narrowing in on the spatula expectantly. Rachel felt a jolt of tenderness, every time she looked at Jadon instantly being reminded of Cas. He surprised her next, asking to lick the cake batter off of the spatula in the mortal's tongue instead of the angel's. Glancing over at an amused Grace, she handed it to him, giving him a kiss on the cheek and murmuring to save a little for his father. Her eyes were filled with warmth and love as she watched him trot away, his small bare feet thudding against the wood floor.

“Yeah, you're right though, about the whole absorbing knowledge like a sponge, among other things. Did I tell you that Faith said a curse word the other day?” Grace asked once Jadon was out of earshot, smiling at the memory because her young daughter had heard her father use it and didn't have a clue of what it meant.

Rachel's eyes widened. “Dean should be more careful around the kids. By the time they're teenagers they'll be as foul mouthed as sailors.”

“Well, I wouldn't worry too much about it. I was surprised when Dean took her aside and explained to her why she shouldn't speak that way. He was actually a little scared about how I would handle it.” Grace replied.

“I take it you got angry?” Rachel murmured.

“Of course I did, although I was more pissed because she'd gotten oil onto her new dress that I'd gotten her the day before. I honestly think she'll grow up to be a mechanic at this rate.” She said, sighing and shaking her head as she thought of how Faith followed Dean practically everywhere, including when he went outside to work on the Impala. There was no doubt in anyone's mind that she was a daddy's girl.

“At least she'll have steady employment.” Rachel said. Hearing the kitchen door open they saw Sam and Ruby, along with the twins, walk in with armloads of groceries. While Ruby and Rachel began unpacking, Sam went out to get the rest.

“And how are my favorite nieces today?” Grace asked, crouching down to meet the girls at eye level and smiling. Rachel's gaze met Ruby's and they both grinned. With their matching shoes, dresses, and bows, both Mary and Hope looked absolutely adorable.

“We're fine Aunt Gracie.” They simultaneously replied, smiling shyly up at her. Their father walked in and nearly dropped the bags he was carrying when his daughters ran over to him and wrapped themselves around his legs.

“Can we open a present now daddy?” Hope asked.

“Please, just one daddy?” Mary pleaded, giving him her best pouty face. He smiled and shook his head, handing the bags to Ruby before scooping up his daughters in his arms. “Now girls, it wouldn't be fair to your cousins if I did that. You'll have to wait until this evening like Micah, John, Faith, and Jadon have to.”

“Poor Sam, the girls have nagged him about that since Hope accidentally saw one of the presents in the closet this morning. He's a good father though, making them wait patiently like your children.” Ruby said.

“Believe me, Micah, John, and Faith certainly tried to get us to give them a present early, but Dean and I have the same mentality you and Sam do. It's only fair that they be taught patience and be made to wait. I'm sure Jadon didn't try anything.” Grace replied, looking over at Rachel, who was putting the cake pans in the oven. Smiling at Grace, she shook her head. “No, Jadon knows better than to do that.”

“Lucky you, getting saddled with only one kid.” Grace said teasingly. Rachel rolled her eyes, hearing Sam's voice as he talked to Cas and Mary and Hope's light laughter as they watched TV and chatted away with Jadon. It was no small blessing that the children got along.

“Remember Grace, that's what you and I thought too, until the ultrasounds anyway.” Ruby murmured, getting some frozen chicken strips out of the fridge to thaw.

Grace nodded and laughed. “I still remember Dean fainting. To this day I tease him about it.”

Rachel and Ruby smiled too, laughing softly at the memory. “I don't know about you guys, but I don't plan on having any more children. One round of labor and childbirth was enough for me.” Rachel murmured.

“I'm definitely not expanding my family. We've grown enough. I nearly broke Dean's hand you know, the labor was so intense.” Grace replied.

“And you also gave him a death threat, poor man.” Rachel responded, laughing and explaining to an abashed looking Grace that she had heard her screaming during the ordeal.

“I also heard Ruby's string of various profanities, but I'm sure you had your reasons.” Rachel said. Ruby nodded. “I did alright. That pain hurt like hell. I don't know how any woman could possibly have a baby the natural way nowadays. Even with the epidural it was almost unbearable.”

Bobby and Dean walked in a minute later, all three of Grace's children in tow. Their eyes lit up as they saw their mother, happily running over to her and hugging her, all of them enthusiastically chatting at once.

Grace couldn't help but laugh, hugging each child in turn, smiling as Micah and John ran into the living room and received an equally happy greeting from uncles Sam and Cas. Dean said hi to everyone, grabbing a beer out of the fridge and kissing Grace, purposely rumpling his daughter's hair and successfully disgruntling Faith, who pushed his hand away. He too walked into the living room and joined the conversation that Cas and Sam were having, keeping a watchful eye on his rambunctious and sometimes rowdy sons.

After giving Bobby a beer and inquiring on how his morning had been, thanking him for watching her boys, Grace began chopping up some potatoes, intending to make mashed ones from scratch. Ruby tossed together a salad and Rachel began preparing the chicken strips to be baked, coating them in flower, egg, and breadcrumbs along with some seasoning salt and a few other things before laying them out in a baking dish. They had remodeled the kitchen a few years previous and had a double oven in place, because cooking for over a dozen people took a lot of time.

They spent most of the afternoon cooking, pausing to give everyone a light meal in between because the real food and fun would be had that night. While the girls were cooking their husbands managed to keep the six children occupied, playing a few board games with them when they grew bored of TV before finally taking them outside to run some of their energy off.

The children knew that it was their birthday and it excited them, making them hyper and more restless than usual. After a good hour of hide and seek and a few rounds of freeze tag, they all came back inside, taking a breather, more for the grown-ups' sake than the kids'. While the adults sat on the couch and watched the evening news, sipping on some iced tea, the kids chased each other from one end of the house to the other, laughing in delight. Sam, Dean, and Castiel all exchanged weary glances, barely able to contemplate how it was possible that their offspring could still possess so much energy.

A few minutes later Ellen and Jo pulled into the driveway. Walking up to the front door they could hear the shrieking, blissfully happy laughter of children and Ellen smiled at Jo, who rolled her eyes. They hadn't seen any of the kids since before they could walk. Opening the door, Rachel, Grace, and Ruby met them, smiling and hugging them. The smell of food was heavy in the air, the sweetness of the cake and the spiciness of the chicken blending into a mouthwatering aroma that reminded them of home. They couldn't help but feel that way however, the happiness that their friends exhibited every time they came by to visit being contagious.

“So, how is the cross country road trip coming along?” Ruby murmured, offering them a seat at the table. At the same time they had remodeled the kitchen they had also expanded it, making it so that everyone could sit at the table comfortably.

“It's been really nice, but I'm still really missing my bar. Mom's been looking for hunts in every state we go into.” Jo murmured, smiling as Ellen rolled her eyes. Grace offered them a drink and they took it. While Ruby asked them a few more questions about their trip and activities, Rachel set up the table with a little assistance from Grace.

By the time they had everything on the table it was early evening and everyone was hungry. After everyone got situated and comfortable in their seats, as tradition merited, they sang happy birthday, smiling as Faith, Hope, and Mary hid their faces. Then the various plates of chicken, rolls, mashed potatoes, corn, and gravy were passed around. For the next half hour the sounds heard from the kitchen were forks scraping against plates and laughing. Good conversation was to be had at every turn as Ellen and Jo shared a few of their hunting adventures and talked about the strange people that they had encountered along the way. Then they asked about how life had been for Bobby, as well as the rest of the members of his house. While the cake was cut and served alongside ice cream, Sam, Ruby, Dean, Grace, Bobby, Castiel, and Rachel all shared some of their experiences they'd had, from remodeling the kitchen to hunting a few witches about three months back.

Seeing that the kids were growing restless and would soon be caught in a rapturous sugar high, Grace suggested that they be allowed to open their presents, and while they all went into the living room to wait with Bobby, Jo, and Ellen, the parents went upstairs to get the gifts that had been hidden in their closets.

Once they had everyone's gifts sorted and the proper present was given to the correct recipient, they were given permission to open their presents. There where quite a few, given that every adult there had gotten each child at least one thing, and the parents had gotten more. A flurry of excited screaming and giggles ensued and in minutes the entire floor was covered in bright wrapping paper. Smiles of happiness, amusement, and a little excitement lit up the adult's faces, as well as the kids'. Mary, Hope, and Faith, being girls, received typical girl presents like various Barbie dolls, accessories, and plastic jewelry, to name a few. Micah, John, and Jadon, as boys, received some toy trucks, a few new games, Lego's, among other things. From Ellen and Jo each child received some money toward their college. The kids, seeing that it wasn't something they could readily use and not understanding the concept in the least, handed the checks to their parents, who thanked the two for their gifts.

After all the presents had been opened and the kids thanked everyone for their gifts, they got all of their toys, put them in their rooms, got the ones they wanted to play with at that moment, and went outside. Bobby, Jo, and Ellen offered to keep watch while they played in the backyard, grabbing a few shot glasses and a bottle of whiskey. Sam, Dean, and Cas cleaned up the living room while their wives took care of the kitchen.

“I can't believe the twins are five already. It seems like just yesterday that Sam and I brought them home from the hospital.” Ruby murmured, putting the leftover chicken in a plastic container.

“They're growing up so fast. Before we know it they'll be teenagers and get their driver's licenses.” Rachel said.

“Don't forget about dating. Dean said that he's going to shoot the first guy that Faith introduces to us, no questions asked. Isn't that hilarious?” Grace murmured laughingly.

Rachel and Ruby smiled. “Just think of all the trouble Micah and John are bound to get into.” Ruby said, laughing when Grace nearly dropped the cake that she was transporting to the fridge. “Don't say that Ruby! If my boys are half the trouble that Dean was then we're going to have a major problem on our hands.”

“We should warn the public.” Rachel joked. Grace rolled her eyes, taking the salad from Rachel and putting it in the fridge along with the rest of the food. The three continued to talk as they began the arduous process of washing dishes.

“So, what are you going to do when all the boys start following your girls around like lovesick puppies?” Grace murmured teasingly to Ruby. “Well, I think Dean had the right idea. A few shots of rock salt in the ass should discourage them.” She retorted jokingly. She and Grace erupted into a fit of giggles and Rachel smiled in amusement, rolling her eyes and muttering how hopeless they both were.

“I wonder how Jaden will turn out.” Ruby said.

“He'll probably be a total genius or something. He seems like a smart kid, mild mannered too.” Grace murmured.

“A nerd in other words. Not that there's anything wrong with that or anything.” Ruby quickly amended, seeing Rachel's dark eyes shimmer for a moment. “I would hope not. After all, you kind of married one didn't you?” she said, smiling and joking. Ruby grinned. “I did as a matter of fact, and it was the best decision I ever made. I'm sure that with parents like you and Cas that Jadon will turn out just fine.”

“Well hey, you and Sam make a pretty good team yourself.” Rachel said. Ruby smiled at the compliment.

“What about Dean and me?” Grace inquired. Ruby and Rachel exchanged glances and looked at Grace with mock sympathy. “Oh Grace, your poor kids.” Ruby said, purposely teasing her. Grace smiled and rolled her eyes. “Come on you two, seriously, do you think Dean and I are good parents or what?”

“Well of course you are! You're definitely better at it than John Winchester was, given the circumstances.” Rachel said.

“Rachel's right. You and Dean do a great job.” Ruby said, nodding in agreement with Rachel's comment. After cleaning up the kitchen they wandered outside onto the back porch, finding the adults drinking various forms of alcohol.

Bobby and Ellen were talking about hunting way back in the good old days over a bottle of whiskey. Jo was sitting on the far side of the left side of the porch that opened up into the patio and pool, watching as the kids ran around the yard, nursing a beer in her hand. Tossing Grace and Ruby a beer, they walked over to their husbands and began talking about the party, Castiel and Rachel grabbing a half empty bottle of vodka and joining them.

For the next couple of hours they talked, the moon drifting higher, the stars shining brighter, until all six kids found their way to the porch, looking utterly exhausted. After receiving a few I love you's and goodnight kisses from their moms, Sam, Dean, and Cas carried their kids inside and put them in their beds to sleep.

Grabbing a case of beer out of the fridge in passing, along with some cake, they went back outside and talked with Ellen and Jo late into the night, telling them of how Grace, Rachel, Ruby, and Cas were all humans with souls, explaining that they had gotten their powers back but had been targeted, thus forcing them to make the deal of exchanging their powers for mortal souls. Of course the proud parents talked about their kids for awhile, funny little incidents and embarrassing stories coming to the surface, Dean's fainting episode being one of them. For a few hours laughter was the predominant sound emanating from the porch, everyone enjoying themselves and having a good time, hardly able to believe how much their lives had changed in the last eight years. Eventually Ellen and Jo excused themselves and bid everyone goodnight, promising to come visit again the next day before they left town, as Jo really wanted to get back to California.

Bobby sat with the group for a few more minutes, finishing the last of the whiskey that was in the bottle before they all wished him goodnight and he wandered inside. Sam and Ruby soon followed, looking tired but happy. Dean kissed Grace, mumbling that he was going to take a shower and get ready for bed. Cas had similar thoughts, doing the same with Rachel, and after both women promised their husbands they would be upstairs in a few minutes, Grace and Rachel found themselves alone on the porch. For a few minutes they said nothing, listening to the sounds of crickets chirping, feeling the gentle breeze on their skin, content to look at the stars as Grace drank her beer and Rachel sipped her vodka.

“What is it?” Grace asked curiously, seeing Rachel's face glow with a soft smile as her friend leaned against the porch railing, looking over her shoulder at the moon.

“Oh, it's nothing really. I was just thinking of how much everything has changed for you and me in the last decade. We went from single, to married, to family. Considering how long we've known each other, I just find it a little mind boggling that you and I have stayed together like we have. Do you and Dean ever think about going anywhere else?” Rachel murmured softly, draining the last of her drink.

Grace walked over to her, handing Rachel a beer and carrying one for herself as she'd finished the one she'd had a few moments previous. Leaning against the porch railing, she looked at Rachel and shook her head, smiling. “Nope, Dean and I are going to stay her as long as you guys do. I know it's kind of crazy, you and I staying friends this long, but honestly, if I got the chance to do it all over again and you weren't along with me for the ride then I would refuse the offer flat. You make this life interesting. You're my best friend after all, and no matter where I've gone or what I've done, it's always been worth it because you've been there with me.”

“Oh, Grace, that's so nice of you to say. I know that I wouldn't be nearly as happy as I am if you weren't around, and you're my best friend too. You make me laugh when I want to cry, force me to forgive when I would rather stay angry, calm me when I'm afraid. You've always been there for me, and I appreciate that more than you'll ever know.” Rachel said, her eyes misting up a bit.

“Don't go getting all emotional on me now.” Grace murmured, trying to keep her voice steady but failing miserably. Rachel's words had gotten to her. She sniffed, her eyes watering slightly.

“Jerk.” Rachel said playfully, wiping her tears away with the back of her hand and opening her beer.

“Bitch.” Grace responded, laughing even as a few stray tears rolled down her face. Using the edge of her shirt, she wiped them away, smiling. They had picked up the interesting banter from Sam and Dean years ago, using it to tease one another in friendly play. Grace opened her beer and held it up.

“You know what Rachel? Let's make a toast, to our friends, our family…”

“And us.” Rachel said. They clinked the cans together and took a big swig of alcohol. Smiling at each other, sharing a look that only they themselves understood, they stood on the porch side by side, memories of their friends and family and all the happy times they'd shared up until that point flashing through their minds. They both knew the other was right, every happy moment worth remembering only being that way because they had experienced it together.

Finishing their beers and walking inside, Grace and Rachel exchanged a look and softly laughed, not out of amusement but happiness, knowing that when it was all said and done that only three things really mattered: love, family, and friendship, and just between them, the first two wouldn't have been possible in their lives without the third.

Friendship had kept them together and would continue to do so, for few bonds are more powerful, profound, or sacred than that between the roads traveled and the journey taken with your best friend.

The End