but oh what a year

[patrols]

Comments

[mayoralty]

It felt like Klaus could, at times.

[Not really. Not truly. But when he has control over your son's free will, it almost as though he's rewriting the story to his benefit, over and over again.]

But I guess that kind of power is just hard to comprehend, no matter how you shake it.

[redeems]

That power isn't in his hands, anymore. Sam and Dean and Jack made sure of that.

( He believes they have nothing left to worry about. He doesn't share that Jack is basically the equivalent of God, now. )

We helped them with the one apocalypse. They've prevented others.

[mayoralty]

Well, glad to hear it. It's nice to have a world to come back to.

["It's nice to continue to have one," Sam agrees. "And we haven't had anything that crazy since."]

[redeems]

Other than everybody coming back from the dead.

( Well. )

And, even then, that's Tuesday. How have you been adjusting back? I don't know Tyler, but, people I trust speak highly of him.

[mayoralty]

Oh, I've been managing just fine. It helps that all my friends came back with me.

[She smirks as she takes another sip of her drink.]

I'm just glad to see that Tyler is doing well. That he's found a place in the world and that he's happy.

[redeems]

( He can relate. Not that - sure, Spike's kind of a friend. And Fred now! )

It sounds like you have everything you'll need.

[mayoralty]

We hope so. Though I'll have to find something else to do with my life at some point and not just keep hovering over his shoulder.

[He deserves to live his own adult life, like he was before she got back.]

[redeems]

I could be of help if you need it. I work for an organization that specializes in giving people a new purpose - and the direction they need. You could be outfit.

( If it's something she's interested in. )

[mayoralty]

Maybe.

[She does like to be useful, but she also wants to stay close to home.]

We'll get through the holidays first, and then we'll see what happens. And I don't want to run off into something where Tyler would worry.

[She's certainly not looking to fight God.]

[redeems]

( Angel produces a real business card for her. )

There are people who are displaced or in danger and we relocate them. We would do the same for you, to give you something you want to do - it could be right here because you're not in any danger.

( That they know of! )

[mayoralty]

Oh. So like ... witness protection?

[Kind of? But supernaturally speaking. That is interesting, but she doesn't know if that's in her wheelhouse. Maybe she should see what Liz has planned to do.]

[redeems]

Supernaturally speaking. But, we wouldn't... treat it the same. We would just get you up on your feet. Provide credentials. Get you working.

( He's not explaining this right. )

[mayoralty]

Ah. Well, we'll see. Tyler did say something about someone getting me a license again at least.

[Is that what Angel is referring to?]

[redeems]

And social security card. Usually, Cordelia handles these pitches.

( Or, Alexander. )

[mayoralty]

[Carol nods, understanding, with a small smile.]

For what it's worth, I think you're doing very well.

[redeems]

You're being kind.

( Even if she isn't, Angel doesn't take compliments. Or fashion advice.

Though Cordelia did introduce him to a nice oversized chunky sweater for relaxing. And house shoes. )

[mayoralty]

[Look, he's doing his best. It's fine.]

Anyway. I should go check on the food. Please feel free to help yourselves, but I'll leave you two to it.

["Thanks, Carol," Sam nods. As the other woman peels off to maintain her job as hostess, Sam glances to Angel. "Do you think Cordy's found - " His voice trails off as he catches sight of Dickerson wandering their way. "Never mind."]

[redeems]

Never mind?

( Dickerson has been mingling and biding his time, but he's also kept one eye on Sam most of the night. He has questions, questions Dean would probably bring back to Ben. And since his BFF faux pas, he now has other things on his mind. Though, he really should fix that.

"Hi," Dickerson says to Angel, who nods to him. "Dickerson. Ben's friend. Dean's son," he explains. )

Angel.

( "And you're Sam," he says, looking at Dean's brother, who looks just like his picture. Maybe more of a receding hairline. He doesn't say that. )

[imnot_likeyou]

That's me.

[Sam shifts, taking a sip of his beer before raising an eyebrow. He can tell that there's something Dickerson wants, but he's not quite sure what it is yet.]

Enjoying the party?

[camber]

Yeah, it's clutch. Lot of people. Not usually Ben's scene. ( And not why he's here. Angel also gets the hint, moving from one foot to the other.

"I should find Cordelia. Let her know I gave my business card out," he says, the lame excuse settling before he leaves them together. ) Does he have a business card minder?

[imnot_likeyou]

He has a partner who believes he's terrible at being social. You met her earlier, at the B&B?

[Sam shifts back and turns to face Dickerson more as Angel goes.]

This isn't usually our scene either, but Elena's friends were nice enough to host.

[camber]

Cordelia. Chase. Pretty.

( Also, feels like she doesn't take shit. )

Plus all the crazy. Speaking of, um, I was there, when Dean sort of crashlanded back in Ben's life. Saw the angel. Did some extra research beforehand because everything had been full-on erased. Just. You guys were hunters that entire time?

[imnot_likeyou]

[Sam nods.]

Yeah. We've been doing it our whole lives, pretty much. How much on us did you actually find?

[camber]

More than you'd probably like out there, but I covered my tracks. One redacted report from homeland security. A rap sheet that reads like a travel itinerary. Thing is, after Ben got pulled back into all this, Elena and I got to talking. And then I did some of my own research. Alright, a lot. What's it take to get into hunting, anyway? For people not raised off it.

( He feels like he's coming off strong, but, how else can he broach the subject. He gives a quick glance behind Sam. No sign of Ben. OK. )

[imnot_likeyou]

[Well, that sure is a question. And Sam isn't sure how to answer it.]

Why do you want to be?

[It doesn't say it with judgement. But how he answers is definitely going to influence how Sam responds.]