based off 12.08

LOTUS

~*~

Juno downed the fourth shot, slamming the glass back down as she took a deep breath. She nodded at the bartender for another one, then took her gaze to the TV. She sighed, looking back at the the shot glass in front of her. The bartender held his hand over the top, Juno raising an eyebrow at him.

"I've got to ask, what is causing you to down four bottles of whiskey, and five shots of tequila?" the bartender asked her.

"Oh, that's a good question that has a very complicated answer," Juno said with a slight laugh.

"I've got time," the bartender asked as no one else was ordering drinks. Juno looked around, then shrugged slightly.

"Well, if I have to start from the beginning," Juno said with a slight sigh.

The Beginning

"Hey, hey, no. You're not coming with us," Juno said shaking her finger at Crowley. "You suck at being an FBI Agent."

"Oh, and Agent Beyonce is better?" Crowley asked pointing to Castiel.

"At least he doesn't get straight to the point with his questions. Cas isn't as smooth as Sam and Dean, but he's definitely better at this than you," Juno argued as she snatched the FBI badge from Crowley hand. "You're not going."

"Maybe Crowley can prove useful," Castiel chimed in.

"I am getting tired of you agreeing with him. You know, you usually agree with Dean. Let's call him and see what he says," Juno said turning to Cas.

"His answer will change immediately because he knows Dean is right," Crowley said with a smirk. "It's their little relationship."

"Why do I feel like the man in the relationship?" Juno muttered to herself as she pulled on her suit jacket. "Alright, Crowley. We're going to go to the hospital, we're going to figure out what happened. And you are not going to do anything to get you or us in trouble. God, I feel like a mother."

"You're a better mother than mine ever was," Crowley scoffed out.

"That worries me, but also fills in a lot of blanks," Juno said with a slight nod. "Alright, Cas. Let's go." The two walked out, Crowley leaning forward on his heels to watch them leave. Castiel and Juno got into the truck, Juno looking over at Cas. "You think it worked?"

"Yes," Castiel answered as he started the car. Juno leaned over, pecking his cheek lightly, then looked back out the window again as Cas pulled out of the parking lot.

*****

Sam and Dean approached the doctor, flashing the badges at him.

"Your colleagues are already inside," the doctor told them. They exchanged a small look, then began walking into the room. They saw Juno and Castiel standing there, rolling their eyes.

"Agents," Castiel said nodding at them.

"Okay, this has gotta stop," Dean said shaking his head.

"Okay, enough. Let's have a look," Sam said. He pulled back the sheet to reveal Wallace Parker, the man they were investigating, with his eyes burnt out.

"Ooh. Looks like somebody forgot to put on his sunscreen," Dean winced. Sam side glared at him in annoyance.

"This was Wallace Parker, the very powerful CEO of almost everything," Castiel explained.

"And apparently, Lucifer's latest vessel. Wasn't strong enough to hold him," Sam said with a sigh.

"Lucifer's not content with slutting it from one random vessel to the next," Juno said with a sigh. "He's moving on to blue chips—celebrities, captains of industry. He just got a lot more dangerous. Who's next? The President?"

"I agree with Agent Stark," Cas said with a nod.

"And who gave me that agent name?" Juno asked.

"Crowley," Cas answered.

"Oh, yeah," Juno muttered.

"Oh, will you stop?" Dean said shaking his head at the two. Juno and Castiel nodded slowly, looking back at Sam and Dean. "Alright, I say we go back to the bunker. All of us. Do some research on where Lucifer could be, then track him down."

"Like the last time we did that worked very well?" Juno asked as they began walking out of the room.

"Look, we're always going to be running into this blindly. Unless we find an actual way to kill Lucifer, we will run in blind," Dean said turning to her.

"I'm just saying we should probably formulate at least some type of plan besides use handcuffs that don't work," Juno argued with him.

"She's got a point, Dean," Sam chimed in. Dean sighed as he nodded.

"We'll figure something out," he stated. He turned, walking down the hall, the other three exchanging a look. They then turned, following after Dean.

Present

"So, you are hunting Lucifer? Wow, are you high, too?" the bartender asked with a smirk.

"I'm so lucky I'm drunk," Juno said with a smile. "And no, I'm not. But, things get interesting. Turns out, I was right."

"Lucifer took the president as a vessel?" the bartender asked, not being serious at all.

"Bing-pot."

*****

Castiel stared at the photo's, ever so often zooming in to make sure he was seeing the brutal murders correctly. He tried swiping when he was zoomed in, Juno rolling her eyes at him. She zoomed out of the photo for him, then swiped.

"These pictures... The level of violence, it's completely unnecessary," Castiel said with a scoff.

"Lucifer doesn't like to get messed with," Juno said as she took a seat on the table.

"I guess when the Archbishop's priests figured out he was possessed, they tried to keep it quiet, do an exorcism," Sam shrugged as Castiel handed Juno the phone. "I mean, not that it would've worked. Lucifer blew town, but not before he slaughtered the entire staff. So we were on the right trail. Where's it go now?"

"I don't know," Dean said walking in with food. "Who won the Nobel Peace Prize? Why don't we start there?" They all nodded, beginning to go through a lot, and a lot of articles. Cas was sifting through newspapers, Sam and Juno were looking online, and Dean was in and out. Eventually, Juno felt like giving up.

"I need a break," she said, standing and leaving. Castiel watched as she walked out, concern written on his face. Sam and Dean exchanged a glance, noticing Cas's distressed look.

"Dude, go after her," Dean said. Castiel looked back at Sam and Dean as they both nodded in sync.

"And say what? Sorry that I let Lucifer out of the cage and brought all my problems onto you because you're one of the two humans I crave attention from?" Castiel asked tilting his head at Dean.

"Who's the second?" Sam asked. Cas took his gaze to Sam, then looked at Dean. The brothers both sat up uncomfortably, Sam clearing his throat. "You should probably just go check on Juno."

"I'm going to use her full name to show I care," Castiel said standing from the chair.

"That's the spirit," Dean said with a wide smile. Once Castiel walked out of the room, Sam let out a small laugh.

"It's kind of like, what did that girl call it, Destiel?" Sam questioned.

"Shut up," Dean grumbled. Sam laughed again, returning to his computer.

Castiel walked down the hall, slowing his pace when he saw Juno leaning against the wall. She was slightly hunched over with her arms crossed. She seemed very stressed.

"Juniper," Cas said stepping towards her. She looked over, smiling at Castiel lightly.

"Hey, Cas," she said standing up straight.

"You seem slightly stressed by the situation," he said stopping in front of Juno.

"Slightly is an understatement," Juno said with a slight chuckle. Castiel stood there for a moment, Juno looking him up and down as he didn't say anything. "Did you need anything?"

"No," Cas said shaking his head. Sam and Dean from the end of the hall both audibly groaned, shaking their heads as they walked back to the table. Juno slightly laughed as she looked up at Cas.

"What, you have two wing men?" she asked. "Look, I'm flattered that you're trying so hard, but really-" Castiel cut off Juno by pressing his lips against her hers. Juno began kissing back slowly, melding into his soft lips. If she was being truly honest, it was like kissing an angel. Because she was kissing an angel.

Castiel pulled back slowly, Juno looking up at him for any answer at the sudden action. Castiel placed a hand on her face, pulling Juno's hair behind her head. She looked back up at him again, even more confused.

"Juniper, if... If you want out of this, you can go," Cas said with a frown. "At this point, this doesn't get easier."

"I've always been up for a challenge," Juno said with a small smile. "Besides, I can't leave you. Or Sam and Dean. You need the help and I'm happy to give it to you."

"Is there any way I can persuade you to leave?" Castiel asked her.

"I have everything I need here. And, all I have is here," Juno answered. She leaned up, pressing her lips against Castiel's. Seconds later, the two pulled back. Juno cleared her throat, stepping out of Castiel's grip. "We should get back to it." She turned, walking back to the library. Castiel stood there for a moment, a small frown on his face. Sam and Dean glanced up at Juno as sat back down. Castiel walked in minutes later, no one saying anything. Dean's phone buzzed, making him stand and walk out. Castiel paused, sitting up straight.

"Did the Bunker's warding fail?" he asked.

"I just powered it down," Dean said walking back into the library. "Crowley called, said he had some big news about Lucifer, whatever the hell that means."

"Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. Wait a second. So—so now Crowley can just...what, drop in whenever he feels like it? I-I prefer keeping Crowley at a distance. Long distance," Sam ranted.

"Not very charitable, Moose," Crowley stated. Everyone but Sam took their gaze to him. "Particularly since, once again, I'm saving both your asses. So, as you know, I'm temporarily persona non grata in my own palace."

"Palace?" Sam asked.

"Palace?" Dean followed up.

"However, there are those I still control. Operatives," Crowley told them.

"Crowley, can we just get the damn news without the drama?" Sam asked.

"Can I get you without the flannel?" Crowley asked. "No. Still, I endure."

"What?" Sam asked as Crowley began typing on his computer.

"Did a little digging, acting on a tip," Crowley said sarcastically to Sam. "And I think I know the identity of Lucifer's newest vessel."

"Oh, for God's sake," Dean said rolling his eyes. Crowley hummed happily, turning the computer to the room.

"Gentlemen...Uh, Juniper. I give you one Jefferson Rooney, President of these United States," Crowley stated. They all paused, looking at Juno who's mouth was hung open.

"Oh, my god," she breathed out. "I was right."

"Oh, no," Sam sighed.

"Never gonna hear the end of this," Dean muttered.

"Wait..." Juno trailed off. "I met the President, I worked for him. Technically speaking. I-I could get in as a soldier since I'm qualified to be stationed again."

"She's right," Dean said. "But we can't send you in alone."

"Oh, and he'll kill me?" Juno asked tilting her head at Dean.

"A small piece of the charge that I have for Juno transferred on to Lucifer when he was using me as a vessel. If he were to kill her, it would damage him severely," Castiel informed the group.

"Boom. Send me in," Juno said turning to Sam and Dean.

"Blindly with no plan?" Sam asked.

"According to Dean, that's what our plan is until we find something to trap Lucifer," Juno told him. "Look, I'm the only government worker type person in this group. I can get a one-on-one with Lucifer. And if he kills me, then that wouldn't look good to have a veteran die in front of him without the president doing anything." They all exchanged a look as Juno stood from her chair. "I can set up a private meeting, and Lucifer would agree because he doesn't know how to lead a country. Not the mention, Hell. I can do this."

"And you'll what? Kill the president?" Castiel asked. She turned to him, shaking her head.

"No, I'm going to get a confession."

Present

"Oh, so you're a veteran," the bartender stated.

"Yup, but they haven't deployed me since the accident," Juno said with a sigh. "Alright, hit me again." The bartender laughed slightly, sliding a shot glass in front of Juno. He filled it, the girl downing it quickly.

"Impressive. So, what happens now?" the bartender asked.

"Right," Juno said with a nod.

*****

"Are you there?" Castiel questioned over the phone.

"Yeah, car's pulling up," Juno answered as the agent in the front seat was pulling up to where Lucifer was residing.

"Is the device working?" Dean asked.

"You tell me," Juno asked hopefully. The driver glanced back at her, Juno getting a bit uneasy.

"Yeah, it's working. We'll hang up and get this going," Sam stated. The line beeped a few times, Juno pocketing her phone. She felt the small camera in her pocket, taking a deep breath.

"Nervous, m'am?" the driver asked looking at Juno in the rear view mirror.

"Haven't seen Jeffery since before his election, when I first came back home. Now getting his permission to go back out in the field," Juno said with a slight laugh. "You see some things, and it makes you want to not go back. But this time I'm ready."

"I'm sure Mister Rooney will give you the go," the driver smiled. Juno nodded, trying to recall the lies she would be telling Lucifer to not blow her own cover. After all, she would be recording this.

"It's also a bit troublesome because I've just come back from being undercover. Finally got the okay from the superior officer to talk about it," Juno said laughing slightly.

"Oh, do tell," the driver said.

"I was investigating these four wackjobs who claimed they were hunting the supernatural," Juno said with a scoff. "Yeah, two humans, and two others claiming they were a demon and an angel."

"Ah, you get 'em?" the driver asked.

"Oh, yeah. Locked in maximum security. The angel, though, wow. Almost had me convinced. What was really annoying, though, was that demon man. Claimed his name was Crowley. He was a bitch. Real pain in my ass." Sam and Dean from the other end just snickered, Castiel smiling at her words, and Crowley rolling his eyes.

"Sounds like a real carnival. Well, this is it," the driver said stopping the car. Juno's side door opened, agents helping her out of the car. They began to lead her inside, showing Juno towards a conference room.

"Sir, your two o'clock is here," a man said as Juno stood outside.

"Ah, yes. My two o'clock. Bring him in," Lucifer said. Juno almost laughed to herself, an agent leading her inside. Lucifer's eyes almost widened, but he maintained a smile.

"Sir, it's very nice to see you again," Juno said stepping forward an extending a hand.

"Very nice to see you again, Juniper," he said with a nod. He dismissed the agents, Juno waiting for the door to click. "So, you-"

"Sir, I'd like to jump right into business," Juno said keeping eye contact. He opened his mouth to respond, hesitating to respond. Juno turned, walking to the shelf, she placed the camera into a slot of books, then turned back to Lucifer with a smile. "I apologize if I'm rushing, but since I was cleared I've been nothing but eager to get back in the field."

"You're messing with me," Lucifer said pointing at Juno. She sat in the chair, looking up at him under her cap.

"Not at all, sir. I wanted to start with my undercover mission that I've been on for the past year," Juno said laying out four files. One for each of her team. Sam, Dean, Cas, and Crowley.

"Undercover mission?" Lucifer asked sitting across from Juno.

"Yes, the mentally unstable men in Lebanon, Kansas. They have been confined as we got a confession from this one," Juno said sliding Sam's file to Lucifer. "Claiming they think the supernatural is real. Even thought I was a banshee. But, each time they thought I was, as they put it, 'screeching' I was really playing a tape recording from a show."

"Is that so?" Lucifer asked as he was looking through Sam's papers. "Well, I ordered to have two of these men found and executed in the next forty-eight hours." Juno almost faltered at his statement, but continued on.

"Well, they are in our custody. There will be no need for an execution. Maximum security prison in Texas," Juno said as she slid Lucifer Dean's file. She picked up Cas's, opening it. The first thing she noticed was the FBI badges in the bags. She paused upon seeing 'Agent Novak', realizing it was the only real name in there. Right next to Bradbury.

"When were these four put in containment?" Lucifer asked.

"Yesterday," Juno answered. She shut Cas's file, setting it in front of Lucifer. "Three put in a psych ward, and the fourth in single containment."

"Which one is in single containment?" Lucifer asked almost sounding gleeful.

"This one. Claims he's a demon. Eyes keep going black, but the superior is calling it a 'party trick'. He'll be put through psychiatric counselling, more intense than the three others," Juno said as Lucifer took Crowley's file. "Real name's Fergus, no last name. His alias is Crowley."

"Tell me more about this one," Lucifer said pointing to Castiel's file.

"Him? Easiest to detain of them all. Claims himself an angel and told me I was his charge. Had to be in a relationship with him for six months. Get this, guy claimed he let Lucifer out of the cage. Whatever the hell that means. Point is, they're all wack jobs. Right where they need to be," Juno said standing up. Dean scoffed from the other line, Juno slightly rolling her eyes. "We've had swat teams going in and out of their hide out, a bunker for a died out organization from the nineteen hundreds. Men of Letters. We were trying to take them down as well, but there's no actual proof there were other members."

"What brought about this investigation?" Lucifer asked. Juno snickered, turning to face him.

"I thought you knew, Sir," Juno stated. "They killed my sister."

Present

"Wait, wait, wait. Were you actually undercover in this bunker? Or did you lie about being undercover while being undercover?" the bartender asked.

"Lied," Juno said with a sigh. "And he believed me, too."

*****

"You know, you're good, Juno," Lucifer said standing from his chair. "You're a good liar."

"I have to say I don't know what you're talking about," Juno said with a slight laugh. "This case isn't the real reason I'm here."

"It's not?" Lucifer asked.