You Only Have To Ask

Title: You Only Have To Ask
Fandoms: CSI: Crime Scene Investigations, Blues Brothers 2000, Supernatural
Characters/Pairings: Queen Mousette, Nicholaus Valerius Meridius, Thomas Efford, Dean Winchester/Sam Winchester, Original Characters
Ratings: PG
Word Count: 2,347
Summary: As one of the keepers of Nico’s secrets, Queen has a few thoughts for her Clan Leader when she finds out about the betrayers of her Clan.
Author’s Note: A huge THANK YOU to BJ Jones for allowing me to play in her ‘verse over at Sylum Clan. THANK YOU to Taibhrigh for the terrific banner art for my Sylum stories.
Disclaimer: Except for the work noted as being originally mine, all works of fiction and characters thereof belong to their original creators/studios/producers/publishers. No money is being earned, and they are used without permission. I apologize for any typos I missed.

“When we illuminate the road back to our ancestors, they have a way of reaching out, of manifesting themselves…sometimes even physically.” ― RaquelCepeda

As Queen Mousette drove up the ancient oaks lined drive, sharp eyes noticed the little differences that indicated something major had occurred at the Manor.The fountain was too clean, the paint around the heavy front doors too new, and the energy emanating from the area chaotic and unsettled as the spirits of the land whispered in her ear. Parking the car, she took a moment to tune into her inner senses that allowed her to communicate with the spirits of the dead. Expecting to find the spirit of the recently dead or one of the many Chosen Ones that considered the Manor home,she was nearly knocked off her feet by the rush that came toward her.Fortifying her mental shields, the spirits stopped.

*One at a time. I’ll never understand if you all talk at once.*

*Domina…A matriarch stepped to the front of the crowd that faded the further away they stood from the matriarch. *We are most excited to find one that hears us.*

Looking closely at the men and women standing before her … Their dress, mannerisms,dark hair and eyes … *You are Nico’s ancestors?*

*We are. Though many have returned from Elysium to walk by his side, we are the ones who chose to protect him in the realm of spirit. We tried to warn the boy of the viper in his garden, but these youngsters today are too grounded in the now. Even in his spirit walks with one known as the God Emperor, he did not hear us. Always looking to the future is our child.*

*What of Timothy. He carries the soul of the Meridii and walks close to spirit? Even Anthony with his warrior priest ways balances himself in meditation and prayer.”

*Perhaps you should teach them to listen. How are you called Domina?*

*Queen. My name is Queen.*

The woman stared at Queen for several minutes before giving a nod.

*Fitting.I was called Portia in my lifetime and at this time and place I am the voice of the ancestors.*

*Are you telling me you knew Giles was the betrayer, but no one could hear you?*

*Nicolaus in all times and places carries a destiny. We try to extend enough protection for him to fulfill that destiny. We are not always successful since we cannot always find an Oracle to hear us.*

*I’m no Pythia or Cassandra. I’m a singer that talks to dead people.*

*Perfect, as we are all dead, and you are already a holder of Nicolaus’ secrets.*

“Miss Queen.” Queen saw Nico’s ancestors moving back into the mists. “Miss Queen.” The quiet British accent was drawing Queen back to the driveway at the Manor. “Are you unwell, Miss Queen?”

Sherry colored eyes blinked several times bringing the Manor’s Chief of Staff into focus. “Thomas? Oh, Thomas. I’m sorry. Someone wanted to talk to me and I got a little sidetracked.”

“I was becoming concerned when you simply stood by your vehicle. Perhaps a cup of tea to make sure you’re grounded here with us.”

“Excellent idea, Thomas. You might even throw a shot of the good stuff in it to make sure I’ve got a kick start.” She winked at the Englishman. “Is Nico taking visitors today?”

“I am sure there will be time found for you to see him. In the meantime, make yourself comfortable and do not mind the Clan members and workers running about like headless chickens.”

Chuckling, Queen made her way to the kitchen in search of a mug of Cook’s fantastic tea while Thomas went in search of his wayward Clan Leader.

~*~*~*~

Queen paused when she entered the kitchen area. Sitting in at the table was two of the prettiest white boys she’d seen in a while. Both jumped to their feet when they saw her.

“Gentlemen.” She held her hand out to the young man with beautiful green eyes and reddish brown hair. “Queen Mousette.”

“Like the singer?” At her nod, a light blush climbed his neck and cheeks. “Love your music … Oh …Damn … Uh, sorry … Dean Winchester. Sasquatch over here is Sam Winchester.”

“Mates?” Queen asked as she shook Sam’s hand.

“And brothers.” Sam answered in his mellow tenor.

“Don’t let me interrupt your breakfast.” She continued on to get her tea. Settled, she decided to get to know these Clan mates. Seems she should have visited more often in the last few years.

“Live here at the Manor?”

“When we’re not travelling for Gerard or going to school.” Sam offered.

“Hmm, yes, I can see why Nico would want to keep you close.”

Dean frowned at this unknown Vampire nearly purring at his Mate. He didn’t care if she was a kickass jazz singer. He must have made a noise for suddenly those intense eyes were on him. He stiffened when he saw her hands disappear in her pockets.

“Relax, Sugar. If I wanted to hurt you, you’d already be gone.” She gave him a wink as she pulled a card out of her jacket pocket. “You ever need time away from the ties that bind you to this place, come see me.”

“Journey’s End School for the Gifted.” Dean read out loud. “You know about…”

“Yes.” Queen interrupted before he could finish his question.

“Why would we need a place to escape? This is the first real home we’ve ever had.” Sam sounded fierce from behind his coffee cup.

“Because, Sammy, sometimes when you’re all grown up, you occasionally need to get away from everyone hovering all the time.” Dean leered at his Mate.

It was Sam’s turn to blush. “Jerk.”

“Bitch. Pardon our language, Miss Queen.” Dean turned his brightest smile in her direction.

“Oh snap, turn that down a skosh before I’m overcome.” Queen laughed.

“Miss Queen.” Thomas interrupted from the doorway.

Queen nodded an acknowledgement. “Be around to walk me to my car.” She wagged a finger at Dean.

“Yes’m.” Dean ducked his head.

~*~*~*~

“Ho ware things really going around here, Thomas.” Queen asked quietly once the kitchen door closed behind her.

“Rebuilding, healing. It helps that many in the Clan have visited or called without prompting to reaffirm their loyalty to Master Nicolaus.”

“I assume they’re also being vetted as well since Giles had sworn loyalty to not just one, but two Clans.”

“They are.”

“The people doing the vetting?”

“Above reproach.”

“Good.”

“If I may inquire, Madame …”

“Yes, the dead around the Manor are riled, and wanted someone who could hear.”

“The outcome?”

“I have a few messages to be relayed.”

“Useful messages?”

“Depending on whether they’re heeded will determine their usefulness.” They paused in front of Nicolaus’ office.

Before leaving her alone with Nicolaus, she handed the Baron a thumb drive. “Let me know what you think.” Queen often asked Thomas to critique some of her new artists when she was borderline on their chances of success. The man’s choices were seldom flops.

With a nod, he closed the door behind him.

~*~*~*~

Nicolaus came around the desk to hug one of the beloved keepers of his and the Clan’s secrets. “I didn’t think you’d come.” He gave Queen one more squeeze before leading her over to the office’s couch. Pouring a cup of tea for Queen and coffee for himself, they settled back against the cushions. “How’s the school and the children?”

“Everyone is fine. I wouldn’t be here if they weren’t. I came to check on you and your pirates. Seems my house spirit, Jacques Petit has descendants in the area, and came zinging to the school when Kenway took umbrage at Giles’ behavior.”

He chuckled into his coffee cup. “That’s one way to describe my brother. He takes betrayal seriously.”

“I thought to give you a few days to clean-up and catch your breath.”

“Thank you for that. Between construction, rebuilding the computer network, and everyone making sure I know they’re loyal, it seems like non-stop people and phone calls.”

“Did Giles know about Journey’s End?”

“No. Thank all the Gods for that. I don’t want to think what Galileo would have done with that information.”

“What about Xavier’s School?”

“I don’t know. We didn’t have anything on the computers, but Giles told him about Tim’s Wolf, so your guess is as good as mine.”

“Then we need a plan in place for evacuation, if it becomes necessary. Maybe use the clubs as an ‘underground’ escape route. If say … They get to Jeremy’s club in New York, he can house them in that block of row houses he owns, then make arrangements to get them to us.”

“I’ll make some calls later.” Nicolaus used the act of freshening his coffee to gather his thoughts. “You didn’t have to come … You and your people were never in doubt.”

Queen rolled her eyes at her Clan Leader. “I know that, but I haven’t seen the grand lady since we started the school, so I had to make the trip to check things out. I think Isamene should pay a visit since you’ve added and replaced several entrances. This whole place needs a good cleansing.”

“Queen…” Nicolaus drug her name out to show he didn’t want to deal with Gods and spirits at the moment.

“You know you only have to ask for my help, but if you don’t want to deal with this side of your life, you should never have opened those doors.” She scolded.“ Also, I have a message from your ancestors, too.”

“Who?” As much as he didn’t want to deal with this right now, his curiosity was getting the better of his reticence. Most of his immediate family had returned to him.

“When I got out of the car, they were lying in wait for someone who could heart hem. A very insistent Matriarch calling herself Portia stands at the front of your ancestors. She said to tell you that if you had paid attention to your intuition and your dreams you would have known about, the viper in your garden.”

“I’ve been a little busy.”

“You had a week of sensory deprivation with nothing to do but listen.” Queen pointed out.

“I spent the week with my father, who made sure I didn’t go insane. I was putting my own demons to rest and didn’t need my ancestors being busybodies.” The look he gave her was so much the Roman General, it reminded her why he’s the one chosen by Fate to change the world. “A wise man once told me that sometimes one has to follow the path they are on despite the trials. Telling me about the snake, wouldn’t have changed the journey. Besides, not like I could take him out on the word of great grandma … I needed him to hang himself before my brother eviscerated him.” Nicolaus growled.

Queen gave him a considering look then a nod of acceptance. “You know, there’s a lot of people who pay big bucks for that experience.” She drawled as she leaned back against the couch unconcerned with his pique.

Nicolaus was reminded of a mix of Nubian queen and the sassy twelve-year-old that worked first as a step ‘n fetch it, then as an extraordinary singer at The Pleasure Boutique. “Brat.”

“Yes sir, Mister Nicolaus, sir. Blame Evy.” She chuckled as she batted her eye lashes at him. They sat in companionable silence for several minutes before Queen placed her cup back on the tray. “As much as I enjoy lolling about all day enjoying the pretty scenery Sylum Manor provides, I need to get back to my own circus. Isamene and I will be back in a few days to cleanse the stench from your home.” Queen offered her hand to Nicolaus, who pulled her from the couch. “Before you escort me to my car, we need to find Dean.” She hummed as they walked arm in arm through the Manor.

“Dean?”

“Yes, the boy likes my music, and I promised him a treat.”

“What about me?” The Clan Leader pushed out his bottom lip in a pout. “Maybe it’ll inspire Warrick. He’s been so engrossed in work he’s barely touched his piano in years.”

“Y’all need to come out to The Camp for bit. Let the boys handle things for a few days.”

Their conversation was interrupted when Dean scooted around the corner. “I’m here. Sam nearly got me lost me in the endless shelves of Tim’s library then he got into a geek babble fest with Mr. Finch. I barely escaped without my brain leaking out my ears.” He smiled innocently at Queen and Nicolaus.

“Dean, I know you understand geek babble, as you call it. It all comes down to the math, which is practically your second language.”

The tips of the young Vampire’s ears turned red. “You told me to find you when you were leaving?” He looked hopefully at Queen to change the subject.

“I did. Come along, both of you.”

Digging through the large bag sitting in the passenger seat of Queen’s SUV, she straightened up and turned to hand each man two CDs. One with her picture on the cover and one with Dwight’s name merged into the abstract art on the cover.

Acting on impulse, Dean grabbed the petite woman in a hug and kissed her on the cheek before heading for the garage. “Wait ‘til Baby hears this.” He stopped and turned around. “Thanks, Queen.”

“Who’s Baby?”

“A classic ’67 Impala that was more of a home to those boys than any house.” Nicolaus stared fondly after his Hunter.

Giving Queen a hug, he closed the door as she rolled down the window. “I’ll see you in a few days with Isamene. Make sure you make time to bring Warrick to the plantation.”

“We will. Strength and honor.”

“Love and balance.” Queen blew him a kiss as she pulled away.

~ Finis ~