The Bodyguard (is the Omega)

31.

The music swelled, sweeping the award recipients from the stage. There were entirely too many people standing behind the side curtains. Krushnic gave Castiel a cool nod as Nick passed him to take the microphone. Ketch was trying to clear as many people off the backstage as he could.

"There you go folks, first omega sound engineer to win an academy award. Well at least we know why she's so good at her job, she smells so sweet you gotta hold your breath in case you pop a .... oh right family award night. I mean no wonder everyone's stood up for her, right?"

Castiel frowned, this was comedy? The audience gave pretty much the same reaction.

"Hey you know what we shouldn't joke about omegas getting professional jobs," Nick shrugged off the cool reception from the crowd. "This is 1992 after all right. I mean they do everything nowadays and they do it better than us knotheads. And I guess I shouldn't call alphas knotheads either because alphas aren't all contentious like me. Like Dean Winchester's here tonight..."

Clapping erupted in the audience, Nick looked annoyed, but pleased for the sudden engagement. "He's been raising money for omega rights for decades, what's his charity called? You Are Really Alpha? What an awesome guy right, I hear even his bodyguard is an omega. Bet he tails Dean's ass real good. I mean can you imagine? Protect and serve. Wonder which one the omega's doing more of?"

Castiel could see Marv almost falling over his clipboard trying to stifle his laughter into it, tears streaming down his face as he forced himself to stay quiet. Dean was still hanging back stage, Castiel had no idea if Dean was watching a live feed. Krushnic was smirking amused. Nick turned his head and gave Castiel a pointed wink.

"Sorry, folks, I'm just jealous," Nick shrugged. "And I really shouldn't make any more omega jokes because Rowena McLeod is back there and she may be small but she can really throw a punch. I think the woman's a witch, I haven't sold out a show since I offended her with those hag jokes at last year's awards."

Perhaps if Nick actually understood the difference between harassment and humour, he would sell more tickets to his standup show, thought Castiel. Though for someone with an ego like Nick's, witchcraft was probably a more plausible cause than admitting his own failings as an entertainer and human.

"So without further ado, Rowena McLeod and Dean Winchester, the stars of Wayward Son, here to present the award for Best Musical Lyrical And Original Song Scores!"

The orchestra played beautifully, blowing and stringing out these huge sounds from their instruments. The lights turned to the stage and Castiel blinked rapidly to clear his vision as Dean descended a set of stage steps, Rowena meeting him in the middle, they went up to the podium arm in arm. Dean shaking Nick's hand politely but Rowena flicked her jewels so that her gigantic diamond ring would have blinded Nick if he hadn't pulled out of the cheek kiss he was going for.

"Good evening," Dean looked into the camera, his voice smooth as he read from the teleprompter, the lighting conspiring to make him look like a dream. "It is our honour tonight to present to you the award for Best Musical Lyrical And Original Song Scores."

"And we promise to read out all the nominees," Rowena chimed in charmingly. "Even if my on screen son happen to be the singer of one of the nominated songs. Good luck honey."

Dean laughed and looked into the cameras.

"From the film Country Mountain: Ouchy Peaky Heart. Lyrics by Bobby Lin Pirate, original score by Billie Jean Pirate." Rowena read.