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Chapter Text

It had been a long day for Dean and Castiel to begin with. Dean had finally returned home from a hunt and he knew his kids were going to be asking for him, so he didn't even get a chance to stay inside for a bit. Castiel had a human job of a tax accountant, which Dean took every chance to tease him about. He now was officially the ' Holy Tax Accountant ' that Dean called him when they first met. But they had their own child to look after as well, which spelled chaos. Especially since Sam and Gabriel's child was in grade 3 and theirs were only in kindergarten and grade 2.

"You could have waited at home and I could have let you surprise them there," Castiel responded dryly as he looked over the school yard and noticed his kids were on the monkey bars. "If they fall."

"They won't. They have my athletic ability," Dean responded and Castiel looked at him annoyed. "What? I know for fact Anthony has it. He's always got the best grades in his gym class," he added.

"Yes and Emmalyn has her best grades in Foreign Languages and Math as well as the highest detention record for any kindergarten child for beating up kids who pick on her brother or cousin," Castiel responded dryly. "She doesn't have your athletic ability. She has your act for trouble," he responded deadpanned.

"Well she's a natural born fighter," Dean amended and Castiel sighed at that. He knew that Emmalyn hadn't been in a fight for a few months. But it didn't change that he had to cover for Dean when she gave her reasons. Sam and Gabriel even attended that meeting to cover Dean's case. But the three parents that were present had a long talk with Emmalyn at home and she knew she had lost her TV time and later bedtime for the weekend for a month.

"She shouldn't feel like she needs to fight at school," Castiel explained before he saw their neighbours driving up and he had to muster every ounce of his angellic grace to not smite them.

"Their kid only damaged one flower. Your kid spent an entire afternoon with you planting a new garden to make up for it," he answered calmly looking at him. Castiel smiled at the memory of Emmlayn sitting beside him and planting an entire garden with him just because she saw he was upset. Castiel watched as Anthony and his nephew Robert came outside and went to go get Emmalyn.

They were about to go find Emmalyn's bag which Castiel could see was buried under the plethora of what he called germ-filled humans bags. So he knew he was washing her backpack that evening and making sure Emmalyn had her bath that night. Robert moved towards a group of kids that were approaching Emmalyn and Anthony and he watched as Emmalyn nonetheless got up and took her cousin's hand and dragged him to the backpack pile to help her out. "She's got her eyes on coming home."

"Probably a long day. You should see what they have kindergarten kids doing," Dean explained before watching as the older kids were talking to Emmalyn and she said something before her cheeks puffed up. "Come on little angel. Don't start a fight," he whispered.

"She knows me and Sam wouldn't be happy with her if she did," Castiel whispered. He also saw though that the kid that was being blocked off by Robert and Anthony, their parents were just standing there and not calling him off. "If they don't call their sons off," Castiel began.

"She's fine Cas. Just let it go," Dean advised before seeing that the kid roughly yanked out a flower hairclip that Emmalyn always insisted on wearing. Robert and Anthony were about to move until they saw Emmalyn go in front of them.

"See?! They ruined the flowers for the bees and then the flower in my bumblebee's hair. The flowers are for bees. Not ungrateful kids," Castiel began very annoyed at Dean and the man sighed at his husband but they all watched as Emmalyn merely took her clip back and slipped it into her pocket and smiled at them before taking her brother's and cousin's hands, grabbing her bag and walking towards the gate where she could see Castiel and Dean waiting.

"I have got to do something," Castiel decided.

"We could kick the kids and the parents around," Dean suggested as he did see where Castiel was coming from. Emmalyn was their little bumblee and nobody got away with treating her like she was trash.

"Dean no," Castiel began in a gravelly tone knowing that he was going to clearly have to be the logical one in the duo until Sam and Gabriel came to pick up Robert from their house which wasn't until after dinner.

"Slash the tires of their parents cars so they know how it feels to be a kicked puppy?" Castiel looked at him and he sighed at that idea. "Knew there'd be a look of annoyance at that. What about toilet papering their houses?"

"Are you Anthony and Robert's age?" Castiel looked a little annoyed and miffed about his husband's immaturity.

"Well then Angel, what's your plan to take care of this mess? As I can tell that you aren't going to take this sitting down," he added as an after thought. He then watched as Emmalyn and her teacher were talking and she was getting something from her, before he heard it.

"I'm going to write a strongly worded letter," Castiel decided.

"You're a monster," Dean decided with a smirk before seeing Anthony and Robert walking out with Emmalyn. Robert rushed over to Dean with Anthony and they all watched as Emmalyn ran into Castiel's arms and got picked up. "How was school boys?"

"Pretty good, although Emmalyn got beat up by those kids earlier. She's using her specialness to hide it," Anthony snitched. Castiel looked at Emmalyn as he was buckling her into her seat and had his grace going over her to see what Anthony meant.

"Bumblebee," he began softly and she shrugged. "No. This isn't something that we just ignore," he responded and as they were driving back, Castiel was growing angrier by the moment.

"You said no fight," she explained as they walked inside where Sam and Gabriel were waiting and Emmalyn took down her grace. "I listen."

"What happened?!" Sam and Gabriel were very protective over Emmalyn and the moment they saw the blood and the bruises they were not going to just sit there and wait for an explanation.

"Some third graders beat her up," Robert informed casually. "I was stuck inside or I would have been out there and Anthony was also stuck inside," Robert assured and Castiel nodded at his nephew knowing the truth was in there.

"Emmy," Sam began as he kneeled to her level, but watched as Castiel used his grace to heal her. "We said don't start fights. If someone hits you, you can step in to defend yourself. You don't ever have to be a punching bag," he assured.

"Okay," she responded hugging Sam and Gabriel also hugged her and Dean smiled seeing how close Emmalyn was to her uncles.

"I'll go start on dinner," Castiel informed smiling as he knew that Gabriel and Sam were going to have Emmalyn entertained for a while so they had some time to just clean out Emmalyn's bag and get food on the table.

As they opened her bag they saw her agenda and Dean grabbed it knowing there was always something to be said in it and he smiled knowing the teacher was aware something was happening. Emmalyn was our little gem today. She was helping other kids and then when it was arts and crafts time she made a project for you and your husband. I think you two will love it. Miss Chesterfield Castiel looked through her bag and finally saw it. It was a wooden bee and she had painted it like a bumblebee.

"For the garden. Since I can't always play outside. From your little bumblebee," Castiel read with a smile on his face. "This isn't going to the garden," he decided placing it in the window and smiling.

"I'm glad to see we're starting to get notes home saying that Emmalyn's having a good day at school most of the week," Dean admitted.

"Well as long as her brother and cousin aren't hurt? She's okay too I'd assume," Castiel added.

Chapter Text

Whenever it came to angel work, there was no questions about the work that all God's children did for him. The archangels sometimes oversaw the work of certain angels, although if asked they did it against their will. One angel though? She had the attention of every archangel and angel in Heaven. Carman was the daughter of Lucifer and another angel who was known as Lucinda. The two of them each were known for their own misdeeds in Heaven and they unfortunately followed Carman wherever she went. But Carman wanted to make a better name for herself, so she signed onto working with Castiel before he went to the Winchesters. However, even though she worked her hardest, Carman could sense any feelings the Winchester boys had. Castiel did not hate Carman, though there were days he was contrite with her and doled out a punishment that fit her crime. But it didn't mean that the archangels weren't going to still check up on the daughter of the wicked ones.

The boys were out on a ghost hunt with Castiel and when Carman tried to join them, Dean was harder than ever and ordered Carman to stay behind. Castiel and Sam were going to speak in her defence until Dean said words they all knew would just mess with Carman's head. "We don't need any of the evil angel mojo ruining a plan," he snapped out before anyone could stop him.

Castiel, however, had a better reason and tried to get Carman on his page. "Your wings are still injured, are they not?" Carman actually felt a bit of nerve to lie to her teacher knowing it would get her out. "Do not think to lie to me young lady, or the consequences will be dire."

In the end, Carman agreed with Castiel since he at least was looking out for her injuries from the last hunt. But it didn't change that to her, it meant she was useless. She was currently curled up in the library reading up on some lore before she heard the warding on the bunker go a weird way and she sighed grabbing her angel blade. She sighed hearing her phone ring. "This is Carman."

"Hey. Just thought I'd call and ask how it was going back at the bunker," Sam greeted and Carman rolled her eyes at the hunter knowing he was trying to act like everything was cool. "We're almost done. So I also wanted to assure you we'd be back soon."

"That's great Sam," she answered before opening the kitchen drawer to reveal her twin daggers. "Tell Dean there's a Cherry Pie in the fridge for him when he gets back. I actually made it and I think I made it right this time," she informed.

"You are on speaker," Dean began and she rolled her eyes at the commentary. "But regardless, are you sucking up for your attitude to us all before we left a couple days ago?? Because if so? It's working. Thanks for the attempt. Hopefully I don't get food poisoning this time."

Carman felt her heart sink at that comment as she knew it was to be a joke, but it didn't change that it hurt to be reminded she had poisoned the human hunter. "Ignore him. Dean will be delighted to eat a slice of the pie when we return. I'm glad to see you found something constructive to do with your spare time," Castiel answered and she chuckled at that. 'We should be back in about 5 hours."

"Sounds good. I'm just going to be in the library," she assured hanging up. As she looked around she could still feel a weird energy and the bunker's weird response to what happened alarmed her. She knew to check for what kind of creature she could be dealing with. Opening her phone she looked for Castiel's contact before she saw her phone glitch. "Electromagnetic interruption. It's one of our people," she mused walking out of the kitchen and keeping her ears peeled for any signs of movement. When she walked into the main area of the bunker she could feel the energy even better. "Oh good grief," she sighed looking around but holding her angel blade at the ready. "Is it you Michael?"

"Guess again," the voice teased.

"Hello Gabriel," she sighed putting her blade into it's sheath and waiting for the angel to show up and he walked out from behind a pillar. "What can I do for you? Castiel is out right now."

"Wow. You'd think after being your mentor for a year, you'd know me well enough to know I would come see you occasionally as well," he teased and she counted to 5 in her head before turning to him. "Plus Castiel sent me to look over your injuries. He thinks you are lying about the extent. Even though you are half archangel and half angel, you still have flaws. Let me see," he responded and she shook her head jumping up to the higher level of the bunker and looking at him before standing behind a pillar. "Carma," he began softly.

"I'm fine Uncle Gabriel," she promised looking straight ahead. She knew she couldn't lie to his face so she had to hide it. She opened her eyes to see some of her true form revealing itself. "It's minor. It'll go away."

"All the same, I'd like to see it myself," he answered walking towards the stairs. Gabriel, Michael and Castiel all knew this little issue with Carman came up. She couldn't bring herself to admit if she was injured and to what extent. As he walked up the stairs he heard a whoosh and watched as Carman appeared to have flew herself down the hall at the bottom of the stairs. "Are we really playing this game?"

"I really do not think the injuries are serious enough to warrant the intervention of an archangel," she responded as she kept her pace to her room. She was going to stall for time as long as she could. She had to. She was Lucifer's daughter which meant she couldn't be in pain. She was going to be okay soon. As she got to her little space that was her personal room she closed the door and locked it hoping Gabriel wouldn't try anything. But to no avail. She saw him walk right through the door and she glared at her uncle as he could see her.

"You're not able to keep everything inside your vessel," he noted gently and she glared at him. "But that's not due to your injury, is it? It's because I showed up. You didn't think anyone would pay attention to your injuries. Or care enough to intervene. So when I got past the bunker's security," he began looking at her and she sighed trying to emotionally control herself.

"I'm fine," she responded annoyed looking away from him and letting her wings expose themselves and it made Gabriel look at her amazed. "What? No words for the broken toy of the angellic community?"

"Broken toy?" Gabriel knew now that there was something eating at Carman and she wasn't allowing it free. She wouldn't talk about it to Castiel, which was why he actually was called down. Despite his nature as a trickster, Michael was more strict. Gabriel was closer to Carman's maturity level.

"It's nothing. Now if you don't mind I promised a certain seraph I'd be in the library when he returned. So I can not be caught in a lie," she dismissed going to walk away and Gabriel grabbed her arm and she looked at him. "I'm okay."

"You're not. Do you have the wing care kit that Michael sent you to Earth with?" She glared at him and he realized. "You never were sent by Michael. You snuck out," he realized and she nodded. "Where is it?"

"Nightstand drawer," she informed and she counted to 10 before he returned with it. "I only snuck out because I was really getting sick of Ishim and Mirabel. I wanted to be taught by Castiel. Even though he's strict, he's compassionate."

"It's who he is. He will act all annoyed with you but he cares. Also, don't act like we all didn't know you snuck off. Michael's not happy with his niece," he informed as he opened the kit and pulled out the comb, brush and tweezers and wing pliers. She looked mortified at the wing pliers and he sighed at that. "Your wings were distorted. If you had come home, or told Castiel right away, we may have been able to avoid those."

"That's putting it mildly," Castiel responded walking in and looking at the clearly ashamed Carman. "How long until you got her to perch on her bed for you to run the kit through?" Gabriel looked at him and Castiel could see the Winchesters looking at her. "Sam, you may stay for the next little bit. Dean, I believe you were told about a pie that was made for you."

"As long as I don't die from it," Dean muttered before grunting in pain as Sam stomped on his foot. "I'll go try some right now," he promised before Sam walked in and closed the door.

"Why didn't you tell anyone about these injuries to your wings Carman?" Castiel knew that despite knowing she was in trouble with him, she never lied to the angel. Ever. When he was met with silence, he glanced down as he took the pliers from Gabriel and noticed a stray tear silently falling. "Are you in pain?"

"No," she responded and Gabriel looked at Castiel confused. "My injuries were minor, I thought at least, so I didn't say anything. I've healed from injuries in the past, so why would today be any different?"

"Because your wings are literally bent into almost a ball. It's a miracle you flew down the stairs and the hall away from me," Gabriel responded as he and Cas finally got her wings to straighten out. They had to get her plumage to be straight or her wings would never heal. "Michael asked about why you missed your scheduled visit with him."

"You didn't go to see your father?" Castiel didn't believe what he was hearing. He always made sure on the days that she was allowed, Carman was able to go visit Lucifer. She shook her head and sighed.

"Didn't really want to see him today. I'll get another visit next month," she assured.

"Not the issue at hand. Now again, why hide this?"

"To quote a friend of our's. Injuries happen. But you deal with them and move on," she responded and Castiel bit his lip knowing now this was more than just the injury getting to her mind.

"Dean and you got on a bit of a rough note. But he's not saying these things out of malice. He is saying them out of the care he has for you. When I explained to him that you fled from upstairs, that you needed somewhere you could feel safe, he knew I was what you thought of as safe. You haven't had the same life as others. So you came to find me. Which I'm relieved for," he explained before looking at her. "But what I didn't get," he began before wincing as he heard her groan in pain. "Was why you felt the need to hide all your injuries."

"I'm the daughter of the devil and his right handed consort. What's it matter if I'm in pain?" Castiel began to run the sentence through his head and immediately realized who she was referring to.

"Bumblebee, if this is about what happened between Raphael and you," Castiel began before he saw her wing twitch and it confirmed his suspicions he sighed. "I am not aware of everything, am I?"

"I was minding my business and he goes and parades to all the young angels that if they aren't careful they'll wind up like me. Orphaned. No parents and just a mentor to go off of. Even though Uncles Michael and Gabriel did try with me."

"Did try? We still try. Michael's been trying to get a hold on you for weeks. But you ignore him," Gabriel responded and she tilted her head. "You go flying once a week in a field that Castiel shows you is warded. Been feeling any large gusts of wind while you fly?"

"That was him?"

"He knows you like to fly so he tries to mess with you to catch your attention. I try to look for you every time you're out," Gabriel answered looking at her. "Me and Michael do not care about the fact that you were basically made in spite of Father. We care that you're safe. Do you understand me?" She nodded and he hugged her once he was sure that her wings were not going to ball up. "Do me a favor and come talk to Michael this weekend. And come home. Dad misses you."

"I'm not going to start another argument tonight," she sighed and Gabriel looked at her shocked. "Don't make me."

"No. Let's hear it. What were you going to say?"

"How can he love me? I'm nothing."

"Go home for a couple days. If there's a hunt I'll get Gabriel to bring you back down," Castiel decided. She sighed and as Gabriel took her back to Heaven he saw Chuck and Michael waiting for them.

"Carma," Michael sighed in relief hugging her and noticing her angel wings were in slight casts. "You were hurt?"

"She hid it from Castiel. Who told her to come home for a bit," Gabriel informed looking at Michael. "She's been in hiding because of how she's being painted around other angels. As if she's being condemned."

"My child," Chuck began walking over to her and gently touching her shoulder. "Why would you think that you're being condemned?"

Because the one who physically created me is treated like garbage and everyone treats me the same. I was scared. I couldn't face you. What if you were like everyone else? Why would you love me anyways?

"Now you can stop that. I will love you. No matter what. I have seen what you do and how hard you work. It is good to see you listen to Castiel and seek him for safety. I do hope you continue that as it's clear he helps you. But for the next couple days. Stay home with your brothers. As they are more your brothers than uncles," he informed.

"Okay," she responded.

"Okay what?" Michael did want her on manners but God had clearly beaten him to the punch.

"Yes father," she responded shyly before smiling in relief as she was hugged by him and her wings fully restored.

"Go on. Michael has much to show you," he informed and she nodded running after him with a smile on her face. It would take time, but eventually she would make it through the worst of the storm.

Chapter Text

When the snow was sticking to the ground and Vanth was able to watch Jack play carefree in the snow, she knew Christmas was coming too soon. "Hey, V?" She glanced over at Jack with a smile on her face. "Castiel and Dean, they said they were thinking about plans for Christmas. It got me thinking. What are you going to do for Christmas? I mean I know you're an angel, but is there anywhere you're going to visit?"

"I'm not sure yet. I was debating returning upstairs for the holidays. I know I overheard Dean and Castiel talking about some plans for you guys over the holidays," she admitted looking at him with a smile as her black hair collected specs of snow. "I mean what's it matter? Everyone's getting out of the bunker for two weeks."

"I don't know. It just seems odd that nobody comes around to talk to you about plans. I mean Dean and Castiel are taking me for a week, then Sam and Ruby are. But they never mentioned if they'd take you for a week at all," he explained and Vanth smiled at her basically foster brother.

"Castiel is more of my teacher. So while he does look out for me, I want him to have his time off," she explained as she stood up. "Now, are we going Christmas shopping or what?" Jack hopped up and she smiled opening her car's back seat door and he climbed in. Vanth had a rather rustbucket style Chevrolet Uplander and it came in handy. She smiled as she turned on some Christmas music before smiling as Jack was easily singing along to the tunes.

Arriving in the heart of town, Vanth smiled as Jack was busy shopping. Vanth, herself even had plans to make certain she had something for everyone, as to her? It didn't matter that she wasn't going to be involved with the team at Christmas. In honesty? She thought she was doing them a favour by going back up to Heaven for the holidays since it meant she could try and spend some time reconnecting with her heavenly father. She spoke the truth to Jack as she knew that Castiel was her teacher, but she didn't want him thinking that he had to find a way to include her in his plans. They were walking into a store that she knew sold lots of items for families and it was perfect for Jack. She smiled as she watched him go nuts in picking things for Sam, Dean, Castiel, Ruby, Rowena and Mary. She even took a chance to smile as she saw a small male angel figurine and she bought it quietly thinking to give it to Castiel.

As she walked out of the store and into a coffee shop, she smiled as she saw Jack follow. "So what did you get from the store we were just in? I wasn't able to fully see," she responded and Jack smiled showing her all the little gifts he had. "Where else do you want to go?"

"I kind of ordered Castiel this bee shaped planter, so I need to pick it up," he informed and she nodded at that knowing that Castiel was definitely going to be given the most from Jack this year.

"Then where are we going?" She couldn't deny her basically brother anything. She tried, but it just never happened. She blindly followed Jack over to a small little shop where she saw the owner smile and give Jack the bee planter and it made her smile. "Castiel's really lucky to have a son like you."

"He's lucky to have a student like you," Jack corrected and she shrugged at that. "Why didn't you ask Castiel to be a part of his Christmas plans? You know he would have immediately said yes."

"No I don't. Besides. It would be good for you to have some quality time with him and Dean," she answered looking at Jack seriously. "I'm okay Jack. I have people upstairs that will be relieved to see me again," she responded.

"Are you sure? I'm certain Sam and Ruby could work out something where you could go with them and then we switch," Jack offered and Vanth shook her head at him smiling before driving him back.

"I was wondering where you two got off to," Castiel chuckled.

"Christmas shopping. We had to finish up," Vanth answered before taking her bags and walking inside since she saw Jack was taking a few extra minutes to get his stuff. As soon as she dropped off her bags and then grabbed her wrapping paper. She knew that Jack was leaving in a couple hours. So she was being careful and quick wrapping up everyone's gifts and quickly separating them into two bags and dropping them in front of the Winchester brother's doors.

As everyone finished packing, Castiel noticed Vanth looked completely ready and he chuckled at that. "Did you warn Gabriel that you were coming back?" She nodded and he smiled at that hugging her to his side. "I'll contact you if we need you down to Earth ahead of schedule."

"I'll be counting on that," she assured before smiling as Jack and Castiel took off and she closed her eyes before smirking as she landed outside the gates of her home. As she walked through the smaller areas of the place she called home, she noticed everyone staring at her. She knew that she had technically lied to Castiel and hadn't mentioned that she was coming home for Christmas. But she had told Gabriel she'd be coming home soon for a visit. Her small little cabin was on the edges of where the archangels were known to be, but it was small and cozy place for her. Stepping inside the living room she snapped her fingers to get the fire lit and she smiled at how the place was just as she left it. She hadn't had anything moved down to earth as she always had a backup plan made for herself. As she sat in a recliner, she looked out over the world and smiled as she could see Castiel and Dean making memories with Jack, while Ruby and Sam were just arriving home. "Everything is right with the world."

For the few days before Christmas, Dean and Castiel were wrapping up their last gifts while also making certain that Jack got to do some fun activities. When Sam and Ruby were coming over, Castiel noticed Jack standing on the heated balcony and he walked out to join him. "What are you doing out here?"

"Trying to talk to Vanth, but she's not been answering." Castiel frowned at that and glanced up to the sky trying to get a feel for Vanth anywhere and frowned when he couldn't get a signal at all from her. "Do you think she's alright?"

"I'll get Gabriel's input. Can you give us a few minutes?" Jack knew that Gabriel being called was not a good sign.

As Castiel looked up and prayed for Gabriel to show himself he stepped aside knowing the archangel's typical style. "You knew to move," he chuckled as he stood and faced Castiel seriously. "So what has you all concerned? Last I checked you and the Winchesters were taking a well deserved two weeks off," he added.

"Has Vanth shown her face to you in the past few days?" Gabriel looked at him confused and Castiel sighed looking at him annoyed. "I had asked her to warn you that she was coming back upstairs for the two weeks holiday that we were having and she told me she had contacted you."

"Well, the angel has been caught in a lie. I had no idea she was upstairs. Otherwise, I would have talked to her. Which tells me that she's not playing victim, but she's hiding. I'm on it," he answered.

Vanth was ready to go to her meditative state before she heard her door open and she saw Gabriel at the door with his blade. "V. I'm home," he greeted and she glared daggers into him.

"I'm about to go relax so," she began before Gabriel snapped his fingers and the doors were gone to her room. "Gabriel, you're my older brother. And I love you. But this is a little absurd."

"Is it? I got a call from Castiel asking if you had shown your face. I didn't even know you were home. Apparantly you've also been ignoring Jack who's been calling out to his sister," he continued.

"I thought it best he go unanswered so he enjoyed his holidays," she explained looking at Gabriel seriously. "Besides, despite the fact that you're a big family angel? Why's it matter? Christmas is about family."

"Exactly," he began looking at her and sitting across from her in a chair. "It's about family. So why aren't you down with your brothers?" She shrugged and he looked at her seriously. "You don't play victim. I know that."

"I'm not," she assured looking at Gabriel seriously. "Sam has plans with his fiance which I'm excited for him. Jack's like a son to Castiel and Dean. I want them to have their time together," she explained.

"When was I going to know you were in Heaven again?"

"The day after tomorrow," she answered honestly. Gabriel did the math and then looked at her. "I know it's after Christmas. I do. But I wanted to just go into a meditative sleep until Christmas was over. Then I was going to come out."

"We don't sleep," Gabriel reminded.

"A state of no answers," she responded annoyed.

"Did they have any plans to have you around for Christmas?"

"Not that I knew of," she informed. She sat looking at Gabriel seriously and smiling at him carefully. "Do yourself a favor and pretend you didn't find me. At least until this whole thing goes over."

"No. Were you going to come to the Feast?"

"No. We don't eat. It's a rare occasion that Angels actually eat."

"Yeah and this is one of them. So for once you were going to get hungry and you were going to ignore it."

"Not a huge deal," she dismissed looking at him. "Now what will it take to let me go into a meditative state?" Gabriel had a smirk on his face and she sighed looking at him. "I'm not going down to the big meal with all the other Angels."

"Not all the others. Just the one that me, Michael, Luci, Raphael and dad have. The one that matters," he answered looking at her and she glanced at him annoyed. "Take your pick. I know you don't like it, but if you aren't going to be with Castiel at Christmas, you're going to be with me and I always go there."

"Vanth," Castiel greeted knocking on the door and she sighed going to the door and opening it to see Castiel standing there. "Jack's worried and it's getting a little frustrating listening to him complain."

"I was trying to get him to focus on his two weeks off. Seems that didn't work out, huh?"

"No. I thought you were spending time with other angels here. Not just hiding away in your cabin."

"Safe," she reminded and Castiel rolled his eyes at that. "You can't deny that my name does not help matters." Castiel winced at that knowing that Vanth was a name for a female demon.

"Come home," Castiel answered looking at her and she shook her head. "I don't believe I asked. I believe I told you to come home."

"And I told you no," she responded.

"Really want to see what I can make you do in the fields when you're flying, for this act of disobedience?" She sighed and shook her head. "So come home," he repeated looking at her.

Gabriel chuckled pushing Vanth out of her cabin and she followed Castiel back down to their home. "I'll come see you on Christmas. So have your ears open," Gabriel warned her and she nodded at him. "Also I still want to spend some time with you on Christmas."

"Boxing day?"

"Done," Gabriel chuckled looking at the self proclaimed 'fallen angel' as she walked back with Castiel and he was able to see her wings and they were going from their black as night tone to an ash grey. "Maybe you will recover."

Chapter Text

Pretending that you weren't in love with Dean Winchester was a hard thing for you to do. Especially when you were an angel, or an archangel at that. Lucifer, despite his flaws had proven he was trying to be good and was getting to make up for what he'd done by working with the Winchesters. He knew though he was being monitored heavily by Castiel, Gabriel and their own student angel Rebecca.

It was a typical evening in the motel room and Rebecca was standing by the window waiting for Castiel to return with some information for her. "I'm going to get food. I'll be back," Dean informed and Rebecca put her thumb up and waved him off while Sam nodded as well and Lucifer looked at Rebecca. She never kept her mouth shut, but he watched as she walked over and grabbed a water bottle and placed it beside Sam.

"So you don't dehydrate," she assured and Sam smiled taking her hand and squeezing it. He knew that Castiel and him had begun a line of communication to Rebecca with that and she nodded at him. "Come on Cas," she whispered looking out the window.

"Why does Dean not ask what you guys want?" Lucifer was curious and knew Rebecca was trained in not lying. Sam? He wouldn't have been surprised if he was ignored as he was once attempting to take over the man's body, but still.

"He knows what Sam wants like the back of his hand. Memorizes all his orders. Doesn't ask anymore. Me? I don't eat much so I usually just get a small side. But I already assured him I'd be okay for today," she responded.

"Your vessel does need to eat," Castiel greeted walking in and handing her an egg salad sandwich. "I remembered you saying that this thing tasted of molecules you could stand," he added as a side note.

"Thanks Castiel. You didn't need to think of me," she assured and he chuckled at her sitting at the edge of the bed and watching as she curled up in the window and looked out it confused. "I do not understand. Why do people say that angels must walk among us? It isn't like they can tell who are angels and who are not." Castiel chuckled at her thoughts while she ate.

"It's a human saying. It means they feel hope," Castiel dismissed looking at her before he watched as Dean walked in and handed Sam a huge dinner and had himself something small. "Dean, you should eat more."

"I'm okay. So long as Sammy's good," he responded and Rebecca rolled her eyes at him. "Shouldn't you be worried about the girl of all ye faithful? She looks thinner than the last time I made the joke."

"Do not worry about me Dean. I will be fine," she dismissed as she was reading. As she was about to say something else she looked up to see that Dean was constantly worrying about Sam. "Go to bed Dean. I'll be here for a bit and can watch over Sam."

"Actually can I have a word with you, Dean?" Rebecca glared at Lucifer and he looked at her seriously. "I mean no harm. If Castiel's little pet wants to come outside and watch over Dean and I, herself? She's more than welcome."

As she walked outside she stood by the door knowing she was just to make sure Lucifer didn't do anything stupid. "What did you want to talk about? Because if you try anything there's an angel here that can smite you," Dean began.

"But she wouldn't," Lucifer responded.

"Try me," Rebecca advised looking at him with her eyes glowing blue. "I smited my own parents. One more angel, an archangel at that, won't bother me," she warned looking at him seriously.

"Why do you do so much for Samuel? It's not like he truly appreciates it," Lucifer began and Dean looked at the archangel annoyed. Rebecca even glanced at him annoyed and he looked at them seriously. "Did you notice how he didn't say a simple thank you for the water, Rebecca? Or a simple thank you for getting him such a large amount of food?"

"Dean, scream if he's up to something," she advised walking inside and closing the door. Rebecca knew something was happening in the background of Lucifer's voice and she wasn't going to be present for it.

Dean looked at Lucifer annoyed and he chuckled at that. "It seems the angel kid realized I might be onto something and didn't want to be here for it. But you, remind me of my brother. As much as we bicker, Michael and you are alike. You cover pain by caring about someone else."

"You never seem to ask for some gratitude!" Dean and Lucifer looked at each other confused and agreed that their annoyances could wait as it was clear that Lucifer may have just sparked a war. Walking in they saw Sam and Rebecca at each other's throats. "You usually ignore him! Now all of a sudden he causes you to want?! That's why having you around him is a bad idea. He corrupts you," Sam snapped.

"He's not wrong," Rebecca continued looking at Sam seriously with her grace shining through her eyes. "You take life for granted. You take what my brothers do for you for granted," she added looking at him. "Gabriel blocked you from being dragged down with the last demon that we all hunted. Your welcome," she snapped.

"Sister," Lucifer began and she looked at Lucifer annoyed. "While I did bring that up to you about Samuel, taking out your rage," he began and she sighed closing her eyes and flinching as he approached her. She would never admit to the archangel that she was still terrified of him.

"Sammy," Dean began carefully knowing that he had to not tip the balance but he also had to address what clearly was bothering both Lucifer and Rebecca. "While I know you do appreciate things, and I know you do. I do see where Lucifer and Rebecca are coming from. Rebecca did take the wrong tone, but I'll leave the angels to deal with her, she in her own way was demanding you to just show a little gratitude. Even though she in her own head knows," Dean began.

"So for once you're taking the angellic brat's side?! She's just being a controlling little," he began before Lucifer walked over and shoved him onto his bed.

"You will speak to your brother with some respect. While Rebecca's attitude clearly needs to change, she is also known in heaven for not being the one to sugar coat anything. She will say what's on her mind with no filter. But she has been out of line as of late and will be punished," he warned.

"Sammy, Rebecca's a kid. You just called her a brat. That implies a child. Which she is. Angel lore says angels are kids for 2 millennia. She's not even a millennia. She's half a century," Dean warned. He then turned to Rebecca seriously and she bit her lip. "But I still expect more of you," he warned and she nodded.

Lucifer smiled at Dean knowing that he in a way did see where the archangel was coming from but also knew where to toe lines and let certain things be handled on their own. "Rebecca will drop it, but Dean has a point. While her behaviour was wrong, she's a fledgling," he began before Castiel covered Rebecca's mouth. "She won't try and tone herself down first. She was trying to merely get you to show gratitude in smaller ways. She knows Gabriel would have saved you either way. But the small mundane things are things to be considered grateful for and showing it a little more often," he explained.

As the two left the room, Lucifer and Dean both sighed. "I hate feeling like I have to get between them. Because while you and Castiel call her sister, she has grown on me like a little sister. So I feel like picking one side, the other feels like you're abandoning them."

"Sometimes we have to make those choices though. It's why Castiel and I blocked her mouth and called her a fledgling in front of her face. She needs to learn that she's going to be sided against. As does Samuel, but we can start slow with them both."

"Thanks for standing up to Sammy when he went after Rebecca, but for also intervening between me and him."

"I'll do whatever it takes to protect you. I don't want you taken for granted by your brother, or any of my siblings," Lucifer answered honestly.

Chapter Text

Sam never thought he'd see the angel court that was ever going to occur. He knew that when Castiel asked him to be present with Dean that it was supposed to be strictly business but it didn't change that Sam's heart skipped a beat at the request. Castiel was fighting for an angel child that was only listening to her mentors and didn't know what she was doing. But she knew that it was almost easily obvious she was going to be sent into the Empty. Regardless Castiel was fighting for her and it made Sam realize he had to help fight as hard to keep her alive.

"How long are you in this cell?" Sam was curious as he was getting a chance to meet her. Castiel was at the door keeping watch for Mirabel or Ishim, since he knew they were going to torture her for information.

"Not sure. My trial's tomorrow, though I translate that as a little show before my inevitable sentence to the Empty," she responded looking at Sam. "What gets me, is that a hunter is here. Asking questions."

"Sam and I are fighting for you at tomorrow's trial. His brother Dean? I'm not sure if he's coming but if he is, he will fight for you as well," Castiel answered glancing at her seriously and she nodded at that. "Where did she put it? I know your original mentor? She's already in the Empty and Ishim didn't get what he wanted from her, so you can bet that if they do sentence you? You'll get asked the same thing. So let's try to skip the preamble. Where is it?"

"I really don't know," she responded looking at Castiel and he glanced at her confused. "I was her mindless soldier. Please remember that. I didn't ask questions. I had my weapons and that's it."

"I know. You were a hassle for Ishim to get down from what I've heard. Meaning that your time in training was not a waste. You learned very well," he responded turning to face her and looking in her eyes. "I don't want you to die. I want to keep you on this side of the Empty. But to do that, I need to have something to work with. So helping me find it? Will give me something."

"I really wish I could tell you," she answered looking at Castiel and he could see a spark of light in her eyes. Which he knew was the truth. Most angels that they had imprisoned to await a trial had no spark of light. Meaning that this angel had been telling them the truth the entire time. She didn't know where the object they wanted, was. She had no clue about any of it. But she wanted to.

"We'll be back in the morning," Sam warned her and she nodded at that knowing since her trial wasn't until the next evening, they had more time. Sam looked at Castiel and saw the same look in his eyes. "She's telling the truth. She wants to be able to help us, but she can't."

"Which doesn't bode well for her. If we have nothing to work with. I wasn't kidding when I said I needed something to work with to save her from being sentenced to the Empty. Right now? She's done for. But she doesn't deserve it. She fought Ishim because she felt threatened. She even said that when Mirabel and I questioned her. She only attacked Ishim because she was afraid that she was going to die so she was defending herself. That light in her eyes? Was there when she said that too. Meaning she's been nothing but honest with us. Which I would hope gives her an edge, but probably won't," he admitted.

As the evening passed, Sam and Castiel were spending the entire time making a plan to get the angel, Bianca, as they finally learned her name was, away from the Empty. By the time they arrived in the morning, they could see Bianca sitting there with no hope. "If you've come to ask more questions about where it is? Don't bother. I still can't remember," she warned.

"No. I just came to talk. Might as well give you some conversation before tonight," Castiel answered sitting by the cell and she looked at him. "I know Ishim grilled you pretty hard about the location of the weapon."

"Yeah and I kept saying the same thing. No idea," she responded. She then looked straight and Castiel could tell the gears in her head were turning. "Did they ever remove the painting of the sword?"

"No, why?" Castiel was slightly relieved as that meant she was remembering something and it meant something good for them all if she remembered enough. She looked in thought and then smirked.

"Have them move it. If I'm not wrong, there might be something back behind it. My mentor? Never let me near it. Said there was something there that had too much importance to it," she explained.

"It might be the sword flute thing," Sam realized and Castiel nodded at that knowing it was true. Some angels hid things either inside a picture or behind it. It was pretty obvious but sometimes the most obvious spot, was the right spot.

"Go let Mirabel and Ishim know," Castiel advised and Sam nodded hurrying off to find them and let them know about what information they did get. "What made you think about the painting?"

"You love him," she responded back and Castiel paused looking at her confused. "The hunter that just left? You're in love with a human," she responded and he blinked at her. "I'm not as oblivious as people think."

"No you are not. But it does not matter how I feel. You should know that," Castiel began and she nodded knowing the implication. Angels were supposed to be emotionless beings that did God's will with no questions.

"It was only an observation. I do apologize for ruining your past 3 days by being stuck on trying to pry information from me. I will feel bad for the hunter as it's clear he wants to try and stop the inevitable."

"We will find a way," Castiel answered looking at her and he then noticed her face. "For an angel that knows she isn't to be emotional? You seem pretty emotional," he added looking at her.

"How can't I be? I'm dead in under 24 hours. But in all honesty, I deserve it. I served a woman who I thought was doing God's will when in reality I was destroying what he made," she added.

"They are going to look now," Sam promised. As time passed, Castiel watched as Mirabel and Ishim came to grab Bianca and she stood quietly before looking at Castiel knowing she could telepathically communicate to him.

Call this my dying wish. Tell him how you feel. It's obvious you're pining on him. Meaning trying to say it without saying it. Castiel watched as she was walked into the room and he followed quickly.

"What reason do we have to spare an angel who was willing to destroy all life?"

"She was following orders of a woman who we all now know was pulling the strings. If Bianca did not wish to save everyone, she would have lied about everything," Castiel began looking at God and Michael. "If Bianca, really wanted to spite the two of you? She wouldn't have tried to think about where the weapon could be. She found it, did she not?"

"Just before her trial," Ishim added.

"But she found it," Castiel reminded looking at him. "She found the weapon we all wanted back here. In all honesty? I think she was more afraid of not finding it than dying. But when it dawned on her that her time was almost out? She actually let tears fall. I think she has potential to be good."

"And who would be responsible for her? She'd require an angel and another being," Michael responded.

"I'll take responsibility for her," Castiel responded looking at Michael. "Your brother and I both work together and we can do that," he added looking at the man seriously. "We can handle it."

"As for humans, me and Dean can help out too," Sam added looking at Michael. "Let her live. We can show her the right way to do things," Sam answered. Michael looked at him and then nodded.

"Bianca," Michael began and Sam winced knowing it was almost like a boom. She glanced up and he nodded at her. "You're getting a chance that nobody else we captured is. Do not squander it. You will learn under Castiel and Gabriel while living on Earth with the Winchesters. For the first 4 months, you won't have your grace. But after that, we will reassess. Are we clear?"

"Yes sir," she responded seriously.

For most of the evening, Sam and Dean were slightly aggressive with each other, but near the end, Castiel was standing in the kitchen window watching over Bianca who was talking with Gabriel. "Thank you. For being willing to have her here," Castiel greeted to Sam as he walked in.

"I meant every word of it. Angels are creatures that don't understand mankind all the time. You were the same at first, but you learned. Bianca was no different. She clearly understood emotions but not why they exist."

Time seemed to slow down for Castiel before he felt a pair of warm and soft lips against his and he smiled kissing the hunter back while gently carding his fingers into Sam's hair. As they broke away, he chuckled. "I don't suppose this means that you are willing to give a chance to an Angel that knows mankind, to have a relationship with you?"

"I suppose we could try," Sam teased before chuckling as Castiel whacked the back of his head and they went outside to join Gabriel and Bianca.

"Took until now? I expected right after the trial," Bianca chuckled.

"Hush," Castiel chuckled with no real bite to the now freed angel. "We need to get groceries. It would be good for you to get used to seeing other humans." She nodded and followed him to the car. "Thank you for being blunt."

"Thank you two both. For saving me."

Chapter Text

It was another week after the whole blow out with Sam that the team knew they might have to readdress the matter, but they were ready. Gabriel and Lucifer were sticking around full time since it would be good for Rebecca regardless. "So what are we dealing with here?"

"Well we're dealing with people that are country-oriented so they do not particularly like anyone from the city, so that gives you a bonus," Rebecca began nonchalantly before Lucifer walked over. "Lore wise? None of these books are helping. I can't find anything," she responded before Lucifer took the book. "Have at it. None of the creatures match."

"She's not wrong," Castiel admitted looking at her. "Have you figured out how to capture this creature yet? As me and Gabriel did ask you to figure that much out," Castiel responded before she laid backwards and reached under the bed revealing an empty liquor bottle. "Do I want to know?"

"Call it a Molotov cocktail of my own design. Or rather as I love to call it: The Hey Assbutt! special," she responded and Gabriel had to chuckle at her cockiness about what to do.

"You better be able to throw quick because once I light that," Gabriel began and she nodded at him knowing what he was saying. "But because we don't know what we're dealing with, you need to be at your best. No slip ups," he added.

"I know," she promised. Over the course of the evening, Rebecca slipped out onto the balcony to take a moment alone and she smiled as she felt the wind brushing against her cheeks. She glanced behind her to see everyone was talking and it made her chuckle. "If it weren't for you two. I wouldn't have a chance," she whispered knowing they couldn't hear her. "So it's why I get mad when someone points out that there's a sign of no gratitude. Because I learned to be grateful from the risk you took," she continued silently before hearing the door open.

Castiel knew that Rebecca was trying to keep her thoughts quiet, but it didn't take a genius to know what she was thinking about. "A moment of reflection?" She nodded as he stood beside her and let his wings brush up against her cheeks. "We're all proud of you. Lucifer included," he added as a side note. "Despite your rough patches, you have made a great change to the community."

"Ha ha," she responded dryly and he looked at her. "You took a huge risk. I mean my full brother and sister are in a cage," she reminded looking at him and Castiel nodded at that seriously. "You took a risk."

"A risk that is worth it and I stand by every time Ishim offers to put you in the same cage. You keep forgetting that while we remind you constantly you're a fledgling, you never fail to make us proud," he responded looking at her.

She shrugged and walked back into the motel room and began formulating a plan to take out whatever they were dealing with. She smiled as she looked between her bangs to see Lucifer and Dean were sitting very close together. "Nobody likes a peeper," Lucifer warned sending her backwards on the bed and she yelped in shock before chuckling. Dean smiled as he watched her sit up and Lucifer walk over to her and make her continue her laughter.

By the time the hunt was beginning, everyone was ready. Rebecca agreed to be the bait and was walking into the warehouse with their target behind her. "So what brings a little girl like you to a huge warehouse."

"Huge and empty buildings are home to me. Nobody around. No judgement," she explained sweetly and Sam had to look at the reflection of Rebecca and saw honesty. He then watched as she turned around and hunched over her bag to make it look like she was grabbing a book and he knew it was his turn. He lit a match and threw it behind their target to reveal a ring of hellfire. "Nice timing. Was worried you forgot."

"Never," he promised. Dean and Lucifer walked out and he smirked at them. "It's all set up," he began before they noticed the flames were doused. "Um Rebecca?" She glanced over at the target and glared.

"You would be one of them," she mused and he chuckled at her. "Aperi caveam aeternae foveam. Ius non habes hic esse." Gabriel did a loose translation mentally as he and Castiel were also prepared for anything and everything to go wrong. When the hole opened, she smirked at the demon. "Didn't think the abomination would know that, did you?" He lunged at Rebecca but as she was ready to defend herself, Dean grabbed the creature and began to fight him getting closer to the hole.

"Dean get away from there," Lucifer begged and before he could say anything, Rebecca even joined the fight again and broke Dean and the demon apart for a few seconds before they both were getting pulled towards the hole.

"Hey! Assbutt," Castiel called and tossed Rebecca's Molotov against the demon making both Dean and Rebecca struggle to get away from the hole while it was falling in, but they had both slipped and Rebecca was able to hold on a little tighter to the ground so she grabbed Dean and tried to pull him up. Lucifer and Gabriel hurried over and Lucifer was holding onto Dean.

"Focus on Dean," Rebecca ordered Gabriel and as they got Dean out, Gabriel was about to grab onto Rebecca before he turned and saw the hole was gone as was Rebecca. He glanced around panicked and so did Castiel.

Lucifer was busy looking over Dean though. "I'm okay," Dean promised before looking at Lucifer's scared face. "I'm fine Morningstar," he promised again calmly before sitting up and to the two of them the world was stopping. Lucifer's lips gently brushed against Dean's before the two of them were only focused on the feel of their lips against each other for roughly 20 minutes. But when they were out of their world they looked around. "Alright peeper I know you got a show," Dean began before he looked around confused.

"Where's Rebecca?" Lucifer even was concerned as he looked around the area.

"When she opened the hole and ordered us to get Dean out of it's grasps first, she must have lost all her grip when she let go with her one arm to pull Dean out. She got sucked in," Gabriel responded looking down.

Castiel was not surprised to see Chuck (God) show up and he looked at him. "Father," he greeted softly and even Gabriel kneeled to the man. The two of them knew they had to do something but with God there, they had to have their faith.

"I was watching. The young fledgling sacrificed her life to save you all," he began looking at where the paper that held the incantation used to open the hole laid. "There is little that I can not fix. A fledgling willing to save her mentors? Is fixable." Lucifer and Dean watched as slowly the body of Rebecca was coming out of the ground and it was unconscious. "She will be asleep for a while, but your fledgling is in there."

For a few days, Castiel and Gabriel were spending every moment in the motel room with Rebecca while they waited for her to awaken. Sam even was looking into more angel lore to see how long they had to wait. But it came time for Dean and Lucifer to sit with her and Dean was not afraid to put Rebecca's body on his chest as he held her. "I know some days I get mad at you. But what you did for me? Will never be forgotten. You risked your life for me."

Lucifer smiled sadly as he watched Dean lay her back down and as they shared a brief kiss they heard a small gasp and glancing down they both saw Rebecca's eyes flashed open and they were blue. "Rebecca," Lucifer began quickly as he held her down and looked in her eyes. "Look into my eyes. Look into Luci's eyes," he calmed and slowly as she focused on him, Dean had to smile. The two of them had two kisses that meant something to him. The one of relief that Dean survived and the one of love that clearly came from how much they each cared.

"She's awake," Castiel sighed in relief and rushed over with Lucifer and Gabriel to help get Rebecca's mind to settle down. Dean knew that at the moment the fledgling had all of Lucifer's love and attention, but he was okay with that. Because in his own way, he wormed into Lucifer's heart, got two kisses that felt like Heaven to him, and the fledgling that he thought was against them, was back to life and all for them clearly.

Chapter Text

Being a half demon and half angel was terrifying to anyone that was born into it. Evelyn was a hunter with the Winchesters and she was struggling to bury her demon side as she knew she could be killed within seconds if anyone ever found out. But she knew that with Castiel in the bunker all the time it was only a matter of time before someone knew the truth. She just hoped she made it past Christmas without being outed. Although with Sam being with a demon? It wouldn’t be too much longer before she couldn’t hide it.

Castiel and Evelyn were busy putting together the Christmas tree for the bunker when they had to chuckle as they heard bantering. “The children are back,” she teased.
“Hopefully you aren’t put into the middle of a war. Again,” Castiel responded. She chuckled at that and helped him with the garland before seeing Ruby. “Hello Ruby,” he greeted formally.

“Hi Cas. Hey Eve,” she greeted and Evelyn smiled hugging the demon. She then returned to the tree and Ruby smiled handing Castiel the balls. “She seems at peace.”
“She is. She enjoys the holidays as it’s a time to enjoy time with family and friends. For once we all aren’t going to be out on a hunt, so she’s getting a time to be with us without an interruption. Gabriel is even coming down.”

“As long as he doesn’t try to smite me, I don’t care. It’ll be good for Evelyn. I’ve noticed she’s a lot looser around Gabriel.” Castiel nodded and knew that Gabriel and Michael were both coming down. But nobody was going to know about Michael except for the Winchester brothers.

As the tree was finally decorated, Jack snuck into the bunker and smiled as he successfully shocked Evelyn who messed his hair before letting him climb up the ladder to put the star onto the tree. Castiel had to chuckle as Jack was being around for Evelyn like an older brother would be and then smirked as Gabriel arrived. “Does she know?”

“No. We all kept your arrival a surprise for her,” Castiel answered before seeing Evelyn glance over and smile at seeing Gabriel. “Looks like you’re out now.”

“Why wouldn’t anyone tell me the Trickster himself was coming?” Evelyn chuckled as Gabriel and her hugged but she tensed as he ran his hand against her wing.

“It’s not a surprise if you’re told in advance I’m coming, now is it?” She chuckled at that and he smirked at her. “Didn’t expect you to still be hunting. I thought you’d try and settle for a normal life.”

“A life without fear, chaos and not knowing if you’ll see morning? What kind of a life is that?” Ruby couldn’t stop the chuckle that escaped her mouth due to what Evelyn had to say. As they all were sitting and relaxing, nobody could deny the peace that they felt.

“So tomorrow, we’ll open all these presents, have a nice meal and then take off to have our own little vacations. I do expect you to take a vacation Evelyn,” Dean warned looking at her and she put her thumb up before standing and heading to her room in the bunker.

As she looked in the mirror she sighed as her eyes flashed blue and then pitch black. “Maybe this break will give me a chance to get this under control,” she whispered.

Castiel followed Dean and Sam down to the war room knowing that after making sure Evelyn was asleep they needed to talk. “You two were looking at Evelyn as if she was an enemy here. She has been nothing but loyal to you two,” he began.

“But she does things that don’t add up. Sammy and I saw her get hurt last hunt. She walked to the car good as new,” Dean answered looking at him seriously.

“I’ll admit that she doesn’t always add up to me. But even still, Castiel’s right. She’s loyal to the two of you. She does whatever to protect you,” Ruby added.

“We can talk to her after dinner. Tomorrow morning it should be nice and calm for her,” Sam explained. As they all went to bed, Sam looked at a picture he had snuck of Evelyn and saw her two eyes were black and blue. “What are you not telling us Eve? And why won’t you?”

By morning, Jack and Evelyn were up early and waiting for the others to get up. “You two do realize that just because it’s Christmas, doesn’t mean that you have to be typical kids fully? Right?”

“I already got up, went for a run, did my morning prayer and drank 4 cups of coffee,” Evelyn responded deadpanned. Castiel chuckled at that and refilled Evelyn’s coffee cup and gave her a new cup filled of coffee. “Thanks Cas.”

“You really should cut down on your caffeine,” Dean began before grabbing the two stockings for the two younger hunters and smiling as they went through their stuff excited. Evelyn got a lot of new clothes as well as a few modern videogames so she could be a true kid.

As the turkey was cooking, Ruby and Gabriel were with the two kids before they all heard the bunker’s alarms go off. “Blades,” Dean began and saw that both Jack and Evelyn were holding their’s and had salt in their hands.

Walking throughout the bunker, everyone was confused. “There’s no way that the alarms just go off,” Evelyn began before glancing around and spotting a shadow. “Guys, the library.”

“What about the-?” Sam was about to ask before he saw it and followed Evelyn in and she glanced around before grabbing at the shadow and sending it flying. She didn’t hesitate to even flick her wrist and Sam watched as the attacker went slamming into a table.

“Easy,” the voice began which made Evelyn stop and look at the figure shocked. “I knew you wouldn’t attack once you heard me.”

“Why are you here Lucifer?” Gabriel looked at the shadow shocked before his brother stood before him and then glanced to Evelyn shocked.

“Can’t I wish my brothers a Merry Christmas? On top of that, can’t I say hello to the half demon daughter of my friend?” Everyone looked to Evelyn shocked and she sighed looking at Lucifer ticked off.

“You do realize they didn’t know, right?” Castiel looked at Evelyn shocked and she sighed opening her eyes again to reveal an eye filled with angelic grace and another filled with demonic darkness. “This is what I know you two were talking about last night.”

“Why didn’t we know?” Sam was shocked and confused as Evelyn sat down and let them see both eyes clearly. “I mean we treated you like family.”

“I was scared. I mean no offence, but learning that a hunter is half demon? The exact thing you all hunt?”

“But you also have angelic grace. Meaning something happened,” Gabriel responded looking at her seriously. “So spill. How’d a half demon and half angel occur?”

“Born a full angel, mom swapped sides and injected me with demon blood. I fought against it and somehow kept my grace,” she explained.

“So that means that you’re a commodity in the Supernatural community,” Dean began and she nodded at them. “So when we found you wounded, the wounds were real.”

“They were because my grace was running on empty. I was tired. Side effect to being half demon. My grace has a battery life,” she mused.

“Why wouldn’t you tell me?” Castiel and Gabriel both knew they had made themselves open and friendly to the hybrid.

“Angel blade to the back?”

“Fair,” Castiel admitted looking at her. “But now that we know, we need to start training you on your use of powers.”

“I’m all for that,” she assured.

“Also your mother kind of is dead,” Lucifer began and Gabriel used his grace to slam Evelyn into her chair again and she growled at that.

“Evelyn focus on control,” Gabriel advised tilting her head so he could see her eyes. “You’ve proven time and time again you have control. Just hold onto that control,” he whispered.

Slowly they watched as the blue and blackness faded and her green eyes came back. “There we go,” Castiel breathed in relief before looking at Ruby. “Did you know?”

“Had my suspicions but attacking Lucifer like that? Confirmed it all.”

“Well now you aren’t having a vacation alone. You’re coming with me and Castiel. We need to work on those powers before your next hunt,” Dean warned.
“Okay,” Evelyn responded calmly.

Chapter Text

It had been a long year for the Winchesters and it meant that Castiel felt a little more relaxed when it came to everyone being home. He had been having some issues with the newest member of the Winchester family. Delilah was 11 and had been adopted by Dean and Castiel going on a year now. But she was a difficult kid to get through to sometimes. She had more emotional outbursts and got into trouble with her school the most. But it also gave Castiel a sense of pride knowing that Delilah felt safe enough to have the outbursts, although it sometimes meant having to correct her behaviour.

Dean and Sam walked in at the same time that Gabriel and Castiel were bringing Jack and Delilah inside. "How was the week?" Sam was genuinely curious before seeing that Delilah went to her room without being asked to. "We have a rough week?"

"Delilah just finished serving her second detention this month," Jack admitted looking at Sam and he sighed looking up the stairs to where Delilah had went. "To be fair this one isn't on her record. She actually only got the detention because she landed a punch. She was defending herself and the cameras proved it," Jack assured and Dean nodded before walking over with Castiel and standing at the stairwell to talk to him.

"She's been trying her hardest Dean. You could see even in the videos that she was trying to keep her emotions in check," Castiel began looking at his husband seriously. Dean didn't take to Delilah fighting and there had been many groundings thanks to her fighting other kids in the school. "Gabriel and her had a long talk all the way home. I listened in, but I was just on the phone listening."

"I know Cas. I know that kids are very emotional at points and can be nothing short of stubborn. More stubborn than Crowley and that guy did not always take the hint," Dean began sighing. What he didn't realize was that Delilah had walked over to the stairs to go find Dean. "I just wonder if sometimes we made the wrong choice. Adopting Delilah," he continued and a pin could have been heard in Delilah's mind. She walked back to her room silently and opened her homework binder quietly and began on what she was supposed to be doing.

"Dean," Castiel began looking at him seriously. "We are probably the best thing that has happened to Delilah," he continued looking a little shocked that Dean said that. It wasn't like Dean to say that about her. "What has you so determined that Delilah should be given away?"

"I just haven't seen Jack hold the same amount of light that he normally does and I've seen how you look so human. So drained after Delilah pulls any of these stunts that she has been lately," he informed looking at him seriously. "I don't normally pray, and I know you know that. But I've been praying that she sorts herself out and she hasn't. So I'm sorry but I want to be a little selfish and have you two back to normal."

Castiel knew that Dean was secretly trying to show he cared about them all but it was as hard of a change for Dean as it was on Delilah in Castiel's mind. "I know that and trust me we can always see how hard you work to make us happy. But I also know that I never saw a Christmas tree that was lit up as bright as Delilah's face when we picked her out of all the other kids. She felt like she belonged."

Dean nodded and went to his room to calm down knowing that dinner had to be a peaceful affair between the family as nobody had really seen each other in a week. As he changed into more casual clothes he smiled as he saw Jack was waiting for him. "It's leftovers night so I thought I'd wait for you." Dean smiled and hugged Jack before going over to Delilah's room and knocking.

"Yes?"

"Dinner," Dean called in and he could hear her books being put away before she walked out quietly and didn't even have a witty remark for him. "Wow. No side comment about the fact that I actually knocked?"

"Couldn't think of one," she dismissed before walking to her spot at the table to see her leftovers were from the night before.

"Homework done?" Castiel was onto the both of them about their homework when they got inside.

"Almost," Delilah answered and Jack was about to assure he was done before he looked at her shocked. "What? I only have my religion class left. That won't take time," she answered calmly. Dean noticed over the entire meal, whenever someone tried to rile Delilah she didn't even flinch.

By the time the next morning came, Dean had noticed a completely different child was present that wasn't the Delilah he knew. "She's been quiet since we got home last night," Castiel admitted quietly to Gabriel.

"Let's see how school goes," he advised silently to the two parents of Jack and Delilah. They all usually were aware of what was really going on by the end of the day as Delilah would wind up in some kind of trouble if something was bothering her.

As the day progressed though in the local high school, Delilah was actually trying to behave. "Hey Delilah. Parents get sick of you yet?" It was no secret to most of the high school bullies that Delilah was given back to the orphanage on her first year. "It's almost been a year since they adopted you. Let's prep you for what's to come." Most bullies didn't beat up people who didn't fight back, but Delilah was an exception as they typically would see her fight back. But she never did. She just accepted every kick and every punch until she blacked out. They had been outside and in the courtyard at that. The last thing Delilah could see was Jack's face kneeling beside her.

"Just hang in there sis. You'll be okay," he assured.

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! Beep!

"She's waking up," Gabriel whispered before he saw her eyes were blinking confused. "Hey beautiful. I know you're awake. You're almost there," he whispered as he could see she was struggling to hold her eyes open. As she blinked again and looked around she could see Gabriel and Castiel looking over her. "Hey beautiful. We heard from Jack what happened out at the school. Why didn't you fight back?"

"Didn't want to mess up and be given back," she explained weakly and Castiel could see the tears in her eyes before they fell and he wiped them away. "Heard Dean." Dean was in the background and felt his breath get caught in his throat as he heard that.

"Nobody is going to give you back," Castiel promised as he looked in her eyes. "Nobody. You're stuck with me and Dean, and Uncle Gabriel. You're stuck. So don't go thinking that when you fall asleep? That you'll wind up in the orphanage again. You'll be with us until you die," he promised before hugging her carefully minding the bandages and the IV that was in her hand.

As Dean and Gabriel went to go get the papers signed to release Delilah, Dean walked over and sat beside her. "I know you don't want me around anymore. I make Daddy and Jack upset a lot. I can run away and say I chose to. So Jack and Cas can be happy."

"I don't want that," Dean began looking at her and she glanced at him. "I said that after feeling stressed out. That wasn't okay. You may be stubborn, feisty and a fighter. But you're a loyal little sister to Jack. He tells me all the time that you intervene in fights that kids go at him for. Cas? I've never seen your daddy smile so much at someone who wants to help him garden and understand what he wants. I can't do that. Jack can't. That's you. You're Castiel's little bumblebee," he calmed looking at her. She shook her head and he felt a tear in his eyes. "Why aren't you?"

"Because they aren't as happy as before I came home," she responded and Dean felt his heart break as he listened to her repeat back his words. He knew words had an impact but not until he heard it from Delilah did he know how much damage he did.

"Not true. Okay? I should have been more understanding. It's been hard hasn't it? Going from being an orphan to having family? To having new rules and new things thrown at you?" She nodded and he hugged her. "We can work on that. Together. Okay?" She nodded and he smiled at that.

After a few months, Castiel had managed to convince Dean to stay home more often and they now had Delilah writing down her feelings in the morning, right after school and before bed. They always spent time talking about it so then Dean could understand her, but Castiel always knew that all Dean needed was more time with his bumblebee to understand her frustrations.

Quick Author's note. This was something I wrote while I was really down and it was a way to get my emotions out

Chapter Text

It had been another long day on the SPN set and everyone was just looking forward to having the weekend off. Tamara Seal was only 15 but she had nailed herself a pretty awesome job on the set. She had a recurring role since season 12 and got along really well with everyone, but it didn't mean that to her, she felt often like she was an odd one out. She knew she was younger than everyone else, but she always had been strict to her career. So when the fans weren't always understanding, she took a bit more of a lonesome route and tried to keep the castmates away.

"Alright that's a wrap for today," Richard called out. Richard Speight Jr was always a fun director for Tamara to work with so she smiled and even Misha chuckled when she did a mini fist pump in the air. "Tamara, don't forget your scenes are later tonight too. We need to get those over with. Pellegrino will be at your trailer with the car at 7 PM," he informed and she nodded at that before going over to where the wardrobe ladies were waiting to take both her's and Misha's coats as they only had two nice jackets for their characters. As she was about to leave she smiled as she saw Jared walking over to sign out too.

"Going out to eat tonight?" It was a cast ritual to do one evening out for dinner instead of eating in their trailers. But tonight, Tamara knew she couldn't, so she shook her head. "You never miss the ritual."

"I have a late night shot. So I don't want to miss the car," she dismissed grabbing her hoodie and pulling it on. "Hey meant to ask, how's the Always Keep Fighting Campaign going?" Jared looked at her and she chuckled. "I don't miss that. I do keep an eye on things."

"It's going well. I heard from Gen that you ordered a hoodie with it on the front with the saying on the actual hood," he chuckled and she nodded at that. "You also have Jensen's and Misha's right?"

"I do. I really want to show people I support mental health," she answered looking at him before they got into their car. "Overheard that Shep and Odette will be coming to set soon," she mused.

"Hey forgot Tommy," he responded and she looked at him with a smirk. "Getting hints on what to get the other two, aren't you?" She nodded and he chuckled at that before showing her Odette's room. "Some soft toys for Odette and then Shep likes Lego. He likes to build."

"So then that'll be easy to get," she responded before they stopped at her trailer. "See you tomorrow Jared," she dismissed and he chuckled patting her shoulder as she climbed out and walked into her trailer. She had one trailer beside her and it was Misha's. As she was about to lay down she chuckled humorlessly as she heard her phone ring and she answered it. "Hey Misha? There's a such thing as sleep for those who have a night shoot," she warned.

"Well join the club. You and I are both on a night shoot. Richard just shot me a message. It's the Castiel and Emily scenes," he answered and she made a sound of acknowledgement. As she was about to hang up he made the high pitch interrupting sound that made her chuckle. "I wasn't done. Come next door. I have more food than I can eat for dinner. You need to eat too."

"Misha, you don't need to worry about me. I can handle myself," she chuckled and she was about to say something more before she heard a door open and close. "Don't," she advised.

"Don't what?" She groaned and slipped her flats back on and pulled on her zip up sweater before pointing to the door as it opened. "Come on," he chuckled and she sighed hanging up her phone and walking with him into his trailer. "Jensen noticed you weren't on your phone today during breaks."

"Nope. Twitter haters again," she dismissed as he handed her a plate of pasta. "Okay start telling me when you're going to the pasta place and I'll start paying," she advised and he chuckled messing her hair. Misha was trying to keep her mind away from the fans as Emily's character was rushed but she also was young. She was building herself as an actress and doing well. "Do I seem too harsh in interviews?"

"No. If anything you've quieted down in interviews. Not that we didn't like who you were before, but I've noticed we all can now mess around at the same time," he responded before watching her face squint in disgust. "Still can't get past tomatoes?"

"Trying. Not as bad," she responded and he chuckled as she finished her plate before yawning. "Can I head to my trailer and sleep, or is the car coming soon?" Misha checked the clock and revealed he had a time set for 5 minute warning in an hour. "Nevermind," she responded.

As they were getting ready, Misha watched as the assistant director had them both into a car within minutes. Misha thought nothing of going live and he then watched as more comments came through about Tamara and she just smiled through them all. "I didn't expect this," he promised her.

"It's okay Misha. Fans are fans. Some like my character and some do not," she answered as they arrived and went into their separate rooms. Shooting was a breeze for them as Misha and Tamara, despite how they goofed off, were good at their jobs. They tried to make night shoots go as easy as possible since nobody liked being awake. As they wrapped up the final scenes, Richard looked around and noticed Tamara was gone. "Where'd Tamara go?"

"It's been a long night Richard, she's probably in the bathroom cleaning her face up," Mark added looking at him and he nodded before Misha knew what it was and snuck off with one of his shirts that he always carried and slipped it on over his business shirt and smiled as he knew it might get her to slow down and talk to him for a minute. When he watched her walk out he smiled as she noticed his shirt and she weakly smiled before sitting on the ground and covering her head.

"They got really bad didn't they?"

"Yeah. I luckily can get them gone, but it doesn't change that it stings. Really badly," she began before she looked straight. "Also doesn't help I have family saying not to mess things up. So reinstating that whole, be perfect or come home thing," she added softly before wiping at her eyes. "Sorry. I just dumped that on you. I'm good," she promised standing before Misha yanked her back down. "I'm okay Misha. Really."

"You say you care about mental health, yet when it comes to your's. You don't talk about it or anything," he responded looking at her. "So talk. Where are you at right now mental health wise?"

"Broken. Shattered. Many adjectives. None pleasant," she explained looking at him seriously and she pulled up her sleeve and revealed a few scars that were new. "I tried to end it a couple days ago."

"What stopped you?"

"You guys pounding on my trailer door," she admitted looking at him. "You and Jared have this timing that stops me. Like I have a reason to fight but I can't bring myself to say I have a reason to fight. You know?"

"Well you do. You have a few reasons. Me. Maison. West. Jared. I can keep spitting out names. I mean I know we're a huge age gap from you but we're not leaving you alone. We just need to start talking."

She nodded and as she pulled her sleeve down and got up she knew she was going to be okay. Not today and not tomorrow, but eventually. Because she had a support system. Now it was confirmed for her. She had people that didn't want her to give up.

Chapter Text

The last hunt had been exhausting on everyone that worked with Sam and Dean. Castiel was still human so he still had wounds that needed to be tended to, Jack could get hurt, and the Archangels were on their side but drained. Then there was Rei and she was only 14 in human years but she was the assigned protector of the Archangels, who, Gabriel, in turn used to make her protect Castiel. But this hunt had been their worse yet. A few demons had managed to surround Castiel and Rei had to jump in there as quick as she could, although it was a little late. Cas was now in the infirmary wounded. Dean and her got into a slight argument, but now the bunker was quiet. Though even the archangels weren't sure how long it would last.

Dean was grabbing a beer, while Rei was looking over some lore. "What's the point? The hunt is over. They're all dead. Sam and I each have minor injuries, while your angellic comrade was in battle and got hurt. Oh and let's not forget he's my boyfriend who's the only one still in the infirmary of the bunker because Michael had to knock him out so he could heal," Dean began.

"Doesn't mean I can't read up and be ready for the next one," she dismissed looking at Dean seriously and then standing. "Rest assured, I know what my choice cost Cas. If anyone knows it, it's me. So don't act like I am not sitting here thinking about the fact that my mentor, my friend, is in that infirmary wounded," she warned before leaving the room and going to her own for a bit. She looked at a picture that was taken on both her's and Castiel's first Christmas on Earth reunited. It couldn't stop the smile from escaping her and she remembered how they all were in a place of calm.

"Hey," Sam greeted knocking. She glanced up and put the photo down. "Cas should be out for the night, but if you wouldn't mind checking on him a few times? Just so Dean can get some sleep. Gabriel's dragging my sorry self to bed," he began and she nodded at him while motioning for him to go. "Jack is willing to do shifts as well."

"Tell him to sleep. Unlike him, my body does not need sleep nor do I want it right now. I'll watch over Cas. You guys all get some sleep," she promised and Sam nodded going towards Jack's room and as she waited, she saw Dean glaring at her. "Dean, sleep. I will watch over him," she promised and he merely made the I'm watching you motions and she nodded at that. When Sam walked out with his thumb up she chuckled and waved at him before walking towards the infirmary and stopped in the kitchen to see Gabriel. "You have a human going to bed. Go cuddle with him. I've got Cas," she promised.

"You should take shifts with the rest of us," Michael began as he looked at her. "Like you, we don't get any sleep. So it'd be better to do it in shift work," he continued looking at her and she shrugged at that. "It's your call."

"I need you guys to rest. Gabriel, go curl up with Sam. Even if you don't sleep, just curl up with the moose. Michael, go back upstairs and give a progress report. I'd estimate another 50 demons in the area of interest but they can be hunted down once Castiel has recovered. Lucifer, just stay out of trouble. I know asking you to do anything is dangerous. But my main thing? Stay safe. All of you. That's what I need from you at the moment," she continued and Michael looked at her. "What? I'm allowed to give a damn about all of you."

"Not that. But since when do you make it such a priority?"

"Castiel is in the infirmary, wounded. Because we can't hunt, it's my job to watch over him. Raphael is upstairs so he's safe. You three are down here. With me. So do me a favor and when I ask for something reasonable? Do it. Please," she responded walking away and going to the infirmary where Castiel was still laying and she smiled seeing him out cold. "You did well Castiel. I was the one who failed you," she whispered sitting beside his bed and dimming the lights. She looked over his wounds and saw there were a couple that were still exposed. "You should be at your full power as a seraph. Yet here you are. Laying limp as a noodle on a bed. All because I couldn't protect you," she whispered as she looked up. "You have to make it through this," she added looking at him. "Heaven needs you. Dean needs you. The archangels need you. Sam needs you. Jack needs you. Heck Castiel, I can't believe I'm saying this. I need you. So please, come out of this stronger," she whispered.

Rei was about to go look into some lore when she heard a groan of confusion and she glanced to see Castiel opening his eyes. "Rei," he greeted shocked and she smiled sitting next to him. "Where's Dean?"

"Asleep. I had to swear to him that I'd watch over you," she answered glancing up at him with a smile on her face. "How's the head?" He looked at her not impressed and she sighed. "I know. I messed up. Trust me, you won't be the first to remind me." He looked at her confused. "I'm presuming that's what the typical angellic constipation looking ticked right off face was about."

"Well you were wrong. I was going to ask why you weren't upstairs. I know you have some friends from your team in the garrison that are still up there," he continued and she shrugged. "You deserve a little freedom."

"No I don't. My life was literally built to protect the archangels and in turn you. Gabriel, Michael, Lucifer, heck even Raphael. They say jump? I ask how high," she explained looking at him. "Not that it isn't what I deserve." He looked at her and she smiled sadly. "Much like you made mistakes with your garrison? I made my own with mine."

"I thought you always were the assigned protector." She nodded at Castiel's thoughts and he blinked. "Then how did you have time to make a mistake with your own garrison?"

"Much like how you believed Ishim. I believed in my leader. But we killed more humans than you realize. When I learned what was happening, I begged Michael for a reassignment. Hence why I'm down here. Guarding the others and you," she explained. Castiel looked at her and she chuckled. "Don't worry about it. It's in the past. You should be asleep though, as Dean will kill me if I keep you up. You're human Cas," she reminded.

"You probably have other work you should be doing?" She shook her head and curled herself up in the chair. "Promise me that when someone comes to relieve you, that you will go rest your mind?" She nodded and he smiled before curling up and turning away from Rei so she didn't feel like she was creeping him out.

Rei knew that since she was the only one with grace, she could still contact help from upstairs though and Castiel wouldn't know. Hey Raphael? Can you hear me? It's Rei. I really need help. She closed her eyes hoping that the archangel would hear her calling and answer her.

I can hear you Rei. What is it that you require of me? You do not need to protect me as I am up with the other angels in charge of healing. So something must be bugging you.

I know you don't really like him. But hear me out. Castiel lost his grace trying to save Heaven. So he's human right now. He needs to be restored to his full power. How do I lose my grace to give it to him?

You are correct. I do not like him. But I do understand Gabriel has ordered you to protect him as well. Your grace is slightly different as it was infused with the grace of all 4 archangels. But if you were to lose your grace by cutting your palm of your hand and getting Castiel's mouth to take it, it would be just like his grace as a seraph. May I ask why you want to restore him?

He's my mentor Raphael. He took me in as a student when my own garrison tried to get me banished from Heaven. He treated me like one of his own. When nobody would talk to me? He was there. He believed in me. When nobody else would. So it's time I repayed him. So a slice to my hand?

Yes. Be careful. When you restore yourself? I expect to hear from you and that you are okay. Understood?

Understood. As Rei broke the connection between her and Raphael she looked over Castiel and smiled seeing his mouth hung open a little and she smiled grabbing his angel blade and slicing the palm of her hand deeply before watching her grace start to flow and she aimed it at Castiel's mouth and watched it go into him and as he glowed blue she smiled wrapping her hand up quickly. Her mentor was back to angel status, and now she was the human. Meaning it was time for her to be of use.

When morning light shone through the windows of the bunker, Gabriel and Dean were immediately in Castiel's room to see he was awake. "Where's Rei? We thought she was sitting with you all night?" Dean was ready to rip her one before he saw blood on the floor. "Cas, when were you bleeding?" Castiel glanced down and saw the small blood drops and showed all his wounds were gone and Gabriel watched his eyes glow blue. "How'd you get your grace back?"

"Something tells me that the one who made these blood drops will have those answers for us," Gabriel answered and Castiel even nodded knowing what was being hinted at. Rei knew what happened. Walking through the bunker, they were worried as they couldn't find Rei immediately. "Rei?!" Gabriel was worried until Sam opened her room door to see Rei was there and she was asleep. Her hand was still soaked in blood and he sighed. "Oh Rei. What did you do?" He pulled off the bandages and watched as Castiel put his hand over her's and slowly the deep cut closed itself up and they watched her eyes open.

"Rei, what happened last night? I woke with my grace back at full power," Castiel began and she looked a the two angels seriously. "Do not omit anything. What did you do last night once you were sure I was asleep?"

"I contacted Raph. Asked for his help. About how to restore your grace. Admitted he doesn't like you, but understood why I was desperate to restore you to your former self," she explained. Castiel looked at her and as he glanced into her eyes he could see it. Her grace was gone. "I was the only one who could still do something Cas. Raph even said my grace was pretty well normal and just slightly infused with archangel grace so it wouldn't hurt you. It was a small price to pay to get you your powers back," she assured.

"Castiel give us a minute," Gabriel advised and Cas nodded taking the WInchesters out of the room and he knew that meant Gabriel was about to be serious for once in his entire angellic career. Once the door closed Gabriel looked at Rei. "Really? Giving your grace up. To save Castiel. When your job is to protect archangels?"

"You know that was just a title dad slapped on me. You all were able to handle yourselves," she reminded and Gabriel looked at her a little miffed that she was remembering that much. "Everyone here says I'm a good person. I know that's false. It's a lie. I don't understand why humans lie so much. Why tell someone they are good when in reality? To you? They're worthless."

"Humans are flawed. I know you've seen that for yourself," he began looking at her seriously. "But they are not worthless. You even said it when standing up to Michael when he asked you why you'd rather work down here with me. With Castiel. That humans are flawed. But they try their hardest to forgive. To move forwards. So why are you the first to be so hard on yourself? If humans are allowed to forgive, why aren't you?"

"Gabriel, I may have been good in a fight. But as a person? Angel or not, I'm 99% crap," she responded looking at him seriously. He glanced at her confused and she chuckled at the archangel. "Even when I covered your identity with the Winchesters, they knew. Called me out on it. I try to do the right thing but always make a mess. Have you never noticed that?"

"I have but you know what I noticed more this past year than any other time we've been around each other? Your time and dedication to your job. You protected my identity, you hid Michael from the world. You protected Lucifer when he was free. It didn't matter to you that the garrison didn't like you. You were dedicated to your job. You did what you had to do. Then when it came to Castiel. What you just did for him? Shows the biggest display of dedication to your job. You were willing to become a human again to save Castiel," he continued. "You have worth Rei. You just have to see it."

"Hey," Castiel greeted knocking and Gabriel left knowing what needed to happen. Castiel took his spot and looked over the hand he just healed up for her. "Why did you call Raphael to ask about giving up your grace for me?"

"Because the Winchesters needed you. Besides it was my fault you were injured in the first place. I didn't move fast enough." She watched as Castiel who barely understood a hug pulled her in for one and hid her face in his coat.

"For someone who doesn't like or understand humans. You're one heck of a human," he whispered and she smiled in relief knowing that Castiel understood what she wasn't saying. "When we get a chance. We will get your grace back. Even if it means the archangels doing something to my vial of grace that Metatron stole," he promised her and she nodded before looking at him. "Also, Dean will apologize later. He realized last night you didn't intend for the injury and how much you sacrificed today? Showed him you care about us more than he thinks."

Chapter Text

Dean and Castiel were alone in the bunker as Sam was out with Eileen and his soon to be foster child who spoke only in ASL which was okay by Dean. As much as he could tell Castiel loved having a kid around that knew sign language, he needed a break. So his niece needed to get out. Dean wanted to see how Castiel himself was doing without any interruptions as anyone around? That would make him lie. "Is she gone?" Dean had to check with Castiel.

"Yes. After countless promises from Sam and myself that I'd help her with her sign language when she got back," Castiel chuckled and it made Dean smile. The former angel was wrapped around the kid's finger. "She's not wrapped around my finger before you think it."

"We sure you lost your grace?" Dean had to tease and Castiel smiled as he looked at the images that were now around the bunker. The former safehouse for hunters had slowly become a home for the Winchesters and their loved ones. He then froze as he looked at a picture that was of Castiel and their niece both in the hospital with severe injuries due to an accident. Dean's car was fine (Baby somehow always was fine), but both Castiel and Talia came out of it in bandages and other wounds. While Castiel just recovered from his concussion and sprains, their niece had lost one of her senses. She hit her head off the back of her seat as well as the back of Castiel's seat when the car screeched to a halt and still collided. "Cas?"

"I just want to know something. How is it that humans have this resolve to keep getting back up?" Dean looked at him confused and he tapped his head and then moved his arm in a way that Dean would know what he was referencing. "That accident, it was a big revelation to me. That humans are even more fragile than they appear. I mean I got given a warning of two sprains and a concussion. But look at Talia. The girl was singing her little heart out and dancing with her friends, but she lost that to the accident. She won't dance because she can't hear the music. She can't even sing because she can't hear if she's in pitch. So it's just confusing to me."

"What about it?" Castiel looked at him and he chuckled. "Is it about Talia? Or about the human race in general?" Castiel chuckled at the man knowing that as much as they were being serious, Dean had to try and add some humour which he could respect.

"Humans. Look at the cruelty you all face. Yet you get back up. You lie when you aren't okay but say you are. There's much that you do as a race that's confusing. Why wouldn't you be honest?"

"Because humans? They use their hearts and their emotions to make choices. Like how Sam and Eileen had to convince Talia to go out with them. She needed to get outside. But she wouldn't. Because she was worried about you. She knows that you were a former angel. You aren't used to being a human. So as much as the accident messed with her? She cared more about you. That's a good side to humanity," he began looking at Castiel. "Ishim. He called me your human weakness. It's not a weakness. You had a human quality about you as an angel. You cared about people. Something Gabriel learned to do. That's not weak."

"And Talia's desire to fight? That's not a good quality," Castiel began as a tear pricked his eyes.

"Talia's desire to fight? That only emerged when someone threatened her family. It didn't matter that Sam and Eileen were only her foster care until the agencies figured something out. She viewed us as family. So she wanted to protect us," Dean answered as he looked at Castiel. "You should sit in the bath and let your muscles relax. We have a couple hours. Sam and Eileen are doing an ASL scavenger hunt with Talia to get her used to signs."

"She's going to get frustrated," Castiel noted as he followed Dean. He smiled though as Dean started the water. "But you mentioned earlier you were going to do movies eventually."

"Yeah but sometimes, you're not the only one that needs the reminders that humanity is good. Sometimes there's a little deaf girl who needs the comforts that humanity brings too. So you two are experiencing that together. It's why Sam and Eileen are doing this scavenger hunt now. To get her nerves settled down that way we can show you two something. But because she's deaf we're going to use subtitles so she can try and understand what's happening," he explained.

"I'd rather that. What movie are you putting on for her?"

"Dinosaurs. Land Before Time. Jurassic Park. Her choice. But the theme is dinosaurs," Dean answered and Castiel cocked his head to the side. "Before she lost her hearing? Sam would take her to the park and there's two sets of climbers. The one is dinosaur themed. Sam would try to get her on the other one and she'd refuse. She loves her dinosaurs," he explained.

Castiel stepped into the warm water and couldn't help but moan in relief of some of the tension just leaving his muscles with the heat. "I do not understand why this works, but it feels good," he admitted.

"It's what humans love to take away the tension in their body. Now you sit there and relax. I just got a video call request from Talia and she's trying to ask me something important apparently. Sam told me to actually pick up this time," Dean answered.

"If it's important I should be present," he added. Dean smiled and walked out with a smile to his face at Cas. "I get it," he promised. Meanwhile Dean sat at the kitchen table and opened the call when it popped up.

"Hey Talia," he greeted and she waved. "What's so big that you absolutely had to ask me?" Sam watched as she signed a message to him and looked at Dean waiting. "I got Castiel and present. I didn't get the others," he admitted.

"She's trying to get Cas something. She knows he's not adapting to humanity well. She's done well with her signs so far," Sam explained looking at Dean and he chuckled before pointing to a blanket that was behind her. "Weighted blanket," Sam explained as he signed it to Talia. As she grabbed it Sam chuckled as he had to pull her up. "I'll carry it. We'll be back in a bit. But did you tell her what we're doing when we get back?"

"Movie night," Dean explained as he made the signs. She pursed her lips at that and looked annoyed. "I'm putting on subtitles," he continued looking at her, but Eileen was now doing the sign language as he knew she was going to need it. "Land before time?" He watched as her eyes widened and nodded rapidly at Dean. "See you soon," he dismissed hanging up and smiling as he saw Castiel walking out. "You weren't getting to see it. At all. She wanted you away from it." Castiel looked a little hurt and Dean chuckled. "In a good way. She has something for you."

"She didn't need to get me anything. She should be trying to enjoy what quality of life she can still find happiness in," he answered and Dean smiled at him before getting him to curl up on the couch while he began making food. "I can help."

"Nope. Because in about 4 minutes you're going to have a bundle of sign language energy bounding through the bunker and to be beside you," he answered before they heard the bunker door open and small feet clambering down the stairs and Dean took no time in picking up Talia and swinging her around. "How did you go out and still come home with this much energy?" He then watched as Gabriel walked in with Sam and Eileen. "Question answered. Hello Gabriel," he greeted before putting Talia down. "He's on the couch," he added to Talia as he took the wrapped gift from Sam and helped her carry it. "Somebody brought you something," he began handing it to Castiel as Talia was curling up on the couch.

Castiel smiled at Talia before unwrapping the blanket and he looked confused at it. "It's a blanket? But it's heavy," he admitted and Dean chuckled pulling Talia over to curl into Castiel's side and he pulled the blanket over the two of them and he watched as Talia at first looked confused.

"It's a weighted blanket Castiel. It's meant to help those that feel nervous, anxious, grounds someone sometimes," Gabriel explained looking at him. "Talia here signed to me her entire logic for her idea. She knew you weren't sure how to feel about humanity since you were now a human again while we try to regain your grace. So to try and get you to be grounded and relax she picked this out," he explained and Castiel smiled as he pulled Talia against him slightly and knew he couldn't sign at the moment. "He likes it Talia. I promise that," Gabriel assured before seeing Dean had a movie on and Castiel watched it with Talia and he had to squint at it as Cas finally managed to break their arms free so he could sign.

"I do not see why Cera would like to play with a pinecone. Triceratops are as long as 3 cars and weigh as much as two elephants. So she would crush the pinecone," he mused while signing it to Talia so she wasn't left out and she looked at him shocked and blinked at him.

"You know a lot about dinosaurs?" Dean had no issues reading Talia's signs as he was getting quick guides to signs for Talia from Sam. He wanted to be able to voice Talia's thoughts for her.

"Me and your Uncle Gabriel? We were able to see them. Be near them. Make some creatures," Castiel continued signing and speaking. He smiled as she looked at him with wide eyes. "Maybe," he began trailign off with a conspiratory smile and Eileen looked nervous. "If Sam and Eileen are okay with it, me and Gabriel can take you somewhere private and we can show you," he continued.

"I want Dean with you two," Sam warned as he was signing it so Talia knew they weren't against the idea. "But I think it would be a good idea to let her see them."

After a few more hours, Talia was in bed and Castiel was still awake with Dean and he couldn't hide the smile. "What's brought that smile on angel?" Dean couldn't deny that he was glad to see the smile.

"The hope that kids have in the world. How easily they are to excite? That's something I think that's good about humanity. Talia loves to learn and at the moment it's focused on dinosaurs but she wants to be around people."

"She worships the ground her Uncle Cas walks on," Dean chuckled kissing the man. "You've got something good no matter what. A niece who will defend you to the ends of the Earth with the help of her Uncle Dean," he added.

Chapter Text

It had been a long week for Chuck and he knew that at home he had to be ready for the mess that was dinner. His family was rather large. 6 sons and a daughter and all with varying interests and desires in the world. Michael had taken after him and was working in accounting, Gabriel made money as a comedian and he was great at making people laugh. Raphael was a resident at the local hospital learning to pursue his career. Lucifer was only working a minimum wage job but that was because he didn't know what he wanted to do and he didn't want to take after his brothers. Then there were Chuck's 3 foster children that he also knew were going to be home and he knew two of them might be difficult some days. Castiel was also an accountant and he made a lot of money like his brother and father, while Balthazar was a comedian and sadly not as talented as Gabriel. But then there was the youngest and that was Ziva. Ziva was getting ready to graduate high school and she had expressed an interest in going to college or university which had Michael, Raphael and Castiel 100% in her corner, while Gabriel and Lucifer were trying to get her to see what she really wanted to do before she left.

Arriving home, he saw that Ziva was outside on the swingset that Chuck had always made sure was present. "Hey Z. How was school?" Chuck always tried to keep all his children in an open-ended conversation with him. She shrugged and he sighed knowing that Ziva's lack of response confirmed his worst fear. Dinner was going to be a nightmare and there was no stopping it. Walking into the house he saw that Michael and Castiel were both looking at their papers. "Who picked Ziva up from school?"

"Me. She was fine in the sense of academics. Behaviour wise she didn't get in trouble, but she displayed some behaviour I know you wouldn't have approved of," Michael answered as he glanced outside. "She say anything to you?"

"No. She just acknowledged I was home. Did she get into trouble here at home?" Michael nodded and Chuck sighed. "What level of trouble, so I know what to say to her. She's been quiet."

"She decided to snap at Castiel for merely trying to help her," Michael answered and Chuck sighed at that knowing how accurate that was for Ziva. She hated being helped without her asking for it. "I told her to go outside because we didn't need that energy in this house and once she calmed down she could come back inside," he explained. Chuck nodded and watched as Gabriel walked outside and sat in front of Ziva. "She's fine. Gabriel's just overprotective."

Meanwhile, Gabriel was in front of Ziva. "I heard from Michael. Why'd you get so angry at Castiel for trying to help you by updating your phone and putting it on charge at 17%?" Gabriel knew he was one of the only two that even when angry, Ziva would talk to calmly.

"I know he was trying to help. I do. I just," she began before she sighed and began swinging slightly. "Did your dad ever tell you why he pulled me out of foster care?" Gabriel looked at her shocked that she was talking about that. Chuck had told them all not to ask about the details and to let her volunteer it. He shook his head and she chuckled. "That's so like him. But I was put into foster care all over one stupid little thing. I snapped at my parents. My birth ones. They gave me up because I called them a lot of names because they were not letting me do things alone or they tried to control how I looked, what I said, what I ate," she explained and Gabriel bit his lip. He wasn't going to tell her how parents were allowed to control food.

"I'm guessing something else came out before they gave you up," he prodded and she nodded. "I'm not going to be the one to judge you. I just want to hear you out and if you allow it, let me give my own take on the situation." She nodded and he waited for her to take a breath.

"About a month after my snap, I was tested for Autism. I came back as testing for Asperger's Syndrome which was considered on the higher end of the spectrum, but the doctors kept saying to stop looking at a spectrum. Treat it like a music board. Translation, there was something not right with me. So they gave me over to CAS. About a week later? Your dad comes in and pulls me out of the system. Takes me in and signs every paper he needs to. He's been getting me help. I'm in therapy from 1 PM on Fridays until dad's done," she explained. Gabriel looked at her shocked and she glanced up. "What?"

"You called him dad," he responded looking at her and she blinked looking at Gabriel shocked. "I've never heard you call him that. Nor has anyone in the house," he admitted and she chuckled at that.

"In a way, he's been more my dad than my own biological father," she explained and Gabriel nodded before stopping her swinging and pulling her off and she walked back inside and saw Castiel was the only one in the main room still. "Where's dad?"

"Upstairs in his office," Castiel answered before he paused and glanced up. "Did you just?" She nodded and he waited to see where she went as he didn't expect an apology as he was aware of her condition as was Michael, but they weren't letting her be raised as a hooligan because of it.

Watching her walk into the kitchen, he watched as Gabriel looked at him. "Did you know?" He nodded and Gabriel looked shocked.

Castiel couldn't help but chuckle at his older brother's face. "Dad told me and Michael. He wanted two others to be aware. But we aren't tiptoeing around her. Not happening. Dad even agreed. But she trusts you and opens up to you. Which is what is certainly needed," he began before seeing her walk out with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and she carefully placed it on a placemat in front of him. "What's this?"

"Peace offering," she responded looking at him seriously. "I shouldn't have snapped at you for trying to help me," she admitted and he chuckled hugging her before smiling as he felt her for once return the hug.

"Peace offering was unnecessary but thank you regardless. I skipped lunch because of work," he admitted. As he ate it he smirked as he tasted the spicier red pepper jelly in it and looked at her. "You were eavesdropping on me and Michael this morning."

"I was coming down the stairs and not like your hacking up a lung was quiet," she responded and he chuckled at that before seeing Chuck walk down. "Where's Michael? I want a word with him."

"Room," Chuck and Castiel answered in sync before they watched her run up the stairs and then groan in pain. "The door," they began and then heard it open and close before chuckling.

Meanwhile in his room, Michael glanced up when he saw a shadow on the wall by the door. "What is it Ziva?" He didn't need to be a genius to know it was Ziva coming to hassle him. "Unless it's an apology or a reason for your behaviour, I don't want to hear from you right now."

"It was an apology. I was out of line," she responded and Michael turned to look at her. He was strict and hard on her, sure. But he loved her unconditionally and he walked over to her. "I just like being in control of my own things."

"While I normally can understand and respect that, you were out of line. For the next two days it will be Castiel taking you to classes and home and you will come straight home," he warned.

"Okay," she responded and he nodded at her in a indication to leave. She walked away and after an hour dinner was on the table and everyone was eating. Most of the table was filled with animated conversation, but Chuck knew this was the big test. Was everything with Ziva fixed? Or was there something still needing to be addressed? He was about to say something before he noted that Michael finished and then left the table quickly. Ziva however was picking at her plate, which gave it away to him. There had been a slight rift formed between Michael and Ziva.

After everyone finished, Chuck walked out to the porch to see Ziva drawing on the edge of the balcony and it was more graphic than normal. He noticed that the house looked to have a fence for once and Ziva was on the outside of the fence. "What brought this one on?" She glanced over to see Chuck and rushed her sketchbook closed. "No. Don't close it. I want to know."

"It's nothing," she dismissed as she put her coloring supplies away and stood up. "I just needed some air before bed." Chuck sighed knowing that this meant he would have Ziva all closed off for a few weeks until her and Michael were back to their close but pretending to not like each other state. But he knew he'd be there when she needed someone to let her cry on and when Michael vented his frustrations.

As Friday had come, Michael had still yet to say he'd go back to being her ride home, and Ziva was in her therapy sessions. She had one psychologist session for an hour before Chuck came to pick her up. "So what did you draw this week?"

"A picture of my family and me," she dismissed opening it up knowing her psychologist always wanted to see the drawing of the week. As she pointed everyone out her psychologist pointed out how she was outside the fence. "I'm Chuck's foster kid. But I don't feel like I always belong. So drawing me on the outside of the fence? Helps me remind myself that things can change. Quickly," she explained.

After the hour was up, Chuck walked in and sent Ziva out to where Gabriel was waiting for her. "I have some concerns about Ziva," her doctor began seriously. The man looked at Chuck calmly. "We talked about her latest drawing. Her on the outside of the fence. I asked why she placed herself there. While we did make progress, I want to remind you. She is autistic. No matter how normal she acts," he began.

"My family is very aware of the fact that Ziva is autistic. My two boys who pick her up from school were the first to know and Gabriel revealed to me she came to him on her own and told him."

"Her reasoning for the fence? She openly admitted. She doesn't feel like she always belongs with you and your family. So it's her own brain reminding her of that. So I do recommend that you all start doing things as a family," he began.

"We will. Thank you for the update. Is there anything else I should be aware from her sessions today?"

"Her social worker did some work with her on emotions. So I do want your family to start working with her on what they did. She's being sent home with a folder full of stuff and she can tell you all about it," he informed.

"Alright," he responded and as they were driving home, Chuck glanced back at her. "I heard about your drawing today," he began trying ease his way into that conversation that was clearly needing to be had.

"Yeah?" Ziva was keeping calm which Gabriel and Chuck had to take as a great start to the conversation. "What about it did you hear?" Gabriel tensed knowing now why she was so calm. She thought the psychologist kept it generic.

"Why you drew it," Chuck began cautiously and both he and Gabriel held their breath before watching Ziva's face go from mad, to betrayed to on the verge of tears, to calm again and she sighed. "When were you going to tell me?"

"Wasn't," she admitted looking at him. "It's just an emotion that comes over me sometimes. This week it was really strong," she dismissed. Gabriel sighed as they got home and they walked in.

"Michael, Castiel," Chuck called and they followed him into his office. "I'm not saying tip toe around Ziva. Absolutely not. But maybe when you two are trying to step in as legal guardians, while I'm not around. Try to assure her of her place with this family?" Michael looked at him shocked and Chuck pulled out the drawing as the psychologist always took the new drawings and gave them to Chuck if they were points of concern. "She drew this a few nights ago and wouldn't tell me why. I heard today from her psychologist. She feels out of place sometimes," he explained.

"Was this from me and her?"

"It sort of pushed that thought back into her brain when you told her you weren't coming for her or taking her to school for the rest of the week," Chuck admitted looking at him. "I think you two need to mend your bond. Castiel and her still get along really well which is good. So I'm not too concerned about him. It's you that I am. I just wanted you two aware."

"Alright," Michael responded before walking over to Ziva's room to see she was watching a math video. "Hey," he greeted knocking and she glanced up and paused her video to look at him. "You didn't need to stop that. I just wanted to see how you were doing?"

"I'm alright," she responded and Michael sighed sitting next to Ziva on her couch. "Michael, seriously. I'm okay. You can go back to doing what you needed to for your business," she assured.

"I know you're not telling me the whole truth. Do I make you feel out of place when I say I won't drive you? When I'm trying to be your legal guardian since dad is away from the house?"

"Somewhat," she admitted and Michael felt the dagger to his heart.

"Well we need to fix that. I may seem mad or disappointed in you at points. But know this. I will always love you. Always. You're the youngest in this family and that means I want you to show people that we all are as good as the others in the family. Alright?" She nodded and he looked at her. "Think I can get a hug?" She blinked and then nodded hugging her eldest brother and he smiled rubbing her back while securing her head under his chin. Then with only the skill a big brother can have he heard a muffled string of words and he knew what they were. "I love you too Z. Now, what's this video about?"

"I don't understand fractional math," she explained and Michael sat down on the floor so he was at her level and began going through her homework with her. Both unaware of their father looking in on them and smiling. Ziva may have had her ups and downs but her bond to her older brothers was stronger than steel and sometimes just needed a sense of reassurance that to her brothers? There was nothing different either.

Chapter Text

As another morning began at the local Kansas High School, Professor Castiel Novak was merely preparing his classes for all his students. He knew that his grade 9 students were getting ready for their first exam so he had a practice booklet set up for each of his students. He was putting out all the booklets that he knew he had customized to each student's specific needs. He was about to set out the second last booklet he sighed knowing that Ziva Hassam was his weak link but yet he couldn't find any proof that she was smarter than she looked. So he had no choice but to give her a thicker booklet.

As his students walked into their desks, they all sat down and looked straight knowing that they weren't to touch it right away. "Alright, class. Today is your last class before your quarterly exam. On each of your desks is a booklet full of work that I expect you to finish at least half of by the time the bell rings and then when we reconvene at the last period we will go over any areas of concern that you may have. You may begin," he informed and as they were beginning, he secretly was watching three students. Ziva Hassam as she was his weaker link, Tabitha Mew as she was his genius student, and then Chester Boinger who was his median line. He walked around pretending that he was looking at everyone's work but when he got to Ziva's desk he was shocked to see that she was going through her work like nothing. He wanted to question her but not in front of everyone. "Ziva? After class can you stay behind for a moment?" She nodded and as she kept working, Castiel walked around to see that Tabitha and Chester both were not even close to the halfway point and it even looked like they were putting the wrong answers. As he sat at his desk, he watched as Ziva was clearly going through the work like nothing and then again watched Chester and Tabitha and noticed that they were not even moving their pencils. When the bell rang, he noticed that Ziva was on the last page and just wrote something down before handing it in. "You're done?"

"Every page," she promised and he flipped through all the pages and noticed that she had indeed done everything and had all the answers he had for her booklet. "Is something the matter Professor Novak?"

"No. You did very well. All these are correct. But it raises a question for me. I know you stay after classes sometimes," he began cautiously. She looked at him with her head cocked to the side. "Would you mind staying behind and speaking to me, Professor Winchester and Principal Edlund? After classes that is," he explained.

"Um sure," she responded nervous and he sighed looking at her. "I don't think I've done anything to warrant that huge an intervention."

"Not that you've done something wrong. But I think I now can see why I made the wrong assumption of you," he informed looking at her with a face that made Ziva look nervous. "You aren't in trouble per se. But we are having a chat young lady," he warned and she nodded walking out of his classroom to see Sam and Chuck walking in. "Let me guess. Her drama professor was looking for her?"

"Yes. Why was she still here?"

"I think we've all made a grave mistake. Ziva's not as dumb as she looks. She finished this all in 40 minutes and it's everything we've done for the exam," he informed handing it over to Chuck and looking serious. "I think I have a case of bullying on my hands and I want to confront Ziva about it."

"Who do you think is bullying her?" Sam taught Ziva her history and knew that if it was the case he had to review other work she had done.

"Tabitha and Chester. They're ahead of her so far in grades but today I watched the difference. Ziva was going through her homework like no tomorrow. She got it all right. I asked them to get at least half done by the bell. Tabitha and Chester were on the 3rd page out of 24," he informed.

"How many pages was Ziva's?" Chuck knew he needed the whole story before he jumped onto the agreement with Sam and Castiel.

"60," Castiel answered looking at him. "I thought she wasn't bright at all. So I gave her a review sheet for each concept and then did 15 pages of intertwining all the concepts," he explained.

"So Ziva had over double the amount that Tabitha and Chester did and still finished everything by the bell. While they didn't meet their target of the half by the bell," Chuck began before looking at Castiel who looked sombre. "Alright, I'm in agreement that something is bothering Ziva. I won't jump on the wagon of bullying. But I will agree that something is up with Ziva. Have you gotten her to agree to talk to you?"

"To all three of us. She may try to evade it with me, but with you and Sam? Not going to happen. She's got a soft spot for Sam. She'll talk if he pokes enough," Castiel explained looking at Chuck. "You're the Principal or as outsiders know, the headmaster. She won't dare to lie in front of you," he added.

"Thinking about who Ziva is," Sam added looking at Castiel. "Remember the parent-teacher night?" He nodded at that. "She came with her parents but they weren't really interested. They asked the routine questions of is she doing well. Then when they came to your class, they said nothing?"

"No. They just rolled their eyes and forced her out. Might explain why she tries so hard to get approval with us. Some form of acknowledgement. But my concern lies with her in my class. She won't ask for help. I've seen her hand start to go up and then slide down when I called on someone else. I'd talk to her after and she'd dismiss her own question. Meaning she wanted to get help but she prioritizes everyone else," he added.

"My class she will ask the occasional question. But other than that stays to herself," Sam admitted and Castiel nodded at Sam knowing the signs. "She's covering up her needs."
As the day progressed Chuck began asking about Ziva to all her professors and got the same responses Castiel and Sam were giving. She was a good student but closed herself off from everyone. Including the professors as best as she could. He knew that Michael wouldn't notice much but her drama professor? If he could see past an actress's act? It was bad.

When the final bell rang, Castiel watched as Ziva was packing her bag and he waited to see if she tried to bail. But she stayed as she promised she would. "I know he's been asking about me," she began calmly looking at Castiel.

"He's concerned. As is over half the staff. He and Professor Winchester are the only ones coming to talk. Did you let your parents know you'd be home late?" She nodded revealing her phone.

"Not that they'll notice," she chuckled humorlessly and he looked at her confused. "They're in the business of money. What can this bring me financially? What can I invest in? You know? They only care about relationships that bring money," she explained.

"Then let's skip that conversation until Principal Edlund gets here. Let's move on to the fact that I want something confirmed or denied for me. Are you being bullied by some of your classmates into doing their work?" Sam and Chuck both waited outside the room until the conversation was over.

"No," she responded quickly and he looked at her with a raised brow. "I'm not. I don't get intimidated," she added.

"Uh-huh. Hence why when I come over to you in the middle of class after I know I've seen your hand start to go up and then go back down, you deny having a question. Care to revise that statement?"

"So what? They're my friends," she answered and Castiel looked at her. "At least I think they are," she admitted.

"Please tell me all your friendships aren't like this?" He was now officially concerned that due to her parent's lack of involvement in her life, she didn't understand the true meaning of a friend.

"Not a huge deal. I mean it's better than being beaten up," she dismissed and Sam closed his eyes and leaned his head against the wall while Chuck realized that Castiel's intuition was right. Ziva Hassam was being bullied into doing work.

"They're not friends if you have the looming threat of being beaten up over your head to get the work done. Why didn't you say something?"

"You're not always the easiest person to state the facts to," she added calmly looking at him and Castiel felt the words slap him in the face. Meanwhile, Sam and Chuck were biting their lip at how deadpanned she sounded as soon as the question came out.

"That's an error on my part. I am not trying to keep you silent on these matters. But if not me, why not Professor Winchester, or even as I know him, Gabriel. I don't know his last name," he added.

"We don't either. Just call him Gabriel. Anyways, Professor Winchester's your fiance. Yeah no. That would have only led to interrogation. Gabriel? I have tried and I don't really blame him for not hearing me. He's a drama professor. On top of that, Tabitha and Chester? They're really good at covering up their imperfections," she explained.

"Gabriel needs to hear this again from you with us present. He needs to realize you were being serious," Castiel decided.

"No," she responded and Castiel looked at her shocked. "Don't bother him. Again. I can't blame him for not realizing."

"Doesn't mean he can't be made aware of how serious this was in the first place and that he should have been watching closely. I wish I had been seeing those signs a bit more clearly. So don't think Gabriel won't be wanting to have been made aware that he was missing the obvious signs," he warned before dialling up the drama room.

"Hey Castiel," he greeted.

"Gabriel, do you have a minute? I have a student upstairs with me in my classroom to talk. I heard from her she's talked to you about this issue in the past and you didn't take it as seriously as you should have. Nobody blames you, but I thought you might want to be aware."

"Is it about Ziva Hassam?"

"Yes," Castiel answered shocked.

"I've been concerned about her lately. When she comes to my class there's a sign of bruising on her shoulders and her cheeks. Do you get to see those?" Castiel glanced over at Ziva shocked and noticed that the claim couldn't be confirmed due to her sleeves covering everything.

"No. I didn't even know that was a concern. Come up here then and confront her about it. She's going to be here a bit. Edlund is coming to talk with her too," he added.

"On my way," Gabriel answered hanging up and Castiel looked at Ziva who was mindlessly looking away.

"Gabriel's coming up to talk as well. You don't give the man who teaches you the arts enough credit. He's noticed," he added before seeing Gabriel walk in. "You're fast."

"His class is right next to the stairwell that's across the hall," Ziva explained looking at Castiel with a deadpanned face.

"She's not wrong. Now, what's this I'm hearing about a concern about bullying and you?" She looked at Gabriel shocked he'd dare to be open about it. "I'm sorry I didn't notice at first. Tabitha and Chester were spoke to after class and assured me that they were only trying to mess around with you as a friend would. That they'd tone it down. I'm sure I made things worse in that sense."

"Slightly," she admitted as she lifted her bangs and they saw a gash that was still healing. "Tabitha loves to carry her dad's hunting knife. Learned that after they revealed you spoke with them."

"Then this stops now," Chuck answered walking in not being able to listen to it anymore. "When none of the professors seemed to be doing something about it, why didn't you mention it to me?"

"She's my neighbour. Want to bet my life wouldn't have been even worse had I done that and gotten her expelled?"

"Does anyone except for us know?" She looked at Chuck with her head tilted. "That you're being bullied. Does anyone outside of the staff know?"

"No," she responded softly looking outside the window. "Nobody knows," she admitted and Chuck was about to comment before Castiel put a finger up.

"Have you tried to tell your parents?"

"Tried being the keyword. Remember? Financial loss and gains? Their language. Socioemotional problems of their 13-year-old? Foreign language and no help," she admitted. Castiel bit his lip and knew what he so desperately wanted to say.

"Then let's get you out of that house. Nobody deserves to be bullied because of fear. Nobody," Sam added looking at her and sitting across from her on the windowsill. He wasn't sure if Castiel would agree but he had to offer it. "Me and Castiel could take you in. You'd get a chance to be a normal kid. Bullying won't be tolerated. Granted rules are probably new to you so it might feel a bit restrictive at first," he added.

Castiel nodded at Sam knowing that they were on the same wavelength. Ziva was about to answer before Gabriel piped in. "Most of the staff is family," he began before listening to her snicker. "You knew?"

"Hiding in the little corners of the school? Allows you to hear every detail. Pretended I heard nothing," she answered.

"Give us a minute," Gabriel advised and Castiel stood outside the room with Chuck and Sam waiting. They could still hear them but they wanted Ziva to think they weren't listening. "I think they just gave you a pretty good offer."

"Don't think I know that? I'm well aware," she responded looking at Gabriel and he waited knowing something wasn't adding up in his own mind. "But as much as my parents speak financial loss and gain? They'll try to sue professor Novak. I can't do that to him," she responded.

"Hang on," he responded pulling out a makeup wipe package and handing it to her. "Have they seen the slash on your head and the bruising?"

"Yeah," she admitted and he looked at her. "I told them and they said to stop doing stuff to get myself bullied."

"Okay see, that's where my line is drawn. They taught you to shut up and take it. You shouldn't have to," he responded as he helped wipe down her face and saw the bruises coming forwards. "Besides, let Principal Edlund, or rather my father call CPS. They will not want to see this. Nor will your story add up to them. So let's skip the whole drama phase hm?" Sam and Castiel glanced at each other shocked that Gabriel would say that.

"I'm scared," she admitted and Gabriel nodded knowing that was the reality of the situation. Meanwhile, Chuck had indeed already called CPS and they were on their way.

"You won't have to be. I remember the girl who was too scared to take on one of my little projects but look at you now. You take the chance. So do you trust me?" She nodded and he looked at her. "Then trust me when I say to take this chance. Nothing will happen. As Sam said, rules might be new and a little daunting at first, but it'll be a safer environment for you," he informed.

"Alright," she sighed in relief as Gabriel stopped wiping it down and then after an hour-long chat with CPS and the papers being signed, Castiel had temporary custody until a caseworker had looked over the home she was living in and talked to the parents.

For 3 months, Castiel's rules did feel a little suffocating to Ziva, but slowly she adapted and she was starting to prove to the school that she knew more than she let on. Without the fear of being bullied. Tabitha and Chester had been expelled from the school and their records were sent to the schools in the area so then if they were in that school the staff monitored them. Overall, Castiel knew his role of a professor was slowly becoming more satisfying the more the days passed.

Chapter Text

When it came to the bunker, there was almost nothing that was able to be missed. Dean and Sam were always hunting and getting demons. Castiel had begun hunting with them as an angel, but he was now a human again and that meant that Dean felt it was important to make sure that Castiel was adjusting to being a human before worrying about letting him out on a hunt.

Sam was already awake with Eileen and another angel named Talia. She had come looking for Castiel and when she learned he was on Earth and agreed to keep her former mentor's human status a secret. "Have anything you two?" Dean was curious and noticed that Talia was nose deep into the books that she had. "We should be able to get them soon, right?"

"Maybe," she admitted as she glanced up and Dean looked at her confused. "Dean, this thing isn't adding up. I mean it's giving me angel vibes. But it's more trickster in nature," she explained.

"Me and Eileen could pose as your parents and you being a teenager. We could get close," Sam added and she nodded at that before Castiel emerged and looked at Talia confused. "I just explained to Dean that me and Eileen are going to head out with Talia and pose as a family to get close to whatever this is," Sam explained to the former angel. He had a respect for Castiel that meant explaining what plans were.

"Talia," Castiel began cautiously looking at her and she gave him a deadpanned annoyed face. "What did I possibly say wrong now?" Castiel and her had a good working relationship but it didn't change the facts.

"Castiel. I'm the angel now. I got this," she began with a chuckle. "It's one creature. I've been sent after hordes of demons. I can handle it," she promised grabbed her go bag and her angel blade. "Have fun Dean. If anything comes up? Sock on the door to the entrance," she advised.

"You got it," he responded before noticing Castiel's worried face looking at Talia walking away. "Hey!" She turned around confused and he chuckled. "If anything comes up, I don't care what Sammy says. You call me. Got it?"

"Promise," she responded walking away and Dean watched as the car disappeared. He then turned to Castiel who looked very nervous about the fact that Talia was gone for the evening or at least a week.

"Well we have the place to ourselves. Let's get started on some dinner," Dean decided knowing that he had to get Castiel up to something before Talia distracted him. Talia had proven that Castiel had mentored her as she was a skilled warrior.

Castiel though couldn't help but look at the vegetables as he was chopping and he thought about how he was reducing something to a smaller size, and it reminded him of his time fighting demons. Slowly his breath began to pick up in pace and he saw the picture that Dean had taken of Talia and him together and he couldn't deny the thought of seeing himself and her covered in blood became too much and he dropped the knife and fell to the ground. "Cas! Hey," Dean began kneeling to him. "What's wrong? What hurts?"

"My mind. My feelings. Why do I feel like everything that could go wrong will go wrong?" Dean sighed knowing that it meant Castiel was experiencing what he was concerned would happen for an angel. Panick attacks and freak outs.

"It's called anxiety and panic. I think you're having a panic attack," he began calmly knowing Castiel hated being lied to.

"I think I'm having an anxiety episode," Cas responded frustrated before Dean sighed and pulled the man into his chest calmly and wrapped his arms around the man and slowed his breathing.

"It's called anxiety attack. It happens when you're too anxious about something. I know you weren't like this until Talia and Sam mentioned they were going out on a hunt for this creature. I know you think that we all feel you hold no worth without your grace or fighting skills. But I care about you more than what monsters you can hunt," he began looking down at Castiel and kissing the man's temple. "Castiel. I fell in love with you for who you were. Not what you could do."

"But Talia," he began and Dean shushed him.

"Talia Novak is a huntress in training and an angel. If anything she's learned from you. Sam and I asked her about what her motivations were. Want to hear her answer?" Dean knew he was going to keep Talia's secret originally, but he also knew it would help Castiel calm down.

"Why are you here? Because if you plan to sell out Castiel's location," Sam began menacingly calm.

"I have no intentions of giving Castiel up to the angels. If anything I'm one of the only few who is still on his side. Grace or no grace he's my mentor. He taught me to fight. To stand up for what's right. So I can see he's a hecking human. I'm not ruining that for him. I'll take over his role of angel on the team. I want Castiel to be a human and enjoy his life with Dean. No worries. I know Dean loves him and we've all seen it. Sam I'm sure you and I are on the same page though. I love Castiel for who he is. Not for his grace. Not for his smarts. Not for that annoyingly dumb trenchcoat that became his trademark in heaven. But for the angel Castiel in all of who he is. So I'll protect him. Take the more dangerous jobs. So then he doesn't have to worry," she promised in the recording and Castiel looked at the recording with tears in his eyes.

"Talia is better with words than me. But it's true. The grace you held as a seraph? Didn't matter to me. It only matters that you're who you always are. Because that's who I fell in love with," Dean explained.

"I think I am calm now," he admitted looking at Dean. "I never thought I would need a moment with cuddles, hugging you and listening to my own student's words for once in my eternity."

"Well I didn't want to bring her into the mushy mess that I call a chick flick moment but I knew hearing it from her, you'd listen. Grace or not, you're stuck with me. So suck it up," he began before smiling as he got a kiss from Castiel. "I take that back. Maybe we need more chick flick moments from you."

"Dean," Castiel began in his groan reserved solely for the idiot he loved. My idiot. Castiel had to keep that thought going through his mind.

Chapter Text

When it came to hunting, there was no rest for the wicked. Dean and Sam were always aware of that fact and they were relieved that Castiel was still with them as well as a new huntress. Emmalyn May was 29 and a great hunter for her age. But she also was their lone wolf. She was great at finding research and a good fighter, but at the bunker, she was always alone. It was a typical post hunt, and Dean had just finished making dinner. “Where’s Emmalyn?” Castiel was curious, as despite him not eating much, she never missed a meal with the team. Dean shrugged and then watched as Sam and Eileen walked in.

“Hey. Was Emmalyn behind you?”

“No. We thought she already came up to the kitchen,” Sam admitted looking sheepish. Dean nodded knowing that was true and he watched as Castiel got up. “I can go back for her.”

“No it’s alright Sam. You three eat and I’ll go find Emmalyn,” he promised. As Castiel walked through the halls of the bunker, he kept glancing around corners to see if she was just a little slower and noticed no signs of movement. When he stopped at the war room he glanced up to the door and noticed no signs of it being opened either. He sat down on the stairs and sighed knowing that Emmalyn never took off. She had the freedom of movement, but still. As he let his eyes glow blue, he tried to find Emmalyn as he had a connection to her that nobody question. “Emmalyn. I have been searching this bunker for you. Dinner is ready and Dean was worried when he did not see you arrive. Sam and Eileen are concerned. I am worried. Are you injured?” He glanced around the bunker hoping that she was letting him in and finally, he saw a faint blue shadow of Emmalyn’s body walking around. As Castiel followed it, he realized it was Emmalyn’s movements since she returned.

Dean was about to say something to Cas when he noticed the angel following a path. “Find her?” Dean wasn’t dumb.

“Not exactly. I finally got her to at least let me retrace her steps since she walked inside the bunker from the hunt,” Castiel explained before stopping outside the infirmary. “She walked in here and the shadow of her hasn’t moved,” he added and they hurried in to see Emmalyn laying on a bed with her leg badly bandaged and blood seeping through. “Emmalyn,” he breathed out in shock and rushed forwards putting his hand over her wound and watching as she sighed in relief at what he knew was the warmth of his grace going through her wound. Cleaning it and slowly pulling the skin together to be restitched by his grace.

Dean pulled off the bandages and yanked very carefully on the shorts she was wearing and nodded at Castiel who snapped his fingers to switch out her undergarments as they both respected her autonomy as a woman and would not violate her right to privacy like that. She had already cleared Castiel doing the finger snap switch if he had to. Her dirty clothes were in a shared hamper with the boys. As Dean slipped a new set of shorts over her legs and onto her hips he sighed in concern looking at her sleeping face. “Why couldn’t you let us in?” His hand rested on her forehead and Castiel sighed knowing that they wouldn’t get that answer.

“I’ll watch over her. She won’t be up for a while. She luckily didn’t lose too much blood. But her wound wasn’t done bleeding and she aggravated it hence the bleed through,” he explained as Dean cleaned up the mess.

“Look after her,” Dean warned and Castiel nodded as he sat on the edge of the bed. He knew that Emmalyn usually wanted to be able to consent to what he was about to do, but she was unconscious and on top of that, he knew there was a reason she didn’t call for help when they got back. All three men had been right near the infirmary if she had noted she had a bad wound.

As Castiel placed his hands on her head he shushed her as she whimpered in pain before he saw it. The memories Emmalyn wasn’t letting him see. It was a younger Emmalyn in a Catholic public school kneeling on the footrests in her pew. “Why do you pray? Your family was a family of atheists. You even said you don’t believe God will help you. I mean people question why God would love you,” a nun began and Emmalyn looked straight ahead, but Castiel could see it. A stray tear slipped down the cheek of a younger Emmalyn.

“Oh Em,” he began softly looking at her face before seeing the memory change and it progressed to a teenage Emmalyn who had begun hunting.

“You think that there’s a God out there?” Castiel couldn’t make out the face and knew that was likely to happen but he watched to see Emmalyn flinch.

“Even if there was? He would care more about you, and others. More than me. I mean we all were hand made by God. He makes us all. But I think God regrets making me,” she admitted and Castiel saw the void in her eyes. Before he could even make a commentary on the teenage Emmalyn he realized the bunker reappeared and it was before she had met Castiel.

“You and Cas? You’ll get along. He’s an angel. Literal servant to God. If anyone else can understand the whole following God’s path? It’s him.”

“That, or he’ll consider me an abomination,” she chuckled hollowly looking at Dean. Cas looked deeper this time and saw tears forming. “I mean be real Dean. Angels? God? If they exist. If. Why are we all suffering down here? Why’d you have to go to hell? Why did your father? I mean pardon my bluntness but he was not someone I’d want to acknowledge. But still. We do this work. Destroying their enemies. Demons. We get no sign of them,” she responded.

“There was a saying. My mom used to say to me and Sam all the time. That we were always going to have an angel watching over us. I think it was true, despite the creepy nature of it,” Dean began looking at her. “What about you? Born Catholic, raised as a catholic orphan. Didn’t you get those promises?”

“Nope. Want to know my name, to this day, from St Marthas?” Dean looked at her impressed she was willing to talk about it. “Look out. The abomination joined us for breakfast. I was cold. I was mean. I hated people. I moreso hated that I had so many strict standards on me and then everyone else got away with murder. Me? Nope. I had to be perfect. I hated everyone and everything because of it. I thought that was God’s message. I’d never measure up so stop trying. But I never quit hunting. Might at least mean I went to hell but I went down with a fight,” she admitted

Castiel released Emmalyn’s head and looked down at the small woman and felt his own eyes tear up as he finally saw everything. “Michael’s the warrior of angels. You’re the warrior of hunters. You do so much even though you think we’re not going to help.”

By morning though, Castiel was waiting and saw Emmalyn’s eyes open. “You were in my head last night,” she began.

“I had to. You weren’t talking and I wanted to know why you didn’t call out for help,” he explained and Emmalyn nodded. “I never thought ill of you,” he began and she turned around to face him. “That memory came up.”

“Ah. Never thought you hated me. Just thought you’d do what everyone else did. Abandon me. I mean you’re a legitimate angel. I’m just some kid. I don’t think that there’s any real signs that angels, heaven, God himself. There’s no signs that there’s a place for me there,” she explained. She was about to continue before she paused. “Any other memories pop up?”

“Younger you. Like younger younger. Think age 8,” he began and she blinked looking straight. “The church pews where you were questioned.”

“Yeah I figured. I think that’s where a lot of my self-doubt began but it also was further solidified. I stopped going to church once I was out of the system. He prefers those that attend. I also still racked up more enemies than friends. So I figured it was best to just keep remembering that.”

“Well, you’re wrong. A teenage memory of you popped up and I think there’s a part of you that knows the truth but can’t bring yourself to admit it. You said to someone in the background that God makes everyone unique. He does. He made each person on this earth. So saying he doesn’t love you? Dead wrong. He also does not regret makign any of his creations. Not a single one. Get that through your little head," he mused sadly.

“I’m trying,” she began and Castiel nodded pulling her into a hug.

“I know. That’s all I ask,” he whispered knowing she didn’t want to go into more details.

Chapter Text

Sam groaned in relief as he could smell chocolate chip pancakes being cooked in the small apartment that he shared with his boyfriend Gabriel Novak. The man was about 4 years older than him, but that didn’t matter to Sam. He was happy, and Gabriel brought out a side of Sam that was relaxed and not worried about the future. They had been together now for about 8 years which was the same amount of time that Dean and his fiancé Castiel had been together. At first Dean was very nervous about it because he knew if something went wrong with him and Castiel, he didn’t want things awkward for his little brother. But everything was going well, which everyone except for Dean, knew it would.
Walking into the kitchen Sam smiled as he pressed a kiss into Gabriel’s neck. “Why am I not surprised there is chocolate involved with breakfast?”

“Because I can’t resist my sweet tooth? Also, because you love it when you have a law exam to have sugar in your system,” he continued and Sam chuckled before turning Gabriel around and deepening his kisses to try and show him how much that he was in love with Gabriel. “Hey now, save the overly deep kisses for our brothers who can’t admit they have emotions.”

“You had to bring them up in the middle of that,” he began mock seriously before smiling at Gabriel. As he looked at the calendar he smiled seeing that his boyfriend also had an exam. “Now I get the overload of sugar. Three exams,” he noted.

“Exactly. I’m going to need it if I’m going to stay slightly awake. No way Cassie will pay for my final semester if I don’t start pulling some better grades,” Gabriel admitted.

“You can’t say that Gabriel. Castiel would easily pay for your education. He’s happy that you’re becoming more serious,” Sam assured. Castiel Novak could not deny that Gabriel was becoming more settled down and serious which was good since he was the older brother of the two.

As Sam and Gabriel ate, Sam could no longer hold back and pulled Gabriel in for a deeper kiss again and onto his lap. “What’s this all about Sambo?”

“I need this. I need you. Before the exam,” he began seriously and Gabriel instantly knew what that meant and deepened his kiss as well. They spent over 2 hours making love to each other as they knew that like Castiel and Dean? They were meant for each other. “Sorry for jumping you like that,” Sam breathed out fully relaxed now.

“I do not mind. You were wanting that for a while and I know you’ve been tense because of all these exams. It was nice to see you let loose and surrender to your instincts,” he admitted kissing him. “Now I gotta go,” he warned.

As Sam watched Gabriel walked away he smiled to himself before looking over his notes while walking to the lecture hall. He was about to go in for his exam before picking up his ringing cellphone. “Hey Dean,” he greeted.

“Hey. How’s college?”

“Fine. Gabriel and I both have exams so I was wondering what’s bringing you into calling me at this hour. I sent you my exam schedule.”

“We were just wondering when you and Gabriel will be returning home for the holidays. Also, is Gabriel already on the verge of panicking if I’ll cover his next semester?”

“He was already starting that spiel this morning,” Sam began chuckling. “Anyways I know Gabriel will be. Me? I’ll have to see if I’m to go on internship,” he answered.

“You still don’t know yet?” Dean was impressed at that. He chuckled at the sound before hearing his classmates coming.

“I’ll call after my exam,” he promised hanging up.

As Sam went through his exams he was looking forwards to getting to catch up with Gabriel after all his exams. As he drove around with a plan to buy flowers he smiled as he got a text from Gabriel that he was done.

Gabriel was just patiently waiting for Sam to come and pick him up as he wanted to see the man that he knew he wanted to make his husband. But he also had news to bear. When he arrived at his first exam he had been feeling nauseous and he grew wary but when the nausea passed he ignored it and was waiting around. “Gabriel,” his classmate Balthazar greeted.

“Balthazar,” he greeted casually before leaning against a wall. “How’d you find the exams?” The two of them were good classmates.

“Easy. I’m sure it was the same for you,” he began.

“Decent. I do have to do well to continue being funded by my brother,” he continued as he glanced around. “I’ll catch up with you one day but have you seen Sam?”

“I have not,” he began and as Balthazar was about to leave, he thought of something. “Can I ask you something?” Sam was just arriving at that moment and smiled seeing Gabriel and Balthazar chatting. He knew the two of them were friends.

“Sure Balthazar,what can I do for-?” He was interrupted by Balthazar’s lips meeting his own and what Gabriel couldn’t see was Sam had arrived and was seeing the entire thing.

As Gabriel managed to push Balthazar off, he turned to see Sam waiting. “Who’s that?” Balthazar was genuinely curious.

“My boyfriend,” Gabriel began icily as he walked down to Sam. “Long story,” he began and Sam said nothing getting into his car.

When they arrived back to their apartment, Sam closed the door and looked at Gabriel. “What the hell was that Gabriel? Kissing someone else? Did the exams go that well? Had to celebrate with someone else like that?”

“No. I mean the exams went well yes. But I didn’t,” he began before Sam sighed walking to his room knowing that he wouldn’t be calm enough to continue talking about it.

As the evening passed, Gabriel was sleeping fitfully on the couch and he was worried about Sam. Sam had issues trusting that someone loved him thanks to his past with his own father. Gabriel couldn’t blame that.

When the morning came, Sam looked at Gabriel seriously. “We need to talk about what happened back there,” he began ominously.

“It was a misunderstanding,” Gabriel began calmly.

“Was it? That was quite loose for a misunderstanding. Is a kiss to the lips that open that you’d do it for anyone in your class should the exams go that well?” Gabriel was about to speak before Sam sighed. “I’m done. Gabriel I never stopped loving you. Never. But I can’t forgive such a player move like that. Not when everything was going nicely,” he warned before going to his room and starting to pack. He had enough for an apartment.

Gabriel didn’t fight Sam as he wanted the man to see that he was willing to do whatever made him happy, although he could tell the man was far from happy. But as he watched Sam pull off, he felt the nausea return from the exams again and he sighed grabbing a pregnancy test that he had hidden away as he always wanted to try for a baby with Sam. As he waited the 10 minutes required he looked to see it was a positive test. “Sam,” Gabriel whispered in misery.

After graduating in accounting, Gabriel had moved away for a year knowing that he needed to get away from the town that Sam lived in. But as he was away from everyone, he realized that he couldn’t be as far from his brother. He would just have to be cautious and not be at events Sam were. Besides, Jack deserved to know his uncles Cas and Dean. So he moved back after 2 years and was just in time to know that his brother was really happy.

For 9 months, Castiel and Dean were having to mind their siblings and not get involved as it was between them, but Gabriel had a son after those 9 months and named him Jack. Dean didn’t know who the other parent was, but he never pursued it. He was an uncle by marriage to it, so he knew he had to love the little demon with all his heart. But Castiel was ready to marry Dean and preparations were finally made. So when it came time to make sure everyone was coming, they knew the topic they avoided was going to come up. Sam and Gabriel attending the wedding. Gabriel had not been to many of the rehearsals which bugged Dean, but every time, Castiel was able to see reason to Dean. “You have to remember that Gabriel was left heartbroken about Sam. He left Gabriel when there could have been more discussion about the incident. It’s been years Dean. They haven’t spoken,” Castiel began.

“I know Cas. Believe me, I do. I want them to speak. But at the same token, I don’t get it. They were perfectly happy and then one little issue and it’s over? I’m confused,” he began before hearing his phone. “Hey Sammy. How’s the lawyer business going?”

“My clients are going well,” he began tersely. “Listen, it’s about the rehearsal dinner tomorrow night. I need a favour,” he continued.

“No there’s no new seating for a girl,” Castiel began seriously but was mocking Sam in the same tone which luckily, Sam knew.

“Not about a girl Cas. It’s about Gabriel. I need a chance to talk to him, but he’s not showing to any of the rehearsals. Can you lie and say I’m not coming, so then he’ll show up and we can talk?”

“I don’t know Sam,” Cas began hesitantly. He was not one for lying to his brother about people in attendance when there was conflict.

“It’ll be fine Cas. After all, they can work out their differences before the wedding and things might be peachy,” Dean promised. “We’ll do that for you. Come looking your best then,” Dean answered hanging up.

The next evening, Gabriel had arrived on time and had his son with him. “Jack, why don’t you come with me? I think you’ll like this,” Dean began as he could see Sam pulling in. Castiel knew that was dangerous so he went with the two of them following Jack away from the scene. As Sam walked in, with his hair flipped out but still presentable, Gabriel made to stand and find his son to leave. He didn’t want to be anywhere near Sam Winchester at the moment.

Before he could leave the room though, Sam touched his elbow. “Can we talk?” Gabriel turned around and his eyes were hardened against the emotions in his chest.

“There’s nothing left for us to talk about,” Gabriel began seriously before he heard little feet.

“Daddy! Daddy!” Gabriel kneeled to slow Jack down as he hurried back from wherever Cas and Dean were trying to take him. Sam looked at the kid and noticed he had Gabriel’s youthful face, but had his hair, which was starting to make him curious. Gabriel looked away from Sam as he glanced at the man for an answer and it only began to make connections for the lawyer.

“Hey little guy. How old are you?” Jack looked at Sam and proudly held out three fingers. “You’re three? You’re so grown up,” he teased smiling at him.

“Hey Jack, daddy’s got to go. I got a call from a client not too long ago,” Gabriel began picking Jack up and leaving without saying goodbye to Castiel or even Dean.

As the dinner progressed, Castiel noticed Gabriel’s absence and when everyone else left, he walked over to where Dean and Sam were. “I need to find him Dean. I messed up big time. If anyone deserves to leave me now, it’s him but I need to hear he doesn’t want me back. Please. I want to make amends with him.”

“Dean,” Cas began hesitantly before watching as he wrote down an address. “Try to do as little damage as possible. He’s barely showing up now,” Cas advised Sam as he watched the man take it. “I understand the frustration, but I think there’s something that happened that day that you still don’t know. Gabriel’s never been so happy.”

“I figured that out. Took me many years and I wish I figured it out sooner,” he admitted. Castiel nodded knowing that the man had at least figured out he messed up somewhere. As he watched the car leave he looked to Dean.

“I told you. Sammy can mess up but he’s also good at making sure that he fixes his mistakes. Even if he loses something important to him in the end,” Dean assured.

The next morning, Sam drove to the address on the paper Dean gave and knocked. Gabriel went to answer the door and he was about to close it before Sam caught him off guard. “I’m an idiot.” Gabriel turned to him to wait him out. “When you said it was a misunderstanding, I should have believed you. I never stopped loving you and each day I was away from you? I thought I was being stabbed in the heart. But I didn’t think you’d want a moose of a boyfriend back,” he continued.

“Come inside and let’s talk this out. Then we can decide where we go from there,” Gabriel began and Sam nodded walking inside with him. “Before you ask, Jack is your’s. I just didn’t want to discuss it yesterday because it was about our brother’s.”

“I respect that,” Sam assured and Gabriel nodded knowing that the Sam he always loved was still inside the shell. “Look, when I drove up that day and saw Balthazar kissing you, I lost it. I didn’t think you did anything but,” he began cautiously.

“My history of being a player before you, didn’t help matters. I’ll admit that. But when you heard me say long story, I guess I wished you would have let me explain everything. I had finished my exams. Balthazar and I were good friends as you could tell before. I thought that he actually needed help when he asked me if he could ask something. So I went to hear him out and he jumped me like that. I wish I had seen you otherwise I would have said send me a message,” he added looking at Sam.

“What does Jack know about his other parent?” Gabriel knew that Sam wasn’t going to be mad but he wanted to know.

“I said that his daddy wasn’t living with us because he was busy working hard. I never said in what. He asked how he was born. That was fun. I said that his daddy and I knew each other in college and before the exams that changed our lives, we spent the morning together, no I’m not that crude. I’m not saying that to a toddler. But when he saw you, I was worried I’d have to explain the worst thing possible. Why his dad didn’t say anything. It’s why I left.”

“I know. But I want to make amends. In any way possible. Whether it be we try again, or I help with my son. I am willing to do whatever,” Sam assured.

“Then do both. Try again and be here for your son,” Gabriel began putting a hand on Sam’s heart. “Because as much as you had a void? I had one too. I didn’t want anyone else,” he assured. Sam smiled and gently kissed Gabriel and couldn’t deny the rush that came back through him.

“I’m so sorry,” he began brokenly as tears slipped down his cheeks. Gabriel smiled knowing that the man was finally opening his walls and Gabriel smiled holding him tight and knowing he had the man of his life back.

After two months, Castiel owed Dean 200 bucks because he was right about the fact that Sam was good at making amends. Jack was excited to have his daddy back in his life as Sam had moved in with them and sold his place. Sam even was able to find a new love for Gabriel that he hadn’t seen before as he helped raise their son. One night after Jack went to bed, albeit begrudgingly because Daddy was still awake, Gabriel was waiting for Sam downstairs.“He’s finally out,” Sam promised.

“How many promises?”

“Thousands,” Sam chuckled sitting across from Gabriel and he realized he hadn’t done what he wanted to that day. “Hey, this is the quietest that we’ve had. But I think we need to start talking more about the future.”

“Like what?”

“Like if we got married would it be Winchester-Novak? Or Winchester? Or Novak? Or Novak-Winchester?”

“Let’s not worry about that yet as it’s not like,” Gabriel began turning back to face Sam who had in the span of two seconds kneeled and pulled out a ring. “Anyone’s proposed,” he finished in a breath covering his mouth.

“Gabriel Novak, you have put up with a lot of my crud. You bore my child for 9 months alone and raised a beautiful boy for three years without me. If anyone’s lucky to have you in their lives it’s me and Jack. But there’s obviously something to be said. You put up with a lot of my stuff because you thought it was thanks to my father, but it was all me. Being a coward. So I wouldn’t be surprised if you said no, but would you do me the honour of marrying me? Completing the other half of my life?”

Gabriel smiled at his goofy boyfriend and pulled him up for a kiss while slipping the ring on with him. “I will gladly marry you. I was also thinking,” he began teasing trailing his hands down to Sam’s belt. “How would Jack feel about a sibling?” Sam chuckled and kissed his now fiancé knowing things would be okay.

Chapter Text

A meeting with Mirabel and Ishim was never said to go well, but regardless when you were asked to attend a meeting, you didn’t dare refuse. Castiel and the angel Zoya knew that quite well and so when Zoya’s presence was requested, Castiel got the Winchesters to take them to the agreed upon location.

“So Ishim still the same as he always has been?” Castiel hadn’t been the most recent to see the man so he was generally curious.

“Yeah to be polite. Still stuck in his ways. But regardless, the rules still apply. He calls we go to him and meet. See what he needs. Especially since it’s rare that any angel asks for me to meet with them,” she began and Castiel nodded at that. He kept his lips shut on the true meaning of what she said and as they pulled into an area, they all climbed out and Zoya looked around.

“He’s here,” Castiel promised as he glanced towards a diner. “He’s also brought Mirabel. So it’s bad whatever he wants to talk with you about.”

“No kidding,” she sighed. She looked at them seriously. “Do me a favour for once. Stay out here,” she advised and Castiel looked at Zoya shocked to see her somber expression. Dean waited knowing that there would be an explanation eventually.

“Elaborate?” He never thought he would have to demand something from her mouth to come out and then waited as she sighed.

“Ishim, he’s one of the more traditional angels. Doesn’t view humans as how me and Castiel do. He doesn’t really like them,” she explained. Dean blinked and looked at her a trifle annoyed at the situation that had arose. “If I truly plan to do something stupid. You’ll be the first to know,” she assured before walking into the diner.

Sam pointed in the direction of the diner shocked. “Did Zoya just?” Castiel nodded looking at Sam seriously. “Since when does she?”

“When Ishim’s involved? She likes things to be as quick and simple as possible. Hence her tense nature about this all,” he explained as he looked towards the diner. “For now we remain patient and hope that she gets what we need.”

Meanwhile inside the diner, Zoya had taken no time to locate the angels in question. “Ishim. Mirabel,” she greeted politely. They both nodded to her and as she sat in the diner seat across from them she looked serious. “It’s not often you ask for a meeting. So what can I do for you?”

“Have you been monitoring the angel radio? Or have you been as deaf as your brothers?” Zoya had to count to 5 twice before answering knowing the dig on her and some of the other angels.

“I’ve been monitoring it. I’ve overhead the unexplained deaths of our brothers and sisters. I’ve been investigating,” she promised and Mirabel looked at her. “This is roughly the area that they all seem to die. So it’s safe to assume whoever or whatever is killing them, is here.”

“Agreed,” Mirabel responded looking at her seriously.

Meanwhile outside the diner, Dean and Sam looked at Castiel seriously. “So we get let in on everything except for this. The one thing that we get to see what her life is like? She shuts us out,” Dean began.

“She told you why. The two angels in there? Are not friendly with humans. They respect humans as they were God’s creations. But it doesn’t mean that we all get along with them. Think back to Raphael’s nature to you. Some other angels are similar. Zoya knew that. So she made certain that you weren’t in the cross fire. Plus if she is seen with humans? Ishim’s respect might change in tone,” he explained.

Before he could say anything Sam looked at Castiel. “He’s going to storm in right about,” he began dragging it out before seeing the tell. “Now,” he finished and Castiel tried to hurry and stop the two of them from going inside.

Within the diner, Mirabel was finally making notes of the activities Zoya had been up to. “We have been asking around about you. You aren’t alone here. You have the angel Castiel with you,” she mused.

“He is with me yes,” she acknowledged before she heard the diner door open and she glanced out of the corner of her eye and bit her lip at the multiple Enochian curses. “Thought I asked you to keep them outside of the meeting.”

“I thought I asked you to show up alone,” Ishim continued.

She looked at Ishim seriously knowing she had to think up something serious. “Dean Winchester is said to be the destined vessel of Michael. Consider it guarding while getting work done,” she dismissed.

“I’ll go check the area,” Mirabel decided standing up and it made Zoya want to scream. “You can’t guarantee that you weren’t followed.”

“I know,” she promised and as Mirabel left the diner, Zoya sighed. “Dean go follow and make sure we weren’t followed and protect her.”

“Oh so we’re going to guard the ones that have been hard on you?”

“Dean,” Castiel and Zoya began icily. The man sighed and went out without a question knowing that the two angels were in agreement meaning it was a good idea to just listen to them. As he left, Zoya turned to Ishim and waited.

“Look at how far the angel fighter has fallen. The angel for all angels. Once a warrior for myself, Castiel and Michael,” he began and Sam turned to Zoya shocked. “They didn’t know?”

“My time with Michael was irrelevant to the task at hand. What matters now, is figuring out who or what is killing these angels. They are our brothers and sisters and I hate hearing on the radio that they are winding up dead.”

“Now that, is refreshingly accurate,” he mused and Sam couldn’t help but find the chill in Ishim’s words to be daunting. “But still, you don’t find it odd? How the warrior was left with no wings, no friends, just your boots, blade and now a couple poorly trained monkeys alongside Castiel?”

“Well you can go to hell,” Dean began walking back in. “She’s alive, just watching from outside,” Dean assured looking at her.

“Alright good and Dean?” He looked at Zoya seriously. “It’s fine what Ishim’s saying,” she dismissed and Sam looked at her.

“No. No it’s not,” Sam continued looking at her.

“Look, let’s discuss this somewhere you deem safe. As it’s clear Mirabel is on edge, we should move right away.”

“Agreed. I have a safe house. These coordinates,” he began handing them over to Castiel. “Meet me there,” he informed.

“Understood,” Castiel and Zoya responded looking at him and as he stood up and walked out. As Sam and Dean watched the door close, Zoya exhaled in relief.

“Look. We need his help. Angels are dying, we have to figure out why. So no matter what? We put up with him,” she warned the two Winchesters.

“Did you see how he treated you though?”

“That’s the normal. But he’s one of Heaven’s best. So to get his help? We shut up and deal with what he has to say about me,” Zoya answered as they got up. “We’ll say where we’re going in the car. I want him to actually help.”

As they drove, Sam glanced back at Zoya who looked annoyed. “What did he mean you were once Michael’s warrior?”

“You were what?”

“Back when Castiel and I did garrison work. I served under Ishim, Mirabel, Castiel and Michael. When one of them said jump? I asked how high. Hence his other comment of angel’s angel. I did whatever it took to make people happy. I mean whatever as well. Any hunts? I was the one going to purge,” she explained.

“He’s not wrong. We’d witness her fight for us and it was almost like watching a dance when she went. She’s good.”

“So we’ve never witnessed this because?”

“Never asked and the need never really arose so I didn’t use that level of fighting. This might arise the need because it’s someone who’s capable of killing angels,” she explained.
“Agreed,” Castiel answered as they pulled into the area where Ishim said to meet. Walking up the street to the abandoned church, they looked around.

“He’s up on the higher levels. But he’ll come down,” she assured sitting on a bench and waiting and finally saw Mirabel walk out. “No followers.”

“Good,” she responded walking over and looking at her. “Humans though. They are, unique creatures to say the least. But still boring.”

“I’ll admit that,” she responded looking at Mirabel. “But humans might not be our problem. Humans don’t know the weakness to an angel. Demons, vampires, name any other supernatural creature. They do,” she added.

“Regardless, Ishim has concerns that you are out of practice. You have not been expected to have some standards about you.”
“If he wishes to engage in combat to prove my skills, I’m more than willing. I have not and will not let myself get rusty,” she promised. Mirabel nodded knowing that will the conviction in her words it was the truth.

“So let’s get to work on figuring this out,” Ishim began walking out from behind her and as she stood, he watched as her stance was clearly defensive. “It’s off that you are so,” he began before watching her twist Mirabel’s arm behind her back that had a dagger and she smirked at him. “You have not allowed yourself to get rusty. You have maintained your senses.”

“So this thing that wants angels to be dead. Do we have a reason?”

“Power, smiting capabilities,” Zoya began bored. “Lots of reasons to want us dead. The question becomes, who,” she informed.

“Well Mirabel and I have a connection in a library a block from here. We were just waiting for you three to arrive and then we were going to rendezvous. I expect you three all to be here. Especially the girl that needs to prove her worth.”

“I know,” she promised and as they left Dean looked at her shocked. “We wait them out. It won’t take them very long,” she assured before glancing around. “Though, I admit. For a safe place? This doesn’t feel it,” she added.

“Meaning?”

“I don’t feel any warding, any signs of protection,” she explained looking around. Castiel looked at her concerned and she sighed. “I trust them. I do. They’re not often wrong,” she began before looking at Sam and Dean. “But if it weren’t for the fact that there was an angel radio going off about dead angels for no reason which lines up with the reasons for Ishim and Mirabel’s meeting? I wouldn’t have stayed and waited them out.”

“You know, you aren’t as worthless as they make you out to be, right?” Sam looked at Zoya seriously knowing that she had to be made aware of that fact.

“I certainly was not their best. I was good for a kill. That’s really all I was good for in their eyes,” she explained.

“Not why I took you out when my garrison was assigned to do hunts on Earth,” Castiel answered looking at her. “You were the smarter one of the group. Even now you prove it. You knew to wait Ishim out, you just stood up against Mirabel. You’re not what they say.”

“Tell that to the plethora of angels who all think negatively of me,” she dismissed before seeing Mirabel return. “Let’s get to work.”

“Maybe you’ll prove you aren’t a disappointment for once,” she added.

Chapter Text

It was a cold afternoon in the Novak-Winchester Household and Dean was very much not happy about the lack of groceries in the house. "Cas, when's the last time anyone went grocery shopping here?" He was noticing the apparent lack of food and beer as he didn't feel like going to the basement at the moment and also saw that Jack's juice jug was gone as was Sabrina's.

"When's the last time someone was home to look after Jack and Sabrina, so I could actually go to the grocery store?" Castiel knew that Dean wouldn't be happy as they were running low on food but he had a point. Sabrina didn't try to misbehave in the grocery store, but she had sensory issues and it usually ended in a tantrum of some kind. Dean looked a little ashamed at the commentary and he nodded at that. "I'll tell you what. You and Jack can go have some quality time picking up groceries, because Sabrina's still sick and ask Jack about every other trip to the store," he began.

"Very loud," Jack admitted. Castiel had managed to get his grace to work in making Jack a kid again so he could grow up alongside his little sister. Sabrina was Castiel's biological child as well as Dean's. But to Castiel, his husband now had someone who was more stubborn than him. Dean Winchester, the Righteous Man, husband extraordinaire, god in bed, stubborn alcoholic, loving father was at a level of stubborn and cranky that Sabrina would spit at. "She's not okay."

"No buddy," Dean admitted looking into the playpen where his three-year-old daughter was laying on her side snuggled under Castiel's trenchcoat was laying and not even moving an inch. "She's not okay at all. How's her medicine?"

"Low," Castiel admitted before he watched as Dean picked up Sabrina and her eyes opened and she whimpered as the trenchcoat was put on a chair before she settled as Dean held her gently against his chest and under his jacket. "You're lucky," Castiel began.

"I know," Dean promsied before sitting in a rocking chair and looking down at Sabrina's angellic blue eyes. "You going to be good for Daddy while I'm out? Have to go pick up your medicine and some food so daddy doesn't poison us with his cooking," he began.

"You no poin us," Sabrina assured tapping Dean's shoulder like Castiel did to try and comfort the man, meanwhile Castiel was trying to not laugh. As Castiel picked Sabrina up and wrapped her in her little sleeping pouch he carried her to the living room and placed her in the high chair knowing she wasn't to be left crawling around for now.

"What should we make Dean pick up this week?"

"Bees," Sabrina decided. Castiel chuckled and knew what Sabrina was up to so he playfully tapped her nose with the pen.

"We can't be that mean to him," Castiel warned looking at her mock seriously knowing that Jack wouldn't let Dean forget anything. But he then looked at her with an idea. "Want to trick daddy?" She nodded rapidly and Castiel smirked writing just what Sabrina had said on one piece of paper and then writing out another fake list and puting it in Jack's left coat pocket before finally going ahead and making an actual grocery list and putting it in Jack's right coat pocket before letting the two boys get ready. "We'll be here when you get back. Hopefully with someone less cranky."

"She will be," Dean decided to press a kiss to her temple. "Her fever feels like it's gone down a bit. Maybe later we can all go down to the balcony. She has some toys there and Jack can read." Sabrina rested her nose against Dean's cheek which only made him smile at her. "Yeah, you'll be back to normal soon. Then you can go bug Uncle Gabriel."

"Unca Sam," she warned seriously and Castiel had to chuckle at the tone. She had been promised a trip to her Uncle Gabriel's and Uncle Sam's for weeks but until her cough and fever went away, Sam was adamant she stayed at the house. Not because he was a germaphobe but he always liked to do things with Sabrina and she wasn't as energetic when sick. So she was ready to go see them again.

"As soon as somebody loses the fever, the sneezing, the coughs and the always needing to pee," Dean promised her and she glared before he left with Jack in the car. As he listened to his rock music, Jack was looking around curious about what Sabrina and Castiel did. He knew that the two of them were always willing to play tricks on Dean if he was a little too cranky with Castiel.

As they arrived at the store, Dean opened the list that he had retrieved from Cas and looked at the list shocked. "Bees?" He glanced at every aisle name as they were walking and then at the list. "Why would they write?" He knew there was only one way to get the answers. As he called up Cas, he waited before hearing an answer.

"Hello Dean," he greeted and Dean could tell the angel was just finishing reading to Sabrina. "What can I do for you?"

"Bees? Really Cas?"

"Sorry, Dean. That was Sabrina's idea for leaving her alone here," Castiel began and Dean made a soft squawk of outrage. "She's learning from her uncle."

"Clearly. Now where's the real list?"

"Jack's left coat pocket," Castiel answered and as Dean grabbed it he chuckled at the sneaky moves regardless. "Have fun."

As Dean looked at the list he pursed his lips. "I guess Cas is still not familiar with all the human terms for food. But we should get the 3% milk, the strawberries without seeds, I'm guessing that's for Sabrina, unsour cream, diet diet coke? I guess that's new so we'll have to ask around," he began.

Dean was going through the aisles and as he saw a clerk he decided to ask. "Um where do you have the diet diet coke?" The clerk blinked at him and then smiled and walked over to grab a thing of diet coke and then walked away. "Cas is not going to be happy," he began before he realized and dialled up Cas again, but now there was a problem. There was no answer. "Dammit Cas," he began trying again but once again only going to the voicemail machine.

After about 20 minutes of picking up everything that he thought they needed Dean felt his phone buzz with a text.

My Angel: Check Jack's right pocket if the list isn't helping.

As Dean did just that, he opened the paper to see the actual grocery list and he chuckled. "That's definetly my two angels. My loving angel and my sneaky angel," he mused as he walked with Jack to collect the rest of the grocery items.

When they returned home, Castiel had Sabrina back in her playpen so he could help and then he looked at Dean. "She told me about your planned first husband." Dean winced at the thought coming up. His original fiance was a man that was known for expecting perfection and lashing out at him if it wasn't perfect. Just like his father had been to him before. So he never really thought about him again once he got with Castiel. And especially not when he got to hold a kid he helped make and watched as her blue eyes locked with his and she never liked being without him.

"Yeah, he disappeared," Dean began before looking at Cas. "What did you do?" Dean admitted his first fiance was a real prick but he never asked why he went missing and never was found.

"Nothing that can be proven. And nothing linking me and Sabrina into seeing him," Cas answered and Dean looked at Cas seriously. "Sabrina saw into your head. I don't know if it's a thing that she got from me or her Archangel uncles, but she was able to. She saw how he treated you and told me. We both wanted to end him painfully but she said it had to not hurt the family anymore and we had to be smart. So we were," Castiel answered.

"Dammit this is why I love you," he began kissing Cas and smiling as he walked over to the playpen where Sabrina was waiting. "You," he began cuddling her into his chest. "You don't ever have to worry about me. It's not your job to protect me. It's my job to protect you. You and Jack are my concern," he whispered kissing her forehead before he started humming Hey Jude while walking with Sabrina as dinner wouldn't be for a while and he just wanted some time to hold her.

Chapter Text

When it came to hunting, there was no doubt that Sam and Dean Winchester were the best. With the fact that Gabriel the archangel was willing to help out and not to mention that Rowena was now dating the angel Castiel it was solidified. Dean had known that Castiel and Rowena were both fond of the innocence of children and when it came to Jack and now the adopted daughter to Rowena and Castiel, Evelyn? They were complete parents that as much as they knew the hunting lifestyle, were trying to put normalcy into their heads, which meant a challenge for Dean and Sam.

It had been over half a year since Evelyn had joined her ‘uncles’ on a hunt and she had been begging her dad for the chance to go. “It’s a simple gank and go,” Dean promised Castiel knowing that Evelyn rarely asked to hunt as she preferred to research with Sam.

“I don’t know. The weather’s getting cooler and her luck with avoiding illness is not great,” Castiel began and Evelyn looked at Castiel annoyed. “Don’t even deny it. Remember the last flu you had?”

“Can we not revisit that?” Sam even had to chuckle knowing that Castiel had always been worried about Jack and Evelyn, but Rowena was certainly becoming more of a mother again and influencing Castiel to say no.

“She comes back sick and there’s not a hunt for her in the next year,” Rowena began seriously and Evelyn looked at Rowena mad. “It’s fair. You always come back sick and I think it’s not much to ask they bring you back to us the way they got you.”

“I’m with her. That’s the deal take it or leave it,” Castiel began looking at her and she skeptically looked at her ‘father’ with the fact he knew a pop-culture saying in comparison to Enochian. “Charlie,” he explained and she nodded at that.

“Fine fine fine. I promise. I come back sick and there are no hunts for a year or more,” she promised the two of them knowing that they were always trying to just look out for her best interests. Sam even knew that they were just worried and despite the ice in the warnings? They’d nurture their babies back to health with no question. Jack was considered a baby in Castiel’s eyes regardless of his size.

While Sam and Evelyn were busy researching, Dean was with Rowena and Castiel. “I mean I get it. She’s younger than Jack now. She’s only 9 and Jack’s 13,” Dean began cautiously.

“That’s another thing I don’t like. You and Sam always talking about how you two hunted as children put it in her wee head that she can go out doing the same,” Rowena began looking at Dean. Dean sighed knowing she was paranoid. “Forgive me for being more of a mother to her than I was to my own son, but she’s the youngest I’ve dealt with and I feel protective of her.”

“Rowena, I respect that. I do. But you have to realize she’s not being raised like a normal girl. She’s being raised around hunters, an angel and a witch. Not to mention she has been fed Castiel’s grace since she was adopted by you two and studying witchcraft. Cas made sure she was his even though he didn’t create her. So letting her have some fun?”

“Dean, this is serious. I swear to father, if she comes back harmed I will sick Lucifer and Michael on you,” Castiel began.

“Don’t bring in the two heavy hitters,” Dean warned.

“The two of them are so protective of her it’s not funny. You think Rowena and I are being overbearing on her? Michael wants her up in Heaven under lock and key to keep her from the dangers of the world,” Castiel explained.

“Point taken,” Dean began as he looked in on Evelyn and saw she was reading despite rubbing at her eyes. “How’s the glasses order coming?”

“They’ll be in next month,” Rowena admitted before looking at Dean. “She doesn’t use her powers. It helps open her immune system up to infection. Haven’t taught her to keep that under control.” Dean nodded and watched as his brother and niece formulated their plan.

Over the course of the half a month they were gone, Rowena and Castiel were getting constant updates from Sam and Dean, but they were both not able to deny the amount of pride they had when they learned that Evelyn herself did the ganking and got the Wendigo.

As soon as she arrived home, Castiel watched as Rowena rushed over to Evelyn who just immediately shoved her away. “I just want to go to bed,” she warned and Rowena felt a little pain at being pushed away but was more concerned when she heard that Evelyn wanted to go to bed.

“She never wants to go to bed. She’d be talking Jack’s and my ear off about this one,” Castiel began concerned. As he walked to Evelyn’s room he knocked before seeing Rowena open the door and walk in noticing that Evelyn didn’t even make it under the covers or start unpacking. She looked to be asleep already. “Evelyn?” She moaned in pain and Castiel sighed gently sitting her up and he couldn’t deny she looked warm. “Alright into bed with you and we’ll talk about this in the morning,” he decided and Rowena helped pull her quilt down before tucking her in.

Jack looked in on his sister worried and Rowena smiled leading him to his room. “Your sister is fine, she just isn’t at her best right now.”

“She probably went without her coat for the hunt knowing it slows her down,” Jack responded and Rowena made a mental note about what Jack said before helping him into his own bed.

After the Winchesters were asleep too, Castiel walked over to where Rowena was and sat beside her letting his one wing go around her even though it was still in the ethereal plane. “She is so stubborn. Demands we let her go and be like her uncles and then comes home worse for wear.”

“She wants to prove she can handle herself. She sees how strong her mother is,” Castiel began looking at her seriously.

“I’m no mother. If I was a mother, I would have kept her home where I knew she wasn’t going to get so ill that she doesn’t tell us.”

“She’s not going to. She, unfortunately, takes after Dean too much. Hides her pain, and her weaknesses to make sure that others are cared for first. She’s younger than Jack but wants to protect her older brother before worrying about herself,” Castiel explained as he rubbed Rowena’s arm. “We’ll see how bad she is by the morning.”

As morning did come around, Castiel walked into Evelyn’s room quietly knowing that she did deserve her sleep after the hunt and noticed her face was flushing red and Dean looked in. “She okay?”

“She’s banned from hunting for a year. Her face is flushing red,” he informed and Dean put his finger up and returned with a thermometer that went into her ear and he watched as Evelyn began whimpering at the intruding feeling on her head while she was asleep.

“I know Evelyn. It’s almost done,” Dean calmed before pulling the thermometer out as it beeped. “100.0 so not a massive fever but a fever nonetheless.”

“Should we wake her?”

“Yeah she can go back to sleep after she showers, changes into something a little cooler and after we’ve washed her bedding as I can see she’s been sweating all night,” Dean answered and gently began shaking Evelyn’s shoulder. “Hey, kiddo. Get up for a bit.”

“Noo,” she whined as her eyes were still asleep and they both looked at her as her voice sounded hoarse.

“Point in case. Actually watching what she wears, angel grace or none, is needed,” Dean admitted and Castiel gave him a bitch face in response.

“Just for an hour. Dean and I have to wash your bedding. You soaked through it last night with your sweating and you need to shower,” Castiel promised and as her eye finally opened she glared at him and he waited for her to carefully get out of bed and as she grabbed her pyjamas he looked at her nervously.

“I’m fine. Minor bug. I’ll be up and at them again tomorrow. I mean not hunting-wise, but research and training-wise,” she assured.

“No you won’t,” Cas warned as she went into the washroom and closed the door. “Dean, you are very lucky Rowena wasn’t in the room to hear your basic confession you let her outside without a jacket.”

“It’s constraining on her arm,” Dean defended whispering.

“I already knew. Jack called it ahead of time about what was making her so sick and seems he was right. You’re lucky she’s awake and my Tweety Bird needs to be brought back to health, or I’d find a way to torture you for putting her in this state.”

“Leave him. Sadly he’s so used to hunting without expectations so he wouldn’t think to put some on Evelyn,” Castiel calmed and Rowena sighed nodding and helping Castiel strip her bed and Dean took the bedding to get washed up. Rowena looked in on Evelyn when she took a long time to shower and saw she was changed but leaning against the wall.

“Castiel, can you go grab a glass of water and the ibuprofen?” Castiel left without a word and Rowena went into the bathroom and gently took Evelyn’s hand.

“M’sorry mom. Wanted to be as good as Sam and Dean,” she whimpered in pain as she had a throbbing headache and she was feeling warm.

“My tweety bird,” she began sitting on her desk chair before making her look at Rowena. “You have always been as good as the Winchesters. You have learned witchcraft and you have been training with your father and Uncle Gabriel to a level that most children couldn’t fathom. You have nothing left to prove to us,” she promised as she wiped away her daughter’s tears before taking the glass of water from Castiel and she watched as Evelyn quickly took the pill before taking a couple of small sips of water. As she stood up she was careful to go to her window seat and leaned her head against the window.

“I could see if my grace,” Castiel began, and Rowena shook her head. “I just know you both aren’t happy right now.”

“Using your grace right now isn’t a wise idea. The old-fashioned way would be better. In a way it’s a punishment to Evelyn as it shows her what Dean’s not thinking will lead to for her if she doesn’t use her best judgement, but it also might reinforce that you want her better so fast that she can’t afford to show us she’s not well,” Rowena began.

“Where’s the woman last night who was mad she wouldn’t show us?”

“She’s worried. Our daughter’s first words to me this morning? I’m sorry, and that she wanted to prove she was as good as Sam and Dean.” Castiel looked over to Evelyn shocked and Rowena nodded at him, and he sighed.

“Can I have some time with her?” Rowena nodded smiling at him and he looked concerned. “What are you working on?”

“Nothing witchcraft-related. Home remedies. I like the naturopath approach but only use the ibuprofen for her pain and her fever,” Rowena explained and Castiel nodded going over to the window seat and sitting with one leg on the seat, beside Evelyn and he didn’t say anything. He knew she was aware he was there and that’s all he wanted her to know. Was that she wasn’t alone. He waited and smiled as she leaned her head against his arm and he gently moved his arm so her head was against his chest.

“Headache still there?” She nodded and he waited her out. “Your mother and I aren’t angry at you. If that’s why you’ve been so quiet.”

“You’re upset,” she warned. Castiel nodded knowing that wasn’t a lie and he looked down at her. “I didn’t mean to get sick.”

“But did you go on the hunt without a coat? Even though we all said it was getting colder and this is when you usually get sick really easy?” She nodded and Castiel smiled knowing she wouldn’t lie to him about that. “You’re lucky Michael didn’t hear about this first.”

“He’s protective,” she admitted and Castiel nodded. “I miss Uncle Gabriel,” she admitted and Castiel nodded at that knowing that as much as he wanted Evelyn to have no visitors, sometimes they were the best for her.

“I’ll call them when you lay back down after your bedding is washed. But you do know you’ll hear about this from two archangels, right?”

“Michael and Luci,” she admitted and Castiel nodded. “Only because Luci is also a dad.”

“Biologically but I’m the one raising Jack,” Castiel reminded and she nodded at the reminder. But as he saw Dean return, he glanced down to see that Evelyn fell asleep against his chest and Rowena even had to chuckle at that. “She passed out the moment she knew we weren’t angry at her.”

“Well she should eat something when she wakes up again,” Rowena advised and Castiel nodded at that knowing it was the truth.

Sam walked in after a couple of hours to see Castiel was reading while Evelyn was asleep. “Rowena advised she drinks some tea and has some honey for her throat. She thinks that Evelyn’s still covering her illness to the extent,” he informed.

As Evelyn’s eyes opened, Sam sat down on the edge of the bed and she looked at him. “Morning sleepy. How you feeling?” She glanced at him confused and he smiled. “Here. Your mom wanted you to have tea and honey,” he began and she shook her head looking at Sam. “Come on. It’s one mouthful of honey and then the tea you normally drink.” She groaned and as Sam put the honey in her mouth and Castiel had to cover a snicker as he watched her move her mouth the same way she always did when something sticky was in her mouth and she rushed some tea into her.

“Alright so Dean and I agreed. No research. No training. Nothing. Just you sleeping,” he began and she glared at him. “Try to say a single sentence without your nose clouding your words up.”

“I’b fibe Sab,” she responded and she glared at him and even Castiel glanced at her shocked and Sam smirked as he pulled away her bracelet. “You,” she growled.

“Took away your cover? Oh yeah. I’m not stupid Evelyn. You and Dean are too much alike. Work yourselves to the ground. Also I’ve been where you are? I don’t want Cas or Rowena to find you passed out on the floor because you didn’t keep your fever down or allow yourself to recover,” he warned.

“Only your child Rowena,” Castiel began under his breath slightly concerned about how Evelyn made a bracelet that covered her illness up. He walked out to see Rowena was at the kitchen counter waiting. “You taught her how to make a bracelet that covers up things?”

“Yes. It’s an important use and if she insisted on being a hunter I wanted her to be able to cover certain things up,” Rowena began.

“Well your bracelet to cover what was probably a tattoo or something minor? She’s amped it up. Sam just confiscated this from her as it was a bracelet to cover up illness. He guesses the facial flushing became too much for it which means she had it since she was out there,” Dean began. Rowena looked at it and carefully started tearing it apart.

“Weaker in her magic, but still. I’m impressed,” she began before they watched as a gem fell out of the bracelet. “There we are.”

“That’s what powers it?” She nodded and Dean watched as Sam slammed a hammer down on it and it went to pieces.

Sam walked back into Evelyn’s room after half an hour and saw she was still awake and walking around her room. “You should be asleep,” Sam began cautiously.

“I should be working on something. Instead, I’m cooped up,” she warned and Sam sighed looking at her and she glared. “I’b not the average kid.”

“No. You’re around me and Dean too much. Dean’s taught you it’s okay to hide things when you have people who care. I care, Cas and Rowena are overprotective sure, but they love you. They’re worried. Not to mention Michael, Gabriel, Lucifer even,” he continued and she looked at him confused. “They’re in the war room,” he began and watched as she dove for her bed and climbed under the covers. “Next time I’ll start with that,” he decided.

“Don’t be mean,” she decided and Sam chuckled as he pushed Evelyn’s bangs away from her brow and she glared at them.

“My point. It’s not the same time as when me and Dean were kids. Sure we still try to keep working, but we try to at least show you it’s okay to be a human being. To be sick and need time to recover. Cas is worried about you when you do this and as am I. So promise me? When we research, when we train? If you’re ill or hurt? You’ll tell us this time?” She nodded and he smiled kissing her forehead. “Good. Now get some sleep. I might be persuading Michael to convince Rowena and Castiel to give you a second chance and Gabriel to use his grace to rid you of sickness.”

“Yes,” she breathed.

“But I find out you did it again after this? What is it that Cas always threatens you with for misbehaving to the extremes? As in Dean’s level of insanity?”

“Warming by butt,” she responded and Sam looked at her seriously and she glanced at him with a hint of amusement before it hit her. “You wouldn’t.”

“Try me by messing with your health again,” Sam decided and she nodded smiling at him and he chuckled knowing the message was received. He was about to tease before he saw Gabriel. “How are the negotiations going?”

“Well Cassie’s still a prude. But he’s agreed that she’s not doing something he wouldn’t have done before settling down with Rowena,” he began before putting two fingers to Evelyn’s head and she waited as she knew he wouldn’t do it right away. “Promise to stay out of trouble?”

“Says de Trickter hibself,” she responded and Sam looked at her. “Cober up.” Gabriel looked to Sam for clarification.

“Because Castiel and Rowena took her bracelet that covered up her illness away she still tried to cover the severity,” Sam explained and he watched as Gabriel’s eyes glowed blue and so did Evelyn’s. “How you feeling now?”

“Better and this time zero faking,” she promised Sam and as she stood, Gabriel hugged her tightly to him. “I’m sorry I made you have to do this.”

“I want an apology to Cassie. He was worried about you the entire time. Called me and Michael the night you got home saying how you were a little rude to your mother, hm? Want to talk about that?”

“Not really,” she admitted looking at Gabriel. “I was tired, I was sick by that point already and was covering it up. I just wanted away from everyone.”

“Does that make it right?” Gabriel, as much as he was fun and games? Demanded respect from his niece when it came to her parents.

“No,” she apologized and she realized why he asked. “Please let it go with a warning? Just this once? I mean I know Michael knows and I’m already in for it with him.”

“Do it again and you’ll deal with me, Michael, Samalamb and your dad. Are we clear?” She nodded rapidly and he smiled hugging her to his chest. “I love you Evelyn.”

“I love you Uncle Gabriel,” she whispered as she hid her face and as she walked out she tapped her mother’s shoulder and she followed her to the kitchen. “I’m sorry I was so hard on you when I came home.”

“I know. Your father told me about how you wanted to prove yourself to us. I know Castiel has said it but it’s my turn. Since I brought you in with Castiel on that Winter Solstice night, I didn’t care about how much you were worth to someone. I cared that you were my daughter and that I never had to say you were going to die covered in your own sick. Because you always aimed higher than what even me or Castiel said to,” she began kissing her daughter’s forehead.

“How mad is Uncle Michael?”

“Mm not too bad considering Castiel explained the reasons and he agreed you always overshot,” she assured walking over to the living room with her.

“Do that again and I will put you up with the garrisons for a year in Heaven’s time which is a week Earth time,” Michael warned and she nodded at him knowing he was serious. “Heard you did the kill though. About time your training pulled through.”

“Alright enough with the mush. Especially from you. It’s just uncomfortable,” she decided pointing to Michael.

Chapter Text

Rebecca Novak was known for being many things in her family. She was one of the smarter ones, more creative ones and had a heart as big as her head. But one thing, she knew was always said about her behind her back? Was that she was the one family member that sometimes was wanted elsewhere compared to big events. At 19, Rebecca was making a name for herself in the work force as she had always put her passions to work. So when she heard her older brother Castiel was bringing a man into the house as his fiancé? She knew she had to be present for the biggest moment of his life.

The Novaks were preparing their rather large mansion for the multitude of guests that would be arriving that evening for the party before the family spent the weekend together. “I don’t know who thinks that they can date Castiel. Most people in town are not good enough for him.”

“But Castiel believes he is good enough for him. I think that’s all that matters,” Rebecca added looking down at Michael who stopped his commentary when she spoke. “I mean we don’t question Lucifer and his love life. We didn’t question your’s with Lillith’s,” she listed and he looked at her. “I speak the truth and you know it.”

“Let’s run down memory lane then. How did both our relationships get destroyed? Hm?” Michael waited and Rebecca closed her eyes and winced at the memories flooding her brain. “I lost Lillith because you couldn’t keep your mouth shut. Raphael’s girlfriend, she left because of you. I mean even Gabriel’s first. Left because you were too much. See a pattern little sister?”

She nodded and stood straight ignoring the fact that Michael was basically blaming her. “I’m not going to ruin this for Cas. He’s happy and that’s something we rarely see,” she assured Michael. Michael looked at her and rolled his eyes before going back to work on cleaning the house. Rebecca finished her tasks with more than a few hours to spare so she walked back to her room and saw that on her nightstand was a picture of all the Novaks together for Christmas, and they looked happy. She was about to start getting ready before she heard a knock. “Who is it?”

“It’s me,” Castiel called in and she walked over to the door and opened it with a smile. “Michael said you’d probably be here. You finished everything you have to do?”

“Every task. I’m just figuring out what I’m wearing for tonight as this will be the first time I’ve actually met Dean. I mean I have that dress that Aunt Amara bought me, but it’s a little too sassy for tonight. I want the attention on you two,” she explained.

“Which one was Aunt Amara’s dress that she picked last year?” Castiel was curious as he saw three dresses out. As he saw a black long sleeved dress with a high chest cover while leaving her neck exposed he smiled at it. “I like this one. It’s formal but it’s also a little more casual.”

“That’s the one Aunt Amara bought me last year,” she assured and Castiel chuckled. “Hey. Didn’t you say that Dean and his family were spending the weekend?”

“Yes. Dean, Sam, his father, his mother and the little brother to Dean and Sam. They’re all going to be here for the weekend. I know you behave well in public but I do have to ask that today you demonstrate some restraint and the same over the weekend,” Castiel began.

“If you’re about to go off about past mistakes, don’t worry. I already assured Michael that nothing like Lillith, Lucifer’s ex, Raphael’s ex or Gabriel’s ex is going to happen. I want this to go well for you. Truly. I mean this is the first time that I’ve ever seen you so happy and that’s hard to see big brother,” she chuckled and Castiel had to smile at that. “You have my word that I’ll be on my best behaviour.”

“Good. I’ll see you before we go downstairs to greet the guests then,” he responded kissing her forehead and closing the door behind him. Rebecca smiled knowing that she had to absolutely take her precious time getting ready. After tying her hair up in a fancy updo and slipping into the dress Amara bought her, she smiled as she was ready for the party. Walking towards the hall where all the Novak siblings were expected to meet, she stopped as she heard Michael talking in a hushed tone with Lucifer.

“She’s bound to screw it up. I mean she makes that promise all the time,” Lucifer whispered to Michael and he chuckled at that.

“But she promised Castiel, so we better give her the benefit of the doubt. Those two have always been close and if we hurt her feelings tonight? We’ll ruin Castiel’s life because we made Rebecca mad,” Michael responded and she closed her eyes knowing her family all thought the same of her. She knew her dad, Chuck, always said she ruined big parties. But now she knew it was passed down to her brothers too.

Walking out into the hall, Castiel finally caught up too. “Was wondering where you two were. Giving our sister the old don’t scare my fiancé off talk Castiel?”

“No we had that talk earlier. Took a while to deem myself looking appropriate enough for this,” Castiel chuckled.

“Last I checked, it’s me who always get’s that lecture from one of you,” Rebecca chuckled at her brother and Castiel even had to chuckle at the personal dig.

“I’ll admit this time there’s nothing wrong with your outfit or even hair and makeup. You really meant what you said. That you were going to make sure this event went perfectly,” Michael responded.

“I did,” she responded before they all heard guests walking in and Castiel watched as Rebecca was put back beside him and he noticed for once, her eyes looked empty and devoid of life.

“You good?” Castiel was the only one that could talk to her quietly before walking into a party to greet the guests.

“Fine,” she promised softly before they began walking. Castiel did the usual greeting every big guest alongside his siblings and once they were allowed to separate, he saw Dean was waiting and he walked over with a smile on his face.

“Hello Dean,” he greeted and the man had to smile and point to his pretty well black tie affair outfit. “It is what our father expects us to wear,” he chuckled.

“Looks like all the Novaks clean up nicely. I’ve seen that girl in town. She’s one of the cops,” Sam noted and Castiel chuckled as he glanced over at Rebecca having a pleasant conversation with Rowena McLeod.

“That’s my youngest sibling. Rebecca’s only 19 but she acts much older. Tonight though she’s really been devoted to making the event a success. She was the first to know I was engaged to you,” he explained as he looked at Dean.

“She looks pretty quiet tonight too. I’ve also seen her and she’s a no injustice style woman. I mean I guess there’s a first for everything, but still,” Dean began.

“Rebecca and my older siblings do not particularly get along when it comes to events involving love. They’ll hide it in public, but Rebecca when she was a child? She was in the end, the reason relationships never lasted in the Novak family. So in a way she has a curse on her. I spoke with her privately and not to destroy her but to try and see where her head was. She swore tonight was going to be fine. So I think things are alright.”

“Does she know that Gabriel and Sam are together?” Dean was now worried and Castiel shook his head at him. “So they don’t tell her?”

“No. In fear relationships end,” Castiel admitted. “Rebecca’s understood that issue follows her around like a bad itch in this family. But it never really bothers her. I think in a way she understands she won’t be told and has to be informed basically on a whim. I planned to tell her this evening after the event,” Castiel assured.

As the party progressed, Castiel was so lost in talking to many guests, that he didn’t notice until near the end that Chuck and Rebecca were talking before she vanished away from the party. Dean walked over curious and Castiel sighed. “Looking for Rebecca?”

“Wanted to see how she’s holding up. Parties like this? They aren’t her type of thing but she does them for the family,” Castiel explained and he glanced around to see all the Novaks were out and about sans her. “Excuse me.” Dean followed regardless and as Castiel climbed the stairs, he noticed the balcony had one patron. Rebecca herself. “Rebecca? I want you to meet someone,” Castiel greeted as he knocked and she glanced over smiling and walking over. “Dean this is my youngest sister, Rebecca. Rebecca, this is Dean. My fiancé.”

“Cas speaks highly of you,” Dean greeted and Rebecca chuckled shaking his hand in return.

“As he does you,” Rebecca promised and Dean chuckled at that and couldn’t hide his smile. “Bumped into Gabriel and Sam. I think they’ve retired for the night,” she informed and Castiel glanced back inside and did notice that Sam and Gabriel were both gone.

“Looks like the party is coming to a close anyways,” Castiel admitted as the ballroom wasn’t as crowded as it once was.

“Yeah and that means you have to go to talk,” she reminded and Castiel sighed knowing she wasn’t wrong. Since the party was for him he would be expected to give closing statements. “I’m good Cas. Go enjoy your engagement party.”

“You sure?” She nodded and he chuckled kissing her forehead. “Thank you,” he whispered and she smiled at him as Dean walked back inside with him. “That went really well.”

“Thought it would be worse?”

“I thought Rebecca would be mad I didn’t introduce you two sooner. As much as she’s the baby? She is fiercely protective of us all.”

“So she wants to make sure nobody hurts you,” Dean began and Castiel nodded. Over the final hours of the engagement party, Castiel kept glancing out towards the balcony to see Rebecca never moved from the area until 10 minutes before he was expected to give closing statements and she walked inside but worked her way deeper into the manor away from the party.

As soon as the hall was cleared, Castiel walked Dean to their room and he noticed that everyone was settled. “Where’s Rebecca? We barely saw hide nor hair of her at the party,” Michael pondered.

“My guess? If it wasn’t the balcony, or event related conversations? She was in her room,” Castiel informed his older brothers looking at them. “She was more reserved tonight than most parties father has thrown. So I think she did really well.”

“She did. I’ll admit that. I think tonight was her best night. Not even a remark to Gabriel,” Michael responded going to his room. Dean looked at Castiel concerned and he put his finger up and knocked on Rebecca’s door.

“Not taking any visitors this evening. I’m going to bed,” she called out and Castiel looked at the door and was shocked to be completely honest. Dean and him regardless went to their rooms and knew if something really was up, that they could hopefully trust Rebecca to tell them. Meanwhile in Rebecca’s room she wiped away the last of the freshly applied concealer to her cheek where a woman’s handprint could be seen. Amara, although loving to Rebecca’s family’s face, hated her guts and when she tried to politely stand up to her aunt, she had gotten smacked. “Don’t be upset or mad,” she whispered to herself before opening her mini freezer by her bed and resting it on her cheek as she laid down. She didn’t need swelling or any signs of bruising. She didn’t like to wear makeup or dresses, but she would if it came down to it. The wellbeing of the family was what mattered most to her.

When morning came, Rebecca woke up a little earlier than everyone else, slammed her alarm off and wiped down her ice pack with an antiseptic wipe before drying it and tossing it in the mini freezer and closing the door. As she checked her face she smiled in relief that she had managed to deal with it as best as she possibly could with a party going on and she slipped into her black pants and a green plaid flannel and walked out into the corridors to see Dean and Castiel were already up and out on the balcony. “Rebecca,” Chuck called and she sighed walking into her father’s office first thing in the morning. Not her favorite task, but she’d do it if she had to.

“Yes father?” Chuck looked at her a little confused and she looked at him seriously. “I’m taking it my older brothers spoke to you.”

“Gabriel and Lucifer. Yes. They both were admitting their pleasant surprise when you didn’t ruin the evening last night and I just wanted to discuss last night with you.” She sighed nodding and closing the door to the study knowing it was to be a private conversation. “I know that everyone has been hassling you about ruining relationships and events.”

‘I certainly hope you include yourself in that category.’ Rebecca knew that as much as her father was being a real prick in her side, she had to be polite. There was a family of guests present. “This is all for Cas. I have his back and I want him happy,” she assured her father.

“Good. The family name was actually shining through crystal clear last night. You even displayed that you have the grace of a Novak last night. Although you disappeared numerous times last night. No sibling could find you.”

“My main concern was the focus being on Castiel and his fiancé last night. I went out to the balcony frequently and a couple times back to my room to freshen up a little. I was hot,” she explained looking at her father seriously. “I promise. This weekend is going to be perfect. For Castiel and for Gabriel. I saw him and Sam together,” she assured.

“Good. This afternoon the family will be going out on the yacht for an overnight trip on the water. Can you prepare yourself a bag after breakfast?”

“Yes sir,” she promised and as she stood up and walked into the hallways she knew now more than ever she had to hold her composure. The family yacht was huge sure. But it was too small when it involved family that didn’t get along. Moreso to the point: especially when most of her brothers didn’t trust her. When she got down to the dining room she saw there was a spot by one of the Winchesters left for her. Adam, she was sure his name was.

“You’re late getting up,” Castiel teased and she chuckled at him. “Or were you up and just deciding to be late.”

“Cute. Father and I needed to talk about something,” she dismissed and Gabriel looked at her impressed there was no real biting remark. Even the Winchesters were watching and waiting for the fire that Castiel warned them came with Rebecca at her siblings. Castiel though, wasn’t oblivious. He could see a patch of raised skin on Rebecca’s cheek but no distinctive marks.

“Are you off work for the duration of the Winchesters being here?” Michael was not doing it to be mean but he wanted to know if he was supervising his sister secretly.

“Yeah my boss gave me the entire week when he learned why I was asking for the weekend,” she explained looking at Michael. “Doesn’t mean I won’t be busy. I have reports to fill out before I get back as court cases don’t wait on a person.”

“So you’re a cop,” Mary began casually with her as she was impressed that even on her time off that Rebecca was worried about work.

“3rd grade detective,” she informed Mary with a smile.

Gabriel, as much as he wanted the weekend to be perfect, couldn’t allow Rebecca to dismiss her own skills. “As well as a Forensic Scientist in our local crime lab. Graduated at 16 and got a job at 19,” he added.

“Not a huge deal. I got through high school and university quicker. I’m just doing my job,” she chuckled dismissively at her brother.

“You’re 19. You said their youngest on record before you was what?” Lucifer even could see that Rebecca had lowered herself down to beating herself up.

“Like 23 maybe. So what? Few years younger. Not a huge deal,” she chuckled as food was brought to the table. Adam watched though as Amara sat straight across from Rebecca and seemed to be watching her very carefully.

“You vanished last night,” Adam noted and all the brothers looked up from their food to see how Rebecca handled the accusation.

“Went outside. Was a little warm and besides. Work didn’t belong at an engagement party,” she informed Adam calmly.

“You got a call from work?” Castiel didn’t expect that nor did anyone else.

“Lab results came back on a case. Asked them to file them away and send me an e-file so I could look them over while I was off,” she dismissed before finishing her food and quickly getting up and taking her plate to the dishwasher and slipping off to her room to prepare an overnight bag. As she packed her penguin onesie as the water was freezing overnight and her room didn’t have the best heat she heard a knock.

“Sis? It’s Gabriel,” he called in and she closed her eyes and walked over to the door and opened it a small bit so he could see her. “You never leave the table so quickly. Cassie’s worried,” he began.

“He doesn’t need to be. Dad told me the plans for the day and asked once I finished eating to start getting ready,” she informed.

“You mad that I didn’t tell you about Samalamb and me?”

“No. I’m very happy for you and Sam. Just like I’m very happy for Dean and Cas,” she assured looking at Gabriel as he sat at her desk as she packed. “I’m breaking this stupid curse on me. I’m not ruining another party nor another relationship again.”

“There’s the reason. You stayed hidden in the party to avoid potentially dealing with the thing that Michael and Lucifer call, your curse. That’s why nobody could find you,” Gabriel informed.

“No. I stayed hidden as the night was about Castiel and Dean. I wanted the attention on them and not anywhere near me. You know how events normally go around here,” she warned and Gabriel nodded at that. “I’m very happy for you and Sam by the way,” she noted.

“Thank you. So dad just told us all about the yacht trip overnight. You ready?” She nodded revealing her bag and he looked at her. “How’s your’s and Aunt Amara’s relationship coming along?”

“We’re on the mend,” she promised Gabriel knowing he and Amara were close. Gabriel looked at her and she chuckled. “Seriously big guy, we’re okay. I’m working on mending a lot of relationships in this family. Not easy but then again, Rome wasn’t built in a day. I’m sure things will be back to normal so dinners aren’t awkward very soon. I’m working my hardest to make sure this weekend goes perfectly and then the rest of the week. Since my boss was adamant I take the time off. But I still need to prepare.”

“Promise me you’ll stay above deck for the ride,” Gabriel began.

“For most of it I will,” she promised and Gabriel chuckled nodding and he wasn’t stupid. He knew that Rebecca agreeing to any time above deck was better than none.

As everyone was on the boat, and Chuck began driving, Amara walked over to Rebecca and noticed she was staring straight out into the world. “You didn’t mention a thing?”
“No. Not their business,” she dismissed as she blended in some concealer she noticed got caked.

Amara walked around her and then looked at her. “I’m sure it’s starting to itch at you. Knowing I caused your curse. Knowing you can’t do anything about it.”

“It does, but the price to pay is fine. You not ruining the rest of my brother’s lives in exchange for my silent torture? I’ll take it. You swore you would not ruin the Winchesters for my brothers. So I’ll keep my mouth shut. About everything,” she promised.

“Good. As I would hate to see your father ban you from the yacht, parties, everything that meant something to you,” Amara began. What she didn’t realize was that Adam was listening in and he had a recording device as he had suspected Amara since the breakfast as the woman was giving Rebecca more than frequent stares.

During the ride, Gabriel noticed that Rebecca stayed off to herself and he even noticed something that Castiel had pulled him aside to see. Raised skin on Rebecca’s face. “Rebecca? Walk with me and Cas for a second?”

She followed them out to the back of the boat away from people. “Who is slapping you?” Rebecca tilted her head and Cas looked at her. “Your skin is raised on your cheek. You only get that from injury. Or allergy, which we know you have very few allergies and father is precautionary not to let your allergens into the house,” Castiel began.

“Must have bumped into something last night,” she dismissed looking at Gabriel who raised his eyebrow at her. “You do realize it’s easy to bump into something, right?”

“Yeah but bumping into something wouldn’t warrant concealer,” Gabriel began pointing to her jawline and she opened her compact mirror and rolled her eyes rubbing it in. “What aren’t you telling us? What’s going on?”

“Nothing. I’d go look for your fiancé and your boyfriend,” she began pointing at the two Novaks respectively before slipping off to below deck and into her room before locking it and laying on her bed with her eyes closed and tears slipping out. “They can’t know,” she whispered looking out from her window.

Meanwhile Castiel had pulled their brothers aside as well as Dean and Sam. “She’s hiding something from all of us. Me and Gabriel confronted her about what we suspected was abuse. She’s being slapped behind the scenes,” Castiel informed.

“Did she give any indications as to it being home or work?” Castiel shook his head and Lucifer looked concerned. “She’s never been one to hide anything that’s wrong. I mean she’s great at standing up to people.”

“Exactly. I think whoever is doing it, has something over her head. Something she can’t lose. That’s her relationship with her family. Her and dad are rocky at best, and while we all support each other? We’re all a little on edge with Rebecca. So she’s trying to restore her relationship with all of us. Her avoiding the party? I don’t care what she says. She was scared to be at that party. She was scared to mess everything up,” Gabriel informed.

“Who would know that and use it to their advantage?” Sam and Dean were trying to help out where they could and were also thinking about it.

“Amara,” Michael and Castiel realized looking at each other and the others waited for them to get out of their shock to fill them in.

“Aunt Amara?” Gabriel was shocked.

Michael took a breath knowing Gabriel and Amara were close. “When Rebecca first graduated the police academy, Amara offered her a job. Rebecca refused saying as much as she was a Novak she wouldn’t take a handout. Not from anyone and especially not from her aunt. Amara must have taken that as an insult,” Michael began in thought.

“Your aunt doesn’t like being insulted? I mean nobody does, but would that start this whole chain of events?”

“It might have. Because around that time I was dating Meg. I remember Amara and her used to chat a bit as they got along. One day Amara and her finish chatting and Rebecca’s just walking in and I get broke up with. The look of horror on Rebecca’s face, I immediately assumed she said something to Meg not realizing it would backfire. But then you and Kali, Gabriel,” he began realizing.

“When confronted about that, she denied any involvement. Saying she’d been pulling doubles at the Crime Lab,” Gabriel realized.

“She started pulling the doubles so then if something happened we knew she was nowhere near it,” Michael added.

“I’d agree with your Aunt’s involvement. I recorded this when I went to go find your sister,” Adam informed handing it over to Gabriel and he played the recording and they all listened as Amara confronted Rebecca and admitted to it all.

“Becka,” Castiel breathed in shock and even Michael looked disgusted at what he heard happening behind the scenes.

“She lied to protect us,” Gabriel breathed out and he glanced to where Amara and his father were. “You guys go below deck. Rebecca should be in her room. I’m going to confront Amara.”

“Careful,” Castiel began before Adam handed the recorder to Gabriel.

“You’ll need that to prove to Chuck she’s not faking,” Adam advised and Gabriel nodded taking it and walking towards Amara.

“Gabriel,” Amara began smiling at him.

He looked at her annoyed. “When does the torment on Rebecca end? When do you stop treating her like she’s a punching bag?”

“Gabriel,” Amara began concerned. “What is Rebecca telling you?”

“It’s what your conversation with Rebecca tells me,” Gabriel began and Chuck stepped between Amara and Gabriel quickly. “Don’t defend your sister just yet dad. Rebecca’s been hiding a big secret to protect her relationship to all of us.” As he replayed the recording Adam got between Amara and Rebecca, Chuck looked at Amara ticked off.

“Where is she?”

“With our brothers who are trying to reassure her that we now know the truth,” Gabriel explained looking to Amara. “You did a lot of damage to that girl. She wouldn’t come near me last night and I used to be the one that made her laugh at events that made her tense. She didn’t approach Castiel and Dean, because she loves her big brother so much that she wants this to go well.”

“She broke her word,” Amara began.

“No. You just got caught up in something called bad timing. The Winchesters little brother? He recorded the entire conversation. He knew Rebecca wasn’t okay and wanted to help her. Wanted someone to have Rebecca’s back for once. Like how she clearly had this family’s back and was willing to be labelled as cursed. Because she had dad’s back. Because she had my back. She had Castiel’s back all night last night. So I’m going to ask. Did you hit her?”

“Just a gentle tap,” Amara dismissed.

“Wouldn’t call it gentle. Even with concealer, it’s a patch of raised skin that me and Castiel could see. She was lying though to keep us calm since it was about Castiel and me. She wanted this family to know she was with them and respected them.”

Chuck meanwhile walked down to where he knew Rebecca was and saw that Castiel was with her. “Dean is upstairs with Sam. They both understood that I needed some time with her. Our brothers are also in their rooms. We all just wanted some time to unwind after this afternoon. How’s Amara handling?”

“Not very well and I can’t blame her. I messed up,” Chuck responded and he looked at where Rebecca had a clear handprint. “Is that?”

“What she’s been hiding? Yes. It’s got various stages of healing. She’s been documenting them as she gets them. But she never spoke a word of it to anyone. I think she wanted someone to believe in her and she didn’t know who would,” he explained before moving his arm as he watched his sister stretch out like a cat and then sit up. “Morning.”

“It’s afternoon. I should be back above-,” she began before seeing Chuck and she looked at him not sure what to say. “Hi dad.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“She’s your sister and everyone seemed to believe Aunt Amara over me?” She wasn’t afraid to really say it anymore.

“I should have listened better,” Chuck admitted looking at her and she nodded at that. “That I deserved and I really wish I could say something. How long?”

“5 years,” she admitted.

“Dad, right now isn’t the best time. Maybe try making your amends on land. And maybe start listening a bit more?”

“I agree,” Chuck began looking at Rebecca. “I know it’ll take time, but I hope you can forgive me some day.”

Chapter Text

Spring had finally arrived and that meant that all the students of the county of Lawrence were getting more chances to be outside and have a good time. The Novaks and Winchesters were always waiting for Spring as it meant time to prepare for another half a year of being under scrutiny of the public eye. John Winchester was known for his hunting business alongside his wife Mary, while the Novaks were good at selling firearms. But while their businesses were thriving, there was always the saying that held true. Nobody knew what went on behind closed doors to make it true.

The final bell on Lawrence Prep had finally went off and all the students were rushing outside to enjoy the fresh air. Emily Novak was 13 and had not been an exception to these students. She had to wait for her brothers but they were to bike ride home and then stay in the yard and study for their upcoming midterms. "Yeah it'll be great. I'll invite Adam and you two can invite-," she heard before she noticed how her eldest brother Michael's voice was cut off immediately and she wondered why, but knew not to ask. Novaks never pried into another's business. "Ready?"

"Yeah," she answered before grabbing her bike and following after Michael. As she mounted her bike, she noticed how Castiel was on his phone and she decided to try and get some study help knowing they all were there for each other. "Hey, Cas? If you have a moment, could you help me prepare for the math exam?"

"I would if I could Em. But I'm heading out," he answered and she nodded at him before going inside and as she was the last one in, she closed the screen door and immediately hid by the door to where she would still hear if he was on the phone.

"Yeah we're back too. Just got Emily inside," Castiel chuckled and she listened as he clicked the phone over to speaker mode so he could put his phone down and get things organized the way that her father liked them.

"Does she know?" She blinked as she heard the voice. She knew that was Dean Winchester's voice and it was clear that Castiel wasn't telling her something by that statement. She didn't expect to be a part of her family's life forever as she was always the one that was different, but to be left out of the loop? That was new.

"No. You have to understand, she'd go to my parents and out us. Gabriel and Sam too. Now poor Michael and Adam? They'd be destroyed. We made a pact not to tell her, as she can't keep her mouth shut. She'll find out. Eventually. But not yet. Midterms are coming up and I don't want her to be overwhelmed. I'll tell her on Spring Break when we promised to tell our families," he informed and Emily felt her heart break. Her own siblings didn't trust her enough to tell about their relationships? She knew she was awful about not keeping some things quiet but it had gotten to that point?

As she walked inside the house, she kept to herself and started the expected study routine. She knew that her brothers all got to go out as the Winchesters were their study partners, in their parents eyes. But now she knew better. Sure they probably did study, but it was time to them. She managed to make study cards for all her classes and was just practicing her math class questions when she heard a knock. "Who is it?"

"Me," Gabriel called and she blinked confused. Her older brothers all were going out. Why was he still home? "Can I come in?"

She closed her books and opened her room door to see her brother was dressed to stay in. "I thought you and Sam were going to the library to prepare for your midterms?" Gabriel looked at her shocked and she shrugged. "It's not like it's obvious that you and my other older brothers? Have a preferred study partner. I mean the personalities match too," she chuckled and Gabriel smiled at that. "So what's up?"

"Heard Cassie gave you the cold shoulder on helping you study. Thought I'd stay in tonight."

"Go," she advised her brother and he looked at her shocked. "Gabriel, it's midterms. You always do better after a study session with the walking encyclopedia. I'll manage," she promised and he looked confused. "This is a one time offer. Go and have fun and also get some studying done before midterms or be stuck with your sister? I think the choice is obvious," she teased.

"Thank you," Gabriel responded looking at her. "When we come back, we'll bring you an iced coffee," he promised and she smiled at him before seeing him rush to change and take off as well. As she went back to her books, she heard her father coming in.

"All your brothers out?"

"Yeah. The Winchesters offered to do a study session together as they all are closer in age," she explained and Chuck nodded at her before pointing to her. "Dad, I'm 13. I'm the youngest by 2 years. I'm not in the same playing field," she chuckled.

"What about that Adam boy? He'd be a good person for you to study with. Your age, smart and athletic. Could be looking at more than just someone who helps with school work," he continued.

"Dad, do we really need to have this conversation? Not interested?" She looked at him and waited for it to click before he nodded at her. "When does Aunt Amara land?"

"Tomorrow," he answered looking at her. "How is your studying coming along?"

"I am confident I'll get that A," she promised showing all the study cards. He nodded at her and then smiled as he kissed her forehead. All Emily could think about was the churning in her stomach about lying to her dad, but it was her brothers's business. She would let them tell the family when they were ready. It wasn't even like Emily was supposed to hear that basic admission.

Meanwhile at the library, Sam and Dean looked at Gabriel. "She actually let you leave?"

"Yeah said that I was planning to study with Sam and that I should go. Said it was a one time offer though," Gabriel responded and Castiel chuckled at that. "Something she said caught me off guard. She called Sam a study partner," he informed.

"She couldn't know," Dean began looking at Castiel shocked and the man shrugged. "Has anyone told her?"

"No. Again. Pact not to tell her so then our families don't find out any sooner than necessary. So it was more than likely a completely innocent comment Gabriel. She knows you study with Sam, so she called him your study partner. It's not like you ever study in a group," Castiel explained looking at him. He nodded and as they studied, they all froze when they saw Chuck was calling Castiel's phone.

"Hey dad," he greeted as he stepped out into the entrance hall of the library. "What can I do for you?"

"When you're done with your group study session with the Winchesters, would you mind grabbing some milk? We're out and I know all of you drink it in the morning with breakfast," he requested.

"Of course," he answered looking at the wall intrigued. He had expected by now that Emily had outed them based on her complete jump in words. "How's Emily doing with her studying? I know I brushed her off, but I will make it up to her."

"She's been working at it all night. Said not to bother all of you as you all were set on the top grades to be considered by your universities of choice," he informed and Castiel quickly opened his wallet to reveal a picture of Emily and him at the park when she was a kid. "Did she say anything to you? She's been awfully quiet tonight. Not even a snide remark to Rowena."

"She's probably stressed out with exams dad. I'll check in on her when I get back," he promised knowing he now had to figure out what was going on. "I'll grab the milk on the way home," he assured before getting off the phone and walking back to the group. "Just a request to pick up milk after our group studying session," he assured and Gabriel looked at Castiel shocked. "I hold to my comment now of Emily made a completely innocent comment. But she worries me now. Dad said she's quieted down a lot tonight. No snide remarks to Rowena and even requested to dad not to bother us so we could all get into our universities of choice," he explained.

"Why does she quiet down?"

"Something is eating at her. I don't know what, but I will figure it out. That's my area of expertise with the kid," Gabriel informed and Castiel nodded at him seriously. As they finished studying, Gabriel made sure to pick up the iced coffee he promised Emily and walked over to her room and knocked before seeing the door open and he glanced in to see she was studying. "Hey. It's late," he greeted softly and she nodded as she was writing equations. "Have the coffee and then get ready for bed. You'll be of no use to anyone that exhausted."

"I know, but I was just starting to understand that equation," she explained.

"I'll help you tomorrow and so will Cassie. We won't let anything fail you."

"Where's?" She began before yawning and Gabriel waited. "Where's Luci?"

"Coming home now as well. I was surprised you weren't heckling him either," Gabriel began casually.

"Too tired," she dismissed. She couldn't even deny the nausea was hitting her and now it wasn't from keeping the secrets. It was shock setting in that her family didn't trust her with any secrets now. She knew it wouldn't happen overnight but she would try her hardest to get it back.

"Well a lot of us are staying home tomorrow. How about we do a family study session?"

"Don't force yourselves to stay home," she responded before pinching the bridge of her nose. "I need some sleep," she decided and Gabriel couldn't agree more. He knew that they didn't have school tomorrow so he let her lay on her bed with her uniform on and made note to make sure there was enough laundry on Sunday to do her uniform.

"If we want to, we will. Suck it up," he dismissed kissing her forehead. "Goodnight little sister."

Castiel looked to Gabriel curious about what happened and he shrugged. "Not a word?" Gabriel shook his head and Castiel looked upset. "Do you think maybe she has figured it out?"

"Possible, but I mean you'd think she would have sold us out by now," Gabriel informed and Castiel nodded before looking in on Emily and seeing her falling asleep. "I think something really got to her and we need to take some time to figure out what."

The next morning, everyone was eating brakfast quietly and Rowena couldn't hold it anymore. "It's a Emily Novak new record. Over 10 hours of no snide remarks or commentary," she teased and Emily merely shrugged which sent up 10 flags to all the brothers. "How did your group study session go boys?"

"Good. We're all set for exams, but I looked at Emily's cards and I want to spend some time working on her math one as that usually is your first exam and that'll be Monday," Castiel informed.

"What day is everyone's exams?" Chuck liked to know who was home on what days so then they could prepare for their spring break that they were going to be taking as the school was giving them two weeks off.

"Mine are Monday, Wednesday and Friday. 6 exams over three days," Emily informed and Chuck nodded at that knowing that Emily's usually were decently spaced out.

"Monday, Tuesday, Thursday," Castiel and Gabriel responded as they always had the same schedule.

"Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday," all the other Novak kids responded. Chuck nodded knowing that Emily would have rides home if they took cars on all the exam days. Which was most important to him.

"Any of your friends doing study groups Emily?" Chuck was curious and would let Emily out on exam weeks only for group study sessions to prepare for the exams and she shook her head. "They have to be."

"To have group study sessions with friends? The first step is to actually have friends," Emily responded flatly and Castiel couldn't even hide the stare that came out when she gave an admission. "I accepted it a long time ago. No friends when loose lips sink ships. God knows I've sunk my share of flotillas," she explained looking put together, but Lucifer looked into Emily's eyes and saw it. A pain that never went away.

"Well if you managed to keep your mouth shut," Rowena began and Emily nodded taking the last bite of her breakfast before grabbing her plate and leaving the table. "I thought your father made you all," she began.

"I have a math exam Monday and a history exam. I need to be ready," she dismissed walking away and going back to her room.

Everyone finished breakfast quickly, but the boys decided to go outside for a little bit. Castiel called Dean knowing the other Winchesters were nearby and would hear everything too. "We just told our parents. You?" Dean knew it was safe to warn him.

"No, we were waiting still. Why? Something bothering you about not telling anyone in the family now?" Castiel was starting to get nervous that he had mistakenly assumed Emily was still in the dark. "Did my family call your's?"

"No. Why? Emily say something?"

"No. It's what she hasn't said," Gabriel explained and Sam made a confused sound. "We all took last night as Emily being cute and innocent. Letting her big brothers go have some fun and not be stuck with her. But breakfast changed that this morning."

"What she say?" Sam was genuinely curious now as they all loved Emily as a little sister, and while not telling her the secrets, would still look after her. Lucifer made no hesitation to make a sound of confusion. "Was it what she said?"

"What she did," Lucifer explained looking at the phone. "Dad asked her if she was having a group studying session with her friends. We all thought the same thing. Emily had a lot of friends. But she said the first step to having a group studying session with friends? Was to have friends," he began and they heard Adam cough and Lucifer chuckled. "Exactly. Emily lost all her friends and the thing that scared me? She didn't deny why she lost them. She said loose lips sink ships. Then admitted that God knew she sunk her fair share of flotillas. What scared me about that though? Wasn't her words. It was the pain I could see in her eyes. As if she knew that we all were hiding something and wouldn't tell her because we didn't trust her anymore."

"Maybe you should tell your family. Emily might get questioned but that might be the best time to learn if she knew anything," Dean answered and Castiel made a sound of agreement.

"Our aunt is here tonight. How about I see if you can come over for dinner and we'll see it together?"

"Good idea," Dean answered and as they hung up the plan was in motion. By the time Amara arrived, Castiel and Emily were at the table working through exam problems and working silently.

"Go," Castiel assured and promised to close her books knowing what she wanted to do. As soon as she was away from the table she ran to her Aunt Amara and she didn't hesitate to wrap her arms around her niece. "She's been waiting for you to get here."

"Well I've missed you all just as much. I hear we have dinner guests tonight Castiel?" Amara knew that Castiel would be the most well informed about what was happening in the house.

"Yes. The Winchesters," he answered and Emily looked at him confused. "As we have been studying with them, and Dean has noted how hard you've been working on your own we were thinking of maybe asking father to bring them on the boat trip. So then we could get you up to Adam's speed," he offered.

As Amara and Emily were visiting, the Winchesters arrived an hour before dinner which was perfect in Castiel's eyes. "So she's with Amara?" Sam was curious and Castiel nodded before walking upstairs with them. Everyone was sat down and casually conversing before Cas knew it was time.

"So me, Gabriel, Michael and the three Winchesters have somthing to tell you," Castiel began casually. John and Mary looked casual as they already knew the secret. "For about 6 months now, we've been dating a Winchester respectively. Myself with Dean, Sam with Gabriel, and Michael with Adam," he announced looking at his father in the face and seeing complete shock. "We didn't know when to tell you," he explained.

"Well I was expecting some sort of sign," Chuck admitted before looking at Emily seriously. "You don't look surprised. Did you know?" She nodded and Castiel looked shocked at how Emily had been quiet. "When did you?"

"I'm with dear old dad. When did you know Emily? You could have said something to us," Gabriel added looking at her seriously and she looked at him a little skeptical. "Okay we were trying to keep quiet."

"Exactly. You wanted it to be on your terms and I can respect that," she answered and Castiel glanced at her confused and she sighed. "I learned when you brought me home a few days ago. I heard your conversation with Dean. I was still in the mudroom. I hid so then you didn't know I was there. It's when I heard about the pact not to tell me. Not that I blamed you," she explained.

"Why didn't you say something to me when I offered to stay home?" Gabriel now realized there was something more on her mind than the pact to keep it from Emily that was bothering her.

"Because. You wanted to be with Sam and I heard the plan to tell dad this weekend before Spring Break. So I knew it wasn't my place. Besides, I'm sick of ruining things. So I thought if I made casual comments and kept dad out of the loop you'd say it soon enough on your terms," she explained.

"What about the comment at breakfast? You said loose lips sink ships," Lucifer began confused.

"Lost all my friends because of it. Hence why you all hear the gossip that Emily Novak is a recluse. Hides herself away. If I stay in the shadows, I don't make friends. If I don't make friends I don't risk losing them again. I already knew I was losing you guys because I was stupid. So if I protected myself by not making friends? When you guys went to university it wouldn't hurt so much," she explained. Lucifer looked and once again saw the same pain in her eyes from when they chatted at breakfast.

"It's mine and your mother's fault you're like that," Chuck admitted and Rowena looked at Chuck shocked, as did Castiel. "We were the ones who told you that you were horrible if you kept secrets and that we expected everything you knew about your siblings that was a secret. It wasn't okay and I can see what damage we've done to you," Chuck began and Lucifer walked over to Emily with Gabriel and pulled her away from Chuck. "What are you doing?"

"Me and Gabriel filed for custody of Emily fearing something was going on and now we know there was. Emily feared secrets because of you. She didn't understand concepts of keeping some things quiet and some things not quiet," Lucifer explained. "We have a house bought. Me, Castiel, Gabriel, Sam, Adam, Michael and Dean were going to live in it with 5 spare bedrooms. But now it's 4, as we're taking Emily with us."

"Your father was doing what he thought was best for Emily," Rowena defended and Castiel now couldn't even hide a scoff in his voice. "You seem to think that me and your father failed with Emily."

"We know you did. Heck your own son? Fergus? We met him once. Haven't seen him since. Why? Because you were overly hard on him, and expected him to not be what you were once," Lucifer answered looking at her. "Emily deserves a life. One that's not afraid of speaking up but also knowing her P's and Q's," he continued.

"My what?"

"Manners," Castiel translated and she nodded at that before looking at her dad. "We would never have forced her to keep the secret but because of how you taught her, she was scared. She deserves to know there's things you say and things you don't," Castiel informed. "End of the school year, we're moving out and by August we'll have custody of Em," he warned.

(A/N) So this was a little something I've had planned for a while and I thought I'd end it with Luci sticking up for OC

Chapter Text

The Winchesters were perfectionists, which meant that any slip up was not tolerated. No matter what. Dean Winchester had learned that from his father and passed it down to his brother and sister. Which was how they were returning to the bunker in dead silence. Sam had been cut into saving his sister, and while the bleeding had stopped, he was up front with Dean worrying over him. Meanwhile, in the backseat, Castiel was glancing over to see Olivia Winchester just staring into space. No words had been exchanged by anyone, which Cas knew, was only leading to disaster.

The bunker, which the three Winchesters and Cas had started to call home, arrived on the horizon too soon for anyone's liking, but Olivia didn't even steer off course. She hurried inside to the war room and as soon as Sam sat down, she looked at his wound. "I'm fine Liv," he calmed resting a hand on her own.

"No you're not. Don't try to say something to make me feel better," she dismissed as she grabbed the medical kit and started on him. "Besides, I have about 10 minutes before my earned verbal lashing," she reminded and Sam nodded at that knowing it was true. Dean wouldn't be stopped if he really wanted to do something.

As the 10 minutes passed, Sam's arm was very carefully patched up and Olivia just finished zipping the bag up before grunting as she was shoved back. "Dean," Sam began trying to calm him.

"What the hell were you thinking? Were you even thinking at all?" Dean knew he had to get her attention first. Olivia's mouth was about to produce a word before he put his hand up. "No don't answer that. I know what it was. You were too busy thinking about anything but the case on hand. Which only lead to Sammy getting hurt! Because of your incompetence," he began before Olivia sighed knowing she had to defend herself.

"You know what? Yeah my head wasn't in the hunt. It was on something I saw during the fight that made no sense. Something that if I hadn't noticed, you'd have nothing to go off of for what you were doing. To chase that-," she began before gasping as Dean slapped her. Cas and Sam were about to intervene before she put her hand up at them. "You knew we needed more than to just gank and go."

"What we needed was someone who clearly understood what we were there to do. To multitask. Like Sam can. Hunt like me and Cas can. Clearly that wasn't you. So I truthfully don't know why you're still here," he admitted.

Sam and Cas watched as the life that was once in Olivia's eyes just glazed over into nothing. "I see. Then I'll do you a favor. Tomorrow's your supply run, right? Get enough for you, Sam and Cas. When you return? I'll be gone," she promised.

"Good. Make it easier on us," Dean snapped leaving the room and as Castiel approached Olivia as he saw she had wounds, she shook her head.

"You need to have your wounds cleaned up," he dismissed.

"Don't worry about it Cas. Trust me. I'll be okay," she promised softly before putting the medical bag back where it belonged.

Over the evening, Cas was watching over Sam and Dean constantly, but couldn't even get into Olivia's room to check on her. He had been trying alongside Sam to convince Dean that it was a mistake. But there was no luck, which bothered them both.

The supply run was something that Sam and Dean did often, so as they left, Dean turned to Castiel seriously. "She's out of here by the time we're back."

"Dean," Cas began before seeing his hardened stare. "Alright." Once the sound of the Impala driving away was clear, Castiel decided he'd try a new tactic. Convincing Olivia to let him get one of the other angels to help her.

Opening her room door, Castiel saw clear signs that Olivia hadn't had a moment's rest all evening. "You packed everything up," he noted.

"Not much to pack. Few clothes, couple items, and some cleaning. I got a little sleep before you notice the face. Also, don't worry about me alright? Worry about Dean. He's going to need you there with him."

"You shouldn't be out there alone. The supernatural community knows you're a hunter with the Winchesters."

"Cas, ever think that maybe this happened for a reason? Maybe I wasn't meant to be one. So this is the world's way of saying get out of the world. While you still can," she dismissed looking at him. "Look. I don't like how it went down, but it happened. Dean didn't change his mind. So it's set in stone. I'm gone."

"At least let me call one of my brothers to help you."

"No. I don't want help. Because at least if I do it all alone? It's my fault. I didn't hurt anyone else," she assured picking up her bags. "If I leave now I should be far enough from the bunker by the time they get back."

"You're travelling on foot?"

"I sold my motorbike to get the boys money," she reminded Cas. "Besides, walking is good for your health anyways."

"Then take some of the food that's left and the water."

"I packed some water I'd been buying at the store with the money I kept for myself," she promised looking at him as they walked out. "Just, be happy. Okay? You have more than earned some happiness in this place."

"Olivia," he began.

"Goodbye Castiel," she dismissed walking up the stairs, and Cas closed his eyes as he heard the bunker doors slam shut.

He knew that while she wouldn't accept his help, there was one angel, she wouldn't say no to, even when she tried. "Worth a chance," he whispered.

Over the course of 4 hours, Sam and Dean had restocked and were back at the bunker putting things away. "She at least didn't steal," he mused.

"Dean, she did sell her belongings that she didn't need to give us the extra money to actually purchase things ourselves," Sam reminded. "So if she had taken some, I wouldn't have been mad."

"She cost you a good size injury Sam," Dean reminded. "If it's a choice between her and you? It'll always be you."

Meanwhile, Olivia had finally managed to reach the edge of town. Sitting under the shade of some trees, she opened her bag and took a decent swig of the water she had. "18 bottles, meaning I can hopefully cross state lines before I have to think on the fly," she sighed.

"Your little protectors not with you?" Glancing out of the corner of her eye, she saw the one face she didn't want to.

"Not in the mood Michael. So if you plan to kill me? Enough idle talk. Just do it," she sighed turning to face him and setting her stuff down.

"Now this is an odd sight. A Winchester. Just telling an angel to kill her," he began approaching. "Where's the fight from when we first met?"

"That was the me that wasn't a failure. This me? The world's better without me in it. Besides, as you and Raphael were adament to remind me, I'm going to hell. So might as well let an angel kill me and just speed up the process."

"Not yet, but I will. Considering that Sam at least redeemed himself. You are as equivalent to a demon," he promised looking at her. "I'll leave you guessing as to when you're going. But it will be before the state lines."

"Good to know," she dismissed.

The night had fallen, which meant people were going to actually get some rest. Though, Olivia, despite seeming okay with death, was scared knowing Michael didn't give a timeline. So as the morning began, she checked her phone and sighed. Dialling a number she knew might not answer, she took her chances before she died. "Liv?"

"Sam," she sighed in relief. "Listen, I don't know how long I have, but you need to know something," she began in a rush as she got up and grabbed her bag to get moving before Michael caught up. "That mark I saw on the demon? It's a conversion symbol. I managed to remember it last night. That demon was once an angel. They fell and gave themselves over to the demons."

"How'd you remember that last night?" Sam was curious and didn't waste time getting Dean and Castiel to the war room.

"Long story. Look, spilling this now is kind of accelerating plans so I'm going to be quick. That symbol is quite popular in occultist books, meaning it's been happening for a while right? So there's one way to figure out the rest. One creature to seek out."

"We are not seeking out Lucifer," Sam began firmly. "Not until we know you're safe. I don't care what Dean says. You knowing this is dangerous."

"Isn't it Hunters that typically die first? It's a risk Sam. I just thought you should know before-," she began before she got cut off. Glancing at her phone, she sighed seeing it died out. "Alright so information spread, I have to get moving."

"To where?" Olivia gasped seeing Michael and pursed her lips grabbing her angel blade that Cas gave her so then she had a chance. "Thought you were willing to die."

"Did I ever say I wouldn't at least try to fight?"

"Fair enough. Makes my job so much more fun," he admitted approaching her with a smirk and she looked nervous.

The bunker was filled with more concern than anything. "Why didn't Olivia say anything?" Castiel was worried.

"She must have figured it out after Dean already made up his mind. But I know that she wouldn't have got cut off for no reason. She lost her battery life. Which means tracing her phone isn't an option. Cas, was she on foot?"

"We're not going after her," Dean warned.

"She's family Dean. We just need to make sure she's okay," Sam warned looking at him. "Any creature that didn't know that? If they were in ear shot? Could go after her now."

Before much could be said, Castiel looked shocked seeing Gabriel there. "Where is she Gabriel?"

"Where she is now? Probably worse than where she was," he admitted and Castiel looked at him. "You and the two stooges might want to see this for yourselves," he warned cautiously.

As Gabriel whooshed off to where he had found Olivia, Cas helped transport the Winchesters to what looked to be an abandoned cabin. "She in there?" Sam was worried.

"Yeah but I'd advise walking not running," he warned and as soon as they opened the door, Sam and Castiel both looked in utter disbelief at what they saw. "She was attacked by one of us."

"Who would have done that?" Castiel couldn't believe the sight in front of him. Olivia's eyes had been burned right out as well as her mouth and embedded in her chest with her hands clutched onto it was the angel blade he clearly recognized as the one he gave her since her initials were on it. Which meant, Gabriel was right. An angel attacked Olivia.

"I don't know. Unfortunately a smiting doesn't leave a signature all the time. And the worst part? I asked Raphael to look around for me? She's not in Heaven. She went to Hell."

"Someone rummaged her things. I see her notebook is torn apart with the exception of one page. They were looking for her information."

"Why wouldn't she just give it to them?"

"Because it was information you two wanted. She was protecting you two," Gabriel warned honestly.

"How would you?"

"Cassie filled me in," Gabriel began looking at Dean. "She may screw up, but you know what? She was only 13. 13 years old and being a big girl. She fooled people into thinking she was an adult. The things she did? Were against dad's ways, but she did it to get you money. A lot of her money? Came from selling the one thing she shouldn't have had to. Herself."

"Wait so the days she had work?"

"Yeah. I was watching over her," Gabriel responded looking to Dean. "So take a good look at the way you treated your sister and how it wound her up."