Fair Day
Title: Fair Day
Rating: PG-13
Warinings: Spoilers for the Trickster, the end of S-5 and parts of S-6. Oh and Slash. ^.^
Disclaimer: I can only dream...
Summery: Sams got his soul back, but he's not with Dean. And Dean could use a day off.
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Sam was more than a little worried. He'd gotten his soul back, whole and with no horrible memories of Hell. How, he wasn't sure and he didn't ask. Not after the look he got from Dean the first time. He wasn't sure what Dean had given up this time around, but he was damn sure it was big.
It was a couple of days after Sam woke up in Bobby’s panic room, memories hazy and dark, that Cas showed up. He'd smiled warmly at Sam and welcomed him back. It was Castiel who explained a bit about what had happened. About how the Michael Sam had pulled into the Pit wasn't The Michael, but a fake. About Dean’s deal with Death. Dean would have been pissed if he knew what Cas had told him. As it was Cas had stopped by while Dean was out in the scrap yard with Bobby resetting the wards. Sam was more than a bit horrified to learn what Dean had gone thru.
By the time Dean and Bobby came back in Sam was more or less aware of everything he'd done since teaming up with Dean again. It made his stomach twist, but he swallowed the bile that rose in his throat and put on a smile. He didn't need Dean to worry about him anymore then he already did. He knew what Dean had giving up for him. He also knew what he'd lost because of him.
Dean’s smile was tired and worn, but it was real, when he smiled at his brother. Guilt twisted in Sam’s stomach and stole the air from his lungs. Then Dean turned to Castiel, and Sam could breathe again.
"Hey Cas. What’s up?" Deans’ tone was just as tired as his smile, but Sam knew Den would do just about anything for Castiel. He was like that when it came to family.
"Dean, I need your help." Castiel sounded a bit worn himself. Like the weight of the world was pressing down on him. He looked as worn as he had in the days before the battle. So Sam wasn't at all surprised when Dean simply nodded and asked where he needed to go. Then Castiel turned to Sam. "Are you going as well?"
Sam gave it some honest thought. But he knew that right now he wasn't fit to be hunting anything. Bobby gave him a knowing look."I could use a bit of help with the research."
Dean nodded, again looking far to weary for this. "You should rest a bit longer anyway Sammy. Get readjusted." So Sam listened to them and stayed behind. That had been almost three months ago.
Dean called every night to let them know he was still alive and to get any information they had managed to dig up. It was obvious that Dean was wearing thin. His voice was almost always tight. The occasional visits from Castiel gave them insight into just what Dean was going thru. The war in Heaven had reached new heights. Cas was busy looking for the artifacts in other countries along with a few other angels on his side. Dean was working overtime trying to locate any in the U.S. He had a bit of help in the form of Castiel’s old friend Balthazar. But it was never enough. They needed more help.
It was early in the morning, the sun was barely even up and Sam was working. If Dean wasn't getting the help he needed out on the hunt then he would at least have all the information he could. The book Sam was reading was a compilation of supernatural artifacts. He was reading up on Uriel’s bow, (When Cas had told him the Michael he'd drug down with him was a fake he hadn’t realized the guys name had been Michael. Who knew angels doubled up on names too?) when he felt it. There was a shift in the air, the scent of ancient forests filled the room. A voice whispered in his mind.
"My bow is safe, young human, by my side as it always has been." The voice sounded like Sam had imagined fire would if it had a voice. Deep, rich, kind of smoky. Powerful.
Sam spun around, looking for the speaker, but there was no one there. A faintly amused chuckle sounded. "My brothers have grown rather fond of you and your brother. Castiel obviously. But Michael and Gabriel as well."
Sam’s breath hitched when the Trickster was brought up. Dean had been hit harder by the loss than Sam had. The two had a lot in common, but it still hurt Sam that someone who had helped them got killed.
A thoughtful tone entered the voice. "My brother’s Death pains you. An ache I can relieve." The scent of trees started to fade and the voice sounded faintly one more time. "Peoria Illinois. The Rod is there."
Sam blinked and looked down. His book had flipped several pages back and showed the Rod now. A description and a list of attributes that were not there before covered the page where before it was a sketch and a tad bit of history. He wasn't sure what to think as the shock set in.
"He has that effect on people." The voice this time was familiar. Mocking and warm all at once. This time when he whirled around there was someone there. Warm hazel eyes danced with laughter as he stared. "What? No 'welcome back Gabe?' or anything?"
Sam’s jaw dropped as he stumbled back. He sat down hard on the floor. "How...?" Gabe smirked and chuckled. "You were... you... I mean... How?!"
Gabe smiled at that, snapping up a sucker as he flopped in a chair. "Same way as Little Cassy!" Laughing at Sam’s reaction to his nickname for Castiel, Gabe looked around and frowned. "Where's Dean-o?"
With that Sam forgot about his shock as worry for Dean surged through him. "Arizona. He had a lead on a possible angelic artifact." All of the worries he'd had before the visit came to the surface. He wished Dean were here at Bobby’s. Just for a couple of days. Just so Sam could be sure he was resting.
Fingers snapped in his face. "Tell me what’s going on Sam."
So he did. He explained everything that had happened since Gabe’s Death up to the very moment that Uriel spoke to him. Everything he knew or remembered. Everything that Cas had told him. Things he had pieced together. And Gabe listened, worry twisting in his gut and his mind racing.
When Sam finished he stood, a plan forming. "Don't worry Sammy Boy. I'll take care of Dean." And then Gabe was gone. Somehow Sam knew that Dean wouldn't be calling that night. He smiled and marked his page.
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He found Dean easily enough. The human was cross referencing sites to figure out what he was dealing with. From what he could see Dean had ruled out an artifact and was working to narrow down which deity it was that was causing trouble. There was a half empty cup of coffee by his elbow and bags under his eyes. Gabe wondered if that was how he looked when he hunted alone all those years ago. Or if all of this was caused by the war he was helping Gabriel’s brothers and sisters fight.
Sam was right. Dean needed to rest. He also needed a bit of fun to brighten his soul. Gabe knew just how to help with both.
With a grin he slid up behind Dean and covered his eyes. Dean instantly tensed, reaching for the silver blade at his side.
"Now Dean, you know those don't work on me."
Dean froze, his breathing stopped and his heart hammered. Gabe grinned and stepped back."So! How did you like my DVD?"
He was kind of proud of that one. He'd been so very careful in making it that only someone who had seen it would know about it. And he just knew the boys wouldn't talk about it.
Dean choked out a laugh. "That was the worst porn set up I've ever seen!"
With a pleased grin he grabbed Dean’s arm. "Let’s get going Dean-o! I've got a great day planned."
Dean started to pull back, protesting. He wanted to finish the hunt, Gabe knew. Skimming Dean’s thoughts showed everything he needed to know. It wasn't so much the hunt that he was worried about. He wanted to keep working to end the war. So Cas could be at peace in his home. So he could go back to Sam. So that Gabe wasn't constantly in the middle now that he was back. That pulled a real, heartfelt smile from Gabe. It showed that not only did Dean care, but that he had listened and understood back then.
"How about this, Dean? I give you my word that it's something easily handled and there is another hunter in the area who can deal with it."
Dean blinked, looking torn. Gabe smiled and tugged at Dean’s arm, making him sigh. Dean knew that Gabe wasn't going to give up. "Alright. Fine."
Gabe grinned and snapped them half way around the world and to a fair. He immediately started to drag him over to the vendors.
"Gabe what are you..."
"Relax Dean! We're just gonna have a bit of fun!"
He pulled Dean off to a stall that sold cotton candy on a stick and sighed in relief when he saw Dean looking around in curiosity. He nudged Dean and pointed to a shooting game while he stuffed the sugary fluff in his mouth. It was gone in a matter of seconds. Dean snorted and shook his head, claiming that the game was probably rigged. While Dean was looking away, Gabe tilted his head much like Castiel did, and opened his eyes wide in his best impression of Sam’s puppy eyes. "Win me a teddy?"
When Dean turned he knew the human was going to refuse. So he got to see firsthand how well he pulled off the hurt puppy look. Dean’s jaw snapped shut on his retort and his cheeks colored slightly as he stumbled over his words. Finally he just nodded. Gabriel counted that as a victory and decided to treat himself to some fudge as Dean made his way to the game.
Yup. Dean would have fun whether he wanted to or not. He would make sure of it.
Once Dean was busy with the game he bounced off to find the fudge and to get more cotton candy. Sure he could have snapped it up, but he liked watching them spin it onto the little cone. It made the candy that much sweeter. It also gave his hunter time to get comfortable and not feel like he was being coddled.
He waited ten minutes before finding his way back to the hunter, and was just in time to see Dean handing a little girl a stuffed puppy. She smiled and squealed her thanks before bounding off to show her mom her new toy.
Grinning, Gabe slid up behind Dean and wrapped his arms around him (Being sure to keep the cotton candy just out of Dean’s reach). "Where's my teddy?"
Dean rolled his eyes, waving a fuzzy black bear with a silver bow around its neck. Defiantly the best bear at the stand. Gabe offered some cotton candy as a reward for winning the bear, watching closely as Dean licked on a tiny bit of the spun sugar he'd pulled off. After that he promptly cuddled his new bear and drug Dean to another game booth, begging another prize. This went on for a couple hours, until they were both playing the games. All the toys they won were handed out to kids that were watching. All, except the first little bear. That one stayed with Gabe the whole time.
During this time Gabe got to see more of Dean then just the hunter. He learned that Dean had an easy laugh. It was warm and bright when he wasn't worried about something. He also learned that Dean loved kids. He was never harsh with them, never short. They in turn seemed to know they could tell him exactly what they were thinking or what they wanted. It made Dean happy and Gabe was more than willing to let it continue until Dean got bored with the games and the food. (Cotton candy went much faster with two of them pulling the sugary goodness from the cone)
It seemed like no time before they had played most of the games two or three times. Gabe decided that it was time for the rides.
"What?"
There was a slight edge of panic in the hunter’s voice that stopped the former trickster cold. Looking in the hunter’s eyes he saw panic, fear and a bit of shame. What it meant hit him somewhere in the gut. "You've never been on a ride before?"
Dean shrugged, trying to play it off. "Never had the time."
That was just it, he never seemed to have the time for this kind of thing. Between hunting and looking after Sam, or John, or looking for one or the other Dean never seemed to have time for much besides a bar. So Gabe smiled at him and tugged him into line for the Pharaoh’s Fury. (A/N: For those of you who don't know, it looks like a pharaoh’s ship and is set up like a swing. Only it stops when you reach the peak of the swing, forward and back. You kind of rise up out of the seat and it feels like you're going to fall out. Makes your stomach feel like it’s dropping to your feet too.)
"We'll try a couple; two at least. If you don't like them then we'll do something else. O.K?"
Dean hesitated and Gabe could see the conflict in his eyes, the war between not appearing weak and his fear of not being in control.
"Nothing’s going to happen, Dean, I promise."
Dean looked him in the eye then nodded, filling Gabe with a sense of elation. That one small display of trust made the whole trip more than worth it.
You see, after Gabe’s return he'd started thinking. He was tired of being lonely and not just because he missed his family. He wanted someone in his life. Someone who would call him on his bull shit. Someone who understood.
He wanted a mate. And when he thought about what he wanted in a mate, more and more his thoughts turned to Dean.
So yes, in a sense he was courting the elder Winchester with this... date. Testing the waters to see if maybe, just maybe, Dean would be interested in him too. And if today went well he could start courting him in earnest.
With that thought he happily pulled Dean onto the ride and settled them dead center. It would help lessen the feeling of free falling. He smiled reassuringly at Dean as the ride started. It was a gentle rocking to begin with, so Dean kept a steady grip on the safety bar.
But as the ride went higher and faster Dean’s grip tightened and his breathing quickened. Without realizing it he pressed closer to Gabriel until he was nestled into his side. Gabe smiled and wrapped his arm around Dean’s shoulder. He could feel the tension in the hunter, hear his sharp breaths. Even still, Gabe thought it was perfect. Dean had turned to him for comfort and stability. He couldn't help but be happy as he pulled the human just a little closer, and hold him there until the ride stopped.
There were small tremors wracking his body as they got off the ride. He hadn't felt so shaky since the last time he was on a plane. He wobbled a bit as he got off the stairs and an arm was around his shoulders again, supporting him. Soft fur rubbed against his arm, and he saw the teddy bear he'd won for Gabe still in the angel’s hand. When he looked over into Gabriel’s eyes he could see the concern in them clear as day. He knew in that moment he could say "No more" and they would be done, no hard feelings.
It was just that... Gabriel had seemed so honestly happy when he'd pulled him onto that ride. So full of real joy, Dean didn't want to take that from him.
"'M fine. Just let me sit a minute." He smiled, trying to show that he was alright and Gabe nodded, leading him to a shaded picnic area. They sat there quietly for awhile, just watching the people go by.
"Thank you." The words were so quiet Gabe almost missed them. He hadn't been expecting them just yet. A soft smile stole across his lips. He'd chosen his mate well.
"No problem Dean. You up for another ride?" At the small nod he got in response he hopped to his feet. He knew just which ride he wanted to go on. Once Dean was up he was leading him thru the crowds, past the stalls where they had won their toys.
"Gabe?"
"Yes Dean-o?" There was laughter in his voice, but he couldn't help it. He was just too honestly happy.
"Where are we-" Dean cut off his question as they stopped in front of the Ferris wheel. "Oh."
Gabe smiled brightly at him and ushered him into a seat. He wanted to laugh out loud he was so happy. Instead he waited until the ride started to move and brushed his knuckles over Dean’s hand. The hunter curled his fingers around his on instinct.
It was perfect.
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Gabe didn't take him back to the motel. He took him home to Bobby’s. Hell, even the Impala was there. A sense of peace and home washed over him.
He turned to thank Gabe again. The day had been the most fun he'd had in a long time. Before he could say anything though, a pair of warm lips covered his own in a soft kiss. It was over before he could react.
"Thank you Dean. Good night."
And he was alone on the porch, a faint blush dusting his cheeks. He blinked as the door opened.
"Dean?" Sammy’s voice, warm and concerned, greeted him.
"Hey Sammy."
"Dean are you... You're blushing!" Amusement was clear in Sam’s voice and Dean glared at him, making a fist. He stopped when he felt something in his hand and glanced down. Sam followed his gaze. "What’s that?"
Dean forgot that he was annoyed in favor of his curiosity. It was a small box a bit larger then a ring box. He flipped it open and pulled out what was inside. A small silver charm engraved with angelic on a silver chain.
Sam sucked in a breath as Dean slipped the chain over his head, the charm settled in the hollow of his throat. "Where did you get that?"
"Gabriel..."
Sam blinked at him, a smirk slowly making its way across his face. The blush, the necklace, the soft look on Dean face as he put it on. The way he said his name. Sam put it together. "You went on a date with Gabe!"
Dean went beat red. "Shut up Sam!"
Yeah, things were weird as hell, Sam decided. But Dean was home now and doing better. They had a solid lead on another artifact and when Dean left to find it Sam would be with him. Until then...
Well he was a little brother.
"Did you kiss him?"
Dean stuttered. Honestly stuttered!
"Oh my G-" Sam blinked. "You did!"
"Actually Sam, Gabriel kissed him." Castiel’s voice informed him. Dean bolted into the house as Sam’s laughter followed him. He was going to tease Dean for weeks, as any younger sibling would. A fact that was only driven home by Castiel’s next words, "It is normal for one to kiss the one they intend to court."
As embarrassed as he was, Dean couldn't help but smile at that.
Life was good again.
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A/N: Ok so this is an older fic that I just refound and decided to post since I lost part of my Bound in Blood. -still looking for that I promise!- I have no clue where the idea came from. I had honestly forgotten about this until my break today when I was bored and found it in my note book. So tell me what you guys think ok? And if you have a better idea for the title let me know.
By the way, the bit with Michael I have been told was confusing. It was an angel but not The Michael. He was just trying to help start the war. Sorry about that. I was typing between 2:00 and 4:00am on very little sleep.
Rating: PG-13
Warinings: Spoilers for the Trickster, the end of S-5 and parts of S-6. Oh and Slash. ^.^
Disclaimer: I can only dream...
Summery: Sams got his soul back, but he's not with Dean. And Dean could use a day off.
*****************************************************************************************************************************************
Sam was more than a little worried. He'd gotten his soul back, whole and with no horrible memories of Hell. How, he wasn't sure and he didn't ask. Not after the look he got from Dean the first time. He wasn't sure what Dean had given up this time around, but he was damn sure it was big.
It was a couple of days after Sam woke up in Bobby’s panic room, memories hazy and dark, that Cas showed up. He'd smiled warmly at Sam and welcomed him back. It was Castiel who explained a bit about what had happened. About how the Michael Sam had pulled into the Pit wasn't The Michael, but a fake. About Dean’s deal with Death. Dean would have been pissed if he knew what Cas had told him. As it was Cas had stopped by while Dean was out in the scrap yard with Bobby resetting the wards. Sam was more than a bit horrified to learn what Dean had gone thru.
By the time Dean and Bobby came back in Sam was more or less aware of everything he'd done since teaming up with Dean again. It made his stomach twist, but he swallowed the bile that rose in his throat and put on a smile. He didn't need Dean to worry about him anymore then he already did. He knew what Dean had giving up for him. He also knew what he'd lost because of him.
Dean’s smile was tired and worn, but it was real, when he smiled at his brother. Guilt twisted in Sam’s stomach and stole the air from his lungs. Then Dean turned to Castiel, and Sam could breathe again.
"Hey Cas. What’s up?" Deans’ tone was just as tired as his smile, but Sam knew Den would do just about anything for Castiel. He was like that when it came to family.
"Dean, I need your help." Castiel sounded a bit worn himself. Like the weight of the world was pressing down on him. He looked as worn as he had in the days before the battle. So Sam wasn't at all surprised when Dean simply nodded and asked where he needed to go. Then Castiel turned to Sam. "Are you going as well?"
Sam gave it some honest thought. But he knew that right now he wasn't fit to be hunting anything. Bobby gave him a knowing look."I could use a bit of help with the research."
Dean nodded, again looking far to weary for this. "You should rest a bit longer anyway Sammy. Get readjusted." So Sam listened to them and stayed behind. That had been almost three months ago.
Dean called every night to let them know he was still alive and to get any information they had managed to dig up. It was obvious that Dean was wearing thin. His voice was almost always tight. The occasional visits from Castiel gave them insight into just what Dean was going thru. The war in Heaven had reached new heights. Cas was busy looking for the artifacts in other countries along with a few other angels on his side. Dean was working overtime trying to locate any in the U.S. He had a bit of help in the form of Castiel’s old friend Balthazar. But it was never enough. They needed more help.
It was early in the morning, the sun was barely even up and Sam was working. If Dean wasn't getting the help he needed out on the hunt then he would at least have all the information he could. The book Sam was reading was a compilation of supernatural artifacts. He was reading up on Uriel’s bow, (When Cas had told him the Michael he'd drug down with him was a fake he hadn’t realized the guys name had been Michael. Who knew angels doubled up on names too?) when he felt it. There was a shift in the air, the scent of ancient forests filled the room. A voice whispered in his mind.
"My bow is safe, young human, by my side as it always has been." The voice sounded like Sam had imagined fire would if it had a voice. Deep, rich, kind of smoky. Powerful.
Sam spun around, looking for the speaker, but there was no one there. A faintly amused chuckle sounded. "My brothers have grown rather fond of you and your brother. Castiel obviously. But Michael and Gabriel as well."
Sam’s breath hitched when the Trickster was brought up. Dean had been hit harder by the loss than Sam had. The two had a lot in common, but it still hurt Sam that someone who had helped them got killed.
A thoughtful tone entered the voice. "My brother’s Death pains you. An ache I can relieve." The scent of trees started to fade and the voice sounded faintly one more time. "Peoria Illinois. The Rod is there."
Sam blinked and looked down. His book had flipped several pages back and showed the Rod now. A description and a list of attributes that were not there before covered the page where before it was a sketch and a tad bit of history. He wasn't sure what to think as the shock set in.
"He has that effect on people." The voice this time was familiar. Mocking and warm all at once. This time when he whirled around there was someone there. Warm hazel eyes danced with laughter as he stared. "What? No 'welcome back Gabe?' or anything?"
Sam’s jaw dropped as he stumbled back. He sat down hard on the floor. "How...?" Gabe smirked and chuckled. "You were... you... I mean... How?!"
Gabe smiled at that, snapping up a sucker as he flopped in a chair. "Same way as Little Cassy!" Laughing at Sam’s reaction to his nickname for Castiel, Gabe looked around and frowned. "Where's Dean-o?"
With that Sam forgot about his shock as worry for Dean surged through him. "Arizona. He had a lead on a possible angelic artifact." All of the worries he'd had before the visit came to the surface. He wished Dean were here at Bobby’s. Just for a couple of days. Just so Sam could be sure he was resting.
Fingers snapped in his face. "Tell me what’s going on Sam."
So he did. He explained everything that had happened since Gabe’s Death up to the very moment that Uriel spoke to him. Everything he knew or remembered. Everything that Cas had told him. Things he had pieced together. And Gabe listened, worry twisting in his gut and his mind racing.
When Sam finished he stood, a plan forming. "Don't worry Sammy Boy. I'll take care of Dean." And then Gabe was gone. Somehow Sam knew that Dean wouldn't be calling that night. He smiled and marked his page.
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He found Dean easily enough. The human was cross referencing sites to figure out what he was dealing with. From what he could see Dean had ruled out an artifact and was working to narrow down which deity it was that was causing trouble. There was a half empty cup of coffee by his elbow and bags under his eyes. Gabe wondered if that was how he looked when he hunted alone all those years ago. Or if all of this was caused by the war he was helping Gabriel’s brothers and sisters fight.
Sam was right. Dean needed to rest. He also needed a bit of fun to brighten his soul. Gabe knew just how to help with both.
With a grin he slid up behind Dean and covered his eyes. Dean instantly tensed, reaching for the silver blade at his side.
"Now Dean, you know those don't work on me."
Dean froze, his breathing stopped and his heart hammered. Gabe grinned and stepped back."So! How did you like my DVD?"
He was kind of proud of that one. He'd been so very careful in making it that only someone who had seen it would know about it. And he just knew the boys wouldn't talk about it.
Dean choked out a laugh. "That was the worst porn set up I've ever seen!"
With a pleased grin he grabbed Dean’s arm. "Let’s get going Dean-o! I've got a great day planned."
Dean started to pull back, protesting. He wanted to finish the hunt, Gabe knew. Skimming Dean’s thoughts showed everything he needed to know. It wasn't so much the hunt that he was worried about. He wanted to keep working to end the war. So Cas could be at peace in his home. So he could go back to Sam. So that Gabe wasn't constantly in the middle now that he was back. That pulled a real, heartfelt smile from Gabe. It showed that not only did Dean care, but that he had listened and understood back then.
"How about this, Dean? I give you my word that it's something easily handled and there is another hunter in the area who can deal with it."
Dean blinked, looking torn. Gabe smiled and tugged at Dean’s arm, making him sigh. Dean knew that Gabe wasn't going to give up. "Alright. Fine."
Gabe grinned and snapped them half way around the world and to a fair. He immediately started to drag him over to the vendors.
"Gabe what are you..."
"Relax Dean! We're just gonna have a bit of fun!"
He pulled Dean off to a stall that sold cotton candy on a stick and sighed in relief when he saw Dean looking around in curiosity. He nudged Dean and pointed to a shooting game while he stuffed the sugary fluff in his mouth. It was gone in a matter of seconds. Dean snorted and shook his head, claiming that the game was probably rigged. While Dean was looking away, Gabe tilted his head much like Castiel did, and opened his eyes wide in his best impression of Sam’s puppy eyes. "Win me a teddy?"
When Dean turned he knew the human was going to refuse. So he got to see firsthand how well he pulled off the hurt puppy look. Dean’s jaw snapped shut on his retort and his cheeks colored slightly as he stumbled over his words. Finally he just nodded. Gabriel counted that as a victory and decided to treat himself to some fudge as Dean made his way to the game.
Yup. Dean would have fun whether he wanted to or not. He would make sure of it.
Once Dean was busy with the game he bounced off to find the fudge and to get more cotton candy. Sure he could have snapped it up, but he liked watching them spin it onto the little cone. It made the candy that much sweeter. It also gave his hunter time to get comfortable and not feel like he was being coddled.
He waited ten minutes before finding his way back to the hunter, and was just in time to see Dean handing a little girl a stuffed puppy. She smiled and squealed her thanks before bounding off to show her mom her new toy.
Grinning, Gabe slid up behind Dean and wrapped his arms around him (Being sure to keep the cotton candy just out of Dean’s reach). "Where's my teddy?"
Dean rolled his eyes, waving a fuzzy black bear with a silver bow around its neck. Defiantly the best bear at the stand. Gabe offered some cotton candy as a reward for winning the bear, watching closely as Dean licked on a tiny bit of the spun sugar he'd pulled off. After that he promptly cuddled his new bear and drug Dean to another game booth, begging another prize. This went on for a couple hours, until they were both playing the games. All the toys they won were handed out to kids that were watching. All, except the first little bear. That one stayed with Gabe the whole time.
During this time Gabe got to see more of Dean then just the hunter. He learned that Dean had an easy laugh. It was warm and bright when he wasn't worried about something. He also learned that Dean loved kids. He was never harsh with them, never short. They in turn seemed to know they could tell him exactly what they were thinking or what they wanted. It made Dean happy and Gabe was more than willing to let it continue until Dean got bored with the games and the food. (Cotton candy went much faster with two of them pulling the sugary goodness from the cone)
It seemed like no time before they had played most of the games two or three times. Gabe decided that it was time for the rides.
"What?"
There was a slight edge of panic in the hunter’s voice that stopped the former trickster cold. Looking in the hunter’s eyes he saw panic, fear and a bit of shame. What it meant hit him somewhere in the gut. "You've never been on a ride before?"
Dean shrugged, trying to play it off. "Never had the time."
That was just it, he never seemed to have the time for this kind of thing. Between hunting and looking after Sam, or John, or looking for one or the other Dean never seemed to have time for much besides a bar. So Gabe smiled at him and tugged him into line for the Pharaoh’s Fury. (A/N: For those of you who don't know, it looks like a pharaoh’s ship and is set up like a swing. Only it stops when you reach the peak of the swing, forward and back. You kind of rise up out of the seat and it feels like you're going to fall out. Makes your stomach feel like it’s dropping to your feet too.)
"We'll try a couple; two at least. If you don't like them then we'll do something else. O.K?"
Dean hesitated and Gabe could see the conflict in his eyes, the war between not appearing weak and his fear of not being in control.
"Nothing’s going to happen, Dean, I promise."
Dean looked him in the eye then nodded, filling Gabe with a sense of elation. That one small display of trust made the whole trip more than worth it.
You see, after Gabe’s return he'd started thinking. He was tired of being lonely and not just because he missed his family. He wanted someone in his life. Someone who would call him on his bull shit. Someone who understood.
He wanted a mate. And when he thought about what he wanted in a mate, more and more his thoughts turned to Dean.
So yes, in a sense he was courting the elder Winchester with this... date. Testing the waters to see if maybe, just maybe, Dean would be interested in him too. And if today went well he could start courting him in earnest.
With that thought he happily pulled Dean onto the ride and settled them dead center. It would help lessen the feeling of free falling. He smiled reassuringly at Dean as the ride started. It was a gentle rocking to begin with, so Dean kept a steady grip on the safety bar.
But as the ride went higher and faster Dean’s grip tightened and his breathing quickened. Without realizing it he pressed closer to Gabriel until he was nestled into his side. Gabe smiled and wrapped his arm around Dean’s shoulder. He could feel the tension in the hunter, hear his sharp breaths. Even still, Gabe thought it was perfect. Dean had turned to him for comfort and stability. He couldn't help but be happy as he pulled the human just a little closer, and hold him there until the ride stopped.
There were small tremors wracking his body as they got off the ride. He hadn't felt so shaky since the last time he was on a plane. He wobbled a bit as he got off the stairs and an arm was around his shoulders again, supporting him. Soft fur rubbed against his arm, and he saw the teddy bear he'd won for Gabe still in the angel’s hand. When he looked over into Gabriel’s eyes he could see the concern in them clear as day. He knew in that moment he could say "No more" and they would be done, no hard feelings.
It was just that... Gabriel had seemed so honestly happy when he'd pulled him onto that ride. So full of real joy, Dean didn't want to take that from him.
"'M fine. Just let me sit a minute." He smiled, trying to show that he was alright and Gabe nodded, leading him to a shaded picnic area. They sat there quietly for awhile, just watching the people go by.
"Thank you." The words were so quiet Gabe almost missed them. He hadn't been expecting them just yet. A soft smile stole across his lips. He'd chosen his mate well.
"No problem Dean. You up for another ride?" At the small nod he got in response he hopped to his feet. He knew just which ride he wanted to go on. Once Dean was up he was leading him thru the crowds, past the stalls where they had won their toys.
"Gabe?"
"Yes Dean-o?" There was laughter in his voice, but he couldn't help it. He was just too honestly happy.
"Where are we-" Dean cut off his question as they stopped in front of the Ferris wheel. "Oh."
Gabe smiled brightly at him and ushered him into a seat. He wanted to laugh out loud he was so happy. Instead he waited until the ride started to move and brushed his knuckles over Dean’s hand. The hunter curled his fingers around his on instinct.
It was perfect.
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Gabe didn't take him back to the motel. He took him home to Bobby’s. Hell, even the Impala was there. A sense of peace and home washed over him.
He turned to thank Gabe again. The day had been the most fun he'd had in a long time. Before he could say anything though, a pair of warm lips covered his own in a soft kiss. It was over before he could react.
"Thank you Dean. Good night."
And he was alone on the porch, a faint blush dusting his cheeks. He blinked as the door opened.
"Dean?" Sammy’s voice, warm and concerned, greeted him.
"Hey Sammy."
"Dean are you... You're blushing!" Amusement was clear in Sam’s voice and Dean glared at him, making a fist. He stopped when he felt something in his hand and glanced down. Sam followed his gaze. "What’s that?"
Dean forgot that he was annoyed in favor of his curiosity. It was a small box a bit larger then a ring box. He flipped it open and pulled out what was inside. A small silver charm engraved with angelic on a silver chain.
Sam sucked in a breath as Dean slipped the chain over his head, the charm settled in the hollow of his throat. "Where did you get that?"
"Gabriel..."
Sam blinked at him, a smirk slowly making its way across his face. The blush, the necklace, the soft look on Dean face as he put it on. The way he said his name. Sam put it together. "You went on a date with Gabe!"
Dean went beat red. "Shut up Sam!"
Yeah, things were weird as hell, Sam decided. But Dean was home now and doing better. They had a solid lead on another artifact and when Dean left to find it Sam would be with him. Until then...
Well he was a little brother.
"Did you kiss him?"
Dean stuttered. Honestly stuttered!
"Oh my G-" Sam blinked. "You did!"
"Actually Sam, Gabriel kissed him." Castiel’s voice informed him. Dean bolted into the house as Sam’s laughter followed him. He was going to tease Dean for weeks, as any younger sibling would. A fact that was only driven home by Castiel’s next words, "It is normal for one to kiss the one they intend to court."
As embarrassed as he was, Dean couldn't help but smile at that.
Life was good again.
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A/N: Ok so this is an older fic that I just refound and decided to post since I lost part of my Bound in Blood. -still looking for that I promise!- I have no clue where the idea came from. I had honestly forgotten about this until my break today when I was bored and found it in my note book. So tell me what you guys think ok? And if you have a better idea for the title let me know.
By the way, the bit with Michael I have been told was confusing. It was an angel but not The Michael. He was just trying to help start the war. Sorry about that. I was typing between 2:00 and 4:00am on very little sleep.