'Til The Clouds Clear (Part Two)
Title: 'Til The Clouds Clear
Rating: R
Fandom: Supernatural RPS
Pairings: Misha/Richard, Jared/Jensen, Gabriel/Castiel
Warnings: Character illness, mentally unstable character (not the main character)
Notes: First I would like to thank _bluebells for talking me out of deleting this entire fic and dropping the challenge because I couldn't figure out what I wanted it to go and I hated it and just couldn't make it work. She provided me with more ideas and a better editing process and was patient and awesome during my whiny rants to her. Thanks also goes to dr_jasley for spending a few hours one Sunday night to go over this monster and help me edit it. She also cheered me on while I was writing it and this 'verse wouldn't exist at all if it weren't for her, so thank you, bb. More thanks goes to ladyknightanka who is very excited to see this fic posted and I hope you enjoy it, hun. Thanks to zekkass, theinsaneeraser, and stharridan for all of their encouragement and word wars and Twitter spams of awesome. You guys are fabulous. Last, but certainly not least, a huge thank you to my fantastic artist, lonewined for the amazing artwork she has done. I love it and you will too.
Summary: Misha and Richard have always known their cats, Gabriel and Castiel, were unique. After all, Castiel has actual wings. Sure, he can't fly with them, but they're there nonetheless. What they don't know is that Gabriel knows when someone is going to die. When Richard gets sick, very sick, Gabriel is terrified that this is his punishment for leaving behind those who needed him when he got the chance. So he runs away and wanders the streets for a time until he meets Todd. Todd is very different from Misha and Richard and he wants to keep Gabriel. Will Misha and Richard ever see Gabriel again?
The wonderful art for this story is here. Please leave lonewined some love on it. It's fantastic work and she deserves it.
Todd manages to slip inside the gates of the apartment complex as a car goes in. He knows the apartment number, thanks to Gabriel's collar tag. It's just a matter of finding it now. It doesn't take long to find the right apartment. It's on the second floor. Todd eyes the staircase leading up to it. He could go straight to the front door and see if anyone is home. He could go around the back and see if there's some sort of balcony or window to see into, but it's on the seconds floor, so he opts for the front door.
There are little windows that frame either side of the door, so he peeks in them, looking to see if there's anyone in there. It's hard to see through them since the glass is blurred over, but he can't see any movement, so he assumes there is no one home. He picks the lock quickly and slides inside, shutting the door quietly behind him.
The sound of water running makes him pause. Someone is home. That's okay, he has the crystal Fate gave him. He's hoping he can get out of there with Jibril before whoever is in the shower gets out though. He moves quickly, looking around the living room for Gabriel.
A little white cat crosses his path and stops, looking up at him. The cat has wings. He falls to his knees before the cat, reaching out to touch it hesitantly. An Angel cat! Fate didn't tell him about this one. He strokes the top of the cat's head. The cat shies away from him, mewing uneasily.
He needs to work fast here if he wants to make it out before anyone discovers he has been here. He looks around the living room for Jibril and doesn't see him. He moves into the little dining room, checking under the table and on the chairs. He's not there either. He's also not in the kitchen and that leaves one last place to check. The bedroom.
He pushes the door open and the sound of water gets louder. He pauses in the doorway and looks around. Jibril is asleep on the bed, curled up in a ball among the blankets. Just as he's about to go in and grab Jibril, the water shuts off.
“Shit.” Todd hisses, ducking out of the room.
He needs to get out of there and fast. He doesn't want to risk getting caught, even with the crystal. Some people can be resistant to its powers, though they are rare. He still doesn't want to take the chance and he slips out of the apartment, locking the door back behind him, cursing his timing.
~*~
Richard steps out of the shower and dries off before wrapping the towel around his waist. He walks into the bedroom, pulling out some and a shirt and changing quickly. He wants to meet Misha for lunch. Castiel pads into the room and hops up on the bed with Gabriel, laying down beside the other cat. He mews up at Richard when Richard leans over to pet them both after he puts on his .
“I'll be back soon.” Richard assures them.
Gabriel slits open an eye, yawns and then goes back to sleep, clearly uninterested in Richard's plans for the day. Castiel curls himself closer to Gabriel and puts his head on his front paws.
Richard leaves the cats laying on the bed together and makes his way out of the apartment.
Gabriel blinks his eyes open and studies Castiel for a moment, sensing something is wrong with the other cat. He nudges Castiel with his nose, asking what's wrong with him.
Castiel tells him about the strange man that was creeping around the apartment and tried to pet him. Castiel didn't like the way he smelled, like metal and nothing at once. It shook him up a bit, Gabriel can tell. The man sounds familiar though and a cold rush of fear slides down his back, making his fur bristle. He's pretty sure it was Todd.
Castiel asks him if it was Todd and Gabriel hesitates before telling him that it probably was. He doesn't know what to do about it, other than hope he doesn't come back again. He presses closer to Castiel and apologizes quietly. Castiel licks his face comfortingly, and assures him it's not his fault.
Gabriel isn't so sure about that.
~*~
Todd heads back to his house. He needs to regroup and think of a new plan. He can't hang around the apartment complex either because he had already attracted odd looks from the residents and he didn't need someone calling the police for some stranger hanging around, looking shifty.
He paces around his living room, chewing a nail to shreds. It doesn't help him think and he ends up ripping off too much of his nail and blood wells up in the stinging tear in his skin. He sucks the blood away and ignores the pain. He needs a plan and he needs one now.
His gaze lands on the cat carrier behind the arm chair. That could probably hold both Jibril and the angel cat. He has to wait though. He can't go back just yet. He settles down in the arm chair and eyes the clock. A few hours should be enough and then he can have both the angel cat and the Death cat.
All that power, right at his fingertips. The thought is intoxicating to him and he grins maniacally at the blank TV set. The things he could do with the combined power of the angel cat and the Death cat. Everything Fate has told him to do and so much more. He just has to bide his time for a little while and all will be his.
~*~
Richard opens the door to the apartment and kicks off his shoes. Lunch with Misha was excellent and they had a good time. Richard yawns and stretches. Eating good food always made him sleepy afterward. He collapses onto the couch, grinning as Gabriel and Castiel pad out from the kitchen to greet him with purrs and meowed demands for petting.
He obliges them both and turns on the TV as they make themselves comfortable, draped over his lap. After a few moments of peace and quiet, the door bell rings. Richard sighs and nudges the cats off of him and answers the door.
“Hello?” He asks.
There's a man on the other side, dressed in a dark shirt, jacket and slacks, holding a cat carrier.
“Hi, I'm with the vet, Dr. Morgan, and I need to pick up your cats. We got the tests back and there's some concerns, so Dr. Morgan wants to bring them back in for more testing.” The man smiles at him.
“Wouldn't Dr. Morgan just call us and tell us this? He's never sent anyone to our home before.” Richard says, wary about the man. There's something not quite right about him and it makes Richard uneasy.
“He's starting a new system for clients to make it easier on them. We pick up the animals and take them to the office. Much less hassle for you.” The man says smoothly.
Richard frowns. “Can you wait here for a minute?”
The man nods. “Of course.”
Richard closes the door and grabs his cell phone, dialing the number to Dr. Morgans' office. The receptionist, Samantha, answers. “Hello, this is Dr. Morgans' office, how may we help you?”
“Samantha? It's Richard. I need to ask you something. Are you guys starting a pet carry out service where you send someone to our place to pick up the animals and take them to the vet?” Richard asks, worry in his voice.
“What? No. Why?” Samantha says, sounding confused.
“It's nothing. I have to go. Thanks.” He hangs up before Samantha can reply, tossing his phone onto the coffee table.
He goes back to the front door and opens it just a bit, now definitely concerned with who this man is and what he wants.
“You're not from Dr. Morgans' office. I checked. Now who are you and what to you want?” Richard demands.
“Okay, you got me. I'm not from the vet, but I'm still gonna leave with your cats. Jibril belongs with someone who knows his true power and the angel cat must have some sot of holy power too.” The man curls a lip at Richard.
“What are you talking about?” Richard stares at him in confusion.
“You're obviously too stupid to know all the power you have in a cat that can see Death itself, but that's okay. I have more than enough plans for him, so just hand them both over and everything will be just fine.” The man cocks an eyebrow at Richard.
Richard doesn't bother with a reply. The man is clearly insane and needs help. He slams the door in his face and locks every lock on the door from the doorknob to the chain across the edge of the door.
The man pounds on it right after Richard finishes hooking the chain and he flinches back from the door, staring in shock. Who would do something like this over cats?
He hurries back into the living room where the cats are curled on the couch, seeming to glare at the door. Gabriel hisses at it, sensing something is wrong out there. Richard snatches up his phone from the table and goes back over to the door.
“If you don't leave, I'm calling the police!” He shouts through the door.
The man simply continues to hammer his fist down on the wood of the door, screaming about how Jibril and the angel cat will be his and he'll have all the power in the world at his fingertips. Richard warns him again, but he just continues with his insane rantings, so Richard calls the police.
~*~
After he had called the police, Richard had called Misha, Mark, Jensen, and Jared. They got to the apartment one right after the other right after the police arrived. Todd, as they now know him to be called, is arrested and Richard is advised to file a restraining order as soon as possible against the man.
Misha agrees and tells Richard they will do it tomorrow morning, take a half day from work to get it done. The police take down all the info they need and leave soon after that, Todd cuffed and sitting in the back of a cruiser.
He's quiet now, but he keeps staring up at the apartment as if he can see the cats inside and it makes Richard shudder in revulsion. He turns away from the window and sits back down on the couch, pressing against Misha's side when Misha wraps an arm around his shoulders.
“You guys gonna be okay?” Jared asks, patting Richard's knee.
“Yeah, I think so. The cops got him, so he's not coming back and we'll go file for the restraining order in the morning.” Misha nods.
“Alright, well, we're gonna go then. Call us if you need anything.” Jensen says, standing up.
Misha and Richard walk them to the door and say their goodbyes while Mark waves from the living room. The cats are piled in his lap and he doesn't want to disturb them.
When Richard and Misha get back to the living room, Mark looks up at them.
“I'll stay the night with you guys.” He offers.
“You don't have to.” Richard shakes his head.
“It's not a problem.” Mark says.
“That would be great, if you're sure.” Misha says, smiling at him.
“I'm sure.” Mark nods.
“Thanks.” Richard nods.
The rest of the afternoon is thankfully uneventful. They spend it watching TV, playing with the cats, and eating dinner.
When it's time to head to bed, Misha brings out some spare sheets and a pillow for Mark to make up the couch with and shakes out the blanket that's draped over the back of the couch.
“Thanks again for staying.” Misha says.
“No problem.” Mark grins, hugging Misha.
They say their good nights and the cats promptly settle on Mark as soon as he finds a comfortable position on the couch.
Misha and Richard slide into bed together, curling into each other. Misha's fingers card through Richard's hair.
I'm glad you're okay, baby.” Misha says softly.
“Hmm, me too. That was so bizarre.” Richard murmurs sleepily.
“It'll never happen again, I promise.” Misha kisses Richard's forehead.
The other man just hums, already mostly asleep. Misha sinks down more firmly into the bed and joins Richard in sleep.
~*~
Misha and Richard go up to the court house and file the necessary paperwork for their restraining order. As soon as that's done, they head back to the apartment where Mark is staying until they get back from work.
As Richard changes into his uniform, Misha talks to Mark in the living room.
“Thanks for staying. We really appreciate it.” Misha smiles gratefully.
“Like I said, no problem.” Mark draws another card from the deck, playing solitaire on the coffee table.
Gabriel is watching the game intently, nudging cards here and there occasionally. It amuses Mark to no end.
Richard comes out from the bedroom, kisses Misha on the cheek, waves to Mark, and pets the cats quickly before heading out to get to work before he's late.
Misha tells Mark and the cats goodbye before leaving himself. Mark waves him off and continues playing solitaire on the coffee table, Gabriel watching and Castiel napping beside him.
One Month Later
Everything has being going really well. There hasn't been any more news or sightings of Todd and everything is calm and peaceful. Mark has gone back to his own home, but still stops by frequently with Jared and Jensen, usually for dinner and games with the cats.
Gabriel seems to have come to terms about his sixth sense and is a lot happier. Castiel is happy for him and is glad that he's finally in a better place, no longer chasing thoughts about leaving.
Castiel himself is just as content as he ever was to spend long days in the sun from the window in the living room and long nights sleeping at the foot of his humans bed, Gabriel at his side.
Misha and Richard's one year anniversary is coming up and Misha has a plan. He intends to ask Richard to marry him over a romantic candle lit dinner. Champagne, a nice meal, roses; the whole nine yards. Everything has to go off without a hitch.
It does and over dessert, a lovely double layer chocolate cake, Misha gets down on one knee in front of Richard.
“Richard, over the past year, we've had our ups and downs, but we've always come through in the end, together and stronger than ever. I've never loved anyone as much as I love and adore you. Will you marry me?” Misha opens the velvet box and holds it up to Richard.
Tears spring to Richard's eyes and he gets down on the floor with Misha, arms wrapped tight around him.
“Yes, yes, always.” He half sobs into Misha's neck.
Misha grins and hugs Richard tightly then pulls back and kisses him fiercely. “Let's take this to the bedroom, yeah?”
Richard grins back and wipes the rest of his tears away. “Yeah.”
Misha pulls him to his feet and they make their way into the bedroom, closing the door behind them.
Three Months Later
The wedding ceremony goes off without a hitch. Misha wears a black tuxedo with a white bowtie and Richard wears a white tuxedo and a black bowtie. Everyone is town shows up, Jared, Jensen, and Mark are the best men. Castiel and Gabriel are the ring bearers. Everything is perfect.
Misha and Richard have the first dance, spinning each other around on the dance floor and giggling like teenagers. It makes everyone smile at them. They're so in love and so happy finally. Soon everyone is joining them out on the dance floor, having the time of their lives, twirling their partner and being twirled themselves.
Castiel and Gabriel have a table to themselves and are nibbling on a piece of cake together. Gabriel is mostly just licking the frosting off because it's the best part according to him. Castiel just licks the bit of frosting off of Gabriel's nose in response and continues eating.
Toasts and speeches are made to the newly weds and there is laughter and tears and everything in between. There's more champagne and cake given out, more dancing to be done. Everyone wears themselves out and as the sun sets, everyone takes a moment to hold their loved one and watch it sink down below the horizon in a splash of orange, pink, and purple.
Castiel nudges Gabriel up from his frosting and they watch it as well. Castiel always loves to watch the sunset, loves the colors it makes. Gabriel loves the way Castiel looks when he watches it. Calm and happy.
Soon it's time to go home and recover from the festivities. Misha picks up Castiel and Richard gets Gabriel as they say their goodbyes to everyone, seeing them off. They finally make it back to their apartment and settle into the couch together, the cats on their laps.
“I can't believe this is real.” Richard says, playing with the silver band around his left ring finger.
Misha reaches out and brings Richard's hand to his lips and kisses it. “I know, but it is.”
“I'm so happy, Misha. I love you so much.” Richard kisses Misha softly.
“I love you too. I couldn't be happier than I am right now.” Misha says after they part.
Gabriel and Castiel hop down from their humans laps and make their way to their favorite place, the window seat. They curl up together, tired out by the day's events.
Gabriel asks Castiel if he's happy. Castiel tells him to not be silly, of course he's happy. He has everything he needs. Loving owners, all the food, water, and treats he could want, and Gabriel himself to love and be loved by. Gabriel seems a little surprised by the last bit, but he purrs in contentment after a moment.
They curl up and sleep finds them easily after that.
Misha and Richard head into the bedroom and strip out of their tuxes.
“Do you want to go away for our honeymoon?” Misha asks, shrugging out of his shirt.
“I don't know. Do you?” Richard steps out of his pants.
“We could. Get Mark or Jensen and Jared to keep the cats for us, go away for a week or two.” Misha suggests.
“Sounds nice. We can plan in the morning.” Richard tugs playfully on Misha's wrist, pulling him down onto the bed with him.
“Oh? And what do you think we should do until then?” Misha smirks down at Richard from where he holds himself up above him, hands framing the sides of Richard's head.
“I think I have a few ideas.” Richard returns the smirk and pulls Misha down into a kiss.
~*~
Gabriel and Castiel are watching the stars, Gabriel pointing out constellations he remembers Jared teaching him on the roof of the nursing home during the night when he would stay late to finish paperwork or something. Castiel is enthralled with the stars. He dutifully repeats them back to Gabriel and it makes Gabriel smile.
Soon the conversation turns to their humans. Castiel says he heard them discussing going away on a honeymoon. Castiel is pretty sure the moon isn't made out of honey and it seems so far away that Richard and Misha can't really be going to the moon, can they?
Gabriel snickers into his paw as he ducks his head. He explains that a honeymoon is when two humans get married and then go on a vacation of sorts with each other to celebrate their wedding. It doesn't involve the actual moon, which is not, in fact, made of honey, but it does involve travel and Gabriel doubts that Misha and Richard will take them when they go.
Castiel asks why they can't go too. Gabriel explains that Misha and Richard will probably just want to spend time with just each other for their honeymoon, but they'll most likely leave themselves with Mark or Jared and Jensen. Castiel finds that acceptable and curls into Gabriel's side, sleepy now from the long hour they spent looking at the stars, though he did enjoy it.
~*~
Misha and Richard plan out their honeymoon and soon it's time for them to leave. Jared and Jensen take them to the airport and Mark meets them there. Castiel and Gabriel are herded into cat carriers, much to Gabriel's displeasure. He makes that very clear with loud yowls as he's put into it and the door is shut and locked. He glares moodily out of the carrier, amber eyes flashing.
Castiel doesn't mind the carrier too much, but the motion of someone walking and carrying him makes him slightly ill, so he closes his eyes and tries to ignore it as best he can. It's better if he can't see the scenery move at such a jostled pace.
The cats are let out at the airport for a moment, so Misha and Richard can say their goodbyes. It's filled with lots of cuddling and licks, pets and purrs, and promises to come home soon and they will have fun with Mark, who's keeping them for Richard and Misha until they get back. The cats are put back in the carriers and given a few treats for being so well behaved.
Richard and Misha embrace their friends and thank them all for everything they've done for them. Their flight is called and they are waved off and assured that everything will be just fine, they don't have to worry about a thing, just relax and enjoy their honeymoon.
Jensen, Jared, Mark and the cats all watch from the window as Misha and Richard's plane takes off. The sky is a brilliant blue, spotted with little wisps of white clouds, a perfectly clear day for flying.
On the plane, Misha and Richard hold each other's hand and watch out their window in awe, looking down at the ground as it gets farther and farther away from them. It's an amazing sight, lifting into the air and watching the ground fall away beneath them.
They look over at each other and grin widely, giddy with the excitement of spending their first ever vacation together and it's their honeymoon no less. Richard leans over and pecks Misha on the lips and Misha squeezes his hand in return. This is what they need.
A time for themselves to just be and be with each other, leaving all the stress behind, all the worry and everything behind and just revel in one another. They grin at each other once more and sit back in their seats, ready to enjoy the rest of the ride.
~*~
As soon as Mark gets to his house, he lets Castiel and Gabriel out of the cat carriers and they promptly jump up on his couch, tucking themselves against each other. Mark chuckles at their antics and puts out water and food for them in their bowls in the kitchen.
He drops down on the couch next to them and turns on the TV. It's peaceful and quiet, exactly what everyone needs after the trip today. Castiel crawls into Mark's lap and Mark absently begins petting him, straight down his back between his wings, just like he likes it. Castiel is soon a purring mass in Mark's lap. Gabriel is pressed against Mark's leg and Mark gives him a good head scratch, just as he likes it.
Castiel is glad everything ended up working out in the end. Gabriel is home and never plans on leaving again. Todd can't bother them ever again, can't try to take Gabriel away from him again, Misha and Richard are happy with each other and them and will be home before he knows it, Mark loves them as much as Misha and Richard do, so they'll be happy here too. Everything is just as good as it could ever be and Castiel is happy.
Misha and Richard are curled up in bed together in their honeymoon suite of the hotel and are thoroughly getting reacquainted with each other's bodies and their love for each other. They are more than happy, they're feeling just perfect with each other. Riding the rising tide of bliss that sweeps them both away together forever.
Even Jared and Jensen are happy, laying in bed together watching a movie. They're happy for Misha and Richard, happy they finally have the life they deserve. Jared yawns and lays his head on Jensen's shoulder, eyes slipping shut. Jensen looks over and grins at him, feeling so in love with the man at his side.
Everyone is happy and where they deserve to be, with each other and their friends. The new day dawns bright and filled with hope for all the coming days. The clouds have finally cleared for them. All of them.
Rating: R
Fandom: Supernatural RPS
Pairings: Misha/Richard, Jared/Jensen, Gabriel/Castiel
Warnings: Character illness, mentally unstable character (not the main character)
Notes: First I would like to thank _bluebells for talking me out of deleting this entire fic and dropping the challenge because I couldn't figure out what I wanted it to go and I hated it and just couldn't make it work. She provided me with more ideas and a better editing process and was patient and awesome during my whiny rants to her. Thanks also goes to dr_jasley for spending a few hours one Sunday night to go over this monster and help me edit it. She also cheered me on while I was writing it and this 'verse wouldn't exist at all if it weren't for her, so thank you, bb. More thanks goes to ladyknightanka who is very excited to see this fic posted and I hope you enjoy it, hun. Thanks to zekkass, theinsaneeraser, and stharridan for all of their encouragement and word wars and Twitter spams of awesome. You guys are fabulous. Last, but certainly not least, a huge thank you to my fantastic artist, lonewined for the amazing artwork she has done. I love it and you will too.
Summary: Misha and Richard have always known their cats, Gabriel and Castiel, were unique. After all, Castiel has actual wings. Sure, he can't fly with them, but they're there nonetheless. What they don't know is that Gabriel knows when someone is going to die. When Richard gets sick, very sick, Gabriel is terrified that this is his punishment for leaving behind those who needed him when he got the chance. So he runs away and wanders the streets for a time until he meets Todd. Todd is very different from Misha and Richard and he wants to keep Gabriel. Will Misha and Richard ever see Gabriel again?
The wonderful art for this story is here. Please leave lonewined some love on it. It's fantastic work and she deserves it.
Todd manages to slip inside the gates of the apartment complex as a car goes in. He knows the apartment number, thanks to Gabriel's collar tag. It's just a matter of finding it now. It doesn't take long to find the right apartment. It's on the second floor. Todd eyes the staircase leading up to it. He could go straight to the front door and see if anyone is home. He could go around the back and see if there's some sort of balcony or window to see into, but it's on the seconds floor, so he opts for the front door.
There are little windows that frame either side of the door, so he peeks in them, looking to see if there's anyone in there. It's hard to see through them since the glass is blurred over, but he can't see any movement, so he assumes there is no one home. He picks the lock quickly and slides inside, shutting the door quietly behind him.
The sound of water running makes him pause. Someone is home. That's okay, he has the crystal Fate gave him. He's hoping he can get out of there with Jibril before whoever is in the shower gets out though. He moves quickly, looking around the living room for Gabriel.
A little white cat crosses his path and stops, looking up at him. The cat has wings. He falls to his knees before the cat, reaching out to touch it hesitantly. An Angel cat! Fate didn't tell him about this one. He strokes the top of the cat's head. The cat shies away from him, mewing uneasily.
He needs to work fast here if he wants to make it out before anyone discovers he has been here. He looks around the living room for Jibril and doesn't see him. He moves into the little dining room, checking under the table and on the chairs. He's not there either. He's also not in the kitchen and that leaves one last place to check. The bedroom.
He pushes the door open and the sound of water gets louder. He pauses in the doorway and looks around. Jibril is asleep on the bed, curled up in a ball among the blankets. Just as he's about to go in and grab Jibril, the water shuts off.
“Shit.” Todd hisses, ducking out of the room.
He needs to get out of there and fast. He doesn't want to risk getting caught, even with the crystal. Some people can be resistant to its powers, though they are rare. He still doesn't want to take the chance and he slips out of the apartment, locking the door back behind him, cursing his timing.
~*~
Richard steps out of the shower and dries off before wrapping the towel around his waist. He walks into the bedroom, pulling out some and a shirt and changing quickly. He wants to meet Misha for lunch. Castiel pads into the room and hops up on the bed with Gabriel, laying down beside the other cat. He mews up at Richard when Richard leans over to pet them both after he puts on his .
“I'll be back soon.” Richard assures them.
Gabriel slits open an eye, yawns and then goes back to sleep, clearly uninterested in Richard's plans for the day. Castiel curls himself closer to Gabriel and puts his head on his front paws.
Richard leaves the cats laying on the bed together and makes his way out of the apartment.
Gabriel blinks his eyes open and studies Castiel for a moment, sensing something is wrong with the other cat. He nudges Castiel with his nose, asking what's wrong with him.
Castiel tells him about the strange man that was creeping around the apartment and tried to pet him. Castiel didn't like the way he smelled, like metal and nothing at once. It shook him up a bit, Gabriel can tell. The man sounds familiar though and a cold rush of fear slides down his back, making his fur bristle. He's pretty sure it was Todd.
Castiel asks him if it was Todd and Gabriel hesitates before telling him that it probably was. He doesn't know what to do about it, other than hope he doesn't come back again. He presses closer to Castiel and apologizes quietly. Castiel licks his face comfortingly, and assures him it's not his fault.
Gabriel isn't so sure about that.
~*~
Todd heads back to his house. He needs to regroup and think of a new plan. He can't hang around the apartment complex either because he had already attracted odd looks from the residents and he didn't need someone calling the police for some stranger hanging around, looking shifty.
He paces around his living room, chewing a nail to shreds. It doesn't help him think and he ends up ripping off too much of his nail and blood wells up in the stinging tear in his skin. He sucks the blood away and ignores the pain. He needs a plan and he needs one now.
His gaze lands on the cat carrier behind the arm chair. That could probably hold both Jibril and the angel cat. He has to wait though. He can't go back just yet. He settles down in the arm chair and eyes the clock. A few hours should be enough and then he can have both the angel cat and the Death cat.
All that power, right at his fingertips. The thought is intoxicating to him and he grins maniacally at the blank TV set. The things he could do with the combined power of the angel cat and the Death cat. Everything Fate has told him to do and so much more. He just has to bide his time for a little while and all will be his.
~*~
Richard opens the door to the apartment and kicks off his shoes. Lunch with Misha was excellent and they had a good time. Richard yawns and stretches. Eating good food always made him sleepy afterward. He collapses onto the couch, grinning as Gabriel and Castiel pad out from the kitchen to greet him with purrs and meowed demands for petting.
He obliges them both and turns on the TV as they make themselves comfortable, draped over his lap. After a few moments of peace and quiet, the door bell rings. Richard sighs and nudges the cats off of him and answers the door.
“Hello?” He asks.
There's a man on the other side, dressed in a dark shirt, jacket and slacks, holding a cat carrier.
“Hi, I'm with the vet, Dr. Morgan, and I need to pick up your cats. We got the tests back and there's some concerns, so Dr. Morgan wants to bring them back in for more testing.” The man smiles at him.
“Wouldn't Dr. Morgan just call us and tell us this? He's never sent anyone to our home before.” Richard says, wary about the man. There's something not quite right about him and it makes Richard uneasy.
“He's starting a new system for clients to make it easier on them. We pick up the animals and take them to the office. Much less hassle for you.” The man says smoothly.
Richard frowns. “Can you wait here for a minute?”
The man nods. “Of course.”
Richard closes the door and grabs his cell phone, dialing the number to Dr. Morgans' office. The receptionist, Samantha, answers. “Hello, this is Dr. Morgans' office, how may we help you?”
“Samantha? It's Richard. I need to ask you something. Are you guys starting a pet carry out service where you send someone to our place to pick up the animals and take them to the vet?” Richard asks, worry in his voice.
“What? No. Why?” Samantha says, sounding confused.
“It's nothing. I have to go. Thanks.” He hangs up before Samantha can reply, tossing his phone onto the coffee table.
He goes back to the front door and opens it just a bit, now definitely concerned with who this man is and what he wants.
“You're not from Dr. Morgans' office. I checked. Now who are you and what to you want?” Richard demands.
“Okay, you got me. I'm not from the vet, but I'm still gonna leave with your cats. Jibril belongs with someone who knows his true power and the angel cat must have some sot of holy power too.” The man curls a lip at Richard.
“What are you talking about?” Richard stares at him in confusion.
“You're obviously too stupid to know all the power you have in a cat that can see Death itself, but that's okay. I have more than enough plans for him, so just hand them both over and everything will be just fine.” The man cocks an eyebrow at Richard.
Richard doesn't bother with a reply. The man is clearly insane and needs help. He slams the door in his face and locks every lock on the door from the doorknob to the chain across the edge of the door.
The man pounds on it right after Richard finishes hooking the chain and he flinches back from the door, staring in shock. Who would do something like this over cats?
He hurries back into the living room where the cats are curled on the couch, seeming to glare at the door. Gabriel hisses at it, sensing something is wrong out there. Richard snatches up his phone from the table and goes back over to the door.
“If you don't leave, I'm calling the police!” He shouts through the door.
The man simply continues to hammer his fist down on the wood of the door, screaming about how Jibril and the angel cat will be his and he'll have all the power in the world at his fingertips. Richard warns him again, but he just continues with his insane rantings, so Richard calls the police.
~*~
After he had called the police, Richard had called Misha, Mark, Jensen, and Jared. They got to the apartment one right after the other right after the police arrived. Todd, as they now know him to be called, is arrested and Richard is advised to file a restraining order as soon as possible against the man.
Misha agrees and tells Richard they will do it tomorrow morning, take a half day from work to get it done. The police take down all the info they need and leave soon after that, Todd cuffed and sitting in the back of a cruiser.
He's quiet now, but he keeps staring up at the apartment as if he can see the cats inside and it makes Richard shudder in revulsion. He turns away from the window and sits back down on the couch, pressing against Misha's side when Misha wraps an arm around his shoulders.
“You guys gonna be okay?” Jared asks, patting Richard's knee.
“Yeah, I think so. The cops got him, so he's not coming back and we'll go file for the restraining order in the morning.” Misha nods.
“Alright, well, we're gonna go then. Call us if you need anything.” Jensen says, standing up.
Misha and Richard walk them to the door and say their goodbyes while Mark waves from the living room. The cats are piled in his lap and he doesn't want to disturb them.
When Richard and Misha get back to the living room, Mark looks up at them.
“I'll stay the night with you guys.” He offers.
“You don't have to.” Richard shakes his head.
“It's not a problem.” Mark says.
“That would be great, if you're sure.” Misha says, smiling at him.
“I'm sure.” Mark nods.
“Thanks.” Richard nods.
The rest of the afternoon is thankfully uneventful. They spend it watching TV, playing with the cats, and eating dinner.
When it's time to head to bed, Misha brings out some spare sheets and a pillow for Mark to make up the couch with and shakes out the blanket that's draped over the back of the couch.
“Thanks again for staying.” Misha says.
“No problem.” Mark grins, hugging Misha.
They say their good nights and the cats promptly settle on Mark as soon as he finds a comfortable position on the couch.
Misha and Richard slide into bed together, curling into each other. Misha's fingers card through Richard's hair.
I'm glad you're okay, baby.” Misha says softly.
“Hmm, me too. That was so bizarre.” Richard murmurs sleepily.
“It'll never happen again, I promise.” Misha kisses Richard's forehead.
The other man just hums, already mostly asleep. Misha sinks down more firmly into the bed and joins Richard in sleep.
~*~
Misha and Richard go up to the court house and file the necessary paperwork for their restraining order. As soon as that's done, they head back to the apartment where Mark is staying until they get back from work.
As Richard changes into his uniform, Misha talks to Mark in the living room.
“Thanks for staying. We really appreciate it.” Misha smiles gratefully.
“Like I said, no problem.” Mark draws another card from the deck, playing solitaire on the coffee table.
Gabriel is watching the game intently, nudging cards here and there occasionally. It amuses Mark to no end.
Richard comes out from the bedroom, kisses Misha on the cheek, waves to Mark, and pets the cats quickly before heading out to get to work before he's late.
Misha tells Mark and the cats goodbye before leaving himself. Mark waves him off and continues playing solitaire on the coffee table, Gabriel watching and Castiel napping beside him.
One Month Later
Everything has being going really well. There hasn't been any more news or sightings of Todd and everything is calm and peaceful. Mark has gone back to his own home, but still stops by frequently with Jared and Jensen, usually for dinner and games with the cats.
Gabriel seems to have come to terms about his sixth sense and is a lot happier. Castiel is happy for him and is glad that he's finally in a better place, no longer chasing thoughts about leaving.
Castiel himself is just as content as he ever was to spend long days in the sun from the window in the living room and long nights sleeping at the foot of his humans bed, Gabriel at his side.
Misha and Richard's one year anniversary is coming up and Misha has a plan. He intends to ask Richard to marry him over a romantic candle lit dinner. Champagne, a nice meal, roses; the whole nine yards. Everything has to go off without a hitch.
It does and over dessert, a lovely double layer chocolate cake, Misha gets down on one knee in front of Richard.
“Richard, over the past year, we've had our ups and downs, but we've always come through in the end, together and stronger than ever. I've never loved anyone as much as I love and adore you. Will you marry me?” Misha opens the velvet box and holds it up to Richard.
Tears spring to Richard's eyes and he gets down on the floor with Misha, arms wrapped tight around him.
“Yes, yes, always.” He half sobs into Misha's neck.
Misha grins and hugs Richard tightly then pulls back and kisses him fiercely. “Let's take this to the bedroom, yeah?”
Richard grins back and wipes the rest of his tears away. “Yeah.”
Misha pulls him to his feet and they make their way into the bedroom, closing the door behind them.
Three Months Later
The wedding ceremony goes off without a hitch. Misha wears a black tuxedo with a white bowtie and Richard wears a white tuxedo and a black bowtie. Everyone is town shows up, Jared, Jensen, and Mark are the best men. Castiel and Gabriel are the ring bearers. Everything is perfect.
Misha and Richard have the first dance, spinning each other around on the dance floor and giggling like teenagers. It makes everyone smile at them. They're so in love and so happy finally. Soon everyone is joining them out on the dance floor, having the time of their lives, twirling their partner and being twirled themselves.
Castiel and Gabriel have a table to themselves and are nibbling on a piece of cake together. Gabriel is mostly just licking the frosting off because it's the best part according to him. Castiel just licks the bit of frosting off of Gabriel's nose in response and continues eating.
Toasts and speeches are made to the newly weds and there is laughter and tears and everything in between. There's more champagne and cake given out, more dancing to be done. Everyone wears themselves out and as the sun sets, everyone takes a moment to hold their loved one and watch it sink down below the horizon in a splash of orange, pink, and purple.
Castiel nudges Gabriel up from his frosting and they watch it as well. Castiel always loves to watch the sunset, loves the colors it makes. Gabriel loves the way Castiel looks when he watches it. Calm and happy.
Soon it's time to go home and recover from the festivities. Misha picks up Castiel and Richard gets Gabriel as they say their goodbyes to everyone, seeing them off. They finally make it back to their apartment and settle into the couch together, the cats on their laps.
“I can't believe this is real.” Richard says, playing with the silver band around his left ring finger.
Misha reaches out and brings Richard's hand to his lips and kisses it. “I know, but it is.”
“I'm so happy, Misha. I love you so much.” Richard kisses Misha softly.
“I love you too. I couldn't be happier than I am right now.” Misha says after they part.
Gabriel and Castiel hop down from their humans laps and make their way to their favorite place, the window seat. They curl up together, tired out by the day's events.
Gabriel asks Castiel if he's happy. Castiel tells him to not be silly, of course he's happy. He has everything he needs. Loving owners, all the food, water, and treats he could want, and Gabriel himself to love and be loved by. Gabriel seems a little surprised by the last bit, but he purrs in contentment after a moment.
They curl up and sleep finds them easily after that.
Misha and Richard head into the bedroom and strip out of their tuxes.
“Do you want to go away for our honeymoon?” Misha asks, shrugging out of his shirt.
“I don't know. Do you?” Richard steps out of his pants.
“We could. Get Mark or Jensen and Jared to keep the cats for us, go away for a week or two.” Misha suggests.
“Sounds nice. We can plan in the morning.” Richard tugs playfully on Misha's wrist, pulling him down onto the bed with him.
“Oh? And what do you think we should do until then?” Misha smirks down at Richard from where he holds himself up above him, hands framing the sides of Richard's head.
“I think I have a few ideas.” Richard returns the smirk and pulls Misha down into a kiss.
~*~
Gabriel and Castiel are watching the stars, Gabriel pointing out constellations he remembers Jared teaching him on the roof of the nursing home during the night when he would stay late to finish paperwork or something. Castiel is enthralled with the stars. He dutifully repeats them back to Gabriel and it makes Gabriel smile.
Soon the conversation turns to their humans. Castiel says he heard them discussing going away on a honeymoon. Castiel is pretty sure the moon isn't made out of honey and it seems so far away that Richard and Misha can't really be going to the moon, can they?
Gabriel snickers into his paw as he ducks his head. He explains that a honeymoon is when two humans get married and then go on a vacation of sorts with each other to celebrate their wedding. It doesn't involve the actual moon, which is not, in fact, made of honey, but it does involve travel and Gabriel doubts that Misha and Richard will take them when they go.
Castiel asks why they can't go too. Gabriel explains that Misha and Richard will probably just want to spend time with just each other for their honeymoon, but they'll most likely leave themselves with Mark or Jared and Jensen. Castiel finds that acceptable and curls into Gabriel's side, sleepy now from the long hour they spent looking at the stars, though he did enjoy it.
~*~
Misha and Richard plan out their honeymoon and soon it's time for them to leave. Jared and Jensen take them to the airport and Mark meets them there. Castiel and Gabriel are herded into cat carriers, much to Gabriel's displeasure. He makes that very clear with loud yowls as he's put into it and the door is shut and locked. He glares moodily out of the carrier, amber eyes flashing.
Castiel doesn't mind the carrier too much, but the motion of someone walking and carrying him makes him slightly ill, so he closes his eyes and tries to ignore it as best he can. It's better if he can't see the scenery move at such a jostled pace.
The cats are let out at the airport for a moment, so Misha and Richard can say their goodbyes. It's filled with lots of cuddling and licks, pets and purrs, and promises to come home soon and they will have fun with Mark, who's keeping them for Richard and Misha until they get back. The cats are put back in the carriers and given a few treats for being so well behaved.
Richard and Misha embrace their friends and thank them all for everything they've done for them. Their flight is called and they are waved off and assured that everything will be just fine, they don't have to worry about a thing, just relax and enjoy their honeymoon.
Jensen, Jared, Mark and the cats all watch from the window as Misha and Richard's plane takes off. The sky is a brilliant blue, spotted with little wisps of white clouds, a perfectly clear day for flying.
On the plane, Misha and Richard hold each other's hand and watch out their window in awe, looking down at the ground as it gets farther and farther away from them. It's an amazing sight, lifting into the air and watching the ground fall away beneath them.
They look over at each other and grin widely, giddy with the excitement of spending their first ever vacation together and it's their honeymoon no less. Richard leans over and pecks Misha on the lips and Misha squeezes his hand in return. This is what they need.
A time for themselves to just be and be with each other, leaving all the stress behind, all the worry and everything behind and just revel in one another. They grin at each other once more and sit back in their seats, ready to enjoy the rest of the ride.
~*~
As soon as Mark gets to his house, he lets Castiel and Gabriel out of the cat carriers and they promptly jump up on his couch, tucking themselves against each other. Mark chuckles at their antics and puts out water and food for them in their bowls in the kitchen.
He drops down on the couch next to them and turns on the TV. It's peaceful and quiet, exactly what everyone needs after the trip today. Castiel crawls into Mark's lap and Mark absently begins petting him, straight down his back between his wings, just like he likes it. Castiel is soon a purring mass in Mark's lap. Gabriel is pressed against Mark's leg and Mark gives him a good head scratch, just as he likes it.
Castiel is glad everything ended up working out in the end. Gabriel is home and never plans on leaving again. Todd can't bother them ever again, can't try to take Gabriel away from him again, Misha and Richard are happy with each other and them and will be home before he knows it, Mark loves them as much as Misha and Richard do, so they'll be happy here too. Everything is just as good as it could ever be and Castiel is happy.
Misha and Richard are curled up in bed together in their honeymoon suite of the hotel and are thoroughly getting reacquainted with each other's bodies and their love for each other. They are more than happy, they're feeling just perfect with each other. Riding the rising tide of bliss that sweeps them both away together forever.
Even Jared and Jensen are happy, laying in bed together watching a movie. They're happy for Misha and Richard, happy they finally have the life they deserve. Jared yawns and lays his head on Jensen's shoulder, eyes slipping shut. Jensen looks over and grins at him, feeling so in love with the man at his side.
Everyone is happy and where they deserve to be, with each other and their friends. The new day dawns bright and filled with hope for all the coming days. The clouds have finally cleared for them. All of them.