[fic] Cyborg Gabriel 5/?
Title: Cyborg Gabriel 5/?
Fandom: Supernatural.
Rating: PG-13ish.
Warnings: Minor innuendos. (What? Gabriel's in this chapter!)
Pairings/Characters: Gabriel, Castiel, Sam, Dean. <-- Only listing the main characters as otherwise this'll get far too long as this goes on.
Word Count: 3,464 words, with 13,035 total so far.
Summary: Archangel Class Cyborgs are terrifying in combat, and practically unknowable off the battlefield. Castiel's an experimental unit with an unusual design, and he's caught Gabriel's interest.
Note: I refer you all to the first part of this cyborg story for notes and whatnot.
I extend many thanks to synnerxx, stharridan, _bluebells, and theinsaneeraser for wordwars! You guys are the reason I'm not failing miserably at posting more of this. :3
I've tinkered with the header a bit and will continue to do so as the fic goes on, fyi. In any case. This is my longest chapter yet! I hope you all like it. :D
Warning! This is still a WIP and while more is coming within a day or two, you should read this at your own risk. If you're cool with that, then, read on!
---
It's the flash of white in the corner of his eye that gives him away, and makes it possible for Sam to be calm and in control when Raphael touches his wrist.
Raphael: Sam knows from the reports that he is too fond of battle, too vicious with his weapons and that demons fear him. Demons fear all of the archangels, but there is a special hatred/horror of Raphael, or so the reports go. Sam doesn't know how demons think, and he doesn't want to follow up that line of thought, but he can't help it. Not when it is Raphael himself holding his wrist with a gentle but immovable grip, and looking at him expectantly.
For all his faked calm, Sam's mind is racing to figure out the correct things to say; the correct things to do to convince Raphael to leave him to his duties. He has encountered far too many archangels in the past week and come into close contact with them far too often for him to feel safe.
Raphael hasn't let go. Sam's not sure if he should talk, or if he should wait for Raphael to begin the conversation.
"Gabriel has been taking an unusual interest in you," Raphael says at last. Sam dips his head in a nod and doesn't comment. "Do you know why, Sam Winchester?"
Sam's usual policy when it comes to people with authority is honesty. It's the safest way to go. But here and now he is thinking of the threatening glint in Gabriel's eyes and he is thinking of Dean.
"No, I don't know why," Sam says - lies - and he is surprised at how natural it sounds. How confident he is. He tugs at his hand. "Ask him yourself. I have work to get to."
Raphael doesn't let go. "I can tell you why he's interested in you, Sam Winchester. You are naturally curious, and I expect you will want to know. Won't you?" His look is calculating, and Sam doesn't trust it. But he's been caught, and must swallow the lie Raphael will give him.
"Tell me," Sam says.
"Dean Winchester has crossed him one too many times, and he wishes to dispose of the leash Michael put in place. You are a convenient way to limit Dean's movements."
"Because he'll be in a room alone with me for several hours a week," Sam says. "Do all of you use the same old intimidation tactic? Dean can handle himself, and I can do the same."
"Winchester," Raphael says clearly. "I would advise you to be careful of your words, and consider yourself fortunate that I am not Lucifer."
Why would you say that? is on the tip of Sam's tongue, but abruptly Raphael lets go and steps away from him, and Sam sees the source of the interruption: an angel. There is the splash of yellow on its shoulder, and Sam knows it for what it is: messenger. Otherwise used for recon and infrequently for light combat.
It approaches Raphael, and Sam recognizes that the message is for him, but consider it a testament to how peeved Sam is that he stays and listens in. If it was truly a private message the angel would have made it clear before speaking.
"Pardon. The officer would be advised to note the present of a "diplomat" in custody. Formally request clarification on the situation."
Diplomat? Sam had to wonder, and from the look on Raphael's face - so expressive when compared to the absolute neutrality on the other angel - apparently this was surprising news.
"Sam Winchester, come with me. We may require your services," Raphael says after a moment. "Lead me to the demon," he tells the angel, and immediately begins walking, not waiting for Sam to catch up.
Sam does, however, because demon - here? What?
"A demon?" Sam asks, hoping to prompt an explanation.
"Likely a trap. They are not so foolish as to think we would leave their stain unpurged from the earth." Raphael says, walking quickly. He speaks to the angel. "Inform Gabriel of the situation once we arrive."
"Gabriel witnessed the arrival of the diplomat. Sir."
"He knew it was coming?"
"To the officer's left."
Raphael seemed to anticipate the absence of an answer and instead entered the room on the left, Sam right behind him. The messenger waited at the doorway.
Inside: a man. Black pin-striped suit, immaculate hair, every inch of the man screaming 'I am filthy rich, you little snot'. Not even the barest hint that he was anything other than human, except for the two angels hovering ominously by his shoulders, and the archangels studying him. Gabriel looked immaculately clean next to him, and amused to boot. Raphael...well, Sam hesitated to say it, but Raphael looked annoyed.
It was fortunate they couldn't read his thoughts.
"This, Raphael, is Crowley." Gabriel says. "And he has such an interesting offer that I decided to hear him out before squishing him out of existence. So I'd appreciate it if you held back on the violence for now."
Raphael, Sam decides, has remarkable self-control. He only nods and studies Crowley. "Carry on, Gabriel."
"Of course, of course. So. Crowley, if you would mind repeating to them what you told me?"
Sam revises his opinion of Crowley when he slides his gaze over Raphael, then Sam. He feels suddenly dirtier, as if someone smeared oil over him.
"That's a cute blessing he's got there," Crowley says, and nods to Sam. "Someone important?"
"Him? He's just a janitor, pay him no mind," Gabriel lies, and Crowley laughs.
"You are a terrible liar," Crowley tells him.
"I'm an angel. Deal with it."
"This demon had something to say," Raphael says, eyes narrowing.
"Right, yes. I did." Crowley puts his hands together. "What would you say if I offered you all the information I have regarding my two prestigious rulers. Including certain weaknesses, character traits and oh, yes, I did happen to obtain one of Sammael's feathers. You'd like that, wouldn't you?"
"A trap," Raphael says immediately.
"Not so," Crowley says, and produces a single white feather from his sleeve. The sight of it makes Sam flinch, and he can't explain why. "If your little pet's reaction was any indication, I bet you can't even begin to deny that it's the real thing."
Raphael opens his mouth, but Gabriel holds up a hand. "The questions that I should ask now are these: what are you getting out of this? What's the cost for us? How do you intend to come out of this alive?"
The feather vanishes into his sleeve as Crowley raises one finger. "One, I think we're all in agreement that those two are bad news for everyone. I certainly didn't want a war this early on, and certainly not one we're likely to lose. I am not interested in dying for a pair of upstart intruders, thank you very much. Two," He raises another finger. "In exchange for the information I want asylum. Every demon on Hell and Earth is going to be after me when they find out, and all I want is to come out of this alive. Which leads me to point three. I'm not talking or handing over any feathers until you bring in Lucifer and have him swear to abide by my terms."
"What makes you think we can't simply take what you have got?" Raphael asks, in a low growl.
"Oh, easy trick." Crowley gives him a polite smile. "I go up in flames, the feather goes up in flames."
"Crowley, you may be a demon, but you are an interesting demon. Excuse us while we talk." Gabriel straightens up and heads for the door, and Sam simply follows, glad to be away from the demon. Raphael follows as well, but not before ordering the messenger angel at the door to get another set of guards for the prisoner.
They pause in the hallway.
"It was real," Raphael says, or asks, though it's not quite a question.
"Sammael's feather. No mistaking it," Gabriel confirms. "I'd like to see how Crowley got his hands on it in the first place, though."
"You assume he's telling the truth."
"I assume that he's not suicidal. Probably lying on some details here and there, but he's intelligent enough to wiggle his way out of suicidal assignments. Or bring something that means they're not suicidal assignments, and don't think I didn't search him for everything he's got. Only thing on him was a pen and a coin, and well, he doesn't have those anymore. He didn't seem too fazed about those either, so Raphael? I assume he's telling the truth. Short enough explanation for you?"
Raphael gives Gabriel a glare, and Sam begins to wonder if he should get going. All he is here is a mute witness to events that are above his clearance, and here - here he pauses, and remembers. Gabriel told him to revive his curiosity, and this is most certainly the most curious thing he's witnessed so far.
Before Raphael starts his next response, Sam dares to ask a question.
"Who is Sammael?" Sam asks, and there, that was the right thing to ask if the amusement in Gabriel's eyes is anything to go by.
"Nothing - " Raphael begins, but Gabriel interrupts.
"Fallen angel, a real nasty one. Actually gave me and Lucy a run for our money when we found him for the first time, but what can you do with circumstances being what they were?" Gabriel shrugs, still looking amused, and all Sam can think is what the hell is going on?
"Gabriel!" Raphael says, sounding outraged, shocked - "That is enough!"
"What do we gain from hiding this, Raphael?" Gabriel asks him. "What's the point in playing this game?"
"Wait," Sam says. "You mean to say...there's someone else out there like Chuck Shurley? Who can make - "
"Oh, please tell me you're joking. You're not actually that hopeless, are you?"
Sam blinks at Gabriel, because that was wrong? Then what else could it mean?
"Then..."
"This ends here." Raphael says. "Gabriel, come with me."
"This doesn't end here," Gabriel says. "Sam, I'll catch up with you later. And don't stop thinking about it. It's really way more obvious than that." He waves a hand, then focuses on Raphael. "I'll come with you. We should talk."
Sam watches Raphael and Gabriel leave, feeling unsettled. There was something bigger going on here, something they were hiding from apparently everyone - did Dean know about this? Did the generals? Did Chuck know?
"...right, Dean." Sam says, and turns around, making a beeline to his office. It was the first and easiest place to start, after all...
...Which meant that of course Dean was out. There was a 'Out for lunch, back soon' note on the door, and Sam had to suddenly wonder - since this was paranoia week, after everything Gabriel was doing - did Gabriel have a hand in why the demon arrived when it did? This was a slow week with regards to attacks, so everyone felt free to have a lunch hour off-site, if it was possible.
Which meant. Sam put a hand on the wall. It wasn't likely, there was probably someone else...Sam didn't want to try knocking on doors when all he had was a private - was it private? - concern about the angels.
A flash of gold in his mind, and Sam realized something else that he wanted: a chance to talk to Gabriel, to make him give him more hints, or - unlikely - straight answers.
Would Raphael force Gabriel to stop? Would Sam's position suffer in any way? Sam didn't know. He wasn't comfortable with the immediate knowledge that the archangels were that powerful. (In a strictly non-lethal sense, he was afraid of them in the first place because he knew what they could do with violence.)
It was something of a relief to think of the archangels and realize that Michael was stationed in Facility Beta usually, and that Lucifer was still on an extended long-range mission.
"Yo, Sam!"
Dean's back. Sam turns, and falters.
Gabriel flashes him a grin, and that's just not right. Dean's nowhere in sight, just Gabriel.
"Betcha didn't know I could fake voices, eh Sammy?" Gabriel's voice flickers and is his once more. "I ditched Raphael. We need to talk."
"I - how?"
"How did I ditch Raphael? I don't think you want to know, but just trust that I took care of it. In any case. Want to crash in Dean's office? You'll have a convenient escape from the conversation when Dean gets back."
Sam finds himself nodding, as, well, while it's no excuse, he did want to speak with Gabriel.
Gabriel just grins at him and pushes into Dean's office, the door making an unpleasant sound as the lock was torn open.
"Oops." Gabriel says, but his tone is so insincere Sam doesn't believe it for a second. "I keep forgetting Dean still locks this thing. As if it'd keep me out."
"...You didn't forget, did you?" Sam says, after a beat. "Why do you think you need to intimidate me now?"
Sam can't read the look Gabriel gives him now, but Gabriel shakes his head a moment later, waving him into the office.
There's a seat at the desk and in front of the desk, but Sam doesn't feel comfortable sitting where Dean would, and there's no way he'll sit in front of the desk, not when Gabriel will surely plonk down in Dean's seat. It's odd, but Sam's figured out that posturing is important when it comes to Gabriel, and that's why he stands next to the window instead of having a seat.
As expected, Gabriel flops in Dean's chair.
"Sam Winchester," Gabriel says, sitting up to eye him. "You're beginning to bore me again."
"What's your goal with this?" Sam asks instead of answering that. "What are you trying to do by telling me things I shouldn't know?"
"Hey, hey! I never told you anything important. Hinted at it maybe, but - "
"Letter of the law if not the spirit," Sam says. "Answer the question."
"This is exactly what I'm talking about! Boo-oring!"
"You think I'm more interested when I'm half-terrified of you and confused by almost everything you say."
Gabriel is abruptly close to him, leaning in, and Sam stops himself from shrieking. For all of his annoyance and attitude, he is intimidated, and when Gabriel just blatantly defies the laws of physics -
Gabriel's gaze is harsh, but it turns into something - dangerous. Predatory. Amused.
"I have Dean already," Gabriel says, completely deadpan. "He's perfect for all of my dominatrix fantasies about being the delinquent student being scolded by teacher. I don't want or need another one of him."
"...Say that again?" Dean asks from the door. "I'm perfect for what?"
Sam wants to put his head in his hands. Dean has the worst timing in the history of ever, and the grin spreading on Gabriel's face -
Gabriel turns around slowly and deliberately, and rocks his hips back into Sam's crotch, and just like that Sam turns bright red. Nevermind, he doesn't understand Gabriel at all. Not if he wants to bring - oh, lord, can archangels even have sex?
"You're perfect for this," Gabriel says, and is grinning again. "Bend me over the desk and whip me, eh?"
"Oh, god," Dean says. "What the hell are you up to now? Are there demons in the closet that you don't want me to know about? Did you - "
"Actually, there's just the one. And Raphael's already been outraged by it. So it's not that this time!" Gabriel sounds so proud. Sam wants to slap him. But Gabriel's pressing back up against him, and now his hair is pressed up under Sam's chin, and Sam never realized how short he was before.
"Demon." Dean says, then pinches his nose. "Gabriel, get off of my brother and tell me what the hell you're up to."
When Gabriel has a seat in Dean's chair, Sam doesn't know what's going on anymore. It's - he's found the textbook definition of 'madcap'. Yes. That must be it.
"Go get your ruler out, Dean, you need to slap my knuckles!" Gabriel says with a grin.
"Sam, I'm sorry," Dean tells him. "He's the worst of the entire lot."
"I gathered that already," Sam says dryly.
"I take offense to that! You haven't even met Michael, or Lucifer!"
"I have," Dean puts in. "And they're nowhere near as obnoxious as you are."
"Objection! Michael is just as obnoxious as I am, only he's subtle about it! And Lucifer's got his methods..."
"They don't flirt with my brother!"
"Obscure angel mating rituals that you don't know how to recognize means that Raphael's practically married to Sam by now."
"You are full of bullshit."
"Delicious creamy filling, Dean, don't be mistaken."
Sam edges towards the door. Why is Dean grinning. Dean is grinning, Dean has been grinning since the angel mating rituals line and Sam doesn't want to know why. He wants out. He wants some sanity for five minutes.
"I think I traumatized him," Gabriel says.
"Don't think I won't get your secrets out of you later," Dean tells Gabriel before turning to Sam. "Sorry about that. Really. It's the only way to deal with him when he gets like that."
"Hellooo, still here."
Dean doesn't look at him. "Was the line about a demon true?"
Sam nods. "It wants asylum, or something. Gabriel and Raphael were there. Actually, I need to talk to you later, too. Without him listening in."
"Is the demon urgent enough for me to force answers out of him right now, or can it wait for us to talk?"
Sam pauses, then looks at Gabriel. "He's here already. And the demon's still here. So...I'll catch up with you later?"
"I'll haunt your dreams tonight, Sam," Gabriel calls as Sam finally leaves the office.
The door closes behind him, and Sam puts a hand on the wall. Maybe it's really a good thing that he's avoided interacting with Gabriel for such a long time. If that's what Dean has to deal with on a daily basis...well, Sam's never going to bitch at him for taking a beer with him when he works on the car out back again.
In fact, Sam thinks that he wouldn't mind a drink right now. Except...he still has work to do today. Christ. He rubs his forehead and gets going, hoping that nothing important happened while he was busy.
---
Why yes, he is comfortable, thank you very much. Four steely-eyed guards who are certain to rip his fingernails off if he even twitches wrong, and the presence of two archangels in the building - who are being incredibly blatant with their shows of power, even if the humans can't see a thing - well. Crowley has always been proud of his ability to keep his composure.
On the other hand, he hasn't been quite so proud of his survival skills lately. Case in point: feather in his sleeve. How'd he get it? Well. Sneaking up on a Fallen angel is impossible. At least, it is for him. That's why he's smart enough to find a demon both stupid and capable enough to do it.
The problems with his survival skills come in when he decides what to do with it.
Which leads the subject back around to the room he's standing in, and quite frankly? As nervous and as comfortable as Crowley is, he is getting bored.
Which is why he is going to die in short order. Because his survival skills are defective.
Really, though, they shouldn't have stopped at four angels. Crowley may not be specialized in physical combat - he's seen the demons that are, and quite frankly he prefers having the brains - but he's got tricks up his sleeve.
It comes down to the locked door, in the end. And even if he hates the lack of finesse, he is more than strong enough to brute force the lock.
A look up and down the hallway and he is set. Entertainment is to be had now, and if he's smart enough he'll corral his survival instincts into working order and avoid places and people he shouldn't be in.
And. If he's lucky enough, the archangels won't disembowel him when they find that he's been wandering. Hopefully.
Maybe he should have brought a rabbit's foot while he was at it. Even if he does hate the smell of burning fur.
"Too late now," Crowley mutters, and starts his grand tour of Facility Alpha.
---
Previous | Next
Fandom: Supernatural.
Rating: PG-13ish.
Warnings: Minor innuendos. (What? Gabriel's in this chapter!)
Pairings/Characters: Gabriel, Castiel, Sam, Dean. <-- Only listing the main characters as otherwise this'll get far too long as this goes on.
Word Count: 3,464 words, with 13,035 total so far.
Summary: Archangel Class Cyborgs are terrifying in combat, and practically unknowable off the battlefield. Castiel's an experimental unit with an unusual design, and he's caught Gabriel's interest.
Note: I refer you all to the first part of this cyborg story for notes and whatnot.
I extend many thanks to synnerxx, stharridan, _bluebells, and theinsaneeraser for wordwars! You guys are the reason I'm not failing miserably at posting more of this. :3
I've tinkered with the header a bit and will continue to do so as the fic goes on, fyi. In any case. This is my longest chapter yet! I hope you all like it. :D
Warning! This is still a WIP and while more is coming within a day or two, you should read this at your own risk. If you're cool with that, then, read on!
---
It's the flash of white in the corner of his eye that gives him away, and makes it possible for Sam to be calm and in control when Raphael touches his wrist.
Raphael: Sam knows from the reports that he is too fond of battle, too vicious with his weapons and that demons fear him. Demons fear all of the archangels, but there is a special hatred/horror of Raphael, or so the reports go. Sam doesn't know how demons think, and he doesn't want to follow up that line of thought, but he can't help it. Not when it is Raphael himself holding his wrist with a gentle but immovable grip, and looking at him expectantly.
For all his faked calm, Sam's mind is racing to figure out the correct things to say; the correct things to do to convince Raphael to leave him to his duties. He has encountered far too many archangels in the past week and come into close contact with them far too often for him to feel safe.
Raphael hasn't let go. Sam's not sure if he should talk, or if he should wait for Raphael to begin the conversation.
"Gabriel has been taking an unusual interest in you," Raphael says at last. Sam dips his head in a nod and doesn't comment. "Do you know why, Sam Winchester?"
Sam's usual policy when it comes to people with authority is honesty. It's the safest way to go. But here and now he is thinking of the threatening glint in Gabriel's eyes and he is thinking of Dean.
"No, I don't know why," Sam says - lies - and he is surprised at how natural it sounds. How confident he is. He tugs at his hand. "Ask him yourself. I have work to get to."
Raphael doesn't let go. "I can tell you why he's interested in you, Sam Winchester. You are naturally curious, and I expect you will want to know. Won't you?" His look is calculating, and Sam doesn't trust it. But he's been caught, and must swallow the lie Raphael will give him.
"Tell me," Sam says.
"Dean Winchester has crossed him one too many times, and he wishes to dispose of the leash Michael put in place. You are a convenient way to limit Dean's movements."
"Because he'll be in a room alone with me for several hours a week," Sam says. "Do all of you use the same old intimidation tactic? Dean can handle himself, and I can do the same."
"Winchester," Raphael says clearly. "I would advise you to be careful of your words, and consider yourself fortunate that I am not Lucifer."
Why would you say that? is on the tip of Sam's tongue, but abruptly Raphael lets go and steps away from him, and Sam sees the source of the interruption: an angel. There is the splash of yellow on its shoulder, and Sam knows it for what it is: messenger. Otherwise used for recon and infrequently for light combat.
It approaches Raphael, and Sam recognizes that the message is for him, but consider it a testament to how peeved Sam is that he stays and listens in. If it was truly a private message the angel would have made it clear before speaking.
"Pardon. The officer would be advised to note the present of a "diplomat" in custody. Formally request clarification on the situation."
Diplomat? Sam had to wonder, and from the look on Raphael's face - so expressive when compared to the absolute neutrality on the other angel - apparently this was surprising news.
"Sam Winchester, come with me. We may require your services," Raphael says after a moment. "Lead me to the demon," he tells the angel, and immediately begins walking, not waiting for Sam to catch up.
Sam does, however, because demon - here? What?
"A demon?" Sam asks, hoping to prompt an explanation.
"Likely a trap. They are not so foolish as to think we would leave their stain unpurged from the earth." Raphael says, walking quickly. He speaks to the angel. "Inform Gabriel of the situation once we arrive."
"Gabriel witnessed the arrival of the diplomat. Sir."
"He knew it was coming?"
"To the officer's left."
Raphael seemed to anticipate the absence of an answer and instead entered the room on the left, Sam right behind him. The messenger waited at the doorway.
Inside: a man. Black pin-striped suit, immaculate hair, every inch of the man screaming 'I am filthy rich, you little snot'. Not even the barest hint that he was anything other than human, except for the two angels hovering ominously by his shoulders, and the archangels studying him. Gabriel looked immaculately clean next to him, and amused to boot. Raphael...well, Sam hesitated to say it, but Raphael looked annoyed.
It was fortunate they couldn't read his thoughts.
"This, Raphael, is Crowley." Gabriel says. "And he has such an interesting offer that I decided to hear him out before squishing him out of existence. So I'd appreciate it if you held back on the violence for now."
Raphael, Sam decides, has remarkable self-control. He only nods and studies Crowley. "Carry on, Gabriel."
"Of course, of course. So. Crowley, if you would mind repeating to them what you told me?"
Sam revises his opinion of Crowley when he slides his gaze over Raphael, then Sam. He feels suddenly dirtier, as if someone smeared oil over him.
"That's a cute blessing he's got there," Crowley says, and nods to Sam. "Someone important?"
"Him? He's just a janitor, pay him no mind," Gabriel lies, and Crowley laughs.
"You are a terrible liar," Crowley tells him.
"I'm an angel. Deal with it."
"This demon had something to say," Raphael says, eyes narrowing.
"Right, yes. I did." Crowley puts his hands together. "What would you say if I offered you all the information I have regarding my two prestigious rulers. Including certain weaknesses, character traits and oh, yes, I did happen to obtain one of Sammael's feathers. You'd like that, wouldn't you?"
"A trap," Raphael says immediately.
"Not so," Crowley says, and produces a single white feather from his sleeve. The sight of it makes Sam flinch, and he can't explain why. "If your little pet's reaction was any indication, I bet you can't even begin to deny that it's the real thing."
Raphael opens his mouth, but Gabriel holds up a hand. "The questions that I should ask now are these: what are you getting out of this? What's the cost for us? How do you intend to come out of this alive?"
The feather vanishes into his sleeve as Crowley raises one finger. "One, I think we're all in agreement that those two are bad news for everyone. I certainly didn't want a war this early on, and certainly not one we're likely to lose. I am not interested in dying for a pair of upstart intruders, thank you very much. Two," He raises another finger. "In exchange for the information I want asylum. Every demon on Hell and Earth is going to be after me when they find out, and all I want is to come out of this alive. Which leads me to point three. I'm not talking or handing over any feathers until you bring in Lucifer and have him swear to abide by my terms."
"What makes you think we can't simply take what you have got?" Raphael asks, in a low growl.
"Oh, easy trick." Crowley gives him a polite smile. "I go up in flames, the feather goes up in flames."
"Crowley, you may be a demon, but you are an interesting demon. Excuse us while we talk." Gabriel straightens up and heads for the door, and Sam simply follows, glad to be away from the demon. Raphael follows as well, but not before ordering the messenger angel at the door to get another set of guards for the prisoner.
They pause in the hallway.
"It was real," Raphael says, or asks, though it's not quite a question.
"Sammael's feather. No mistaking it," Gabriel confirms. "I'd like to see how Crowley got his hands on it in the first place, though."
"You assume he's telling the truth."
"I assume that he's not suicidal. Probably lying on some details here and there, but he's intelligent enough to wiggle his way out of suicidal assignments. Or bring something that means they're not suicidal assignments, and don't think I didn't search him for everything he's got. Only thing on him was a pen and a coin, and well, he doesn't have those anymore. He didn't seem too fazed about those either, so Raphael? I assume he's telling the truth. Short enough explanation for you?"
Raphael gives Gabriel a glare, and Sam begins to wonder if he should get going. All he is here is a mute witness to events that are above his clearance, and here - here he pauses, and remembers. Gabriel told him to revive his curiosity, and this is most certainly the most curious thing he's witnessed so far.
Before Raphael starts his next response, Sam dares to ask a question.
"Who is Sammael?" Sam asks, and there, that was the right thing to ask if the amusement in Gabriel's eyes is anything to go by.
"Nothing - " Raphael begins, but Gabriel interrupts.
"Fallen angel, a real nasty one. Actually gave me and Lucy a run for our money when we found him for the first time, but what can you do with circumstances being what they were?" Gabriel shrugs, still looking amused, and all Sam can think is what the hell is going on?
"Gabriel!" Raphael says, sounding outraged, shocked - "That is enough!"
"What do we gain from hiding this, Raphael?" Gabriel asks him. "What's the point in playing this game?"
"Wait," Sam says. "You mean to say...there's someone else out there like Chuck Shurley? Who can make - "
"Oh, please tell me you're joking. You're not actually that hopeless, are you?"
Sam blinks at Gabriel, because that was wrong? Then what else could it mean?
"Then..."
"This ends here." Raphael says. "Gabriel, come with me."
"This doesn't end here," Gabriel says. "Sam, I'll catch up with you later. And don't stop thinking about it. It's really way more obvious than that." He waves a hand, then focuses on Raphael. "I'll come with you. We should talk."
Sam watches Raphael and Gabriel leave, feeling unsettled. There was something bigger going on here, something they were hiding from apparently everyone - did Dean know about this? Did the generals? Did Chuck know?
"...right, Dean." Sam says, and turns around, making a beeline to his office. It was the first and easiest place to start, after all...
...Which meant that of course Dean was out. There was a 'Out for lunch, back soon' note on the door, and Sam had to suddenly wonder - since this was paranoia week, after everything Gabriel was doing - did Gabriel have a hand in why the demon arrived when it did? This was a slow week with regards to attacks, so everyone felt free to have a lunch hour off-site, if it was possible.
Which meant. Sam put a hand on the wall. It wasn't likely, there was probably someone else...Sam didn't want to try knocking on doors when all he had was a private - was it private? - concern about the angels.
A flash of gold in his mind, and Sam realized something else that he wanted: a chance to talk to Gabriel, to make him give him more hints, or - unlikely - straight answers.
Would Raphael force Gabriel to stop? Would Sam's position suffer in any way? Sam didn't know. He wasn't comfortable with the immediate knowledge that the archangels were that powerful. (In a strictly non-lethal sense, he was afraid of them in the first place because he knew what they could do with violence.)
It was something of a relief to think of the archangels and realize that Michael was stationed in Facility Beta usually, and that Lucifer was still on an extended long-range mission.
"Yo, Sam!"
Dean's back. Sam turns, and falters.
Gabriel flashes him a grin, and that's just not right. Dean's nowhere in sight, just Gabriel.
"Betcha didn't know I could fake voices, eh Sammy?" Gabriel's voice flickers and is his once more. "I ditched Raphael. We need to talk."
"I - how?"
"How did I ditch Raphael? I don't think you want to know, but just trust that I took care of it. In any case. Want to crash in Dean's office? You'll have a convenient escape from the conversation when Dean gets back."
Sam finds himself nodding, as, well, while it's no excuse, he did want to speak with Gabriel.
Gabriel just grins at him and pushes into Dean's office, the door making an unpleasant sound as the lock was torn open.
"Oops." Gabriel says, but his tone is so insincere Sam doesn't believe it for a second. "I keep forgetting Dean still locks this thing. As if it'd keep me out."
"...You didn't forget, did you?" Sam says, after a beat. "Why do you think you need to intimidate me now?"
Sam can't read the look Gabriel gives him now, but Gabriel shakes his head a moment later, waving him into the office.
There's a seat at the desk and in front of the desk, but Sam doesn't feel comfortable sitting where Dean would, and there's no way he'll sit in front of the desk, not when Gabriel will surely plonk down in Dean's seat. It's odd, but Sam's figured out that posturing is important when it comes to Gabriel, and that's why he stands next to the window instead of having a seat.
As expected, Gabriel flops in Dean's chair.
"Sam Winchester," Gabriel says, sitting up to eye him. "You're beginning to bore me again."
"What's your goal with this?" Sam asks instead of answering that. "What are you trying to do by telling me things I shouldn't know?"
"Hey, hey! I never told you anything important. Hinted at it maybe, but - "
"Letter of the law if not the spirit," Sam says. "Answer the question."
"This is exactly what I'm talking about! Boo-oring!"
"You think I'm more interested when I'm half-terrified of you and confused by almost everything you say."
Gabriel is abruptly close to him, leaning in, and Sam stops himself from shrieking. For all of his annoyance and attitude, he is intimidated, and when Gabriel just blatantly defies the laws of physics -
Gabriel's gaze is harsh, but it turns into something - dangerous. Predatory. Amused.
"I have Dean already," Gabriel says, completely deadpan. "He's perfect for all of my dominatrix fantasies about being the delinquent student being scolded by teacher. I don't want or need another one of him."
"...Say that again?" Dean asks from the door. "I'm perfect for what?"
Sam wants to put his head in his hands. Dean has the worst timing in the history of ever, and the grin spreading on Gabriel's face -
Gabriel turns around slowly and deliberately, and rocks his hips back into Sam's crotch, and just like that Sam turns bright red. Nevermind, he doesn't understand Gabriel at all. Not if he wants to bring - oh, lord, can archangels even have sex?
"You're perfect for this," Gabriel says, and is grinning again. "Bend me over the desk and whip me, eh?"
"Oh, god," Dean says. "What the hell are you up to now? Are there demons in the closet that you don't want me to know about? Did you - "
"Actually, there's just the one. And Raphael's already been outraged by it. So it's not that this time!" Gabriel sounds so proud. Sam wants to slap him. But Gabriel's pressing back up against him, and now his hair is pressed up under Sam's chin, and Sam never realized how short he was before.
"Demon." Dean says, then pinches his nose. "Gabriel, get off of my brother and tell me what the hell you're up to."
When Gabriel has a seat in Dean's chair, Sam doesn't know what's going on anymore. It's - he's found the textbook definition of 'madcap'. Yes. That must be it.
"Go get your ruler out, Dean, you need to slap my knuckles!" Gabriel says with a grin.
"Sam, I'm sorry," Dean tells him. "He's the worst of the entire lot."
"I gathered that already," Sam says dryly.
"I take offense to that! You haven't even met Michael, or Lucifer!"
"I have," Dean puts in. "And they're nowhere near as obnoxious as you are."
"Objection! Michael is just as obnoxious as I am, only he's subtle about it! And Lucifer's got his methods..."
"They don't flirt with my brother!"
"Obscure angel mating rituals that you don't know how to recognize means that Raphael's practically married to Sam by now."
"You are full of bullshit."
"Delicious creamy filling, Dean, don't be mistaken."
Sam edges towards the door. Why is Dean grinning. Dean is grinning, Dean has been grinning since the angel mating rituals line and Sam doesn't want to know why. He wants out. He wants some sanity for five minutes.
"I think I traumatized him," Gabriel says.
"Don't think I won't get your secrets out of you later," Dean tells Gabriel before turning to Sam. "Sorry about that. Really. It's the only way to deal with him when he gets like that."
"Hellooo, still here."
Dean doesn't look at him. "Was the line about a demon true?"
Sam nods. "It wants asylum, or something. Gabriel and Raphael were there. Actually, I need to talk to you later, too. Without him listening in."
"Is the demon urgent enough for me to force answers out of him right now, or can it wait for us to talk?"
Sam pauses, then looks at Gabriel. "He's here already. And the demon's still here. So...I'll catch up with you later?"
"I'll haunt your dreams tonight, Sam," Gabriel calls as Sam finally leaves the office.
The door closes behind him, and Sam puts a hand on the wall. Maybe it's really a good thing that he's avoided interacting with Gabriel for such a long time. If that's what Dean has to deal with on a daily basis...well, Sam's never going to bitch at him for taking a beer with him when he works on the car out back again.
In fact, Sam thinks that he wouldn't mind a drink right now. Except...he still has work to do today. Christ. He rubs his forehead and gets going, hoping that nothing important happened while he was busy.
---
Why yes, he is comfortable, thank you very much. Four steely-eyed guards who are certain to rip his fingernails off if he even twitches wrong, and the presence of two archangels in the building - who are being incredibly blatant with their shows of power, even if the humans can't see a thing - well. Crowley has always been proud of his ability to keep his composure.
On the other hand, he hasn't been quite so proud of his survival skills lately. Case in point: feather in his sleeve. How'd he get it? Well. Sneaking up on a Fallen angel is impossible. At least, it is for him. That's why he's smart enough to find a demon both stupid and capable enough to do it.
The problems with his survival skills come in when he decides what to do with it.
Which leads the subject back around to the room he's standing in, and quite frankly? As nervous and as comfortable as Crowley is, he is getting bored.
Which is why he is going to die in short order. Because his survival skills are defective.
Really, though, they shouldn't have stopped at four angels. Crowley may not be specialized in physical combat - he's seen the demons that are, and quite frankly he prefers having the brains - but he's got tricks up his sleeve.
It comes down to the locked door, in the end. And even if he hates the lack of finesse, he is more than strong enough to brute force the lock.
A look up and down the hallway and he is set. Entertainment is to be had now, and if he's smart enough he'll corral his survival instincts into working order and avoid places and people he shouldn't be in.
And. If he's lucky enough, the archangels won't disembowel him when they find that he's been wandering. Hopefully.
Maybe he should have brought a rabbit's foot while he was at it. Even if he does hate the smell of burning fur.
"Too late now," Crowley mutters, and starts his grand tour of Facility Alpha.
---
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