Castiel eyes widened as Dean wrapped his arms around him. The action was only reserved for the true members of the Winchester family. He sunk deeper into the circle of Dean’s arms; breathing the warm musky smell that was all the hunter. The feelings running through the young angel were indescribable; more breath taking than standing in presence of the father, and more beautiful than the birth of a star.

His large black wings surrounded the both of them and infused them with the warmth of his grace. Castiel let the tips of his wings brush up and down Dean’s back offering all the comfort he could. He pulled back reluctantly after a few minutes. His hand stayed resting Dean’s shoulder where his handprint lay.

“I was able to find some trace of Sam, but I lost the trail. It may be prudent for us to contact Bobby.”
---------
Sam looked at the archangel his eyes softening a little. Gabe had given everything for Dean and him. The guy had deserved a little time off. He put both of his hands up. “Look I get it. You helped us once and almost died. You don’t owe us anything.” Sam looked around the room made to look like the daytime drama hospital then back at Gabe. There was something in the pit of his stomach that made him want to kiss the shorter angel. Even after all Gabe had done to mess with the two hunters, he was still a good friend.

“Thanks for saving me, but I have to get back. He and Cas are probably tearing Panama looking for me.” Sam gave the angel his best puppy dog eyes.

(I'm assuming prudent means something they should do lol)

Dean's face turned a bit red when he realized it was Cas that he was hugging. "Okay, yea sure" Dean looked around for his cell, it was on the nightstand next to him. He flipped it open, now he couldn't hide too much more from Cas, before he knew what he liked and wanted, himself that is, but, now, everything was going to get confusing and probably even difficult.

Dean opened the phone and calling Bobby "Bobby? Hey it's Dean, we have a problem" Dean waited and added "No, we didn't open the gates of hell again. C'mon Bobby, get serious here, Sam is gone, not dead, just missing" Dean spoke while looking over at Cas until he had to focus on talking to Bobby and then would look down again.

"Hm...see that's no fun, going back so soon. Once you go back, I'll have nothing left to do for fun" Gabriel spoke thinking more on it, there was different things he could do in order to stick with Sam. He could follow him back, he at least got the respect to be in their presence. Or he could silently follow (stalk) Sam while watching over him. Gabriel would never go to the other side, not unless provoked in the correct way. "I'll make you a deal, I will take you back, if and only if, I can come along on your hunt" Gabriel walked over to Sam, "And if you don't agree, you'll be stuck here forever in this place as my patient, and with me" The gleam in his eye said he meant all that he said.

Cas watched silently as Dean called Bobby. If anyone would have any ideas it would be the older hunter. He was smarter than most of the humans and the angels for that matter. The angel used his powers to listen to Bobby on the other line.

“Did ya get Cas to check for him?” Bobby’s voice was whiskey rough and tinted with anger. “Never mind, of course …Hand me over to him. I need to know what he saw.” Castiel took the cell phone and quickly explain what he had seen.

“Sounds like one of you angels…but I thought only the Archangels were powerful enough to hide their tracks after they used that much grace?”

“That is true. The only two left in existence are myself and Raphael. I do not think Raphael would save Sam. If Michael or Lucifer had risen we would be aware of their presence. ‘I am out of ideas’.” Once again Cas did his air quotes, obilivious to the fact he was doing it wrong again.

“Alright I’ll get looking into it. Give me back to Dean.” Cas passed the phone back to the hunter. Bobby waited until he could hear Dean’s gruff. “Now, keep your head on boy and listen to the angel. He may have the common sense of a grasshopper, but he’ll know what to do. I’ll call you when I’ve got something.”

Cas did smile at that comment. Bobby was a good man and a better father to Dean and Sam. Though he had never met John Winchester, Castiel still had a problem with man. Both boys had broken hearts and damaged souls because of the man. When the Father had abandoned him Dean’s words and actions of comfort were more than Castiel could have asked for.
------
Sam watched the gleam in Gabriel’s eye as the angel proposed his deal. It was good to see the angel happy and alive again. The last few minutes they were together saw the pain in Gabriel’s eyes; the fear. Though the angel had been a pain in their butts, over all the youngest Winchester liked the angel, just not at this moment.

“Fine Gabriel, you can come back with me, but there are going to be a few rules.” Sam crossed his arms over his chest and towered over the smaller angel. “One, messing with Dean or me. We don’t have time to deal with that. Two, no fighting with Dean. I really don’t care, but I think Cas might zap you if you pick on him and three, and this is Dean’s rule, don’t mess with the Impala. Alright?” He stuck his hand out to the other man.

Dean finished talking to Bobby "Sure thing Bobby, talk to you later" Dean closed the cell phone ending the call and looked over at Castiel. "So what do we do?" Dean asked as he put the cell in his back pocket. Probably would do better in a side pocket, but, for now that would do. Dean didn't bring up the hug before the phone call, it was a bit embarrassing to think about Dean hugging another man besides his brother.

"Cas, thanks for saving me" Dean said, he should've said again, Cas was always there for him. Always saving him, and always heard him out. Why did the angel spend so much time being so close to him? Did he like him or was just being friendly? Acting all brotherly like? Though Dean wouldn't know the older brother act towards him because he was the older brother.

---

"Don't worry I won't turn you into the car again" Gabriel spoke remembering that he stuck Sam was the car and Dean had to get in the trunk, which was Sam's a** at the time and it felt weird. Gabriel laughed at the thought "So how is your brother doing now that you and Castiel are back?" Gabriel knew that Castiel hadn't known he was back yet. "How have you been? Other than almost getting eaten?" Gabriel said, not moving from his spot as he leaned against the wall waiting for the response, he liked Sam.

(Okay I'm editing this to make it longer)

Castiel watched the other man trying to figure out what to do next. “It might be wise if I try a summoning spell. Balthazar may have taken Sam…though I did not think he was that powerful.” The angel knew it wasn’t his brother, but the crafty angel might know who or what had taken the youngest Winchester.

“I shall return with the required items.” Cas popped away gathering the bones, blood, and herbs needed to contact Balthazar. He was back at the hotel in the blink of an eye his arms laden with items. The angel set the items on the table clearing it of their dinner. “Dean I need your knife.”

He poured the ingredients into a large bowl and drew enochian symbols around the bowl. Taking the hunter’s large silver knife he started to chant his eyes glowing, before digging the blade into his hand and letting the blood fall into the bowl. The mixture boiled then burst into a bright flame, as it died down a tall thin man stood in the center of the room.

Castiel blushed as he realized his brother was standing in nothing but a towel, a tall glass of what Cas assumed was booze. “This had better be good I was in the middle of twins, poor boys! They’ll wonder where I’ve popped off too...” Bathazar took a long pull of what ever he was drinking.

“Brother, it would be prudent if you were to cover yourself.” Cas had averted
his eyes not wanting to look at the other angel’s naked form.

“Oh Cassy! Don’t be so prude.” He snapped his fingers and was immaculately dressed. Cas felt a small pang of sadness as the gesture reminded him of Gabriel.

“We need help to find Samuel Winchester.”
----
Sam watched the angel with a glare. “Nothing much, got sent to hell. Cas brought me back, though without a soul. Did a lot of bad things, got my soul back, now I’m living with a year of my life missing and if I try to remember what happened I will die.” The youngest Winchester wished he had a chair to sit on, when one suddenly appeared beneath him and he sat. “Thanks.”

Sam sighed looking at his hands. “It’s been really hard. Dean’s- he doesn’t know what to do half of the time. And Cas…he’s been helpful, but we shouldn’t have to keep turning to him. He’s got the civil war in heaven to deal with.” Sam looked up at the smaller angel. “And what have you been up too? Just flitting around the world? Having fun?” Part of Sam was jealous and angry at the angel. He and Dean had gone to Hell and back to save the world, lost so many and here was Gabriel alive and well and smiling at the man like it was some kind of joke. “I’d really like to go home now.”

Dean waited, when Castiel had hurried back he helped with setting the things on the table, luckily there wasn't too much to clear off. When Cas said he needed his pocket knife, Dean went into his pocket, and pulled it out holding it out for the angel to take. Dean watched what Cas was doing and then he saw the guy in nothing but a towel.

Dean chuckled silently to himself, the guy was in the middle of making love to twins, he wondered how that would've gone. 'Wait, what, no, no, no, can't think like that, I'm...am I?' dean thought to himself. Dean did catch himself looking at Balthazar but then he shook those thoughts away. "You know what, to hell with this" he didn't meant for it to sound so technical, but, right now he didn't care.

Sam was missing and he wasn't going to waste any time. "Either help us find Sam or go to hell" Dean spoke, he shouldn't talk to anyone, let alone an angel like that, but, he was known to be the outspoken brother of the two that did whatever he wanted, when he wanted.

---

"I have been up pretty much running around. Most of it was fun, I won't lie, but, in order to keep myself dead to everyone and thing, I had to hide." That was what he was doing in case the one who killed him had come back and that would be when all hell would beak loose.

Eventually Gabriel would find a way to change the future, destiny, but, for now, Sam had to get back. "Very well" Gabriel stated and wrapped his arms around Sam's shoulders teleporting them to where he could see in Sam's head. They were now in the room with Cas, Dean, and Balthazar.

Balthazar raised a perfectly manicured eye brow at his brother. “How about a no. You still owe me for all the sacred objects I returned and for interrupting my play date.” The older angel crossed his arms over his chest and pouted.

“Besides if you couldn’t find him brother dear what makes you think I could, your Mr. Powerful now. If your boyfriend needs help finding his brother don’t call me-.” Cas’ frown grew deeper and deeper as Balthazar spoke. He did not want the other angel drawing Dean’s attention to his feelings for the hunter. His fists tightened.

Cas raised a hand to stop his brother. “I asked you here -” A light flutter of wings drew all of their attentions to Sam and Gabriel suddenly standing in the room.

“Dean!” Sam smiled brightly at his brother.

Balthazar looked around the room. He wasn’t surprised to see the archangel. He had known that their was no way the angel had been killed. “Alright then, since I’m no longer needed. I have two young gentlemen needing a good shag.” He flew off in a flap of wings.

Sam watched the other angel flop off, but kept a steady hand on Gabriel’s shoulder. The younger Winchester didn’t want the archangel to fly off anytime soon.

Cas was standing next to Dean looking broken and confused. He swayed slightly overcome by his emotions and was forced to grip the back of his chair. “Gabriel?”

Dean watched as Castiel spoke this way to his own brother, to Dean, caring about Sam this much was kind of hot. However, Dean had gotten the wrong idea, and thought that Cas had probably had a thing for Sam rather than him. He always seemed to do things for the brothers. Helping out, apparently getting food, and even trying to get his own brother/s to do something for him.

Dean walked over to Cas as Sam had appeared with Gabriel, ignoring the fact that Gabriel was in the room, Dean hugged his brother thankfully glad that he was here now and unharmed. Pulling away he said "Are you okay? What happened? Where did you go?" he had so many questions for his brother.

Gabriel looked over at Cas and then walked over "How about a hug for your little brother?" Gabriel asked.

(sorry short, gotta hide eggs for mini robin, happy easter)

Castiel looked at his brother for a moment his eyes wide with sadness and fear. Sam reached out looking to steady his friend, “Cas?”

The angel shook his head, spreading his wings before popping out of existence. Cas rematerialized a few miles away on the same pier where Dean had fallen over the edge. He took a seat on a bench watching the water pulse and move. Gabriel was alive and Castiel felt more betrayed than when Uriel had deceived him.

How many angelic lives could have been saved if the arch angel had stood up and took charge. How many brothers and sisters had died… Cas shook his head and tried not to think about the destruction to heaven the war was costing. All the things he had done…the deals he had made. The angel closed his eyes letting a stray tear fall.
--------
Sam watched Castiel fly away with a heavy heart. The younger Winchester was worried about his friend, with the war and Dean’s oblivious flirting Cas had to be at the breaking point, Gabriel probably tipped him over the edge.

He glared at this brother, then at the angel, “Gabriel could you go check on Cas?” Sam knew Cas needed to talk to his brother away from the two Winchesters, maybe a few things could get straightened out.

He turned back to his brother. “Gabriel saved me from Eve. That girl was the all mother in disguise. She knows we’re here and hunting her monsters. Did anything happen with Cas, Dean? He looks really shaken up.”

Dean waited, listening, while watching the events going on. He was going to say something about Gabriel being alive, but, he didn't get a chance to as Castiel had left them. Dean had the urge to run after Cas, but, without knowing where he went, it would be pointless.

Gabriel sighed "Yes, I guess I should, shouldn't I" Gabriel stated as he then fluttered out of the room, easier than Cas had. He found his brother's powers and went closer to him but levitating in the air some. Landing next to Cas he sat down next to him "You probably have a lot to say huh?" Gabriel asked, hew knew he would, or at least want to know how things went down.

Dean looked to Sam and stretched "Oh, nothing much, he was worried about you" Dean thought Cas had a thing for Sam still, and even though Dean almost died, he didn't mention it. Dean looked at Sam "So what did she try to do?"

Sam looked at his brother. Cas was worried about him? Only because he was Dean’s brother. Cas liked him as a friend, nothing else, the youngest Winchester was more than sure. The angel was irrevocably in love with his brother. Dean as usual was oblivious and now starting to think Cas wanted Sam. Jesus, Dean!

The younger Winchester stretched out on his chair, looking at his brother. “Eve asked me what we knew about the murders going on in this area. Mentioned the mothman and she monster-ed out. She grew really long teeth like the vampires. Before she could eat me Gabriel popped in and whisked me away. I can’t believe he was still alive. We never did see him die though.”

He watched his brother for a moment noticing he looked really worn out. “Dean, I’m not so sure we’re dealing with the mothman or at least not only that.” Sam wanted to talk with Dean about Cas, but now wasn’t the time. Maybe Gabriel could help
----
Castiel looked at his brother from the corner of his eye trying to not acknowledge the wayward angel. He kept his eyes on the ocean as he spoke softly, “You have no idea the what I wish to say brother.”

The last word was spoken with venom and full of hurt. He finally turned to look at his brother. “You have no idea how I have suffered, how many of our family have died! Raphael has taken it upon himself to destroy the world! He has tortured and massacred, any that stood in his way. The bodies of our family litter the existence and you…you do nothing!”

Castiel stood suddenly grabbing the front of Gabriel’s jacket so their eyes were level. “Can you even comprehend all I’ve done to keep the people I care about safe. I was not strong enough to fully save Sam and now…Gabriel his soul. Everything has fallen to ruin around me….and where were you!!?”

"Hey, do you know if anyone ever lives after meeting a mermaid?" Dean asked wondering if he should watch his back or anything after almost drawing because of the merpeople didn't like the surface dwellers. Dean wasn't sure if that was the only reason, no one ever came out out of hiding, unless there was a very good reason to it. Or the merpeople were stupid but Dean didn't think they would do it for nothing besides killing humans and then send them back as if it was a message sort of.

---
Gabriel didn't speak, he figured his brother wanted to get everything off of his chest, everything he held in. It didn't seem like either Winchester boy was going to listen to him so easily without advising him about things he would say. "I'm sorry, I thought by staying hidden I could learn something, but, I was wrong" Gabriel had seen the events, he had wanted to step out, and help. But, he couldn't. He was looking for someone to unleash the rest of his power he had inside him. Gabriel was only being nice to Castiel, because they were brothers, if it wasn't for that fact he wouldn't have stayed there.

Gabriel made his choice to leave heaven, tired of hearing his older brothers, Lucifer and Michael, argue about stupid things, he decided to skip out and live out his immortal life. Gabriel didn't want to chose anyone's side, he didn't want to be tied down, or told what to do, so he chose to go his own way. Which is how Lucifer killed him in the first place.

RueMarion21:

“Mermaids?” Sam’s eyebrow shot up at the mention of the water creature. He immediately grabbed his computer and started looking for information on the creature. “What’s with the sudden interest in mermaids? Didn’t dad say they were purely myth, like bigfoot?”
------------
Castiel immediately let go of his brother’s jacket and moved away. His eyes were wet with unshed tears. Hanging his head in shame the angel spoke softly. “Forgive me brother. The last year has been trying.”

He sat back on the bench, his body sliding heavily on to the wooden surface. “I cannot judge you for your choices. I have made my own rash decisions.” Images of Crowley and the torture he inflicted on anyone that crossed him flitted through Castiel’s mind. He images quickly changed to thoughts of Dean; an ache started up in his chest. His thoughts then turned to Sam.

“Gabriel why did you save Sam?” Castiel knew that while the archangel didn't usually didn't care about the boys or what they did, yet Gabriel had saved Sam from certain death.

Dean sitting back in his chair said "Yea, well dad was wrong, they're as real as all the other monsters we killed" Dean spoke rolling his eyes a little bit. He knew they were real, he had proof, he was caught underwater with them, and was almost killed by them if it wasn't for Castiel. He had to really thank the angel for that later, not sure how, but, he would figure out something. Now Dean wondered how much his father really knew about the supernatural.

- - -

Gabriel listened to his brother, "There is nothing that you need forgiveness for" Gabriel understood what his brother angel was worried about, he understood somewhat of the pain that Castiel had been through and what he had felt. "I should've been there by your side, I understand that now, I'm the one who should be sorry. You went through all of this and had no help or guidance"

Gabriel stayed silent when Castiel asked him why he saved Sam. Gabriel risked his hiding to go after and save Sam. To protect him and keep him unharmed, and even returned him to his brother an Castiel. "I don't know, something inside me made me feel...well I couldn't let him die" Gabriel answered looking out towards the sea. The merpeople were below them and waiting for one of them to fall in or where they could pull them in. They watched from the sea.

(Okay I wont be able to get on for a couple hours maybe)

(No problem!! Take your time)

Sam looked up from his laptop as his brother spoke. “How do you know?” There was nothing in dad’s journal about the monsters, so the only way Dean could know about them is if he met one. He closed the lid to the laptop. “Alright Dean. Fill me in. Tell me what we’re dealing with.”

Sam leaned back and watched his brother. The older Winchester looked tired, wrung out. Had he rested at all…probably not. “Dean have you rested at all?”
--------
Castiel looked silently out at the water. His anger had dissipated leaving him emotionally drained. It was good to have his brother back though, maybe now he could get out of his deal with Crowley. “It is good to see you alive brother.”

The younger angel could sense the sea monsters under the pier, licking their lips in hunger. Cas sent a small burst of energy into the water under them, making the mercreatures disperse with hisses of displeasure.

Perverse manipulations of nature. He wasn’t worried that the Winchesters would succumb to the Merpeople’s song again, but eradicating them from the surrounding area would be troublesome. They needed to discuss their options and figure out a way to kill the monsters.

"How can I rest where there were mermaids who tried to kill me" Dean stated adding "Cas went to find you because he sensed something wrong. When he couldn't sense you he went looking around the last place he could feel you and found something. He came to report to me, but, I had left this room to check out by the water to see if maybe you were there" Dean took a short breath "But, I got pulled into the water by the merpeople and almost drowned, now I'm pretty sure Cas was the one who saved me. But, I woke up in this room and Cas used his powers to dry me off. After that we talked about who had you and that's it" Dean explained.

- - -

"It's good to see you again to. I bet by now everyone is talking about how I am back" even Gabriel didn't know how he came back, well he had an idea, but, wasn't yet sure. "Cas, why do you keep saving Dean and Sam even though you already know what their future holds?" Gabriel asked as he changed the conversation to something less...unpleasant.

Sam just shook his head lightly as he listened to Dean tell him what had happened while he was with Gabriel. The older Winchester was so dense. Of course Cas had saved Dean. The angel cared for the hunter. He couldn’t tell his brother just yet though…Dean was still dealing with the whole Lisa mess and well if the Dean didn’t realize how much Cas cared for him now, he might never pick up on the signals.

Sam decided to change the subject. “So Mermaids. I checked Dad’s journal he doesn’t mentioned them. Maybe Bobby has an idea.” He reached for the phone, but stopped midway. “Dean I was thinking. What if Dad never mentioned mermaids, because they never exsisted.”

“I know, I know but hear me out. Think about it. We’ve never heard of them, dad never heard of them and we’ve never met a hunter that mentioned them. Maybe…Maybe they are new. Eve said that she creates monsters, maybe these merpeople are something new.” Sam thought over what he had just said…if it was true, how could they fight them?
------------
Cas sighed deeply as his brother spoke. “I- Gabriel you know as well as I that destiny is not everything. The Winchesters were once destined to be the vessels for Michael and Lucifer to bring about the end of days. Yet they are both alive and free with our brothers in the Cage.”

He looked out onto the rolling waves, before turning to look his brother in the eye. “You were destined to fight beside Michael, and yet you chose your own path. Dean says that you destiny can always be changed. That is why I continue to watch over the both of them. And I will continue to do so until I die. I care about both of them too much to let them be damaged by the prerogative of the Host.” I love Dean to much to let him be torn down, was left unsaid.

Visions of Dean standing up to Lucifer, Zachariah and even Michael himself. The man was brave and wonderful. His soul bright and pure. “There is nothing that makes me happier brother than protecting my friends.”

Dean listened to his brother about calling Bobby on the subject and then talking about how their father might've not know about the merpeople. It was a good suggestion thought, most who would fall under their spell would have died, unless they knew how to ignore the song. Since it wasn't in the journal, that was the most likely possible outcome, and it wasn't as bad as it sounded.

Though Dean continued to listen "That's a possiblity, but, so is the fact that no one could've heard about them because of their enchantment. They enchant people out into the ocean to kill them, so if he had heard about them, he wouldn't be around very long would he?" Dean suggested his idea. Dean stood up stretching "I don't know about you, but, I need to get some sleep. Wake me up if anything happens and I wouldn't suggest going to the beach unless an angel is with you" Dean warned walking over to the bed and flopping down on it, laying on his stomach and closing his eyes going to sleep.

- - -
"Would you mind if I tagged along to help protect the brothers?" Gabriel, he would find a way to do it anyways, but, he wanted to know if Cas was alright with him hanging around to watch over the brothers, more like watch over Sam. Something in his gut told him he should watch over the younger Winchester.

Gabriel didn't realize anything since it was too soon, however, he did feel like wanting to be close to Sam. The younger boy was smart, good looking, and wasn't too macho for his taste. Gabriel knew what his orientation was and didn't' care who all knew.

Castiel was puzzled by Gabriel’s request, but he would not turn him away not after everything. The younger angel wondered to himself if Gabriel had similar feelings for Sam as the ones he had for Dean. “Your company would be very welcome brother. Sadly I cannot watch over the Dean and Sam ever say, your assistance would be appreciated. Dean especially has a penchant for getting into trouble.”

He looked over water and saw that it was getting dark. “I think we should return, I do not want Dean to worry.”
---------
Sam watched Dean slip off into a deep sleep. He sighed happily that his brother was finally able to rest and give him time to shower. The youngest Winchester quickly undressed, grabbed a clean pair of boxers and his shaving kit, and ran to the bathroom.

The water was perfectly warm and it eased all the stress knots he had accumulated in his back and shoulders. Sam smiled as the warm water washed away the stress of the day, letting him unwind and reflect. While he washed his hair thoughts of the former trickster filtered through his mind. The thoughts brought a surprising burst of arousal to the youngest Winchester. His head shot up and he immediately tired to banish the thoughts.

He didn’t like men…did he? Sam had always been attracted to women, but there was something about the shorter angel. Something that sent Sam’s heart racing like a twelve year old around their first crush. Jeeze…good thing Dean can’t read my mind or he think I was really a girl.

"You don't want Dean to worry? Oh that's interesting, maybe it's the choice of words" Gabriel spoke as he figured the other angel. Cas was higher in power than himself and there wasn't too many other ways without Gabriel that the world would end. He wouldn't chose that for any means. "Alright, let's get back" Gabriel placed his arm around Castiel's shoulders as they would fly away together to get there.

---

(lol i LOVE that thought Sam just thought)

Dean was asleep, he was out of it after taking the time to get to Florida, then his brother missing, and finally death tried to claim him, or more like the merpeople would. There was something about the room that was different, the shadows were creeping in around Dean as he slept, though it wasn't too much of a bad thing. All they did was slowly turn off the lights. Though something about the shadows moving seemed a little sinister and then it faded. The lights remained off and when the two angels showed up, Gabriel thought it was odd.

Castiel was immediately on guard when they entered the hotel. The room was dark and foreboding and he could tell something was not right. The angel swiftly moved towards Dean and let his grace envelope the sleeping man. That would protect him for the moment. He nodded to his brother silently to check on Sam.

The water had just shut off that was when he heard the blood curdling scream and gunshots.
------------
Sam felt that something was immediately wrong as he finished rinsing his hair. There was a chill in the air and he could feel the hairs start to stand up on the back of his neck. He shut off the water and reached for a towel and wrapped it around his waist.

His gun was in his boxers and Sam grabbed it before exiting the shower. Suddenly two bright red eyes and a dark figure filled the mirror. As soon as the younger Winchester was caught in the thing’s gaze it reached out of the mirror with a clawed hand and cut a slash down his naked chest.

Sam let out a howl of pain and put six rounds in the bathroom mirror shattering it. As the glass broke and the monster moved on to another mirror in the room. The younger Winchester was still frozen in place his body paralyzed from the terror that the mothman had incited. Never had he been so afraid. Suddenly his body collapsed from the strain and he fell hands first into the broken glass.
--------------
Castiel saw a dark shape move out of the corner of his eye. When he turned to follow it the angel stood face to face with the same bright red eyes that had attacked Sam a moment before.

The thing chuckled and growled as it made its way out of the mirror and onto the floor. At its full height the creature brushed the ceiling. It reached for Dean and Castiel’s wings flared protecting the hunter.

“You made one mistake creature, I am no mere human.” Castiel let his grace flow outward and threw himself on top of Dean shielding him from the blast. The mirror shattered and the room was empty and bright once again.

The angel moved slowly off the hunter, but kept his arms around the man. “Dean are you alright?”

(damn, I loved reading that :D)

Gabriel raced to the bathroom when he heard Sam scream, ignore the fact that the mothman was in the room, it's not like he could be hurt by it. Gabriel got there in time at the very last moment catching Sam before he fell to the ground. If he was a second later, he would've missed catching him; Gabriel looked at Sam "Sam, come on, you're okay, you're okay" Gabriel repeated as he tried desperately to heal the younger Winchester. He wasn't so sure if it would work, Gabriel was panicking, thoughts fled through his mind thinking he was too late to save him.

Nothing else around them mattered, he had Sam, and was trying to heal him. The bleeding looked bad and Sam seemed to have gotten lucky the glass didn't shatter at him. Gabriel stopped healing Sam, but, the younger Winchester wasn't waking up. It was scaring Gabriel to no end to think this low life monster did enough damage to take Sam from him. If this continued, then Gabriel might just lose control his powers altogether.

---

Dean, being asleep through most of this, had problems with breathing until he felt someone near him. He heard voices, one he recognized as Sam's and then another he noticed was Castiel's voice. Dean didn't hardly get enough sleep to be very functional, but, enough to know there was danger around him. Dean found his breath again and gasped after he felt someone against him. The lights came back on and he felt safer than in the dark. "Hmm...? Cas? What happened?" he looked tired, unharmed, but, tired as he looked at Cas wondering what the hell happened when he went to sleep.

{Note: Bold is Sam's Mind}

The youngest Winchester lay still in the archangel’s arms. If not for the small rise and fall of his chest every few moments a person would think the hunter dead, but he was far from it locked in his mind where the Devil could torture him at will.
-------
Sam was in hell again, in the cage. His naked body was chained in the air; the fire licking at his back. The hunter could smell his own skin slowly blackening and curling away from muscles; blood flowed freely from the open wounds hissing and boiling off his body as the flames licked it away.

He couldn’t scream anymore, his throat was raw and bloody, the torture had gone on for days…Sam would die and then Lucifer would bring him back. Only to start again, and again and again. Speaking of the dark lord…Lucifer approached the hanging man; a long wicked knife in his hands. It was a skinning knife…so he was getting flayed alive today.

Sam found his voice again as the devil started in on his chest. Cutting long thin strips of flesh and eating them slowly in front of the hunter. After what felt like an eterity under the knife, Sam lost his voice. He could only whimper as the Devil continued to cut into him.

Through the pain and darkness Sam heard a voice; saw a pure white light. The voice made Lucifer hiss in pain as he shrunk back into the darkness away from Sam. The flames died and he chains opened releasing Sam from his prison. He automatically reached for the voice, running towards the light.
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Sam’s eyes fluttered opened as he escaped the prison of his mind. The first thing he noticed was that he was held in warm strong arms. Dean…but the smell and the feeling was off. He looked up to find Gabriel.

“Gabe?”
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Castiel let Dean go only keeping his hand on the hunter shoulder where the angel’s mark lay. Little tendrils grace slipped through the mark making sure to keep the hunter warm and calm. “It seems Dean that there is more than just merpeople here. You and Sam were attacked by the monster your brother mentioned, The Mothman. He came through the mirror.”

The angel could see the worry in the hunter’s eyes as he told him about Sam. Cas let Dean go so he could check on his brother, the angel was sure that would be the older Winchester’s first response. A slight pang of jealously squeezed Castiel’s heart, what he wouldn’t give to have Dean look at him with love and worry in his eyes.

Foolish…Castiel brushed aside the thoughts. It would never matter what Dean did the angel would always be there for him. Using a measure of his power Cas vanished the broken glass, but did not replace the mirror. He took the time to cover any reflective surface as well. Dean had taught him you could never be too careful.

{oh wow, that was an amazing post, I lost how you describe it and how much emotion is in the writing, you rock ;) }

Gabriel, after giving up for awhile, held onto Sam a little bit longer than he had thought. The archangel actually hadn't wanted to let go of Sam, he felt heartbroken thinking the younger hunter was dead, and that he couldn't save him even with all of the power he had. His chest felt heavy, he wanted to cry out, to scream with all his might and power.

However, something stopped him, a voice, and when he looked down to where he heard it. There laid the young hunter, looking up at him with his chocolate brown eyes. Gabriel, in sudden realization that the hunter lived, quickly hugged him closer. "I-I thought you were dead, oh im so sorry, so sorry" he was apologizing for not being there for him, but, Sam wouldn't know that.

---

Dean looked at Cas, he listened half awake to what Castiel had said, and went to check on Sam himself. He felt relieved when he saw Sam in Gabriel's arms and was alright. He walked back out to Castiel who was busy cleaning up. Now he felt guilty, he was asleep when all of this happened, and because he was so careless he felt himself getting depressed over the matter.

His chest felt heavy, his eyes saddened, though it was hard to tell with him since he was used to hiding those feelings. Dean was the eldest, meaning he had to protect Sam, but, because he chose to sleep, Sam had gotten hurt. Dean now vowed not to sleep again while anything could happen to his brother.

Dean walked over to Castiel "Thanks for protecting us, Cas" 'If only I could've saved Sam from the trouble' he thought to himself masking his emotions. "Excuse me" Dean walked out of the room and into the night air. He knew not to get close tot he water or mirrors or reflections of things, so he stayed on the beach sitting down on the sand watching the waves.

{I hate to do this, but, I need to go to sleep, I'll be up again tomorrow night probably, it's 1:43am here}

{Thank you! :) And might I add you are playing Gabriel quite well.}

Castiel was immediately worried for Dean as he watched the obviously saddened hunter leave the hotel room. It was not an intelligent action on the Winchester’s part, but the angel would not let the hunter come to any danger.

His trench coat billowed behind him as he checked on his brother and Sam in the bathroom. There was blood, Sam’s, and glass everywhere. Castiel cleaned it with a flick of his power. He knew Gabriel could have handled it, but the archangel looked occupied with the man in his arms. The younger angel laid a gentle hand on his brother’s shoulder.

Sam let his arms curl around Gabriel. He didn’t understand why the angel was apologizing and frankly it surprised him. The trickster that he was so familiar with had been cocky and arrogant. All about teaching lessons and writing wrongs. This angel was almost broken…as broken inside as he was.
He looked up into those deep brown eyes and wished for a moment that he could kiss Gabriel.

Sam’s green eye’s moved from Gabriel’s warm face only for an instant to look at Cas. “Hey Cas,” He whispered gruffly. The younger Winchester’s voice was still broken and wreaked. His body ached, but the warm arms around him helped to ease the pain. Sam found himself unconsciously snuggling deeper into the embrace. Never had his heart felt so at peace.

Dean’s hugs, were always a comforting gesture, but sometimes more for Dean’s benefit rather than Sam’s.

“Gabriel, keep watch here. I have covered all the reflective surfaces so the creature should not return.” Castiel turned to look at Sam catching the human’s gaze. “Sam I am watching over Dean. I feel you are in good hands here.” With that the angel left the hotel in a flutter of wings.
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Castiel landed on the beach not far from his charge. He walked slowly and silently towards Dean. He kept that silence as he sat in the soft sand by the hunter. There were no creatures near, but the angel still kept watch.

Dean would talk to him when he was ready. Castiel could feel how heavy the young man’s heart was as he sat next to him. The angel extending his wings and let one wrap around the troubled hunter. He didn’t know if Dean could actually feel them, but he hoped that the hunter could at least feel the warmth and the love Cas was pouring out of them.

“It was not you fault Dean.” Castiel finally said after a long silence. "You are human. Sam is safe..." He longed to tell Dean that he would always be there for him, but that was a promise he couldn't keep. Especially after Crowley..."I will listen if you need to talk Dean."