Picks up immediately following Fallen Angel.
If you haven't read The Chosen or Fallen Angel probably best to read them first.
Supernatural New Beginnings
Dean pulled a rag from his back pocket and ran it over his face. He was in the yard working on Stacey's car whilst she was in town with Zara shopping. She still wasn't able to drive with her broken wrist, so Bobby had dropped them in town and was running some errands whilst they shopped.
He grinned as he thought of the reason for their shopping trip; Sam had asked Zara to marry him the morning after their return from Pontiac and as he thought Zara had said yes. They had decided that they didn't want to wait until after the baby was born to get married so had booked the Church in town for a week's time. Zara had asked Stacey to be her maid of honour and the girls had been planning the small ceremony since then. Right now they were in town looking at flowers and dresses.
He had been stunned by how girly Stacey had become over the wedding, insisting that they do it properly. They may only have had a small family, but she had wanted to make it a special day for her friends.
If he was honest, he was happy that she had something other than the events in Pontiac to focus on. Things had been easier than he had expected. Stacey was doing as she had said, putting it behind her and moving on. Surprisingly so was he, for once he'd given himself a break.
Picking up wrench he moved back under the hood; his gaze scanning the engine. Stace's car was in pristine condition and she was going to kill him when she found out that he'd been messing about with the engine.
He frowned as Summer Lovin blared from his phone.
"Dammit Sammy." He cursed as he pulled out the phone and hit answer.
"Hello."
"Dean."
"Cas... what the Hell! Where are you?" Dean asked urgently. It had been over a week since Pontiac and they had heard nothing from the Angel. Dean had been worried sick, spent hours out in the yard alternating between praying and shouting.
"I am not sure." Castiel replied uncertainly.
"What do you mean you don't know?" Dean asked. "Can't you just zap yourself here?"
"I would if I could Dean, but I ... can't"
Dean's worry increased exponentially at Castiel's words. If he couldn't fly then he was in big trouble.
"Cas hold on I'm gonna track your phone."
"Thank you Dean."
Dean jogged up the steps into the house and into Bobby's study. Switching on the computer he called up the satellite tracking on Castiel's phone. His eyes widened as he realised that his friend was in a town no more than a couple of hours away.
"Okay Cas I've got you. You're just a couple of hours drive from here. Find a diner, order some coffee and wait." He instructed. "Stay put I'm on my way. I'll call you when we hit town."
"Yes Dean."
Dean frowned at Castiel's subdued tone. Even at the darkest points of the Apocalypse he had never sounded so defeated. "Are you hurt Cas?"
"I am uninjured Dean."
"Awesome... hang tight I coming to get you."
Without another word Dean hung up the phone. He strode out of the study into the hallway and called up the stairs. "Sammy."
"Dean what's up?" Sam asked as he lopped down the stairs.
"Cas called we need to go get him."
"Wait Dean he called?" Sam frowned. "That's never good."
They both knew that the last time Castiel had called them for help; he had called from a hospital bed after carving a banishing symbol into his chest. He'd practically become human to help them save Adam.
"Said he's not hurt but –"Dean scrubbed a hand over his face. "He must be out of juice or something cause he can't fly."
"Where is he?"
"He's a couple of hours out. I told him to hang tight we'd drive up and get him."
"The girls are still in town... should we pick them up?"
"No don't do that let them enjoy their day. We'll call Bobby let him know we'll be back in a couple of hours."
They made their way out to the Impala and got in. Dean started the engine and pulled quickly away, anxious to find out where his friend had been this past week and why he wasn't able to fly.
xxOOxx
Stacey Singer had been a tomboy all of her life, constantly decked out in jeans and sneakers, more at home rough housing with the boys than putting on make-up and gossiping with girls. Now though she stood in the middle of Sam and Zara's bedroom wearing a dress, a bridesmaids dress.
Zara had wanted her to try on the dress that she had picked out for her to wear to the wedding, the dress was stunning and she felt very feminine, something that she didn't often feel.
"You look beautiful-" Zara said, her eyes filling with tears as she stared at her friend. "—I'm going to look like a fat bride beside you."
"Zara first off you're pregnant not fat." Stacey said firmly, unwilling to allow Zara's unstable hormones to spoil her friends excitement over the wedding. "We've been through this already. You look stunning in your gown... although if it'd make you happier, I could always wear my jeans."
Zara laughed at Stacey's hopeful look. She wiped away the tears which threatened to fall.
"Nice try Stace, there's no way you're coming to the wedding in jeans."
"but?"
"Nope no jeans... this dress is perfect on you. Dean isn't going to be able to take his eyes off of you."
"Well it's not Dean's eyes that I'm worrying about." Stacey laughed as Zara blushed. "Come on Zara, you're twenty four and pregnant... how can you still blush at the mention of sex? I happen to know for a fact that you and Sam have a healthy sex life... the walls aren't that thick."
"You can hear us?" Zara screeched.
"Well yeah... your rooms next door to mine and Deans'' Stacey turned back to the mirror, a mischievous grin on her face. "Can you honestly say that you've never heard Dean, cause he'd pretty loud?"
"Oh my God Stacey!"
Stacey laughed. "What?"
Zara sobered as she considered her friend, time to change the subject she thought. "So you and Dean... I don't think you ever did tell me how long you'd been in love with him."
Stacey met Zara's gaze in the mirror. "No I never did, did I?"
"Nope... I've got time now if you want to share?" Zara said softly. They had become good friends over the past few months, but this was one thing that Stacey had refused to open up about. "The guys won't be back for a little while."
Stacey looked at Zara's hopeful expression and sighed. "Okay unzip me then we'll talk."
Zara stood gingerly, her increased size making it more and more difficult to move easily. She paused to tenderly rub her bump as the baby made his presence known. "Oh."
"You okay Zara?" Stacey asked as she noticed Zara rub her bump.
"I'm fine... the baby's a little active."
Stacey smiled. "May I?"
"Of course."
Zara took her friends hand, a small tender smile on her face as she placed it on her bump. She watched Stacey's face soften as she felt the baby move.
"It really is amazing Zara... you are so very lucky." Stacey whispered softly.
"I really am." Zara agreed. "Okay turn round, I'll unzip you."
Stacey turned and allowed Zara to help her out of her dress. She hung it with Zara's Wedding gown in the closet then pulled on some sweats and a t-shirt, the clothes familiar and comfortable.
"So the big question huh?" Stacey said as she lay beside Zara on the bed, both women stretched out, facing each other.
Zara didn't say anything; she simply nodded and waited for her friend to speak.
"There really isn't a lot to tell. I met Sam and Dean when I was fourteen, which would have made Sam fourteen too and Dean eighteen." Stacey began. "I was visiting Uncle Bobby for the summer, my folks were taking a trip and he'd said I could stay. A few days after I arrived I was in the yard and this gorgeous black car pulled in. I'd never seen a car like it, it was so beautiful..."
"and Dean?" Zara interrupted.
Stacey laughed. "Do you want to hear the story?"
"Yes please."
"Okay so this car was amazing, but then...the car door opened and out came the most gorgeous boy I'd ever seen, followed by the very cute, very short younger brother." Stacey wiggled her eyebrows.
Zara giggled as she imagined Sam being short.
"Sam and I hit it off big time and spent pretty much every day together, but Dean well... he wasn't much interested in a skinny geeky looking tomboy. He was more interested in the busty waitress at the diner—"
"I find it hard to imagine you being the skinny geeky tomboy Stace."
"Well I was... so whilst Dean was off trying to get into the waitress' pants, I used to daydream about him. I'd sit for hours on the porch swing daydreaming about the day that he'd notice me, that he'd want to kiss me... sadly he never did. It broke my tender teenage heart the day I caught him making out with the waitress in the back of one of Uncle Bobby's old trucks."
"He hasn't changed much then Stacey, it's just that he puts a lot of effort into getting into your pants."
Stacey laughed, she could feel her face heat up a little as she thought about the effort that Dean put in to get her into bed and often.
"Not that he needs to put in that much effort."
"No ... you're pretty easy."
"Zara! I thought you were my friend." Stacey said, blushing furiously now. "I've never been like that with anyone before. I hadn't been with many guys at all, my life was pretty much hunting... but with Dean."
"Stacey it's not wrong to want to be with the man that you love."
"I know..." Stacey said as she took a shaky breath. "So that's it, that's the story of my crush on Dean Winchester. I loved him at fourteen and I guess I never stopped."
"There's one vital difference now though Stace." Zara smiled. "Now he loves you back."
Stacey grinned. "Yes he does."
xxOOxx
Dean pushed open the door of the diner and walked inside, his gaze drawn to his friend who was sitting in a booth, dressed in his usual suit and trench coat, looking forlornly into an untouched cup of coffee. He quickly made his way toward the booth and slid into the empty seat.
"Cas man what going on?"
Castiel looked up, his blue eyes widening on the bruise still evident on Dean's face. "You are injured Dean."
"I'm fine... we had a run in with a demon. I'll explain later." Dean brushed Castiel's statement aside. He lowered his voice. "Cas are you out of juice?"
"No Dean I am fully juiced I just find myself unable to ..." Castiel trailed off as he struggled to find the words.
"Perform?" Dean said with a raised brow. He grinned as Castiel looked at him indignantly.
"Unfortunately yes Dean I appear unable to perform."
"What happened?"
"I am unsure-." Castiel sighed, hands raised in question.
"Well why are you here in this town?" Dean asked, worriedly. He had never seen his friend so confused.
"Dean I have no idea how I got to this town. I was on my way to see you when I suddenly appeared here...I have been unable to fly or contact my brethren in Heaven since."
"Which is why you called me?"
"Yes."
"Cas where have you been this last week, I've been calling you constantly."
"No Dean you haven't ...I heard your call this morning and came immediately."
Dean frowned. "Cas when was the last time you saw me."
"I see you now Dean."
"Not now Cas... before now?" Dean said exasperated, sometimes Cas could be deliberately dense.
"Yesterday." Castiel replied, confused by Dean's strange question.
"Cas I haven't seen you in more than a week."
"You must be mistaken Dean-"
"No Cas, there's been a shit load of trouble since then and you definitely weren't around."
"That is not possible."
"Yeah well..." Dean trailed off as a memory hit him. The damn demon had said that Cas was indisposed. "Son of a bitch!"
"Dean?"
"Come on I'll bring you up to speed in the car." Dean pulled some bills from his pocket to cover the cost of Castiel's coffee and threw them onto the table. Slipping out of the booth he strode towards the exit, Castiel close on his heels.
Sam snapped closed his phone and slipped it into his pocket as he noticed Dean and Castiel leave the diner. He pushed away from the car and joined them on the side walk.
"The girls are home... and I quote 'tell Dean that his ass is fried when he gets home."
Dean laughed. "Yes!"
"Why would the prospect of having your ass fried make you happy Dean?" Castiel asked curiously.
"That my friend is code for I'm getting lucky." Dean answered with a grin, clapping a hand on his friends shoulder. Stacey had clearly discovered that he'd been messing about with her car. Of course he may just have left the hood open and the tools out just to be sure that she would notice.
"Actually Dean you're not." Sam laughed as Dean's face fell. "Stacey's planning a bachelorette thing for Zara tonight ...We are under orders to be out of the house?"
"Dammit!" Dean grumbled as he got into the car, slamming the door closed.
Sam laughed as he jogged to the passenger side of the Impala and got in.
Castiel got into the back of the car, tucking his trench coat carefully around him. He was unfamiliar with the term bachelorette and was curious as to the significance and why this would affect Dean 'getting lucky'. It was obvious that he had missed some important events over the last week.
Dean and Sam spent the journey back to Sioux Falls filling Castiel in on the disastrous hunt in Pontiac; Dean shared his theory that somehow the demon was responsible for Castiel's current inability to access his powers. They all knew that it would take some major mojo to cut Cas's ties to Heaven and thrust him more than a week into the future, but they had no clue how the demon had pulled it off or how to correct it. That would take some serious research. Finally Sam told him about the wedding.
"You'll be there won't you Cas?" Sam asked. He was sure that whatever was going on with the angel was temporary and wanted to make sure that he'd be make it to the wedding. It was important to Zara that all of their small family was present and that included Cas.
"Of course... I would be most honoured to be in attendance Sam."
"Great because Zara is a little scary right now, her hormones are off the charts..." Sam trailed off. He loved his soon to be wife, but pregnancy had at times turned her into something that he was sure he should be ganking, he never knew how she was going to react these days and thanked God every day that it was just temporary.
"I am curious." Castiel said suddenly.
"Curious about what Cas?" Dean asked. They were about a half hour from home and he was internally planning a last minute bachelor party for Sam. He hadn't planned to do something until the evening before the wedding, but since Stacey had kicked them out of the house for the night he thought that tonight would do just as well. Which meant that it'd be him, Sam, Bobby and Cas at the strip bar in town consuming copious amounts of alcohol.
"What is the significance of a bachelorette party?"
"It's where the brides' best friend plans a party as a goodbye to single life-" Dean grinned. "-and us guys get to have a bachelor party with the groom... Which my friend you will experience tonight because we're taking Sammy here out on the town."
"Dean come on you know I—"
"Ah ah Sammy. The best man knows best."
"Fine... but no strippers."
"Come on Sammy that's the best part." Dean grumbled.
"Yeah." Sam said brows raised. "Come tell me that when you've got a six month pregnant fiancé and you're out eyeing up naked chicks."
"Zara won't mind Sammy it's tradition for the groom to go to a strip club." Dean grumbled. "She's totally cool."
"Dean." Sam growled. "No strippers."
"Fine, but just so you know when it's my turn I want strippers."
Sam turned to gape at Dean, he wasn't sure that he was aware of the significance of what he had just said. "So you're thinking about it?"
Dean glanced quickly over at his brother who was grinning at him. "Thinking about strippers? Do you not know me?"
"No idiot, marriage." Sam grinned as Dean blanched.
"Don't be ridiculous Sammy—"
"It's just you seemed awfully sure that it would be your turn." Sam teased, noticing the flush that crept up his brothers' neck.
"I just meant..."
Sam laughed. "Dean Winchester the guy with a chick in every town thinking about marriage and settling down."
"Shut up Sammy!"
"I'm just saying."
"Well don't." Dean said. He clamped his mouth shut and turned the volume up on the radio, studiously avoiding the amused looks coming from the passenger side.
xxOOxx
"Hey Bobby, anything?" Dean asked as he strolled into Bobby's study, Castiel at his back. They had arrived back a few minutes before and Sam had gone upstairs to check on Zara. Stacey was nowhere to be seen.
"Nothing." Bobby replied gruffly. "It's gonna take more than I have in my books to find a spell that's powerful enough to undo whatever's been done to flyboy here."
"Yeah well you might as well put the books away for the night...we're going out." Dean grinned. "Bachelor party."
"I didn't think we'd get to stick around tonight...Stacey's been holed up in the den for an hour with a Do Not Enter signed stuck to the door."
"She's in the den?" Dean grinned wickedly; maybe I'll get lucky after all he thought.
"That's what I said idgit."
"I'll just go see if she needs some help." Dean said as he was walked back out of the study and headed for the den – a spring in his step.
"Idgit." Bobby muttered, knowing full well where that boys head was at when it came to his niece. Choosing to ignore him, Bobby handed a thick volume to Castiel. "You might as well make yourself useful. Those boys could be a while."
xxOOxx
Dean knocked on the door to the den and waited.
"Go away... can't you read the sign."
"Come on Stace it's me... I just wanted to see if you needed any help." Dean shouted through the closed door. "You know Best Man to Maid of Honour."
"Fine, come in but close the door after you."
Dean slowly opened the door and slipped inside. He closed the door as instructed and turned the lock.
He glanced around the room, amazed at the sheer volume of pink fluff that Stacey had strategically placed around the room. There were large cushions thrown around the floor and masses of candles covering every surface. Finally his eyes landed on Stacey, who was standing on the table, arms outstretched as she hung some pink tissue. His heart tripped as he watched her for a moment, could feel his pulse start to race and his body react as it always did when he was alone with her... hell even when he wasn't.
"Stace this is..."
Stacey paused and looked over at him, uncertainty flashing across her face.
"You don't think it's too much? I've never done this before... I just want to make it perfect for Zara. I've got food and champagne, non alcoholic for the bride of course... I know it's only the two of us but-"
Dean strode forward and plucked Stacey off of the table, allowing her to slide slowly down his body till she was standing on the floor, not an inch of space between them. He smiled as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "She'll love it Stace."
"I hope so." Stacey grinned. "So what are you boys getting up to tonight?"
"Just hitting a few bars in town... Sammy's being a prude and insisting on no strippers. So it's just the four of us guys."
"No strippers huh...you must be devastated Dean."
"Nope total wiener fest." Dean grinned, his hands travelling down her back and coming to rest on her denim clad butt. He pulled her close and pressed a soft kiss onto the naked skin of her neck, his intention clear. "I may need a little comforting before I leave."
"Dean, stop." Stacey protested softly, shuddering slightly as he continued to run his lips up the sensitive skin of her neck. "Dean we're in the den... Uncle Bobby's just next door."
"I locked the door and you have that big do not disturb sign taped outside..." Dean trailed off as he brought his lips to hers, kissing her deeply. "Stace?"
Stacey looked at him with hooded eyes and smiled. Pulling him to the floor, they landed on the large cushions.
"Zara's right... I'm so easy."
xxOOxx
The morning of the wedding broke clear and bright, the sun shining softly through window.
Dean awoke slowly, hands immediately searching for the woman who was always tucked in the small space beside him. Disappointment flared as instead of a warm body his hands met cool sheets. It took only a moment to register that she wasn't there and hadn't been all night.
He had become accustomed to sharing the small twin bed with Stacey, warm limbs tangled with his and the scent of summer berries tickling his senses. His body ached with the loss.
"Dean...you awake?"
Startled, Dean eyes snapped open and met the smiling hazel eyes of his brother. It had been months since Sammy had shared a room with him. Not since Zara had tumbled into their lives. Last night was different. The girls had insisted on adhering to the tradition that the groom didn't see the bride before the wedding. So Stacey had slept in Sam's room with Zara and Sam bunked with him.
"Trying not to be," he grumbled quietly. "You're not as pretty as my usual sleeping partner and I was looking forward to-"
"Dude!"
Dean laughed.
"Ready to get shackled Sammy?"
"I really am," Sam smiled as he pulled his body free of the bedding and sat, his arms resting lightly on his knees. "I really am...but?"
"But what?" Dean asked, shocked. Sam had been one hundred and ten percent certain when he proposed to Zara, he loved her to distraction. He couldn't fathom what had made his brother suddenly seem so unsure. "Cold feet?"
"No!" Sam answered emphatically. "Hell no, it's just this business with Cas. We've had no luck finding out a way to reverse what's happened to him. It just feels-"He sighed, "- I don't like the idea of celebrating when one of our own is in trouble. It just doesn't feel right."
Dean stared at his brother, a look of understanding crossing his face.
"Sammy we spoke about this, Cas doesn't want you and Zara postponing the wedding because of him. He's not in any immediate danger so we get the two of you hitched, then we work on sorting Cas's performance problems."
"But?"
"No buts Sammy," Dean insisted. "Cas said he's fine. Hell even Stacey said it just looks like his grace has been bound."
He grinned as he remembered Stacey's reaction when they had left the den after having taken full advantage of the Do Not Disturb sign only to find that everyone was in Bobby's study and was fully aware of what they had been up too. Zara's stage whispered 'you're right Stace he is loud' had her face flaring an extra ordinary shade of red. He had made the mistake of laughing which had gotten him an angry 'laugh it up Dean... you and your right hand should get acquainted because that's the only action you'll be getting any time soon.' She had then stormed upstairs into the shower and hadn't appeared again until they had been leaving for Sam's bachelor party.
It was only then that Stacey had gotten a good look at Cas. Her eyes had glowed softly as she focused intently on him. She had told them that Cas's grace was intact, bright beneath the surface of his vessel but that it was contained in a ribbon of gold energy that she had never seen before and had no idea how to fix. So with the assurance that Cas was in no immediate danger they had gone out and celebrated Sam's last few nights as a single guy.
Dean dragged himself from the bed. He rolled his neck and shoulders letting out a satisfied sigh as the he stretched out the kinks in his muscles.
"Put the guilt away Sammy you're marrying the girl of your dreams today."
Sam smiled brilliantly, his hazel eyes sparkled as his earlier uncertainty disappeared.
"Yeah I am."
"Awesome! You shower I'll check on the girls."
"Dean?"
"Yes Sammy?"
"Pants."
"Hey Cas." Dean called as he walked into Bobby's study a short while later, a suit bag held loosely in his hand. He paused in front of his friend who sat unmoving on the edge of the sofa. He could swear that Castiel hadn't moved since he'd left him the evening before, which since his friend had no need to sleep and recalling his tendency to simply "wait" he probably hadn't.
"Hello Dean."
"No change?"
No matter what he had said to Sam, Dean was worried about his friend. He knew that Cas worried about his continued absence from heaven. Fear for his family weighing heavily on him. If Raphael was responsible, hell even if he wasn't he was likely to take full advantage of Cas's incapacity.
"No." Castiel replied simply.
"Listen Cas we'll get Sammy and Zara hitched then we'll get your wings back." Dean sighed as Cas looked down uncertainly.
"Cas we'll fix this I promise."
"I fear that I am being punished –"
"God dammit that's bull Cas." Dean growled out in frustration as he ran a hand angrily through his hair. "No ... do you know what I'm not getting into this with you now Cas. We'll fix you tomorrow."
Dean handed the bag in his hand to Castiel. "Bathrooms free. Go get changed it's almost time to go."
Castiel looked at the bag in his hand noticing for the first time his friends' formal attire.
"I know I look good." Dean grinned at the expression on his friends face. "Go on it's time to suit up."
Without a word Castiel nodded solemnly and left the room.
"Christ I could use a drink—"Dean stood for a moment before turning and stalking over to Bobby's desk. Pulling a bottle of scotch from the drawer he looked at it longingly. "It's gotta be noon somewhere."
"Stop right there Winchester—"
Dean gaze flickered up to meet laughing brown eyes. His breath catching as his eyes roamed over the woman standing in the doorway.
"Looking hot Stace." Dean said as he put down the bottle and walked towards her. Stacey in jeans and t-shirt was hot, but Stacey in a dress that was a whole other level of hotness. He had to hand it to Zara, she certainly knew how to pick a dress. A strapless sheath of purple silk clung to Stacey's full breasts the fabric wrapped around her curves, before falling softly to the floor. Her long hair a mass of soft curls piled high on her head leaving her neck and shoulders bare save for a few loose curls. She was breathtaking.
Stacey blushed furiously as she watched Dean's eyes roam appreciatively over her. "It's a dress Dean."
"Yeah but what a dress." Dean said as he caught her lips in a soft kiss. "Remind me to thank Zara later."
"You don't look so bad yourself." Stacey said breathlessly. She ran her hands lightly over Dean's chest pausing as she felt an unmistakeable bulge beneath his jacket. "You're packing?"
Dean laughed a brow raised in question. "Like you're not?"
"Well a girl needs her protection." Stacey replied, pulling the fabric of her dress apart to reveal an expanse of creamy flesh and a knife secured firmly to her thigh.
"That's my girl."
Dean pulled Stacey towards him, his lips seeking out the curve of her neck. He smiled as he felt a tremor run through her and felt his body react in response.
"Good God don't make me get out the hose—"Bobby grumbled as he walked into the study, "cause I don't think Zara and Sam'll be happy if I ruin those outfits splitting you two idgits up."
Dean and Stacey sprang apart.
"Bobby." Dean grinned unrepentantly.
"Sorry Uncle Bobby."
xxOOxx
"Okay Zara I think it's time." Stacey said looking at her watch. They were in a small room at the back of the church, waiting for Sam, Dean and Castiel to get into position.
"You look so beautiful. Sam won't be able to keep his eyes off you."
Zara had chosen the most exquisite gown, the strapless bodice decorated in tiny crystals and white chiffon falling loosely over the swell of her expanding stomach. It's long skirt skimming the floor, a train of soft fabric flowing behind her in a sea of white. She had left her red hair loose, curling softly over her shoulders with only two small diamond pins adorning it.
"Do you think so?" Zara whispered softly, her grey eyes filling with tears.
"I do... now no crying or you'll get me started." Stacey handed Zara a small bouquet of white and pink roses and a white handkerchief, "just in case."
"Just in case."
A moment later a knock at the door announced Bobby's arrival. He stuck his head around the door and glanced at the two women. "Ready?"
"Yes." Zara said as she walked over to the man who had become a father to her and took his arm. "I'm ready dad."
Bobby smiled as he looked down at the young woman, his heart swelling with emotion. All of the youngsters in his care were like children to him, but Zara was the first person ever to call him dad, and he was honoured. He clasped a hand over hers and squeezed. "Well let's go get you married then."
Stacey grinned. "Want my tissue Uncle Bobby?"
"Idgit."
Standing at the altar, Sam at one side and Castiel to the other, Dean watched his brother carefully. He could tell that Sam was nervous; his hands were trembling as he fidgeted with his cuffs. "You okay?"
"Yeah, I'm good." Sam replied, his eyes never leaving the double doors at the end of the aisle. "She'll be here right?"
Dean laughed. "Sammy they arrived two minutes after us... relax."
"You've got the rings?"
"Yes Sammy I have the rings."
"Sorry nervous I guess."
"Really I couldn't tell bitch." Dean grinned.
"Jerk." Sam grinned back, rocking slightly on the balls of his feet as he started to relax.
The two men and the angel looked up as the double doors leading to the sanctuary opened and the organist began to play. Stacey stepped onto the aisle and began the slow walk towards the altar.
Sam heard Dean's intake of breath as his girlfriend walked towards them, but his eyes never left the open doors as he waited, breath held for Zara to appear. It seemed like an eternity, but it took only seconds for her to step into the open doorway, her hand gripping tightly to Bobby's arm. She was like a vision in white as she walked down the aisle, her grey eyes luminous as they met his and held. His heart pounded painfully in his chest as they reached the altar and Bobby placed Zara's hand in his and stepped away to stand beside Stacey.
"You look beautiful." Sam whispered softly.
"Thank you."
The ceremony lasted for only a short while, Sam and Zara beaming at each other as they spoke their vows and exchanged rings.
"Samuel, Zara" the minister nodded to the couple. "I now pronounce you husband and wife. Sam you may kiss your bride."
Sam looked down at Zara, his hand in hers and smiled before pulling her into a searing kiss, the sounds of his brothers, Bobby's and Stacey's cheers ringing in his ears. The sound of clapping and a familiar drawl had him pulling away, his body instinctively shielding his new wife.
"Well now isn't this a picture... moose and his squeeze. The happy couple gotta say I'm crushed after everything we went through and I don't get invited."
"Son of a bitch!" Dean cursed as stepped in front of his brother, Stacey and Bobby had drawn their weapons, the three now standing defensively in front of the now married couple.
"This is a house of God you have no business being here." Castiel commanded, his sword held tightly in his hand. "Be gone or you will be laid to waste."
"Is that any way to address an old friend and after I came here to help, but hey..." he said raising his hands and backing away. "If you don't want my help I'll be off."
"Crowley wait!" Dean shouted. He didn't like it, but if Crowley had said he'd come to help, then what was coming. "Help with what?"
"Oh never mind me, just got wind that something was coming, something big and you know me I always like to be on the winning side, which usually means you bozos."
"What's coming?" Sam said his arm protectively around Zara.
The words had no sooner left his mouth than the lights began to flicker and the building began to tremble, power building as an unnatural wind filled the expanse of the sanctuary.
The occupants of the room stood weapons drawn, waiting. Castiel walked and stood beside the King of Hell, the first line of defence against the approaching supernatural force.
Dean watched as the doors to the sanctuary flew open, a sense of de ja vu as he remembered his first encounter with Cas. The feelings invoked in him eerily similar to that meeting. He glanced at Stacey, her eyes were wide as she watched the figure appear in the doorway but her hand holding the knife had fallen to her side,.
"Stace?"
Stacey glanced towards Dean, the concern evident in his eyes. "It's okay... I'm sure it's okay." The certainty of her words at odds with the violence of the power swirling in the room.
All eyes were on the being who had stepped into the sanctuary and began to walk towards them, lights shattering as she passed. The woman walking towards them was as Dean had always imagined an angel to look, blond hair tied loosely in a braid hung casually over one shoulder, bright violet eyes, in a face which screamed serenity. Her feet were bare and she wore a dress of pale gold.
She stopped before Castiel and Crowley, her eyes turning on the demon.
"You dare to come into my Father's house?"
Crowley visibly paled under the scrutiny of the Angel as she stared unblinkingly at him. "I came to protect the child."
"For your own gain I have no doubt." She said quietly, "Be gone and be warned. Your kind are no longer permitted to walk the earth. Spread the word any demon found walking the earth after the sun sets on this day will be shown no mercy."
Crowley nodded quickly, and without argument disappeared.
The Angel turned her attention to Castiel. "Castiel my brother."
"Dominion."
The Angel nodded. "Very good brother, you have not forgotten your teachings."
"Why have you come?"
"It is time for the balance to be restored. No longer will angels and demons be permitted to walk this earth for their own agenda. Father has decreed that Heaven and Hell be restored and the earth allowed peace. I am returning to Heaven to bring order to our family."
"Raphael?"
"Raphael will be brought to account for his actions... as will you Castiel."
Castiel nodded, his head bowed as he accepted whatever fate the Angel before him decreed. "I will return to Heaven then."
Dean listened in disbelief as the angel spoke of punishment for his friend.
"Hold up—" Dean said as he stepped forward. "Cas has only ever done what he thought was best. You can't punish him and you can't take him from us he's our family."
Dominion laughed the sound melodic as it filled the interior of the church. "You challenge me Dean Winchester."
"Damn right I do... Cas is my family. I don't give a shit what your Father wants he ain't going back to Heaven to be punished."
"I see..." Dominion said thoughtfully. "Castiel do you feel as he does that these humans are your family?"
"I do."
"Castiel it was never my intention that you be punished, but no angel of power can be left on earth. The threat to the balance is too great-" Dominion said thoughtfully. "There is a solution, but I fear that you will be unwilling to pay the price which would allow you to stay."
"I can stay?"
"At a cost Castiel...For as long as you live you will not be permitted to return to Heaven and your grace will remain bound. For all intents and purposes you will be human brother. Are you willing to sacrifice your home and your grace for your human family?"
"Yes." Castiel replied without hesitation.
"Very well... it is done." Dominion said softly. "Now I must ask a favour of you."
"Anything sister."
"The human vessels are being returned to their homes, but my vessel has no family she has been with me for millennia. It would please me greatly if you could take care of her when I return to Heaven."
Castiel glanced at the Winchesters, smiling as both brothers nodded their agreement. "Yes I would be honoured to take care of your vessel."
Dominion glanced over at the small human group and smiled. She walked slowly up the stairs, pausing when she reached Zara.
"May I." She asked, her hand hovering lightly over the swell of Zara's stomach. At Zara's nod she placed it gently down. "You are blessed child. Your son will grow to be a strong man."
"A son?"
"Yes a son." Dominion answered, a serene smile appearing momentarily on her face as she looked at the young woman before she simply disappeared.
"Son of a ... Cas who the freaking hell was that?" Dean shouted as the Angel disappeared.
"That was Dominion."
"And?"
"She is the angel of balance. Her purpose is to ensure that the balance of power on Earth is maintained."
"Well she did a super job of maintaining balance when we were getting our asses kicked by Michael and Lucifer." Dean growled, green eyes flashing angrily. Just when he thought they'd seen the last of the winged wonders another popped up.
"I do not know why Father prevented her from returning." Castiel said, a hint of uncertainty colouring his usually stoic tone.
"Well she's here now and kicking Crowley's ass to the curb."
Dean laughed, remembering the expression on the King of Hell's face as he disappeared. The powerful angel was kicking ass and sending all demons back to Hell and recalling all angels to Heaven. He has no idea what that meant for them? Probably nothing, there were still an infinite number of other monsters out there for them to deal with.
"It would appear so."
"Uhh guys." Stacey interrupted. "Forgetting something?"
She gestured to where Sam stood holding Zara, an anxious look on his face. Zara looked ready to cry.
Clapping his hands together Dean said "Right, time to celebrate."
"Maybe now isn't the time Dean." Zara whispered tearfully. Whenever she'd let herself imagine getting married she hadn't thought that the ceremony would have been interrupted not only by an Angel but the King of Hell.
Dean watched as a myriad of emotions flashed across his new sister in laws face, ending on a soft look as she pressed her hand to her swollen stomach.
"No Zara, wedding, champagne and cake, then Angel and Demon crap." Dean insisted. "This is our bit of normal and I'll be damned if I let those sons of bitches ruin it for the two of you."
TBC
