John Constantine lit a cigarette and put it to his mouth, taking an unconcerned puff. Gabriel watched him with mild interest, "Those things'll kill you, John."

"Like they aren't already?" He grunted, exhaling the smoke. Gabriel sighed, dark blonde locks dancing gently about her head in the wind. She opened her mouth to say something more, but John interrupted her, "Now's not the time for a lecture, wings. What does God want from me this time?"

"Wings, eh? I can't say that's a new one. Our Father needs you to find someone."

"He can't do it himself?"

"You're very close to blasphemy, John. He knows where she is, but as you know, God rarely intervenes directly. Do not forget why humanity was created."

"To be playtoys?" John sneered sarcastically and Gabriel's eyes narrowed. Constantine knew that he had crossed the line on the one. He sighed, and dropped his gaze in a signal of compliance.

"To glorify and worship him." She replied stiffly.

John could see that she was struggling not to unleash her angelic, righteous fury on his mortal soul. "I'm sorry." He said finally, hating to admit he was in the wrong. He really did tread close to blaspheming when Gabriel was around. She brought out a good deal of his embittered, sarcastic side. "It's a 'she'?"

"Yes," Gabriel was relieved to move beyond his childish nature, "She runs an establishment near the Brooklyn Bridge. Locals have nicknamed it 'Saving Grace' and it is run as a soup kitchen by day and a Sanctuary by night."

"Sanctuary? Like a homeless shelter?" John frowned. It sounded like she was an angelic half-breed. They were always taking menial jobs.

"No, John. Mary Alvir is one of the rare individuals on this plane who is purely benevolent, in every aspect." Thunder crashed overhead and fat raindrops began to fall. Gabriel remained spotless but John was rapidly soaked from head to toe. "Her Sanctuary is a safe house...Half-breeds may seek refuge under her roof."

"Oh, well that's intelligent," John muttered. It was hard enough for Papa Midnite to have a neutral zone. Since when could anyone actually have peace with the halfbreeds sleeping under one roof.

"It's kind, John!" Gabriel exclaimed, shocked at how bitter he seemed. Had Constantine really slipped so far? "John, I fear you have been to Hell too many times." She said quietly, feeling a sad sort of sympathy for the poor mortal.

"No, really!" John shouted back, "It's about time you a-holes got that through your d-mn heads! I never asked for this," He flung his arms out wide, indicating the whole world, "I never wanted to be a hero!" Gabriel drew back in dismay, but this time her eyes were soft and understanding. Condescending little–John thought angrily. He didn't want her pity. He wanted peace.

"I understand, John." She let out her breath in a little sigh(which was entirely for his benefit. Angels had no need to breathe.) John opened his mouth to fire back a hot denial, but something about the softened tone of her voice made him wonder if she truly did understand. "If that really is the case, then Mary will be good for you."

"Setting me up on blind dates now?" He quipped dryly and Gabriel rolled her eyes.

"Hardly. In fact, I rather doubt you will find much of a romantic interest in her whatsoever. Try not to think of her as a bleeding heart or a pawn...just let her Be. You might be amazed at how much good it will do you."

Gabriel started to fade away, but John wasn't through. "Is she human?" He shouted, hoping that Gabriel wouldn't just ignore him, "Or is she just another half-breed?"

Gabriel paused and studied him thoughtfully, "Mary Alvir is human." She said finally, and it seemed like she wanted to say more. Suddenly, she glanced up at the sky and smiled slightly, a hint of bliss creeping over her features, "I will see you again soon, John. Don't go looking for trouble. Just find Mary and...John?"

"Yeah?"

"Stay out of Hell for awhile, alright?"

"...Alright."

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How was it? Please give me reviews! I am especially anxious to keep John in character. Secondly, all curse words in my story are likely to be abbreviated or edited in some way. I have aproblem with bad language, but I know that John uses them proficiently. I'm still rating it 'T', just in case. Let me know how you liked it!