Note: English is not my native language and this is my first story I write on English. If there are any spelling and grammar mistakes, please be condescending. Thank you :)
I started this as a one shot after The Purge because I felt terrible about Dean and thought he needed someone to comfort him and be there for him. But somehow I couldn't let it go and that's how other situations appeared in my mind with the same character (Nichole). So the chapters are more like fragments from here and there of what's happened after The Purge but still are connected to each other.

Dean just watched at his brother's back as Sam was going to his room. That conversation didn't go well at all. Dean didn't expect such sharp reaction from Sammy who simply said he would've let his bigger brother die, if their places were switched. Dean closed his eyes trying to forget for the emotional pain that was bursting inside his chest. Oh, he didn't regret for his choice to save him. He would've done it again, if he had to. If only Sam could've understand. He was his little brother no matter what and he loved him so Dean would do anything to keep his life and give him the chance of a normal one.

The sound of light footsteps made him look at the door. Nichole came in and stared at him with her deep all-knowing eyes. So she had overheard his quarrel with Sam. Even without her nephilim mo-jo on full mode she could still do some things that were impossible for common man. He could clearly remember the first time they met. She went through so much since that day. Nichole was always there for them, always protecting Sammy and him, doing her best to keep them alive so they could save the day. When they asked her why she's doing that she just muttered that it's been about time someone to make the right decisions and take the right side in this shadow war for power and dominance over the human race. And in that war she sacrificed everything for the Winchester brothers. Dean saw her giving up on her grace, exchanging her wings for his and Sam's lives. And when Cas explained him what this does to an angel or nephilim Dean felt so guilty for destroying her chances for eternal life in heaven. But he also knew that if she had to make the same choice again she wouldn't give a second thought to do exactly the same thing as the first time. She and Cas… They were the Winchesters' guardian angels. They were friends that they could rely on. It was quite fun teaching Nicci how to hunt without her mo-jo. That process had its ups and downs but in the end she knew everything that a proper hunter had to know about the monsters and the ways of killing them. It was hard for her to get used to the normal human life but she knew more about it than Cas so she was fine. And somewhere between the awkward moments of explanations and the trainings and the hunts Dean fell for her. She was so enthusiastic and so optimistic about everything that only watching her big bright smile could make your day. Nichole was the type of girl who never showed fear and was ready for adventure any time possible. She stood her ground firmly and never gave up when she wanted something. Sometimes she was stubborn like a little girl but still charming and caring. Somehow she managed to teach Sammy and him to cherish and enjoy life, to be happy for the little things. And that was powerful lesson because pain changed people and only happiness was capable of battling it. It turned out that Nichole was interested in Dean and it just happened so naturally. Dean didn't know why she would choose him or what she liked about him but the simple truth was he loved her and didn't care about that as long as she was beside him. And Nichole made him so happy for that short time. And then Dean sent her away because of Sam. Gadreel, pretending to be Ezekiel, told him that any angel or nephilim near them could draw attention and put Sam and him in danger. So, as usual, Dean chose his brother over everything else. Sam was so pissed because of that he claimed they weren't family and brothers anymore. Now with Nichole back in the bunker Dean didn't know what to expect. She was probably furious at him, just like Sam. And all he wanted was his little family back together and happy.

"You came to jaw at me?" asked Dean more sharply than he intended.

Her lips formed faint bitter smile.

"Really, Dean? Do you really think I came to preach you moral?" Nichole sighed and left the book she was holding on the table. She looked tired and exhausted. There were circles around her eyes and her skin was so pale she could be the freaking Snow White.

"So you're not mad at me?" he asked again. Nichole looked him in the eyes. He could see the storm of anger and rage inside her.

"Oh, I'm pissed. I'm so pissed that if I had my powers, I'd probably kick your ass from here to hell and back!"

"So you're mad at me…" his hope that this wouldn't end with another squabble died.

"You lied to me, Dean. I knew what I was getting into but you lied to me. And yes, for fucking good reason, but you didn't trust me and that's just…" she stared at the ceiling as if it could give her the right words "I knew that you always put Sam on first place. And I was fine with this because otherwise you won't be Dean Winchester I know. I just thought that you'd be honest with me about that".

"Gadreel said that if…" Dean tried to explain himself. Nichole laughed and her laugh was so bitter and full of accusations.

"I know why you sent Cas and me away, Dean. That however doesn't make me feel less pain. And that's the problem because I thought there's nothing that can hurt me that much anymore but apparently I was wrong!"

Dean could feel the fear in his stomach. He had lost everything and everyone. He couldn't lose Sammy, Cas or Nichole. And he didn't know what to do anymore. Everyone was turning back on him no matter how hard he was trying.

"And still" she whispered, "the reason you pushed me away is the very reason that I already forgave you". Nichole gave him a quick warm glance, came closer and put her hands around his neck. "Sam's wrong, you know?" she said not turning her gaze away from him, "He's acting like little selfish bitch but he'll come to his sense. Or I'll help him"

Dean smiled for real for first time in days. She was capable of doing it and imagining that cheered him up a bit.

"You always put everyone else on first place and you're always ready to sacrifice everything for them. I know that so well that sometimes I wish to kick your ass for that. You need to know that Sam's so angry because you never take his opinion and decisions under consideration. And still you did what you had to. You did it because he's your brother and you love him. You did it for the right reasons", she smiled, and added "I think Cas already told you that"

"Yeah, you angels got the habit of saying one and same thing with almost the same words." Her smile grew bigger and she hugged him

"Good, but I'm only half an angel with no mo-jo".

Sometimes Dean thought he didn't deserve her. She really was his angel – always forgiving and understanding, giving support, hope and comfort, taking the pain away and replacing it with little grains of happiness and peace. He looked at her while she was leading their way to her room. He felt warmth and calmness that he didn't experienced for long time. Nichole was the one who never left his side, always showing consideration for Sam and him. For the first time he realized that she reckoned with his decisions no matter what and that in her life he was the one that always came first.

Already in the bed she cuddled next to him and put her head on his chest. Dean smiled and hugged her tightly, he was so lucky to have her. His fingers started playing with her hair and his thoughts went back to the mess that was outside the room's walls – angels, demons, sons of bitches and so much death. Nichole lifted her head and stared at him. She always knew when he was anxious.

"We'll kick their asses – Metatron, Abaddon, Gadreel and Crowley…"she smiled and her eyes burned with a faint show of angelic fire "We'll save the day and everything will be fine." Her cold fingers went back down his arm and stopped on Cain's mark. "We'll figure it all. I promise." Dean kissed her forcefully, trying to show her how much she meant for him.

"I know, Nicci. We'll do it." She smiled from ear to ear and kissed him back rolling over him.

"Of course we'll do it. 'Cause you're Batman".