It was still dark out when Castiel arrived at the meeting place, an abandoned warehouse. It was bare except for a few old lights that flickered above him. He wasn't planning on staying long. Dean was still sleeping peacefully in bed and he had promised to stay the night. If it wasn't for Balthazar requesting to meet, he would still be at the motel with Dean nestled in his arms. He had a good reason for coming.
Balthazar held up a glass of champagne in his hand, "Ah, you made it! I wasn't sure you would come. Care for a drink?"
Castiel turned to face him, annoyance written on his face.
"I know what you did at the bar tonight."
Balthazar grimaced, "Yeah, I know you don't like people getting involved with your … 'business' but honestly I couldn't watch anymore. If I didn't know any better I would say you're … what's the human expression?"
He paused a moment before snapping his fingers and pointing, "Ah! Whipped."
Castiel glared at him.
"Oh don't be like that. I was doing you a favor. Who knows how long it would have taken him to finally be public about you two. Besides everyone knows you're together anyway. I don't see the bloody big deal about it." He took a sip of the champagne.
"You had no right!"
Balthazar threw up his hands in mock surrender, "All right I promise I'll never get involved again. Happy?"
Castiel studied his expression as if deciding on whether or not he was telling the truth.
After several minutes of intense contemplation he seemed to accept it as genuine and, with a fluttering of wings, Castiel disappeared from the building. Once it was clear he wasn't coming back, out from the shadows of the warehouse came another figure. Another glass of champagne appeared in Balthazar's hand.
"I'd say we're about done wouldn't you?"
"Hopefully," said Sam as he stood next to him.
Balthazar passed him the other glass which Sam hesitantly accepted. The angel then tapped their glasses together in a toast before taking another drink.
"How did you convince that guy at the bar to go along with it?"
"He was already thinking about it. I just gave him an extra boost of confidence."
Sam looked at him skeptically.
"He's fine I promise. Unlike some of my brothers I actually enjoy human company. They're more fun to be around." He looked Sam in the eyes and smiled, "Wouldn't you say?"
Sam grimaced at the implication, "Don't tell me Cas...?"
"Well since we're on good terms again he thought it might be important to know … just in case."
Sam groaned in frustration, "I can't believe him. No one else was supposed to know about what happened with Gabriel."
"Don't worry your secret is safe with me."
Balthazar casually slid his arm around the hunter's shoulders, "Though if you ever want some company…"
"Yeah …" annoyed, Sam pushed his arm off, "I'll keep that in mind. I'm just glad it's over. It was getting really hard to be around both of them."
The angel smiled, "You don't have to tell me. I've honestly lost track of how many conversations involved your brother. I feel like I know more about him than I ever cared to."
"Try watching the two of them together."
"Hmm … now there's a thought." Balthazar paused, "Though he probably would kill me if I did that..."
"Wait what?"
Author's Note
Due to an unfortunate family related event I had to delay posting this chapter.
I want to thank Ventorum for the great job she did beta-ing this chapter. (I've had the worst luck finding a beta in the past).
If any of you are curious about the other stories in this series check my profile. It has all the stories in the series listed in order.
While writing this story I found it was easier to write Balthazar than it was to write Gabriel. I found that a little surprising.
Bonus: So a friend of mine and I were talking about Dean/Castiel and tramp stamps. I joked that when Castiel modified the Winchester brothers' ribs that maybe he put a property of Castiel on it.
Reviews/favorites are greatly appreciated.
