Title: Seraphs and Phoenix Wings (4/?)
Author: daksgirl
Rating: Teen this chapter

Pairings:hints at Dean/Castiel
Genre: Family/ Drama
Spoilers: All season 5 and 6 just to be safe.
Warnings: Cursing, drinking?, that's about it!

Word Count: 3,453 (WIP)
Summary: Crowley has some information, and Dean gets to witness an angel cat fight.

A/N: Again, thank you guys so much for reading and leaving feedback, I really appreciate it. :) I haven't watched Season 5 for so long, so the whole Lucifer raising Death thing probably won't be at all like it was on the show haha, so consider it a bit AR from episode 5.10 now! Bit dialogue heavy this chapter, but needed it for the plot. Enjoy!

…..

It was the sound of Sam's foot thudding to the floor that woke Dean up.

With a disgruntled grunt, the hunter jerked his head up, blinking in the bright sunlight that streamed into the small study, stinging his eyes. It took a moment to figure out where he was, and Dean groaned, rubbing a hand through his short hair. Must have fallen asleep… He glanced down and grimaced. Great. A small pool of drool had accumulated beneath him and he sighed, scrubbing his sticky cheek and the desk with the sleeve of his shirt.

Over on the short couch Bobby generally used to pile old books on, Sam had somehow managed to fit his hulking form. He had tucked himself into a fetal position, one leg practically tucked against his chest, but the other had shifted in his sleep; slipping off the couch and causing the thud that had woken Dean up.

Gabriel was slumped nearby; back pressed against the couch legs and head tilted back, mouth wide and snoring. His hair tickled Sam's nose with each inhale, and the younger Winchester grunted in his sleep, nose twitching. His leg had narrowly missed the archangel, just brushing alongside the angel's side. As Dean watched, Sam snuffled, kicking his foot out and catching Gabriel on the thigh.

Dean winced, expecting Gabriel to wake up and the two to have a go at each other, but the archangel merely grunted, not waking as he shifted around. The years of sharing rooms and sometimes beds, had made the Winchesters aware of things even while asleep, and Sam seemed aware he had kicked someone.

He reached out with one hand, patting the air until he found Gabriel's head. Dean bit his lip, repressing a snicker as Sam sighed, stroking Gabriel's hair apologetically, probably in sleep thinking it was Dean and not an archangel. Gabriel sighed something, turning his face further into the touch.

Oh man what he would give for a camera right about now.

Dean shook his head wryly, standing on numb legs. He winced at the soreness in his muscles from sleeping stooped over at an angle, and slowly hobbled his way over to the living room.

A quick glance into the room and Dean had to press a fist to his mouth to stifle another laugh.

On the couch were Jo and Ellen. Ellen was sprawled loosely, arms flung out and Jo's head nestled on her mother's lap; blonde hair strewn in a tangled mess, arm slung over her eyes. Jo was cuddling a beer bottle.

But it wasn't those two that had Dean chuckling.

Castiel was lying on the floor; face down. It seemed he had managed to convince Gabriel to return his usual clothing; the suit outfit was back, though horribly askew. The suit coat was half on one arm, and off the other; the shirt underneath wrinkled and no longer tucked into the black dress trousers. Dean couldn't remember how late the group kept drinking, but it must have been pretty late, judging by devastation.

Cas's blue tie was wrapped around his head, one shoe was missing and his trench coat had been flung over the back of the couch. As Dean watched, the angle snuffled something in his sleep, rubbing his cheek against the carpet kittenishly, as he tried to curl into a smaller ball. His shirt sleeves had been rolled up sloppily, and Dean could see goose bumps forming along the pale skin.

The hunter sobered slightly at that. Mortal Cas wasn't something he'd ever wanted to see again, no thanks to Zachariah, and an old familiar guilt clawed at his insides.

Shaking his head, Dean retrieved the wayward trench coat. Carefully he covered the twitching Castiel with it, smiling as the angel curled into it happily, sighing.

"Like a damn cat," he muttered lowly, eyes crinkling with affection. Castiel merely murmured contentedly, tugging the coat higher over his head in an effort to block out the sun.

A low groan signaled Ellen had awoken, and Dean straightened, grinning over at the woman as she blinked blearily at him. Sensing her mother's movement, Jo stirred as well, lowering her arm enough to blink in the sun, and promptly retreat back under it with a dismayed yelp.

"Had a bit much last night?" Dean asked sweetly. He narrowly avoided the pillow Ellen threw at him.

"Shut it smartass," Ellen winced, slumping back against the couch as she closed her eyes. "Oh God. I am never drinking again."

There was a chuckle, and Dean turned to see Gabriel enter, looking none the worse for wear. He winked over at Ellen and the groaning Jo. "At least until 6pm right?"

Ellen smiled, massaging her temples as she closed her eyes. "Remind me to never try and drink an archangel under the table. 'Aint gonna work."

Gabriel smirked, snapping his fingers. Both women were suddenly blinking, hangovers gone. "Damn straight. But at least we can clean up after ourselves."

The talking finally woke up Castiel, and the angel cautiously poked his head out from his trench coat blanket, hair sticking up at crazy angles. Dean grinned down at him as the angel blearily tugged the tie from his head, blinking in confusion.

"Morning Sunshine. Sleep well?"

Castiel scowled up at him, slowly rolling into a sitting position. "I…believe so." He pressed a hand to his head, wincing. "My head…"

Gabriel swept past Dean, reaching out his hand to thread his fingers through Castiel's unruly hair. "You never were much of a morning person kiddo," he said fondly.

Dean's stomach lurched suddenly, catching him by surprise. Something bristled and snarled, hissing as the archangel slowly combed the stubborn inky threads back into submission.

Don't touch him, he's mine, no touch…

His train of thought was luckily derailed as Bobby barreled down the stairs. The bristling hissing retreated back to the dark corners of his mind, and Dean was instantly on alert, jealousy temporarily forgotten.

"Bobby? You ok?" he demanded. Sam emerged from the study, wiping his eyes hurriedly.

"Trouble?" he asked.

Bobby headed straight to the window, flicking the curtain aside. He already had a shotgun in one hand, and Dean had to admire the older hunter for being so prepared. Sometimes he forgot how badass Bobby could be.

"Think so," Bobby said lowly. "Unless someone was expecting company."

As if in an old Scooby Doo cartoon, everyone hurried to the window, jostling for a place to look out. Jo actually shoved Sam out of the way to peer out, wiping at the moisture that had gathered there, as he glared at her.

There, along the fence of Bobby's junkyard, stood a dark-clad figure. A man by the look of it, wearing all black. Ellen arched an eyebrow.

"Judgin' by the way he's toeing those wards of yours, a demon."

Bobby snorted. "Must be dumber than a box o' rocks to just stand there, brazen as you please."

Gabriel looked grim as he pulled away from the window.

"It's Crowley."

Sam peered over Jo's head, eyes wide. "The demon who gave you the Colt? What's he want?"

Gabriel headed towards the door. "Only one reason he'd come here. He's found the devil."

…

Crowley watched the group approach, shoving his hands into his pockets. There was a bruise on his left cheek, and a graze near his temple but otherwise he looked the same as he did when Castiel had seen him last. Arrogant, cocky. Intensely dislikeable.

Bobby had a shotgun in front of him, leveled at the demon, ("I aint greetin' a demon without a firearm, you idjit!" he had shouted when Gabriel had attempted to dissuade him), Dean and Sam were likewise armed; guns with salt rounds. The group paused just short of the fence, behind the wards Bobby had painted.

Crowley looked bemused. "This is the greeting I get? I hope you don't greet all guests that come a'calling that way."

Castiel tried to ignore the pounding in his head. "Speak then. You bring news I hope."

The demon tsked lightly. "Manners, Castiel. Aren't you going to introduce me to your pets? I've heard so much about them." He turned to the humans, eyeing the Winchester's up and down. "Sadly, I think most of it was exaggerated."

Dean bristled. "Well you've probably heard what we do with demons," he growled. "I'll exorcise you before you can blink you evil son-of-a-"

"Down boy," Crowley interrupted. "I have a deal with the angels. Can't hurt a hair on your pretty little head even if I wanted to!" He snorted, looking over at Sam. "Besides, I'd have a hell of a time reaching yours, wouldn't I Moose?"

Gabriel held a hand up placatingly as Sam blustered. "Alright, everyone just relax. Crowley is a dick, but he's an informed dick." He crossed his arms, looking at the demon pointedly. "So inform us."

Crowley chortled. "Right you are. But, before I do, mind letting me in? Bit drafty out here."

Bobby hefted his shotgun up at that, face thunderous. "Hell no. I aint lettin' no demon in my house. You say your piece then disappear off my property."

Crowley arched an eyebrow at the human before glancing over at Gabriel. "And this handsome fellow would be?"

"Bobby Singer," Bobby growled. "And you best remember that."

"Oh I will darling," Crowley smirked. "But to be perfectly honest with you, I can't go anywhere."

Sam was scowling at the demon, and his frown only deepened. "What?"

Ignoring him, Crowley turned to the angels. "Look, I'm in a spot of bother. You weren't the only ones after the Colt. A group of demons turned up at my house a little while after you lot left. Told you this would backfire."

Dean crossed his arms. "So what? Like we should care."

Crowley's cool façade slipped then, and the demon's eyes flashed, his teeth bared as he snarled.

"The little shits burnt down my HOUSE!" he bellowed. "They ate my tailor! Do you know how hard it is to find a decent tailor? Harder than trying to pry apart a nun's legs!"

Halting himself, the demon cleared his throat, smoothing his hands down the front of his coat. "I had to up sticks pretty quickly. I was lucky to get away with my life."

"Oh cry me a river," Bobby drawled and Crowley glared over at him.

"It's time to make good on our deal." The demon turned back to the angels. "I'm on a wanted list thanks to helping you two. Scary people like I said." Crowley shrugged his shoulders. "You take me in; I'll tell you where Lucifer is. Luckily I got that info out of one of the little bastards before he… left this plain of existence."

Dean rolled his eyes, shooting an amused look at Sam. "Take you in? Yeah like that'll ever happen."

There was a pointed silence as the demon glanced over at the angels, and Dean felt his stomach drop. "Cas?"

The angel sighed heavily, one hand massaging his temple wearily. "We did make a deal Dean."

"And who's stupid idea was that?" Bobby demanded, gun still aimed at Crowley.

Gabriel was unrepentant. "I stand by it. Let him in."

"You can't be serious!" Sam shook his head, eyes disbelieving.

"I'm deadly serious," All three humans were taken aback at the steely determination in the archangel's eyes. "You want to defeat the devil? Let him in. He's bound by contract to not hurt anyone, and I'll make sure of that."

"But-"

Crowley smirked. "You heard the man. Let me in."

For a moment no-one moved, all staring at each other. Then, Bobby slowly dropped his shotgun, scowling and pointing one finger angrily at the demon.

"Fine. But you're stayin' inside a devil's trap until I figure out what to do with you. I aint taking no risks."

Crowley groaned. "Well that sounds-" the demon trailed off at Gabriel's dark look. "-simply wonderful, I'm sure."

…

Bobby ended up putting the protesting demon in the panic room.

"Oh come on. This is like a prison!" Crowley wrinkled his nose. "And it smells funny."

Dean snorted, earning himself a glare from the indignant demon. "Says the guy that reeks of sulfur."

"Bite me."

"Ladies!" The angels were the only ones who actually dared be in the same room as the demon, and Gabriel reclined in the simple wooden chair by the desk, leaning back on two legs precariously.

Crowley sighed heavily, heading towards the simple bed to sit down. "Fine. It's not the Ritz, but it'll do for now." He studied the huge devil trap on the ceiling. "Love what you've done with the place. You simply must give me the name of your decorator."

Ignoring him, Castiel leant against the wall by the open doorway where the humans stood.

"You found the devil then," he said.

Crowley rolled his eyes. "Straight to business then. Yes. Well I didn't find him per say, but I found out where he is."

Gabriel was peering over at the poster of Bo Derek on one wall, eyebrows arching appraisingly. He looked over his shoulder at the demon's words. "Great. Where?"

Crowley huffed. "No 'thank you Crowley? Or good job?' Huh. My tailor died for you, you know."

Sensing the angel's patience was running thin as he was merely glared at pointedly; Crowley's shoulders sagged in defeat. "Missouri. He's in Missouri ok? But that's not the exciting part."

Sam frowned, peering over Dean's head over at the demon. "The exciting part?"

Crowley tapped his nose. "See, the devil may be hanging out there, but he's in that neck of the woods for a reason. He's going to summon Death."

There was a loud clank as Gabriel dropped the chair back onto all four legs. "Death?"

"Yep. Devil already has the other three horsemen, now it's time for the last one. The big D."

Bobby rubbed his eyes tiredly. "That can't mean anythin' good."

Castiel agreed with him. "We still don't understand what role the horsemen have to play in this. But Death's addition is... worrisome."

Crowley tapped a foot impatiently. "Yeah yeah that's all dandy, but don't you blockheads see? The devil can't just up and call Death on the phone, you know. It takes rituals and preparations, painstaking work you have to time just so."

At the blank looks aimed at him, Crowley sighed irritably. "I think I picked the wrong side. You can stop him, you morons. Lucifer can't summon Death until there's a full moon. If you can get to Missouri and shoot him before he can do the ritual-"

"We end it before Death is even summoned," Dean finished. "Let me guess, there's a full moon tomorrow right?"

"Day after tomorrow," the demon replied. "Still doable. So you go to Missouri, kill the devil, everyone goes home and we can all congratulate ourselves on a job well done yeah?"

Bobby glared over at him. "And we should trust you why?"

"Because if he deceives us, his soul is forfeit," Castiel replied. "He speaks truly."

Gabriel was frowning. "It sounds almost too good to be true."

"I shouldn't think so," Crowley said. "The place is crawling with demons. You'll be lucky to get through. In fact you probably won't."

Sam snorted, nudging his brother with an arm. "Nothing like a little bit of optimism."

Dean nodded back. "But we got angels on our team. Evens the odds a bit huh?" He looked over at Castiel. "All Cas has to is glare at them and they go up in flames."

Said glare was aimed in his direction.

Gabriel stood, the chair scraping along the concrete floor and drawing everyone's attention. His eyes were serious. "Castiel isn't going."

The room fell silent as Castiel pushed away from the wall, eyes blazing and jaw set. "What do you mean I'm not going? I most certainly am."

Sam glanced behind him nervously. "Oh gee I um…left a…pie. In the oven. I'm gonna go…get it." He started to shuffle away.

"Let me help you with that," Bobby said, hurrying after him. Only Dean remained in the doorway, watching the two angels glare each other down. Even Crowley pretended to be somewhere else, gazing at the ceiling and humming.

"I mean it Castiel. You need to stay here and guard the ring. Lucifer wants it back. I'm not going to leave it just lying around," Gabriel ground.

"Then we'll take it with us," Castiel growled. "I am going. I'm not leaving Dean and Sam to fight this on their own."

"They won't be. I'll be there."

Dean felt the air shift, and would bet money that there was a hell of a lot of angel wing posturing going on that he couldn't see. It was like watching two cats hiss at each other, and for some reason, he just couldn't look away.

"You're not telling me something!" Castiel accused. "You aren't worried about War's ring. You're hiding something from me."

Gabriel seemed to give slightly at that, taking a step back. "I need you to trust me Castiel. What about Jo and Ellen? If they're staying here they need someone to protect them. The house is vulnerable. And Lucifer is powerful."

"Don't treat me like a child!" Castiel yelled. "I am not a fledgling in need of your protection anymore Gabriel! I am going to fight."

Fledgling? Dean didn't know that word. But this fight was starting to get personal, he should really leave.

Any minute now.

Right.

"I am well aware of that!" Gabriel yelled back. "But you can't fight this. I need you to trust me Castiel, I need you to stay safe and away from Lucifer!"

Castiel's hands had bunched into bloodless fists. "So I cower here whilst Dean puts himself in danger? How is that any better?"

Gabriel's voice lowered slightly, and Dean tried to appear inconspicuous as he ducked to the side to hide behind the wall; out of sight. "I know you care about him a great deal. I will protect him with my life Castiel; believe me when I say that. I'll protect all of them, but Lucifer is far more powerful than I am. If Lucifer were to…"

Gabriel swallowed heavily, and Dean could feel the mood shift in the room. "I won't lose you. If you come and fight the devil, I'll be so blinded in my concern for you, I won't be able to protect the humans. Is that what you want?"

There was a brief silence. "I know you're lying to me Gabriel," Cas's voice was low. "You are hiding something from me. There is another reason you don't wish for me to go."

Dean heard shuffling. "I understand how you feel, but I need you to listen to me. To trust me. I know that's a lot for me to ask considering but…there is so much at stake here little brother. Do you understand that?"

Another short silence. Dean could practically hear Cas's glare. "Yes."

"He isn't the brother we remember Castiel. Lucifer is…something else now. Something terrible. He can't be allowed to regain War's ring, no matter what. I don't know what his plans for it are but…they can't be good. That's why you need to stay here. To guard it."

There was a heavy sigh.

"I still don't believe you completely Gabriel, but I…understand."

Dean could hear the relief in Gabriel's voice. "Do you? Really?"

"Yes. I will…I will stay." Wow did Cas sound bitter. "But you must give me your word that you will do everything in your power to keep Dean and Sam Winchester safe. No tricks, no games. You will keep them safe."

"You have my word. I swear on God, his holy, absent self, that I will protect the Winchesters."

"That's blasphemy Gabriel."

"Dully noted."

Dean risked a glance around the corner of the wall through the doorway and was relieved to see both angels smiling uncertainly at each other. Crowley had slunk to the floor near the bed, the demon trying to appear as inconspicuous as possible, lying flat on the floor and attempting to wriggle to safety under the steel frame. Dean wondered if demons could see angels' wings, if he saw all that posturing.

"There's something else I need to do. Something you can come with me for, if you like," Gabriel offered tentatively.

Castiel cocked his head to the side and Dean felt his stomach flip at the familiar action. "Really. And what would that be?"

Gabriel smirked, crossing his arms and arching an eyebrow. "Thought I'd pay a visit to my other side of the family. See if I can't muster up some cavalry."

Castiel frowned. "I don't understand."

Gabriel grinned, winking roguishly. "We're going to Asgard kiddo. Might wanna dress warm."

….