Title: Seraphs and Phoenix Wings (10/?)
Author: daksgirl
Rating: NC-17

Pairings: Dean/ Castiel, Crowley pretty much flirts with everyone this chapter.
Genre: Family/ Drama
Spoilers: None!
Warnings: Graphic cursing, sexual themes, Potential Trigger Warnings: Discussion of non-con (not sexual, but still a violation), angel breeding (kind of mpreg but not physical- magical grace babies I dunno lol), miscarriage type situation (not totally but it's the only way to describe it), death of a child, violence.

Word Count: 5,568 (WIP)
Summary: Castiel finds Gabriel. And also a lot more than that.

A/N: Please read the warnings. It's kind of hard warning for some of the themes I'm going to be exploring because I'm making a lot of this angel baby stuff up lol but it could be a trigger for some, so I'm warning for it now, especially as the aftermath will affect the next few chapters. Just a heads up! There is also a Grease reference in this chapter. I'm not even sorry. Fenrir quotes a line (slightly changed) from the poem Hákonarmál, found at the end of the Heimskringla saga. Thanks for reading! I live for your reviews :D

…..

Castiel studied the distant cheerful sign mounted boldly out along the roadside, proclaiming the Preston Inn to be "Affordable Luxury for Affordable Prices." No doubt the owner was not expecting Satan to take him up on the offer.

The motel had not been difficult to find with Fenrir leading the way. The wolf had been a dark blur on the ground as Castiel had flown above; long legs striding to keep ahead of the streaking oily blackness that was Crowley. No doubt the three had made an odd sight, but their approach had gone unnoticed.

Demons patrolled the outside of the building, accompanied by hellhounds that barked and snuffled to each other as their irritated handlers tugged on their leashes. The three supernatural beings kept out of sight, sticking to the shadows of the tree line flanking the motel.

Crowley shifted nervously from foot to foot, and Castiel looked up sharply at him from his crouched position. The demon was sweating, tugging nervously on the collar of his shirt. Fenrir crouched low to the ground nearby, eyes focused on the patrolling demons.

"Second thoughts?" Castiel asked wryly. Crowley snorted, fingers leaving his collar to drop limply to his sides where they continued to twitch.

"All the damn time," he muttered.

Castiel resumed watching the motel, trained eyes looking for a weak link in the perimeter that might enable them access. He had spotted one demon, patrolling alone and without a hellhound that might be the solution, when his attention was drawn back to the unhappy demon beside him. Crowley was frowning, shuffling backwards and muttering to himself. As Castiel watched him incredulously, the demon wriggled around, seemingly discontent with something. He finally settled; moving to Castiel's other side and re-positioning himself. Noticing a pair of blue eyes on him, the demon shrugged unapologetically.

"Just moving downwind. You reek of Winchester."

Castiel stiffened, eyes widening with shock. He was sure he heard an amused huff from Fenrir as Crowley rolled his eyes, the demon waving one hand dismissively.

"Oh relax, Sandy. I won't tell anyone about your unlocked chastity belt."

Castiel swallowed hard, wishing he still had the power to smite demons with only a touch. There seemed little point in denying it if the demon could…smell things, and Castiel refused to be embarrassed. Embarrassment implied he was regretful of his actions last night, and Castiel could never regret Dean. He shifted his legs, ignoring the slight burn as he moved and the demon smirked at him.

"And I suppose I'm meant to be grateful?" the angel ground from between clenched teeth. "I'm surprised you didn't inform everyone immediately."

The demon snorted. "Oh yeah that would go over well. I'm not telling the moose that his brother is banging the angel in the backyard. I like my little greasy demonic soul where it is, thank you."

"How noble of you," Castiel said dryly.

Crowley frowned thoughtfully. "And at least you picked the smaller one. Can you imagine getting ploughed by Sam Winchester? Don't get me wrong, I'm sure the boy is very talented, but that giant would snap me in half." Crowley curled his tongue behind his teeth, eyes glinting. "What a way to go though."

The angel groaned, turning back towards the motel. "I am going to ignore you now," Castiel informed him as the demon merely cackled to himself.

Fenrir shifted, turning his serious gaze towards them both. "I believe our opening has arrived."

Castiel glanced in the direction the wolf had been looking, to find a demon had abandoned his post; choosing instead to sidle up to a disgruntled looking female demon who did not seem as infatuated with his presence as he was with hers.

The angel nodded firmly. "Good." He reassured himself that his angel blade was still to hand, feeling its solid weight against his arm. He glanced at the wolf beside him, pausing. "Fenrir, are you sure you will be able to keep the demons occupied as we search for Gabriel?"

The great wolf grinned at him, mouth open wide as he panted, eyes bright. "Oh yes. It has been many moons since Fenrir last tasted the thrill of the jakt-the hunt. It is a fire in my veins that must be slated. I will enjoy this."

Crowley arched an eyebrow. "Wow. A dog after my own heart. Though you can just say it like a normal person you know. You're gonna eat yourself some demons." At Fenrir's dark glower, the demon slapped his forehead sarcastically. "Oh right, giant evil wolf. I almost forgot you're not a normal person."

Castiel moved forward, keeping low to the ground and his wings firmly tucked against his back and out of sight. With a sigh and muttered curse, Crowley followed him, casting worried glances around him as the two moved down the embankment and towards the motel.

Fenrir grinned as he rose to his full height. Keeping his huge head low, he stole forward silently, large paws whispering through the grass as he padded towards the unsuspecting demons. His blood ran hot and fast, his legs trembling with the expectation of a good hunt at last. The Norse God had spent many quiet and lonely years roaming the snowy wastes, living a life of solitude and relative peace after being exiled from Asgard. He had forgotten how much he craved the battles of old, the spurts of body warmed blood as it flowed through his teeth; the life giving liquid ripped from the throats of his enemies. He was Fenrir, the black wolf of Death, King of the Northern packs, one dark day the Slayer of the All Father, and son of Loki. And as discovered very recently, the odd bastard wolf child of an archangel.

Lucifer would pay for what he taken. They all would.

"You will fear me." The demons didn't notice him until it was far, far too late. "Unfettered will fare the Fenris Wolf, and ravage the realm of men."

…..

Castiel hurried down the ruined corridor of the motel, trying to ignore the terrible screams and howls emanating from outside. Crowley followed closely, whistling quietly as a particularly ghastly screech was hastily cut off, trailing into a wet gurgle.

"Wow. That mutt doesn't mess around does he?"

Castiel ignored him, reaching out tenuously with his grace, searching for Gabriel's. He could sense the weak flutter of the older angel's grace, and his eyes hardened. He turned right, down another ruined hallway littered with broken furniture, stepping over the slumped decomposing body of an unfortunate maid.

Crowley grimaced, picked his way delicately over the maid, and tiptoeing through the broken shards of glass. "Someone should fire the maid. What a mess. Oh look, someone already did!"

His amazingly witty humor went unnoticed and the demon nearly walked straight into Castiel's rigid back as the angel froze in front of one of the wooden doors.

"He is inside."

Crowley peered around the angel curiously. "Room 66?" he asked incredulously.

Some bright spark had taken a slathering of the maid's blood and traced out another 6 on the door; the blood crusted and flaking, roughly making room 66, more aptly, 666. Crowley poked at it, looking distinctly unimpressed.

"Come on, that's just tacky. I mean really-"

The demon blinked as without further ado, Castiel leant back and throwing his leg out, broke the door down with one kick; the door bursting inward beneath the demon's hand. Crowley blinked as the angel angrily pushed past the fallen door, moving into the room.

"Well. So much for subtle," the demon remarked.

Castiel ignored him, hurrying towards one of the beds that had been pushed up against the wall. Gabriel was there, lying on his back and eyes closed. Castiel was at his side immediately, hand touching his face lightly. "Gabriel?"

The archangel's face was pale and sweaty, his hair damp and sticking in wet curls to his forehead. His eyes opened slightly as Castiel touched him, his eyes glazed and far away.

"Where is she?" Gabriel murmured, gazing confusedly up at Castiel, one arm rising weakly. Castiel shushed him gently, fingers entwining with Gabriel's as the archangel tugged at his coat.

"It's alright brother. We're here to free you," he said softly. Glancing down his brother's body, he found Gabriel wasn't restrained. Something else must have kept the archangel here, and judging from his brother's state, it seemed magic was at play. Hopefully whatever spell was affecting Gabriel would dissipate once he was removed from the motel.

"Where is she?" Gabriel asked again, raising his head slightly. "I felt her…what did you…where..." His head fell weakly back down onto the pillow, and Castiel shot a glance at the demon hovering behind him. Rolling his eyes, the demon approached, helping Castiel move the archangel into a sitting position. The demon frowned as he felt the Gabriel's forehead with the back of his hand.

"You feeling alright there darling?" he asked carefully. Castiel glanced at him again, but the demon was gazing at Gabriel with genuine concern. "Your little bro was pretty annoying about getting your lovely self back. How 'bout you help us get you up yeah?"

Gabriel swayed sickly, eyes still not focusing. He looked bewilderedly over at Castiel, who still held his hand as the two attempted to get him to stand.

"Castiel?" he asked, voice wavering.

The angel smiled slightly, shuffling closer to his brother. Out of sight, his wings curled forward, attempting to offer reassurance that his physical body could not. "Yes Gabriel. I am here. We need to get you out-"

With a groan, Gabriel slumped against him, face pressed into Castiel's neck. He trembled against him, and Castiel looked over Gabriel's head at Crowley helplessly, who merely gazed back with wide worried eyes.

Gabriel's fingers clutched at his coat, fingers bordering on painful as they dug into the skin beneath. "You have to…leave. He…he took her…He'll take you too."

Castiel struggled to get his brother to look at him again. "Took who Gabriel? What did Lucifer do?"

The archangel shook his head, mumbling to himself as he attempted to burrow closer to his younger brother. Crowley shook his head, the demon's eyes grave.

"Let's get out of here," he muttered, obviously unnerved. "The longer we stick around, the more demons that'll come running, and not even the mutt can eat that many."

Castiel tried to get Gabriel to stand, but the archangel merely leant against him heavily, limp and unresponsive. Straining, Castiel managed to get his brother's arm around his neck, and Crowley darted forward to support the other side. Held between them, they started shuffling towards the door, Gabriel still muttering and pressing his face to Castiel's shoulder and neck.

Castiel froze. The door he had kicked down, only mere moments ago, was back in place. Crowley backed up fearfully, eyes wide and panicked as he dragged the angels with him.

"He's here," he whispered.

There was an amused chuckle behind them. Slowly, both supernatural creatures turned around, Gabriel still supported between them.

Lucifer smiled at them both, one eyebrow cocked. The devil was dressed in a pair of tattered jeans and an old worn t-shirt. In his arms was he held a bundle of what appeared to be blankets. He shifted the bundle against his chest, still looking at the two shocked creatures in front of him.

"Hello, Castiel. You're all grown up."

Crowley was shaking, the demon trembling with fear as he gripped Gabriel's arm harder; fingers digging into the fabric of the angel's green coat, but he stayed where he was as Castiel carefully transferred Gabriel's full weight over to the demon. Gabriel muttered something to himself, moving his nuzzling from his brother to the shell shocked demon who took no notice of the archangel currently attempting to burrow into his neck.

Steeling himself, Castiel turned angry eyes to the smiling devil. "Lucifer," he bit out.

He hadn't seen him since that fateful civil war. The bright blazing grace that had given the Morningstar his name was absent. Instead a swirling sense of wrongness wrapped the angel in a dark cloak. If he looked hard enough, Castiel could almost make out the shape of looming leathery wings, but they were tucked out of sight quickly. Unnerved but refusing to show it, Castiel faced the devil fully, allowing his own wings to manifest and arch protectively over his head; shielding Gabriel from view. Lucifer's eyes slowly crawled over his wings, and Castiel fought the urge to hide them, his skin prickling with unease and feathers puffing further.

"I see your time in hell affected you much like it affected me," Lucifer remarked. "Such a shame. You always had such beautiful wings Castiel."

Castiel kept his eyes firmly on the devil, though he felt his wings twitch self-consciously. He knew what they looked like; scorched by the flames of hell they were no longer shiny and healthy like they had been. He had been ashamed of them at first, but eventually saw them for what they were; a symbol of his devotion to do what was right. His scarred and imperfect wings had carried him from hell, and with them they brought something equally as broken and imperfect.

And he would never regret Dean Winchester.

"Enough," he growled. "You will tell me what you did to my brother."

Lucifer looked amused. "I think you mean our brother." At Castiel's pointed silence, he sighed. "Very well. If that is what you wish." With a careless shrug, the devil dropped the bundle he had been holding. It hit the floor with a sick meaty thud, and Castiel stared at it in revulsion as the devil kicked aside the blankets.

"Go ahead. Look."

The blankets had been wrapped around a body. It was small and grotesque, its grey skin scaly and peeling. Empty black cavities yawned where there should have been eyes; staring blindly out at the angel from a tiny shrunken face. It was a monster, and barely looked human, save for the perfectly formed tiny hands and feet. A child. Two skeletal limbs jutted out from its back, and instinctively, Castiel knew what the creature was meant to be.

A fledgling. A young angel.

But there were no feathers on the sad excuse for wings, only peeling oily skin that hung in tattered strips. The creature was misshapen, a twisted grotesque parody of what it should have been. Its tiny stiff fingers clutched the air as if reaching for him and Castiel felt a sudden deep sadness for a life doomed before it had even begun.

"What...what did you do?" his voice shook, and he forced himself to look up and away from the dead creature. Lucifer was still watching him, and shrugged nonchalantly.

"It would seem that Gabriel and I are not…compatible," the devil sighed, shoving his hands into his jean pockets. "The years I spent in hell were not kind. My grace, what's left of it that is, has…changed."

Crowley shifted the unresponsive angel in his arms. Gabriel murmured, still slumping heavily against him. The demon stayed behind Castiel, peering out from behind the canopy of black feathers that hid him mostly from view. "Corrupted you mean," he muttered. Realizing he had spoken out loud, he closed his mouth with an audible click, eyes wide.

Lucifer's eyes glanced sharply at the demon. "Hush, honey. The adults are talking."

Castiel's wings shuddered aggressively. "I do not care about your sufferings Lucifer," he said fiercely, struggling to avoid looking down at the accusing tiny face of the dead creature on the floor. "What did you do to Gabriel?"

Lucifer clicked his tongue, rocking on the balls of his feet. "See, I figured that because good ol' Gabe was an archangel, much like I used to be, it would be enough to overcome my…oddities. Unfortunately, that doesn't appear to be the case."

Lucifer glanced down at the pitiful creature at his feet. "I…borrowed some of his grace to join with mine."

Castiel could feel his hands shaking, and he forced them to his sides, struggling to calm himself. "You mean you took it," he said bitterly. "An angel's grace is not yours to take. It is a violation."

Lucifer looked back up, eyes serious. "We all have sacrifices to make, Castiel. I'm afraid that's what war is all about."

He could have laughed. "This isn't a war," Castiel growled. "What you're doing…what you've done… is genocide."

The devil laughed at that, shaking his head. "Oh Castiel. Little, darling Castiel. How I've missed you. You know, we're very much alike you and I."

Castiel stiffened, eyes flashing. The angel blade felt heavy against his palm, and he kept it out of sight. "We are nothing alike."

Lucifer moved forward, stepping over the pathetic creature on the ground without a second glance. As if it didn't exist. "They used to tease you didn't they Castiel?" the devil murmured. "Our brothers and sisters. They shunned you, like you were something to be feared. I, of all angels, understand what that is like."

"You know nothing of me!" Castiel spat, uncomfortable that the devil's words were hitting too close to home. Old wounds were re-opening, stinging, and he struggled to cover them again. To show weakness in front of Lucifer would not help him. "And you are not an angel any longer."

"Perhaps," Lucifer conceded, moving over to the bedside table. A dog-eared Bible was placed on top the mahogany wood, its cover frayed and torn. The devil picked it up, shaking it slightly as he turned back around. "But I was at one point. And like the good little archangel I was, I obeyed my father. When he asked me to give myself to make a fledgling, I did." Lucifer shook his head, tossing the Bible into the corner of the room. "I admit, your creation was not the most conventional. One of the most painful things I had to endure, forming you."

The scathing words on his tongue crumbled to ash, and Castiel stared at his brother, uncomprehending. The room was suddenly too quiet, both angels ignoring Crowley's muttered "Oh shit."

"Wh…what are you talking about?" he managed, throat suddenly too tight.

Lucifer sighed, shaking his head sadly. "I forget that they stopped telling the younger seraphs about us. About how we made you."

Castiel's mind was in turmoil. No. Of course not. Lucifer was the Prince of Lies after all, it was just a trick, Lucifer was his brother, not…not….

But all he could hear was an older brother, looking down at him disdainfully. Of course you'd ask me that Castiel. You're just like him. Why can't you just be like everyone else? Raphael, glaring at him with crossed arms. I half expected you to join the rebellion Castiel. With him. His siblings who never wanted to play with him. Castiel the odd one, the questioning one, one of only two angels in heaven with black wings, the other…

Lucifer.

His wings shook with distress, and he glanced back over towards a stunned looking Crowley and the slumped form in his arms. "Gabriel, he-"

"You're MINE!" Lucifer erupted, face twisted in a snarl. "Do you hear me? You're mine. Not his. You were never his." Slowly, he took a deep breath, smoothing his hands down his jeans, his expression smoothing back into an emotionless mask. "Gabriel did his part. But now the time has come for the prodigal son to return to his father."

Castiel couldn't speak. His mind had stuttered to an abrupt halt and a spreading numbness filled his body as he watched Lucifer come towards him. The devil was going to steal him as easily as he had Gabriel, and Castiel couldn't stop him. Was there even any point in trying to deny Satan himself?

It was Crowley, a terrified and quaking crossroad demon, who found his voice, and stopped the devil in his tracks.

"Father my arse!" he challenged, voice tremulous but loud. "Like you'd be any better a dad to that idiot of an angel then you were to us demons. Hell is a shithole thanks to your parenting skills."

Lucifer stopped, looking over as if noticing the demon for the first time. "Demons? They're not my children. More like a….hobby," he laughed loudly, slapping a hand against one thigh. "It was so ridiculously simple to make one. Just twist hard enough and the human soul shatters into a million jagged pieces." Those cold eyes found Castiel's again. "Much like Dean Winchester did."

That snapped the angel out of his stupor. Pure and blind rage threatened to engulf him, and Castiel saw red. "You dare touch the Winchesters and I will kill you," he said dangerously, wings snapping wide once again.

Lucifer snapped his fingers, smiling widely. "Now that's what I'm talking about! So passionate. Not like those other Raphael clones. Oh Castiel," he shook his head, still smiling, "You, I tore a part of myself out for. Kid, you're me."

Castiel felt a hot weight in his stomach. Something sick and angry pulsed inside him, and with a jolt he realized it was his grace; roiling and swirling with unease. Lucifer watched him with a triumphant gleam in his eyes.

"See, I can't do this on my own," he gestured towards the pathetic bundle on ground. "My grace isn't what it used to be. I can't give them enough grace to live. But if I had yours as well-" He winked. "We could be unstoppable. You and me. Think about it Castiel. You could be my right hand. They'd never look down on you again. Heck, I'll even let you keep your little human pets."

Revulsion nearly choked him. Summoning up all the grace he could muster, he stiffened, wings flaring and threatening. "Never."

Lucifer sighed with disappointment. "I thought you might say that. That's alright Castiel, you'll come around, I'm not worried. Until then, things will simply be a tad more…difficult."

The devil advanced again, and Crowley moaned with fear, backing up into the wall, still holding Gabriel. Castiel gritted his teeth, bracing himself for a fight he couldn't possibly win.

The motel room exploded with shards of glass, forcing the three to their knees. Through the small window overlooking a dilapidated parking lot, crashed a vengeful Nordic God.

Fenrir slammed into the devil, powerful jaws snapping and blood splattering. The wolf was a terrifying sight, eyes blazing gold and wild, his muzzle and head slick with blood and viscera. He bore down on Lucifer, slamming the devil to the carpet hard enough to stun him momentarily; his long fangs digging bloody trenches in the soft pliant flesh of Lucifer's vessel.

The devil screeched at him, shoving the wolf away from him as he scrambled into a crouch. Fenrir dug his back paws into the carpet, powerful shoulders ready for another lunge, and head low to the ground as he snarled.

"Fenrir!" Castiel shouted desperately. The angel had hurried back to Crowley's side, grabbing Gabriel's arm to balance him once again between them. The wolf raised his head, eyes clearing of bloodlust long enough to recognize him.

"Go!" the great wolf snarled. "Take my father and leave this place." He turned his terrifying gaze back to the devil, front paws scuffing the carpet eagerly as his jaws slavered. His ears were flattened against his skull, his pupils mere tiny slits set in blazing yellow sapphire. "Fenrir has much to….discuss with the Morningstar."

Castiel and Crowley struggled over to the door, tugging it open. Lucifer glared hatefully at the growling wolf in front of him, one hand pressed firmly against a bleeding shoulder.

"Castiel!" he bellowed, and the angel halted momentarily, even though Crowley was tugging him forward. "I will find you boy! Do not run from me."

Castiel looked back coldly. "When the time comes you will not have to. I will find you, and I will stop you."

Fenrir barked and lunged forward, and Castiel turned away, struggling down the corridor with Crowley. The sounds of a titanic battle shook the whole motel, and the two could hear the answering shouts of demons regrouping outside; coming to their leader's aide.

Crowley gritted his teeth, his smaller stature struggling to keep up with Castiel. "Man for such a little guy he sure is heavy."

There was an amused snort in front of them, and Castiel drew up short, cursing in Enochian under his breath. A demon stood in front of them, hip cocked as she watched them, hellhounds at her back. The beasts were baying with excitement, maws slobbering.

"Well you'd know about that wouldn't you Crowley? Getting a bit chubby yourself," she tsked. "Must be all that betrayal you've been consuming."

Crowley chuckled. "Oh Meg. Did you come up with that yourself? Darling you need to work on your insults."

Meg's eyes narrowed and the hounds pawed at the ground behind her. "I'd watch myself if I were you Crowley. It's bad enough you're helping the Winchesters but angels?" she shook her head smirking. "Tell me, what's it like finally being allowed up off your knees? Your jaw must hurt from all that angel servicing."

Crowley shrugged one shoulder, jostling Gabriel who murmured unhappily. "Depends what angel you're servicing, and me well…" Crowley winked saucily over at Castiel. "I decided to go with the hot ones. Besides, I'd rather be on my knees, than on my back with my legs in the air having to think of England." He looked over knowingly at the demon. "And you'd know a lot about that."

Meg looked murderous. Castiel sighed wearily. "Was it really necessary to infuriate the demon further when she is clearly going to kill us anyways?"

Crowley looked offended. "Of course!"

"You know Crowley, there comes a day when every old dog has to be put down, and every crossroad demon's deal runs out," Meg said dangerously. "Your time is up. Any witty last words?"

Crowley hitched Gabriel higher onto his shoulder. "You know what? Yes actually."

The hellhounds knew they would soon be allowed free, and bayed louder, paws scuffing the ground and nails leaving deep gouges in the carpet. Meg sighed, inspecting her nails boredly.

"And what would that be?" she asked.

Crowley grinned. "This old dog still has a few tricks left in him. Bitch."

With a grunt, Crowley threw his hand up, a fireball erupting from his palm. Meg shrieked as it hit her square in the chest, knocking her back into the swarming mass of hellhound. The creatures whined and howled as the fire engulfed them too.

Crowley dragged a surprised Castiel along as he turned and started running down the corridor. "Get us the hell out of here angel!" he bellowed over the din.

"Don't you think I would have if I could by now!" Castiel snapped back, shoulders aching. "I am still too weak to fly us all out of here. Why don't you?"

"Oh maybe because I can't fly you asshole!" Crowley shouted at him, both pounding down the narrow corridor. "We demons just…scuttle. Quickly. We can't take passengers!"

There was an enraged yell behind them, and Castiel risked a glance back to see Meg giving chase, her hair smoldering.

"You little shits!" she screeched. "I'm going to rip out your fucking eyes and make you eat them!"

Crowley tugged them down yet another side corridor, heading towards some glass double doors. "She doesn't sound too happy does she?"

Slamming through the doors, they found themselves in the lobby. And also surrounded by demons.

"Oh fuck me," Crowley said irritably as Castiel backed them up into the desk, eyes wide as he tried to estimate their odds of being able to fight their way through. It didn't look good.

"Maybe later big boy."

The two turned away from the advancing demons to gawp at the creature that had suddenly materialized behind them.

There was an angel leaning against the wall behind the desk. For a panicked moment Castiel thought it was one of Raphael's lackeys, but this angel wore no suit or solemn expression. He leant against the wall with one hip, arms crossed. His features weren't familiar to Castiel, but the wings that gracefully arched above his heard were. Speckled beige wings, with lines of liquid copper racing along each feather. A memory flitted in his frazzled mind, and Castiel could practically smell the pine forest, moist dirt squishing between his toes.

...

Many angelic years ago

Castiel wasn't a very good flyer. He'd flap his wings so very hard, but they weren't fully formed yet, the muscles still weak and unformed. He tried his best, but his siblings were all so much older than him and stronger, and frequently the little seraph was left behind. He stood alone in the shade of a large tree, long grasses tickling the back of his knees as he stared forlornly up at the sky. He could hear the happy peals of laughter that could only come from Rachel, and he sighed heavily, hanging his head.

He kicked a pebble sullenly, startling a trundling beetle making its way through the dense grass. There was a rustle of wings, and Castiel turned to see a brother land in the grass beside him, long elegant wings folding primly against his back as Castiel eyed them jealously. The little seraph looked down sullenly.

"What do you want?" he huffed.

His older brother smiled, the tips of his wings twitching with amusement as he looked down at the dejected seraph. The sun caught the fine copper lines that seemed to embroider each feather, and Castiel watched as they winked at him.

"Castiel, you little goof," his brother smiled. "What you doing all the way down here? Party's upstairs."

Castiel toed the dirt, still watching the beetle. "I got left behind," he said quietly. "Again."

He sighed, turning away from his brother and beginning to walk further into the forest, expecting his brother to simply shrug and leave him too. His siblings often left him on his own, judging the little seraph too young or too…odd to bother with. Gabriel tried to keep him occupied, but Castiel yearned to be able to fly with the other fledglings, to play with them and be…normal.

Castiel was surprised to hear his brother fall in step behind him, and the two spent a few quiet minutes enjoying the serenity of the forest, walking side by side. Castiel was grateful his brother didn't comment on the amount of times the little angel rubbed his eyes or sniffed.

It was a larger hand taking his that made Castiel look up. His brother smiled kindly down at him, wings curling forward to touch Castiel's briefly.

"You know what? Uriel's party sounded lame. How about we go rustle up some chaos huh?" he winked mischievously, wings spreading. "Just you and me. I know where Raphael's moved her nest to."

Castiel tried to look unaffected by the offer, but his wings betrayed him; they twitched and fluttered in excitement, and his brother's smile grew even wider.

"I would like that," Castiel managed shyly.

His brother tugged his hand, turning and breaking into a quick jog. "Well come on then!" he whooped. "There's no time to lose, little brother!"

The two raced through the trees, bare feet digging into the loose soil and kicking up clods of dirt and grass. Their wings stayed folded against their backs, and for once, Castiel could keep up.

...

Castiel remembered that afternoon. The feeling of an older brother's hand holding his as they ran and laughed through a long extinct forest, was one he had cherished for many years. A memory he had kept safely tucked within the chambers of his heart, after he had heard that the broad grins and carefree laughter of his brother had been extinguished on a bloody battlefield many years ago.

Or so he had been led to believe.

Castiel stared openly, hardly believing it was really him. "Balthazar."

His brother smiled, pushing away from the wall. "The one and only, little bro. In a spot of bother are we?"

Crowley glanced back at their advancing enemy. "Lovely, it's a pleasure and all that but we're kind of busy trying not to die here. Can we save the family reunion for later?"

Balthazar grinned, reaching over the desk to grab ahold of Castiel's shoulder. He glanced over at Crowley for a moment, before shrugging and grabbing the demon's shoulder in his other hand. "Welcome aboard Balthazar airlines, this is your captain speaking," he chirped cheerfully. "Please stow away you tray tables and secure your archangels. We may experience slight demonic turbulence, so fasten your seatbelts kids!"

…..