A/N: Many thanks to K Hanna Korossy, who kindly let me know that I had called Bobby "Billy" in my previous chapter, which was the most bone-headed mistake! Thanks again, K Hanna!

Bobby pulled first one, then the other, into a bone-crushing hug. "So what the hell is this about The Darkness I'm hearin' about? Gone and started another end-of-the-world scene, have ya? Idjits." Sam started to explain, but Dean's attention was yanked away. Many of the people here - long dead and gone - he had already had a chance to see again, either as ghosts or during one of his sojourns in heaven. But there, butting a head full of dark red curls into Castiel's chest with rough affection, was the one whose loss was the most recent, and heaviest.

The one who he and Sam had decorated the bunker for.

The one whose death had been the most senseless, in a litany of senseless deaths.

He found himself walking hesitantly toward her. Cas, whose head had been snuggled down on top of hers, glanced up and caught his eyes. He gave Dean a faint smile, moved his hands to Charlie's shoulders, and said, "Someone would like to see you," while giving her a little push in Dean's direction.

They both hesitated, then she ran to him,mthrew her arms around him, and squeezed as hard as she could. "Oh! You!" she muttered into his flannel shirt. He found himself crushing her fiercely in return, head leaning on hers. He fought to keep the tears in, rocking her back and forth in his arms.

"Charlie..." was all he could say, over and over. Finally, he drew in a long, shuddering breath, dropped a kiss on her head, and said, roughly, "Damn. Kiddo, it's good to see you. I'm sorry, so sorry - " His breath hitched, as he tried to finish what he was saying, how horribly sorry and guilty he felt about not getting there in time, not protecting her, finding her slaughtered like a pig in that motel room bathtub. A lingering, searing flash of anger and hatred for the ones who had killed her raced through him, but was diverted when she punched him lightly in the arm, tossed her curls back, and looked up at him with tears sparkling in her eyes.

"Hey. Not your fault. Not your fault. I was being stupid, just like one of those darned damsels in distress - I should have known better than to go running off like that - it's always idiotic to do that, like being the one who goes into the haunted house for her buddies instead of being smart and waiting for friends to go with her - " She ran out of breath. He smiled softly, laid a finger across her lips.

"Shhh. Stop. Don't blame yourself, either, kiddo. All past. I was scaring everyone, you were just trying to help - "

"And look what it got us! Honestly, you two can't catch a break - The Darkness?! Whoa! We probably shoulda stayed away from that darned book!" She looked over his shoulder, and, if possible, her grin got even wider. "Sam!" And she was peeling away from him, flinging herself into Sam's arms, being picked up and whirled around by him. Unlike Dean, Sam wasn't afraid to show he was crying. Then he dropped her on her feet, pulled her tighter into his arms, kissed her head, and, like Dean, rocked her back and forth, chanting, "Charlie, Charlie, Charlie..."

The rest of the evening was a whirl of disconnected, happy vignettes for the both of them. Bobby arguing life in the Veil with Kevin. Ellen giving them hell for not taking care of themselves. Jo flirting with Dean. Rufus and Bobby drinking scotch and recounting tales of old hunts. Frank cornering people and muttering about government conspiracies. Ash and Charlie and Frank deep in computer hacking talk. Everyone eating, and drinking, and occasionally bursting out into Christmas carols, some singing well, others off-key.

Gabriel stood back during most of it, leaning against a wall, arms folded, a smug look on his face. Late in the evening, Sam and Dean drifted over to him, looking out over the happy crowd, and leaned on the wall beside him, one on either side, echoing his folded arms. The three were silent for a while. Then Gabriel murmured, with a tiny smile, "So. Were the bruised balls worth it, Sammy-boy?" He slid a glance up at him.

Sam ran his hands through his hair, pushing it off his face, and smiled quietly. "Guess so. This once, mind you! Don't make a fucking habit of it!"

"Heh. Y'should've seen your face! Damn! That was fun! Hoo boy!" Gabriel chuckled. Sam slanted a repressive look his way.

"Gotta admit, you done good, Gabriel. A good shindig. Nice to see everyone..." Dean's voice trailed off as his eyes wandered from one familiar, loved face to another. He and Dean ended their survey of the crowd focused on one dark red head in particular. Sam sighed.

Gabriel reached up and draped an arm over each of their shoulders. "Well. Don't tell anyone I'm a nice guy, after all."

Dean narrowed his eyes at him. "Like that's gonna happen, right!" Gabriel smirked absently in reply, squeezing their shoulders gently.

"Anyway. Merry Christmas, you bumbling idiots. I'll be seeing you!" He vanished.

Sam and Dean looked at each other, shrugged, and started back toward the crowd of their long-dead friends. Sam caught Dean's elbow, stopped him. "Hey. Dean. Merry Christmas."

Dean looked at him, rolled his eyes, and smiled wryly. "Yeah, yeah. Merry Christmas, bro. Now, enough of this shit. Let's go have some more drinks!"

~~finis~~

A/N: Merry Christmas to those who celebrate, and Happy Holidays to all! May your days be filled with laughter, joy, and loved ones.