A/N: Yeah you guys aren't lucky to be rid of us yet. Sorry this took 5000 years. Enjoy.

Balthazar was apparently planning to stick around for a while, as he put it, "This place is angel-proof unless you've already been here. It's just about the safest place on Earth at the moment for anyone hiding from Heaven and you owe me." Castiel and Lucifer hadn't even tried to argue and the way they both relaxed after finding out Balthazar was alive and well had Bobby giving in and letting the other angel stay.

With Heaven's unexpected move hanging over their heads, they could do nothing until they figured out what was happening. Sam and Dean had tried to help Bobby look into things a little and they had all discussed what could be happening in Heaven to cause such a change, but they'd quickly given up and left it up to the angels to come up with some plausible explanation. The trio of rebellious angels were regularly found trying to come up with something that they could look into, but without a chance to talk Michael down from whatever strike he was planning they were at more than a disadvantage – they were downright at his mercy. With nowhere else safe to go, Bobby, the Winchesters, and the angels had no choice but to stay put and fall into something of a routine.

Not that the Winchesters were good at anything resembling a routine. Within a day all of their weapons had been cleaned very thoroughly, within two days so had every weapon in the house. On the third day, Lucifer started to notice changes in the house around him. It was suddenly cleaner; floors swept, carpets shook out, no more creaky floors when he walked around the house, no more noises from the pipes. It wasn't until he found Sam glaring angrily at the bathtub and scrubbing it until it was its original white color that he began to worry.

He thought perhaps he should go find one of his brothers to talk to before he approached Sam in such a mood but he found Balthazar and Castiel warily watching Dean from the doorway into the kitchen instead. He seemed to be cleaning the refrigerator out and scowling, too invested in his personal war against whatever he'd found crusted to one of the shelves to notice the angels. Castiel turned to Lucifer and Balthazar, looking a bit worried. "Perhaps, we should expand the wards. We should be able to expand most of them to cover more ground."

Balthazar rolled his eyes. "I don't know, this place might actually look half decent if it were cleaner." He continued after Castiel's glare, "All right. All right Cassie. We don't want the humans to go crazier. Let's go see if that horrifically rusted fence will hold together enough for wards."

Several hours later the angels came back inside a much cleaner house only to encounter an irate Sam in the entranceway, "Where were you all? I thought we weren't supposed to leave the safety of the house? Did you find something?"

"We didn't find anything, we were simply doing you all a favor before you make us go insane." Balthazar turned to Lucifer. "Now tell Mummy Dearest here that he can go outside and stop pacing the house like a caged animal," he said as he pushed past Sam to head into the kitchen.

"We can go outside?" Sam looked so hopeful it was adorable.

Lucifer grinned but it was Castiel who answered. "Yes. We've expanded the wards to the fence so that the whole salvage yard is safe. It's still safest in the house but as long as we don't draw attention we can safely be outside."

Dean was suddenly in the doorway. "We can go outside? Really?"

"Must you be so repetitive?" Balthazar asked on his was back through the hall carrying a book and a bottle of wine that he seemed to somehow always have on hand. "Yes. Outside. Which is where I will be if for some reason there is a very unlikely flash of brilliance and someone comes up with an answer for what we should do concerning the Host."

Dean grinned and disappeared for a moment. He came back with two beers. "I'll be in the garage. You comin' Cas?"

Lucifer watched his brother follow Dean out the door and when he turned around Sam's grinning face was very close to him. "Thanks, you know… for this." Lucifer just smiled back at his human in response.

The ability to go outside in safety certainly helped everyone out. Two days later found Dean finishing an almost complete overhaul of the Impala to make it run like it was brand new. Castiel stayed near him for most of it, though this time Dean made no attempt to teach him how to do anything to the car himself. Dean seemed content enough between having the chance to work on his car and having Castiel close by.

Balthazar had found an old van near the back of the yard and seemed to spend most of his time reading or lounging out in the sun doing nothing but staring up at the sky.

There was no way to talk to Michael, nothing short of calling him down and finding him a vessel – and no one was willing to risk Dean just for a chat. It made Lucifer angry and made him feel helpless, but he couldn't just run off and try to get Michael's attention on his own. It was too dangerous for everyone involved and probably wouldn't work anyway (he'd most likely wind up faced with Raphael, who never was very good at talking things out). After sulking and thinking through every avenue he could possibly take Lucifer took to following Sam around in an attempt to find something to do. If there was nothing he could do about Heaven's plan and least he could work on his own plan to make Sam agree to be his mate.

He supposed that was how he found himself outside with Sam, both of them wearing t-shirts and pants Lucifer had been lead to believe were for sleeping in along with jackets that were much more lightweight than Lucifer had gotten used to wearing. Though he'd been gaining his Grace back a lot of human sensations had yet to leave him, the cold being one of them. He could feel the chill nipping at his exposed skin and through the thinner jacket so he kept close to Sam as they reached the fence. "Why are we not wearing our normal coats? It's cold out, Sam."

Even though he wasn't looking, Lucifer could hear the smile in Sam's voice. "You'll be warmed up in no time, trust me." Lucifer shot Sam a dubious look but didn't comment further

It had been less than an hour ago that Lucifer had seen Sam getting dressed into what he had thought were pajamas. When he'd asked about it Sam had told him they were workout clothes and had invited Lucifer for a jog around the yard, saying that it would be good for Lucifer to get out and move around. There had been a bit more banter, a few teasing pokes at Lucifer's soft stomach, but eventually Lucifer agreed to join Sam. They had made their way outside with much noise and several playful jabs.

Sam had stopped acting so strange around Lucifer, almost back to normal. He still tensed up if Lucifer moved towards him too quickly or snuck up on him, but he calmed down before long and Lucifer made sure to keep a foot of space between them unless he had a reason to invade Sam's personal space. Lucifer worked to make sure that Sam had ample warning before he was touched so having Lucifer in his personal space felt less like an invasion. It wasn't perfect, but it was better than it had been days ago.

"Well, let's start then. I hate being cold," Lucifer grumbled, already rethinking his idea to join Sam. Good for his health and body or not, if he didn't start warming up soon he was going back inside and burying himself under some blankets.

Laughing, Sam started off slowly along the nearest length of the fence, Lucifer following his lead. They kept a brisk walking pace for several yards, then Sam sped up into a trot and Lucifer kept up with no trouble. About half way around the yard Sam threw Lucifer a look and said "Keep up" before he'd picked up speed and began running in earnest. Lucifer sped up and attempted to catch up with the human.

After they'd completed an entire lap around the yard Lucifer understood what Sam had meant when he said Lucifer would warm up. He wasn't hot, or even what he'd call warm, but the chill in the air was far more welcome than it had been before they'd started. He had a light sheen of sweat across his forehead and he was breathing slightly harder than normal, but he felt good.

Sam paused and turned to face him. "Holding up okay?" He was also sweating lightly and looked alert, Lucifer was sure there were several more laps to go.

"I'm fine," he answered. "I see what you meant about the cold."

Smiling, Sam dragged his heel along the ground, digging a line into the dirt about three feet long. Looking back at Lucifer he grinned. "Wanna race?" Lucifer raised an eyebrow in question. "One lap around, on foot. Whoever crosses this line first wins."

"What does the winner get?" Lucifer asked, eyeing up the yard and then Sam. He had more stamina than he did when he'd first lost his Grace, but Sam did this a lot and Lucifer had yet to really test his own body's limits. Still, it was an interesting idea and Sam looked so excited about it Lucifer just couldn't say no.

Sam shrugged, still smiling. "Bragging rights? I mean, those are practically currency between me and Dean."

With a smirk Lucifer agreed. They stood side by side at the line Sam had drawn as Sam counted them down. "Three… two… one… Go!"

They took off and right away Lucifer could tell he had underestimated Sam and his speed. The man was large but that didn't seem to slow him down any, his long legs carried him quickly and before long he had a good lead on Lucifer. Not to be defeated easily, or at all if he could help it, Lucifer pushed his body to take longer strides and work his legs quicker. He saw Sam glance back at him, saw him smiling and heard him laugh before calling out "Come one! It's like you're not even trying!"

Lucifer pushed himself harder. He lengthened his strides as best he could, felt his feet pounding away at the frozen ground beneath him. He allowed the instincts of his body take over and ducked his head slightly and bent forward, the movements feeling strangely natural. Without thinking about it he tucked his wings in close, even though they weren't corporeal and wouldn't hinder him. Slowly, he started gaining more ground on Sam. By the half-way point Sam was only ahead of him by little more than a foot.

It was oddly thrilling, racing against Sam, running with everything he could (mortally) muster. His muscles were beginning to protest and there was a slight burn in his lungs he recognized as being out of breath, but he felt… alive. Lucifer could feel his lips canted upwards, he could feel energy and excitement racing through him even though parts of his body complained about the movement. He'd heard humans compare running to flying, and in all honesty, they were so wrong. It was nothing like flying – it was a thrill all its own, so different they couldn't even be compared.

"Come on!" Sam called, glancing back at him. "I know you can do better than that, Luce!" His voice was thin with his own exertion, cheeks red from the cold and exercise, hair falling in his face so much that Lucifer was amazed he could see where he was going. The sight was amazing but it wasn't what had him losing track of the body he still wasn't used to inhabiting and stumbling over himself to fall to the ground in an inelegant heap. It was the nickname, used so flippantly, like Sam called him that every day. He didn't know why it was such a big deal, but the name had sent a shock through Lucifer and the aftermath left him warm even as his body began to cool.

Sam skidded to a halt and backtracked to Lucifer. "Oh geez! Are you alright?" Sam knelt down next to him, hands hovering over the angel, worried he might hurt him.

Lucifer righted himself, sitting on the cold ground, still dazed by what had just happened. "Yes, I'm fine. You don't need to worry," he huffed, put out by his own clumsiness. He berated himself silently, he should not have been so easily tripped up.

Sam still hovered. He lowered himself down further until he, too, was sitting on the ground. "Are you sure? That looked like a nasty fall." Lucifer fixed him with a look that had Sam chuckling lightly. "Okay, okay – you're fine! Does that mean I get to laugh at the mighty Lucifer tripping over his own feet?"

He didn't wait for Lucifer's permission before he began laughing. Lucifer didn't honestly mind, Sam's laughter was a beautiful sound and the way he smiled and how his eyes lit up made him look as if nothing could touch him in his joy. Though, while he didn't mind, per say, he still huffed at the teasing. It was Sam's fault he fell over, intended or not. Feeling petulant he stuck his tongue out at Sam, manipulating his body just enough to give him the forked tongue some of the myths said he had. The amazed look on Sam's face as a result was priceless.

"You… you really have a forked tongue?" Sam asked, eyes wide, leaning in closer, as if he were about to examine Lucifer's tongue up close.

Smirking, Lucifer leaned in as well and responded in a whisper, "If I want to I do."

Something about that had Sam's face flushing a deeper shade of red than his wind-blow cheeks had been moments ago. He watched Sam's eyes flick to the side, not looking at Lucifer, and flick back, locked onto his mouth. The human didn't say anything, but Lucifer could see a thought rattling around in Sam's mind. He kept from looking, knowing Sam disapproved of the invasion of privacy, even if that flush was a very tempting reason to invade Sam's thoughts. Then, after a few more seconds of staring at his mouth, something settled and Sam looked him in the eye.

Lucifer had no idea what was going on, but he would see it through if Sam wanted him to. Sam leaned forward, slowly, hardly moving at all. His eyes were now fixed on Lucifer mouth and, for some reason, Lucifer was frozen in his spot, unable to move towards or away from Sam. Lucifer was unsure of what was happening, but everything in him was on high alert he could feel he heartbeat speeding back up even though he was no longer running.

Then, just like that, Sam was pulling back and getting to his feet, face an even more vivid red.

"Sorry, about… uh, that," he stammered, holding out a hand to help Lucifer up. Once they were both on their feet Sam turned. "Race still on?" the playfulness was back in his voice and Lucifer took off running as an answer, delighting in Sam's resulting shouts from behind him.

Michael landed in the Garden, no calmer than when he had left, but with a new sort of urgency. If Adam's point about God being able to change his mind – or never intending the Final Battle to happen at all – was valid then Michael could save his brother. He could maybe even bring him home. He didn't dare hope yet, though. He needed Joshua to confirm or deny his thoughts.

This time, Joshua found him. "Hello again, Michael. Did you find what you needed?"

Michael crowded into Joshua's space, formalities all but lost to him in the rush of his new discoveries. "Tell me," he asked, pleading. "Has God changed his mind? Do I no longer have to face Lucifer in battle and kill him?" He paused a moment, trying to rein himself in. He backed away slightly and tried to calm down. "Did I never have to fight him at all?"

Joshua smiled patiently and moved to rest a hand over one of Michael's wings. "What do you think, Michael?"

A spike of frustration shot through the archangel and he pushed away from the gardener. "I don't know! Nothing is as I thought it would be, everything has changed. I need you to answer me, Joshua."

Patient as ever Joshua settled Michael into a sitting position. "Calm yourself first, and rest. You've just finished with a big project, haven't you? Don't give me that look, you're all worn out." Joshua sat beside him and began working over a nearby tendril of energy. "Tell me about what you learned, Michael. Calmly."

He began with Annael, first explaining the deal he made with her in exchange for her insight, something that seemed to please Joshua for some reason. He told Joshua about her knowledge of human emotions and how they compared to those of angels, Michael mentioned that he thought she might still be experiencing emotions at a human level. Joshua agreed, but told Michael that it might be a good thing, saying heaven could use a little more empathy and spirit. When Michael was unsure of that Joshua reminded him that her garrison had always been a little strange and that another difference would most likely only make them even more formidable.

Michael continued with his own musings on emotions – how they seemed to backfire so often and how they lead to suffering. He blamed them for Lucifer's fall. Joshua was gentle, but firm, as he assured Michael that Lucifer's fall was entirely Lucifer's own doing. Nothing could force an archangel's hand.

They spoke about Michael's time with Adam next. Joshua was impressed that Michael had bothered to consider speaking to a human, part of his vessel bloodline or not. Michael told Joshua about how Adam had been unhappy in his heaven, admitting that linking Adam's and his mother's heavens had been what had tired Michael out. As he continued to recount his and Adam's conversations Joshua draped a small vine of light over Michael, letting it mingle with Michael's Grace to help replenish him faster. Michael explained that it was Adam who had brought the thought of God having another plan to Michael's mind. He praised Adam's way of thinking and the way he had been easy to speak with, unlike the other Winchester brothers.

"You seem fond of the boy," Joshua pointed out, eyes gleaming.

"Angels and their vessels have a natural chemistry," Michael insisted. "You know that."

Chuckling, Joshua nodded. "Yes, they do indeed. Though, if this is the case, why not speak to Dean, your true vessel. Surely, the pair of you would be far more in sync."

Michael snorted. "Sometimes I wonder if there was a mix up of sorts with my true vessel. He's the most difficult of them all."

"What do you mean by that?"

Shuffling his wings, letting the vine of energy fall between them, Michael shared his thoughts on Dean. "He's crass for starters, and stubborn and bullheaded. He is set in his ways and refuses to listen to any other way of thinking. He does not easily change and he is overly sure of both himself and his moral compass."

Joshua was looking at him with an odd expression. "I see," he said. "Does this really not remind you of anyone?" When Michael failed to call to mind another being as ridiculous as Dean, Joshua sighed, "Michael, don't you see the similarities? The pair of you are the same, it's no wonder you don't get along."

Michael balked at Joshua's statement, but as he thought about it he saw some truth to it. He kept quiet though, no need to openly agree. However, the thought did give Michael an idea. He and Dean were, indeed, very similar. If they were as similar as Joshua was hinting at, then he could count on Dean's instincts as an older brother, count on him understanding where Michael was coming from. He would still have to tread carefully, if he upset Dean too much there would be nothing Michael could say or do to convince him to help.

He needed Dean's help, he was sure of it. Not only had Lucifer gone and begun treating the Winchesters more like family than he'd ever treated any of the angels, but Castiel had turned from heaven for them as well. Castiel's fall had been an absolute shock to Michael. The younger angel had always been loyal and faithful, his garrison as a whole had been one of heaven's most powerful assets outside of the archangels and Heaven's weapons. To lose two very different angels to the same groups of humans solidified Michael's thoughts that the Winchesters were indeed special, and he needed their help if he was to accomplish anything.

Before he acted, though, he needed to know his Father's plan. He needed Joshua to tell him that trying to save Lucifer was what God wanted. He had to know he was allowed to reach out to his brother, not in battle, but in truce – in brotherhood.

"Joshua," he said, voice level and eyes forward. "Has God changed His mind? Am I not to fight Lucifer after all?"

"He hasn't changed His mind at all, Michael," Joshua began. "He never truly meant for you to fight Lucifer."

In the end Sam still beat Lucifer in the race, though it was close, and when he knocked into Lucifer's shoulder companionably after winning he purposely avoided thinking about how he had almost kissed the angel. They made their way back inside, wiping the light sheen of sweat from his brow, and Sam refused to let his mind wander to how tempted he'd been to kiss the devil. He got dressed into regular clothing and was not thinking about how he had even leaned forward and nearly kissed Lucifer. He made his way downstairs and got himself a glass of water and gave up on denial and just really hoped Lucifer hadn't realized he'd been about to kiss him back there.

He was so stupid! What had he been thinking – about to kiss Lucifer, right there in the salvage yard? Not to mention Lucifer probably had no idea what had been going through Sam's mind or what a kiss was or even what it meant or any or that. Had Sam lost his mind? It was bad enough that Sam was lusting after Lucifer and had somehow developed worryingly deep feelings for him, now he was losing control of himself too? He needed to get a grip on himself. If he let himself keep slipping up it could drive Lucifer away, and Sam was sure he was long past the point where he could handle losing the angel. They'd become too close, he meant too much to Sam now, if he lost Lucifer it would be like losing a part of his family.

Lucifer soon made his way into the kitchen as well, having also changed out of the sweat pants and jacket, following Sam's lead. Sam refilled his glass with water and handed it to him. "Always drink water after a workout, or you'll regret it. Trust me." Lucifer gave him a questioning look, but drank the offered water all the same.

They stood there for a few moments, not speaking or moving. Sam had noticed that ever since their uncomfortable conversation while they had been warding the house, Lucifer had been careful to always keep at least a foot of space between them, unless Sam was the one to move closer. He'd also been making it a point to show up in Sam's bed every night, though he hadn't slept the last few times. It helped Sam calm down and rest easier, he slept better with Lucifer in his bed, and was slowly ridding him of his unnecessary fear of Lucifer and his discomfort with Lucifer's powers. Even now, relaxed and away from prying eyes, Lucifer was sure to only invade Sam's personal space to take the glass from him, carefully placing himself at a more than acceptable distance afterwards. He was thankful for the angel's consideration and, normally, he would shift slightly closer, his silent way of saying he was comfortable and wanted Lucifer closer to him. Now, he let the distance stand, still uneasy about his recent lapse in judgment and self-control.

If Lucifer noticed, and Sam was sure he did, he didn't say anything about it. He just let Sam deal with his own issues and waited.

They made their way back into the living room. Sam was half way through rereading The Hobbit while Lucifer had begun working his way through Dean's small collection of Star Trek novels.

A few hours later, once everyone began drifting back inside, hungry and freed of their pent up energy, Lucifer began pestering Sam for more cooking lessons, saying he'd rather not wait for someone else to feed him.

"I'm telling you to ask Dean," he said as he sliced up a cucumber to add to his salad. "Dean's a good cook, way better than me."

Lucifer stole a slice and popped it into his mouth. "I don't care if he's better. I want you to teach me." He stared at Sam, eyes focused and face set, obviously not willing to accept anything other than Sam's guidance.

Sam paused in his slicing to turn and face Lucifer, to tell Lucifer that he already knew the basics, just like Sam, and that Sam had nothing left to really teach him. Dean was the one with all the tricks and practice, Sam could cook just well enough to not burn everything he touched. Then he remembered how hurt Lucifer had looked when he'd been pushing him away a few days ago and he couldn't bring himself to say it. Instead, he motioned to one of the cupboards, "There's some canned soup and rice in there. Follow the directions on the back and I'll help with anything you don't get."

With a smile, Lucifer did as he was told, growing so bold as to lightly brush against Sam as he walked past. Every so often during the last few days Lucifer would do something to test Sam's reaction, to see how on edge Sam still was around him. He always tried it when it was just the pair of them, though it was usually right before or right after bed, when Sam was comfortable and half asleep. He decided to take it as a positive sign when he automatically allowed the contact without so much as a flinch.

Dean Winchester was a man of simple pleasures. He liked pretty faces, bright eyes, and nice laughs as a general rule. He liked frisky women who knew how to have a good time and he liked stoic guys who were anything but in bed. He liked booze and burgers and pie. He loved his family and his car and his freedom. Yes, Dean was a very simple man to please.

He was also an easy man to aggravate. Like when he was having a really nice dream and was suddenly interrupted.

Dean had had enough angels drop in on his dreams to know what it felt like, and this was definitely it, but also different. Castiel and Anna had both added themselves to the dream he had been having, effectively interrupting, but not really changing much. Dean had been dreaming of driving his baby down a long stretch of road just seconds before. Now, he stood on the side of the road with the car parked nearby, looking out into a forest comprised of thin, leafless trees as far as the eye could see. The sky above was certainly cloudless, but there were no stars or moon, just a flat, unmarked expanse of sky. Everything was washed in a soft, blue glow that made Dean think of full moons and midnights. The whole atmosphere was calm and silent and it set Dean on edge – quiet was never followed by something good.

"Already you are defensive and you don't even know what is going on," came a voice from all around. It rang clear, each word perfectly heard, and loud like rolling thunder. Though he knew it wasn't true Dean felt as if he'd heard that voice before, as if it were part of some long forgotten part of him.

Dean looked around, slowly turning so that he could look at everything. "Where are you?" he called. "Quit hiding and come out!" There was the sound of a twig snapping behind him and when he turned around there was a man standing there Dean had never expected to see.

He remembered the face of the man standing before him from pictures he'd seen as a child, but more readily he remembered him from his trip to the past. A young John Winchester was standing before him, face impassive and body language rigid. Right away Dean knew something was off, that he wasn't looking at his father in his glory days. The way the man held himself reminded Dean of when he'd first met Castiel and some of the other angels, like they didn't know how their bodies really worked or how to get comfortable in them. Then he remembered where he was and the voice he had heard. "Michael?" he ventured cautiously.

Not-John's lips twitched slightly upwards. "Very good."

Dean was instantly furious. "What the hell do you think you're doing in my head?" he shouted, taking a few bold steps towards the archangel wearing his father's face. "Get out, I've got nothing to say to you!"

Michael sighed and rolled his eyes, the human movements surprising Dean who had come to stop a few paces away from Michael. "Calm down, Dean. I'm not here to convince you to say yes to me." Michael assured him.

Crossing his arms Dean raised a curious eyebrow at the archangel. "So, what? Just popped in to say hi?" He glared at Michael, defensive and cornered. Dean knew he wouldn't be able to get out of the dream unless Michael freed him or one of their resident angels yanked him out, which was pretty unlikely since Lucifer stuck close to Sam and Cas was careful not to invade Dean's privacy without reason, they probably had no idea Michael was even here. He drew himself up and stared the angel down.

"Will you be quiet and listen to what I've come to say to you?" Michael huffed. He moved closer, trying to loom over Dean even though the form he used was smaller. Dean could feel the power coming off the angel in waves, it made him seem bigger than he was, but Dean refused to back down. This was his head, his dream, and his anger made him brave, Dean would not give up what little leverage he had.

His anger also made him hostile and rash, causing him to forget that they had planned to talk Michael down from the apocalypse and make him understand, not piss him off. "Listen here, you dick with wings, I've had it with you and your holier than thou attitude! You need me if you're gonna do anything, so quit acting like you're better than me!"

Michael's once impassive expression twisted in anger and he crowded into Dean's space. "I am above you, you stupid ape! I am so much older and more powerful than you could ever even comprehend and I will be shown respect!" As soon as he'd finished Michael seemed to come back to himself, he didn't back down but he did composed himself once more, his face inexpressive again.

"I don't care how powerful you are – if you want to get anything done you need me!" Dean looked down at Michael, using the two inches he had to make himself more intimidating. He jabbed a finger at Michael's chest. "That or you could send your lackeys to do it for you, but that's not really been working out for you, huh?"

Michael reared up, looking like he were about to retort, but at the last moment he backed off, grabbing Dean's wrist and pushing the hunter's hand away harshly. He stepped back and turned, began pacing along the tree line. Dean watched, surprised and confused, as Michael paced and clenched his hands into fists, muttering furiously to himself as he moved. Dean moved closer to hear what he was saying. Michael seemed to be going between English and Enochian as he went. "More in synch he said… told him this was useless… natural chemistry with your vessel… worse than his brother…"

Dean caught that last bit loud and clear. "You've spoken to Sam?" he shouted, already advancing on the archangel. "What the hell did you do to him? I swear I'll-"

"Not Sam, Adam! In heaven! I wouldn't go anywhere near Sam – he's just as bad as you and he's my brother's vessel, not mine. I spoke to Adam," Michael said, stilled in his pacing for the moment. "He was far more agreeable than you, and infinitely more helpful."

Dean froze. There was something that seemed off about all of this. What had Michael been doing going to see Adam in heaven? He was already dead so he couldn't be used as a vessel anymore, and it wasn't like he knew anything about Sam and Dean since they'd never actually met. There was no reason Dean could think of for Michael to speak with Adam.

Making an effort to stay calm, Dean asked cautiously "So what are you trying to get at then?" If he could figure out something about what was happening – anything really – it would be more than the nothing they had right now.

"I was trying to understand you," Michael gesture vaguely towards Dean, but the hunter had a feeling Michael was speaking about everyone back at Bobby's. "Why you all are so against us, why you won't just accept your fates… Why my brother prefers you over his family."

That last bit had Dean sympathizing with Michael before he really thought about it, the honest hurt in Michael's voice resonated with Dean. Michael continued, "He hated humans and now he's defending them for you. I need to know why."

Dean shrugged, "Little brothers never really do what you expect them to do. I think it's a rule somewhere." He moved to lean against the impala, "Besides, everyone changes as they grow up, I guess it's true for angels too."

At this Michael snorted. "Angels are not supposed to change, they are supposed to follow orders." He paused a moment, considering something. "But I suppose Lucifer was never very good at that. He was always asking questions and pushing boundaries. He never could just leave well enough alone."

Dean grinned a little, remembering some of Lucifer's antics during the last few months. "Well that hasn't changed. He still does that, just around us now I guess. Sam gets most of it directed at him and half the time I just stay out of the way."

Michael smiled ruefully at Dean, he guessed the angel found it comforting that Dean seemed fond of Michael's brother. "Adam seems to think that Lucifer has changed because he has befriended you and your brother – that he is comfortable and accepted here and that you make him happy." He shook his head. "I haven't seen him happy in a long time."

"He and Sammy get along real well, you know? And he seems to like talking to Cas, pretty sure they just talk about how much they don't understand humans, though." Michael's expression soured and he looked away from Dean, who continued, "You know he misses you right. He wants to talk to you about this whole… change of plan. He's been bitching about it for days now."

Michael suddenly focused back on him. "He wants to talk to me. Really? I was under the impression that he was quite upset with me." He looked hopefully at Dean.

Man, giving an angel hope was always a really uncomfortable experience, how did he keep ending up in these situations. "Why wouldn't he be? You keep sending lackeys instead of trying to talk to him yourself, how else is he supposed to react? Sam probably would have kicked my ass by now if I acted like you."

Michael gave Dean a strange look. "I can't exactly talk to him without a vess—"

"Don't even think about it smartass. No angels are getting inside of me and you can just find a way to work around it." Dean tried to glare menacingly but he did kind of feel for the guy. "Look, I'll talk to everyone in the morning," He rubbed his forehead a little, this was going to be awkward. "Between all of us I'm sure we can figure out something that will work."

Michael smiled a bit awkwardly, obviously not used to the expression. "You do all seem to keep coming up with ways to make the universe obey you even when it should not."

Dean wasn't sure what to make of that admission, anyone who knew the Winchesters knew just how much the universe worked against them, and anything they managed to work in their favor was usually small and nearly insignificant. He didn't say anything about it though, Michael had a look in his eyes as he watched Dean, a fire that hadn't been there when they had first started talking. He knew how it felt to watch your brother walk away, he understood the feeling of not being able to reach out to that brother and make peace for whatever reason. Dean had been lucky enough that he did reconnect with Sam and he couldn't help but want to help the two archangels achieve that for themselves.

Maybe they were more alike than Dean had thought.

"Lucifer will know how to summon me once you have figured out how to allow us to speak to each other," Michael said, moving towards Dean. "Good bye, Dean. And thank you."

Michael's fingers reached for Dean's forehead and he flinched as they touched him and everything faded away.

Dean woke with a start, which was nothing abnormal, especially since hell. What was still a bit strange was waking up with Castiel in his bed. Every few days Castiel would need sleep, just an hour or two, though he normally lazed about in bed for another few hours if there was nothing that he needed to see to. Sleep often left him groggy and out of sorts for a little while. That was how Dean knew Castiel had not been sleeping when he placed a hand on Dean's shoulder after the hunter had startled awake.

"Dean, it's alright," he said, shifting closer to Dean on the bed. "It was just a dream. You are safe."

Dean was shaking his head before Castiel had even finished speaking. "No, it wasn't a dream, Cas," he said, looking at the angel. It was evidence towards how out of sorts Dean was thanks to Michael that he didn't even bother to ask why Castiel had been in his room and on the bed if he wasn't sleeping. "Cas, Michael came to me in my dreams last night."