September 26, 2010
Danny readjusted the large jar of salt on his desk, making sure the newly placed plaque in front of it was easily visible from his bed. After a couple more shifts, he stepped away, satisfied with the placement. Shortly after Danny's hunt with the Winchesters ended, he had gotten a plaque commemorating the second defeat of Raphael, archangel of doucheyness. He made sure that the plaque read "Here Lieth Raphael: The Saltiest Angel Whoever Lived". He had gotten a weird look from the woman he hired to make the plaque, but a little compulsion ensured that she wouldn't ask too many questions.
Unlike Damon, who asks too many. Danny smiled fondly, recalling the conversation with his younger brother shortly after his return.
September 19, 2010
Danny waved farewell to the Winchesters as he put his hand on the handle of the front door. He watched them salute before Dean drove off, leaving the vampire to readjust the large jar of salt under his left arm as he unlocked the door and stepped inside. He closed the door behind him, turning around to see Damon standing in the living room, holding two glasses of bourbon and looking a bit nervous.
"How was the trip?" his brother asked, holding out a glass as Danny came closer.
"Brilliant," the hybrid replied, taking the glass with his free hand as he settled himself on one of the couches.
Damon frowned, sitting down opposite him as he said, "I can't tell if you're being sarcastic or honest."
"Bit of both," Danny grinned, placing the jar on his right and resting his arm over it securely. "Got to deal with some Bible plagues, see Cas, beat Raphael's ass – it was a very productive day."
"Right..." Damon trailed off, staring at the jar. "What's with the salt? You makin' a galaxy-sized batch of margaritas?"
Danny chuckled before answering, "This, little brother, is all that remains of Raphael's vessel."
"You're joking, right?" Damon asked in a tone of disbelief, receiving a broad smile in return. "How the hell did that happen?"
Danny launched into his tale, starting from the very beginning where Sam showed him and Dean 'Bubblewrap'. He told him a bit about the investigation, and smirked at Damon's disgusted look when he talked about the locusts in Colfax's head. When he brought up Cas' reappearance, he flipped Damon off, not overly fond of the knowing smirk on his face. He quickly ghosted over the kid, the angel, and the teleporting to Balthazar's house. Damon seemed intrigued by the angel, laughing at some of the things he said before quickly sobering up when Danny spoke of Raphael coming back. When Danny spoke of the archangel's fate, Damon stared at the jar of salt with new reverence.
"So, now you have an archangel in a jar, what're you gonna do with it?" Damon inquired.
"I'm having a plaque made. Shame Raph doesn't go on social media, otherwise I'd tag him in the picture I was planning on taking," Danny replied, still smiling even as he drank his bourbon.
"What're you gonna do with the picture then? Plan on replacing your lock screen?" Damon asked, a cheeky smile on his face.
"So, Damon, about your snapping my neck..." Danny replied, changing the subject abruptly, much to his brother's chagrin. "I've thought about it, and I've decided to forgive you."
"Just like that?" Damon questioned in a tone of surprise.
"Just like that," Danny nodded, taking another sip of his drink.
"Huh," Damon clicked his tongue, leaning back in his seat. "Not that I'm complaining, but why?"
Danny shrugged, swirling around the contents of his glass for a moment before answering with, "Well, let's be honest here. That situation wouldn't have turned out well had you not snapped my neck. I would've been forced to stop you from attacking Klaus – putting me at odds with you – and then I would've had to protect you – which would have pitted Klaus against me. The whole matter was solved without my interference, for which I am grateful."
"So... you're thanking me for snapping your neck?"
"Shut up."
Danny shook his head, ridding himself of the memory for the moment. He took out his phone, smiling briefly at the picture of him and Cas on the lock screen before unlocking it. He went to the camera, snapping a photo of the jar and plaque and setting it as his home screen. He was about to put his phone back when it started vibrating, and a text from Cas popped up. I didn't know he could text. Danny frowned, reading through the long paragraph that was mainly the angel figuring out how the buttons worked. He wants me to meet him at the park? Wonder why?
With a shrug, the hybrid pocketed his phone before heading out of his room, locking it behind him and making his way to the garage. He pulled the sheet off his motorcycle, grinning widely as he pulled up the garage door with a wave of his hand. Glad I still had some spare vials lyin' around. He then mounted his bike, frowning slightly when he realized he had forgotten his keys. An idea struck him and he gave a snap of his fingers, prompting the bike to roar to life. I love magic. He revved the engine a few times before taking off, closing the garage door behind him with another wave of his hand.
In no time at all, he arrived at the park. Dismounting in the parking lot at the Grill, Danny jogged across the street to the park, glancing around for his friend. He soon spotted the trench coat-wearing angel on a nearby bench and proceeded walking over to him, once more wondering what he wanted. Maybe he wants to thank me for saving his life. Again. The hybrid smiled, already knowing what he would say in response.
He settled down next to the angel, resting his left arm on the armrest and his right on top of the bench. Cas turned to face him, his expression inscrutable. Danny resisted the urge to shift in his seat or blurt out all the things that immediately came to mind as the angel stared at him. He would wait for Castiel to make the first move.
"You disobeyed a direct order," the angel finally said.
Danny blinked at him, processing his words before saying, "I'm sorry, what?"
"I ordered you to stay hidden when Raphael came – and you didn't listen -"
"Pardon me for saving your ass again, Cas. Would you rather I just let Raphael pummel you into oblivion next time?" Danny shot back.
"Yes," Cas replied in an exasperated tone. "I'm your commanding officer, as such my orders are final -"
"'My commanding officer'? Pfft," Danny snorted, rolling his eyes. "You're my friend first, commanding officer second. Not even second. More like third or fourth -"
"You're not listening," Cas interrupted him in an aggravated tone, rising to his feet. "No matter what our relationship may be, you're still under my command, Daniel -"
"Oh, so we're back to 'Daniel' now?"
"- and as such are obligated to follow my orders, no matter what you may think of them," Cas finished, not addressing his remark.
"Look here, pal," Danny began hotly, rising to his own feet. "I'm not one of your angel buddies, I don't just do what someone says without questioning the hell out of it. I've only listened to you thus far because I l – care about you, and I'm willing to follow you in order to stop the apocalypse from happening. Don't mistake my loyalty for absolute obedience, Castiel. That's not how I roll – and you know it."
"Yes, we all know how you 'roll'," Cas did finger quotes, which only irked the hybrid more. "You act on whims. You're reckless, never thinking ahead – no regards for the consequences that may befall as a result of your actions. You're narcissistic, you're selfish, you're violent, just like -"
"Go ahead. Say it," Danny hissed, taking a step closer when Cas cut off abruptly.
"Just like Lucifer."
Danny blinked, brow furrowed as he clicked his tongue. Honestly, I don't actually mind that. It's not like he called me Giuseppe or Raphael. The hybrid relaxed somewhat, crossing his arms over his chest as he inhaled and exhaled slowly, keeping a tight grip over his powers. That explains why he chose the park. He knows I won't allow myself to get out of control when I'm surrounded by all these innocent people.
"Dude, you say that like it's an insult," Danny finally replied in a mild tone.
"Most people would consider it as such."
"Those people don't know Lucifer," the hybrid shrugged. "I'd rather be compared to the Devil than be compared to almost anything else. At least Lucifer wasn't afraid to stand up for what he believed in, and that's something I can respect and even follow proudly."
Cas was silent for a moment, eyes narrowed in thought before he asked, "If Raphael succeeds – if the apocalypse begins again – would you side with Lucifer?" Danny remained silent, giving the angel all the answer he needed. "You would follow Lucifer, knowing what he would do to the planet? You would follow the being who killed Gabriel -"
"Don't," Danny rose his voice warningly. "Don't bring Gabriel into this." The hybrid turned his head away, swallowing back the emotions that usually came when the archangel was brought up. After a moment, he turned back, his face a mixture of defiance and resolution. "If the apocalypse were to happen, the lives of myself and the people I love would be at stake. At least with Lucifer, they have a chance of survival."
He has a chance of survival. Danny clarified to himself, head turning subconsciously in the direction his unborn son lay. I'd make a deal with the very Devil himself to protect you. Hell, I'd pop the lid on the Cage myself and let him out if it turns out it's the only way to keep you safe. Danny didn't voice this thought aloud for many reasons. The first of which was that Cas had no idea about his impending fatherhood. It wasn't that he didn't trust the angel – he did, with all his heart. It was that he didn't want to risk Cas somehow being taken by the enemy and tortured into revealing such valuable information.
"Cas," Danny sighed, turning back to face the angel. "When you first asked me to help you with Raphael, I agreed because of two reasons: you're my friend and it was the right thing to do. Now... there's so much more at stake than you realize. There is someone very important to me now – someone I would fight and kill and die to protect. I will do whatever it takes to keep them safe, even if it means siding with Lucifer or an army of demons. I'll do it."
He held his head high. "I'll help you beat Raphael, no matter what it takes. But you have to remember that I'll do whatever it takes to protect the people I love – including you – even if that means defying every order and breaking every rule."
He held out his hand. "If you can accept that – that I'll be fighting as your friend, your equal, not your subordinate – then I'd be proud to call you my comrade. If you can't... well, I'll still do whatever it takes to bring that bastard down. Even if it means bringing you down as well."
Cas stared at his hand for a moment before grasping it firmly in his own and saying, "I suppose I can accept that."
They shook hands, and Danny grinned, glad that the argument had been ended so quickly. The smile faded when Cas asked who 'this important person' was. The hybrid was silent for a moment before saying he couldn't tell him, he couldn't put that person at risk. Cas nodded, though he seemed a bit disappointed with the answer. Danny clapped him on the shoulder, informing him that there were only six people who knew who that person was, and that was only because he felt that person would be in more danger if they didn't.
"You must be very...close to this person, if you're being so secretive about them," Cas finally asked.
"Very," Danny nodded, quirking an eyebrow at the strange look on the angel's face. "Not in any romantic sense though, if that's what you're wondering."
"No, I, uh -" Cas began, seeming a bit flustered.
"Daniel!" a British voice called out, interrupting the two.
Danny closed his eyes as he grimaced, missing the angel's look of relief. He inhaled and exhaled slowly before opening his eyes and turning to face Klaus, who was marching towards him with purpose from the direction of the Grill. He felt Cas tense beside him, as though preparing for a fight, prompting the Nephilim to give him a look and fold his hands behind his back. Not a threat. His posture said, to which the angel gave a subtle nod and relaxed somewhat.
"You can go now," Klaus stated when he arrived, staring into Castiel's eyes.
Cas looked at him in confusion before turning to Danny and asking, "Did he just try to compel me?"
"Ah, yes, I forgot you two haven't met yet," Danny began, grimacing once more. "Cas, this is Klaus, Original hybrid and younger brother to my sire. Klaus, this is Castiel – angel of the Lord and one of my best mates in the whole world. He's good people. Whatever you have to say, you can say in front of him."
"Pleasure," Klaus responded in a dry tone, receiving a nod from the angel. "Daniel, you wouldn't happen to know where Stefan is, would you?"
Danny's brow knitted together in confusion as he replied, "I thought he skipped town after the whole Mikael debacle – congratulations on that, by the way. Why, what did he do this time?"
"He stole the coffins containing my siblings – including the one containing Elijah."
"Oh, dear, that's not good," Danny frowned.
"You keep your siblings in coffins?" Cas asked incredulously.
"You keep yours in a Cage in Hell. Not really in a place to judge," Danny reminded him, grinning when the angel tilted his head, conceding the point. "What do you need me for, Klaus? I have no clue where Stefan or the coffins are."
"Then perhaps you can enlighten me as to the location of my sister. Damon claims he has no idea, I would hate to think what would happen to him should I discover he's not being entirely truthful."
"Are you threatening my brother?" Danny questioned, brow furrowed and eyes glowing lightly. "You should know better than anyone that I don't take threats to my family lightly."
"Then perhaps you should accompany me when I go to question him again. Just to prevent any... unpleasantness," Klaus smiled widely.
The two stared at each other before Danny sighed in defeat, turning to Cas and saying, "See you around, buddy. I've got some family problems to take care of."
The angel looked as though he was going to argue for a moment, but instead sighed before awkwardly putting a hand on the taller man's shoulder and saying, "Good luck."
He then angeled away, leaving Danny to stare at the spot where he had once stood. I'm going to need all the luck I can get to keep Klaus from tearing Damon apart. He sighed, looking at the aforementioned hybrid. While he didn't know what happened to Rebekah – he didn't know a lot of things when it came to his brothers' plans with Mikael – he was certain that Damon had her stashed away somewhere. Probably lying daggered in the basement. He's not exactly subtle when it comes to hiding things.
Danny walked into the library alongside Klaus, an expression of mild irritation on his face. In the time it took to get back to the mansion – Danny had to leave his motorcycle behind, which added to his already unpleasant mood – Klaus had asked Danny about some of the things Mikael said. Namely, about the part pertaining to Hell. As always, the topic brought nothing but bad memories, anger, and irritation to the oldest of the Salvatore brothers, who was reluctant to speak about Hell in general.
Knowing that Klaus would persist if he didn't give some sort of answer now, Danny eventually told him that he had been caught in a trap and transported down under. He explained about the time difference in Hell, how he had spent about 1200 years down there, give or take, before eventually making his escape. When Klaus was about to probe further, the Nephilim shot him a look, stating that he didn't want to talk about it anymore. I haven't even told Cas or Dean about my time down there, why the hell would I tell you? He grumbled internally.
Back in the present, Danny folded his arms over his chest and leaned against a bookcase, observing the interaction between his brother and his sort-of Uncle. Klaus questioned Damon about the location of Rebekah, a question that he deflected with ease before offering him a drink. Klaus told him that Stefan stole his family, to which Damon commented that his baby brother was a buzz-kill, and that he'd look for him except for the fact that he didn't work for Klaus. The werepire said that Damon needed a violent demonstration of what would happen if he didn't find Stefan. He then made a phone call, after which he left, leaving the two brothers alone.
"Well, that was ominous," Danny commented, finally moving from his spot and walking further into the room.
"Yeah..." Damon replied, finishing his bourbon. "You working for Klaus now?"
"If I was, I would've told him you have Rebekah daggered in the basement."
"How did you know?" Damon asked curiously.
"I guessed," Danny shrugged, making himself a drink. "Thank you for confirming my suspicions and proving that are as predictable as ever, baby bro."
"Shut up."
A/N:
Questions, comments, concerns, criticisms, etc. are welcome. Requests for updates are not. (Seriously, gives me really bad anxiety when I see them.)
Also, updates may be a bit slow for a bit. There's a number of chapters I like to have pre-written before I post a new one, and I have yet to meet that number. This is due to a number of things in my life - stress, writer's block, illness, etc. I hope that you guys will be patient if I am unable to post a new chapter next week, and thank you for reading!