Sam was staring at the screen of his laptop trying to find any sign of a demon deal ready to expire. Kevin's revelation rolling around and around in his head. He had to admit the idea of bathing in the blood of a hellhound didn't in anyway sound appealing, not in the slightest but if it got the gates of hell closed forever he was all in. Hand him the knife.
But what was really making him antsy was the situation with Dean and Gabriel. Dean was playing the 'it didn't happen.' Card again, burying his god-damn head in the sand, while Gabriel was just plain old ignoring him. He'd tried calling four times since their conversation and he hadn't answered a single one, just let them go to voicemail. He didn't even care enough to answer and hang up.
Sam growled, frustrated at himself as he pulled up yet another news report, he'd already found a couple of prospects but the dates didn't tally, not properly. There was at least another month before one was due to be called in. He'd have to talk to Dean, maybe they'd have to wait, which frankly suited him just fine.
He glanced up as Kevin walked through the room looking better than he had when they'd arrive, the guy had looked close to death, dark shadows beneath his eyes, pale, skinny and he'd smelt like the kind of crap they dug up in graveyards. "How you feeling?" he asked with a warm smile.
"Better." Kevin nodded.
"Look Kevin, you need to take care of yourself."
The door flew open just as the young man was about to speak, Dean strolling in with two white plastic bags. Sam turned back to an article on miracle cures when a name leapt out at him, then another. He inhaled sharply, sitting straighter in his seat and he scrolled on and on, reading quickly.
He was out of the chair before Dean could say a word, already racing towards the door.
"Sammy? What's wrong?"
"Let's go Dean. Now!" he practically yelled.
He could hear his brother behind him but he didn't stop until he'd reached the Impala and was slipping into the passenger seat.
"What's going on?" Dean asked with grave concern.
"I need to get home."
Dean exhaled almost angrily, slumping against the leather seat. "Seriously, that's it? We're working here!"
Sam turned to glare furiously at his brother. "That's what I'm doing!" he yelled. "You want a hellhound, get me home. Now!"
_What Doesn't Kill You_
The closer the hound got the clearer its growls became. Gabriel could hear them now and it sent a chill through him, his heart pummelling itself against his ribs, as if desperate to escape the nightmare to come. He looked to the ceiling as he caught the sound of Riot's barks, then his gaze flickered across to where Rita was sat pressed to the wall, her knees to her chest and her face buried into them. He could see her slim form shaking violently.
"What happened?" Gabriel asked, unable to keep the accusation out of his voice. Rita looked up, red eyes filled with agony and fear, and Gabriel's anger slipped away. "Why?" he pressed, voice softer now.
Rita shifted on her butt and sniffled before speaking. "Molly."
"What about her?" He thought about Annabella's daughter, her bright smile and warm welcoming demeanour, so much like her mother.
Rita swallowed hard. "Annabella told you about her being sick, right?"
Gabriel frowned, he had been told about Molly's two year fight with Leukaemia. He shook his head, how hadn't he realized. A miracle, Annabella had said. It was so obvious now, why not then? Had he really believed his brothers had actually stepped up to the plate? Honestly, yes. It happened on occasion, though usually there was a reason for them to save a life. "Rita?" he murmured sadly, shaking his head, tears pooling as he watched his friend tremble with fear, knowing there was nothing he could do to save her, not anymore. "You should have told me sooner." He murmured as another howl ripped through the night sky.
_What Doesn't Kill You_
Sam's stomach plummeted as the Impala pulled up to the house, he could see the mess before he'd even climbed out of the car. He could see the mess before he'd even climbed out of the car, the front door hanging off its hinges, the front window shattered; its curtain billowing out into the night. Pulling the demon knife from his jacket, he raced for the door. Dean's hurried footsteps behind him. "Gabriel!" he yelled, his eyes scanning the entrance hall. "Claire!" he drew to a halt the second his eyes fell on the ex-archangel laying across the living room floor in a pool of blood and wood.
Sam's chest felt like it had collapsed in on itself and he fought to breath, even as he sprinted across the room, before he could reach Gabriel however, he felt himself trip over something. He looked down at the blood stained floor and moved his foot, feeling a heavy weight against his toe. Cautiously he crouched and reached out. His fingers met damp course fur and flesh, drawing back to find them covered in yet more dark black blood.
Inhaling sharply Sam looked over to see Dean vanishing into the kitchen. Swallowing thickly he stepped over the invisible corpse and dropped down at the other man's side. He wrinkled his nose at the same dark gooey blood covering the ex-archangel. "Gabriel?" he said brokenly, reaching out with shaking fingers to the man's throat, holding his breath as he waits for proof of life. He closed his eyes, tears burning beneath the lids. God don't you dare leave me, you jackass.
A weak beat fluttered against his finger tips and he exhaled a rushed breath. "Gabriel." his voice broke on the name and lifted his hand to the man's cheek. "Come on, man. Wake you." he tapped at his cheek.
The amber eyes opened partially. "Hey k-kiddo." he choked, coughing and groaning painfully. "What took y'so long?"
Sam inhaled sharply, shaking his head. He leant forward, pressing his lips to Gabriel's. The ex-archangel groaned and Sam instantly pulled back. "Gabe?"
The other man didn't reply and Sam's attention was drawn to the stairs and the sound of running feet. Claire and Riot rushed towards him, the girl throwing her arms around him and almost knocking him over.
"Thank god." Claire whispered into his shoulder.
Sam closed his arms around her. "Its okay." he replied reassuringly. His gaze travelled to where Dean was stood by the kitchen entrance, gun lowered to his side. He shook his head and Sam's eyes flicked to the dark figure behind him.
_What Doesn't Kill You_
Gabriel sat exhausted and heartbroken as Sam and Dean cleaned up the scene of destruction, dragging out the invisible remains of the hell-hound as well as what was left of Rita. He closed his eyes regretfully, pulling Claire closer into his side. Her cheek pressed against his chest, her fingers wrapped tightly in the folds of his shirt, knuckles white and terrified of letting him go. A feeling he shared.
He wished Rita had told him sooner about her deal. He wasn't able to do anything in his present state, sure, but they could have done something, been prepared. Found a way to break the deal.
He shook his head at the all too human desperation. How many times had he stood by and scoffed at human's for that? You made your bed, you lie in it.
Gabriel pressed his face into Claire's soft sweet scented hair and let the tear run down his face at the loss of his friend. He sat like that for a few minutes, clinging onto Claire, allowing the pain of loss to wash over him. He'd never got used to it. - Feeling. It had been easier as an angel.
The sound of hushed angry voices from the kitchen drew his attention. Gently shifted Claire off him, a reassuring smile on his face and got to his feet. Strolling cautiously to the kitchen to see what was happening. Ready to deal once again with Dean's anger.
"We know whe..."
"It's the most sensible solution Sam!" Dean insisted warily.
"We have the Cassity's!" Sam argued sharply, his voice straining to remain quiet when he clearly wanted to yell.
"That's almost a month away, you really want to wait around another month when we've got everything we need here?"
Gabriel frowned as Sam stepped into Dean's personal space, towering over him, voice dripping with warning.
"We are not using Gabriel!" he growled.
Dean instantly straightened, the defensiveness reinforcing his spine. "This isn't about you, it's about saving the world. It's about closing the gates, locking those sons of bitches up for good. Don't be so selfish!"
"He already did his part." Sam snapped, voice growing louder with frustration. "He already died helping save the world, Dean. I'm not letting him do it again. I ca..." Sam snapped his bloodshot eyes. "You wouldn't be saying this if it were Cas." he pointed out coldly.
Dean clenched his jaw and Gabriel watched as the man's fingers flexed at his side. He was going to blow, it was so obvious and undoubtedly Sam knew that too.
"Boys." Gabriel interrupted, marching into the kitchen, though his appearance didn't seem to ease the tension. "What's going on?"
"Nothing." Sam replied bluntly, his gaze never leaving his brother.
"Huh-uh." Gabriel huffed, disbelievingly, looking between them.
"We've got a chance to close the gates of hell but Sam's..."
"Dean." Sam hissed in warning.
Gabriel stepped closer to his lover, raising his hand and setting it comfortingly on the taller man's beep, squeezing lightly. "Meaning?" he pressed, turning to Dean curiously. "I've told Sam before I don't know anything..."
Dean tore his gaze from Sam to look down at the ex-archangel. "Kevin's decrypted the first trial last night."
"Oh." Gabriel frowned. "And?"
"Dean." Sam whispered.
"It's to kill a hell hound and bath in its blood." Dean informed him matter-of-factly, his eyes racking down Gabriel's blood stained clothes.
Gabriel inhaled slowly, his hand finally dropping from Sam's arm, his own arms wrapping defensively over his chest, as he stared down at himself. "Oh. I see."
"It doesn't matter." Sam insisted harshly. "We know where a hellhounds going to be next month, we'll head there and we'll try again." He shot Dean a murderous glare.
Gabriel stared at his blood soaked shirt, his head a cyclone of thoughts and feelings. He shook his head. "No."
"Gabriel."
"Dean's right." he heard himself whisper. "I'm here, I can do this."
"No!" Sam snapped loudly, turning to glare at Gabriel.
The ex-archangel looked up confidently. "Come on Sammy." he murmured wearily. "You really think I'm going to just let you go off and face a hell hound when I'm...done." he stretched out his arms to show off his blood drenched clothing. "You could get yourself killed." He sighed. "I'm act willing to risk that." - Besides, I'm..." he swallowed thickly, his golden eyes locked with Sam's red rimmed hazel ones. "I'm not even meant to be here, I'm meant to be rotting away in purgatory for eternity."
"Gabriel..."
He stepped closer to Sam. "Look, I got a reprieve and it's been a great two years."
Sam scoffed disbelievingly, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"It has." Gabriel insisted. "Being human isn't all that bad."
Sam closed his eyes, inhaling slowly. "This isn't going to be...simple."
"It never is where you boys are involved." Gabriel chuckled weakly. "But it'll be worth it in the end."
The room fell silent, the pair wrapped in their own bubble of sadness and resignation. Sam was the first to break the silence. Straightening his spine, putting even more height on himself he looked down at Gabriel and the angel's heart skipped at the pure stubborn determination in those watery orbs.
"Fine, but don't think I'm letting you go that easily." Sam informed him firmly. "You know how pig-headed I can be." he glowered, silently reminding Gabriel of a hundred Tuesdays. "You're getting out from this in one piece, if I have to drag you."
Gabriel's lip curled up in the corner, a breathily wet laugh forcing its way free. "Really."
"Really." Sam nodded.
Gabriel inhaled sharply, smirking. "Alright Winchester."
Dean groaned loudly, pulling both men's attention away from one another. "Can we just get this over with? I'm tired and need a shower." he sighed.
Gabriel grinned triumphantly at the older Winchester, glad to see Dean's discomfort plastered across his face. "Sure thing, Dean-o. What do I do?"
"Never call me Dean-o again for a start." he warned through gritted teeth, riffling in his pocket for the scrap of paper Kevin had given him, thrusting it towards the ex-archangel furiously. "Say this."
Gabriel took the paper and stared down at the ancient Enochian. "That's it?" he looked between the brothers, the pain shrugging.
Inhaling slowly though his rose, Gabriel took a couple of steps away from Sam, rolling his shoulder. "Okay, here it goes." he took another deep breath. "Kah Nah Urm Dah." he stood silently, looking between the brothers, shrugging at the pairs questioning look. "You sure this is the right...Ahhhh!"
Gabriel's legs went beneath him, sending him to his knees, his hands braced against the wooden floorboards. Pain ripping though his chest and his vision filled with bright white lights, his ears ringing. He stared down at his outstretched arm, watching it pulsate with heat and light. As the glow faded, so too did the pain, his breathing evening out.
"Gabriel? - Gabriel?" Sam called.
He winced at the panic and fear in Sam's voice, lifting his eyes to meet the worried hazel he forced a smile. "I'm good. - I'm good."
Sam didn't look at all convinced. He help Gabriel back to his feet, holding him as he swayed slightly. Regaining his balance, Gabriel smiled shakily at Sam, not failing to notice the death glare the hunter was sending his brother over his head. A sniffling noise behind him had Gabriel turning to see a deathly pale, terrified Claire.
A/N: Sorry for the shortness of the chapter.
