Oh my goodness thank you so much Blondie 20000 and Franki3Winchester for your feedback! Oh yeah, Jo's pretty pissed at the hand she's been dealt and she has her journey that she needs to go on and hopefully our Dean can accept and support her on her journey.

Anyway thank you again and there is an author's note at the end of this chapter...didn't want to post it up top and spoil anything really.

Enjoy,

Val

Chapter 17

Dean laid by Jo. It had been almost twenty-four hours since Cas had lowered the veil her memories were behind. At the eighteen-hour mark Sam had insisted they hook her up to a saline drip to prevent dehydration after Dean had carried her back to their bedroom.

He ran his fingers through her hair. "You're starting to scare me Sweetheart. Twenty-four hours…come on its time you wake up. You need to come back to me…to Amelia. Heck Sammy has paced a hole in the floor he's so worried about you. Cas…Cas actually frowned when he came in the last time to check on you and well for him that's practically hysterics."

He leaned down and kissed her temple. "Come on Jo," he whispered in her ear.

"Dean," Sammy said as he walked back into the room with a tray of food. "Dude, you need to eat."

Dean ignored his brother as he sat up and grabbed his cell phone off the bedside table next to him. "I'm calling Jody. I want Ami here with us. I think she may come out of this if our daughter is here."

Sam stared at his brother. "What…we haven't dealt with Gabriel yet. We can't bring Ami back until we handle him."

Dean sighed. "He's no threat to Jo or Ami. He loves her. Plus I think he's on our side. I don't think there is any love lost between him and Chuck."

"Dean I get it; I hate seeing her like this too…"

"No you don't! She's not the woman you love!" He snapped. Dean closed his eyes when he saw the hurt in his brother's eyes. "I'm sorry. I know you care about…"

"Love. Dean I love Jo too. She my family…my sister." He told his brother.

Dean sighed. "I know you do," he said as he looked up at his brother. "She's reliving it…all of it."

"I'm afraid too," Sam said as he sat down on the chair by the bed. "She's reliving her most painful memories and there's no way around the fact that we played a part in some."

Dean snorted at that. "Played a part in some. Sammy her death…her resurrection….the eight years in the mental hospitals…her memories being turned into friggin swiss cheese is directly because of us."

"She love you," Sam said trying to reassure his brother.

"It's still a lot to expect her to move past everything. It was one thing when she thought she was from another dimension and heard what happened in Duluth and Carthage…about how our father caused her father's death…how we ultimately caused Ellen's. How do we come back from that?" He asked.

"Hey," Sam said as he watched his brother carefully. "Remember during her darkest time you were the one she imagined a life with. If she couldn't accept you she wouldn't have imagine a life where she felt safe and loved by you."

"I guess."

"I know." Sam said firmly. "Give Jo the credit she deserves."

Dean slowly stood up and looked down at Jo. "I'm calling Jody. I need Ami here now."

Sam nodded his head as he watched Dean walk out of the room before turning his attention back to Jo and took her hand in his. "Hey Jo…well I'm sure you heard him. He's calling Jody and Ami will be here soon. I know that will make you happy when you wake up."

"It's weird…sitting with you like this. We never told you but after you and Ellen…after you both died. When we told Rufus; he sat shiva for you both and we…me, Dean and Bobby joined him. It was the only way we could really honor you both…since we couldn't give you a hunter funeral."

Sam swallowed the lump in his throat. "Jo, I don't think Dean can watch this much longer. Come on Jo, you need to wake up." He urged.

"Jody, Claire and Ami will be here in the morning." Dean said as he walked back into their bedroom.

"I was telling her about when we sat shiva with Rufus," Sam said as he looked at his brother.

Dean snorted, "that old coot really cared for her. I think she reminded him of his daughter…umm…" Dean shook his head. "I can't believe I can't think of his daughter's name."

"Rebecca." A voice murmured.

They both turned in shock as they saw Jo's eyes flutter open and heard her say. "Her name was Rebecca."

"Jo," Dean cried as he dropped to knees beside her bed as reached out to touch her cheek.

"How long?"

"Twenty-four hours," Sam said as he handed Dean a bottle of water.

"Small sips," Dean urged as he held the bottle up to her lips. "Sammy I think you can take the IV out."

Jo sat up and accepted the bottle, drinking it while watching Sam's movements. Once the IV was out she looked up at the two hunters. "Did you say Jody will be here in the morning?"

"Yeah," Dean said as he watched Jo as she tried to sit. "Whoa, let me help you." He said as he reached out to help her sit up.

He frowned when he saw the way she flinched at his touch. "How do you feel?"

"How the fuck do you think I feel!" She snapped. No sooner did the words leave her mouth did she look up in horror at Dean and Sam. "I'm sorry…sorry…"

Dean stood up. "It's fine. You're probable hungry, there's a sandwich on the tray next to you. We'll give you some time." He shot a look at Sammy who also got up. "If you need anything, just let me know."

Jo nodded her head mutely as she watched the two men leave before tossing the covers aside and getting up. Ignoring the sandwich she went into the bathroom…she needed a shower.

Twenty minutes later a freshly showered and dressed Jo stood in the doorway to the bedroom, her eyes falling upon the desk in the corner. Taking a deep breath she went over and picked up the journal sitting on top of the desk.

Her hands shook as she sat down in the chair that Sam had been sitting in. Opening the book, she examined the binding and saw a small slit. A few seconds later she had peeled back the fabric to reveal a several envelopes. She looked at the one that was titled – Jo, from Dean and knew she had to read it first as she remembered what he said to her before they came through the portal.

"I'm sorry Sweetheart. I'm sorry that I agreed to be part of this." He said as he cupped her cheek.

"Part of what?"

Dean reached behind him and pulled out his journal. "Take this…when you're ready I want you to read it; our messages for you are in there. They're in the binding…look in the binding. I want you to know the truth. You deserve to know the truth. Just know that we all care about you and this baby. That's your job now, you have to protect this baby."

"I don't understand." She murmured in confusion.

"I know Sweetheart. I know but you will eventually." He said as he leaned forward and kissed her gently on lips. "Now hide the journal, don't let him see it.."

"Him?" She asked as she took the book and tucked the book into her inside pocket of her jacket.

"Gabriel, you're going with Gabriel. He'll get you to where you need to go."

"When will you join us?"

"Jo you will be with the right one soon. Trust your instincts." He told her as he reached down and took her hand in his. "It's time."

She shook her head. They weren't dead. They were alive…those were more planted memories. Why didn't Gabriel tell them? More games…she was getting sick and tired of all the games. Taking a deep breath, she opened the envelope in her hands and pulled out the paper inside and began to read the other Dean's message to her.

Jo,

So Sweetheart if you're reading this then I guess you finally got your true memories back. That's good and I'm glad for you.

I probably should say I'm sorry for my part in what was done to you and I am sorry but I would do it again. You're gonna be a Mama soon yourself and I know you'll understand.

I agreed to pretend to be your husband and the father of your baby because Gabriel said he would heal Ben. I know you don't know Ben but he's my son...well not really my son but I've been with his mom since he was a toddler and I'm the only man he ever called Dad.

Six months ago we found out he had stage 4 leukemia. Can you imagine what it's like watching your child suffer? God(or should I say Chuck…yeah Gabriel gave me the highlights), I hope you never experience it! I can hunt any supernatural bastard out there but I couldn't fight the thing killing my son.

Then suddenly Gabriel and you were just there and he made me an offer. Play the part of dutiful husband and father and he would heal Ben. I'm sorry Jo. I knew it was wrong but I couldn't let Ben die. So I made the deal with Gabriel.

I know it caused you pain. The way I keep a barrier between. I hope you understand now why I acted that way. I do care about you and I know I can a giant douche at times but I would never take advantage of a woman. That and I would never cheat on Lisa.

If I had known that Gabriel would play with your mind because of the way I acted around you I would have tried harder though. Haven't dealt with an angel before this. I never expected him to be an asshole.

Look he told me he was bringing you back to your dimension since it was now safe for you. He said he was bringing you back to that Dean and that he is the real father of your baby.

I don't know this other Dean but from what Gabriel has told me it's pretty obvious we've lived very different lives.

Just trust yourself Jo…you're a hunter. That dick angel may have alter your memories but he couldn't change your natural instincts. If something feels off then trust yourself because I know I would trust you with my life.

I doubt you'll remember it but you would just sprout off different ways to kill some big nasty whenever you were in the room while we discuss a hunt (and you were right every single time). Tell us where we were going wrong on our research(again you were always right…kinda annoying to be honest with you). It was just second nature for you, same way you would play with any loose hunting knives that were hanging around. Only somebody truly comfortable with a weapon like that would handle them the way you do.

Anyway, the reason I'm saying this stuff is because part of me thinks something big is going down in your dimension. This past week there has been more activity than normal around here and the old man thinks it's some carry over from what is happening in your dimension. I hate to say it but I think Gabriel is taking you out of the pan and putting you and the baby in the fire. It's the not knowing why that pisses me off.

Okay, I just needed to get that off my chest. There are a few more letters from you. Letters from Lisa, Ben, Sammy and believe it or not my old man. Damn if you didn't worm your way into his grouchy old heart…gave me and Sammy a few chuckles watching him turning into a softie in front of us…never thought I would ever see my Dad beaming like an idiot while looking at a sonogram photo.

Take care Jo and remember trust your instinct!

Dean

Jo wiped away her tears. She was going to deck Gabriel for making her think those horrible thoughts about him and the rest of them. Chewing on her lower lip she opened the envelope that was addressed To Jo, From Lisa.

Hello Jo,

I know we never met but I know I owe you for my son's life. I can't thank you enough. I know this must be weird for you. It was weird for me too!

I want you to understand…my Dean is a good man. He did what he did for my son. He may not be Ben's biological father but he loves him and he's been Ben's dad in every way over the past ten years. When he asked me about Gabriel's offer…I didn't think twice. I told him to do whatever it takes. That Ben was worth it.

I just want to say I hope you find your happiness with your Dean. Enjoy and cherish your daughter Jo. She is the greatest gift you will ever receive…just like my Ben is mine and thanks to you he was given back to me.

Thank you doesn't express how grateful I am but thank you. Take care of yourself and your daughter.

Forever Grateful,

Lisa

Jo smiled…yeah your Dean is a good man Lisa she thought to herself. Sighing she then read the letters from Ben and Sam. She stared at the last letter. It was the letter John wrote to her. She closed her eyes as she thought about John. He had been so good to her. She spent most of her time with the eldest Winchester. She opened his envelope and slipped the piece of paper out.

Hey Kiddo,

Well you found the letters that means you got you real memories back. I know Dean covered what we felt regarding Gabriel. Not sure how much I trust that prick…so watch your back Kiddo and trust your hunter instinct.

Okay I'm not one to talk about my feelings…especially after my Mary's death. At first when you came to us I know we were all pretty leery about you and Gabriel. Like I said I never trusted him that much but you…Jo you became the daughter Mary and I never had. Mary and I always wanted a girl…even thought maybe Dean was a girl at first.

Anyway when the boys began going out on hunts after you got here it kinda fell on me to watch out for you and at first we booth kept to ourselves but I don't know one night after dinner we ended up playing poker and well we just connected and began to spend more time together.

Somewhere along the lines you stopped being my pretend daughter in law and you became a daughter to me. If I had my way you and the baby would still be with us. I'm still not sure about Gabriel taking you to this other dimension but I guess that Dean does deserve to know you're alive and be with his baby.

I just want you to know…if you ever need us we're here for you. You find a way to open that portal Jo(and trust me if anyone can figure out how it's you). You and the baby come home to us. We're your family and don't you forget it. Gabriel may have played with your mind and your memories but oh Hell we love you Kiddo and he couldn't control that; he couldn't control our feelings.

You take care Jo and you take care of my granddaughter Amelia.

John

Jo took several deep breaths as she folded the letters and stored them back in the lining of the book. Sniffling she went over and grabbed the sandwich from the tray, eating it as she made her way down to confront Gabriel.

SPNSPNSPNSPN

Gabriel turned when heard the door open to his cell and watched as Jo walked into the room. He could see it, the clarity in her eyes. They had done it, Castiel had lowered the veil and her memories were back. All of them the real ones, the fantasies and the planted memories. He could see she remembered everything.

"Are you alright?" He asked as he sat up.

Jo frowned as she shook her head. "Not really."

He stared as she looked down at her bare feet. "Jo…"

"Why…why didn't you tell me they were alive…that their 'deaths' were planted memories?"

The angel shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know."

"You don't know!" She shouted as her head snapped up. "Even those few short hours after we talked…that I thought they had died because of me…the guilt I felt! What the Hell is wrong with you!"

"I'm sorry."

"Not good enough," she said as began pacing in front of him. "Bet you didn't know that they wrote me letters before we left."

Gabriel's shook his head slightly. "What are you talking about?"

"Before your last great hurrah, you let Dean say goodbye to me. He gave me his journal…the journal that we used to begin to piece things together. He also hid letters for me from them in it too. The funny thing is…there was a running theme in the letters from Dean, Sam and John. Basically watch my back and trust my instincts."

Gabriel sighed and murmured, "I see."

Jo nodded her head as she saw the way he was looking at her. "So I'm following their advice and I'm trusting my instincts and my instincts is telling me that you are holding back and I want to know what you're not telling me."

"Jo, I get that you're angry but…"

"Don't!" she snapped, cutting him off. "Don't you dare try to say I'm wrong! There's more to the story and I want the truth!"

Gabriel went on the offensive. "You think there's more to the story then you tell me. You're the hunter with the instinct…so come on Columbo…tell me what I left out." He taunted.

Jo narrowed her eyes. "Fine jackass, I will!" She sneered as she grabbed the chair in the corner and slammed it down in front of the bed and sat down. She took several deep breaths as she watched the angel in front of her.

Was he fidgeting? Was he nervous? No…not nervous, he couldn't look her in the eyes. No…not nervous…more like embarrassed or ashamed.

She was a good hunter…she did have good instincts. She sat back and really looked at Gabriel. That's when she notice that his hair was grayer than she remembered. There were more wrinkles around his eyes and he had a few scars that she could see from where Michael had sliced and dice him with an angel blade when they were being held captive.

She wondered how long he had been in his vessel. She kicked herself for never asking Cas back at Bobby how long their vessels lasted because Gabriel's looked like it was ready for an overhaul. Slowly she began cataloging what she was seeing.

"Why did you help me? Why did you take me away from Michael?" She asked.

He looked up at her. "Think what you want but I wasn't about to let him experiment on you or your baby."

"Amelia." Jo murmured as she consider what Michael went through so that she was conceived. "She must be pretty valuable, considering her father is Michael's sword." She said frowning, swallowing at the way Gabriel avoided her gaze. "Oh God, that's it isn't it. She's the perfect vessel for an archangel. An archangel like yourself."

Gabriel closed his eyes and hung his head. "Jo, I swear that wasn't why I brought you to the other dimension."

Jo snorted, "Of course not."

"I'm not a monster like Michael!" He argued.

Jo shook her head. "I want to believe you but after everything that you've done. Playing with my memories…locking Castiel up…then using your mojo to make us think we were seeing Cas when it was just a pretend image you created…taunting us and that ridiculous childish scavenger hunt. Then when you finally come clean you don't tell us everything…even when you knew I would find out the truth."

"I risked everything for you. I was able to hide you from Michael but I still faced him. I had to leave you there since he could find you through me. I came back here. I came back and he torture me and I never gave you away." He said as he tentatively reached out and took her hands in his.

Jo stared at their joined hands. "Then come with me and confess everything to the others."

"You want me to confess to Dean Winchester that I want to ask his daughter to someday to join me and to be my vessel. He'll kill me! Again!" He cried.

She chewed on her lower lip. "I'll stand by you, but I'm done with lies and half-truths Gabriel. I've lost too much time and I can't have an honest relationship with Dean or anyone else including you if we don't do this."

Gabriel looked up in shock. "You want a relationship with me?"

Jo sighed, "you're a jackass but I still love you."

The archangel smiled at her. "Well then let's get this over with."

Jo stood up and reached into her back pocket and pulled out the angle proof handcuffs. "Sorry but you have to wear these."

"Of course I do," he said as he held stood up and put his hands behind his back.

Jo quickly slapped the handcuffs on, giving Gabriel's hand a gentle squeeze. "Let's do this," she said as she went over and place a large piece of duct tape over a section of the sigil on the floor so that Gabriel could leave the room and make his final confession.

TBC

Author's Note: Okay so Gabriel has his own agenda to a certain point but he does love Jo in his own way. Who knows maybe Jo and Ami will be good for Gabriel...help him actually 'grow up' in a way.