Chapter Thirty-Five

No More McFly

TW/CW: Issues with parents, lots of threats, cursing, misogyny in line with the century, and light medical stuff

UNKNOWN: August 2002

Dean woke up with a start, heart pounding against his ribcage. He took several deep breaths, desperately trying to push the smell of burning flesh from his mind. It really wasn't mixing with the herby and sickly sweet scent clinging to the room. He shot to his feet, looking around frantically. The space was completely unfamiliar, though he could see clearly from one end of the room to the other. It looked like one of those fancy penthouses he'd seen on daytime television growing up.

"Ah, guess ya woke up."

Dean jumped at the voice, and spun around while he grabbed for the gun at his hip. His hands came back empty, and he found himself face to face with an extremely amused archangel.

"Sorry kiddo, weapons free zone." Gabriel paused, eyeing him thoughtfully. "My question though is why'd ya call for me?"

Dean balled his fists, desperately wanting to deck the smug archangel. Castiel wasn't in the room though, and neither was his dad. If he pissed off the archangel he'd probably have to fight through a gauntlet of bullshit to find both. He also couldn't ignore the open concern in Gabriel's eyes. It was unsettling. Dean reminded himself that the bastard hadn't done anything to him yet.He could easily vent his anger on the version of Gabriel that did later, but only if he got home.

"Is Cas okay?" he asked first, worry pooling in his stomach. "My dad shot him with, I honestly don't know what. He collapsed though, and I've never seen that happen to an angel unless it was another angel doin' it. Or angelic weapons. Or-"

"Hey, deep breath," Gabriel cut over him. "You're rambling."

Dean blinked, slowly registering that Gabriel was right. He took several deep breaths in an attempt to calm his mind. Gabriel hummed and crossed his arms.

"Castiel is recovering," Gabriel said. "Your dad is a sick fuck though to try and shoot an angel with a damn bullet filled with holy oil."

Dean paled. Was his dad fucking insane? The force of the bullet leaving the gun would ignite the oil! It would be like putting a ring of holy fire in Castiel's damn heart.

"You were able to help him, right?" Dean demanded. "Tell me you were able to help him!"

Gabriel raised an eyebrow at him, but didn't look upset at his anger.

"Huh, Castiel means that much to you?" Gabriel chuckled. "Who would have thunk it, a Winchester in love with an angel."

"It ain't funny!" Dean snapped. "Where's Cas? I need to see him!"

"What about your dad?"

Dean stared at Gabriel, and realized with a start he didn't actually care about his dad right now. The man had been a bastard since they'd arrived, and this was going too far.

"As long as you don't kill him, I don't give a damn about him."

Gabriel's lips twitched. "Right answer, kiddo."

Gabriel clapped his hands together, and the room shifted. Suddenly they were standing in a decently sized bedroom and the smell of herbs was overwhelming. Dean's eyes zeroed in on the bed where Castiel was laying, his chest covered in bandages. Dean shot forward, grabbing Castiel's hand as soon as he reached the bed.

"Hey, Cas, can ya hear me?" he whispered.

Castiel groaned, his eyes slowly opening. "Dean?" he nodded, and Castiel squinted. "Where are we?"

"I'm so damn sorry," he rasped out. "We should have just gone to Bobby. I never thought my dad would-" Dean paused. "No. I did know. I just didn't want to believe he could see me happy and still pull a stunt like this."

"Dean," Castiel said slowly. "You are not your father. You hardly have to," Castiel paused, taking a shaky breath. "You have no reason to apologize."

"But," Dean tried to argue, but Castiel glared. "Fine. Fine."

"Seems you've trained him well, Cassie."

Gabriel's teasing made Castiel stiffen, and he tried to sit up. Dean pushed him back down, squeezing his shoulders.

"Cas, don't. He got us out of there, and probably saved your life." Castiel stilled, and Dean slowly let go of his shoulders. "Stay in bed, please."

"So how'd you know to call for me?" Gabriel asked, slowly approaching the bed. "Ya obviously don't belong in this time, and seem cool with angels. Not normal Winchester stuff."

Dean sighed, sitting on the edge of the bed. "You ain't gonna like what I have to say," Dean admitted. "Please, promise you'll let Cas recover before kicking us out."

He hated having to beg, and he hated begging Gabriel even more, but Castiel needed time to rest. He could hear a slight rattle, kinda like someone suffering from pneumonia, every time Castiel breathed. It wasn't normal, and he wanted to make sure Castiel was okay before they went picking fights with a damn archangel.

"Oh?" Gabriel seemed to weigh them up, and Dean dropped his gaze. It felt like the bastard was staring through them as is. He wasn't giving Gabriel easy access to his damn mind.

"Fuck," Gabriel hissed. "Fuck, fuck, fuck. You idiots, no. This ain't even your damn fault, that's the worst fucking part!"

Dean looked up, surprised at Gabriel's outburst. "Huh?"

"What the hell was I thinking?" Gabriel demanded as he began pacing. "Of all the dumb ideas I've had while wasted, somehow this is the worst thing I can think of!"

Dean bit his lip, surprised that Gabriel was so pissed off.

"Wait, you wouldn't have done this?"

"Not if I was in my right mind!" Gabriel snapped. "Ya don't fuck with time, it's like, rule numero uno!"

"Then, wait, will you send us back then?" Dean couldn't keep the hope out of his voice.

"Damn right I'm sending you back! I don't want you fucking up things here."

Dean sighed in relief and shot Castiel a relieved smile. The angel seemed to melt into the bed at his brother's words.

"We were with others," Castiel said slowly. "We don't know where in time they were sent."

"How many?" Gabriel asked, uncharacteristically serious.

"The two of us make six," Castiel replied. "Two humans, an angel, and a demon."

Gabriel's brows scrunched and he opened his mouth before shutting it again. "Ya know what? I don't even wanna know. It's a problem for future me."

"Hope you don't mind that I still wanna deck future you," Dean laughed awkwardly. "It's been a rough two weeks."

"I wanna punch myself," Gabriel scoffed. "So no offense taken. Give me some time to pinpoint where the hell this spell sent everyone. Depending on how far back or forward I have to go, it may take a few hours."

"That's all?" Dean asked in surprise. "I thought it would take more..." he waved his hand. "I don't know, angel mojo and time?"

"If another angel had done this, it might," Gabriel said. "This is my own work, and reversing your own fuck ups is easier than un-fucking-up other people's."

"If you say so," Dean said after a moment. "Thanks again for the save. Just uh, I guess, wipe my dad's memories and drop him in his truck."

"Done and done. He's too close to the time period you've come from. Best he just forget everything till he kicks the bucket."

Gabriel vanished from the room, and Dean sighed in relief. He was happy the archangel was being helpful, but he still didn't want to be around Gabriel when he was pissed. It just seemed like a quick way to get your ass thrown into TV hell.

"Perhaps Gabriel is suffering more than I thought," Castiel said softly.

"How so?" he asked, taking a moment to adjust the pillows so he could lay down next to Castiel.

"Look how surprised he was," Castiel pointed out. "This Gabriel would clearly never do such a thing."

"Yeah," Dean frowned. "Guess ya have a point there. Does that mean I shouldn't deck him when we get back?"

"No, you should still do that." Castiel snorted, his eyes flashing with quiet amusement. "I just find it interesting. I've done my best to adjust to the differences in Azrial. Balthazar's appearance made it clear she isn't the only one who has changed over the years, and Gabriel seems to be continuing that trend."

"Is that a bad thing though?" Dean asked. "I mean, as much as Gabriel annoys the shit outta me, he's pretty decent when he wants to be."

"I think that's what I'm struggling with," Castiel sighed. "I've been taught my entire life that not following Heaven's mandate is a sin, and yet all the angels worth knowing at this point have turned their back on that mandate."

"Well, I'll agree with that. I mean, I did fall in love with you."

His teasing made Castiel chuckle, and the angel squeezed his hand tightly.

"Then I've done something right after all."

"Rest while you can," Dean said. "We don't know when Gabriel will be back."

Castiel hummed, and wrapped his arms around Dean. "Same to you."

Dean relaxed into Castiel's arms and let his eyes fall shut. No harm in getting some decent sleep for the first time in two weeks.

Line Break

"When do you think she will wake?"

Marcus's exhausted question made Crowley sigh. It had been two days since Azrial had been knocked out, and the man refused to leave her side. The few times he had to, he'd ordered Bobby or himself to stay with her. There was also the added complication of the twins. Thankfully Bobby didn't mind handling that side of things.

"I don't know," he said. "She doesn't seem to be suffering, so hopefully only a few more days."

Marcus didn't get a chance to respond as Bobby walked into the room, a kid in each arm. The two were sniffling, and had clearly been crying.

"I think they want you," Bobby said. "Probably starting to wonder what happened to Azrial."

Marcus winced, but took Felix. The baby practically clung to him, making it impossible to grab the boy's sister.

"Do you mind-?" Marcus began as Felix started grabbing at the front of the man's toga. Bobby chuckled, adjusting his grip on Marcia.

"Don't worry about it. Gotta admit, it's been awhile since I've had to deal with a baby. These two are pretty well behaved."

Marcus smiled weakly before turning his attention fully on Felix. Crowley raised an eyebrow at the way Marcia was staring at him. The baby hadn't looked away, and he was starting to wonder if there was something on his face.

"Seems you have an admirer, your highness," Bobby teased.

Crowley scoffed and raised an eyebrow as Marcia let out a pleased gurgle and waved her hand.

"If you say so," he huffed.

Bobby smirked, and before he had a chance to object Marcia was in his arms. The baby let out a squeal of delight, clinging to the fabric of his toga. He glared at Bobby, but couldn't do anything but adjust his arm to hold the brat.

"I hate you," Crowley growled.

"My arm was getting tired." Bobby laughed. "And she obviously likes ya."

He scoffed. "She doesn't understand what she's doing."

"But she knows you are not a threat," Marcus said from across the room. "Babes are quite sensitive to such things."

Crowley frowned, glancing down at Marcia. When was the last time he'd even held a baby? It had to be while he was alive and when his son was born. He avoided kids as a demon*. He never understood Lilith's demented fascination with causing children, and by extension their families, pain. It seemed so pointless, and gained absolutely nothing. Besides, it was so much easier to deal with adults. Marcia cooed, breaking his train of thought. He took the chance to actually look at the child. She had the same coloring as Marcus, but her eyes had a distinct ring of silver around their prominently honey color. Her facial features, strangely, had a bit of Azrial to them.

"Ah, you finally noticed," Marcus chuckled. The man walked closer, sitting next to him on the chaise near the bed. "Azrial's blessing had some unexpected consequences."

The man gestured at Felix. Staring back at Crowley was a pair of silvery eyes and a mop of black hair. He inhaled sharply, realizing with a start that Azrial could easily pass as the twin's biological mother. Hell, now that he saw the baby it was clear how dominant certain traits were within the Valerius family. Felix and Orion shared several features, meaning they hadn't been diluted over the thousands of years between the two.

"Her blessing did this?" Crowley asked curiously. "I didn't realize it would have such an overt effect."

"Neither did she," Marcus admitted. "Still, watching them grow seems to have brought her much pleasure."

Crowley remained silent, glancing back down at Marcia. She seemed to have dozed off, and he knew he was stuck with the brat now. Still, if he focused he could feel the little bit of grace that had been left behind in the child. Not enough to raise angelic suspicion, but still there. Lingering under the skin. He almost wanted to warn Marcus about the gifts his family would become known for, but decided not to. There was no telling what generation the Valerius' had come into their magic, and he didn't know enough information to satisfy the man's thirst for knowledge if the subject was brought up.

The sound of feathers filling the room had Crowley shooting to his feet and Bobby practically yanked Felix out of Marcus's hands so the Roman could draw his sword.

"Wow there! I come in peace!"

Crowley let out an animalistic growl at the sight of Gabriel. Bobby looked murderous and Marcus hadn't lowered his sword from the archangel's throat.

"Push it home," Crowley snarled. "It won't kill him, but it will certainly make me feel better."

Marcus seemed to consider the idea as Gabriel gently moved the blade away from his jugular. "Hey now, I'm here to take you home."

"Why the hell would you do that? You sent us here!" Bobby shouted.

Marcia stirred a little at the noise, but Crowley quickly tapped her head and sent the baby to sleep. He really didn't want to deal with crying.

"A future me sent you here. I'm from..." Gabriel paused, glancing at Marcus. "He in the know?"

"Yes," Bobby ground out, walking toward Crowley when Felix started to fuss. He quickly put the boy to sleep as well and nodded at Marcus's grateful look.

"I'm from 2002, so believe me, I'm as annoyed as you are."

"Doubtful," Crowley huffed. "Do you have any idea the headaches this has caused?"

"Considering I had to come back over two-thousand damn years to get you, yeah, I do." Gabriel glanced over at the bed and exhaled sharply. "Well, now I know why the signal from you was so strong."

Marcus moved the tip of his sword back to Gabriel's throat, pressing it hard enough to draw blood. "Stay away from her," Marcus snarled.

Gabriel narrowed his eyes, and raised his hand. Crowley wasn't sure if it was to hurt Marcus or just knock him out.

"I wouldn't do that, bastard." Gabriel paused, glancing at him. "They're married," Crowley said.

Gabriel shut his eyes, taking a deep breath and dropping his hand. When he opened his eyes they were a smoldering gold. "Well, nice to meet ya then. I'm the older brother that's about to slap you into a wall if you keep standing between me and my fledgling."

Marcus glanced at Crowley and Bobby, clearly unsure what to do. It was clear he'd stand between Gabriel and Azrial if it was needed, which honestly impressed Crowley.

"You plan on fixing her injuries?" Bobby demanded. "Cause if not, you ain't getting near her."

"And who the hell are you?" Gabriel asked in annoyance.

"The lover of our time's Azrial," Bobby snapped. "So answer the damn question."

Gabriel muttered something under his breath before throwing up his hands. "I'm obviously gonna heal her, you overprotective assholes."

"That isn't obvious," Crowley said flatly.

"And who are you, the demonic nanny?"

Crowley narrowed his eyes at the archangel. "I'm going to make your life a living hell once this is all over."

"Yeah, yeah," Gabriel snorted. "So can I pass?" he sarcastically asked Marcus.

Marcus sighed, and slowly lowered his blade. "I do not like you."

"None of us do," Crowley snorted. "He's too damn annoying to like."

Gabriel rolled his eyes, making his way to Azrial's side. He set his hand on her forehead, and her whole body was covered in a soft golden glow.

"Only you would fight one of my spells," Gabriel chuckled quietly. "At least you aren't any worse off for it."

Several tense moments passed before Gabriel pulled his hand away from Azrial. Her eyes fluttered open with a soft groan of discomfort. She slowly sat up, looking around the room in confusion.

"Why are all of you here?" she asked in confusion, before glancing at Gabriel. "And you, why the hell are you here?" she demanded.

"Not the one that sent them back here," Gabriel argued.

"Yet I still want to shove my scythe up your-!" Marcus cleared his throat, causing Azrial to halt her rant. She noticed the children in the room and took a deep, calming breath. "One day, you will pay for this," she said.

"Yeah, yeah. I keep hearing that today." Gabriel glanced at them. "Ready to go home you two?"

"Been ready," Bobby huffed. "No offense to ya both, but I miss my bed."

Marcus chuckled. He gently took Felix from Bobby, and Crowley handed Marcia to Azrial.

"None is taken," Marcus said. "You have your own children to get home to, after all."

"Wait," Azrial said as Gabriel went to grab Crowley and Bobby. "As much as I want to remember this," she paused, glancing at Crowley and Bobby. "It is not time."

Gabriel looked surprised, but nodded after a moment. "Probably wise. It won't affect lover boy since he'll be long gone, but you'd always remember."

She slowly stood up and handed Marcia to Marcus. "I know. Just...give me a moment?"

Gabriel shrugged, clearly not rushed. Azrial walked up to Bobby, smiling softly at the man. "Thank you for all the help while researching. You are a brilliant man, and I am glad to have met you."

Bobby smiled easily. "Heh, don't mention it, princess."

She turned toward Crowley, and he met her questioning gaze.

"You called me out," she chuckled. "I have never been called a brat by anyone."

"It will happen again," he promised. "Just wait."

She glanced toward Marcus, and Crowley watched the silent exchange. The man nodded slowly, and Crowley stiffened when Azrial pulled him into a tight hug.

"I remember you," she whispered. "From when I was a fledgling. Thank you for then and thank you for now."

Crowley inhaled sharply, and slowly wrapped her in a hug. "You're my mate," he muttered against her hair. "I will always look out for you."

Azrial pulled away, staring up at him in surprise. "Why are you telling me that?"

"Because you won't remember," he said with a half smile. "Good bye, angel."

He pulled away from her fully, and walked toward Gabriel. "Get me back to modern times."

The archangel snorted and glanced at him suspiciously. "Bossy little bastard." He glanced at Azrial, who was still staring at Crowley in open surprise. "You ready for the mind wipe?"

She shook her head. "Yes. Yes of course."

Gabriel snapped his fingers, and Crowley looked away when Azrial's eyes glazed over. Gabriel didn't give him a chance to say anything else, roughly grabbing his shoulder and pulling him and Bobby through time.

Line Break

Sam helped Azrial to the kitchen, mentally preparing himself for a screaming match. She was leaning into him, but otherwise seemed okay. Fergus was sitting at the table, nursing a drink when they walked in.

"It's wonderful to know I drive you to drink even now," Azrial said. Sam winced at her sarcasm. Fergus gripped his cup tighter at her words.

"Could of jus' admitted we was fuckin'," Fergus huffed. "Woulda saved us both time."

Azrial let out a quiet growl. "I am not fucking you, you pathetic excuse for a man."

Sam stiffened when Fergus slammed his cup against the table. "The hell did ya say to me?"

Azrial pushed away from him, stepping toward Fergus. "I called you pathetic," she snapped. "Sam was right, you're a coward. It's a wonder that the demon I love was once you, because I certainly don't see the fucking resemblance."

Fergus was on his feet, and Sam resisted the urge to get between them. He knew Azrial could handle the pissy warlock, but also didn't want her straining herself after what happened.

"Well I can't see myself beddin' such a frigid bitch!"

"Oh, is that all you have to say?" Azrial laughed. "Please, I've heard worse from my own damn family!"

"With ya attitude can't say I blame 'em!"

Azrial narrowed her eyes, and picked up the bottle of scotch. "Ya know what?" she snarled. "Fuck you!"

Azrial slammed the bottle of scotch onto the floor, shattering it. Fergus looked furious, and Sam was staring at them in open shock. Despite the fury in the man's eyes, he was staring at Azrial like she was a piece of meat. Azrial wasn't much better, and Sam felt like he shouldn't even be in the damn room with them. He was also starting to question Crowley and Azrial's sex life, which was something he NEVER wanted to ponder again.

"Am I interrupting something?"

Sam practically jumped out of his skin at the dry question. Azrial and Fergus spun around, proving that even though they were fighting both were aware of their surroundings.

"Gabriel," she snarled. "Finally decided to fix your fuck up?"

"First off, not that Gabriel!" The archangel huffed. "How many times am I gonna have to say that today?"

"What do you mean not that Gabriel?" Sam demanded.

"I'm from 2002," he said. "So literally not the one who did this."

"I should still shove my scythe up your ass," Azrial muttered.

"Nice to know that will always be your default threat," Gabriel snorted. "Save it for the version who did this. I just wanna get back to my year, and wipe my memory of this bullshit."

"Tch." Azrial didn't look convinced, but dropped her hostility. "Fine. Get us the fuck out of here before I make myself single."

"Bobby would still be alive," Sam helpfully pointed out.

"Ya know, that's a fair point." Azrial mused, shooting a glare at Fergus. "Still, I do like Crowley, and he did warn me he was a bastard while alive."

"Cunt," Fergus growled, and Azrial rolled her eyes.

"Original. I'll take solace in the fact I am your unavoidable future, and that you'll have to live with that knowledge till the day you die."

Gabriel raised an eyebrow at Azrial. "Dang, do you two need couples counseling?"

"No, I just need to get back to the future." Azrial tugged Sam's arm, pulling them toward Gabriel. "Get us out of here, Toto."

Gabriel snorted, rolling his eyes. "Fine. Fine. Sorry I have to override your final word."

Azrial raised an eyebrow as Gabriel snapped his fingers. Sam saw Fergus's eyes glaze over, and inhaled sharply. Before he could ask what happened, the world spun around them as they were pulled out of the house.

Line Break

Bobby looked up from his place near Dean and Castiel at the sound of feathers. He got to his feet as Sam stepped away from Gabriel. He walked up to the man, not bothering to hide his concern as he began checking him over.

"You're okay?" he asked.

"Yeah, minus watching the most sexually charged argument I've ever seen." Sam rolled his eyes and glanced toward Dean and Castiel. "What about you guys? Also, what's with the bed cloth?"

Bobby chuckled. He'd almost forgotten he was still wearing a toga. "Crowley and I got tossed back to the time of Cesar. Was actually pretty interesting to experience, but I'm damn happy it's over."

Sam's eyes brightened, and Bobby knew he'd be answering a ton of questions when things settled down.

"Damn, wish that had been us." Sam chuckled tiredly. "We got stuck in Scotland."

"And it sucked," Azrial intoned as she walked up. "From experience, I'd have taken Cesar again."

"Eh, didn't say we met Cesar. Just that we were in that time period."

Azrial narrowed her eyes for a moment, before exhaling. "Well fuck me," she muttered. "Guessing we need to have a conversation?"

"Oh yeah," Bobby chuckled.

"Why the fuck are you wearing that?" Crowley demanded as he walked over.

Azrial sighed in frustration, glaring down at her skirt. "You were an absolute douchebag while alive, you know that?"

Crowley sighed, rubbing his temples. "I'm going to set Gabriel on fire for this," the demon snarled.

"Okay, I am right here ya know?" Gabriel cut in. "Now that you're all here, I'm getting you the fuck out of my hair."

"Can you just drop us on top of your future self?" Dean asked. "Cause at this point, we all just wanna get home."

"Done and done," Gabriel promised. "Hold on to your asses."

The next update is Saturday, October 22, 2022