Chapter 10

Storm woke as Dean tossed and mumbled in his sleep. She cooed to him and tried to calm him before slipping from the twin bed before she fell from it. She looked to the other twin bed and saw Breeze was snuggled tightly to Sam's body and held in place by Sam's arm over her waist and a leg over her legs. Storm went to the bathroom and used it before pausing for a moment in the hall deciding to go downstairs for a bottle of water.

There was a small lamp on in the living room at one end of the couch leaving the rest of the room in shadows. Storm started across the living but saw movement in the corner of her eye causing her to gasp and jump.

"I am sorry if I scared you," Castiel said in a quiet voice.

"I didn't see you there at first. Castiel, right?" Storm spoke to him. She ran a hand down Dean's T-shirt, being sure it covered her body.

"Yes, and you are Storm. You are Dean's girlfriend."

"That's right. I was just going to get a bottle of water," she motioned toward the kitchen before continuing to the fridge and getting a bottle. She wandered back into the living room and stopped at the couch. "Mind if I sit with you?" Storm settled at the other end of the couch and opened her water to sip on it as he spoke.

"If you like. You are different than the other humans. There's something familiar about of you."

She tried not to stare at the angel as he sat as still as a statue and wondered what he meant by that statement.

"I can vaguely sense a small amount of my brother's grace in you. Did Michael possess you?"

"Yes, but I didn't know who he was. I was begging for help to save Dean when he was dying. He answered my prayers and healed him."

"Maybe that's why you're not frightened of me. You've had dealing with us before."

"I don't know, but I don't sense any danger from you. Do you not sleep?"

"No, I do not require sleep or other human needs like drink or food."

"Really? Have you been to Earth before?"

"Yes, centuries ago, but not in a very long time."

"Why do you look like a human?"

"I am possessing a very devout man. He is allowing me to do this."

"So, you're not like a demon?"

"No," Castiel stated firmly. "Those abominations will take over a human body and destroy its soul before going to the next victim. They don't care that they kill their host."

"What do you look like then?"

"A human could not look upon my true form, it would kill them. My form is larger than your Empire State Building and eludes tremendous power."

"Wow, that's impressive. What is Heaven like?"

"I'm not sure how to answer that so a human can understand."

"Are the streets made of gold and the gate of pearls?"

"Where did you learn that?"

"The Bible."

"Yes, the Bible. That is not completely accurate. It got more wrong than right," said Castiel, his voice carrying an annoying tone to it.

"Do you have wings like the pictures all show?"

"I do. They are folded to my back."

"Can I see? Please."

Castiel sat there for a moment before standing and stepping into the middle of the room. He stood there looking at Storm before flexing his shoulders and extending his wings our behind him, letting them stretch their full width. Even in the shadows Storm could make out the outline of the huge wings.

"Amazing," Storm whispered as she stood and moved closer to Castiel. She started to reach out and touch the feathers but stopped before actually touching them, thinking it wise to ask permission. "May I?" she asked.

"If you like," Castiel replied curious about this human who didn't seem afraid of him.

Storm let her fingers run lightly over the feathers, feeling how silky and delicate they seemed. It was the softest thing she had ever felt before and smiled when they twitched under her touch. Up close, she could see the tawney color that was dark at the top and lightened near the bottom to a rich, creamy, light tan. The colors blended, one into the other like a cascading waterfall. They brushed across her skin sending a sense of warmth across it.

"I'm not hurting you, am I?"

"No, it seems to tickle," Castiel responded watching Storm as she stared in awe of his wings. He had never let a human see them, let along touch them, so this was a new experience for him.

"And with these wings you can fly?"

"Yes, that's how we move from place to place. It's not flying in your terms, but close."

"Can you show me?"

"I'm not sure I should…"

"Please, it doesn't have to be far. I want to feel what it's like."

Castiel looked uncertainly at Storm before laying a hand on her shoulder and whisking them away into the night. Storm stumbled and looked around at the vastness before her from their perch on a mountain side. Her legs felt weak, and she gripped Castiel's arm to remain standing and swallowed hard as her stomach seemed to be in her throat. She quickly wrapped her arms around her body and shivered until Castiel pressed two fingers to her forehead and took away her cold. He still pulled his trench coat off and draped it over her shoulders. She huddled in the warm folds of the coat and let her gaze roam across valley that seems to stretch for miles.

"Where are we?" she asked taking in the sunrise off in the distance.

"One of the few places that humans have not left their mark. You are the first human to set foot here."

"I am deeply honored that you would bring me here. I'm speechless."

"I find this place calming and pleasing to my senses."

"I can see why. It takes your breath away and words cannot describe the beauty."

They stood side by side and took in the sunrise until Castiel decided he should return them to the house. Castiel and Storm appeared in the living room as Dean stepped from the kitchen and faltered in his steps when he saw the two magically appear out of thin air.

"What the hell?" he demanded in a loud voice.

"Dean, why are you up?" Storm asked him when she got her footing and let go of Castiel's arm.

"I missed you and came looking for you. And I repeat, what the hell? What just happened?"

"Castiel showed me how he flies. Did you know he has wings and could do this?"

"No, and why would you go off with him, alone?" Dean growled at her, trying to keep his anger in check.

"You don't need to take that tone with me, Dean Winchester," Storm demanded, putting her hands on her hips. "I can take care of myself, and I asked him to do it. I wanted to know what it felt like."

"She was in no danger…" Castiel started but was shushed by Dean who gave him a look daring him to continue.

"You should know better Stormy." Dean stepped to Storm's side and jerked the trench coat off to toss toward the angel before pulling Storm toward the stairs away from the angel.

"What in blue blazes is going on out here?" Bobby growled as he stepped from the hallway where his bedroom was located.

"It's nothing Bobby, go on back to bed. Sorry we woke you," Dean apologized as he lowered his voice.

"Thanks, Castiel and I'm sorry," Storm whispered as she pulled against Dean's hold. "You're being rude."

"You don't talk to him by yourself or go anywhere with him," Dean insisted. "You don't know what might have happened," he hissed to her. "We don't know what he might do."

"You're being unreasonable," Storm spat at him digging her heels in and making him stop at the top of the stairs. "He wouldn't hurt me, I'm sure of it."

"I don't care! I need to protect you, Stormy. You mean too much to me. I would die without you."

"And I would too Babe. But Dean, trust me on things. I'm not some helpless damsel in distress or weakling."

"I know Stormy. I can't help myself when it comes to you. Let's go back to bed since it's still early."

"Okay, I'd like that, I guess, but you should apologize to Castiel for being short and rude." Storm allowed Dean to lead her back to the bedroom and curled up with him in his bed, relishing the warmth they exchanged with each other. They relaxed and let their thoughts merge as they drifted to sleep.

Castiel returned to his seat on the couch and listened to the two humans arguing about him. He couldn't comprehend why Dean would think that he would harm the one called Storm. She was a good, kind, human and had a bright shining soul. He was surprised that Michael had answered her prayers the first time, since he rarely came to Earth. He always sent others in his place. There must be something about her that caught his attention.

spn

Morning sunlight was coming through the windows when Bobby made his way into the living room. He paused when he saw the angel was in the same place on the couch where he left him last night when he went to bed.

"Mornin'," Bobby grunted and continued to the kitchen to get coffee started.

"Good morning," Castiel replied trying to be polite.

"Would you like some coffee?"

"I have no need for human sustenance."

"Interesting. Well, any idea what you're going to do? I've got to tell you, those boys won't take kindly to you tagging along after them."

"I hope they will change their minds. I can be of service to them and help them."

"We'll see," Bobby mumbled and looked toward the stairs when he heard noises and saw Dean and Sam coming down the stairs. "Boys, coffee's almost ready."

"Thanks Bobby," Sam replied when Dean didn't answer.

"You want me to start breakfast?"

"No, just coffee and then we need to…" Dean started but stopped when he couldn't make himself say the words.

"Coffee's fine," Sam added giving Dean a worried look.

It wasn't long before the girls came down and had something to drink before they got ready to have a hunter's funeral for John.

Storm and Breeze followed Dean and Sam as they carried their father's body out of the basement and through the yard to the field where the pyre was waiting. Bobby walked with them carrying a small gas can. Castiel trailed along behind them not sure he was welcome or not but was curious about what they were going to do.

Dean and Sam arranged the sheet draped body on the pyre and Sam took the gas can to pour the liquid over it and on the wood. He stepped back as Dean took a book of matches and lit them before tossing them onto the body. It only took a second for the gas to ignite and flames began to engulf John's body as they grew bigger and hotter.

Storm stepped to Dean and wrapped her arms around his waist. She could feel the stiffness of his body as he held in his emotions while he watched the flames devour the body. He clenched his hands into fists and pressed his lips together into a thin white line.

"I'm here," Storm mumbled as she fought her own tears. "You're not alone." She was relieved when Dean finally put an arm around her and leaned his head toward hers. She knew he wouldn't shed tears here because he had shut himself off from all his emotions. She glanced at his face and saw a single tear track down his cheek and dry on his face from the heat of the flames. Storm knew she needed to be there for Dean and help him pick up the pieces after this loss.

Breeze moved to Sam's side and hugged him, feeling the trembling of his body and the soft sobs that escaped from between his lips. She knew he was hurting and tried to give him what comfort she could. She tightened her hold on him when he finally hugged her back.

"I got you Sammy," Breeze whispered as Sam buried his face into her hair. She cooed and rubbed his back, letting him have his time to grieve. She didn't know their father, only what Sam had told her about him, but she knew his loss was tragic for the brothers.

After a few minutes, Bobby stepped away and nodded for the angel to follow him. He wanted to give the boys some time alone to say goodbye to their daddy. He knew they were hurting but knew their girls would get them through this. Both women seemed very protective of his boys, and he could see the love they had for them in their eyes. He was just getting to know them, and he liked what he saw.

"Let's leave them, they need to say their goodbyes," Bobby told Castiel in a low voice.

"Of course." Castiel fell into step with the older hunter and went with him back to the house. He looked back once at the four staying by the flames and reached out feeling the loss, heartache, and grief. These were emotions he had never experienced before and was curious.

Bobby poured another cup of coffee and took a seat at the table to wait for the others to return. He didn't say anything when Castiel sat down across from him.

"Tell me, do you know anything about humans?" he questioned.

"I have observed your kind but have never interacted with them."

"Okay, good to know. Let me tell you a few things about my kind," Bobby started. "We don't like being spied on and don't like being pushed into a corner. We are very protective of our families, especially the ones we love. We don't like being lied to or taken advantage of. Every person is different and has their on set of values and perspectives. You can't judge all of us by one bad apple, so don't lump us together thinking we all are like that. Don't force yourself on my boys or they'll find a way to get rid of you. Am I making myself clear?"

Castiel cocked his head slightly and squinted his eyes as he studied Bobby while he talked. He saw a hardnosed hunter that was being honest and forthcoming with him. He didn't see any deceit or ill intend toward him but knew he would do whatever it took to protect the brothers.

"I understand. I will try to keep all that in mind."

"You do that, and we'll get along fine. Well, I've got some research to do for a hunter. I'll be in my office."

"Do you mind if I read some of your books?"

"Help yourself but put them back where you found them. I've got a system in place."

"I will and thank you." Castiel got up and followed Bobby into the office. He looked at all the books on shelves, stacked in the floor, and scattered over the desk that Bobby sat behind. He started on one side of the room and removed four books and took them to the living room. Castiel sat on the couch and picked up the first book turning to the first page and started absorbing the material. He flipped through the pages, saving it all to his memory and continued to the next one.


A/N: Storm is intrigued by Castiel and is not afraid of him. John is put to rest and the boys will deal with their loss in their own ways. Thanks for joining me on this journey. Only one more chapter and this story will be over. I hope you have enjoyed it and I have been able to entertain you. Reviews/Comments would make my day. NC