Many Years Ago

John sat in the front seat of the Impala drumming his hand against the steering wheel to the rhythm of AC/DC's 'Highway to Hell'. While Mary just rolled her eyes in the passenger seat beside them. They were now married and the idea had come as a total whim. Most of the time John Winchester was a rational, but when it came to Mary he threw all caution to the wind because when he was with her he didn't need it. She was everything that he would ever need.

He turned and gave her a sweet smile as he slowed the car down and pulled over to the side of the deserted road. Mary gazed around at their surroundings for a moment unsure why they had bothered to stop in the middle of nowhere like they had. Then it dawned on her and she giggled as he unlatched her seat belt and scooted over to John who was waiting for her with open arms.

They pressed their lips together with great care, but the long they went the harsher their kiss became. Finally Mary pulled away panting for air as she dropped the biggest bomb on John, she ever could.

"I am pregnant." She panted cheerfully as the color drained from John's face.

"You're what?" He rasped out, since he too was also still catching his breath.

"Pregnant." Mary sighed in an exasperated tone.

"When did this happen." He asked slowly his eyes growing wide as she bit her lip as she thought of the answer.

"About a month and a half ago I guess. But I just found out yesterday." She replied and John let out a huge sigh of relief. He was happy to know that Mary was keeping things from him. He cared about, but he couldn't bring himself to believe that lying was ever the right thing. But maybe for the greater good it can be forgiven.

He gave her a warm smile as he wrapped his around her and brought his lips up to hers once more. The kiss was light and sweet, and almost the opposite in every way from their previous kisses. But that was fine because John wanted to savior this moment with the women he loved. "Congratulations, Mary Winchester." He whispered softly in her ear.

"Congratulations, John Winchester." Mary replied back just as softly.


"What should we name him?" John sighed as he stared down at his son who was wrapped up like a burrito in a light baby blue blanket.

"Dean, after my mother." She replied looking up at John, who just nodded. Dean was a perfect name, but then again John would have thought that about any name Mary had chosen would have been perfect.

For a long time the newly formed family sat there in the hospital just enjoying the new additions company. Mary's face suddenly fell into sadness as she looked up at John.

"John, I have something to confess. Something that I have kept from you for a long time. Something that will probably make you stop loving me." Her voice was low and John's eyes grew wide with shock. He couldn't believe her. Nothing she could say would make him stop loving her and that was just a fact.

"What?" He asked in a low voice slightly worried about the seriousness of this secret.

"I'm an angel." She whispered as tears began to well up in her eyes as she gazed out at John, who just stared at her blankly.

Was that all she wanted to reveal to him? He had already known that for a long time now. That was no big deal, but then his gaze shifted down to the bundle that was still wrapped lightly in the blanket.

"So is he?" John asked slowly as he pointed his finger down at Dean.

Mary looked down at her son and tilted her head. She then raised it and again and looked John strait in the eye. "I don't know. I guess if he grows wings when he is a little older then we will know for sure, but until then I don't see how we could." Her voice was low and full of concern. She was worried about her son.

"Mary, I want you to know that it doesn't matter what you are, or what Dean is. I will always love you no matter what happens." He said as he reached over and rubbed his thumb down Mary's cheek. She smiled at him and mouthed the word 'I love you.'


Dean now four years old and wingless raced around the back yard of the mansion chasing what John thought was an invisible butterfly. Dean yelled and cheered as he jumped into the air trying to catch whatever was not there. Suddenly Dean turned and waved at his father enthusiastically, and John smiled and waved back.

The thought of Dean being an angel had passed. They no longer wondered about what species Dean was since wings never grew. Though John would have never actually spoken the word out loud he was relieved. This meant that his son wouldn't have to hide who he was like Mary constantly was. He wanted a better life for Dean. A life full of great and wonderful things

John then felt Mary's slender hands grip his shoulders and he looked over at her. A worried expression flashed across her face briefly before she too smiled and waved at Dean.

"There's a man who needs to see you John. It's really rather urgent. It's about Dean." She muttered in a low voice looking quickly back over at John.

John was confused, who would need to talk to him about Dean. He nodded his head curtly as he waltzed into the house and down the hall to the study. When he entered he was greeted by a man who had a rather odd resemblance to himself when he had been younger. The younger man didn't smile as he moved closer to John and extended her hand.

"Michael." The man said abruptly making John nod his head.

"John Winchester." He replied back taking the man's hand in a firm grip.

"It's a real pleasure to meet you John. I have a few matters I desperately need to discuss with you, that concern you eldest son Dean." Michael said quickly as John raised his eyebrows in confusion.

"I only have one son." He answered and Michael's eyes widened in surprise.

"Well if that's the case. I suggest Mary go see the doctor right away." He paused then quickly started back up again before John could interrupt him once more. "John your oldest son is going to have a remarkable destiny. One that I hope you will help him achieve. I have come across some information and prophecy stating that someone will need to protect the angel. I have very good reason to believe that it is your son."

John stared at the man in disbelief. He didn't know what to think of what the man was saying. He couldn't believe it really.

"What possible reason do you have?" John asked, skepticism clearly embedded in his voice.

"Your sons will help bring down the one demon that will turn the world against my kind…against Mary's kind."

John's eyes widen in shock as he realized he was speaking to an angel. The man pursed his lips and nodded in confirmation to John's silent question.

"If you must know my reason, it is my father. He is quiet the prophet and he has prophesize that my youngest brother and your eldest son will stop a coming war and bring sides together. At this current moment I don't have all the details, but I will be more than happy to fill you in when you need to be."Michael said slowly as he attempted to interrupt John's reaction.

"I'm not sure I am following." John said sternly.

"Your son needs to protect the angel from a man that goes by the name of Alastair, and you John Winchester, have to get into good terms with him. That's the only way I believe we can fulfill these boys destiny."

John stared at the angel for a long moment. He wasn't sure what to do, until Mary's hands were there giving his own hands a reassuring squeeze. He knew from that moment, what he needed to do. He squeezed Mary's hand in return and turned his attention back towards the angel who was standing across from him.

"I'll do whatever I can." He replied.

"One thing I want you to know now is that I'll need you to kill me, when the time is right. Can you do that? I can't let anyone know the end of the prophecy. It has to die with me." Michael's voice was low and uncertain as his gaze locked with John's.

"I understand." John's said as he nodded his head up and down.

John didn't know the details right now, but he would learn them soon. He knew what he had to do, but at that moment he hadn't thought about what he might also have to give up.


Present

Love n, 1a: a strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties b: attraction based on sexual desire: affection and tenderness felt by lovers c: affection based on admiration benevolence, or common interests d: an assurance of love 2: warm attachment, enthusiasm, devotion, or admiration 3a: the object of attachment, devotion, admiration b: a beloved person: DARLING 4a: unselfish loyal benevolent concern for the good of another

The tears stream down Dean's cheeks and fall upon Castiel's still and lifeless face. The group that was standing behind him were still there, holding their breath and praying that the angel would move. Finally Gabriel breaks free from the group and bends down next to Dean and his fallen brother.

"This wasn't how the prophecy went." Gabriel muttered and Dean looked up at him in alarm "You were suppose to protect him."

Sam suddenly took a step forward, but Kara reached out and gripped his arm. "Now is not the time to throttle him." She hissed at Sam, who gave her a pained look but nodded his head.

"So you're saying that this is my fault?" Dean muttered his voice so low it could barely be heard.

"I am saying you were suppose to protect the angel." Gabriel repeated harshly once more.

"Why was I suppose to protect him? Why was I chosen? Why did I fail?" He yelled as he scrambled to his feet advancing towards Gabriel, who stood up and took several cautious steps back. His anger, passion, and sadness were flowing through him and he was losing control. He then suddenly felt a change, but he couldn't figure out what had changed within him. Everything washed over him with surprising clarity. It was almost like he had cleared his mind with no effort at all. Dean let out a shake breath as he turned to look at the others.

The group of his friends stood in front of him gapping in shock. Dean suddenly felt fear grip him once more. What was wrong? What was happening? Why were they looking at him like that? He didn't want their pity. He could barely stand his own.

"What's wrong?" He snapped looking at over to Sam who was gapping at him with a slacked jawed expression.

"Nothing's wrong Dean. It's just you…." His voice trailed away as if he was preoccupied.

"You have wings son." John's distinct voice made Dean jump as he looked over at his father. He blinked at the man shocked by the words he had uttered.

"What?" for some reason Dean felt himself stumbling over that one word.

"You have wings. I don't think I can put it into any other words." John said with almost a chuckle as Dean looked around to the other faces for confirmation on his father's statement.

"They are so white. Like the color of freshly fallen snow." Kara muttered because she too was in awe at Dean's newly formed wings.

"What?" Dean said panic creeping quickly into his voice as his wings suddenly wrapped around him in a protective manner.

Dean couldn't believe it. He had wings. The man who hated flying of all kinds, had wings. How was that even possible? He unfolded them again and stared out at the others. They too seemed to be at a loss for words as well.

Suddenly Gabriel's chuckle broke the silence and everyone turned to gaze at him uncertain about what he found so funny.

"What?" Dean snapped harshly.

"Suddenly it all makes sense." Gabriel muttered as if he still couldn't believe the sight that was standing before him. "We had the roles reversed all this time."

"What the hell are you talking about?" Dean demanded.

"You're the angel Dean. The one who needed protection was you." Gabriel gave a light chuckle and turned his back to the group.

"I don't want to be an angel. I don't want to save the world. I just want to love…." His voice faded away as the sobs crept back into his voice as he turned and bent down next to Castiel once more. He reached out and gripped the other's angel's hand. "I just want him to be alive." He muttered under his breath and his words were only heard by John who approached his son with slight caution.

"I know how you can save him. The process is risky and you would be risking your own life." He paused as Dean looked up at him in confusion. "Dean we would have to clip your wings."

"No Dad, you can't possibly suggest that option. There has to be another way." Sam said as he took a step closer to his father.

"No Sam, It's the only way if Dean wants to save Castiel. The only thing that will be different from an ordinary clipping is that Dean will have to channel his grace into Castiel. Dean's grace will then act as a stimulant to Castiel's and that will hopefully start the flow of Castiel's grace once again. The only down side is that if Dean fails. Both him and Castiel will die." His voice was low and solemn as he looked over at Sam, who was just shaking his head.

"NO! You can't let Dean do that. How can you possibly suggest that Dean take such a risk?" Sam yelled as Dean looked over at his brother and gave him a reassuring smile.

"I'll be okay Sammy. I promise." Dean said trying to sound reassuring even though his voice cracked at the very end of his statement.

"Dean please?" Sam pleaded, but Dean just shook his head.

"I can't live without him Sammy, just like how you can't live without her." Dean said with a sudden lightness in his voice as he gesture over to Kara, who was stood there tears trickling down her cheeks. She tried to smile at him, but came up short so she just ran up to him and gave him a strong hug.

"Dean, please don't die. Sam still needs you, and I want to need you too." She whispered as she pulled away and moved back over to Sam's side once more.

"I also agree." Gabriel spoke once more turning around to face the group again, his eyes now red and tears staining his cheeks. "Don't die."

Dean nodded to the group as he gathered Castiel up in his arms. Dean could barely keep himself together as he followed after his father who led the way out of that cell to give them a more suitable place to do the operation. Dean was becoming more and more nervous as they walked down the hall, and they remained silent for a long while until John finally spoke.

"Dean, before we do this I want you to know one thing. I have always loved you and I always thought I was doing the right thing." John muttered more into the hall that was stretched out in front of them , then to Dean.

"I know Dad, and I'll have to thank you for it once all of this is over."

"Yes, you will." John answered back reassuringly, and for the first time since John had come up with the idea, Dean began to feel that it might actually be successful and he would survive. And hopefully Castiel would be alive as well because Dean knew that if this didn't work he was out of options. This was his one and only shot he had to save the angel, who had saved him.


Dean's first thought was that he must had gotten run over by a bus repeatedly as he struggled to open his eyes. Even just opening them a crack caused to bright of light to flood in, and he slammed his eyelid back down as the red spots danced across his lids. After a moment of watching the red circles dance he attempted to open his eyes once more. Slowly he opened them and his blurry vision began to focus. He blinked a couple of times once his eyes had now fully adjusted to the light. He gazed up at something white and the worse possible assumption crossed into his mind.

"Holy crap I'm dead." He said as he continued to stare into the white abyss.

"Dean, you're not dead." A familiar voice sounded.

"Sammy?" Dean muttered as he then began to attempt to sit up.

It took Dean a couple of long moments to sit up and not feel dizzy. As soon as he sat up, and was steady Dean realized that he wasn't in heaven, but lying on the Persian rug that resided on the floor of the study in the Winchester mansion. He looked over at Sam, who was curled up in one of the leather chairs. He must have been sleeping there for a long time because he looked tired and had dark bags under his eyes and his hair was even more disheveled than usual.

"Hey Sammy." Dean said with a smile as Sam clamored out of the chair and slammed his body into Dean's pulling his brother into a rough hug that had made all the air in Dean's lung escape.

Dean grunted and Sam pulled away looking at his brother in alarm. "I'm sorry." He muttered looking slightly embarrassed.

"No, its fine Sammy. I'm happy to see you too." Dean said brightly before he spoke again "Where is everyone else?"

"Dad left on a hunting trip and he should be back in a couple of days. Gabriel disappeared right after you clipped your wings and I have no idea where the hell he went. He might be back or he might not be. And Kara is in the kitchen making us some food." Sam stated slowly as he Dean nodded his head up and down slowly in understanding, then a concerned look spread across Dean's face.

"And what about Cass?" He asked abruptly eyes widening upon Sam, who just shrugged.

"Why don't you ask him yourself?" A gruff voice suddenly sounded from behind him. Dean felt his heart stop as he turned his torso around to gaze over at Castiel who was leaning upon the doorframe of the study. A rather large bandage was wrapped around his torso, but otherwise he looked well.

"Cass?" The name came out in the form of a question as Dean just continued to stare at his angel.

"Yes?" Castiel muttered as he walked over towards Dean and crouched down next to him.

"You know, I'll go tell Kara that you're finally awake and need some food." Sam said suddenly as he shot to his feet and hustled out of the study.

Both Castiel and Dean listened to Sam's footfalls until they became too soft to hear, then they turned their attention back on to one another.

Quickly their lips were upon each other's in desperation. Dean's hand weaved throughout Castiel's hair as Castiel pressed his body closer's to Dean.

"I'm so happy you're alive." Dean muttered in between their kisses.

"I can say the same thing about you." Castiel muttered in a soft voice "Never have I heard of an angel doing such a reckless thing. You weren't even an angel for more than an hour, and you did what most angels can't. Dean Winchester you're amazing." Castiel finished as he gently pushed Dean's back down up the Persian rug and resting his head upon Dean's chest.

"I don't feel all that amazing. In fact I feel as if I got run over by a bus…repeatedly." Dean chuckled slightly.

"Dean, I love you." Castiel whispered.

"I know Cass, and I love you too." Dean sighed as his fingers gently combed through Castiel's dark locks. "Cass, do you want to hear a secret?" Dean asked suddenly and Castiel's head perked up as he gave Dean a confused expression.

"Sure, what is it?" Castiel asked slowly as he looked at Dean carefully.

"I might believe a little more in destiny then I let on." At that statement Castiel couldn't help but smiled.


How many of you actually believed i killed him? I could never...