Alright, so now that the hustle and bustle of Christmas is over, I decided to work on my fanfics. You can expect another chapter within two or three days. Sorry for making Luci the bad guy here, but c'mon, it's Luci. Right, so here are some warnings/notes for this chapter:

*Angst

*Introduced to Cas and Gabe's family and background.

*Very little Sam and Dean here (sorry!)

*No smut...yet-

Now with that out of the way, I hope you like it, RxR and happy reading!

Chapter 8. Calm Before The Storm

"I know where our relationship stands. You can try saying whatever you want, but I choose to believe in Dean."

"God fucking dammit."

Sam sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. "Dean, I know how badly you want to keep going, but let's face it, the snow's started freezing and the Impala really can't make it. You don't even have chains on the tires, there's just no way."

Dean hit the dashboard once more. "Fuck!" He shouted angrily. "What about Gabe? How are they!?"

Sam checked his phone once more and shook his head solemnly. "Nothing. He's not texting back anymore. Not after I told him we couldn't go any further..."

"I just- I hope Cas is okay..." Dean mumbled, turning the car around and driving back to town. "Those motherfuckers better not hurt Cas." He growled as he drove a little faster than Sam's liking.

"They're his family, although...they did kidnap them..." Sam said, more to himself than to Dean. A lingering anxiety sat in the back of his mind, but he decided that he should be the calm and rational brother. No sense in him flipping out the same as Dean.

"You didn't see how Cas talked about his family. Even Gabe was scared. They really didn't like their family, Sam."

With that, Sam decided he should probably just stay silent. The drive back to their shared apartment was full of tension and worry, with Dean constantly tapping the steering wheel and murmuring "Fuck" every so often.

~oO0Oo~

They got back late.

Castiel had just clumsily climbed out of the car when he was grabbed and pulled toward the rather large house. He didn't fight back. Instead, he let himself be shoved through the doorway along with Gabriel with the men standing in front of their only exit.

"Where is he?" Gabriel snarled at one of them. Castiel remained silent, choosing to stare at his feet rather than argue alongside Gabriel.

"Ah, it's about time you guys arrive."

The voice resonated throughout the room, making both Gabriel and Castiel look to the staircase where their older brother Lucifer was standing. He had a cocky smirk and was leaning on the rail. "Dad's not here at the moment, business trip and all... so I'm in charge."

Castiel didn't comment, knowing his brother's personality, there was no point to. Gabriel, however, stepped forward and began tugging his coat off hastily. "You-! Son of a bitch! When I get up there-"

"You'll what?" Lucifer grinned, cocking his head to the side and observing Castiel. "Hmm. Castiel. Haven't seen you in a few years. Then again, hardly anyone here even talks about you. Doubt dad'll even know who you are when he comes back. I almost feel sorry for you. After all, our family has forgotten all about you. No one talks about strange, lonely and sad Castiel anymore." Lucifer said in a harsh tone.

Gabriel huffed, stepping in front of Castiel. "That's not true. We still care about him. I'm proof of that."

Lucifer shrugged. "You both hardly have any standing in this family. I don't even know why dad funds Castiel when it's obvious he's not going to do as dad asks and get the right degree." Lucifer's eyes narrow and he glares at Castiel. "You never listen. Gabriel, you're supposed to be a better influence on him, and yet you ran away from your responsibilities!" With that, Lucifer turned and began walking up the staircase. "Take Gabriel to his room. Have Castiel taken to a guest bedroom, then to my room immediately." He ordered.

Four men took hold of Castiel and Gabriel, splitting them up as they were forced to walk in different directions. Castiel was taken to the west wing of the house, where the main entrance branched off to different rooms connected through a hallway. Castiel remembered exploring the hallways when he was young. He remembered which ones were guest bedrooms and which were for storage or living quarters for his dad's odd workers.

The men stopped in front of a room, opening the door and letting Castiel glimpse inside. "This is your living quarters for now." One of the men said gruffly. Castiel couldn't think of anything to say, so he just nodded solemnly and let himself be pulled back down the hallway and up the staircase in the main entrance, to his brother's room. As he was passing the upstairs hallway, he glanced up at the paintings hung on the walls. Most featured pictures of his siblings. His throat tightened when he happened upon one in which he and Gabriel were cut out.

When they arrived at Lucifer's door, the men knocked, opening it only when Lucifer gave the okay from the inside.

Castiel was shoved in, the door closing behind him. He tensed and bit his lower lip as he walked further into the room. It was a rather dreary room. The walls were plain and the carpet was an odd scarlet color that just made the room seem darker. Of course, the curtains were drawn and the only decorations on the walls were boards with papers pinned on them, (probably work) and a calendar.

"Sit." Lucifer commanded in a tone that left no room for argument.

Castiel said nothing, but obeyed. He sat in one of the reading chairs that Lucifer had positioned against the wall. Lucifer, however, was sitting at his desk in the far corner of the room. A small lamp on the desk was the only source of light.

"Castiel, our second youngest brother. You have so many expectations to live up to. You have dad depending on you to follow in the rest of our footsteps." Lucifer said in contempt. "And yet you disobey, even going so far as to not talk to any of your family in almost a year! You ungrateful brat. Why does dad keep funding you?"

Choosing not to answer, Castiel stared at some of the books on the small shelf beside the chair. He heard Lucifer sigh in exasperation, the office chair creaking as he leaned back in his seat.

"Castiel, this is serious. Either you listen and follow dad's business with us, or we cut you off completely and you forget you ever had us as a family." Lucifer threatened, which didn't get more than a small sigh out of Castiel.

Anger sparked in Lucifer and his jaw clenched as his eyebrows furrowed. Castiel noted how furious he looked, but couldn't bring himself to care. He glanced at the books once more, wishing he could just be back at his part-time job at the college….back in the library, without Dean. But a small flicker of hope made him believe that Dean was not a lost cause, that he would still come for him. Castiel wanted to believe that Dean wasn't just another Meg.

"Castiel, you better say something. Speak up!" Lucifer slammed his fist into the desk, making Castiel jump.

"...I'm an adult now. I should be able to make decisions for myself. I've been doing okay by myself, and I even try to not use the money dad's been sending. I pay off whatever I can. I also believe that I've found help and that soon I won't need dad's assistance anymore. So I'm fine with not being considered a part of this family anymore." Castiel said determinedly, glaring at Lucifer.

Lucifer looked taken aback, eyes widening slightly. "Help? Oh...you mean the guy you've been screwing?" He smiled crookedly. "Oh, Castiel, you can't honestly believe that mechanic can help you out with funding for school, can you?"

Castiel felt his chest throb and he swallowed nervously. "H-how did-"

"I had Micheal do some investigating through Gabriel. Those two tell each other everything, honestly." Lucifer said with a wave of his hand. "Also heard Gabriel was into the younger brother or whatever. You two are honestly such morons."

Castiel's hands clenched in his lap and he couldn't help but blurt out, "I haven't been screwing him. It's not like that. We can help each other, so just shut the fuck up." He seethed, meeting Lucifer's glare.

Lucifer then took on a look of amusement. "Oh, is that so? Then what? Are you in love? Do you have his mark?"

Castiel could feel the blush appear on his cheeks, but he forced himself to reply. "That's- that's one of your business." He said defiantly.

Lucifer hummed and shrugged, feigning disinterest. "It's not, though. You know that, right? Sometimes, marks- tattoos don't always match us up with the right people. He could've gotten a fake one, looking like yours just to trick you."

"He didn't. It happened at night." Castiel said firmly, clearly remembering the night of their first date. "It isn't fake."

"Then how do you know he isn't insecure about it? I know for a fact that you hated yours since you were young. Now you share that embarrassment with some poor guy. How cruel do you have to be to permanently give someone such an ugly mark?" Lucifer chastised.

Castiel could feel a lump forming in his throat and he fought back tears, but he remained neutral. He didn't want Lucifer to know how much his comments were affecting him. It's the questions that have been haunting Castiel ever since he and Dean first shared their feelings for each other. The questions that Dean always had answers to. Dean had always said that Castiel's mark was beautiful though. He decided to put his trust in Dean, more than his brother.

"I know where our relationship stands. You can try saying whatever you want, but I choose to believe in Dean." Castiel murmured, trying his best to sound confident.

"Hmmm….so if we were to test it, this Dean guy would be as great as you say he is?" Lucifer asked, his eyes sparking with interest.

Castiel hesitated, staring at his brother and hoping he couldn't see his uncertainty. "Of...of course." Castiel responded. He had to put his trust in Dean. He was prepared to argue more with Lucifer, but he suddenly sighed loudly and waved him away.

"Alrighty then. We'll see about that. For now, stay in that room. You and Gabriel are not allowed to see each other for the time being." Lucifer said idly, turning in the chair to face the desk.

Castiel frowned and stood from the chair, opening the door and unsurprisingly finding his dad's men standing right outside. He was led back to the guest bedroom albeit reluctantly.

~oO0Oo~

He had no means of contacting Dean. There was no way of getting a hold of a phone in this household. He doubted any of his brothers would help…

Except…

Castiel remembered his brother Balthazar. He had always been kind to Castiel and Gabriel, and he knew that if he just asked Balthazar, he'd probably help. Biting his lip, he wondered if the men would be stationed outside his door all night. Or if Balthazar would hear of Castiel and Gabriel and come to their rescue.

Thoughts about his family made him think about his old room. Why wasn't he taken there? Had they turned it into another living quarters for the workers? Perhaps another office? Castiel wouldn't be surprised if all his possessions were destroyed or sold to accommodate a new space.

Then there was the matter of Dean. What did Lucifer mean when he said 'We'll see about that?' Lucifer has been known to teach a lesson with an iron fist. Castiel was worried that he would do something outrageous just to try and prove his point. Maybe Castiel should just give up and accept his father's wishes.

Castiel laid back in the bed, sighing heavily. He really didn't want to. His father had wanted him to go to a nearby university to study medicine. But Castiel had insisted on going to the college he's at now with the agreement that he'd still study medicine while there.

But now, Castiel wasn't even sure he could do that. Of course, he could understand why all of his brother's were angry at him. He fought and rebelled against his father until he got the privilege to leave. After him, they all have tried, but with bad repercussions.

Gabriel didn't just rebel, he full out ran away and had a small taste of freedom. Even if it only lasted a while. Feeling rather tired and upset, Castiel let his eyes flutter closed and sleep overtake him.

~oO0Oo~

Castiel remembered playing in the courtyard of their big house. He remembered not being able to play with the neighbors or participate in certain activities. His father always told him "You are upperclass. Act like it."

Of course at first, Castiel had no idea what that even meant. Gabriel had tried explaining it to him at one point, but Castiel could never get the hang of it.

He realized how much that word effected him when he entered first grade. Not only would he get special treatment, but he was separated from the other kids, not allowed to play with them.

All of his brother's seemed fine with it, but it was lonely. No one to play with, no one to talk to, no one to keep him company…

Things only got worse when middle school came around. Kids found out about the scar-looking tattoo on him and teased him relentlessly. Castiel remembered his world getting just a little bit smaller. He was lonelier.

He was still lonely, except when he met Dean.

~oO0Oo~

Gabriel was panting, his chest rising and falling and his cheeks still red from the exertion. His room was in tatters. Pictures either shattered or lying on the floor with cracked glass, his books, knick-knacks, and games...they were all thrown about. During his tantrum, Gabriel had even managed to tear his curtains and make a crack in the wall.

Now, he was sitting in the wreckage, tears threatening to spill over. It just wasn't fair. He only wanted to be free, to get out of the household that was made up of a fake family. He wanted to be able to make his own choices. He knew that Castiel probably felt the same way too.

He was angry that he had barely got a taste of what freedom was like, before it was ripped away from him. He met the man he'd never thought would exist, and was prepared to leave everything for him, but now he wasn't even sure he was ever going to see him again.

Another spark of anger flickered through him and he clenched his jaw tight. He hated his brother now. He wanted to leave. He wanted Lucifer to understand. So many thoughts were swirling around his mind, that he began to get a headache.

He glanced at his cellphone once more, only to see that Sam stopped bothering to text him. Feeling hopeless, Gabriel typed another message to the younger Winchester.

G: "Do you not care?"

He sent it without a second thought and threw the phone across the room. Maybe this was why they had such a tight leash on them. Ever since they were small, their father had always emphasized the importance of not letting anyone get too close. Of course, Him, Castiel and Balthazar were always the worst at that. Then his head shot up as he thought about Balthazar. If there was anyone willing to help them in this household, it would be him.

Gabriel crawled over to where his phone had landed. He found his brother's contact and quickly began constructing a message to him. After he sent it, he leaned back and began counting his supporters thus far.

"Only Zar and Cassy...shit." He whispered to himself. He counted the brother's that would most likely be trouble. "Raphael...Luci...Micheal..." He sighed. There was just no way they would convince Samandriel to help them. He always listened to Micheal.

Feeling defeated, Gabriel curled in on himself, resting his head on his knees as he heard people walking back and forth out in the hallway.

Surely, Lucifer was not intending to keep them there forever. Most likely it would only be until their father came back. Gabriel shuttered at the thought of their dad getting back and seeing both Castiel and Gabriel and hearing what they have been doing.

The thought of their religious father learning about the two Winchester's made Gabriel's stomach twist with fear and uneasiness. They might as well be picking out their own coffins.

Then Gabriel's phone sounded. He picked it up and turned it on to see the message. His eyes widened almost comically when he saw that Sam had texted him back.

S: "If I didn't, I wouldn't be going with my brother to his work to put some chains on his car at almost midnight, just so we could save your adorable ass.

S: "Sorry, it seems I stand corrected. Dean says Cas' ass is sexy, not adorable. Which is tmi if you ask me."

Gabriel smiled, feeling a weight being lifted off of his shoulders. He quickly answered back.

G: "You're something else. Both of you, actually. We never even said we were in real, actual danger."

S: "If you're with people who would take you by force back to your house, I think that's a concern and a call for worry. Of course we'd come get you."

G: "Heh. You are absolutely right. I'll send you the address. But just so you know, I don't know where Cas is. We got split up. Timeout, I guess you could say."

S: "That's fine, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Are you okay?"

G: "Oh, yeah definitely. Threw a complete tantrum as soon as they shoved me in this room. I'm good now."

S: "Ha. Okay, I'll let you know when we get on the road. Just try and stay in contact."

G: "Can do~"

With that, Gabriel placed his phone in his top drawer, making sure to keep it out of sight. His heart was pounding and he felt a renewed appreciation for the brother's. There was no use brooding over things now. Now that Sam and his brother were going to try and come for them.

He walked over to his bed, laying down on it and closing his eyes, forcing himself to get some sleep. His last thought before sleeping was his little brother. How was Cas doing? What did Lucifer want with him?

Eventually, he slipped into a moderately peaceful slumber.