Gabriel appeared in front of his brother with a furious expression plastered across his attractive features. He grabbed him by the throat and slammed against the wall of the alley way they were standing in.

"I saved you, I brought you back, and this is how you repay me?"

"You know brother," Lucifer choked, "If you are going to get violent you should probably tell me what I did wrong first," his smile said he knew exactly what he did wrong.

"You kissed him? What else have you done with him?!" He demanded.

"Here on Earth? Just that," he winked. Gabriel took out his blade and held it against Lucifer's chest.

"What do you mean 'On Earth'?"

"I thought I was the one to get angry and do the threatening. Finally grow some balls?"

The angel pressed the tip of the blade into his flesh. Lucifer tried to mask his pain, but a small wince met his lips.

"Wanna try that again?"

"Ask Sam," was the only response he got. Despite how much he wanted to crush his neck, Gabriel released his grip, reminding himself that this was still his brother. True, he was an asshole and far from the sibling he had been before his banishment, he was family nonetheless and he had raised him for a reason.

"I get it, you don't have feelings for anyone, especially humans, but I swear to our father if you hurt him…"

"You'll put me back in my cage? That threat is getting a little old don't you think?" The devil crossed his arms over his chest.

"Leave him alone,"

"What if he doesn't want me to? What if he wants me around?" He asked with over-sweetness lacing his tone like thick syrup.

"He doesn't," he answered through clenched teeth.

"Isn't that for our dear Sammy to decide?"

"You don't get to play with him! He's not some damn toy! You may be my brother but believe it or not I actually care for that mortal and I will damn you back to that hole again if you hurt him. You're lucky I didn't kill you for what you did to his mind!"

"I did nothing but speed up what was already happening. Besides, you are starting to sound just like father did. Since when do humans mean more to you than your own family?"

"Since the humans never tried to kill me, or end the world, or damn souls to eternal pain," he listed off.

"If you think so highly of me, why did you take me from the pit huh? Why did you free me from my cage?" Lucifer demanded, joking aside.

"Because…" Gabriel trailed off, all anger suddenly leaving his tone, his body, his eyes, and he was back to the angel that Lucifer knew, "because you're my brother and I love you. Yeah, I know, pathetic but it's true. I thought if I took you out, kept you on a leash, and made you see the humans as actual living creatures and not insects for you to step on, maybe you'd reform. Obviously, I'm being stupid, but I guess I'm just a hopeful fool like that," he shrugged in defeat.

Lucifer paused. There were so many witty quips and jabs he could make, but instead he couldn't bring his lips to form any words. He stood there silent and stared at his brother. He was twisted, demented, a torturer, a liar, and a hellish being meant to only bring agony and horror, but he was not evil. Since the dawn of time he had been labeled as such, but truly he was resentful for having been banished and so his grace was stained with revenge lust and hatred. His bitter feelings had poisoned all that had been good in him, and that was when the devil was born.

Terrible, yes.

Evil, no.

Each word stabbed through him like a hot knife. Whether he would admit it to himself, he was grateful that Gabriel had freed him. Once Sam had gone he had been left with Michael and the two certainly had some issues. It didn't end well for either of them. Sure, he was stuck doing the stupid measly things like volunteering at an animal shelter and participating in a soup kitchens per request of Gabe, but anything was better than an eternity with his less amusing brother.

Deciding that he wasn't going to get an answer, Gabriel added, "But don't mistake my love for mercy. Sam is important to me, and just as easily as I took you out, I can put you back in,"

"Gabriel huh? Should have known that little bitch wasn't dead. He will never die," Dean shook his head, shoveling in a bite of blueberry pie.

"Yeah, well, he seems different. I can't really describe it, but normally he is all jokes and now… You didn't see his face, it was scary. Something's up," Sam sighed.

"I'm sure. Point is, what do we do now?"

"About the deal? I don't know. I mean, if we can figure out how to suppress my memories on our own, maybe get Gabriel to help, then there won't be a need to help him. He can't do anything to us either way, the deal wasn't official or anything,"

"But I thought you guys, you know," he made a smooching sound in the air before returning to his pie.

"Apparently," he shifted awkwardly, "only Crowley uses that method,"

"Then why did you two kiss?" Dean's brow furrowed, "something you need to tell me Sammy?"

"Geez Dean, no. He was probably just messing with me,"

"Yeah, maybe he has the hots for you," he teased. Sam tried to hide the sickening twisting in his stomach behind a chuckle and smile.

"Yeah, hey, I think I'm going to head back to the room, you coming?"

"Nah, I've go about two more pieces of pie with my name on them," he smiled, revealing a mouthful or half-chewed dessert.

"Gross," Sam shook his head. He walked out of the diner, leaving the eldest Winchester to devour his sweets in silence. He was about to call over the waitress for another slice, but instead of seeing the young blonde, he met the gaze of two piercing blue eyes.

"You might want to wear a bell or something, so you don't give me a heart attack. I could have choked,"

"Sorry Dean,"

"Is something wrong?" Dean wondered.

"No,"

"Did something good happen?"

"No, not really,"

"Then what's up?"

"I'm bored,"Cas said. Dean stared at him. He swallowed his bite and looked at the angel curiously.

"What do you mean you're bored?"

"I'm bored Dean. All I can do is sit here and wait for something to happen. Lucifer isn't a threat, the Leviathin are back in Purgatory, Crowley hasn't shown his face, and even Sam seems to be learning how to cope with his insanity. Heaven is peaceful, for once. I have nothing to do anymore," he sighed.

"Well, what do you usually do when the world isn't in chaos?"

"I used to do errands for God, saving a human, relocating angels, keeping Fate and Destiny in line. But God is silent," he shrugged. Castiel called over the blonde waitress that Dean had been admiring for the majority of the evening.

She approached them and instantly her eyes locked on the attractive angel, despite the fact that only a bit ago she hadn't been able to keep her eyes off the hunky hunter.

"Hey there, what can I get you?" She asked with a tone so sweet it practically dripped from her lips like syrup.

"A hamburger," was all he said, his eyes only leaving Dean for a moment to offer a polite smile. Dean, however, sat there both shocked and slightly disappointed that her attentions had shifted so suddenly. The waitress only seemed to take Cas's indifference as a challenge.

"Anything else I can get you?" Castiel was normally oblivious, but the double meaning behind her words was so obvious that an infant would have known. He turned to her with and apologetic expression.

"Oh, you are attracted to me," he said with a sigh, his bluntness shocking both parties, "I am sorry. Technically I have no sexuality, but I do find that as far as humans go, the males are more attractive. Do not get me wrong, you are a very beautiful young lady. Do not take offense to anything I am saying, it's nothing against you, really, but you are wasting your efforts. I am sure my friend, Dean, here, would gladly receive your affections should you wish to give them,"

For a minute, everyone was silent. The waitress blushed and seemed utterly flustered. She gave an embarrassed smile and shuffled off. Cas was oblivious to the awkward atmosphere he had created.

"Uh, Cas," Dean finally cleared his throat. He stared at the angel, unable to determine what it was exactly that he was feeling in that moment. He felt… Confused. Shocked even. Part of him wanted to laugh; the other couldn't even muster up a smile.

"Wh-what was that?" He asked.

"What?"

"What just happened? Since when are you gay?"

"Dean, I already explained this. I do not have an actual gender. My vessel is male therefore I understand how you associate me with being a male. However, my lack of gender makes it impossible for me to actually have a sexuality. I simply like whomever I like," he shrugged.

"Well, what about Meg? Don't think I forgot about your whole pizza boy impersonation,"

"I like her, her gender is irrelevant. I find, though, that men tend to be more appealing to me,"

"Men like?" Dean gestured for him to elaborate.

"Well, you for instance," for once, Castiel seemed a little shy. Dean was left speechless for the second time that night. Pie forgotten, he just sat there and stared. His mouth opened and shut a few times, as if he meant to say something but couldn't form the words. "I've made you uncomfortable, I'm sorry,"

"No, just took me a little off guard," Dean finally managed to say with as casual of a smile as he could manage. Inside, a few million thoughts swirled around in his mind. His focus was primarily on the pressure he suddenly felt on his chest, a pressure he hadn't felt in a long time. "Well, I mean, as long as it's just that. I suppose, if I liked dudes, I'd think I was pretty hot too," he joked. Cas allowed his gaze to drop.

"It's okay Dean, I never expected you to reciprocate the feelings,"

"Whoa, whoa, hey, you didn't say 'feelings' Cas. I get that you angels can get hot over whoever you want, hey I'm cool with all that stuff. I've been around enough, seen enough shit that people's sexuality is the last of my concerns. So hey, you wanna think I'm hot? I'm all for it. But you didn't say 'feelings' before and that's not something I take lightly, okay?" Dean said seriously. He had only truly had feelings for one person, and that was Lisa. He had loved her more than anyone, and then he had to give her up. She was gone. He never wanted to feel that pain again and he certainly did not want Cas to have to experience it. He especially didn't want Cas to be hurt by him.

"I'm sorry I brought it up,"

"No, hold on, do you have feelings for me? Or is this just a crush?" He questioned. Cas tilted his head, confused.

"What's the difference?"

"It means either way you want to bang me, but if you have feelings you'd wanna stick around in the morning,"

"Then… I suppose I have feelings," he shrugged, still seemingly a little lost. Dean didn't understand how he could say these things so casually. He could feel his palms begin to dampen with sweat and his heart was already racing uncomfortably in his chest. He didn't know the name of the feeling he was experiencing, but he wanted it to stop.

"Uh, wow, okay, how long have you felt this way?" He raised his brows.

"Shortly after pulling you from Hell,"

"And you never thought to tell me?"

"As I said, I never expected you to return the feelings so what would be the point? Aside from creating an awkward relationship, as I'm sure I've done now,"

"Don't you think I'd want to know something like that?"

"I don't know, Dean, do you?" Castiel met Dean's gaze, eyes wide and piercing. For a moment, Dean was rendered speechless, always caught off guard by those eyes. He thought a moment.

Did he want to know?

Of course he did. Despite what would now be an awkward relationship, he always wanted to know what Castiel was thinking and feeling. His entire life had been one of secrets and hidden feelings. The fact that Cas was always so blunt and open about everything was entirely refreshing and Dean appreciated it. Besides, a small part of him couldn't help but be warmed by his words.

"Yeah," he finally said, "yeah I do. Don't keep things from me, no matter how weird or how awkward you think it will make things. Last time you kept secrets, you teamed up with Crowley and became God. I can't handle anymore secrets. Not from Sammy, and not from you,"

"I'm sorry Dean," he apologized sincerely. Before another word could be uttered, the waitress returned with his burger. Castiel's blue eyes lit up with enthusiasm as the giant patty of dead cow was placed before him, crispy, golden fries steaming next to it. Burgers to Cas were the equivalent of pie to Dean. The hunter stared at the angel with amusement and he shoved the oversized sandwich into his mouth. The normally graceful angel was messily covered in grease and ketchup and he didn't seem to care whatsoever.

"Uh Cas," Dean wiped his own lip, nodding at him to do the same. His brow furrowed.

"There's nothing on your face, Dean,"

"No… You… Nevermind just hold still," he rolled his eyes, leaning across the table and brushing his thumb at the corner of Castiel's mouth, wiping away a small glob of ketchup.

Dean didn't think much of it at first, but after a few seconds of being stared at he realized that was perhaps not the best thing to have done after being told that his best friend liked him.

"Er… Thanks," Cas blushed slightly. He traded his burger for a few fries which he chewed slowly, his eyes falling to his plate.

"What are friends for?" Dean smiled, trying to remain casual. After all, he had cleaned his face, not kissed him. What was the big deal?

"Where are you staying tonight?" Cas suddenly asked.

"Huh? Oh, just a motel a few miles down the road,"

"Can I stay with you and Sam for a while?"

"Uh…" Dean shifted in his seat, "I guess. I mean, why?"

"I have nothing to do, nowhere to really go. Heaven may be peaceful but that does not mean everyone accepts me. I killed a lot of angels," he replied solemnly.

"Do you think it would be a good idea to have you around? Sam is still pretty messed up,"

"I should be there for him, then. His condition is my fault, I should be with him always until I have figured out how to help him," he said sternly.

"Alright, well, Sammy should be back at the hotel soon so whenever you're ready to leave…" he sighed.

"What do you mean? He isn't there now?"

"Nah, he started walking home about five seconds before you showed up,"

Castiel's eyes snapped to Dean, piercing him with sudden alarm.

"Your brother suffers from severe hallucinations, twisting reality, and you let him walk alone in the dark?" His voice dropped to a low gravely, murmur.

"He's an adult, Cas, and a hunter. He can take care of himself. He hates when I baby him and besides, if he needed help, he'd call me," he waved his phone in the air.

"We should get back," he said despite Dean's words. He stood up, plate in hand, and began to walk towards the door. Dean bolted afterwards, catching him by the collar of his coat and pulling him back.

"Jesus Cas, you can't just…" he sighed, calling over a waitress and asking for a box along with a check. Once the burger was safely confined in the cardboard walls of the box, and being clutched to the angel's chest, they were able to leave.

Castiel reached the Impala first, tugging on the door handle of the passenger side. When it didn't open his head tilted to the side with confusion.

"It's locked," Dean rolled his eyes. He reached for his keys but by the time they were in his hand, Cas had already poofed himself inside. Dean made a mental note to angel-proof his car next chance he got.

When the engine started, so did the radio.

"Cary on my wayward son, there'll be peace when you are done! Leave your weary head to rest, and don't you cry no more," Cas began to sing, surprisingly loudly. Dean's eyebrows practically shot straight off his face as he watched the angel begin to tap his fingers against his knees to the beat, singing along.

"Since when do you know Kansas?" Dean wondered, pulling out of the diner's parking lot and onto the road.

"I've been watching you for a long time," he explained, and then quickly added, "you and Sam,"

"So you just know all of my music now?"

"Some of it, only the stuff I like, though you do tend to play the same bands over and over. I know nearly every word to every song. That's not always a good thing," he noted

Dean couldn't help but chuckle at this. He didn't answer but instead stole another glance at his friend who was happily bobbing his head along to the song. For some reason the sight made his chest hurt, but not unpleasantly. There was something about seeing this angel enjoying something he was so passionate about, something oddly important to him. Sam liked the classic rock, sure, but he also was annoyed by how often it was on and obviously wished his brother would change it once in a while.

Castiel, however, was tapping his leg, singing along, to Dean's favorite song nonetheless. He looked so relaxed and happy, there was even a small crooked smile on his face. The Winchester couldn't explain exactly what he felt in that moment, what he felt for Cas…