"Gabriel, Bobby, get over here!" shouted Dean.

Gabriel appeared with a disgruntled Bobby in tow. "What is it, Deano?"

"It's time."

A huge grin appeared on Gabriel's face, matching the one on Bobby's. The excitement was palatable. I helped Bobby open the garage doors, swinging them wide. We stepped outside out of the way next to Balthazar, who was leaning against the hood of another old car. Balthazar had been around Dean and I a lot more as we worked on the car. I was glad that he seemed to be growing more accepting of the humans' presence.

"Moment of truth," came Sam's muffled voice from inside the Impala as Dean put the key in the ignition. I could see him take a deep breath, then turn the key. Without pause, the engine roared for a few seconds before settling into a rough purr.

Why did was it named after an antelope when a member of the Felidae family would be a much more suited namesake?

Both Sam and Dean let out a loud whoop. Putting the car into drive, Dean drove out of the garage and out into the yard. He rolled down the window, "Cas, Bobby, get in. We'll take you other two for a spin later."

I looked to Gabriel who smiled, "Well, get in. I'll have Sammy take me on a private drive later."

Happily, I climbed in the car. Dean's eyes met mine in the rearview mirror, "Thanks, Cas." So much emotion was concealed behind those words that I could only nod and smile back at him. I was pleased with so many things, not the least was his gratefulness.

Dean drove us down the street, checking the brakes, headlights, and so on as we went along. Bobby and Sam were asking him various questions about how it was handling. Sam wanted to know when it was his turn to drive, and Dean laughingly responded that he just got his baby back – so never. Or at least not until after dinner.

I was content to sit back and listen to their conversation as I stared out the window. I imagined that this was like what being a part of a human family was – playful, accepting, and loving.

Dean took us around the neighborhood until we got to a long, straight side street. With a "Hold on, everybody," he gunned the engine letting it roar to full power and flew down the road. I smiled, feeling the rushing wind from the open window hit my face. After another ten minutes of driving around the compound, Dean finally drove back.

Gabriel and Balthazar were waiting for us outside. As Bobby and I climbed out, Sam yelled for the two of them to get in and take their turn. Gabriel called back, "I'll have Sam drive me around later when you finally let your baby brother behind the wheel; Balthazar can take his turn now."

Dean nodded and looked at me, "Want to go again?"

Balthazar grinned at me as he slid in the front passenger seat, "I don't think we need a chaperone. Castiel has to set the table for dinner."

Dean frowned but shrugged. "Thank you for the ride, Dean," I said as they pulled away. I should have thanked Balthazar for the reminder (it was my night after all), but they were already gone.

After finishing my chore, I helped Gabriel and Sam finish up dinner. Almost a half hour later Dean and Balthazar came back. I walked outside to greet them and see how the car had done. Dean had dropped Balthazar at the front door, before pulling the car around to the side of the house under an overhang Bobby had built especially for it.

As Dean got out, I noticed that his face was red and frowning. It was so different from his happy expression of less than an hour ago, that I was immediately worried. "What is wrong, Dean? Did something happen to the car? We can fix it, you know? We did before."

Dean laughed shortly. "The car is fine, Cas. Don't worry about it."

Popping the hood of the engine as he taught me, I looked over the contents. "Are you sure?" The shiny, impeccable engine gleamed reassuringly back at me. With a sigh, I closed it. "She—I mean, it looks fine to me."

With a more relaxed laugh than before, Dean responded, "Of course she is. I'm proud of you, Cas; I'll make a mechanic out of you yet. Too bad you already have a day job."

I was confused. "I know it is different from your human occupations, but I do have a job during the day and at night as well."

"I know, Cas. Come on; let's get inside before Gabriel eats everything."

As he tugged me inside, I asked him in all seriousness, "You would tell me if something was wrong, would you not?"

"With the car? – absolutely. You're my assistant, right?"

"With the car – and anything else."

"Sure, boss; whatever you say. Now, come on, I'm starving."

"You are not starving, Dean."

"Sure, I am!"

As Dean assured me, the Impala ran perfectly. Dean took pleasure in going for long drives often with Sam or me, acting as navigator. At first I was reluctant to let them go anywhere for long distances by themselves (not because I was worried that they would cause trouble, but they were under our protection and I became somewhat anxious when they were away), but they persuaded me. After all, they only had to have the slightest feeling of fear or worry and Gabriel and I would be there instantly. That actually happened a few times on accident when Dean took a corner too sharply.

Although the sanctuary was not large, there were plenty of wooded roads for them to explore. I believe it reminded them of their days growing up and as hunters, full of long road trips across the North American continent.

It took some getting used to, but I found that this slow form of travel were a form of relaxation. Plus I enjoyed spending time in their company. Bobby often said that sitting in "that dang car too long made his joints all stiff – so stop asking me, you idjit," and enjoyed spending more time in the garden. Sam was able to persuade Gabriel to take a trip if there was a promise of stopping off somewhere to get a treat along the way. Several female humans appeared to be very fond of the archangel and always had cookies or a cake around their house.

However, as I had come to learn, humans are often restless, and once this task was over. Dean and the others were looking for more excitement.

So Gabriel and Balthazar decided to throw a party.

I was not informed until the first guests started showing up.

"Dude, Sam, stop drinking all the beer. Pass me one!" the former-hunter known as Ash leaned over me as he tried to snag a beer from the cooler that Balthazar kept refilling when I wasn't looking.

"Ge' off o' Cas," slurred Dean, playfully shoving Ash from his spot on the floor on my other side. "He's m'angel."

"Ash, I believe that you've imbibed enough."

"Nuh-uh. Virgil said I co' drink all I wan.' Iffen I'd just shuddup." He placed a finger somewhere near his lips. "Shhh! I have ta shuddup."

Virgil said seriously, "They promised to behave if I would prevent them from getting alcohol poisoning. Ash is currently at .17 and Garth is only at .1. I will remove some of the alcohol from their blood in three minutes. You are responsible for your own humans." With that he sat back in his chair.

"Sure, we can't get you anything, Virgil?" Gabriel asked again. I could now tell that he was teasing; Virgil had always been one of the most serious angels in the garrison. Not that he would ever say it, I was sure that he hated being given two humans to take care of, especially since these two seemed strange even by human standards. However, they were friends of our humans, and I was trying to enjoy their company for their sake.

Perhaps Virgil had a good idea. "Dean, how are you feeling?" I asked, placing the back of my hand on his forehead (the best way, according to my research). He felt warm, but not feverish.

Dean blinked at me with unfocused eyes. "Cas, you've no idea."

"To what are you referring, Dean?"

He pushed my hand off and shifted so he was leaning against me. "I've got a bi' of a headache."

I smiled slightly. "I imagine you do." Pressing my two first fingers gently back on his forehead, I cleared some of the alcohol from his system. "This should help."

He looked up at me, green eyes bright again. "Thanks, buddy."

Balthazar snorted. "You two finished?" I glared at him, not fully understanding his implications, but knowing that they were unfriendly.

Gabriel jumped in, "Let's play a drinking game!" He snapped his fingers, causing Sam to shake his head clear and Bobby to sit up from his nap.

"No, you idjit," snorted Bobby. "I ain't playing games with angels. That's just stupid."

Everyone else ignored him.

"Beer pong!" called out Sam.

Dean snorted. "None of your stupid college games."

"Spin the bottle?" asked Gabriel.

"You do realize there are like no girls here, right?" asked Ash.

"Yeah, who planned this party?" asked Dean. "Someone forgot the women."

"I did not," I muttered.

Dean heard me and patted me on the shoulder. "I'm sure you would have done a great job if they'd told you about it."

"Thank you, Dean."

"You do realize there would have been no beer, right?" asked Balthazar. "I must admit I'm growing fond of this human beverage." I looked at him carefully – he looked fine, despite drinking about ten gallons of various drinks. I was fairly certain that angels could not become drunk, but it was my job (as designated driver) to make sure he was fine.

"He probably would have checked out Miss Pretty-Pretty's Party Planning Packet from the library and we'd be having our second round of tea and crumpets," laughed Gabriel. Everyone else's chuckles stopped when he doubled over in pain – from where it came from, I have no idea.

"All right, lay off Cas," said Sam. "Let's find something to do. What about Never Have I Ever?"

"Noooo," shuddered Dean, never one to be telling his darkest secrets.

"Truth or Dare?" asked Garth.

"Absolutely not," said Dean. "No little kid stuff. How about Circle of Death or Beer Hunter?"

"Those games are gross, Dean. I'm out of ideas. Let's just watch a movie."

"I'm going to get back to my nap," muttered Bobby, sinking back into the recliner.

"I've got one," stated Balthazar. We all looked at him. "Seven Minutes in Heaven."

Dean snorted, "Have you forgotten the lack of ladies?"

"Doesn't matter – I pick Sam first."

Garth's explanation of, "That's not how you play," was interrupted by Balthazar grabbing Sam's arm and transporting them to the nearest broom closet. There was a muffled thump, an annoyed shout, and Gabriel was at the door, pulling it open so hard it broke the lock and the hinges. Ignoring Sam's yelp, he pulled him bodily out of the closet and faced Balthazar.

I rose quickly and put myself between the two of them and the humans. Gabriel's face was tight with fury. The laughter had left Balthazar's, leaving him serious and still. The whole room was tense; I was ready to spring into action if they began to fight, something too dangerous for any human to be around.

Suddenly, Balthazar relaxed and smirked. "Sorry, Gabriel. No harm done."

It took a few moments, but Gabriel returned the smile. "No harm done." Too low for the humans to hear, he hissed, "Watch yourself, or have you forgotten who I am?"

"'Course not. I do apologize."

Gabriel turned, his shoulder brushing up against my arm as he sauntered back to the group. He knelt over Sam's somewhat stunned form. "You all right?"

"Yup," said Sam, shaking his long form loose as he stood up with Gabriel's helping hand. "I'm just fine."

"Good." Gabriel stared into Sam's eyes, and, despite their height difference, they appeared equal. "I truly would hate for anything bad to happen to you. You are my charge after all. The paperwork would be atrocious if you died."

I sighed, moving back to my seat by Dean. The party appeared to be over. "After I drive the others home, I'll help you clean up," I told him.

Virgil rose, unconcerned about the whole incident. "Castiel, you have lived too long with the humans. I am an angel. There is absolutely no need for us to be limited by human means of transportation." With that he turned, grabbed Garth and Ash by the arms, and the three of them disappeared.

Dean laughed at me as I turned to Balthazar. "Why did you tell me I needed to be the designated driver?"

Everyone laughed, once against at my expense. But I found that I did not mind, as Dean pulled me outside, saying, "Come on, Cas. I'll teach you all about the wonders of drinking. These knuckleheads will clean up."