Chapter 17: Bliss in Happiness and Ignorance
Sam held Gabriel as close as possible to his chest, their legs intertwined and Sam arms wrapped tight around the angel with one hand in his blonde hair. The angel shifted slightly, settling a bit more, and Sam unintentionally tightened his grip drawing a soft chuckle. The angel shifted again this time adjusting himself so he could look up at his boyfriend. Sam smiled and leaned down and kissed those smiling lips.
"I take it that you missed me." Gabriel said softly.
"I never thought I'd ever get you back." Sam said, kissing the angel one more.
"I'm sorry I put you through hell." The angel said pulling back far enough to put a bit of space between them. "I never meant for any of this to happen. I owe you-"
"Nothing. The only thing you owe me is another feather." Sam said. "I had to use my courting gift to get you back."
"I'm just glad that you were able to help me." Gabriel said, looking away. "I was tired of fading in and out. For a while there I thought that being stuck in my own mind was going to be the best I could get. Not a pleasant thought."
"I can't imagine how bad it was for you." Sam said. "I can't even imagine what you went through at Crowley's hands."
Gabriel stiffened. "He just forced me to hurt the people I care for and knocked me around."
"Gabe... I already know what he did to you. You don't have to hide it to try and protect me. Michael pointed out the bruises on your hips to us after Lucifer broke your back when he stopped you from killing Michael." Sam said softly, watching as pain appeared in those gold eyes. "He said he could tell that you weren't willing because of the bruises. Lucifer said Crowley took you from behind and that you hated that position."
Gabriel tired to pull away but Sam held him tight. "Sam please."
"Talk to me. You promised." The hunter gently reminded him.
The archangel nodded. "I did. I don't really want to but it might help."
Sam pulled his boyfriend close once more, forcing him to lay on the bed once more. "Take all the time you need. I'm wiling to listen."
"What do you want to know?" Gabriel asked softly.
"What happened?"
Gabriel let out a chuckle. "My nose kept bleeding because he ordered me to stay with him. Instead of getting a tissue I started wiping the blood off on his chair. He got mad at me for ruining his expensive leather. He knocked me to the floor and grabbed me by the hair, pulling me around before he bent me over his desk. I would have fought harder but he ordered me not to move. He told me...That I looked beautiful covered in bruises and I wasn't allowed to heal them. That's why I still had them during the fight."
Sam frowned, his fingers trailing down to rub at the near the top of the angel's jeans. "So he forced you to fight like that? How bad were you hurt?"
"It wasn't like that Sam. I was allowed to heal from where I was bleeding. The bruises had to stay." Gabriel said. "That was an order."
"And your cheek?" The brunette asked, his finger skimming over said area, remembering how swollen and discolored it had been.
"He broke it after he was finished with me. I not only insulted his stamina but also his bedroom abilities." The blonde admitted. "He only cared about his own pleasure and all I got was pain. Seemed fair to me."
"Do you remember what you did to him when Lucifer called him here?"
"My time fading in and out is blurry at best Sam." Gabriel admitted. "I have no idea how long I was gone for or how long it took me to get back. I don't even have a full recollection of how I got back. My last real memory is of me telling you that I love you. Sorry."
"Well if it helps, you kicked Crowley right in the nuts." Sam said. "He went down hard."
Gabriel started laughing. "Did I really?"
"Yeah. Lucifer called him here to make sure he wasn't the one who made you lose your memories in the first place. You didn't know who he was but you let him have it good." Sam said, hesitating slightly before continuing. "You also managed to stick it to Michael too."
That had Gabriel sitting up with a worried look. "I did what? Why would I try and hurt Michael?"
"I don't think you were meaning to but he said that he was hoping that you didn't remember what Crowley did to you and you admitted that you didn't. Instead you told him that you did remember certain things. It seemed like with every thing you said just seemed to upset him more and more until he yelled at you." The hunter said softly. "You seemed afraid of him."
Gabriel sighed. "That's an understatement. I never feared Michael until the fighting started. I guess even if I didn't remember what happened my instincts did."
"What did he do that made you afraid?"
The archangel rolled away and stared up at the ceiling. "Have you ever been afraid of Dean?"
Sam nodded. "A couple times but I know that Dean would never truly hurt me."
"Then you already have a better older brother then I had in three." Gabriel muttered. "When I was younger...Michael and Lucifer were my idols. I wanted to be just like them. Maybe it's just little brother envy but in my eyes they were my heros who could do no wrong and always walked away from whatever trouble they got into. Of course getting older means you start to loose a bit of that hero worship and I began to realize that while still my heros, they could get hurt. It's what made me take up healing."
"That's understandable. Dean is still my hero. He's...He's my everything." Sam admitted softly.
"They were mine too." Gabriel said, linking his fingers with Sam's. "After my wing broke, Michael took care of me because Raphael was in punishment for his actions and he didn't trust the seraphs with me. I healed quick enough and tried to become closer to Michael during that time. He...He began to change, becoming bitter and cold. I didn't realize how much at first because I was so upset about losing Lucifer and begin grounded.
"It wasn't until I was getting back in the air that I asked about seeing Lucifer. Michael was cold and snappish to me. He said it wasn't allowed but I pushed anyway, demanding to see him. All I did was make him mad and we'd fight. At first it was just yelling. Then it changed."
Sam was suddenly over is angel and kissing away the tears that fell. "He hit you."
The blonde nodded, not trusting his voice.
"How long did this go on?"
"About a year. I never told anyone but our Father. He left me with scars Sam. Do you know how hard it is to scar an angel? We're made of Grace. He damaged me and it will never heal, believe me I've been trying since it happened. It was the same night I left. I told Michael that I was going to see Lucifer whether he liked it or not because I still loved Lucifer and I was not going to abandon him. I didn't even see him hit me. I just remember the pain and...I never even fought back." Gabriel's eyes were closed but tears still fell from them. "When he was done with me he...He seemed horrified at what he did but he just left me there. He didn't say anything or even check to see how bad I was hurt. First Lucifer, then Raphael, and then Michael? I never dreamed that I would ever be terrified of the ones I looked up to the most."
"I did something similar to Dean at an asylum. This ghost made me say some nasty things and I...I really tried to kill him. I shot him almost point blank in the chest with a shot gun filled with rock salt. I had a gun to his head and I pulled the trigger. Not just once but several times. It's always going to hurt Gabe." Sam said. "I still have nightmares about what might have happened if Dean's gun had been loaded. I would have killed him. I'm just glad were were able to work through it."
"Dean is a good guy Sam. You couldn't have asked for a better brother." Gabriel said, reaching up to dry his tears. "You're really lucky to have a brother like him."
"I know I am. Now I have a feeling that you are not going to like what I am about to say." Sam said. "I think, now that you're better anyway, that you should sit down with Michael and Lucifer. You need to talk to them Gabe. "
That had the blonde giving him a strange look. "You're joking right?"
"I'm serious Gabe. You went to them for help and they gave it. They are trying. They could have left after you died, instead they stuck around. They actively helped us look for you, and hunt, and Lucifer worked nonstop to try and find a way to fix you. Michael even held you in his wings. I think what Michael was saying about him wanting you guys to be a family again might be the truth." Sam said. "They are holding out an olive branch to you. It's going to be your choice on if you want to take it or not."
Gabriel gave him a bitter chuckle. "Not going to demand I take it?"
Sam shook his head and kissed those warm lips. "No. That's not what happens in a relationship. This is your choice and yours alone Gabe. You can say yes and try to work things out or you can say no and walk away. No matter what choice you make I will stand by you and support you. That's what a good boyfriend does."
The angel was cupping his hunter's face and kissing him soundly before pulling back to stare up at those green eyes in wonder. "I knew there was a reason I fell in love with you Sam Winchester. I must have done something to make my Father happy if He saw fit to deliver you into my existence."
The brunette gave him a smile. "Maybe he just saw two people who were broken and when he put us together found out that we could make each other whole again."
Gabriel eyes lit up with happiness and he kissed his human again. "I really don't deserve someone like you Sam."
"We deserve each other." Sam said with a kiss, then pulled back and pulled open the blonde's shirt, nearly ripping off the buttons in his haste before pulling off his own shirt so they were both bare from the waist up.
Gabriel let out a moan as their heated flesh met. "Sam? What are we doing?"
"We are celebrating." Sam said, kissing his way down the angel's neck, pulling small moans from the body below him. "I have my boyfriend back. You're alive and in one piece. Just like promised."
Gabriel bucked as Sam's warm mouth went lower, stopping to leave a dark mark on his collarbone. "Oh...Feels good! More! Please!"
The hunter chuckled against his skin, pulling another low moan and had the angel squirming. "I never realized just how sensitive you are. Have you always been like this?"
"Y-Yes!" Gabriel managed to squeak out as those warm lips and talented tongue latched onto one of his nipples while the other was treated to light pinches and small scratches, sending him arching and bucking into the touches. "Sam!"
Sam grinned and released the abused flesh before going lower and finding a hip to nibble on, drawing a whine as his fingers skimmed the waistband of the angel's jeans. "May I return the favor?"
Golden eyes, now dilated nearly black with lust, went wide and the angel could only nod.
Sam gave him a shy smile. "You might have to help me a bit. Never done this before."
The archangel gave a shaky nod as the button on his jeans was popped open followed by the rasp of his zipper sliding down. Lifting his hips up to help, Gabriel was happy that Sam manage to get his jeans off with very little effort. Dancing green eyes met his, warm skin met in intimate caresses, and Gabriel's world melted away until only bliss remained.
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
Lucifer was frozen by the door to Sam and Gabriel's room. He hadn't meant to listen in; he had only been coming to ask then what they wanted for dinner. Hearing Gabriel's confession had just completely unbalanced him. He hadn't known about Michael abusing him and that bastard hadn't said a damn thing to him about it. Now he understood why Michael had been so filled with guilt anytime he looked at their younger brother. When Michael had thrown him into the Cage he had done so with a promise that he would protect the youngest archangel for him.
Stepping back from the door Lucifer slowly made his way back downstairs. Gabriel's actions made much more sense to him now. He understood why the Fourth Born had showed up at his Cage trying to free him. Why Gabriel was dead set on having the Devil in his life once more. After he was gone Gabriel had no one. Raphael had never liked his younger brother, he had always hated the Fourth Born with a passion. He himself had broken Gabriel's heart in an effort to save him, something that still hurt to this day. To find out that even Michael had turned on the youngest, had done the opposite of what he promised, it made his blood boil.
"Hey! What's taking so long there Satan? Did you forget why we sent you up there in the first place?" Dean asked but upon seeing the Devil standing in the middle of the steps the hunter's face fell at seeing the pain that was so clear on the blonde's. "Lucifer? What's wrong? Did something happen?"
The blonde shook his head. "Yes. No. I...I just over heard something that I don't think was supposed to be heard." Lucifer admitted. "Now my heart hurts."
Dean glanced into the kitchen where Adam was teaching Castiel the finer points of cooking before going up the stairs to meet the Morningstar. "Is something wrong with Gabe?"
Lucifer just shook his head. "When...When I was cast down I went with very little fight as I was promised that Gabriel would be well taken care of. I just heard him talking with Sam about his time in heaven after I Fell."
Dean frowned and motioned for the front door. Lucifer nodded, understanding that the hunter wanted them to have privacy. The human led the way, grabbing a bottle of booze as he went. Lucifer followed Dean out to the garage where they wouldn't be heard. The hunter motioned to the stool while he leaned against the trunk of the Impala. Dean cracked open the bottle and took a quick drink before passing it to the blonde. Seeing no harm in it the Devil took a big drink before setting the bottle on the table next to him just in case.
"Alright. Spill." Dean said. "What's got you looking like someone kicked your puppy?"
"Gabriel."
"I figured that much." Dean said. "So what did you hear?"
"I had always wondered why he left heaven. I wondered why he wanted to get me out of hell, why he was so desperate to want to keep me in his life after I Fell." Lucifer said. "I figured he knew I was still in love with him and only wanted him safe which was why I broke up with him. It never occurred to me that their could have been another reason why he was there."
"You said you were promised that Gabe would be taken care of right?" Dean asked. "Explain to me when who promised what to you."
Lucifer picked up the booze and took another big drink. "I was promised by Michael, before I was locked in the Cage, that he would take care of Gabriel for me. That he would watch over and protect him until my punishment was over. I was happy to know that because Gabby was recovering from Raphael's attack at the time."
"So what did you hear then that's upset you? Did Michael break his promise?"
"Worse. Gabby told Sam that Michael started hitting him. That it lasted for a year. Michael scared him in a way that Gabby can't fix." Lucifer kicked the tool box at his feet. "I trusted Michael with the one person that I valued more then life itself and he not only betrayed me but Gabriel as well! He's our Baby Brother! We were supposed to protect him and-" Lucifer cut himself off and picked up the bottle one more and proceeded to polish off nearly half the bottle in one go. "He was never supposed to be hurt. I failed him."
Dean nodded. "I get it Lucifer. I really do. As one big brother to another believe me when I say that I understand completely. You gave Gabe to the one person you had no choice but to trust and they let you down but I'm going to tell you right now that you are not to blame for this. I'm not saying that what Michael did was right, or even what you did was right, but Michael is going to have to own up to his mistake sooner or later. When that time comes is when you need to be ready."
"Then what?" Lucifer asked. "I just let it go? Pretend that I never heard it and move on?"
"You could or you can hunt him like a rabbit and beat him like a rug." Dean said with a grin. "We can take turns."
Lucifer let out a chuckle at that before turning somber. "I already know that I have much to make up for. Not only to Gabriel but to you and Sam as well. May I start by apologizing for the beating I gave you at the cemetery?"
"Consider it forgotten. You helped save Gabe. That makes us square." Dean said.
"I don't consider us even."
"I do. So let's head inside and I'll go knock on the love birds door." Dean said turning to head back to the house. "But If I hear or see something that scars me for life I'm blaming you!"
Lucifer shook his head. A rustling drew his attention and there was suddenly an older man with dark brown hair and blue eyes standing on the other side of the Impala. Lucifer's eyes narrowed but the familiar taste of the Grace radiating from the man gave him away. It seemed like Michael wanted to speak to him alone without Adam listening in.
"Do you have anything to say for yourself Michael?" Lucifer asked, his voice as cold as the rest of him. "Anything at all?"
Michael didn't say anything but he didn't need to either; the regret and pain the First Born was radiating spoke volumes.
"I didn't think you would. Were you ever planning on telling me?" Lucifer asked softly.
"Yes. I was going to talk to Gabriel about it first. I was never going to keep it a secret. The night he collapsed and I called you? I wanted to talk to him about it then but I knew it would do no good. He even called me on it." Michael said. "He didn't know the reason for my feelings but he knew. I owe you an apology as well. I broke my promise to you."
Lucifer opened the bottle next to him and finished off the last half of the whiskey. "I am only going to say this once Michael. If you want this to work between us then you can't keep secrets from me and you can't lie to me. I won't have it. Gabriel and I never lied or kept secrets from each other."
"I am not Gabriel." Michael snapped.
Lucifer threw the empty bottle and Michael ducked. "I know you aren't you bastard! I am trying to tell you what I want from our relationship! Forgive me if Gabriel is the only one I have ever actually been with! If you pulled your head from your ass you'd realize that my only experience comes from him and what you taught me!"
Michael glared but his glare quickly faded. "You mean that you never-"
"I was locked in a Cage Michael! Do the math!" Lucifer snapped. "I've only had one partner! One! How many have you had Big Brother?"
Michael fell silent at the question; he couldn't even remember the number of angels and humans he had been with.
Lucifer felt his heart sink. "I guess I'm just another notch in your bed post huh? If you ever want more then a one night stand from me then let me know. We'll try at an 'us' again once you're grown into your wings."
Michael watched as Lucifer stormed out of the garage. With a sigh he picked up the bottle and threw it in the trash. Lucifer had a point. He might have claimed he wanted Lucifer for his own but he now realized that if he was going to prove his love to his family, he was going to have to do a lot of apologizing. Spreading his wings he left to return his temporary vessel back to it's family.
