Chapter 19: The Mistake

Gabriel finished his work, pulling back his clay stained hands and taking a few steps back to admire the finished product. The tall clay figure in front of him was a male, body nude and yet well proportioned. It was the same height as Lucifer and yet it was moulded in a way that it was stronger and yet slimmer then the Second Born's body. Nodding the archangel moved back to circle his work, making sure there were no imperfections before going over to the bucket of water, not surprised to find Sam standing there with a freshly dampened rag for him.

Using his Grace he turned down his loud music and gave Sam a smile. "How long have you been watching me?"

Sam chuckled and wiped at the smears of dried clay on his angel's face. "I've been watching you since you started. Where do you think the snacks and soda came from?"

Gabriel frowned and looked over at the table where the half filled plate of mini sandwiches and the glass of ice cold root beer sat. "Whoops. Guess I was so lost in my crafting that I didn't even realize. I'm sorry Sam. I didn't even thank you."

"You didn't notice me either. I fed you and even held your soda so you could drink." Sam said, his smile growing at the sight of the flush taking over the angel's face.

"I guess I was so lost in my work that I didn't even notice." Gabriel said, flushing. "It's been a long time since I created anything. The last thing I created was my body. I haven't needed to do it since then. So what do you think? Do you like him?"

Sam wrapped his arms around Gabriel, feeling the warmth of the angel's unclad skin through his own shirt. "Not bad looking. Bit too tall for my tastes. I prefer my men a bit shorter. And blonde. And sugar crazed."

Gabriel chuckled. "Well he's a bit too short for me. I like my men tall. And brunette. And a health food junkie."

Sam leaned down and pulled the angel into a deep kiss only to be disturbed by a cough. The two separated to find a blushing Adam staring at them. He gave them a smile and looked at the clay sculpture that Gabriel had spent the day working on. It was a very handsome statue.

"I like it." Adam said. "You're amazing Gabriel. He looks so real. I wish I had at least half your talent. I'm jealous."

Gabriel chuckled. "I'm glad you like it. Think Michael will? I gave it everything he asked for."

"He should." Adam said. "It's going to be strange. Not having him with me anymore."

"This is the best thing Adam. You were never his original vessel even if you are from the same blood line." Gabriel said softly. "There is still a chance you could start to break down. I'd rather not risk that. Not when I can help."

Adam nodded and pulled his shirt up revealing mild burns on his hip. "Bit late but thanks."

"Adam!" Sam said startling. "Why didn't you say anything?"

"We were too busy worrying about Gabe." Adam said with a shrug. "I didn't mind. Lucifer and Mike made sure to heal me."

Gabriel ran his Grace carefully over the youngest brother and was pleased to find that he could fix the damage and did so happily. "There you go. All better. Now we just need Mike. It's not like him to be late. If anything he tends to come early."

"Trying to insult his bedroom stamina?" Lucifer asked coming into the garage. " If so then I can say that it's not true. Not bad Gabby. I like it."

"Just following Mike's instructions." The Fourth Born said. "Attractive, right Luci?"

"Very." The Devil said. "Dinner is almost ready. Castiel picked tonight's meal. Hopi corn stew and blue dumplings. He seems like he wants to try a bit of everything. Last week he asked me if I could make some Akutaq. Don't ask." Lucifer said cutting off both human's curious questions. "It's Eskimo ice cream but it's not made with ice or cream. You really don't want to know."

Gabriel chuckled. "Cassie certainly has some interesting tastes. Now all we need is for Michael to show up. Where the hell is he?"

Lucifer sighed. "Bobby is watching the food. I'm going to go pick up some more beer and soda. How long do you need Gabby?"

"Ten, fifteen tops. Why?"

"Then I'll be back in twenty. We both know why he isn't here." Lucifer said. "I'll see if Castiel wants to come too. Maybe I can get him to try something normal."

Gabriel frowned as Lucifer vanished. He felt it as Lucifer appeared in the Singer house before both Castiel and Lucifer's Graces vanished. Shaking his head he turned back to Sam who had the same frown. It seemed like things had gone downhill in the past few days between the two eldest brothers and neither of them would talk about what had happened. There was a flash and the two turned to see Michael, once again in Adam's body, looking over the statue.

"It's amazing Gabriel. You were always better at creation then any of us were." Michael said softly. "Thank you."

Sam glared at the First Born. "It comes with a price."

Michael frowned. "A price?"

Gabriel nodded. "Yes a price. Whatever your problem is you need to get it sorted out. I am tired of seeing of seeing the stone gray surrounding Lucifer. If you don't get your act together soon then I am going to revoke my blessing and introduce Luci to this wonderful friend of mine that knows how to show a guy a good time."

Michael's face turned red and his wings appeared behind him. "Are you threatening-"

Gabriel's own gold wings appeared and flared out, making sure that Sam was safely wrapped in two of them. "I am telling you that you are hurting him you moron. If it comes down to seeing his heart break over you again then I will gladly offer Lucifer a place with Sam and I. He deserves someone that loves him like I do. And I know Lucifer loves both Sam and myself. We could make him very happy."

Michael's anger seemed to fade a bit as he looked over his younger brother. "You've changed Gabriel. You never would have spoken to me like this is the past."

The smaller blonde snorted. "I had to grow up sometime Mike. Between the war Raphael started, the fighting that you and Lucifer did, and your abuse towards me at the end, it made me realize that I couldn't keep seeing you as my hero. I had to let go of your wing tips sometime whether I was ready to fly on my own or not."

Michael flinched so violently that his wings spasmed and a handful of feathers came loose and hit the ground and burst into flame. "Gabriel I-"

"No." Gabriel said. "I don't want your excuses. After I left heaven I realized just exactly how much value words have. While they are pretty and can make people change their minds it is ultimately their actions that speak for them. You can apologize to me until this world ends and crumbles to dust around us and it will still mean nothing unless you show me that you mean it."

"I held you in my wings Gabriel. I held back in our fight." Michael said. "Doesn't that prove anything to you?"

"Sam sat here with me all day making sure I was taken care of. I didn't even notice him but he was right here with me and offered me his silent support. He didn't even try to disturb me. That's love." Gabriel said. "It's about being there when someone needs you. I called for you, you know that? Where were you when I needed you? Where were you during the darkest times of my life? My bad relationships? My death? Where were you when I was being abused? Oh, yeah, I forgot. How silly of me. You were the one abusing me."

Michael took in a shuddering breath and looked close to tears. "Raphael-"

"There you go again!" Gabriel snapped. "You and your fucking excuses! Go fuck yourself Michael! When are you going to own up?"

Michael sputtered. "Gabriel I-"

"Whatever." Gabriel said, his wings vanishing, as he grabbed for his shirt, which was actually one of Sam's, and pulled it on. "You got what you wanted from me. Take it and go. We're done. Come on Sam. If we're lucky then there still might be time for us to make some pie and cake. I'm in the mood for something sweet."

Sam nodded and took his angel's hand and started to follow him only to pause and look back at Michael. "Hurry up and get out of Adam. You're hurting him too. Adam hurry up. There's an old movie on tonight that Dean wants us to watch okay? He says that it's part of your family bonding time."

With that Gabriel began pulling Sam along once more. "How does red velvet sound?"

"Not my thing. Can you make a creme cake?" Sam asked.

"Oh! I haven't made one of those in ages! How about with some opera caramel frosting? Or maybe some buttercreme?"

"Caramel. Definitely."

"Knew I'd get to your sweet tooth somehow."

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Lucifer sighed and stretched his bare body out on the fur blankets covering the bed, the jacuzzi had been just what he needed. He was grateful that Gabriel had given him the keys to his house so he'd have a place to stay. He wasn't sure how much longer that God was going to allow him to remain on earth so he was going to make the most of it. It would be nice to have some good memories to hold onto once he was banished back to his Cage. As it was it was just a matter of waiting for the hammer to fall. He had even gone as far as praying to God to let Him know that Gabriel was healed and happy once more just so he wouldn't have to wait for his new sentencing.

"Stop thinking like that."

Lucifer grabbed one of the furs and wrapped it around his waist, startling at the unfamiliar voice. Looking up he was greeted by a tall man. He was quite striking, all thin lines and muscles. His hair was a bit on the shaggy side and the color of ebony. It wasn't until Lucifer looked into a pair of striking ice blue eyes that he realized who was in front of him.

"Michael what is wrong with you?! You don't sneak up on someone when they are at a lay line!" Lucifer hissed pulling the blanket closer to cover up more. "You know I can't sense your Grace here. Do you want to get stabbed?"

"Why are you covering up? It's not like I haven't seen you naked before. Your vessel is quite pleasing to admire." Michael said, his blue eyes raking over Lucifer's unclothed frame, making the Devil cover up further.

Lucifer quickly stood and wrapped the blankets around him and ducked behind the oriental theme changing screen. "Thank you. Why are you here?"

"I came to talk." Michael said. "If you're willing to listen to me."

"I was willing to listen to you a month ago Mike. I was willing to listen to you two weeks ago. After this last week I'm not sure I'm willing to try anymore." Lucifer said coming back out dressed in an overly large unbuttoned shirt and a pair of boxers. "I am tired of trying to figure out what you want from me. So far your actions and words aren't telling me anything."

Michael stepped closer to his younger brother making him take a step back. "I know I haven't been giving you the actions you want but now that I have my own vessel we can continue. Shall we?" He asked moving in for a kiss.

"No. No more mixed signals, no more blurred lines, no more trying to sleep with me." Lucifer spat as he moved out of the other's reach. "I am tired of trying to figure out what you want from me!"

Michael frowned and moved closer again. "I told you what I want. I want you as my mate."

"So far all you've shown me is that you want a fuck toy." Lucifer growled out trying to stay a few steps away from the First Born. "I am not some plaything to be had."

"I don't see you like that." The First Born said. "I see you as my potential mate."

Lucifer glared. "We've fucked nine times. We're past that stage. If you wanted me for something other then a good time then you would have already given me proof of your affections."

"My love isn't proof enough?" The First Born asked.

"Sex and love are two different things Michael." Lucifer said. "I don't want to be stuck in a relationship that's based on sex."

Michael let out a growl his blue eyes narrowing. "I told you that I love you. Why won't you just give in to me? I can make you happy."

"You're making me uncomfortable." The Devil said. "I'm tired of it. Get out!"

That blue glare intensified. "No. Not until I get what I want."

Michael flung himself at his brother and knocked him to the bed. Lucifer twisted and managed to keep his older brother off him. It didn't stop Michael from kissing him hard enough to hurt. Michael's hands slid along his body and when they reached his hip Lucifer bit down hard. The First Born pulled back and without thinking let his fist fly. He hit the Second Born three times before he realized what he was doing. He pulled back and looked down at the blood on his fist before looking back at Lucifer.

"Luc I'm-"

Michael didn't get a chance to say anything else as he was suddenly thrown back and hit the wall hard. There was a rustling sound and the eldest angel knew that Lucifer was running. He threw a blast of power at the Devil in hopes of keeping here. Michael heard something break and a muffled shout of pain before he managed to see straight. He was alone in the room but along the wall was a scorch mark from his power and a spray of blood. What had Michael's heart freezing in his chest was the pattern of feathers that the blood had outlined. He must have damaged Lucifer's wing. Gabriel was going to kill him.

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Lucifer slammed into the stairs, a harsh cry escaping him as he felt his ribs and arm break at the force of his landing on the hard wood. He let himself slide down the stairs to land in a heap at the bottom, hoping, praying, that he hadn't woke anyone. He laid there, feeling the pain throb through him as he felt the blood from his wing drip onto his back and seep through his shirt. He hadn't meant to come here. He was just trying to get away from Michael. The last thing he needed was for-

"Shit! Lucifer?" A pair of hands gave him a gentle shake. "Lucifer! Gabriel get down here!"

-that to happen. Lucifer wrapped his good wing around himself. He was ashamed that he had let this happen. He was the Devil! He shouldn't have let himself get caught in a situation like this. Lucifer hated the fact that he needed to seek safety from his younger brother and his vessel.

"Luci!" Warm hands began running over him and he flinched. "Luci answer me!"

Lucifer took a deep breath. He didn't want to tell Gabriel what happened. Not after the hell the youngest archangel had been through. Gabriel shouldn't have to deal with his problems too. He would protect him. It was still his job.

"Shit he's bleeding everywhere. Cas pass me that towel."

"Here Dean. Is he conscious?"

"Does it matter? Get him to the couch you idjits. There's more room to work with in there."

A firm pressure was applied to his wing and he let out a strangled yelp of pain but the pressure didn't let up. Warm hands gripped him tightly but gently and he was half carried, half dragged to the couch. He was placed gently down and careful fingers slid into the feathers of his uninjured wing and pulled it down. Several startled gasps met his ears and Lucifer was glad his eyes were closed. He didn't want to see the pity on their faces.

"Luci? Luci open your eyes please. I need to make sure there's no concussion." Came Gabriel's warm voice. "Can you do that for me?"

"I'm okay."

"No you aren't. What happened?" Warm healing energy began to seep into him, mending his broken ribs. "Who did this?"

Lucifer shook his head. "Some angels. I don't know who they were."

"Don't lie to me. I can see the bile yellow. Who did this?"

Lucifer sighed and opened his eyes. Dean was standing damn near right above him and Lucifer realized that the hunter was the one keeping pressure on his wing with Castiel right next to him, checking over the rest of his wing. Bobby was coming back into the room carrying a cup of something that smelled strongly of herbs. Sam was kneeling next to him looking worried as his eyes raked over his injuries. As for Gabriel, the youngest archangel was kneeling over top of him and carefully healing his arm.

"This is my problem Gabby. You've dealt with enough." Lucifer said.

"Start talking Lucifer or I start squeezing." Dean threatened. "Who did it? Who's getting a beat down for touching our family?"

Gabriel's warmth began seeping further into his body and Lucifer let out a hiss as something inside him was pinched sharply and he bucked. "Sorry Luci but I didn't have a choice but to do it that way. It's healed. Relax. Look at your face. How many times did they hit you?"

"Just three times. I threw him off and got away."

"And your wing?" Castiel asked. "Nothing broken. You were lucky."

"A desperate attempt to keep me where I was." Lucifer said as Gabriel moved onto said wing. "They missed me but got my wing."

"So was it 'them' or 'he'?" Bobby asked. "Cause now you're contradicting yourself."

"'They.'" Lucifer spat.

Gabriel suddenly sat hard in his lap making Lucifer look up at him. Warm hands cupped his face and began healing his blackening eye, rapidly swelling cheek, and split lip. Those warm fingers locked him in place and Lucifer realized too late what Gabriel was doing. He could only stare into those golden eyes as his fight with Michael replayed in his head before the Fourth Born pulled away from him with murder in his eyes.

Lucifer barely managed to grab his younger brother's wrist, stopping him from leaving. "Gabby please. I'm...I'm...I'm begging you. Please leave it alone. Even after this I still... My feelings for him haven't changed. Please Gabby. Just leave it alone. You don't need to worry about my problems. A little brother should never have to worry about his big brother."

"That is our job." Sam said. "We can't lose our heros."

"Gabby..."

Gabriel let out a frustrated and angry noise before he turned and took Lucifer's hand in his own. "He doesn't deserve forgiveness. I can forgive him for what he did to me but when he hurts those I love then he deserves nothing less then my wrath."

"Please. Gabby please." Lucifer whispered quietly.

Gabriel sighed; he wanted nothing more then to go and teach his eldest brother a lesson but right now Lucifer needed him more. He knew how the Morningstar was feeling. When you are physically hurt by someone who declared their love for you, someone you love with everything that you are, it left you feeling shaken and lost. When it had happened to him he had no one to help him realize that it wasn't his fault and that he wasn't responsible for what had been done. Lucifer needed him and he needed reassurance, neither of which he would get if he left.

Gabriel knelt down next to his brother. "Lucifer I want you to listen to me okay? What happened to you, what he did, it is not your fault."

"Gabby I-"

"No. It. Is. Not. Your. Fault." Gabriel said. "You did nothing to deserve it and no matter what anyone says, you did not bring this down on yourself. No one deserves to be abused. Ever. Not by someone who is supposed to love them."

"I'm the one-"

"Lucifer! Listen to me. You did nothing. Nothing at all." Gabriel said. "Now you need to get some rest. Let's get you a place to sleep."

"Our bed is plenty big enough." Sam said suddenly. "He can stay with us tonight. Come on Lucifer. Let's get you upstairs. Bobby even made you something to help you sleep."

Gabriel was staring at his boyfriend in shock and awe. Who would have thought after everything that happened between Sam, Lucifer, and himself, that it would all workout so well? Sam and Dean helped get Lucifer to his feet while Bobby helped the Fallen take a drink of the tea that had been made. Castiel placed his hand against the wall began placing temporary runes on the house effectively locking out any other angels nd locking the three of them in.

"Thanks Castiel. I'll tell Lucifer what you did."

With a nod and smile Castiel followed the others up the steps to catch up with his mate. Taking a moment to calm himself Gabriel followed as well. He was pleased to see that Bobby, Dean, and Castiel had all gone back to bed. A quick spell had them all fast asleep. Going into the room he shared with Sam he was happy to see the two were already in the bed but frowned when he saw how tense Lucifer was.

"Castiel sealed us in. No other angels can get in unless Castiel lets them." Gabriel said to Lucifer, watching as the Devil gave a shaky nod.

Stripping down Gabriel crawled into the middle of the bed and got under the covers. With a grin he pulled both of them close and let them rest their heads on his chest. Sam gave the still tense Devil a smile and reached down and linked his fingers with Lucifer's bring their hands up to rest on Gabriel's stomach. With a content sigh there was a soft glow and Gabriel's wings appeared wrapping tightly around the three of them. That did the trick too. Lucifer began to relax and in moments he was fast asleep.

Sam watched him for a moment before looking up at Gabriel. "It was Michael wasn't it?"

"Yes."

"You're going to kill him aren't you?"

"Possibly."

"Make sure you get a lick in for Dean, Cas, and myself too please."

"Certainly."

"I'll keep an eye on him tomorrow for you. Just make sure he sleeps good okay?"

"Okay." There was a soft glow over Lucifer before it vanished.

Sam sighed and pressed closer to Gabriel; he could practically feel the anger radiating off his soon to be mate. "Promise to come back safe?"

"I'll always come back to you Sam. Always." Gabriel whispered. "Not even death can keep me away from you. I think I've proved that twice."

Sam nodded. "I love you."

"I love you too. And thank you. For allowing him this."

"He needed you. I understood that. I know your heart is mine now."

"Not just my heart." Gabriel said as he held out a single golden feather to the hunter. "I belong to you, my mate."

Sam couldn't stop the blinding smile that spread across his face as he took the feather and held it close. "And I belong to you. I'll always belong to you Gabe."

"Still not sure how I got so lucky."

"Me either."