A/N: DISCLAIMER: Heavy Sexual and Supernatural Themes. I have missed about three months of uploading. To be honest, I got distracted by work, and then Christmas. By the way, Happy Holidays if you celebrate any at this time of the year. Enjoy this chapter, and I'll see you next week (maybe). Thanks JusticeIsn'tEasy0083. D.

Chapter Seven: A Return to [Somewhat] Normalcy

January 20th, 2018

Los Flix Resort

Calida, California

Afternoon

Even though both Lucifer and Gabriel had pointed out that 'there is still Rogues threat, even though things have been quiet…' the Winchesters were determined to return to some form of normalcy. So much so, that Jack found them a Hunters case, and they had decided to take it. Dean had jumped at it, mostly because it's in California, and they rarely get to visit a beach town. He wants to see Cas in nothing but swim trunks. Sam smirked, figuring that is where his big brothers dirty mind had gone, before reminding him that Calida… is inland, not on the beach. Dean deflated, but drove them to California anyway, with Jack choosing to travel with Mary, after promising Dean that he 'still cares for him, he just wants to keep Mary company'. Sam punched his brother in the arm, telling him to stop messing with Jack, letting the Nephilim go off with Mary Winchester. Cas had been better the last couple of weeks. He had taken Pek's self-destruction hard but was kind of returning to himself a little. Gabriel had been helping him repair his wings, and they're almost done. Lucifer… had been doing all that he could to try and cock-block Dean and Castiel… but they had managed to maintain their sex life, despite the Devil being… the annoying big devil brother… Gabriel had found it amusing, until Lucifer told him what was going on in Dean's mind when it came to Castiel, then they had both started it. But Castiel had managed to convince them both to go off with Elay and Crowley to follow Rogues leads and get some more members for their Team Free Will. Elay was keeping Lucifer in check, which was amusing and also good because he had become an ally to them, having shown that he's not just a 'martyr for the cause' although Cas doesn't seem to think he's changed much. The only sound in the Impala the whole way to California, was Dean's music. Sam had been sleeping, taking the chance whilst Dean is driving, so that he is refreshed to drive his half of the way, and let Dean sleep. Castiel is quite content to just stare out the windows, watch the world go by as they're driving. Claire had told him about his phone, how he can watch movies on it, and had promised that she would help him to set up Netflix on his cell, but they hadn't the chance to catch up recently, face to face, so he's stuck listening to the music that Dean has, which he likes (mostly). But Cas' mind is in many different places right now, and the music allows him to lose himself in some of those thoughts, which Gabriel told him he shouldn't do, but he can't help it. These human emotions are stronger than the rest of his Angelic powers.

They got to Los Flix Resort in Calida at about seven am, Sam pulled into the car space, and handed Dean his room key, effectively waking his brother up. Dean had slept the whole time Sam was driving, which was good, because Mary and Jack met up with them almost immediately, and they began working. Castiel had managed to sneak away from the group, Jack had seen him go, but he didn't say anything. He has noticed that his 'father' has been sad lately, and he doesn't know how to help him, so he just lets Cas go. Hopefully he can find himself the answers he's looking for. Cas walked until he found sand and followed the path down to a small beach in the cove of Calida. Removing his coat, shoes, socks and tie, Cas placed them beside him and sat down on the sand. The water was almost crystal clear aqua, and the sand was soft under his feet. Dean had described this feeling to him before, but this is the first time he's actually felt it for himself. Castiel allows himself to close his eyes, and just listen. He allows his grace to fill him up, so that he can sense all the things in the world that humans can't naturally sense themselves, but as an Angel, he can. His heightened senses are the only thing that still really work. Castiel tries to remember back to a time where he was truly happy, where he wasn't feeling despair, or useless… but he can't remember, because he hasn't felt that way ever… is he happy with Dean? Of course, he is, but he still feels useless. He still feels despair, that this whole thing with the Rogue's is just pointless. He hears Pek in his head, telling him why he had to do what he did, he sees the building explode, and he hears the words that Lucifer spoke to him afterwards, but he can't shake them from his mind when he tries to clear it. Cas pictures Dean allows himself to dream about a future with Dean, about a life, where he doesn't have to be an Angel, where the Rogues aren't running around causing havoc, where he doesn't feel useless. Because he is. Really, his powers are shoddy, and unreliable, and he feels useless when it comes to helping the Winchesters. He is not as strong as he used to be, and he has no one to blame for that, but himself, because he is the reason Heaven is the way that it is. He senses a presence that he recognises coming closer to him, and smirks to himself.

'Hello Dean', he said, smirking at the look on his boyfriend's face when his eyes widen at the surprise of Cas knowing he was there

'What are you doing down here baby? Are you feeling, okay?' Dean asked, removing his shoes, and socks and sitting beside Cas on the sand

'I don't know Dean. I don't know what I'm feeling right now. It's quite nice here, calming, quiet, serene… we don't have to worry about things here…' Cas said, almost whispering the last part, Dean was worried

'Cas, I promise we can come back down here later, but we really need you back at the motel,' Dean said, and Cas nodded and smiled, pressing a kiss to Dean's lips, and taking the hand offered by the Hunter to help him stand up.

January 20th, 2018

Los Flix Resort

Calida, California

Evening

Having not had much luck during the day (the local Sherriff wasn't too pleased that the FBI is here), the Winchesters decided to take the night, and just work out what they're facing, before they walk into the police station again, with unanswered questions. Alternate Bobby had taken up the position of Original Bobby, by being their point man when they needed him to be. So, when the local Calida Cops had called the 'FBI', he had answered. Jack had suggested going out for dinner, but there is an event happening at the resort, so they decided to head down to that, see what was going on. Dean had even convinced Castiel to come with them but had almost changed his mind when he saw what Cas was wearing. The Angel had smirked at him, then winked just before walking out the door. Dean had to subtly adjust himself, however this didn't go unnoticed by Sam who laughed at his big brother, and how completely and utterly smitten he is in his relationship. If you had of said that to Dean before he began this thing with Cas, he probably would have shot whoever said it. But now, now he just grins, and saunters his way over to his car, which Sam was surprised by. Jack was amazed by the bonfire event that was happening, so much so that he almost ran headfirst into the fire, in his excitement. Castiel shouted for him to stop, and Jack looked back at them, apologising, before looking over at the bonfire as if he had never seen something like that before. They don't usually get a chance to do something like this, but since Lucifer and Gabriel have been out tracking the Rogues, they have noticed that most of the activity is occurring on the East Coast, and the longer they can stay out of it, the better it will be… of course, this said by Dean who really just wants to lock himself and Cas in his room in the Bunker, and do nothing but just really get to know one another… if you catch his drift. Sam disappears, then reappears moments later carrying drinks, which he hands to Mary, Dean, and Castiel, chuckling at the pout on Jack's lips when the taller Winchester doesn't hand him one as well. Cas hands his beer to Jack and pats his shoulder. Whatever this thing is that they're chasing, it's taking it's time to do whatever it wants too. That doesn't mean that they're not on the lookout for it. At ten pm, music starts playing, and people begin grinding together on the beach, causing Mary to completely lose it, as the outright outwardness of young people. Dean and Sam chuckle, before her taller son pats her shoulder, and informs her of some of the most 'recent' fads. Dean, Cas, and Jack chuckle as Mary's expression changes with every new layer of information Sam gives her.

Just after one am, the Winchesters and Jack make their way back to the motel, each barely getting out a 'goodnight' before stumbling into their own rooms and closing the doors. Cas is sitting on the end of the bed when Dean exits the bathroom, flicking off the light, before sitting on the bed, then crawling up so that he was kneeling behind Castiel, massaging his shoulders. The Angel let out a moan, not meaning too, blushing at the involuntary function, until Dean told him that it was 'normal', and Castiel turned around, also kneeling on the bed, to kiss his boyfriend. It started out slow, like they were re-learning each other's mouths, then Cas pushed Dean back onto the mattress, and straddled his waist, pressing himself against the Hunter to kiss him, whilst Dean's hands ran up and down Castiel's body, lighting it on fire completely. Hands find skin, and then shirts are removed, and the grinding continues, as well as the noises that Sam can probably hear through the wall, and will badger him about tomorrow, but he doesn't care. In the process of removing their pants, Dean manages to flip Castiel onto his back, and smirk at the look on his Angel's face, as he licks down his gorgeous body. Preening had never been something that Castiel has done, but at that moment, he does, letting out a moan of Dean's name, before moving his hand down to stroke himself. The Hunter smacks his hand away, taking over the stroking, as he kisses back up Cas' body, until their lips meet again, and without warning, Dean enters his boyfriend, their moans lost in the kissing, as Castiel digs his heels into the mattress, allowing Dean to hit the perfect angle, and the perfect spot. If Sam hadn't been scarred before, he certainly would be now, listening to the sounds coming from the room beside his, glad that his mother and Jack weren't near them. This is the first time that Castiel has felt… happy in a long while, and he wishes [sometimes] that he could have it all. Distracted by his depressing thoughts, Castiel doesn't notice that Dean has shifted angles again, until he feels that perfect spot being hit, again… and again… and finally he comes between them, shooting up his skin, panting as Dean licks him clean, then comes inside his Angel, collapsing onto the bed, curling up to Cas, both wrecked from pleasure. After they had cleaned themselves up, and changed into their sleepwear, the two men curled up to each other in the bed, promising to not hold anything back anymore.

'What is going on in your mind Castiel?' Dean asked in a whisper, pressing a kiss to his lips

'How much I love you,' the Angel replied, not breaking eye contact with his Hunter, who blushed

'Well, I love you too, so how about that huh?' Dean replied, and Castiel smiled, leaning forward to kiss him again

'I believe we're going to have some luck in our case tomorrow,' Cas said, chuckling when he looked over at Dean, to find him sleeping

January 21st, 2018

Calida and the Surrounds

Calida, California

Midday-Evening

Having realised early that morning, that the Deputy Sheriff was the creature they were looking for, Sam had [against his better judgement] burst into his brother's motel room, waking the sleeping occupants up, to explain what he had found out. Threatening to kill his brother, Dean sat up, demanding that Sam explain what the hell he was thinking, whilst Castiel simply placing a hand on Dean's cheek was enough to calm the manic Hunter, who nodded, before apologising to Sam, who was so shocked, that he lost his train of thought. Dean got up to make coffee, which was needed even more when Jack and Mary arrived, the latter having brought breakfast, to which Dean just responded by hugging Jack and thanking him. The Nephilim smiled, happy by the positive reaction, and went over to chat with Cas and Sam, who were trying to figure out a plan on how they're going to lure the Deputy out into the woods, so they can (unfortunately) kill him. It was Mary who suggested baiting the Deputy, by using her. Dean didn't like the idea but heard his mother out. Mary explained that she could 'pretend' to be in danger in the woods, luring the Deputy out there, and when he's about to kill her, they jump out and kill him instead. Knowing not to go with any plan that involves Mary putting her life in danger, Castiel remained silent, surprised when his boyfriend agreed to the plan, and so did Sam. Castiel threw his hands up in the air, walking to the bathroom and closing the door. Whilst Castiel 'showered' the others finalised the plan, and how they're going to make it all come together. They needed to make sure that the Deputy is in the woods, and not here, at the motel, or at any house. That wouldn't work. It would be too public. Also, disposing of his body will be easier in the woods, and would be less blood to clean up from the Impala. When Castiel exited the bathroom, his hair was still slightly wet, but he had changed into what Sam affectionately calls his 'Angel Garb'. They explained to him the plan, and Castiel nodded, unaffected by the fact that they didn't really need him to execute this, as that is usually the way all the Winchester's plans have gone. It's because you're useless Castiel… the voice in his head spouted out to him, but the Angel ignored the taunting. When he starts talking back to himself out loud, that will be when he realises that he's truly gone mad. Knowing that the Winchester's don't need him, or Jack for this plan, he and the Nephilim decide to head into town for the day.

Jack was not expecting Castiel to come out and admit to him that he feels useless. The Nephilim expresses to his chosen father figure that he's 'anything but useless' to which Castiel thanks him, but it doesn't change the voice in his mind, having made it up a long time ago. Fearing what this would do to Castiel, Jack put aside the anger he feels towards the Winchesters, and took Castiel to the arcade, which he had learnt from Sam, Dean, and from the Movies, was meant to be "fun for the whole family". Jack led Castiel through the loud machines, over to one he had seen in a film, and explained the premise to him. The Angel watched as the Nephilim experienced joy, trying to figure out the purpose of the machine, and how he could win the prizes. That nagging voice in his head didn't go away, despite the words that his 'son' had spoken to him. He wonders if Dean thinks about things like that. Then again, his boyfriend could never be useless. He has Sam, and Mary… Castiel is like that… what is the term? Dead weight… or the puppy that just follows people around, without purpose. He used to know what his purpose was… to save Dean from hell, so that the brothers could stop the impending [at the time] apocalypse. But they failed, and he fell for Dean, and since then, his path has been anything but smooth. After Jack's foray into the Arcade scene, they left to meet up with the Winchesters, who had gone to speak with the sheriff, and had put in motion the pegs for their plan. Dean greeted Castiel with a kiss, just a chaste one, on the lips, smiling as he moved past The Angel, to order inside the café. It had stunned Cas, who had ignored the smirk on Sam's face, instead choosing to look at the menu. Jack had gone inside with Dean, and whilst the two were waiting in line to be served, the Nephilim couldn't hold his annoyance with the brother in anymore. He had promised his father that he wouldn't say anything but knowing that Cas feels the way that he does and liking the fact that he and Dean are in a relationship, he felt like he had too. Dean is supposed to protect Castiel, make him feel loved, not useless. Dean had just placed his order, and had turned to go back to the table, when Jack grabbed his arm, pulling him through the cafe, over to a rather secluded corner, and telling him that he's mad at him. Surprised, Dean scratched the back of his neck, then asked Jack what the 'hell he's talking about'.

'Jack, what the hell?' Dean asked, as the Nephilim held him back against the wall

'You are supposed to love Castiel,' he said, confusing the already confused Hunter

'I do love Cas. I love him more than anything Jack. What is going on?'

'Why did Cas tell me that he feels useless? He feels like he doesn't have a place here, like he's just… oh what was the phrase… used and tossed aside? You only call him when you need something… He's important to me, so you better not hurt him,' Jack said, then stalked off, leaving Dean against the wall, confused, hurt and sad.

January 21st, 2018

Calida State Forrest

Calida, California

Midnight

Whilst on stakeout waiting for their monster, Dean tried to talk to Cas, but he was on the phone, a long conversation with whom he assumed to be Gabriel from the Enochian that had been blurted out in frustration. When the Angel finally hung up the phone, he was in a bad mood, and snapped at Sam several times when the taller Hunter tried to explain the plan for the umpteenth time. Apologising, Castiel walked away from the two brothers, and Dean watched him run his hands through his hair, before shaking his head, almost as if dusting himself off after a fall. Suddenly, Dean saw Castiel extend his wings, feeling the power of his binding as Cas powered himself up enough to make him a beacon, hopefully to attract whatever it is they're hunting, and kill it, before it kills Castiel. Really, the only thing that can kill Cas, is the Angel Blade, and Dean isn't letting anyone, or anything, near an Angel Blade. But watching Cas with his wings extended, it was magical. Sam couldn't see them, so when Dean explained what he was looking at, Sam just gaped at Castiel, only seeing the Angel glowing in front of him. Sam had to cover his eyes from the bright light, but Dean could handle it now. Cas is anything but useless… look at him… why does he think that? Dean asked himself, so lost in thought he didn't realise what was happening, until Sam punched his shoulder, and they went after their demon. Even having powered himself up enough, Castiel was still weaker than he used to be, and the frustration was evident on his face, when he was, once again, thrown through the air and into a tree. Gabriel had warned him about overpowering himself, especially with the minimal amount of grace that he has right now. But he felt like ignoring his brother's advice, and just doing it, however he needn't have worried, because like always… Jack came through at the clutch, killing the demon and calling for a 'job well done'. Castiel met back up with them at the car, clapping Jack on the back, congratulating him on a good hunt, but the young Nephilim stated that Cas was 'extremely helpful', looking at the two Winchester brothers who nodded. Castiel raised an eyebrow, an expression he had learned from Claire, before nodding and getting into the backseat of the Impala. Jack glared at Sam and Dean before getting in beside his father. As they were driving back to the motel, Cas fell asleep, and so did Jack, so Dean explained what Jack had said to him at the café… and had to stop the car in the middle of the road when Sam said that he 'agreed with Jack'. Dean made his brother walk the rest of the way back to the motel, but he didn't feel good. He felt like shit.

Dean carried Cas to their room, whilst Jack departed to return to his. The Hunter carefully placed his boyfriend, his Angel, down onto their bed. Recharging has made Cas extremely fatigued, and Gabriel has said that it's normal for him to feel that way. Dean might be a little selfish, knowing that he can now go to sleep and wake up beside his boyfriend. On this night, however, Dean sat down at the table in their room, having grabbed a beer from the fridge. The words that Jack and Sam had spoken to him, about Cas feeling useless still sat with him. I need Cas. I need him. Dean thought to himself, and yes, whilst that is true, he realises that Castiel also has to have a purpose. That hunting down these Rogues might be just that purpose. It's also not a mystery to him, that Cas loves spending time with Gabriel, even having told him that he has always envied his and Sam's brotherly relationship. How can I make Cas feel useful? Dean asked himself and found himself making a list of all the ways that Cas has helped them, or that he's useful, and things they can do to make sure that he doesn't feel like this anymore. The last thing Dean wants is his Angel leaving. He won't survive that. Cas made a noise from the bed, and Dean looked over at him, seeing him tossing and turning, clearly caught in some kind of nightmare. He moved over to the bed, and wrapped himself around his Angel, noting that he immediately calmed down at the touch of his boyfriend. This whole hunt was just bad from the beginning. He's glad they're going to back to Kansas tomorrow, where he's going to put operation 'Woo Castiel' into motion. In other words, he going to just focus on them and their relationship for a while, and when a threat comes up, they can deal with it then. Eventually, Dean drifts off to sleep, holding Cas in his arms, as if letting him go would make the Angel leave. But Cas felt safe and warm in Dean's arms, and the realisation hit him suddenly, that he's becoming more and more human, or at least in tune with the human emotions that he had previously experienced when he was human. When Castiel woke up, he was in Dean's arms, and his boyfriend smiling at him, pressing a kiss to his lips, both men blushing and reconnecting their lips in a heated kiss. For the most part, they haven't had to worry about the Rogues, but Castiel still had a feeling that something else was coming, and Gabriel and Lucifer had also shared that worry.

'Good morning, Angel, how are you feeling?' Dean asked, placing a hand on Cas' cheek

'I'm okay…' Cas replied

'I'm going to make you feel better Cas. You're not useless. I'm going to prove it to you, no matter how long it takes,' Dean whispered, pressing Cas back into the mattress, kissing him again

'Okay,' Cas replied, and that was enough to end their conversation.

January 22nd, 2018

The Bunker

Lebanon, Kansas

Afternoon/Evening

Operation 'woo Castiel' was in full swing. This morning, Dean had woken up before his boyfriend, and made them breakfast in bed. Then he had taken it back to his room, ignoring the look on his brother's face, as he kicked his bedroom door closed with his foot, and making himself comfortable on the bed beside Cas, as they ate together, and caught up on their Netflix list. Gabriel had called, Cas had hung up on him, and Dean had chuckled, telling a story about the time he had done that to Sam. They didn't talk about Castiel feeling useless, however when his boyfriend offered to clean up, because Dean had cooked, the Hunter wasn't sure whether to let him… 'will that make him feel useful?' he had asked himself as he helped carry things back to the kitchen, letting Castiel wash the dishes, whilst he sort of shuffled around, putting things away. The Angel knew what Dean was trying to do, and he loves him for it, really, he does. But he still has that feeling inside him… like he needs a purpose. Like he's just… here and not helping. When he offered to do the dishes, he saw Dean hesitate, like he was about to say something, but then let him do it, and he had to smile to himself. 'Dean is really trying to make me feel like I'm useful, and I'm helpful…' he had said to himself, and that made his eyes wet, and he knew that he was crying, not bawling his eyes out, just that weird, light crying. Dean noticed this, immediately asking Cas if he's okay, to which the Angel couldn't help but laugh. He laughed, and Dean started laughing, and then they were kissing, and things got heated, Dean had him pinned between his body and the wall of the Bunker kitchen, as they made out against it. They talked after that, Castiel explained what he was feeling, and Dean asked him how he can make Cas see that he isn't useless, that he's sorry if he ever made him feel that way. Like he was just being 'used and tossed aside'. It was then that Dean decided that a walk would be good for them. It's a relatively nice day, the sun is shining, even though it's winter, they can still rug up and go for a walk. Castiel liked this idea, and when they had finished the dishes, they went to change into warm walking clothes. Leaving the Bunker, hands joined between them, Sam smirked from the War Room, but Dean ignored him, pulling Cas up the stairs, and out the door.

Their morning had turned to afternoon, and it was just as they were coming back to the Bunker from their walk, that Castiel found something that he thought would make him feel less useless. Dean looked at him, told him he could 'do anything' and was surprised when the Angel asked if he could 'build a garden' in the small patch of land across from the Bunker. Dean looked at the empty plot of land and nodded. Cas grinned, the brightest smile Dean has seen from his Angel in a few days, and it made him grin too. If this small thing will help Cas, then by shit he'll do it for the Angel. Cas had practically bolted back into the Bunker, kindly asking Sam if he could borrow his computer, to which the younger Winchester just nodded, as Cas thanked him, sitting down opposite him at the table in the library, and beginning his research into gardens, and flowers, and Dean just grinned as he leaned against the threshold to the Bunker library, ignoring Sam's questions. The researching would be left to Castiel, and of course, Dean will help him to build whatever he needs. But they still have to worry about the Rogues as well, and that is none more so obvious, than when Gabriel suddenly arrives at the Bunker. He placed a couple of bags down on the War Table, smacking Dean's hand when he tried to look inside, before asking Sam to take the food to the kitchen and bring himself and some beers back. Then he'll explain what is going on, and where they need to go from here. Dean was worried that something had happened, but Gabriel assured him that he has an idea, but it's going to be a tough one to convince them all to go with. Dean asked him what it was, and when they were all seated around the table in the Library, Gabriel explained what his idea was: getting more Archangel help. Castiel looked up from the computer at that point, reminding his brother that 'all of the powerful Archangels are dead', before looking back at the screen in front of him. Gabriel pushed the laptop shut with his finger, before whispering 'not all of them' to his brother, staring at him until Castiel realised whom he was referring to. Standing up quickly, the Seraph shook his head, telling Gabriel that he's mad, that 'he'll' never go for it, and it's a death wish going to try. When Dean loudly asked them to explain what is going on, Castiel spat out the word 'Elay', to which Sam and Dean shared a look, before the younger Winchester said that it's a good idea. Elay is an Archangel, and he's as powerful, if not more powerful, than Gabriel and Lucifer, and they could use his help. Castiel just went back to looking at the computer, whilst Gabriel, Dean, and Sam discussed a plan of attack.

'Where is Elay now? Last we knew of him, he was planning to head back up to Heaven?' Sam asked Gabriel, who stood up.

'Yes, he's still up there. I am going to talk to him, convince him to join us, to fight with us. Besides, he's the only Archangel that Lucifer is afraid of, so it will be a double benefit of keeping him in line as well,' Gabriel said, nodding at the looks on the Winchester's faces

'Lucifer… is afraid of him? Why?' Dean asked

'I'll tell you the story later, right now I must go to Heaven and talk to Elay. Cas… are you going to be okay with me bringing Elay down here?' Gabriel asked, looking to his little brother who didn't bother replying, leaving Gabriel to sigh, before he disappeared.

January 25th, 2018

The Bunker

Lebanon, Kansas

Morning/Afternoon

Three days after Gabriel said he was going to talk to Elay, the Archangel returned to the Bunker, with a few cuts and bruises, and a sheepish looking Lucifer holding him upright. As he led Gabriel over to a chair in the library, Sam appeared, asking what was going on. Lucifer explained that he and Crowley had been on the East Coast, staking out the supposed headquarters for the Rogues, and had ended up being discovered by a few Angels. They needed help, and Lucifer called Gabriel to join their fight, as Crowley disappeared instead of sticking around to fight with him. Sam asked the Archangel's if they're okay, and both nodded, before Lucifer's face turned into something that could resemble fear, and he whispered something to Gabriel, who was smirking. The simple words 'Hello Lucifer' made the Devil fall to his knees, as he turned to find Elay approaching him, and Sam had to hide a chuckle as Lucifer crawled around to hide behind Gabriel, who was smirking at the whole situation, and Sam, who really wished he'd had his camera out to record. Lucifer poked his head out from where he was hiding himself behind Gabriel, and asked his brother how he was doing. Elay placed his bag on the War Table, and stepped up the two rungs to the library, where he moved over to Lucifer, who had now moved so that he was hiding behind Sam. The entire thing would have been hilarious, and it almost was, but Gabriel was quick to step in between the two Archangels, explaining the situation to them, and requesting cooperation, instead of family drama… at least for the time being… Elay swore that he would watch Lucifer, but that he had agreed to be on their side in the fight against the Rogues, and Lucifer promised that he was also on their side, and they could trust him also. Elay snapped his fingers, and a box of files appeared on the table in the library, causing Sam to raise an eyebrow. Elay asked where Castiel was, wanting to talk to the Seraph, clear the air so that they can work together without conflict, and Sam just explained that he and Dean had gone into town to get some things, and that they'll be back soon. Elay took the box of files, stating that they should wait until everyone is here before starting, and Sam offered to show him to a room he could use as his own. Lucifer didn't relax until Sam retuned without Elay, and threatened to bathe his brother in holy oil if he continues to laugh at the situation. Sam just rolled his eyes.

Cas had started working on the garden that he was building, having researched some DIY tips, that he and Dean had gone to the hardware store to pick up pieces for. Whilst Castiel admitted that he wishes he could do more in the fight, he also knows that this is something that interests him, and Dean tells him that he doesn't have to give up hunting, he can still fight with them, that he's still powerful. Castiel thanked Dean and went about organising his things for the project he was doing. Dean just pushed the cart around, as Cas grabbed soil, and wood, and some flowers to plant, telling Dean the meanings of each of the six starter flowers he picked up. When they got back to the Bunker, Dean helped Cas unload all the things into the small shed they had put up just outside, before heading inside, and being accosted by Sam, who told him what had happened whilst he was out, and how Lucifer had reacted. Dean raised an eyebrow, looking over at Lucifer, who looked like a kicked puppy, sitting with Elay and Gabriel as they looked through some books. Cas entered the Bunker a moment later, greeting Sam cheerfully, his face then falling when he saw that Elay was here. When all was settled, Sam, Dean, Castiel, Lucifer, Gabriel, and Elay sat around a table in the library, mostly in silence, until Sam broke it, asking Elay where he is situated with the whole 'older brother/younger brother' thing. Castiel didn't say anything, he wasn't looking at anyone, but Elay knew that if they were going to make this thing work, then he would have to put his personal feelings about Castiel aside and learn to get along with him. Dean reiterated the question, and Gabriel answered that Elay was 'born with the first son but cast down by the creator'. Dean glared at the former Trickster, who was smirking at them, the only one who understood was Castiel, but he just rolled his eyes when Sam looked at him, exasperated with Gabriel, and his stupid riddles. Sam opened a book, frowning. Something about how Gabriel had worded the… whatever it was… sounded familiar. Elay didn't reply, just sat looking between the people gathered around the table, a small smile on his face, and he nodded towards Castiel, who once again, rolled his eyes, before giving the play-by-play.

'After God created his first-born son, Lucifer, he created Michael. Unknowingly to him at the time, the primordial cells that he had created for Michael, split into two, and a twin was also created from the same matter,' Castiel explained, as Elay, Gabriel and Lucifer nodded

'Wait, so you're saying that Michael… has a twin?' Dean asked, interrupting the story, Cas just nodding in answer to the question

'He was born with the first son but cast down by the creator. Elay is an Archangel. When God realised that Michael and Elay were matching in power, and strength, he knew that he had to do something, to keep the balance of power in Heaven. The overload would have destroyed everything. So, he sent Elay to earth. Since the beginning of time, Elay has been here on earth. He is one of the most powerful Archangels, rivaling the power most all the Archangels, including Lucifer and Michael. Essentially, he is an Angel, but he feels everything that humans feel. He knows them, he's been with them since they were created. He is the Archangel of the Earth,' Castiel said, monotoned and without feeling.

'So, God cast you down to earth for what… his mistake? Sound like you might have some issues with good old Chuck' Dean said, looking to Elay who looked up at Dean suddenly.

'Do not underestimate me Dean. I may have been cast out of Heaven, but I am powerful. I want to help you, and from the looks of it, you could use all the help you can get. Besides, I'm the only one who can keep Lucifer in check,' Elay replied, smirking at the Devil, who glared at the Angel, but Dean just nodded.

A/N: Happy Holidays, wherever you are in the world, whether in the Southern, or Northern Hemisphere. Thanks for reading, and enjoy your holidays. D.