Posted originally on the Archive_of_Our_Own at https://archiveofourown.org/
works/7330621.
  Rating:
      Explicit
  Archive Warning:
      Rape/Non-Con, Underage
  Category:
      F/F, M/M, Multi
  Fandom:
      Supernatural
  Relationship:
      Castiel/Dean_Winchester, Gabriel/Sam_Winchester, Charlie_Bradbury/Jo
      Harvelle, Charlie_Bradbury/Original_Character(s)
  Character:
      Dean_Winchester, Castiel_(Supernatural), Sam_Winchester, Gabriel_
      (Supernatural), Charlie_Bradbury, Jo_Harvelle, Elora_Novak_(OC), Bobby
      Singer, Anna_Milton, Crowley_(Supernatural), Ellen_Harvelle, Mary
      Winchester, John_Winchester
  Additional Tags:
      Alternate_Universe_-_Modern_Setting, Alternate_Universe_-_Human, Domestic
      Fluff, Angst_and_Hurt/Comfort, Flashbacks, Past_Child_Abuse, Child
      Neglect, Childhood_Trauma, Substance_Abuse, Past_Underage_Sex, Polyamory,
      Implied/Referenced_Underage_Prostitution, Bartender_Castiel, Mechanic
      Dean, Implied/Referenced_Domestic_Violence, POV_Alternating, Childhood
      Sexual_Abuse, Parent/Child_Incest, Post-Traumatic_Stress_Disorder_-_PTSD,
      Eventual_Smut, Law_Student_Sam, Hacker_Charlie, Harvelle's_Roadhouse,
      Awkward_Dean, Blow_Jobs, Attempted_Sexual_Assault
  Stats:
      Published: 2016-06-28 Updated: 2016-12-08 Chapters: 8/? Words: 22490
****** Bird Set Free ******
by rambling_ravenclaw
Summary
     Castiel Novak and his twin sister Elora have been running from their
     past for years. They settle in San Fransisco hopeful that they can
     finally stop hiding. Dean Winchester has everything he needs: family,
     friends, a good job, a nice apartment and his Impala. Life seems
     complete until he meets a mysterious bartender and realizes what he
     has been missing. Charlie and Jo have been open-dating for years and
     are ready to find a new partner. When they meet the bar's new dancer
     things begin to get interesting. Sam is studying for the bar exam and
     living with his long time boyfriend. Does Gabriel the jokester want
     more?
     Alternating POVs. Destiel and some Charlie lady loving. Established
     Sabriel. Explores the lives and loves of these friends and family.
Notes
     Hello! Hi! I will be adding more tags as I go along with the story
     but will also put specific warnings up for particularly heavy/
     triggering content. Please let me know how you like it in your
     comments and hopefully you enjoy! :)
***** It's Nothing *****
The music was still thrumming through his body as Dean stumbled into the
bathroom. He leaned heavily against the wall as he tried to focus enough to
piss into the urinal and not onto the wall. Sam had dragged his brother and
their two friends Charlie and Jo to the club his boyfriend Gabriel helped run
and Dean hadn't stopped drinking since they had arrived 3 hours ago. It was a
Saturday night so Dean knew he had the whole next day to recover from this
hangover if need be and he could really use the mindless numbing of the alcohol
right about now. Charlie and Jo we're currently making out in the booth they
had grabbed all but tearing each other's clothes off in the process while Sam
and Gabe continued grinding out on the dance floor. Talk about being a fifth
wheel. Though all four of them had offered to set him up for the night (or
more) he just couldn't bring himself to suffer through the obligatory awkward
"get to know you enough so I don't feel like a whore" part of the night that
preceded the inevitable fucking.
Dean heaved himself up off the wall and blindly washed his hands before heading
back to the bar. Slumping into a surprisingly empty stool he glanced around
trying to catch the attention of one of the attractive bartenders. It was
Dean's theory that you couldn't pass your bartender's certification of you
weren't hot as all hell. How else could you explain all the sexy bartenders? He
finally managed to wave someone down and ordered a beer. He really needed to
slow down as he had been knocking back shots the majority of the time. Dean
took this opportunity to check out the gorgeous man serving him. He looked a
little bit shorter than him with just-fucked black hair and piercing blue eyes.
Dean followed his body as he moved around the bar expertly weaving between the
others and grabbing what he needed. A dark haired woman caught his arm and
leaned in whispering something into his ear and the dark haired beauty’s face
lit up in a smile, laughter crinkling the corners of his eyes.
So invested in checking out the bartender’s ass in those tight jeans Dean
didn’t notice as Charlie came up behind him and threw her arm around his
shoulders. “I think we lost Sam!” she yelled in his ear. Dean winced away from
the sound and turned to look at his best friend. Her bright ginger hair was
mussed and her eyes seemed as unfocused as his probably were right then. “What
do you mean?” he shouted back. The music was really fucking loud. In answer
Charlie simply gestured to far side of the club were Gabe was tugging his
brother by the hand towards some back room. By the looks of it they were both
giggling something fierce and were not going to be emerging anytime tonight.
Dean sighed and rubbed his palm over his face as the blue-eyed boy placed his
beer in front of him concerned. “You okay there, bud?” His tone was light but
there was a low huskiness to it that sent a shiver down Dean’s spine. Looking
up to gaze at him Dean almost lost his will to speak. “Yeah,” his voice almost
squeaked. Dammit, Winchester. You arenotfifteen anymore, shit. He cleared his
throat, “Yeah, my brother has just abandoned me is all.”
With a loud burst of laughter Charlie pulled him up to standing. “Come on
Deany! No need to get jealous. You still have us! You can crash at our place
tonight. I am pretty sure Jo has been boycotting breakfast until you were able
to make us pancakes again. So really, I am desperate…” Her face fell mournfully
as she recounted the tragedy of the pancakes before cracking a smile. Tugging
him along a little more forcefully back towards their booth she begged, “Come
on, let’s go!” Unable to keep a straight face he joined her laughter and let
himself be dragged along. Risking one last glance to the bar he found himself
looking directly into the soft eyes of the bartender. At the look he saw a
smile tug at those soft looking lips before the attractive man turned around
and continued pouring drinks. 
Back at the booth he found Jo staring entranced at the dancers performing in
the middle of the dance floor. Just as he turned to watch the same dark haired
girl from the bar walked onto the stage and over to the pole in the center.
Intrigued by the bartender who had made the dark-haired angel laugh Dean leaned
forward and watched as she began an impressive routine. While many of the
dancers were talented – like he could ever do any of that – this one stood out
due to the grace and eloquence of her movements. Charlie and Jo were both
clearly impressed as they glued their eyes to the show. After the set there was
applause before the woman walked back off the stage. Huh, Dean thought to
himself as she reappeared behind the bar and tied on an apron.
His thoughts were interrupted as Jo bonked her head onto his shoulder.
“Deeeaaan,” she whined. “Deeeeaan, we should go.” Looking down at Jo’s lap he
found Charlie passed out with her mouth hanging open. “Shit,” he mumbled low.
“Every time.” Jo simply giggled into her hand as Dean pulled the redhead up to
standing so he could help her stumble out of the club to find a taxi. Lifting
his head up above the crowd his eyes travelled over to the bar once more to
find the same man watching him as he left. As Dean gave the cabbie Jo and
Charlie’s apartment address he made a promise to himself that he would be back.
                                 *  *  *  *  * 
Castiel Novak and his twin sister Elora had moved to the Bay Area six months
ago now in search of reprieve. Tired of the small town bigotry they had grown
up with and the constant reminders of their less than savoury upbringing they
had packed up their meagre belongings and set off for the city. Elora was in
love with the ocean and the sheer number of dance studios in town while Castiel
craved the rush of the streets and the anonymity it afforded them. They had
settled in fairly quickly both getting hired at the same club as bartenders
before Elora had branched out into part time dancing. Having danced at strip
clubs previously to make ends meet and with her passion for dance in general it
had been an easy decision on the part of the club owner to start splitting her
shifts. Cas could see that his sister was having fun so he tried not to cringe
too much when the patrons he served spoke… Less than polite about her. 
Tonight, however, he was distracted. As a bartender he had the opportunity to
see and flirt with many attractive people, but tonight when the green-eyed man
had thrown himself onto the barstool Cas could have sworn his heart skipped a
beat. He was classically handsome and it was apparent that he had a bit of a
rough edge that had been softened temporarily by the alcohol. Making a beeline
towards him as well as he could he managed to get there before the others to
take his order. When he spoke there was a gruffness that had Castiel’s breath
hitching. 
Seeing the obvious attraction Cas was feeling towards the man Elora had sidled
up next to him to tease him before going on stage. “Now, now. Keep it in your
pants little brother.” Cas scoffed at her. “7 minutes. Seven minutes older you
twat.” Smirking she glanced the man’s way once more before prancing away. Cas
struggled to keep the blush from creeping up the back of his neck as he
returned to the freckled man. God, freckles were just so hot. He was startled
out of his thoughts when a short redhead threw herself at the boy calling him
Deany. Deany? Like Dean? Mmm, good name.
Cas tried to hide his disappointment as Dean was led away and spent the rest of
the night stealing glances at him when he thought no one could notice. And as
he stumbled out of the club with the redhead from earlier slung around his
shoulders he felt a sinking in his stomach. Elora nudged his ribs and waggled
her eyebrows at him. “It’s nothing,” he insisted. At her continued nudging he
smiled and threw her off. “Promise!” She simply sighed disappointedly at him
and walked away chuckling to herself. “It’s nothing,” he repeated to himself.
Liar.
***** Matchmakers *****
Chapter Summary
     A look into the Novak siblings' relationship and Dean sees Cas again.
Chapter Notes
     Here, have some fluff before the storm *throws glitter*
     Next couple of chapters are a bit heavy so I wanted to keep this one
     light(er).
     Enjoy! Comment at me!
Castiel woke to his cheek being poked. Eyes squeezing shut he groaned and
turned over trying to swat away the menace. After a brief pause the poking
continued with more fervour until he finally pushed up off the bed to turn an
angry glare at his sister. “What the hell, Elora?!” he all but shouted. Elora
knelt by his bed fully dressed in her running gear wearing a wide grin. “Good
morning sunshine!” she announced cheerily. Standing up she held her hand out to
help Cas up and reminded him that he had promised to go for a morning run with
her. Cas sunk his face into his hands as he swung his legs over the side of the
bed. Had he been drunk to promise that? At the very least she should really
have known better than expect him to keep his word about any activity before
10am.
Elora bounced restlessly on the balls of her feet thoroughly enjoying the
exasperated look her brother was spearing her with. “Come on! You’ve become
sedentary in your old age while I have remained spry and lithe.” Castiel rolled
his eyes so hard it hurt. She reached down and grabbed his hands forcing him to
stand. “Come on!” she insisted. "It’s gunna get too hot if we wait too long,
and you know that only makes you grumpier.”
Cas let out a hard-done-by sigh as he stretched out long towards the ceiling.
“Fine! But you owe me breakfast. Bitch.” With one last grin and a kiss on the
cheek Elora backed out through the door to stretch in the living room. The
things he did for his sister…
An hour later Castiel was leaning against the side of a coffee shop doubled
over as he panted and wheezed. Elora, the little show off, was jogging in place
beside him shuffling through her music. “You know, you really have lost your
touch,” she smirked. “You used to be able to lap me on the daily and now…” she
looked him up and down. “Now you are just disappointing.” Cas levelled her with
a glare as he began chasing her up the steep hill. Giggling with delight Elora
took off shouting behind her, “That’s more like it! Show me some spirit, boy!”
They somehow made it to their apartment building in one piece before Cas put
his sister in a headlock and gave her a noogie. “Shottie the shower first!”
Mouth open in horror she tried to push past him to reach the door before him
but Cas nudged her out of the way before shutting it in her face. He heard a
distinct thump as she threw what he presumed to be her shoe at the closed door.
“You little shit! This is war!” Castiel chuckled as the sound of her grumbles
faded down the hallway. It made his heart glow when they were able to let loose
like this and simply enjoy behaving like childish siblings. It wasn’t often
that they had been able to relax like this growing up and he knew that Elora
was just as grateful for the little slice of peace they had found in San
Fransisco.
Peeling his soaked t-shirt over his head Castiel looked at his reflection in
the mirror cringing when he saw the scars he had irritated on his back. Though
most had faded to a sliver by now he could still make out some of the wider
stripes where his father had used his studded belt instead. Castiel hated that
they still stood out so much when his body overheated. They were a constant
reminder of what they were running from, but – as Elora was always pointing out
– they were also proof of how much he had gone through to get to where he was
today. With one last grimace Cas stuck his tongue out ridiculously at his
scarred reflection and forced himself to laugh. Their dad couldn’t hurt them
anymore. He had taken care of that. He turned on the water and hopped into the
cold shower before Elora could come knocking down the door for her turn.
                                 *  *  *  *  *
Elora was perched precariously on the kitchen counter when her brother came in,
still dripping water from his hair with the towel slung loosely around his
hips. “Don’t you dare drip all over the place, I just cleaned.” Despite what
she considered a threatening tone Cas just made a face at her and peered into
the fridge. “The hell? I thought you bought groceries yesterday?” Her face fell
as she gave him a sheepish smile. “Yeah… No…” Her brother gave her his best ‘we
talked about this’ look before shaking his head and pouring himself some water.
“So when I said you owe me breakfast you were just gunna…?”
With a no small amount of showmanship Elora hopped off the counter and pulled
out the box of cereal she had been hiding behind her back. Her grin faltered
when Cas repeated his earlier look. “Err, what I meant to say is… Diner?” At
that her brother smiled letting her off the hook. “Fine,” he pouted. “But you
are doing the grocery shopping today. I have gone the last four times and I
swear that old lady at the bakery keeps giving me eyes.” He mock shuddered.
Clapping her hand on his shoulder Elora gave Cas a look of sympathy. “But think
about the experience, Cas” she whispered conspiratorially. "Just don’t break
her hips, ya hear!” Laughing she quickly sidestepped her brother’s shin kick
and shimmied to the bathroom to take her shower. He was just so easy to tease.
When they finally rolled up to the Roadhouse it was more like brunch time. They
hovered awkwardly by the ‘please wait to be seated’ sign before a blonde came
over and steered them towards a table near the counter. “Where did you find
this place?” Elora asked lowly as they perused the menu. Castiel shrugged
noncommittally. “Gabe recommended it.” She raised her eyes disbelievingly.
“Gabe? That seems unlikely. I mean, this place looks kind of homey and small-
town-ish. Not Gabriel’s style at all.”
Cas quirked a shoulder up conceding her point. “Apparently they have good coff…
Oh god.” Elora looked up alarmed as her brother sank down in his chair and
covered his face with the menu. “What? What?” She looked behind her and
immediately saw what the problem was. Turning back to her blushing brother she
kicked his shin lightly. “It must be fate,” she whispered. Cas just groaned and
sank further down. Elora smiled and turned around once more.
At the counter stood the dirty blonde from the other night at the club. The one
her brother had been making googly eyes at all evening when he didn’t think she
was looking. Like she couldn’t tell after all they had been through together
when her brother was crushing. The man stood idly against the counter chatting
with the blonde from earlier. He had an easygoing smile and his hands gestured
animatedly along with his words. Next to him stood someone else, a redhead with
dark green eyes that looked up just as Elora’s gaze met hers.
Freezing, caught, Elora couldn’t help watching as the woman smiled warmly at
her and gave her a little wave. Ohgodohgodohgodohgod she waved at me is she
even waving at me ohmygod no she can’t have it must’ve been someone behind me
that’s right she is too fucking hot to be waving at me ohmyfuckinggod she is
coming this way and ohshitmotherfucker. Elora barely managed to end her brain’s
freak out in time to kick Cas a little more forcefully, her call for backup.
“Ow!” he exclaimed, coming out from behind the menu and shooting her a glare.
“What was that for?” Catching her wide eyes he glanced behind her to see both
the redhead and the man from the other night approaching. “Fuck my life,” he
mumbled under his breath unable to stop the heat from rising in his cheeks.
“Hey wassup?” the redhead greeted enthusiastically. “I think I recognize you
from Eden. We’ve only been there a couple of times now but, shit, your dancing
is amazeballs!” This time it was Elora’s turn to blush. Geez, us siblings are
hopeless. “Th-thank you. I’m glad you liked it.”
The woman gestured to the man beside her – who was very obviously staring at
Cas – and introduced them. “This here is Dean, I am Charlie, and that,” she
pointed towards the blonde that was approaching with two cups of coffee.
“That’s Jo. She basically runs this joint.”
It was quite clear that Cas was having a bit of a panic so Elora stepped in and
returned the introductions. “My name is Elora and this is my brother Castiel.
It is nice to meet you.” The man, Dean, had perked up at hearing Castiel’s name
and that he was her brother and was giving him a small smile. The corners of
Elora’s mouth perked up as she watched the two men avoid eye contact. Boys. She
turned her attention back to Charlie as the redhead began to speak again.
“I’m actually glad we ran into you, this is a big city and there is no telling
if you will see the same people twice. And Dean here hasn’t stopped talking
about your brother since Saturday.” Dean’s face paled as he sputtered at his
friend, mouth opening and closing wordlessly as he tried to admonish her. Elora
let out a guffaw suddenly liking this girl very much. Cas let out a small,
satisfied smile before he let his eyes meet Dean’s.
“Seriously though! My brother has ju-“ Elora let out a strangled sound as
Castiel’s hand slammed over her mouth. His glare said ‘not another fucking
word’ but she just smiled under his palm. Charlie and Jo both laughed as Dean
blushed even brighter. She had to admit, it was pretty cute when the rough and
tough looking guy looked bashful. Biting his hand to get it off of her mouth
Elora took a pen out of her shirt pocket and wrote Castiel’s number on the
unused napkin in front of her. Cas was still nursing his bit hand as she handed
the napkin to Dean. Charlie did the same with Dean’s number and placed the
napkin on Castiel’s head as he continued to glare at his sister. Yup, Elora
definitely liked her.
Dean mumbled something about work and shuffled away after an awkward wave and
Charlie curtseyed jokingly with a “Pleasure doing business with you” before
giving Jo a kiss on the cheek and running after her friend. Elora’s heart sank
a little at the display of affection but bolstered her spirit to deal with her
brother. He was staring down at the napkin in awe and Elora couldn’t help but
snap her fingers in his face. “Earth to Cas! Earth to Cas! You still with me,
bro?” He looked up dazed and nodded lightly. “Good. Don’t want to think you’ve
comatose over a cute boy. I believe the words you are looking for are: Thank
you. It’s fine. I’ll wait” She settled back in her chair and crossed her arms
as she looked off to the side indifferently.
Castiel laughed as he punched her softly on the arm. “Yeah, yeah. Thank you.”
He paused, smiled sweetly. “Still a bitch.” She laughed along with him and
ruffed his hair. “Little shit.”
                                 *  *  *  *  *
Dean was on cloud nine all day. Not even Bobby yelling and kicking up a storm
after a shorted order came through could ruin his mood. He was whistling along
to some AC/DC blaring in his workshop when his brother came waltzing through.
“Wow, Charlie really wasn’t lying. Must be a real cutie to have you this
happy.”
“Shut up you little bitch,” he countered with a smile. Sam laughed before
returning with a couple of beers and a “Jerk.” Dean wiped his forehead with a
relatively clean sleeve before taking off his gloves and cracking open the
bottle. Even with his baby brother teasing him he couldn’t wipe the smile from
his face.
“Promise you won’t turn this into a chick flick moment?” he asked Sam. “Not
even a little bit,” he snickered. “Damn… Oh well.” Dean was getting a bit
better with sharing his thoughts and feelings since Sam and he both came out of
the closet three years ago. Neither of them cared quite as much what their dad
thought about their masculinity and their mother had been all open arms and
acceptance.
“Okay,” he continued. “Well, I dunno. I just kind of have a feeling about this
one. Like, I wanna take it slow and not just bang ‘em and leave ‘em. You know?”
Sam was looking at him with a sappy grin. “Don’t start that!” he protested.
His brother just hit his shoulder with his own. “So… Have you texted him yet?”
Dean could feel himself blushing again and mumbled something about not knowing
what to say before Sam pushed him off the bench spilling Dean’s beer. “What are
you? A high schooler? Do it now you numbskull.” Dean wiped his hands off on his
coveralls before taking out his phone and grumbling.
They spent half an hour typing and re-typing the perfect first text message
before Bobby slammed open the door startling them both. “What’re you two idjits
doin’ lazin’ about like some princesses? There’s work to be done!” Sam
apologized profusely and sent Dean one of his famous bitch faces before leaving
him alone. Looking down at his phone Dean cursed loudly as he realized that he
had accidentally hit the send button on one of the cheesier drafts. Bobby,
thinking that Dean was finally getting into the spirit of things, simply nodded
at his protégé approvingly and left his to his work. Dean sank down to his
knees, good mood gone. Who the hell would respond to that?
                                 *  *  *  *  *
Cas was setting up the bar at Eden for the early shift when he felt his phone
buzz in his back pocket. Glancing around to make sure his dick boss wasn’t
around he slipped the phone out and thrilled when he saw that it was a message
from Dean. Steady breath, Novak. You are a grown ass adult and you can do this.
Gritting his teeth and holding his breath he opened the text message and froze.
Dean: Hey good lookin’, whatchu got cookin’? ;)
After reading the text twice Castiel burst into laughter. What the fuck? That
was adorable. The three little dots appeared at the bottom of the chat screen
as Dean frantically responded.
Dean: omg I am SO sorry! My jerkface brother stole my phone and I am so
embarrassed… So, um, hi?
That just made Cas laugh harder as he went to save the guy from his misery.
Cas: lol. Don’t worry about it, I know all about annoying siblings. So, um, hi
yourself. :p
Castiel heard shuffled footsteps behind him as the owner of the club rounded
the corner. Fergus Crowley. He was dressed in an all black suit with a couple
of rough looking men standing behind him. Castiel and Elora had often debated
whether Crowley was secretly a gang leader, but they didn’t want to get
involved enough to find out for sure. As Cas hurried to continue his prep he
felt rather than saw Crowley stare him down. After an uncomfortable silence
where Cas attempted to move as efficiently as he could and avoid eye contact –
Crowley thought direct eye contact was disrespectful, and he was obsessed with
respect – he finally saw his boss leave out of the corner of his eye.
Releasing the breath he had been holding in Cas dared to look down at his phone
once more.
Dean: Oh thank god. There’s no telling what I would have done to Sammy had he
ruined this for me.
Dean: Oh god I did it again. Okay, that was me this time. Clearly I just can’t
text or whatever.
Dean: I dunno. Um, so, how has your day been?
Dean: :) 
Castiel felt a smile tug at his lips. Dean was so awkward he could feel it
across the city and it was perfect. With an extra spring in his step Cas
focused on his shift. The faster he finished the more he could text the
beautiful boy.
***** Shadows of the Past *****
Chapter Summary
     The Novak's past haunts them. Dean is awkward as hell.
Chapter Notes
     Okay, so here is where the story gets really heavy.
     Extra trigger warning for childhood sexual abuse, trauma, and PTSD.
     Not super explicit, but enough.
     Feedback is appreciated, especially for chapters like these.
     xoxo
See the end of the chapter for more notes
The sheets were like ropes tying her down to the bed while her shirt collar
felt like a noose around her neck. In a cold sweat Elora reached up and blindly
scratched at her face, her neck, her chest, her arms. Even with her eyes closed
she could see bright spots of light behind her eyelids and she struggled to
draw breath. The nightmare felt heavy on her chest as she struggled to break
free. Memories of another time, another place bubbled up her throat and spilled
out of her mouth in a silent scream. The longer she was trapped the less silent
she became as she begged for it to stop, begged for release from these
crippling dreams.
Her father stood over them, belt in hand, slowly slapping the leather against
his naked thigh. Castiel’s small body covered hers even while he trembled
mightily. “Come ‘ere,” they heard him growl, words slurring into one another.
“I said… C’mere!” He stumbled forward and crashed onto the ground by their
feet. “Let’s go Cas, quick! Before he gets up!” Elora grabbed her brother’s
hand and they fled towards the door to get to the river. There was a bridge
there that they would hide under for the night (or two) during their father’s
rougher patches and Elora knew they still had some blankets stashed there.
She fell hard on her chin knocking the breath out of her body as her ankle was
gripped and the grown man dragged her backwards into the house. “Run Cas!” she
heard herself yell. He hesitated caught between listening to his sister and
saving her. “Godammit Cas RUN!” He finally spun around and took off like the
devil was chasing him. Their father leered over her as he ripped down her
bottoms. “Shut up and help your Daddy out. Yeah, just like that. Get you all
practised up for that little mortgage matter I need taken care of. You wanna
help your Daddy out, right? Need you to do real well for them boys. That’s a
good girl… Just like that…”
Before she knew it Castiel was shaking her awake. Panic clutched her heart as
she swung her loose fists at the intruder, trying to fight off what in the past
she could not. Her hair lay loose and damp over her face and she struggled to
gulp down breath. Castiel simply held up his arms to protect himself from the
blows and let her wake up enough to know it was him. When recognition dawned
Elora curled up with her knees drawn close to her chest and her fingers digging
deep into her scalp. As she rocked back and forth with the force of her keening
sobs her brother quietly wrapped her in his arms and held onto her gently,
whispering soothing words into her ear.
It was a while before her cries calmed enough for Elora to blink open her eyes
and look at Cas. When she did he sat with worry creasing his brow but a
reassuring smile on his lips continuing the comforting tempo of his palm moving
up and down her arm. “Hey,” he whispered forcing his smile a little wider.
“Hey, you. Yeah you. I’m right here. Okay? I’m right here and I’m not going
anywhere. Not ever again. Okay? Elora? Stay with me. I’m right here…” She
closed her eyes once more and lay her head against his shoulder as he continued
to reassure her. Safe. I’m safe. I’m okay. Cas is here. We are okay. Safe…
She must have dozed off again because when she woke they were both leaning up
against the wall on her bed with Elora still firmly in Cas’ arms. The crease of
concern was still present in his sleep and she reached up to smooth it away.
With a small frown he cracked open an eye and huffed, snuggling in closer.
Elora laughed and began trying to wiggle out of the cuddle lock Castiel had put
her in. “Ugh, Cas you are so heavy! Cas…” With his eyes still closed he smiled
and gripped tighter. “There’s no escape… You have awoken the Cuddle Kraken!
Prepare for your imminent demise!” They both laughed harder as she struggled to
break free finally landing them both entangled on the ground splitting their
sides with glee.
Cas placed a brotherly kiss on her forehead and helped her up. “Come on. Let’s
get you to the couch with your favourite blanket and I will make us tea and
toast. It’s time for Saturday morning cartoons with your favourite brother.”
Elora rolled her eyes for show. “Wow, no need to get so fancy all for me, Cas,”
she deadpanned. He crossed his arms and gave her a look. “Fine! But you get
your own blanket. Blankie is mine and you always hog her.” Cas placed a hand on
his chest in mock offense. “Well I never…” he interrupted himself with a laugh.
After a moment their smiles faltered and Castiel pulled her into a deep hug.
Elora could feel his fingers gripping her back for dear life as he shook
lightly. “I’m right here, okay? Don’t go back there. I need you. Please. Please
don’t leave me…” The implication was clear and Elora buried her face in his
shoulder as she squeezed him back. “I’m not going anywhere,” she assured him,
thoughts drifting to the recent past. “I’m back. Promise.”
After a few more shaky breaths they let go and got settled on the couch,
soaking up the feeling of safety and security that they gave each other. Elora
snuggled deeper into the couch cushions as she shivered from the remaining
dregs of her nightmare. Deep breaths. You are here. You are safe. She repeated
her mantra until she could breathe normally and quell some of the rising bile
in her stomach. You are here. You are safe. Maybe if she said it enough times
it would be true.
                                 *  *  *  *  *
Castiel hadn’t been to the gym in a while, but today he felt it was necessary.
He had taken up kickboxing when he had entered high school and their new foster
parents had encouraged him – as long as they didn’t have to pay for lessons.
After school Cas would go to the gym and offer to clean up or do other menial
tasks in exchange for a few lessons and the privilege of watching the masters
work. At least, they were masters to him. Just about everyday he would stop by
the gym for a couple of hours at least trying to get some hits in.
Elora had thrown herself into dance doing much of the same thing he had in
order to get training while the rest of the time she went out into the
greenbelt behind the house and danced until dark. They both knew what the other
was doing – getting stronger and finding an outlet for coping. At fourteen they
had different ways of doing so but both trained their bodies for self-defense
and release. Elora had convinced Cas to do morning runs with her to increase
their stamina and when they got back they would do yoga to further hone their
bodies. They traded skills – Cas teaching her to spar while Elora showed him
how to move like a dancer and dodge – and prepared for the day they would need
to protect themselves once more.
The sounds of fists hitting leather and the smell of sweat with a hint of blood
rose up to meet Cas as he entered the gym. The man at the front recognized him
even after a month’s absence and nodded him through. Dropping his gym bag off
in the locker room and pulling on his gloves Castiel made his way to one of the
boxing bags away from the others. Letting himself take some deep breaths he
focused on the bag and began slowly, allowing himself to work up to the speed
he was used to. His muscles screamed at him for his prolonged break but he
revelled in it as he pushed himself further.
He knew he was reaching the breaking point by the way his chest tightened and
his jaw clenched. Holding in a growl Cas snapped and began going wild, taking
all of his frustration out on the bag. He couldn’t go back and change what had
happened, but he sure as hell could make sure no one could ever hurt them
again. With one last high kick to the side Cas grabbed the bag to steady it and
caught his breath. Sweat was pouring down his body and his chest was heaving
from the exertion. A quick glance at the clock in the corner told him he had
been at it for over two hours. Shit, he thought. I still have to pick up Elora
for work. Having one car between the two of them was a pain, but also a
necessity with their budget.
Castiel took a quick shower loosening up his muscles with the hot water before
exiting the gym into the cool autumn air. Taking a deep breath he could just
barely smell the ocean under the fumes of the city. You are okay, Novak. You
both are safe. Now let’s keep it that way. Nodding with renewed resolve Castiel
headed off to bring his sister and himself to work.
                                 *  *  *  *  *
This time it was Dean who was begging Sam to go to Eden. Gabriel was working
tonight so Sam would be able to see him, but not make out and that was killing
him. “Ugh, Sammy, seriously. You can make out with him tomorrow, at least this
way you will see him? Besides, I can’t go alone. He will think I am weird. Or,
rather, weirder than he must already think I am…” Dean told him about the
unfortunate text message debacle and Sam laughed and laughed and laughed. Dean
just glared at him. “You know, you may be bigger than me, but I am still your
big brother. I could kick your ass you know.”
Sam just clapped a hand on his shoulder. “Sure you could, buddy. Sure you
could.” At Dean’s fingers furling into fists Sam laughed harder taking it back
with his hands held up in surrender. “Fine! I will go with you.” Dean’s fist
punched up into the air. “But we are bringing Charlie. Jo is working tonight
and I don’t want to be stuck in a corner alone while you go flirt all night.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Charlie’s good. Plus I am pretty sure she is crushing on
Cas’ sister, Elora.” Sam raised his eyebrow at that. “Her and Jo haven’t had
another girlfriend since Dorothy left for Kansas last year. I am pretty sure
Charlie is on the prowl.” They both laughed at the idea of a seductive Charlie.
The group had long ago decided that Jo was the smooth talker of the combo.
“Alright, I’ll meet you at your place around nine. It gets better later anyways
and you don’t want to be too drunk to flirt successfully.” Dean grimaced at his
brother causing Sam to throw up his hands once more. “Just trying to be a good
wingman here, bro. You are gunna have to trust me. Now… Let’s discuss what you
are going to wear...”
As 9:30 rolled around Dean, Sam, and Charlie found themselves fighting against
a sea of bodies to scope out a place to sit. After a good ten minutes they gave
up and scurried to the bar to start off with some shots. Dean froze a few feet
from the counter as Castiel noticed them and gave Dean a big gummy smile. Oh
god, did my heart just stop beating? Breathe, Winchester! Smooth. You gotta be
smooth… letting himself smile in return he approached.
“Hey, come here often?” Fuck, really? Dean closed his eyes to keep from seeing
Castiel’s reaction as Charlie and Sam burst into a chorus of “You are hopeless,
dude.”
He cracked eyes open chagrined when he heard Cas join their laughter. “Don’t
worry, it is endearing,” he assured Dean.
He let out the breath he had been holding. “Oh thank god. I can’t believe how
bad I am at this.” Throwing Dean another one of his big smiles Cas reached out
and placed a hand on his arm and caught his eye. “I am not much better.
Together we can figure it out.” With a wink Castiel removed his arm and left to
go grab the shot glasses.
Sam let out a low whistle behind him saying, “Now that was smooth.” Dean sank
down onto the counter. Yep, you are a goner.
Charlie perked up as Elora came around the corner. Her dark hair was held back
in a French braid and she was wearing a backless top that showed off a large
tattoo there, though she was just too far away for them to make it out. When
she turned around they could see dark circles under her eyes and the concern on
her brother’s face as he asked her a question. She smiled shakily and waved at
them at the counter before turning back around. As Cas returned he pasted on a
smile that fooled none of them. “Everything alright?” Charlie piped up.
Castiel cleared his throat as his smiled waned just a little. “It’ll be fine.
She’s just not feeling great today but,” he shrugged. “The show must go on, I
guess.”
This time Sam interjected. “There’s no way Gabe would make someone dance if
they weren’t feeling well.”
Cas looked up at the defensive tone lacing through his words. With a perplexed
squint of his eyes and a slight tilt of the head he gazed at Sam until he made
the connection. “Ahh, right. You are Gabriel’s boyfriend. I remember now. You
are right, he isn’t in the habit of disregarding the well-being of his staff,
but... Crowley is here tonight.” Sam made a noise of comprehension while
Charlie and Dean looked between them confused.
“So… Who is this Crowley? And why is he such a dick?” Castiel’s face paled as
he looked behind Dean and Sam kept making a chopping motion over his throat
telling him to shut the hell up. Way to go, he’s probably right behind you and
you just got Cas in shit. You are really on a roll today.
Sure enough when Dean turned around he saw a short, black-haired man
approaching followed by two cronies that looked like bouncers off of some movie
set. The man – Crowley – stopped in front of the group and locked eyes with
each of them as he placed his hands inside his dress pants’ pockets. “Well,
well, well. If it isn’t Tweedle Dee. Where’s Tweedle Dum? You know, the pretty
one.” His voice was slick with a British accent that somehow made everyone want
to punch that smug simper off his face.
Castiel clenched his jaw and held onto the bottle of tequila he was holding
just a little harder. Dean tried not to get distracted by the way his biceps
flexed magnificently beneath his t-shirt. “Elora is in the back getting ready
to go on stage, like you asked,” he all but huffed back. Crowley raised his
eyebrows and Cas took a deep breath before finishing. “Sir.”
“Oh goody! She is quite the dancer, especially with those sky-high legs. Mmm,
scrumptious.” Crowley licked his lips and looked like he was imagining it.
Castiel almost jumped over the counter to throttle him when a hand gripped his
upper arm firmly. Turning around he saw Gabe standing there staring down the
club owner. “As much as I am sure we would all love to keep objectifying the
staff, I think they need to get back to work.”
Crowley turned his glare to the blonde behind the bar as he motioned the two
men behind him to follow. “Come on, boys. We will leave Gabe to his pet.” At
this last word he turned a smirk on Sam before turning on his heel and leaving.
They all let out a collective breath before Charlie broke the tension.
“Well that explains a lot.” They laughed nervously as Gabe led Cas away from
the bar shooting an apologetic smile towards Sam. All three friends gulped back
their shots and moved towards the dance floor in silence, all contemplating
different aspects of what had just occurred.
As usual, Charlie broke the quiet. “I just really wanna kick that guys ass, you
know? Elora is not some… Thing to be ogled and used. She is a human being with
a beautiful soul and- what? What’s so funny?
Dean and Sam had given each other a knowing look before laughing at Charlie.
“Have you been texting her like Dean and Cas have been texting?” Sam asked.
“Psh!” she sputtered. “Don’t compare me to that hopeless boy.” Dean pretended
to be crushed. “We already have a date!” she bragged, sticking out her tongue
in their direction. At this both boys looked truly impressed. “Well, a coffee
date… But! Who knows?” Charlie had to punch them both in their sides to get
them to stop laughing and to cover the blush creeping up her chest. “Ugh, let’s
go bitches. Dance with me!”
There was never room to argue when Charlie decided that she wanted something so
the brothers simply went along with it. Any time they needed drinks Dean would
volunteer to grab them and would return with a grin on his face. When Elora
came on stage Charlie grabbed their hands and dragged them closer so she could
watch with awe on her face as she cheered loudly. Sam cupped his hand to his
brother’s ear and yelled over the music, “I think she is falling!” Dean
chuckled in agreement.
By the end of the night Dean had discovered Castiel’s favourite type of music
(indie rock), favourite colour (green), his last name (Novak), and had set up
an official first date (dinner and a movie, takethatCharlie!). Sam had to give
Charlie a piggyback ride out of the club while she slurred that he was her
Moose-kateer. With one last glance at the club Dean looked for Cas and found
him in a heated discussion with one of Crowley’s cronies. Hmm, hope everything
is all right. Before he could find out Charlie swatted his head and pushed him
out the door.
Chapter End Notes
     Phew. Okay, next chapter is still heavy, but I will try to add a bit
     more fluff to soothe the frazzled nerves. Also, big plans for Crowley
     :p
***** Alive *****
Chapter Summary
     Crowley has been trying to make an untoward deal, Cas loses it,
     flashbacks from Elora's past.
Chapter Notes
     Sorry about the wait. This chapter went way longer than anticipated
     so I left off the last bit for Chapter 5. This is quite angsty, there
     will be fluff next chapter promise.
     Extra warning for explicit description of childhood sexual trauma.
Castiel was livid. One of Crowley’s henchmen had made the mistake of telling
him of his offer to his sister: one ‘private’ show for a grand and a half up
front. He could almost hear the quotation marks around ‘private’ and the
insinuation that it carried. Elora had remained quiet for the most part merely
assuring him that she had already turned him down. When Cas asked how many
times he had made this same offer Elora looked down and didn’t answer. Cas
raised his voice and immediately regretted doing so as she cringed visibly and
shrank down in spirit. “It used to be just a grand. It’s gone up in the past
few months,” she whispered, shame creeping into her voice. Castiel had promptly
left to go rip apart the already broken down cardboard out back so she didn’t
have to see the full extent of his rage.
Even so, Elora stood huddled against the back door watching her brother bloody
his knuckles over and over again as they grazed against the concrete wall.
Finally it was too much to watch and she approached him slowly grabbing his
wrists. Lost in his anger he didn’t immediately recognize her and loosed an arm
before swinging his fist towards her. Elora was used to sparring with Castiel
and dodged the punch easily, re-grabbing the errant wrist and twisting his arms
behind his back. She kicked him behind his legs forcing him down to his knees,
knocking the wind out of him. Her breath came in ragged pants as tears began to
stream down her face.
It had been so long since she’d had to subdue her brother like this. During
their teenage years in the foster system before becoming officially emancipated
Castiel had constantly been in fights. When the rumours inevitably spread
(somehow) her twin would lay out anyone who asked her to turn a trick for them.
It had happened a lot. Cas was good, but just one guy. Elora couldn’t count the
number of times she had run up to him slouched against the gym wall eyes
swelling shut with bruises. From then on out they were a team, taking on the
bullies when they could and running when it all became too much. But Cas would
break. And when he did it was like a wild animal letting loose. Elora learned
to read the glazed look in his eyes and where to tackle him so that he could be
contained. Several times while she had yet to master the art of calming him
down Cas had almost killed someone. She couldn’t let that happen. Not again…
When his head had cleared enough Cas gently shook off his sister, interrupting
her sudden memories and continuing to kneel on the cold cement. “We can’t trust
him,” he spoke, voice breaking. “I don’t know what he will do to you and I
can’t… I can’t let that happen again…” The tears ran more freely down his face
as he recalled the terror of seeing his sister taken away an innocent little
girl and returned broken and bloody months later. She hadn’t spoke for weeks
afterwards and had needed Castiel’s help eating and bathing. In the process he
had seen glimpses of the physical abuse she had taken though she never spoke of
the events that had occurred. Sometime after social services had come and taken
them away, putting them through state supported trauma counselling to deal with
the neglect and abuse they had suffered from their parents while Elora went to
an additional counsellor for the sexual abuse. A case was made against those
involved, but they hadn’t caught their dad as he had been tipped off by a
friend and left the kids for dead. For years after they had lived in fear of
him coming back to finish the job. They no longer had that fear…
Elora knelt down beside him and wrapped him in her arms stroking his hair
beneath her hands. “It won’t happen again. It wasn’t your fault. There was
nothing you could have done.” Her voice was thick and cracking by the last
word. No matter how far or how fast they ran some demons always tagged along.
It had been well over a decade now since the worst of it had happened but they
both felt twelve years old again in times like this. “Crowley won’t hurt me. I
won’t let him,” she growled. “We’ve got this.” After some time Cas nodded his
head against hers and whispered “Okay.”
The drive home was silent and tense and when they arrived at their apartment
they wordlessly both went to Cas’ room. Nights like these it was impossible to
sleep alone and this way when one or both of them had nightmares or flashbacks
they would have their twin with them to coax them back to good dreams. They
fell asleep holding hands and when they awoke both pillows were tear soaked.
                                    *  *  *
Elora tried to hide her grin as Cas ambled into the living room the next
morning unabated. He valiantly tried to hide his yawns as they stretched
wordlessly for their run. She set an easy pace towards the ocean and let the
crisp morning air burn through her lungs and rejuvenate her body and mind. They
were both clearly pre-occupied and so they kept an easy silence until they
reached the bridge. Finding out about Crowley's proposition last night had
shaken Cas sorely. Though neither of them had forgotten how their father had
used Elora's body as currency in their youth it was an unpleasant reminder of
their helplessness and the past that kept them fighting invisible demons.
Casting a conspirator's glance towards her panting brother Elora suggested
casually, "Winner on the way back chooses tomorrow's workout." Cas perked up
and she tried to stifle a giggle at the determination she saw in his face. He
loved silly bets like this and rarely passed up the chance to beat his sister
any way he could. "I win, you are doing power yoga with me. You win, we can
spar."
Instead of answering Castiel shot her a look of assured victory and took off up
the hill. They were almost home when Elora took a sudden turn and bolted down a
side street. Before Cas could well and truly pass her the Roadhouse came into
view and Dean was seen exiting backwards through the door balancing two coffees
in one hand and a bag in the other. She watched as Castiel tried to stop in
time to avoid hitting the man as if in slow motion. He spun out of the way
before tripping over his own feet and running into the parking meter stationed
on the sidewalk.
"Shitshitshitshitshitshitshit, sorry..." He yelled as he maneuvered around
before falling to his knees winded. Dean turned around confused until he
recognized Cas and the situation he was currently in.
"Oh my god! Cas! What happened? Are you okay? Oh shit..." he exclaimed,
dropping his bag to the ground and kneeling next to her wincing brother. Elora
grinned at the success of her impromptu plan and sped past the boys. "Better
luck next time, bitch!" she shouted behind her as Cas sent her a deadly glare.
If anyone could get her brother in a better mood it would be his new crush.
Instead of taking a shower as soon as she got home Elora moved the furniture
clearing the room. Putting on the new Sia album to shuffle she began moving her
warmed muscles and switching gears from the run to dancing freestyle. As the
opening chords of 'Alive' began her heart rate steadied and she closed her
eyes, honing in on the lyrics.
I was born in a thunderstorm
I grew up over night
I played alone
I played on my own
I survived
Thankful once more that they lived on the ground floor and therefore had no
downstairs neighbours to complain about the noise Elora spun across the room
before leaping high above the floorboards.
I had a one way ticket to the place where all the demons go
Where the wind don't change
And nothing in the ground can ever grow
No hope, just lies
And you're taught to cry in your pillow
But I survived
As the crescendo built around her Elora moved her body with the music crashing
over her in waves. Something from deep within her began to dislodge when the
chorus ran through her.
I'm still breathing, I’m still breathing
I'm still breathing, I’m still breathing
I'm alive
I'm alive
By the time the song had ended she had tears running down her face and her
heart ached so she could no longer move. I’m alive. Elora fell to her knees
gathering herself in a tight ball while her sobs heaved through her body. I’m
alive.Her chest felt as if it was being ripped apart and the thing inside her
that she had dislodged came rushing forward.
 
The floor hit her knees hard as the man gripping her hair painfully pushed her
down. Between fear and defiance Elora desperately did not want to feel fear as
she attempted to glower up at the tall man. A low laugh from in front of her
made her freeze and a shiver of foreboding travel down her spine to sit like
lead in her stomach. Slowly turning her glare to the man on the couch she tried
not to hold her breath as he leaned forward with his elbows on his knees and
his hands clasped in front of him to observe her. “Hmm…” he murmured, wetting
his lips. “It’s always good to have a feisty one. Much more fun to break.”
Standing tall he approached Elora and trailed a finger down her cheek. She
suppressed the urge to vomit. Apparently liking what he saw he ordered her to
undress. Though she had known this was coming the reality was like a bucket of
cold water. The man holding her began to slip his hand under her shirt and she
threw back her elbow making contact with his shin before thrashing around to
get loose. Suddenly the hand was gone from her hair and she struggled to stand
so that she could run. Before she could formulate a complete thought or fully
rise up she felt herself falling to the ground from the force of blow to her
face. Daring to gaze upwards she saw the man from the couch flex his hand
before gripping her by the throat and pulling her back up to her knees. Elora
gasped for air as the fingers flexed around her airways.
“Listen here you little bitch. I have a lot of people who are paying good money
to use your tight little pre-teen pussy. I need you to lay there nicely while
they do that, got it?” When she didn’t answer he started shaking her back and
forth hand still encircling her throat. She nodded to the best of her ability
and he threw her back down towards the ground. Ignoring her coughing he knelt
down beside her and began to trace the bruise that was already forming on her
cheek. “Some of these folks won’t be as nice to you as I am being right now.
They have rather… Different tastes for pleasure. But you are going to do
whatever they want. Would you like to know why?” He didn’t bother waiting for
an answer this time, only moving his caress up to her hairline. “If you make
any trouble for us I will go and get your brother.” The man grinned as he felt
Elora stiffen under his touch. “And dear little Castiel will be brought right
here and you can watch as my boys rape his twink ass. Over and over until you
learn to behave. Is that what you want, Elora? Do you want to watch us use your
little brother?”
Elora could no longer see the room through her tears as her body shook
violently. The man grabbed her hair once more and forced her to look at him.
“Answer me!” She shook her head and mumbled “No.” “Now, now, show some respect.
No,Sir.” Elora didn’t know if she had ever hated as much as she did at that
moment. “No… Sir…” The man smiled, pleased, before hauling her up and dragging
her by the hair to the couch. As he sat he thrust her back to her knees and
used his freehand to unbuckle his belt. “Now, show me what a good little girl
you are going to be...”
At this point of the flashback Elora blessedly blacked out.
***** Affairs of the Heart *****
Chapter Summary
     Dean and Cas get coffee. Elora opens up about her time away to Cas.
Chapter Notes
     Sorry about the wait. I will try to keep up! A little more fluff
     before the angst.
     Extra warning for flashback.
It was difficult for Dean to hide his grin as gazed fondly towards the man at
his feet. Castiel was still glaring daggers at his sister’s retreating form and
muttering curses to match when Dean started chuckling. The siblings reminded
him so much him and Sam in the way they interacted that he risked the acidity
of the scowl Cas now pinned on him. Quickly schooling his expression to one of
sympathy Dean cleared his throat and helped him up. Dean could have sworn he
heard Cas murmur under his breath something about a traitor but he couldn’t be
sure if he was speaking about his sister or Dean.
“I am so sorry about this,” Dean began. “Let me make it up to you. I could buy
you a coffee or something? I just need to drop this off at Bobby’s around the
corner and I could be right back and and… What?” He trailed off as Cas shook
his head and gave Dean one of his big smiles.
“It’s fine, really. It was Elora’s fault anyways, the sneaky shit. She just
really likes to win.”
Dean brought his free hand up to cover the back of his neck, nervously trying
to hide the blush Castiel bought forth. “And you don’t?” he inquired, feigning
innocence.
Cas smirked as he rolled his eyes dramatically. “We are both super competitive,
but sometimes I think she conflates little wagers with sibling warfare. Not
that either of us fight fair.” He gestured up the hill where the woman in
question had disappeared. “Point proven.”
Shuffling his feet surreptitiously Dean raised an eyebrow and tried not to
sound too hopeful. “So is that a ‘yes’ to coffee?” He caught a wince on Cas’
face as he looked down at his damp running clothes. “I don’t mind!” Dean
hurried to assure him. “I just… umm…”
Saved from spewing forth half-assed excuses Castiel laid his warm hand on
Dean’s forearm much as he had last night. The touch was light but the pressure
was comforting. “I would love to have coffee with you. I’ll meet you over
there,” he pointed to a park peeking out two blocks over. “I should probably go
stretch out anyways.” With one last smile Cas jogged towards the designated
location.
Dean never moved so fast in his life dropping off the breakfast and coffee to a
chorus of Bobby’s morning grumbles and practically bowling over Jo in his rush
to get back out the door with two new coffees. By the bemused look on Cas’ face
Dean had not succeeded in appearing nonchalant, but he was too busy being
distracted by Castiel’s body stretching to care. “I, um, forgot to ask you how
you like your coffee, so I brought some other shit for, er, on the side.” Okay,
smarten up Winchester. Your immense awkwardness can only make you endearing for
so long, pretty soon he is going to get tired of it. Get smooth!
Cas just shook his head. “I take mine black.” Together they sat onto a nearby
bench, shuffling unsure as to how close they should sit.
"What was Elora talking about, better luck next time?" Dean questioned
curiously.
Castiel groaned and sunk his head into his hands before answering. "Oh god, I'm
fucked..." Dean looked on concerned as the man looked forlornly into his
coffee. "We had a bet on who would make it back to the house first from our
morning run. If I won, she would have to spar with me. If she won then I had to
do yoga with her tomorrow instead."
Dean couldn't help but laugh. At the death glare he received from Castiel he
tried and failed to hide it with a cough. "Sorry. But seriously, what is so bad
with having to do yoga with your sister? Isn't it supposed to be relaxing and
easy?"
The look Cas gave him now just screamed 'you are so naive' and was followed by
an explanation. "Elora does two hour power yoga classes and refuses to go
'easy' on you, no matter if you are her brother! 'I'm your big sister, Cassie!
I know what's best for you, don't be a wussy baby!'" A high falsetto
accompanied his impression along with an alarmingly cute doe eyed look. "I
swear she is a menace! Seven minutes. SEVEN minutes older and she lords it over
my head every chance she gets."
Dean was delighted with how animated Cas had become. The dynamic between the
siblings reminded him a bit of the relationship he and Sam had. "So you spar?
Like?"
"We've both been practicing kick boxing for years now and it's one of the few
times I can beat the crap out of my sister. It is so satisfying. That is...
When she isn't kicking my ass..." The dark haired man smiled at the statement
before looking down and wincing. Dean watched as he flexed his hands and
noticed the scrapes on the knuckles.
Indicating the wounds Dean asked, “Is that what happened there?” Castiel’s face
darkened briefly before schooling his expression into something more neutral.
“No… Let’s just say I had a disagreement with a wall last night. And the wall
won.” Cas grimaced as he looked at his knuckles. “Crowley is scum and Elora
barely managed to stop me from replacing the wall with his face,” he
elaborated. Dean’s face must have been the picture of concern because his
companion began to laugh to dispel the pall that had fallen over them and Dean
returned the favour by nudging his shoulder playfully.
“So, other than sweeping unsuspecting bartenders off their feet with your
endearing dance moves and bad pick up lines, what do you do in your free time?”
Dean gaped at him disbelief. “Excuse you, my pick up lines are passable. Thank
you very much!” He lifted his head with pride before continuing. “And I will
take the dancing comment as a compliment.” Cas laughed at his reaction and
gazed fondly at his seatmate. “Adorable…” he muttered. Dean’s face warmed
mightily at that and he brought his hand to the back of his neck self-
consciously. “Am not,” he murmured back.
Leaning forward Cas stared at Dean with an unsettling intensity. He smiled
nervously and cautiously placed his hand over Dean’s on the bench. “I don’t
know if this is too forward, but… May I kiss you?” Dean took a deep breath
before rushing forth with a “HELL yes!” With one last smile Cas closed the gap
between them and softly pressed his lips to the other man’s.
Dean’s mind swirled as he deepened the pressure. Soft pink lips moved
insistently against each other as the boys moved closer together. Castiel
boldly threaded his fingers through sandy blonde hair tugging lightly causing a
low, throaty moan. In response Dean slowly stroked his tongue along the seam of
Cas’ lips before slipping into his gasp. Long minutes passed as they worked
their mouths in tandem before finally breaking contact for air. They kept their
foreheads in contact as they caught their breath.
“See you Thursday night?” Castiel chuckled quietly. “Yeah. See you Thursday.”
                                    *  *  *
The smell of weed hit Cas like a wall when he opened the door to their patio.
Elora was laying down on the love seat with her legs hooked over the back
listening to classical music. Her eyes were closed gently and her head and
hands swayed with the tempo. Cas ran his hand down his face before pinching the
bridge of his nose, eyes squeezing shut as he took a deep breath. Having
grounded himself more he went back into the apartment to grab a big glass of
water and a wet washcloth. Opening the door to the patio once more he looked up
and saw Elora's blue eyes piercing his. They were bloodshot and red rimmed yet
had a clarity in their depths that always gave Castiel pause. Setting down the
water he knelt down next to his sister and placed the washcloth in her
forehead. She winced lightly as the cool of the cloth made contact with her
overly warm skin.
"Listen, Cas..." Her voice was thick from crying and heavy with emotion. "Can
you hear it? Can you?" Elora grasped his hands tightly and gazed as if she
could see into his soul. As if she was trying to impart the most important
piece of wisdom this side of history. Cas tilted his head to the side as he
concentrated in the music, trying to hear what his sister did. It was Marjan
Mozetich's 'Affairs of the Heart' and it was coming up to its crescendo. His
eyes drifted closed as he leaned his head back to rest on Elora's side, keeping
their hands linked. The swell of the strings surrounded them as each note
pierced through the speakers and into their bodies. They say in contemplative
silence as the concerto ended before Elora nudged Cas's cheek with her pinky
finger and whispered. "Well? Did you hear it? Did you?"
Keeping his head nestled on the edge of the love seat Cas nodded his
affirmation. "Yeah, I heard it. I *felt* it." His twin gave a satisfied jerk of
her head before slipping her hands free and carding her fingers through her
brother's unruly hair. As unwilling as he was to break the stillness on the
patio he had to ask. "I thought you didn't need it anymore?"
Elora's fingers stilled a moment before continuing into a scalp massage. He
closed his eyes enjoying the comfort, but awaiting the answer. "You know, I
used to think it was my fault." Cas felt his muscles tighten. "I was an extra
mouth to feed. At least I could contribute to the family, be the punching bag
for you. Fix the debts so you could eat, maybe get a new jacket before winter
set in. I thought, maybe if I just played my part we could be happy again." Her
voice broke before a deep breath let her continue. "I didn't know, Cas. I
didn't know what people were capable of before... Before..."
Cas reached up and squeezed her arm reassuringly. She never spoke of her months
away and he had never asked. Honestly, he had never wanted to know the details
of what had happened, but if she needed to tell him he was sure as hell going
to listen.
"There were other girls there. Some boys, too. Most were like me, working
because of their parents' drug habits or gambling problems. Others had been
abandoned and that place was the only roof and meal they could find. There were
clients, but the men running the place would take their turns. Those we all had
to watch, just so we could be reminded of what was to come. Of why were there.
I’d like to say there was still kindness to be found, some sort of hope. But
there wasn’t. I have never seen so many dead eyes or cruel faces. I’ve never…”
She faltered, the well of tears dried up and soundless cries twisting her face.
Castiel felt as if he were crying enough tears for the both of them. Blindly
she reached for her brother’s hand and gripped it tight. “Cas! Oh, Cas…”
They held each other tight until the shaking stopped and Elora fell asleep.
Castiel gently picked her up and placed her on her own bed, smoothing away the
nightmare wrinkles from her forehead. He stared at her sleeping form simply
appreciating the fact that she was here safe and sound before finally going to
take a shower. Going to work again tonight was the last thing he wanted to do.
There he would have to see Crowley’s smug little face knowing that his
increasingly persistent “offer” was a large part of the blame for his sister’s
intense flashbacks. This had been by far the best job they’d had since leaving
home, but it was only worth so much. Castiel finished his shower with a new
purpose. It was time for them to find new work and that was that.
***** Calm Before The Storm *****
Chapter Summary
     Charlie and Elora go on their first date. A glance into Sam and
     Gabriel's life. Castle confides about his Crowley problem.
Chapter Notes
     Oh heyyyyy. I decided to do something a little different this chapter
     because I really wanted to develop the other characters a bit more.
     So far I have focused on the twins and their past, but all seven
     people in these ships have their own stories and pasts to share as
     well. Hopefully this is a good thing? (Hides behind self-doubt). It
     is also a wee bit longer this time around too. As the title suggests,
     this fluff is the prelude to a few shit storms I have planned for
     them.
     Enjoy? You know, if you want to. No pressure. (NOTICE ME SEMPAI!)
     Comments are appreciated. :)
Charlie sat at an unfamiliar table in the corner of an unfamiliar café stirring
the contents of an unfamiliar beverage with an unfamiliar spoon. “Well, Toto,
we are not in Kansas anymore.” This place was so far from being the Roadhouse
she really did feel like she was in Oz. Elora had set up their coffee date at a
back alley joint called “Ragnorock” complete with dark purple walls and enough
freaky old supernatural looking décor to be sufficiently creepy. On one side of
the room there was a small stage and a large mural depicting a great war
between Heaven and Hell along with a myriad of odd imagined creatures sneaking
around the edges of the battle. From where she sat Charlie had a good view of
the artwork so she passed the time waiting for Elora by gazing at it absently.
“Pretty cool, right?” Charlie let out a high-pitched squeak as she spun around
to face Elora smirking at her. “You going to be okay there buddy?” The smirk
had turned into a full-blown wolfish grin while she circled around and sat down
across from the blushing redhead. Taking a delicate sip out of her mug Elora
raised a brow with a look that clearly said ‘the ball is in your court, impress
me.’ Charlie felt a thrill rush through her and straight to her groin as she
adjusted herself in her seat and returned the stare. “Yeah, interesting place
you chose here. I didn’t even know that this existed.”
With a chuckle Elora used her glossy black nails to tuck a wily strand of hair
behind her ear revealing at least six piercings in the process. Charlie made a
mental note to ask her where she had others. “A friend of ours used to play
here now and again before they went back to the East Coast. Their band was
pretty good. Castiel will deny it, but he was a total groupie for Vampirates.
It was fucking adorable and he would kill me if he found out I had told you.”
Mouthing ‘Vampirates?’ to herself Charlie raised her hands in surrender, “My
lips are sealed! But, seriously… What sort of music does a band with that kind
of name play?” Elora used her finger to scoop some foam from the inside of the
cup before bringing it to her mouth and licking it off. There was a glint of
silver on her tongue and Charlie was falling deeper in lust by the minute. Keep
it in your pants! First date etiquette! You likeher,not just her sexy bits…
Ooh, sexy bits… Surprised her jaw wasn’t halfway to the floor by now Charlie
busied herself with her drink and tried not to bite her bottom lip too much.
“You know the kind. Black eyeliner, ripped skinny jeans, leather jackets, and
too many piercings. Insert guitar riff here, lonely bass solo there, scream a
little about heartbreak and death. It was great. Truly though, those folks had
talent.”
Calm enough to risk flirting Charlie leaned in towards the raven-haired woman
and started playing with a piece of hair. “Sounds like you may have been a bit
of a groupie yourself.”
Elora laughed low and shook her head. “Ya caught me! Cassie may have had a
thing for the bassist, but the drummer, Meg, and I may have snuck out back a
time or two at the after parties. What can I say? Drummers really know how to
use their hands, if you know what I mean?”
Her wink almost killed Charlie. As it was she wasn’t going to get much farther
into this date without breaking down into a babbling idiot. Well, better get it
over with quick then so she had time to run away flailing. “Okay. So I am just
going to throw it out there: I think you are insanely hot. Like, ScarJo level
attractive and I don’t think I can last much longer with subtleties anymore.
Think you can help me out here?” Charlie sat back in her chair biting her
bottom lip and fiddling aimlessly with her chai tea latte while she waited for
Elora to storm out of the shop.
Quite the opposite, Elora reached over and grasped her hand on top of the table
and started grinning like the Cheshire cat. “Fuck yes, I was hoping you would
say that. I am, quite frankly, ridiculously attracted to you as well and
texting you the last couple of weeks has not been enough for me.” Her smile
faltered as she became all seriousness. “But, umm… Jo?”
Relief spread through Charlie as Elora spoke and she squeezed her hand back at
the last comment. “Jo and I have been together for three years now and we
pursue other relationships at the same time. We have already talked about you
and she approves. Like, wholeheartedly approves.” She paused nervously and
looked up at Elora to see how her words were taken and was delightfully
surprised to see her grinning back. Encouraged, Charlie continued her
explanation. “But, that’s not to say that you need to be involved with Jo as
well if you, you know, want to try things out with ‘us’. I mean, not trying to
assume we would be an ‘us’ or you’d want to… Oh god I’m rambling again, aren’t
I?”
Elora had covered her face with her free hand in an attempt to hide her
laughter. She peeked through her fingers at the woman floundering before
finally taking both hands in hers and settling into sincerity. “Charlie, hi.
Hello. Right here. Hi.” Elora gripped their hands tighter before resuming. “I’m
not going anywhere yet. And yes, I would like to try. But, I think that I’d
also like to sit down with Jo as well. Together?” Charlie drew her thumbs in
petite circles over Elora’s hands and wrists as she gazed deeply into her eyes.
“We’d like that.”
They sat at the table talking for another couple of hours exchanging fond
smiles and amusing anecdotes until Charlie’s phone rang reminding her she
needed to get back to work. “Duty calls, my fair maiden. I’ll see you Sunday
night then?” Elora nodded in affirmation of their three-person date before
grabbing her own bag to leave. Standing outside of the café together they
hesitated to separate. After some throat clearing and a few scuffing of shoes
on the pavement Charlie grabbed Elora’s hand in hers and cupped her cheek with
the other leaning closer in question. With a relieved smile Elora closed the
gap and pressed their lips together firm and promising. They stayed connected
just long enough for someone across the street to wolf whistle at them before
they parted and smiled at each other shyly. “Until next time…”
                                 *  *  *  *  *
Sam woke with a start and a book sized crease on the side of his face when
Gabriel slammed down the mug of coffee he was holding. His hands were placed
sternly on his hips and his attempt at hiding his grin was just this side of
affectionate. “Samsquatch, were you out here studying all night?” Checking the
time Sam groaned and pressed the heels of his hands into his eye sockets as he
tried to wake up. “Fuck, Gabe, I’m sorry. I know I promised you no more late
nights this month but the bar exam is coming up soon and-“
The short blond man leaned down and sealed of the next words with a slow,
teasing kiss. Pulling back slightly he pressed their foreheads together and
stared into his boyfriend’s hazel eyes. “You know I just worry about you,
right? You haven’t been sleeping or eating nearly as well as you should be and
don’t even try to give me that bullshit about ‘It will be better after insert
goal here’. You said that during undergrad, you said that during grad school,
and, honestly, you say that every exam period. When you are the bright,
shining, brilliant lawyer like we all know you to be you cant tell me you wont
still be locked in your office until all hours of the night for your cases.”
Sam looked down chagrined and resigned. “Fine… I know its bad when you are
trying to be serious.” Gabriel pretended to be offended before settling into
his serious face once more. “Good, so you know the severity of my concern. Now
listen to your boyfriend who is always right and GET SOME SLEEP! I have the day
shift today so I will pick up something moderately healthy on the way home
along with some sweets for me. We are out of gummy bears and I’m grumpy.” Sam
laughed at his lover’s ridiculousness and allowed him to heft him up and push
him towards their bedroom.
Before he knew it his head had hit the pillow and four hours later his
cellphone’s ringtone was filling the room. Rubbing sleep from his eyes he
answered without checking the caller-ID. “Hello?”
“SAAAAAAAMMMMM!!!” He brought the phone away from his face with a grimace as an
old headache came creeping back into his temples. “Mom, god, could you not?” he
groaned loudly. As much as he loved his dear mother she could be overly
chipper. Okay, so maybe he was just irritable, but could you blame him?
“Aww now Sammy don’t be like that. We haven’t talked in aaaages! You know your
father and I were talking the other day and…” Hearing the tell-tale signs of an
approaching rant he settled back onto the headboard and closed his eyes ready
to tune out most of it. With a ‘mmhm’ and an ‘uhuh’ in the right places she
never knew the difference anyways. Sam started cueing up his mental flash cards
and reviewing case law as his mom rattled on about the nosy neighbourhood watch
board and the new Walmart they were building in town.
“Sam? Sam!” With a guilty start Sam snapped out of his study zone and sat up.
“Yeah, yes!? Um, poor cousin Garth, right?” By the long, hard-done-by sigh his
mother had for him he guessed he was way off base.
“Gabriel was right, you are studying way too much. That settles it. We are
coming out for Labor Day weekend.” Sam sputtered into the receiver. “Uhhhh,
what?! When did you talk to Gabe? You are coming here?!”
Mary simply laughed lovingly. “Don’t you worry about a thing Sammy-boy, momma
is going to come and take good care of you. As for that nice young man, Gabriel
and I have been chatting over that new look-face thing you kids keep talking
about. Since neither of my boys wanted to learn to cook I had thought that all
these family recipes would go to waste, but your beau seems to have a knack for
baking and I finally have hope!”
Sam sank his head into his hands. Now he knew Gabe had an ulterior motive. No
one would call his boyfriend a ‘nice young man’ unless he was seriously kissing
ass – which honestly was one of his best bedroom skills, but his mother did not
need to know that. He was about to argue when the headstrong woman interrupted
him. “Now before you go getting mad at him just know that he was looking out
for your best interests since you are hell-bent on self-destruction. He must
really love you to try and kick your stubborn ass into gear.” Sam thanked
whatever higher power was out there that his mother couldn’t see his scarlet
face right now. He grumbled something suitably chastised and conciliatory
before saying goodbye with promises of ‘see you soon’ and ‘I love you, too’.
Leaning heavily to the side he thought about everything his mother had said and
his lips quirked into a smile of tenderness at the efforts his goofy lover was
making on his behalf. He really did owe him more than he knew how to repay him
for. An idea in mind Sam sprung up from the bed and checked his watch. Four-
thirty. He still had time. But first he had a phone call to make.
                                *  *  *  *  * 
“Whoa! Watch the merchandise will ya!” Gabriel winced as Crowley yelled
directly into his ear. If his grip on this week’s order wasn’t precarious
before it certainly was now. Getting a better hold of the boxes he was carrying
he shuffled to the side and attempted to pass the black-suited man in the
narrow back hallway.
“Excuse me, sir, I believe you may need to move before I can complete this task
and ‘watch the merchandise’.” Gabe could tell by the increased tension in the
air that he was hitting buttons, but he just couldn’t help himself. He had
always been the kind of kid to hit all of the buttons on an elevator just
before he got off to take the stairs.
Crowley took a threatening step towards him. “Are you sassing me, boy?”
Stifling a smirk he responded before truly thinking it through. Nothing new.
“No, sir, just stating the obvious.” Gabe couldn’t keep his poker face as the
shorter man’s face reddened with anger. He added an extra ‘sir’ at the end for
good measure before moving past him.
He had almost made it when Crowley’s beefy hand gripped his upper arm firmly
and pulled him closer. “Listen here, you are truly starting to get on my
nerves. And bad things ‘happen’ to those who get on my nerves. Understood?” The
blond haired man gulped visibly and bit his tongue before answering. “Crystal.”
With a small push Crowley let go and strode forward, snapping his fingers for
his brutes to follow in his wake. Shaking his head Gabriel entered the storage
room and finally put down the heavy boxes he had been carrying. As he stretched
and popped his back Castiel piped up from where he was doing the day’s
inventory. “You know, you are going to get into some serious shit one day with
your big mouth.” He grinned and was about to sling off a double entendre when
Cas followed up with, “Not what I meant, Gabe. I don’t need to know any more
about your sex life than I already do.” Gabriel deflated and slunk over to
slouch on the boxes nearer his friend and co-worker. “You are no fun when you
are sober.”
Castiel rolled his eyes at him and went back to checking off boxes and counting
bottles of cleaner. After a few minutes he stopped once more and raised his
head with a look of consternation. “Gabe, you’ve been around for a while,
right?” Seeing an opportunity to try and trick the usually reserved and
straightforward half of the Novak twins Gabriel sat up and gaped at the blue-
eyed boy. “Excuse you, I am not that old, thank you very much… I mean, sure, I
may not be in my twenties anymore, but the twenties were boring. Too much swing
music and dangly bits on clothing. And those flappers! God, just kill me now!
And people think hipsters are bad…”
The man looked back at him unimpressed. “Are you ever serious?” Gabriel mocked
up an exaggerated shudder. “What a horrific thought! Can you imagine? I don’t
know how you do it, little buddy. Doesn’t it hurt to walk around with that
stick up your ass all the time?” Clicking his pen as forcefully as he could –
which was, admittedly, not very – Cas pushed himself up and began to leave
muttering, “I don’t know why I bother…”
With a sigh and chuckle Gabriel slung his arm around his shoulders and steered
him back into the room, ruffling his unruly hair as he did so. “Now, now, don’t
get your panties in a twist there. You know that you and your sister are
important to me. Now spit it out. Just not on this shirt, I paid big bucks for
this one.” If Castiel rolled his eyes any harder they would probably bug out of
their sockets. Gabriel sat him down and tried desperately to put a serious face
on for the second time that day.
With a deep breath Castiel caved and confessed what had been happening between
Elora and Crowley. He didn’t delve deep and there were a few times when his
gaze shifted and Gabe could tell that he was hiding part of the truth or
relevant history. Though he was intrigued by the promise of secrets he also
respected the twins and their privacy. If they wanted to tell him they would,
in the meantime he had enough to get pissed about. By the time Castiel had
finished his explanation and his plan to switch up their employment Gabe’s
fists were white with fury. He had always noticed a certain tension between
Crowley and Elora, but then again Crowley made a lot of the girls feel
uncomfortable. But hearing Cas’ story made heat curl up in his gut, the kind he
hadn’t felt since junior year in college when he had found some asshole
threatening someone on their way home from the library. That someone had been
Sam and it had turned out he didn’t need saving, but the sensation was the
same.
Gabriel leaned forward and set his jaw causing Castiel to lean back with
surprise. “Listen, I can make sure either you or I work with Elora every night
from now on so we can keep an eye on her. I am sure she wouldn’t like it if she
knew, but I’d rather she be unhappy with us than risk that asshole deciding to
take things too far.” His companion nodded fervently. “Good, good. She doesn’t
need anymore… Just, yes. Thank you.” With a curt nod of his own Gabriel stood
up and walked towards the door. “As for finding a new job, leave it to me. I
have connections in this city and I may be able to pull some strings. Just sit
back and enjoy that new boy-toy of yours. Gabriel delighted in the way
Castiel’s face whitened with shock and then immediately blushed a violent shade
of magenta as he clearly remembered whose brother he was dating. Throwing him a
wink he sauntered out of the building and drove home to his own waiting
Winchester.
***** Secret's Out *****
Chapter Summary
     Sabriel smut. Cas and Dean have their first date. Everything goes
     well... Until it doesn't.
Chapter Notes
     Thanks for the patience! Insert excuse about the dark deep hole of
     adulting here. But! This is my longest chapter yet! About twice as
     long! This chapter is quite fluffy for the majority. Warning: next
     chapter is all angst. Comments are loved and appreciated!
     See end notes for a 'behind the scenes' author note. (Or ignore it, I
     don't mind) :)
See the end of the chapter for more notes
Sam awoke with a familiar sense of longing curling through his chest like acrid
smoke branding ropes of need into his flesh. The sensation brought with it a
panic that blossomed swiftly overtaking his better instincts and he struggled
to remember how to breathe. His chest began to cave in from the weight pressing
him down into the mattress immobile. Whispers of 'not enough' and 'need more'
and 'useless' circulated through his mind and down into his body chaining him.
Sam tried to suck back air but was stopped by the the feeling of cotton stuffed
down his throat. This was it. This was how he would die. Suffocating from air
too thin and blood too thick bursting veins as it struggled to return to his
blackened heart. His vision went black as he clawed his way to the fuzzy edges
of consciousness. In the back of his mind he could objectively trace the
physical symptoms he was experiencing and he latched onto that pursuing the
calculated soothing of his nervous system. Methodically Sam isolated the
barriers his psyche had created in his body and slowly coaxed them down filling
his lungs with the calming aroma of home. With awareness tingling back into his
body he felt the weight of his lover sprawled over his torso and he leaned down
to nuzzle his nose into his hair inhaling the warm scent deeply.  
Little by little Sam's heart rate slowed and he gathered Gabriel closely in his
arms stroking his large hands over the sleeping figure. With a grumble and what
sounded suspiciously like a growl Gabe buried his face in Sam's shoulder and
tightened his hold on his man. A smile itched its way onto Sam's face as he
gazed affectionately down at his angel, his saviour. When they had met in
college Sam had been on the precipice of self-destruction and Gabriel had
swooped down as if from heaven and brought him back to the light. Together Sam
found a way to face the deep depression he had fallen into and slowly learned
to use better coping mechanisms for his stress and anxiety than his former
habit of overdosing on painkillers. Though the road to recovery had been bumpy
and would always be a work in progress Gabriel had never given up on him and
continued to affirm him, love him, and support him. Holding his love in his
arms now felt like a soothing balm to the troubled waters of his soul agitated
by the pressure he had put himself under.  
Overcome with appreciation and awe for the unconditional love Gabriel
unerringly bestowed on him Sam gathered him in close and began peppering him
with sweet little kisses. The little huffs of annoyance from an interrupted
sleep quickly became little mewls of contentment as Gabe leaned into the
attention. He paused as he felt his partner still trembling before pulling him
in even closer. "Shh... I've got you Sam. I'm right here. Not going anywhere.
You are safe." As Gabriel spoke he nuzzled in under Sam's jaw and stroked his
hands down his back. Sam let himself relax into his boyfriend's embrace before
continuing his trail of kisses grateful for this wonderful man. Making his way
down to his mouth Sam nipped at his lower lip before slipping his tongue in to
meet his lovers. The warmth of their tongues danced together as their bodies
pressed into one another increasingly desperate. Realizing that he needed a
different kind of assurance now Gabriel's left hand slid down to grab at Sam's
ass bringing their morning wood together with a moan while his right hand
snaked its way into the just-too-long brown hair at the nape of his neck. 
Sam rolled them over so that his tall form fully covered Gabe's smaller one as
he trailed his lips down to meet the pert nipples waiting for him. Knowing what
he likes Sam immediately went to town alternately rolling the buds between his
teeth and sucking hard bruises into the skin. Gabriel's back arched high off of
the bed while he tried and failed to repress a whine of raw need. "Fuck, Sam.
What has gotten into you lately? Last night I come home to dinner and the best
sex ever, and now this? What did I do right so that way I can keep doing it!"
Sam smirked as he kissed and nipped his way down to nose at the dark blonde
curls nestled at the apex of his thighs. Delighting in the shudder of pleasure
this caused his boyfriend he inhaled the musky sweet scent of him before
responding, "I just love you, is all. I don't get to show you my appreciation
as much as I want to." 
Gabriel opened his mouth to comment but was cut off when Sam licked a stripe up
the length of his member and began licking at the leaking head.
"Goddamnfuckfuckfuck!" Sam watched with hooded eyes as his lover bit down on
his hand to keep from disturbing their neighbours too much - Gabriel was an
especially loud lover and they'd had more then one noise complaint come in
since they moved in a year ago. He wrapped his thumb and forefinger loosely
around the base of Gabe's cock while the remaining digits reached around to
fondle the tightening testicles. Slowly so as to tease his writhing partner he
dragged his teeth along the length of him before swallowing him down in one go,
a twist with the hand at the base and repeat. Gabriel was completely undone by
the time Sam slipped a spit soaked finger into his ready hole. Quickly finding
the prostate he circled his finger teasingly on and around it while still
sucking down the entirety of his boyfriend's dick enthusiastically. With one
last loud cry Gabriel thrust upwards and spilled into Sam's waiting mouth. He
swallowed down as much as he could and let Gabe pick up the last bits from his
chin in a sloppy, satisfied kiss. 
They were still cuddling in post-orgasmic bliss and trading lazy kisses when
the alarm began blaring at them. With a heavy sigh Sam turned to silence it
while Gabe buried his head under his arms, hiding from the day. "Come on babe,
time to get up. You can't be late for this meeting." Gabriel pulled a pillow
over his head and pouted, "No. Don't wanna. I was having such a good morning."
He perked up. "Besides, it's your turn and-" Sam silences him with a kiss,
breaking it off before it could get too hot and heavy. "I'm fine. This morning
was for you anyways. Now get up. You made me promise last night not to let you
sleep in." To punctuate his point Sam threw off the covers and began nudging
him out of the bed. Gabriel's pout turned into a grimace as he conceded. He
paused in the doorway wiggling his ass in Sam's direction, "I guess I'll just
go shower all by myself..." Rolling his eyes Sam jumped up and chased him into
the bathroom. "Well if you insist..." At least he had tried to keep Gabe on
time. Who was he to deny such persistence? 
                                *  *  *  *  * 
With a heavy sigh and wince of pain Dean popped back a couple of Advil and
chased it down with the lukewarm water in his hands. He had been crouched under
the hood of a prominent client’s car non-stop today for a rush service and his
back had decided that it was tired of his bullshit excuse for self-care.
Allowing himself a few more minutes for the worst of the pain to subside Dean
closed his eyes and leaned back gingerly in the rickety kitchen chair that
lived in the staff room. He was so focused on the receding ache in his back and
behind his temples that he didn’t notice Bobby entering until he was pushing a
cup of coffee in front of his face.
“Yah did good today kid,” he grumbled affectionately. “I know it ain’t easy
dealing with Michael, but he’s our best customer.” Dean shrugged and accepted
the coffee with a tired smile. Bobby shifted his weight from side to side
clearly uncomfortable. “I hear you’ve got a hot date tonight.” 
Dean’s ears burned bright red as he cursed Jo for her big mouth. Knowing what
Bobby expected he rattled off the few key things he would need to satisfy him
and Ellen that he wasn’t about to meet some psychopath and never return. San
Francisco was a big city and shit like that wasn’t exactly unheard of. It
didn’t help that Dean’s track record with men wasn’t all that great. “His name
is Castiel Novak, he works at the club Gabriel manages, has a twin sister
Charlie is seriously crushing on, he makes a mean whiskey sour, and he moved
here about six months ago.” Bobby nodded satisfied before adjusting his hat and
grumbling something about ‘good luck’ and ‘see yah tomorrow’ before shuffling
away awkwardly to report back to Ellen. 
Though his family could be a right pain in his backside Dean wouldn’t change
them for the world. They had been had been there for him through so much
without judgement and with more love than he would have thought possible.
Standing up carefully he rifled through his jacket pockets to find his cell
phone. It was time for Sammy to step up. They had made a deal yesterday that
Dean would make the romantic dinner he wanted to serve to Gabriel and in return
Sam would help plan tonight’s date. It was not that Dean was not competent
enough to plan his own first dates, it was more that he wanted tonight to be
perfect. It had been far too long now since Dean had felt this way about a
potential partner. All too often his dates were about fulfilling a need;
whether that was a sexual frustration or a need for physical intimacy never
seemed to matter. But Castiel… Cas brought something out in Dean that he hadn’t
felt since Lisa all those years ago. There was a force that seemed to draw the
two of them together whenever they were in proximity of one another that he was
very interested in pursuing.
By the time Dean pulled up in front of the address Cas had given him he was
questioning everything. Sam had picked out a casual button up shirt instead of
his usual Henley and a pair of crisp dark denim jeans he can’t remember owning
given how form fitting they were. In his jacket pocket he had tickets to a play
his brother had assured him would be a hit and in the other pocket Sam had
placed a condom and a small pack of lube. Dean had tried to take it out
claiming he didn’t want to seem presumptuous on the first date but he had
insisted saying that he could blame it on Sam if he needed to.
Dean was wiping his hands nervously over his new jeans gathering the courage to
go up to the buzzer by the door when a loud tapping on the driver’s side window
made him jump and hit his head on the roof of his Baby. With a few choice swear
words in varying levels of volume he looked up to glare at the perpetrator when
he saw Cas doubled over laughing next to him. All his anger dissipated at
seeing this beautiful man’s face lit up with joy and he struggled to replace
his goofy grin with a look of irritation as he rolled down the window and
leaned out.
“Well you seem real proud of yourself. Is this payback for the coffee thing? I
thought we were even…” As Dean spoke Cas straightened wiping away tears of
mirth from his eyes and went around to the passenger side to open the door and
slide in. With a sly smirk on his face he ignored Dean’s comments and buckled
his seatbelt, adjusted the strap, and made himself otherwise at home on his
side of the bench seat. Only after all of his fine tunings did he look up as if
just noticing the man leaning on the steering wheel incredulously.
“Oh, hey! I figured since you clearly weren’t going to notify me of your
presence I would do us both a favour and notify you of mine.”
Dean sputtered, “I was just about to! I was just-“
“Sitting outside my apartment building like a stalker for 15 minutes? Yeah,
that’s what I thought. Turn left at the lights. 
Dean stared in awe at this man who had completely taken charge of the night.
And it was hot. All of his carefully rehearsed conversations and flirty lines
fell away as he quickly realized there was no place for them here. Not with
Cas.
Clearing his throat and turning back to the wheel Dean carefully pulled out
onto the main road and began following the last minute turns and directions of
the too-hot-for-his-own-good man in the passenger seat. They had agreed to
split the planning of the date so that Cas chose the dinner location and Dean
chose the activity for after. As they drove across the city Dean took little
peeks at Cas to admire the deep V-neck t-shirt and blazer he was wearing and
the very snug black jeans that seemed to be hugging every curve. He was so deep
in contemplation of how it would feel to be those jeans that he almost missed
the next turn off.
“Distracted?” Cas smirked, shifting in his seat. Dean cursed under his breath
as he pulled into a parking space. He turned off the car at Cas’ confirmation
that they had arrived and he began to exit the vehicle. “Where are we anyways?”
he asked. He did not recognize the area, but then again he didn’t usually leave
their end of the city.
“You’ll see,” Cas responded mischievously, holding out his hand. Dean tried and
failed to keep the silly grin from his face as he interlaced his fingers with
Cas’ and tried to remember to breath. From the cute little smile that made its
way onto the other man’s face he concluded that he was not alone. He gently
squeezed his hand before Cas began leading the way down the street and through
a back alley. Dean was so engrossed in the way their hands fit together
perfectly that he didn’t think to be worried about where he was being taken.
With bright blue eyes gleaming with excitement Cas paused in front of a shop
tucked away in a corner before pushing his way through the small throng of
people blocking the entrance. Grateful for the hand guiding him Dean allowed
himself to take in his surroundings noticing the garlands of fresh flowers and
fairy lights lining the ceiling with the occasional lantern swinging from
prominent beams crosscutting the room. The walls were covered in posters from
previous community events as well as a hodgepodge of wallpaper samples and
photos. Cas led them straight to a table in the corner that had empty barrels
instead of seats and an old public school desk instead of a table. As he sat
Dean saw a declaration of love clumsily etched onto the side of the wood:
‘Krissy + Josephine 4eva.’
Turning back to his date Dean saw Cas looking towards him simultaneously
expectant and nervous. Laughing Dean gave him a satisfied nod causing Cas’ face
to melt into relief and happiness. “I didn’t even know this place existed,” he
admitted.
Cas laughed in a cadence that Dean could listen to forever. “Not many do. Elora
found this place when she was scouting the city for clubs. A former client
brought her in and we have been frequenting it ever since. Their food is
fantastic I promise.”
Dean was curious as to what Castiel meant by ‘client’ but it seemed clear from
his body language that he was almost daring him to make some sort of assumption
or rude comment. Instead he leaned forward and teased his companion, “You seem
like you are trying to convince me the food is good. What is it? What aren’t
you telling me?”
With a little breath out Cas relaxed and brought out that mischievous smile
once more. “So… There is something I haven’t told you yet…”
“You like men!” Dean blurted out. Oh god his sense of humour was going to be
his own personal cock block at this rate. He cringed inwardly until he heard
that wonderful lilt of Castiel’s laughter ringing out across from him. He
seemed genuinely impressed as he shook his head and continued what he had been
about to say.
“Well I guess there is that too,” he resumed still chuckling. “But actually…”
Here he paused to look around and lean in conspiratorially. Dean mirrored his
movement and leaned in close as well. “Dean, I understand if this changes
everything, but…” The serious gaze pinning him down as he shuffled to the end
of his barrel enraptured Dean. “Dean, I am… Vegan…” Cas continued to stare him
down as the thick cloud of seriousness began to crack around them. This time it
was Dean throwing his head back in laughter. When had he laughed this much
last?
A lanky server with sharp features and a jovial grin sidled up to their table
and set down two mason jars full of water with little cucumbers floating at the
top and two menus printed on what he presumed must be recycled paper given the
rest of the cues the restaurant had given him. “Gooood evening! Welcome to The
Joint! My name is Garth and I will be serving you this fine day! Oh! Cas!
Welcome back, bro! Would you like to hear tonight’s specials?” Dean cringed
from the enthusiasm this man was exuding as well as the friendly hand he had
placed on Cas’ shoulder, but looked up nonetheless and nodded. “Awesome possum,
bro! We have a local craft pilsner on tap, our famous Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
appetizer, and a new San-Fran Black Bean burger with our in-house made cashew
cheese and smoked seitan bacon. I can take your drink order now if you’d like
and then leave you with the menus for a bit.”
A bit overwhelmed Dean ordered the beer on special and listened as Cas ordered
a Vietnamese iced tea, whatever that was. As Garth scurried away to place their
drink order and welcome the other new table that had sat down Dean chose to
shake off his discomfort at the overly-friendly greeting Garth had given his
date and looked over impressed. “I have to say, I have never been so surprised
by one person before. First of all, The Joint? Really?” Cas chuckled to himself
and shook his head. “Second, cauliflower wings? Dude. But most importantly… You
aren’t one of those vegans that are super preachy and judgey are you?”
Castiel shook his head fervently as he hurried to clarify. “Following your
order of concerns here: 1) This place was bought one day when the owner was
higher than a kite and then after a few more joints he was inspired and voila!
The Joint was born. All of the décor and equipment etcetera are repurposed or
recycled and the food is all sustainable and locally sourced. The owner is very
community oriented and employs those down on their luck who usually have
trouble finding work and all of the profit he makes goes into an overnight
shelter he runs on this end of town.” At Dean’s slack jawed response Cas
pointed to the menu in front of him and said, “There is a bio right there.” He
shook his head as he continued his explaination. “2) Yes, Dean, cauliflower
wings. You will love them I promise. And 3) if you think that I am capable of
being judgey and preachy than you clearly know nothing and I may as well start
calling you Jon Snow.”
Heaven help me, I think I am falling in love with this man. Snapping himself
out of it, Dean retorted, “Well I am not sure I do know you. After all, I
didn’t exactly see the vegan thing coming.” They were so busy talking that they
missed Garth flouncing back to their table setting down a oddly shaped glass
full of beer and a completely different type of glass with iced tea.. “Have you
folks decided or do you need a couple more minutes?” Dean shrugged his
shoulders and told Cas he could decide for him. After all, he had no idea what
any of the stuff on the menu was. Cashew cheese? Grinning to himself Cas
ordered the wings for them to share and leaned in to whisper the next part of
the order to Garth. Looking up at Dean suspiciously the server’s grin grew as
he nodded, scribbled something down and disappeared into the back.
“Am I going to regret this?” he asked warily, still trying with all his might
to ignore the familiarity between the server and his companion. Cas was all
wide-eyed innocence as he looked back at Dean. “Regret what?” he asked. Before
he could respond Dean felt a foot sliding up his ankle. Narrowing his eyes at
the man sitting seemingly harmless across from him Dean held his breath as the
foot travelled up just a little farther on his leg resting on his upper calf.
“Cas…” The perpetrator took a sip to disguise the smirk that sprung
involuntarily to his lips. Dean’s eyes followed the glass and he licked his
lips at the sight. Castiel drew the tea away and swiped his tongue along the
lip of the glass to lick away any remaining droplets that remained. Suddenly
Dean’s new pants felt far tighter, particularly in one area. He shifted a
little in his seat to surreptitiously adjust himself and this time Cas didn’t
bother hiding his snicker.
Before he knew it Garth was bringing them out a platter of what seemed to be
regular hot wings, even if some were a little misshapen. Suddenly the foot on
his leg disappeared and Dean let out the breath he hadn’t realized he was
holding. Cas picked up one of the pieces from the platter and held it out for
Dean to eat. Somehow Cas feeding him seemed far more intimate than anything
else in this world. He didn’t know how he did it, but this man just seemed to
bring out this side of Dean he had never acknowledged until know. They seemed
to get lost in their own little world as Dean’s lips slipped over Cas’ fingers
and flicked his tongue out to lick off the remaining sauce. Keeping eye contact
the entire time they took turns feeding each other the saucy cauliflower. Cas
had been right, goddamn him; the cauliflower wings were reallygood. He was
relieved to see that he wasn’t the only one being affected by the intimacy of
the moment as Cas shifted in his seat and gazed affectionately at his dining
partner. 
Garth cleared his throat delicately not wanting to intrude as both men jumped
slightly from their barrels. “Sorry to interrupt your eye-fucking, but your
entrees are here.” Looking up in shock Dean saw a shit-eating grin on their
server’s face as he put down two plates and took away the empty platter. Cas’
own face was bright red as he mumbled ‘thanks, Garth.’ Dean was getting really
curious now as to how they knew each other since it seemed that it was not just
a business relationship.
Tucking that thought away for another time, Dean looked down at his plate in
shock. “Um… Cas… Is this what I think it is?” Still blushing furiously from
being caught earlier Castiel gazed across the table shyly and nodded. “Oh my
god I think I love you, how did you know?” Realizing quickly what he had just
said Dean’s head snapped back up so fast he was sure he had heard a crack. His
face warmed in mortification as Cas bit his lip, a look of adoration in his
eyes and a nonchalant shrug in his shoulders. “I suppose I just know you more
than you think.” Yep, that was definitely a wink.
Dean picked up his burger reverently and turned it from side to side admiring
it and trying to decide how to eat it gracefully. As if reading his thoughts –
which, at this point, would not be surprising – Cas assured him, “There is no
attractive way to eat that I promise you. I recommend you just say ‘fuck it’
and go for it.” Laughing Dean agreed and took his first bite of vegan heaven.
Moaning around the glorious taste he got a satisfied chuckle and a returned
moan as Cas bit into his own burger. After getting about halfway through in
content silence Dean finally spoke. “Okay, admit it. This was all a ruse and
this food isn’t actually vegan. Nice try.” Castiel laughed, his smile
brightening. “I know, right? Who knew that a vegan double bacon chilli cheese
burger could be exist let alone taste this good?” Dean still shook his head. “I
would ask how the hell it could exist, but I don’t want to ruin the mystery.
Going back to their comfortable silence the boys finished their meal until Dean
leaned back against the wall completely satiated. “I don’t think I could eat
another bite,” he declared patting his stomach. Usually this was not the kind
of behaviour he showcased on first dates, but Cas made him feel so comfortable
and at home he couldn’t help but let down his guard. Cas leaned deeply against
the sidewall in agreement. “It’s a shame really, they have a great cheesecake
and pie.” Dean perked up. “They have pie?” Cas laughed once again as he reached
his hand over to cover Dean’s. He was pretty sure his jaw would be sore
tomorrow from all the smiling and laughing he had done tonight.
They had just paid and were leaving the restaurant holding hands once more – at
which Garth had wolf whistled – when Castiel’s phone began ringing. Pausing off
to the side he took his phone out of his back pocket and looked at the screen
frowning. “Sorry, I have to take this.” A little crestfallen Dean nodded and
stood little ways away to give him some privacy, though he could still hear
pieces of Cas’ responses.
“Hey Elora, how’s it going? Gabriel? What’re you doing with… What? What?!” Cas
put out his hand to the wall to steady himself. “Fuck. Fuck! I thought you… How
could… Fuck Gabe! Just tell me where she is now… Okay, got it. Yeah… Yeah, I
will meet you there. Bye.” Dean stood off to the side unsure of what to do.
Clearly something bad had happened as Cas brought his other hand up to cover
his eyes and leaned heavily against the wall.
Shuffling forward cautiously Dean reached out to place his hand on Cas’
shoulder, but then thought better of it. Instead he called out in a soft voice,
“Cas? Are you okay? Do you need me to take you somewhere?” The dark-haired man
flinched at the voice so close to him before slowly turning around to face him.
His jaw was taut with worry and anger and his eyes were hard as his fists
unconsciously clenched and unclenched at his sides. They made eye contact and
Cas took in a deep, rattling breath before letting it out and releasing his jaw
a bit.
Closing his eyes, Cas spoke with a quiet that chilled Dean to the bone. “My
deepest apologies, but I will have to cut our time together short. If you would
be so kind, could you please take me to Gabriel’s house? I believe you know the
location.” The clipped response only made Dean more certain that something had
gone terribly wrong and that whoever had crossed Castiel would soon regret it.
Nodding his head he allowed Castiel to lead the way back to the impala. Not
quite able to contain his curiosity, though he knew he may come to regret it,
Dean inquired, “Umm, sorry, but what is at Gabriel’s house?”
Cas’ shoulders stiffened ahead of him but his pace did not break. “Elora
wouldn’t go to the hospital. He must have taken her back to his place when…
Fuck…” Sliding his hand cautiously back into Cas’ he gave it a squeeze and
allowed Cas to do the same, nearly breaking his hand in the process.
“What…” Dean’s voice broke and he licked his lips and cleared his throat before
continuing. “Cas, what happened?” The answer was more of a growl than a human
voice.
“Crowley.”
Chapter End Notes
     In case you haven't (or have) noticed... I have updated the summary
     (and tags). This story started out one way and has evolved a bit.
     Though it is still going in the original direction I will also be
     following the other characters through their personal journeys of
     recovery and love and life.
     If you like the mystery of not knowing why a story is going a certain
     way then ignore this next part, but I feel like I needed to put it
     out there:
     With the exception of Elora, Cas, and Dean's storylines the
     flashbacks for the other characters will be pretty personal for me
     starting this chapter. I have been trying to work through some shit
     on my end and one way to do that for me is to write as if it happened
     to four other people, not just me alone. So I will be distributing
     little personal flashbacks in there and if it seems a little
     disjointed forgive me, emotions are a bitch. Hopefully this just adds
     to the characters and I haven't ruined this for you. If so, feel free
     to ignore this whole bit. *awkward smile* *flaps hands and walks
     away*
***** Not Again *****
Chapter Summary
     Crowley is a scumbag. CW: attempted sexual assault.
Chapter Notes
     So... I re-wrote this chapter four different times and am still only
     a little satisfied with it, but it is a long one for your patience!
     Side note: if anyone ever tries to tell you having a wedding in the
     middle of the semester is going to be okay, fight them for me.
See the end of the chapter for more notes
On Thursdays Elora only bartended until 9pm at the club before she went home
from her shift. As much as she enjoyed dancing at the club it was nice to have
a break to appreciate the talent of the other dancers. The bar was busy for a
weeknight so she didn’t notice the time until Gabriel sidled up to relieve her
for the evening.
“Get out of here!” he yelled teasingly. Elora rolled her eyes at the little man
and jarred their shoulders together before ducking beneath the counter to
escape. “Yeah, yeah. You’ll miss me!” she joked back. “I just have to grab my
bag and then I will get out of your hair.” She ruffled said golden locks before
nudging her way towards the backroom.
Entering the passcode for the storeroom Elora navigated the haphazard towers of
boxes to reach the lockers in the very back. As soon as she had her bags she
rifled through to check her phone, knowing that Castiel would have flooded her
inbox with updates on his date. She was not disappointed.
Castiel: Go big or go home?
Castiel: <picture attached>
Elora chuckled at the deep V-neck shirt she had bought him last summer claiming
it was ‘trendy’, but also knowing that he would never wear it. Looks like she
had just been proven wrong. One point to Cassie.
Castiel: Do these jeans make my butt look big?
Castiel: <picture attached>
This time she really did laugh out loud at the photo of him sticking his butt
out and posing with duck lips. She was definitely saving that one for blackmail
later. Scratch that last point. Never give your sister ammo. Amateur. She
scrolled through to read the rest of the saga.
Castiel: I can see Dean outside the building.
Castiel: I think he is giving himself a pep talk?
Castiel: OMG he just gave himself finger guns in the mirror!
Castiel: I think I am going to die from cuteness overload before the date even
starts. SEND HELP!
Castiel: This is too much. I need to rescue him from himself.
Castiel: His FACE when I knocked on the window: PRICELESS. I think I am falling
in love just a little bit…
Castiel: Lord help me…
Castiel: HIS BUTT.
Castiel: I can’t.
Castiel: I can’t even.
Castiel: help.
Castiel: HELP!
Castiel: Garth says hi. J
Castiel: He likes the food! I can’t tell if he is lying yet… He seems like a
steak kinda guy.
Castiel: He is turning me into a flirt monster and I think I like it. *swoon*
Castiel: Dear Lord, please grant me the fortitude to not jump his bones at the
dinner table. Amen.
Castiel: Do you think Garth would tell on me if I used the back room?
Castiel: I’d settle for an alley… ;)
By the time Elora had gotten caught up on her dear brother’s date antics she
was practically crying from laughter and giving thanks to whatever higher power
that be for his sense of humour. Typing out a reply “GO GET ‘EM TIGER! *kissy
face” she didn’t hear the person enter until he was right next to her. Jumping
up in surprise she dropped her phone before she was able to press ‘send’.
“Holy Hell, Crowley! Warn a girl, would’ya?” Bringing her hand up and over her
heart to steady herself Elora took quick stock of the situation. Bad. She was
farthest away from the door, the locked door, alone with her creeper boss.
Alone. Very bad. Shit. Hoping her movements were surreptitious enough not to
raise his hackles she chuckled aloud and moved towards her phone. “What are you
doing back her anyways? Don’t you get Mo or Schmo or whoever to get the extra
booze on your days off?” She kept her voice light and joking as she scanned the
floor for the tell-tale light of the screen. Before she could move much further
Crowley stepped in front of her view and began to advance.
“No, no. This particular piece of business is… personal…” His roving gaze made
her skin crawl but she kept her shudder to herself. By the time he stopping
moving into her space she had been backed up against the wall. Damn. Stupid.
Stupid girl. Though intellectually she knew it wasn’t her fault Elora couldn’t
help kicking herself for the corner she was in. “Oh?” she asked non-
committedly. He slowly lifted his hand towards her face and gently ran his
fingers through her hair. This time Elora couldn’t keep the shiver internal and
she let out another nervous laugh to try and dispel the tension building in the
room. Keep him calm. Less likely to become violent. Check. “I was wondering if
you had reconsidered my deal?” Her stomach lurched and her skin grew warm from
the insinuation.
“I do not need to reconsider. My answer has not changed. No. Resoundingly no.”
Her voice had turned icy and she raised her head resolutely. Okay, so dipping
out of the polite girl routine. Crowley’s hand paused in its travel through her
hair as he flicked his eyes back towards hers. “Is this your final answer? I
won’t ask again…” There was a menacing undertone in his voice and she felt a
strong sense of foreboding. Nonetheless she stood fast and replied, “Good. The
answer is no.” The disappointment was clear in his face but his voice dripped
with something entirely else as he muttered, “Pity for you.”
Before she could react Crowley had tightened his grip in her hair and begun to
drag her towards him, hands bruising. Terrible flashbacks trickled through her
mind as she brought her hands up to grapple with his and she swallowed around
the ripening panic in her throat. Her muscle memory kicked in before her mind
joined the team and she was kicking her boss’ legs out from under him as she
yanked his arm behind his back causing him to tear out a good chunk of her hair
in the process. Elora growled low at the pain but kept the continuous pressure
on Crowley’s arm until she heard the satisfying pop of his shoulder dislocating
over his screams.
Goal achieved, she backed up to run through the door and only just realized her
mistake as his uninjured arm swung up and collided with her cheekbone. The
force of the blow brought her to her knees but she was able to bring her arms
up to parry the next hit before rushing her head forward in a head butt that
left Crowley on the ground semi-conscious and Elora reeling and feeling
nauseous. She used a stack of nearby boxes to shift herself up and onto his
back in order to restrain his good arm. Chest heaving she leaned down to
whisper in his ear, venom dripping from every syllable, “I. Said. NO. You.
Fucker.” Crowley sounded like he wanted to respond but all that came out was a
garbled mumble. For good measure she grabbed a nearby empty bottle and smashed
it over his head rendering him unconscious. Now that she had stopped moving,
however, what had just happened (and what had almost happened) came into stark
clarity and her heavy breath from the exertion quickly began to escalate into
panic and shock. Fortunately at that moment she heard the door bang open and
Gabriel rush through. With a flicker of a relieved smile Elora glanced towards
her friend and mumbled a “Thank god,” before letting her mind go blank.
                                   * * * * *
Gabriel had kept his promise to look out for Elora throughout the week so when
she left to retrieve her things he started a countdown. Even though Crowley was
supposed to be out today he wasn’t going to take any chances. Fifteen minutes
seemed like plenty of time to return from the backroom so when she didn’t show
up Gabriel told Kevin they needed more vodka and slipped away. As he approached
the door he heard the sound of screaming followed by a sickening thud. With
growing urgency he smashed in the pin.
In his haste Gabriel missed a digit on the door and it beeped angrily back at
him. Swearing loudly he punched the numbers in more carefully this time
slamming the door open as soon as the green light allowed him to. The sight
that met him had his knees buckling and his stomach turning but he steadied
himself before rushing to Elora’s side. Just as he arrived her body went slack
and he caught her to lower her down on the ground and survey the scene. Crowley
was unconscious on his stomach with one arm bent unnaturally while Elora’s hair
was matted and bloody and he thought he could see several red patches of what
he was sure would be bruises forming on her skin. Gabe took a deep breath and
tried to see through the red that had filled his vision.
Adrenaline was still rushing through his body as he called ‘911’. He blinked
and found himself handing over the keys to Kevin. Another blink had him with
Elora as she gave her statement, far away look in her eyes. He tried to get her
to go to the hospital to get checked out after the first responders had done
their bit, but she refused suddenly becoming more and more erratic while
muttering “Cassie… I need Cassie… Where is Castiel?!” As the police came to
cart away the trash Gabriel smuggled the shaking woman out of the club and to
his own home. Before departing he dialled Castiel from Elora’s phone, gave him
the starkest of details, and told him where to meet him. Immediately after he
called Sam. He was going to need the back up.
                                   * * * * *
Castiel refused to speak to or look at Dean the entire drive to Gabriel’s
apartment. He sat stiffly in the passenger seat bobbing his leg up and down
with a deadly scowl pasted onto his face and his arms crossed over his chest
like a vice. When Dean parked the Impala he jumped out of the car as if it were
burning him and began pacing until Dean led the way up and into the house. As
soon as they entered they could see Gabriel leaning heavily in the hallway
looking lost and haggard as he gazed towards the bathroom. In the kitchen Sam
looked up only briefly enough to nod in acknowledgement before going back to
making tea. Abandoning social niceties in favour of speed Cas growled at the
shorter man and he simply pointed in return. Turning to Dean Gabe gave him a
half smile in greeting before returning his furrowed gaze to whatever was going
on down the hall. Dean leaned onto the wall opposite him and settled in, ready
to help if need be.
Castiel only faltered once in his journey towards his sister curled up in the
bathtub, eyes glazed over and vacant. Stripping off his blazer and Converse
shoes he slowly lowered himself down beside her. Careful not to touch just yet
he placed his hands palms up on his knees and started soothing her with a
practiced air that made Dean’s heart clench painfully. There was no doubt in
his mind that the twins had been here before and Castiel’s next words confirmed
this.
“Hey Ellie Bellie. It’s Cassie. It’s me. I’ve got you now. You are safe in this
place. No one will hurt you here I swear it. Not this time. Not again. I’m
right here. Look at me Ellie. It’s Cassie. He is not here anymore. They can’t
get you. Come back to me…”
Several of Elora’s nails had broken and as Cas spoke soothingly Dean could see
her drag one jagged nail methodically up and down her arm leaving deep red
lines on the skin that had started to bead with blood. Though Cas had clearly
noticed he made no move stop it, instead he kept speaking patiently palms up
until Elora’s gaze finally met his and the glaze began to fade from her eyes.
Maintaining eye contact Elora placed first one hand and then the other onto her
brother’s. Castiel allowed a soft smile to ghost onto his lips as he encouraged
her into his waiting arms.
“That’s right Ellie. I’m right here. I’ve got you now. They can’t get us here.”
If Dean’s heart was breaking before it absolutely shattered with Cas’ last
words. He knew this was a private moment and he ought to give them privacy, but
he couldn’t find it in himself to move in case he was needed. At least that’s
what he kept telling himself. Gabriel had slid down to the floor and was
holding his head in his hands with his elbows braced on his knees as if the
weight was just too much for him. Dean joined him on the floor staying within
earshot as he heard the first words Elora had said since their arrival.
“I’m sorry Cas… I talked to them. They have my name on a file; they can find us
now, right? But I won’t let them take you away. I can’t. We’ll have to run
again, but that’s okay. I’ll keep you safe again, I’ll…”
Well that was new. Run again? Dean was confused. The twins went back and forth
as if this were an old argument until Castiel finally stopped his sister with a
calm, assured voice. “We can’t keep doing this. I’m tired of running. Whatever
happens was bound to occur eventually. We need to stop moving around and get
you some stable help. You owe it to yourself and don’t even pretend that you
don’t know it. Quit worrying about me for once in your life and look after
yourself. Please.” There was silence once more before Elora admitted quietly,
“I’m scared. I can’t lose you, too. I won’t.” Castiel gathered her up in his
arms and held her tightly, pressing his cheek to the top of her head. “I’m
scared too, Ellie. Me too.”
Dean was startled out of his contemplation as Sam came by to help Gabriel back
to their bedroom. He took this as his cue to stand and stretch his legs.
Halfway back from his return journey he saw Castiel appear at the doorway of
the bathroom eyes red and swollen with hair standing up on end from pulling on
it. The previous tension had left him like a deflated balloon and he leaned
heavily against the wall as he sought out Dean. Approaching cautiously he
reached out a hand and was both surprised and glad when the offer was taken.
Castiel held on tightly as he blinked up at him and attempted a half-smile. It
turned into more of a grimace and his face fell once more.
“I hate to ask you another favour from you, but would you be able to take us
home? Our car is still at the club and, well…” Dean pulled him into a soothing
embrace as he agreed. “Yes, of course. Anything.” After a few more shaky
breaths they separated and Cas helped his sister from the bathtub supporting
her weight on his shoulder. Giving a Dean a nod that they were ready the three
of them left.
It wasn’t until Castiel had settled Elora into her own bed that he spoke again,
face buried in Dean’s arms in the living room. “I’m sure this is not how you
thought this date was going to end,” he supposed dryly. Dean leaned back and
took his face between his hands and looked at him sternly. “I just wish this
hadn’t happened, I don’t care about the date. If there is anything at all I can
do for either of you please don’t hesitate to let me know.”
A real smile made its way onto Cas’ lips this time before he touched their
foreheads together. “Why are you so wonderful?” Dean tried to come up with a
smart-ass comeback but his thoughts stammered to a halt when Cas tilted his
head up to place a light kiss on his lips. By the time his body caught up to
what was happening Castiel has pulled away and was disentangling from their
embrace. “I’ll call you,” he said simply. Dean just nodded mutely trying not to
feel the whiplash before clearing his throat and finding his voice. “Yeah, of
course. See ya Cas.”
                                   * * * * *
Elora stayed in bed drifting through old and new nightmares for two days before
she was able to roll out of the room and join Castiel on the couch, snuggling
up under his arm. Without hesitation he gathered her into his side and placed a
light, reassuring kiss on her forehead. He had made sure she took the
prescribed painkillers and her usual anti-depressants during her brief
hibernation as well as changed the bandage on her scalp and he was relieved to
see that she hadn’t accidently (or purposefully) reopened the wounds she had
received. Trying to keep his breathing soft and even Cas let his sister take
whatever comfort she needed from him while his sweater became heavy from their
combined tears. Just before she drifted back into fitful sleep she grumbled up
at him in a rough, disused voice, “Make the appointment. I’m ready now.”
Castiel let out the breath he hadn’t realized he had been holding. Elora going
back to see a therapist was a big step for her recovery and her request had
sent a flurry of hope through his chest, though he couldn’t deny that some of
those flurries were caused by their decision to stay. He wanted – no, needed –
his sister to get the stable counselling she needed after their fucked-up
experiences, but the longer they stayed in one place and the more they put
themselves in the system the more likely it was that someone from their past
could find them. Castiel was fairly certain based on his own research that what
he had done would be considered self-defence, but then again he had been on the
run since.
Shaking himself out of the dark turn his thoughts had taken he stood and gently
set Elora back down onto the cushions setting about fulfilling her request.
When she was still sleeping after he had made an appointment for Monday he made
dinner and brought the laptop back to the couch to browse for new employment in
the area. A part of him sneered at his optimism while the rest of him
stubbornly refused to give into the same fear that had sent them flying from
New Mexico in the first place. When he let himself he could still smell the
sourness of his father’s last bender, the must of the carpet rubbing against
his nose. He could hear the bones cracking against the tire iron, taste the
blood and bile at the back of his throat, his senses overwhelmed with the sound
of endless screaming screaming screaming…
He didn’t realize he was whimpering until he felt Elora’s hands close over his
shoulders reassuringly. She made little sshing noises until his breathing
evened and his head cleared of the haunting images. His head fell heavily
behind him and onto his sister’s knew as he let out a deep breath from his
mouth. “That’s right, that’s better. Let it out, Cas. Let it out.” He continued
to breath deeply grateful not for the first time that his twin just knew what
he needed and he didn’t have to ask or explain. His thank you fell from his
lips softly, but she caught it anyways. “Come on, let’s go to bed. It’s been a
long couple of days.” Castiel let himself be led this time to his room and
stayed still as Elora crawled in the other side. “We’re in this together, okay?
Always.”
Chapter End Notes
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