The sewers.

"Just where I wanted to spend a Friday night." Dean grumbled under his breath, barely managing to fight back his gag reflex as he sloshed through a puddle of something he didn't even want to know what it was. He'd only been down here for a little while and his jeans were already soaked through up to his knees with rancid water. He feared he'd never be able to wash the smell off him, and his boots had to be ruined. Sloshing disgustingly with every step he took.

No, this was definitely not where he'd wanted to spend his Friday night. Why did the fucking things have to make their home in dark, wet, disgusting places… hence the sewers? Matabiri… fucking ugly swamp spirits. The damn things usually weren't seen out of places like Louisiana, or other swampy locations, but a batch of them had taken up residence underneath the hospital right in the center of San Francisco.

It was said if you were sick and a Matabiri touched you then death was certain. A higher than normal mortality rate at the hospital and descriptions from patients who'd managed to avoid being killed by the things had clued Dean into them... ok so he'd read about it in an article, in the Inquirer no less, course the doctors just thought the patients were delusional. Dean had decided to check it out on his way home from work tonight and was regretting every minute of it.

Holding his gun loaded with the blessed iron rounds out in front of him, even though he could barely make out three feet in front of him in the darkness, Dean moved deeper through the winding tunnels underneath the hospital. He'd been down here for almost an hour and all he'd seen so far was rats.

Irony never failed to surprise him, as soon as he thought that Dean heard a splash from his right that was definitely larger than a rat. The young man froze, waiting, listening. Forgetting about the stink and the cold rancid water up to his knees, his heart pounding harder in his chest so loud he almost couldn't hear anything else. Then he heard the angry shriek in the darkness and Dean turned, took aim, and fired just like Bobby taught him. His shot hitting the matabiri square in the chest where it fell down dead at his feet.

***

Another two hours and three more matabiri dead Dean crawled out of the manhole he'd pried open earlier to get into the sewer. Feeling more disgusting than he'd ever felt in his life but also more elated than he ever would have believed possible. It was his first real hunt, well, by himself. The last few months Bobby had decided to take up his old trade and taken him along on a few minor jobs. A relatively harmless haunting, then a nasty little poltergeist, and a fucking zombie all in the last month alone. But this was the first job Dean had found and done himself and he couldn't wait to tell the older hunter about it.

Dean was actually digging around in his pocket for his cell phone to call Bobby when he realized he must have dropped it somewhere down in the mucky sewers because it wasn't in his pocket. That was about the same time he realized he hadn't even called Samuel to let him know he'd be home late.

"Shit!" He muttered under his breath as he took off in a run for their apartment. Just imagining how pissed his lover was going to be, and not looking forward to it.

It had taken everything Samuel had to keep himself from interfering. He was glad he'd been successful, because he'd seen... once again... how competent Dean was at this hunter business. Yeah, he'd hated that Dean was entering the business, but later, he'd realized it was for selfish reasons. He just couldn't stand the thought of his lover in that much danger.

The truth was, this was Dean's calling. And as Michael had once pointed out to him, there was no faster way to redemption than fighting evil head on. A lifetime of good citizenship and true regret was what it might take for Dean to find a place in heaven after having tried to kill himself, but as a hunter, a couple of years was what it might take.

Over the past year, Sam had done everything he could to give Dean the advantage in any fight. There were funds to get the best weapons out there, though many times the best was home-made equipment. Martial arts lessons, private lessons with an ex-marine and an ex SAS specialist, and anything else that Sam could think of. Dean could be stubborn and rebellious, but Sam had to give him credit for putting in the hard work without complaint. For going to all of his lessons and mostly for taking care not to take risks he wasn't ready for.

However, calling in to say he'd be late or was stuck somewhere, or to give him a mental warning... that he could still use work on. He gave a quiet sigh, doubting if it were something that would ever change.

"What's wrong?"

Sam shook his head, raising his brow at the intense look in Gabriel's eyes. "Nothing. The plan sounds—"

"You looked distracted. It's Dean, he's talking to you in your head again, isn't he?"

Sam shook his head 'no.' "He forgot to let me know he'll be late, so I'm sure he'll avoid any contact until he gets here. Why are you obsessed with him?" There was steel beneath his smile.

"I'm not, it's you. I want to be sure you're at the top of your game."

"When have I not been?" Samuel sat back and practically glared at Gabriel, daring him to be able to give a single example.

"Alright. But he's trouble. Every time I see him, my hackles rise."

"That makes two of you." Pinching the bridge of his nose, Sam rubbed his eyes. That was when he felt Dean's approach.

We have company. He mentally warned, without looking at the door, or at the plastic he'd spread leading from the door straight to the bathroom,

The door opened, but neither angel turned toward it immediately.

"I understand the plan, Gabriel. Has anyone figured out what this cloaking ability is?"

"Negative," Gabriel turned his unfriendly blue eyes onto Dean, his nose wrinkling slightly.

Sam turned his head and laughed. "You look like a drowned rat. It's a good thing you don't have a date, you'd be in big trouble."

Dean had made sure to enter the apartment building from the back way, since it wasn’t so late that no one would see him coming in and he definitely didn’t need to be running in to anyone who knew him looking, not to mention smelling, like he did. He could lie about what he’d been doing, sure. Like he dropped his keys down a sewer grate, or something, but he’d rather not have to deal with anyone at all. He just wanted a shower and then to spend the rest of the evening with his lover… well… after he used some creative means to make Samuel forgive him for being late again without calling. Though Dean was certain the only reason the angel got half as pissy with him as he did was because he liked it when Dean made it up to him.

The young man wasn’t really surprised, but he still wasn’t exactly expecting the ‘warning’ from Samuel before he even got his key into the door. He didn’t remember Sam telling him about any kind of company they were having tonight, especially since they usually spent Friday nights alone together, but when Dean opened the door he understood. Frowning seeing the other angel sitting in the living room with Samuel.

Gabriel, he probably should have known. By now Dean had almost gotten used to the other angels who liked to drop in on them unannounced. Michael Dean didn’t mind, hell, he even liked him a bit. He wasn’t nearly as laid back as Samuel but at least he didn’t act like he had a ten foot pole shoved way up his ass, Gabriel on the other hand…

He couldn’t stand the angel, the feeling was mutual, and neither of them bothered to hide it. Despite the many times Samuel had scolded him for being rude, or downright disrespectful, towards the other angel, Dean didn’t give a shit. He wasn’t going to kiss the other angel’s ass, and if Gabriel was going to treat him like he was scum under his boot, fuck him. Only because they both cared about Samuel they’d pretty much come to an unspoken agreement to avoid each other as much as possible when they were forced to share the same space.

Which was why Dean only replied, “I’m gonna take a shower.” To Samuel, and started to head that way with only a slightly raised eyebrow at the plastic already laid out on the floor to the bathroom. He’d stopped being surprised by the things Samuel sometimes just knew a long time ago.

Let me know when he’s gone. He added as he closed the bathroom door behind him, walking straight into the shower with all his clothes on, and turned the water on. He stripped down inside the shower to avoid making an even bigger mess and sighed underneath the hot spray as he began washing himself vigorously.

Seeing Gabriel’s stony expression, Samuel sighed. You could have said hello.

Predictably, Gabriel pointed toward the door to the hall. “He’s rude, self impressed, and you let him walk all over you. You clean up after him, cook, provide everything and he contributes noth—“

“You don’t know that.” A muscle started to throb in Sam’s jaw.

“Samuel—“

“Gabriel, mind your own business. I don’t tell you how to run your life, who to have as friends—“

“HE’s your friend? He’s a user, and—“

Samuel got up, his expression growing dark and forbidding. “He lives here, this is his place too, and I won’t have you talking about him like that anymore than I’ll allow him to talk about you.”

Gabriel shot up. “You are comparing a human to an Angel.”

Looking down and mentally counting to keep a rein on his temper, Sam stared to head for the door and opened it. “I’ll see you in a few hours, Gabriel. I need to get some sleep.”

Watching him for a long moment, Gabriel nodded. He gave Sam a hug, whispering in his ear. “It’s only because I care. You’re too kind.”

Yeah, like now… when he was letting Gabriel hold him. Now that he realized there was more to the other Angel’s touches. Now that he’d felt things first hand with Dean, and knew what would be going through his own mind if he were holding Dean like this. Still, it had always been this way between him and Gabe, and any sudden changes might cause more trouble.

Dropping a quick kiss on Gabriel’s cheek, he pulled away. “I know.” He slapped him on the shoulder. “You worry too much. And I am not naïve. Show some respect for an Angel almost as old as you.”

“You should tell that to your… your ward.” Gabriel walked out, turning to look at Sam once again. “You have my respect.”

Once he closed the door, Sam rubbed his eyes. He hated being stuck between those two, it made him feel like he’d run a marathon or twenty. One more sigh, and he headed for the kitchen. He’s gone, you can come out now.

Dean had scrubbed his body down with soap and washed his hair three times before he was satisfied he wouldn’t come out of the shower smelling like a sewer rat. Feeling a hundred times better once he was clean, Dean sighed as he rolled his shoulders and turned up the water just a little hotter to ease the slight ache in his muscles. He was tired but he felt good, just like he always did after a hunt no matter how bruised up he might get. Knowing he’d done something good, worthwhile, and saved people’s lives.

It sure as hell hadn’t been easy, the training had been pretty brutal at first, but it had been well worth it. Samuel had stopped being so resistant about the whole idea and started helping him get the training and tools he’d need. Sam had spared no expense getting him the best teachers and equipment, and Dean had wondered more than once where all the money came from, and how loaded Samuel really was. But he supposed living forever had its advantages, like a healthy bank account. Though Samuel still refused when he’d asked to go with the angel a few times to complete his own “work”, and also refused to help them outright whenever he went out with Bobby.

Still on more than one occasion he knew Samuel had been there. Just a feeling, or something Samuel would mention when he got home and he’d know. Dean wished Samuel would just stop being so damn stubborn about it, if he was going to watch he could at least help, but it was like the angel was afraid if he helped him outright on a hunt that would be encouragement or permission to keep on hunting, and he knew the angel was still hoping he’d give it all up.

Good timing. Dean thought, since he’d been reaching to shut off the water faucet even as he heard Sam’s head’s up that Gabriel had gone. Stepping out of the shower the young man reached for a towel and began drying himself off, leaving his wet clothes hanging up in the shower for now to dry a little before he threw them in the hamper. Hell, on second thought, he should probably just throw them away, save the trouble of trying to wash the stink out of them.

He could feel Sam’s frustration and upset over their bond and Dean did feel a little bit guilty about that, knowing he was to blame as much as Gabriel was, but it wasn’t like he could do anything about it. The other angel had nothing but contempt for him since the moment they’d met and if possible it had only grown the longer he had lived with Samuel. Nothing he did or said would ever change that. The other angel was determined to hate him, and he knew why.

Dean knew the other angel was jealous and had his suspicions about them, but he didn’t have proof. They meant to keep it that way, but sometimes he really wished he could just rub it in the angel’s face that he and Samuel were lovers. He didn’t really care what the other angel thought of him, but he’d just love to see him knocked off his high horse, to know that Samuel would never love him because he loved Dean.

He wrapped his towel around his waist as he left the bathroom, not bothering to go to his room to change since they didn’t have “company” anymore. On his way to the kitchen Dean paused in the living room when his eyes fell on his cell phone lying on the coffee table. Dean knew he hadn’t forgotten it at home, knew he’d had it when he’d left work, and there could be only one reason why it was sitting there instead of lost down some sewer pipe. Dean sighed as he continued to the kitchen, leaning against the doorway and folding his arms across his chest as he watched Sam with a raised eyebrow.

“You know, if you’re going to follow me around anyway, you could at least let me know you’re there. So I don’t accidentally stake you one day.” Dean said with a slight grin.

Sam sensed Dean’s conflicted emotions and thoughts about Gabriel. Well that made three of them, he thought. Weirdest triangle ever. Right, it wasn’t even a triangle.

He heard Dean pad over, and smiled at his threat, though he didn’t turn around as he finished loading up the baked potatoes the way Dean liked them. Once he was done, he picked up both plates and walked to the doorway, letting his gaze slide appreciatively up and down Dean’s bare chest. “You smell much better now,” leaning in, he kissed him lightly on the mouth, then pushed past into the dining room.

He sat down at the table, fully expecting Dean to take a seat even in his state of undress. That boy did not know the meaning of ‘shy,’ and Sam had to admit he loved that about him. He cleared his throat and met flashing green eyes. If he had to guess, he’d say either Dean read his thoughts and was amused, or he was irritated by the non-response about following him on his hunts.

“Actually, I’m going on a mission tonight and I was going to ask if you want to come. Leaving at four in the morning,” he tilted his head to the side, “don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Dean rolled his eyes when Sam ignored his comment completely, instead simply telling him he smelled better. He was a bit irritated though the young man couldn’t really complain about how his lover looked at him, or kissed him. Following the angel into the dining area and taking a seat across from him he began eating. Only realizing now just how hungry he’d been.

He also didn’t fail to notice how Sam kept looking at him, picking up his lover’s thoughts and Dean looked up with a slight grin. Wondering if tonight they’d even get to their bedroom or if Sam was going to do him right on the table again.

Dean’s thoughts were interrupted when Sam mentioned the mission he’d have to do tonight, he should have known that’s why Gabriel had been here. But he was even more surprised when Samuel asked him if he wanted to go. He’d been asking Sam for months to take him with him, hating it whenever Sam left alone to face whatever danger there was without him, but the angel had always flat out refused. Leaving him home to wait and worry. Now to have Samuel ask him out of the blue, he was so stunned he could only stare at the angel for a few moments before answering.

“Yes, I want to go.” Dean answered despite a slight mental groan at the hour. “What is the mission? Where are we going?” He asked, almost forgetting about his meal now.

Sam laughed outright at Dean’s reaction to having to get up early. An early bird, his lover was not. “You know if you go to bed right after we eat, you’ll have more than enough sleep. I’m serious, it won’t kill you to miss Queer as Folk one night.” He was semi-convinced Dean liked to watch it because it had so much sex and it sometimes made Sam squirm. “Besides, you can DVR it, and then watch it… alone.”

He took a bite of his food and raised a brow, “eat.” He didn’t even have to read Dean’s mind to know it was filled with a thousand questions. “Egypt. You remember that tainted net that spread at the first battle you saw through my eyes? We’re calling that material a ‘black hole’ for lack of a better term, but it’s made of pure evil. An angel who didn’t see it was sucked right in, and others who fight on our side…” he gave a heavy sigh. “There’s a darkness in Egypt so we’re doing a sweep. You saw it first last time.”

Yeah, he could insist that Dean look through his eyes, the way he had that time. Every time he went away on a mission, he knew Dean stayed completely connected, watching, giving his two cents when it wouldn’t distract him. Sam had come to trust Dean’s instincts, and of course his lover was now a hunter in his own right. He’d earned the right.

“Anyway, I thought maybe you’d sense or see something again.” He looked at the wall beyond Dean, then back at him. “A consensus is forming that this is the work of Cain.”

Dean had to resist making a rather rude gesture when Samuel laughed at him and pointed out if he went to bed early he could get up early with no problem. Well, that wasn’t the point, it was the principal of the thing.

Though it did amuse him when the angel mentioned him recording Queer as Folk to watch later on without Samuel. He didn’t understand how, after all the things they’d done together, that show still made the angel squirm when they watched it together. Though maybe it had something to do with all the little mental pictures or suggestions they try certain things he’d let travel across their bond. Damn sex was always great after that show.

Dean started eating again, even though he’d almost lost interest by that point with all the questions he wanted to ask Samuel.

Egypt? They were going all the way there? It was hard to believe that by morning tomorrow he and Samuel were going to be in fucking Egypt, half way around the world. He nodded when Sam mentioned the first time he saw Samuel go into battle. That net, thing, that had almost imprisoned Sam and the other angels. If Samuel hadn’t believed him… a small shiver went down his spine when the angel described what had happened to others. What would have happened to Sam if Dean hadn’t seen it.

Hell yes, he definitely wanted to be there now.

“Who’ Cain?”

Sam tensed at the question, not because he was afraid, but he didn’t want to get Dean anxious. “Cain... Cain is the worst of the worst. San Diego,” his eyes met Dean’s. There’s nothing to worry about, we’re prepared for him now.

Sam ate another mouthful of his food, watching Dean carefully. “We’ve faced him before and locked him away for eons. We’ll do it again.” He launched into a few more details about how each of the four angels that were being dispatched would separately sweep the area, looking for signs of the darkness

Of course he had hopes that when they found it, maybe standing on its very edge, he would be able to sense the angel they’d lost. The cold vacuum in that angel’s place in the world hurt, even if Sam hadn’t known him personally.

Samuel might have tried to hide it, but they’d shared thoughts and feeling for far too long for Dean not to pick up the slight change in his lover’s mood his question caused. Cain. San Diego. The night Samuel had almost died. Cain was the one who’d almost killed his lover.

He really wanted to believe Samuel’s reassurances, that there was nothing to be worried about, that the angels were prepared for this Cain person… thing… whatever he was. But Dean could still clearly remember the fear he’d felt that night. Feeling Samuel’s pain. Cain had nearly buried Samuel under tons of rock and then left him to drown. Another few minutes and Samuel would have been dead…

It had been almost a full year since he’d first come to live with Samuel. For nearly a year Cain had obviously slipped through the angels grasps. If they were so ready for him, why hadn’t they caught and banished him already?

They finished their meal while Dean listened to Samuel as he told him about the plan the angels had in place. It seemed like a decent enough plan, Dean understood his part, for the most part. When they finished dinner the young man helped Sam clear the table but he tugged the angel away from the sink and out of the kitchen before his lover could start doing the dishes that could easily be left for when they got back. He swore, sometimes Samuel’s obsession with neatness got on his nerves sometimes.

“Let’s just go to bed.” Dean said, leading the angel to their bedroom, not taking no for an answer. Only once they were there did he turn to face Samuel, wrapping his arms around the angel as he leaned in to taste his lips with a groan. Pressing and rubbing his body up against the angel, his towel loosening a little as he did. Sliding one hand up underneath Samuel’s shirt, rubbing the angel’s back slowly while he kissed his lover deeply.

“Dean,” Sam gave a half hearted protest. His love could talk him into almost anything, even leaving the dishes in the sink ... something that bothered him to no end... the thought of a full sink. “Mmm,” yeah, once Dean’s arms were around him, Sam couldn’t really think anymore.

Sam ran his hand up and down Dean’s back, cupping the side of his neck as they kissed, their tongues weaving in and out of each others’ mouths. Hot, so hot... Dean's affect on him still amazed Sam. Every kiss was like the first time, every caress ingrained in his memory, every moan treasured. He loved him, more than he should. He lusted for him, more than he should. He couldn't help it, couldn't fight it... didn't want to. Now he understood why humans died in the name of love, why they started wars and why so much literature was dedicated to it. The only thing he didn't understand was how anyone who found a treasure like this could tire of it, and move on to look for deeper waters. Have I told you lately how much I love you? Dragging him closer, he groaned as the knot in Dean's towel pressed into his stomach, above another hard knot which was all flesh and blood. He moved his free hand down, gripping the towel right above the curve of Dean’s ass as it started to fall off.

Pulling back, he let his eyes rove over his lover, groaning slightly as thoughts of tumbling him on the bed and fucking him senseless got him harder, and he couldn’t even tell whose thoughts those were. “You need sleep,” he nodded, trying to sound stern. “And pajamas... definitely pajamas.”

“Not lately…” Dean replied, grinning teasingly and then moaning appreciatively when his lover drew him even closer. He ran his hands over the angel’s shoulders and down Samuel’s back before slipping his hands underneath the waistband of Sam’s jeans, teasing over the soft skin and firm muscles he found there.

He easily picked up on his lover’s thoughts, his desires, and Dean couldn’t help but echo Samuel’s groan. The young man made a small sound of complaint however when he felt his towel begin to slip off his hips and the angel’s hand grip the edge of it, stopping it.

“You know, I’ll sleep a lot better after you fuck me senseless.” He said with a grin, knowing exactly how his dirty mouth affected his lover. Dean moaned again as he leaned in to tease Samuel’s lips with feather light touches of his tongue. Rubbing his already hard and weeping cock even more firmly against the angel, his towel becoming even more precariously situated in the process.

“Want you in me. Want you to fuck me so hard I’ll feel you for days.” Dean whispered hotly against his lover’s lips.

Dean’s words, whispered in that low husky voice of his, started a firestorm, consuming him with need. Blood pounded in Samuel’s ears, his cock thickened and ached, and he knew he wasn’t going to fight this. Lifting him up hard against his frame so their groins aligned, he melded their mouths together in a hard kiss, stroking his tongue against Dean’s, weaving it in and out, fast and furious.

He pushed the towel down off Dean’s ass, cupping him and squeezing, groaning at the thought of being inside him. Without breaking the kiss, he managed to reach for the lube on the nightstand and was soon easing his finger inside Dean. One step, and the back of Dean’s knees were against the bed.

Sam tugged the towel out from between them and lifted Dean higher as he started to get on the bed on his knees, carrying Dean who was now straddling his hips. His jeans clad cock rubbed against Dean, almost making him curse. You’re a bad influence, he complained, kissing him fiercely again, then moving his mouth to Dean’s throat and sucking on his sensitive skin.

Suddenly, Sam couldn’t bear the clothes he was wearing. They were tight and constricting and were keeping him from apart from Dean. Moving back, he practically ripped his clothes off until he was completely naked. His heated gaze swept over Dean once, from head to foot, and when he met Dean’s eyes, his eyes were dark with lust.

He covered Dean’s body with his own, sliding one hand under his ass and lifting him up possessively as he moved against him. He groaned as he slanted his mouth of Dean’s, needing him so bad he could barely wait. Sliding his hand between them, he closed his fist around Dean’s cock and started to stroke, thrusting his tongue inside Dean’s mouth to the same rhythm. Soon he’d be inside him, crying out his name as he fucked him so hard, he’d feel it the next day.

Dean moaned in definite approval the way Samuel was suddenly all over him. Kissing him like there was no tomorrow and holding him so tightly he could barely breath. His lover all he could feel, taste, smell… A low groan escaped his throat when the towel around his hips was easily pushed aside and he felt Sam’s hands on his ass. Then he felt a warm slick finger breaching him and his whole body shuddered in pleasure.

Yes. God, yes. Samuel… Dean moaned again as he wrapped his arms around the angel’s shoulders as Samuel lifted him up like he weighed nothing at all. Fuck, it never failed to amaze him, or get him hot, just how strong his lover was. Dean wrapped his legs around the angel’s waist as Samuel got them onto the bed and laid him back. Chuckling softly as he pulled his lips finally away from his lover’s.

“I’m glad I am.” He teased before tilting his head back with a groan as Samuel’s lips and tongue began working their way down his neck. “Fuck, so good…”

Dean watched the angel hungrily as Sam practically ripped his clothes in order to get them off. To get to him. He slid his legs open and arched beneath the angel, rubbing their bodies together, whimpering when Samuel’s hand wrapped around his cock. He fucked into his lover’s hand as he sucked on the angel’s tongue. His fingers twisting in the soft hair at the base of Sam’s skull, digging into the beautiful muscles of his back, trying to get closer. Always closer.

He couldn’t wait. He wanted Samuel inside of him now. Needed him. Still needed him. Would always…

“Now… god Samuel, now please…” Dean panted against his lover’s lips, lifting his hips, begging.

“Anything,” Samuel answered, his throat raw with hunger and need as he aligned himself and pushed inside Dean in one, swift thrust, breaching him completely and burying himself deep inside his lover. Intense heat flashed between them like a firestorm.

“Dean…” Sam groaned, arching as his lover clenched his muscles around him, squeezing his cock tight. Bracing himself on one elbow, his free hand gripping Dean’s hip and part of his ass, Sam started to thrust. In and out, groaning at the friction that threatened to take him over the edge too soon. Not before he gave Dean what he wanted, what he needed.

Pulling his head back slightly, his gaze locked with Dean’s. His knuckles turned white as he slammed inside Dean again, making sure he hit the bundle of nerves that would make Dean crazy. Again, and again, he thrust in slow, controlled motions, fucking him deeply, making him his all over again.

He showed him with the intensity of his gaze, the depth of his groans, and the glimpses of his emotions, how much he needed him. The urgency, the desperation, the single minded and very un-angelic need to prove to both of them that Dean was his, only his, forever his.

When he could stand even the slight separation no longer, Sam brought his mouth down over Dean’s, kissing him hungrily. He scraped his teeth along Dean’s jaw and throat, and was instantly back to his mouth, his tongue stabbing inside Dean’s, invading the warm silky cavern and claiming it for himself just as he claimed Dean’s body. His heart. And his soul… which he’d dragged back from the very depth’s of hell.

“Oh fuck… Samuel…” Dean panted as his eyes practically rolled into the back of his head and he made a sound half between a groan and a whimper when Samuel pushed inside of him in one eager thrust, filling him up to the hilt with his thick hot cock. His muscles almost instinctively clenching, gripping his lover’s flesh tightly deep inside of him. As though he were afraid of losing that contact. As though he never wanted Samuel to leave him, and he didn’t. He sometimes wished they could stay like this forever, as impossible as that was. To be joined physically, their bodies as well as their minds, souls, forever…

Dean almost laughed at himself, he was always such a friggen girl when they had sex, but he couldn’t really help himself. Samuel made him feel this way. Had always made him feel this way, since the moment they’d first met, and he didn’t even mean the sex. When Samuel’s mind had first touched his, when he’d been bleeding to death from his own self inflicted wounds, wanting to die, but somehow just hearing that voice, knowing he wasn’t alone, had made him want to live.

He didn’t know what he would ever do without Samuel. He didn’t want to ever find out.

The expression of pleasure and lust on his lover’s face when the angel began to thrust inside of him was almost enough to send him over the edge that second. Dean groaned and clutched at Sam, his breaths coming out in short quick pants as his lover took him hard and deep. His body eagerly accepting him as it always had. Their combined pleasure washing over him, thoughts of love and devotion flowing between them, until it became impossible to tell which thoughts were who’s, which feelings, which pleasures.

They were one in the same. They had always been one.

“Yes, yes… Samuel… Sam…” The young man gasped when his mouth was free, arching his back and neck to give the angel better access to all of him with his mouth, then whimpering wantonly when his lips were taken again. Exploring Samuel’s mouth like it was the first time. Relearning him again and again.

“Harder… oh god… yes…” He begged unashamedly, lifting his knees and tightening his legs around Samuel’s waist. Trying to draw him even deeper into his body if it were possible. The constant jabbing against his prostate sending jolts of pleasure up and down his body like an electric shock, making him shiver and groan uncontrollably. His cock weeping steadily against his stomach. He wouldn’t last for much longer. It was a miracle he’d lasted this long already, he just didn’t want it to end.

“Samuel!” Dean practically screamed as his orgasm took him almost by surprise, clutching at the angel in every way possible to keep from thrashing wildly. Pinned beneath his lover’s weight, impaled on his cock, he felt like that was all that was holding him together, keeping him from flying apart at the seams, as rope after rope of come spilled between their bodies.

Dean’s shout drove Samuel over the edge. He held onto his lover as tightly as Dean clung on to him, fucking him just that little bit harder as he gripped Sam’s shoulders, his fingers digging into his lovers flesh, as he threw his head back and gave voice to his own release. He kissed Dean again, his body still clenching around Sam as the last waves of his climax started to recede.

Then he started to laugh as he eased out of Dean and started to clean them up with a towel. “You said you’d sleep better if I… fucked you senseless,” he forced the words out. “Now keep your end of the bargain, there’s not much time.”

Settling back down on the bed, he spooned behind his naked lover, skimming his mouth over his ear. “Good night.”

* * *

It wasn’t even light when Sam woke Dean and practically carried him to the shower. They argued good naturedly about whether hitting the snooze button for another five minutes would have gained them any more rest. Sam made it up to him in the shower and secretly smiled at the fact that no more complaints were spilling from Dean’s mouth.

They ate their breakfast, and Sam put his armor on. Seeing Dean look at his sword, he shook his head ‘no.’ By now, Dean knew how dangerous it would be to touch it, but that rebellious streak of his showed in his eyes every time the weapon came out.

“They’re here.” Sam immediately pulled away from Dean, and once he let Michael in, no more heated looks were exchanged.

“Samuel.” Michael hugged and kissed him, then turned and gave Dean a hug. “I’m starting to hear good things about you, Winchester.”

“Gabriel has been talking, has he?” Sam asked, leading all three of them to laugh .

Within minutes, they joined the other angels on the street. Sam greeted each of them with a hug and kiss, and knew that Gabriel held him longer than usual because Dean was there. Please Dean, don’t react. Don’t play the game, you know you’re the only one I want.

Michael went over the plan, they would travel together to Egypt but split up there. “Let’s find him, and send him back to eternal hell.”

Samuel coming inside of him, sharing his pleasure, was the always the most amazing thing in the world. So intense. So perfect. Nothing had ever, or would ever, compare.

Dean whimpered softly when his lover eased out of him carefully, and began to clean them both. He always mourned that loss of contact between them no matter how intensely he came, when it was over, it always felt like he was losing a piece of himself no matter how desperately he held onto it… Ok, maybe he did need to stop watching Queer as Folk, if how sappy he was getting was any indication.

The young man couldn’t help but chuckle softly when Sam reminded him of his promise, but Dean nodded. Sighing softly in contentment as the angel slid into the bed behind him and held him close. But despite how pleasant it was, Dean’s mind couldn’t stop thinking about what would happen once they woke. Met the other angels. Egypt… and this Cain person… He’d have to ask Bobby more about it when he saw him next. Hopefully Samuel was right and they were prepared and Dean would get that chance…

When the alarm woke them up Dean felt as though he hadn’t gotten any sleep at all, and he groaned his complaints to Samuel as the angel practically dragged him out of bed to the shower. It was nothing short of cruel and unusual punishment to wake up this early, though Samuel, damn him, thoroughly cut his complaints short once they were in the shower together.

He was definitely going to be walking funny today if he wasn’t careful, and he almost smiled as he thought maybe he shouldn’t bother to hide it. Let Gabriel see, and wonder why. The thought of the look on the other angel’s face kept him amused all the way through breakfast and getting ready to leave.

Sam had gone into their room for his armor and weapons, and Dean had done the same. Maybe not armor, but he decided the light Kevlar vest wouldn’t be a bad idea. Usually when he went out on a hunt he was much more subtle, but considering he was going with a bunch of battle angels in skimpy robes and leather armor, subtlety was the least of their worries. So he strapped on the vest and pulled on his t-shirt over it. Strapped on his gun harness and checked each weapon before sliding it into the holster. A couple of handguns with silver and consecrated iron rounds. A silver knife on his hip. Vials of holy water. Salt filled shells he and Bobby had made up for the sawed off shotgun Dean tucked into the special holster on his back. Iron knife stuck in his boot. Plenty of extra ammunition, anything he could possibly need. Most of it fairly well concealed when he pulled on his leather jacket.

Dean rejoined his lover in the living room when he was finished getting dressed, as always eyeing Samuel’s gleaming sword and rolling his eyes a bit when the angel gave him that look, but he didn’t touch it. His playfulness melted away and he was all business when Samuel announced the other angels had arrived.

He stood by as Samuel let Michal into their apartment, accepting the hug the other angel gave him without hesitation. If there was one angel he respected almost as much as Samuel, it was Michael. Michael had been very supportive from the very beginning of his decision to become a hunter and he’d learned a lot from the other angel. He couldn’t help but beam at the angel’s praise and laugh along with the rest of them at Sam’s comment about Gabriel. Gabriel’s dislike of him had become something of an inside joke between the three of them.

His amusement melted away however when he followed Samuel down to the street to meet the other angels, of course Gabriel among them. Of course Dean had absolutely no objections to the hugs and kisses of greeting Samuel shared with the other angels, but seeing him in Gabriel’s arms always made his hackles rise. Samuel’s whispered words in his mind barely keeping him from showing his displeasure outwardly, and Dean sighed and merely looked away instead.

It wasn’t Samuel’s faithfulness that worried him, it was Gabriel. The way the other angel touched him, held him, as though he had every right. He didn’t, but there was no way for Sam to tell him “no” without suspicion. That’s what bothered him, and the fact that Gabriel liked to rub it in his face every chance he got. He knew the other angel probably couldn’t wait for him to die. On a hunt, hit by a bus, whatever. Just so he would have Samuel all to “himself” again for the next few millennium.

Dean sighed and turned his attention to Michael, listening intently to the plan and nodding in understanding along with the rest of them. Stepping close to Samuel when it became obvious the angels were ready to take to the sky.

Gabriel pointed to Dean, “you go with Michael.” He turned and spoke with a few other angels, giving them instructions, and not expecting to be disobeyed.

Samuel took one look at Dean’s face and put his hand out. “You’re coming with me.” On my back. “I don’t think anyone else can handle him, Gabe. You know he’s a handful,” he gave an easy laugh.

Michael looked between the two angels and Dean and took to the skies alone, taking himself out of the equation.

There was no more argument, though Gabriel’s features were set in a forbidding expression. One by one, all of the angels hurtled through the still dark skies.

*

It was mid afternoon in Egypt. The sun beat down on the glittering sands and the air was so dry, it practically drained all the moisture off Sam’s skin. Sam was glad they’d arrived and were splitting up. Feeling caught between his lover and the dour Gabriel, and having to hide his feelings was not a fun place to be, especially for Sam who was ordinarily very open.

“Let’s switch positions,” he said, helping Dean off his back and sliding him around so they were face to face, with Dean’s legs still around him. “And ‘no,’ I’m not taking advantage of you. This way we can see in two directions,” he said, knowing how Dean thought.

He veered a bit faster to their assigned location and then slowed down as his eyes swept over miles of crystalline reflection. “There’s a slight tang of taint in the air, but it might be old. I don’t see anything yet,” he said, his fingers digging into Dean’s back for a second. “Caine will be high on lie... extinguishing an angel is a big deal.”

Gabriel’s order, a blatant attempt to do nothing more than piss him off and keep him away from Samuel for no other reason than he was being an asshole, made Dean’s back stiffen and his hands ball into fists at his side. Self righteous prick. Fine, Gabriel might hate his guts, they all knew it, but right now there were a hell of a lot other important things to worry about. Normally Dean took the angel’s scorn in stride, letting it roll off his back for the most part, but this was different. That was in private, not in front of others, when they were about to go into a fight half way around the world for fucks sake.

The young man was half a second away from asking the other angel who the hell he thought he was that he could order him around like some kind of dog, when Samuel spoke up. Michael, thankfully, further diffusing the situation when he didn’t wait for Dean and took to the air by himself. That didn’t stop Dean from glaring hot daggers at Gabriel even as he moved to Samuel and put his arms around the angel’s shoulders.

*

Dean still hadn’t gotten used to flying, he probably never would, and with the added tension of not really knowing what they were going to face once they got to Egypt kept him on edge. He kept his face for the most part pressed against the back of the angel’s neck, partly to shield his face from the biting wind as they flew and partly just to piss Gabriel off. Though unfortunately he couldn’t enjoy it as much as he wanted to despite how good it felt to be pressed this close to Samuel.

He was more than glad when they finally reached their destination and split apart from the other angels, though Dean didn’t relax in the least. Not even at the awe inspiring sight of the desert stretching out for miles below them. He could feel it almost immediately, practically smell it, that taint of darkness, evil, like a poison in the back of his throat.

When Samuel suggested they shift positions, Dean did so, even managing to crack a small smirk at the angel’s comment as he wrapped his arms once more tightly around Samuel’s shoulders before he was all business again. Keeping an eye out for that darkness he’d seen the first time he’d watched Samuel go into battle.

“I can feel it.” Dean said when Samuel mentioned it, nodding slightly even as he frowned. No, it wasn’t old. It was still here. Just shielding itself more carefully now since the first time, when it had failed to take the angels by surprise, thanks to Dean. Unfortunately for the angel who Sam had said was swallowed up by it…

Dean turned his head, shielding his eyes from the glaring sun. Feeling a chill sweeping over him and he shivered despite how hot the air around them really was. Yes, it was most definitely still here. Or maybe not it, maybe who, the one Samuel had been talking about, Cain. Then Dean stiffened as he saw it in the distance, that same dark taint of evil he’d seen before, rising up from the ground, oozing out of it was more like it, stretching outward bleeding like an open wound, and he pointed.

“There! Over there.”

Grip tightening protectively around Dean, Sam looked in the direction he pointed. There was nothing there. Spreading his wings, he flew in the direction, knowing Dean would stop him before he ever reached its edges.

His eyes strained to get a glimpse, but his sense of smell was the only one confirming the existence of taint. Where? How big an area? he asked, flying faster.

It wasn’t until he was close enough that Dean was about to stop him... he could tell by how his lover’s fingers dug into his shoulders... that he saw anything. But when it became clear, it sickened him The earth was wounded and bleeding out the guts of hell. “Holy... I’ve never seen a hell pit this large.”

He mentally called the other angels, carefully giving them the location and diameter of the hell pit so they wouldn’t make the error of flying over it until they knew what had dragged their fellow angel inside.

Some of them arrived even before he and Dean touched down, and they were demanding how Dean could have seen what they couldn’t. Sam was about to tell them to back off, when he saw that Dean was doing a good enough job of it himself. He gave a mental shake of his head. Most humans would have been cowed by one angel and here he was standing tall in the face of some of the most prominent and oldest ones.

The closer they got to the darkness seeping out of the ground the colder Dean felt and he held onto Samuel tighter without meaning to. It was sickening, twisted, worse than anything he’d ever felt before, even when he’d been attacked by a demon. The last thing Dean wanted to do was get anywhere near it, but this was what they’d come for, and he knew that Samuel was counting on him. To stay focused, because for the moment he could see it and the angels couldn’t.

We’re close. Slow down. He sent back to Samuel, he knew instantly when Sam could see it as well. A hell pit… was that like what Samuel and the other angels had gone to destroy the first time he’d watched Sam go into battle? That had been horrific enough, but this was worse, if it was possible.

Dean didn’t see any sign of the “net” that he had seen the first time that had almost trapped the angels but he kept his eyes open just in case. The last thing they needed was that damn thing springing up on them unannounced.

The young man wasn’t surprised when the other angels appeared only moments after they’d landed, knowing Samuel shared a link with all of them almost like the one he and Sam shared. However when some arrived and began giving him the third degree, and not even Gabriel this time. Just because he’d seen it first when they couldn’t, almost as though they were accusing him of something, Dean’s eyes narrowed.

“How about we worry about something important, like getting rid of it first.” He suggested, lifting his chin defiantly.

“Enough,” Gabriel said, landing close by, scowling slightly not only because of the bickering but because he didn’t like the fact that this irritating young man’s strange power was sure to make him invaluable and less disposable. That meant it was more likely that there would be divine intervention in those moments that the relatively new hunter might otherwise be at the end of his life.

“Someone will be meeting with you later to discuss how you saw,” Gabriel told Dean, his eyes lingering on Samuel for a moment, daring the angel to contradict him. This was proper protocol, and necessary to the battle against evil.

Sam merely looked back, determined to be at the interviews if possible and if Dean wanted him to be. They did need to try to figure out how Dean was seeing the taint first, and how the rest of them might be able to do the same.

Several angels spoke, giving their opinion on how the hell pit should be closed. Things were bubbling to the surface, they’d be crawling out soon... all of them knew it and were prepared.

“I don’t sense Cain’s presence.” One of them said, and others agreed and started to prepare a closing ritual.

“What about Raziel?” Sam asked.

No one answered.

Samuel looked at Michael first, then Gabriel. Before there were any protests from the other angels, Sam took two steps, grabbed Dean and tossed him into Gabriel’s waiting arms. No explanation, no chance for him to argue, he’d made his decision.

Running, he and Michael dove headfirst into hell, swords drawn, and a battle cry torn from their throats.

Dean returned Gabriel’s scowl, but bit his tongue to keep from replying. Not even needing the warning glance he was certain Samuel was probably aiming at the back of his head to make him “behave”. Now was definitely not the time to get into it, with Gabriel or any of the other angels despite the way they were looking at him… like he was some kind of freak, or worse, dangerous.

He’d gotten that enough throughout his life, ever since he was a child. One would suspect that angels would be a little fucking more understanding and not treat him the same as those people at the asylum, hell the way his own parents, had treated him. The only one who hadn’t treated him that way was Samuel.

Well, there was Bobby too, but then even Bobby didn’t know about his visions. He’d trusted the older hunter with just about everything else about him, well except his relationship with Samuel of course, but not that. He wondered briefly if even Bobby would turn away from him in disgust if he knew some of the things Dean saw. Maybe he really was a freak.

Dean pushed those thoughts away, considering they wouldn’t help anything in their current situation. Listening as the other angels talked about how to close the pit before anything began to crawl out of it. Looks like they’d gotten here in the nick of time… When Samuel suddenly mentioned Raziel, Dean turned to him in question before he realized it must have been the angel who’d disappeared. Could anything be done?

Before he could even ask, a look crossed his lover’s face, a determination, that suddenly made Dean feel colder than the evil vibes coming from the hell pit.

“Samuel, no! SAMUEL!” He cried but his lover was already gone, before the words even left his lips. What he’d felt coming from the hell pit itself nothing compared to the sudden flare of agony that burst across their bond and he screamed in pain even as he fought against the iron grip that held him firm, keeping him from blindly diving in after Samuel, straight into hell.

As though their actions had somehow roused an angry sleeping beast the ground beneath their feet began to rumble and shake like an earthquake. The ground near the hell pit splitting back, opening wider, and Dean realized the growling wasn’t from the earth, or even one beast, but many, the first wave of them spilling out of the pit like puss bubbling up from an infected wound.

For an instant that felt like an eternity, Samuel felt not only his own pain but Dean’s, like a reflection of a reflection. Then he was in the depths of hell and even their strong bond was broken,

His gaze turned to Michael as they fell for miles, their skin blistering and peeling, burning off, bleeding and repairing itself only to be torn off again. He was gritting his teeth to prevent from shouting, and concentrating on beating down thoughts of his pain, compartmentalizing it so that he could do his job... get Raziel back.

Both Angel’s felt Raziel’s life pulse, faint as it was and noted the droves of creatures between themselves an the injured angel. “Godspeed,” Sam said, separating from Michael and veering into position to fight his way through unimaginable horrors.

Gabriel held onto Dean though he didn’t hide his distaste, and pushed him away the instant the ground’s trembling became less violent. “Keep out of the way.”

Then he turned his back to the human and got the angels organized, started some of them chanting a closing ritual while the rest battled the evil oozing out of the pit. “The line is drawn here. None of them get past us,” he shouted.

In the back of his mind, he thought if Dean Winchester happened to be stubborn enough to try to fight these things and in the process lost his life, then things couldn’t turn out any better.

Swords were used to hack at the vile creatures, shields to guard against their gnashing teeth and razor sharp claws, rituals to stun, to maim, to push, and hand to hand battle as necessary. The sands of Egypt were soon stained with the red and black of angel and demon blood, as the battle as old as time waged on.

Dean didn’t stop struggling against Gabriel, didn’t stop trying to fight his way to the edge of the pit even as the demons began to emerge from it, he’d fight his way through them if he had to get to Samuel. His panic only rising another notch when he felt the bond between himself and the angel abruptly sever leaving him gasping and reeling as though he’d been struck upside the head by a two by four. No… No! Samuel!

Suddenly Dean found himself literally eating sand as the angel who’d been holding onto him carelessly tossed him to the ground. The young hunter pushed himself up, glaring hate at the angel’s back and the order for him to keep out of the way. As though he were nothing more than a nuisance. If it wasn’t for him, they never would have even found the hell gate in time. The demons would have already been out of it, spreading across the land like a plague.

Dean watched on in horror not because of what was coming out of the pit but what some of the angels were doing, the words they were speaking. Bobby had schooled him in enough Latin that he’d gotten the gist of it, they were getting ready to close the hell gate… with Samuel still inside! Was Gabriel out of his fucking mind?!

“No! You can’t!” But they all ignored him, too busy on fighting the demonic horde crawling out of the pit.

Dean pushed himself up off the ground with a growl, pulled out his guns and popped in a clip of blessed silver bullets. He didn’t hesitate blowing a hole into every demonic thing in front of him, fighting his way past the angels, trying to get as close to the hell gate as he could. Trying desperately to reach Samuel, to warn him. Samuel had once reached him in hell after all. Pulled his soul back out…

Samuel! They’re closing the gate! You have to get out now! Sam!

A sharp pain had Dean crying out and staggering before he turned and blew a hole in the center of the demon’s head. He felt hot blood dripping down his thigh from the wound the demon’s claws had left, but he ignored it. He kept fighting. Kept trying to reach Samuel. He didn’t need the damned angels that would abandon Samuel like this to babysit him.

He was holding his own just fine until he was struck from behind with a bone jarring force, fiery pain ripping through his back from his right shoulder to his left flank, knocking him back to the ground. It hurt like a bitch but it wasn’t deep, if it had been he would have been paralyzed or worse. If not for the Kevlar vest he’d been wearing he probably would have been gutted in half where he stood. Dean managed to roll over onto his back, biting back the scream of pain the pressure put on his wounds as he lifted and aimed his gun he’d managed to hold onto, pumping several rounds into the demon’s chest but it still came at him, determined to finish the job.

The battle in hell brutal. The two angels had strength and speed as their advantages but they were tremendously outnumbered. One error, one stumble, one fall and the hordes would descend on them, enslave them in chains, and they would never make it out of hell.

Hot air and flames beat at them, whipped their faces, blistered the skin right off them, leaving them to bleed as they fought the darkest things in the darkest pits of hell, single-mindedly heading for their brother. Temptations were thrown at them... time slowed down ... illusions were thrown up to deceive them, to make them think their mission was over.

Minutes turned to hours and felt like months, days, and years.

*

Michael emerged first out of the closing crevice leading back to earth, holding the barely recognizable body of the angel Raziel in his arms. Even as his feet touched the ground and he went to lay Raziel down, he saw Dean was being attacked and Gabriel had turned his back on him. "Gabriel, help him!" he shouted, though his throat was dry and raw, and only a whisper came out.

A whisper that Samuel heard as he kicked the dogs of hell back to where they belonged. Eyes as dark as that of any of their enemies, he shot out of the closing wound in the earth, immediately feeling Dean's pain on top of his. It took him just a few seconds to see Gabriel was neglecting his ward.

From a distance, he aimed and sent his sword hurtling through the air at tremendous speeds. It halved the demon clawing at Dean, and continued, landing on the ground inches from Gabriel's foot, hilt sticking out of the ground.

When Gabriel turned, he saw a cold fury in Samuel's eyes as he'd never seen before. "Samuel..."

Sam pointed at him as long strides took him toward Dean on the ground. "I entrusted you with his life. His life, Gabriel. Your petty dislike is one thing, but murder? Where is your code of ethics now?"

The earth groaned as it was sealed shut. Some of the angel's surrounded Raziel, others started to walk to walk toward the drama that was unfolding. Samuel's insults, his outburst before the others was unusual. More than unusual. There were speculative glances all around.

"I had bigger things to deal with than one human. Don't you think your feelings are clouding your judgment," Gabriel retorted, but not immediately.

By then, Samuel already had Dean's mental assurances, but was rolling him on his side to look at the damage. "A human, the only one who can see this type of taint early, and you would let him die. Whose judgment is clouded, Gabriel," he turned and shouted out the challenge. He might as well have called Gabriel a jealous bitch, it was clear to any who knew or sensed Gabriel's feelings for Sam.

Ignoring Samuel, Gabriel joined the cluster of angels surrounding Raziel. There wasn't much left of the angel. Nothing could be done. Several of the angels touched him, to ease his pain, and others sang a haunting song of lament. A golden light emerged from the dead and broken body and started it its ascent.

"Don't look," Samuel told Dean, "your eyes will burn." Taking the precaution of standing in front of him, he lay his own healing hands over his lover, taking as much of his pain as he could. I'm sorry. I should not have brought you. I shouldn't have trusted him. His eyes drank in the sight of Dean's face, his eyes... he could have lost him, and that was unacceptable.

The sudden burst of pain that wasn’t his own distracted Dean long enough to let the demon’s claws rake him once more over his shoulder making him grit his teeth to silence the cry of pain that tried to rip free. But the pain was nothing compared to the pure elation he felt feeling Samuel once again over their bond, those horrible moments of cold silence worse than any physical pain, and knowing the angel was safe, that he’d made it out of the pit before his “friends” closed the fucking door on him.

Of course that elation was going to be short lived if he couldn’t get away from the fucking demon determined to rip his head off his shoulders.

A second later, as Dean was scrambling back away from the creature and trying to get a clear shot, he found himself suddenly sprayed by black blood when the demon was literally sliced in two and fell away from him, very dead. Relief more than blood loss made him feel weak as he slumped back on the ground, gasping for breath even as he tried to turn his head to see his lover, see Samuel.

Perhaps the fury he saw on Samuel’s face, heard in his voice, should have surprised him, maybe even scared him a little. There wasn’t many things more frightening then seeing a pissed off avenging angel, even if that anger wasn’t directed at him. But the only emotions that welled up inside of him were worry and love. Worry because of the wounds he could still see, and feel, over their bond and love… Dean didn’t give a flying fuck who saw it.

Maybe he felt the slightest bit of satisfaction seeing Gabriel being ripped a new asshole, even though he also felt the slightest bit of annoyance at the implication he needed to be babysat by the other angel. He wasn’t a damn helpless kid, and he’d been doing well… until the last few minutes at least. Dean glanced around and noticed now that the hell gate had been closed and there was no way for their numbers to be replenished the last of the demons had easily been taken care of by the other angels.

I’m fine. Just a scratch. Dean tried to reassure his lover, though the hiss of pain that escaped through his teeth when Samuel helped him roll onto his side probably didn’t help convince him. All of his wounds, even the one on his thigh where he knew the demon’s claws had cut deeper than a mere scratch seemed inconsequential when Dean caught a glimpse of the fallen angel through the others gathered around him. And even though he didn’t even know more than the angel’s name Dean felt tears begin to burn his eyes. He was dying… after all that… the angel was dying. Dean could see that clearly even from where he was.

Dean didn’t really want to look away but Samuel didn’t give him much of a choice, blocking his vision with his body. The young man was suddenly reaching out for Sam, lifting himself up and wrapping his arms around the angel’s neck, burying his tears into his lover’s shoulder. All the fear and desperation he’d felt when their bond had been silenced rushing back to the surface and he couldn’t have stopped himself from shaking even as he tried.

“Don’t ever fucking do anything like that again.” Dean whispered hoarsely. A slight tremor in his voice and he knew the image of that dying angel, would haunt his dreams for the rest of his life. Especially imagining recognizing Samuel’s face underneath the horrible burns and scars. “Is he going to be ok? He’ll go to heaven right?”

Dean shivered again as he lifted his head from the angel’s shoulder. He would have thought that after the hell gate was closed and all the demons gone he would have felt warmer again in the desert sun but his blood still felt like ice. Dean was looking up into his lover’s beautiful face questioningly when something out of the corner of his eye caught his attention. He turned his head, but all he could see was a dark spot on the horizon, heat waves distorting it further, but he could have sworn it was the shape of a man. He also could have sworn the man was looking right at him and the cold tremor that crawled up his spine was almost violent. But when Dean blinked it was gone and he finally felt warmth beginning to seep into his skin and bones again.

The instant Dean reached for him, Sam took him into his arms, crooning quietly as Dean cried. He didn’t care if they were making a spectacle of themselves, or if he was holding Dean too tight and not casually enough, or if Dean was being too familiar with him at the moment. Right now, Dean was Sam’s sole focus.

“Shshsh, it’s alright. Raziel’s spirit is with God,” Samuel nodded, unable to hide the ache in his own heart about the loss of his brother who would never appear to them in his angel form again. “He’s out of that place... he’s at peace now.” He stroked Dean’s hair, silently calling to another angel for aid in healing him, when he felt Dean stiffen.

Turning to look over his shoulder, Sam saw nothing... not even Gabriel, who he’d partly expected was the cause of Dean’s distress. “What’s the matter. Are you in pain?” Yes, he could feel Dean’s pain, but there was something more, something else. “Dean?”

Before Dean could answer, another angel was with them. At Samuel’s nod, the angel placed one hand on Dean’s forehead and looked up to the skies, chanting in Latin. The angel’s palm grew warm and gave off a faint glow. Slowly, the angel moved his palm over the length of Dean’s body, healing deep cuts and superficial ones, taking away pain and even old scars in the process. “He’s lost a lot of blood and his body is in shock. He should rest for three days.”

Do you hear that? Rest. Samuel barely restrained a groan at the thought of having to enforce bed rest. “Thank you, he’ll rest.”

Without taking his leave of Gabriel, as he would ordinarily do, Samuel took to the skies. “I thought I would get used to seeing you in danger and hurt. I was wrong.” As soon as it was safe, Sam dipped his head down and gave Dean a long, lingering kiss.

Dean was comforted a little bit by Samuel’s reassurances regarding the dead angel, though only a little, because he didn’t know what his spirit being with God really meant. It was a little vague. If there wasn’t anything to be sad about, then why were all the other angels grieving? Dean chose not to ask those questions. Not sure if he really wanted to know the answers, and even if he did, he probably wouldn’t be able to fully understand them anyway. How could he? He was only mortal.

Whatever it meant it had to be better than being trapped in hell. At least Dean hoped…

When Sam asked him what was the matter, he was about to answer but decided to keep silent when the other angel approached them and knelt beside him. Not really feeling up to getting the third degree again from the other angels about what he could see and they couldn’t. He’d gotten more than enough of that the first time. Fuck, why did they want him there in the first place if they were just going to get pissed off by what he saw?

As he felt warmth travel through his body from the other angel’s hand, Dean couldn’t help but relax in Samuel’s arms with a small sigh. His pain easing considerably and a bone deep exhaustion following.

I’m fine. The young man thought back, though the fact that he could barely keep his eyes open now that the adrenaline had worn off and he was no longer in pain anymore probably didn’t help his case. He let his head drop against Samuel’s shoulder and closed his eyes when they took off. Glad that they weren’t sticking around, he was more than ready to go back home.

Do you think I ever get used to seeing you in danger? Dean answered back, and slit his eyes open when Samuel spoke. The young man smiled a little in spite of himself when Sam’s lips covered his own, moaning softly into the angel’s mouth. He could definitely get used to flying like this.

When their lips finally parted, Dean put his head back on Sam’s shoulder and finally answered Sam’s previous question.

“I think I saw Cain. He was looking at me.”

It's not the same, you're mortal... break easier, Samuel bristled at the comparison of a human in danger with that of an angel. But once Dean responded to his kiss and clung to him, any thoughts of continuing the conversation were moot.

He cradled Dean's head on his shoulder, flying as fast as he could to get them home, when his ward dropped another bomb. Samuel's heart stuttered. He gripped Dean tighter, as if to protect him from the evil of Cain. "He didn't say anything? He just looked. Directly at you?" Sam asked, knowing the answers before Dean even gave them.

How had he not sensed Cain himself? This means of cloaking taint... Cain was able to use it on himself? It was worse than any of them had thought before, and if Cain realized Dean could see him...

Sam took a deep breath. "Did you look back at him like you could see him? Dean?" Do you think he knows you could see him? He did his best to control his agitation at the thought, but worry and fear for his lover ate at him. Killing Cain had been important before, to save thousands of lives, to prevent other seals from being broken. But now, he had a deeply personal stake in it too, and wouldn't rest until he found Cain.

Dean snorted softly at the angel’s “break easier” comment. Fine, cement didn’t break as easily as glass, but that didn’t mean it couldn’t still break. Seeing what had happened to that poor angel was proof enough of that. Samuel was not as invulnerable as he would like Dean to believe. That scared him, a lot.

Dean wasn’t all that surprised by the angel’s reaction when he mentioned Cain. He could feel Samuel’s fear as strongly as he felt his lover’s arms around him. Dean didn’t know much about this bastard who had almost killed Samuel once already, but he wasn’t dumb enough not to be worried about this. Especially if Sam, not to mention the other angels, were so afraid of him.

“No, he didn’t say anything.” Dean said, shaking his head. Feeling too tired to keep his eyes open all of a sudden he closed them and continued speaking through their link rather than aloud.

He was far away, I could barely make him out. I saw a dark shape from the corner of my eye and turned my head, so yeah, I think he knows I saw him. Dean said, not wanting to make Sam even more afraid for him but he couldn’t just lie to the angel, not about something this important.

You think if he knows he’ll come after me, don’t you?

“Until and unless we find other ways to detect him, yes,” Sam answered, without softening his fears. Dean had a tendency to jump first and laugh in the face of danger, if he made the threat seem less dire than it was, who knew what Dean would do? “We’ll find him. I’ll find him,” he spoke the words with finality.

Sensing Dean was falling asleep, he stopped talking to him and communicated instead with Gabriel and the others, telling them Dean thought he’d seen him. Before he reached his apartment, arrangements had been made to have a sketch of Cain brought to his place in a few days for confirmation, and the angels would start looking into why Dean could see what they could not, and how they might be able to do the same. He’d been more than clear though, that this wouldn’t happen until Dean had found his strength and was back to normal.

Inside their apartment, he woke Dean up for a short period, helping him bathe and then he put him into their large bed, smiling when Dean’s eyes closed even before he brought the sheet and blanket up over him. “Rest.” That was all that his lover needed, Sam knew this, but he also knew lack of rest could harm him.

After watching him for a while, Samuel moved to the living room and worked on his lap top. He’d already told the other angels what he knew and all of their knowledge and information would be recorded. The computer research was to see what he could find out about any strange occurrences near where the portal to hell had opened... anything that could have been a clue before Raziel had been taken, and anything that might hint at Cain’s trail. The monster had a voracious appetite for sex and murder, and not necessarily in that order.

Once again, the thought of Cain even looking sideways at Dean sent cold fear to the angel’s heart. He’d have to do everything in his power to keep Dean protected and safe, everything.

As Dean had predicted his dreams when he’d finally passed out from exhaustion were not pleasant in the least. He dreamed of the hell beasts like he’d seen when he’d died, before Samuel had pulled him out of hell over a year ago. He dreamed of Samuel trapped in hell, like that other angel had been. Samuel, so strong, yet unable to defend himself against the evil horde that delighted in ripping the angel asunder. Torturing him in ways Dean couldn’t even imagine, and yet somehow he saw in his nightmare in graphic detail. Sam, torn and bloody, his wings broken and bleeding, burned, scarred, in pain beyond agony, dying…

The young man jerked awake with a start, Samuel’s name a gasp on his lips and tears drying on his face. For a moment unsure where he even was, but a second later recognition clicked and he fell back to the covers with a groan.

Fuck… it felt like forever since he’d woken that way, but it really had only been a year. He’d had plenty of nightmares before coming to live with Samuel, even in the beginning when he’d first come to live with the angel. But once he’d started sleeping with the angel every night it became rare that he’d wake with bad dreams.

He’d almost forgotten what it was like… and wasn’t all that pleased to be reminded.

Dean glanced around the bedroom, wondering where Samuel was. The angel’s absence along with the events of… last night? Was it last night or today? Maybe it was even tomorrow… Fuck he’d never imagined how confusing it would be flying around the world and back, he didn’t even know what day it was anymore. Whatever day it was, the events at the hell gate was surely the reason for his nightmares. He’d probably only slept as long as he had because he was so exhausted, had lost so much blood.

He was still exhausted, actually, but unwilling to return back to the very nightmares that had woken him, Dean pushed himself up slowly from the bed. His whole body aching, though there was hardly even a mark on him anymore. He was still stiff as hell though and moved like an old man as he walked out of their bedroom and down the hall, finding Samuel in the living room bent over his laptop.

“Hey.” Dean offered, stifling a yawn behind his hand and running his fingers through his hair. “What day is it? Didn’t you sleep at all?”

Sam’s head bobbed up at the sound. He’d been concentrating so hard, he hadn’t heard Dean at all. “It’s been...” Sam looked at his watch, “about twelve hours. I took a catnap,” he nodded, closing the laptop and standing up, giving Dean a disapproving look. “You should have just called me and not gotten up. Three days of bed rest, and it hasn’t even been one.”

Though he tried to look strict, he was across the room and putting his arms around Dean before he even realized it. Dipping his head down, he kissed him gently and started walking him backwards toward the bedroom. “You must be hungry.” His mouth slid against Dean’s again, his tongue slipping inside for just a little taste. “I’ll make something, and bring it in for you.” Another long, slow kiss and he had Dean next to the bed.

“Eating in bed, just what you like,” he grinned and pulled the sheets back, straightening them in the process. “In you go, no arguments. I’m serious... no, I am,” he said raising his hand when Dean would have spoken. “Three days, Dean. Only exception is bathroom and shower ... other than that, your ‘ass’ stays on the bed.”

Dean was surprised to hear that he’d been asleep for twelve whole hours, but he was even more surprised that he still felt a little tired after having slept so long. Though at Samuel’s look, and gentle scolding that he shouldn’t have gotten up the young man merely rolled his eyes. He felt fine, after all. Ok, tired, but otherwise fine. He didn’t need to stay in bed like some kind of invalid no matter what Sam might think.

Before he could say as much, however, Sam had crossed the room, put his arms around him and was kissing him, effectively distracting Dean. Damn him. Dean knew what he was doing, but it was very hard to muster up a protest when he was enjoying it.

Before Dean knew it he was back in the bedroom, and Samuel was ordering him into bed like a five year old with the chicken pox. He couldn’t be fucking serious. Dean opened his mouth, again about to protest, when Sam gave him the hand, for Christ sake, and confirmed he really was serious. Dean’s expression that had been hovering between amused and annoyed quickly shifted over to complete annoyance.

“I’m not sick, I’m not injured, and I’m not a kid, damn it. I feel fine, Sam. I know you’re looking for Cain. I want to help.”

Sam’s mouth tightened, thought he wasn’t at all surprised at the rebellion. “Yes you are injured. The pain’s gone, but your cells are still in repair mode and they’ll heal better if you rest.” Ignoring the look on Dean’s face, he picked up the remote and tossed it into Dean’s lap. “Here, watch some t.v. and I’ll get your lunch.”

He walked to the door and turned back. “You’ll get your chance to help with Cain, but not until you’re better. We need your help,” he told him. If they hadn’t needed it so bad, Sam would not allow Dean to go anywhere near Cain, and might even hide him away somehow. Right... even angel’s indulged in wishful daydreams.

Thinking the matter was closed, he headed to the kitchen and quickly prepared soup and half a sandwich. No, what was he thinking? He put both halves of the sandwich on the breakfast tray and got a coke. He’d just bet that the hunter would want a beer, but he’d give this a try first.

He walked back to the bedroom and set the breakfast tray down over Dean’s lap. “If you want anything else, just ah... call me mentally.” Smiling, he nodded at the food. “Enjoy your dinner.

Dean gave Samuel an extremely doubtful look when the angel told him that his “cells” were still in “repair” mode. What the hell, was he kidding? There wasn’t a friggen mark on him… but Sam didn’t give him much choice in the matter, pushing him down to sit on the bed and then tossing the remote for the television in his lap, unfazed by Dean’s unhappy scowl.

The only reason why Dean remained sitting on the bed and didn’t simply follow Sam out the door to continue their argument regarding his health, sure that Sam was just saying it to keep him from getting involved with the search for Cain, was because Sam assured him that he really was needed. When he was “better”. Ok, fine. So maybe another nap and he’d feel a little less tired than he was and Sam would get off his back.

Dean huffed in annoyance but laid down, propping the pillows up behind him and pulling the covers up to his waist. Clicking on the television as he waited for Sam to produce the lunch he’d promised, since Dean was a little hungry anyway. It didn’t take long, though Dean frowned at the soup, at least the sandwich looked good. He frowned again however when instead of sitting down to keep him company, or eating with him, Sam simply walked back out the door.

The young man grumbled to himself about stubborn angels as he ate his lunch, flipping through channels but not really finding anything that interested him. So instead he let his mind wander, to how he might be able to help with the search for Cain. He wanted to help, but to be honest, he wasn’t all that sure what he could do. Yes, he could see the “taints” as Samuel called them, before any of the angels could, but he couldn’t just walk around the whole world and keep his eyes open, or something.

Dean thought back to Samuel’s confirmation that Cain might try to come for him if he knows that Dean can see him when no one else could. Maybe they could use that to their advantage. Encourage it. Quite simply, use him as bait to lure Cain into a trap. Dean almost snorted soup out of his nose knowing exactly what Samuel would say to that plan. But the more Dean thought of it the more he was convinced it was a pretty good plan. If they could lure Cain to him, they could pick a time and place and be ready for him, for a change. It could work… he also knew Samuel would shoot the idea down completely…

So maybe he should bring up the idea to one of the other angels instead? Dean snorted again, knowing Gabriel would just love the opportunity to dangle him out on a hook. He probably wasn’t the best choice to suggest the plan to, since Dean wasn’t suicidal. He only really wanted to do this if there was a good chance he’d survive the encounter. Dean decided he’d talk it over with Michael. He still had the angel’s phone number, for “emergencies”, he’d be less likely to completely disregard the plan and still let him know if it was viable.

With that in mind Dean finished off his lunch and set the tray aside. Stifling a yawn behind his hand as he scooted down more comfortably in the bed. He’d call Michael after he took his nap.

Samuel crept quietly into the room, smiling and relieved to find that Dean was actually obeying. Looking at his expression, so peaceful and innocent in sleep, Sam couldn’t help thinking Dean really did look like an angel, and he could give Raphael a run for his money. Amazing how very un-angelic Dean could be when a certain fire burned in his incredible green eyes. Bending down, he kissed his forehead lightly, smiling at the knowledge that if Dean were awake, he’d have something to say about the chaste kiss.

Clearing away the tray, he paced for a while in the living room, deep in thought. He knew others were researching this invisible taint issue, but suddenly he had a burning desire to find out if Dean was alone. What if there had been others like him through history. Certainly his ability to see what angels could not was not is only strange power. His ability to mentally connect with Dean was a miracle in and of itself. He might even have other latent powers, ones that would develop over time. It wasn’t just idle curiosity, but maybe they could learn something about how Dean or others like him worked. And maybe if he could find answers.... maybe Dean wouldn’t even have to get more involved in this Cain thing.

He secured the house, making sure that nothing dark could get past his wards, and left knowing he was only a mental call away.

Two hours later, he had a stack of books with him from the special room in the library at the nearby convent. Before going upstairs, he decided to secure their dessert and entered the restaurant downstairs.

Sarah immediately came up, starry eyed as ever. “Hi Sam, what can I get for you today? Chocolate moose, raspberries with cream, or we have a crème caramel that is to die for.” When he ordered two desserts, she sighed and told him to call five minutes before he was ready to pick them up.

As Sam strode out of the restaurant, Daryl walked up to her and gave her a poke. “Earth to Sarah.”

“He’s still with Dean,” she sighed again. “Not that I don’t love Dean to pieces but...”

“Yeah.” It was Daryl’s turn to sigh. “And they won’t do threesomes.”

“What?” Her eyes grew round as she turned to him. “How do—“

“Pfft, I asked,” he answered, scurrying away from her and laughing at her expression. Straight people!.