Rose (A Supernatural Fanfiction)

Snow Brings Us Together

Prologue

I was just watching him play in the snow. I shouldn't have been in the abandoned town at all; I knew hunters would be there soon. Tourists had been disappearing here, and I knew what that meant... I was hunting the creatures too. So maybe it wasn't that I shouldn't be here, but that he shouldn't be. Because I can hide my identity, but he's just too young.

He threw a snowball at me, and laughed in delight when I froze it in midair. My poor baby, this was his first time ever having fun in the snow. Maybe having fun in general. He was giggling and climbing a snow mound when the Impala pulled to the curb. I thanked whoever was listening (probably Castiel, because he was the only family who really cared) that I wasn't showing any kind of power when they got here.

"Xander, come quickly baby!" I called as loudly as I dared. Thankfully, he just listened to me. He ran over, hiding behind my legs. I bent down to talk to him. "Baby, we can't show any kind of ability here, okay? None at all. We won't be safe if these people see us," I whispered.

"Okay, Momma," he whispered back, shooting me a smile. I smiled back, relieved that he seemed to be listening. "We be normal?" I nodded.

The car doors slammed shut and I stood to face the two brothers. I knew them; of course I did. I couldn't show them that, though. To them, we'd just be two tourists who were in danger. That's how it had to be, at least for now. Maybe someday I'd reveal myself, but not when I had Xander with me.

"Ma'am, it's not safe here!" the oldest called to me as they drew near. I smiled at him.

"I don't see any danger. My son and I were just playing in the snow. We're on our way to visit my brother," I told him, not lying.

"This town is abandoned. You didn't notice that?" Sam Winchester asked me, coming up close. He was frowning, clearly confused about my lack of self-preservation.

"I did notice. I just figured it was a ghost town. You know, like the ones out west for tourists?" I shot back. His frown deepened. And then my cover was completely blown.

Castiel appeared directly beside Dean Winchester, making the signature sound of wings. I sighed in defeat and carefully picked up Xander.

"Cas! You can't just appear in front of mortals like that! She's freaking..." he turned to look at me and took in my annoyed expression. "... out."

Cas turned to me with an equally annoyed expression. "Rose, what have I told you about the Winchesters? They are under my protection! There is no reason for you to be here talking to them at all! It puts them in danger," he snarled, stepping even closer to Dean.

"Cas, we were just passing through. I'm trying to get to your father, and Xander wanted to play in the snow. You can't fault me for that!" I snapped, backing away. Both Winchesters looked alarmed.

"You know each other?" Sam asked. I turned to explain.

"I'm Rose, and this is my son Xander. I know who you are already, believe me. I'm not exactly a mortal, but I'm sure as hell no angel. Just as Gabriel has posed as a pagan God, I am a pagan Goddess. But I'm not a danger to you or any other mortal, as Castiel seems to be convinced. I'm here to help! But today, I just wanted to let Xander have his first snow day," I explained, hoping to get out of this unscathed.

The brothers looked unconvinced, and I saw Dean draw out his silver knife. I shot a look at Castiel, but he held his arms out for the child. I rolled my eyes and handed him over, then held out my arm for the brothers to run their tests on. All of which I passed.

Just as I thought I'd get away, I heard the voice in my head. The one person I'd been actively avoiding, and he was finally making himself known. Why it looks like you're in a bit of a jam. Be sure to call Sammy a moose; he just loves that!

"Gabriel!" I grumbled under my breath. In the flesh... in a manner of speaking. But they don't even know I'm alive, kiddo. I'd appreciate keeping it that way for a while. Do you want my help or not? "I'd rather die!" I said out loud. Both brothers gave me a look.

"Are you alright, Rose?" Cas asked, concerned. I sighed and nodded.

"Just been a long day. Somebody... out to get me, I guess you could say." Now that's just rude! I'm not out to get you, I simply want to make my nephew happy! He deserves fun as much as the next child.

I chose to ignore him, and turned my attention back to the Winchesters. "Am I free to go?" I asked, holding my arms out for my child, who was handed to me. Dean nodded, but Sam looked torn.

"What if we need her help, Dean?" he asked. I could read his emotions though, and I knew why he really didn't want me to go. He was attracted to me. How flattering.

"I'll hear your prayers just like Cas or Gabriel would. Just think my name, and I'll be there. But I won't be bringing Xander anymore. He isn't safe outside of our home," I replied, stepping back. He looked unconvinced. "Look, try it now. I can't actively read your mind, but if you think to me, I'll hear it. Try it; I'll respond."

Rose... if you can hear me... this is stupid.

"It's not stupid! It's no more stupid than when you pray to Castiel here," I snapped, offended. Dean was confused, but Sam just smiled.

Good to know, Rose. How does... do I have to think your name every time? "No, not if you picture me. My name is just an easy way to tie in who you want to be talking to. Like I said, I'll come if you call," I told them. And then I was gone.

Not even two days later, I was getting a call from my favorite set of hunters. Rose, please! If you can hear me, I need you!

But it wasn't Sam, like I'd expected. It was Dean, and he sounded terrified. My initial thought was that something awful had happened to Castiel. But that wouldn't explain why Sam hadn't been the one who called. So... Sam maybe? And with that thought, I was appearing beside Dean, closer than I'd intended. He flinched away from me, but I could see the relief in his face.

"I didn't know what else to do. The demons took Cas, and Sam has been gone for a full day. I can't get ahold of him, he won't answer his phone, and I can't find where they're keeping Cas! I didn't know who else to call," he explained. I nodded, taking it in.

"I can sense Castiel. He's close. But Sam..." I closed my eyes to concentrate, and felt myself being pulled to the opposite side of the country. I opened my eyes again, completely alarmed. "What the hell?!"

"What, what's wrong with Sammy?" Dean demanded, instantly in front of me.

"He's... unharmed. But..." I paused, unsure of how to explain. And really there was only one explanation. "Oh... Gabriel."