Rose (A Supernatural Fanfiction)

Welcome to the Family

Sam kept his hand on my shoulder until I calmed down enough to stand. I faced him and gave him a small smile in thanks, which he returned. I could tell he was exhausted, which begged the question of what it was that Gabe had done to him. I sighed and placed my hand on his arm.

"What exactly did that idiot do to you?" I asked, wary of the answer.

"He just wanted me to hear him out, I think. Talking about how he did what he had to do to survive. We thought he was dead. He left ashes in the shape of his wings, for god's sake! I thought Lucifer had killed him, and I mourned. Now I won't make that mistake again, even if he does die for real. I'm done dealing with Gabriel," Sam replied harshly.

"Gabe has an... odd way of dealing with things. He probably didn't even think about the fact that he was hurting you. Doesn't make it any better, but at least now you can kind of understand. He doesn't think about human reactions. Angels like him aren't meant to have emotions. They're just supposed to follow God's law, and my brother is really stupid about his laws. So some of the angels had to make their own emotions, and Gabe... didn't model his after humans. He modeled his after us Pagans. Then he tried to make a home with us, by pretending he was one of us. And him being the most powerful Archangel doesn't help," I explained, feeling the odd need to justify his behavior. What? He was still technically family... even if I did hate him.

"So you're saying what he did is okay?" Sam asked angrily.

"No. I'm saying he doesn't know that he's wrong, and he won't unless someone takes the time and energy to explain it. In detail. Which is going to have to eventually be me. I'd say Kali, but she is far worse than Gabe when it comes to emotion," I replied.

"Kali? As in... the goddess? His ex?" he demanded.

"My sister. And yes, his ex. The Goddess," I sighed. "Look, Dean is really freaking out. He's the one who called me. He went and got Castiel while I came to get you, and he should hopefully be done by now. So ready to go back to that motel?"

Sam nodded and closed his eyes, probably expecting the clumsy angel-travel that Castiel did. Fortunately for him, I could do better. I summoned as much strength as I could get without showing my true form, and stepped to the side, pulling Sam with me. Immediately, as if I'd stepped through a doorway, we were in the motel room, right in front of Dean and Cas. I smiled at them, then looked over at Sam, whose eyes were still shut.

"Are we going or what?" he demanded, opening his eyes again. The look on his face would be my entertainment for days. "How... How?!"

"I'm not an angel, love. I'm much, much better," I giggled, letting go of his arm and dropping myself onto the small couch. "How do you feel? Both of you?" I added, addressing Sam and Cas.

"Fine. Dean arrived before any damage could be dealt," Cas replied, cutting off Sam's million questions. I shot Dean a smile, and he nodded shortly, walking over to check Sam out and make sure he wasn't injured.

"What did that dick want with you, Sammy?" Dean asked, pressing on his ribs briefly.

"To try and get me back on his side. Just talking, he didn't do anything to injure me, Dean," Sam replied, shoving Dean away gently. I turned to meet Castiel's eyes, and I knew it was time for me to be going.

"Well boys, as fun as this reunion seems, I need to get back. Call me if you need me," I said. And I was gone before they could utter a single word.

I knew as well as Cas did that he couldn't really hurt me. But that angel was as possessive as all the others, and if he thought his humans were in danger... let's just say it wouldn't be pleasant for me. And would take more power than I wanted to generate to heal myself fully. So I left, even if it wasn't what I wanted to do. And almost immediately, Sam was trying to summon me back. Unfortunately, only Dean knew my true name (and Cas, but fat chance of him giving it out. He didn't like me at the moment.), so he couldn't do the ritual. He had to call and hope I'd respond. Which I couldn't.

Why did you walk out so fast? I wanted to thank you. Dean did too, he's a bit put-out. What's up with Cas anyways? He was so tense when you were here, and as soon as you were out of sight he relaxed. I thought you said he was your family...

That kid would have more questions that anyone I have ever faced before. Well, I wouldn't respond. This wasn't an emergency, and he didn't need me. No matter what I thought of Castiel's behavior, I wasn't going to step on his toes. He was family, and I did love him. Couldn't say the same for Gabriel anymore, not after Kali. But Castiel was like the brother I wanted to have.

Hey, uh... this is awkward. Sammy really wants you to come back, and I got Cas to promise to behave. He explained about his... claim on us, and that he thought you might... I don't get it. I don't know what he expected, it's not like anyone could take us from him. But he's agreed that you don't qualify as a threat, and he wants to apologize. It would mean a lot to Sammy... and I want to thank you too.

Dean's call was... harder to ignore. I couldn't get emotionally attached to these brothers. I just... couldn't. No matter what Castiel told Dean, I knew what he was thinking and feeling. I'd had a claim like that on Kali, and I knew what it felt like for it to be broken with so much... disrespect. While I meant no disrespect and wouldn't break it, the threat would always be there. And even though I could tell Cas really just wanted Dean, he'd issued the claim on both of them.

Freyja, I am sorry. I was wrong. I can feel what you feel, and you need not avoid the Winchesters any longer. Though I must warn you, if you harm them, you will suffer deeply. Dean Winchester is not to be touched. However, I know what you may think of Samuel, and he is yours if you wish it. I have retracted my claim on him so that you may place your own. That would allow you to see them at any time you wished, and would ensure no pain for either of us.

That was all I needed. In a flash, I was back in the room and hugging Castiel. There was no current emotion towards Sam, but I knew as well as Castiel did that something was developing. Being old creatures gives some perspective in that. I turned towards the Winchesters and held my hand out to Dean. Cas growled under his breath and I quickly retracted it, shooting him a small glare. Fine, I'd claim Sam first.

"Sam, I'm going to do something just real quick... hold still," I told him, stepping forward. Then I looked back at Cas. "The shoulder, right? Matching marks?" He nodded. I placed my palm on Sam's shoulder and concentrated on making the claim. He let out a gasp as my hand burned through the fabric of his t-shirt and left a hand print on his shoulder. I smiled at my handiwork and stepped back again.

"What was that for?" Sam asked. He wasn't angry, and that was what let me know that he was more grateful than annoyed.

"It's a claim. It basically tells all others to keep their hands off or die a painful death. Mostly aimed towards Gabriel, but he's been known to... ignore claims," I explained. Dean shot me a pained look that was laced with pity and I ignored him.

It will do. I am proud of you, Freyja. You have grown to be very mature from what you once were. I shot Cas a glare and spoke out loud. "You're one to talk. You haven't grown yet, have you?" He winced and turned away.

"Um... anyways. We were about to get some dinner. Would you like to join us, Rose?" Sam offered, trying to clear the tension. I smiled.

"Mind if I grab Xander? He's getting stir-crazy," I asked. Both Winchesters nodded.

This was the beginning of something very good, I could see it. As long as Gabriel kept his hands off of what was mine, this would work out just fine. But when had Gabriel ever followed the rules?