Winchester or Angel?

8. Name

"She what?!" I ask after a moment of shock. Erin traded her soul for my life ten years ago? She barely even knew me! "Why would she do that?"

"I am afraid that is something Erin must tell you herself. You have to be patient. A plan has been set in motion." The angel, Gabriel, replies in a moderately firm tone.

"When will I be able to see her again?" I begin to choke up at the thought of seeing my best friend again. She was - is practically my sister.

"Soon, very soon. We will notify you when, but you need to know where to go." Gabriel hands me a map with a bright red circle in the middle, probably highlighting where the meet up will be. "Here. Stay near, but whatever you do, do not approach the location until it's time."

"What happens if -"

"Look, just trust me, alright? Can you do that?" He seems to be sincere in his question.

"Alright. I'll trust you." After having the important topic covered, I remembered something I needed to ask about. "How come you came instead of the crossroads demon I was summoning?"

"Because you were not summoning a demon." After seeing a look of confusion spread across my face, Gabriel further explains himself. "Chuck Shirley, or more commonly known as Carver Edlund, did not actually put a real crossroads demon summoning ritual in the books. That would be crazy. And just plain stupid. Anyway, he and I exchanged words, and I told him to just switch out a couple ingredients so that no one would trade their soul for a ten year deal. Plus, I had him add a dove's feather so I could easily keep watch for someone stupid enough to go for it. Unfortunately, Erin found the real recipe, and sold her soul." This angel is a bit sassy, ain't he?

"That - actually makes sense. But how will I be able to find you later? I won't be able to sneak out again."

"Just pray for me. I'll be there." Having made eye contact, his gaze lasts a bit longer than it probably should. Then he breaks the silence, snapping out of our momentary trance. "I should leave now. The boys are almost here. I don't need them knowing I'm alive yet."

"They think you're dead?" I ask, my voice cracking.

"Yes. I would appreciate it if you helped me keep it that way, but just to be sure..." Gabriel touches two fingers to my forehead, making me blink. When my eyes open, he's gone.

~*~*~

After standing for what feels like forever, mentally absorbing the events which just occurred, I hear a car approach.

I don't budge an inch even as I hear the doors open and shut, nor when three pairs of feet drew near.

Only when I hear my name called out do I break from my torpor, forcing me to fall to my knees.

Dean runs up to me and pulls me in, letting my rest my head on his shoulder to cry.

"Why? Why did you do it?" Dean asks, begging me for an answer. "Do you honestly think Erin would want you to sell your soul in order to bring her back?"

Sam pitches in, too. "How long did they give you?"

After collecting my thoughts, and gathering myself, with the help of Dean I slowly rise to my feet.

"I didn't..." I reply, still slightly confused.

"Did not what?" Castiel asks.

"I did not sell my soul. No demons came." I state.

"Then what in the hell happened?" Dean asks.

"An angel came. An angel of the Lord. His name was -" I find myself unable to say Gabriel's name.