Always Keep Fighting

Best Christmas Ever

"Come on guys!" Raven yelled from the kitchen. She spent the majority of the afternoon preparing and cooking a Christmas dinner. Gabriel wanted to just zap one in but she insisted on making it herself so she told him what she needed and he got it for her.

"This is the second damn time I've called for them." Raven said to herself in frustration.

"Aeryn,"

"Yes, Raven?"

"Cut the power to the Dean Cave, please."

"But that will turn off the movie that is playing"

"That's kind of the point."

Raven knew instantly when the power was disconnected because Dean and Gabriel began complaining quite loudly.

"What gives?" Dean walked around the corner arms crossed.

"You can go finish your movie if you'd like, I'll just let the others eat this." She said as pulled a cherry pie out of the oven.

Dean's attention was now focusing on the pie. He shuffled closer as he leaned in to inhale the steam.

Raven moved it out of reach and said,

"Dinner first. Pie later."

"You're no fun." He pouted making his way to the table.

She set the pie on the counter next to the apple and coconut crème pie she baked earlier. She carried a pitcher of eggnog over to the table, setting it next to Dean. His eyes lit up as he looked over to her.

"Yes. It's the good stuff." She grinned knowing that's what he was wondering.

She sat down in between Castiel and Michael, Dean was sitting at the head of the table, as Sam and Gabriel were across from her. Everyone began dishing out food onto their plates as Dean was slicing the ham. Raven sat back for a moment just enjoying the view of everything. The Christmas decorations, family all gathered together around a dinner table. In this very moment if everything she had ever wanted in her life, heartbroken that her daughter wasn't there to share it with her but happy she had a new family to help heal her pain as much as possible.

You're thinking quite loudly.

Raven jumped at the intrusion in her head. She looked to the left of her seeing Michael smile slightly.

This is just so perfect. I'm sorry. It's just something I'd like to remember. She returned his smile.

Michael nodded, understanding her happiness because for the first time in.... ever. He felt a ping of happiness tugging at his heart.

After Dean had pretty much cleared the entire table himself, Sam putting away the left overs and the angels pulling dish duty, Raven carried two pies over to the table. Dean was on her heels making her laugh. He handed her a knife and pie spatula. Taking the obvious hint, she sliced into the cherry pie, plopping one down on his plate. He stood there staring at her expectantly so she sliced the apple pie and plopped one down next to the slice of cherry pie. She set slices of each pie out on the table for all to grab. Castiel stood next to the table looking over the pies, glancing at Raven to give her a smile.

"I've got a special one for you, Sugar." She said walking back to the counter. She wiped the knife and spatula off and sliced into the coconut crème pie. She dished a slice out onto a plate, grabbed a fork cutting through the tip of the pie and held it out for Castiel to try. He leaned forward taking the bite offered to him. His eyes lit up, eye brows raised and a smile spread across his lips.

"Is that coconut?" he asked enthusiastically.

Raven grinned and winked at him as she handed over the fork and plate.

He eagerly took it, turned towards the table and sat down.

"I've also got coconut crème pie over here if anyone wants any." She called out.

The men were all standing around the table eating their choice of pie and talking. Michael even looked like he was enjoying himself. It was nice to see him learning how to relax as well. She turned to get herself a slice of pie but not before she notice Michael snap his fingers. She braced herself, waiting for the world to spin as she would be teleported elsewhere but it never happened. She turned her attention back towards the table where each of the men was looking over something.

Curious, she walked over to see what it was. When she reached the table she noticed a large poster size frame laying on it. Michael held his arm out for her to join them. When she was able to see exactly what was in the frame she gasped immediately looking back at Michael.

The frame was holding a poster sized portrait taken from the view at the top of the metal staircase, looking down over the library table where they were having their Christmas dinner, everyone was laughing and obviously having a great time.

"Michael..." she turned and hugged him tightly causing him to stiffen and not know what to do.

"This is where you hug her back." Castiel said amused.

"Like this?" Michael asked wrapping his arms round her.

Raven laughed.

"Yes, Michael, just like this."

He tightened his arms around her until she pulled away. She looked to all of them and said,

"Thank you all. For taking me in and making me family. I love you guys."

Sam smiled, "Thank you for this." He said raising his hands gesturing at the Christmas decorations.

"Come here you brat." Dean said pulling Raven into a hug. "You're the little sister I never wanted."

"Here, here." Gabriel agreed making the guys laugh with him.

"You know, even if we were back on Earth, I have to say this is the best Christmas ever." Sam stated.

"Yes." Everyone agreed in unison. "Best Christmas ever."