Chapter 35: Red light, Green light

The world turned with the news that hit them a week ago, with the mess of Christmas and other holidays combined with sightings of "The end of time" as many called it the world was in chaos. Views of the darkness, of monsters, ghosts, demons flooded the internet. The news played over Abel's speech, inspecting it. Many threw up theories, conspiracies, or ideas for what was to come while others took to the streets to announce the end times.

Abel sat in the middle, watching as everyone and everything changed quickly with the knowledge of the supernatural. Hunters popped up on the web left and right, posting pictures, videos and stories of what they did. Every platform now shouted about the world that had been kept semi secret for so long,

"--It's about time, we've been quiet about it for too long," A man said on the show of a big celebrity, "Here's a werewolf pelt me and my old man got when I was only eleven," He tugged an old wolf pelt from behind a large red chair.

Abel watched it blankly, it was Christmas yet he didn't feel any Holiday spirit. The wind outside howled as a blizzard turned everything to white. A cigarette between his lips as he hunched awkwardly in his chair, his arm throbbed painfully. Each breath was hard as his ribs rubbed against his skin but what really got to him was the sudden popularity the man found himself in. He knew it would happen, being the face of the group. Though he was thankful no one seemed to know where he was, he knew that he had single handedly turned the world upside down.

"Well I hate it," Another man on the screen growled, presumably, the man's partner. "We protected everyone in silence, than suddenly some stupid Winchester comes and ruins it? Leave it to a Winchester!"

The television shut off, Abel glanced up at Chamuel who looked down at him with a small smile. Dropping the remote on the bed behind him, The hunter pulled the cigarette from his mouth,

"Hey,"

"Are you ever going to leave this room?"

He sat in the small room they shared, aside from nights with Arphaxat, Abel found himself staying hidden away.

"Eventually,"

"Come on, Norma got us gifts," Chamuel murmured.

"For what?"

"Christmas," Chamuel pressed his finger against the hunters nose playfully, the man swatted his hand away.

"Bring 'em to me,"

"You have to face your team, Abel."

Abel groaned, rolling to his feet and putting the cigarette out in a small bowl beside the coffee table. Taking a seat on the bed behind the small chair, laying down.

"Cham, I told everyone the supernatural exists,"

"Yeah? And?" The angel sat down beside him, laying down with a smile. The two laid side by side in the soft light of the room.

"Man, I don't know. I feel kinda guilty, yaknow?"

"They'd have figured it out eventually," Chamuel pointed out.

Abel rolled on his side, Chamuel did the same. Giving the man a smile, his blue eyes warm, turning Abel's chest to fire as if the hue of the others gaze held a match to the others heart.

"It's just...this is going to get a lot harder and I don't know if I got it in me, man," He murmured, "I even lost the Chamuelt. What if I'm the reason everyone fucking dies,"

Chamuel reached forward, placing his hand on the others shoulder. He frowned, he couldn't take the man's emotions but he could feel them. It was like a war raging inside the other, A silent and deadly battle.

"I can't help but think, yaknow, if Sam was picked or something, he'd have this done in a day," Abel grumbled as he brushed his eyes quickly. Trying to keep back the tears that threatened to overflow.

"Hey,"

Abel glanced at the other, Chamuels hand moved up to Abel's cheek causing the hunter's face to flash a light shade of red.

"You were chosen, Abel," He whispered, "You weren't the last picked on the baseball team forced to play outfield."

Abel chuckled at the others analogy, The angel's hand went to the hunter's neck. Playing with the man's hair absentmindedly.

"You're the one who made the team."

Abel felt a small spark of relief flash through him, it dawned on him that Chamuel must also be feeling guilty. The only thing he has watched the angel do since the video was released is study, read, and try to understand what he could about the prophecy, the Adinkra. He felt a splash of shame race through his system,

"You're right," He said finally, sitting up with a sigh. He got to his feet and snatched his jeans from the floor, pulling them over his boxers.

"I shouldn't be sitting around, I should be with everyone,"

Chamuel sat up too, smiling at the other as Abel tugged on a shirt.

"You know, it's okay to need time alone, but don't give up on yourself."

"What are you, a fortune cookie?"

"Therapist,"

"So a fortune cookie with a degree?"

Chamuel chuckled, getting to his feet and grabbing the other. Pulling him into a tight hug, Abel laughed at this. His head fit in the crook of Chamuels neck.

"I hate you," Chamuel whispered, Abel snorted.

"Right back atcha, Cham a lam,"

Abel pushed away from Chamuel lightly, knocking him with a shoulder as he went by. Chamuel followed behind his friend, they trotted down the steps side by side. Chamuels hands buried in his sweater, Abel waved his hands as he spoke. As the two men stepped down onto the floor Abel smiled wide,

Baal sat on the couch with Israfil, both men holding their phones together and laughing, Donnie stood behind the angel of music. Watching as they played their game, occasionally taking a sip from the juice in his hands. Norma danced in the middle of the floor in front of a large Christmas tree, presents scattered around the bottom. Music played loudly as Sam and Bailey attempted to show the woman how to do a specific dance move. His eyes moved towards Cain and Mishka, grinning at his brother whose arm was wrapped around the woman. She was cuddled up against him, holding a cup of hot chocolate and watching him play a game on her switch.

"Abel!" Israfil hollered, everyone's eyes went to the hunter. Cain leapt up, immediately fussing over the man's wrapped up arm. Donnie practically shoved himself against Abel, hugging him tight causing the hunter to gasp in pain.

This was ignored as the rest of the group surrounded him, all talking at once. Hugging him, rubbing his head and laughing. He smiled at all his friends, suddenly feeling foolish he hid himself away for the past week as everything happened. He drove himself crazy in his own head but he felt that slip away as the night went on, Norma had made dinner for them. It was huge, she was proud! They were later ushered into the living room to open a few assortment of gifts the group threw together last minute.

"Star Wars!" Cain gasped, "Mother never lets me watch this," He grinned wide at Norma who laughed at this.

"I know, a little birdie told me you wanted it,"

Cain glanced at Mishka then at Norma, troubled since he had only ever told Mishka and he had told her just a day or two ago but who knew. She was close to her aunt after all, Sam made a face at the bottle of sanitizer he was gifted from Baal before making an even more annoyed face as he pulled mouthwash out of a bag, holding it up and glaring at Bailey who busted out laughed at this,

"You have one day, only one! You don't brush your teeth in the morning," Sam huffed, smiling to himself.

Israfil pulled a CD out for Donnie, handing it to his friend with a grin.

"I made it! Well, Sam helped," He laughed, Donnie looked down at the CD to his friend with a wide grin.

"I love it,"

"Oh, Abel," Abel's eyes darted to Cain who was sipping out of Mishka's glass. He held out an envelope with a smile on his face.

"Test results, I wanted to get you an actual gift, but I didn't have time," Abel took the paper from his brother and smiled wide at the man.

"Hey, I'll take a brother for Christmas," Chamuel leaned over him as he ripped open the paper, letting the pieces scatter to the floor. The paper felt expensive as he opened it up, Abel and Chamuel looked it over with curiosity in their eyes.

His smile died on his lips causing Cain to frown too, standing up and making his way to Abel. Attempting to look over his brother's shoulder with an arched eyebrow.

"Cain, This says we share forty five percent of DNA," Abel murmured, the men caught each other's eye before Cain took the paper from Abel and read through it. The room fell silent as he turned to the next page, then the next before back again. He blinked, how was this possible?

"That would make us...more than half brothers, maybe...brothers and cousins?" Cain whispered, "I need to make some phone calls," He said quickly. Shoving the paper into his pants pocket and racing up the stairs, Mishka blinked a few times before rolling her eyes.

"Abel if he's a Winchester I'm killing you both," She huffed,

"What? Don't wanna marry into a family of Winchesters?"

Her face turned bright red, as she got to her feet and set her drink down, snorted before following him up the stairs.

"Yeah that's right, run!" Abel called after her, "I saw that hickey, you aint slick," She grinned down at him, flipping him off as she vanished into the room with Cain.

Chamuel tapped Abel on the shoulder, he turned to face the blonde. His heart stopped, the angel's eyes glowed in the Christmas lights. He felt a wave of warmth rush through his system at the man's smile, the way the red and green danced over the blondes peach skin.

"I got you something, I missed your birthday so I wanted to get you something...nice," Abel tilted his head at this, grinning at the other.

"Is it a night off from you?" Abel asked,

Chamuel snorted, shoving the man though he kept one hand behind his back as he did so.

"That'd be a present for me, not you,"

"We get it, you're gay!" Bailey shouted, leaning against Sam who was handing Baal the ugliest sweater he could possibly find. The demons eyes shone,

"You're...not supposed to like it," Sam laughed as the demon king tugged the sweater on.

"You're just mad Sam didn't get you that sweater," Abel laughed back,

"Actually!" Sam sang, Chamuel shook his head and gently pushed Abel out of the room as the group continued chatting. The pair ducked into the hallway, Chamuel handed the hunter a small box. Abel blinked a few times down at it before taking it, it was nearly wrapped on the top but the bottom was a mess. He laughed softly, ripping it open to a small necklace box.

"Aren't we supposed to date before you propose?"

"That is a necklace case, are you just wishing I was proposing?"

Abel snorted, waving a hand before opening the case. His eyes grew wide as if he was gifted diamonds, he pulled out the two laminated tickets with a grin on his face.

"These-- tickets, they're for these--"

"Angels game," Chamuel laughed, "October, hopefully we'll still be alive by then." He murmured, feeling his face heat up.

Abel didn't care that his ribs were broken or that his arm was sore, he wrapped his arms around the other and buried his face into the angel's chest. Letting his arms race under the angel's jacket. Chamuel buried his face into the hunter's hair, letting out a small sigh at the hug. They stood for a few seconds in silence, Abel listened to the others rapidly beating heart before pulling away.

"I've always wanted to go," He said with energy pumping through his veins, eyes bright as the morning sun.

"I know! You have no idea what I had to do to get these," The angel chuckled, racing fingers through his hair.

"Sucking some serious dick, huh?" Abel's eyes glittered with mischief causing Chamuel to shake his head,

"Only a little," Chamuel grinned.

"Hey, I got something for you too," Abel said with a grin, he'd planned it a few days ago on one of the rare few times he stopped to chat with Norma while sneaking into Arphaxat's room. Though he didn't exactly enjoy his time with the demon, the high he got around the man was too hard to ignore though right now all he could do was think about the angel.

"I mean, I can't top angel tickets. But go get a bigger jacket,"

Chamuel looked at the other puzzled, "What? Are you taking me to the woods to murder me?"

"Yeah, I got my tickets. I don't need you anymore," Abel grinned,

Chamuel laughed, pushing the hunter lightly with a smile.

"Hey, come on Chammy, you trust me?" he asked with a tilt of his head, Chamuels eyes brimmed with warmth.

"Unfortunately," Chamuel chuckled.

***

"No way," Chamuel watched as Abel uncovered a small moped, it was sitting in the middle of the garage beside the Impala, it's black and blue paint stood out against the grey concrete.

"Look, it's too snowy to drive the impala, plus, it's part of the gift! Norma already said I could use it," Abel said with a chuckle, holding out the helmet to the blonde.

"You're going to kill us," Chamuel replied nervously, taking the helmet from the other and inspecting it. "Why does she have a moped?" he asked as Abel hopped onto the front with a wicked grin over his face. It'd been a time since he drove one, though he wasn't incredibly experienced he knew he could go the short distance he needed to go.

"Who knows why Norma has anything," Abel mused, "I don't know if you noticed this, but she's a little weird," the hunter pulled a helmet over his own head. Adjusting it as he did so, Chamuel sighed. Though he felt a bit excited as he pulled his own helmet on, getting on the back of the small bike and grabbing the man's waist. He felt his heart skip a few beats as Abel leaned more into his touch. The snow outside fell softly to the floor as the garage door kicked open, sending a rush of chilly wind against the duo as the hunter shot forward.

Though it wasn't as fast as a motorcycle he couldn't help feeling a rush of excitement as they darted down the cold streets. Christmas lights dotted the homes around them, glowing bright against the darkness of the world above. The colors danced and twinkled against the black streets below that were still wet with slush. The wheels on the moped didn't seem bothered by the slip and slide of the ice. Chamuel relaxed against the man, watching the lights roll by with a grin on his face. He loved Christmas lights, silently hoping his present had to do with them.

They took a few turns, the hunter focused hard as he tried to recall the directions without setting up his phone. Knowing Chamuel would understand what the surprise was immediately before they even got there if he looked at the gps. They drove deep into the city, the angel gasped at all the beautiful lights that drowned out any sadness in the air, the snow whizzed like fireflies past his helmet. The cold air tickled his nose, turning it red. He pushed closer to the other's warmth, letting his head rest on Abel's back. He smiled wide as he watched the world move by in a blur of light, color, music and laughter, people all around enjoying the Holidays with their family. His mind started to wander, heart skipping a few beats when he heard Abel shout to him against the wind,

"Pretty, right Chammy? Wait'll you see this."

As if on cue the city opened up before the angel's eyes, his smile grew wide as the giant Christmas tree stood before him. He gasped so loud Abel heard it over the rush of the wind, since he met Chamuel the man always talked about seeing the Rockefeller Christmas tree at night. It was something the angel always called 'silly'. Abel had been plotting this since he first heard the blonde mention it.

"Oh my God Abel," Chamuel laughed over the wind, he wrapped his arms around the others waist completely in a hug. Nuzzling his cheek against the man's back, his heart racing in his chest as Abel pulled into a small parking lot.

The two hopped off the bike, Chamuel pulled the helmet off and grinned up at the large tree. It was beautiful, it was something he only ever saw in pictures and now it stood before him in all its glory. With lights flickering on every pine needle, the ornaments grinning down at the people who were scattered around it. Abel kicked snow off his boot, grabbing Chamuel's hand and pulling him towards the tree with a laugh. Chamuels eyes glowed bright, laughing as the other pulled him forward in the snow. The two men raced towards the tree, their gloved fingers intertwining as they stopped running. Standing in front of the tree, the streets had started to clear of other souls leaving them decently alone.

"Thank you, Abel," Chamuel murmured, his breath billowing as he looked down at the other who's eyes reflected the reds and greens of the tree. He shrugged, leaning against the other with a shiver.

"Ah, keep that crap to yourself," Abel teased, "Just doing what any straight man would do for his pal,"

"Oh, you're right, from one straight man to another though, I really love this. I couldn't have asked for a better gift," The blonde chuckled, he let out a long breath as he glanced back at the tree. It's green branches seemed to just glow against the blue lights of the skyscraper behind it. Abel held up his phone, grinning as the two snapped a quick picture. Chamuel ruffled the others hair before turning back to look at the tree.

"It's beautiful," Chamuel whispered,

"Yeah," Abel whispered, letting out a loud, audible breath, "beautiful,"

The voice he used sounded so dreamy Chamuel had to look over at him to see what he was looking at. Only to notice the hunter was staring at him, his heart pounded against his chest. The look ignited such a vivid fire through his system, he swore for just a second the only people in the world were him and Abel. Chamuel's smiled so wide it hurt his cheeks, he felt tears burn his gaze from the joy that rolled through his being. Leaning down to the other and pressed his forehead to Abel's, causing the brunette to let out a small nervous giggle as he cupped the angel's face. Leaning forward, their noses brushed as their lips met. The spark that flooded through the angel's body almost made him gasp in shock, a pure flash of joy as he pushed into the kiss. Abel's hands pushed into Chamuel's hair, arms wrapping around his neck.

'Jedidiah'

The thought hit him so hard he pressed his hands to Abel's chest and pushed the man away as panic flashed through his system, Abel looked surprised at the sudden shove. His eyes wide with confusion as the angel turned away from him, his face red. His hands covering his mouth in shock. He was going to hurt Abel if these feelings were just Jedidiah's, he could ruin everything! He--

"Cham…?" Abel whispered against the hissing wind, the lights on the tree suddenly shut off as the loud bong of a clock could be heard. The man's voice sounded broken, compared to how it was only seconds ago. It killed the angel inside to hear the sudden shift.

"I-I'm sorry was that--" Abel started, Chamuel turned to the other with misty eyes. All he wanted was to be with Abel, but he couldn't. Not yet. Not now.

"I can't Abel," He choked out, Abel hesitated, hurt flashed over his face as he ran his thumb over the side of his lips.

"Cham, I gotta tell you, I--" He started but the angel shook his head, cutting him off.

"I know Abel, but I can't,"

"Is it because I'm--"

"I just can't. Not with you, I can't,"

Abel felt his heart break, he watched as Chamuel shook his head as turned away from him again. He could almost hear Arphaxat laugh at him, "See, no one wants you like I do" he'd say if here were here.

"Just...I need a second, then I think I...need some sleep," The angel whispered through Abel hardly heard it over the roar of the wind. He watched the blonde step back towards the bike away from him, the blue light from his phone showering his face as he left. He felt anger flooding from Arphaxat, he knew he'd be punished for it all later. Yet, part of him was overjoyed he finally got to kiss the angel. He couldn't remember the last time a kiss ever made his head spin.

***

Abel sat on the bed with his head in his hands, he felt tears burning his eyes. He was so confused, what the angel said was still racing through his mind as Arphaxat stared daggers at him.

"Are you crying? I should be the one crying, real men don't cry" he snorted,

Abel looked towards the blonde, suddenly feeling too tired to deal with the other.

"I'm not crying, It was just a kiss,"

"And he rejected you again, like I said he would," Arphaxat huffed, "so good job," he clapped sarcastically, "you cheated on me and got rejected,"

Abel looked down at his feet, sharp pain flashed into his system as the demon shoved him.

"Earth to Abel!"

"I'm sorry, alright?" Abel leapt up, practically snarling at the other. Arphaxat put his hands up, tears raced down the demon's cheeks causing Abel to freeze.

"I...just, I like you a lot and I'm just so hurt you keep doing this to me," the demon's voice cracked, causing the hunter to slump back down on the bed. He felt the urge to point out the others hypocritical comment but kept it to himself.

"I'm sorry, how can I fix this?" Abel asked

Arphaxat sniffled, rubbing his eyes and sitting beside Abel. When the hunter had come home Chamuel hid himself in his room, Abel hadn't even attempted to talk to him. He found his way to the room that was far from the others to meet with the demon, now, he wished he hadn't.

Abel wrapped his arms around the blonde, numbly pulling the other to his chest. He kissed the man's forehead a few times, rubbing his cheek against him.

"I'm sorry, Arph,"

Arphaxat smiled up at him, his blue eyes burning from the tears.

"Abel,"

"Hm?"

"I think I love you,"

Abel blinked in shock, only hours ago he found those words trying to force their way out, but not for the demon. He hesitated, hurt flashed in the others' gaze. He clenched his jaw,

"I...love you too," he whispered, feeling his heart sink. The demon smiled wide, kissing Abel's lips a few times before shoving him into the bed.

"Show me," he grinned.

***

"I don't get it, you...guys kissed and you freaked out?"

Israfil asked, sitting on Chamuel's bed with tired eyes. The angel dragged his friend from his slumber with Donnie, Cain and Mishka who all decided to drink themselves into a stupor.

He watched Chamuel pace back and forth, the blond panicked as he moved. Racing his fingers through his hair,

"Issy, I feel like I'm going crazy,"

"Just tell him, you've been hung up on him since you met him," the angel of music pointed out with a small yawn.

"I can't," Chamuel murmured, "they might not be my feelings," he practically wailed as he sucked in air trying to keep his panic down.

Israfil scrambled over to him, "deep breathes!" He whispered, patting the other on the back as he went down to the floor and sat.

"I was doing research, Is," Chamuel whispered, "it's all I've been doing all week."

"W-what did you find out?"

Chamuel pulled his legs to his chest, resting his chin on his knees as tears started to fall down his cheeks. Israfil pushed himself off the bed and settled beside the other, holding his arms open for Cham who let himself fall into his friend's embrace.

"The only few times an angel has fallen in love with a human, it's always been the vessel," Chamuel whispered, looking into the man's eyes.

"But-- I fell in love with Faith and I wasn't always in my vessel,"

"Exactly," Chamuel replied with a groan, "you saw her outside of your vessel. I can't do that with Abel, he'll go blind."

Israfil nodded slowly at this, still holding his friend.

"I read through these books, the internet, hell I even asked Reddit," Chamuel groaned inwardly, "all I could find was lesser known angels who fell in love with their human in their vessel, but once they left the vessel, it ended."

Israfil seemed to ponder this for a while before finally speaking up, despite the soft hangover that was starting behind his eyes.

"What if it didn't work because the Angels would blind them if they weren't in a vessel?"

Chamuel blinked a few times and sat up, "I didn't think of that," he murmured, Israfil shrugged with a smile.

"I just, I need to find out if that's it or if these are my real, true feelings." Chamuel said finally, "if there's a chance it could work I'll take it…" his words trailed off as he let his fingers squeeze the carpet below him.

Israfil busied himself by picking at the skin on his finger tips before glancing back at Chamuel, "how are you gonna do that?"

"I...I don't know," Chamuel admitted, "but I need to think of something, my feelings for him are...terrifyingly strong and it's like everyday it gets worse."

"And he's all you think about?" Israfil asked Chamuel groaned in response, "Chammy, I'll tell you what you told me all those years ago,"

Chamuel looked at the other with wide eyes as he spoke, "oh yeah? What's that?"

"Stop singing so loudly, I'm trying to sleep!"

Chamuel laughed, smiling at his friend with a shake of his head.

"Oh yeah, you bothered me a lot if I remember right,"

Israfil nodded with a laugh, "still do!"

"Did I actually say anything helpful to you that...might help me?"

Israfil leaned back against the front of the bed, letting his eyes watch the fan that moved quickly. The distant sound of moaning caught the angel off guard, Mishka and Cain maybe?

"Israfil, pay attention," Chamuel chuckles,

"Oh yeah, well, you did tell me to just do what your heart says."

"Good to know my advice is useless,"

Israfil laughed at this, getting to his feet with a small yawn.

"I'm sorry, Cham, I gotta go to sleep," he said, waving at the other. Chamuel watched him leave with a soft nod of acknowledgement. Israfil walked down the hallway towards the stairs only to pause, the moaning sounded slightly painful.

He shrugged and made down the stairs, past the kitchen, and to the door that led to the large man cave. He floated down the steps, the large couch had been turned into a bed. Donnie laid at the end, his hand still over where Israfil had been sleeping.

Beside that Mishka had her arms around Cain who snored loudly into the darkness, this made Israfil pause again. Cain and Mishka we're here, Who was moaning? Sam's wife wasn't here, the soft snoring of Baal on the chair not far away could be heard though he was in the shadows Israfil could see him. Bailey? Israfil turned and trotted back up the steps, he wasn't sure why it bothered him.

The home sounded quiet now as he walked through the dark kitchen, he entered the front room spotting Bailey asleep on the couch. She snored loudly with a magazine over her face, she had an arm wrapped around a pillow and her other arm dangled to the floor.

Not Bailey. The only left Abel. The sound of soft arguing was heard now. A feeling of dread passed through the angel of music so strong it shook him to the core. He moved slowly past Bailey, trotting up the steps as quietly as possible and brushing past Chamuel's room. It wasn't till he thought he heard an audible slapping that caused him to move quicker. Was Abel in trouble?

He made his way to the farthest door, pressing his ear against it but no sounds came now. He knew he heard the moaning, he heard arguing, a slap. What was happening?

Taking a step back and biting his lip, he knocked softly on the door. The sound of shuffling and a hushed whisper causes red flags to explode through his mind as Abel opens the door. Blinking at the other with a confused look on his face, he noticed the man looked disheveled. His eyes slightly haunted, a large red mark formed on the other's cheek.

"A-abel are you okay?" He whispered,

"Yeah man, why?" Abel replied, looking spooked as if he got caught doing something wrong.

"Well I thought I heard something…" Israfil whispered, "and your face is red,"

Abel looked shocked, only for anger to flash in his usually warm green gaze.

"Yeah I got my ass kicked yesterday, I'm trying to sleep, is there something you need?" He snapped, Israfil flinched at the others words causing the anger in Abel's face to drain out.

"No I'm sorry to wake you," Israfil whispered, turning and making his way back to the stairs.

"No! Wait, Issy, fuck," Abel whispered, reaching for the man only to let his hand fall.

Israfil made it down the steps and worked his way to the kitchen, he glanced back to where Abel stood but he had gone back into his room. The other's reaction turned every red flag in the angel's head so vivid he could almost see it.

Something was happening, and from what the angel could tell it's been going on awhile.

He made his way to the bed after reaching the man cave, he pushed himself into Donnie. Panic flared through his body, he didn't understand why the others snapping had made him so panicked. Donnie grumbled in his sleep, wrapping his arms around the angel and pulling him to his chest.

Israfil relaxed against the man, letting his eyes fall closed as the panic calmed itself.

"You okay, Issy?" Donnie murmured,

"Yeah, go back to bed," Israfil lied, Donnie nodded as he fell back into the darkness of sleep.

***

Abel groaned, letting his back hit the wooden door and sliding to the floor. He had snapped at, probably, the happiest man he knew who was just attempting to check in on him. Abel sighed, letting his head rest on the wood. Arphaxat stood from where he was on the bed, walking over to the other and sitting beside him. He wrapped his arms around Abel and pulled him into his chest, burying his face in the mans hair.

"Sorry, my fault,"

"You slapped me," Abel whispered, he felt numb again. A numbness that he wished he could get rid of, Arphaxat kissed the man's cheek a few times causing Abel to chuckle lightly.

"I know, I'm so sorry, I'm...I'm just so used to being aggressive, yaknow? But you make me want to be better,"

Abel let out a sigh, pulling away from the blonde who took the hunter's hand in his own.

"I know, Arph, I know, It's okay. I get it," Abel murmured, his cheek still stung but it was almost a comfort compared to the numbness that settled in the depths of his soul.

"Baby," Arphaxat murmured, placing a hand on Abel's chin and turning him so they were staring into each other's gaze. The demon leaned forward, planting a soft kiss on the others lips.

"I'm truly sorry, you're not mad at me?"

"I know, I'm not mad."

"You talking about Chamuel...it just gets me so upset, I just don't understand why you can't just be happy with me,"

"I am happy with you,"

"You don't seem it,"

Silence followed this as he looked back at the floor, racing his fingers through his hair and sighing.

"I guess...since I met him, Chamuel is all...I thought about,"

Hurt flashed over the demon's gaze, he looked away from Abel.

"I'm sorry I'm not as good as him,"

"No!" Abel said, turning to the other, giving him a smile.

"You're gorgeous, Arphaxat. In every way and I'm sorry, I'm trying to get past this…" He whispered. Arphaxat smiled at this, pressing his forehead to Abel's. A shot of warmth was sent through the hunter that burned against the numbness, except it wasn't because of the demon, but rather, the fact that Chamuel always pressed his forehead to Abel's. The motion just reminded him of the blonde causing guilt to flood through his veins.

"Promise me," Arphaxat whispered, "Promise me you'll try harder,"

Abel nodded slowly as their lips pressed, he wrapped his arms around the other and pulled him into his lap. Arphaxat smiled brightly at the other,

"If you had a bulge I'd be all over it right now," The blonde mused, the backhanded comment made the hunter flinch but he didn't say anything about it.

"Shut up, we just finished,"

They shared another kiss, Arphaxat got to his feet after a few minutes before glancing in the mirror that sat on the wall. He grinned at the Winchester that was trapped behind the glass, he could see Dean whose face was turned to that of pure rage. The hunter slammed his fist against the mirror but Abel didn't seem to hear as he scrolled through his phone.

***

Cain pulled himself away from Mishka, his phone was buzzing loudly in his pocket as he groggily got to his feet and stumbled up the stairs. He didn't want to wake his friends up, in just a few more days the man would be back at work, back into his routine. He wasn't looking forward to it like he used to, back in the day he went to work without any need to snooze an alarm or hesitate in his car like most people. Yet, now he couldn't imagine having to leave the group for ten hours.

"Hello?" Cain whispered, his words still slurred from the eggnog that raced through his system. He trotted past Bailey who snored on the couch, ducking into the outside with a yawn. He rubbed his eyes as snow fell around him, shivering against the cold wind. He couldn't recall his head ever being so clear as it'd been the past week at the home. He was eating everyday, he actually enjoyed Israfil's dumb songs he'd make up on the spot, Donnie's need to crack jokes that the angel of music would cackle at even if he didn't understand it. He got used to Sam and Baal always chatting about Pokemon Go, even Bailey and Norma he found himself enjoying their company.

Then there was Mishka, the night before the woman had taken his hand and dragged him on a walk around the neighborhood in the cold snow. He complained for a few minutes but quickly dropped it as she glowed up at him with her smile that made him feel weak, though he noticed his feelings for his Lionheart were also kicking up in full gear he didn't mind it. After all, he believed a king deserved to be loved by many.

They had talked for hours, walking up and down the street, going back inside and drinking coffee. He found himself dropping secrets, memories, and trauma that the doctor assumed he would take to his grave. The part that got to him? She didn't judge him, never once did he feel she was against him. Why? He didn't know. After a short time she had dragged him under the mistletoe, she had been so beautiful in the soft lights of the home. With the Christmas tree gleaming in the back, her eyes like a warm sun as their lips meet.

The sparks he felt were like nothing he ever felt before, he'd kissed many. But with her? It was something completely different that he couldn't get enough of, and neither could she as the kissing made towards the bedroom.

"Cain," Amaryllis whispered into the phone, causing the man to snap back into reality. He blinked a few times at their voice.

"Amaryllis? What is it? Is mother okay?"

"Yes, she's fine. Cain, our plan. Remember? The plan to get rid of Abel, are we still doing that?"

He hesitated, he hadn't heard Cherm, Amaryllis or his mother all week and now that he was talking to them again it was as if all that pain, fear, and ambition was returning. He glanced back at the home, he didn't want to kill Abel but he had too. He knew Mishka would get over it, right? She'd be with him no matter, he was a king after all. Yet a part of him wanted to cancel their plans.

"Earth to Cain,"

"Yes, sorry. Proceed with the plan,"

"Is that Cain?" He heard his mothers voice, letting out a sigh as Amaryllis turned the speaker on.

"Cain, my king, have you come around?"

"Yes mother, I...think so," He whispered, looking down at his feet. Dread crept through him, he could still stop it if he needed. Suddenly he felt Cherm beside him again, the monster rolled through his veins clouding up the happiness he had felt the past week.

"I'm so proud of you!" She bellowed,

"Mother, me and Amaryllis need to talk. Put h--" He stopped, "Put them back on the phone,"

Amaryllis paused, Cain had corrected himself. Cain had just gendered them correctly.

"Alright baby, I love you!" Eve cooed, Amaryllis tapped the speaker off and held the phone to their ear.

"When am I doing this, sir," They asked into the speaker of the phone.

"Saturday," Cain whispered, he couldn't keep the sadness out of his voice. He had a brother, but he needed to save everyone. Right? That's why he was doing it? He suddenly couldn't remember his reasoning for wanting to be the king.

"I'll get it set up," They whispered into the phone before hanging up. Cain sighed, sitting down on the floor. Saturday was coming quickly, but it was the perfect day. The snow would be at its highest.

"Cain?" He glanced up at the angel, Chamuel had opened the front door and stepped out. Hands in the pockets of his robe as he looked down at the other, sitting beside him on the cold steps of the home. The snow didn't grace them as it collected on the roof above, Cain felt his heartbeat quicken as he looked over the others handsome face.

"Why are you out here?" Chamuel asked, the angel looked as if he'd been crying but the doctor didn't want to point it out. His heart beating against his rib cage, he felt Cherm shutter in excitement beside him.

"Just answering a phone call," The doctor whispered, the two sat in silence for a few minutes. Watching the snow falling, the night air whistled.

"Hey Cain," Chamuel whispered, glancing at the other. The doctor tilted his head at the angel.

"Thanks for helping us," He whispered, his breath billowing out of his lips. The doctor grinned towards Chamuel,

"Anything to help my brother while he's still here,"

"what?" Chamuel asked, turning to the man with a puzzled expression,

Cain gave the other an equally confused expression.

"What do you mean 'while he's still here'?" Chamuel asked, he felt war flash through his system. The angel felt something was off suddenly, a darkness in Cain he hadn't seen the past two weeks but for whatever reason, it nearly glowed in the man's eyes at the moment.

"In Norma's home?" Cain murmured, feeling hot fire roll through his chest. Why did he say that?

Chamuel blinked a few times, relaxing himself but he could still feel the grace roll through his veins. Pumping his body with energy,

"Sorry, I guess I'm just a little paranoid," He chuckled, glancing down at the floor. Cain shrugged and got to his feet, exhaustion tugged through his system.

"I need to get back to sleep, Cham," He said with a smile, not giving the angel a chance to reply as he slipped into the home. The dark feeling vanished with the others exit.

Chamuel shivered in the cold, he looked out around at the groups of trees that dotted the front of Norma's yard. The sound of screaming caught his attention, it sounded muffled as though someone was being smothered. The noise vanished almost as quickly as it came, the angel got to his feet. Glancing to the floor, the scream happened again but it was silenced quickly. It was coming from under his feet. But there wasn't a room underground, was there?

He looked over the bricks with narrowed eyes, waiting. It was then he noticed the lack of animals around him, not just bugs or birds, but all kinds. In fact, he couldn't recall a time when he came here and there was a single bird singing a tune in the front yard, or a raccoon digging through the trash.

"You're losing it," He whispered to himself, turning on his heels and marching back up the few steps to the front door and pushing inside.