Chapter 37: Ice Bath

"So how do we make a new one?" Jegudiel questioned as he leaned against his desk. He watched as Uriel flipped through a few old books, his eyes narrowed as he attempted to make heads or tails of what was said.

"It says Faith and God can make them without needing anything just an angel's consent," The angel started, racing his dark fingers over the pages of the book. He pulled his sunglasses off, letting them rest on the top of his bald head.

"But an archangel can't?" Jegudiel asked with a tilt of his head, Uriel glanced back at the archangel,

"You need another angel's grace to sacrifice," He said, dropping the book on the large wooden desk. Jegudiel crossed his arms over his chest, taking a seat at the desk with a hum. He let one leg rest over the other, his foot bounced lightly as he attempted to come up with a plan.

"Call in Puriel,"

"Did you have a soul that needed examining,"

Jegudiel smiled at his partner, "Something like that."

Within seconds the doors opened, a small angel with shaggy blonde locks made his way into the room. His wings small, his eyes hidden behind large, framed glasses. His olive skin shone and freckled face reminded Jegudiel of a stereotypical nerd from an old movie.

"You needed me, sir?" The angel said, fluttering to the desk with a small smile. Jeg got to his feet, he walked around the desk and slapped a hand on the man's shoulder.

"Yes, I have a very important mission for you,"

The angels eyes glowed with excitement, "Like they did with Chamuel,"

Jegudiel grinned wide at the other, his eyes hollow as he tightening his grip on the man's shoulder.

"Yeah, exactly like that,"

The angel smiled only for that smile to fade, Jegudiels eyes flashed to gold. The boom of a trumpet erupted through the air around him as the angel he held onto screamed in agony. His body shuttered, shaking violently against the man's grip. Uriel leapt in the air with shock, his eyes wide as the other angels' grace submerged Puriel in its light. The screaming angels sounded muffled, as though they were trapped underwater.

"Shhh, it's okay," Jegudiel hushed the dying creature of light.

"You've got a very important mission," The last word came out through gritted teeth as Jeg crushed the angel's shoulder into a thousand pieces. The rest of the blonde's body shattered like glass before vanishing, there, in Jegudiel's closed palm was an Adinkra. He held it up to the light of the room, it shone vibrant. It's gold almost sang upon being created, it was shaped like a seven pointed star with rounded edges.

"Important mission indeed," He laughed, a sting of pure gold wrapped itself around Jegudiels neck, the archangel connected the Adinkra to the string causing it to glow softly with the beat of the angel's heart.

***

The week flashed by in a blur for Chamuel, he and Abel hadn't talked much since Christmas night and it was killing him. The hunter was sleeping in a room near the end of the home the past few nights as well leaving the angel feeling more empty than he could ever remember being. He caught the hunters eye the night before but his pupils didn't seem right, Abel also refused to play any of the games offered to him. Though he didn't avoid anyone like he had last week, he wasn't really present. The man seemed more like a zombie on his feet but the angel couldn't seem to talk to him, he seemed more snappy and Chamuel could only blame himself. After all, he had practically pushed the man off him!

"Anyone else noticed Abel's being kind of a dick recently?" Mishka asked the group, Chamuel glanced up from his spot on the couch beside Israfil who held an arm out towards Donnie. Metal wrapped around the angel of music's arm, wires sticking out of a large opening on the machine. Donnie had a screwdriver deep inside it, his eyes narrowed in focus.

"If you mean he's been snapping at everyone, then yes!" Israfil said with a nod.

"I figured it out, by the way," Bailey said from her spot on the floor. She was writing notes on a few different books, her eyes darting from one book to the other before she glanced up at the crew. A few new symbols had been tattooed into her arm, surrounding the anti-possession symbol.

"How to get my hair to turn blue?" Israfil asked,

Bailey snorted, putting her pen down and snatching up a yellow highlighter. She raced it over a few sentences on the largest book,

"I'm not dying your hair blue, Issy," She chuckled, "We already stick out like sorethumbs, when this video calms down I'll dye it."

Israfil grinned at her, wiggling his shoulders playfully causing Donnie to snort in minor frustration.

"Anyways," Bailey continued, "I think Abel's taking mushrooms,"

"Mushrooms?" Chamuel said with shock, glancing at her "How would he get those?"

"I mean, I can order some for myself right now. The internet is an amazing thing," Bailey pointed out, "he's not tossing them in a peanut butter sandwich though so I'm not sure if I'm completely right, unless he just eats em straight up,"

"Yuck, I can't do that. I'll throw up!" Donnie laughed, glancing at her from behind the glass over his eyes.

"Please don't throw up, I literally can't handle vomit! And...well I don't really blame him," Mishka spoke up, "I'd be freaking out too if I was a 'king of kings' and had to tell everyone on the internet 'Hey! I'm here, I'm transgender, I'm pansexual and I'm also Jesus' " she shook her head, taking a few sips of the ice cold soda in her palms.

"I mean, I don't either. But this has been...all week?" Bailey offered, Chamuel felt his heart drop to his stomach.

"All week?" Chamuel murmured, Bailey nodded.

"Me and Baal have been counting how many times we've seen him look bugged out of his head," She replied,

Chamuel felt guilt roll through his veins. Pushing the hunter away was better for Abel in the long run, right? If Chamuel ended up not actually having these feelings it'd kill Abel. Or would it just kill him?

"We should get Cain to talk to him," Mishka added.

"No offense to your boyfriend, Mish, but he's not exactly good with his words." Bailey chuckled, dashing her highlighter over a few more sentences and letting the end knock softly against her cheek.

"I can prepare him, maybe?" Mishka offered, shaking her head, "No you're right, he'd accidentally tell Abel how many different kinds of mushrooms there are and why the one he picked isn't as good as some crazy hallucinating mushroom or whatever," Mishka laughed, shaking her head. Bailey snorted, "He's a little too smart for his own good," Bailey mused.

"I'm going to get him taken to my psychiatrist, I...think he might be autistic and I'm guessing he'd never seen a professional,"

"You are in deep, girl," Bailey said absentmindedly as she continued to read.

"What can I say? A girl loves a man in a dirty slayers shirt and a foot in his mouth,"

"Weren't we talking about Abel?" Donnie asked, glancing up from what he was doing.

"Can we also talk about the eclipse that's coming up? Angel's grace is always a little stronger with a moon eclipse!" Israfil hummed softly, his honey brown eyes read through messages on his facebook page.

"Really? That's weird, why's that?" Donnie asked, pausing what he was doing.

"Talking about Abel, remember?" Bailey said not looking up from her work.

"What about Abel?" Cain asked as he walked into the kitchen, he wore his doctor's jacket over scrubs. His eyes sparked with curiosity as tugged the top of the shirt off showing the tank under it. He kissed Mishka's forehead and went to the sink to wash his hands.

"Oh good, you're all here!" Sam said, trotting into the kitchen, Baal closed behind him, typing away on his phone with a tilt of his head.

"We think Abel's on mushrooms, maybe LSD," Mishka said to her boyfriend who glanced over at Sam with a puzzled expression.

"What?" Sam said with shock entering his gaze, he glanced around.

"Where is he?"

"Probably in Alice and wonderland world," Donnie said, his eyes troubled as he pulled the metal machine off the angel's arm and set it with a grunt to the floor. He got to his feet, running his hands over his jeans. Israfil leapt up with a laugh, stretching his arm.

"We don't have time for him to go on a trip," Baal snorted, "We have a lead on the Chamulet and we need to go now,"

***

Abel raced down the stairs, skidding to a halt on the hardwood floor. Chamuel immediately went to the other, he felt anger burn in his veins but not towards the hunter. More towards himself.

"Abel we have to talk, but right now we have a leave," Chamuel said as he got closer, he knew Abel saw the anger in his eyes. The hunter visibly flinched from the man's gaze causing the angel to freeze.

"Yeah, I got the text," Abel whispered, taking a few steps away from Chamuel.

"Now hold on everyone!" Sam yelled out as the group made their way into the middle room, needles from where the Christmas tree sat crunched under their feet.

"It says here that it was seen in the Adirondack Park. Werewolf territory." Sam said, holding up his phone to the others. Everyone turned to listen to the man now, a hush fell over the room as Sam continued to read the message.

"Only five of you can enter, it says, with weapons. They saw it in the pack that lives closest to the river."

"Why do we need weapons?" Abel asked, "They know we just want the necklace."

Sam scrolled through the pictures of the forest on his phone, "You enter any type of enemy territory you need to have weapons," Sam said, "Yeah, they want to give us the necklace back but if anything happens it's best to have more coverage than just a souped up angel and a Napoleon complex. Though I think we should avoid guns, that might be too much"

Abel glared at the other, "I could kick Napoleon's ass," he snorted.

"So, five of us. What a specific number," Chamuel interrupted.

"It's because five is considered good luck in Werewolf culture," Donnie added, "My brother used to live with one. Too few and it feels like prey, too many and it feels like a threat. So five is just considered that perfect balance."

Everyone murmured to one another before Abel leapt onto the coffee table with a grin.

"Alright, who's going? Chamuel, me, Baal? Bailey maybe?"

"I'm in the middle of this," Bailey said with a shrug, gesturing to the pages of books on the floor in the other room. "I'm almost done or I'd definitely go,"

"Can't," Baal huffed, "Me and one of them werewolves got bad blood," He said with a soft embarrassing chuckle, rubbing the back of his head.

"I'll go," Cain said, waving a hand in the air. Abel held his hand out to his brother, they slapped their palms together and Abel tugged him onto the table with a wide grin.

"Us Winchesters forever," Abel laughed,

"You got it," Cain chuckled, grinning down at Mishka who gave him a thumbs up.

"I'm so going!" Donnie hopped up and down in excitement, "I just put a camera in my glasses. I can finally record a werewolf! I've been trying to get good footage of those suckers for years,"

"I'll come," Israfil laughed out, Abel grinned at the two and hopped off the table.

"If you get my boyfriend eaten by a werewolf there will be hell to pay," Mishka yelled after the group as they started for the door.

"I'm going to slather him in honey monster sauce and serve him in a mcdonalds bag," Abel called back to her as he threw open the front door of the home and ran out of the house. Donnie and Israfil were close to following behind, the two practically running into each other as they made their way into the snowy weather.

"Keys are in the glove box," Baal called after them, watching Cain hop off the table and pelt after the others, waving at Mishka who rolled her eyes and waved back. Sitting herself next to Bailey,

"So, what am I highlighting?" She asked.

***

Abel drove the large hippie van down the streets, the park was a good few hours from where they were but it wasn't anything the hunter wasn't used to. They'd get there before the sun fell, look around for an hour or two and probably stop at a motel for the night and continue the search in the morning.

He wasn't sure how it got this far outside of New York city but the hunter couldn't imagine it was a trap of any sort, according to Donnie werewolves fought with honor and would only reach out for help if need be. This confused the hunter since he assumed that all werewolves were insane killing machines,

"No, they very! It depends honestly on the person, where they are and whose around them." The genius had said, "So long as it's not a full moon they're pretty chill!"

Abel wasn't so sure but the other had been a hunter much longer than himself. He also had to fight to drive which was odd, Donnie hated driving and Israfil couldn't even drive. Shaking the memory off he glanced to the back, both Donnie and Israfil had fallen asleep on the shaggy carpet floor. Cain was reading a book with headphones blasting loudly, his eyes focused only on the words that danced on the pages.

"Hey Abe," Chamuel murmured, glancing towards the hunter from where he sat in the front seat. Abel knew this was coming, he tilted his head at Chamuel.

"Yeah?"

Chamuel locked eyes with Abel, the angel felt his chest burn. Only a week ago he had seen the others' faces so bright, vibrant with a glow in his eyes that reminded Chamuel of the most vivid stars. He kissed him, his lips soft, it had felt as though someone shot him in the heart with dopamine as they stood in the middle of the snow. Lips locked together in the most romantic scene the angel could possibly imagine.

Though the memories filled him with warmth the empty look in the others eyes made his heart break, his green gaze almost seemed to be grey in the light of the cloudy sun. There was definitely something wrong with his friend, he'd been so blinded by guilt he hadn't noticed.

"Abel, are...you taking anything?" It hit him suddenly that the hunter hadn't asked anyone to give him his shot of hormones the past week, usually he did it for Abel but he assumed that the man must have asked Cain.

"Like, my meds?" Abel asked, Chamuel could see the other was trying to play dumb.

"You know what I mean," Chamuel whispered, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.

Abel sighed, "Am I that obvious?" He whispered, clenching the steering wheel till his knuckles turned white.

"I just needed to escape a while," He hunter continued, "They're just mushrooms,"

"Abel, why didn't you tell me?"

"I don't know if you noticed but we haven't really been talkin'" Abel snapped, Chamuel glared at him.

"Don't snap at me, Abel. I'm worried about you," he retorted

"Worried about me? Is that why you wouldn't talk to me?" Abel spat back, his eyes narrowed as he tilted his head upwards in an aggressive manner.

"I'm sorry, I'm just-- I'm just confused, Abel," Chamuel whispered,

"Yeah? Me too, you don't kiss a guy and then tell him you can't 'do this with them'" Abel snorted, Chamuel felt his heart shatter in his chest. Anger flared through the angel,

"I didn't mean it like that," He replied with a hiss, "I just-- I don't know,"

"Whatever man, don't worry about it,"

"Don't shut me out, Abel,"

"You always say don't shut me out, but then you turn around and shut me out." Abel looked away from Chamuel, glaring out at the cars that were in front of them. Chamuel shook slightly from the anxiety in his system, he didn't have anything to say to that because he knew Abel was right as he attempted to self soothe himself. Rubbing his hands together as he tried to come up with what to say.

"I just don't...want you to be getting high to...escape me," Chamuel finally whispered as the gps pinged their arrival.

"Chamuel," He said, feeling Arphaxat grinning at him from somewhere in the large van.

"Unfortunately, I can't seem to escape you,"

The word ripped the angel's heart out, he gasped as if struck before glaring at Abel as the man turned towards a parking lot. A large sea of green raced over mountains of land that dipped into a large frozen lake in the heart of the forest. Ice covered every inch of the branches, settled on the floor of the forest.

"That makes two of us," Chamuel snarled back at Abel, pushing the door of the van open as the hunter parked and the angel stepped out. Chamuel tugged his scarf over his face more, hands covered by his warm gloves as he pulled his phone out and scrolled through the message Sam had read them earlier.

Anger still boiled his veins, he bit his lip in frustration he couldn't wrap his head around how terribly that conversation had gone.

"Alright," Cain said as he hopped out of the back of the van, making his way to Chamuel with a huff. His long, thick jacket kept him warm. The blue of the coat stuck out against his warm skin, the shot of red from his scarf stood against the snow below. Holding his golf club in one hand, it glittered in the snowy light.

"So, where too?" Cain asked him, glancing back at Abel who was helping Donnie out of the van. The genius was trying not to slip on a bit of black ice as Israfil floated to the ground with little issue.

"Show off," Donnie laughed.

"According to Sam it's this way," Chamuel murmured, nodding to the right as the rest of the group caught up. Abel made his way to the front of his friends, pulling a small can of paint from his coat pocket. He placed his baseball bat against a tree, shaking the can loudly, it clattered in the air before hissing. The hunter sprayed a large red dot directly on the splintering bark.

"What are you doing?" Cain asked, making his way to his brother.

"He finally cracked!" Cain called to his friends, Abel shoved the man away with a small laugh.

"Marking the trees, we can find our way back if you mark em,"

"Seems like destruction of the forest," Cain pointed out. Abel shrugged, turning to Chamuel with a smile.

"It's on the right," They both said at the same time, both men looked shocked as an awkward silence hung in the air.

Neither said anything else as the group turned towards the right, making their way into the vast ocean of green.

The wind howled angrily as the hours ticked by, the light in the sky was starting to die down but it was still decently bright as the group picked their way around the snowy undergrowth. Abel sprayed the trees every so often.

"I am exhausted," Donnie groaned, shivering softly despite the warm clothes that covered his frame.

"Me too," Israfil piped up, Abel stopped for a few seconds and glanced over at the two who had taken to sitting on a large rock that they shoved the snow off of.

"Guy come on, sooner we find it the sooner we can get home," Abel shouted against the cold wind that blasted against his face.

"We need to rest," Chamuel yelled back, "find a way back. It's getting dark,"

"No! Just a bit longer guys," Abel shouted back against the wind.

"Abel, I'm with Chamuel," Cain called back, "let's head back,"

"Fine, you guys head back I just want to look by the lake, these werewolves gotta be around here somewhere,"

Chamuel and Cain shared a look,

"Why not make out with Cain if you're gonna look at him so fucking much," Abel shot at Chamuel who looked shocked at the other. Anger flashed through his eyes,

"Those texts were fake, Abel! We went over this,"

"Then why did you push me away?"

Donnie leaned down into the snow as the two argued back and forth. His fingers brushed the cold frost off a broken looking necklace. Large beads had been cracked under sharp teeth, blood stained the ground underfoot.

"Hey guys," he called, handing Israfil the beads absentmindedly. The angel took them without question.

"Abel we can talk about this later," Chamuel spat back.

"What are you actually hiding?" Abel snarled, walking up to Chamuel with narrowed eyes. Cain took a few steps back now, holding the golf club tight in his grip.

"Guys!" Donnie shouted again, "stop it!"

"Stay outta this," Abel spat at his friend, turning attention to Chamuel.

"I know you Chamuel, you're hiding something,"

Chamuel felt his anger spilling over, "you're being a prick," he shot back, "not everything's about you! Maybe I'm hiding the fact that you're pissing me off,"

"Guys!"

Abel shoved Chamuel with a snarl, the angel looked shocked for a few heartbeats before shoving the man back.

"Abel you're being dramatic"

Something flashed in Abel's gaze, something that burned the anger out of the angel. Was it fear? Abel shook angrily now,

"I'm not being dramatic!" He shouted, throwing his baseball bat to the snowy ground.

"That's being dramatic!" he snapped.

"Abel, what's happening to you?" Chamuel whispered, it was then he noticed the shaking. It was as if the man had leapt into a defensive mode suddenly, his microaggressions showed the anxiety and discomfort the hunter felt.

"You're what's happening," he yelled out, Chamuel raised his hand as if to stop the others' words only for Abel to flinch away. Something. Was deeply wrong. He never flinched from Chamuel even on their worst days.

"Stop it!" Donnie shoved himself between the two, pushing them away from each other.

"You two are best friends, what the hell!" He gasped, Israfil got to his feet and made his way towards them. The howling wind made it hard for the angel to walk straight as it pushed against him.

Taking a few steps towards them, shivering in the wind as he fiddled with the broken beads in his hand.

"Best friend, yeah, sure. Or is he just using his stupid angel magic to mess with my brain?"

"What," Chamuels voice hardly heard as a look of horror entered his gaze.

Israfil took a few more steps only to be knocked backwards with great force, he screamed in agony as his body was thrown into an old tree. The beads falling to the floor.

"Issy!" Donnie shouted, a roar exploded around them. Chamuel's hands turned white in an instant as war kicked forward.

A large, black wolf stood before them. It stood on two feet like an angry bear, eyes as dark as the night sky. It's fur was sticky with sludge that dripped from its mouth and nose, large teeth shone bright against it's pitch black coat, dripping with blood and saliva.

Abel snatched the baseball bat from the snow, he and Chamuel stood side by side as the monster towered over them.

"That werewolf's possessed by the darkness!" Donnie shouted,

"No shit!" Cain shouted, taking a few more steps back as the wolf leapt at them. Abel and Chamuel split, causing the werewolf to land where they stood only moments before. Abel smashed the baseball bat into the side of the beast's head causing it to howl in pain and agony, turning its head to the hunter and biting at him.

Abel scrambled backwards to avoid the teeth, using his bat to hit the monster again. The monster got on two feet and bored down on the hunter, Chamuel flew at the creature. His wings shone against the white snow as he landed a hard grace filled punch to its side.

The wolf turned on Chamuel, biting down on the angel's wings causing him to scream in pain. Blood splattered to the white snow,

"Hey! Fuck face get off him!" Abel shouted as rage burned through his system. He jumped with all his might, Chamuel held a hand up. Lifting Abel in the air with his grace, the hunter smashed the bat on the creature's head.

Blood dark as the night splashed onto the area around them, Donnie turning and raced away from the fight. He went to Israfil who opened his eyes with a groan,

"I'm okay," the angel said quickly, getting to his feet. Abel was tossed backward, falling to the ground before getting up and shaking the snow off himself.

He was back in the fight only seconds later, Israfil pulled the guitar forward. His eyes turned bright as he started to play his song, Donnie followed behind him. Cain watched from the side with wide eyes but no one paid him any mind as the werewolf didn't seem to be going down. It snapped at the group with giant teeth, growling and spitting in rage.

"Donnie! Look out!" Israfil shouted as the wolf went to crush the man, the angel of music flew at the beast. Taking the blow with a painful yowl as he was thrown backwards into the snow.

"Issy!" Donnie shouted, running forward now with his metal bat to land a blow only for the werewolf to spot the shine from the weapon. He turned on Donnie, causing Abel to shout his name but it was too late.

Before anyone could react the wolf clenched the man in it's jaw, shaking his head. The hot pain Donnie felt was something he never imagined, he screamed in agony as blood flooded the floor of the forest below and soaked through the man's clothes.

"No!" Israfil shouted, a blast exploded from the man as hot rage burned into him.

The veins on the man's face turned white as he sent a shockwave out of the guitar. It smashed into the wolf at full force sending the monster colliding with the ground. Donnie was flung from the creature's mouth and slid against the snow below. He laid unmoving in a pool of blood, Israfil landed beside him and went down to his friend.

"Shit! Donnie!" Abel shouted, "Cain! Snap outta it!"

His brother blinked a few times, looking at Donnie in horror. He raced over to his fallen friend, the werewolf snorted and dragged itself up. Blood and sludge was dripping from it's skin everywhere, black fur falling in chunks to the floor. Abel raced for his friend, his eyes wide, he debated on whistling for Arphaxat but knew the demon probably wouldn't show up.

"Abel!"

Chamuels voice caused the hunter to turn his head. A massive paw had swept up and knocked into the hunter, he let loose a yowl of pain as his body was thrown through the forest and down a hill. He rolled through the cold snow, his body bouncing against the floor a few short times until he collided with the frozen ice of the lake. He slid out decently far, his hands felt as if they burned from the chilly ice below.

He took in a few shaken breaths, his entire system screaming with pain and exhaustion. The large sheet of frozen water went on forever and he was knocked into the dead center. He scrambled upwards, nearly falling as his boots slipped under him, he steadied himself the best he could. He took a few steps forward only to hear Chamuel shout something.

Abel glanced up to his friend only to see the giant shape of the werewolf pelting towards him. Panic and fear rose in his system, he stumbled back with a grunt and fell. Pain splashed over his body but he didn't have time to think about that.

"Abel! Run! Get off the ice!" Chamuel was shouting, racing down the hill towards the werewolf. His wings tattered as he tried to catch up with the monster but it was fast. Sliding down the hill and entering the lake, the brute was determined to attack Abel. Wanting to tear the man to pieces in it's large jaws.

Abel took in a few breaths, grabbing his bat and holding it up as he got to his feet again. The creature's massive paws made contact with the thin ice, almost immediately it began to crack. Letting out loud, angry moans under the monster's weight.

"Shit," Abel snarled, he couldn't get a grip on the ice. Whenever he moved he'd fall and the closer the werewolf got the more the ice cracked around him.

"Abel!" Chamuel shouted, he could see his other friends through the trees attending to Donnie. This thing would eat him up, spit him out then go for his family.

The monster was only seconds from reaching him, it's maw opened wide to show the rows of teeth. Without a second thought Abel lifted the baseball bat high into the air, everything felt as if it was slow motion as the hard, sharp nails on the bat made contact with the shattering ice below. Using all his strength with the swing, he felt the weight of the bat against the hard ice in his arms as it connected to the sheet of cold.

He heard Chamuel shouting as the ice shattered all around him, the monster stepped down only inches from Abel and fell into the deep, unforgiving waters below with only a yelp. Abel screamed as the force of the monster's weight lifted the ice under him into the air in a giant chunk, Abel grabbed the side of the ice. Hands screaming in pain, scrambling with his feet to attempt and keep himself on top of it but it was no use.

His fingers clawed at the ice as it flipped over, taking the hunter with it. He gasped, "Cham!" He shouted with his last breath of air before being thrown into the dark, cold waters below.

The sudden hit of ice cold sent his system into shock rendering his arms and legs useless, he fought for a few seconds. His lungs filling with water causing his throat to burn, he couldn't see anything but the light above him. For a heartbeat, he was sure it was over and for whatever reason he was okay with that. A sudden sense of relief washed over his being, all responsibility flowed from him as his eyes shut against the cold icy waters.

As he slipped into eternal sleep he couldn't help but think of the angel, his final moments, he'd think of what could have been. The kiss he had so desperately craved had been one of the best nights and the worst at the same time.

It was as if it dawned on him suddenly, he was in love with his best friend, the angel of war, of love. He would never be with him, he didn't deserve someone as beautiful as Chamuel.

***

Chamuel felt sharp pain as he went to follow Abel only for the beast to smash into his wings once more. Chamuel screamed out in agony as he collided to the ground, he waited for another blow but when it didn't come dread surged into his system. He yanked himself to his feet, watching in terror as the creature dove down the hill. Chamuel charged after it, the wolf was after Abel.

"Abel!" He shouted

He saw the issue immediately as he broke through the treeline.

"Abel run! Get off the ice!" He yelled, flapping his wings only to wince at the pain. War raging inside him as he stopped by the end of the lake,

"Abel!" He shouted, watching in horror as the werewolf entered the thin ice. It raced towards the other at a speed the angel wouldn't be able to match without flying.

The terror didn't fade as he watched his friend hold the bat up. What was he doing? He couldn't be stupid enough to fight the wolf on ice. It wasn't until he brought the bat down did it dawn on the angel. His heart shattered as he watched the wolf fall through the ice with a yelp of fear, only for a large chunk of ice to break under Abel and hoist him into the air.

"Cham!" Abel shouted, sending War into overdrive.

A blast of white exploded around Chamuel as he took into the air without a second thought, the pain falling to the back of his thoughts.

Cain ignored the sounds of Chamuel flying into the air as he attempted to stop Donnie's bleeding. The man had large marks through his chest and his ribs were crushed, the doctor looked to Israfil who was trying to help with wide, fearful eyes

"Donnie wake up!" He shouted, "I can't lose my best friend!"

"Stop crying," Cain hissed as he pulled off his jacket, ripping strips off his shirt and trying to tie them down. If he could just get the bleeding to stop, he pulled out a pocket knife and cut open the darker skinned mans shirt.

He froze. He could see the other's innards, he knew it was pointless. Donnie was still breathing but it was faint, Israfil sniffled and continued to press down on his friend, using his jacket to try and stop the bleeding.

"Please Faith don't take him from me," he begged through tears, Cain watched the others reaction. He'd seen many people cry over their loved ones but it never touched him. People died. That's how it worked.

Yet, this, this hurt him deeply. He couldn't describe it, why did it hurt him? He normally felt a nothingness in his chest no matter what, but now? The ache hurt, it hurt so bad he almost couldn't think straight.

"Please," Israfil whispered, looking at Cain, "please, Cain, please-"

Cain placed his hand on Donnie's chest, he suddenly realized that something was wet on his face. He placed a hand on his cheek, tears? Why was he crying? He felt a sudden burning against his chest, Cain pulled his Adinkra from where it was hidden with a look of shock on his face.

"An Adinkra?" Israfil breathed, looking at the doctor with wide eyes.

"H-how? Why"

Instinct kicked over him, it was as if a voice was telling him what to do. He placed both hands on Donnie, closing his eyes and releasing a breath. The Adinkra glowed bright on his chest, pain sunk into his arms and hands but he refused to move as a heavenly light glowed against Cain's caramel skin and rolled over Donnie.

Chamuel flew high over the lake before shooting downward like an arrow. He aimed for the spot he'd seen the hunter vanish into, as his fist met the ice it shattered like glass around his grace. Sending a shockwave over the rest of the lake, breaking every inch of the ice. The cold water didn't bother War as he shot through the freezing blackness like a missile.

He clawed his way towards Abel, grabbing the man and pulling him into his chest. With a few strong flaps of his wings he shot from the darkness of the lake, meeting the sky within heartbeats. Water beaded off his feathers, he landed seconds later in the snow. He laid the hunter down, war dwindled as he raced through his medical training. Silently thankful for the years of classes he took to gain his therapists license.

He started CPR immediately, pressing onto the other's chest before pushing his lips to Abels and breathing into him. This went on for a few seconds, Chamuel's eyes narrowed.

"Fucking idiot," he snarled at the man, tears racing down his cheeks as the adrenaline started to wear off, "sacrificing your stupid idiot self for us, I fucking hate you," he sobbed as he breathed into the other.

"Wake up!" He shouted, pressing down on the other's chest. Abel gasped, air filled his lungs before coughing up water. Turning away from Chamuel, he threw up more of the cold water and groaned.

"Abel! Christ, I thought you died," he sobbed out, pulling the shivering man to his chest. Abel clung to Chamuel taking in air, his face burying into the others wet clothes.

"I'm fucking freezing," Abel whispered,

"I got you, I got you," he whispered against the other. Hugging him tight, "We need to get you home," Chamuel murmured, getting to his feet and helping Abel up who still clung to him.

The sun dipped behind the trees as the two stumbled up towards the others, both were ready to find Donnie dead or dying as they pushed through the trees. Abel shook violently, his fingers void of any color, a small touch of blue collected on the tips. His lips hardly visible against his pale face aside from a kiss of purple that was starting to spread over them.

"Donnie!" Abel shouted as they made for their fallen friend only to stop in place. Cain's hands continued to roll over the genius, they glowed a soft green against the man's skin. Every time the doctor moved his hands over the flesh it would patch itself up, Cain breathing heavily as he continued.

His Adinkra shone, Israfil watched with wide eyes.

"Is that a..." Abel breathed,

"Adinkra," Chamuel finished.

Cain gasped a few times, his hands trembled violently as the veins under his skin started to pop out and turn green. After a few more rapid breaths he let his palms fall onto the man's skin, the glow died away. The only part of the bruise that was left was a large bite mark above the hunters ribcage.

"We can talk about that later," Cain breathed, turning to look at his brother. Why was he excited to see the other was okay? He had tried to kill him.

"We need to get you warm, Abel," he whispered, thankful the cold wind had settled. "You'll lose your hands,"

Abel glanced down at his fingers and nodded, Donnie groaned painfully. Israfil gasped as the other sat up, putting a hand on his chest.

"My chest hurts," he whispered, Israfil practically leapt on the other. Burying his face into Donnie's neck and sobbing loudly,

"I thought I lost you," he shouted, Donnie laughed only to cough painfully.

Cain shakenly got to his feet, blood raced down the man's nose and bubbled at the side of his mouth.

"We have to go," he breathed.

***

Abel sat against Baal, he shivered still despite the blankets that covered him and the demon who radiated heat. The man had his arm wrapped around Abel, attempting to keep him as warm as possible.

Cain sat in front of everyone with his head down, looking slightly ashamed as he fiddled with his Adinkra.

"So you just kept it from us," Bailey inquired.

Cain glanced up at her, "how was he supposed to know what it was?" Mishka retorted, she sat beside him while the rest of the ground sat around Abel.

They were settled in the living room of Norma's home. Sam paced back and forth as he tried to think of the best route to take here,

"You said he used it before?" Sam asked Mishka, Cain glared at him.

"I can speak," he hissed,

"Right, sorry," Sam shook his head, sighing "it's just that you don't really answer anything."

Cain hesitated, he felt as if the group was suddenly against him despite saving Donnie who leaned against Israfil on the floor. The man didn't look well, his dark skin paler than usual and his body shuttered but he insisted he was alright.

"I'm...not a people person," Cain murmured.

"Look, if he kept it a secret maybe there's a reason," Abel pointed out.

"Why does he get a reason for secrets but I don't," Chamuel whispered, Abel ignored this.

"Cain, just tell us. Everything," Abel continued.

Cain glanced at Mishka then to the group, she pushed her hand against his causing him to relax. Feeling a warmth that chased Cherm into the far ends of his mind, suddenly feeling a little more free.

"M-- our mom gave it to me, it was passed down I guess. It was a graduation gift, I've always worn it, it wasn't until I fought Saint Bernard I thought something was odd. I wasn't aware it was an Adinkra until then,"

"Why didn't you mention it after?" Bailey challenged, as she was settled behind Chamuel. Clipping his hair that had gotten too long for his liking, spraying the blonde locks with a squirt bottle from time to time as she went.

Cain and Mishka shared a look,

"I…"

"We didn't know what happened," Mishka interrupted, Cain was silently grateful for her unwavering loyalty. He hoped it would continue even after Abel's death.

"It just happened, we talked it over and planned on bringing it up but...I guess it slipped our minds,"

The group went silent, Abel shuttered softly before pushing himself to his feet.

"We can figure this out more tomorrow, I feel like if I don't get a shower and some sleep I'm going to lose my mind,"

Everyone murmured in agreement, Abel trembled as he made for the stairs. Climbing upwards with soft breaths, he was still cold but his fingers had returned to their usual pink hue as he took towards the last room where he had been staying with Arphaxat. Chamuel watched him go, glancing down at his hands.

Cain and Mishka got up and did the same, going to the room they'd been sharing the past few days. Sam collected the books Bailey had been working on,

"Welp, I guess that's my cue." He said with a small smile. "Issy you want help getting Donnie to bed?"

Israfil nodded as the pair helped the weakened man to his feet, he grumbled but didn't fight it as they made their way to their bedrooms.

Chamuel whimpered, Baal and Bailey both stared daggers at him.

"What?" He murmured.

"So what's going on with you and Abel?" Bailey asked, setting her clippers down and flopping down on the red couch beside him.

He bit his lip, ripping off a bit of the skin. Baal pushed himself closer to Chamuel and leaned in.

"What's goin' on with Abel in general?"

"Who are you guys? My parents?" Chamuel snorted, feeling his face turn red at the questions.

"Yes, now what's happening," Bailey said, leaning against the angel. Getting uncomfortably close to his face.

"Tell us or I'll give you the worst haircut of your life."

Chamuel groaned, his leg starting to bounce as anxiety took hold of him.

"I...I don't know exactly," he started, "we...uh," he hesitated, the two both stared at him with wide, curious eyes.

"Kissed," he whispered, feeling his face turn red.

"About time," Bailey laughed,

"What's that supposed to mean?" Chamuel huffed

"Israfil told us about your argument, and you both haven't been sleepin' in the same room. So there's gotta be more than that," Baal inquired.

"I..pushed him away," Chamuel continued, "I...think I messed up, cause now he's...mad. I don't blame him, I've...been a little weird about it all."

"You like him though," Bailey pushed, "why did you push him away?"

"I'm...just scared,"

"Of Abel? Hurting you or something?"

"No,"

Silence followed for a few seconds before he continued, "he said something, something that really scares me."

"What'd he say?" Baal asked.

"He...he said that I was making him feel things, like, how I can change people's emotions." Shaking his head, "but I can't make people fall in full love."

"Why would he think that? That's...really specific, dont'cha think?" Bailey murmured.

"I...I don't know, I think something is happening to him. I'm not sure what, he also got mad when I called him dramatic. I've called him that before and he's never got so mad about it. It was like a switch flipped, and immediately after that he…" Chamuel felt tears burn his eyes, why was he crying?

"He flinched like I'd ever hurt him...I'd never hurt him I lo--" he paused, "he's my best friend." Bailey and Baal shot each other with a knowing look that caused the angel to shuffle uncomfortably.

"I think you need to go talk to him," Bailey said, placing a hand on the other's shoulder. "Tell him...you're worried about him, apologize for the dumb ass thing you said, like, ten minutes ago and then tell him your feelings."

Baal grunted in agreement, "tell em, kid. You two make a good pair but seein' you at each other's throats is heart breakin'."

Chamuel looked down at his hands, racing his fingers through his hair with a small sigh in an attempt to comfort himself.

"You're right," he murmured, "I need to talk to him."

"And?"

Bailey raised her eyebrows at him.

"Tell him my feelings," Chamuel whispered, getting to his feet. Baal slapped the man on the back causing him to groan in pain, Bailey shot the demon a look causing him to give an awkward smile.

"Sorry, too hard,"

"There you go, buddy," Bailey chuckled.

***

Abel stepped into the room and sighed, though, the room felt tense. It always did since Arphaxat started staying in it. The blonde laid on the bed, sitting up as the hunter entered.

"Who kicked your ass?" Abel asked, eyeing the others busted nose, bruised eye and split lip.

"Some asshole who misgendered you, don't worry, I beat him,"

"My hero," Abel chuckled, kissing the other on the forehead a few times before making towards the shower.

"You're freezing," Arphaxat said as he watched the other get undressed.

Abel kept his body mostly turned away from the demon, not wanting to hear one of the blondes backhanded comments.

"Took an ice bath," he grunted out, stepping into the bathroom and closing the door behind him. He felt safer in the restroom, a door between him and the other.

"Hey Abe,"

Abel sighed in frustration, opening the door again and peaking out.

"Yeah?"

"I love you,"

He hesitated, "I..uh, love you too," he whispered before closing the door.

He was lying to the demon, he should end it. Right? Would Arphaxat even let him? He recalled the seconds before he died. He recalled the thought he had. He hadn't known the angel long, but he silently couldn't imagine not being with the other.

The warm water sprayed from the shower as Abel stepped in, a few shots of pain as the heat chased the cold off his skin. He sat on the floor with a sigh. Even if they were just friends he couldn't imagine his life without Chamuel or how he even got through the day without the angel.

He thought back to his life before the other, he was lonely, he hardly ate, didn't go out much. It was as if he had been walking through a fog his entire life and that night they met it lifted, he remembered seeing the other step into the dull light from his garage and it was a sudden jolt. As if he was struck with lightning, did the angel feel that too?

"Why should I let you in?" He recalled asking the group of three.

"Cause your freezing,"

It hadn't been said as a question, but a playful jab. It had been the perfect response to get Abel to trust the blonde, it had sent an odd sense of belonging through his system. As if he were in a cheesy romance movie and Chamuel was the knight ready to play a dragon.

His blue eyes, they shone in that pale light from his garage. They burned into his soul in a way he couldn't ever describe, for a heartbeat, it was as if it was just him and this stranger that would change everything about his life.

But Chamuel pushed him away twice now, he couldn't have felt it. Abel shut his eyes tight, feeling tears burn as he prepared himself for the heartbreak.

"If we can't be together," he whispered, glancing down at his body, "at least we can be best friends." Silently hating the way it looked, before, he loved it. But since being around Arphaxat, since the comments, tweets, messages, he felt as if his body was the most disgusting thing he could imagine. He closed his eyes.

The sound of the water brought his broken heart comfort, he decided within that moment he wouldn't try again. Wouldn't push, it was fruitless and he just wanted to be with the other even if it meant watching him fall in love with Cain, or someone else.

'He deserves to have a real man, not one made from a bottle.' he thought to himself.

After enjoying the warmth of the shower for a while longer he decided to go out and be with Arphaxat. At least he had his boyfriend. Shuttering at the title he shut off the shower and stepped out, making sure to get dressed in the bathroom to avoid the blonde mentioning his scars or genitals.

He pushed the door open, the air wasn't tense anymore. It felt almost warm, sitting on the bed was Chamuel. He could see the angel was anxious about something but he wasn't sure what, the man was attempting to bring himself comfort by rubbing his hands together. He knew Chamuel well enough to notice the anxiety with each movement.

"Hey," he whispered,

"Hey," Chamuel murmured back. Abel walked over to the other and sat down. There was silence for a few seconds as they looked down at the floor,

"I'm sorry," Abel finally said, glancing towards his friend.

"I'm...also sorry," Chamuel whispered.

"Abel, what's happening?"

"What do you mean?"

"You haven't...been yourself recently, everyone's worried and...I'm worried," Chamuel rubbed his hands together in an attempt to soothe himself once more, Abel lifted a hand to hold the others but let it drop into his lap.

"I just haven't been sleeping well,"

"You...you think I'm making you...feel these things, don't you?"

Abel hesitated, he nodded slowly, biting his lip.

"Abe, I can only make people fall in love temporarily,"

"Are you just saying that?"

Chamuel reached forward and placed a hand on the man's arm, "I can't do it anymore even if I wanted to. War...wars made that hard,"

Abel felt the familiar feeling of his emotions being drained but it stopped suddenly, the angel let his hand drop. Abel felt humiliated now, mortified he'd ever think such a thing.

"What's going on Abel,"

He felt the urge to tell him about Arphaxat, wanting more than anything to find an excuse to get the demon away from him. He didn't hate Arphaxat but he didn't love him, he enjoyed his time with the man. Sometimes.

"I'm just…" he started, looking down at his hands, he had to lie. He couldn't tell Chamuel about Arphaxat. He could sense the demon in the room, waiting with anticipation.

"Stressed out, yaknow? I have to save the world. I'm this big king and just months ago I was a nobody," it wasn't a full lie, right?

"Where did you get this idea in your head I'm...trying to make you...have feelings for me?"

Abel hesitated, "I...just," he looked away, "It was just a thought I had. It...ran away with me,"

Chamuel frowned, "well...it's not true, I uh, on that topic," he cleared his throat. His heart pounded against his ribcage as he attempted to come up with the right words.

"Abel do...you honestly have feelings for me?"

The air grew so tense it caught Chamuel off guard, Abel refused to look at him now. He felt like a teenager again, being rejected at the school dance.

"Abe?"

Abel felt Arphaxat behind him, he knew the demon was mad. If he said anything, even a hint that he liked Chamuel he couldn't imagine the rage he'd be facing.

"No," he lied, "I just-- yaknow, got a crush but I see now you don't feel the same," he spoke quickly, getting to his feet and shooting the man a smile, "it's fine! Hey, we cool?"

Chamuel was shocked by the sudden shift, he knew the answer already to the question. He knew Abel had feelings for him, he felt his heart flutter at the thought, but he wanted to hear the hunter say it. He needed to hear it to show he wasn't insane, but now Abel was saying no?

"Uh--" he looked around the room before looking back at Abel, it suddenly dawned on him that the room was messier than usual. Abel would make a mess, but some of the clothes didn't look like something the hunter wore. He felt dread trickle into his system, was Abel seeing someone? Someone he didn't tell the angel about? How do you hide an entire person though?

"Y-yeah, I guess," Chamuel murmured, standing up. Abel practically pushed his friend out the door.

"Cool, chammy I need to sleep," Abel said, the second Chamuel stepped out of the room the door shut and locked behind him.

Abel collapsed down on the bed, Arphaxat stepped back into view and laid beside him.

"You lied,"

"I'm not in the mood to argue," Abel groaned.

"You have feelings for him,"

"Arph come on, man,"

"Enjoy the silence, prick,"

The demon vanished caused Abel to groan loudly, rubbing his head as sleep rapidly closed over him. His heart broken in his chest, his boyfriend hated him, Chamuel probably hated him. Why was he still even trying?