Fic: To Make a Nest (part 2/7)
Dec. 29th, 2014 10:29 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
majestic_duxkList of kinks and warnings found in part 1
Go forward to part 3
--oo--
Gabriel was upset. Really upset. Distress and misery seemed to pour from his body. His sweet scent was sour with his feelings (and when did Dean notice his scent anyway?). And Dean was confused. When he’d pushed, he’d expected anger. A lot of anger. But Gabriel’s wings were drooping and shaking with distress. Dean tried to maintain his rage. And he was pissed. But his heart cracked a little at the alpha in very real distress. He wanted to push for an answer. To find out why they thought it was ok just to take him and force him here. But Gabriel didn’t look capable of talking, as tears tracked slowly down his face.
Dean took a deep breath. Why was this so difficult?
--
Gabriel spent the next little while not saying anything. Just blinking back tears, and running his nose along Dean’s collarbone. While Dean understood that scenting was supposed to sooth him, at the moment it seemed to soothe the alpha. A few jerky hand movements and his fingers were carding through Gabriel’s hair. What the fuck was wrong with him? This was his kidnapper for Father’s sake! He took a deep, steadying breath, and forced himself not to react. Huh. He sniffed again. His suppressors must be wearing off. That was the reason for this stupid bleeding heart. Another surreptitious sniff and hmmm. Michael and Lucifer and Gabriel had been kind of right. The nest smelt fantastic. He was sure that if he tried, he would be able to make out their individual scents. Gabriel was closest, so he scented him – he’d already noted that he was sweet, but now he smelt like sugar cane (of course) and cut grass. And something… something that he couldn’t put his finger on, but made his body soften. Ah… this weird ‘home’ thing. Huh. It really was a ‘thing’.
--
Castiel frowned. He didn’t understand why Dean was so vehemently against bonding with their alpha flock. Surely he should have been rejoicing at finding his nest? His wings puffed a little, in discomfort. The emotions in the room were extreme – and variable. From the joy and excitement at finding Dean, to the utter despair that was radiating off Gabriel. Castiel made a decision.
“That can’t be good for either of them. I’m going to sit with Dean.”
His older brothers looked on with smiles on their faces as Castiel marched over to Dean and Gabriel. It wasn't often Castiel got bossy, but it was cute when he did.
“That can’t be good for either of you.” Castiel obviously had a message to convey. Dean couldn’t help rolling his eyes, and even Gabriel huffed a laugh. They had heard him clearly talking to the others. “Dean – are you willing to spend time with me?”
Dean blinked.
“What? I get a choice?” It came out cranky (good! He should be cranky!) even though he didn’t feel so cranky now. He felt sad. He’d been pretty caught up in Gabriel’s misery. Why exactly was he feeling sorry for his kidnapper?
He looked properly at Castiel. Who was wearing a fucking trench coat.
“Why the fuck am I the only one who's naked?”
Castiel blinked. Dean sounded distressed. Maybe angry? He didn't want to make Dean distressed and angry. “My apologies, Dean.”
Between one blink and the next Castiel was as naked as Dean. Dean blinked. “Uh. Wow. I didn’t expect that.” Or that, he thought softly to himself, looking at Castiel’s considerable cock, looking considerably interested.
Castiel picked up Dean, urging Gabriel to his feet, and pushing him towards his brothers with his wing. Gabriel stumbled over, and Dean watched as Michael and Lucifer and Sam drew him into their wings. And Dean felt bad. And angry. Angry because he felt bad! But… it was his fault Gabriel was upset. Dean didn’t say anything to Castiel as the two men remained standing. Just crossed his arms over his chest and glared at him, expecting him to make him talk. Castiel just looked blandly back.
--
“What if he doesn’t want us?”
Michael and Lucifer’s wings rose alarmingly. Sam glanced at his brother – the wing displays could be seen as aggressive after all, and he didn’t want his brother to get on the defensive. But Dean and Cas were locked in some sort of weird staring competition.
Lucifer looked concerned.
“What do you mean, Gabriel? Of course he wants us. He is meant for us.”
Sam snorted, drawing his three brothers’ eyes. “Dean can fight against fate, if he doesn’t like what’s going on. And right now…” Sam’s deep sigh sent wings drooping. “Right now he feels overwhelmed, and on the defensive.” Sam winced. Now that he was over the first flush of realising that Dean was his – their – omega, he was feeling bad. “We kidnapped him.”
“As was our right,” Michael reminded him.
“And do you think he would have listened to us? Agreed to go off the poisons to show he was our true mate?”
Sam looked at Lucifer. “Of course not! Dean is on stubborn bastard. But… we should have given him the choice.” Sam looked at the ground. "Maybe he would have said yes to you, Michael. If you had asked."
Gabriel’s quite voice drifted up. “What if he doesn’t show his wings? What if he doesn’t choose us?”
Sam looked at his flock. Michael and Lucifer looked stunned, like it was something they had never considered. Perhaps they never had. Dean's anger had been treated like a child's temper tantrum. But Dean was no child. He was a highly skilled and dangerous hunter.
Lucifer exploded. (Quietly.) “Why would father create the perfect nest – which includes Dean – only to have him reject us?”
All three turned to Michael, whose brow was furrowed. He cleared his throat.
“You know the ritual. Dean has to choose to show his wings. If he doesn’t…”
Sam finished the sentence. “If he doesn’t, then he leaves.”
Sam frowned, before adding. “But you told him he didn’t have a choice…?”
Lucifer’s eyes swirled with rage. “What are you saying? We…”
He paused, as Michael laid a hand on his arm. “That’s exactly what we did say.”
Sam felt his heart sink. He had been so happy! Dean was their true mate. He didn’t have to choose. And now… now maybe he did. It wasn’t often that Sam was given the moon, only to have it wrenched from his grasp.
It wasn’t a good feeling.
--
Castiel and Dean stared at each other for a while. It was… weirdly relaxing. The other alphas had told him how special, how loved, how important he was. And then stripped him naked and forced him to sit on them. Dean frowned. One question at a time. He’d obviously asked too many of Gabriel, and he hadn’t answered most of them. Who would have thought alphas were so simple? Although… Dean thought of the way Sammy went about things, of Michael s obsessive sniffing of his beta scent. Perhaps not so surprising.
“Why was I the only one naked?”
Castiel looked surprised. “For your comfort.”
Dean felt his jaw drop. That was… ridiculous. It needed to be said. “That’s ridiculous.”
He waited for Castiel to disagree, but once more the man surprised him, waiting for Dean to continue. “You didn’t think I would be uncomfortable being the only naked person in the room?”
Castiel frowned. But it was a thoughtful look, rather than a disagreement. Then his face cleared, and he looked at Dean with serious eyes. “I can’t control my wings and my penis.”
Dean choked. He felt the other alphas look up, felt them wanting to rush up to see if he was ok. But something held them back. He looked out of the corner of his eye and noted the dejected wings, although only Gabriel and Sam’s expression mirrored their wings. Lucifer and Michael were obviously made of more stoic things. Oh well. They were leaving him alone for now, he could concentrate on Cas. Fuck? When did he give this angel a nickname? Whatever. Dean sighed to himself. For now he’d roll with it.
Dean expected Cas to continue on, but he was silent. Back to staring.
“Soooo… what does penis control have to do with anything.”
Castiel sighed and shifted. The bob of his hard cock caught Dean’s eye. Again. Huh. That’s right. Cas had a hard on. Dean felt his cheeks flush. It really was impressive now that he took the time to look at it.
“Can’t you put it away, Cas?”
Cas shifted Dean to the side. He sat down, and went to pull Dean to his lap, then paused, instead pulling him down beside him, but still close.
“I can’t control both my wings and my penis.” Cas was so earnest in his explanation.” I can keep my wings down, or my penis. We all felt you would be… more comfortable with wings down. Wing displays are bigger, and more aggressive. Especially as you aren’t showing your wings. When I am covered in clothing, the fact that I have an erection is not so obvious; therefore it should not cause you discomfort or embarrassment.”
Dean blinked. It was actually a reasonable explanation. He guessed it deserved a reasonable response.
“So stripping the kidnapped omega in front of five horny alphas is a way to make him feel comfortable? Fucking great logic.”
He ignored the choked sounds from behind him. He hoped they felt bad. Kind of. Not really. Gah! Stupid hormones making him all forgiving when he should be feeding and maintaining the rage.
Castiel looked at him, shame and apology in his expression. “No. When you put it like that, it was not a well thought out decision.” Castiel turned, although he kept a hand on Dean, lightly stroking his wrist. “Brothers. Please remove your clothes. We should all be making efforts so that Dean is feeling comfortable with us.”
And then they were all naked. Dean… Dean wasn’t sure how comfortable he felt with all that naked alpha on display.
--
Dean looked up at the hopeful expressions around him. They were trying. They obviously were. Dean couldn't help but notice none of them could control their penis's either. Dean choked back a hysterical laugh. Really? Dean shook his head. Now was not the time to be thinking of alpha cock. Now was the time to be thinking about whether this whole listening thing was too late. How they thought it had been a good idea to court Sam and not him…
He turned to face Castiel again. “So why court Sam and not me?”
Castiel blinked.
“Pardon?”
“You all told me before. You courted Sam, wanted him to be part of your flock. So why not "woo" the “omega” who makes your “flock” a “nest”” Dean enjoyed his liberal use of air quotes.
Castiel blinked again. “I…”
He appeared at a loss, and looked over to his brothers, who also appeared at a loss. Sam looked like he was not going to be opening his mouth any time soon.
“Please tell me, oh mighty alphas, what made you think that five of you storming my home and kidnapping me was a good idea?”
The room had already been tense. But that sent things off the scale. Dean just looked around smugly. Now? Now he actually felt good! For the first time since he had met them, they were on the back foot. Let’s see if they could convince him they were worth staying with.
--
Michael felt ashamed: He had been so caught up in the possibility of nest, of the something they had long longed for… so caught up in his right to take his true omega, that he completely ignored Dean’s wants and needs. It was shameful. He was Flock Alpha. His alphas took their lead from him. He had been so excited, so happy at the news he just took off to claim their mate, not giving his thoughts and feelings any consideration. He glanced at Dean, who, interestingly enough was less angry then when he’d been forcibly brought there. Michael cursed under his breath. They had fucked up big time. Could they now fix it? Was Dean's better mood because he was less angry, or because the alpha pheromones were finally doing their work?
A second glance at Dean could neither confirm nor deny whether pheromones were the cause. Dean's wings were still dark and lowered. But he had a lot of experience in staying calm under stressful conditions. Michael felt remorse. That they were the cause of distress to their little one, their omega, was wrong. Now that it had been so clearly laid out, why did they think it was ok? Were they animals, who upon scenting a mate, were unable to do anything about it? Oh Father! Why had something that had brought them all such joy, turned out like this?
A quick glance at his brothers showed equally troubled faces. Remorse, anger, sorrow. And loss. Loss of their perfect mate. And they could blame no one but themselves.
Michael took a deep breath. It was up to him to lead his flock. A flock that now may never be a nest.
--
It was Michael who answered. That made sense. He was the Flock Alpha. He did the dirty work so his flock wouldn't have to. When the others needed protecting, he would be the one to fight for them all.
“We didn’t think.”
Dean’s eyes narrowed.
“You think that’s good enough?”
Michael looked away. “No. It’s not good enough. We were just so happy. So excited to finally found our omega.” He looked back at Dean, eyes fierce. “We’re hunters too, Dean. We have seen omegas – mated and unmated. And not one was ours. Not a single one was the one to make our nest a home. Not a single on ever tempted us. We’ve been looking for centuries.” Michael shrugged a little. “We’ve been happy of course. We’re a flock. And then finding Sam…” He looked at the younger alpha, and gave a small smile. “It was perfect. Another perfect mate. But always something was missing. That something was you. And now... Now we may have completely destroyed our chance at happiness.”
Dean was frozen. Well, fuck. That was honest. Dean still wasn’t sure if he wanted to stay. Sure, he was more comfortable than when he first got here, but did that mean it was what he wanted? He wanted a nest. He wanted all that. He was hardwired for it. But did he want it with these alphas?
Still… Were they really giving him the choice, to stay or go? That changed things a little. It meant he was willing to listen.
--
Dean felt something that he hadn’t even realised was tense, relax. They weren’t going to rape him. It wasn’t unheard of for omegas to be stolen away and claimed against their will. Dean could appreciate the honesty, and repay it with his own.
With no great rancour, he informed Michael, “I thought you were all going to rape me.”
He heard the collective intake of breath around him, and forced himself to not roll his eyes. How could they seriously not think that, with all their ‘no choice’ and ‘you have to bond’ crap.
The question now became could he stay with these alphas? He ran through the negatives. Kidnapping assholes who didn’t listen pretty much topped that list. And much as it pained Dean to admit it, biology was a bitch. He knew that. Was why he his status. Even now, he could feel that tickle in his oil glands that meant they were getting ready to leak. Which was something on the positive list. They did eventually listen, and before he was so overtaken with hormones that he couldn’t say no. And it was a pretty impressive turn around. Right now, he could walk out, and they wouldn’t stop him. That was a pretty good position to be in.
Dean didn’t let any of this show on his face. He was too good for that. Instead he glanced back at Michael, who had been making rustling movements. Dean’s jaw dropped.
--
Michael’s wings had flared. Dean eyed them nervously, but it wasn’t aggressive it was… Michael was lowering how wings before Dean.
“Holy Fuck!”
Dean couldn’t believe it! Well, he had to. It was right in front of him. But he never would have imagined an alpha… Four - no! - five would lower their wings in submission to him. It was… Fuck! It was a heady feeling.
“We want to make nest with you, Dean.” That was Lucifer speaking quietly. “But only if – and when – you want to.”
Wow. That was… wow. They were giving him an out. But giving him an in again too.
“So if I don’t want to make the nest now…?”
Gabriel looked at him seriously. “There is no other omega for our nest, Dean. You are our omega”
Gah. That felt like pressure. Dean looked around and noticed Sam. Sammy. The little brother who started all this. “Why hasn't Sam said anything to me yet?”
Raised eyebrows. Great. Why could no one here just answer a father-damned question without the face twitches.
“Uh… you haven’t had one on one time with him?”
Now it was Dean’s turn to face twitch. Always the way. “What does that even mean? He’s my fucking brother. We know each other!”
Michael was firm. “It is part of the ritual. You have spent time with me, Lucifer and Gabriel. Therefore we can answer your questions. You haven’t yet had that time with Sam, nor finished with Castiel, so they cannot.”
“It’s not that they don’t want to talk to you, Dean-o. It’s the ritual. It has to be this way.”
Fine. Fine. Rituals were rituals, even if they were stupid. He stuck his hands on his hips and looked around the room. “I haven’t decided what I’m doing yet. But it won’t hurt to talk to Castiel more.”
He turned on his heel and marched back to the sofa, throwing himself down beside Castiel. He kept a stoic expression, despite the look of relieved joy on his face, and the heady scent of hope that filled the room.
But he hadn’t decided. Not really. And he wouldn’t. Not until after he’d talked to Sam.
--
“I’m sorry Dean,” Cas offered softly. “I too was so overtaken with excitement at finding you, I didn’t stop to consider. Gabriel and I were out and we scented you. And it was…” Cas paused, trying to get his thoughts together. “I don’t know I can explain it well. It was like smelling everything that made you happy, all wrapped up in a big hug with a duckling. If you like ducklings. Which I do,” he hastened to add. “I am fairly sure that Gabriel doesn’t wish for a pet duck.”
Cas looked slightly wistful. Fuck. That was cute. Very cute. Dean cleared his throat, attempting to not be won over by remorseful baby ducks. Since Cas was obviously going out of his way to accommodate Dean, Dean decided to finally ask some of his questions.
“So why did I have to be naked?”
Cas looked surprised. Why was every single fucking question a surprise to this guy? But he answered readily enough.
“You’re clothes are all covered in those omega covering up products you use. They are designed so that regular washing doesn’t remove them. It both prevents your omega scent from escaping, and prevents our alpha scent from reaching you.”
Hmmm. So they had a reason but surely…
“And the lap cuddling thing.”
Here Cas blushed and looked away. Well! That was an intriguing reaction…
“C’mon, Cas! Answer the question.”
Cas mumbled something about speeding up the rate at which the omega blocking medications would be nullified. Dean waggled a finger at him. “Sketchy at best, Castiel! Real reason, now!”
Cas looked wide eyed at his brothers, who were smirking. Dean narrowed his eyes. Cas finally looked back at him.
“You’re cute and nice to cuddle.”
Dean looked thoughtful. “So you’d like it if I sat on your lap now?”
Cas gave a choked gurgle. Dean laughed. And he probably would have jumped on Cas’s lap just see the reaction when his stomach rumbled. Loudly.
Cas jumped up. “You’re hungry!” He turned around, wings everywhere. “Mikey! Luci! He’s hungry! Why haven’t we fed him! How can we keep a nest if we can’t even keep our… Dean… fed!”
Dean couldn’t help the laughter that burst from him. Nor could he help snorting at the glare Cas sent his way. Cas grabbed his arm, but didn’t seem to know what to do after that.
“What do you eat! What do we feed you!”
Dean perked up. He couldn’t help it. Man. This is what they should have done from the start.
--
Not long after Dean had his bacon double cheeseburger, a chocolate milk shake, and was the happiest he’d been… in ages actually. Now that the alphas weren’t all ‘we will own you’ they were pretty fun to hang out with. Cas was next to him, and if he occasionally dropped his head to scent along his shoulder, well, he could deal with that. And for the first time in, ever really, Dean could just be. He didn’t have to worry about whether his wings were oiling out the powder, on whether he smelt like slick, on what to do if someone noticed. These guys, dicks that they were, knew. It was weirdly relaxing. And they brought him food he liked to eat. Maybe next time they could go out to a diner. It would he hilarious seeing these five at a table… Huh. Thinking of the future. Bad sigh – or good – depending on who you were.
Gabriel (who had a cherry cola milkshake. Since when was that even a thing?) raised an eyebrow. “Deep thoughts, Dean-o?
“Forty two,” he shot back.
“What do you get if you multiply six by nine,” Lucifer responded, without even looking up from his salad. Huh. Two salad eaters. Could he put that on the negative list?
Regardless of his scorn for his eating habits, Lucifer earned himself an approving smile from Dean, and a blank look from everyone else.
Damn. This seemed like another thing to add to the positive list.
--
Dean closed his eyes let out a big sigh, rubbing his belly.
The food had been great. Which meant Dean felt great. The rest of the room felt tense, but Dean decided it wasn’t his problem. He would focus on the good stuff. And all the good stuff was now in his belly. When it was his turn to interrogate someone, he’d find out where this diner was. How come he didn’t know where it was? That was possibly the best burger he’d ever eaten. And if they had burgers, they had to have pie, right? Why hadn’t he asked for pie? How could he have forgotten something so critically important. Maybe next time he would get pie. How could he have forgotten to ask for pie?
Dean’s eyes jerked open. Hang on – there was a problem. A really fucking huge problem. They were obviously regulars. There was no way they stumbled on it unknowingly, not the way Cas had been flapping around. Dean closed his eyes, sending a mental glare at Sam. Sam must have known where it was. How could he not have told Dean? His brother?!
Opening one eye again, he took stock of the alphas. They were a good bunch once they stopped being dicks. And very eager to please… He was pretty sure that he would have gotten anything he asked for. Maybe… maybe he should hang around. At least these alphas would keep him well fed. And given that some of them (well, ok, one of them) had worse eating habits than him, Sam couldn’t hassle him!
Ah. Sammy. Dean felt a little of the room stress creep under his skin. The person he most wanted space from was his brother. Although Sammy was practically breathing on him, and Dean could feel the puppy dog eyes boring into him. But Dean could be damn stubborn when he wanted. Ignoring him was no problem. Dean wanted to shift away: Sam was way too close.
Of course he was. It was ‘one on one’ time with Sammy.
And the question of them moment: why didn’t Sam tell him about that diner?
Dean shook his head. Focus, Winchester, he told himself sternly. That wasn’t the important thing. The important thing was, what did he actually want to say to his little brother?
Sam had been an absolute dick. Of that, there was no doubt in Dean’s mind. And if he really wanted to, Dean could make Sam very sorry and very upset. Although he wasn’t good with words, you don’t grow up with someone without knowing every single one of their weak points. Dean knew the sort of damage he could do. And while he quite enjoyed the image of his brother grovelling before him, he didn’t want to hurt him. Sam was his brother. And despite everything, he loved his brother.
They had history. And more than that – they had a present and possibly a future. Dean squashed down the little warm feelings that rose when he thought of their future. He wasn’t mentally ready for that. And while he didn’t want to permanently scar his brother (well, maybe only a little bit. But not too much), he also wasn’t ready to just flip his wings and say all was forgiven come fuck me you sexy beast. It was a conundrum.
And for some reason, Sam – Sam who always had something to say, was sitting there quietly, fingers twisting round each other. Huh. So Sam was nervous too.
Good.
As the brothers sat next to each other, the rest of the flock sort of flitted about the room, pretending to prepare the room. But it was ready. They were just trying to look like they weren’t listening. Dean’s eyes fell on the bed, which was still central to the room. In his opinion the candles were still over the top, but he had to admire the way it lit the feathers with a soft glow. And the way the feathers all went so perfectly with each other. He wasn’t wondering what it would feel like to lay back on that feather bed. And he definitely wasn’t wondering how his feathers would look woven in.
“You really love these guys, huh?”
Sam jumped. How did that happen? He’d been staring at Dean for the better par t of half an hour, and the moment he looked away (he’d been looking down at his hands, trying to figure out how to start the conversation), that was the moment Dean chose to speak? He knew Dean was angry. And he didn’t want to make him angrier. Dean… he needed Dean. His flock needed Dean. And Sam… wasn’t very experienced in dealing with an angry older brother. It has always been Sam who was placated. He never expected to be on the other side. Just as he hadn’t expected Dean to make the opening gambit. And it was pleasant. What the fuck was Dean playing at?
“Uh…?” Sam looked wildly around. His alphas were giving him soft, encouraging smiles. Of course he loved them. What kind of stupid question was that? Sam glowered at his hands. He wished they had more privacy. Or that he knew what the other alphas had done to get Dean in a good mood. Sam felt his expression morph into a bitch face.
That was the problem with being last, Sam thought morosely. Everyone was very aware of the conversation. They could at least pretend they were doing something other than listening to this non-conversation.
Sam felt slightly resentful. While the other alphas had been having their time with Dean, they’d all worked hard at preparing the nest, to make it perfect and inviting for their omega. And it did looked fantastic. Sam flicked a glance to Dean’s wings. They were still dark and low... Sam wondered what colour his feathers would be. Which reminded him – why had Dean hid it from him??
He looked at Dean now, feeling righteously angry.
Only to be met by a hard, angry expression.
“No, Sam. You don’t get to be pissed at me right now.”
Sam opened his mouth to argue. “No, Sam. I know what you’re mad about. That I didn’t tell you I was an omega? Well fuck that shit. I don’t owe that information to fucking anyone.”
Sam glowered. “You should have told me, Dean! I would have protected you!”
Dean raised an eyebrow. “You would have protected me? You’re missing the point, Sam. I don’t want or need your protection. If we sparred right now, I’d still win four out of five.” Sam felt his wings puff huffily. Dean just laughed at him. “Upset because a weak little omega can beat your alpha ass?”
Sam glared, opening his mouth to yell at Dean. But somehow, he managed to stop himself. Exploding at Dean right now wasn’t going to help anything. Hopefully, hopefully, he’d have time to show Dean who was beating whose ass in the very near future. Right now he had to act, not react. He took a deep breath, feeling the oxygen fill his lungs, and he allowed Dean’s question to just trickle through his mind.
Was that why he was mad? Because an omega could (and frequently did) best him? Sam closed his eyes, forcing himself to think about it…
Opening his eyes, he looked straight at Dean. “No.”
Dean reared back. “What the fuck? What are you…”
“No.” Sam repeated. “That’s not why I am angry. You’re right – you can take care of yourself. But Dean. We take care of each other. I’ve got your back, and you’ve got mine.”
Dean rubbed his neck. Sam had a point. They did take care of each other. But they already had each other’s backs. His omega status should be irrelevant. And it obviously wasn’t.
“You would have treated me differently, Sam.”
Sam opened his mouth to object, but Dean just kept on speaking. “I mean look at now. The minute you find out I’m an omega, you bring all you’re mates to our house. You ambush me, you fucking kidnap me, and expect me to be happy about it?!”
“I didn’t…”
“Didn’t what? Carry me off? You brought them, Sam. You didn’t stop them! You didn’t say a single fucking thing to get them to back down. Then we came back here and you got straight into setting up a fucking mating bed.”
Dean’s wings were moving, but it wasn’t sexy and colorful. They were still dark and they looked incredibly pissed off. Sam just hoped Dean had enough self-control to not keep Sam’s body free from feather damage.
Dean sneered at Sam. “What if I was an alpha? What would have done then?”
Sam glared at Dean. Wings be damned, Dean was totally missing the point! Dean wasn’t an alpha. He was the most perfect fucking omega in the whole fucking world. If Dean had been an alpha, that would have been wonderful too. But this way? Dean fucking completed them. All of them. Sam was trying to think of the best way to convey this, when Dean spoke again.
“Seriously Sam, what was with the flying dick squad turning up at our place? You couldn’t have warned me? Or talked to me yourself?”
Behind him, Dean could feel Gabriel roll his eyes, and hear Lucifer snort. From what he knew of the other two, Michael’s expression probably hadn’t changed, and Castiel probably looked confused. Dean decided to help out. Turning to face the other alphas, Dean addressed Castiel.
“Yes, Cas. You are part of the Flying Dick Squad.”
Cas nodded, and quietly accepted the face, but Lucifer shot him a toothy grin. “Technically so are you, Dean. You have a dick. And you fly.”
Behind him Sam sniggered. Dean allowed a smile to show on his face.
Lucifer just smiled smugly at him. Shaking his head, Dean turned back to his brother. Who was staring at the ground. Again. Looking pissed off. Again. Dean’s eyes narrowed. Really, what did Sam have to be pissed off about anyway?
--
The alphas were watching their mates (soon to be mates) with… well, with a lot of confusion.
“Do they even like each other?” Castiel murmured to his brothers.
Michael and Lucifer exchanged glances. They understood. They hadn’t always gotten on well. The fights when they were fledglings were famous. And much more than normal displays of sibling dominance. To be perfectly honest, Michael still couldn’t believe that he and Lucifer were in a flock together! From the wicked grin Lucifer was sending him, he was thinking along the same lines.
“Cassie – sometimes… Sometimes brothers show they love each other by attempting to kill each other.”
Gabriel and Michael sent Lucifer a glare. That was not the thing to be telling their completely literal younger brother. Castiel’s wings had twitched in distress. He sent a hard look to his brother, then hunkered down to watch Sam and Dean, ready to swoop in and rescue whoever needed rescuing.
--
Michael cast his eye over the Winchesters. They seemed fine. Dean looked angry and Sam looked defensive, but it was posturing, merely the bickering of fledglings. There were no aggressive wing displays. Their bodies looked more like they were poised to hug than punch. Their conversation echoed that, sliding between laughing and yelling, agreeing and arguing. It would be fine. They would be fine.
Gabriel however…
Michael frowned at his brother. He’d been distressed earlier – and with good reason. Gabriel was the most emotional in their flock. At the same time, he had the most empathy. He was always the first to lend a shoulder to cry on, or open his arms to whoever needed his touch. To have been blind to Dean’s wants and needs, and obvious distress, was very hard for him. But it had been dealt with. As a flock they had dealt with it, and Dean understood he was safe. Michael sniffed subtly: Dean had no scent of distress or fear. A bit of anger (but he was arguing with his brother, that could be explained), and a whole lot of comfort. Yeah, Dean was going to be ok.
So why was Gabriel still so distressed? He’d barely spoken over lunch (although Michael noted he was still able to order some disgustingly sweet concoction) and since then he had curled up in the corner of the couch, occasionally glancing towards Dean through the wings wrapped protectively around his body. Although he was concerned for his brother, Michael couldn’t stop his admiring glance. Gabriel’s wings were beautiful. As shiny as his personality. And usually as big as his personality, too.
Michael considered his options. Normally he would get Castiel to come and wrap his arms around Gabriel – the two were practically joined at the hip, and were always snuggling. But their little brother was currently perched, gargoyle-like, ready to wade in should Sam or Dean require any assistance. He couldn’t help the soft smile that crossed his face. Already Dean was changing them. Probably for the better. Glancing back at Gabriel, Michael made his decision, and strode over, lowering himself on the opposite corner of the couch, giving Gabriel his space. For now.
Gabriel didn’t bother to acknowledge him when he sat down, just wrapped his wings tighter around himself. Michael reached out a golden wingtip, running it lightly down the sensitive spot near Gabriel’s spine. He quickly suppressed a laugh, as Gabriel fluffed his wings, looking, for all intents and purposes, like a very annoyed mother hen.
“What’s wrong little brother?”
Gabriel attempted to ignore him.
So Michael repeated his action: this time running against the grain.
Gabriel huffed and fluffed, but Michael kept up the stroking.
“I am pretty sure I can outlast you at this game, Gabriel.” This time Michael didn’t even bother to hide his amusement. As a fledgling Gabriel hated having his feathers ruffled like this. He would cave at a single touch. As a fully fledged angel…
“Just tell me what’s wrong, so I can help.”
Gabriel raised a wing then, peeking out from under it. Hah! Still only took three.
“Seriously? You may be great, Michael, but I don’t think even you are great enough to get me a whole new personality.” Gabriel’s wings snapped down, and snatches of ‘selfish… self important… awful…scared him… never have an omega…such a bastard… I may as well go live in ocean…”
Michael may have been the stoic one, but he had to roll his eyes. “Come on Gabe. Dean is going to be ok. We got off to a bad start and now things are fine. Just come out and talk to me. I’ll it worth your while…”
Gabriel uncurled his wings long enough to say “That didn’t work when I was a fledgling and it’s not going to – hey!”
With a decisive movement Michaels wings swept his brother out of the corner and onto his lap. He allowed his wings to dip in front of Gabriel’s, so the smaller alpha couldn’t curl up again. Maintaining wing contact, he gently turned Gabriel in his arms, until his head was resting against his chest. Wrapping strong arms around his littlest alpha, he pulled him close, kissing the top of his head. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Sam and Dean stopped arguing.
Well Dean had. Sam appeared to be still be ranting at Dean, but Dean was looking at them. Good, thought Michael. It was good that Dean saw the way they interacted, that the cuddles for Dean weren’t just because he was an omega. They cuddled him because he was – hopefully – going to part of their nest. Ah… Dean in their nest… Michael could see the six of them.
Nest. Family. Home.
He wanted it. Without conscious thought, his hand ghosted down Gabriel’s side. He couldn’t wait to have Dean in this same position… Dean begging for his touch, his wings flat underneath Michael’s. Michael’s fingers dug into the flesh of Gabriel’s hip, right on the bruises he’d left that morning.
Gabriel shivered before curving a wing underneath Michael’s to flick the back of his head.
“I’d like that a lot more Mikey, if it was me you were thinking about right now!”
Much to Michael’s disgust, he blushed.
Gabriel wiggled his eyebrows. “Bet you wish I was the hot little number with mystery wings.”
Michael just pulled him in close again, ruffling Gabe’s feathers.
“Not going to live at the bottom of the ocean anymore?”
Gabriel snorted, before looking towards Dean. Michael studied his brother, then Dean. Both were looking more relaxed. Michael was pleased to finally feel the tension drain out of Gabriel’s wings.
From the other side of the room, Dean snorted. “Who’re you calling little?”
Gabriel rose from Michael’s lap, spreading his wing majestically. “It’s about the wings, Dean-o. Sure, you may be slightly taller than me…”
Sam snorted. “Yeah. Slightly.”
“I’ve got the inches where it counts, kiddos!”
The Winchester’s exchanged amused glances. “He always like this?”
Sam nodded. “But he really does have the big… wings… to back it up.”
Gabriel looked mock offended. “I think you know just how big my wings are Sammy. Why just this morning…”
Sam coughed. “I don’t think Dean needs to hear that, Gabe”
Gabriel put on his best innocent expression. “But isn’t it better that Dean knows he’s getting into?”
Dean blushed under the filthily suggestive look Gabriel gave him. The bastard even tilted his wings, so the candle light glinted off them. They were rather… pleasant. Such a lovely colour. And so very strong…
What the fuck? Dean berated himself. Not even an hour ago you were all ‘no alpha, no wings, no way’ and now you’re practically dripping from a not very impressive wing display. Dean sniffed, turning his back on the alpha. Maybe it was slightly impressive. But he didn’t need to look at any bronze wings. No matter how glorious they were.
--
Michael made sure to keep touching his brother, feathers lightly brushing over Gabriel. Dean didn’t smell of rejection, but Gabriel had been a ball of misery not too long ago, and he wasn’t giving Gabriel any chance to retreat back into his corner. He needn’t have worried. Gabriel had obviously bounced back. He threw himself into Michaels lap.
“Mikey” he purred, licking a stripe from Michaels chest to his chin, “he smells delicious. Can you smell him now?”
Michael drew in a deep breath. He couldn’t stop the smile that broke over his stern features.
“He really does smell like apple pie and cinnamon!”
Lucifer wandered closer, draping a wing over Michael’s shoulders, his arms going round Gabe. “Not that I need to tell you oh cautious one, but you know he said…”
Michael cut him off. “I know what he said. And if he needs more time, he gets it.”
Looking at Dean again, Michael couldn’t help but hope Dean didn’t want more time.
--oo--
part 1 | part 2 | part 3 | part 4 | part 5 | part 6 | part 7
Go forward to part 3
--oo--
Gabriel was upset. Really upset. Distress and misery seemed to pour from his body. His sweet scent was sour with his feelings (and when did Dean notice his scent anyway?). And Dean was confused. When he’d pushed, he’d expected anger. A lot of anger. But Gabriel’s wings were drooping and shaking with distress. Dean tried to maintain his rage. And he was pissed. But his heart cracked a little at the alpha in very real distress. He wanted to push for an answer. To find out why they thought it was ok just to take him and force him here. But Gabriel didn’t look capable of talking, as tears tracked slowly down his face.
Dean took a deep breath. Why was this so difficult?
--
Gabriel spent the next little while not saying anything. Just blinking back tears, and running his nose along Dean’s collarbone. While Dean understood that scenting was supposed to sooth him, at the moment it seemed to soothe the alpha. A few jerky hand movements and his fingers were carding through Gabriel’s hair. What the fuck was wrong with him? This was his kidnapper for Father’s sake! He took a deep, steadying breath, and forced himself not to react. Huh. He sniffed again. His suppressors must be wearing off. That was the reason for this stupid bleeding heart. Another surreptitious sniff and hmmm. Michael and Lucifer and Gabriel had been kind of right. The nest smelt fantastic. He was sure that if he tried, he would be able to make out their individual scents. Gabriel was closest, so he scented him – he’d already noted that he was sweet, but now he smelt like sugar cane (of course) and cut grass. And something… something that he couldn’t put his finger on, but made his body soften. Ah… this weird ‘home’ thing. Huh. It really was a ‘thing’.
--
Castiel frowned. He didn’t understand why Dean was so vehemently against bonding with their alpha flock. Surely he should have been rejoicing at finding his nest? His wings puffed a little, in discomfort. The emotions in the room were extreme – and variable. From the joy and excitement at finding Dean, to the utter despair that was radiating off Gabriel. Castiel made a decision.
“That can’t be good for either of them. I’m going to sit with Dean.”
His older brothers looked on with smiles on their faces as Castiel marched over to Dean and Gabriel. It wasn't often Castiel got bossy, but it was cute when he did.
“That can’t be good for either of you.” Castiel obviously had a message to convey. Dean couldn’t help rolling his eyes, and even Gabriel huffed a laugh. They had heard him clearly talking to the others. “Dean – are you willing to spend time with me?”
Dean blinked.
“What? I get a choice?” It came out cranky (good! He should be cranky!) even though he didn’t feel so cranky now. He felt sad. He’d been pretty caught up in Gabriel’s misery. Why exactly was he feeling sorry for his kidnapper?
He looked properly at Castiel. Who was wearing a fucking trench coat.
“Why the fuck am I the only one who's naked?”
Castiel blinked. Dean sounded distressed. Maybe angry? He didn't want to make Dean distressed and angry. “My apologies, Dean.”
Between one blink and the next Castiel was as naked as Dean. Dean blinked. “Uh. Wow. I didn’t expect that.” Or that, he thought softly to himself, looking at Castiel’s considerable cock, looking considerably interested.
Castiel picked up Dean, urging Gabriel to his feet, and pushing him towards his brothers with his wing. Gabriel stumbled over, and Dean watched as Michael and Lucifer and Sam drew him into their wings. And Dean felt bad. And angry. Angry because he felt bad! But… it was his fault Gabriel was upset. Dean didn’t say anything to Castiel as the two men remained standing. Just crossed his arms over his chest and glared at him, expecting him to make him talk. Castiel just looked blandly back.
--
“What if he doesn’t want us?”
Michael and Lucifer’s wings rose alarmingly. Sam glanced at his brother – the wing displays could be seen as aggressive after all, and he didn’t want his brother to get on the defensive. But Dean and Cas were locked in some sort of weird staring competition.
Lucifer looked concerned.
“What do you mean, Gabriel? Of course he wants us. He is meant for us.”
Sam snorted, drawing his three brothers’ eyes. “Dean can fight against fate, if he doesn’t like what’s going on. And right now…” Sam’s deep sigh sent wings drooping. “Right now he feels overwhelmed, and on the defensive.” Sam winced. Now that he was over the first flush of realising that Dean was his – their – omega, he was feeling bad. “We kidnapped him.”
“As was our right,” Michael reminded him.
“And do you think he would have listened to us? Agreed to go off the poisons to show he was our true mate?”
Sam looked at Lucifer. “Of course not! Dean is on stubborn bastard. But… we should have given him the choice.” Sam looked at the ground. "Maybe he would have said yes to you, Michael. If you had asked."
Gabriel’s quite voice drifted up. “What if he doesn’t show his wings? What if he doesn’t choose us?”
Sam looked at his flock. Michael and Lucifer looked stunned, like it was something they had never considered. Perhaps they never had. Dean's anger had been treated like a child's temper tantrum. But Dean was no child. He was a highly skilled and dangerous hunter.
Lucifer exploded. (Quietly.) “Why would father create the perfect nest – which includes Dean – only to have him reject us?”
All three turned to Michael, whose brow was furrowed. He cleared his throat.
“You know the ritual. Dean has to choose to show his wings. If he doesn’t…”
Sam finished the sentence. “If he doesn’t, then he leaves.”
Sam frowned, before adding. “But you told him he didn’t have a choice…?”
Lucifer’s eyes swirled with rage. “What are you saying? We…”
He paused, as Michael laid a hand on his arm. “That’s exactly what we did say.”
Sam felt his heart sink. He had been so happy! Dean was their true mate. He didn’t have to choose. And now… now maybe he did. It wasn’t often that Sam was given the moon, only to have it wrenched from his grasp.
It wasn’t a good feeling.
--
Castiel and Dean stared at each other for a while. It was… weirdly relaxing. The other alphas had told him how special, how loved, how important he was. And then stripped him naked and forced him to sit on them. Dean frowned. One question at a time. He’d obviously asked too many of Gabriel, and he hadn’t answered most of them. Who would have thought alphas were so simple? Although… Dean thought of the way Sammy went about things, of Michael s obsessive sniffing of his beta scent. Perhaps not so surprising.
“Why was I the only one naked?”
Castiel looked surprised. “For your comfort.”
Dean felt his jaw drop. That was… ridiculous. It needed to be said. “That’s ridiculous.”
He waited for Castiel to disagree, but once more the man surprised him, waiting for Dean to continue. “You didn’t think I would be uncomfortable being the only naked person in the room?”
Castiel frowned. But it was a thoughtful look, rather than a disagreement. Then his face cleared, and he looked at Dean with serious eyes. “I can’t control my wings and my penis.”
Dean choked. He felt the other alphas look up, felt them wanting to rush up to see if he was ok. But something held them back. He looked out of the corner of his eye and noted the dejected wings, although only Gabriel and Sam’s expression mirrored their wings. Lucifer and Michael were obviously made of more stoic things. Oh well. They were leaving him alone for now, he could concentrate on Cas. Fuck? When did he give this angel a nickname? Whatever. Dean sighed to himself. For now he’d roll with it.
Dean expected Cas to continue on, but he was silent. Back to staring.
“Soooo… what does penis control have to do with anything.”
Castiel sighed and shifted. The bob of his hard cock caught Dean’s eye. Again. Huh. That’s right. Cas had a hard on. Dean felt his cheeks flush. It really was impressive now that he took the time to look at it.
“Can’t you put it away, Cas?”
Cas shifted Dean to the side. He sat down, and went to pull Dean to his lap, then paused, instead pulling him down beside him, but still close.
“I can’t control both my wings and my penis.” Cas was so earnest in his explanation.” I can keep my wings down, or my penis. We all felt you would be… more comfortable with wings down. Wing displays are bigger, and more aggressive. Especially as you aren’t showing your wings. When I am covered in clothing, the fact that I have an erection is not so obvious; therefore it should not cause you discomfort or embarrassment.”
Dean blinked. It was actually a reasonable explanation. He guessed it deserved a reasonable response.
“So stripping the kidnapped omega in front of five horny alphas is a way to make him feel comfortable? Fucking great logic.”
He ignored the choked sounds from behind him. He hoped they felt bad. Kind of. Not really. Gah! Stupid hormones making him all forgiving when he should be feeding and maintaining the rage.
Castiel looked at him, shame and apology in his expression. “No. When you put it like that, it was not a well thought out decision.” Castiel turned, although he kept a hand on Dean, lightly stroking his wrist. “Brothers. Please remove your clothes. We should all be making efforts so that Dean is feeling comfortable with us.”
And then they were all naked. Dean… Dean wasn’t sure how comfortable he felt with all that naked alpha on display.
--
Dean looked up at the hopeful expressions around him. They were trying. They obviously were. Dean couldn't help but notice none of them could control their penis's either. Dean choked back a hysterical laugh. Really? Dean shook his head. Now was not the time to be thinking of alpha cock. Now was the time to be thinking about whether this whole listening thing was too late. How they thought it had been a good idea to court Sam and not him…
He turned to face Castiel again. “So why court Sam and not me?”
Castiel blinked.
“Pardon?”
“You all told me before. You courted Sam, wanted him to be part of your flock. So why not "woo" the “omega” who makes your “flock” a “nest”” Dean enjoyed his liberal use of air quotes.
Castiel blinked again. “I…”
He appeared at a loss, and looked over to his brothers, who also appeared at a loss. Sam looked like he was not going to be opening his mouth any time soon.
“Please tell me, oh mighty alphas, what made you think that five of you storming my home and kidnapping me was a good idea?”
The room had already been tense. But that sent things off the scale. Dean just looked around smugly. Now? Now he actually felt good! For the first time since he had met them, they were on the back foot. Let’s see if they could convince him they were worth staying with.
--
Michael felt ashamed: He had been so caught up in the possibility of nest, of the something they had long longed for… so caught up in his right to take his true omega, that he completely ignored Dean’s wants and needs. It was shameful. He was Flock Alpha. His alphas took their lead from him. He had been so excited, so happy at the news he just took off to claim their mate, not giving his thoughts and feelings any consideration. He glanced at Dean, who, interestingly enough was less angry then when he’d been forcibly brought there. Michael cursed under his breath. They had fucked up big time. Could they now fix it? Was Dean's better mood because he was less angry, or because the alpha pheromones were finally doing their work?
A second glance at Dean could neither confirm nor deny whether pheromones were the cause. Dean's wings were still dark and lowered. But he had a lot of experience in staying calm under stressful conditions. Michael felt remorse. That they were the cause of distress to their little one, their omega, was wrong. Now that it had been so clearly laid out, why did they think it was ok? Were they animals, who upon scenting a mate, were unable to do anything about it? Oh Father! Why had something that had brought them all such joy, turned out like this?
A quick glance at his brothers showed equally troubled faces. Remorse, anger, sorrow. And loss. Loss of their perfect mate. And they could blame no one but themselves.
Michael took a deep breath. It was up to him to lead his flock. A flock that now may never be a nest.
--
It was Michael who answered. That made sense. He was the Flock Alpha. He did the dirty work so his flock wouldn't have to. When the others needed protecting, he would be the one to fight for them all.
“We didn’t think.”
Dean’s eyes narrowed.
“You think that’s good enough?”
Michael looked away. “No. It’s not good enough. We were just so happy. So excited to finally found our omega.” He looked back at Dean, eyes fierce. “We’re hunters too, Dean. We have seen omegas – mated and unmated. And not one was ours. Not a single one was the one to make our nest a home. Not a single on ever tempted us. We’ve been looking for centuries.” Michael shrugged a little. “We’ve been happy of course. We’re a flock. And then finding Sam…” He looked at the younger alpha, and gave a small smile. “It was perfect. Another perfect mate. But always something was missing. That something was you. And now... Now we may have completely destroyed our chance at happiness.”
Dean was frozen. Well, fuck. That was honest. Dean still wasn’t sure if he wanted to stay. Sure, he was more comfortable than when he first got here, but did that mean it was what he wanted? He wanted a nest. He wanted all that. He was hardwired for it. But did he want it with these alphas?
Still… Were they really giving him the choice, to stay or go? That changed things a little. It meant he was willing to listen.
--
Dean felt something that he hadn’t even realised was tense, relax. They weren’t going to rape him. It wasn’t unheard of for omegas to be stolen away and claimed against their will. Dean could appreciate the honesty, and repay it with his own.
With no great rancour, he informed Michael, “I thought you were all going to rape me.”
He heard the collective intake of breath around him, and forced himself to not roll his eyes. How could they seriously not think that, with all their ‘no choice’ and ‘you have to bond’ crap.
The question now became could he stay with these alphas? He ran through the negatives. Kidnapping assholes who didn’t listen pretty much topped that list. And much as it pained Dean to admit it, biology was a bitch. He knew that. Was why he his status. Even now, he could feel that tickle in his oil glands that meant they were getting ready to leak. Which was something on the positive list. They did eventually listen, and before he was so overtaken with hormones that he couldn’t say no. And it was a pretty impressive turn around. Right now, he could walk out, and they wouldn’t stop him. That was a pretty good position to be in.
Dean didn’t let any of this show on his face. He was too good for that. Instead he glanced back at Michael, who had been making rustling movements. Dean’s jaw dropped.
--
Michael’s wings had flared. Dean eyed them nervously, but it wasn’t aggressive it was… Michael was lowering how wings before Dean.
“Holy Fuck!”
Dean couldn’t believe it! Well, he had to. It was right in front of him. But he never would have imagined an alpha… Four - no! - five would lower their wings in submission to him. It was… Fuck! It was a heady feeling.
“We want to make nest with you, Dean.” That was Lucifer speaking quietly. “But only if – and when – you want to.”
Wow. That was… wow. They were giving him an out. But giving him an in again too.
“So if I don’t want to make the nest now…?”
Gabriel looked at him seriously. “There is no other omega for our nest, Dean. You are our omega”
Gah. That felt like pressure. Dean looked around and noticed Sam. Sammy. The little brother who started all this. “Why hasn't Sam said anything to me yet?”
Raised eyebrows. Great. Why could no one here just answer a father-damned question without the face twitches.
“Uh… you haven’t had one on one time with him?”
Now it was Dean’s turn to face twitch. Always the way. “What does that even mean? He’s my fucking brother. We know each other!”
Michael was firm. “It is part of the ritual. You have spent time with me, Lucifer and Gabriel. Therefore we can answer your questions. You haven’t yet had that time with Sam, nor finished with Castiel, so they cannot.”
“It’s not that they don’t want to talk to you, Dean-o. It’s the ritual. It has to be this way.”
Fine. Fine. Rituals were rituals, even if they were stupid. He stuck his hands on his hips and looked around the room. “I haven’t decided what I’m doing yet. But it won’t hurt to talk to Castiel more.”
He turned on his heel and marched back to the sofa, throwing himself down beside Castiel. He kept a stoic expression, despite the look of relieved joy on his face, and the heady scent of hope that filled the room.
But he hadn’t decided. Not really. And he wouldn’t. Not until after he’d talked to Sam.
--
“I’m sorry Dean,” Cas offered softly. “I too was so overtaken with excitement at finding you, I didn’t stop to consider. Gabriel and I were out and we scented you. And it was…” Cas paused, trying to get his thoughts together. “I don’t know I can explain it well. It was like smelling everything that made you happy, all wrapped up in a big hug with a duckling. If you like ducklings. Which I do,” he hastened to add. “I am fairly sure that Gabriel doesn’t wish for a pet duck.”
Cas looked slightly wistful. Fuck. That was cute. Very cute. Dean cleared his throat, attempting to not be won over by remorseful baby ducks. Since Cas was obviously going out of his way to accommodate Dean, Dean decided to finally ask some of his questions.
“So why did I have to be naked?”
Cas looked surprised. Why was every single fucking question a surprise to this guy? But he answered readily enough.
“You’re clothes are all covered in those omega covering up products you use. They are designed so that regular washing doesn’t remove them. It both prevents your omega scent from escaping, and prevents our alpha scent from reaching you.”
Hmmm. So they had a reason but surely…
“And the lap cuddling thing.”
Here Cas blushed and looked away. Well! That was an intriguing reaction…
“C’mon, Cas! Answer the question.”
Cas mumbled something about speeding up the rate at which the omega blocking medications would be nullified. Dean waggled a finger at him. “Sketchy at best, Castiel! Real reason, now!”
Cas looked wide eyed at his brothers, who were smirking. Dean narrowed his eyes. Cas finally looked back at him.
“You’re cute and nice to cuddle.”
Dean looked thoughtful. “So you’d like it if I sat on your lap now?”
Cas gave a choked gurgle. Dean laughed. And he probably would have jumped on Cas’s lap just see the reaction when his stomach rumbled. Loudly.
Cas jumped up. “You’re hungry!” He turned around, wings everywhere. “Mikey! Luci! He’s hungry! Why haven’t we fed him! How can we keep a nest if we can’t even keep our… Dean… fed!”
Dean couldn’t help the laughter that burst from him. Nor could he help snorting at the glare Cas sent his way. Cas grabbed his arm, but didn’t seem to know what to do after that.
“What do you eat! What do we feed you!”
Dean perked up. He couldn’t help it. Man. This is what they should have done from the start.
--
Not long after Dean had his bacon double cheeseburger, a chocolate milk shake, and was the happiest he’d been… in ages actually. Now that the alphas weren’t all ‘we will own you’ they were pretty fun to hang out with. Cas was next to him, and if he occasionally dropped his head to scent along his shoulder, well, he could deal with that. And for the first time in, ever really, Dean could just be. He didn’t have to worry about whether his wings were oiling out the powder, on whether he smelt like slick, on what to do if someone noticed. These guys, dicks that they were, knew. It was weirdly relaxing. And they brought him food he liked to eat. Maybe next time they could go out to a diner. It would he hilarious seeing these five at a table… Huh. Thinking of the future. Bad sigh – or good – depending on who you were.
Gabriel (who had a cherry cola milkshake. Since when was that even a thing?) raised an eyebrow. “Deep thoughts, Dean-o?
“Forty two,” he shot back.
“What do you get if you multiply six by nine,” Lucifer responded, without even looking up from his salad. Huh. Two salad eaters. Could he put that on the negative list?
Regardless of his scorn for his eating habits, Lucifer earned himself an approving smile from Dean, and a blank look from everyone else.
Damn. This seemed like another thing to add to the positive list.
--
Dean closed his eyes let out a big sigh, rubbing his belly.
The food had been great. Which meant Dean felt great. The rest of the room felt tense, but Dean decided it wasn’t his problem. He would focus on the good stuff. And all the good stuff was now in his belly. When it was his turn to interrogate someone, he’d find out where this diner was. How come he didn’t know where it was? That was possibly the best burger he’d ever eaten. And if they had burgers, they had to have pie, right? Why hadn’t he asked for pie? How could he have forgotten something so critically important. Maybe next time he would get pie. How could he have forgotten to ask for pie?
Dean’s eyes jerked open. Hang on – there was a problem. A really fucking huge problem. They were obviously regulars. There was no way they stumbled on it unknowingly, not the way Cas had been flapping around. Dean closed his eyes, sending a mental glare at Sam. Sam must have known where it was. How could he not have told Dean? His brother?!
Opening one eye again, he took stock of the alphas. They were a good bunch once they stopped being dicks. And very eager to please… He was pretty sure that he would have gotten anything he asked for. Maybe… maybe he should hang around. At least these alphas would keep him well fed. And given that some of them (well, ok, one of them) had worse eating habits than him, Sam couldn’t hassle him!
Ah. Sammy. Dean felt a little of the room stress creep under his skin. The person he most wanted space from was his brother. Although Sammy was practically breathing on him, and Dean could feel the puppy dog eyes boring into him. But Dean could be damn stubborn when he wanted. Ignoring him was no problem. Dean wanted to shift away: Sam was way too close.
Of course he was. It was ‘one on one’ time with Sammy.
And the question of them moment: why didn’t Sam tell him about that diner?
Dean shook his head. Focus, Winchester, he told himself sternly. That wasn’t the important thing. The important thing was, what did he actually want to say to his little brother?
Sam had been an absolute dick. Of that, there was no doubt in Dean’s mind. And if he really wanted to, Dean could make Sam very sorry and very upset. Although he wasn’t good with words, you don’t grow up with someone without knowing every single one of their weak points. Dean knew the sort of damage he could do. And while he quite enjoyed the image of his brother grovelling before him, he didn’t want to hurt him. Sam was his brother. And despite everything, he loved his brother.
They had history. And more than that – they had a present and possibly a future. Dean squashed down the little warm feelings that rose when he thought of their future. He wasn’t mentally ready for that. And while he didn’t want to permanently scar his brother (well, maybe only a little bit. But not too much), he also wasn’t ready to just flip his wings and say all was forgiven come fuck me you sexy beast. It was a conundrum.
And for some reason, Sam – Sam who always had something to say, was sitting there quietly, fingers twisting round each other. Huh. So Sam was nervous too.
Good.
As the brothers sat next to each other, the rest of the flock sort of flitted about the room, pretending to prepare the room. But it was ready. They were just trying to look like they weren’t listening. Dean’s eyes fell on the bed, which was still central to the room. In his opinion the candles were still over the top, but he had to admire the way it lit the feathers with a soft glow. And the way the feathers all went so perfectly with each other. He wasn’t wondering what it would feel like to lay back on that feather bed. And he definitely wasn’t wondering how his feathers would look woven in.
“You really love these guys, huh?”
Sam jumped. How did that happen? He’d been staring at Dean for the better par t of half an hour, and the moment he looked away (he’d been looking down at his hands, trying to figure out how to start the conversation), that was the moment Dean chose to speak? He knew Dean was angry. And he didn’t want to make him angrier. Dean… he needed Dean. His flock needed Dean. And Sam… wasn’t very experienced in dealing with an angry older brother. It has always been Sam who was placated. He never expected to be on the other side. Just as he hadn’t expected Dean to make the opening gambit. And it was pleasant. What the fuck was Dean playing at?
“Uh…?” Sam looked wildly around. His alphas were giving him soft, encouraging smiles. Of course he loved them. What kind of stupid question was that? Sam glowered at his hands. He wished they had more privacy. Or that he knew what the other alphas had done to get Dean in a good mood. Sam felt his expression morph into a bitch face.
That was the problem with being last, Sam thought morosely. Everyone was very aware of the conversation. They could at least pretend they were doing something other than listening to this non-conversation.
Sam felt slightly resentful. While the other alphas had been having their time with Dean, they’d all worked hard at preparing the nest, to make it perfect and inviting for their omega. And it did looked fantastic. Sam flicked a glance to Dean’s wings. They were still dark and low... Sam wondered what colour his feathers would be. Which reminded him – why had Dean hid it from him??
He looked at Dean now, feeling righteously angry.
Only to be met by a hard, angry expression.
“No, Sam. You don’t get to be pissed at me right now.”
Sam opened his mouth to argue. “No, Sam. I know what you’re mad about. That I didn’t tell you I was an omega? Well fuck that shit. I don’t owe that information to fucking anyone.”
Sam glowered. “You should have told me, Dean! I would have protected you!”
Dean raised an eyebrow. “You would have protected me? You’re missing the point, Sam. I don’t want or need your protection. If we sparred right now, I’d still win four out of five.” Sam felt his wings puff huffily. Dean just laughed at him. “Upset because a weak little omega can beat your alpha ass?”
Sam glared, opening his mouth to yell at Dean. But somehow, he managed to stop himself. Exploding at Dean right now wasn’t going to help anything. Hopefully, hopefully, he’d have time to show Dean who was beating whose ass in the very near future. Right now he had to act, not react. He took a deep breath, feeling the oxygen fill his lungs, and he allowed Dean’s question to just trickle through his mind.
Was that why he was mad? Because an omega could (and frequently did) best him? Sam closed his eyes, forcing himself to think about it…
Opening his eyes, he looked straight at Dean. “No.”
Dean reared back. “What the fuck? What are you…”
“No.” Sam repeated. “That’s not why I am angry. You’re right – you can take care of yourself. But Dean. We take care of each other. I’ve got your back, and you’ve got mine.”
Dean rubbed his neck. Sam had a point. They did take care of each other. But they already had each other’s backs. His omega status should be irrelevant. And it obviously wasn’t.
“You would have treated me differently, Sam.”
Sam opened his mouth to object, but Dean just kept on speaking. “I mean look at now. The minute you find out I’m an omega, you bring all you’re mates to our house. You ambush me, you fucking kidnap me, and expect me to be happy about it?!”
“I didn’t…”
“Didn’t what? Carry me off? You brought them, Sam. You didn’t stop them! You didn’t say a single fucking thing to get them to back down. Then we came back here and you got straight into setting up a fucking mating bed.”
Dean’s wings were moving, but it wasn’t sexy and colorful. They were still dark and they looked incredibly pissed off. Sam just hoped Dean had enough self-control to not keep Sam’s body free from feather damage.
Dean sneered at Sam. “What if I was an alpha? What would have done then?”
Sam glared at Dean. Wings be damned, Dean was totally missing the point! Dean wasn’t an alpha. He was the most perfect fucking omega in the whole fucking world. If Dean had been an alpha, that would have been wonderful too. But this way? Dean fucking completed them. All of them. Sam was trying to think of the best way to convey this, when Dean spoke again.
“Seriously Sam, what was with the flying dick squad turning up at our place? You couldn’t have warned me? Or talked to me yourself?”
Behind him, Dean could feel Gabriel roll his eyes, and hear Lucifer snort. From what he knew of the other two, Michael’s expression probably hadn’t changed, and Castiel probably looked confused. Dean decided to help out. Turning to face the other alphas, Dean addressed Castiel.
“Yes, Cas. You are part of the Flying Dick Squad.”
Cas nodded, and quietly accepted the face, but Lucifer shot him a toothy grin. “Technically so are you, Dean. You have a dick. And you fly.”
Behind him Sam sniggered. Dean allowed a smile to show on his face.
Lucifer just smiled smugly at him. Shaking his head, Dean turned back to his brother. Who was staring at the ground. Again. Looking pissed off. Again. Dean’s eyes narrowed. Really, what did Sam have to be pissed off about anyway?
--
The alphas were watching their mates (soon to be mates) with… well, with a lot of confusion.
“Do they even like each other?” Castiel murmured to his brothers.
Michael and Lucifer exchanged glances. They understood. They hadn’t always gotten on well. The fights when they were fledglings were famous. And much more than normal displays of sibling dominance. To be perfectly honest, Michael still couldn’t believe that he and Lucifer were in a flock together! From the wicked grin Lucifer was sending him, he was thinking along the same lines.
“Cassie – sometimes… Sometimes brothers show they love each other by attempting to kill each other.”
Gabriel and Michael sent Lucifer a glare. That was not the thing to be telling their completely literal younger brother. Castiel’s wings had twitched in distress. He sent a hard look to his brother, then hunkered down to watch Sam and Dean, ready to swoop in and rescue whoever needed rescuing.
--
Michael cast his eye over the Winchesters. They seemed fine. Dean looked angry and Sam looked defensive, but it was posturing, merely the bickering of fledglings. There were no aggressive wing displays. Their bodies looked more like they were poised to hug than punch. Their conversation echoed that, sliding between laughing and yelling, agreeing and arguing. It would be fine. They would be fine.
Gabriel however…
Michael frowned at his brother. He’d been distressed earlier – and with good reason. Gabriel was the most emotional in their flock. At the same time, he had the most empathy. He was always the first to lend a shoulder to cry on, or open his arms to whoever needed his touch. To have been blind to Dean’s wants and needs, and obvious distress, was very hard for him. But it had been dealt with. As a flock they had dealt with it, and Dean understood he was safe. Michael sniffed subtly: Dean had no scent of distress or fear. A bit of anger (but he was arguing with his brother, that could be explained), and a whole lot of comfort. Yeah, Dean was going to be ok.
So why was Gabriel still so distressed? He’d barely spoken over lunch (although Michael noted he was still able to order some disgustingly sweet concoction) and since then he had curled up in the corner of the couch, occasionally glancing towards Dean through the wings wrapped protectively around his body. Although he was concerned for his brother, Michael couldn’t stop his admiring glance. Gabriel’s wings were beautiful. As shiny as his personality. And usually as big as his personality, too.
Michael considered his options. Normally he would get Castiel to come and wrap his arms around Gabriel – the two were practically joined at the hip, and were always snuggling. But their little brother was currently perched, gargoyle-like, ready to wade in should Sam or Dean require any assistance. He couldn’t help the soft smile that crossed his face. Already Dean was changing them. Probably for the better. Glancing back at Gabriel, Michael made his decision, and strode over, lowering himself on the opposite corner of the couch, giving Gabriel his space. For now.
Gabriel didn’t bother to acknowledge him when he sat down, just wrapped his wings tighter around himself. Michael reached out a golden wingtip, running it lightly down the sensitive spot near Gabriel’s spine. He quickly suppressed a laugh, as Gabriel fluffed his wings, looking, for all intents and purposes, like a very annoyed mother hen.
“What’s wrong little brother?”
Gabriel attempted to ignore him.
So Michael repeated his action: this time running against the grain.
Gabriel huffed and fluffed, but Michael kept up the stroking.
“I am pretty sure I can outlast you at this game, Gabriel.” This time Michael didn’t even bother to hide his amusement. As a fledgling Gabriel hated having his feathers ruffled like this. He would cave at a single touch. As a fully fledged angel…
“Just tell me what’s wrong, so I can help.”
Gabriel raised a wing then, peeking out from under it. Hah! Still only took three.
“Seriously? You may be great, Michael, but I don’t think even you are great enough to get me a whole new personality.” Gabriel’s wings snapped down, and snatches of ‘selfish… self important… awful…scared him… never have an omega…such a bastard… I may as well go live in ocean…”
Michael may have been the stoic one, but he had to roll his eyes. “Come on Gabe. Dean is going to be ok. We got off to a bad start and now things are fine. Just come out and talk to me. I’ll it worth your while…”
Gabriel uncurled his wings long enough to say “That didn’t work when I was a fledgling and it’s not going to – hey!”
With a decisive movement Michaels wings swept his brother out of the corner and onto his lap. He allowed his wings to dip in front of Gabriel’s, so the smaller alpha couldn’t curl up again. Maintaining wing contact, he gently turned Gabriel in his arms, until his head was resting against his chest. Wrapping strong arms around his littlest alpha, he pulled him close, kissing the top of his head. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Sam and Dean stopped arguing.
Well Dean had. Sam appeared to be still be ranting at Dean, but Dean was looking at them. Good, thought Michael. It was good that Dean saw the way they interacted, that the cuddles for Dean weren’t just because he was an omega. They cuddled him because he was – hopefully – going to part of their nest. Ah… Dean in their nest… Michael could see the six of them.
Nest. Family. Home.
He wanted it. Without conscious thought, his hand ghosted down Gabriel’s side. He couldn’t wait to have Dean in this same position… Dean begging for his touch, his wings flat underneath Michael’s. Michael’s fingers dug into the flesh of Gabriel’s hip, right on the bruises he’d left that morning.
Gabriel shivered before curving a wing underneath Michael’s to flick the back of his head.
“I’d like that a lot more Mikey, if it was me you were thinking about right now!”
Much to Michael’s disgust, he blushed.
Gabriel wiggled his eyebrows. “Bet you wish I was the hot little number with mystery wings.”
Michael just pulled him in close again, ruffling Gabe’s feathers.
“Not going to live at the bottom of the ocean anymore?”
Gabriel snorted, before looking towards Dean. Michael studied his brother, then Dean. Both were looking more relaxed. Michael was pleased to finally feel the tension drain out of Gabriel’s wings.
From the other side of the room, Dean snorted. “Who’re you calling little?”
Gabriel rose from Michael’s lap, spreading his wing majestically. “It’s about the wings, Dean-o. Sure, you may be slightly taller than me…”
Sam snorted. “Yeah. Slightly.”
“I’ve got the inches where it counts, kiddos!”
The Winchester’s exchanged amused glances. “He always like this?”
Sam nodded. “But he really does have the big… wings… to back it up.”
Gabriel looked mock offended. “I think you know just how big my wings are Sammy. Why just this morning…”
Sam coughed. “I don’t think Dean needs to hear that, Gabe”
Gabriel put on his best innocent expression. “But isn’t it better that Dean knows he’s getting into?”
Dean blushed under the filthily suggestive look Gabriel gave him. The bastard even tilted his wings, so the candle light glinted off them. They were rather… pleasant. Such a lovely colour. And so very strong…
What the fuck? Dean berated himself. Not even an hour ago you were all ‘no alpha, no wings, no way’ and now you’re practically dripping from a not very impressive wing display. Dean sniffed, turning his back on the alpha. Maybe it was slightly impressive. But he didn’t need to look at any bronze wings. No matter how glorious they were.
--
Michael made sure to keep touching his brother, feathers lightly brushing over Gabriel. Dean didn’t smell of rejection, but Gabriel had been a ball of misery not too long ago, and he wasn’t giving Gabriel any chance to retreat back into his corner. He needn’t have worried. Gabriel had obviously bounced back. He threw himself into Michaels lap.
“Mikey” he purred, licking a stripe from Michaels chest to his chin, “he smells delicious. Can you smell him now?”
Michael drew in a deep breath. He couldn’t stop the smile that broke over his stern features.
“He really does smell like apple pie and cinnamon!”
Lucifer wandered closer, draping a wing over Michael’s shoulders, his arms going round Gabe. “Not that I need to tell you oh cautious one, but you know he said…”
Michael cut him off. “I know what he said. And if he needs more time, he gets it.”
Looking at Dean again, Michael couldn’t help but hope Dean didn’t want more time.
--oo--
part 1 | part 2 | part 3 | part 4 | part 5 | part 6 | part 7
