(angst here. mentions of near-fatal injuries. But all the fluff!)

As far as angels were concerned, Gabriel wasn't exactly top-tier in the selfless department. However, there was one person Gabriel would have risked everything for. Gabriel never really stuck around one place long enough to become attached to people. To feel things for them. You were the exception. There was something about you that seemed to pull him to Earth. Even if he could return to Heaven, he didn't want to unless you were there with him.

It took Gabriel a long to time to understand why he felt the way he did for you. A long time and a hunt that ended with you nearly dying. As soon as it happened, Gabriel felt it. He couldn't explain it even if he'd wanted to, but he felt it in every single fiber of his being. He wasted no time in locating you and appearing by your side. Upon seeing you, it was as bad as he feared.

"Gabriel?" Cas questioned his appearance, but Gabriel didn't answer. Instead, he moved to your side where you offered him a smile. "Hey, stranger," you greeted weakly. Gabriel returned the smile. "Hey there, Sweetcheeks. You're looking a little rough there." You laughed a bit.

"Understatement. What are you doing here?" Gabriel did his best to keep his smile on his face and shrugged. He couldn't let you see just how seeing you like this was affecting him. "I was in the neighborhood. Thought I'd drop by and see my favorite hunter." It was then that Cas finally spoke again. "She is dying, Gabriel! How can you make jokes at a time like this?!" Gabriel actually winced at his brother's tone.

"That true, Dollface? Are you dying on me?" You shrugged before crying out in pain. "Yeah. Probably. Feels like it anyway," you managed to say when the pain subsided. Gabriel felt a tug in his heart. "Well that won't do. Without you, the Winchesters would never let me have any fun." You laughed softly again. You tried to hide how much pain you were in, but Gabriel saw through it instantly.

"Hey, Gabriel?" you asked, "Did I ever tell you how much I love your eyes? They look like honey...or whiskey in a clear glass. And it's funny...I think I can almost see your w-wings right now." You were starting to not make sense. You were leaving and there was nothing any earthly being could do. Gabriel knew that. He was losing you. So, he did the only thing he could think of. He performed a minor miracle. Though, of course, he did it in true Gabriel fashion.

Whereas other angels, even archangels like Gabriel, would have simply placed their fingers on your forehead or wherever the wound was, Gabriel wanted more for you. He very gently picked you up and held you close, his lips near your forehead. "You trust me, Sweetcheeks?" You nodded without even a second of hesitation. "Good. I'm gonna try and heal you now, okay? But you tell me if you're not okay with it." Once again, you agreed wordlessly.

Gabriel slowly brought his face closer to yours and you smiled. "You gonna kiss me, handsome?" Gabriel chuckled and nodded. "If you let me." Gabriel's answer came in the form of you wrapping your uninjured arm around his neck and pressing your lips to his.

For a moment, Gabriel forgot he was supposed to be healing you. When he thought about wanting to kiss you, his imagination took him on a wild ride. But his imagination wasn't like the real thing. To actually feel your lips against his was even better than the paradise Gabriel had once called home.

When he felt your body begin to shake, the archangel remembered his task and let his grace flow between you, healing you of your wounds. After what Gabriel felt wasn't nearly long enough, you pulled back with a smile on your face. "That was amazing," you whispered before your eyes closed and you fell into a peaceful sleep. Gabriel wasted no time flying you to the nearest motel, Castiel following right behind and letting the Winchesters know what happened.

Gabriel gently placed you on the bed in the room and sat down next to you. It had been a long time since he'd used his grace to help anyone other than himself. It was exhausting even for an angel of his caliber. He closed his eyes, but could still feel Castiel's gaze on him. "What is it, little bro? I can practically hear the gears turning in that head of yours." Gabriel asked, not bothering to open his eyes. Castiel to reply instantly, but Gabriel was in no hurry. You needed to rest.

"What makes her special?" Castiel finally asked. That made Gabriel's eyes open. "What?" Castiel had placed his trench coat on the second bed and had his arms crossed over his chest. "What makes her so special? You would never have used your grace to heal Sam or Dean without someone begging you to. That's not your way. So why her? Why would you use your archangel grace on her?"

For once in his existence, Gabriel wasn't sure how to answer. If he lied, Castiel would know. He had a gift for that. But if he told the truth, Castiel might not believe him. Or worse, you might want nothing more to do with him when you found out. Gabriel had never been good with deep feelings. Still, Castiel would find out either way.

"Because she is special, little brother. I would do anything for her." Castiel's arms uncrossed as he stared at Gabriel. "Do you mean that? Is it possible that you love her?" Gabriel glanced down at you before letting out a sigh. "Yes. And if you tell anyone, I will make the rest of your existence miserable. When she finds out...if she finds out, it'll will be through me. Some romantic crap or other." Castiel just smiled and nodded. "Of course. For now, I'll let you watch over her while I find Sam and Dean." With that, he was gone.

Gabriel smiled down at you. "You hear that,Sweetcheeks? Get some rest. I'll watch over you." Gabriel got up just longenough to place another kiss to your forehead before sitting back down andclosing his eyes once more, resting easy because he knew you were safe.