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He found Amara in Vegas.
She took one look at him and wrapped him in a hug. The sort of all-encompasing hug Gabriel hadn't had in eons.
"Oh, darling."
He simply breathed. She smelled like snow, like an old leather coat that had been out in the cold.
She smelled like home.
"I've missed you."
"And I you, Gabriel. You've brought me a present, I see."
Gabriel stepped back and pushed Jack forward. Amara smiled.
"My grand-nephew, I assume?"
Gabriel fumbled for a moment. "He isn't mine, he's—"
"Lucifer's. I know." She crouched until she was eye-level with Jack. "Hello, little one. What's your name?"
"Jack," he said, straightening. Gabriel knew he had been anxious to meet Amara, he was proud of the kid for not shrinking.
"It's nice to meet you, Jack."
"It's nice to meet you too, Miss Amara."
She practically cooed. "Oh, I am so glad I didn't destroy this universe. You can call me Auntie Amara, little one." She straightened. "So, dear nephew. How long has it been?"
Gabriel shifted awkwardly, and she smiled, sharp and predatory and full of humor.
"Oh, right! Last I saw you, you were locking me up!"
Gabriel swallowed, but she waved him off.
"Honey, I'm not condemning you for following orders. But it's been a while since we talked." She jerked her head toward the bar. "You want a drink? Humans have created the strangest concoctions. I've been enjoying cocktails lately." She didn't wait for him to answer, just turned and headed to the bar. Gabriel scooped Jack up and followed. Jack just sort of patted the top of his head, sensing Gabriel's guilt but probably not understanding it. Gabriel smiled.
"How 'bout a little practice, buddy? Turn off your ears for a little bit, yeah? See how long you can keep them off."
Jack nodded, then scrunched up his face. A half a second later he gave Gabriel a big grin and a thumbs up. Gabriel grinned back and gave him a squeeze.
He took the stool next to Amara and set Jack on his other side. The bartender gave him a weird look, but he just smiled. Amara had apparently already ordered a drink for herself.
"What would you and my new favorite family member like?"
Gabriel blinked. "He's a little too young to drink."
She waved her hand dismissively. Gabriel got a soda with pineapple juice for Jack and a finger of whiskey for himself. He'd normally go for something fun and fruity, but Jack was quick and a fiend for anything sweet, and Gabriel didn't trust himself not to turn his back.
He did not need a drunk baby nephilim on his hands.
"So, Gabriel, what brings you to me?"
"Is Dad a threat to him?"
Amara stilled and dropped her glass to the counter. It made a sharp clink on the fake marble.
"Amara?"
"Jack was supposed to be a part of the Winchesters' story. I don't know if he's safer with them or away from them."
"What do you mean? Amara, what does that mean? What, do I have to give him back?"
"It would probably be... best, to introduce them. You know what he's like. Call it... plot armor."
"Seventy percent of the beings those mountains of flannel and daddy issues interact with die."
"You're still alive."
"Through no divine interference, I can promise you that!"
"Exactly, Gabriel. The beings who can survive, do. The pawns may die, but the bishops and rooks stay on the board."
"So you think I should just drop him off on their doorstep with a note?"
Amara sighed. "Not in the slightest. But I think you two should introduce yourselves to the game. Integrate yourselves into the plot."
"And that will keep him safe?"
"As safe as I can figure. He's a wild card. By your father's rules, he shouldn't exist. But he's alive so far."
Gabriel downed his whiskey. Jack sipped his drink happily, hearing still turned off. It was difficult, to suppress human senses in order to heighten angelic ones. Jack and Gabriel had been working on it for a month. But the kid didn't seem to be straining in the slightest.
"You've met him, now. Would you fight for him?"
Amara finished her drink. "His only real threats are my family."
"They're my family too. I wouldn't hesitate."
She smiled, a little sad. "It was wonderful to speak to you again, My Light. I've missed you."
And then she was gone.
A second later, Jack gasped. Gabriel turned to him.
"How long was that, how long was that?"
Gabriel smiled, and hoped it didn't come across as strained as it felt. "Even longer than last time, bud. Good job!"
Jack positively beamed, but frowned when he noticed the empty seat. "Did Auntie Amara go?"
"Yeah, baby, she had to run. She told me to tell you goodbye, though."
"Can she visit again soon?"
"Sure, Jack. Of course she can."
Jack cheered. Gabriel picked him up, glanced around to make sure no one was watching closely, and took off.
He held Jack close to his chest as they flew. He supposed he had better start setting up their visit with the Winchesters.