"Here you go."

Allegra gratefully accepted the mug of hot chamomile tea from Dean. He sat down with her and comfortingly caressed her thigh. 

"He didn't hurt you, did he?" he asked. 

"No, just surprised me a bit," Allegra answered after taking a sip. "Maybe going out there to confront him wasn't the best idea."

"Ya think?"

"Yeah, I know, Dean. You told me. But we both agreed we had to be sure. And now we are."

He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. Allegra gripped her Minnie Mouse mug tighter after taking another sip. She didn't dare look at Dean directly but merely glanced at him from the corner of her eyes. So stupid. Why hadn't she listened to him? She should've just texted back, asking Sam to explain himself after finding that everything checked out in Poughkeepsie. But that would have meant rolling the dice on the code he and Dean used. Though there was no way he could've known she did, in fact, know about the code, Sam could still have sent it in a desperate attempt to throw off whoever was tailing or even already keeping him, hoping Dean told her about it. 
Trixie lay on her rug beside the couch. Her head was down on her front paws, but she still looked at them both with big sad eyes, as if she too was thinking contacting Sam had been a very bad idea. Remembering Riot, Allegra thought it best not to mention anything about Sam's dog to Dean. He'd be peeved learning it was an Australian shepherd, the same as her own, but he'd definitely blow a fuse if he thought further and realized the dog had been in the Impala. Even Allegra knew that basic rule for being allowed into Dean's Baby. Though it wasn't his right now, was it?

"You think he's gonna come round here?" Dean finally broke the silence. "To check if Kevin or I are here with you?"

"I wouldn't put it past him. You wanna skip town for a while?"

"No, that'll do no good. I know how he thinks. He's been here before and knows Mrs. Robinson. That'll be the first stop he makes after staking out the house for a few hours. Even if we can convince her to keep quiet about us, he won't relent so easily. He'll go around town, posing as an FBI agent who's trying to locate a local contact. And if he ends up in Lorelai's bar and shows my picture, anyone there can confirm they saw me with you."

"That wasn't what I meant, Dean."

Allegra turned her head to meet his quizzical expression. Slowly, her words sunk in, and his face hardened. 

"Absolutely not," he reacted. "I'm not letting you deal with Sam on your own."

"Dean..."

"No, no friggin' way. You jump, I jump. We're in this together."

She managed a weak smile at his words. Once again, Dean amazed her. Never had she felt any safer than here in this house with him. Yet her encounter with Sam gnawed at her. Some of the things he said disturbed her greatly. She nibbled on her lip, pondering if she should tell Dean exactly what he said. 

"Alley, if there's something else you're worried about, tell me."

"Wha-oh... Ugh, damn mind link."

"Actually, it's your expression." Dean chuckled at her annoyance. "You always bite your lip and avert your eyes when you're trying to hide something."

Sam said something similar. Okay, note to self; practice facial expressions in the mirror. God, I really hope Dean isn't hearing this right now. 

But nothing indicated that he did. Allegra put the mug on the coffee table and turned her body sideways so she could face her boyfriend. 

"Sam said he's been having dreams," she began. "Of me. Flashing images, but always about me."

"Did he say what the images were exactly?" inquired Dean. 

"No. Only that it's been happening every night for the past week."

He pushed a thumb to the corner of his mouth, brow furrowed in concentrated thought. Then, his golden-green eyes widened. 

"Oh, God, do you... Do you think he's seeing... us?!" he exclaimed in horror. 

"I really wish I didn't think that," Allegra responded with a groan. "But yeah. It's the only thing that makes sense, considering we started having sex a week ago and have been doing it every night."

"How the hell is that even possible?!"

"Maybe because of the prophecy? You two being brothers and supernatural vessels, plus being linked to me? Like, I don't know, a warning system that goes off?"

"Okay, that is messed up on so many levels." Dean slumped back into the couch, dragging his hands over his face. "All right, so... how do you wanna go from here then?"

"I think we should take a little break for now, just to be on the safe side. If Sam does come here but doesn't mention it again, I can try to pull the images from his mind to see what they are."

"And if they are of us sleeping together?"

"We'll have to find a way to block it because I sure as hell am not giving up sex with you."

Allegra's cheeks grew hot and flustered as she realized what she just said. Dean chortled and reached for her. She settled against his warm body, resting her head against his shoulder, hand across his chest, allowing him to wrap his arms around her. 

"I'm not giving you up either, Alley," he spoke softly. "I don't care that he's my brother; if Sam thinks he can take you away from me, he's dead wrong and in for a serious ass-whooping."

"I don't think he wants to come between us, Dean," said Allegra. "From what I could tell, he's got a good life now. A girlfriend, a nice house, and a... good neighborhood. It seemed like he hadn't hunted in a while. He's out."

"I wish I could believe that, Alley. But Hunters are never out. And you said yourself that he gave up on me when I got zapped to Purgatory and tried to get you to forget about me as well. Plus... he's Lucifer's vessel. That scumbag messed with his mind twice before. We can't risk it."

"What do you propose we do then?"

"I got something, but... you're not gonna like it."

***

Allegra didn't just not like the plan. She absolutely hated it. But it was the only way they could get Sam out of the equation. The other option was contacting Crowley, but she hadn't had any contact with the King of Hell since Sucrocorp when he snapped her arm. Considering the added danger it might put Kevin in, it wasn't something Allegra was willing to do. Yet neither was this. 

"Are you absolutely certain this... Turiel will help us?" she asked Dean as they walked to the grove together. 

"He has before," replied Dean. "He... opened my eyes to some things. About us."

"Like what?"

"I'll tell you when we're back home. Just trust me on this one, okay?"

Reluctantly, Allegra nodded. She hadn't heard of an angel named Turiel before, but then again, she didn't know everyone up there. Barely anyone, really. Everything always passed through Naomi. Maybe she should have requested a meeting with some of the other angels as well... 

Yeah, so they could tell me even more lies, she thought bitterly. I'm better off without them. Naomi, Amore, Gabriel, Castiel... They're all the same.

"Here's good."

Dean halted at a small clearing. Allegra looked about her, already wary of something lurking between the bushes. She unleashed Trixie, letting the dog dart around. The animal wouldn't be much good against a supernatural opponent, but better than nothing. Those teeth were still razor-sharp. 

"I pray to Turiel," began Dean, eyes closed. "I have Allegra with me. We have a problem. Something that'll affect all of us. Can you come down? Please?"

All remained silent. The night breeze that accompanied them into the grove had died. There wasn't the faintest rustle or sound. Even Trixie lay down on the ground as if she knew something was coming. Then, something did. 

"How can I help?"

Allegra turned on her heels. She gasped at facing one of the most handsome men she had ever met. His black hair was smoothed back and silky like the feathers of a raven. The color was deeper than that of his crisp clean suit. He had a sharp face but with a kind smile. And those eyes... The color of dark amber resin was simply enchanting. They showed there was far more to this man than one could possibly hope to understand. They bore a similar golden glow as Dean's had now. Like hers. Like... 

I know those eyes. 

Trixie jumped up and dashed toward the angel. She barked excitedly, sitting on her hind legs and waving her front paws up at him as if to say hello. Allegra had never seen the dog react like that with any stranger. And Turiel himself didn't seem perturbed in the slightest. He squatted and stroked the dog's fur, scratching Trixie behind her ear as well.

"Dean, I don't like this." Allegra moved closer to her boyfriend.

"Why? What's wrong?" He glimpsed at her.

"I've never known Trixie to be this comfortable with someone upon first meeting them."

"She was with me, remember?"

"You're different. You're one of the good guys. Trixie picked up on that."

"Maybe she's picking it up from Turiel as well? I'm sure we can trust him, Alley."

"Hmpf, I'll be the judge of that."

Yet Allegra couldn't help but remain entranced by the angel. His appearance and mannerism trumped any confusion she had over Trixie's behavior with him. She watched as her dog licked Turiel's hand. He seemed to mumble something to her pet, but she couldn't quite catch what exactly. The angel rose to his full length again, and their eyes locked.

"Allegra... It's pleasure to meet you. I know you are careful to interact with any of my kind, but I promise you mustn't fear me or believe I want to harm you in any way. I've only ever wanted for you to find your happiness. I am glad to see you and Dean together at last."

The tone of that very suave voice... And the little playful smirk in the corner of his mouth... It was so familiar. Though his words were spoken with the means to comfort and placate her, they had the exact opposite effect on Allegra.

"Dean says you helped him in the past." It wasn't so much a question but more a demanding statement.

"I merely nudged him in the right direction," said Turiel with some modesty.

"I need more than a nudge now, Turiel. I'm sorry to have to ask you, considering how things stand with the others up there." Dean glanced at Allegra before continuing, his expression warning and begging her to let him take the lead in this. "But we're desperate enough to reach out and ask for help."

"What seems to be the problem?" inquired the angel.

"It's Sam. He reached out to Allegra, and she met with him a little while ago. He's having these wonky visions for the past week about Allegra, and we fear he might come here."

"Why would that be an issue, exactly?"

"My brother and I haven't been in contact with each other since I returned from Purgatory," explained Dean. "He might suspect now, though, which is why we called you."

"And you believe these visions of Allegra give him cause to suspect?"

"Sam told Allegra he's been having the visions frequently this particular week, and... well... we're not 100% sure, but... we think that they're... of us. Together. While we're... euhm... "

Turiel arched a curious brow as Dean trailed off and looked over at Allegra. She let her hand slip into his, hinting he didn't have to say anything else. It worked, for the same smirk graced the angel's face again as he grasped their meaning. 

"Ah, I see," he said. "Congratulations."

Allegra elbowed her boyfriend to prevent him from saying thank you. Dean managed to restrain a grunt as her arm jabbed into his side. It didn't keep him from voicing his objections in thought, though.

"Auw! What was that for? I wasn't gonna say anything."

"You were thinking it," she retorted.

"No, I wasn't."

"Then why were you grinning like an idiot fratboy?"

"We suspected, to be honest," Turiel went on, ignorant of the conversation going on in their minds. "Amore has a peculiar luminescence about her as of late and can barely make out a full sentence without gasping for breath and needing to steady herself. Considering she's your Cupid, it wasn't hard to put two and two together."

Allegra wanted to sink into the ground. Bad enough that Sam suspected she and Dean were together, but the whole of Heaven knowing they were having sex just by looking at a Cupid was just fantastic! She'd never been so embarrassed in her entire life. 

"Is that always gonna happen?" she asked, dreading Turiel's answer. "Her feeling when we... do that?"

"No." The angel smiled reassuringly. "It's simply because it's the ripple effect of the first consummation of pure love and passion. It'll wear off in a few days, don't worry. Now please, tell me what it is you would like me to do about Sam."

"Can you make him forget he met me tonight? And make him forget about those visions and stop them from returning?"

"We believe it might tie in with the prophecy if that helps," added Dean. "Since Sam and I are both vessels, I mean."

"Hmm, it's certainly an interesting avenue to explore," said Turiel, fingers brushing over his chin. "In any case, I will need to discuss the visions with Amore since she's his Cupid as well and would know more about this. As to making Sam forget about meeting Allegra tonight, that isn't an issue. Really, it's child's play."

He flashed a grin that was most unbefitting for an angel. Allegra's skin crawled at it. There was something off about Turiel. If only she could put her finger on it.

"If that's all, I will take my leave of you now. I will let you know if there is something you are required to do apart from perhaps taking a small break from your... activities. Only a few days, of course. Just so Amore and I can deal with Sam."

"How will you...?"

Turiel was gone before Dean reached the end of his sentence. He and Allegra looked around the clearing to see if they were truly alone before seeking comfort in each other's arms. But not even the warmth and safety of Dean's strong embrace could keep Allegra from wondering about the angel she just met. Turiel wasn't like any other angel she came across.
He was a lot quicker in understanding things than Castiel and for more pleasant to deal with than Naomi. And he certainly wasn't scum like Raphael or Hester nor a double-crosser like Balthazar. He definitely wasn't like Michael. If she had to compare him to someone at all, it would be...
Her eyes traveled down to Trixie. The dog hadn't moved an inch away from Turiel the entire time they spoke to him. And apart from Dean, she had never jumped up at anyone, not even Mrs. Robinson. It was so very strange the dog would do so now with this particular angel. She couldn't help but shake the feeling that there was so much more to Turiel than he made himself out to be.

***

Sam was well aware that leaving in the middle of the night with nothing but a note on the kitchen table was a lousy stunt to pull on Amelia. But what choice did he have? He had to leave immediately before Allegra and Dean's trail went cold. If he left now, he would arrive at the house in Kansas by early morning. Even if they weren't there anymore, he might still be able to pick up a clue somewhere.
After making sure Riot didn't follow him, Sam snuck out of the house to the garage. He got into the Impala, throwing his duffel on the passenger seat beside him. But just as he was about to turn the key into the ignition, the hairs on the back of his neck rose. Sam froze, his body listening to every Hunter instinct he possessed. There was a soft rustle behind him. He slowly glanced up to check the rearview mirror. Someone was seated in the back, his face hidden in the obscurity of the shadows.

"Hi, Sam," spoke the man. "Sorry to drop in on you like this."

"Who are you?" demanded Sam. "What do you want?"

"To keep you from messing things up."

"What? What things?"

"Things beyond what your tiny brain can comprehend. Now be a good boy and sit still for me, Gigantor."

Sam's eyes widened. There was only one person who ever called him that. He reached for the blade in his jacket but wasn't fast enough. A hand plunged into his skull, making Sam scream in sheer agony as unimaginable pain radiated through him. He could feel his mind dissolving, being ripped apart piece by piece. Then, the pain stopped as suddenly as it started. His body slumped, further and further until...

Sam jolted up, frantically searching his surroundings. Slowly, it dawned on him that he was in his bedroom. Amelia still slept peacefully beside her. He tried his best to steady his fast-beating heart and control his breathing. When he finally calmed down, he fell back into his pillow, covering his eyes with his hands.

Damn... What the hell kind of nightmare was that? Felt so real.

He peeked between his fingers.

Nope, still my room. Definitely just a weird dream.

Sam turned his head to look outside. The sun had barely risen. What time was it? He reached for his phone.

6 am... Way too early to get up already.

Groaning, Sam dropped the phone back on the nightstand and turned on his side, allowing sleep to take him again. He never even noticed the white and gold twinkles raining down the screen of his phone as the messages and number of a certain hybrid Archangel were erased.