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Wednesday. May 15th, 2024

Dear Dean,You are cordially invited to witness and celebrate the marriage of Sam Winchester and Gabriel Novak amidst the romantic splendor of Paris.

Date: June 15, 2024 

Time: 4:00 PM Location: Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris, France

Reception to follow at Le Meurice

RSVP by May 15, 2024

“Paris, Sam?” Dean said to himself. “You could’ve picked anywhere else to have your wedding and you chose paris. Now I’m going to have to buy freaking plane tickets.” Dean felt sick at the thought of it. He hates planes. They were flying metal death traps. Of course, cars were also metal death traps but he wouldn’t let Sam talk bad about Baby like that and Sam knew better than to ever insult baby anyways. He hasn’t seen or talked to his brother in fifteen fucking years and now all of a sudden, Sam is getting married? Since when did Sam like dudes? 

God, he feels like the worst older brother ever. No wonder Sam didn’t come out to him and this was the only way to do it. His own brother didn’t feel safe coming out to him. Dean felt insulted. He wasn’t John. He wasn’t their father. He was nothing like John and Sam knew that. He didn’t understand but Dean guessed Sam would’ve come out to him if he wanted to and most likely, the invitation was Sam’s way of telling his brother.

All of Sam’s friends were obviously invited but not a lot of them could make it, at least not in this economy. Dean was lucky enough to be able to afford to go to the wedding, so Sam said it would be recorded so everyone could watch. 

Dean was into dudes too. It wasn’t like it was a secret. He’s had short term relationships with men. Like Lee Webb, Benny and even Aaron. But none of them really worked out. Too many daddy issues they said.

Dean snorted to himself. He didn’t have daddy issues. He didn’t know what they were talking about. He went inside his house and sat at his dining room table and opened his laptop. He looked up tickets for a flight to Paris. It was a decent price. Sam was lucky that Dean could afford it. He bought the row seat because no way would he sit in the window seat. He would have to call his doctor and see when he can get a prescription for some anxiety meds to get him through the flight. He bought his tickets and then called his boss and told him that he would be taking the weekend for his brother’s wedding. Zachariah wasn’t happy but he approved the time off for the weekend of the wedding anyway.

“You owe me, Winchester.”

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever Adler.” Dean rolled his eyes and ended the call. His boss was a dick. He and Dick Roman would always get on his nerves on purpose. It’s like they enjoyed seeing him get pissed off. Then… he called his brother. 

Surprisingly, Sam answered. “Hello?”

“Sammy.”

“Dean?”

“Hey… so I booked the tickets… for the flight.”

“You? Booked tickets. For a flight. To Paris.”

“Of course I did. I know we haven’t talked in a long time but I wouldn’t miss your wedding for anything you know that and besides, I’m surprised you even invited me considering what happened and why we stopped talking…”

Fifteen Years Earlier

The apartment was filled with tension as Dean and Sam stood facing each other, their voices raised in yet another argument that seemed to have no end in sight. 

"I can't believe you, Sam!" Dean's voice echoed off the walls, frustration evident in every word. 

"You're just gonna leave? Without even telling me?"

Sam's jaw clenched, his own anger simmering beneath the surface.

 "I'm not leaving, Dean. I'm just... I need to figure things out on my own."

Dean shook his head, disbelief written across his features. "And what? You think you can do that without me? Without even saying goodbye?"

Sam's gaze faltered, guilt flashing in his eyes before he looked away. "I didn't want to hurt you, Dean. I just... I need space."

Dean's fists clenched at his sides, frustration and hurt warring within him. "Space? You've got to be kidding me, Sam. We're supposed to be in this together, remember?"

Sam's shoulders tensed, his own frustration rising to match Dean's. "I know, okay? But I can't do this anymore. I can't keep living in Dad's shadow, following his rules. I need to find my own path."

Dean's anger flared, his voice raw with emotion. "And what about me, huh? What about us? You're just gonna leave me behind?"

Sam's gaze softened, regret flickering in his eyes. "I'm sorry, Dean. I didn't mean to hurt you. But I need to do this. For me."

Dean's shoulders slumped, the fight draining out of him as he realized the futility of their argument. "Fine. Go then. See if I care."

And with those words hanging heavy in the air between them, Sam turned and walked out the door, leaving Dean alone in the empty apartment, his heart heavy with regret and unresolved pain.

There was a pause and then Sam sighed. “Yeah I know… I don’t like that we left on bad terms.”

“I don’t either. You’re my brother, Sam. Hey, is Adam coming?”

“I did send him an invite. He said he would watch the recording because he couldn’t take time off of work from the hospital. Which is fine, I mean I would’ve loved both of my brothers there but hey, we will have a party when we get back home too and he can come then.”

Dean smiled. “That’s a great idea, Sam. Look at you, always coming up with ideas. Some things never change.”

Sam laughed. “I guess not… so what about you? What have you been up to, Dean?”

“Well. I’ve been working at Sandover Bridge and Iron for fifteen years now. I’ve never left home. Dad’s disappeared but honestly Sammy? I don’t really give a fuck. He can die in a ditch for all I care.”

“You don’t have to tell me twice.”

John hadn’t been the most… present father when they were kids. He was always at the bar. He never had a steady job. Mary was the one working two jobs while heavily pregnant with their third child and boy, who they named Adam. John left Mary to take care of the boys by herself. She had a young son, a toddler and a newborn. 

Her parents were dead. John’s Parents were dead. She didn’t really have much of a village. But she did it. She raised three great boys that turned into three great men. Dean worked for Bridge and Iron as a construction worker, Sam was a lawyer in Wichita and Adam is a nurse in a hospital all the way in Alaska.

 “I’ll be flying in on Friday since the wedding is on Saturday. I need to pick up my medicine so I don’t stress myself out the entire flight. You know how I feel about planes, Sammy…”

Sam laughed. “Come on Dean. You’ll be fine but take the medicine if it’ll help you. And Dean, you are more likely to die in a car than a plane crash.”

Dean rolled his eyes. “Not helping Sam.”

“Alright. Alright. I’ll see you for the wedding Dean.”

“Yeah.” Dean said with a smile. “I’ll see you soon Sammy.”

Friday. June 14th, 2024

Today was the day. This was it. He had worked two extra shifts the whole week to make up the time he would miss out on for this weekend. Zachariah, thankfully, already paid him, even though he grumbled the whole damn time while doing it. Fuck he was so jittery right now. He felt like he was going to throw up. Maybe he just needed to get it over with so he doesn’t do it on the plane. He knew he wouldn’t want to sit next to him if he was someone else. 

Dean went to the bathroom and apparently he really was anxieted the fuck out because he threw up the food he ate earlier that morning. He wiped his mouth with a rag. Well. There goes his breakfast. He flushed the toilet, washed and dried his hands and turned off the light. He grabbed his suitcase and carry-on bag and headed out the door. He took his truck he got from Bobby because no way did he trust anyone at the airport to keep an eye on his car. Baby was special. She was his first home. He made sure he had his tickets and checked at least twelve times and then rechecked one last time to make sure he had his ticket and then he checked the time for his flight. He should make it to Kansas City Airport in time for his flight.

He made sure he packed his anxiety medication too. He couldn’t forget that. Fuck. He didn’t know if he could do this. He called Charlie. Dean's hands shook as he dialed Charlie's number, his heart racing with anxiety. When she picked up, her cheerful voice sounded tinny and distant against the roaring panic in his ears. He also made sure that he checked that he had his passport as well. He was going to need that if he wanted to get through TSA.

"Hey, Dean! What's up?" Charlie's voice was warm and comforting, but Dean could hear the tremor in his own voice as he replied.

"Hey, Charlie. Um... I'm... I'm freaking out a bit here." His words came out in a rush, his breaths coming in fast and shallow as he struggled to keep his composure.

"Whoa, hey, calm down," Charlie said, her tone immediately shifting to one of concern. 

"Take a deep breath, Dean. You're okay. What's going on?"

Dean took a shaky breath, trying to steady himself as he spoke. "It's... it's the flight, Charlie. I... I'm terrified of flying. I don't know if I can do this."

Charlie's voice softened with understanding. "Hey, it's okay. I get it. Flying can be scary, but you've done it before, right? And you made it through just fine. You're gonna be okay, Dean. I promise."Dean felt a lump form in his throat as he struggled to hold back tears.

 "I... I don't know, Charlie. I just... I don't know if I can handle it."

"Hey, listen to me," Charlie said, her voice firm but gentle. 

"You're strong, Dean. You've faced worse than this. You’re a construction worker, remember? You work in tall buildings. And you've got your medication, right? That'll help take the edge off. Just focus on getting through one step at a time. You can do this."

Dean nodded, even though he knew Charlie couldn't see him.

 "Yeah... yeah, you're right. Thanks, Charlie. I... I needed to hear that."

"Anytime, Dean. Seriously. You're not alone in this, okay? I'm here for you. And Sam's waiting for you in Paris. You don't want to miss his big day, do you?"

Dean chuckled weakly, feeling a glimmer of hope flicker in his chest.

"No... no, I don't. Thanks, Charlie. I... I'll see you when I get back."

"Take care of yourself, Dean. You've got this."

With Charlie's words echoing in his ears, Dean hung up the phone and took a deep, steadying breath. He could do this. He had to do this. For Sam. 

⸻

Castiel's fingers tapped anxiously against his phone screen as he double-checked his boarding pass for the umpteenth time and made sure he had his passport. He glanced around the bustling airport terminal, his heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and nerves.His phone buzzed with a text message from Gabriel, and Castiel's lips twitched into a fond smile as he read the familiar words."Hey, Cas. Are you almost at the airport?”

Castiel quickly typed out a response. "Just arrived at the Kansas City Airport. Should be in Paris soon, I think.  Where are you?"

A few moments later, Gabriel's reply came through. "In Paris, getting ready for the big day! Can't wait for you to join us, bro."

Castiel's smile widened at the thought of finally being able to attend his brother's wedding. He felt a surge of excitement coursing through him as he imagined the joyous occasion that awaited him in Paris. With renewed determination, Castiel tucked his phone into his pocket and turned his attention back to the task at hand. He had a flight to catch, and he couldn't afford to let his nerves get the better of him.Taking a deep breath, Castiel squared his shoulders and made his way toward the gate, ready to embark on his journey to Paris to celebrate his brother's special day.

He grabbed his suitcase and carry-on bag and headed to gate twelve. His seat was row nine seat B. He was in the middle seat. The row seat had been taken by someone else and so had the window seat. It was the best he could do and he wasn’t going to complain. He showed his boarding pass to the attendant and she let him through along with the other passengers.

——

Dean ran to gate twelve. He was just in time. He had almost missed his flight. He was in row nine seat C. He got lucky since the middle and window seat were taken and he didn’t want either of those. When he got onto the plane, he headed toward his seat. His suitcase was already in the undercarriage seat of the plane so the only thing he had with him was his backpack. He sat down in his seat. The other two seats had their passengers in them. The man by the window was a strange man. He had glasses and a white beard. He said his name was Donatello.

“Like the Ninja Turtle?”

Donatello sighed in annoyance. Like the painter.”

“Oh. Okay then.” Dean said and shrugged. The man in the middle was built like damn Greek God and his hair was messy as if he just had sex before he got on the plane. His eyes were a piercing blue. Dean had never seen eyes so blue. Okay so Benny and Lee both had blue eyes but their eyes were nothing compared to this man’s eyes.

“The name is Dean. Dean Winchester.”

“Castiel. Castiel Novak. Are you perhaps related to Sam Winchester by any chance?”

Dean blinked and narrowed his eyes. “How did you know that?”

“Relax. Your Brother is marrying my brother.”

“Wait. Your brother is Gabriel?”

“He’s my older brother, yes.”

“Yes, yes, that’s wonderful and all but would you two please stop talking so much. I’m trying to sleep.” Donatello snapped and went back to resting his head on the window.

“Dude. We haven’t even taken off yet.”

“Shhh!” Donatello snapped and closed his eyes. Dean sighed and decided to ignore him and turn his attention back to Castiel.

“So…” Dean said and rubbed the back of his neck. “We’re going to the same place. I’m guessing you don’t have a plus one.”

“No, and I assume you don’t either. Otherwise, they would be here.”

“Well Cas, looks like we’re each other’s plus one.”

Castiel smirked. “Is that your way of asking a man out, Dean?”

Dean flashed his million dollar panty dropping smile. “Yup.” He said, popping the p.

The plane started to take off and Dean gripped the handle of his seat. Castiel put his hand on Dean’s. 

“Dean. It’ll be okay. I know we just met but you’re safe. Do you understand?”

Dean just nodded and squeezed his eyes shut.

“Dean. Where is your medicine.” 

“S-side p-pocket.”

Castiel grabs the medicine from the side pocket, takes one out and then gives Dean the medicine and a bottle of water.

“Thanks.”

“No problem Dean.”

Dean took the medicine with the water. He felt better after a few minutes. He closed his eyes. The plane began to shake from the turbulence and Dean gripped the handle again. Castiel kept his hand on Dean’s. He never let go.

The plane was gliding down the runway. The wheels went away, tucked into the belly of the plane. Then they were in the air. Dean didn’t want to open his eyes. He was still deathly afraid of flying. Castiel just kept talking to him. He told him everything about bees. 

Dean knew Castiel was trying to distract him. It was working, slowly but he still wouldn’t open his eyes.

“Dean, I need you to look at me. Open your eyes and take a deep breath.”

Dean opened his eyes and looked at Castiel. Is it even possible for someone’s eyes to become even more blue than they were before?

“Your eyes remind me of the ocean. I’ve never seen eyes so blue before.”

Castiel blinked, a little taken back by what Dean had said. “Uh… thank you. I suppose.”

“You’re welcome, Cas.”

Castiel made sure Dean was distracted from the noises the plane was making.

“Dean. Do you have any music you could listen to?”

“I have my Walkman.”

Castiel snorted. “A Walkman. I haven’t seen one of those in years.”

“Yeah. It was my mom’s… she gave it to me when I was a kid. I had no idea what it even was. She said it played music. My brothers and I all got one, though I’m the only one who actually uses mine.”

“I have something similar but I like listening to music on my phone. I get why we can’t use our phones on the plane. It interferes with the signal to the tower.”

“Wow. I didn’t know that.”

“Yes. And I’ve already told you about the Bee movie.”

“Yes, Cas. I know.” Dean laughed.

“It’s scientifically inaccurate.” Both of them said at the same time. Now they both started laughing quietly so they didn’t disturb the other passengers.

Dean sat back in his chair and shook his head. He was falling in love with a man he barely knew, a man he just met and they’ve only been in the air for a few hours. They were somewhere over Illinois right now.

“We’re over Illinois. I was born there.”

“You were?”

“Yeah. Pontiac, Illinois. I have so many siblings that you would lose count. Don’t worry, some of them are adopted. But most of them my mom gave birth to. My parents took the “be fruitful and multiply.” verse from the Bible to the next level.”

“How many siblings do you have?”

“Well, let’s see, for my brothers, we have Michael, then Lucifer, then Raphael, then Gabriel, Balthazar, Bartholomew, Joseph, then my sisters, we have Anna, Hannah, Rachel, Anael and Hael. I was born last so I’m the baby of the family. Of course, I don’t get treated like it. For some reason, my parents hate me. No matter what I do, it never seems to make them happy. They’ll be at the wedding. So… this will be awkward.”

“Wow. You have a lot of siblings. All I have are my two brothers and my cousin Jo. She acts like a little sister though. And then there’s Charlie. She’s like the other sister we’ve never wanted until we did.”

“Yeah. My parents were… busy. Always busy. Either having kids or working or both. My mother was always perpetually pregnant.” Castiel shook his head.

Castiel didn’t know why he was sharing this information with a complete stranger, though technically Dean wasn’t a stranger anymore. He felt safe with Dean. Dean made him feel… happy. 

He was falling in love with a stranger. Dean made him feel different. Made him feel something that Mick never did. To be honest, the accent may have been the only reason that Castiel went out with Mick in the first place. He didn’t want to think about Mick. That whole thing was the worst thing that he had to go through, not counting his horrible childhood.

Castiel came home to their shared apartment. It was dark. That was unusual. Mick always liked to have the lights on. That’s why their light bill was high all the time. Castiel turned on the light and he just about screamed. There, on the floor, was Mick. He was lying in a pool of his own blood. 

Castiel knew better than to touch the body. He called the police.

“My roommate is dead. I found him like this when I got home. Check the cameras if you don’t believe me. I know the person closest to him is always the first suspect.”

The officers looked at each other and then back at Castiel.

“What makes you think you’re a suspect?”

“Well. Obviously, it’s because I’m the closest person to Mick and I was at the scene when you arrived. I know you’re suspicious of me because of how calm I am. I’m Autistic, if you must know. I have a delayed reaction to things and have no sense of danger. So after you leave, I’m most likely going to have a complete meltdown.  But I will come to the police station if you want to dust my hands for gun residue which you will find none because I didn’t touch that gun. The only finger prints you will find are Mick’s… or his killers.”

“And how do you know this stuff?”

“I watch a lot of true crime.” 

The officer narrowed his eyes at Castiel. “Let’s go then. Do you have any place to go? You can’t be here anymore since it’s a crime scene now.”

“I can call my brother to pick me up. Can you at least let me get a bag?”

“An officer will be with you to make sure you don’t disturb the scene. Go ahead.” The man said. 

“Come on sir.” The woman said and Castiel went into the apartment. He tried not to look at the white clothed covered body of his boyfriend… former boyfriend now. He went to his room and packed a bag and followed the woman officer back outside. 

“I want to drive myself to the station.”

“Sorry sir. It’s policy that we drive you ourselves. Right now, you’re not a suspect but we still have to take you to the station anyways.”

Castiel sighed. “Alright.” Then she opened the door for him and he got in. She got in the front with her partner and they drove to the station. They walked him in and did all of the things. Like DNA and all the things that were required to prove that he wasn’t the one who murdered Mick. Castiel gave that stuff freely, though he thinks only now that he should’ve had a lawyer present. They tested his hands for gun residue. It came back negative. His alibi was rock solid. His friends and family and coworkers all corroborated his alibi as well. Castiel had been at work during the time of the murder. There was no way that Castiel had killed Mick anyways. He’s never even held a gun before.

The police cleared him of being a suspect. He stayed with Gabriel for a few weeks so the police could study the crime scene.

“Hey Cas, are you with me?” Dean’s voice shook him out of the memory.

“Yeah. I’m here. What’s wrong?”

“Donatello says we’re over the ocean right now.”

“Really? Already?”

“Yeah. We’re over the Atlantic Ocean right now. He can see it outside his window.”

“Hey Castiel, maybe you should tell your mother to keep her legs closed and you wouldn’t have so many siblings.” Donatello said and smirked and then the smirk was replaced with a look of pure fear.

Because Castiel had a knife to his throat. A knife that wasn’t visible to anyone else. A knife that somehow got past the TSA.

“What was that?” Castiel said, pressing the knife to Donatello’s throat.

“N-nothing. I said that your mother must be a wonderful woman.”

“She isn’t, but that’s what I thought.” Castiel put the knife away. No one would know.

“Damn Cas, that was savage.”

Castiel smiled. “Yeah. I know.”

They talked for another two hours. Now they were above the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. That’s when they heard a loud explosion. People screamed. 

“The engine is on fire!” Someone shouted. The plane started rocking. Dean tensed. 

“This is why I don’t go on planes!” He was hyperventilating. Things couldn’t get worse.

Dean was wrong. Things could get much worse because the second engine blew up and was on fire and now the plane was nose diving straight towards the water. Everyone was screaming. Oxygen masks came out. Castiel grabbed one and put it over Dean’s face.

“Dean. You need to wear this. This will help you.”

“C-Cas. You have to put one on too.” Dean said and was hyperventilating again. Castiel put one on just as the plane crashed into the water and everything went dark.

Dean woke up. The plane was quiet. No one was moving and he knew they were all dead. He looked at Castiel as much as he could. His whole body hurt. The man was breathing. Castiel was alive. He was alive.

Dean was alive. 

The plane had floated down onto a ridge. They weren’t moving anymore. 

“C-cas. Cas, wake up. Please, Cas.”

Dean watched and sighed with relief as Castiel opened his eyes.

“Dean…?”

“Oh thank God, you’re alive.”

“I’m not sure we should be thanking God right now Dean.”

Dean closed his eyes. “You got a point there, Cas.”

The plane was filling up with water. Dean took off his seatbelt and grabbed Castiel’s hand.

“C-cas. Cas I can’t move my legs. Cas!?”

“Dean. I need you to breathe for me okay. I need you to breathe slowly in and out. The plane has an airlock so we should be okay… as long as we conserve oxygen. And maybe we shouldn’t move. Any movement could pull us further underwater.”

“C-cas.” Dean shivered. “I know we just met but we’re going to die. No one is going to find us. I just need to do something first before we do.”

“Dean. We’re not going to die. They’re going to find us. We’re going to be okay. And what do you need to do?”

“This.” And then Dean turned his body toward Castiel and kissed him. Castiel startled a bit but closed his eyes and leaned into the kiss. Dean pulled away. Castiel blinked.

“What was that for?”

“It’s just something I needed to do. If we’re going to die, why not right?”

—-

Sam is at the airport in Paris waiting for his brother. He was getting anxious. Dean should’ve been here by now. Sam tried to call Dean but it went to voicemail. He called Gabriel.

“Gabe. Dean’s flight was supposed to be here already.”

“I haven’t heard from Castiel either. They were on the same flight.” Gabriel said. Sam could hear him turning on the tv.

“Oh my god.”

“What? What is it?”

“Sam… Flight 91318 has gone missing…”

“Where? Where has it gone missing?”

Gabriel took a deep breath. “They were flying above the Atlantic Ocean…”

Someone was trying to call him. He was trying to stay calm. “Gabe, I have to take this. It’s Charlie.”

“Alright. I’ll call you when I find out what happened.”

“Thanks.”

“No problem. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

He hung up with Gabe and picked up the call from Charlie.”

“Hey Charlie. What’s up?”

“Sam. Look up.”

Sam looked up. That’s when he saw her and all of their friends. They had surprised him. Even Adam was amongst them. Sam went up to them. He was happy to see them but he was also terrified.

“Guys. We have a problem.”

“What is it?”

“Dean’s flight. It’s missing. They can’t find it.”

“What? Oh my god.” Charlie shrieked.

“What do you mean it went missing?” Adam asked.

“Gabriel told me that the plane was flying above the Atlantic Ocean. They lost all contact after that. I just hope that Dean and Castiel are alive…”

——

“Cas… I can’t move my legs.”

“What’s wrong with your legs?”

“I don’t know.”

“Let me look.” Castiel said and checked Dean over for injuries. He touched Dean’s leg and Dean winced in pain.

“I’m sorry. Did I hurt you?”

Dean shook his head. “No. You didn’t hurt me. It was already hurting.” And then he took a deep breath.

“Cas, how are we going to get out of this?”

Castiel ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t know Dean.”

Then they both heard a noise coming from the cockpit.

“Flight 91318, this is Tower 0508. Come in, Flight 91318.”

Castiel looked at Dean. They both knew what they had to do. Castiel stood up carefully. He had to get to the cockpit which happened to be submerged underwater. So were most of the dead passengers. Castiel took a deep breath and went underwater. He swam toward the cockpit and managed to get the door and to the radio.

“Tower 0508, this is Castiel Novak on Flight 91318. Can you hear me?”

“Loud and Clear, Castiel. Where are you?”

“We’re… we’re underwater.”

“What do you mean you’re underwater?”

“I mean exactly what I said. Both of the engines failed and caught on fire and then we crashed into the Atlantic Ocean. Dean Winchester and I are the only survivors. Dean is injured.”

“Are you injured at all, Castiel?”

“My arm is sore but other than that, no. Not that I’m aware of. Please send help. We’re in an airlock but we’re going to run out of oxygen soon. I don’t know how long we’ve been down here but we’re running out of time.”

“We’re sending a rescue team to your coordinates now. We will be there as soon as we can.”

“I have to get back to Dean. He’s alone.”

“You need to stay together. We will contact you soon. Tower 0508. Over and out.”

“Flight 91318, over and out.” Castiel said and carefully tried to make his way back to where Dean was but then the plane creaked and started to slip. Castiel swam as fast as he could back to Dean. He resurfaced and grabbed onto the seats.

“Hold on Dean! The plane is slipping!”

The plane was slipping. Fast. It creaked and groaned as it slid deep into the water. Now they were in more danger than they were before and they were running out of oxygen… and time.

Dean squeezed his eyes shut and thought of his mother.

As the early morning light streamed through the curtains of their modest suburban home, Mary Winchester stirred from her slumber, greeted by the familiar sounds of her three young sons. With a weary yet determined smile, she rose from her bed, ready to tackle another day of juggling the responsibilities of motherhood and single-handedly raising her boys. Dean, her eldest, was already dressed for school, his tousled hair sticking up in all directions as he eagerly awaited his mother's attention. 

"Morning, Mom," he chirped, his wide grin revealing the gap where his front tooth used to be.

"Morning, sweetheart," Mary replied, ruffling his hair affectionately before turning her attention to the kitchen, where she began preparing breakfast for her hungry brood. Meanwhile, Sam, the middle child, toddled into the room in his pajamas, rubbing his sleepy eyes as he clutched his favorite stuffed toy. 

"Mommy, I'm hungry," he mumbled, his words barely intelligible through his yawns. Mary scooped him up into her arms, planting a kiss on his forehead.

 "I know, sweetheart. Breakfast will be ready soon," she reassured him, marveling at the innocence and purity of her youngest son's affection. As Mary bustled about the kitchen, Adam, her newborn baby, stirred in his crib, his cries piercing the quiet morning air. Mary scooped him up, cradling him against her chest as she cooed soothing words and gently rocked him back to sleep. 

With her boys fed and dressed, Mary ushered them out the door, each one clutching their backpacks and lunchboxes as they headed off to school. Dean, now in fourth grade, walked proudly beside his mother, regaling her with tales of his latest adventures on the playground. Meanwhile, Sam skipped along beside them, his hand tightly clasped in Mary's, his excitement palpable as he prepared for his first day of kindergarten.

As they reached the schoolyard, Mary knelt down to Sam's eye level, planting a kiss on his cheek. 

"Be good, Sammy. Mommy will be back to pick you up later," she whispered, her heart swelling with pride at her son's milestone moment.

Mary watched as her boys disappeared into the bustling schoolyard, their laughter and chatter fading into the distance. As she made her way back home with Adam cradled in her arms, Mary couldn't help but marvel at the resilience and strength of her little family, bound together by love and the unbreakable bond of motherhood. 

“Dean. Dean, open your eyes. We stopped. It stopped.”

Dean opened one eye.  “Are you sure?”

“Dean… we’re at the bottom of the ocean… well not all the way but we’re far away from the surface and it’s not safe to even try to swim out.”

Then something hit the plane and knocked Castiel into Donatello. Castiel quickly got up. 

“Dean. There’s something outside of the plane…” and he went to one of the windows that didn’t have anyone in it. His eyes widened and he rushed over to Dean.

“Shark! It’s a shark!” 

“Oh fuck! What do we do?”

Castiel was terrified. “I don’t know Dean.”

—-

“Gabriel. Our brother is in the damn fucking ocean and there’s nothing we can do to help him.” Balthazar said and he threw a glass at the door and sat down with his head in his hands.

“Dean is on that plane too.” Sam said. Adam nodded. 

“We don’t even know if they’re alive.”

As tension and despair gripped the room, the sudden knock on the door of the hotel room shattered the heavy silence. Startled, the assembled family members exchanged nervous glances before Balthazar rose to his feet, his expression a mix of apprehension and hope.With trembling hands, he opened the door to reveal a pair of French police officers standing in the hallway, their somber expressions betraying the gravity of their message.

 "May we come in?" one of the officers asked, his voice gentle yet firm. Balthazar nodded wordlessly, stepping aside to allow the officers entry into the room. As they crossed the threshold, the air seemed to grow thick with anticipation, every eye in the room fixed on the uniformed figures before them.

The lead officer cleared his throat, his gaze sweeping over the gathered crowd. "We have received new information regarding Flight 91318," he began, his voice steady despite the weight of his words. "Tower 0508 was able to establish contact with the aircraft, and we have confirmed that Castiel Novak was among the passengers who spoke with them."

A collective gasp of relief rippled through the room, mingled with tears of gratitude and disbelief. Sam and Adam's hearts leapt with joy at the news, their hands clasping tightly as they shared a moment of profound relief. The officer continued, his voice cutting through the emotional tumult with quiet authority. 

 "According to the conversation, both Castiel Novak and Dean Winchester are alive. They are currently awaiting rescue, and efforts are underway to locate and retrieve them from the wreckage."

For a moment, the room was filled with stunned silence as the weight of the officer's words sank in. Then, as if a dam had burst, the tension gave way to an outpouring of emotion. Tears flowed freely, hugs were exchanged, and voices raised in prayers of gratitude and hope. 

In the midst of the chaos, Sam felt a sense of overwhelming gratitude wash over him, knowing that his brother and Castiel were alive and awaiting rescue. 

——

“Cas, cas. We’re trapped. We’re trapped and there’s nowhere to go. Everyone is dead but us and there’s a fucking shark outside of the plane that could bust through and eat us at any god damn moment.”

“Dean. I need you to calm down and breathe. We have to conserve our energy and our oxygen.”

Castiel looked out of the window. The shark was gone. He sighed in relief. 

“Okay, Dean. Look. The shark is gone… for now. We need to get some sleep. There’s nothing else we can do. We will die if we don’t.”

Dean nodded, still gripped with fear. Castiel was waist deep in the water as he headed back to his seat. The two of them laid their heads against each other and somehow fell asleep. Castiel had a dream about his family.

In the dimly lit Novak household, Castiel's childhood unfolded against a backdrop of fear and turmoil. His parents, Chuck and Naomi Novak, ruled with an iron fist, their authoritative presence casting a shadow over their children's lives. While the Novak siblings were numerous in number, their family dynamic was anything but harmonious.

Castiel, the youngest among them, often found himself the target of his parents' wrath. Chuck and Naomi's abusive tendencies left scars both physical and emotional, casting a pall over Castiel's formative years. Yet amidst the darkness, a flicker of light shone in the form of his protective siblings.

Among them, Gabriel stood out as Castiel's staunchest defender. With a fiery determination that belied his youthful appearance, Gabriel shielded Castiel from the brunt of their parents' rage. One fateful day, as Chuck's temper flared and he raised his hand to strike a defenseless Castiel with a belt, Gabriel intervened with unwavering resolve.

"Don't you dare touch him," Gabriel's voice rang out, cutting through the tense silence like a knife. With a swift motion, he wrested the belt from their father's grasp, his eyes flashing with a mixture of defiance and protectiveness.

Though the scars of their childhood ran deep, Castiel found solace in the solidarity of his siblings. Michael, Lucifer, Raphael, Balthazar, and the others rallied around him, forming a united front against the tyranny of their parents. Together, they weathered the storms of their upbringing, drawing strength from their shared bond and unwavering loyalty to one another.

As the years passed and they each forged their own paths, Castiel carried with him the indelible mark of his childhood—a reminder of the resilience and resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. And though the wounds of the past may never fully heal, he found comfort in the knowledge that he was never truly alone, buoyed by the love and support of his siblings who had stood by him through it all.

Castiel woke up with a start. Dean was still asleep. He shook his head. The nightmare was the same every single night. The memory of his father taking off his belt and then Gabriel stopping him. The others had yelled at Chuck, screaming at him. Anael slapped her father in the face.

“He's a child! He’s five years old!”

“He disobeyed me, Anael. He needed to be punished accordingly. And perhaps… so do you.”

Michael stepped in front of  his sister. “Touch her or Castiel or any of them and that will be the last thing you do.” He growled.

Chuck looked at his children. “You are all disappointments. Do not interfere when I’m disciplining your brother.”

“Beating him with a belt? You call that discipline?” Gabriel snapped.

“Yes. It is needed. He didn’t do what I told him to do.”

“He’s a child. He’s five. There’s not much you can ask him to do!” Anna screamed. She was angry. So angry.

Naomi slapped her in the face. “You will not speak to your father that way, young lady.”

Hannah, Rachel, Anael and Hael immediately ran to their sister’s side, shielding her from their mother.

“You are a monster. You hit your daughter because she was defending her baby brother?” Rachel snapped.

“I’ve called the police! They’re on the way!” Hael said.  “You’re going to pay for what you’ve done to Castiel. For what you’ve done to all of us.”

“Cas, cas wake up.” Dean said and nudged him awake.

“What’s wrong Dean?”

“The shark… it’s back. And it brought friends…”

“Shit.”

As Dean's urgent whisper broke through the haze of sleep, Castiel's eyes snapped open, his heart pounding in his chest. The dim interior of the submerged plane provided little solace as the reality of their predicament came crashing down around them. With a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach, Castiel followed Dean's gaze to the murky depths outside the plane's window, where the unmistakable silhouette of a shark loomed ominously. Its sleek form glided effortlessly through the water, flanked by a small retinue of companions, their predatory instincts keen and unrelenting. 

Castiel's breath caught in his throat as the sharks circled the plane, their movements sinuous and deliberate. It was as if they could sense the vulnerability of their prey, their dark eyes gleaming with hunger as they sized up the two stranded humans trapped within the confines of the sinking aircraft. Dean's grip tightened on Castiel's hand, his knuckles white with tension as he watched the sharks' relentless advance.

 "We need to do something," he muttered, his voice strained with fear and frustration. Castiel nodded, his mind racing as he searched for a way to fend off their aquatic assailants. But before they could formulate a plan, the sharks abruptly veered away, their interest waning as they realized the futility of their pursuit. Relief flooded through Castiel as he watched the predators disappear into the murky depths, their ominous presence fading into the darkness. Yet even as the immediate threat subsided, a sense of unease lingered, a reminder of the perilous world they now found themselves in.

"We need to find a way out of here," Castiel said, his voice tinged with determination. "We can't stay trapped in this plane forever."

Dean nodded in agreement, his gaze fixed on the waterlogged interior of the aircraft. With each passing moment, the pressure mounted, urging them to act swiftly before it was too late. And as they faced the daunting challenge ahead, Castiel knew that they would need to draw upon every ounce of courage and resilience they possessed to survive the harrowing ordeal that lay ahead.

Dean fell asleep again. Castiel pressed a hand to his forehead. Dean felt hot. He had a fever. Fuck this was not good. Not good at all. Dean’s body is in shock. Castiel felt his own head. He wasn’t feeling too good himself either.

In the suffocating stillness of the Winchester household, tension hung thick in the air like a tangible weight, suffusing every corner with an oppressive sense of foreboding. Mary Winchester, her once-bright eyes dulled with resignation, stood at the center of the room, her hands trembling with a mixture of fear and defiance as she faced down the man who had once been her husband.John Winchester, his face contorted with rage and fueled by the poison of alcohol, staggered into the room with all the grace of a wounded animal. His fists clenched at his sides, his slurred words dripping with venom as he hurled insults and accusations at his estranged wife. 

Sixteen-year-old Dean Winchester stood at Mary's side, his jaw set in a steely resolve as he braced himself for the inevitable confrontation. Behind them, the youngest Winchester boys huddled together, their wide eyes filled with a mixture of confusion and fear as they bore witness to the tumultuous scene unfolding before them. As John's tirade reached a crescendo, his anger boiling over into violence, he lashed out with a drunken fury, his fist connecting with Mary's cheek with a sickening thud. The force of the blow sent her staggering backward, her hand flying to her bruised cheek as she struggled to maintain her balance.

 Dean surged forward, his muscles coiling with tension as he stepped between his mother and the man who had once been his father. In his hand, he brandished a weapon—a gun, its weight unfamiliar yet strangely empowering as he leveled it at John's chest with a steady hand.

"Hit her again," Dean spat, his voice low and dangerous, his eyes blazing with a fierce determination that belied his youth. 

"I fucking dare you."For a moment, the room fell silent, the tension crackling in the air like electricity as father and son faced off in a battle of wills. In that moment, the weight of a lifetime of pain and resentment hung heavy between them, a silent testament to the fractured bonds that had once bound their family together. But as John's gaze met Dean's unwavering stare, a flicker of recognition passed between them—a fleeting moment of clarity amidst the chaos and turmoil. And in that moment, John lowered his fists, his shoulders slumping with defeat as he stumbled backward, the fire in his eyes extinguished by the weight of his own remorse.

Dean lowered the gun, his hand trembling with the weight of the moment as he turned to comfort his mother and reassure his younger brothers. And as the echoes of their tumultuous encounter faded into the stillness of the night, Dean knew that their lives would never be the same again—but perhaps, just perhaps, they had taken the first step toward reclaiming their shattered family and forging a new path forward, guided by the unbreakable bonds of love and resilience that had carried them through the darkest of times.

As the echoes of their tumultuous encounter lingered in the air, Dean's voice cut through the heavy silence like a knife, his words dripping with a venomous resolve that sent a shiver down John's spine.

"If you ever come back here again, John," Dean spat, his tone laced with a deadly seriousness that brooked no argument, "I'll kill you."

The weight of Dean's words hung heavy in the air, a stark reminder of the depths of his determination to protect his family at all costs. Behind him, Mary Winchester stood trembling, her eyes wide with shock and fear as she watched the confrontation unfold before her. The other two young boys started yelling at John too.

As the tension in the room reached its boiling point, the two youngest Winchester boys, Sam and Adam, found their voices rising in a chorus of defiance against their estranged father. With tears streaming down their faces and fists clenched in righteous anger, they stood shoulder to shoulder with their older brother, Dean, their small forms trembling with a mixture of fear and determination.

"Get out!" Sam's voice cracked with emotion as he hurled objects at John, his aim wild but his intent clear. 

"Don't hit our mom!" Adam echoed his brother's sentiments, his voice shaking with fury as he joined in the onslaught, his small hands grasping for anything within reach to defend their mother against the threat of their father's violence. For a moment, the room seemed to spin with chaos and confusion as the three brothers banded together in a show of unity against the man who had once been their father. In that moment, their bonds of blood and family transcended the pain and heartache that had torn them apart, forging a new foundation of solidarity and strength in the face of adversity. 

As John's fury boiled over, his temper flared with a volatile intensity that sent shockwaves rippling through the room. In a moment of blind rage, he lashed out at Adam, the youngest Winchester boy, with a force that sent the child tumbling to the ground, his cries of pain echoing in the suffocating stillness of the room.The sight of his brother crumpling to the ground ignited a firestorm of fury within Dean, his protective instincts kicking into overdrive as he watched his father's violent outburst unfold before him. With a roar of rage, he surged forward, his muscles coiling with tension as he propelled himself toward John with a single, devastating punch.The impact sent John reeling backward, his body colliding with the unforgiving floor with a sickening thud. For a moment, the room fell silent, the air thick with the weight of the violence that had erupted between father and son.

As John recoiled from Dean's powerful blow, his senses reeling from the unexpected onslaught, he found himself face-to-face with another source of defiance: his second son, Sam. With a fierce determination burning in his eyes, Sam stepped forward, his fists clenched at his sides as he squared off against his father.

"Don't touch Adam!" Sam's voice rang out, his words a defiant challenge to the man who had once been his father. With a swift motion, he delivered a punch of his own, his small fist connecting with John's jaw with a force that sent shockwaves rippling through the room.The impact staggered John, his head snapping back from the force of the blow as he stumbled backward, his hands instinctively rising to cradle his injured jaw. For a moment, the room fell silent, the tension palpable as father and son faced off in a battle of wills. 

Behind Sam, Adam scrambled to his feet, his tears forgotten in the heat of the moment as he watched his brothers stand united against the man who had brought fear and pain into their lives. With a sense of grim satisfaction, he joined his brothers at Sam's side, his small form trembling with a mixture of fear and defiance as they stood together against their common enemy. In that moment, the Winchester boys stood united, their bonds of brotherhood stronger than ever as they faced down the man who had once held sway over their lives. 

As the wail of police sirens pierced the tense silence of the Winchester household, John's attention was drawn away from the scene unfolding before him, his gaze snapping toward the window as the flashing lights illuminated the darkness outside. In that moment of distraction, Adam seized the opportunity with the ferocity of a cornered animal, his young frame filled with a surge of adrenaline-fueled determination.

With all of the adrenaline of a grown man in a five year old’s body, Adam lunged forward, his small hands connecting with John's chest with surprising force as he pushed with all his might. The sudden momentum sent John stumbling backward, his balance lost as he collided with the unforgiving floor with a thud. For a moment, the room fell silent, the air heavy with the weight of the unexpected turn of events. Adam stood over his fallen father, his chest heaving with exertion as he looked on with a mixture of fear and triumph, his young mind struggling to comprehend the magnitude of what he had just done. 

Behind him, Sam and Dean watched in stunned silence, their hearts racing with a mixture of fear and relief as they took in the scene before them. In that moment, they knew that their lives would never be the same again—but perhaps, just perhaps, they had taken the first step toward reclaiming their shattered family and forging a new path forward, guided by the unbreakable bonds of love and resilience that had carried them through the darkest of times.

As the sound of approaching footsteps grew louder, signaling the arrival of the authorities, Mary Winchester stood at the forefront, her three sons gathered behind her in a protective huddle. Their faces were a mixture of fear and relief as they waited for the inevitable confrontation with the outside world.The front door swung open with a resounding creak, admitting a pair of uniformed police officers into the dimly lit room. Their faces were a mask of professional detachment as they surveyed the scene before them, taking in the sight of John Winchester sprawled on the floor amidst the shattered remnants of their fractured family.

"Mrs. Winchester?" one of the officers spoke, his voice calm yet authoritative as he addressed Mary. "We received a call from one of your neighbors reporting a disturbance. Can you tell us what happened here?"

Mary took a deep breath, her voice steady despite the tumult raging within her heart. "My husband came back," she began, her words measured yet filled with a quiet resolve. "He was... he was drunk and violent. He attacked me, and my sons... they defended me."

The officers exchanged a knowing glance, their expressions softening with empathy as they listened to Mary's account of the events that had unfolded. Behind her, Sam, Dean, and Adam stood in silent solidarity, their faces etched with a mixture of fear and determination as they prepared to face the consequences of their actions.

"We'll need to take your statement, Mrs. Winchester," the second officer said, his voice gentle yet firm as he stepped forward to offer his assistance. 

"And we'll need to speak with your sons as well."

Mary nodded in agreement, her heart heavy with the weight of the ordeal that lay ahead. As the officers began to take their statements and gather evidence, the Winchester boys stood together, their hands clasped in silent solidarity as they faced the uncertain future that lay before them, united in their determination to protect one another at all costs.

As the police officers conducted their investigation, they began by speaking with Mary Winchester, the matriarch of the troubled household. Mary's voice was steady as she recounted the events of the evening, her words carrying the weight of years of pain and struggle.

"My husband came back," Mary began, her voice tinged with sadness. "He was... he was drunk and violent. He attacked me, and my sons... they defended me. I thought Dean was going to shoot him. John had hit me and Dean pulled out a gun, I don’t even know where he got a hold of one but I’m glad he did.

Next, the officers turned their attention to Dean Winchester, the eldest of Mary's sons. Dean's jaw was set in a steely resolve as he recounted his version of events.

"Yeah, he... he came in yelling," Dean explained, his voice tight with anger.  "And then he hit Mom. That's when I stepped in. I pointed a gun at him. I got it from his safe. All I cared about was protecting my mother and my brothers. I’m not going to get in trouble for the gun thing am I?”

The officers listened intently as Dean described the violent confrontation that had erupted between him and his father, his words punctuated by a palpable sense of determination. After Dean, the officers questioned Sam Winchester, the second oldest of the brothers. Sam's voice shook with emotion as he spoke of his fear and anger in the face of his father's aggression.

"I saw Dad... he was yelling," Sam recalled, his eyes clouded with tears. "And then he hit Mom. I couldn't just stand there, so I... I hit him too."

As Sam spoke, the officers could sense the weight of his words, his voice trembling with the trauma of the evening's events. Finally, the officers turned their attention to Adam Winchester, the youngest and most vulnerable member of the fractured family. Adam's small frame trembled as he recounted his version of events, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Daddy was yelling," Adam whispered, his eyes wide with fear. "And then he pushed Mommy. I got scared, so I pushed him back."

The officers exchanged a somber glance as they listened to Adam's account, their hearts heavy with the weight of the pain and suffering that had unfolded within the Winchester household. 

As the interviews concluded and the officers gathered their evidence, the gravity of the situation became clear. With solemn expressions, they turned to John Winchester, who remained seated on the floor, his demeanor a mix of defiance and resignation.

"Mr. Winchester," one of the officers began, his voice firm yet compassionate, "based on the accounts we've heard tonight and the evidence we've gathered, we have no choice but to place you under arrest."

John's eyes narrowed with anger, his fists clenching at his sides as he bristled at the implication. How dare they do this? They were his wife and sons.

"You can't do this," he protested, his voice laced with bitterness. 

"I'm their father! She’s my wife!”

“Some father you are and you are no husband.” Dean said. He stood face to face with John and spit in his face and then went back to his mother and brothers.

The officers exchanged a knowing glance, their resolve unshaken as they prepared to carry out their duty. With practiced efficiency, they moved forward to restrain John, their movements measured and deliberate as they took him into custody. As John was led away, his protests echoing in the stillness of the night, the Winchester family stood together, their hearts heavy with the weight of the ordeal that lay ahead. 

As the chaos of the evening's events began to subside, Mary Winchester found herself overcome with emotion. With trembling hands, she reached for the phone and dialed a familiar number, her heart heavy with the weight of the burden she carried.

"Missouri," Mary's voice cracked with emotion as the call connected, tears streaming down her cheeks unchecked. 

"It's me... Mary." 

On the other end of the line, Missouri's soothing voice offered a beacon of comfort in the darkness, her presence a source of strength in Mary's time of need.

"Mary, child, what's happened?" Missouri's concern was palpable, her words a balm to Mary's shattered spirit.

"He... he came back," Mary choked out between sobs, the events of the evening spilling out in a rush of emotion.

 "John... he was drunk, and he... he hurt us." As Mary poured out her heart to Missouri, the older woman listened with a sympathetic ear, her gentle words offering solace in the face of Mary's pain.

"It's gonna be alright, Mary," Missouri reassured her, her voice filled with a quiet strength.

"You and your boys are strong. You'll get through this."  

Mary clung to Missouri's words like a lifeline, she felt a glimmer of hope begin to stir within her battered heart. With Missouri's unwavering support by her side, she knew that she would find the strength to face whatever challenges lay ahead, guided by the enduring power of love and the unbreakable bonds of family.

Dean woke up. He had that nightmare again. He hasn’t had nightmares about his father in years. He remembered that night like it was yesterday. It was the first time he had pulled a gun on his father but it wasn’t the first time he had to defend his mother against the monster that was his father. He was sweating. How was he sweating if he was underwater? It was getting harder to breathe. He looked over to Castiel. The man was breathing hard and fast. They needed to get out of the plane before they both died. Dean was so tired. He didn’t feel good. He missed his brothers and his friends. Tears fell down his cheeks and he sucked in a deep breath. He was never going to see them again. 

—-

Mary had been with Adam along with the others and now she was in the hotel room with the other guests. She was crying. Sam and Adam were trying to comfort their mother. She was sitting on a chair. Sam bent down to her level and held her in his arms. Adam did the same. They spoke softly to her trying not to cry themselves. The others sat quietly, not wanting to bother the three of them at this moment.

“He’s underwater. My baby is underwater.” Mary wailed. She couldn’t stop crying. Sam and Adam tried to keep it together. For her. For Dean.

“I need a fucking drink.” Mary laughed and wiped her tears.

“Do you want some water, mom?” Adam asked her and handed her a bottle.

“Thanks Baby. I love you. I love you so much.”

“We love you too mom.”

“I’m sorry. I’m such a mess right now. We should be focusing on your and Gabriel’s wedding, Sam.”

“We can’t think about that right now. We need to focus on finding Dean and Castiel.”

“Sam is right.” Gabriel said and sat down next to Mary and put a hand on her shoulder.

Mary looked at Gabriel. “I just hope they find them in time before it’s too late…”

—-

“Dean. Are you awake?”

“I am now… I’m so tired Cas.”

“I know. Me too. Our oxygen is running out… we don’t have much time left.”

Dean turned to look at Castiel. “I don’t feel good, Cas.” 

Castiel put a hand to Dean’s forehead and shook his head. “You’re still burning up. Your fever hasn’t gone down. I’ll try to find something to lower your fever if I can.” Castiel said and went to the back of the plane to try to find something. He found the snack cart. There were some bottles of water. Still cold. And some miraculously dry bags of food. He grabbed a few and two water bottles. He handed a bag of food to Dean and then handed him a water bottle and sat down.

“Thanks Cas.”

“You’re welcome, Dean.”

Dean opened up the bag of chips and began to eat. He was starving and hadn’t eaten since the crash. He wondered if he and Castiel really were the only survivors.

Then he heard an ear piercing scream. It sounded like a child. He woke Castiel up. 

“Cas. Did you hear that?”

“Yeah. It sounded like a child… someone else is alive.”

“They won’t be alive for long. Oh my god. They’re underwater. Cas, the kid is underwater. How are they even alive?”

Castiel was already diving under the water. He pulled out his knife. He could see a young blonde little girl struggling in her seat. Her seatbelt was stuck. He swam closer. He motioned to her that he was going to cut the seatbelt. She let him but was still terrified. He cut the seatbelt, freeing her. They both came up to the surface of the water in the plane.

“Jack! We have to go back for Jack!” She screamed.

“Cas, hand her to me. Go back for the boy!” 

Castiel handed the girl to Dean who held her in his arms. She was shaking, cold and terrified. She was crying. Castiel dived back into the water. He found the boy. He wasn’t moving. He cut the seatbelt and brought him up to the surface of the water like he did with the girl. The boy looked just like his sister. Castiel started doing CPR on him. He hoped it wasn’t too late. 

Then by some miracle, the boy started to breathe. He started coughing up water. The girl scrambled out of Dean’s arms.

“Jack! Jack. Oh my God. You’re alive.” She was crying.

“Hey… Claire. I’m okay.”

“I thought you were dead. You were dead. You weren’t breathing Jack.”

“Claire… I’m okay. It’s okay.”

Claire looked at Castiel and hugged him. “Thank you. Thank you for saving me and my brother.”

“You’re welcome Claire.”

Now that Dean could see her clearly, he noticed that she was a teenager. She looked like she was sixteen. She was just a kid. They both were.

Claire looked down in the water. “Our parents are dead, aren’t they.”

Dean looked away. “Yeah. It depends on where they were sitting. You’re lucky you’re both alive… we all are.”

“I need to contact the tower and tell them about the kids.”

“Good idea. Go ahead and go tell them. I’ll stay with Claire and Jack.”

Castiel nodded and then dived under the water and swam back to the cockpit. He grabbed the radio.

“Tower 0508, this is Castiel Novak on Flight 91318. We have two more survivors, I repeat we have two more survivors. Their names are Claire and Jack. They look sixteen years old.”

“This is Tower 0508, thank you for relating the information about the kids, Castiel. Rescue teams are working on finding you right now.”

“Please tell them to hurry. The kids are much more important than me or Dean and I know Dean would say the same thing. The kids are more important.”

“Ten four, Castiel. We will find you and bring you home. We will talk soon.”

“Over and out.”

“Over and out.”

Castiel went back to Dean and the kids. Castiel had figured out how to prop the door even though it was underwater so he could get out and wasn’t trapped. He’s not entirely sure how he even got the door open in the first place considering the water was keeping it closed. However it happened, it was a damn miracle.

Castiel swam out of the cockpit, trying to ignore the floating bodies of the pilots still strapped into their seats. He also tried to ignore the motionless bodies of the other passengers. The ones that couldn’t be saved. It was a miracle, another miracle that Claire and Jack were alive at all. He reached the surface of the water in the plane and took a gasp for air as he did.

“I told them about the kids and they’re sending rescue teams right now. Hopefully they find us…” and then when he saw the looks on the kids faces, he then said,

“Which they will find us. We will be out of here soon. We just need to hold on a little bit longer.”

 Claire scrunched up her nose but sighed. Jack said,

“I’m hungry.”

——

Sam had been fiddling with a piece of paper ripping it into tiny pieces. He hadn’t even noticed he was doing it until Gabriel took the paper out of his hands.

“Sam. You need to relax. Stressing out won’t help Dean or Castiel right now.”

Sam sighed. “I know. So what am I supposed to do, Gabe? My brother…” Sam looked at Adam and then said, “Our brother is underwater and so is yours. Dean is claustrophobic and he doesn’t like flying on planes. So he must love me that much to get on a plane  just to come to Paris.”

“Of course he loves you Sam. He’s your older brother. I’m an older brother myself. I know how it is. I’m trying to stay strong.”

“Gabriel. That is my job. To stay strong.” Michael said. 

“It’s not your job to stay strong little brother. That’s my job and my job alone.”

“Cassie is my brother too, Mikey.”

“I know Gabe but I’m the oldest. I should… I should be doing something. Anything.” The older man sat down and sighed. He buried his face in his hands. Adam sat next to him.

“We can’t have a wedding without the best men.” Raphael said. He was right. Both Dean and Castiel were the best men. Dean was obviously Sam’s and Castiel was Gabriel’s. Michael and the other brothers weren’t upset. They knew Gabe would’ve picked Castiel anyway but Gabe had made them groomsmen and his sisters were bridesmaids. Even Sam had his own bridesmaids on his side. Pamela, Jo, Ellen, Charlie. For Gabriel’s side, there’s Anna, Hannah, Anael, Rachel, Hael. His parents really did take the whole “Be fruitful and multiply.” thing too seriously. Only two of the kids were adopted and that was Raphael and Joseph.

Gabriel sighed. “I know. We can try to stall the wedding for now.

As the tension hung heavy in the air, Gabriel looked around at his siblings, feeling the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. "Okay, let's focus on what we can control," he said, his voice firm but gentle. "We'll keep in touch with the rescue team, and in the meantime, we'll figure out a plan for the wedding."

Michael nodded, his expression somber yet determined. "You're right, Gabe. We can't let this situation consume us completely. Dean and Castiel would want us to carry on."

Raphael chimed in, his voice steady and reassuring. "I'll handle the logistics of stalling the wedding arrangements. We'll buy some time until we have more clarity on Dean and Castiel's situation."

Sam looked up, a flicker of hope in his eyes. "Thank you, guys. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Gabriel gave Sam a reassuring smile. "We're in this together, Sammy. We'll get through it."

Sam squeezed Gabriel's hand, gratitude evident in his eyes. "Thanks, Gabe. I don't know what I'd do without you by my side."

Gabriel's heart swelled with affection as he returned the squeeze. "Hey, that's what partners are for, right? Now, let's focus on making sure everything is in place for when Dean and Cas return."

The rest of the siblings nodded in agreement, their determination palpable. Together, they finalized plans to postpone the wedding temporarily, ensuring that all arrangements could be adjusted accordingly once Dean and Castiel were safely back home.

As they worked through the details, Adam glanced at Michael, a silent understanding passing between them. Though they weren't directly involved in the wedding planning, they knew their support was invaluable to their brothers during this challenging time.

Adam sat beside Michael, fidgeting with his fingers nervously. "Um, Michael, can I ask you something?"

Michael turned to look at the young Winchester with a gentle smile. "Of course, Adam. What's on your mind?"

Adam hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I-I just wanted to say thank you. For being here for us, I mean. I know you've got your own family to worry about, but you've been helping us too, and I appreciate it."

Michael's smile softened, his eyes reflecting warmth and understanding. "You're welcome, Adam. Family means everything to me, and that includes you and your brothers. We may not be blood, but we're connected through Gabriel and Sam, and that's enough for me."

Adam nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Yeah, I guess we're all family in a way, huh?"

"Exactly," Michael agreed. "And family looks out for each other, no matter what."

As they sat together in companionable silence, Adam felt a sense of reassurance wash over him. In Michael, he had found not just a brother-in-law, but a trusted confidant and ally—a pillar of strength in uncertain times. And for that, he was truly grateful.

Mary, Chuck, and Naomi sat together in the dimly lit room, their expressions grave as they discussed the latest developments regarding Dean and Castiel.

Mary's eyes were filled with worry as she addressed Chuck and Naomi. "I can't shake this feeling of dread, knowing that Dean and Castiel are out there, facing who knows what."

Chuck nodded solemnly, his gaze distant yet determined. "I understand, Mary. But we have to have faith that they'll make it through this. They're strong, both of them."

Naomi interjected, her voice calm yet authoritative. "Indeed, but we must also be proactive in our efforts to assist them. We cannot afford to wait idly by while they're in danger."

Chuck turned to Naomi, a hint of frustration evident in his voice. "And what do you suggest we do, Naomi? We've already done everything we can to aid the rescue efforts."

Naomi's expression softened, her eyes meeting Chuck's with understanding. "I'm not suggesting we interfere with the rescue operation, but perhaps there are other avenues we can explore. We have resources at our disposal that could prove useful in locating Dean and Castiel."

Mary nodded in agreement. "She's right, Chuck. We can't just sit back and hope for the best. We need to take action, whatever it takes."

Chuck sighed, realizing the gravity of the situation. "You're both right. Let's pool our resources and come up with a plan. Dean and Castiel are counting on us, and we won't let them down."

Mary started crying. She couldn’t help it. Her son was trapped underwater and there was nothing she could do.

Chuck and Naomi exchanged worried glances as Mary's tears flowed freely once more. Without hesitation, they moved closer to her, offering comfort and support.

Chuck gently placed a hand on Mary's shoulder, his voice soft and soothing. "Mary, it's okay to let it out. We're here for you."

Naomi nodded in agreement, her expression filled with empathy. "You don't have to be strong all the time, Mary. It's only natural to feel overwhelmed in situations like this."

Mary nodded, her shoulders trembling with emotion as she tried to regain her composure. "I just... I can't bear the thought of losing him again, Chuck. Not after everything we've been through."

Chuck wrapped his arms around Mary, pulling her close in a comforting embrace. "I know, Mary. But we'll get through this together. We won't give up until we find them, I promise."

Naomi's heart ached with empathy as she thought of Castiel, her son, trapped alongside Dean in the dark depths of the ocean. She had raised Castiel from the moment he was created, guiding him through the complexities of angelic existence with love and care.

"I understand, Mary," Naomi said softly, her voice tinged with sorrow. "Castiel means everything to me as well. We won't rest until we bring them both home safely."

Mary nodded, touched by Naomi's maternal concern for Castiel. "Thank you, Naomi. Your support means the world to me."

Chuck placed a comforting hand on both women's shoulders. "We'll find them, Mary. I promise."

——

“I’ll find you something to eat, Jack.” Castiel nodded, a sense of determination fueling his actions as he surveyed their surroundings. Though their situation was dire, he refused to succumb to despair. With Jack's hunger in mind, he set out to scavenge for food, his senses keen as he searched for any sign of sustenance.

After a thorough search, Castiel managed to find a few cans of non-perishable food tucked away in a storage compartment. He quickly gathered them up, along with a few bottles of water, grateful for the small blessing amidst their trials.

Returning to where Dean, Claire, and Jack were huddled together, Castiel distributed the provisions, his expression gentle yet resolute. "Here, Jack. I found some food and water for us. It's not much, but it should tide us over for now."

Jack's eyes lit up with gratitude as he accepted the offering, his hunger temporarily forgotten in the face of Castiel's care and concern. "Thank you.”

Dean and Claire exchanged a silent glance, their appreciation for Castiel's efforts unspoken yet deeply felt. Together, they shared the meager meal, finding solace in each other's company as they weathered the storm of uncertainty.

As they ate, Castiel couldn't help but feel a sense of hope stirring within him. Though their situation was far from ideal, they were together, united in their determination to survive whatever challenges lay ahead. And with that unity came the strength to face whatever the future held, one meal at a time.

As they finished their meal, Castiel glanced at Dean, knowing that his brother already understood why he was on the plane. Instead, he turned his attention to Claire and Jack, the two children he had rescued from drowning.

"Are you feeling better now?" Castiel asked, concern evident in his voice.

Jack nodded, his eyes brightening with gratitude. "Yes, thank you, Castiel. You saved us."

Claire echoed Jack's sentiment, her voice soft but sincere. "Yeah, thanks. We wouldn't be here without you."

Castiel smiled warmly at the children, feeling a swell of affection for them. "You're welcome. I'm just glad I was able to help."

Dean watched the interaction with a sense of pride, grateful for Castiel's compassion and bravery. "Yeah, Cas. You did good."

Castiel turned to Dean, Claire, and Jack with a gentle smile. "I think it's best if we try to get some rest," he suggested softly. "We've been through a lot, and we need to conserve our energy."

Dean and Claire nodded in agreement, exhaustion evident in their weary expressions. "Yeah, you're right, Castiel," Dean replied, stifling a yawn. "I could use some sleep."

Claire echoed his sentiment, rubbing her eyes sleepily. "Me too. It's been a long day."

With a nod, Castiel settled back into his seat, the soft hum of the plane providing a comforting backdrop to their exhaustion. As they closed their eyes and drifted off to sleep, Castiel couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over him. Despite the uncertainty of their situation, they were together, and together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead. And as sleep claimed him, he offered a silent prayer for their safety, knowing that they would need all the strength they could muster in the days to come.

—-

Saturday. June 15th, 2024

As the morning sun filtered through the curtains of their hotel room in Paris, the group stirred awake, greeted by the realization that it was finally the day of Sam and Gabriel's wedding. Despite the somber circumstances that had brought them together, there was a sense of quiet determination in the air.

Sam, feeling the need for some physical activity to clear his mind, quietly slipped out of the room and made his way downstairs to the hotel gym. He wasn't familiar with the city of Paris, and the idea of going for a run in an unfamiliar environment felt daunting.

Entering the gym, Sam was greeted by the familiar sights and sounds of exercise equipment. He made his way to the treadmill, adjusting the settings to his liking before starting his run. With each step, he felt the tension of the past few days slowly begin to ease, replaced by a sense of focus and determination.

As he ran, thoughts of Dean and Castiel lingered in the back of his mind, a constant reminder of the challenges they faced. But amidst the uncertainty, there was also a glimmer of hope. Today was his and Gabriel's wedding day, a day meant to be filled with joy and celebration, despite the obstacles they faced. And as Sam ran on the treadmill, he couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation for the events that lay ahead, determined to make it a day to remember for himself, for Gabriel, and for all of them.

Balthazar sat at the bar, nursing a drink even though it was only nine in the morning. His thoughts were consumed by worry for his younger brother trapped in a plane beneath the ocean. He barely noticed when Benny joined him, sharing in the weight of the situation.

"Morning, Balthazar," Benny said quietly, sliding onto the stool beside him.

Balthazar nodded in acknowledgment, his gaze fixed on the amber liquid in his glass. "Morning, Benny. Care to join me in drowning our sorrows?"

Benny offered a sympathetic smile. "I think we could both use it today. Hell, I know I do. Dean is one of my good friends. I don’t know what I’d do if we lost him.”

Balthazar nodded. “Castiel is my baby brother. The youngest of all of us. I think it would break us if something happened to him.” And then Balthazar took a sip of his drink, the burn of the alcohol offering a fleeting distraction from his troubled thoughts. He glanced at Benny, noticing the concern etched into his features.

"How are you holding up, Benny?" Balthazar asked, his voice tinged with genuine concern.

Benny sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Honestly, not great. I can't stop thinking about Dean and Castiel trapped down there. It's eating me up inside."

Balthazar nodded sympathetically, his own worry mirrored in Benny's words. "I know what you mean. It's hard to focus on anything else when someone you care about is in danger."

They lapsed into silence once more, each lost in their own thoughts as they grappled with the uncertainty of the situation. But amidst the heaviness of their worry, there was also a sense of solidarity in their shared concern for their friends. And in that moment, they found strength in each other's company, knowing that they would weather the storm together, no matter what lay ahead.

In the hotel room, Michael sat down next to Adam. “Adam, would you like to go outside with me?” Michael asked him. Adam nodded.

“Sure Michael. I need a distraction anyways.”

Michael held out his hand and Adam took it. As Adam and Michael stepped outside, the bustling streets of Paris greeted them with a symphony of sights and sounds. Michael glanced at Adam, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"How about we take a little detour and see the Eiffel Tower?" Michael suggested, gesturing toward the iconic landmark towering in the distance.

Adam's eyes widened with excitement. "Really? That would be amazing!"

With a nod, Michael led the way, navigating the streets with the ease of someone who had walked them many times before. As they approached the Eiffel Tower, its majestic silhouette looming overhead, Adam couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder.

"It's even more impressive up close," Michael remarked, his voice filled with a hint of nostalgia. "I've been here many times, but it never fails to leave me in awe."

Adam nodded in agreement, his gaze fixed on the towering structure before them. "It's incredible. I never thought I'd see it in person."

As they stood beneath the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, Adam felt a sense of gratitude for this unexpected moment with Michael. Despite the worry and uncertainty surrounding them, there was also beauty and wonder to be found in the world around them. And in that moment, Adam knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, he would always treasure this memory of Paris with Michael by his side.

As they stood close together beneath the Eiffel Tower, Michael reached out his hand once more, a silent gesture of solidarity and support. Without hesitation, Adam took it, feeling a sense of warmth and reassurance in the simple act.

Their fingers intertwined, they stood in silence, their eyes fixed on the towering structure before them. In that moment, amidst the chaos and uncertainty of their current situation, there was a sense of peace and connection between them.

As the sounds of the city echoed around them, Adam couldn't help but feel grateful for Michael's presence by his side. In a foreign city, far from home, it was comforting to have someone to share this moment with.

With their hands still joined, they continued to gaze up at the Eiffel Tower, the symbol of Paris and all its beauty. And as they stood there, together, Adam felt a sense of hope blossoming within him, knowing that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them as allies, united in their shared experience.

“I’m glad Dean and Gabriel paired us together as Groomsmen.” Adam said.

"I am too," Michael replied, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "It's been comforting to have someone to lean on during this time."

Adam nodded in agreement, his gaze still fixed on the iconic structure before them. "Yeah, it really has. And it's nice to know we're all in this together."

As they stood side by side, the weight of their worries momentarily lifted by the beauty of their surroundings, Adam couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for Dean and Gabriel's decision to pair them as groomsmen. In a time of uncertainty, it was reassuring to have someone like Michael by his side, sharing in both the challenges and the moments of quiet solace.

As Sam continued his workout in the hotel gym, he found his thoughts drifting between concern for Dean and Castiel and anticipation for his wedding with Gabriel. Lost in his thoughts, he almost didn't notice when the door opened, and Gabriel stepped inside.

"Hey there, Sammy," Gabriel greeted with a warm smile, making his way over to where Sam was exercising. "Mind if I join you?"

Sam paused mid-exercise, surprised by Gabriel's sudden appearance but grateful for the company. "Of course not, Gabriel. I could use the distraction."

Gabriel nodded, a determined gleam in his eyes. "I hear you. Let's work off some of that nervous energy, huh?"

With that, they fell into step together, their movements synchronized as they pushed themselves through the workout. Despite the weight of their worries, there was a sense of camaraderie between them, a shared determination to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

As they exercised side by side, Sam couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for Gabriel's presence. In the midst of uncertainty, it was comforting to have his fiancé by his side, sharing in both the joys and the anxieties of the day. And as they continued to work out, Sam couldn't shake the feeling that together, they could overcome anything.

——

As the darkness persisted within the submerged plane, Dean stirred awake, the events of the previous day flooding back to him in a rush. Beside him, Castiel and the kids were still sleeping, their faces serene in the dim light filtering through the underwater cabin.

Dean gently shook Castiel awake, his voice low with urgency. "Cas, we need to start thinking about how to get out of here."

Castiel blinked awake, immediately alert. "Right. We need a plan."

Dean nodded, his mind already racing with possibilities. "We'll have to conserve our energy and ration what little food and water we have left. But first, let's wake up the kids."

Together, they roused Jack and Claire from their slumber, explaining the dire situation in hushed tones. Jack's eyes widened with fear, but Claire's expression remained determined.

"We'll find a way out of here," she said firmly, echoing Dean's own resolve.

With the kids awake and aware, Dean and Castiel turned their attention to the task at hand. They carefully divvied up their remaining supplies, knowing that every drop of water and every scrap of food would be crucial in the days to come.

A sudden jolt rocked the submerged plane, sending shockwaves of fear through the cramped cabin. Claire's scream pierced the silence, her terror echoing off the metal walls as the unmistakable presence of the shark made itself known once again.

Dean's heart raced as he sprang into action, his instincts kicking into overdrive. "Hold on!" he shouted, his voice urgent as he braced himself against the impact.

Beside him, Castiel moved swiftly to shield Jack and Claire from harm, his protective instincts taking over as he pulled them close.

With a deafening crash, the shark collided with the plane, its force reverberating through the metal hull. The cabin shook violently, debris flying as the passengers held on for dear life.

But amidst the chaos, Dean remained resolute. With a fierce determination burning in his eyes, he vowed to protect his makeshift family at all costs. And as they weathered the storm together, he knew that they would emerge stronger, united in their fight for survival against the relentless forces of the deep.

As the echoes of the collision faded, Dean's senses remained on high alert, his muscles tense with anticipation. He scanned the dimly lit cabin, searching for any signs of damage or danger.

"Is everyone okay?" he called out, his voice steady despite the lingering fear.

Claire nodded, her breathing still ragged from the shock. "Y-yeah, we're fine," she stammered, her eyes wide with fear.

Beside her, Jack clung to Castiel, his small frame trembling with adrenaline. "I-I'm scared," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

Castiel wrapped a comforting arm around Jack, offering him reassurance in the face of uncertainty. "It's okay, Jack. We're here for you," he said softly, his voice a steady anchor in the chaos.

Dean's gaze swept over his makeshift family, a fierce sense of protectiveness swelling within him. They were all he had left in this dark, watery abyss, and he would do whatever it took to keep them safe.

“I think the shark is gone… for now. But hopefully we will be rescued soon.”

Dean's words hung heavy in the air, a silent prayer for their safety amidst the lingering threat of the shark. With a nod of agreement, Castiel surveyed their surroundings, his senses on high alert for any signs of danger.

"I believe you're right, Dean," Castiel replied, his voice calm yet tinged with concern. "But we must remain vigilant. The ocean is unforgiving, and we cannot afford to let our guard down."

Claire nodded in agreement, her gaze fixed on the dark waters beyond the plane's windows. "We'll keep watch," she promised, her determination unwavering despite the fear that still lingered in her heart.

As the darkness of their underwater prison seemed to stretch on endlessly, a glimmer of hope pierced through the gloom. Through the small windows of the submerged plane, they caught sight of a flickering light in the distance, growing brighter with each passing moment.

Dean's heart leaped with a surge of adrenaline as he realized what it was. "Look!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with awe and relief. "It's a rescue pod!"

Castiel's eyes widened with disbelief as he beheld the sight before them. "Multiple rescue pods," he corrected, his voice tinged with wonder. "We're being saved."

Claire's breath caught in her throat as tears of gratitude welled in her eyes. "Thank goodness," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

Victor Henrikson was one of the people in the pods. He used the microphone to call out to them. 

“Dean. Castiel. Claire. Jack. Show us a sign that you’re still alive.”

As Victor Henrikson's voice echoed through the cabin of the rescue pod, Dean's heart skipped a beat. Relief washed over him as he realized that help had truly arrived.

Without hesitation, Dean moved to the nearest window, his hands pressed against the glass as he gazed out into the darkness beyond. With a sense of urgency, he reached for a nearby emergency flashlight, its beam cutting through the water like a beacon of hope.

Dean directed the light toward the window, his movements quick and decisive. With each sweep of the beam, he signaled to the rescue team outside, his message clear: they were alive, they were here, and they were ready to be saved.

Beside him, Castiel and the children followed suit, their own flashlights joining Dean's in a synchronized display of survival. Together, they illuminated the darkness with their silent plea for rescue, their hearts filled with hope as they awaited the response from their rescuers.

And as the light of their flashlights danced through the water, Dean knew that their message had been received. Help was on the way, and soon they would be free from the depths that had held them captive for so long.

“We see you.” Victor says. “Alright guys. Move in. We have to get them out.”

Relief flooded Dean's heart at Victor's reassuring words. With a sense of urgency, he watched as the rescue team sprang into action, their movements swift and purposeful as they prepared to extract them from their underwater prison.

As the rescue pods maneuvered closer, Dean and the others stood ready, their anticipation building with each passing moment. They could hear the muffled sounds of activity outside, the distant hum of machinery mingling with the gentle lapping of water against the plane's hull.

And then, with a sudden rush of movement, the rescue team descended upon them, their faces obscured by diving gear as they worked tirelessly to secure the plane for extraction.

Dean's heart pounded in his chest as he watched the scene unfold before him. They were moments away from freedom, from safety, from the chance to breathe fresh air once more.

And as the rescue team's efforts reached a crescendo, Dean knew that their ordeal was finally over. With a silent prayer of gratitude on his lips, he braced himself for the moment when they would emerge from the depths, ready to face whatever lay ahead, together.

“Put on these masks. It’ll help you breathe.”

As Victor's voice echoed through the cabin of the rescue pod, Dean wasted no time in obeying. He reached for the mask, his fingers trembling with anticipation as he secured it over his nose and mouth.

Beside him, Castiel and the children followed suit, their movements swift and efficient as they donned the masks provided by the rescue team. With each breath, Dean felt a surge of relief as the oxygen flowed freely, easing the strain on his lungs.

As the masks were secured in place, Victor's voice rang out once more, his tone calm and reassuring. "You're doing great, guys. Just hang tight. We'll have you out of there in no time."

Dean nodded, his gratitude for their rescuers overwhelming. With the masks in place and the promise of safety within reach, he allowed himself to relax, knowing that they were in good hands.

And as they awaited their extraction from the depths, Dean couldn't help but feel a sense of hope blossoming within him. They had faced the darkness together, weathered the storm of uncertainty, and emerged stronger on the other side. And as they prepared to return to the surface, he knew that their bond, forged in the depths of adversity, would carry them through whatever challenges lay ahead.

With practiced precision, Victor and the rescue team worked swiftly to secure the submerged plane for extraction. Ropes and cables were carefully attached, and the hatch was opened, flooding the cabin with dim light from the rescue pods waiting outside.

Dean, Castiel, and the children watched with a mixture of relief and anticipation as the rescue team guided them one by one out of the plane and into the waiting pods. With each step, they felt a weight lift from their shoulders, the promise of safety drawing nearer with each passing moment.

Dean offered a silent word of thanks as he was helped into the nearest pod, the cool metal floor beneath his feet a welcome contrast to the cramped confines of the plane. Beside him, Castiel and the children followed suit, their movements guided by the gentle reassurance of the rescue team.

As they settled into the pods, Dean felt a surge of gratitude for their rescuers. These were the brave men and women who had risked their lives to save them, who had ventured into the depths to bring them back to the surface. And as the pods began their ascent, carrying them away from the darkness and into the light, Dean knew that they owed their lives to these unsung heroes of the deep.

As the rescue pods breached the surface of the water, they were met by a team of waiting medics, their faces masked but their eyes filled with compassion and concern. Dean, Castiel, and the children were carefully assisted out of the pods, their movements slow and tentative after their ordeal in the depths.

The medics wasted no time in springing into action, assessing their condition with practiced efficiency. They checked for injuries, administered first aid where needed, and provided blankets and warm drinks to ward off the chill of the ocean water.

Dean offered a grateful nod as a medic tended to a minor cut on his arm, his thoughts filled with relief at their miraculous rescue. Beside him, Castiel and the children received similar care, their well-being the top priority of the dedicated medical team.

As the medics worked, Dean couldn't help but feel a sense of overwhelming gratitude. These were the individuals who had saved their lives, who had pulled them from the brink of disaster and brought them back to safety. And as he watched them in action, he knew that they were in good hands, surrounded by people who were dedicated to their recovery and well-being.

With the care and expertise of the medics guiding them, Dean, Castiel, and the children began the journey toward healing, their spirits buoyed by the knowledge that they had survived against all odds. And as they looked toward the horizon, where the sun was just beginning to rise over the ocean's surface, they knew that a new day had dawned—one filled with hope, gratitude, and the promise of brighter days ahead.

“I need to call my brother.” Dean said.

“So do I.” Castiel said. “Can we use someone’s phone?”

One of the medics nodded, offering Dean and Castiel a sympathetic smile. "Of course. We'll get you in touch with your loved ones right away."

With a sense of urgency, the medic retrieved a satellite phone, handing it to Dean and Castiel. "Here you go. Take all the time you need."

Dean nodded gratefully, his fingers trembling slightly as he dialed Sam's number. As the phone rang, he couldn't help but feel a rush of relief at the thought of hearing his brother's voice once more.

Dean dialed Sam's number, his heart pounding with anticipation as he waited for his brother to pick up.

"Come on, Sammy, pick up," Dean muttered under his breath.

After a few rings, Sam's voice came through the line, filled with concern and relief. "Dean? Is that you? Are you okay?"

Dean let out a shaky breath, relief flooding through him at the sound of Sam's voice. "Yeah, it's me, Sammy. I'm okay. We're okay."

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line before Sam responded, his voice filled with emotion. "Thank God. I was so worried about you, Dean. Where are you?"

Dean glanced around at their surroundings, taking in the sight of the rescue team and the waiting medics. "We're safe now, Sammy. We're on the surface, getting checked out by some medics. But we're okay."

Sam let out a sigh of relief, the tension leaving his voice as he spoke. "Thank goodness. I'll be there as soon as I can, Dean. Just hold tight."

"I will, Sammy. Thanks," Dean replied, gratitude coloring his words as he hung up the phone.

As Castiel dialed Gabriel's number, his heart raced with anticipation, longing to hear his fiancé's voice once more.

The phone rang several times before Gabriel finally picked up, his voice filled with worry and relief. "Cas? Is that you? Are you alright?"

Castiel's breath caught in his throat at the sound of Gabriel's voice, the concern and love evident in every word. "Yes, Gabriel, it's me. I'm okay. We're okay."

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line before Gabriel responded, his voice tinged with emotion. "Thank God. I was beside myself with worry. Where are you? What's happening?"

Castiel glanced around at the bustling scene of medics and rescue workers, his eyes scanning the horizon where the sun was just beginning to rise. "We're on the surface, Gabriel. We've been rescued. The medics are checking us out now."

Relief flooded Gabriel's voice as he responded, his words filled with gratitude and love. "Thank goodness. I'll be there as soon as I can, Cas. Just hang tight."

"I will, Gabriel. Thank you," Castiel replied, his heart swelling with gratitude as he hung up the phone.

Beside him, Dean finished his own call to Sam, a sense of peace settling over them as they awaited the arrival of their loved ones. And as they stood together, united in their relief and gratitude, Castiel and Dean knew that they would face whatever challenges lay ahead, secure in the love and support of their friends and family. 

Dean waved Victor over and whispered to him. “The kids… their parents are… gone. They have no one else but us. They need us.”

Victor nodded solemnly as Dean whispered urgently to him about the children's plight. His expression softened with empathy as he glanced over at Claire and Jack, their faces still marked with the trauma of their recent ordeal.

"I understand, Dean," Victor replied quietly, his voice filled with compassion. "We'll make sure they're taken care of. They won't be alone."

With a sense of determination, Victor motioned for another member of the rescue team to join them. Together, they discussed the best course of action for Claire and Jack, ensuring that they would receive the support and care they needed in the wake of their parents' tragic loss.

Dean watched with gratitude as the rescue team sprang into action, their professionalism and compassion shining through as they reassured Claire and Jack and made arrangements for their care.

Beside him, Castiel placed a comforting hand on Dean's shoulder, his eyes filled with understanding. "We'll take care of them, Dean," he said softly. "They won't be alone. Not as long as we're here."

Dean nodded, his heart heavy with grief for the children's loss but filled with determination to ensure they would be taken care of. Together, he and Castiel would do whatever it took to provide Claire and Jack with the love and support they needed to heal and move forward. For in the midst of tragedy, they had found a new purpose—one centered around protecting and nurturing the most vulnerable among them.

—-

Sam and Gabriel both got off of the phone calls and they were smiling. Sam and Gabriel's faces lit up with relief and joy as they shared the news of Dean and Castiel's rescue with their friends and family.

“Well come on, tell us what happened.” Balthazar said.

“They’ve been rescued!” Both of them said at the same time. Balthazar's eyes widened in disbelief, a smile spreading across his face as he took in the good news.

"They've been rescued?" he echoed, his voice filled with incredulity.

Sam and Gabriel nodded in unison, their smiles widening as the realization sank in. "Yes, they're safe," Gabriel confirmed, his voice filled with emotion.

The room erupted into cheers and applause, the tension of the past hours melting away in a wave of relief and gratitude. Mary wiped away tears of joy as she embraced her sons, unable to contain her overwhelming sense of relief and knowing that she would be able to hug Dean soon.

Chuck beamed with pride as he looked around at the gathered family, his heart swelling with gratitude for their safety. "Thank God," he murmured, his voice choking with emotion.

As the celebrations continued, Sam and Gabriel shared a quiet moment of gratitude, their hands clasped together in solidarity. They knew that the road ahead would not be easy, but as long as they stood together, they could face whatever challenges lay ahead, secure in the knowledge that their loved ones were safe and sound.

And as they basked in the warmth of their shared joy, Sam and Gabriel knew that they had much to be thankful for—their love, their family, and the unbreakable bond that held them all together, even in the darkest of times.

Sam’s phone rings. He answered and put it on speaker. “Hello?”

“This is Victor Henrikson. I was one of the people who rescued your brother and Castiel and the kids. They’re on a cruise ship free of charge on the way to Paris right now. The rescue team paid for everything.”

Sam and Gabriel's hearts swelled with gratitude as they received Victor's update. The thought of Dean, Castiel, Claire, and Jack being cared for on a cruise ship after their harrowing ordeal brought tears of relief to their eyes.

"Thank you, Victor," Gabriel said, his voice filled with emotion. "You and your team have been incredible."

Victor's voice was warm with sincerity. "It's the least we can do after everything they've been through. They'll be in good hands."

Sam nodded in agreement, a sense of relief washing over him. "We're so grateful for your help, Victor. Please, take care of them."

“Hey Victor. You’re in the Atlantic Ocean. Make sure to steer clear of icebergs.”

"We will," Victor assured them. "And don't worry, Gabriel. We'll steer clear of any icebergs."

Gabriel chuckled softly. "I appreciate that, Victor. We'll see you soon."

As the sun began to set over the picturesque city of Paris, anticipation hung heavy in the air as Sam, Gabriel, and their family eagerly awaited the arrival of Dean, Castiel, Claire, and Jack. They had gathered at a scenic spot along the Seine River, near one of the iconic bridges that spanned its waters, offering a perfect view of the city's skyline.

The mood was electric as they stood together, their hearts filled with a mixture of relief and excitement. Mary wiped away tears of joy as she clutched onto Chuck's arm, unable to contain her emotions at the thought of seeing her sons again. Nearby, Balthazar and Benny exchanged a knowing glance, their expressions reflecting the shared sense of anticipation that coursed through the group.

And then, in the distance, they saw them—Dean, Castiel, Claire, and Jack—approaching on a riverboat, the twinkling lights of the vessel casting a warm glow against the darkening sky. As the boat drew nearer, cheers erupted from the gathered crowd, their voices mingling with the soft murmur of the river below.

As the boat docked at the pier, a gangplank was lowered, and one by one, Dean, Castiel, Claire, and Jack stepped onto solid ground, their faces radiant with relief and joy at the sight of their loved ones waiting for them.

Sam and Gabriel rushed forward, their arms open wide as they embraced their brothers and the children, tears of happiness streaming down their faces. Mary, Chuck and Naomi followed close behind, enveloping them in a warm embrace, their hearts overflowing with love and gratitude.

Balthazar and Benny joined in the celebration, their laughter mingling with the sounds of reunion as they welcomed their friends back to dry land. And as the reunited family stood together beneath the twinkling lights of Paris, bathed in the warm glow of the evening sun, they knew that they were home at last—in each other's arms, surrounded by love and the promise of new beginnings.

"I've never been so happy to be on dry land in my entire life," Dean said, his words carrying a weight of gratitude and exhaustion.

Beside him, Castiel nodded in agreement, his expression mirroring Dean's sentiment. "Indeed, Dean. It feels like a miracle to be back on solid ground."

Their words were met with nods of understanding from their family and friends, who shared in their relief at the safe conclusion of their journey. Together, they stood on the pier, surrounded by the lights and sounds of Paris, grateful for the gift of each other's company and the promise of a new day.

"I bet you four are all starving," Mary said, her tone gentle yet firm. "Let's get you something to eat." 

Dean and Castiel exchanged a grateful glance, their stomachs rumbling in agreement. Claire and Jack nodded eagerly, their appetites finally returning after their ordeal at sea.

Mary led the way, guiding her family through the bustling streets of Paris in search of a cozy café where they could enjoy a hearty meal together. As they walked, their steps lightened by the promise of food and companionship, they couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the simple joys of life—good food, good company, and the love of family that bound them together through even the darkest of times.

The owners had cleared out the entire cafe just so that the family could eat together. Dean stared into space. He was lost in thought.

“We’re going to take you guys to the hospital after this. We figured you needed something to eat first.” Mary said. 

“You all must be exhausted. I can’t imagine what you went through…”

“I’d rather not talk about it anymore.”

“Okay sweetheart. We won’t talk about it anymore. Let’s just enjoy some lunch and then we’ll get you all checked out.”

“Dean.” Sam started. “I’m so sorry. I should’ve picked somewhere closer to home and this wouldn’t have happened.”

“It’s okay Sammy. Just have your honeymoon within driving distance so that you don’t have to worry about this happening again.”

Sam ran a hand through his hair. “Yeah that’s if we even have a wedding at all today in the first place.”

“You will, Sammy. You’re going to get married. Just… maybe not on the day you planned.”

As they sat in the cozy café, surrounded by the comforting chatter of their family, Dean's mind drifted back to the terrifying moments when he and Castiel had been trapped beneath the surface of the ocean, their lungs burning for air as darkness closed in around them. He couldn't shake the memory of the icy water closing in on him, the feeling of helplessness as he struggled to find a way out.

Every now and then, he would catch himself staring into space, his mind replaying the harrowing events over and over again. His hands trembled slightly as he reached for his coffee, the warmth of the cup grounding him in the present moment.

Castiel, too, was haunted by their ordeal. Though he tried to keep up a façade of calm, his eyes betrayed the turmoil within, the shadows of fear and uncertainty lingering just beneath the surface. He found himself lost in thought, his mind consumed by memories of the suffocating darkness and the desperate struggle to survive.

Their trauma had left its mark on them both, a silent specter that lingered in the spaces between their words and the depths of their gaze. But even as they grappled with the aftermath of their ordeal, they took solace in the knowledge that they were not alone—that they had each other, and their family, to lean on as they navigated the long road to recovery.

As the conversation ebbed and flowed around them, Dean and Castiel found comfort in the simple act of being together, their shared presence a balm for the wounds of their past. And though the journey ahead would be difficult, they knew that as long as they had each other, they could face whatever challenges lay ahead, secure in the knowledge that they were not alone.

After a long day of exploring the streets of Paris, Dean and Castiel returned to their hotel, weary but grateful for the chance to rest. As they settled into their room for the night, exhaustion weighed heavily on their shoulders, the events of the past few days catching up with them all at once.

Despite their fatigue, sleep did not come easily for Dean. As he lay in bed, the darkness of the room seemed to press in on him, suffocating and oppressive. Memories of their time trapped underwater haunted his dreams, the sound of rushing water echoing in his ears as he tossed and turned restlessly.

Suddenly, he was back in the water, his lungs burning for air as he struggled to break free from the icy grip of the ocean. Panic clawed at his chest, threatening to overwhelm him as he fought against the suffocating darkness.

Beside him, Castiel stirred in his sleep, his brow furrowing with concern as he sensed Dean's distress. Gently, he reached out, his hand coming to rest on Dean's shoulder in a silent gesture of comfort.

"Dean," he murmured softly, his voice a soothing presence in the darkness. "It's okay. You're safe now. I'm here."

Slowly, Dean's breathing began to steady, the echoes of his nightmares fading into the recesses of his mind. He opened his eyes, finding solace in the familiar sight of Castiel's face bathed in the soft glow of moonlight.

"Thanks, Cas," he whispered, his voice hoarse with emotion. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Castiel's gaze softened, his eyes filled with love and understanding as he pulled Dean close, wrapping him in a warm embrace. "You'll never have to find out," he vowed, his voice a gentle promise in the darkness.

And as they lay together in the quiet stillness of the night, the echoes of their shared trauma fading into the distance, Dean and Castiel found comfort in each other's arms, their love a beacon of light in the darkness, guiding them through even the deepest of nightmares.

The next day dawned bright and clear, the promise of a new beginning lingering in the air as Dean and Castiel prepared for Sam and Gabriel's wedding. Excitement buzzed through the hotel room as they gathered with their family, the bustling energy of the day ahead filling the space with anticipation.

"Alright, boys," Mary said, bustling around the room with a sense of purpose. "Let's get this show on the road. We've got a wedding to get ready for."

Dean grinned, the anticipation of the day ahead washing away the lingering shadows of his nightmares. "I can't believe Sammy's getting married," he said, his voice filled with pride. "It feels like just yesterday he was annoying the hell out of me."

Castiel chuckled, the corners of his eyes crinkling with amusement. "He still manages to annoy you on a daily basis, Dean," he teased, earning a playful swat on the arm from his fiancé.

"Hey, watch it, Cas," Dean shot back, though his smile betrayed the affection in his words. "I'm trying to be sentimental here."

As they bantered back and forth, the room filled with the sounds of laughter and chatter, the excitement of the day ahead palpable in the air. Mary moved from person to person, fussing over hair and makeup with the practiced ease of a seasoned mother hen.

"Alright, everyone," she said, clapping her hands together with a sense of finality. "Let's get this show on the road. We've got a wedding to attend, and I don't want to be late."

With that, they piled into taxis and made their way to the venue, the excitement building with each passing moment. As they arrived, the sound of music and laughter greeted them, the venue alive with the vibrant energy of celebration.

Inside, the space was adorned with flowers and candles, the scent of jasmine and roses filling the air. Guests mingled and chatted, their voices rising in a symphony of joy and excitement as they awaited the start of the ceremony.

Sam and Gabriel stood at the front of the room, beaming with happiness as they exchanged nervous glances. Dean and Castiel made their way to their seats, their hearts full with love and pride for their brothers.

The ceremony was a blur of laughter and tears, the exchange of vows and rings a testament to the love that bound Sam and Gabriel together. As they sealed their union with a kiss, the room erupted into cheers and applause, the sound echoing off the walls in a chorus of celebration.

Afterwards, as they gathered for the reception, Dean and Castiel found themselves swept up in a whirlwind of dancing and laughter. They moved together on the dance floor, lost in the music and the warmth of each other's embrace.

"I love you, Dean," Castiel murmured, his voice soft with emotion as he pressed a kiss to Dean's lips.

"I love you too, Cas," Dean whispered back, his heart overflowing with gratitude for the man by his side.

And as they danced beneath the stars, surrounded by the love of their family and friends, Dean and Castiel knew that no matter what the future held, they would face it together, hand in hand, hearts entwined in a bond that could never be broken.

The reception was a lively affair, with music filling the air and guests mingling and chatting animatedly. Dean and Castiel found themselves surrounded by friends and family, their hearts full with the joy of the moment.

Sam and Gabriel moved among the guests, their smiles radiant as they greeted friends and thanked them for coming. Dean watched with pride as his brother and his new brother-in-law worked the room, their happiness infectious.

"Looks like they're having a good time," Castiel remarked, his eyes following Sam and Gabriel's movements with a fond smile.

"Yeah," Dean agreed, a grin spreading across his face. "They deserve it."

As the night wore on, the dance floor filled with guests eager to celebrate the newlyweds. Dean and Castiel joined in, their bodies moving in time with the music as they danced the night away.

They twirled and spun, lost in the rhythm of the music and the warmth of each other's embrace. Dean felt a sense of contentment wash over him, a feeling of peace settling in his heart as he held Castiel close.

"You know," Castiel said, his voice low and intimate as they swayed together, "this is the happiest I've ever been."

Dean's heart skipped a beat at Castiel's words, his own happiness mirrored in the depths of his lover's eyes. "Me too, Cas," he whispered, his voice barely audible above the music. "Me too."

As the night drew to a close, Dean and Castiel found themselves reluctant to leave the dance floor, their bodies moving in perfect harmony as they savored the moment. They knew that the memories they were making tonight would last a lifetime, a testament to the love and joy that filled their hearts.

And as they held each other close, surrounded by the laughter and warmth of their family and friends, Dean and Castiel knew that they were exactly where they were meant to be—in each other's arms, celebrating the love that had brought them together and the promise of a future filled with endless possibilities.

Claire and Jack, as brother and sister, were inseparable throughout the reception. They danced together with exuberance, their laughter filling the air as they spun and twirled around the dance floor.

"Isn't this so much fun, Jack?" Claire exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with joy as she linked her arm with her brother's.

Jack grinned, his own excitement mirroring Claire's. "Yeah, it's awesome!" he agreed, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "I'm so glad we got to come to Sam and Gabriel's wedding."

They moved together with effortless grace, their bond as siblings evident in the way they moved in perfect sync with each other. As they danced, they shared stories and jokes, their laughter ringing out like music in the night.

"I'm really happy for Sam and Gabriel," Jack said, his voice tinged with sincerity. "They make such a great couple."

Claire nodded in agreement, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Yeah, they really do," she said. "I'm glad we could be here to celebrate with them."

As the night wore on, Claire and Jack continued to dance and laugh, their bond as siblings growing stronger with each passing moment. And as they moved together on the dance floor, surrounded by the love and laughter of their family and friends, they knew that no matter what the future held, they would always have each other.

After the wedding festivities came to a close, the group gathered once more, this time boarding the ship that would take them back home to the States. As they settled into their cabins, the shared sentiment among them was unanimous: they were done with planes for good.

Dean, Castiel, Sam, Gabriel, Claire, Jack, and the rest of the family breathed a collective sigh of relief as they felt the gentle sway of the ship beneath them. The thought of being on solid ground again was a comforting one, and they were grateful for the chance to travel home in a way that felt safer and more secure.

"I don't think I ever want to set foot on a plane again," Dean said, his voice filled with determination as he leaned back in his seat.

"Agreed," Castiel chimed in, his eyes reflecting the shared sentiment. "I think I've had my fill of flying for a lifetime."

The others nodded in agreement, their expressions a mixture of relief and exhaustion. The thought of being able to travel home without the stress and anxiety of air travel was a welcome one, and they were all grateful for the chance to return home safely.

As the ship set sail, carrying them away from the shores of Paris and towards the familiar comforts of home, Dean, Castiel, and their family settled in for the journey ahead, their hearts light with the knowledge that they were finally on their way back to the States, where they could rest and recuperate after the whirlwind adventure of the past few days.

After returning home from their eventful trip, Dean and Castiel realized that they didn't want to be apart any longer. They made the decision to take their relationship to the next level and move in together, creating a home where they could build a life together.

With their newfound stability, they turned their attention to Claire and Jack, realizing that they had become an integral part of their lives. After a long and thoughtful discussion, Dean and Castiel decided to pursue legal guardianship of the siblings, wanting to provide them with the love and stability they deserved.

With the help of their family and legal counsel, Dean and Castiel navigated the complexities of the adoption process, their determination unwavering as they worked towards their goal of becoming a family.

Finally, after months of paperwork and court hearings, their efforts paid off, and Claire and Jack officially became part of the Winchester-Novak family. The joy and love that filled their home were palpable as they celebrated their newfound status as a family, their hearts overflowing with gratitude and happiness.

Together, they embarked on a new chapter of their lives, filled with love, laughter, and the promise of a bright future ahead. Dean and Castiel, with Claire and Jack by their side, knew that they were stronger together, bound by the unbreakable bonds of love and family. And as they settled into their new life together, they knew that they had finally found the home they had been searching for all along.