#gabrena

“You shouldn’t have gone in alone!” Dean finally burst out when they had half carried her into the bunker’s main room. “You should’ve told us you couldn’t handle it.”

Rowena sank gratefully into a chair and rubbed at her temples. “Well I did ‘handle it’. I just don’t see what the problem is.” She sighed. “Please, boys. Save the lecture on self-preservation. I’ve got a migraine coming on and God knows you’re not exactly the experts anyway.”

Dean grumbled something that sounded like “Wait until I tell Gabriel about the wounds on your legs that you’re conveniently covering up”, but Rowena did her best to drown him out. It wasn’t until she felt Dean perch on the arm of her chair, that she opened her eyes. She opened her mouth to complain, but closed it again when he darted down and kissed her forehead.

“Be more careful. For some reason I’ve decided to care about you and I’m just about sick of losing people I care about. Ok?” He stood up quickly, before she could react. “Sam’s gonna bring you some ice. I’ll be in the kitchen.”

She stared after him as he walked away, stunned into silence for once. She was still looking a little dazed when Sam came in with the promised ice. 

“Did you hit your head as well? You’re looking kind of out of it.” Sam bent down to press the wrapped ice gently against her bruised wrist. Rowena shook her head and touched her forehead with her free hand.

“No, no. I’m alright, really. Just your brother... being predictably unpredictable.”

Sam chuckled softly. “Yeah, that’s Dean for you.” He gently pressed his fingers to the bruised area on her arm. “You’re already healing up?”

“Told you I’d be ok.” Rowena tossed her hair. “You boys need to learn to trust a girl sometimes.”

Sam shrugged. “We’ve lost a lot. But we’ll try to be a little less hard core. Is it ok if Jack comes in and says goodnight? He’s heading to bed soon but he’s a little anxious.”

Rowena let herself smile softly. Okay, so she had a soft spot for the boy now.

“Of course, send him in.”

Sam nodded. He still hadn’t let go of her hand. As Rowena looked down to watch him, he pressed a small kiss to the inside of her wrist.

He didn’t say anything, just smiled as he left the room.

“Winchesters.” Rowena shook her head. One day she’d figure them out, but it certainly wasn’t today. Still, she found herself smiling. Jack seemed surprised by that as he came into the room.

“You’re not hurt too badly then?” He asked anxiously. Rowena shook her head and squished herself up against the arm of her chair - making room for Jack to squeeze in beside her. He did so with a shy smile. 

“I’m glad you are ok. But Uncle Gabriel is going to be mad.” Jack bit his lip. “I heard Dean say so.”

Rowena chuckled softly. “I can handle Gabriel, don’t you worry. Everything will be just fine.” She briefly put her arm around Jack and hugged him. Something inside her uncurled as he hugged her tightly back - and kissed her cheek before bouncing out of the chair. 

“Goodnight Auntie Rowena!” He called as he left the room. Rowena wondered if she had hit her head after all - Auntie Rowena?!

“So you think you can handle me, huh?”

Gabriel’s soft growl pulled her out of her reverie. She couldn’t help smiling as he crossed the room and stood in front of her with his arms folded.

“I know for a fact that I can handle you. And just about anything else.” She held up her wrist - all traces of bruising had disappeared. The tension in Gabriel’s shoulders melted a little. Soon he had swept her up in his arms and settled back in the chair with her in his lap.

“I’m still mad at you.” He muttered against her neck, where he’d been peppering little kisses. Rowena smiled.

 “I know.” She leaned in and kissed his square on the mouth. “I mean it when I say I’m sorry. To all of you. I.... I’m not used to people caring.”

One of Gabriel’s hands crept to rest on her thigh. “Well get used to it. We all care. We all want you safe.” He pulled at the neckline of her dress and kissed her collarbone. Rowena let out a soft, shivering sigh.