005 | Audio | Day 71

[tryingitall]

Adding to the 'has anyone seen' list:

Anna's missing, and I've tried to send her messages with no success. I'd make a joke about milk cartons, but I'm genuinely worried here, so any information is appreciated.

Comments

[tryingitall]

[He knows that's true, but that doesn't make being left behind any easier. But, again, not the problem at hand, and the fact that Gabriel's still responding like Gabriel, not getting angry and lashing back out eases the fit of pique. He's still upset, but not at his family anymore. Not just now.]

Lucifer's truly gone, too, then. I wasn't sure. I was hoping...well, archangels are better at keeping secrets from the rest of us than vice versa.

[He rubs his face, no less worried by that revelation. On the other hand, if their captors are poking at Lucifer and Anna at the same time, they've likely bitten off more than they can chew.]

You're right. [He admits reluctantly, and forces a weak smile.] But let's skip the inappropriate jokes for a bit. You can't do the milk carton one, anyway. It was my idea first.

[hung_garian]

Yup. He's off my radar, and I'm kind of an expert on angelic hide and seek, so unless he's got himself some really good camo pants, I'm thinking he's wherever Anna is.

[Which does worry him quite a lot, frankly. Being able to take Lucifer anywhere he didn't want to go is pretty impressive, for one thing, and for another... well, he loves all his siblings, but Lucifer had been his favourite for a very long time. Hard habit to break. Still, he tries not to let that show, and instead pastes on a pretty convincing smirk and holds up three fingers.]

On my honour as a Boy Scout, champ. Dib dib dob, et cetera - I wouldn't dream of stealing your jokes.

[tryingitall]

The last thing I told him was that I hoped to see him again. I suppose I jinxed him.

[No, he doesn't really think that. But it's a bit sad to think how in Balthazar's own world, Lucifer's stuck in the Cage and will probably only come out angrier than he went in. If he ever comes out.]

You're too mean to be a Boy Scout, but I'll take you at your word this time. [Sigh] Thank you. Sorry for snapping. I'm just...you know.

[Full of abandonment issues.]

[hung_garian]

[He snorts. It's best not to even joke about taking responsibility for Lucifer disappearing, Balthazar, because even if he knows it isn't true, he's going to be getting less and less rational about this.]

I'm too mean to be a lot of things. I don't let it stop me.

[A dismissive wave of his other hand.]

I get it. Relax - I'm not feeling smitey.

[tryingitall]

If you ever do feel smitey in my specific direction, I expect you to give me 5 minutes' head start.

[He's hoping this will never happen, because it's a scary thought.]

But...speaking of smiting. Could you and Raphael try not kill Dean? Cas would be upset.

[hung_garian]

For all the good it'd do you, sure.

[It's not a scary thought to Gabriel - he's fairly sure the situation will never arise. He can't think of anything his siblings could realistically do to make him want them dead. But it is a slightly awkward topic when it comes to Balthazar, because he knows Castiel is hiding something in that general area, and he's fairly sure he knows what.]

Cas can bite me. But you can relax - I don't want him dead. Not yet. Dead men can't learn... or scream.

[Is he joking? It might be tempting to think he's just being remarkably deadpan, but he does sound fairly serious about it. Well. Serious with a hint of glee.]

[tryingitall]

[Balthazar's not aware Castiel has given as much away as he has. He's certainly not going to go there, himself.]

Yes...well. Try not to break him psychologically, either. He might be useful, long term. [And if he's honest with himself, he's developed some grudging respect for Dean. There's little doubt in his mind he deserves what's coming to him, but still.]

[hung_garian]

He handled Hell well enough. I'm not planning on doing anything worse than that.

[tryingitall]

[Not reassuring. But Balthazar feels he's stuck his neck out more than far enough for Dean now. He shrugs.] Fair enough.

I'll let you know if I hear any more about Anna or Lucifer.

[hung_garian]

Likewise. And keep in touch if you're gonna be out of the house, alright?

[He winces at how maternal that sounds.]

And don't take any candy from strangers, either.

[tryingitall]

[Goddammit. If Gabriel thinks he needs to be careful, he probably does. Can't ignore requests from two different archangels. Balthazar sighs, managing not to look too mulish, and nods.]

Duly noted. I'll only take candy from you.

[hung_garian]

Attaboy.

[With which he hangs up, presumably in order to go and vent his frustrations in the woods. Here's hoping he doesn't start any fires.]