(no subject)

For eight days, Castiel stays in his room.

Next door, Michael keeps vigil over Dean Winchester.

It it not that Castiel does not trust Michael. He trusts her implicitly. And it is not that he fears she will require his help. If anything Michael is far more equal to this task than he is.

But Dean Winchester is still his mission. And to leave would feel tantamount to abandoning his post.

So, he waits. Sometimes sitting. Sometimes watching out the windows. Sometimes reacquinting himself with the odd little collection of items he amassed here some time ago.

Always listening. For the most part, it is quiet next door. Occasionally he can hear a faint voice.

The crashes are much louder.

And then finally, on the eighth day, he receives a visitor.