(no subject)

[thursdays_angel]

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.

Comments

[thursdays_angel]

"I believe he has been known to be, yes. Particularly when his emotions are laid bare."

And it doesn't get much more laid bare than this.

"I would," he says, still respectfully, "like to insist that safeguards be in place."

"If she agrees," Castiel adds as an afterthought.

Meg is human, not an angel. She can refuse the request if she chooses.

[theunsmiling]

"There are basic protections that are easily woven into common objects. Jewelry is usually easiest, though I've worked with other materials in a pinch."

There is nothing humorous about Michael's expression.

Nothing.

"And, of course, she need only speak my name to summon me."

And that, to Michael's way of thinking, should be enough. Dean, vicious in Hell or no, is still only human.

Thank God.

[thursdays_angel]

Castiel nods. He trusts that between them, they have reasonable expectations of keeping Meg safe.

But it is best to have ideas about how before approaching Meg.

"It is most likely best if I stay out of sight if it is at all possible?"

If what Dean needs right now is humanity, not agents of God.

Castiel casts a look at the wall between the two rooms.

"You say he wishes to leave?"

[theunsmiling]

"Humans were not made for being alone."

There is no hint of sorrow in her voice. Or in her expression.

"Which is a good sign. As for the rest -- "

This time she does shrug.

"It's less your angelic nature than the connotations of your presence. The last time you two -- met -- that is he most likely to remember is the introduction in Hell. And too forcible a reminder of that place is -- unwise. Or so I would think."

[thursdays_angel]

"I will remain scarce."

Fortunately, Castiel is not prone to suffer from claustrophobia, or abject boredom. He can bide his time and stay out of sight.

"It is a gratifying sign. That he seeks companionship."

As opposed to utter withdrawl.

Castiel straightens his shoulders.

"Should we seek Meg out? Ask her if she will help?"

Because the longer Dean remains locked alone in his room, the more ill-humored he is likely to get, Castiel guesses.

[theunsmiling]

"If she is to be found here and now, yes."

Michael stands, then, movements swift and economical.

"It were better did he not have the time to become too restive."

[thursdays_angel]

"I agree."

Castiel idly straightens his coat.

"I shall see if she is downstairs."

[theunsmiling]

Michael merely nods and flicks her fingers.

She was not kidding about not giving Dean too much more time to think.