Disclaimer: I don't own Supernatural.

Dean tried not to shiver as the room suddenly became cold. He tore away his gaze from the figure before him, not entirely believing the words coming out of his mouth, of what he was asking them to do. His hands trembled ever so slightly and felt suddenly nauseous, despite knowing that Raphael and Crowley will no longer be bothering them. Forever.

"Cas…" was all Dean could say.

Castiel stood motionless, studying the reaction of the three at his pronouncement. He wore a rather calm and bemused expression. He saw Sam secretly in pain, the natural consequence of someone whose wall between the knowing and the unknowing has crumbled. He saw Sam slowly being eaten away by his conscience, hardly aware of what has transpired in front of him.

Bobby appeared to be uncertain, his mind full of questions. Sam and Bobby, the doubters, barely mattered to him.

And then he saw Dean. Dean was the closest he had as a family, even his brothers would agree, had they been alive. His appearance almost broke his heart, if he ever has one. Dean was gripping the edge of the table so tightly until his knuckles turned white. Dean's eyes began to water. He wore this hurt expression as if he was betrayed by his own.

For a brief moment Castiel wished that he could do something to make Dean feel better. That he could release the souls trapped inside him, as Dean asked. Dean had offered his help in doing so and was sincere about it. Dean might have thought that it could still be fixed. That he could still be fixed. But that moment was a fleeting one. He was after all, not Dean's own. Castiel chuckled softly, but his patience was waning at the trio's non-committal.

"This is the last time I will be asking you," Castiel began, his face now unreadable. His cold blue eyes transfixed into Dean. The older Winchester slowly raised his sad green orbs at his friend, his eyes undeniably moist.

"Cas, we can't," Dean replied despairingly, almost pleadingly. "This is not right," He added.

"Very well." Castiel answered dispassionately. He admitted that he was hurt by Dean's rejection and how firm his resolve was in going against his wishes. He gave Dean everything he asked of him, to the extent of betraying his own kind. He was almost willing to die for Dean – a human.

Humans. Castiel retorted to himself. God thought they were so exceptional, placing them above angels. He offered them their own special place in heaven. He provided them grace if they believe. They almost got me fooled. He laughed in spite of himself. Humans almost got this warrior angel fooled. But God is no longer around to see how disappointing his creations have become.

"If I could not gain your allegiance, then you are considered enemy. You know what I do with my enemies, Dean." Castiel said matter-of-factly. He noticed Bobby and Sam shift uncomfortably from where they stood, obviously undecided of what do. They tried to make eye contact with Dean, who now appeared lost and defeated, his eyes rested on the spot where Castiel killed Raphael.

"Don't do this, Cas. Please." Dean managed to say, with a weak voice, almost in a whisper. Dean prayed that this was just a nightmare. That he would wake up and everything would be fine. That Cas would just be the good old Cas that he learned to love like a brother, and not the new "God". But Dean knew that power is capable of corrupting anyone. Even angels. Dean understood the futility of his pleas, but, oh God, why does it have to be Cas?

"Time's up." Castiel said, dismissing Dean's appeal. "I still have many things to do in heaven and in your world."

Castiel maintained a stoical stillness and resolve despite the minor grief he felt for Dean. It was not exactly grief, but pity. Dean clearly had lost his dignity, as he was now sobbing quietly. Castiel slightly smiled at Dean. He was thankful to his predecessor that he made humans weak and pathetic , they're quite easy to break.

"Enough of the charades." Castiel closed his eyes as he felt the power shroud his being. For the first time in his existence, he felt great.

Castiel then opened his eyes and he was alone. The quietness of the room gave him a slight feeling of emptiness.

"I will miss you, Dean". Castiel reckoned.

My first story ever submitted. Your comments and suggestions are very much appreciated. :)