Sparks flashed. There were several gunshots. He kept walking, unfazed as he maintained eye contact.
"Who are you?" the man asked, circling him warily.
"I'm the one who gripped you tight and raised you from perdition."
Cas awoke with a gasp, jolting out of his bed so sharply he almost fell out. There was a knock at the door and a nurse walked in, carrying a tray. The lanyard she had hanging around her neck sported the same logo as the tray: Aspen Grove Psychiatric Hospital.
"Castiel? Are you alright?" she asked, concerned. Setting the tray on the nearby dresser, she rushed near his bedside.
"I-I'm fine," Cas murmured, still breathing heavily.
"Did you have another dream?" She peered into his eyes, checking for symptoms.
"Really, Meg, I'm fine," he groaned, pushing her softly away as he stood.
"You're not just saying this because you don't want another examination?"
"I'm sick of those. I just want to go home," Cas snapped, walking across the room to inspect his breakfast. A glass of orange juice, likely watered down, and an unappealing bowl of oatmeal. He stuck a finger in; lukewarm. Figures.
"I know," Meg said, "And we all want you to go home, too. But not if you're still unwell." She walked across the room to where Cas was standing. Though she was at least a good head shorter than him, Meg had a commanding presence. "Did you have another dream?"
Cas took a breath. "No."
She looked at him searchingly for a moment. "Fine." Turning, she walked briskly out of the room, pausing at the doorway. "Remember, you have group activity at 9 am." With that, she closed the door.
Cas gripped the tray as he carried it to his small table. Group activity. The thought made his stomach turn more than the bland oatmeal. The dreams themselves were disconcerting. They felt so real, and, contrary to what he had been telling Meg, they occurred on an almost daily basis.
Breakfast passed too quickly, and before he knew it, Cas was being herded to the activity room. Nervously, he scanned the room, taking in the pastel walls dotted by patients shuffling about. Nobody yet. Then, Cas saw him. He stood away from the group, glowering at the scene.
Quietly, Cas walked closer, pausing every so often as to not arouse suspicion, until he was next to the man. Deja vu screamed within Castiel's system as the familiar phrase slipped from his lips. "Hello, Dean."