The Guardians


Benny pauses to look over his shoulder and waits for Dean to close the distance. Dean's steps are lumbering—too slow. At this rate the nasties will have no trouble catching up to them.

Dean stops short to lean against a thick tree. "Man, I need to sleep," he mumbles, and slides down until his butt hits the ground. He doesn't wait for Benny's response—he's already out like a light.

"No, you don't," Benny replies—not bothering to hide his frustration because, really, Dean doesn't need to sleep. It's just a habit his body is yet to kick—a habit that is costing them precious time that could be spent searching for the angel—or better yet, the exit.

Benny sighs and finds a suitable vantage point.

When they do find the angel, the sleeping breaks don't stop.

But when Benny grows impatient and moves to wake Dean up, he has a pissed off angel appear right in his face.

"Let him sleep," Castiel says—the warning clear.

In the distance something howls.

Dean sleeps on, oblivious.

Castiel watches over Dean, his fragile human, radiating protectiveness.

Benny squares his shoulders and stands guard, waiting for Dean to wake up.


THE END


Author's Note: I've wanted to write a Purgatory fic for ages—it's just such an obscure, puzzling place. I find it really interesting. Thanks for reading! :)