Supernatural, Dean/Castiel, seven minutes in heaven
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.
Seven minutes
Castiel looked about him, felt his form heal, his grace renew. He soaked in the warmth and security of Heaven and all the time, was aware of something inside that felt wrong. Like an itch that he couldn't reach only worse, it was inside.
He walked, watching his brethren, seeing the changes the Apocalypse had wrought on them all, for even as the Heavenly Grace healed their wounds, repaired their essence, they had seen and done much that would forever lie heavy within them.
Castiel watched, seeking any clue that even one amongst them had the same feeling inside that he had. There was no sign that any other than he felt anything amiss. He watched as all around him angels healed, angels sang of the Glory of God and he knew he was apart from them all, no longer one of many but one who was different.
He knelt and bowed his head, and prayed. He asked for guidance, peace, benediction. He felt as God's hand passed over him, felt the warmth flow through him, yet still the itch remained. He asked again for guidance, felt as he was set free.
It took seven minutes in Heaven for Castiel to know without shadow of doubt that without Dean he was nothing, without Dean he no longer belonged. It took seven minutes in Heaven for Castiel to ask forgiveness before turning to leave, to return to where he needed to be.
It took seven minutes in Heaven for God to see as his angel Castiel gave in and accepted the love within him, to turn away from all the Glory of Heaven in order to return to Earth to be with the one he called Dean. Seven minutes for God to know that of all his angels, Castiel understood the power and beauty of his creation.