A note about the title: The phrase "in camera" appears in the title. It's worth noting that, in this case, I'm using the Latin phrase In Camera, not the English equivalent because that would not make any sense. In Camera, when translated in to English, means "in secret or private session; not in public".
Rating:
M for later chapters.
Disclaimer:
Despite how much I would love to, I own nothing from the Supernatural verse. Kripke is the almighty Chuck, etc.


September 2008

The first time Castiel sees him, Dean Winchester is tapping someone's exposed ribcage with a heavy-duty bolt cutter. Castiel is not familiar with the human emotional spectrum, and so he isn't sure how to interpret the look on Dean's face. It's not happy. It's not sad. It's not something he's ever seen before. He finds it curious.

He knows that, above ground, Sam Winchester is currently engaged in congress with the demon Ruby. Somewhere in Europe, Lilith is investigating more seals to be broken. Earth needs Dean Winchester on it, not under it. And yet, when Castiel finds him, he hesitates.

Dean doesn't deserve to be in hell. Castiel knows that, it was never a question. The only reason he's here is because he sold his soul to save his brother, an abomination. Dean doesn't know yet about Sam drinking demon blood. Castiel wonders if finding out might kill him.

Dean Winchester has been through much in his twenty-nine years. He's dealt with more than anyone should ever have to, and yet his work is not finished. God has work for him, and Castiel can't help but wonder if this burnt and broken shell of a human being has what it takes to stop the apocalypse.

It's a blasphemous thought to even question it, and he is immediately ashamed. God has chosen Dean Winchester for a reason. He wouldn't have been chosen if he couldn't succeed. Who is Castiel to question God's plan?

Before now, he's been only one of Heaven's soldiers. This is the most important mission he's been given, and it fills him with something he's never experienced before. Excitement? Anticipation? Anxiety? He doesn't know. He just knows that this, what he's doing, is important. It's God's work. And so he pulls Dean Winchester up out of the Pit and drops him in a coffin in the ground in Pontiac, Illinois.

He has work to do.