Disclaimer: I own nothing, Supernatural belongs to Eric Kripke and large television corporations such as the CW. Any and all of the following is completely fictional and fan-made.
Summary: Whilst on a bizarre hunt in the backwoods of Pennsylvania, Castiel mysteriously disappears. Sam and Dean begin their search for the lost angel when they happen to stumble across an encampment of... hunters? Set Mid-Season 5.
Pairings: Dean/Castiel
Author's Note: So I've had this idea rolling around in the back of my head for some time and so I decided to mess around with it. I was actually first inspired to create this storyline from Skillet's "Looking For Angels" but, as you'll be able to tell, I've strayed from that general idea quite a bit.
For the record though, I'd like to dedicate this fic to Luciel89 – her and I have been talking for a little while now and she voted on which idea she liked best out of those ones I had brewing about. Me deciding to write this one first was her doing so she deserves a majority of the credit ^_^
Alright, enough of my jabber, please enjoy!
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Wayside Encampment
At first, nothing seemed suspicious. At first, it just seemed like the typical shit-town hunt. At first – at first, well, there weren't so many freaking demons. But now, the bastards were creeping in through the woodwork, or so it would seem. Road after winding road, stop after weary stop, there seemed to be a never-ending abundance of demons throughout the Pennsylvania woodland. Sam and Dean simply couldn't figure it out – Bobby had heard from a reliable source that there were hunters nestled in the south-eastern area. So why then were there demons crawling around like Hell had just warmed over? This was completely beside the fact that Lucifer had risen and, in turn, Hell had indeed warmed over.
But t he point was, everything was off here – even Castiel could feel it. And for an angel who was slowly but surely fading away from the Heavenly host, getting a gut feeling about a particular area was a good enough conclusion to run on as any. At least in Dean Winchester's opinion. Ever since Castiel's initial disobedience of Zachariah he'd become, well, more human – at least a little bit. And to Dean, he had to admit that it was all pretty humorous but saddening as well. He was gaining a pal, yes, someone he could sit and have a beer with or tease Sammy with. But, at the same time, Dean was also loosing yet another piece of his soul. His angel. The one angel who seemed to give even the slightest damn about humanity, or Dean for that matter. The one angel who'd lifted Dean up from the flames of damnation and was now crashing down to Earth because of him. Each day Dean watched as a bit more of the sparkle dimmed in Castiel's ocean deep eyes and it was all the hunter could do to keep from wrapping an arm around the angel's shoulder in which to comfort him.
Of course it would be a whole Hell of a lot easier to be Castiel's shoulder to cry on if not for the fact that all three of them seemed to be in constant combat in these past few days. At last though, the trio found themselves stumbling upon a local hotel which was a most massive relief if ever there was one. Dean let out a long drawn sigh as he twisted the keys before pulling them out of the ignition. Turning just over his shoulder, he fetched his duffle bag from the backseat, opened the car door, and just happened to exit the vehicle in unison with his brother. Looking about the light beige and brick walls, Dean eyed the red shutters doubtfully. This was a bit more high-end than their typical hotel choice, but then again they really didn't have any other options. In this speck on the map know as Myerstown, the next place for accommodations was another five miles west. They were further from the job than they would've liked to begin with so Dean really hadn't bothered to argue when Sam suggested they just settle in here. Looking around now though, he sort of wished that he had.
"The Lantern Lodge? Really Sam?" the elder brother threw a glance over the roof of the Impala.
"I dunno, sounds kinda cozy don't you think?" Sam shrugged, completely ignoring Dean's obvious distaste for their lodgings.
Dean's frown deepened as he spoke, "Yeah I guess. If you like staying somewhere that looks about as old as the hills. I wonder if the roof'll cave in on us while we're sleeping."
"Come on Dean, we've seen worse," Sam retorted with a slight eye roll.
Dean looked as though he were about to argue his brother's point when suddenly Castiel but in, "Sam's right Dean. Besides, you're going to need replenishment if we encounter another group of demons."
"Yeah, I'll get replenishment alright," Dean scoffed, pulling his bag further over his shoulder, "Just tell me which way's the bar."
Sam and Castiel exchanged a weary glance before following Dean inside the main entrance. After being greeted by the clerk, who Dean had attempted to hit on and failed miserably, the group found their room on the second floor rather easily. There were two double beds situated against the wall, both decorated with what appeared to be a thick a cushy blue bedspread as well as two lighter (almost baby blue) blue chairs nestled in the corner. It appeared almost homelike, as the bed frames were made out of a rich cherry wood with an end table to match. Lastly, there was a bouquet of brightly colored flowers nestled in a vase between the two beds atop the end table. Overall, Sam was rather pleased with his choice. It had been a long time since they had stayed somewhere which appeared the least bit comfortable. He had a nice feeling that he would sleep well tonight. Dean and Castiel, on the other hand, seemed to be as indifferent as anything. Castiel of course wouldn't really sleep and Dean would probably stagger in half-trashed anyhow. Sam let out a lighthearted sigh as he set his bag on the bed closest to the side window.
Castiel walked past him, lifting a hand to pull the drapes aside. His crystal eyes scanned over the nearby scenery as if looking for something specific. "Cas, what's wrong?" Dean called from across the room.
"Hunter's have been here before," the angel replied simply, " Recently."
Sam threw Dean a strange glance over his shoulder before inquiring, "What? How do you know?"
Castiel sighed, turning away from the window. "I can just feel it. That sort of persisting energy – it doesn't feel right though," he frowned.
"Like how not right?" Sam continued.
"It feels, I don't know, negative," Castiel tried to clarify.
"Negative?" Dean echoed, folding his arms over his chest.
For a moment Castiel said nothing, he and Dean's eyes locking in some bizarre entwinement. Sam glanced between the two, waiting for the silence to be broken – only it wasn't. Were they using telepathy? The younger hunter opened his mouth as though about to speak when Castiel cut him off sharply, "I shall return." On that note, the angel whooshed off before a word of protest could be spoken.
"That was weird," Sam shrugged, flopping down on the corner of his bed.
Dean chuckled somewhat as he unzipped his bag to begin unpacking what little he had, "Guess we should be used to him popping in and out by now."
"No, I meant you two," Sam cleared his throat.
Dean paused from what he was doing, raising an eyebrow quizzically at Sam. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice coming out a bit more hushed that he would've perhaps liked.
"That whole staring thing. It's kinda freaky," Sam said almost nonchalantly as he arose from his position in which to walk towards the bathroom.
"Whatever," Dean muttered, shaking his head as he continued back to work.
Sam ignored his brother's apparent edginess as he closed the bathroom door lightly behind him. Dean, meanwhile, waited until he was sure Sam was going about his business before letting out a deep sigh. He wasn't sure what it was lately – he couldn't help but keep his eyes off Castiel! Honestly, he couldn't tell whether it was just the yearning desire to bring peace to his fellow colleague or if this, well, urge ran deeper. Dean shook his head, of course it didn't run deeper. That was absurd. Glancing back at the spot where Cas had stood but moments ago though, Dean couldn't help but shift uncomfortably as a dull ache began to almost thump somewhere inside his chest. Lifting a hand, the hunter rubbed over his sternum as though that would help. Even though he knew Castiel wouldn't be gone long it was like he couldn't wait. Like he never wanted Castiel to leave for that matter.
But of course it wasn't long before Sam re-emerged from the bathroom and disrupted Dean's thoughts, in which he too began to settle his belongings. The two worked in silence as they organized their clothes and such, Sam continuing to throw Dean odd glances whenever he thought his brother wasn't looking. At last though, dusk was falling and Dean sighed wearily as he collapsed back onto the mattress. He had to admit, this place wasn't half bad. At least they hadn't seen any roaches yet which, of course, was definitely a good sign. Situating his arms behind his head, the hunter frowned somewhat as he felt a strange lump pressing against the back of his scalp. He reached behind the spikes of his hair, only to pull out a small square of chocolate wrapped in tinfoil. Sam arched an eyebrow quizzically at his brother as Dean flashed him a dopey smile in return.
"Mmm, chocolates," Dean muttered, stuffing the tiny candy into his mouth once he'd gotten it unwrapped.
"Here, have mine," Sam chuckled somewhat, tossing Dean the one from his pillow.
Dean stuffed the second one in his mouth shortly thereafter, smiling in contentment. They were pretty good chocolates, possessing a minty undertone. They did kind of leave a stale taste in his mouth though. The hunter shifted somewhat atop the bed sheets, settling into an at least semi-comfortable position before allowing his eyelids to dip shut. He'd only intended for this be momentary, of course, but within moments Dean had fallen asleep.
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The sound of swirling air alerted Dean's senses, zapping him back to reality. He instantly could feel Castiel's presence within the room, filling that empty void of his soul which had grown exhausted and lonely in the angel's absence. Jolting awake, Dean arose from his position on the bed propping himself up on his elbows. Like a wave breaking upon the beach, Dean felt relief flood over him as he caught a glimpse of Castiel's face at last.
"Hello Dean," Castiel said in his usual manner.
Dean could feel a dopey smile spreading over his lips as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. "I was dreaming about dogs," he muttered randomly.
Castiel frowned somewhat, tilting his head to the side. He looked as though he were about to speak when Sam entered between the two. "Rise and shine, sleeping beauty," he teased, glancing down at Dean.
"Shut up," Dean retorted, tossing Sam a playful scowl as he stood from the bed and took a few steps around the room in which to wake himself up. "So what'ya find?" he asked, nodding in Castiel's general direction.
"I did some questioning around the town," Castiel replied simply.
"And?" Sam urged, taking a seat on the corner of his own bed.
"My suspicions were confirmed, hunter's were in the area just earlier this week," Cas continued, "One man described them as appearing shady."
Dean and Sam exchanged an odd glance before Dean echoed the angel's statement, "Shady?"
Castiel nodded, "Yes, he thought them to be dishonest or—,"
"No, I get what it means, just why would they think hunters are shady?" Dean cut him off abruptly, rubbing his chin in thought.
"There was a girl with them," Castiel decided to mention.
"A girl?" Sam frowned.
"They said she didn't seem to be entirely willing to be with them. And she wore a strange bracelet," Castiel joined Sam on the mattress, crossing his arms tightly over his chest.
"Did they describe anything about it?" Sam asked.
"One man said it was a pale blue color while a woman told me it was green. Both said it did have a glowing aura to it though," Cas responded.
"So a pair of hunters, apparently kidnappers, stroll into town with some chick whose wearing a glow stick and they're shady all of a sudden? Sorry, but I'm not buying it," Dean declared doubtfully, sitting across from the two.
"That's the only lead we've got, Dean," Sam protested.
Dean ran a hand through his hair in exasperation, "Oh c'mon Sam. Doesn't this sound the least bit off to you?"
"We're out of options," Sam retorted firmly, "Now I'm gonna call Bobby, see what he can dig up on this bracelet. Maybe he can find some lore that can help us out."
"Okay, okay," Dean huffed, watching as his brother quickly made his way across the room in which to step out into the hallway.
For a moment after he'd left neither Dean nor Castiel said a word. They didn't look at each other either, just sitting contently in the ever weighing silence which filled the room – but Dean really didn't seem to mind it, strangely enough. Just having Cas there was enough to satisfy him for the moment, though he didn't feel entirely comfortable admitting that. Even to himself. And so, hunter and angel sat across from each other, entwined in the fascination of absolutely nothing at all.
"You don't believe me," Castiel spoke at last. His voice bellowed against the stillness like he'd been speaking through a megaphone, nearly making Dean jump.
"No, I just," Dean spoke hesitantly, letting out a deep sigh, "I dunno. It just doesn't seem right, you know? Hunters usually seem to get along with people."
"Hunters are typically only in town for one purpose. Getting along with people isn't their highest concern," Castiel pointed out, his tone not arrogant but just factly.
"But I never heard of one kidnapping somebody," Dean retorted, feeling slight frustration begin to well up inside of him.
Now it was Castiel's turn to sigh, "I suppose there would be a first time for everything."
"Yeah," Dean reluctantly agreed, casting his focus upwards in which to gaze upon Castiel's face. He looked worn, as though life was actually beginning to take a toll on his appearance – his hair was a bit more ruffled than usual, the dark circles under his eyes especially accentuated. Dean pitied him almost. Jimmy by himself was a fairly attractive man, by most standards, but Castiel made him even more radiant. In a way, the hunter wanted to wrap his angel up in a blanket and force him to rest and just shove the world aside, but Dean knew that he simply couldn't do that. That just wasn't the way things worked, at least not in their lives. Although, he suddenly found himself leaning forward from his position on his bed not entirely certain of what his actions would be next. "Cas—,"
"Talked to Bobby," Sam suddenly announced, bursting back into the room. At his brother's unexpected appearance, Dean quickly straightened up feeling the slightest hint of embarrassment beginning to glow pink upon his cheeks. Sam frowned slightly, his eyes darting between Castiel and Dean for what seemed like an eternity. "Uh, am I interrupting something?"
"No, let's get on with it," Dean urged, just desperate not to let any kind of awkward silence beginning to creep in.
Sam shook his head vigorously for a moment, as if trying to wipe a most horrific image from his head. Clearing his throat, he continued, "Well, he didn't know anything about a bracelet specifically so much as he did a spell."
"A spell?" Castiel inquired.
"Yeah, apparently there's this vis redimio spell, which basically has the power to force a binding over different supernatural creatures or entities," Sam clarified.
Dean rubbed a hand over his forehead in deep thought, "But I thought we were dealing with a girl here."
"I don't know," Sam sighed, "I'm gonna dive a bit further into this whole spell thing. If you want to check out the missing persons reports for anyone who matches our girl's description that'd probably help."
Dean nodded, "Tomorrow. For right now though, think I'm gonna settle in with my old pal Jack Daniels." Sam just chuckled to himself as he walked away to fetch his laptop. Whipping it open, the young hunter's fingers flew over the keyboard as he searched up lore and other odds and ends. Seeing Castiel just sitting there like a mindless idiot, Dean called over to him, "Hey Cas, care to join?" He nodded towards the door.
Castiel glanced over his shoulder, watching as Sam was fairly engrossed in his work for the now. "Sure," he replied simply, arising from his position on the bed in which to follow Dean out the door and down the corridor. The two slipped down the back stairwell, continuing onto the exit until at last reaching what was now an empty parking lot.
Dean took a seat on one of the parking curbs in which Castiel joined him before accepting a small plastic cup from his colleague. He nodded his thanks, watching as Dean sipped from the alcoholic beverage without any trouble. Hesitantly, Castiel did so himself coughing and sputtering as the whiskey burned in the back of his throat. Dean chuckled somewhat at the angel's obvious lack of experience, slapping him firmly on the back. "Easy there tiger," he teased.
"I do not find this enjoyable," Castiel admitting, shaking his head as he set the cup aside.
"Ah well, guess it's an acquired taste," Dean scoffed, taking yet another sip, "So this whole bracelet thing, it's got you on edge?"
"Is it so apparent?" Castiel questioned, sounding almost slightly embarrassed as he did so.
"Well, not really, but I know you enough to know when something's eating you," Dean shrugged. It was at this moment that Castiel just happened to notice the hunter's foot twitching most ever slightly – a noticeable sign that Dean too was on edge.
"And I you," the angel challenged, meeting Dean's eyes for the briefest of seconds.
Dean broke the stare nearly instantly, finishing off his cup as though he were drinking water. "Well, I'm always livin' on the edge," he chuckled somewhat, clearing his throat awkwardly.
"What's troubling you?" Castiel insisted, feeling a peculiar desire to understand just what was making Dean so terribly uncomfortable or nervous for that matter.
"Nothing," Dean insisted, his voice cracking as the pitch raised. The hunter knew in this moment that he was dead – lying certainly wasn't his specialty this evening.
"I sense that it's me," Castiel said, his voice hushed as though to keep quiet some well hidden secret, "Perhaps I should go."
The angel was about to rise from his seat when Dean found himself abruptly grabbing hold of Castiel's wrist. "No," he commanded, "Please Cas, don't go." Castiel stared blankly at him for a moment, but did not deny Dean's request and regained his seat. "Can I uh, be honest with you 'bout something?" Dean cleared his throat.
"Of course," Castiel replied sincerely.
"In these past couple days I've wanted to, really badly wanted to, you know, uh, comfort you," the hunted muttered, fidgeting with his fingernails all the while.
Castiel frowned somewhat, "Comfort me? I don't understand."
"You're hurting Cas," Dean said simply, locking eyes with the angel once more, "I mean, Hell, I can see it in your eyes. And, I dunno, I just wanna be there for you I guess. Cause, it just seems like you're always there for me."
Castiel said nothing, but Dean swore he could see the faintest of grins spreading over his lips despite the heavy darkness of the night. Unexpectedly, Dean felt Castiel's slender fingers grasping his forearm, clothes and all, just over the spot where his handprint lay. "I will always be there for you, Dean Winchester," Castiel assured him, his voice so gruff and firm it was simply chilling.
Dean found himself melting into Castiel's words, allowing their meaning to be seeped in and feed his soul if you will. It was as if that smallest piece of his heart which had always left him malcontent and broken was warming over now, just bubbling with glee. Lifting one of his own hands, Dean cupped his palm over Castiel's simply loving the way his flesh tingled at the contact. Secretly he wished that Castiel could feel what he was feeling in this moment – in fact, he was nearly sure of it. And even in the twilight, Dean could see Castiel's radiating with some long forgotten exhilaration which was just enough to take the hunter's breath away.
Dropping their arms to their sides, hands still entwined, neither one dared to speak – dared to ruin the moment. This perfect and spectacular moment. The alcohol was beyond them now. As was Sam, or hunting, or even the apocalypse for that matter. All either one of them could sense was the overwhelming joy and contentment that came with having their palms woven together as one.
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Author's Note: So I really hope that you're enjoying this story so far. I didn't want to come on too strongly with this first chapter but at the same time I still wanted there to be something sweet going on between my favorite boys. Gotta give you all something to "awww" over haha.
Anyhow, I shall be sure to try and update very soon as I have the most lovely intentions for this story ^_^ Thanks for reading, reviews are much appreciated!