Dean's POV

They thought there would only be one, not three God damn it! Sam had found them a job in Magnolia Springs, Alabama. A vengeful spirit was killing all the men who stayed at a small Bed & Breakfast near the center of town. Four had died so far.

The job was currently not going as expected. They had anticipated only one, but instead there wound up to be three. Sam was able to salt and burn the first, then the others came.

With them was the groundskeeper. He was in his late 40s, short, and had light brown hair that was cropped to the left. He was unfortunately caught in the 'crossfire'.

Sam quickly lit the second on fire and started applying salt to the last one. Dean stood alert and watchful, waiting for the third to show itself. The grounds keeper cowered behind him.

"Hurry up Sammy. We ain't got all night!" Dean said forcefully.

"I know, I know. Almost done…"

Suddenly, the groundskeeper was yanked backwards, in the hands of the vengeful spirit. Dean rushed at it with the crowbar he was holding, but he was a fraction of a second too late. The groundskeepers' neck was snapped by the spirit. His lifeless body crumpled to the ground in a flair of limbs.

"There. It's over Dean," Sam says as the flames grew, engulfing the skeleton of the third vengeful spirit.

Dean was silent. He walked over to the Impala, opening the trunk and throwing the crowbar in. Slamming it shut, he walked over and got in the driver's side.

"Get in. We're going to the fucking bar," Dean stated matter-of-factly as he started the Impala's engine.

The entirety of the drive over, Dean continued to blame himself. A small part knew that it wasn't his fault, but that small voice soon grew hoarse and gave up.

Could I not have done something. It didn't have to end this way!

Inside the bar, Dean ordered a tumbler whiskey. Sam ordered only a beer. Dean just couldn't forgive himself, so instead he decided to drink his problems away. How he let that innocent guy die. He didn't know why he was being especially hard on himself. He's watched others die before. But for some reason, this time felt different. He downed the shot and tapped the rim of the glass, signaling to the bartender. The bartender filled his glass and walked away, leaving Dean and his thoughts.

His mind kept drifting. Wandering to places he didn't want to go.

No. Not now. Don't think about him!

He screamed to himself. But he just can't stop. Damn it! So instead, he lets himself go there. He pictures Castiel's perfect blue eyes and his jet black hair that always sticks up in every direction. Maybe it's time he actually started feeling again? What could it hurt? A lot, it could hurt him a lot.

He ordered another. And another. A while later he finally decided that he needs to go. Get out and go somewhere. He's only a bit drunk, safe enough to drive. Surrrrrreee...Swaying slightly, he stood and walked over to Sam.

"Ima goin' to the beach Sammy," Dean slightly slurred.

"Good luck driving."

"Whatever, I'll be fine."

Dean walked out of the bar and got in the Impala. He started the engine and pulled out of

the parking lot.

He just drove, not really sure where the hell he was going. He took multiple turns, acting upon impulse. A certain sign caught his attention, it read,

Public Beach -

5 miles

Taking the right turn, he followed the signs to an empty parking lot. Swinging the Impala into a random empty slot, he killed the engine.

The moon was full tonight and it made the ocean water sparkle and dance. Dean grabbed a beer out of the backseat and started down the ramp, towards the sandy beach. When his boots touched the sand, he stopped and surveyed the beach.

He made his way to a boardwalk that stretched into the ocean. Taking a slow drag of his beer, he climbed the flight of rickety old wooden stairs that led to the actual boardwalk.

Why couldn't I save 'em? I should have saved him! He silently pleaded for his head to just shut the fuck up.

"You need to forgive yourself, Dean Winchester," a voice said behind him.

Dean jumped slightly and whipped his head around, "Huh?"

"I mean it Dean. Just because you could not save one civilian, does not mean that you cannot have hundreds more. You save hundreds of people Dean. Why must you doubt yourself?"

Dean turned his head and stared at Cas' kind blue eyes. His own eyes glistened with tears. Cas walked with him, down to the end. Dean leaned his elbows on the sun worn wooden railing, taking another drag from hia beer. He wasn't sure how to response so he looked away.

"It is beautiful here, isn't it?" Dean said, changing the subject.

"I suppose it is."

For awhile they both stood there. Dean secretly stole small glimpses of Cas' face. What he didn't notice though, was that Cas was doing the same.

"You need to stop drinking," Cas said tentatively.

"I find that it helps me to relax," Dean replied softly.

"I find it better when you are yourself and not intoxicated by alcohol."

Dean shut his mouth and just stared at Cas. The moon reflects beautifully in those blue eyes of his. He can't stop himself. Cas stared back.

"Dean?"

"What? Oh, yeah, sorry," Dean managed to reply.

"Are you okay?"

"What do you mean?"

"You do not seem very "here". You are thinking too much," Cas used air quotations.

That was the last damn straw. Even if he wanted to, he probably couldn't stop himself from doing what he was about to do. Dean took another drink, summoning up the courage to do what he thought he had to.

Dropping the empty beer bottle over the edge, he grabbed Cas' shoulders and spun him so that they were facing each other. He slowly close the gap, bringing their lips together.

And damn were they soft!

Cas froze for a second, his eyes wide open. After a moment, Cas figured out what was going on and kissed back. They broke apart, but stayed close together, both gasping for breath.

"I like you, Cas. More than just a friend."

"I...I like you also Dean," Cas smiled, his breathing becoming regular again, "more than a friend."

"I was hoping you'd say that," Dean said while cupping Castiel's face in his hands.

He leaned down and engulfed Cas' lips with his own again.

"How are we going to tell Sam?" Castiel asked after he pulled back.

Dean laughed, "We'll find some way to tell him. Later though."

"Fair enough."

Cas pulled Dean close for another kiss, wanting to spend as much time with him as possible. They stayed on the boardwalk for a long time, talking, holding hands, and kissing.

"An angel of the Lord, falling for my broken self," Dean said absently.

Cas rolled his eyes, "I've waited for eternity for you. I shall wait no longer."

Dean smiled at Cas and kissed him again.