A/N. This fic is set in Season 4, after Episode 10 'Heaven and Hell' but before Episode 11 'Family Remains,' so that whole 'liking the torture' thing didn't happen, and neither did all Sam's blood nonsense, or anything else that's made me what to kill Kripke this year. Also, since this was before we met Jimmy, Castiel's vessel doesn't have a name.

Dean sighed lightly when he felt Castiel appear next to him. He didn't jump anymore, but it still took him off guard every time the angel materialised from nowhere.

"Which part of the world is ending this time?" Dean asked wearily, looking out of the window.

"Everything seems quiet for now," Castiel replied. Dean turned to look at him.

"Are we talking the calm before the storm here? Or are you just visiting because you're bored?"

"Something like that." Dean looked shocked for a second, and he could've sworn he saw Castiel smile a little at it.

"You're doing a good job," Castiel elaborated. "And I don't believe we've been telling you that enough. By demanding perfection so often, we run the risk of disillusioning you to our cause." Dean smirked lightly.

"You think you angels being dicks is gonna stop me from wanting to save the world?" Castiel didn't seem to have an answer, so Dean just shook his head.

"It's a world worth saving, Cass," Dean smiled. "I can understand why it gets you guys so pissy all the time. Just learn to lighten up once in a while, huh?" Castiel remained quiet, and Dean had to force himself not to sigh.

"Have you seen Anna lately?" He asked; just trying to keep the conversation going. He looked sideways at Castiel and saw the angel's jaw clench.

"No," Castiel whispered. "She's still on probation."

"Probation?"

"She asked forgiveness, and she received it. But father doesn't know if he can trust her again yet." Dean nodded his understanding before turning to fully face Castiel, his expression filled with curiosity.

"Are you one of them?"

"One of whom?" Castiel asked, facing Dean.

"Anna said only four angels have ever seen God. Are you one of them?" Castiel turned his head to look out of the windshield and Dean sighed.

"I guess that means no." Dean looked out of the window and, when he looked back, Castiel was gone.

~*~*~*~*~

Dean awoke with a jolt to see Castiel looking at him intently.

"Jesus!" Dean exclaimed. "How long have you been here?"

"Not very long," Castiel replied; Dean could tell the angel was purposefully ignoring his blasphemous outburst. "Were you having another nightmare?" Dean sighed, flinging an arm over his eyes. When he didn't answer, Castiel moved to sit on the foot of the bed. Dean reluctantly sat up and looked at him.

"It wasn't your fault," Castiel said quietly. "You lasted far longer than most."

"But I shouldn't have…" Dean took a deep breath, looking at Castiel with determination. "I let them break me."

"Listen to me, Dean," Castiel replied with firm honesty in his tone. "It isn't something you chose. You didn't give them anything; they took it. You can take solace from that fact." Dean looked like he was about to reply, when he heard Sam stirring in the bed next to his. He and Castiel turned to see Sam's eyes open and immediately fill with worry.

"Something wrong?" He asked groggily. Dean shook his head.

"Everything's fine, Sammy. Go back to sleep." Dean forced a smile as Sam nodded and closed his eyes; drifting back off to sleep. Sighing lightly, Dean turned back to Castiel.

"I need some breakfast," He decided, getting out of bed. "You coming?" Castiel nodded slowly as Dean pulled on his jeans and headed for the door.

~*~*~*~*~

The waitress smiled as she walked over to Dean and Castiel. Dean looked up and returned the smile.

"What can I get you boys?"

"Well… Nancy," Dean said as he read the woman's nametag. "I'll take a black coffee and the breakfast special." Nancy smiled and wrote it down before turning to Castiel.

"How about you?" Castiel looked to Dean as the waitress addressed him.

"Dude, do you even eat?" Dean whispered. Castiel shrugged. Sighing, Dean turned to Nancy. "Just give him the same as me." Nancy nodded and turned away. Dean looked back at Castiel with a smile.

"I think it's time you learned what food tastes like. Assuming those taste buds you're borrowing still work." Castiel didn't answer, but began looking at the menu. Dean smirked lightly and shook his head; turning to lean against his seat and wait for their breakfasts to arrive.

~*~*~*~*~

Castiel looked curiously down at the plate in front of him. Dean had already started eating his breakfast with enthusiasm. Stopping slowly, Dean looked over at Castiel.

"You wanna eat that before it goes cold." Castiel looked up and nodded slowly before picking up a fork and cautiously digging into the meal. Dean watched as Castiel ate the mouthful slowly.

"Well…?" Dean pushed. Castiel looked up at Dean and, for the first time, he saw the angel smile. Dean smiled back before taking a drink from his coffee. Castiel followed suite, pulling a face as he swallowed. Dean laughed and handed Castiel the sugar.

"Here, put this in it. Strong and black isn't the best way to start." Castiel did as he was told, and the second mouthful seemed to be more agreeable. Dean watched Castiel curiously as the angel continued to eat his breakfast. After a moment he sat forward.

"Can I ask you something?" Castiel stopped eating and looked up at Dean, who took the action as consent.

"Do you ever wonder what it's like? Being human. To have emotions?" Castiel regarded Dean carefully as he seemed to think about this.

"The longer I'm here," He answered slowly and quietly. "I'm beginning to…" Castiel stopped. Dean waited. He'd never seen the man before him look so unsure. Castiel looked away from Dean's patient gaze and sighed.

"You told me before that you have doubts," Dean pushed gently. "Are you trying to say that you're starting to feel?" Castiel looked up quickly before closing his eyes and nodding.

"I can't be sure," Castiel whispered. "I've never… I have nothing to compare it to." Dean nodded his understanding before standing up.

"Luckily for you," Dean smirked when Castiel looked up. "I am a walking talking spectrum of human emotions." Castiel stood up slowly.

"Let's go find out how you feel."