I DO NOT OWN SUPERNATURAL

Dean and Castiel were sitting in Bobby's living-room, on opposite couches facing each other waiting for Sam to come up from the basement. Bobby was in the kitchen getting a few beers. Sam's detox hadn't been smooth but it was now over and Dean just wanted to get back on the road. Dean turned his head as he heard thumps coming up the steps. Sam stopped at the entrance of the living-room looking as if he had just gotten the crap beaten out of him. Bobby then came up behind him with a six-pack in his lap. Sam moved aside with a small 'sorry' and watched as Bobby wheeled past him.

"Sit down," Bobby ordered as he pulled a beer from the box. Sam sat on the other end of the couch Dean was on. Bobby handed one to Dean, then Sam, then offered one to Castiel, who turned it down, before taking one himself and setting the box with the last three down beside him. They all sat in silence, all waiting for someone to say something. Sam sat with his head down in shame, drinking small sips, Dean sat back, taking larger gulps, and Bobby sat staring at them waiting for something, and only had taken one sip of his beer. Castiel just sat and watched.

At long last Castiel broke the silence. "I'm sorry."

Bobby turned so fast it was surprising he didn't get whiplash, Dean's eyebrows rose, and Sam looked up. "What for?" Bobby asked.

"Because my ties with Heaven are weakening I couldn't fight off Famine's disease," Castiel offered as way of explanation.

"It wasn't your fault Cas," said Dean.

Bobby sighed. "It wasn't anyone's fault. Horsemen are just stronger then the average demon."

"That's right," Sam quietly offered. Another silence fell over them.

"Even so," Castiel said, "I have made my decision."

"And what is that?" Dean asked.

"I am going to look for a way to strengthen my connection with Heaven."

"You can do that?" Dean asked after taking a sip of his beer.

"I am going to try, yes."

"Good luck with that," said Dean.

"Thank you."

"How ya going go about doin' this?" Bobby asked.

Castiel turned toward Bobby and said, "I'm going to ask Gabriel if he knows any way to strengthen the connection."

"Who?" Bobby asked.

"The trickster is actually Archangel Gabriel," Dean answered.

"Oh," was all Bobby said.

"You think he'll actually help?" Dean asked turning his attention back towards Castiel.

"I don't know," and with that Castiel left with the sound of beating wings.

"Next time use the door," Bobby yelled toward the ceiling.

Posted 3/24/10