Disclaimer: I don't own SPN.

2. Life

"You okay there, angel?" Dean said, sagging against the headboard of the bed lazily. Castiel just smiled and snuggled into Dean's side, clasping his hand.

"I like just lying here with you," he murmured. "It's relaxing and allows me to fully appreciate you and your beauty."

Dean's cheeks flushed.

"You can't say that stuff, Cas!" he complained. Castiel's smile widened and he leaned up to press kisses to Dean's throat, sighing at the strong pulse he felt beneath his lips.

"But I love you, Dean. I'm allowed to say that sort of thing."

Dean groaned but he didn't complain when Castiel turned his hand over and began to delicately trace the long blue veins down his forearm and hand; deep indigo paths that wound their way under Dean's skin, spreading life through his body. To a normal human's eyes, they would seem like faint blue lines but to Castiel's sharpened angel sight, they looked like deep blue pulsing vessels, among swirling sunset colours. It was one of the most amazing sights that Castiel had ever seen, though nothing could compare to Dean's bright, beautiful soul.

How could the other angels be so quick to dismiss humanity? How could they look down on humans and call them inferior? How could they be so blind as to the simple beauty that humanity carried, and call his love for them a stupid folly?

Oh, well. He still loved his brothers and sisters but it wasn't his fault if they refused to see just how beautiful humanity could be. That was their loss. Smiling softly, he ran a finger over Dean's veins, humming quietly and relishing in the pulse that he got in return; proof that Dean's heart beat strong, spreading life and spirit around his body.