Author's note: I'm hoping I can keep this writing pace up, but I have a few finals in the next few days so I'll have to see how that goes!

Thanks for reading~

Ch. 4

When Dean lay down to sleep that night, he was unaware of what his dreams would bring. There was a vast darkness, stretching on for forever in every direction into nothingness. Suddenly there was a bright flash, the brightest thing Dean had ever seen and he could feel life thrumming from it, an invisible essence that seemed to excite his own internal life-force. It was brief and then there were stars, and planets, and galaxies and, Dean realized with a start, the universe. It all unfurled before his eyes, pushing out from the center of the flash of light and expanding. There was Earth, a ball of molten lava and fire, and in the same fast forward speed it died down, giving wake to oceans. Then there were living creatures and he could see blades of grass and plants sprouting. Before him now was a large tree and also a man and a woman. Then a snake made way into the garden and he could see it talking to the woman who seemed distressed. Then she took an apple from the tree, its skin was dark red and smooth, and bit into it.

Dean woke up with a gasp, his green eyes wide and his heartbeat hammering away in his chest. Realizing he was in his room and was dreaming, he closed his eyes to calm himself. After a few minutes he got up and brushed his teeth before taking a long shower.

Walking into the living room Cas greeted him from where he sat on the off-white sofa, an old book in his lap.

"Hello, Dean. How are you feeling?" He looked up at him, blue eyes concerned.

"You mean aside from dreaming about all of creation? I'm just peachy, thanks for asking."

"I…suppose that makes sense. That is something ingrained into all angels."

"I'm not an angel!" Dean snapped angrily.

"I remember when the Nile was formed in Egypt." Cas said as he looked back to his book, eyebrows raised slightly and lips pursed.

Dean grabbed a glass of water while mumbling under his breath about 'smartass angels'.

"Dude, we're about to get you educated with the Force." Dean said, grabbing his plate and Cas' and carrying them over to the coffee table in front of the sofa. Dean opened up his laptop and opened up a file with Star Wars downloaded. "We're going to pretend the first three episodes didn't happen though." Dean sat back with his feet propped on the table, legs crossed at the ankles. Cas had one foot tucked under a thigh and the other next to Dean's on the tabletop.

Partway through the second movie he noticed Cas squirming minutely in his seat.

"You alright there Cas?"

"I think I'm cold." He frowned. "It is most unpleasant."

Dean sat for a few minutes before rolling his eyes—at himself more than anything—and lifted the corner of the blue blanket he had across his lap, throwing it over Cas'. He looked at him in surprise. "Thank you."

"Yeah yeah, don't mention it, frosty."

It was towards the end of the final movie that Dean felt a light weight press on his shoulder. He tensed and looked over, seeing Cas' head resting there, his eyes closed and his breathing slow and soft. 'He fell asleep.' Dean thought to himself. He thought about waking him up, but then he nuzzled lightly into his shoulder and his heart melted. He would deny that, of course, but there was no one around to bear witness to it, so what the hell? Not long after, he himself had dozed off, his head tilting over to rest on top of Cas'. Dean felt comfortable and at rest, something that was rare for him these days.

Dean could see a desert landscape, could practically feel the torrid heat on his skin. The sun up ahead was bright and unforgiving. In this dream, he bore witness to locusts, plagues, and a man making a path through the sea.

A knock at the door startled Dean from his sleep and he felt Cas shift beside him. They looked at each other and Dean got up warily, hand going to his jacket as he crept silently to the door. When he was close he heard the person speak from the other side. "Are you going to open the blasted door or not?" At that, Cas stood up straight and went for the door, opening it to greet their visitor.

"Oh good, glad to see you alive." Balthazar smiled softly at Castiel and clapped him on the shoulder.

"Yes, but that is not of import."

"I know, I got your message. So where's the hairless monkey?"

Dean cleared his throat and Balthazar looked into the house from where he still stood on the porch. He gaped at him, his hand still gripping onto Castiel. Not taking his eyes from Dean, he patted Castiel. "Congratulations, Cassie, your favorite mudfish is an angel."

"…I need a freakin' drink."

"You and me both."

"So I've got the whole-" Dean trailed off, waving over his head.

"Yes, I can see your halo. It's very dim, but I can see it, shining like a giant middle finger to the natural order."

"Dim?"

"Much like your brain. However, I haven't the slightest what that means since none of your lot has become an angel before. So if that's all, I'll be going." Balthazar turned around and started heading for the door.

"Wait!" Cas grabbed him by the wrist. "Can you see if you hear anything else from the others?" Not needing to specify 'others' meaning other angels.

"After everything that's happened, are you giving me orders again?" Balthazar's eyes seemed to sharpen.

"No. I'm asking you, as a friend, for your help."

Balthazar looked at him, his gaze softening and sighed.

"Alright Cassie, I'll ask around and listen in to see if I hear anything."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome, brother." Balthazar looked over to Dean. "You are lucky he's so ridiculously fond of you."

Dean went to make a sarcastic retort but was stopped when he was overcome with an intense lightheaded sensation, causing the world to tilt on its axis. His fingers gripped the blue counter in front of him tightly, his knuckles bleeding white. He felt his knees give out and his breath was labored as his vision swam, Cas coming to his side, yells muffled by the ringing sensation in his ears. He could hear faint murmers, but not with his ears-no-they were inside his head. He could feel a slight burning sensation in his chest. He was vaguely aware that he was saying nonsensical things and making noises, but other than that all he could focus on was the burning and the voices. Dean wasn't sure how long he was there on the floor, Cas' hands on his shoulders, when everything died down before the sensations vanished completely. Dean was shaking and panting, his senses feeling raw after the unexpected assault, skin covered in a sheet of sweat.

Cas looked up helplessly at Balthazar.

"I'll see what I can find, Cassie. Though I can't promise anything."

Cas nodded at him before turning his concerned blue eyes back to Dean.