Since their arrangement, Dean had picked Cas up and few times and they tried out different coffee spots until they found one Cas agreed to. The progress on the case was slow but Cas helped Dean narrow down a suspect pool. Cas was better at this than he gave himself credit for and Dean thinks it's what made his other quirks bearable. Cas knew he was smart but never once did he push himself as above others. He regarded everyone as equals, unlike some others Dean has come to know. Cas was different, Dean reasoned with himself that it was just how Cas is, that it's just the job that's got him thinking of his so called partner.

Dean received a call a little after 11 and he welcomed the interruption of his out of character thoughts. He didn't need to be thinking of Cas, this was his day off. He certainly didn't need Cas today, that was until he received the information and within moments he was in conversation with Cas on the phone, it took some persuading but it was a case after all, thee case. There had been another murder, and this time they had apprehended a suspect, dumping the body. It was becoming a clear cut case now. All he wanted was Cas' insight into the scene, he'd talked Cas into it with the promise of coffee and pie. He wasn't even sure Cas liked pie, but apparently he had shown enough enthusiasm about the qualities of this little diner near the crime scene that Cas had agreed to it. Which was something, because mostly Cas never goes anywhere ever. All he knows about the guy is he has a home and work, and potentially that smarmy cousin's, which Dean still didn't particularly like.

He took his shower and got himself ready, he needed to wear his suit today, so that meant picking out his favourite belt buckle to give at least a little sense of himself to the otherwise almost monotonous plain suit garb that passes for FBI appropriate attire. Within half an hour Dean set off towards the campus, Cas had agreed to meet him there, the Impala rolled up at the side of the curb putting her in park Dean took out his phone swiped his thumb over it a few times and fired off a text.

I'm here. Be quick.

He sat and stared in the direction he expected to see Cas coming from, he hadn't expected a response which is why he chuckled when the phone vibrated.

I shall be as many moments as it takes to make it from my office to your car. I cannot be any quicker than that Dean.

Dean sat chuckling; even through this text this guy used more words than necessary. A simple 'on way' or even a 'ok' would have sufficed. He clicked his phone to lock it and set it back down on the dash watching it slide away he was so wrapped up in his phone taking a journey along the dash he hadn't even noticed Cas approaching, which is the only reason he jumped when his car door opened. Because it wasn't surprise that caught him, but the distinct scent of sandal wood incense and cinnamon buns with the dark coffee after thought. Dean smiled and shook his head.

"So office huh? You could have fooled me, you smell like that coffee spot, are you cheating on my pie?" Dean cracked a smile as he waited for Cas to buckle up and then he pushed the car into drive and pulled off.

Cas appeared to blush, he felt his cheeks redden, Dean's tone had created something he did not understand how could it be he was embarrassed by this? He did not know how Dean knew, but he had indeed been in the coffee spot, and the cinnamon rolls were too good to not have at least one. "I was already there when you called, how did you know that?" He paused for a moment and continued on. "I still have room for pie."

Dean grinned now and tapped the steering wheel as he mused over Cas' words. "You must always have room for pie Cas it is rule number one."

Cas looked over at him his eye brow raised he was about to question this logic, as it was hardly rule number one of anything, but who was he to question Dean's belief system, if pie is important to Dean then he has to be accommodating to him. "As you wish Dean, When you called, you mentioned another Murder?"

Dean felt tension creep into his muscles, 'right murder, the serial killer, not the social visit he had lulled himself into before' "I think we have him Cas, we caught the guy doing the actual body dump, he was caught by an anonymous tip who saw him taking the body inside" Dean smiled, he was hoping they have this guy.

Cas was less than agreeable on the subject he made a small sound that signalled his dislike for this situation. "Dean I cannot within reasonable speculation accept that our unsub would allow himself to be caught like this. It does not sit well within the profile we have been building"

"They all slip up eventually Cas, this was just a break. We knew we'd catch one eventually" Dean nods and shakes his head and wonders why Cas is so quick to disbelieve in the evidence.

"Slip up maybe, but this doesn't make sense Dean, I need to see the scene, are we certain this is even the same unsub? Not a copy cat?" Cas asks glancing over to Dean, he let out a slight sigh, something didn't add up.

Dean shook his head, "it is the right MO Cas, trust me, we caught the guy." Dean smiled as they pulled up at the crime scene. "You'll see just come have a look Cas".

Dean slides out the car and Cas follows, they are immediately stopped by the local PD, Dean smiles at her, he knows those soft eyes and that warm smile. "Hey Jody, Where's the old man?" he asks and steps through the tape barrier flashing his ID at the other local officer walking over towards Jody.

Jody smiled at Dean and started to walk them over to the coroner, she glanced to Cas and back to Dean, "And who is this handsome fella, he your new partner Dean?"

Dean smiled and nodded "Yeah this is Cas, he's helping out on the case, Cas this is Jody, Jody this is Cas"

Cas smiled and kept to Dean's side, he felt uncomfortable being here, he did not like the amount of people rushing around and he had nowhere to focus on. He tried to focus on his breathing but this place didn't feel right, even switching to the mind of this killer. Looking around, he saw that there was something off about it and as the body came in to view he instantly knew it. This scene wasn't elaborately staged. This was haphazardly put together and it bothered him. "Dean this isn't the killer, this isn't right." He almost whispers.

Dean glanced at him and shook his head "We caught him Cas, he was dumping the body." Dean almost snapped out the words, he couldn't understand how Cas could dismiss the evidence.

"You boys ok?" Jody asks smiling as the stroll across the open junk yard towards the body. The body lay half on the hood of a rusted out car, arms spread wide and head down on the hood of the car.

"We are fine Jody, Cas just can't add together how we caught the guy, his psycho mumbo jumbo doesn't allow for him to understand how stupid people can get when they think they are untouchable."

Cas huffs and turns away his jaw jutted upwards as he frowns this whole scene did not add up for him, their killer liked elaborate displays in more public places, this, this scene did not add up for him at all. "No Dean, this man is a copycat, a want to be."

"Well, well hello boys" The coroner stood up dusting down his jacket and gives Cas a once over, that left Cas feeling violated and dirty.

"Hello Crowley, how is my not favourite coroner this morning?" Dean half smiled and looked over the body. "So is it the same or not?"

Cas stared at the body, it didn't make sense, the ligature marks were correct, the wounds identical, the same exact precision as the killer they are searching for, everything was perfect too perfect, right down to the intricate designs etched into skin. But this scene didn't make sense. Cas wanted to interview the suspect. He actually wanted to talk to him. He needed to be sure, because everything else was so contradictory he couldn't reconcile his profile with this that was before him.

Crowley had been talking the entire time to Dean but Cas didn't hear anything. Not until he heard Crowley saying the time of death, it had been almost 36 hours the body had been moved into this position post mortem, and this got Cas' mind thinking. Not that Dean was willing to listen to him. He wondered why he was here at all.

Dean turned to Cas placing his hand on his shoulder pulling Cas out of his thoughts once more. "Local PD are taking the suspect down to FBI headquarters down town, thought we'd swing by pick up some coffee and pie and go talk to this guy what do you think Cas?"

Cas nodded vaguely aware of what Dean was asking him but he was too interested in this scene, this junk yard spoke volumes about the suspect who brought the body here. This was a different view on his victim all together. The other killer treated each body as a work of art, his masterpiece, his showcase, but this here. This was a dumping ground the person bringing the body here despised what he had done. The killer who dumped here viewed the victim as nothing more than waste. The victim was worthless and inconsequential to his needs. This was not what Cas was expecting not at all. Cas knew Dean and Crowley were talking but he didn't care to listen the name and age of the victim meant very little to him. He needed to think harder about this.

Cas stood lost in his mind, lost in the scene and too much didn't make sense if he was honest this whole situation was beginning to give him a headache. Just as Dean was about to take Cas and leave a tall gangly looking young man came galloping over saying they had found something, he lead the way over to where another young man was diligently working. Cas surmised he could like this astute worker who did not stop not even when they arrived he continued on with is task.

The tall young man made Dean smile, he's known Garth for a while and he was a pretty decent forensic investigator. Garth always had a smile and seemed to always want to please Dean. This made Dean smile at him and praise him a lot, he couldn't help himself looking over at Cas who was both looking confused and pissed off at the same time, it made him want to chuckle as almost any expression on Cas' face was priceless. Dean shook his head thinking 'Good Lord not now'. Dean gruffed to himself he really didn't need any of this fuzzy feelings crap whilst at work. Cas was his partner, well he guessed this might be the last time he see's Cas for a while but he wasn't going to think about that. He needed to be elated that they caught the guy.

Cas stared at the scene before him, watching Dean interact easily with everyone and he felt himself closing in the distance between himself and Dean the closer he stood to Dean the less the outer world bothered him, he latched onto the cold dark that Dean presented him with. It was peaceful, it was so different from the world around him, he wanted to climb inside it and stay there, he found himself moving where Dean moved he didn't even think about it, he just followed the feeling. He found himself for a moment wondering if he will feel the same when face to face with the serial killer. But Cas laughed dryly and reminded himself that Dean is nothing like a serial killer, he was cold but warm, he was the pleasant darkness that chased away all the brightness that set Cas' teeth on edge. He was suddenly aware of four sets of eyes on him and Dean's more than any others showed true concern the others just looked shocked and confused.

"You ok there buddy?" Dean asked placing his hand on his shoulder, Cas' dry laugh had taken them all by surprise but as he looked at Cas he wasn't even sure Cas was aware he had done it. He turned to the others and dismissed them all and put his attention back on Cas, squeezing his shoulder he waited a moment to see if Cas would respond to him.

Cas nodded and offered the best smile he could muster in this place. "Yes Dean I assure you everything is fine." He was proud of himself he didn't let his voice wavier as he spoke he looked Dean right in the eye and nodded. "Are we leaving now?"

"Uh? Yeah sure thing Cas" Dean replied he went to shake his head but he just turned and walked away instead, in the few weeks he'd know Cas, he'd learned not to question him too much, he knew if Cas was going to tell you something he would tell it to you he saw no point in beating around the bush.

Dean and Cas walked back over to the Impala and Cas smiled a genuine smile as they reached her and Dean didn't miss it, he didn't comment on it either but he felt a sense of accomplishment that Cas viewed his baby as a place he could be happy to get too. He knew it had more to do with the safe confines of nothing that it presented Cas with rather than it being 'his' Baby, but still Dean felt a sense of pride and found himself grinning too.

This didn't escape Cas' attention either as he asked about it the moment they were both in the car and belted up.

"Are you pleased the case is coming to a close then Dean?" Cas asked because it was the only summation he could make working on what little information he had. He had nothing else to equate to the agents happiness.

Dean shook his head as he started up his Baby's engine and pulls off away from the scene to drive the few blocks to the diner they had previously decided upon. "I'm pleased we'd caught the guy, it means a few less bodies turning up around the streets of NYC but, I'll have another case on my desk before night fall, it is what it is I suppose." He shrugged and stared out to the road. "What about you? Happy to be done with the case Cas?"

"I am not as certain as you are that this case is as wrapped up as you think it is Dean, there are too many variables that do not equate to this suspect being your actual serial killer." Cas said staring over at Dean, who he watched carefully.

Dean's shoulders slumped a little and his grip on the wheel tightened, he couldn't work out what Cas' problem is, they caught the guy, on scene with the body laying it out for all to see. It was a done deal. "Well whatever the variables are it does not matter, the evidence is stacking against him, and if he confesses what then Cas?"

"If he confesses then I will want to be there with you, I want to know every detail." Cas says his voice sharp and accusing. He truly did not believe this was the killer, that they were looking for, not at all.

"You know what Cas, you come and sit in on it, and watch him tell you every detail then will you believe him? I feel it Cas, we have the guy" Dean huffed and pulled up at the diner and sliding out the car.

Cas shook his head and climbed out with him, he knew what Dean was like when he had an idea in his head. And no amount of his reasoning was going to sway him, so he'd save his breath on it for now, he would argue his case later. He followed Dean into the diner and took a seat opposite him in the booth. "What is today's pie special Dean?"

Dean wanted to smile but he wouldn't let himself, he knew Cas was not done with voicing his opinion and he also knew he was using pie to bridge over the awkward tension between them. He looked to the board and back to Cas he almost felt like telling Cas to find out for himself but he knew Cas, this was all he knew. So he'd be understanding with him, he didn't know why he should be. Cas is different sure, and he has gotten under his skin but why should he be given preferential treatment to which his mind sighed 'because it's Cas' and that was that he smiled and chirped "Blueberry pie today Cas"

The interrogation room was sterile and cold and it reminded Cas to much of the hospital ward at New York Presbyterian, he involuntarily shivered as the memories sent cold shivers down his spine. Everything was cold and left him with a metallic taste in his mouth memories of doctors checking he had taken his medication, having nurses poking and prodding at him left him feeling queasy. He was about to leave when he thought of Dean, the cool gaze of his was even having a soothing effect from afar now.

He looked around the room Dean had left him in it as he went down to holding to collect the suspect, it had transpired this suspects name was Gordon Walker. Cas was almost anxious to meet him, to learn if this was indeed the killer they were searching for, even if for Dean it was a done deal it most certainly not so for Cas.

Dean walked back into the room and sat the suspect down in front of Cas and introduced Cas to Gordon. The moment Cas regarded Gordon he was almost a hundred percent positive this was not the killer. His fingernails are chewed back to almost nothing, his facial hair was unkempt and his whole attire was that of a man who had spent many days with the same clothing on. This is not the man Cas had profiled as the killer how could he possibly be so wrong with his profile? This surely is not the correct man. He pulled the file Dean had on the desk towards him and opened it reading it quickly looking up to Gordon and almost angrily growling out a question. "Where is your blade?"

Dean looked at Cas and placed his hand on his shoulder and squeezed it. "Rein it in Doctor Novak we will get to that."

Gordon looked between the two of them and said "I want to make my confession do you not want to know how I did it."

Cas shook his head and slammed his fist down his rage and anger towards this liar getting the better of him. "Liar. Where is your blade, it was not with you and it was not within your car. Where is it?"

Dean shook his head and gripped Cas by the elbow turning to Gordon "Give us a moment and I'll get you the camcorder to record your confession." Dean walked Cas out the room and glared at him. "What the fuck is wrong with you Cas?"

Cas glared at Dean pointing towards the room they were just in. "That man is a liar, he does not fit the profile. He does not even know where his blade is, he is just some low life who wants to take credit for work that isn't even his."

Dean ground his teeth and glared past Cas. "Look he was found with the body, he wants to confess, Section chief is going to go to press with this before the day is out Cas, so just let it go. We got the guy, so what the profiles off, it's not science you did the best with what you had to go on, don't worry about it."

"I am not worried for myself Dean, I am concerned for the poor victims who will die at the true SK's backlash at someone trying to steal his work." Cas growled almost in Deans face the cold emptiness that washes over him making him angrier as his fear does not cripple him, he just stands nose to nose with Dean almost yelling at him. "I do not care for him, or this place, but I assure you Dean, if that man cannot give you the murder weapon he is not your killer. If he tries to tell you he threw it away he is lying! You have to believe me."

Dean huffs and shakes his head. "Cas drop it. Just accept it for what it is. The guy isn't what you thought he was. But if the evidence collates to his story then I am sorry Cas but this is the guy."

"You are all idiots. How can you not see a charlatan when you see one?" He yells now his voice laced with anger and agitation.

Dean turns away from him and shakes his head. "Get out of here now Cas before I have you escorted out of here." He walks off to go and collect the camcorder to tape Gordon's confession.

Dean was sat leaning on the bar stool talking to the bartender, Charles well Chuck now, he used to be his pastor when he was in the army. Despite everything, Dean trusted him with things. He knew he could sit in this small dive of a bar and he would never think a thing about the stuff Dean came out with; Dean asked for shot after shot, the confession he took from Gordon bothered him. Of course, it was all over the news and it was pissing him off, he couldn't escape it, and he should be happy but he isn't because Cas' words ran through him cold and harsh. Cas was right Gordon had no murder weapon to offer them, and Dean knew Cas was right, he had known all along but part of him was too stubborn to give in. He should have had his partners back but instead he alienated him, he placed his phone on the bar top and contemplated calling Cas, but the more he thought about it the angrier and more pissed off he got. Cas should have stayed. Cas should not have left, yes he asked him to leave but that didn't mean Cas should have left. Cas should have apologised and they should be having drinks together right now. But no he is sat alone in bar questioning too much.

Dean hated these moments as he asked Chuck to keep the drinks coming and Chuck obliged, Dean asked if it was a good idea for an alcoholic to run a bar and he just shrugged. Not everyone dealt with what happened back in Afghan, but Chuck took it hard. Really hard, Dean looked at him and felt for him, he looked a mess, but that's not to say he ever really had it together. He looked around the mostly empty bar and asked if they could turn the TV over to sport, he was tired of seeing the news. He couldn't take another reminder of how he had failed his partner today. He knew he had to call Cas, but he didn't want too. He would wait, Cas could wait. He didn't need to call him right now, Cas would still be there tomorrow, tonight was about Dean.

"Whatever you did doesn't have an answer at the bottom on the glass Dean"

"Sure it does, the bottom of the glass leads to moments of serenity" Dean quipped

"It also leads to regretful decisions and dangerous actions." Chuck chided.

"Well maybe I need a little more regret in my life Father." Dean mumbled running his finger around the rim of the empty glass and motioned to Chuck for another.

"Not your Father Dean, Stopped taking confessions, I hung that up when I left you know this…" He paused and shook his head. "Don't you think you've had enough. Surely what you need is to actually talk to this person, you can't treat your phone like the enemy all night, you might as well call them and at least air your feelings Dean. Or am I to call Sam?"

"Naw come on Chuck, no spoiling my fun. I don't need Sammy I am good, I just needed a few drinks to celebrate the major fuck up I see coming our way."

"Well drinking isn't your answer Dean. Now get out of here before I call your brother." Chuck took the glass away and held out his hand. "Key's you're not driving in that state."

"I ain't. I will go for a walk first, I'll go grab me a burger, I'll be fine before I walk home, scouts honour"

Chuck nodded. "Ok, just be careful, but Dean, you were never a scout so just take care of yourself."

Dean thanked Chuck for his counsel and Chuck tried to remind Dean that he wasn't his priest anymore and he wouldn't take his confessions any longer. But Dean interjected for as long as he paid for drinks Chuck would take any confession he felt like supplicating. Dean gathered his items and exited the bar and decided he needed a brisk walk to walk off the alcohol he had been drinking before he'd get behind the wheel of baby.

He walked through the park opposite the bar, hardly pay much attention to anything, he knew what he wanted and what he needed, he just hoped he could find one. He knew given enough hours he'd find just the person he was looking for, someone who was nothing like hard lines and no blue eyes. He didn't want that. Not today. He needed escape and nothing more. He wandered the park and eventually found what he was looking for, he walked over and took a seat next to them.

"Hello, My names Tony Rogers and you are?" Dean flashed them a smile and watched as there drug hazed eyes turned upon him, and Dean knew he had just what he wanted right here….