A Good Man
K Hanna Korossy

"I just wanted to say that Cas told me what you're doing for Dean. And I'm not asking you to stop, but maybe going behind his back ain't the best idea. Your brother, he can be stubborn. But I think he'd understand. And I know it's the life…doing a little bad so you can do a lot of good. But sometimes the bad's real bad, and the good…it can come at one hell of a price. I ain't there on the ground, and whatever you do, I know you'll make the right choice. You're a good man, Sam Winchester, one of the best. And I'm damn proud of you, son. I was content up here. But getting the call from you, it's the happiest I've been in forever, no matter what it costs. So stay safe, keep fighting, and kick it in the ass." - Bobby's letter to Sam in Inside Man

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It was easier to watch Claire disappear into the distance this time.

Their previous parting, he'd felt unease at leaving her by the side of the road, driving away despite himself, bound only by her promise to "maybe call sometime." In the end, it had been the hospital that had called, not Claire.

This time, however, she was going to someplace instead of just away, somewhere off the streets and safe. Castiel had not met this Jody Mills, but the Winchesters had a high opinion of her, and she was a mother who had already taken in one troubled child. She sounded far more capable of dealing with Claire and her loss than an angel who was a constant reminder of that loss.

Sam and Dean were talking quietly behind him, but Castiel tuned them out. He was gratified by what Claire had said Dean told her about Jimmy Novak, about his sacrifice and heroism. And Castiel had shared Amelia's words with her: her regret about having left Claire, her pride in her daughter. Despite the death of her mother, Claire seemed more at peace than anytime since Castiel had been reunited with her. And that was a source of peace for him.

"Hey, Cas?" Dean's hand on his shoulder made him turn. He did not tell Dean that he could feel the Mark every time they were in contact. He embraced the discomfort as a reminder of what they still had to do. "Sam 'n I are gonna head out. You okay here?"

"I am well," Castiel said.

"Good. Sam wants to go mini-golfing." Dean grinned, nudging his brother, and headed to the Impala.

"I didn't…" Sam's protested died, useless, as his arms rose and fell. Then he sobered, giving Castiel a pointed look. "We'll be in touch."

Castiel nodded in understanding, even if he did not hide how troubled he felt over it. He was still deeply uncomfortable with their going behind Dean's back to try to cure the Mark. The keeping of secrets between the three of them had never worked well in the past.

But…when he had asked for advice about Claire, Dean had told him to let her go, that she was stronger on her own. Sam, on the other hand, had said that being alone was no way to live, and Claire was family.

So were the Winchesters. Dean was clearly wrong. And if he was misguided in this, he probably would be in the difficult, dangerous search for the cure, too.

So Castiel watched the two men as they got into the car, slamming the doors in a unison they probably didn't even notice. He saw Dean say something to Sam that made Sam smile and roll his eyes, which in turn made Dean laugh. Castiel could hear the radio turn on, playing what Dean referred to as music although the angel had his doubts. Kept watching as they drove away, already deep in some animated discussion Castiel could have listened in on but didn't. The language of brothers, of two who knew each other better than any other.

And so when Sam brought in Rowena, brought in Charlie, kept lying to Dean, Castiel reluctantly continued to respond, yes, yes, yes.

The End