Dean awoke the next morning to the sun shining brightly through the window. Sam's bed was empty and messy. According to the clock, it was nearly noon.

Dean wasn't sure at what time he had fallen asleep. By the time he had gotten back to the motel room it was nearly 2, and falling asleep did not prove to be any easier. His mind was cluttered with thoughts of Cas – mostly good ones, this time – that wouldn't leave him alone. He kept replaying the kiss over and over in his head, trying to recreate the warmth and tenderness he had felt in that moment. Eventually, he slept deeply and had sweet dreams for the first time in months.

Dean got up slowly, not quite wanting to leave the relative comfort of the bed. He wanted so badly to slip back into his dreams and sweet thoughts of Cas, but he knew he had to face reality sooner or later.

He placed his feet on the ground one at a time, slowly, before raising himself off the bed. He stretched his arms out a bit, groaning softly as he did so. Noticing a piece of paper, he walked towards the otherwise empty table. It was a note that read:

Went back to the library. I'll have a conclusion on this creature by the time I get back. You deserve some rest.

-Sam

Dean put the note down and smiled to himself, knowing Sam would never let him wake up to an empty room without reason.

He decided he needed to take a shower. Not only did he feel pretty dirty, but his emotions were still swirling around in his head, and perhaps some hot water and time alone would help him clear his head.

He entered the bathroom, which was probably the dirtiest and messiest part of the motel room. The shower was a bit rusty and the sink was a little moldy, but it was alright for a temporary home, though the rest of the room was much better kept.

Dean took off his shirt and threw it on the ground, not caring much, it was dirty anyways. He unbuttoned his pants, eager to take them off because he had been far too exhausted to change into something more comfortable before going to bed. Finally, he slipped off his boxers, leaving him completely exposed.

He turned the knob of the shower, impatiently waiting for it to warm up. After a few moments, he stepped into the shower, instantly feeling relief.

The warm water rushed over him, dripping down his body. He picked up a small bottle of shampoo and lathered it into his hair, the smell of lavender filling the air. Dean inhaled deeply and sighed to himself. He began to think to himself, the hot water and sweet scent relaxing him.

He thought of Cas first, of course, for he had now become like a default setting of focus for his mind. He closed his eyes and imagined the kiss again. He loved to think about it and how great it made him feel.

Of course among all these great thoughts were bad ones, as he realized he couldn't hide from his frustration forever. He still longed to know where Cas had been and why he couldn't tell him. There was no way Dean could put this puzzle together on his own because Cas had given him no pieces to work with.

Dean got lost in thought for a while, not realizing how long he had been in the shower until the water turned colder. He turned the water off and stepped out, reaching for a towel as he did so. He wrapped the towel around himself and stepped out of the bathroom, walking toward his bag to get some fresh clothes.

He dressed himself and sat back down on the bed, feeling a lot better physically, but mentally still confused. The happiness from the night before was still there, but frustration still lingered, becoming more apparent as the initial joy of the kiss faded.

Dean was pretty well rested, but he still decided to lie back down. He rarely had the opportunity to simply take deep breaths and relax. He stayed still for a while, practically meditating, eventually reaching a state of complete relaxation where his mind was totally clear of all his confusion.

It didn't last long.

"Dean."

Dean sat up and saw Cas standing over him, staring anxiously.

"Dammit Cas, this is like the third time in the past 24 hours you've just kind of poofed in. What is it now?"

"Come with me."

"What? Where?"

"I don't know where. Just come with me, Dean. Run away with me."

"Cas, slow down! What's going on?"

"I don't have time to slow down."

"I can't just leave, Cas. I can't leave Sam. Why the hell are you running away?"

"No time to explain right now."

"Cas, I can't."

"Dean, if you don't come with me right now, you'll never see me again."

Dean stood up and moved closer to Cas.

"Don't say that."

"That's how it has to be."

"Can Sam come?"

"No time to wait for him."

"What, can't you just poof over there and get him?"

"No time. If you don't decide in the next minute, I'm going to leave."

"But where the hell are you going!? You were just gone for a year!"

"I told you, I don't have time to explain."

"Cas, I don't know."

"Make your decision, Dean. Are you coming or not?"