Chapter 15

Late Night Phone Call

Dean groggily opened his eyes. He turned to look to his right and saw Castiel in the flickering light of the TV lying on the bed next to him, sleeping peacefully. He grinned, happy to see him and to be near him. He then turned his head the other way to look at the glowing numbers of the alarm clock on the nearby nightstand.

2:18 am.

Shit.

Dean slid quietly out of bed, checking to make sure he didn't disturb Castiel. He had meant to call Sam to let him know everything was alright, but had gotten caught up with everything going on and his own fatigue. Well, better a little late than never. He began searching for his phone when it dawned on him that he had left it his jeans pocket back at the church. Muttering a string of curses he stood in between the beds when he happened to glance down at the other bed.

There were his clothes, neatly folded lying there. Everything that had been in his pockets was neatly organized on top of the pile.

Dean rolled his eyes as he picked up his phone. Leave it to Castiel to think of such a minute detail as fixing his clothes and returning them to the motel, but not save himself enough power to heal his own injuries. He shook his head and looked one more time at the sleeping figure. He decided to call Sam from outside in order to not wake him.

Once outside he quickly hit Sam's number and listened to the rings on the other end of the line. He only heard two before Sam's anxious voice answered.

"Dean? Is that you?"

"Hey! Yeah, it's me."

He could hear Sam's relieved sigh.

"Oh thank God. Dean, I… when I saw you… in the church… Dean, I thought you were already dead…"

"I know. I know, man. But it's OK. Cas fixed me up and I'm as good as new again."

"I know. I mean, he said he would. It's just that… I was waiting to hear from you…"

Dean inwardly winced.

"Look, I'm sorry about that. I really meant to call you sooner. It's just… Castiel had some things going on and then we fell asleep…"

"Whoa, um, Dean? Back up there for a second. What happened to Castiel?"

"It's OK now. He just got hurt back at the church and he couldn't heal himself because he used all his angel mojo healing me. So I had to patch him up… and… well… we talked about some… stuff…"

Dean didn't have to see Sam to know the look he had on his face at that moment.

"Oh really? And what did you talk about?"

Dean debated whether or not to tell Sam everything that happened. It all still felt so fresh and new. He couldn't help but feel a little anxious about sharing it. But then, this was Sam, and he knew Sam was going to find out eventually.

"Well… we… uh… we told each other how we felt about each other."

"You did…? Wow… Dean, that's great! I mean… it went well, right?"

"Yeah… yeah it did. It really did. I mean… Castiel still has some stuff to work though. That bitch made him feel like shit… But… we'll get through it… somehow…"

Dean swallowed hard, trying to rid himself of the lump forming in his throat. He decided to change the subject.

"So, um, how's Jacob? He alright? And you too. Did you get hurt?"

"I'm fine," Sam replied, not protesting the sudden shift in conversation. He had grown accustomed to these sorts of conversations. "Just a bump on the head. Nothing I haven't had before. Jacob's going to be fine. He was a little shaken and banged up, but nothing lasting. I figured I'd stay here tonight if you were OK since they're planning on sending him home in the morning. Considering everything that happened I figured it was the least I could do to make sure he got home alright."

"That's fine, Sammy. Cas and I'll be here. We'll rest up before we decide on our next hunt."

"Alright. Well, go get some rest then. Call if you need anything or anything comes up."

"I will. And the same goes for you too."

"I will. Night, Dean."

"Night, Sam."

Dean flipped he phone shut. He then closed his eyes and sighed, leaning back against the motel wall. The night air was crisp and cool, a welcomed relief. He opened his eyes and gazed up into the night sky. It was a clear night and the sky was full of the pinprick light of stars. He lazily picked out the various constellations as well as spotting the dusty band making up the Milky Way. His father had taught him the stars when he was just a kid, starting before his mother died. While his later instruction was for navigational purposes, Dean always loved to look at the stars and imagine what could be out there. It was always so peaceful looking. So calm, even though he knew millions of light years away there were explosions and chaos occurring. But from where he stood all was serene.

"Beautiful night," a voice said, interrupting his thoughts. "Maybe we could enjoy it together."

Dean spun around. There she stood. Calm, poised. A smirk on her lips. Her long red hair spilled onto her shoulders. She stood ten feet away from him, her hands tucked into the pockets of her red trench coat. His eyes narrowed.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" He snarled, taking a step towards her.

Anna looked at him, her eyes wide in feigned innocence.

"Why, Dean Winchester! Is that any way to great your lover?"

"Bitch, the last thing you are or will ever be is my lover!"

She gave him a pout. "Aw! But, Dean, we had so much fun in your car last time. Don't you wanna do it again?"

Dean felt his blood boil. It took every ounce of his restraint to not go and start pounding the life out of her.

"Get the fuck out of here now!"

She laughed, relishing in Dean's fury. "Now, Dean! Don't be like that!"

He balled his hands into fists, trembling with restraint.

"After what you did to him! I should rip your heart out! I could give a shit who you are!"

"Oh! So you know what really happened then?"

Dean nodded. "And I'm here to tell you that you will never hurt him again!"

Anna arched an eyebrow at him. "Oh really?"

Dean nodded firmly. "Yeah, really."

Anna began to laugh. "Dean, for someone who is supposed to save mankind, you are pretty dense!"

Dean frowned. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

She gave him and evil smirk. "Castiel knows what I can do to him. And he knows the sins he's committed."

Dean didn't know how much longer he could hold back from trying to pound her.

"Castiel didn't do anything wrong! You raped him!"

"Ha! He wanted it! Well, maybe not at first. But, well, I was able to change his mind on that!"

"That's bull shit! He didn't want it. He knew it was you! It didn't make a difference!"

She laughed at that statement.

"Oh, it made a difference alright! He said your name plenty of times and it wasn't to call you to save him! He's been corrupted and he knows it."

Dean shook his head, fury flooding through him.

"He's not corrupted!"

"Tell that to the head guy upstairs." She smiled at Dean's confused look. "Oh, did he mention that part? Probably not since it's something most angels fear. More than anything out there actually. The fear of being corrupted and then cast out of Heaven. His Grace would be gone. He'd have to live the life of a mere mortal."

Dean swallowed hard, his stomach knotting. A feeling of dread washed over him.

"They wouldn't do that do him. It wasn't his fault."

"No," Anna reluctantly agreed. "I admit I did use some force to get my way."

She then took a few steps towards Dean and lowered her voice as if someone else was trying to listen.

"But wanting to fuck your Charge? Falling in love with him and willing to sin with him! That, Dean Winchester, is grounds for a one-way ticket to the earthly plane! Do not pass go. Do not spend eternity in Heaven."

Dean felt like he was going to be sick. No wonder Castiel had begged him not to contact the other angels. It hadn't been out of shame, but out of fear. He knew what was at stake. He knew what could happen. Dean stared at Anna with pure hatred in his green eyes.

Anna smiled. "Now that I see we have an understanding let me tell you how this will work. You don't send the angel hordes or anyone else after me and I'll make sure Castiel's little secret stays just that. Agreed?"

Dean swallowed hard. He heard movement from inside the motel room and knew Castiel had to be looking for him.

"You'll never get away with this."

She chuckled. "I already did!"

And with that she vanished, leaving Dean with the knowledge of the weight Castiel was carrying. He closed his eyes, not knowing what to do. Guilt gnawed at him as well as sheer grief. Grief in knowing that their love would come at an incredibly hefty price. Knowing that Castiel wasn't free to love any way he chose. Castiel didn't get free will.

He heard the door open behind him and Castiel's voice drifted towards him.

"Dean? What are you doing out here?" Castiel asked softly.

Dean swallowed hard. He didn't want to tell Castiel what he knew. He was afraid of what the answer would wind up being.

But he could he lie to him?

He forced himself to turn around and meet Castiel's anxious gaze. He forced a weak smile.

"Its fine, Cas. I was just headed back in."

Castiel smiled back at Dean. Dean followed him inside and closed the door behind him.

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OK, folks! I'm so thrilled to know you guys have enjoyed the story so far! Unfortunately, though, I must confess that I have no clue where this story is going to go or how it's going to end! So keep those feedbacks coming because I definitely need the ideas! You've all been great so far and I definitely would appreciate (and need!) the help!

Thanks for reading! : )