A/N: You amaze me with all your story alerts! And three reviews! Thanks to Maddy Love Castiel, Gleca, and The Mysterious Shadow for reviewing! I did not think this story would get such a positive response, so thank you! I do not have much practice in writing in the present tense, so please forgive me for any errors. Here's the next chapter!

Disclaimer: I do not own Supernatural, nor any of its characters.

Dean is about to leave the house when his brother stops him. He sighs and turns around, like he always does when Sam begins to ask the question.

"Dean, you go out every Sunday," Sam says, standing beside the table. "Where do you go?"

"Out," Dean replies. "I always come back, why does it bother you?"

"You know, sometimes I think you go to church," Sam says.

Dean grins. "You know what Sammy boy? You're right," he replies, "you caught me. I've been going to church every Sunday because I've suddenly got an interest in being religious."

"Tell me you're kidding," Sam scoffs. "That's totally not like you."

"I'll be back Sam," Dean says, heading out the door, wanting to leave the conversation at that. Dean gets into the car and drives off the asylum. As Dean drives, he thinks about how long he could keep this from Sam. Sam was no idiot-already Dean's brother had suspicions. And if Castiel had any more violent outbursts, Dean did not think he could make up excuses if he came back battered. Dean drives in front of the asylum and then gets out. He heads in and goes past the front desk, and then takes a left to get to Castiel's door. Dean pauses as he stands outside as he sees Meg approach with her daily news.

"Good thing is he's responsive now," Meg says, looking inside the door, "more frequently so now."

"But?" Dean questions, feeling there was more to say.

"He has… violent outbursts now," Meg finishes, glancing at Dean. "It's only triggered when someone approaches him as far as we know."

"But he's fine beyond that," Dean says.

"Yes," Meg replies after a long pause. She unlocks the door and steps away. "You have an hours, like usual."

Dean nods in response and then heads in. Castiel immediately swerves his head to look at Dean.

"Hello, Dean," Castiel says.

Dean is surprised for a moment; he had not been expecting the angel to be alert and talking. "Hey, Cas," Dean says, sitting on his usual chair. "How ya doin'?"

Castiel's eyes shift to look at the floor. "I am fine."

Dean eyes Castiel. "That's good, right?"

Castiel doesn't respond-instead, the angel looks at his hands like their foreign.

Dean lets out a patient breath. "Cas?"

Castiel jumps at hearing his name. "I… suppose."

Dean frowns. "What do you mean?"

Castiel turns so he leans against the headboard. "Lucifer is… taking more serious… actions against me."

Dean presses his lips into a thin line. "What kind of stuff?"

"It is non-stop, Dean," Castiel whispers. "Even though I don't need to sleep, or eat, this is too much."

Dean stares at his friend. "I'm going to find a way, Cas."

"I know," Castiel replies. "But… I think it will be too late."

Dean freezes. "What are you getting at?"

Castiel sighs heavily. "Dean, by now I am sure Meg had told you of my non human behavior fits," Castiel says. "I have already hurt you Dean. It will only get worse."

"I'm gonna fix this, Cas," Dean says. "Don't talk like you're leaving me."

Castiel gazes sorrowfully at Dean. "I'm trying Dean, but there is only so much willpower I have to try."

Dean grounds his teeth in anger to hold back tears. "I'm going to save you Cas, you hear me? You don't give up because I'm not giving up on you."

"I'll try for you, Dean," Castiel sighs and closes his eyes.

Dean stands up and notices a plate of food, untouched. "Have you ever tried to eat the food they give?"

Castiel snaps his eyes open. "No."

Dean is taken aback by Castiel's irritated stare. "I was just wondering."

"I know," Castiel's voice is gruffer than usual.

Dean watches as Castiel gets up and walks to the table.

"Cas?" Dean questions, watching the angel pick the knife up off the table.

The angel doesn't answer; instead, Castiel stares at the table with anger.

"Cas?" Dean tries again.

"Leave. Me. Alone." Castiel hisses and lashes out at empty air where Dean supposes Lucifer is supposed to be.

"Whoa, Cas!" Dean yells taking a step forward but pauses, remembering Meg's words. "Cas, please, calm down."

Castiel whips around, blue eyes wild. "You're an illusion; don't tell me what to do."

Dean's heart drops. "Cas, I'm real."

Castiel's eye twitches and he lowers his hand with the knife. "I don't know that."

"Cas," Dean says, walking forward. "I'm real, Lucifer is just taunting you."

At the word 'Lucifer', Castiel's eyes narrow and the angel lunges at Dean.

"Cas, please, stop," Dean shouts catching Castiel's arm. "I'm real, I promise you!"

Castiel snarls too lowly even for his own voice. "I don't believe you. Do you know how many times Lucifer has shown you, dead?"

Dean gulps. "No, I don't," Dean says, "but you have to believe me when I say I'm real."

Castiel stares at Dean for the longest time, his eyes shifting from the wildness to scared, before dropping the knife.

"It's okay Cas," Dean says, taking the angel in a hug. Dean rubs Castiel's back as the angel mummers, "I'm sorry" over and over. After a moment, Dean releases Castiel and then watches as he treads sadly to his bed. Meg is standing at the door, motioning time is up. Dean gives a 'wait' motion and heads over to Castiel.

"I'll be back again, alright?"Dean says, kneeling so Castiel doesn't have to stare up at him.

Castiel nods. "I wish you would visit more often."

Dean blinks. "You want me to?"

Castiel looks like a lost puppy as he stares at Dean. "Yes."

Dean nods and then stands up. "Alright. I'll come back Wednesday. That okay?"

Castiel's eyes light up for the first time. "Yes, Dean."

"Alright, I'll see you Wednesday," Dean says. "Be good."

Castiel rises and follows Dean to the door. Before Dean opens the door, Castiel lays a hand on Dean's shoulder.

"Thank you, Dean," Castiel says. "for everything you're doing."

"Cas, it's the least I can do," Dean replies.

"Thank you," Castiel says again. "I'll wait for you. You're what keeps me sane, Dean."

A/N: Aaaaannnnnddd, end chapter! I hope this chapter is as good as the first! Any mistakes are mine 'cuz I'm human. Feel free to drop a review (Favorite quote so far, how it's progressing, ideas, etc.)! They make me very happy. Until next time! *salutes*