Dean was leading them through the mouth of a cave when dawn revealed the first sight of their pursuers. "Dean," Cas said, tipping his head in the direction of the demons swarming behind them.

Dean looked round and pulled the knapsack off of his shoulder. He pulled out a jar of salt and drew a line across the mouth of the cave. The demons were closer now, terrifyingly so, but Dean didn't rush, taking time to make sure every inch of the opening was covered and the line unbroken. He stepped back as the first of the demons, led by Alastair himself, charged at them.

Cas reached out to tug Dean out of harm's way, but to his surprise Alastair stopped short just on the other side of the salt line. He spat and hissed at them in like a feral beast, but he made no attempt to come closer.

"Come on, Cas, that'll slow them down, but they'll find a way around." Cas watched Alastair pace outside the cave with wide eyes for a moment and then hurried to catch up with Dean. Another hour of walking revealed the cave to be a tunnel, and they emerged into the sunlight right at the water's edge, a sleek black boat moored at the end of a long shabby dock. Dean climbed aboard without hesitation and beckoned Cas after him.

"Dean?" he asked, looking around them uncertainly. "Is this yours?"

"Yep," Dean said with a proud smile. "This is my baby. She can outrun anything Alastair can throw at us. Sit tight and point the way home, Cas."

"How did it get here?" Cas asked.

"She's enchanted to always find me," Dean said, pointing to the charm hanging from his neck, "this heats up and glows to help me find her. Now get in."

Cas joined Dean, and turned to survey the shoreline, watching for any sign of Alastair or his companions. Dean had barely pushed off the dock when they appeared from above, obviously having gone over the hills instead of through the caves.

"Don't worry. They can't catch us," Dean said, but he sounded uncertain.

"They've come faster than you expected," Cas surmised.

Dean shrugged. "The Impala will get us to safety. She always does."

Cas nodded and reached for the knapsack that Dean had discarded at his feet. The first of the demons were already splashing into the water behind them. Cas retrieved his jar of holy water and dumped the contents into the sea. Dipping his finger in, he whispered a blessing in Enochian.

The effect was immediate. The demons in the water shrieked and thrashed as the sea appeared to boil around them. Those on the dock stopped and retreated, nervous eyes on the suddenly treacherous water.

Dean stopped what he was doing and turned to gape at the scene behind them. "Cas," he said, voice filled with awe and something uncomfortably like fear, "did you just turn the sea into holy water?"

Cas shook his head. "Only this cove."

"Oh, is that all?" Dean asked, rolling his eyes.

"The effect is temporary," Cas said pointedly.

Dean got the hint and went back to the helm. By unspoken agreement they aimed the boat toward Heaven, leaving the demons and their prison far behind them.

Dean was right about the speed of the Impala, and they made it to Heaven's familiar shores in good time. It was a nervous and mostly silent journey overland as Cas wondered for the first time what Dean's plans were now. Find Sam, certainly, but would that be an endeavor they'd take together or would Dean walk him to the door and kiss him goodbye, like the past few days had been nothing but the world's longest, most frightening first date.

A half day's walk found the palace in sight, but Dean fading fast. Cas had forgotten that they hadn't slept since before the wedding. "We should stop," he said.

Dean shook his head, but couldn't contain a yawn. "We're nearly there. I can make it."

"Of course," Cas agreed, despite the way Dean was swaying dangerously on his feet, "But I find I'm not quite ready" Ito let you go/I "to face my brothers."

"You think they're going to be trouble?" Dean asked, tone and stance going cold and defensive.

Cas smiled. "No, of course not. They love me."

"They got a funny way of showing it," Dean muttered.

"I was not yet created when they made the deal," Cas reminded him. He thought for a moment how best to explain. "I love them. But I find myself uncertain as to my feelings about what they've done. I would like some time to prepare before facing them again."

Dean shrugged, pulling a blanket from the pack and spreading it on the ground. "I don't think they're gonna be any less douchey in the morning light, but whatever."

"Thank you, Dean," Cas said, stripping off his jacket and offering it as a blanket. Dean ignored it in favor of pulling Cas down to lay on the blanket with him. Cas's Grace warmed and automatically reached for Dean. Cas was surprised when Dean's soul reached back.

Cas immediately tried to pull back, but Dean gripped him harder in body and soul. "What's that?" Dean asked, wonder mixed with weariness.

"My Grace," Cas admitted. "It's been reaching for your soul since the joining."

Dean's eyes widened in surprise, and Cas could feel nervous excitement swirling in his soul. "Oh? Is that what that 'join your Grace' stuff was at the end of the wedding?"

"Yes," Cas said.

"Why didn't you?" Dean asked, voice even but hurt coloring his soul.

Cas's Grace surged forward to reassure his mate. "I did not want to take advantage of what you did not understand."

Dean laughed, a low, sleepy sound. "Baby, you can take advantage of me anytime." He yawned again.

Cas smiled against Dean's shoulder and slung an arm over Dean's waist. Dean hauled him in a fraction of an inch closer. "Perhaps after we've returned to my home," Cas said, "if you still want it then."

There was no answer, and when Cas looked up Dean was fast asleep.