Dean found his smuggling boat where he left it, still in good shape, "Aw baby, it's good to see you." He grinned as he pushed it into the water before hopping in and starting the engine. The roar to life was satisfying and he smiled before pulling away from the shore. It didn't take long to return to the city and it was almost ridiculously easy to sneak in. The Demons still believed them to be in the forest.
He found Ash walking along a path and pulled the mullet-haired man into the alley. "Dude, what the hell?" Ash struggled but when he realized who it was he stopped. "Dean, my man! What the hell's goin' on?"
"I need you to get a message to Gardener," Dean said.
Ash crossed his arms over his chest. "What makes you think I can do that?" He chuckled, ignoring the urgent look on Dean's face.
Groaning, Dean relented, "Because you're a genius and a badass and you need to hurry because I haven't got much time."
Shrugging, Ash responded, "Crowley's the only one I know that's in the resistance. Not even sure if Gardener exists. Probably some mythical figure made up to keep us all treading the water." He waved his hand in the air dismissively at the idea of Gardener.
Dean was losing his patience, what little he had. "Then you tell Crowley to get a message to him, then. 'We still have what they want. We're ready to make a deal.' Got it?" When Ash nodded, Dean grinned and left. He still had a few more things he needed to take care of while he waited until he heard word from the resistance.
ooooo
Castiel sat on the ground in their camp eating the meat that Bobby had cooked from hunting. He was fairly certain it was a rabbit, but at this point, he didn't question it. If he knew, then he was sure his stomach would roll. He had been hungry and didn't care to go over the finer details of what he was eating. When he finished, he thanked Bobby quietly and retreated, leaning against a tree and staring at his father's watch.
The fire was going and the crackling was the only thing that could be heard. Even the forest seemed quiet. "How old were you when your father disappeared?" Bobby broke the silence.
Castiel looked to the older man before glancing down at the watch. "I was twelve," he answered quietly. He could never forget the day his father left.
"Must have been quite a shock."
Castiel smiled softly, "You know how kids are. They blame themselves for things like that." He glanced up, noticing the lost look on the Hunter's features. "Are you okay?"
Bobby didn't speak for awhile. Castiel looked back at the watch, tracing his fingers over the engraved letters. He had almost forgotten that he had said anything when the Hunter finally spoke, "I was that age, once. When the armies came. I was an apprentice to the greatest Hunter Purgatory had ever seen," Bobby told, gazing up at the sky. There was a sad smile on his face and Castiel could tell how proud he was of the memory.
But his expression turned bitter when he continued, "When it mattered and I was needed most, I lost my nerve and ran. Hid for three days and when I came out, everyone was dead. Even Michael."
Castiel's brows furrowed as Bobby's words flowed. He could see the pain on the older man's face, clear as day. "At first I wished I died with them. But after awhile, a deeper feeling took over. I wanted to avenge them. So I stole the Hunter's weapons and I waited for the right time. When you showed up, I knew it was time, after all these years."
Castiel bit his lip and turned away, not able to look the man in the eyes. Bobby was depending on him and it tore the Angel up. How could someone have so much faith in him? He was just an awkward college student. He had no idea how he was supposed to help anyone, let alone take down the supposed King of Purgatory.
His grip tightened on the watch as he stood softly. Bobby didn't even bat an eye, too lost in his memories to notice. Castiel walked until he was standing on the top of the hill, overlooking the city. His stomach knotted almost painfully and his fists clenched at his side. He could only imagine how beautiful the city must have been in its prime. He knew he should try to do something more, because Dean and Bobby and his father and everyone in Purgatory were depending on his decisions and what he did with the amulet.
The sky began to lighten as dawn approached. Was Dean not coming back? God, he didn't think he could do this without him. Dean had been there from the beginning, helping him even if it was only because of the amulet. He had been a constant in Castiel's life since coming to Purgatory and the Angel wasn't too proud to admit that he needed the man.
Especially if things turned south and he couldn't go home. He thought of Gabriel and his fists tightened. First their father had left him, and now Castiel. That thought sent a burning resolve through him. He would try everything he could to get home.
Bobby had dozed off, leaning against a tree for support. He jerked awake when someone called his name. "You're supposed to be looking after Cas," Dean's voice was hard. "Where is he?"
Bobby shrugged his shoulders, "Beats me. He was here not more'n a few minutes ago. Probably went to clear his head."
Dean groaned and left the camp. The last time Castiel had disappeared, he had been taken to Lucifer in the casino. They didn't need that right now. He thankfully found Castiel not too far away, on a hill with his back to him. Castiel heard him approaching and turned to face him. He had the trench coat on again, to fight the chill of the air.
"Good news," Dean said as he stepped closer to the Angel. "The resistance wants to help. They're sending a special agent who will take us to see Gardener." Dean smiled, but when Castiel didn't speak, his mood fell. "You okay?"
Castiel nodded and smiled softly then. His words were uncertain, "I was beginning to think you weren't coming back."
"You still don't trust me?" Dean couldn't fight the hurt that echoed in his words.
The Angel avoided the question, "How soon until he gets here?"
"Those guys can move pretty fast when they need to," Dean said, looking around. He gazed at the city and Castiel continued to watch the taller man, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"You're going to join them," he said quietly. "Fight alongside them."
Dean sighed. "I have to try. Like Crowley said, I've lived my life playing both sides of the court," he met Castiel's worried gaze. "It was the only way I could stay alive. Made the Demons think I was working for them at The Roadhouse while I fed their enemies. But those days are over," he said confidently.
They made their way back to camp, neither saying a word. "You're awfully quiet," Dean commented.
After a long pause, Castiel inquired, "What will I do if I get stuck here?"
The raw emotion on the Angel's face made Dean's heart skip a beat. He knew he would protect Castiel with his life if it came down to that. But it seemed like he was unable to relay that, as everything he tried seemed to upset the Angel. "Then I'll make sure you're okay," he cupped the man's cheek, leaning forward.
Castiel closed his eyes as he felt the other man's breath on his face. He swayed into the loose embrace, tilting his head slightly.
"Hello, Castiel," a voice broke the moment and both Castiel and Dean jumped away, turning to see who had interrupted them. "Hope I'm not interrupting anything."
Dean stared at the blond haired man, stepping in front of Castiel to shield the smaller man. They spotted Bobby tied to a tree just behind the man. Dean pulled out his gun, taking several steps forward towards him, the gun trained on his forehead.
The man smirked as he noticed the weapon, "Oh look, a toy. You think you can fight me?"
"I'm not an old man," Dean said, clicking the safety off.
The blond waved a hand dismissively and the gun went flying, landing several yards away. Dean cursed but didn't go to retrieve it. Instead, he tightened his fists, ready for a fight if it came down to that.
"Now what are you gonna do, big boy?"
Before Dean could say anything, Castiel stepped between them. "Enough with the fighting!" He demanded in a firm tone. He glanced between Dean and Balthazar, giving them each a glare.
"Who's your friend?" Balthazar asked lightly, unconcerned by the threatening glare from either man.
Castiel pursed his lips, unsure what Dean was to him. He said slowly, "He's just a friend."
"You looked pretty cozy a second ago. You sure about that?"
Castiel blinked in surprise. "Are you jealous, Balthazar?" he asked.
"A little," the blond relented, expression somber.
The Angel almost scoffed at Balthazar's response. "Are you serious? The guy who's engaged to that Bela woman is jealous about me?"
"You know that was an act," Balthazar said in a low voice, taking a step closer to Castiel.
Castiel stepped back. "No, Balthazar. I don't," he responded, searching Balthazar's face for any sign or clue as to what he was really feeling.
He turned away, "C'mon, Castiel, I've brought a horse. We have to get out of here."
"He's not going anywhere with you," Dean moved to stand by Castiel defensively. Even if he didn't have a gun, he sure knew his way around a fight. And he'd be damned if he let this guy take Castiel away.
"He can't stay here," Balthazar said exasperatedly, glaring at Dean as though he were some insect.
"Stop it, both of you," Castiel raised his voice. "I need to know about my dad," he whispered to Dean before moving towards Balthazar. "Is he here?"
"Yes, he's alive and well and if you let me, I'll take you to him," the tall man tried to persuade.
Dean shook his head but Castiel asked, "Really? Where is he?"
"We don't have much time. We're moving him into the city. If we hurry, you can see him by nightfall."
Castiel glared, "What do you mean, moving him?"
"I have people helping me," Balthazar informed lightly.
"What people?" Dean interrupted but Balthazar just ignored him.
Beginning to grow impatient, Balthazar said, "Do you want to see him or not?"
Dean pulled the Angel aside. Once they were out of earshot, he pleaded, "Don't tell me you trust him, Cas."
"He knows where my dad is," Castiel responded softly.
Dean searched those blue eyes, hoping that Castiel wouldn't go with the other man, "He'll say anything to get his hands on the amulet."
"No, he hasn't asked for the amulet. He doesn't want the amulet, do you, Balthazar?" the last part of his question was spoken loud enough so that Balthazar could hear and Castiel turned to look at the man.
"Yes, I do," he said tensely and Castiel's face fell. Balthazar continued, "We need it to get you home, the Gate won't work without it."
"Don't listen to him, Cas. He's working with his father."
"Then why am I alone?" Balthazar glared at Dean, angrily. "Why aren't there a dozen Demons at my back? And how did I find you here, in the middle of the forest? Do you think I just followed my nose? I'm good, but not that good."
"How did you find us?" Dean eyed him wearily.
Balthazar gave him a duh look, "You sent for me. I'm the agent who's supposed to take you to Gardener."
His words surprised Dean. He hadn't thought that Lucifer's own son would be part of the resistance. But then a niggling feeling started to get to him. This could all be some elaborate plot to get the amulet.
"You know Gardener?" Castiel interjected.
"Very well. Gardener recruited me into the resistance. So I stole the amulet and escaped to your world. It was supposed to trigger a coup. Unfortunately, well, you saw what happened. But if you give us back the amulet, we can give it another try."
"You want to overthrow your father?" Dean questioned uncertainly.
"I've seen what he's done close up and I know better than anyone that if he isn't stopped, he'll destroy Purgatory," he informed before turning his attention to Castiel. "So who are you going to trust to get you and your father back home?" Balthazar stepped close to Castiel, gazing down at him. He brought a hand to the Angel's shoulder, resting it there gently. "A resistance insider and future King who's already scheduled your return trip through the Gate, who cares for you more than anyone else in the world, or this man?" He sneered at Dean.
Dean could feel his heart clenching at the man's words, knowing that Castiel believed him. He sighed and stepped away, trying his best to avoid the Angel's gaze.
Balthazar continued softly, "Where's the amulet, Castiel?"
Castiel didn't speak for a moment, trying to find the right words. "It's where it belongs," he said, turning to look at the crumbling stone seat that had once been the throne. The amulet lay on the seat and Balthazar let out a triumphant sound as he moved to scoop it up.
"I wish you all the luck in the world, Cas," Dean said quietly.
Castiel's brows furrowed, "You're coming with us, Dean."
"I don't think I figure in the future king's plans," Dean huffed and Castiel turned to look at Balthazar.
"He's coming with us," his words were meant to be a statement, but it came out sounding more like a question.
"Gardener was very clear," Balthazar said as he slipped the amulet into his pocket. "The resistance will only help you on their terms. You must come alone."
"But Dean stood by me," Castiel insisted. He wanted Dean there, he didn't want to do this without him.
"It's for your own safety and for your father's."
"Hey," Dean said, pulling Castiel close, whispering low in the man's ear. "I wouldn't want go with this dick anyway."
Castiel blinked, "What will you do?"
"Me? Are you kidding?" Dean smiled, not quite reaching his eyes. "I'll be fine. Believe me, you're better off with this guy. Go," Dean nodded and turned away. Castiel watched him, feeling as though his world was ending.
Dean stood next to Bobby on the hill, watching as Castiel and Balthazar rode away from the city. "He's in safe hands," Dean assured Bobby, but the Hunter knew he was saying it to convince himself.
ooooo
AN: Finals are over! And I got straight As! Gah, after all that work, I would have been pissed if I hadn't. But now that it's summer break, I can finally get this fic finished up :D I meant to work on this a few days ago, but the Dean/Cas Big Bang has been calling my name and I've spent the first few days of break writing like a crazy woman on it.
Thanks for all the reviews/alerts! I should hopefully get the next chapter out in a couple days though. And Happy Mother's Day!
Quick question: I'm wondering if I should put in a little more "action" at the end, if you know what I mean? Or should I stick to a T rating, like my other stories?