You know, I really should have expected everyone would want Cas. I mean, you don't need to be psychic to have predicted that! Unfortunately, as much as I love the guy, everyone's favorite Angel of Thursday is not exactly easy to write. I didn't want him sounding like an idiot, but I also needed to capture the stoic cluelessness that is Castiel. So I hope you all like it, and please forgive me if you feel I have dishonored him in any way.

Disclaimer: Look, if I did own it, Lucifer would be in every season and Jo wouldn't have died. So, obviously I don't own Supernatural.

Now up, because you demanded it: Castiel

XXX

Castiel did not understand the point of Halloween. From the way Dean had described it, it seemed to be a celebration of decadence while denying your true self. How could the humans indulge in such a holiday?

The costumes in particular baffled him. The shop he had been coerced into entering was filled with disguises; walls, racks, and shelves overflowed with monstrous faces, extravagant garments, and grisly props. The idea of pretending to be someone you're not, even in jest, was an alien concept to the Angel of Thursday. Perhaps that's why Jo had insisted on assisting him in selecting a costume. Dean was apparently planning some sort of party in celebration of the day, and had insisted that costumes were mandatory.

"What do you think, Cas? Werewolf or Vampire?"

He furrowed his brow at the blonde's question. "Both are unholy creatures that Sam and Dean hunt on a regular basis. Why would I wish to be either?"

Jo sighed. They'd been at it for an hour with no real breakthrough. She'd made dozens of suggestions, all of which had been innocently shot down by Castiel's questions and nit picking. They ranged from the pirate costume not being realistic to him not wanting to associate himself with witchcraft, thus eliminating any Harry Potter garments. "Come on, Castiel. There has to be something you wanna dress up as."

He shook his head and looked her in the eyes. "Joanna, I am an Angel of the Lord. I am as He made me. I do not wish to deny His work by discarding my identity and gallivanting about as something I am not. I am content with who and what I am. And," he hesitated, glancing away for a moment, "I thought you liked me the way I am, too."

Though it was well hidden, Jo could hear that tiny touch of insecurity in the angel's voice. It melted her heart just a little bit. She was beginning to suspect he'd been taking lessons from Sam. "Oh, Cas, it's not like that! I do like you the way you are! We all do."

"Then why do you desire to turn me into someone else?"

Ok, now she was certain that Sam had been teaching him his patented "puppy-dog eyes," because there was no way Castiel could have known how to give that look on his own. And that look combined with his enormous baby-blues was simply not fair on any level. Still, she had to smile at his innocence. "Because it's fun. You're always so serious, and while we love you for it, a guy like you deserves some fun. I mean, you've risked your life for us, defied Heaven, saved billions of people, and put up with the Winchester's antics on a nearly daily basis. Believe me, if anyone's earned a chance to let loose and have some fun, it's you."

Castiel, after a moment of consideration, nodded. "I think I am beginning to understand. However, I still do not wish to wear revealing clothing. I am still an angel, and I have no desire to partake in any sinful acts."

Jo giggled, grateful he was finally relaxing his standards. "Don't listen to Dean. Not everybody dresses like a skank."

"That is good to hear. I was concerned when Dean showed me a catalogue filled with indecent costumes. What will you be going as?"

After that little speech, she was insanely thankful she had gone for a non-slutty costume. "Alice from Alice in Wonderland. You know it?"

He nodded in approval. "Yes, I recall the books. They were…strange, but the language was oddly appealing."

She grinned. "Yeah, I loved the Disney movie as a kid. The Tim Burton version, not so much. I especially liked the tea party scene; the Mad Hatter ruled!" Her eyes suddenly lit up in inspiration. "Cas, I think I've got your costume!"

He tilted his head to the side in confusion as Jo started to frantically peruse the assortment of hats on display. "Oh?"

"You can be my Mad Hatter!"

He mulled it over. He did rather enjoy the story of Alice Liddell and her adventures in Wonderland, and he was certain that Jo would not endeavor to dress him inappropriately. "This would be an acceptable costume?"

She smiled, locating an appropriately wild top hat. "Definitely," she said as she carefully placed it on his head. Stepping back, she scrutinized him for a moment before giving him a thumbs-up. "Oh yeah. You look much hotter than Johnny Depp did."

Castiel gently touched the soft velvet of the hat. It was outrageous, but oddly comfortable. Still, he had his doubts. "Joanna, are you certain I can act the part? He was rather wild, after all, and I am decidedly not so. Dean can attest to that."

Jo giggled as she picked out an equally outrageous suit and bowtie. "Maybe, but it's more fun if somebody goes as something that matches. So you can be my Hatter, and that'll give me an excuse to stick by your side and protect you from the half-naked women Dean's inevitably going to try to hook you up with. Don't need my favorite angel being cornered by a bunch of rabid hookers, do I?"

He smiled, grateful beyond words for the hunter's promise. "Thank you, Joanna. I would like that."

She linked her arm with his. "Just call me Jo. Now come on; we need to find us a tea set!"

XXX

Hope you enjoyed that. I figured I'd switch things up and have Cas be the one trying to find a costume this time, though I may or may not write another one if I'm given a good idea (hint hint). Next up with be Bobby, and I will warn you, it will be full of gruffness and sweet daddy-daughter themed goodness. In other words, don't be surprised if you get cavities from it. Please review, and remember I'm always interested in ideas for upcoming chapters! I'm especially willing to use a pairing I've already done. Believe me, I'd love to do another Lucifer/Jo chapter if anyone has a good suggestion!

Oh, and if anyone's a fan of the Tim Burton version of Alice, I didn't mean to insult you, but well, not exactly my favorite movie. That's all I'm sayin'. But you gotta admit Cas would make a hotter Hatter than orange-and-white Johnny Depp.