Chapter 7

"I was wondering when you were finally going to show up."

Castiel couldn't help but flinch. He studied the slight man who was looking up at him from his computer. Prophets were notoriously odd individuals and Chuck the Prophet proved to be no exception. Castiel could only guess how many drinks the man had consumed prior to his arrival. Not to mention Chuck's disheveled appearance and dark circles under his eyes gave away his lack of sleep.

And yet, despite his appearance, Chuck had proven himself a powerful ally for the Winchesters, willing (although reluctantly) to go along with Dean's plan to save Sam from Lillith and had since accepted his role as a prophet. The man had also proven himself to be compassionate and eager to use his gift to help in whatever way he could. Of course, Zachariah prevented him from helping the Winchesters outright, but his heart was still in the right place.

Castiel met Chuck's gaze, trying to mask his feelings.

"Hello, Chuck," Castiel said quietly.

Chuck sighed. "Hello, Castiel. But, seriously? Is it really necessary to act all… formal? I know why you're really here so how about we just get to the point. Because, trust me, it's not exactly a conversation I'm real comfortable having with an angel."

Castiel tensed and could see how uncomfortable Chuck was as well. "How much do you know?"

Chuck closed his eyes and sighed. He opened them and reached over for his glass of whiskey that was sitting nearby and took a swig before speaking.

"Well… I know about Anna… and the seal in Utah… and… what you and Dean did in Utah… and… well… everything that's happened after," Chuck replied nervously.

Castiel nodded, guilt twisting in his gut. He began walking over to where Chuck sat. "Did you write any of it?" He asked quietly.

"What…? No! No, are you nuts!? It'd be bad enough if the other angels found it, but then if Sam or Dean got their hands on it? I think Dean would kill me on the spot!"

Castiel swallowed hard and averted his gaze. "Thank you."

Chuck narrowed his eyes at him. "Hey, don't be thanking me! Personally, I think what you did was a pretty douche-bag move!"

Castiel looked up at him sharply. "Excuse me?"

Chuck sat up straighter in his seat. "You heard me! I mean, seriously, you never even gave Dean a choice in it! You just decided to take away his memory and act like nothing ever happened! Don't you think he would have liked to have a say in what you did to his memory?"

Castiel swallowed hard. "Dean wouldn't have understood…"

Chuck let out snort. "Please! Dean would have understood! He can be a real dick, but he's not an idiot! He loves you and he would do anything to protect you. Well… actually, right now he's pretty pissed off at you because of what you said in Illinois… which, again, was a real douche-bag thing to say."

Castiel felt a need to defend himself. "You don't understand. I had to say those things-"

Chuck held up a hand. "I know! I know! I know what they did to you and I know the deal Zachariah made with you. But Dean still deserved to know the truth. I mean, what are you going to do if he finds out? You know how pissed off he's going to be, especially now."

The angel let out a weary sigh and sat down in a nearby chair. "I… I don't know… I don't know what to do."

Chuck looked at Castiel silently for minute, sympathy written in his eyes.

"I know… I know Zach and the other angels have made all of this a mess for you… and… and it's a little weird that you two hooked up anyway cuz… well… I mean… you're both guys and you're an angel and Dean really has never been gay before…"

The man stopped at the scathing look Castiel shot him.

"I… uh… what I mean to say… I know this sucks… but you two can work it out… somehow…"

"It cannot work out."

"Why not? You love him and he loves you. What about… you know… true love and all that crap?"

"Maybe for humans things are that simple, but angels are not meant to experience such emotions."

"Yeah, well, I didn't think angels were supposed to show up and scare the crap out of the prophets either."

Castiel studied Chuck carefully for a moment.

"You do not appear afraid now despite the candid words you spoke."

Chuck shrugged. "What's the point? Nothing can hurt me. Stupid archangel keeps showing up to prevent that. Besides, you're not like the other angels. You actually give a shit about what happens to us. Well… you did anyway."

The man met the angel's gaze. They both knew the unspoken truth they weighed down both of them. Suddenly, Castiel heard a command from Zachariah from afar.

It is time. Release the demon boy.

Castiel closed his eyes and his stomach sank. Chuck looked at him sadly, knowing the message he had just received and powerless to anything to help.

"I have to go," Castiel said quietly, rising to his feet.

Chuck nodded, his head hung dejectedly. "I know."

Castiel started walking away, but stopped and turned for a moment.

"I… I'm sorry."

Chuck swallowed hard. "I know."

Castiel reluctantly disappeared into the night, his mission his new priority.

***

I know this is short, but, darn it all, I wanted a scene with Chuck because that man is so awesome and funny and I wanted him and Cas to have a chance to sit down for at least a quick chat!

My plan is to post one more chapter before I turn in for the night so I'm gonna take a quick break and get back to work soon! : )