A/N: Prompt: Mistaken Identity
"Jimmy?"
Castiel couldn't stop his automatic reaction and turned to face a man he'd never seen before. The man, well dressed, stared at the angel as if he'd seen a ghost.
"Jimmy?" The guy repeated, as Castiel stayed silent, not knowing what to say. "Is that you? It's me, Gary. Remember? From work?"
Knowing he had to speak, Castiel pretended to recognize the name. "Yes," he said awkwardly. "Hello, Gary. From work."
"What happened, man? We thought you were dead."
"No, I," Castiel shifted uncomfortably. After leaving the safety of the bunker, it had occurred to him to maybe find the remains of Jimmy's family. But he'd quickly discarded that. He'd caused his vessel and his family enough pain, he didn't need to add more. Finally, he settled on, "I had to leave."
"Oh." Gary looked just as uncomfortable. "Yeah, there were those rumors about your breakdown, that religious thing…" he broke off, clearly realizing he shouldn't say any more.
"Yes," Castiel looked away in shame. Jimmy's family had probably told everyone Jimmy was still locked away, safe in an institution. It didn't take much to see Gary realizing Jimmy's plight ended much worse than that.
Given his own situation, it wasn't hard to pretend.
Aware he looked like a beggar, he saw the pity in Gary's eyes. "Please don't tell Amelia and Claire."
Gary shook his head. "No, whatever you say, man." He then took out his wallet, and pulled out a couple of twenties. Castiel started to refuse, but Jimmy's old friend wouldn't hear of it. "Take it," he said, as at that moment the former angel's hunger betrayed him with a loud stomach growl.
Grateful, Castiel looked at the money now in his hands. "Thank you."
A sad look overcame his vessel's friend. "Take care, Jimmy." And with that, Gary was gone.
"I am trying," Castiel whispered to no one.