I'm really, seriously, very, extremely, unbelievably, severely, utterly sorry for the lack of updates lately. I seem to be plagued by a horrible case of writer's block, not to mention buried under a ton of school work D8
Anyway, hope this is alright. It took me AGES to settle on a plot for this, and it took extra effort that I had to make the best of using dialogue. You'd think it would be easier writing a story with just mostly plain dialogue in it, but no. Things have to make sense all the way!
Take my advice, if you plan on doing a long-ish dialogue fic, be prepared for massive headaches XD
Also, to lessen the confusion, " " means normal conversation while ** ** means phone conversation :)
It was war in Heaven, Lucifer's armies against Michael's.
At the gate's southern regions, two rival garrisons were battling to the death, one under Azazel and the other under Zachariah. And Zachariah's forces were quickly losing.
"Fall back! I repeat, fall back! We have to regroup with the others!" he commanded.
What was left of their garrison took flight, although the enemy was hot in pursuit.
"You at the back! You're holding us up! Move faster!" Zachariah yelled.
"It's Castiel, sir! He's heavily injured; we're only supporting him." Uriel answered.
"Leave him! He's as good as dead anyway. He might as well make himself useful by delaying Azazel."
"But sir – !"
"I said drop him! That's an order!" screamed Zachariah.
Uriel looked at his brother, whose light was dangerously flickering out and gazing at him with imploring blue orbs. "Forgive me, brother." he whispered.
O_x
"Alright, you sure you're up to it?"
"Yes, I wish to do something that would compensate for my inability to mend your condition."
"Tt. Would'a been a helluva lot easier for both of us if you could just fix my damn legs."
"I... apologize."
"Save it. Now, here's your list for the week. Remember, I want you here at exactly 2 o'clock every Thursday, and only on that time. And I don't care if Thursday's your special day; you're gonna deliver whether you want to or not. And don't give me excuses like you found a lead on God or something; if you're late, I'm gonna whack you on the head with a bible. Clear?"
"…Understood."
"Good. Now read what's on the list. If you have any questions, now's the time to ask 'em."
"'A quarter pound of crushed verbena. A bucket's worth of African toadstools. Three cups' worth of Asian clover. Finely grounded powder from snail shells. Thirty hand-sized chalcopyrite rocks. Half a jug's worth of poison dart frog secretions. Six pairs of giant moth wings. Ten pregnant bombardier beetles. A kilo of bayberry wax.'"
"Got that?"
"Yes."
"And if you're even an inch off the numbers – "
"I will not get them wrong."
"You better not. And no sassing or bitching at me in the coming weeks either; you're the one who signed up for this in the first place."
"Of course."
"…"
"…"
"Well then, flap to it!"
O_x
"Hello, Bobby."
"Oh for the love of – ! What the hell are you doing here?"
"It's Thursday, 2 o'clock."
"Yeah, I got that."
"…I thought that – "
"You're on time, alright. But that doesn't mean you can just pop in two feet in front of me!"
"Is this about… personal space?"
"Gee, whatever made you think that?"
"…Dean has mentioned something similar…"
"I bet he did. So, you get all the stuff?"
"Yes, although I had some difficulty with the chalcopyrite – "
"Yeah, yeah; here's your next list. I wrote on there a ton of sandalwood, but if you can get two, then that's good."
"…"
"What, feathers in a bunch there?"
"You… want me to start immediately?"
"Got a problem with that?"
"…No."
"So, what're you waiting for? Shoo! Go on!"
"…As you wish."
"Tt. And would it kill ya to use the damn door next time?"
O_x
"Well, look what the cat dragged in,"
"Hello, Bobby."
"Hm, at least you went through the door like a normal person. Where're the things I sent you for?"
"Outside. I thought you would disapprove if I brought such large objects into your house."
"Good."
"…I suspect you have another long list for me,"
"You're damn right I do. Here. And since you're so eager about it, you'll be happy to know that this next one is twice as long as the others."
"…"
"What's with the face?"
"…This is a grocery list."
"Ya think, genius?"
"You want me to go shopping… for your groceries?"
"Hey, a man's gotta eat."
"…But I don't have any money."
"That's your problem now."
"Are you suggesting that I steal?"
"I'm suggesting that you haul ass and get going already. It's not like food can just waltz through the front door."
"…"
"Your hand's bleeding by the way."
"It's… I didn't notice that before."
"So your head's too high up in the clouds to even detect the blood dripping down your fingers?"
"I got into a fight with three of my sisters earlier. Right after I escaped, I had to go here and – "
"As interesting as quality time with your buddies is, what I really care about now is stocking up my fridge."
"…I'll go then."
O_x
"Cas… what is this?"
"It's what you instructed me to bring."
"I didn't tell you to buy a damn porn DVD!"
"There's the word 'Milf' enumerated on your list."
"What? Let me see that – I wrote on there milk, ya idjit!"
"You should improve on your penmanship."
"My penmanship's just fine! You need to read better."
"I asked a few people and they all interpreted that as 'milf'."
"Every last one of you needs glasses if that's the case. And how do you even know what M.I.L.F. means?"
"A five-year-old girl told me."
"…A five-year-old girl ?"
"Yes. And she directed me to the store where I can buy it."
"…I won't even try reacting to this."
"Should I return the DVD?"
"And get some more words of wisdom from little girls? Don't bother. Give me your phone."
"Why?"
"To get your number and to put in mine. Obviously, you're no better than a toddler sometimes, and while I can't keep an eye on you twenty-four-seven, I could at least give you clearer instructions, and the occasional reminder to stay away from five-year-olds."
"But – "
"Too late. I have direct access to boss you around wherever you go, so get used to it."
O_x
**Uhm… hello?**
**About time you idjit picked up your damn phone! I've been calling you for five minutes!**
**My apologies. I've been… occupied.**
**Still God-hunting, huh? Anyway, I'm checking up on your progress; what're you up to right now?**
**I am about to buy the tools you require.**
**That's good.**
**…**
**Cas? Are those giggling little kids in the background?**
**Yes.**
**Where the hell are you anyway?**
**On a bench, in a park.**
**I thought you said you were gonna buy my tools.**
**Yes, I will, as soon as my three hours are over.**
**Three hours? What's going on there?**
**One of the children got my phone. He said he would return it if I spent three straight hours on this bench.**
**And you just did what they tell ya?**
**It was a… double-dog dare.**
**…Man, do I feel sorry for you.**
**Why? They're actually quite nice; some of the girls are even putting ribbons in my hair.**
**Like I said, I feel sorry for you. Alright, I'm hanging up. I don't wanna make this any weirder than it already is. Just do me a favor and don't embarrass yourself when you go to the hardware store.**
O_x
**So just keep walking inward until you reach the coldest spot in the building.**
**Alright.**
**You there yet?**
**Just about.**
**Okay, once you're there, just grab one and go.**
**There's so many here,**
**Yeah, try not to get too excited.**
**How can anyone just pick a single item?**
**That's just how we roll. Now quit blabbering and get a move on!**
**Bobby, there's one here labeled 'Chunky Monkey'. Does that mean that this is made out of chunky monkeys?**
**What? No! That's just wrong! Kids eat that for crying out loud!**
**So why do they name something that isn't even – ?**
**How should I know? I'm not the one who came up with the damn thing.**
**There's also a 'Mud Pie' here. Is that really made out of mud then?**
**It's the same with the 'Chunky Monkey,' it's just a stupid name!**
**What about 'Turtle Soup'? How can a soup be associated with ice cream?**
**Damn it, Cas, just get me my 'Peach Cobbler'! I swear, this is the last time I'm sending you off for Ben and Jerry's!**
O_x
**Bobby, what is a… cowabunga?**
**Cowa– ? Please don't tell me you're doing something stupid,**
**I am watching Ninja Turtles.**
**…Dare I ask why?**
**I got curious.**
**You do know I'm not the only person you can call, right? Go ask Sam or Dean that.**
**They are busy.**
**Of course they are… Just watch and enjoy your show quietly like a good boy. Eventually, their freaking vocabulary's not the only thing you're gonna scratch your head at.**
**I have the urge to consume pizza for some reason.**
**Hopefully, that's the only side-effect you'll be getting.**
O_x
**Bobby?**
**Cas? What is it?**
**Uhm…**
**Something happen?**
**…Dean was mean to me.**
**Shouldn't you be used to that by now?**
**Hmf…**
**Aren't you a mopey little princess. Alright, what did that boy do this time?**
**…**
**Oh, come on. You called me, might as well bitch about it.**
**…**
**Would it get you to spill if I tell you I'm used to dealing with petty whining?**
**…He pushed me during my turn on Jenga and the tower fell down.**
**…**
**…Bobby? Are you still there?**
**Why the hell were you playing that stupid game in the first place?**
**Dean got 'bored'. And their playing cards got soaked on their previous hunt.**
**So… Jenga?**
**Yes.**
**And Dean pushed you on your turn,**
**Yes.**
**Any particular reason why he'd do that?**
**I believe he was annoyed with how perfectly steady my hand was.**
**That all?**
**No.**
**You're kidding,**
**Later on at a diner, Dean bought himself and Sam two triple-cheeseburgers, then a mini-burger for me.**
**Trying to watch your weight or something?**
**The mini-burger was the size of a golf ball.**
**…Huh.**
**It wasn't even a real burger; it was a candy that only looked like one.**
**Well, it's not like you need to eat anyway.**
**…I guess. But then the laughing and pointing was a tad unnecessary.**
**I swear, you boys act worse than preschoolers. Okay, if it makes you feel better, you have my consent to smack that idjit upside the head. And make it two smacks, one from you and one from me.**
**I'll think about it.**
**Judging by that chuckle, I reckon your mind's already made up.**
**Goodbye, Bobby.**
O_x
**Hello?**
**…**
**Hello? Castiel?**
**…Bobby…**
**You alright? You sound gloomier than usual,**
**…I… I don't….**
**What's wrong? You're not hurt or anything, are ya?**
**…No… not hurt.**
**Then what?**
**…**
**Cas, speak up! You know how paranoid I get in these – **
**I just killed one of my brothers.**
**Oh. Sorry. But, hey, at least you're in one piece, right?**
**…**
**Cas?**
**…I can't… I don't want to do this anymore.**
**Not like there's anything stopping you from taking a breather,**
**It's not just that. I'm tired… I'm so tired of… of everything, of everyone dying around me...**
**Hey, hey, take it easy there. It's not the end of the world, and if we're lucky that would never happen.**
**…**
**You wanna come over to my speck on the planet? I managed to dig up an old bottle of Jack in the basement.**
**…But it's not even Thursday yet.**
**Thursday? What do you – ? Oh that. Cas, come on, every rule has an exception. I thought by now you've passed through the whole total-obedience thing.**
**That's… very kind of you. But no, thank you. I… I wish to mourn my brother in peace for a moment.**
**Alright, I can respect that. Just…**
**Just what?**
**Just, I dunno, keep the line on. I wanna make sure you won't accidentally jump off a cliff or something equally stupid.**
**I… okay.**
**…**
**…**
**…**
**…**
**Where are you anyway?**
**Deep in some forest in Finland .**
**Way to be specific.**
**There's a lake here, half-frozen. The trees are full of flowers and the sun is just coming out of the horizon,**
**Sounds like heaven there.**
**…**
**Uh, sorry 'bout that.**
**It's alright. It is beautiful here; I wish you could see it.**
**Well, just don't zap me off any time soon. I ain't exactly travel-worthy right now so I'll settle for picture.**
**The camera on my phone's broken, unfortunately.**
**What'd you do, accidentally sit on it?**
**…Yes.**
**Tt, so much for being a featherweight. Anyway, next time you're in my house, I'll take your phone to a guy I know. He'll fix it right up at half the usual price… if you want anyway.**
**Thank you.**
**…**
**...**
**...So, uhh… you doing alright there?**
**I am… still coping.**
**Okay. I know it's tough; no one should have to kill their loved ones, their own family. I've been there and it still rips me apart sometimes.**
**…**
**Just take it easy for a while. And if you change your mind about coming over, my door's always open, you hear?**
**…Yes. Thank you, Bobby.**
**Alright, I'll leave you to it then.**
O_x
"Where is that birdbrain? He should've been here four hours ago,"
"…B-Bobby…"
"Castiel? That you at the door?"
"Where is that birdbrain? He should've been here four hours ago,"
"…B-Bobby…"
"Castiel? That you at the door?"
"…Unghh…"
"I'm coming, I'm coming. And a simple 'yes' would do. You sound like – Holy crap! What happened to you?"
"…Ambush… s-seven angels… sorry for… f-f-for being late…"
"Don't be sorry for anything. Get your ass in here now!"
"Nngh… beads…on your list… g-got broken… A-And I was… supposed to s-surprise you… with a big… bottle of whiskey… but it got broken… too… Please don't… h-hit me with a bible."
"I'm not hitting you with anything if you're like this; you can barely stay upright."
"…"
"Cas?"
"…dizzy…"
"Whoa, easy there; I gotcha, I gotcha. Just stay with me now; I can't have you passing out this way."
"…Back… hurts…"
"Your back – ? God, you have a huge slash from your socket to your lower spine! And it's still bleeding out!"
"I… noticed."
"Now is seriously not the time for you to try out sarcasm. Damn it, Cas, what did they do to you?"
"…t-tear out… wings…"
"Crap. But since you made it here that means they're still attached, right?"
"…"
"Cas."
"…"
"Castiel!"
"…mmf…"
"Do you still have your wings, yes or no?"
"…Y-Yes."
"Can you heal them?"
"…with… time…"
"Alright. Okay. You can't just lean on my chair all day. Can you make it to my bed?"
"…Can't… feel… legs…"
"It's your spine. Must've struck some nerves there and messed up your motor skills."
"…Can't… w-walk."
"Yes, you can. One foot in front of the other, easy as that."
"…"
"Come on you lazy feather-duster! I sure as hell ain't letting anyone else end up like me, so toughen up and move your goddamn legs! You understand?"
"...Yes…"
"Good, that's good. Keep going; I'll keep you steady."
"…room… spinning…"
"That's okay. Just concentrate on walking, you're almost there."
"Can't s-see… right."
"Three more steps and you're there, I promise."
"…Bobby…"
"It's okay. Take it easy, I'm not going anywhere. There you go, there you go. Now lie down – on your side, you idjit! That's it. It's all over now."
"…I feel… odd…"
"You're just tired, is all. And I think you're already going into shock 'cuz of the blood loss. Hang on, I'm gonna get something."
"…D-Don't…"
"I ain't leaving you, I'm only getting – Alright, I found it."
"…Whassat?"
"My special electric blanket. Just gonna put this on you then,"
"…Why's it special?"
"It's the best one I got, and I only use this for emergencies in the family."
"…"
"…So, uh, you need bandages, painkillers… anything?"
"No thank you… I can heal on my own… I may require… an hour… or two…"
"Yeah, try 'til morning. You're spending the night here whether you like it or not."
"But… your list…"
"It can wait. You're still as bad off as road-kill."
"…m's'rry… for t-troubling you."
"No, I'm sorry. I've been pushing you too hard from the start. You're a good guy and, well, I shouldn't have abused your help."
"…If I could… I wouldn't… hesitate in… mending your legs…"
"Yeah, I know."
"…"
"…"
"…"
"I guess I oughta let you get some rest now."
"Mm…"
"If you want anything, call, alright?"
"I will… Thank you."
"See you in the morning then."
"…Goodnight, Bobby…"
"…Night, son."
Thanks so much for reading! 8D
And for those who have access to Ben and Jerry's, I'm curious what Turtle Soup tastes like XD
Don't know when I'll be back here again, but I'm hoping it's a little sooner than last time.