Chapter 5: Samandriel

Castiel let out a breath as he finally managed to calm down. Sam was worried about him, and so was Charlie and a few other people. It made him smile, thinking that despite his sudden appearance people actually cared for him.

The room was now completely silent, save for the breathing of the child. Castiel hurriedly checked his pulse, as he seemed to be waking up. The child's eyes fluttered open, a childish blue met with Castiel's, who stumbled backwards, causing Sam and Dean to look alarmed.

"Cas?" Dean asked, seeing how frozen Castiel was. Turning his head, he met with the child's blue eyes. Almost matching Castiel's. The boy was now sitting upright, his eyes boring into Castiel's, almost like he was never injured in the first place.

On closer inspection, the boy seemed to now have no injuries on his body. This completely threw Dean off, and judging by the way Castiel was frozen, he assumed they must've known each other. Taking a step towards Castiel, he placed a hand on his shoulder, causing the man to jump and snap his head around.

As he met with those piercing blue, they seemed dull again. Fear was running through them, along with anxiety and confusion.

"Castiel."

The boy spoke and it was almost like he was spitting daggers with the malice in his voice. Castiel's eyes widened as he began to tremble. Who was this child to Castiel?

"S-Samandriel… Why…?"

Hearing the tremble and fear in Castiel's voice almost threw Dean over the edge. He wanted to maul this boy, to make him stop doing whatever he was doing to Castiel. He didn't like it. This ten year old boy making Castiel tremble with fear.

Dean almost jumped at the boy as he stood up, seemingly fine even with the extent of injuries he used to have. Watching Castiel flinch back made Dean's hand twitch. It wanted to start swinging, but he knew the disapproving look he'd get from Sam and Castiel if he lunged at a child.

Clenching his fist, he was about to intervene when the boy spoke again, his words harsh and piercing.

"Michael is very angry Castiel." The boy's eyes were emotionless as his words stabbed Castiel. Dean didn't miss the flinch at the name spoken.

"No. Tell Michael I'm not coming back." Though his words were fierce, his voice gave out as he so obviously trembled in fear. The boy smiled, sending a chilling shiver down his spine. This boy wasn't normal. Castiel mentioned experiments, so maybe…?

Dean was running things over in his head when he heard a cry come from Castiel's mouth. At some point, the boy had made it close enough to Castiel to hit him harshly on the cheek, sending him back to the ground with a force that made a 'thud' as he made contact with the hard floor.

That was it. Dean lunged in between them, grabbing the boy's wrists, which seemed so fragile under his large hands. He met those dead blue eyes with his own fierce green. For a moment, he thought he saw emotion flash through them.

"Don't you lay a finger on Castiel, you hear me? Go back to this Michael or whatever and tell him you aren't getting him back. He belongs to my camp now, and if he has a god damn problem, he can come to me and we'll hash it out."

His voice came out as a growl as the boy's eyes widened for the first time. He heard a small whimper from behind him.

"Dean… Don't…" Castiel tried to defend the boy that just threw him to the ground. Now trembling with anger, he threw the boy at Sam, telling him to lock him up in the safe box for now. Castiel tried to protest, but the look in Dean's eye stopped him cold.

As Sam escorted the frozen child out, Dean crossed his arms, his gaze lowering to the trembling man on the ground.

"Cas I-"He was cut off almost immediately by Castiel.

"Dean I'm sorry." Dean opened his mouth to respond, but nothing came out so he close it again. He kneeled down next to Castiel, placing his hand on his chin and directing it up. His cheek didn't look too bad from this angle. It'd heal quickly at least with little bruising.

He met those ocean blue eyes, swimming with emotions. He'd never seen so many emotions flit through at once. Cupping his injured cheek, Dean just gazed into this eyes, which were now widening with shock.

"Dean?" His voice shook Dean. He closed his eyes for a moment, regaining himself. His voice was just so damn sexy. He bit his lip, holding back the urge to just kiss him right there. Taking a deep breath in, he steadied himself.

"…I'm glad it's not too bad." Dean finally spoke, running his hand gently across the injury on his cheek. It infuriated him that Castiel actually allowed a child to have so much power over him. He wanted to press the man, to find out exactly what was going on at his old camp, but he couldn't force something like that off of Castiel right now, since he's pretty shaken right now.

Right now they'd just focus on Samandriel, see what they could get out of him. He seemed… distant from everyone else, cut off from his emotions. He wondered if it was just the fact he was so young in these difficult times.

Oh he was so wrong.

After everything calmed down, Dean took Castiel to rest, since he seemed to be emotionally and physically exhausted from the day's events. He tried to protest, but Dean wasn't hearing any of it. He brought Castiel some water and told him to rest. He'd get him up before dinner.

Once Castiel finally fell asleep, Dean headed towards the safe box, stone-faced. He was so lost in his own thoughts he didn't hear the familiar chime of Charlie's voice calling out to him. He only stopped once he felt a warm hand on his shoulder.

Whipping around, he was about to yell at the person for bugging him while he was busy, but noticing it was Charlie he felt a little better. She had a worried expression on her face.

"Is everything okay?" She asked, removing her hand from Dean's shoulder. She noticed the way he was tense and standing straight. That was never a good sign.

"Yeah yeah. Don't worry about me. That child we brought back is bad news and I'm going to talk to him now. See if I can get anything out of him. He's only ten fucking years old and he's devoid of emotion and he gives Cas just one look and the man has a fucking panic attack again. I just don't know what the fuck to do, considering I can't force it out of Cas, I just can't. I just…" Dean hung his head and let out an audible sigh.

He looked up to see Charlie's brow furrowed and her arms crossed.

"Wow dude. Sounds like you got a lot of shit on your plate. Well don't stress too much about it! Cas will eventually open up to you, just gotta give him some time." Charlie smiled and it lifted a few things from Dean's chest.

Thank god he had such an awesome best friend.

After saying his goodbyes, he didn't waste time reaching the safe box. Sam was stationed outside, his face was emotionless, though when he saw Dean walk up he seemed to relax just a little. He was about to speak when Dean just shook his head, opening the door and letting it slam shut.

He felt bad, but he wanted to get this over with. He unlocked another door as he noticed the boy just sitting in a chair off to the side, his posture perfect, completely straight, and his face devoid of any emotion of life.

Upon hearing the door creak open, Dean met the boy's empty eyes. It made his stomach twist wondering what could have made those eyes so lifeless. Dean frowned as he walked toward the boy who just watched him.

It was kind of creepy…

Clearing his throat, Dean pulled up a chair next to the boy, slight confusion flashing across his face. The boy tilted his head, just like Castiel would.

"You are not going to hurt me? Or kill me?" Feeling his stomach twist again, Dean realized that the boy hadn't planned on being let go alive, and the child was completely okay with that.

A sick feeling settle in his gut as he swallowed and shook his head. "No, I won't kill you. Why… Never mind. I'm here to talk. I just want some information okay?" He was trying to be gentle, not come across as angry or forced.

The boy just stared at him. They sat quietly staring each other down for a few minutes. It was excruciating for Dean. Who knew when Castiel was going to get up? What if he ran off while Dean was away? He was regretting not telling Sam to watch him while he was with the kid.

Noticing the change in his thoughts, Samandriel tilted his head once again.

"I am Samandriel. I came from the same camp as Castiel did. Except I came to retrieve Castiel. He has made Michael angry." Dean was a little shocked that he started talking, but he must've realized he wasn't going anywhere unless he started talking.

Putting his hand up to stop him, Dean's mind was swarming with questions.

"Okay. Who is Michael?" Samandriel gave a slight nod as he responded.

"Michael is our leader. He was sent from God to save us all. Everyone in our camp believes this… Except for Castiel. We all ended up together because we are all named after angels. No one has opposed Michael… except for Castiel."

Wait. Did the kid seriously just say that Michael was sent from fucking God?

Dean almost laughed aloud, but it quickly dissipated as the even the child believed it to be true. This Michael guy must have a hell of a way with words, to be able to convince all these people that he's from God.

Then there's the whole thing about being named after angels. Dean had to admit Castiel was a weird name, but it was weirder that he lived with a bunch of other people also named after angels. What the hell was with those people?

Castiel had obviously thought something was wrong with everyone, to break away from such a strong bond with the others. Samandriel even seemed hurt when he brought up Castiel leaving. He'd have to ask him about that later.

Hesitating, Dean went slowly, "So… Cas mentioned something about experiments?" He noticed how the boy tensed up slightly. Now they were getting somewhere.

"Yes. Michael said that in order to do Gods will, we must all be complacent to experimentation and we all agreed wholeheartedly. He'd set people to be in charge of certain experiments. I am the outcome of the emotion and senseless experiment. They tortured me for hours upon hours every day. It took about a week to fully get rid of my senses. They burned the hands and feet, so that I couldn't feel anything from them. I am mostly blind but my hearing is excellent. I am a much better fighter now that I can barely see. I have no taste buds because we shouldn't be picky of what we eat. I whined about the food one day and Michael made sure I wouldn't complain anymore. I also went through hours of emotional torture. Which now all of my emotions are locked away, since they hinder us in our lives. Castiel is too emotional and allows his feelings to take over his judgment."

Dean's jaw dropped as he felt as if he might throw up all over. His stomach twisted as he felt immense pity for the child.

He's only ten fucking years old.

About to respond, he was cut off by the boy continuing.

"Though since Castiel was Michael's favorite, he didn't have to go through everything we did. He was trained with fighting and his medical skills are superb. He wasn't experimented on emotionally like I was, which is a shame. He'd be so much better without them plaguing his mind. He was given lots of serums and weird concoctions. Many of them failed and left him sick for weeks. He almost died once because of one. Though we didn't come out completely empty handed. He was left with exceptional healing abilities. Whatever injuries he would sustain would be completely healed within a few hours at most. He was once stabbed fatally near his heart but he was completely healed within two hours."

Dean was biting his lip. How the hell did Castiel manage to escape that hellhole? And for some reason he really didn't like the fact that he was Michael's favorite. The guy was a sick bastard. Dean needed to talk to Castiel.

Standing up quickly, he gave the child a sad smile and thanked him for talking. He dashed out and just told Sam to watch over him. He was sure the kid wouldn't do anything reckless, but Dean didn't want to jinx himself.

Once again on a mission, he briskly walked to their cabin, at one point he almost broke into a run. Reaching the cabin, he entered, expecting to the Castiel huddled up in the bed, but he wasn't there.

Dean went into a mode of panic until he heard the shower water running. His heart slowed a little as he let out a loud sigh of relief. Sitting down on his bed, he ruffled his hair. It has been one stressful day.

Hearing the shower shut off, he lifted his head from his hands, greeting Castiel with a smile. Apparently he hadn't heard Dean come in and his eyes grew wide when he saw Dean. Once again Dean found himself just admiring the man.

His toned body seemed to glisten as he had a towel loosely draped around his hips, revealing his very appealing hip bones. Dean bit his lip hard to keep his mind out of the gutter. His eyes then shot up to the still shocked man just standing there.

His blue eyes wide, his curly black hair a mess on his head from being ruffled with the towel, a weak attempt to dry it. His lips were slightly parted and Dean couldn't help but notice how full and pink they were.

Licking his lips, he pushed the urge to jump him back down. He couldn't be dominated by his lower body, not at crucial moments like this. So he forced his eyes back to Castiel's giving him a smile and standing up.

"Wanna get some grub?" Castiel responded with a quick nod as he nervously fidgeted and thumbed through the new clothes he got. Turning around, Dean gave him some privacy as he noticed the towel was slipping off of his frail body.

Dean wouldn't be able to stop if it did fall off.

"I'm ready." Dean was a little startled to hear his voice as he turned around, the man was in much closer proximity than before. He had to take a step back to compose himself. Castiel threw on a simple pair of sweatpants and a loose t-shirt.

Giving Dean another nod, they left in a comfortable silence.

Reaching the mess hall in a short time, they both forced smiles and greeted people. Thankfully no one decided to be a douche and ask about the day's outing. He was sure they could all feel how tense things were.

Motioning for Castiel to take a seat at the table, he went off to get them food. Not stopping for idle chit chat, he grabbed some food and hurried back to the man at the table. For the first time he noticed how straight Castiel sat, his hands neatly placed on the table, though minding his manners as to not have his elbows on the top.

If Dean ever got his hands on Michael… It wouldn't be pretty.

Gritting his teeth, he placed their food down and watched as Castiel began to fiddle with it. Wait. Did he have taste buds? Watching carefully as he took a bite after Dean, his shoulders sagged in relief as his face lit up at the unique taste.

A small smile played on Dean's face as they ate in a comfortable silence. He wasn't sure when he should bring Samandriel up, but it was inevitable. He at least waited until Castiel had finished his meal, sitting patiently until Dean finished him.

Letting a sigh out, Dean set his utensils down with a little more force than he meant, startling Castiel. His head shot up and Dean swore he saw fear pass through those fragile blue eyes. He felt his heart ache slightly, at the thought that he was the reason Castiel was afraid.

No. It's not me. His past is haunting him.

"So Cas… While you were resting, I talked to Samandriel." Biting his lip, he noticed Castiel completely tense up and avoid making eye contact. He noticed the slight tremor jilting throughout his body now.

"Hey don't worry. You're not in trouble." He placed his hand on top of Castiel's, causing the man to shoot him a confused look. But the fact that he didn't rip his hand away made Dean feel better.

In fact, he timidly turned his hand over underneath Dean's so that their palms are not touching. He avoids eye contact as he squeezes Dean's hand. They sit like that for a moment in silence before Dean speaks up.

"He told me about some of the experiments." There he goes again, tensing up. Dean just squeezes his hand tighter as he tries to make eye contact.

"He mostly told me about the experiments on him…" There was that sick feeling in his stomach again, "They actually did those things to a child? He's ten fucking years old Cas…" Once again not making eye contact, he opened his mouth to respond.

"He was only seven at the time of the experiments." He instantly regretted the moment the words left his mouth because now Dean couldn't make eye contact with him. Those green eyes were filled with anger and sadness.

Taking a deep breath in, Dean tried to compose himself. "He also told me a little about you." The warmth under his hand was gone. He snapped his head up to find Castiel staring at him wide eyed, his whole body now trembling.

"Then you know… What I am." Dean gave a slight nod.

"I-I am sorry." He hung his head and Dean felt pain shoot through his heart. He noticed the tears pooling in those beautiful blue eyes.

"I'll pack my things and leave immediately." Dean's head shot up, his eyes widened in shock as he stood up quickly, forgetting there were others in the mess hall.

"What?" Dean was genuinely shocked. There was no way in hell he was letting Castiel leave now. His shock seemed to surprise Castiel too. His face was bitter and tears freely fell from his eyes.

"I-I'm a monster, Dean. I'm not normal. I should go back to Michael." As he mentioned normal, he turned his face to show that his injury from earlier was completely healed. Though once he mentioned Michael's name, anger seethed through Dean.

He grabbed Castiel's wrist and dragged him out of the mess hall, feeling everyone's eyes on them. Hearing no protest from behind, he shot a quick glance at the man. He was a mess. Tears were still flowing from his eyes and he was trembling under Dean's grip.

Slamming the cabin's doors open, he pushed Castiel inside. His eyes were a fierce green versus Castiel's terrified blue eyes.

"D-Dean?" His voice was shaking as he rubbed at his face, trying to erase the fact he'd been crying. Grabbing his wrists, Dean lowered them as he made eye contact with Castiel.

"You will not go back to that camp. You will never return to Michael if I have any say. You are not a monster. I honestly don't give a fuck that you can heal faster than others. Seriously. If anything, it just means you are stronger than others. But I swear to fucking God if that Michael comes anywhere near you or my camp, he won't leave alive. In these few days I've known you, I've grown to care about you immensely. I'm not going let a douche with a God complex take you back."

He was still holding Castiel's wrists, though it wasn't a tight grip. He let go of them and pulled him in for another hug, which lasted more than it probably should have. Castiel buried his face in Dean's neck, inhaling in the scent of cheap soap.

A smile made its way onto Castiel's face as he tightened his grip around Dean.

Dean leaned over and whispered in Castiel's ear, sending a shiver down his spine.

"I will always be here for you." Castiel wasn't sure if he imagined it, but he felt a small kiss behind his ear, and he'd be lying if he said he didn't want more.

Sadly, Dean pulled away from their embrace and gave Castiel a small smile, heading to the shower.

A few hours later, Dean and Castiel lay in their separate beds, both tossing and turning, obviously unable to sleep.

"Dean?"

"Yeah?"

"I can't sleep."

"Ditto."

"…Can we talk?" Dean shot up in his bed, looking over at Castiel who found something of interest on the wall adjacent to Dean. Stepping out of bed, he sat on the edge of Castiel's absently playing with his hair splayed out behind him.

"I'm ready when you are."

A/N: OH LORD. Despite the length, this chapter was a bit harder to write, especially at the beginning. I hadn't planned much for this chapter but about a third of the way in I got some ideas that just lasted longer than I thought. So the next chapter is going to be mostly flashback, since I don't want to delve into super long dialogue monologues! It's going to be centered around Castiel, and I am sorry if you hate me after it because I am a terrible person! I hope you guys stick around c: