When Dean woke up the next morning, the first thing he did was check on Sam, as always. Then he turned to look at the sofa. Last night had seemed so vivid, he hoped it was just a weird dream he'd had. But no, there lay his father, sleeping off the alcohol. He turned to look for Cas, and spotted the angel a few minutes later in one of the poorly lit corners of the room where little sunlight reached.
'Hey Cas,' he whispered, not wanting to wake up the other Winchesters as he went to stand next his friend.
'Hello Dean. Did you sleep well?'
Dean nodded. The stood in silence for a while, both wrapped up in their own thoughts. Dean looked over his friend, finding it difficult to believe that this was the same boy who had stood up to his father last night. He moved his hand to wrap it gently around the angel's. He received a gentle squeeze in response.
'Dean, if your father ever treats you like that again, I want you to call for me, and I will come and save you,' said Castiel, finally breaking the silence.
'How do I do that?' asked the Winchester.
'Pray for me,' Cas offered. 'Try it.'
Dean shut his eyes and moved his lips in a silent call, hands placed against each other in prayer.
Cas heard the words echo in his mind. 'Hey, Cas. Can you hear me?'
The angel felt as his face broke into a rare smile. He nodded. 'I hear you, Dean.' He watched as the other boy opened his eyes and turned to look at him. 'I will always come when you call.'
'Thank you, Cas,' Dean whispered. He pulled his friend into a hug, and Castiel felt his grace buzz, as it always did when Dean came into contact with him.
'You're welcome, Dean.' Slowly afterwards, they pulled apart, and Dean returned his attention to Sam.
'You are a good brother,' said Cas admiringly.
'Thanks.' Dean turned to look at him and smiled. They stood staring at each other for a long minute, before they both looked away awkwardly. 'Do you have any brothers or sisters?'
'Yes, actually. All of the angels in Heaven are my brethren, but we are not as close as you and Sam are. There are many battles between us, which most of us wish to avoid,' answered the angel.
'That doesn't sound too good.'
'No, it is not.'
'So what'll happen when dad wakes up? He won't remember what happened?' asked Dean cautiously.
'He will remember killing the vampires, but not going to the bar. In his mind, he will have returned here sober, and that you and Sam were asleep when he arrived. It would be ideal if you and Sam began sleeping in the same bed again, as your father is here.'
'Where will you sleep?' Dean asked.
'I will watch over you, Dean,' was Castiel's reply.
'If you're sure.' It was obvious Dean was reluctant to stop sidling in with Cas, and Cas felt the same. It was for the best though, he told himself.
'I am sure.'
'Okay.'