A/N: So you know how John Winchester is an abusive asshole? Well that comes into play in this chapter. And probably the next couple too. Bruises are mentioned, but that's mainly it for now. I just wanted to warn you in advance, just in case.

After the events with Lisa – Dean's betrayal, in Cas' eyes – Castiel did not return to Earth. He didn't go when Dean called him down, begging for more time to explain, for forgiveness. He had learned to block the Winchester's voice from his mind, and continued on with his Heavenly duties; granting small miracles, and leading the garrison in case there was any peace that needed to be revived. Castiel had never understood the concept of fighting for peace; surely it was counterproductive. But he continued on with it; disobedience and free will all brought with them scary consequences, as had been proved by Lucifer.

Just under a year later, Dean's voice echoed in Castiel's head again. 'Cas? I need your help.'

Castiel was going to ignore it, as usual, but there was something about the tone that made him stop.

'It's Sam. Cas, I don't know where he's gone, I've lost him. He's been gone for two weeks now, and there's no sign of him anywhere.' Dean swore. 'Cas, please. Please help me.'

Castiel appeared in front of Dean in the Winchester's motel room just as he had done many times before. He looked around; it was another dingy, low-rate place. Then he looked at Dean again. Purple bruises stood out in stark contrast to the boy's pale face. Cas was hit with a sharp pang of hurt; no matter what had happened, he had promised to protect Dean. He had failed.

Dean smiled at him. 'Hey, Cas. Thank you for the help.'

Castiel nodded, unable to draw his eyes from the Winchester's left eye, which was puffed up so much that it only offered a slit of visibility, the flesh all around it almost black. Dean seemed to notice where the attention was being directed and shuffled uncomfortably, looking down at his boots. 'I was supposed to look after him, and I failed. I got what I deserved.'

'You don't really believe that do you?' Castiel asked, shocked, as he moved forward cautiously. He was stood right in front of the other boy before his eyes were met with familiar green ones. Gently, he raised his hand to press it against the side of Dean's cheek. Dean flinched from the touch, and Cas dropped his hand.

'Don't. I don't want your healing. I just need you to help me find Sam.'

'And when you find him, do you want him to see you like this? What would he say?'

Dean thought about it for a moment, before sighing and looking down. 'He would hate dad even more than he already seems to.'

Castiel looked around. 'Where is he?'

'Dad? He's probably out at a bar somewhere, getting drunk out if his mind,' Dean said, voice loaded with barely concealed resentment. Castiel did not understand his unwavering loyalty to such a dreadful father figure.

He raised his hand again, and this time Dean did not argue as he was healed by the angel. When they were done, he looked up at Cas again. 'Come with me.'

Castiel nodded and Dean got up and walked out after him. They got to the impala and Dean pulled keys from his pocket, then they both climbed in. Dean turned the keys in the ignition and the engine rumbled to life. They drove away in silence.