The Reconstruction of Rome: Those Burning Questions

By: M14Mouse

Summary: Sequel to Building Rome. Sam has questions and Cas has answers…if he shares them

Disclaimer: Don't own them.

Sam liked the stars.

When he was younger, it was the one of those constant things in his life. He could look up and name them…point out where they were…make pictures with them. Nowadays, they give him a sense of a freedom. When the hotel room or bar felt too tight against his skin, he would step out and just breathe.

He remembered the Wall.

This feeling was a fairly new thing. Sure, sometimes, being the Impala for a long time felt that way but it has been happening much more often.

He felt something pressed against his skull. He winced and forced his eyes close. This Wall in his head was driving him crazy. Most of the time, it didn't bother him but sometimes, there were moments that it was just…there.

"You shouldn't touch it," A familiar voice said behind him.

"I don't mean to, you know. What are you doing here, Cas?" He said as he turned his head slightly to look over his shoulder.

Cas looked the same as he always did. Coat and all…

"I was visiting Dean but he was…busy."

A small grin formed on his face.

"…Was it porn?"

"No…it was one of those commercial…with the oddly shaped device between a woman's thighs. It was awkward to watch."

He laughed softly. He didn't know that they made Thigh Master anymore.

"I bet. What brings you here, Cas? Is everything alright?"

"As well as I can be. Raphael is strangely quiet right now. It is disconnecting."

"We felt the same way when demons went quiet."

Then he felt it. It was the familiar pressure of the Wall against his skull.

"Stop that."

"I am not trying to poke at you know. Sometimes, it just happens…it just overwhelm me."

He felt Cas's eyes drill into him. He didn't need to turn around to know what look Cas was giving him.

Pity.

He didn't want pity. He got them enough from his brother…even if Dean shouldn't. He knew where he was going when he jumped. Consequences would be damned.

"I am sorry."

"You have nothing to be sorry for."

"I should have…"

He waved his hand to stop him from talking.

"Cas, not very many people can get into hell much less the cage. I don't blame you."

"You should."

He tilted his head to get better look at him. It was strange to see him so weighed down.

"I blame no one."

"I knew, Sam. I knew what condition your soul would be in. I…am sorry."

"If you got my soul…would you be able to repair it? Make a wall like Death did."

A weighted silence fell between them. He returned his attention to the stars. He didn't want to interrupt his thinking. He already knew the answer but sometimes…he has to let Cas figure it out.

"I don't know. Father brought me back with more power than before. Sometimes, I felt just as powerless as I was when I was almost human."

He reached over and gently squeezed Cas's shoulder.

"Don't be. Don't let Raphael get you down either. You will win."

"Thank you. Your words of encouragement are quite helpful while Dean's words are more peculiar."

He laughed. He almost wanted to know what Dean said….almost.

"I can imagine."

As they rolled him out of the ambulances, he caught a glimpse of the stars. Under the blazing lights and mindless talking, he could breathe again. They were there. It was familiar to him as the Impala. Briefly, he wondered if Demon Dean was looking at the stars too.

End

Next Chapter; Coming from the West

A/N: Read and review if you wish.