HISTORY @ ALIUNDE

[featheryass]

CAS' ARRIVAL (SEPTEMBER 06 2011)

Cas: This is... quite distressing.

[There's a long pause, which is finally broken by the angel's sigh.]

I have no idea what is going on. The doctor completely ignored my questions, and now he's gone. [Another pause, briefer.] And I thought my "people skills" were "rusty". [Even though no one can see him, Cas actually does the air quotes. There's another sigh.] I've lost my... that is, I'm-- [He's clearly struggling to find the right way to say he's human that doesn't give away what he is or make him sound completely insane.] My mojo is gone.

[So much for not sounding insane.]

Anyway, I need to locate two hu-- er, two men. It's extremely important. Their names are Dean and Sam. Dean is a... "ladies' man"-- [Again with the air quotes that no one can see.] --and Sam is very tall.

Dean (VIDEO): [Great. Cas is here but can't just zap them home. He can just feel the air quotes. Dean does not look happy.] I'm here, Cas. Haven't been able to find Sammy though.

Cas (VIDEO): [Cas startles at the sudden but familiar voice, staring down at the device in his hand like it burnt him for several seconds before he speaks again.]

Dean.

[The relief in his voice is almost palpable.

And then he launches into defensive mode, brows drawing together.]

I don't understand what is happening. What-- or where-- is Aliunde?

Dean (VIDEO): [He's just kind of glad that he's not the only one stuck on this freaking planet. Rubs his face in frustration.]

Some guy told me it was some weird-ass alien planet and we've all been chosen for probing and slow dances.

Cas (VIDEO): [Cue confusion.]

Probing and-- I don't understand what you mean by that.

[Castiel shakes his head, making a gesture as if to wave off his own thoughts.]

Surely this is a trick, likely Zachariah's doing.

Dean (VIDEO): It's nothing. Just a joke between us and Gabriel.

[Now he's staring at Cas as if he's just grown two heads.]

I'm pretty sure he can't do anything from where his grave is.

Cas (VIDEO): [Steel blue eyes burn into the screen at that.]

You are saying... Zachariah is dead.

[His frown deepens.]

How?

Dean (VIDEO): [He hadn't seen Cas since he went all Enochian Sigil on his chest to take down those five angels so explaining it is perfectly normal.]

I gave his face a great big poke with the angel sword you lifted while he was distracted by calling the head honcho down. Then we got the hell out of dodge. [Now he frowns.] But I think Michael got Adam.

Cas (VIDEO): [Castiel makes a low noise of frustration in his throat.]

Dean, I am trying my best to follow you but you are making it very difficult.

[Between the hunter's unfamiliar references and his own humanity sinking in, he's about ready to kick something. Or drink to the point of inebriation. Where was a liquor store?]

If Michael has Adam, he plans to use him as a vessel instead, since you--

[Realization hits Cas and he blinks.]

Since you said no. Dean, I am... sorry. I should have had as much faith in you as Sam.

Dean (VIDEO): [He sighs.] We really need to work on you getting these phrases, Cas. I told him I'd say 'yes' and he started calling down the douchebag but then I said I'd only say 'yes' on a few conditions. My first one was that I wanted Zachariah turned into a pile of ash and while he was surprised I shoved a blade through his brain. While Michael was doing his holier-than-thou descending I took Sammy and got the hell out of there.

[Then he shoves his hand into his coat pocket because yeah, they lost Adam to Michael.]

I decided I wasn't gonna let him at the last second. [No he's not really interested in sharing his reasoning.] And I did manage to put the dickweed Zachariah down and probably pissed off Michael by bailing on him but... [He shrugs casually as if he doesn't care.]

Cas (VIDEO): [He listens silently (only mildly disconcerted by the word 'dickweed' though he's pretty sure it's an insult, all things considered -- he calls angels dicks after all) until Dean finishes with a shrug and Castiel lifts his free hand to run it through his already unkempt hair.]

If this is an... alien planet... [There's clear disbelief in his voice..] Michael and Lucifer are the least of our problems at the moment.

[His forehead crinkles up.]

I think I'm starting to get a headache. It's not pleasant.

Dean (VIDEO): Well I was hoping you'd be here so you could just zap us home but it's impossible with your mojo gone. There are other people here that seem to have been taken too and one of them says he's an alien - that all monsters are aliens. [So much disbelief.]

I'm more worried about Sammy. [How will the boy go on trapped on Earth with Lucifer breathing down his neck?]

Cas (VIDEO): Sam is strong. He'll be fine.

[It's an attempt to ease Dean's perpetual worry for his brother, though he already knows there's very little chance it will work.]

I believe we should stick together here, until we figure out what, exactly, is going on. Where are you?

Dean (VIDEO): He better be or I'm gonna kick someone's ass. [Literally too.]

I'm at a diner on the opposite end of the city. Aliens have some pretty good cheeseburgers.

Cas (VIDEO): [He has no doubt Dean means that literally. The mention of cheeseburgers is almost almost enough to draw a rare smile from him.]

I have just left the hospital, but without my 'mojo' it will be a while before I can get there.

[Not to mention that he has no idea where the diner is, exactly. He's just going to head away from the hospital because it was making him feel vaguely uncomfortable. Cas has inadvertently let the phone point down so all Dean gets is a view of moving ground.]

Dean (VIDEO): [Well he'd give the thing a wave but he's looking at the ground.]

If I finish up here I'll head that way. Just keep walking straight, go around the lake and there will be a market place to your right. The diner's in there.

Cas (VIDEO): [Thankfully Cas is good with directions. He seems to remember to lift the phone back up, returning into view.]

Have you been here much longer than I have?

Dean (VIDEO): [It's a view of him omnomming on food. So enjoy that.]

No, a few hours at the most.

Cas (VIDEO): [Dean stuffing his face with food is not anything new. In fact, it's familiar, normal enough that it puts him more at ease.]

That is good, at least.

Dean (VIDEO): [Wake up on a weird alien planet, of course he has to check out the local food.]

Right well, I'm done here so I'll meet you by the lake. [He stuffs a few more fries in his mouth, wipes his hands on a napkin and gets up.]

Cas (VIDEO): [Meanwhile Castiel is more concerned with how they're supposed to get back. Food is irrelevant -- for the time being.]

All right, I'm there now. Do you have any idea what is beyond the wall?

Dean (VIDEO): [He leaves the diner with the bell chiming after him.]

Not a clue. We could always go investigate though. I'll have to find some weapons though since they took mine away.

Cas (VIDEO): Mine are gone as well.

[There's a sigh. His weaponry is sacred. Literally.]

Dean (VIDEO): Then we'll just have to find new ones. This place has to have guns or at least knives of some kind.

[He stuffs his free hand into his pocket.]

DEAN HALLUCINATES HELLHOUNDS AND CAS IS FRUSTRATINGLY HUMAN (SEPTEMBER 26 2011)

Dean (VIDEO/ACTION): [See fire.

See fire burn.

See fire burn fish. Well it's not really burning the fish so much as it's cooking it. Dean's got himself a nice little campground set up in the park complete with food, fire and alcohol. Anyone who's out and about tonight may notice that there's a giant circle of salt around his little campground, and some blue paint around it also. Dean's leaning forward in his lawn chair using a knife to stab a wooden log near him.]

So, how long do you think we'll be sitting in the dark? It's getting a little boring. [Not to mention the fact that he keeps hearing rustling noises, seeing things move out of the corner of his eyes and swearing that he can smell dog breath.] Can't even listen to my tunes in this little piece of hell.

Private to Cas || 65% Unhackable

I think I need a little more than salt if this place has hellhounds.

Cas (VIDEO/ACTION): Hellhounds?

[The still-former angel is lurking at the playground in the park on a swing, not far from Dean's makeshift campground. He can see the fire burning, can see Dean's fire-lit silhouette. He can't see any hellhounds, however, and he stops the idle movement of the swing to observe the darkened area more carefully before remembering he wouldn't be able to see them in his current state anyway. Cue a heavy sigh. Being human is extremely frustrating.]

Dean (VIDEO/ACTION): [There doesn't seem to be a whole lot of movement from the hunter, just him playing with the knife which is silver, of course.]

I haven't seen them [Because really, they're invisible to most people.] but I'm pretty sure it's a goddamn hellhound.

Cas (VIDEO/ACTION): I haven't heard anything.

[A pause, during which Cas looks around again.]

Do you want me to come over?

[Not that he could do a lot of good against a hellhound just then...]

Dean (VIDEO/ACTION): It's out there. Dunno what it's doing though.

[A pause as he scrubs his face. Someone didn't sleep last night thanks to non-existent beasties.]

Not that it'll do much good but the fish is almost done.

[Dean won't even say anything about not messing up his salt circle seeing as how Cas already knows.]

Cas (VIDEO/ACTION): Are you certain it's not just a dog or some other animal this planet has?

[Or at least, he's assuming there are native animals even though he hasn't seen any. Cas slips off the swing and starts heading back toward Dean, strides slow, cautious.]

Dean (VIDEO/ACTION): If it was I think I would have seen it by now. Every time I look over it's like there's nothing there.

[Which pisses him off and makes him so damn paranoid. He stabs the knife into the log next to him and reaches for the fish on sticks.]

Cas (VIDEO/ACTION): Perhaps it is wary of you, and therefore keeping out of sight.

[He's trying to be logical. Someone has to be.]

Dean (VIDEO/ACTION): [That makes him snort in disbelief.]

Yeah right, a hellhound afraid of me. Most of the time they just see us as puppy chow.

[Dean would believe that they were afraid of Cas even without his angel mojo.]

Cas (VIDEO/ACTION): I meant if it is an animal of some sort and not a hellhound, Dean.

[There's a hint of exasperation in his voice. He stops at the edge of the salt circle, looking around a third time.]

Dean (VIDEO/ACTION): If it's so afraid of me then why the hell is it still hanging around after a day?

[With Cas so close he shuts the communication device off and focuses on the fish. Or tries to at least seeing as how a sound only he can hear makes him look over his shoulder towards a set of bushes.]

Cas (ACTION): Curiosity?

[Stepping over the salt line, he approaches Dean, his own gaze following the hunter's to the bush.]

Dean (ACTION): Pretty damn curious if it's just an animal. It should just go the hell away.

[After a moment he turns away, obviously not seeing anything. He pulls one of the fish off onto a plate then holds it up for Cas.]

Here.

Cas (ACTION): Have you attempted to scare it away?

[He shuts off his own communication device and pockets it before reaching to take the proffered fish with a look torn between confusion and dismay.]

I've never eaten fish before. Why is it on a stick?

Dean (ACTION): Yep. Threw rocks at it and everything.

[That makes him crack a smile as tosses another log onto the fire.]

Because I used the pan to cook the corn. You can't just eat fish raw. [There's a pause as he looks his own fish over.] I swear, when the power comes back on and the ground hamburger meat isn't bad I'm eating so many hamburgers.

Cas (ACTION): Perhaps it is hungry and can smell the food, then.

[He glances at the pan in question. Human food is all so strange.]

I believe you have an addiction.

[Spoken as he resumes eying his fish. Cue a tentative sniff.]

Dean (ACTION): I'm not giving it any food. Last thing we need is a pet.

[Sometimes Cas is enough of a pet.]

It's not an addiction it's just been twenty days since my last hamburger. And at least I don't shovel them down like you did.

[Giving the former angel a stern look.]

Just put it in your mouth, Cas. You've got to eat now that you're all human.

Cas (ACTION): [Excuse you. Not a pet. Angel of the Lord. Er, former Angel of the Lord.]

I think the fact that you've been keeping count proves my point and you know I was under Famine's influence at that time.

[He gives Dean a baleful look before taking a bite and chewing thoughtfully.]

Dean (ACTION): [He's such a pet at times. Needs someone to feed him, look after him, even straighten his clothes every once in a while.]

Or it could just be the number of days since we got here and the number of days we've had to deal with this damn black out. Sure blame it all on Famine and Jimmy.

[Dean's watching Cas' reaction rather intently, smiling just a little.]

Cas (ACTION): [He's not going to dignify that with a response. Instead, he swallows the bite and takes another.]

This is very good.

[Talking with his mouth full. What are table manners?]

Dean (ACTION): [Dean chuckles before starting in on his own fish.]

Fish is about the only thing I can really cook. [Spaghettios and cereal did not count.

Obviously they're something he learned not to have from Dean.]

Cas (ACTION): Is Sam capable of cooking?

[There's a legitimate lilt of curiosity in his voice. Cas finally settles down next to Dean, legs crossed under himself.]

Dean (ACTION): Not really. Wasn't any point in learning when there was always a diner nearby.

[Generally they just had easy things to make for when they were still in school.]

CAS, MELODY POND AND SINS (SEPTEMBER 26 2011)

Melody (VIDEO): Alright. I'm bored. Absolutely, completely, totally bored.

What is there to do in this armpit of a dimension? There are only so many times a girl can shoplift before it becomes mundane.

[Melody has developed a fabulous wardrobe, such as the rather low cut shirt tanktop she's currently wearing. She's pretty much managed to keep herself alive on stolen food stuffs and such so far]

In short, I'm in need of entertainment and this whole city is in the midst of a black out. If something doesn't pop up soon, I'll have to create my own entertainment and I doubt any of you will enjoy it.

Cas (VIDEO): [Have a frowning former-angel.]

Shop-lifting is a sin.

Melody (VIDEO): [And one thoroughly amused psychopath]

Is that right up there with stoning any man who lays in a bed where a woman has had her period?

Cas (VIDEO): Leviticus 15:19-30. The bible was written by men, not God. Its' interpretations are not always correct.

[Welcome to lessons on religion by Castiel, who is completely straight-faced and seemingly unaware of her amusement.]

Melody (VIDEO): I found it quite the amusing read. Bit weighty.

Cas (VIDEO): [Cas' frown deepens.]

You are being sarcastic. I take it are not a believer, nor do you really care that shop-lifting is a sin.

Melody (VIDEO): Knew you'd catch on eventually.

Cas (VIDEO): [Hey, he's not that good with human emotions yet. Cut him some slack!]

So then, just what sort of "entertainment" are you seeking?

[Yes, he did one-handed air quotes just then.]

Melody (VIDEO): Oh, just about anything. My hobbies include Grand Theft Auto, shoplifting, guns, knives, shooting and wielding said guns and knives.

Cas (VIDEO): Do you find enjoyment in any activities that aren't violent or sinful?

Melody (VIDEO): Sex? No, I suppose that counts as sinful.

DEAN AND CAS DISCUSS ANGEL TRANSPORTATION (OCTOBER 11 2011)

Dean (VIDEO): [The video comes on to show a crapload of weapons lined up on a worn looking table. Dean's sitting on it and cleaning one of the sawed-off shotguns with practiced ease while looking completely serious yet sort of comfortable about all of this.]

So me and Cas' trip down to the tunnels was pretty awesome. I got my weapons and he got his mojo. The only thing that would have made it better was seeing my baby down there but I guess aliens don't have any use for a classic car which is a damn shame in my opinion.

Anyway, if anyone needs any protection from the creepers me and my buddy have taken over an abandoned shop in the Southeast corner of the city. There's plenty of space and a few apartments above the store when people want their privacy. We've also got an impressive stock of food supplies for anyone who's run low. If anyone needs an escort we'll come pick you up.

Private to Nana

You want us to come get you?

Cas (VIDEO/ACTION): [Castiel is milling around almost restlessly, hands shoved into the pockets of his trench coat. Every so often he passes behind Dean. At one point he pauses, looking over the hunter's head.]

I am not a car, Dean.

Dean (VIDEO/ACTION): [He looks down at the communicator and then over at Cas like he had when the angel had brought him back after he'd run away from the safe room. What was with the angel and talking on the phone while in the room with him? Still, Dean continues to clean his weapons.]

Didn't say you were, Cas. It'd make things easier if I had my car so we wouldn't have to hoof it everywhere. [Because he had no intention of asking Cas to zap them everywhere. Not after last night's trip out of the underground.]

Cas (VIDEO/ACTION): [Technology confuses him, okay? And so Cas had been a bit rougher than necessary with the "angel zap". It was completely deserved.

There's a notable pause and the angel is tilting his head.]

Hoof it?

Dean (VIDEO/ACTION): [They're in the same room, why even bother with technology? Cas should have taken the needle like the man he was and it's not as if the mojo hadn't healed it up.

He attempts not to laugh at that.]

It's another way to say 'walking'. I told you once that you angels don't walk enough.

Cas (VIDEO/ACTION): [Exactly. He doesn't know. Just... let the angel do as he pleases.]

Yes, I remember. My method of transportation is far faster than walking, however.

Dean (VIDEO/ACTION): [Silly angel.]

It is but you know just how much I like your method.

SAM'S ARRIVAL; CUE AWKWARD PUPPIES (OCTOBER 30 2011)

Sam (VOICE): [ It's just a voice that comes over the network, worried and hesitant, and also a little quiet. ] Dean?

[ A couple more seconds of silence, and then the feeds clicks off. ]

Cas (VOICE): [He recognizes that voice. Really, how could he not?]

Sam.

[It's impossible to tell if he sounds relieved or worried.]

Sam (VOICE): Castiel. [ Awkward.... ]

Cas (VOICE): [With a side of uncomfortable?]

I'm not certain if I should be relieved or upset that you're here.

Sam (VOICE): [ Ouch. ] Nice to see you too, Cas.

Cas (VOICE): It's nothing personal; I was torn between hoping you wouldn't get dragged to this place as well and hoping that you weren't alone or getting into a mess back at home.

Sam (VOICE): Because I could get so lucky. THe last thing I remember is.. [ And he stops there, pausing. ] I'm not really sure, actually.

Cas (VOICE): Your memory is affected?

Sam (VOICE): [ YEAH WE'LL GO WITH THAT. ] Yeah.

Cas (VOICE): That's probably not good.

[Hi, Captain Obvious here.]

Where are you? I imagine Dean is eager to see you.

Sam (VOICE): I'm at a hospital. He's coming for me right now. [ Pause. ] ..What's the last thing you remember?

Cas (VOICE): [Cas nods, forgetting Sam can't see him.]

The last thing I remember is preparing to enter the warehouse where Zachariah was holding Adam for Michael.

Sam (VOICE): [ Sam does not remember that. And it's probably obvious in his voice. ] Oh, that. Okay.

Cas (VOICE): ...I take it you don't remember that.

[He's getting better at reading tones of voice.]

Sam (VOICE): Uh. No. Not really.

THE DAY AFTER THE DAY OF THE ANNIVERSARY OF DEAN'S MOTHER'S DEATH (NOVEMBER 3 2011)

Dean (VIDEO/ACTION): [The feed turns on to show Dean sitting at a table that's littered with empty bottles and bottles of the hardest liquor he could find. He's slumped in his chair with another bottle in his hand and takes a long drink.]

I think I need more alcohol. [A pause as he rubs his forehead. It was November 3rd. The day after the Winchester's life was turned upside down by the death of their mother some twenty-odd years ago. Yesterday he managed to stay busy by helping the clean up crew but today. Today he stayed in and has been drinking for God knows how long.]

Sammy? Wanna join me in drunken bliss?

Cas (ACTION): [Cas sits next to Dean, silent. He's eying the collection of empty bottles like he wants to do something with them when Dean speaks and he looks at him, an eyebrow lifting. He's not going to say anything though. He's aware of the date, of the reason for the binge drinking. Not that being aware stops him from being concerned.]

Dean (ACTION): [The angel's hovering is annoying the hell out of him today. He puts another bottle on the table near Cas with a loud thunk.]

Either stop looking at me like that or drink up, Cas.

Cas (ACTION): [There's the barest of a frown before he reaches out and takes the bottle, popping it open.]

Dean (ACTION): [It's time to play the "let's never talk about it" game.]

Wish we had some Metallica right about now.

Cas (ACTION): [Cas isn't so good at this game, but he can try. Grabbing his phone, he scrolls through the menu before sliding it toward Dean.]

The piece of paper about this device said you can purchase music --

[A pause.] -- but I'm not sure if they have Metallica. Or... how to purchase it. [He has issues with technology.]

Dean (ACTION): [He glances at Cas' phone.]

Dude, that's like when Sam got an iPod and douched up my car.

Cas (ACTION): An... iPod?

[Headtilt.]

Dean (ACTION): It's some piece of lame-ass newish technology. You wouldn't like it at all.

Cas (ACTION): [That doesn't really explain. Castiel stares at him in confusion for a moment before taking a drink, deciding to let it go.]

Dean (ACTION): [Might be better to just let it go. Dean doesn't say anything, just continues to drink and after a minute he starts humming Metallica.]

CAS QUESTIONS HIS PURPOSE; ALSO, VAMPIRES CANNIBALISM (NOVEMBER 5 2011)

Cas (VIDEO): [The feed comes on to the trench-coated man. He's frowning, eyes dark, not looking at the screen but rather over the top of it at something out of sight.] There have been several unusual postings today. I am... [A beat.] Uneasy. [His gaze flickers down to the screen.] The three moons made it unquestioningly clear that this is not Earth. I was unwilling to fully believe, but... [Castiel looks away. It's obvious he feels restless about something he's unwilling or doesn't quite know how to say.

After nearly a minute of just staring, he shakes his head lightly.] If anyone requires assistance, please call. I will help any way I can.

Sam (VIDEO): [ He's not even sure Castiel will talk to him. ] Cas?

Cas (VIDEO): [There's a long moment when it seems he's not going to respond. When he does, it's quiet.]

Sam.

Sam (VIDEO): ..You okay?

Cas (VIDEO): I am... [A pause, as he struggles for the right word. When he can't find it he gives up.] No. I am not "okay". [Air quotes. Always with the air quotes.]

Sam (VIDEO): [ He glances away, suddenly feeling guilty. ] Do you want to talk about it?

Cas (VIDEO): [And just like that the dam of Cas' frustration breaks.] It's this place... I'm an angel of the lord, a soldier. I have a duty. What is my duty here? Why are we here?

Sam (VIDEO): [ Sam pauses, and laughs a little to himself. How ironic that the Angel of the Lord is asking himself the same thing humans have been doing for who knows how long. ] I.. can't answer that, I'm sorry.

Cas (VIDEO): [He looks a bit affronted at the laugh but it passes quickly enough.] I know you can't. You are, more or less, in the same position.

Sam (VIDEO): [ Oops. He didn't intend to offend Castiel. ] Yeah, I guess so. But there's got to be a reason, right?

Cas (VIDEO): [Castiel nods slowly.] Yes. [He doesn't sound completely convinced.]

Dean (VIDEO): Unusual? You talking about the fire or the new people, Cas? [Sighing and rubbing at his face.] Yeah the moons do kind of make the whole 'kidnapped by aliens' story more believable.

Cas (VIDEO): Both -- and another thing, as well. [He doesn't specify, but his frown deepens.]

Dean (VIDEO): [That has his interest. Him and Sam were pretty good at picking up on the unusual stuff and that was all he noticed.] What other thing?

Cas (VIDEO): I have reason to believe there is a vampire here.

Dean (VIDEO): Vampire? You mean that guy who was eating someone? I'm pretty sure that's cannibalism and not vampirism. And we don't deal in human crap like that.

Sam (VIDEO): --What?!

Cas (VIDEO): [His eyes narrow.] Regardless of "human crap" or not, there was a murder.

Dean (VIDEO): I'm sure this place has their own version of the police. They'll catch him.

Sam (VIDEO): Yeah, Cas. Murder's not exactly our forte.

Cas (VIDEO): [He looks skeptical, and still frustrated.] I understand that, but I have not seen any police. [And considering some of the things that have happened since they arrived? Surely he would have seen at least one.]

Dean (VIDEO): We just had a shift in power, things are a little hectic lately. For all we know the guy could be looking to hire police with that stunt pulled in plain view. Besides, alien planet, their police might not look like ours do. [If the police were human and their boss was no longer signing their checks then they may have just done what everyone else was doing with the looting and hiding.]

The Doctor (HOLOVID): [It's been a while since Ten's surprised anyone with the holovid function, so he's long overdue. So here, have a man in a perfectly pinstriped suit and tie and just a perfect hair come popping out of your device.]

I wouldn't... approach him if I were you. Honestly, I'd stay away. He's not... I don't think... well, let's just say the man is in a rather dangerous state.

Dean (VIDEO): [ video ]

[Dean's having a moment of "what the hell" at the holovideo. If this was a porno then maybe, maybe this would be okay but this is a skinny guy in a suit. So dude, what the hell looks are coming your way.]

I've got no intention of going near him. If I was going to take him down then I'd use a sniper rifle on a roof far far away. Cas over there would be fine though.

The Doctor (HOLOVID): [The Doctor is way better than porno, Dean. A million times better. Meeting him will be the best part of your life. Your life.]

You humans and your guns. Really. It's rather disturbing how as soon as something seems off, you turn to violence. I really don't understand you lot most of the time. [He arches an eyebrow at him about his comment about that other guy there.] What makes you so certain that your friend over there would be fine?

Dean (VIDEO): [No way. Porno will always be the best. Because porno don't screw with his life in bad ways. He's had enough of that, thanks.]

Seems off?! The guy made Hannibal Lector look tame with the way he was chowing down on that innocent person. You see a guy eat someone else like that and of course you want put a bullet in his head so he can't hurt anyone else. [Things are starting to look weirder and weirder - especially with this guy calling him 'human' like he wasn't one. For all Dean knew this could be like the guy with the big ears who said he wasn't human but only looked it.] Cas could survive anything. [That's all he's going to say about his friend.]

You trying to protect your friend or us from your friend?

Cas (VIDEO): [Cas just about drops his communicator when the stranger appears out of nowhere. No, not out of nowhere-- from the communicators themselves? That's... new. Needless to say he's staring until the sound of his name jerks him back to himself.]

"Off" is a definite understatement to this situation. As for violence, it is not my preferred method but in some cases it is necessary. There are some evils that must be dealt with.

The Doctor (HOLOVID): [Whatever Dean. Porno is bad for your health. Plus, Ten doesn't understand human intercourse. It's all very off-putting for him... because you know, he LOOMS.]

Innocent is right. That's why you need to stay away from him. Trust me, a bullet to his head won't do much, if anything at all. You don't know what your dealing with, so leave it alone. [When Ten is serious, Ten is serious.] Doesn't matter if you think he could survive anything. This man is... dangerous.

I suppose I'm doing a bit of both, actually.

CAS MEETS REAPER WILLIAM SPEARS (NOVEMBER 7 2011)

William (VOICE): Greetings, My name is William T. Spears and I am the Supervisor for the Dispatch Management Division of the Grim Reapers, the London Branch. With my introduction to those that are new here to Aliunde finished, let me make a few things clear. I do not give a toss what any of your opinions of me are, for in my eyes a good lot of you deserve to die if only to promote a more civilized atmosphere. As such this is only a precaution to eliminate any additional whining needed when the next disaster strikes. In my opinion I think it would be wise for those that have residence in the building A and the building B to come together and convert a few of those empty rooms into a warehouse that is fully stocked while we still have the availability to do so.

Cas (VOICE): You are a reaper?

William (VOICE): Honestly, that is the most stupidest question I have heard thus far. Yes, I am a reaper, you addled minded twit.

Cas (VOICE): I would advise you to show a bit more respect than that, reaper.

William (VOICE): I will give respect when it is due.

Cas (VOICE): I am, as I believe the phrase goes, "above your pay grade".

William (VOICE): And what proof do you have of being such?

Cas (VOICE): Where I am from reapers are below my brethren and myself.

William (VOICE): Unless you are saying you are an angel, then I think you are just trying to stake a claim in the hierarchy based on falsities.

Cas (VOICE): There is no falsity here.

William (VOICE): Then let me ask you are you an angel?

Cas (VOICE): [There's a long stretch of silence.]

I think it would be prudent to continue this conversation face to face.

DEAN TEASES SAM; CAS IS OBLIVIOUS (NOVEMBER 7 2011)

Dean (VIDEO): [So the video starts up and it seems to be filming inside of a club. It's the Jack Of Hearts club and the video was taken a few days ago but hey, Dean's not afraid to hold onto stuff for blackmail purposes. Either way Sam comes on the screen to stand near the karaoke machine and he's holding a microphone. The music starts up and the giant moose starts singing to the song. It'll continue on like that until the end of the song before it flicks over to show Dean sitting on a couch somewhere laughing his ass off.]

You're no Bon Jovi, Sam. You should stick to your day job. I could have made five bucks if you'd just sung Shania Twain or Madonna.

Cas (VIDEO): [Judging by the scenery, Cas is somewhere outside. He looks confused -- which is really not anything new.]

Sam does not have a day job.

[Literal angel is literal.]

Dean (VIDEO): [Which is why it was the perfect time to pull this.]

It's a joke, Cas.

Cas (VIDEO): I don't understand. Jokes are meant to be funny.

[He's such a mood-killer.]

Did you have some sort of wager going?

Dean (VIDEO): Trust me, it's hilarious.

[Not Dean's mood - not today.]

I did but Sammy screwed it up for me.

Cas (VIDEO): [He'll take Dean's word on that, kind of like how his jokes are funnier in Enochian.]

How so?

Dean (VIDEO): [Exactly. And Cas was never the funniest angel in the garrison as he said.]

I made a bet that I could get him to sing Shania Twain or Madonna and failed.

Cas (VIDEO): I don't know the significance of those names.

Dean (VIDEO): [And then came the most horrible thoughts ever.]

Don't worry, I'll introduce you to them.

SAM PRANKS DEAN FOR TEASING HIM; CAS IS HELPFUL (NOVEMBER 9 2011)

Dean (VIDEO): [Have a view of Dean's apartment. Something surely seems off by this picture because there are some items on the floor. His keys to a car that's not here, a receipt from a dinner, and a beer bottle cap. Now maybe it just seems like Dean may have dropped it there until you look up to the ceiling.

SUPER-GLUED THERE is his wallet, several credit cards, driver's license, FBI badge, a condom and an entire bottle of beer by the cap.

Enter Dean from stage right when he lets himself into his apartment. He tosses the apartment key on the nearest table along with pulling out his favorite gun from the waistband of his pants. Stepping across the room his boot crunches down on the beer bottle cap and he lifts his foot.]

What the hell?

[Crouching down to attempt to pick it up but he can't because it's stuck and it's then he noticed the other things on the floor. Dean looks up to see the other stuff glued there.]

Sonavabitch! I'm gonna kill him. [Standing he goes for his coat pocket for a second before spotting the communicator - GLUED TO THE GODDAMN WALL AND THE RED LIGHT ON. He stalks over and points a finger at it.]

Sammy, your ass is mine. You hear me?

Cas (VIDEO/ACTION): [See Cas walk in, pause, glance up -- then promptly turn and walk back out. Nearly a minute passes before he comes back in, looking completely lost.] What... Why are several of your things on the ceiling? [He's especially bemused by the bottle of beer.]

Dean (VIDEO/ACTION): [See Dean on the floor trying to peel his shit off of it with a knife.]

Because Sammy's a dick. [He gets up with a sigh.] Can you just...mojo this stuff down?

Cas (VIDEO/ACTION): [That doesn't really explain. Castiel gives Dean a baleful look.]

"Mojo" it down?

Dean (VIDEO/ACTION): [Come on, Cas. It's not really a good time to elaborate as it'll just make Dean angry - the look on his face might say as much.]

You know, make the glue non-existent or something.

Cas (VIDEO/ACTION): [And a long moment of staring at Dean in obvious exasperation before he lifts a hand. With a simple flick of his wrist, the objects fall and he moves to catch the bottle so it doesn't break.]

Dean (VIDEO/ACTION): [Shielding his head from the falling items. He was waiting for the shattering of glass sound and when it doesn't come he looks up to see it in Cas' hand.]

Thanks, Cas. I appreciate it.

Cas (VIDEO/ACTION): [He nods, handing the bottle to Dean.]

I wouldn't drink that for a while.

[Is that a smile?]

Dean (VIDEO/ACTION): [He puts the bottle down on the table before moving to pick up the rest of the stuff and put it all where it should be. Grabbing his phone and turning it off finally.]

I'll let it sit. [See? He can be grateful. Once he's done putting his stuff away he looks over at Cas and catches the look that passed as a smile for the angel.]

Wanna grab a bite? I could do with some pie.

Cas (ACTION): [Cas knows he can be grateful, even if displays of said gratefulness are far and few between.]

I'll accompany you.

[Since angels don't eat and all that -- although he might be persuaded to try.]

Dean (ACTION): [Mainly his gestures are made of sarcasm and back-thumps but Dean's okay with that.]

Let's go. I wanna make sure I get there before all the pie is gone.

[Dean will get him a slice and set it in front of him and then stare at the angel until he eats it.]

JOHN WINCHESTER'S ARRIVAL (NOVEMBER 13 2011)

John (VOICE): Where the Hell am I? [The bed creaks and heavy footsteps are heard. John knows well this isn't the hospital he was in after the accident. A hand comes to curl around the communicator and makes a rustling noise against it.]

Alright, whoever's big idea this was, it's not funny. [And he's sure this is Azazel's doing, somehow. Everything is that demon's fault.] Anybody out there?

Dean? Sammy? [He sighs heavily.] I guess this isn't a joke. Well, shit.

Cas (VOICE): It's definitely not a joke.

[His voice sounds slightly strained.]

John (VOICE): Figured that.

[He sighs.] Thanks anyway, pal.

Cas (VOICE): [The angel isn't used to receiving thank so directly (even if a bit offhandedly), and that makes him pause uncertainly.]

You're looking for Sam and Dean.

[It's a statement, not a question.]

John (VOICE): Yeah, they're...

[Shit, what's their cover story?] Co-workers of mine.

Cas (VOICE): Co-workers.

[He repeats the word slowly, almost skeptically.]

John (VOICE): Yeah. We've known each other years. Taught Dean everything he knows, we were partners for a while at work.

[This dude so isn't buying it. And John is close to just hanging up.] You know them?

Cas (VOICE): [Another pause.]

Yes, I do. I'm a... friend. [Close enough. He does consider Dean and Sam his friends, even if he often feels more like a lapdog or a convenient weapon.]

John (VOICE): Right. [Well, this is awkward.]

If you see them around, send them my way. Just say John's looking for them.

Cas (VOICE): John. [It is, more or less, the confirmation he was maybe not-so-subtly looking for.] I'm Castiel. I'm sure they're already headed your way.

John (VOICE): Okay, well, thanks again, Cas. [That was the most oddly awkward conversation he's had in quite a while.]

DEAN AND CAS EXORCISE SEBASTIAN TO FREE NANA FROM HER CONTRACT (NOVEMBER 17 2011)

Dean (ACTION): [He's got a streak of ash across his cheek and a pretty serious expression on his face.]

So one evil son of a bitch bastard demon down. Nothing left of him but ashes now. Who wants to hit a bar and celebrate?

Nana (ACTION): [Here is Nana, still sitting in the grass where her seal was burned off. She's still a little dumbfounded over what just happened. One of her hands is still clenched in a fist over her chest, where the seal used to be, her shirt still buttoned down. Her other hand is still wiping the tears from her cheeks, though the pain of her seal being burned off was long gone. To say that she's a little spooked is... well. For the most part, she's freaked.

Sebastian was gone. Cas did some weird magical angel thing to make him ash. What the hell was tonight?]

Cas (ACTION): That was... different. [Cas is wiping his ash-covered hands off on his trench coat, obviously not caring that it gets dirty. His gaze shifts to Dean, then to Nana with some uncertainty.]

Dean (ACTION): If I had the knife or even the Colt I coulda done it myself but thanks Cas.

[Have a pat to the shoulder before he moves to kneel in front of Nana.]

You doin' okay?

Nana (ACTION): I-- I'm... I think I'm okay. [She swallows, hard. And she was, for the most part, okay. Physically. She starts fumbling with the buttons to her shirt. Decency. Now is a good time for it.]

What did-- [She turns her head to Cas.] What did you do to him?

Cas (ACTION): [He looks momentarily disarmed by the pat. At Nana's question, he straightens up slightly, glancing at the pile of ash.]

I exorcised him. It doesn't usually go like that, however.

Dean (ACTION): [He'll stand and offer her his hand for when she's done making herself decent.]

I haven't seen an angel smite anything that badly since Michael dusted Anna. Maybe your mojo's getting stronger.

Nana (ACTION): [She'll take that hand as soon as she's done, and once she's on her feet, she'll also grab a cigarette out of her pocket and light it. Because right now, she definitely needs one.]

I've never seen... that before. How does it normally go because dude, that... how did you even heal... I know you're an angel but... [Nope. Can't even finish a sentence. That's how many questions are running through her mind right now.

She gives Cas a meaningful look.]

Thank you. [Then back to Dean.] Seriously, I'm... I owe you big.

Cas (ACTION): [Castiel looks back at Nana, expression torn between vague amusement and confusion.] Demons don't normally turn into ash. They have to possess a human, so the body is left behind when exorcised. [He doesn't mention that the unfortunate host is often not alive when the demon is exorcised.] As for how, it's exactly as you said; I'm an angel.

Dean (ACTION): I'm just glad we don't have to dig any graves tonight. [Burying his hands in the pockets of his jacket now.]

Just do what I do and chalk it up to heavenly mojo because that's what it is. You don't try to figure out how God just spoke and created everything so since Cas here is his kid that's just something you let go.

Nana (ACTION): I don't even... [Deep breaths, Nana. Keep taking drags from your cigarette there.] You really are an angel. [She says that like it just dawned on her.] Am I supposed to be falling to my knees now?

[She cocks an eyebrow at Dean.] I'm supposed to let it go? I'd really like to know how the hell I'm supposed to even do that. [She pinches the bridge of her nose and sighs.] You guys made a good team.

Cas (ACTION): [Cas just nods. He's used to people not believing him at this point. Dean was skeptical until he saw the shadow of his wings, after all.] I would prefer you didn't. [Headtilt.] We've worked together for a while and have been through much together. [As if that explains everything.]

Dean (ACTION): [Well it helped that he threw everything he had at the angel and nothing worked.] Yeah, it'll be easier that way. You'll drive yourself crazy trying to figure out how they do it because it isn't magic.

[Jerks a thumb in Cas' direction.] Me and him have been to hell and back together. [Literally but Dean's not going to elaborate on that.] Plus you know, working together to stop an Apocalypse and all that.

Nana (ACTION): Been through it all... together. Right. [One look at Cas, then back to Dean. Blink. Blink. All the fueling of thoughts that they are a couple, now.]

Heavenly angel. Got it. I have... a lot of questions, but you know what? Fuck it. This night has been a trip already. [She shakes her head and runs a hand through her hair.]

So you said drinks? I could use one or two. Or ten. And then pass out peacefully in my bed.

Cas (ACTION): [Oblivious angel is oblivious.] I can try to answer any questions later, after we -- [A pause.] "Celebrate". [He thinks he's got the usage of air quotes down right.]

Dean (ACTION): Don't even start on that, Nana. [He can see what's going on in her mind.]

Right then, back to civilization and booze. If I'd known it was going to be like that then I would have brought some with us and we could drink it out here. [Either way he starts heading back to the teleporters.]

Nana (ACTION): Start on what? [She flashes a grin. Completely innocent, wholesome thoughts.] I didn't say anything.

Deal. Questions later, booze now. I'm surprised you didn't bring any just to bring some. To tell you the truth, I could've probably used a few shots before all the burning and smiting.

[And she starts following Dean back to the teleporters. Midway there, she stops, and turns to Cas.] There aren't any side effects to your angel mojo, right?

Cas (ACTION): [And cue a seriously confused look from Cas. He missed something but he has no idea what. Shaking his head slightly, he moves to follow Dean and Nana, only to stop when she does.] Side effects? [He glances at Dean questioningly.] I'm not sure what you mean...

Dean (ACTION): You were thinkin' it. [So long as Dean has any say in it then Cas will never know.] I did think about it but kinda needed you to have a clear head just in case you needed to move quickly.

No there's no side effects. Just good ol' heavenly healing. [He stops now too.] Side effects like what you'd read on the bottle of pills. You know, "may make you drowsy" or "could cause severe liver damage". Kind of like the after effects of getting drunk off your angelic ass and ending up with one hell of a headache and needing to take an entire bottle of pain pills.

Nana (ACTION): It's not a bad thought. [Lalala. All the thoughts ever.] You know, for a second, I didn't think I was gonna make it.

[She quirks an eyebrow at Cas.] I think... I'm going to have a lot of questions for you. [And then her eyes shift back to Dean.] People are going to wonder what happened with everything, you know. Where Sebastian went-- my seal. [Her hand unconsciously drifts up to where her seal once was again.] So... what are we gonna tell them?

Cas (ACTION): [Cas almost sighs as he looks from Dean to Nana and back again, still acutely aware that there's some aspect of the conversation he's not getting. When his attention is fixed back on Dean, it's with a hint of exasperation but he's not taking the bait. For once.] I would be concerned if you didn't have questions. As for a story, we'll figure something out. [Because they always do.]

Dean (ACTION): Yes it was so stop it. [He knows she's thinking it.] Come on, have a little more faith in us.

[And here's where Dean excels.] He left and with his departure the seal faded since he wasn't around to hold up his end of the deal

Nana (ACTION): Can't stop what's going on up here. Especially when you won't let it go. [Keep it up. The thoughts will get worse.] I know you said you did this stuff all the time, but come on. You can't tell me it hasn't backfired on you before.

[There really are a few things she'd like to ask Castiel. Mostly about death and heaven and all that stuff. And all that angel mojo too.

And for good measure to throw the angel off a bit more--] So it's a date then?

It's a good enough story for me. [Shrug.] Now I just have to explain myself to those other dudes who were begging to be my White-friggin'-Knight.

Cas (ACTION): It does occasionally backfire, yes. [Way to be reassuring, Cas. He's never been particularly good at tact -- and hey, honesty is the best policy. Most of the time.

He blinks at Nana, eyebrows drawing down.] I-- [Yep, he's thrown.]

Dean (ACTION): We don't save everyone. [And he's going to leave it at that because dammit Dean has all of the guilt ever over those deaths.

That has him laughing though and patting Cas heartily on the shoulder.] It's your first date, Cas!

Just tell 'em you aren't a friggin' fairytale princess who needs rescuing.

Nana (ACTION): Great. [She'll just stare at them both for a good moment.] Good to know.

[Just the look on Castiel's face threatens to send her into hysterics. Just gonna keep rolling with the 'keep the angel dumbfounded' vibe.] Play your cards right, and I may even give you a kiss on the cheek after. [Wink.]

Ah-- [Gonna stop it right there. All the embarrassing memories of bb!Nana from a few months ago.] Damn straight I don't.

Cas (ACTION): [Again with the disarmed look, although this time it's meshed with a hint of discomfort. Cas shifts his weight, pointedly looking away from both Dean and Nana.]

I don't play cards.

[And he obviously doesn't understand that expression.]

Dean (ACTION): [He's laughing as he starts walking again towards the transporter.]

Maybe Nana will teach you, dude.

BALTHAZAR'S ARRIVAL (NOVEMBER 21 2011)

Balthazar (VIDEO): [The video turns on to show a face of an older man, fair-haired and blue eyed, giving the device a distasteful, yet nonchalant look. When he begins to speak, his voice is even, with a light British accent.] This is really quite irritating.

Cas, if this is your brilliant idea of keeping me out of your hair even after our little chat, I really expected you to do a bit better, yeah? [He raised an unimpressed brow. There was a pause as he snaps his fingers, and his smug look was, momentarily, replaced by one of confusion and irritation. He gave a light snort.] Well, this is quite interesting.

It appears I can’t just zap my way out of here then. [He moves forward, sauntering out of the room.] I swear if it’s you Winchester boys…

If that’s not the case though, and if anyone is hearing this, I would just adore a small little shout out as to where the bloody hell I am.

[He gives the camera another solid look, and disconnects.]

Cas (VIDEO): Balthazar.

[Cas looks completely confused. It's been an interesting week. First John Winchester, the demon, now this -- and what is Balth going on about? They haven't spoken in... eons, it feels like.]

Balthazar (VIDEO): Cas.

[Balthazar has already started to figure out that somehow, their times are off. The Winchesters didn't seem to remember. He paused slightly, debating on how he should handle this. Best wait for his friend's reactions. Judging by Castiel's facial expression, he looked like he hasn't seen Balth in a while...so...]

How've you been? [He titled his head, smug as usual.]

Cas (VIDEO): Busy.

[Which is not very accurate, but true nevertheless.]

How do you know the Winchesters?

[Right to the important question.]

Balthazar (VIDEO): [...So he doesn't remember.]

[A shrug. He'll play along. Wouldn't want to spill all the beans right from the get-go.] I've heard rumors. They're like...Dumb and Dumber. [ A smirk.] Angels talk.

[A pause.] Good to see you, too.

Cas (VIDEO): [He believes that. The angels do have a tendency to gossip amongst each other, and the Winchesters aren't exactly as off-the-radar as they like to think they are sometimes. The movie references goes right over his head and Castiel tilts his head slightly.]

It has been some time since we last spoke.

[That's about as good as 'you, too' in Cas-inese.]

Balthazar (VIDEO): [An inward sigh of relief. Well, saves the explaining. At least for a little bit. Balthazar wasn't too sure for how long he could keep the truth away from him...as much as he hated and regretted to admit.]

Has it...Yes, yes of course it has.

[A smirk, and another shrug.] Yeah...Sorry about that. [ Talking with his hands, as usual. He chuckled lightly. This was all too de-ja-vu for him.]

Been here long, Cas?

Cas (VIDEO): [Cas straightens, gaze flicking away from the screen.]

A month, give or take. [He thinks his sense of time might be thrown off from being human.]

Have you been told about this place yet?

Balthazar (VIDEO): Huh. Interesting. [Balthazar's eyes narrow.] So then, what's the last thing you remember?

[At the next question, he couldn't help a mild frown.] Yes, very minimal and hardly useful information, really.

Let's see. This place is called...Aliunde, we're snatched from our world and dumped here for reason xyz. Really, no one's been able to tell me why we're here. Everyone's been regurgitating basically the same thing.

[A pause.] No one's mentioned anything about missing powers though. What's going on with that Cas? Am I officially cut off? [He didn't think it was likely...not with the turmoil that been going on upstairs anyway...]

Cas (VIDEO): The last things I remember is Dean, Sam and I preparing to keep Michael from using Adam as a vessel.

[He looks back at the screen.] And you? [There's a hint of curiosity in his voice.]

I've been told we're part of an experiment. [He frowns slightly himself.] Mine were gone when I first arrived. I had to go Underground to retrieve them, along with Dean's weapons, but I don't know if that's possible at this point. There was a... change in power.

Balthazar (VIDEO): Experiments?[He chuckles.] Well, they got a nerve, don't they?

Ah, Michael, right. [He narrows his eyes slightly, but shrugs nonchalantly.] Oh, me? I...was sipping a '75 Dom. [Partially true. He was having a Dom before those boys called him again and before his chat with Castiel.] ...After taking a stroll in the woods. You know. Important things things like that.

[He didn't like to have to keep lying to his friend. But...what was he going to say, really? "Oh yeah, I was trying to tell you what a dumb idea it is to try and open purgatory to take all the souls from there. Good times"? Balthazar had a big enough shred of tact and decency to not lay it out. At the moment anyway.]

...[Oh alright, let us repeat this de-ja-vu. His eyes narrowed slightly.] You know Cas, as far as you and I are concerned, nothing's changed.

Cas (VIDEO): [There's a long pause after that admission. Finally, Cas nods.]

Thank you, Balthazar.

Balthazar (VIDEO): Of course. We're brothers, Cas. [Yep. Same words, all over again.]

[A beat. Then a light chuckle.] Oh, your Winchester boys are so amusing. Neither believe you've had any friends before them. It's hilarious. Really.

[He tilts his head, more than a little amused. Although that look quickly fades as he comes to another hallways intersection, wearing a mild frown.] Oh for hell's sake, I've been wondering this bloody place ages. Where's the damn exit...

Cas (VIDEO): Brothers. [He echoes the word.] Yes.

[Cas raises an eyebrow.] I think their definition of friend is simply different. [Truth is, he's not completely sure they're wrong. He had family, sure, and he loves all of his siblings, but were they also friends? Maybe at one point. Maybe before Father left them.

Shaking his head as if to clear his thoughts.] Are you still at the hospital?

Balthazar (VIDEO): [True, upstairs friendship was more like familial allegiance.

But Balthazar was more willing to stand for Castiel than for anyone else. Perhaps he was just a brother. But that loyalty must be more than just 'family matters'. It had to be. See it for what you will though. But as he said, nothing's changed. He meant it.] Mm, perhaps.

[A beat.] Yes. For a bloody half hour now.

CHECKING OUT THE NEW HOUSE WITH DEAN AND THANKSGIVING PLANS (NOVEMBER 22 2011)

Dean (VIDEO): [Dean's standing in a rather large kitchen and seems to be sort of making himself at home. At least that's what it looks like as he digs take-out food from out of the sacks and putting them on the counter. This kitchen will probably hardly ever cook anything but hey, at least it's nice and spacious.]

So Thanksgiving is in two days if we're going to go by the Earth calendar. Who's actually going to cook for it and who's heading to a diner to get some turkey sandwiches and pumpkin pie? Because that's exactly what I'm going to do. Anyone want to join me?

Private to the Winchesters & Cas

[There's coordinates for a house in the suburbs.]

It's got a room on the lower floor that we can turn into a safe room like the one at Bobby's. Cas, is there any way to angel-proof this place against the angels we don't want in here like your douchebag of a brother?

Private to Nana

When you've sobered up you should stop by and check out my new place. Then we can get in that shooting practice if you still want.

[Insert address here.]

Cas (ACTION): [Castiel appears next to Dean, the sound of fluttering wings announcing his presence.] Balthazar is human for the moment, so Enochian warding sigils wouldn't have any effect on him. They would still effect me... but there might be a way to alter them for your intention. [He pauses to look around the kitchen.] How did you acquire this place?

Dean (ACTION): [To his credit he doesn't jump at the sound or Cas' sudden appearance. Instead he just sort of half-turns towards the angel.] Maybe not but he could get his angel mojo back and no offense but I don't want him popping in unannounced on me. Let's try to figure something out because if one of your siblings came through then we could be seeing more and we know what a cheery bunch they are.

[Going back to pulling out the take-out boxes and putting them on the counter.] It was empty, has been for the last few days every time I walked by. I'm thinking the poor souls who lived here might've gotten killed off in the zombie invasion.

Cas (ACTION): [He frowns. He hadn't really thought about more of his siblings in this place. Depending on which ones, he wouldn't be adverse to seeing them, but if Raphael or Michael came through... well, that might be a problem. Cas shifts to lean against the counter.]

That is unfortunate. [In response to Dean's comment about the house.] It's quite large. [A pause.] Why are you going to a diner for Thanksgiving instead of staying here?

Dean (ACTION): [Dean had a whole list of people he didn't want to see - starting with angels and ending with zombies. Especially if those who had died could come back to life.]

Yeah but I don't think there's anything we can do about it now. [Moving to get plates out of the dishwasher since he just ran it as he wasn't about to eat off of anything that had been sitting for who knew how long.] Plenty of room for the four of us and anyone else who might show up that we actually like. Not to mention lots of space to keep an arsenal in reach of any room in the house. [He pats Cas' shoulder and grins.] You can pick out a room too. Decorate the way you want.

[Shrugs.] Winchester tradition. We don't really do holidays ever since dad took up hunting.

Cas (ACTION): [Cas looks visibly startled for a few seconds before he glances away. The only home he's ever had was Heaven, but he rebelled, left for Dean's sake, and decorating is another thing he's never given much thought to. It feels... strangely permanent.] You don't have to do that, Dean. [It's not like he sleeps or anything, after all.]

But you could, in this place. There's no Apocalypse waiting to be unlocked here, and the monsters aren't exactly outnumbering us.

Dean (ACTION): Sure we do. We can put in a comfy chair and Sam can help you download some books and movies for when you get bored and no one's awake. [Dean doesn't need Cas dreamwalking or standing over him while he sleeps. Having a house is pretty permanent feeling.]

Even so, we won't really do anything. It has less to do with monsters and more to do with the loss of mom all those years ago.

DEAN HAS A NIGHTMARE; CAS IS SUPPORTIVE (DECEMBER 1 2011)

Dean (ACCIDENTAL VIDEO): [The video feed starts up with a loud clatter as everything on the bathroom counter goes flying to the floor. Dean’s leaning forward on the counter heavily and not paying attention to the communicator at all, his face dripping wet from just having splashed it with cold water and his shirt soaked with sweat.]

Cas (ACCIDENTAL VIDEO): [Hearing the clatter, Castiel appears in the bathroom doorway almost instantly. He hovers there a moment before stepping up behind Dean.] It had been a while. [He knows better than to ask if the hunter is okay but his concern is clear in his eyes.] Was it bad?

Dean (ACCIDENTAL VIDEO): [Tonight he’s not even going to chastise Cas for intruding on his personal bathroom time. The angel is the only one who knows exactly what Dean’s done. Instead he turns and pulls off his soaking shirt and tosses it into the hamper before reaching for a towel leaving him in only pajama bottoms. On the left side of his chest - over his heart - is a tattoo and there’s a rather large handprint burn on the upper left arm near his shoulder.] They’re all bad as I’m sure you already know, Cas, or you wouldn’t be here. [And it’s not something he wants to talk about.] I’m outta booze.

Cas (ACCIDENTAL VIDEO): [Cas unconsciously glances down at the handprint -- his handprint -- when Dean takes off his shirt. He’s seen the tattoo before, knows exactly what it does, also knows Sam has one to match. He’s seen all his scars too, has even healed most of them when he put his body back together. Just before his glance gets to the point of flat-out staring the angel lifts his gaze again.] Do you want me to get more? [Another thing he knows better than to question is how much Dean drinks.]

Dean (ACCIDENTAL VIDEO): [At the seemingly sweeping glance of his body by the angel Dean only lifts an eyebrow until Cas’ gaze is back on his face. For the moment he just kind of stares at the other’s eyes, knowing that Cas can see everything in that look - the pain, the torment, the fact that no, no he really doesn’t want to be left alone because that’s just going to leave him to his horrible memories of Hell. And in that moment he knows he doesn’t have to say anything to Cas.]

Cas (ACCIDENTAL VIDEO): [He does see and Castiel holds Dean’s eyes, attempting to reassure him in ways words never could. If Dean doesn’t want him to leave, he won’t. He’ll stay. He’ll always stay. His fingers twitch at his side, and he shifts ever-so-slightly closer.]

Dean (ACCIDENTAL VIDEO): [Right, after their little non-verbal communication Dean clears his throat and shifts. If Cas wasn’t blocking the exit back to his room them he’d be on his way out.] Well, I’ll just go throw some clothes on and we can go hit up one of the bars.

Cas (ACCIDENTAL VIDEO): [The moment clearly over, he nods and steps to the side to let Dean by -- when he notices the red light on the phone. Tilting his head, he reaches out and picks it up. There’s a last glance at Dean’s back before he turns it off.]

Dean (ACTION): [He doesn't even realize the device is on or that Cas turned it off as he heads to his room to tug on some clean clothes. It only takes him five minutes as he had to sit down to lace up his boots. Grabbing his coat he exits his room.]

Ready?

Cas (ACTION): [Cas is waiting patiently when Dean returns, dressed again, the phone still in hand. He holds it out to him with a nod.]

Dean (ACTION): [Oh shit. Please tell him that's not his. Dean's checking his coat pockets for where he thought he left his phone but they're empty and he takes the device with a huge sigh.]

Great, just what I needed tonight.

Cas (ACTION): I'm not sure how long it was on.

[But probably long enough, he leaves unsaid. Sliding his hands into the pockets of his trenchcoat, he starts to head for the front door.]

Dean (ACTION): Any amount of time is too damn long.

[Slipping it into his pocket and heading after Cas.]

You know, Cas. We should really get you some new threads. You can't always have the holy tax accountant look.

Cas (ACTION): [That has him pausing briefly, confusion evident on his face.]

Why not?

[He's become attached to the trenchcoat and tie...]

Dean (ACTION): [Dean stops next to him.]

People are gonna wonder why you don't change your clothes. The coat's fine since it's sorta winter and chilly but we should look for some other stuff.

Cas (ACTION): [He shrugs faintly, glancing down at himself. As an angel he doesn't give much consideration to his appearance -- or rather, his vessel's appearance.]

I'm not affected by the cold.

Dean (ACTION): [Yeah well, if Jimmy was still alive in there then he might appreciate a change of clothes every now and then.]

I know you're not but we are trying to keep the info of you being an angel of the Lord on the down-lo and going around in snow without a coat makes people wonder. If it even does snow on this planet.

Cas (ACTION): [Another small shrug, this time in acquiescence as he opens and steps out the door.]

And what sort of clothing should I get?

Dean (ACTION): [He follows after, making sure the door closes and locks behind them.]

We can go with something similar. There's no need to completely change your look if you like it.

---

Balthazar (VIDEO): [He is a bit too amused by this, not at all caring what's going on with Dean, really. That boy didn't exactly concern him all that much right now.]

You know, Cas, your obsession with that human is almost endearing.

Cas (VIDEO): I don't have an obsession.

[It's not denial. Really.]

Balthazar (VIDEO): [No. Of course not.]

[He raised his hands, speaking a bit louder so that dean could hear him.] Oh, excuse me for misinterpreting your exaggerated concern for that ape.

[A pause, and a hint of amusement.] Are you really going to drink?

Dean (VIDEO): [He's not exactly on screen but his voice can be heard.]

You know you're dissing yourself seeing as how you're wearing the body of a tea-drinking ape in order to escape what you used to be, right?

Balthazar (VIDEO): [He is unfazed, really.

So he might be using a vessel of the same species as Dean. That's naturally. But he also regards himself at a bit of a higher status than him. Also naturally.

A snerk.] Ah yes, at least I do it with style.

And I prefer alcohol over tea, darling.

Dean (VIDEO): [Dean will rub Balthazar's human status in his face as much as he can.]

Oh sure, because hoofing it like the rest of us primates is really doing it with style.

Are you sure you're not secretly Crowley in disguise?

Cas (VIDEO): [Cas almost sighs. He's visibly watching Dean where he is off-screen.]

Although alcohol does not have the same effect on me as it does Dean, I am going to drink, yes. [A pause.] I've found it's not unpleasant.

Balthazar (VIDEO): [Yeah. Not appreciated, thanks. Ass. B(]

Mm. I'm. Positive. [He narrowed his eyes lightly. He didn't like Crowley. Not at all. Especially not when he found out Castiel was in league with this so called "King". That and the fact that he was a demon.]

Dean (VIDEO): [Screw you, Dean doesn't have any fucks to give. Ignoring Cas staring at him because that's not anything new.]

Right then maybe you're really a relative of his from way back when.

---

John (VIDEO): [John can't believe how awkward even contacting Dean is right now. His son obviously has some kind of bond with Castiel and, honestly, he won't judge. He would just like to be informed of these things. After all, he doesn't need to stumble in on Dean and Cas in a... compromising situation.]

Is there... something you're not telling me, son? [He gives him a mostly harmless look. Tell your dad what's going on, boy.] You and Cas seemed... pretty close there.

Dean (VIDEO): [Son of a bitch. This is exactly why he didn't want anyone seeing this. Dean does not want to discuss his time in Hell - not even with his own father.]

There are lots of things I haven't told you but that is not a conversation we need to have. Something horrible happened, he saved my ass and now we're friends - End. Of. Story.

John (VIDEO): And I don't really want to hear all of it, to be honest, because that's your business, not mine, but just... [He sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. This is stupid.]

It's okay, that's all I want to say. So... yeah. [Dad of The Year award goes to: Not John.]

Dean (VIDEO): Oh for the love of-- [He can't even finish that. Honestly, he'd rather talk about Hell than let dad think he's sleeping with Cas.]

He pulled my ass out of the Pit, dad. Now he's helping me, Sammy and Bobby with the Biblical Apocalypse and the freakin' devil.

John (VIDEO): Oh.

[Well, here's your old dad feeling utterly ridiculous for thinking it, but you guys make some pretty blatant hints towards it.]

Well... alright. [Awkward. So. Damn. Awkward.] Then are you gonna explain the handprint and the tattoo?

Dean (VIDEO): [Dean can't talk to just anyone about Hell. Sure Sammy knows the general stuff that happened but Cas? Cas can look into his soul and thoughts and see it all. Not to mention the guy probably saw some of it firsthand.]

The tattoo is something Bobby came up with in order to put a stop to demonic possession. Kinda needed it when a whole bunch of demons escaped and were after our asses. And the scar - well angels are just too damn powerful to be near humans without a vessel. I got it when Cas 'gripped me tight and raised me from perdition' - his words not mine.

John (VIDEO): Huh... good old Bobby, always has some trick up his sleeve. [He really does miss talking to his old friends, Bobby included, and he wishes he'd had the chance to fix things before his death.]

Right, well, that kind of makes sense. How did Castiel get his, uh, vessel anyway? It sounds like possession to me, but I haven't got through reading all of the stuff you boys added to the journal yet.

Dean (VIDEO): Yep, he's really helped us out over the years. [There are lots of people who are dead back home that he'd like to see again, but he doesn't say it.]

Get this - they ask. The person they're taking over has to say 'yes go ahead and wear me to the prom' before an angel can jump on in. And I think they've got some kind of weird bloodline thing going on so it's not as if they can just possess anyone.

John (VIDEO): They ask? Alright, I get the idea of bloodlines, but what if the vessel refuses? Do they go to the next nearest match or are they just screwed?

Dean (VIDEO): I guess it depends on if they have another potential vessel. One time when Cas got his ass kicked back to heaven Jimmy - the guy he's wearing - wouldn't let him back in so when Cas came back he took over Jimmy's daughter.

John (VIDEO): So, this Jimmy, does he even know what's going on or does he check out to Heaven in Cas's place or... something? How did he even get kicked back to Heaven? Was it like an exorcism? [Curious old John can't help asking all the questions.]

CAS AND BALTHAZAR HAVE A SERIOUS CONVERSATION (DECEMBER 2 2011)

Balthazar (VIDEO): [The feed shudders on, first to show Balthazar, smug as ever, giving the camera a smirk. He's standing outside somewhere, a bit farther out and away from the main city. The sun was near setting. ] Honestly, I really don't know how any of you can stand those musty apartments. Especially when there are such choices out and about here.

[Pleased as any proud peacock, Balthazar tilts the camera past him, to show this house.] Note that now, this little house is occupied by me. Trespassers won't be appreciated. Especially two people in particular.

[He turned the camera back to him, and began walking towards the front door now.]

Oh and Cas? Care to drop by? [A pause and a mild shrug, as he lifts a hand up, his index finger and thumb closing together] You could say it's a little important.

And please. Without your bloody howler monkeys, yeah?

[And with that, as he swings the front door open, he cuts the feed. Oh, how he hated being human so far…]

Cas (VOICE TO ACTION): [He sounds vaguely distracted.] Of course. I'll be there shortly.

[And shortly, as it turns out, translates into roughly ten minutes later. Instead of knocking, Cas simply appears next to Balthazar, the sound of fluttering wings following him. He glances around a moment before fixing blue eyes on Balth.] You wanted to see me?

Balthazar (ACTION): [Balthazar expected the angel to appear like that, rather than walking. He would. But he did give a small frown at Cas. Call him bitter for getting his powers taken away.]

[He turned around to face his friend, while sauntering over to the counter to pour himself another drink. One thing that didn't go away once he came here was his "angelic" tolerance. Good riddance too...]

Care for one, Cas? [Yeah, he needed to talk to Cas. Mainly because things have actually been eating away at him; not that he shows any of it, but he could only keep things from his comrade for so long.

All of that, however, didn't mean he wouldn't draw this whole meeting out. He gestured around his newly acquired living room.] What d'you think about this place?

Cas (ACTION): [Hey, Cas went through losing his powers too. He's gone through it twice, actually. Three times if you want to get technical...

He eyes the bottle before nodding once.]

It's big. [He's far more used to cramped motel rooms than either of the spacious houses Dean and Balthazar have claimed.]

Balthazar (ACTION): [Oh, technicalities. You could argue he's more used to this than Balth then?]

[He smirks, raising his brows as he pours the cognac into a highball glass.] Having less of a stick up your ass, yeah?

[He extends the glass, sipping from his own.] Mm, yes, well. I couldn't stand that crammed square of a space they gave us.

[A big sigh.] So...I've been a bit curious. [The smallest quirk of his lip.] Anything interesting happen upstairs? Last you heard?

[A pause] Anything go...missing? [Trying to ease into it, he guessed. See how much he'd have to explain, if at all. First, to get all his questions out of the way.]

Cas (ACTION): [No. That's just not something he'll ever get 'used' to.

Taking the proffered glass, Cas lifts it to his lips for a testing sniff before he drinks.] As I said, I've found that alcohol isn't unpleasant. [Although as an angel in the process of falling, hangovers can really suck.

At the question, he tilts his head.] That depends on what you consider interesting. Heaven was... [He frowns.] Michael and Lucifer are-- were-- attempting to get permission to wear the Winchesters to the prom. [Dean's words, obviously.] As far I know nothing has gone missing.

Balthazar (ACTION): [Touche.

And that earns a chuckle.] Ah. Good.

[He cringes a bit at the next part though.] Ah well. That's a bit typical isn't it? Though I think you'll be happy to know that they didn't succeed. Well, [A wave of his hand.] there was a bit of an ...incident with Sammy, but it's nothing important. [No. Just him not having a soul for a while...although he did get it back. Ergo. Not important. Well, it wasn't important either way to Balth.]

[Okay. another light laugh, slightly strained. The thing about Cas that he near adored was how straightforward he was.] Mm. Well...I always did think that dad had a bit too great of a collection of toys, don't you agree, Cas? [Staff of Moses, Lot's Salt? He smirked slyly.]

Cas (ACTION): An incident? [That has him tilting his head just the slightest bit further, an eyebrow quirking. It's good to know the boys don't up vessels but Balthazar is only giving him more questions and worries -- and like he doesn't have enough of those.

Not really expecting a straight answer, he takes another drink. Cas is good at inferring and it doesn't take him long to figure out what Balth is implying. The sly little smirk helps.] You've taken the weapons of Heaven?

Balthazar (ACTION): [Balthazar snorts slightly. Of course Cas would be worried. He hardly expected any less...] No, no, it's nothing major. Just a little...soul issue? And last I heard, it's all been resolved. [This, of course, is all said in as much of a dismissive fashion as possible. THe wave of his hand should confirm that.]

[But then his smirk spread.] Well, i wouldn't make it sound like I took all of them. [A self-assured smile.] Mainly just the cool and more useful ones.

[He sobered up just a fraction after this, momentarily thinking: was it a good thing that Cas didn't remember this much, or a bad thing? Should he actually be informed of it all?

The thing was, there was a very internal part of Balthazar that disliked keeping things from Cas. At least, on the bigger scale.

And what got him thinking is...if he did become enlightened, so to speak, could Cas possibly take a different route, not try that whole purgatory thing? He had changed time before...

He shook his head though, lifting his eyes up at Cas again.] I do hate keeping things from you, Cas.

Cas (ACTION): [Well, if it was resolved...

Castiel sets his glass down, watching Balthazar closely.] Do I want to ask what you've done with them? [There's a hint of exasperation in his voice. Balthazar always was on the mischievous side so he's not terribly surprised.

When Balthazar seems to become more serious, he frowns again.] Do you trust me?

Balthazar (ACTION): [A snort, and a shrug.] Oh no, no. Nothing too severe. They're mainly stored in a...very safe place. Although... [A pause.] I had a few on me when I came here. I do sincerely hope they don't try and figure them out.

[It was meant as a joke, but at the same time, it was a serious thought.]

[And backk to a mild frown, as he set his own glass down as well. ]

[ A pause.] Of course.

It's just all a bit scattered, really. [An even longer pause. Eyes averting to Cas's set glass. A point. An attempt at evasion.] Another?

Cas (ACTION): [He almost face-palms at that. Heavenly weapons in Aliunde? Not good. He needs to find them, and soon. At the offer of another drink, he eyes his glass, which still has a bit left. He nods anyway.] The Winchesters have taught me that with trust comes... unfavorable truth, and that family comes first. [He hopes Balthazar understands what he's trying to say. Cas has never been good at this sort of thing.]

CAS EATS A CUPCAKE AND ACQUIRES WINGS AND A HALO (DECEMBER 3 2011)

Cas (VIDEO/ACTION): [Cas is attempting to keep as far off screen as possible.]

Dean. Sam. I believe I have a... small problem.

[The sound of something fluttering can be heard and a tiny black feather floats into view. Yep, he ate a cupcake. It was just sitting there on the kitchen counter, tempting him. As he bends down to pick up the stray feather, the glowing white halo atop his head is visible for a brief moment.]

Nana (VIDEO): Holy shit.

[Appropriate phrase is appropriate.]

There's a halo over your head. [Way to state the obvious.] I'm not really surprised but... you sure you want people to see that?

Cas (VIDEO): [Cas abruptly straightens with the feather in hand and shifts mostly off screen again.]

Yes, it would seem there is. [He's already attempted to take it off to no avail. The wings, too.] I don't, but-- [He makes a sound of frustration.] If you find any cupcakes lying around, don't eat them.

Nana (VIDEO): Thanks for the warning...

[Yup. She's still staring.]

Why are your wings black?

Cas (VIDEO): [That has him lifting an eyebrow before he twists to try to look at the wings.]

What color should they be?

Nana (VIDEO): [He gets a shrug.]

I don't know. I always thought angels had white wings, but that's popular opinion. But who knows, really... Uh. Except for you. Because you really are one.

Cas (VIDEO): Oh. No, that's a misconception. Human depictions of us are often very wrong. You wouldn't be able to see my true wings; they are multidimensional wavelengths of celestial intent.

[In other words: energy.]

Nana (VIDEO): Multi... celest-- what? [That went right over her head. Completely.] Right.

But that still doesn't answer my question. You got black wings, dude. Think it means something?

Cas (VIDEO): Multidimensional wavelengths of celestial intent. [Yes, he's going to repeat it anyway.

Then, a thoughtful pause.]

I don't know. Should it mean something?

Nana (VIDEO): I don't know. You tell me. They're your wings.

---

Balthazar (VIDEO): [Just...cue a very amused snort that grew to a hearty chuckle.

Even a slow clap.]

What in the hell happened to you, darling? Last time I checked, halos were not part of our MO.

Cas (VIDEO): [Cas actually flushes a bit, tossing an indignant look at the screen.]

I'm not completely sure. I was eating a cupcake and then-- [He gestures at the wings and halo.] These. It's ridiculous.

Balthazar (VIDEO): ...I'm sorry? A cupcake? [Balthazar tilts his head, stifling a light chuckle.] You really are starting to remove that stick up your ass. Good for you.

...Although eating random sweets wouldn't be where I'd start. [He raises an eyebrow.] Can you get rid of that... monstrosity?

Cas (VIDEO): [Balth, this is not a laughing matter!]

I wasn't going to eat it but it was just... sitting there, and I guess I was curious.

[Cas shakes his head.] No. I've been attempting to get them off.

---

Dean (ACTION): [This is Dean coming into the kitchen to find the angel and stopping short.]

Dude, what the hell? You have wings.

Cas (ACTION): [Cas gives Dean one of those 'and?' looks. Technically he had wings before, they just weren't visible -- or so small.]

Yes. They just... appeared. [He sets the stray feather on the counter next to the suspiciously empty cupcake wrapper.]

Dean (ACTION): [Yeah okay, it takes him a minute to remember that Cas actually has wings. He moves more fully into the kitchen in order to get a better look at them.]

The halo too? [He will not make a joke. He will not ma- Dammit.] All you need now is a white robe and you'll be set.

Cas (ACTION): Yes.

[And cue a flat look that says he's clearly not amused.]

Dean, this is serious.

[His wings give an annoyed flutter.]

Dean (ACTION): [Dean can't stop the chuckle.]

Sorry, dude. It is kinda funny though.

[Now that he's aware that they actually move Dean reaches out to touch one of the wings.]

So they're real and not just some feathers glued to cardboard.

Cas (ACTION): [He might have sighed in exasperation but Dean's touch to the wing has him jerking slightly. They're apparently sensitive.]

Dean (ACTION): [At the jerking motion Dean takes a step back holding his hands up as if in surrender.]

Woah, chill out. I'm not gonna hurt 'em.

Cas (ACTION): [Cas shifts his weight.] I know. [Lifting a hand to run it through his hair (a human habit he's picked up somewhere), he ends up bumping the halo instead and lets out a sigh.] It just felt strange.

Dean (ACTION): [Pointing up to the halo now.]

Do you feel it when that gets touched?

Cas (ACTION): [He shakes his head, lowering his hand.]

No. I can only feel the wings. [A pause.] I've tried to take them off. [Needless to say, they're stuck.]

Dean (ACTION): [Don't mind him moving behind Cas and inspecting the holes in Cas' trenchcoat for a minute.]

Yeah well, I think you're gonna have to deal with them unless you wanna go find a surgeon to cut them off.

Cas (ACTION): [Yeah, no, that's not an option. He turns his head to watch Dean but doesn't move. The wings choose that moment to stretch out, as if displaying themselves to Dean.]

Dean (ACTION): [He can't help it - it's like Dean was just offered Forbidden Fruit from the Garden. So he reaches out to touch one of the wings gently.]

Cas (ACTION): [Cas' eyes slide closed. The feathers ruffle a bit, like the fur on a cat might when it's pet.]

Dean (ACTION): [Okay, now he pulls back.]

Maybe they'll go away on their own like the whole zombie apocalypse thing we had going on.

Cas (ACTION): [The wings flutter at the loss of touch and Cas opens his eyes.]

I hope they do. I don't enjoy feeling like a walking advertisement.

Dean (ACTION): [Crossing his arms over his chest.]

Well just keep blaming it on the cupcake and maybe nobody will look into it too much.

Cas (ACTION): [Speaking of the cupcake, he kind of wants another. It was good.

Then, a thought:]

Did you leave the cupcake out?

Dean (ACTION): [Dean will buy some so don't go eating any more random ones.]

No dude. I'm not a big cupcake person.

Cas (ACTION): [Oh, right. Dean prefers pie. He stares at the wrapper. Well, lesson learned: don't eat mysterious food just lying around.]

Dean (ACTION): [If he was had a choice between cake and cupcakes then he'd go for cake but pie is definitely preferred.]

So no more eating things that are just laying around, okay?

Cas (ACTION): [He nods. That seems like something he should have known before, but... oh well. The damage is already done.]

DEAN IS A GIRL; CAS IS AWKWARD (DECEMBER 10 2011)

Dean (VIDEO): [Okay, Dean's been a girl ever since he woke up this morning. Damn those little free candies at the diner last night. Either way Dean looks pretty pissed in her over-sized pajamas and her long dirty-blond hair pulled back into a pony tail.]

Seriously? I'm all for having my own set of boobs but this hair is annoying and none of my clothes fit. Anyone want to lend a hand?

Cas (ACTION): [It's another of those 'see Cas walk in, see Cas walk out' moments. For a second he thinks he's nearly interrupted something until he comes back and openly gapes. The body is wrong, but...]

Dean?

Dean (ACTION): [Excuse you? Don't you knock when entering a lady's room?]

Yeah, it's me.

Cas (ACTION): [Since Dean is not normally a lady... no, he doesn't.]

Why are you... [Cue a general gesture at Dean.]

Dean (ACTION): [True that. He's already checked his new girl parts out.]

Probably has to do with the rest of the pranks goin' around.

Cas (ACTION): [Weird, Dean. Thank the heavens he doesn't have to know that.]

Ah.

[And some awkward shifting. Cas still has the damn wings and halo, though after nearly seven days with them he's much less perturbed by their presence.]

Dean (ACTION): [Well he could go check out the conversation she had with dad and how she looked down her shirt.]

It's not bad, except for the fact that I don't own anything that'll fit except these pajamas and this long hair is annoying.

[The pajamas only fit because they have a drawstring so she's got them tied tightly.]

Cas (ACTION): Well, you are... [Another gesture, and then Cas is looking away with a cough.] You are shaped differently now. I could get you some clothes more suited to your... er, body.

Dean (ACTION): Just say I'm a chick, Cas. [She nods though.] Clothes would be awesome.

Cas (ACTION): [With that, Castiel disappears. He's gone roughly a minute before he reappears, a few clothing items in hand.] These should fit. [Keyword: should. Dean is quite a bit smaller than he's used to seeing, and he's gaping again.]

Dean (ACTION): [She just waits for the angel to return. When he does Dean takes the clothes, looking them over. After a minute she notices Cas staring.]

What are you staring at?

ANGEL STATUES AND A CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR DEAN (DECEMBER 29 2011)

Cas (VIDEO): [Castiel is standing in front of one of the mysterious angel statues, his back turned toward it as he eyes another not too far away.] I find most depictions of angels disagreeable. [Because really, are they all supposed to be slight and curly-haired with dainty feathered wings that could never carry their weight in flight? They're soldiers, not cherubs. Small complaint over, Cas turns to face the first statue again.] I've counted at least thirty of these statues all over the city. They are... foreboding.

Private to Dean

Dean, I wanted to get you something for Christmas but I was uncertain about what.

Dean (VIDEO): It's fine, Cas. I didn't really feel like celebrating this year. [What with Sam and John gone.] I thought about getting you something but figured it might be a dick move. [Since...you know, it's celebrating the birth of some human son of an absent Dad.]

I do want to celebrate New Year's though.

Cas (VIDEO): [He nods. Sam disappearing affected him personally more than John but he knows Dean was deeply affected by both. He did get Dean something... but he's not sure, now. At Dean's comment he tilts his head.] What made you figure that?

I heard Nana. I've never seen fireworks before. [At least not in person.]

Dean (VIDEO): [If it's booze or ladies than bring it on...though he would be curious to know what Cas got him.] Christmas is like celebrating one of your sibling's birthday, isn't it?

Well you're going to see them this year. I'm a pro at fireworks.

Cas (VIDEO): [No, Dean, it's not booze or ladies. Cas is not a liquor store or a den of iniquity, thank you very much.

There's a long moment as he debates that.]

In essence, yes, but don't humans use the holiday to show gratitude to each other by exchanging gifts and singing? [Why singing, he doesn't know. His view of Christmas might be slightly skewed...]

I look forward to it, then.

Dean (VIDEO): [Damn. Well that would have been an awesome present.]

Something like that. But I don't want to celebrate this Christmas. [No Sam or dad to celebrate it with? Sure it's happened once or twice before when Sammy was at college and John was out on a hunt but at least Dean knew where they were - if they were alive.]

Good. [Dean has a New Year's resolution. Get the fuck out of this family slump.]

Cas (VIDEO): [Cas smiles -- really smiles -- and nods.] And... thank you for inviting Balthazar.

Dean (VIDEO): [Shrugging like it's no big deal.] He's your brother and it's a start of a new year. [Granted that Dean doesn't like the guy but Balthazar is better than some of Cas' other siblings.]

---

Balthazar (VIDEO): [Have Balthazar's face, turned in a mild frown. He's outside, giving one of the statues a good stare down.

Then he lifts a brow, finally looking at the screen.]

Oh, I dunno Cas. I think this one looks like you.

Cas (VIDEO): [Have a look that says just how not funny you are, Balthazar.]

It does not.

[Stop teasing your brother.]

Balthazar (VIDEO): [What? Yes he is... You just still have that stick up in that one place... 8(]

Right, right. I forgot you lack a sense of humor.

[It will never stop!]

What do you think these are for, anyway? I sure hope it's not this city's attempt at decorating.

Cas (VIDEO): I don't lack a sense of humor.

[Maybe you're just not very funny.]

I really don't know but I've been hearing some strange things about them.

Balthazar (VIDEO): [A chuckle.] You're good at many things, Cas, but I wouldn't say cracking jokes was ever your forte.

[A shrug.] Yes, yes. Like all that 'don't blink' rubbish.

[He turns to the angel statue again, giving its stone forehead a loud knock.] Right. Hello? Anything in there?

Cas (VIDEO): My jokes are funnier in Enochian.

[Okay, maybe they're not. Cas frowns when Balthazar knocks on the statue.] If they are dangerous, that might not be wise.

Balthazar (VIDEO): Sure, sure.

[Balth rolls his eyes, and mostly for the sake of antagonizing Cas, leans on the statue.] If, Cas.

They're just statues. [A shrug, as he pushes off the poor angel representation, and begins to walk.] Ugly ones, yes. But it's just stone.

You're really too paranoid, brother.

Cas (VIDEO): I don't have the luxury of not being paranoid, unfortunately.

[Consider it a drawback to becoming involved with the Winchesters.]

You should know as well as anyone that looks are often deceiving.

---

Damon (VIDEO): [ Damon is grimacing a bit, as he stares at one of the angel statues.]

...Then what do you think angels look like, dude?

...Because minus the constipated looks, i thought this was the stereotype?

Cas (VIDEO): [Oh, hi potential vampire he's still keeping tabs on. Constipated is a word he learned from Dean when he was telling Sam to "stop making that face; you look constipated, dude" so Damon only earns a vaguely disgruntled look.] It is, more or less. Angels are multidimensional wavelengths of celestial intent, though. Their true forms cannot be viewed by most eyes.

Damon (VIDEO): [ Don't worry. He's been getting his blood supply from the hospital. He probably wouldn't hear the end of it from at least two people in this place if he actually went for the live stock.

Damon blinks though, head tilting at the explanation. Doesn't make him any less smug. ] Really? Well, that's...new.

[ A pause. ] That is, if angels existed. [ Snide comments and him are just best buddies. ]

Cas (VIDEO): Angels exist. [Spoken with complete conviction. He is one, after all.]

Damon (VIDEO): Right. And so do unicorns.

[ 8| It was perfect logic to him. ]

Cas (VIDEO): [Castiel frowns.]

No, unicorns are not real.

Damon (VIDEO): But angels are? [ He lifts a brow. ] Aren't they 'warriors of God' or some nonsense like that?

DEAN AND CAS HUNT DOWN THE WEEPING ANGEL THAT KILLED NANA (JANUARY 5 2012)

Dean (VIDEO): [The video feed's a little shaky but there's definitely someone there. Dean finally focuses it on him where his face has obviously taken a serious beating. Blood is streaking down his face and he uses the sleeve of the arm holding the communicator to wipe it away from his eye. His other arm is hanging uselessly at his side but there is a machete held tightly in that hand as blood drips down his arm and the weapon to plop on the ground. More blood can be seen through the rips and tears of his shirt.

He went after the Angel who killed Nana ever since he saw it post yesterday and found himself outnumbered. It doesn't help that he was seeing red and therefore didn't care whether he blinked or looked away from one. His face is pale from blood loss and really should get himself patched up but this is Dean.

This is Dean who's lost his brother, his dad and now his close friend. So this is also Dean not giving two shits about himself.]

Damn freakin' monsters. They think they can get away with killin' someone and using us as a fucking buffet. Now, who's got dynamite?

Private to Cas

Can I borrow your weapon?

Cas (VIDEO TO ACTION): Dean.

[Castiel doesn't look particularly happy. Then again, when does he? Right now he's even less happy than normal for several reasons, one of which he's looking at right now.]

Of course. I will be there shortly. Do not move. [There's a warning in his voice. Of course, when the angel says shortly it usually means now and sure enough he appears next to Dean just a moment later, the sound of fluttering wings chasing him. Whether it's wanted or not Cas has every intention of fixing Dean up before he lets him throw himself at any more of the Weeping Angels. He holds the angel sword but doesn't offer it to Dean yet.] I'm going to heal you.

Dean (ACTION): [He's leaning up against a tree looking just as bloody and battered as he had on the video feed. The warning is the only thing keeping him there seeing as how he's been up against Cas in a physical fight and lost. No sense in making Cas angrier.

As for being healed, well, Dean won't fight that either. Instead his eyes are focused on that sword.] Then you gonna let me borrow that?

Cas (ACTION): [The sound Cas makes is just short of exasperated.] Yes. [Lifting his free hand, he presses two fingers to Dean's forehead. Some of the wounds vanish, healed -- but not all. Castiel frowns as he pulls his hand back.] It seems I'm not at full power. [But it will have to do. He offers up the sword.]

Dean (ACTION): [With that answer Dean really does just let Cas heal him up and it feels weird. He can definitely tell that there are still some injuries lingering, especially when he moves the shoulder on that previously mostly lifeless arm. Still, it's good enough to work with.

Dean grips the offered up sword and takes it. If normal weapons with added supernatural kicks don't work then the angel sword could be the only thing. After all, in their world there wasn't much that could kill an angel.]

Some power is better than no power. [Motions to where he obviously came from if the blood trail is anything to go by.] You wanna come?

Cas (ACTION): [Castiel watches Dean for a moment. The invitation isn't necessary. He's not letting Dean go off on his own again.] What else do I have to do? [It's almost sarcasm.]

Dean (ACTION): [Still, he thought it might be nice to invite Cas along. It's a way to show the angel that he's not adverse to having help. Dean starts back the way he came from. Maybe the angels will still be there.] Do any of us really have anything else to do here?

Cas (ACTION): We could acquire jobs. [Spoken as he follows after Dean, though with just a few steps he's next to the hunter instead.]

Dean (ACTION): I suspect we'll have to in order to pay for that huge place but right now all I'm focusing on are those freakin' monsters. [Though he is curious and has to look over at the angel.] What kind of job would you get?

Cas (ACTION): [In truth Castiel hasn't given much thought to what kind of job he might get and he shrugs.] I'm a soldier of heaven. Outside of that, I'm not certain what I'm good at. [Cas glances to the side, having heard something strange.] Have you managed to take any of them out?

Dean (ACTION): [Dean's quiet for a minute as he thinks of what Cas would be good at.] You could be a bouncer. You've got the strength to toss out ruffians and the ability to keep out underage girls even if they try to lie to you.

[He didn't hear anything so he just let's Cas look as he keeps his eyes forward.] I took off some hands, arms and even busted off a couple of wings but these things just regenerate 'em.

Cas (ACTION): [Somehow he's not surprised by Dean's suggestion. It makes sense, though. Deciding the noise was nothing, he resumes looking around, gaze seeking out stone.] So as far as we know, they're immortal. [But even immortal things can die. Cas knows that all too well. It's just a matter of figuring out how.]

Dean (ACTION): [Working as a bouncer is gotta be better than some 9-5 job. At least unless they start up their own business or something.] If anything can kill them then I think this is it. [He raises the sword a little bit.]

Cas (ACTION): [Cas nods. The angel swords are powerful in their world -- but there's always a chance it won't have an effect on these creatures. Either way, he's ready. Another strange sound has him stopping completely this time, attention snapping to fix on an angel and consequently lock it in place.]

Dean (ACTION): [This time with Cas stopping completely so does Dean and he shifts his eyes to where his feathered friend has his gaze on the monster. His grip tightens on the sword as he checks the creature's hand to search for the stolen communicator.]

Cas (ACTION): Is this the one? ["The one" meaning the one that killed Nana, of course. Cas doesn't look away from the Weeping Angel as he speaks.]

DEAN'S 72ND 34TH BIRTHDAY (JANUARY 20 2012)

Dean (VIDEO/ACTION): [Have a look at the expansive Winchester kitchen and living room. It looks filled with all sorts of booze and finger foods. Finally it settles on Dean's smiling face. Sure he had a pretty crappy holiday season what with family leaving and friends dying but today he's got something good to say.]

So in four days I'll be celebrating my 32nd birthday and thought I'd throw a little party since today is the start of the weekend and all. There's free booze and snack foods and there will be music for anyone who wants to come hang out. Kids can show up too. There's some stuff set up in the living room for them. Games and all that.

Yeah this even includes you, Balthazar. [Again, only for Cas' sake.

An address is included.]

[ACTION!]

[For anyone who shows up they'll find the front door wide open with old "Mullet Rock" playing at an acceptable level for both listening and having conversations. Most of the doors not on the main level are closed and locked as is the workshop (unless it's a bathroom). Board games are available in the living room as promised and cartoons are playing on a medium-sized television for kids. Throughout the kitchen are barrels of various booze in ice and in one (lowered for vertically short people) are cans of soda or juice. Plastic cups can be found and so can paper plates for the finger foods strewn about.

Outside on the large, raised patio is the best place to be. Christmas lights have been hung up and wrapped around the railing to symbolize peace and quiet. Downstairs there's a dart board for anyone who wants to start up a game (Dean hasn't gotten a pool table yet).

And the birthday boy?

He's around somewhere, drink in hand, living it up.]

Cas (ACTION): [Castiel is hovering near the snacks, looking characteristically awkward and out of place.]

Dean (ACTION): [Dean's there giving him a hearty pat on the back while holding out a new open bottle of beer.]

Dude, no need to stand here like you're a fish out of water. [He'd use the reference "stiff as a statue" but they've both had enough of that.] Go meet some people and keep the whole 'life-story reading' to a minimum.

Cas (ACTION): [Cas frowns at him slightly, then shakes his head.] I am not good at socializing. I do not know what is appropriate to say and what is not. [And he's also not so good with the losing friends part. That sucks. Accepting the bottle, he takes a drink from it.]

Dean (ACTION): Well you're never going to get any better if you don't practice. [Grabbing his own beer to drink from all while grabbing a cracker.]

Cas (ACTION): [He gives Dean a baleful look, shifting to set his drink down.] In any case, happy 72nd birthday, Dean. [Castiel picks up a package and offers it to Dean.] I meant to give you this some time back, but... [A small shrug. It kept seeming like the wrong time. It's a simple package, Dean's name scrawled across the scrap of paper. Inside is a black handled silver knife. The blade is double edged and has been etched with elaborate designs -- Enochian sigils.]

Dean (ACTION): [He makes a face when Cas adds on the forty years from his time in Hell but doesn't say anything. Instead he takes the package and opens it up to get to the present inside.] This is pretty awesome. What are the sigils for?

Cas (ACTION): They make it unbreakable. The sigils will also glow when a demon is near.

[Cas is smiling.]

Dean (ACTION): This is probably one of the best gifts I've been given, Cas. Thanks.

[Dean's smiling too. Not one of those forced fake ones he's been prone to do since John's departure but a real one.]

Cas (ACTION): You're welcome. [Still smiling, Cas picks his drink back up and takes a swig.] The dart board that you put up -- at some point, I'd like to try it. [No promises on not breaking it, mind you.]

Dean (ACTION): [Blinking at Cas like those are the most foreign words Dean's ever heard in his life.] You do? [The whole thing may just be good enough to be worth a broken dartboard.]

Cas (ACTION): [Cas blinks right back, momentarily wondering if he's said something strange.] Yes.

Dean (ACTION): [Taking that drink back from Cas now and tugging on the immovable angel's arm.] Let's go, dude. Before you're too drunk and send a dart through the wall.

Cas (ACTION): [Castiel allows himself to be tugged, though he's clearly perplexed.] I'm not going to get that drunk. [Because, hello? Angel here. He's pretty much the definition of alcohol tolerance.]

Dean (ACTION): [Down the stairs they go.] With your strength I'd rather not take any chances.

Cas (ACTION): [Have a small, exasperated sigh, but Cas continues to follow after Dean.] I am uncertain on the rules of the game.

THE "COOKIE INCIDENT" OR CAS CONFESSES HIS FEELINGS TO DEAN AND IS SHOT DOWN (FEBRUARY 15 2012)

Cas (ACTION): [Castiel has been milling around the Winchester residence, more or less keeping to himself. At present he is in the nook, curled up on a chair with a book about religious theory -- and a red cookie he's absently nibbling on.]

Dean (ACTION): [And there's Dean, sauntering on in through the front door after work and heading straight for the kitchen. Beer is needed, stat. As he pulls open the fridge he looks over his shoulder at Cas.]

Really Cas? Have you got nothing better to do than sit around munching on cookies and being a huge nerd?

Cas (ACTION): [He doesn't so much as look up when Dean comes in, barely even shifting to turn the page. He's comfortable, and the cookie is really good. He makes a non-committal noise at the question.]

I am looking for work.

[Just not right that second. He did take note of the newsletter, however, and one of the job listings perked his interest.]

Dean (ACTION): [Grabs a beer and pops the top off before taking a long chug.]

Just how are you looking for work by reading a book?

[Dean hasn't seen the newsletter yet.]

Cas (ACTION): The book is not relevant to finding work.

[Obviously. Cas finally glances up at Dean, visibly pausing as a frown curves his mouth. He looks back down, toying with the half-eaten cookie before taking another bite.]

I have been thinking. [It's a weighted, thoughtful statement.]

Dean (ACTION): [He moves around the island only to lean back on it when he reaches the other side.]

Then how are you looking for work?

[Eyebrows shoot up in a curious manner. It's not strange that Castiel is thinking but sharing these thoughts is a rare occurrence.] About?

Cas (ACTION): [Cue a baleful look.]

There were some listings posted to the network. [He only knows it's called a 'network' from listening to other people, of course.] I'm going to look into them.

[Castiel sets the book down after memorizing the page number he was on.]

It's... personal. [He's pointedly not looking at Dean now.]

Dean (ACTION): [Now he pulls out his communicator to look at the post.]

Huh, that's new. Which one were you thinking about?

[Stuffs it back into his jacket pocket.]

Dude, I'm here for you...no matter what it is. [If he and Cas could discuss dead-beat fathers then what could possible be so personal that the angel wouldn't look at him.]

Cas (ACTION): The one for Worldly Treasures. I'm not completely certain what sort of things they carry but I can get from one place to another faster than most people. [There's the small issue of not knowing how to work a register, but given time he can figure just about anything out.

Cas takes a moment to nibble on the cookie some more.] I know. Thank you, Dean. [Another pause.] I have reason to believe I am... that is, that I like... someone. [Still not looking at Dean.]

Dean (ACTION): And here I thought you'd go with the pet store to take care of all of those cute little critters, Cas. [It's teasing but he's completely serious.

He moves to give Cas a hearty pat on the back and a big smile.] That's awesome, dude! You going to ask her out?

Cas (ACTION): I had considered that one, but I would end up bringing more home with me than I should. [An honest admittance, and the barest of smiles. He knows Dean's teasing is meant affectionately, as is the pat, which he doesn't even find discomfiting like he used to.

He gives a slight shake of his head.] It's not a 'her'.

Dean (ACTION): [Snorts.] Not like we don't have the room for it now.

[Excuse him while he stares a for a good minute.] A him?

Cas (ACTION): [Stare away. Cas finishes off the cookie, and after he does he finally looks back up at Dean again, meeting his gaze evenly.]

Gender is unimportant to me.

Dean (ACTION): [Of course Cas doesn't mind the staring. The angel is Staremaster 2011. Taking a loooooong drink because he needs it if this conversation is going to continue.]

'Course it doesn't. [Not to a genderless angel.] So who's the lucky person?

Cas (ACTION): [He's feeling unexpectedly bold. Standing, he steps into Dean's personal space.]

You are, Dean.

Dean (ACTION): [Uh...wait, what? No. No way in hell is this real. The angel is lying - has to be. Dean steps back as Cas moves into his bubble.]

Cas, you're talking crazy.

Cas (ACTION): [Cas frowns at both Dean's response and his step back. Not that he was really expecting the hunter to react any differently. He's not sure what he expected, actually... but that doesn't matter at the moment.]

I am being serious.

Dean (ACTION): [Now Dean is seriously debating putting angel-proofing on his room. He may joke about Sam being gay and be okay with it, but only so long as it's not directed at him. And it doesn't matter if Cas is some genderless angel, he was wearing a male vessel.]

Well you sound crazy to me. [Pause.] Just when did you start feeling like that?

Cas (ACTION): [Shifting his weight, he sighs. It's a frustrated sigh.]

I do not know. I think before we ended up here. I just didn't know... what it was I felt, exactly. Why does when matter?

[Cas steps back into Dean's personal space.] And why is it crazy?

Dean (ACTION): And what the hell made you realize how you felt?

[Because this was Cas he's dealing with. Sometimes the angel needed a hint about things. Again he steps back. There is not enough alcohol in the world to deal with this.] Because you didn't seem to feel this way yesterday, or even before I left for work.

Cas (ACTION): I started to think about you while I was reading earlier.

[If it's at all possible, he frowns even more.] You do not feel the same. Is it because you have a predilection for "chasing skirts"? [He absolutely did not pick up that phrase from Sam at some point.]

Dean (ACTION): While you were reading...and eating a cookie. Where'd ya get the cookie, Cas?

[Please oh please say it was just another one of those crazy ass events that was happening. Because then he will have all the talks about eating strange food in this place.]

It's because I never thought about it before. And if you haven't noticed I'm not exactly big on relationship stuff.

Cas (ACTION): One of the stores. They were being given out.

[Still frowning. Really, just all the frowning ever.]

You are deflecting. You have a number of relationships.

Dean (ACTION): For free? And you just took one? Didn't I talk to you about eating strange food?

[Frowning right back atcha buddy boy. Though there is a sarcastic snort.]

They're not relationships, Cas. They're one-night stands - maybe more and I don't always go back to 'em.

Cas (ACTION): You talked to me about not eating strange food that I just find sitting around. This was not just sitting around.

[There's clearly a difference.]

Sam, Bobby -- are those not relationships?

Dean (ACTION): Anything that's being handed out for free in this city can't be trusted.

Not the kind of relationship you're thinking about. They're my family, not a significant other.

Cas (ACTION): [Castiel only looks more confused.] Your mother and father were family, were they not? I don't see the difference.

Dean (ACTION): They also weren't really hunters when they were together either. Not to mention what happened to them.

Cas (ACTION): [There's a long moment of silence as the angel thinks all this over.]

...I have obviously been affected by the cookie. I will be more careful about food here. Please forget this.

[He's not looking at Dean again and his shoulders are tense. Turning away, he picks his book back up.]

Dean (ACTION): [Well fuck. Now he's probably going to have a depressed angel on his hands.]

You do that. Think about it after you no longer are suffering the affects of some cookie. Then get back to me on it.

[Maybe then Dean would have some time to think about it too.]

Cas (ACTION): [Cas nods once, and then he's gone with the sound of fluttering wings.]

CAS AND TONY DISCUSS RELATIONSHIP WOES (MARCH 26 2012)

Tony (VIDEO): [Tony's got a bottle in one hand and his communicator in the other as he turns on the video feed. The man's up on a rooftop wearing his full Iron Man armor save for his helmet, which is several stories down on the ground below, and he's totally and utterly drunk off his ass. At one o'clock in the afternoon, you ask? Yes.]

You know what sucks? Shelves. Shelves fucking suck. You make someone a set of shelves, and they totally piss all over your hard work by getting rid of them. Is there no deceny left in the world.

[He pauses his tirade to take a swig from the bottle.]

You know what else sucks? Relationships. Who invented those anyway? Not me, that's for sure, because I wouldn't invent something as fucking dumb as relationships. Everybody in one should just get out. They're absolutely useless, more useless than the rollerskates I wanted to put in Iron Man's boots but everyone said was dumb. They said, Pepper said -

[His expression darkens, and his grip on the alcohol bottle tightens so much that it shatters between metallic fingers. Tony stares at his hand like he's not sure what happened, then groans and scowls at the communicator, preparing to divulge one last nugget of wisdom before turning off the phone to wallow alone in his misery.]

Fucking hell, why isn't there a giant donut in this godforsaken city. Someone work on that, pronto.

Cas (VOICE): I believe I am in agreement with you on relationships.

Tony (VIDEO): Dude, right, right? [He frowns into the bottle of whiskey Thor had brought him.] You just get dumped too?

Cas (VOICE): Dumped? [The angel is still a bit shaky when it comes to human phrases.]

Tony (VIDEO): Did ya break up with someone.

Cas (VOICE): No. I... confessed my feelings to someone, however, and they did not take it well.

Tony (VIDEO): [Tony visibly winces.] Ouch, that had to hurt. Sucks for them though, I'm sure you're great. [He says of the guy he's only know for about five seconds now.]

Cas (VOICE): Yes. [A pause.] I am no so sure about that but thank you nonetheless. Do you mind if I ask what happened? [He's genuinely curious.]

Tony (VIDEO): She gave the shelves back. [He stares at the screen as if expecting Castiel to understand. The sheeelves, man, the bookshelf he made her because she needed more shelves, just pushed out into the hallway. Life wasn't fair.]

Cas (VOICE): [Yeah, Castiel has no idea what he's talking about.] Shelves?

Tony (VIDEO): After she dumped me. She got rid of the bookshelf I made her. [Duh, Cas, get with the program.]

Cas (VOICE): [Humans are strange creatures, but he supposes he understands. If Dean were to get rid of the knife he gave him -- well, the thought is very unpleasant.] I see.

Tony (VIDEO): But enough about me - [Haha good joke it'll probably come back to Tony at some point] - you need some of this, champ? [He waves the bottle of whiskey in front of the screen. Come drown your weird angel sorrows with Tony.]

Cas (VOICE): [It would take a lot more alcohol than that to completely drown his sorrows (which are not weird, thank you, just because they're angelic in nature). He's not one to pass up a drink, however. Probably Dean's fault. The hunter is obviously a great terrible influence.] I believe I might.

Tony (VIDEO): Cool! I'm on a roof. [He flips the phone around so the camera can survey the area. Good luck finding him.] Oh hey, JJ, send him directions. [Tony's AI texts Castiel the directions and Tony grins. He's such a good programmer, man. JJ's so awesome.]

CAS INTRODUCES DAENERYS TO TECHNOLOGY (APRIL 1 2012)

Daenerys (VOICE): [The device switches on with a clatter.] Give them to me! [Comes the angry shout of a decidedly female person. A new arrival. There is a soft, reasonable voice, asking her to calm down, trying to explain where she is. But she will have none of it.] I do not know where I am or why you have brought me here, but you have taken three precious things from me and I demand you return them! [This lady means business.]

If you do not give what was taken, I will bring the wrath of House Targaryen upon you and you will wish for death, I swear to you. [There isn't much left to House Targaryen. Just her. But she's got plenty of wrath for all. There are more shatters and clatters as she flings items at the departing footfalls.] Give them to me!

Cas (VOICE): Unfortunately threats do not work well here. Whatever was taken from you will remain out of your possession for a while.

Daenerys (VOICE): [There is a long silence. An unknown voice. As if from nowhere. Those she has spoken to so far, the woman and this voice, they speak the common tongue of the Seven Kingdoms. Could it be she is in Westeros?] For how long?

Cas (VOICE): After two months you get one thing back, whether it's an item or power. [A pause.] At least that's what I've heard.

[Castiel really has no idea since he fought to get his Angel Sword and "mojo" back when there were zombie-like creatures on the loose.]

Daenerys (VOICE): [As he speaks, she carefully makes her way towards the source of the voice.] A power? And if this items were a creature-- a pet-- would it be the same?

Cas (VOICE): Abilities. Flying, for example. I haven't heard of anyone getting a pet back, just weapons, armor, things they had on them when they were taken.

Daenerys (VOICE): [The voice seems to be coming from a small, strange item. It's flat, and hard, and not made of any material Daenerys is familiar with.] I see. [She frowns greatly. If her dragons are not returned to her, she will have nothing of use in the upcoming war.]

Cas (VIDEO): [There's a long moment of silence before Castiel switches his communication device to video. He's in a sparsely decorated bedroom.] I am Castiel.

Daenerys (VOICE): [Daenerys jerks with surprise when a man's face appeared on the thing in her hands. It falls with a clatter.] How is that possible? [She's not saying it's sorcery but....it's sorcery.]

Cas (VIDEO): [Whoops. So much for introductions. He's momentarily confused by her question until he decides she must mean the communication device.]

Technology. [Simple answer.]

Daenerys (VOICE): I do not understand. [That doesn't help her...in the slightest. Perhaps Castiel has finally met someone who doesn't understand modern things like him]

Cas (VIDEO): [He frowns, attempting to figure out how to explain.]

It's... for communication. [This is not easy. Is this how Dean and Sam felt?]

Daenerys (VOICE): [See how you like it, Castiel.] And we are able to see the person we wish to speak with? No matter how far away they may be?

Cas (VIDEO): [He nods.] Yes. Everyone presently in Aliunde can be contacted through it.

Daenerys (VOICE): [Oh.] So, only those that are...here.

What did you do so that I can see your face? [How do you work it, helpful man with the bright blue eyes.]

Cas (VIDEO): In the message menu, there's a setting for video.

[This might be easier if he was actually there, but he doesn't want to startle her anymore than he already has by just appearing out of nowhere.]

Daenerys (VIDEO): [She grows quiet as she searches the device, finding the word 'menu', then 'video'. She touched the button lightly with her finger, but it was enough. The audio cuts out and the image of a dirty, pale blonde woman fills his screen.] I believe I did it.

Cas (VIDEO): [Castiel nods.] Yes, I can see you now.

Daenerys (VIDEO): [She nods once, still standing in the middle of the room she woke up in.] How do I leave this place, ser?

Cas (VIDEO): Leave that room and follow the 'exit' signs.

Daenerys (VIDEO): [She wants to ask him...where should she go next? What should she do? Because, quite simply, she doesn't know.] I thank you, Castiel, for your kindness. If there is anything I can do to repay it, I will do what I can.

Cas (VIDEO): [Cas shakes his head, the barest of a smile present.] That's not necessary. Do you need anything else?

Daenerys (VIDEO): [Bawww, smile. Daenerys breathes a small, humorless chuckle, and gives a half-smile of her own.] There are a great many things I need, but I can get none of them here.

[Drogo. Rhaego. Her brother. Her throne.]

CAS AND DEAN HUNT LOKI'S OUT-OF-CONTROL MONSTERS (APRIL 2 2012)

Dean (VIDEO): [Someone is armed to the teeth with weapons and the edge of his coat is frozen from a near hit. His face looks grim but actually he's quite happy to be kicking monster butt. Behind him is one downed monster, splattered in dark blue blood although the wound that killed it can't be seen.]

Never trust a trickster. And don't piss in their Cheerios either. [Because yep, he's one of the ones that the beasts have come after.]

If you can fight then aim for the head. And don't let the bastards touch you because this will happen. [Lifts his jacket for everyone to see the frozen part.] They've also got this magical ice attack so watch out for that.

If you need a rescue then let me know and I'll come kick some monster butt. My place is stocked with food, medical supplies and anything else you might need to wait this out. Or I can take you to 7th Heaven if you want.

Private to Darcy

Stay in the house if you're already there. Downstairs in the basement passed my room is a door, a big heavy door. That's my panic room if you find yourself needing it or if someone I bring back does.

Private to Cas

Feel like destroying some monsters, dude?

Cas (VIDEO): [See Castiel with some dark blue blood spotting his trenchcoat.]

I am already on it. Is Darcy at the house?

[Because although he doesn't know her that well (or at all, really) she's obviously important to Dean (like Nana was) and he has no intention of letting history repeat.]

Dean (VIDEO): [Good thing angels are pretty much immune to everything seeing as how these are pagan gods and Dean's not about to go stake this trickster with Thor here.]

Close enough. She was on her way in. I don't think Loki will go after her though seeing as how it seems he's basically turning them loose on anyone who didn't want him for their softball team.

[Turns to look away from the screen at another incoming monster.]

Cas (VIDEO): [And now see Cas' face scrunch up in obvious confusion. He doesn't quite get the reference but he understands what Dean means, at least.]

Do you need me there?

[Because he can be there, in not even two seconds flat.]

Dean (VIDEO): [Cocks his shotgun and aims it.]

Backup wouldn't be so bad.

[The bastards are strong and Dean can't even touch them. Angel trumps pagan god monster every time, even if things are kind of awkward ever since the cookie incident.]

Cas (ACTION): [The sound of fluttering wings precedes his appearance next to Dean before he's even finished speaking. For the moment the cookie incident in the farthest thing from his mind. It's been awkward, yes, but Dean is Dean and Castiel will always come to his aid regardless.]

Dean (ACTION): [Doesn't even look at the sound because Cas is the only angel around. His eyes are focused on the beast coming towards him. It's still too far away to get in some good shots.]

There's more than we thought.

Cas (ACTION): Many were keeping out of sight until recently.

[He's watching the one approaching as well.]

How many have you killed?

Dean (ACTION): For all we know he could have been planning this. Or maybe he made more just for today.

[Once it's in range he starts firing.]

Two so far.

Cas (ACTION): I'm not entirely certain it was planned.

[Cas shifts his weight and the Angel Blade appears in his hand.]

Dean (ACTION): Many not entirely but they're going after people who did speak against him.

[Aims for one of the creature's eyes and fires, half-blinding it.]

Cas (ACTION): I cannot argue with that.

[Because it's clear these things have a vendetta against Dean. Castiel disappears only to reappear closer to the creature on its blind side. He slashes out with the Blade and it falls limp, decapitated.]

Dean (ACTION): [With it dead he wanders over and looks down at it, resisting the urge to kick it.]

Well, looks like Doc Magnus gets her specimen.

Cas (ACTION): I can take it to her.

[He looks to Dean for confirmation.]

Dean (ACTION): If you can touch it without turning into a frozen angelsicle.

Cas (ACTION): [Castiel nods, pulling his communication device out to contact Helen ahead of time.]

I should be able to.

CAS DECAPITATES ONE OF LOKI'S MONSTERS FOR HELEN; FAIL!PRIVATE BROADCAST (APRIL 4 2012)

Cas (VIDEO): [Castiel is standing next to one of Loki's creatures. It's been decapitated. There are dark blue splatters all over his trench coat. He attempted to make the call private but the angel is still terrible with technology.] Dean and I have a specimen for you. I can deliver it; I just need to know where.

Helen (VIDEO): [ Helen notices the failed attempt at filtering the call, but she can't seem to be angry about it. Instead she just smiles and shakes her head at him. So formal. ] I'll send you the address of the Sanctaury. it should be easy enough to find. Is Dean alright?

Cas (VIDEO): [He nods, glancing over at the hunter who is no more than five feet away.] Yes. His jacket has suffered damage but he is fine. [That's an attempt at humor. Really.]

Helen (VIDEO): Well, clothing isn't all that important. [ She grins then types a few things into the phone. ] You should receive a message with the information here shortly.

Cas (VIDEO): Tell that to Dean. [Helen will be able to hear the chorus of Highway to Hell playing in the background. Castiel's expression is unreadable.]

Helen (VIDEO): [ Helen manages to keep a serious face for only a moment before rolling her eyes and trying not to give a small laugh at the sudden AC-DC. ] Is he the sort to get in a fuss about it?

Cas (VIDEO): [He glances off-screen in Dean's direction.] It depends on the article of clothing. I have noticed a sentimentalism toward specific jackets and shirts. [Welcome to Dishing on Dean Winchester: The Cas Edition.]

Helen (VIDEO): It being a gift does make it more valuable in the eyes of the beholder. [ She finds it entirely understandable and human. ]

Dean (VIDEO): [Excuse him as he shuffles into view on Cas' feed after turning off his phone which, yes has songs set to play when certain people post.]

Hey Tara, Paris? Can we stop talking about my wardrobe and get moving? I pissed off one pagan god and rather not stand around to give him the chance to let one of his little beasties a chance find out how Dean shiskabobs taste.

Cas (VIDEO TO ACTION): [Human is the keyword. Then Dean is there and he frowns at the reference he doesn't understand because seriously, who are Tara and Paris? Not even bothering to ask (at least not right now), Castiel turns his attention back to the screen.] Yes, I will be there momentarily.

[And by momentarily he means now because he appears at the designated address just a few seconds later with the sound of fluttering wings, creature in tow.]

Helen (VIDEO TO ACTION): [ Helen gives Dean a pointed look before shaking her head. Then her head shoots up from the phone, moving to the nearest window to look outside and see Castiel and Dean already there. Someone has special capabilities. She makes a mental note to ask them later.

Placing her gun back in it's holster, she moves to the front door and opens it, motioning for them to enter. ]

Down the stairwell, [ she gestures to it. ] We've set up a place for it already. There should be a rather long table. Be careful of the mess. I haven't had the time to put all the medical equipment away.

Dean (ACTION): [lklkajfoi! Holy shit! Dean was not ready to get dragged along for the ride as is obvious by his rapid blinking. And Helen won't have to wonder for long considering he looks over at the angel.]

Dammit Cas. A little more freakin' warning next time?

[Not making a move to touch the beast because honestly, Dean has no idea if it's safe to touch even though it's dead. Though he does head up to go through the door since Cas can put the body on the table without actually having to go anywhere or haul it.]

Cas (ACTION): [Castiel looks at Dean, ducking his head slightly.] My apologies, Dean. I figured it would be better to bring you as well since you know this Helen person better.

[That said, he turns his attention to Helen with a nod and both him and the creature disappear.]

Helen (ACTION): [ She quietly watches the exchange as she closes and locks the door behind her. Her head tilts and she folds her hands together but doesn't ask. ]

It seems like both you and your friend are doing well, despite the constant battle going on. [ Helen nods to the living room. ] If either of you need to rest or recuperate, you're welcome to before you head back out.

Dean (ACTION): [Fucking hell. He hadn't meant to make the angel feel like that. Things have just been...weird with them ever since mid-February. Rubbing his forehead in frustration.]

Battling isn't an issue for us, we're more used to doing stuff rather than just sitting around. [Heads to the living room.] I'll stay for a bit but I dunno about Cas. [The angel didn't need rest or recuperation when he was mojoed up. Maybe he'd prefer to go out without Dean too.]

Cas (ACTION): [Castiel places the creature on the table, being careful of the various equipment, before returning to Dean's side with that same telltale flutter of wings.]

Helen (ACTION): I see. It's good to hear. [ Even if part of her isn't too happy to hear that they're used to this sort of thing. She follows after Dean, then stops in her tracks once Castiel appears again out of nowhere. ]

Well. That explains that.

Dean (ACTION): [Looks over at the other when he reappears even though he's used to it.]

Right, I dunno if you two know each other so introductions. Cas, this is Dr. Helen Magus. Doc, this is Castiel. [Dean gestures to them when saying their names.] As you noticed Cas is...special. [Fixes his gaze on the angel, silently asking if he wants the whole "angel" business known.]

Cas (ACTION): [He nods a greeting at Helen.] Hello. [That probably should have come a while before, but oh well. Special is one way of putting it. He glances at Dean, taking a moment to consider before straightening slightly.] I am an Angel of the Lord.

Helen (ACTION): A pleasure to meet you, Castiel. [ She holds her hand out for a shake. Then her eyebrows jump up in surprise. ] An angel. [ Helen pauses. Anything is possible in this city, isn't it? ]

I do believe they have the depiction of your kind entirely wrong then, Castiel.

Dean (ACTION): You don't even know how wrong it all is. [Considering everything humanity's gotten wrong? There's no halo and certainly no flowing robes up in Heaven. Though Cas does have wings.]

Try not to spread it around too much, it's not something we want getting around town.

Cas (ACTION): [He looks down at her offered hand before accepting it.] Yes. It seems most depictions are based on incorrect interpretations of the bible. [In other words: so very wrong. Aside from no halos and flowing robes they also don't sit on people's shoulders and guide them. Angels are warriors, soldiers.]

Helen (ACTION): I'm certain it's quite wrong. given that most are traditions and based off myths as opposed to actual fact. [ She shrugs at Dean then looks back at Castiel and shakes his hand. ] Most tend to follow blindly. Luckily, you've found someone who tends to question the world and want to learn.

[ Then she gestures to the couch that Dean is on. ] I've offered Dean a place to stay to recuperate before heading back out to fight. You're more than welcome to stay as well. I'm not certain if you need to sleep or eat, Castiel, but both of you are more than welcome to the kitchen while you're here. Just try not to make too much of a mess.

Dean (ACTION): There's a lot that's pretty close to being true - like Lucifer. Can't say I'm fond of the devil. [Or the Apocalypse either. Teasingly:] After this is all over, I bet Cas would be happy to nerd it up with you and discuss the differences.

[Cas will outlast all of them. Leans back on the couch and gives her a little salute.] We'll do our best, doc.

Cas (ACTION): [Cas releases her hand with another nod.] Thank you. [A pause.] I need neither sleep or food, though I can eat if I want to. [He's attempting to be more careful about what he eats, though, because... well, he's had some questionable experiences in this place.]

I would not be opposed to a discussion once things are settled.

Helen (ACTION): Somehow I don't think you should be fond of him, Dean. [ Given the fact that it's, well, the Devil. Helen isn't a religious person but she isn't blind enough to not believe if an angel is standing in front of her. ] We'll have to set a time for it then. It's a discussion I'd rather like to have.

[ Then, to Castiel: ] Well, if you'd like, then please. By all means.

If either of you need anything while you are out and about, simply contact me. I'll have my phone on me even while I'm downstairs picking our scaly friend apart.

Dean (ACTION): Yeah well, he's even more of a dick in person. So are a lot of Cas' siblings. No offense, dude. [Though he's sure that Cas already knows how he feels.]

Thanks Doc.

Will (ACTION): [ Will wasn't aware that there were others down there.

Nor was he aware of the 'specimen'. ]

Hey, Magnus, where do I-- [ He jolts lightly, the file in his hands almost dropping at the site of the creature.

Okay, it's not like he hasn't seen some funky things before, it's just when its the first thing you see... ]

Holy--

[ Quite the entrance, Will. Well done. ]

Cas (ACTION): [Castiel just looks at Dean. At the sound of another voice he turns, straightening again.]

Helen (ACTION): [ Helen is about to comment, then Will makes his grand entrance. She grins over at Will. ]

Dean, Castiel. This is my protege, Will Zimmerman. Will, this is Dean and Castiel. [ Then she tilts her head up. ] Where do you...?

Dean (ACTION): [He gives the new startled guy a wave and a smile.]

Hey dude.

Will (ACTION): [ Will blinks, glances at the file at his hand, looking over at Magnus briefly, with his quizzical head tilt.

A look at Dean, pulling on an uncomfortable smile, nodding. ] Ugh. Hey.

Not important Magnus, [ dismissing his initial inquiry, he points to the monster. ]

I take it that guy isn't a new resident, so...specimen?

---

Dean (ACTION): [From his place near the beast and Cas his phone starts playing the chorus from Highway to Hell in his pocket. Without turning it off he looks over at the angel with a flat look. His tone is sarcastic.]

Way to go, genuis. You just posted that for everyone to see.

Cas (ACTION): ... [Cas looks at Dean, then his phone, then back at Dean.] I thought I had it set to private.

Dean (ACTION): [Reaches into his pocket to pull his phone out. He actually smiles.]

I really need to give you lessons in technology.

Cas (ACTION): Perhaps after all of this is taken care of. [And as long as there is no pornography involved, though he really wouldn't complain.]

Dean (ACTION): Yeah, if Sammy was here he could teach you all sorts of things I never could. [All of the porn Dean's found is old stuff, like... older than his music type of old seeing as how all the videos and films in the place are like...from the sixties.]

Cas (ACTION): I believe the more basic things will suffice. [Like how to properly filter calls. Old porn is not okay. Do not want.]

Dean (ACTION): We'll work on it after the monsters are dead then. [He was busy with other things like building the panic room and drinking his liver down the river and avoiding talks of cookies. Exactly. No one wants old porn.]

---

Alice (VIDEO): [There is suddenly the sound of a seven year old screaming in horror.]

Cas (VIDEO): [Um. Oops? Castiel startles and nearly drops the phone. After recovering himself he stares at the screen.] ... [What did he do and how does he fix it?]

Alice (VIDEO): W-What did you... [She covers her eyes as best she can.]

Cas (VIDEO): [He turns so that the dead creature is no longer visible.] It was attacking us.

Alice (VIDEO): [She peeks out and is still quite pale from having seen the monster.] S-So bury i-it and be done.

Cas (VIDEO): [Castiel frowns.] It's being taken care of.

CAS HESITANTLY GIVES KIRK INFORMATION ON HIMSELF AND DEAN (APRIL 13 2012)

Kirk (HOLOGRAM): [Dammit, why hadn't he known about this hologram feature earlier? Kirk is sitting in a swivel chair, his elbows on the armrests and a modified iPad in his lap. Enjoy that popping up from your communicators.]

I need information, outsiders of Aliunde. There are some who have been here for years and have seen everything. Anything you can tell me about the takeovers by other people from "M" back to the beginning would be helpful. Also any creatures that have invaded the city before the Weeping Angels.

From everyone else I'd like to know where you came from. Planet, country or state, year and species, along with your name or anything else you might think is important. Consider this a study, a consensus or a headcount. [Because it's all three.] Feel free to send the information over private channels or see me in person at Building A, number 3304.

[With that he ends the public announcement.]

Cas (VIDEO): [fdjskalfw!!! What the hell. Startled angel is startled. Cas stares at the hologram for several minutes, during which he attempts to touch it and, of course, discovers his fingers go right through the image. Just when he thought he was maybe getting better at this technology thing but not really. Clearing his throat, he sits up a bit straighter.]

For what purposes are you gathering information on the people here? [Not like everyone else hasn't asked the same. Startled angel is also a suspicious angel, though.]

Kirk (HOLOGRAM): [Pfffffft. Best reaction ever. Just for that Kirk's going to use holo the whooooole time. Not even bothered by the question though.]

Seeing as how none of us can actually study the machine with our eyes or hands, I'm attempting to figure out what it's capable of doing by who it can bring from what time and what planet.

Cas (VIDEO): I see. [He's still eying the hologram warily.] My -- companion [There's hesitancy in that word.] and I are from Earth, 2010. My name is Castiel; his is Dean.

Kirk (HOLOGRAM): [He notices the hesitancy but doesn't comment on it. But congrats Kirk thinks they're gay. Homosexuality was often frowned upon in that time period.]

Thank you for the information, Mr. Castiel. I hope to put it to good use.

CAS, DEAN AND WILL WORRY ABOUT/PLOT AGAINST HELEN (APRIL 16 2012)

Helen (ACCIDENTAL VIDEO): [ The feed turns on abruptly, as the device hits the carpeted floor with a deft hit, to pan at a slightly awkward angle to show Will standing in Helen’s office, hovering over her desk. He doesn’t look too happy.

The feed quickly catches on to their conversation. ] -- need to rest, Magnus.

[ Helen rolls her eyes at Will and shakes her head. She has something in front of her, presumably a folder with handwritten information in it. ] Honestly, Will. I’m fine. You don’t need to hover over me like I am some chick and you’re the mother hen.

[ There’s an audible huff as an initial reply; loud enough for the device lying on the floor to catch it. ] Look, you haven’t slept for-- how long?

[ He doesn’t stop to wait for a reply. ] I realize that Head Doc hit some sore points for you, but seriously. Burying yourself in your work isn’t going to help. Walling yourself in from everyone sure as hell isn’t gonna do the trick either. [ A beat. ] I mean it. Go rest.

[ Helen slams her hands on the desk and stands, her eyes closed as she’s trying to control her own emotions. ] I said that I’m fine! Stop pestering me! As I recall, you do have actual work to get done. I can handle this on my own, thank you very much!

[ Will’s jaw tenses, as his hands, resting on the edge of her table, seem to want to clench at the solid wood. ] And I’ll get my work done-- And see? See, that’s the problem! You want to take all this on on your own. [ He drops his head, taking in a long inhale. ] And that won’t do anyone any good. Most of all you, Magnus. I don’t think I need to remind you how you were last time something like this happened. [ Most. Pointed. Look. Ever. ]

[ Helen’s eyes narrow as her straightens, hands curling on the desk ever so slightly. She tries to keep the emotion out of her voice, but it comes through. She is hurting and wants to lash out. Except she knows better. ] This has nothing to do with that. That was a bloody funeral for--[ she takes in a painful breath and closes her eyes. ] You have absolutely no idea what it is like to lose a child. Your only--[ Helen stops herself and bites her lip before lowering her head. ] Get out.

[ Will pauses, his own spine straightening up, shoulders squaring as he gives her a half-hearted glare. Maybe there’s a flash of another emotion there other than frustration; something akin to hurt? When he speaks, his voice is steady and sharp as he retorts.] You-- you know what. Fine. If you collapse, I won’t be telling you I told you so..

[ And he’s already storming out. And just as suddenly as the feed started, it ends. ]

Cas (VIDEO): [Castiel definitely feels like he's seen something he shouldn't have. Not that that has ever stopped him. He clears his throat, tilting his head and blinking rather owlishly.]

Will (VIDEO): [ Pursing his lips a bit, and looking away from the feed a bit uncomfortably. ]

Don't even try talking sense into her. [ He doesn't know if this guy will, but just in case. ]

Cas (VIDEO): [Cue another blink before Cas frowns.] I gather she is quite stubborn. [Like Dean. Perfect.]

Will (VIDEO): Stubborn just begins to describe it...

[ He was just still sort of fuming. And yet again, he was stubborn too.

That's why they had the fights they did. ]

Cas (VIDEO): I know that personality type very well. If necessary, I could offer my assistance.

Will (VIDEO): ...And what can you really do?

[ He's interested. ]

Cas (VIDEO): I could put her in a state of sleep. She would not be pleased with me when she awoke-- [Something he knows firsthand; few people he's forced into sleep have been please with him afterward.] --but it will allow her to rest.

Will (VIDEO): ...

[ He pauses, confusion and interest crossing over his face. ]

How? [ God its tempting though. ]

Cas (VIDEO): It's difficult to explain. [And also awkward, since he doesn't want to out himself as an angel to the entire network just yet.] All I would have to do is touch her forehead, however.

Dean (VIDEO): Dude, if you let Cas do it make sure there are pillows under her. [Because the angel won't catch her.]

Will (VIDEO): I'll be sure to remember that.

[ A sigh. ]

...And now her passive-aggressive italian flame just called me a prostitute-- [ pause. like he knew italian. ]

--Or something.

Cas (VIDEO): [Cas looks off-screen for a moment, possibly seeking Dean, before looking back in obvious confusion.] Why would he call you a prostitute?

---

Helen (VOICE): I'm sorry you had to see that, Castiel. These bloody devices...

Cas (VOICE): Yes, they seem to be... problematic at times. [A pause.] Is everything okay?

Helen (VOICE): [ There's a long pause on her end. ] No. I'm afraid they're not.

Cas (VOICE): Is it something you wish to talk about?

Helen (VOICE): I've never been a firm believer that talking about it will make it better. [ Even if she insists others talk to her about their problems. ] A century of pain is too much of a burden to lay on someone's shoulders.

Cas (VOICE): I know someone who would disagree with you on that. [Sam, always wanting to talk about everything.] It does not have to be a "chick flick moment". [And that he got from Dean, who is the complete opposite of Sam and never wants to talk about anything, especially feelings.] I assure you my shoulders were built to withstand any burden. [There's a note of wry humor in his voice.]

Helen (VOICE): Many people would. [ Helen falls quiet, and even if he can't see it, she shakes her head. ] Because you are an angel, yes?

Cas (VOICE): Yes. There is more to it than that, however. I believe dealing with the Winchesters has made me significantly more resilient.

Helen (VOICE): Resilient to the harshness of the world, I take it.

Cas (VOICE): [He nods, before remembering she can't see him.] Yes. This is not about me, though. [Yeah, don't think he didn't catch that deflection in the conversation.] There is no burden that should be carried alone.

Helen (VOICE): [ She laughs weakly. ] I'm not certain many would want to understand the pain of losing their only child, Castiel.

Cas (VOICE): Want to, no, but it's still not something you should have to bear alone. I've found pain is lessened when it's shared.

Helen (VOICE): Excuse the cynicism, but what sort of pain do you know about? Many would say angels are perfect and don't need to burden themselves with such things.

Cas (VOICE): And they would be wrong. Angels are warriors, soldiers. We are supposed to be obedient to God. What is an angel without His orders, though? We're not meant to know free will. Free will is akin to chaos. [Castiel takes a breath, lets it out; it's almost a sigh.] I rebelled. I chose Dean over Heaven, over my family. I was punished as a result... and still I chose Dean again. My siblings betrayed me. I killed them because they would have killed me first. I've seen hell. So yes, I know pain.

Helen (VOICE): I can't blame you for that. Restricting one's ability to chose hardly seems like the right choice. There is always the element of chaos in free will, but not allowing someone to make the choice can be just as evil. Look at what's happened through out history by men controlling others. I can't imagine it'd be much better in Heaven with those circumstances. [ And it's not a Heaven she'd want to live in. ] Your apparent exile is your pain and prison, it seems. Just as my long life is.

Cas (VOICE): How long are you to live? [It's a genuinely curious question. Cas hasn't met many other immortals. At least not ones he hasn't had to kill.]

Helen (VOICE): That is something that I do not know. I've lived for one hundred and sixty. [ A sigh. ] The Ancient Mayan Kings lived for five hundred years, but it could be shorter or longer than that.

Cas (VOICE): What makes you age so differently? [Still curious.]

Helen (VOICE): My genetics. I have a strand that gives me the ability.

Cas (VOICE): I see. You are human, though. [It's a statement, not a question. Castiel makes a small noise; a laugh.] You have deflected the conversation again.

Helen (VOICE): Well, a special sort of human. But, yes. Basically the same. [ Helen smiles, even if he can't see it. ] I'm rather good at it.

GABRIEL'S ARRIVAL (APRIL 22 2012)

Gabriel (VOICE): [The recording starts with a crackle, as if the device is being set down on a table or desk once the record button has been pressed] Is this working? Heeeello? I guess the little red blinky light means recording, right? [And then again, in a mutter] Messenger of the Lord should really know how to use this stuff.

[And after clearing his throat, back to normal volume] So, this is day one of me being here. Where-ever here is. Aliunde. That isn't anywhere on the Earth I know. So who the Hells is pulling my wings? Where ARE my wings, you big bag of dicks? Balthazar, I swear if this is you... Or Crowley. I will hunt you two jerks down.

Creepy weirdo in the coat didn't actually tell me much. Whoever met a helpful Doctor though, right? Not that I need a doctor- [His voice pauses, and, to demonstrate the point, there is the noise of something fleshy being hit by something hard. The whimper of pain afterwards is mingled with surprise.] Oooookay. Maybe that wasn't what I expected. Seriously guys, I do NOT want to be stuck here as a mud-monkey.

[He stops, sighs and seems to relax] If someone, anyone wants to give me some answers then come see me. I'm... in a coffee shop. Name's Loki.

[The recording ends]

Cas (VOICE): [He recognizes that voice. How could he not? He recognizes all of his siblings voices. Castiel debates on how to respond for several minutes before settling on short and simple.] Hello, brother. [There might be a bit of ice in his voice. After all, the last time he saw Gabriel he was toying with Dean and Sam. Again.]

Gabriel (VOICE): Cas? Cassie-pie? Baby bro? [If Gabe noticed the ice, he doesn't care. There is genuine pleasure in his voice. He'd hoped that Castiel was here, after what Thor had said, but he hadn't put it past the big blonde jerk to be winding him up]

Tell me you're not a figment of my imagination or a hallucination caused by a sugar-coma.

Cas (VOICE): [Those petnames. Really? Castiel almost sighs.] As far as I am aware I'm not a figment of anyone's imagination nor am I a hallucination.

Gabriel (VOICE): Great! Then get your butt down here, we've got a lot to talk about! Like how we're going to get out of here.

[His voice lowers, like he's about to tell a secret] Tell me, Cas, have you got your wings? Because [He snaps, repeatedly, the noise becoming more and more desperate] I got nothing.

Cas (ACTION): [Subtlety is just not Gabriel's thing, is it? He does sigh this time. A moment after the sigh, however, Castiel appears sitting across from Gabriel in the coffee shop.] I've been here eight months -- and yes, I have my wings. Even with them I've been unable to leave this place, however.

Gabriel (ACTION): [Gabriel is beaming widely at his brother. He's not going to go mad and try and hug him or anything, but he's clearly glad to see him.] Eight months? And no postcard? [He's joking, of course, although he knows that will probably fall short with Castiel. After all, he thought Uriel was the funniest angel in the garrison. Still, his face falls as his brother continues, mouth setting in a thin, unhappy line.]

Even with the wings? Great. Well. [He stops, and considers matters, fingers drumming on the table. He could really, really do with something sweet. He was beginning to feel twitchy.] Still, you're hardly more than a fledgling, really. I'm pretty sure I could get us out.

Cas (ACTION): [Enjoy a flat look, for both the joke and the fledgling comment.] My powers have been dimmed. I imagine yours will be as well. In any case you should get one of them back after two months, and then another every month afterward. [Cas shifts slightly. His voice isn't quite as cold when he continues.] Dean is here. It seems we were brought from different times, though. What is the last thing you remember from home?

Gabriel (ACTION): [The slightly recovered grin falls again as Castiel tells him how long it will take for him to get back to normal, and even then, it probably won't be the normal he's used to. Hip Hip Fucking Hooray.] Oh goodie.

[Gabriel raises an eyebrow at the mention of the Winchester, not yet pressing for details, hoping Castiel is going to give them voluntarily, but when none are forth coming, he sighs. Still, he can fish for information on Cas' love life- whoa. The next question throws him completely, and he swallows, with some difficulty. The feel of his own blade sliding into his Grace was still horribly fresh in his mind, as was the look in Lucifer's eyes. Gabriel had never had a nightmare, but he could believe that the subject of his first would be.] I remember dying, Cas.

Cas (ACTION): [Wait, what? He stares at Gabriel for a long moment, silent. He wasn't joking. Gabriel, dead. Only an angel could kill another angel though, so who?] Who? [The question escapes before he can stop it and Cas sits stock still, looking like someone just kicked a puppy in front of him.]

Gabriel (ACTION): [Gabriel clearly isn't comfortable, his hand moving to stroke over his chest, below his ribs where the blade pierced. He can still feel it, but he doesn't want to dwell on it. He doesn't want to replay that moment over and over in his head, but that's what he's doing. Lucifer killed him. Luci. The brother he loved and still did love. The one he wished could come back to heaven.]

[He mutters the next part, unable to look at Cas at all] It was Luci.

Cas (ACTION): [Lucifer. Of course. He holds back a noise that probably would have been choked, angry and desperate and devastated all at once. The information brings back the urgency of the situation he left; attempting to save Adam from Michael, Uriel's betrayal, his siblings murdering each other, their Father's stark absence, Dean and Sam and the apocalypse and his own doubt about everything. He closes his eyes. There's nothing he can do about any of it here.] What else do you remember? I was about to enter a warehouse with Dean and Sam to confront Michael.

Gabriel (ACTION): [Gabriel still wasn't looking at him, examining the top of the café's table with mute interest, until Cas mentions Michael] So for all you know, you might be dead too? And this is Dad's idea of an Afterlife for his boys?

[He sighs then, and shakes his head. Castiel, as he should have guessed, really did not know when to press a subject. Can't he see this is pleasant? Can't he see Gabriel doesn't want to discuss it? It he had his Grace, every bit of it would be pulsing with distaste and anger, but he doesn't have it, so his words become steadily more fierce, his eyes challenging.] I was at the Pagan Meet-Up and your two favourite humans decided to come along and trap Lucifer there. Dad only knows why they thought that was a bright idea. Luci, smart little Luci, sees right past that. So guess who decides that he should act as decoy while they try and escape? Me. I die, they escape, end of story.

Cas (ACTION): No. I am not dead. [His tone is adamant, certain. Cas shakes his head slowly. No, he knows death. This is not it. When Gabriel speaks again, his voice afflictive, he opens his eyes, squarely meeting his brother's confrontational gaze.] You sacrificed yourself. [It's a statement, not a question.]

Gabriel (ACTION): [Gabriel snorts derisively, as if that's an obvious point. Castiel doesn't seem like he wants to believe it, but that's for him to deal with, Gabriel isn't getting involved. He's glad his little brother isn't dead though. He just wishes he could be so certain.] Well Deano and Gigantor weren't getting out any other way.

[Gabriel realises something then, pausing and letting his fingers move to the empty paper coffee cup in front of him. ] I don't suppose... You know... I don't suppose if your Dean would know if Kali...?

Cas (ACTION): Thank you... and I'm sorry. [It's spoken quietly, barely a whisper. Cas sighs again. At Gabe's question he tilts his head, frowning a bit.] I have no idea. As I recall he told me he was taken after killing Zachariah.

Gabriel (ACTION): [Gabriel nods, falling silent for several long moments. Long for a human, anyway. For an angel, the time is barely anything] I'm sure she's fine. She's a tough cookie.

[He stops again, and raises an eyebrow. Zachariah. He was a prick, that was for sure, and Gabriel doesn't know how he feels about him being dead. He's sorry, because once Zachariah wasn't... well, wasn't as bad as he became. Things could have been so different.] Dean's got quite the list, hasn't he? What's he been doing here to pass the time?

Cas (ACTION): [The change of subject is welcome, though Castiel knows they still have a lot to catch up on, a lot to discuss. It can wait.] There is no shortage of things for him to kill, unfortunately. It seems there's a new danger every few months; zombies, angel statues that are capable of time-space manipulation, and more recently creatures Loki created that got out of his control. He's also spent a great deal of time renovating an abandoned house he discovered after the zombies, back when we first arrived. He's made... friends. [At least Cas likes to think Dean considers them friends. Darcy is living in their house, after all, and as far as he can tell there's nothing more to it than that. He does like Darcy, they just haven't spoken much.] Sam was here for a short while, as was their father. And Balthazar.

Gabriel (ACTION): [Gabriel snorts. Dean Winchester is here. So of course there are things he can hunt and kill. Otherwise he'd implode into non-existence.] Oh goodie, I bet he's really enjoying that, isn't he? And fixing stuff up? Dad who art in Heaven Cas, you've got him domesticated! [He leans over, theatrically giving his brother a pat on the shoulder] I knew you had it in you.

[As he sits back down, a strange set of emotions flicker over his face and for a moment, it's hard to tell what he's thinking. For a moment, he doesn't know. They were here, then they were gone. Lucky bastards.] I can't imagine John Winchester enjoyed that much. Lemme guess, Balthazar thought it was hilarious?

Cas (ACTION): [Castiel frowns slightly at the pat.] I had nothing to do with-- [But he stops, shaking his head, because he knows there's no point in arguing Dean's motives or what little he has to do with them most of the time.]

John and Balthazar were not here at the same time.

Gabriel (ACTION): That's okay, Cas. I'm messing you about. Don't worry. I'm here, you're here, that's the important thing.

[Gabriel nods.] nothing worse than having all of the family turn up at once. Still, would have liked to have seen Zar again. Last time we met up, we almost knocked over that tower in Pisa.

DARCY GETS THE "ANGEL TALK", DEAN AND CAS DISCUSS GABRIEL AND THE "COOKIE INCIDENT" (APRIL 23 2012)

Cas (ACTION): [Since his brother Gabriel arrived and less than subtly announced himself as being something other than human, Castiel figures he needs to have a talk with a certain housemate. She already knows Dean is a hunter, but this... well, this is a bit bigger than that and he'd rather tell her in person. Moving through the house until he reaches her room, he knocks on the door twice, then steps back.] Darcy, I would like to speak with you. [No, the awkward, overly formal angel will probably never be less formal or awkward.]

Darcy (ACTION): [Darcy climbs off her bed, as Vader pops up from his doggy bed and goes to bark at the door, pawing at it a little.] Quiet, you. [She says softly, nudging him aside with her foot as she opens the door and gives her angel housemate a smile.] What's up? [She takes a step back, opening the door wider so he could come in and sit on her little lounge chair if he wanted.]

Cas (ACTION): [Cas hesitates before accepting the silent invitation and stepping inside. He spares a glance at the dog, who he hadn't seen before, but animals, like humans, are something of a weak spot and he kneels down to be able to hold a hand out for Vader to sniff.] You know Dean's true occupation... and since my brother is here now [and completely fails at being subtle] I think there are some things you should know about me as well.

Darcy (ACTION): [Vader is excited! That little tail of his just wags away as he sniffs at Castiel's hand then gives it a lick. He then pads forward, wanting pets. Darcy sits down at the end of her bed as Vader gives Castiel his greeting and she sits Indian style.

At the mention of Gabriel, Darcy's eyebrows go up just a little and she gives him an expectant look.] Yeah, sure. Whatever you wanna get off your chest.

Cas (ACTION): [There's a bare flicker of a smile as his hand is licked and he pets at Vader, scratching riiiiiight behind his ears. Castiel is good with animals. Maybe because animals don't make obscure statements like getting things off their chests, which causes him to look at Darcy with some confusion before deciding it doesn't matter.] I'm an Angel of the Lord. [...okay, so it lacks some dramatic effect what with him kneeling on the floor to pet a small dog.]

Darcy (ACTION): [Vader loves his new best friend and snuggles in close, his backside wiggling a little from how fast that tail is going. Castiel reveals his big secret that she already knew and she's not sure how to deal with it.

Best to just be straightforward.] I know. Gabe told me.

Cas (ACTION): [Because Gabriel has a big mouth. Seriously. He sighs, though it's not as exasperated as it should be. Gabe is (ironically) the tamest of his siblings.] I thought he might let something slip. Still, I thought it would be better to tell you myself, since we are... cohabiting. [Still idly petting Vader. He could get infinite petting time from Cas since angels don't require sleep.] If you have any questions, I can try to answer them.

Darcy (ACTION): [Darcy nods, understanding. Vader loves yooooou, Caaaaas.] Yeah, it's...I get it. It's why Dean didn't tell me. It was up to you if you wanted to tell me or not. Then Gabe went and dropped the ball. [She chuckles and tries to think of a question.]

Do you have a halo?

[Really, Darcy? Of all the first questions to ask your angel housemate, it's if he has a halo? Dumb.]

Cas (ACTION): [There's a small nod.] Back home I would not have to worry about hiding what I am, but we both decided it was better if I didn't go around advertising here. [At her choice of first questions, there's another flicker of a smile. Humanity really needed to get better depictions of angels.] No. I have wings, though.

Darcy (ACTION): Well, it's not like you can go around wearing a sandwich sign saying "I'm an angel, ask me how!" [Darcy giggles then frowns.] Is there still glowing? Ooh, are there really guardian angels or it all just BS so Hallmark can sell little metal figurines for people's visors? Do you guys hate "Hark the Herald Angels Sing?" Oh! Do angels sing?

[You can stop her anytime, Cas.]

Cas (ACTION): [Woah, Darcy. Castiel blinks a few times before deciding to settle a bit more fully, drawing Vader onto his lap as he does so.] Glowing? I'm not sure how to answer that. We are beings of multidimensional celestial intent. Looking upon our true forms can cause blindness. [In a very permanent way because the eyes of the unfortunate beholder are actually burned out.] No, there are no guardian angels. [And he's not completely certain what Hallmark is but he's not going to ask. At least not right now. Maybe he'll ask Dean later.] I think some might dislike that song. I find most music to be enjoyable. Yes, we sing. [He looks at her expectantly.]

Darcy (ACTION): [Vader goes, more than willingly. As long as Cas keeps up with the petting, he will lounge there like an Oriental potentate. Darcy chuckles softly, and her smile widens a little as he makes his way through her barrage of questions.] That's probably a little more glow-y than I'd like my angels.

[Darcy pouts a little when he says there's no guardian angels. If and when she goes home, she'll keep that little nugget to herself. Her mom doesn't need to know that.] Do angel songs have actual lyrics or is more vocalizing?

[And then she had an mental image of a group of angels sing "Miss New Booty" and had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing.] Do angels have to eat? Or sleep? Or do you just do it for funsies?

Cas (ACTION): Our songs do have lyrics, but not ones you would recognize or even be able to understand unless you know Enochian. [Which is highly unlikely. At her next question, he shakes his head, though there's a momentary pause at her use of the word 'funsies'. Humans are strange sometimes.] We don't require food but we can eat. As for sleep, it's also not required, nor is it something we do simply to do. I think sleep is much like nonexistence. Humans dream and recover energy while they sleep; an angel would do neither.

Darcy (ACTION): Nope. I took French instead of Enochian in high school. [Darcy giggles as she says it. Can't get through it with a straight face.] Angels don't get to dream? That's, like, the best part of sleeping. So, you just...lay there for a few hours and do nothing? Twiddle your thumbs?

Cas (ACTION): I speak French. [And German, Italian, Spanish, Latin... you name it Cas speaks it. There's another shake of his head.] No. There's no need for dreams when you don't sleep. If necessary I can enter a state of conscious suspension to heal my Grace.

Darcy (ACTION): Can angels speak every language? [She makes a thinking face.] That makes the most sense. What angel doesn't know every language ever?

[Stop. Hold up.] What's your...grace?

Cas (ACTION): Yes, even dead languages. My grace is... [He pauses, attempting to think of the easiest way to explain.] Grace is what makes an angel. Without it we become human.

Darcy (ACTION): Oh. [Darcy nods.] So, if you didn't have your grace, you wouldn't die, you'd just be a regular person? Would you remember all that you did or would you be a new person?

Cas (ACTION): It depends on how the grace is lost. If we rip it out ourselves, we're reborn as human, with no memory of what we were. If we're cut off from the Host, we slowly become human. [Either way is painful, though he's not going to mention that.]

Darcy (ACTION): Ohhh. [Darcy nods.] Voluntarily, you forget. Involuntarily, you don't. Gotcha. [She clicks her tongue and winks at him.] So, how'd you meet Dean? I never figured angels to be seriously hands-on when it comes to humans.

Cas (ACTION): [What's with the winking? Seriously, Darcy, your facial expressions and ways of speech confuse this angel.] Most of the time we aren't. There are exceptions, however. Dean was one of those exceptions. It was my job to deliver his soul from Perdition and restore his earthly body.

Darcy (ACTION): [You'll get used to it, Cas. Sooner, hopefully, rather than later.

But then the smile drops from her face.] Perdition.

[Blink. Blink.] Dean was in hell?!

Cas (ACTION): [But probably later.

Cas nods, once.] Yes. I don't think it is my place to tell you why, however. [It's a long, complicated story anyway. Pretty much everything they do is long and complicated, actually...]

---

Dean (ACTION): [Dean is sitting in the kitchen nook sometime after Cas has spoken to Darcy. He's got his laptop open and is typing away on it.]

So...your big bro is here.

Cas (ACTION): [Castiel has settled near Dean, just thinking over things quietly. When he speaks up, Cas glances over at him.]

Gabriel. Yes. I've been to see him.

Dean (ACTION): [He closes the laptop and leans forward on the table.]

What did he have to say?

Cas (ACTION): You'll have to be more specific; he said a number of things.

[Mostly depressing things, but not the point.]

Dean (ACTION): [Leans back in his chair and crosses his arms over his chest.]

I don't know, things you might want to talk about.

Cas (ACTION): [Castiel's gaze flicks away.]

Have you spoken with him?

Dean (ACTION): [Way to be evasive, Cas. :|]

Yeah, I did.

Cas (ACTION): [There's a moment of weighted silence.]

He told me the last thing he remembers from home.

Dean (ACTION): [Figures this would happen.]

About how he was facing down Lucifer. [There's no uncertainty in his voice.]

Cas (ACTION): Yes. [Still not looking at Dean, but rather at the floor.] How he sacrificed himself so you and Sam could escape.

Dean (ACTION): [Rubs his forehead.] Kali too. And he told us how to stop Lucifer without letting the planet get scorched.

Cas (ACTION): He had not told me that part, though he did ask if you knew whether or not Kali survived.

Dean (ACTION): Yeah, I'm pretty sure he didn't want to say "I left a porno with instructions on it" to his little brother. I gave him the answer to that already.

Cas (ACTION): [...yep, Cas probably could have gone on living forever without knowing that. He finally looks back up at Dean.] What answer?

Dean (ACTION): [It's just not something a guy doesn't want to tell his brother.] That she's fine.

Cas (ACTION): Oh. That's... good. [A small nod.]

Dean (ACTION): Yeah. [A long pause.]

I told him that if you wanted he could stay here. We've got the best protection in town against anything from our world that might come.

Cas (ACTION): [He's about to look away again when Dean drops that particular bomb and Cas blinks.]

I think that's a decision for you to make, all things considered. [He's aware Gabriel and Dean haven't gotten off on the best foot. Even he was annoyed with his brother after the last stunt he pulled.]

Dean (ACTION): [Dean shrugs casually.]

He helped us in the end despite all the crap he put us through. Sure he's a douche but he's human right now and things aren't exactly safe out there. It's not like we can't evict him later. And he's your brother, so it's really up to you, Cas. [There was no way he could be this understanding with Balthazar - because Dean didn't even know the angel at all.]

I'm not supporting his sweet-tooth, though.

Cas (ACTION): Then... yes, him staying here is fine with me. [They can catch up, and Gabriel can see how lackluster his decorating skills are. Or something.]

Dean (ACTION): I'll let you tell him the good news then. [If Dean can't have his family members in the house like he originally thought then Cas should.] We'll have to change the warding so he doesn't get kicked out the instant he gets part of his mojo back.

Cas (ACTION): That should be easy enough to do. [They were able to alter them so Cas could come and go as he pleases, after all. The angel looks away again, attention returning to that very interesting spot on the floor.]

Dean (ACTION): We've got two months to do it.

[For the longest time he just lets the awkward silence fill the space.]

Alright, spill it.

Cas (ACTION): [He looks up sharply, before looking back down almost immediately.]

...I'd rather not. Now doesn't seem to be the time.

Dean (ACTION): Cas. You might not get a better time with the way this place works.

[When things happened around here they were pretty big, and when things weren't then it was boring as hell.]

Cas (ACTION): [Another moment of silence.]

You told me to think about what I said, before. [With the cookie, and all the awkward.] It has been two months. I don't feel any differently.

Dean (ACTION): [Awkwaaaaaaard with a capital 'A'. Especially considering his talk with Gabriel.

Dean hadn't been expecting Cas to say that he still felt the same. He licks his lips nervously.] I'm still thinking about it.

Cas (ACTION): I've come to decide that... if you... [He hesitates, not certain how to word his thoughts.] No matter what, we are family. [He looks at Dean again, steadily this time.]

Dean (ACTION): Yeah, we are. Nothing's gonna change that, Cas. [But it's a big thing for Dean. Not just because Cas is wearing a man's vessel but well....a steady relationship isn't exactly something he's done before - at least not for more than a week or two.]

Cas (ACTION): [Cas nods firmly, a shadow of a smile appearing. There's a beat before he tilts his head slightly.] Dean, what is Hallmark?

Dean (ACTION): [It's nice that the awkward from Valentine's Day is gone, but now the angel would be waiting for Dean to figure things out. Though that makes him laugh.] It's a company that makes sappy things that only belong in chick-flicks.

Cas (ACTION): [Good thing Castiel has the patience of an angel. Which might actually not mean that much...]

I see. [Mostly, anyway. He knows it's basically a store Dean wouldn't be caught dead (or otherwise) in.]

Dean (ACTION): [Depends on what kind of schedule the angel is on.]

So, where'd ya get that word from? [Pretty much.]

Cas (ACTION): Darcy. She wanted to know if guardian angels were real or a creation of Hallmark. [Among other amusing questions.]

Dean (ACTION): Did you tell her that cupids were big naked looking dudes who like to hug you? [Because that would have been hilarious.]

Cas (ACTION): [Cas physically grimaces at that.] They did not come up in conversation. [Thankfully.]

Dean (ACTION): Yeah well, they should have if you're gonna talk about Hallmark angels.

GABRIEL FAILS AT BEING HUMAN (APRIL 25 2012)

Gabriel (ACTION): [Gabriel has walked the entire circuit of the city. All apart from that bit blocked off by the fence near all the fancy houses. He was considering climbing in, snooping around there too, but people and those creepy android things seemed to appear as soon as he got a decent footing. He gave up after a while, a strange heavy feeling beginning to weigh him down. His throat hurt too, and his body was beginning to make horrible noises. He was beginning to think it was broken.

He wasn't worried about trying to inspect that section of wall now anyway. He'd run his hands over every inch he could reach, all the way around. He'd been doing it for almost two days now, and while he was the expect on illusions, if the wall was anything but real, he would have bought a hat, and then eaten it.

Now though, now he couldn't do it any more. He couldn't bear to go another step. He was muttering darkly to himself now too, slumping onto the dirty ground, his back against the wall. Maybe this was the weak point. By some twist of fate, some fluke, he'd fall backwards now through the only hole in the fantastic illusion. Straight back into the world he beyond in. Into the middle of Times Square. Or St James' Park. Or onto the roof of the Louvre. Wherever, he didn't care. He just wanted to go right back.

He almost braced himself. When there was only solid wall against his back, he just groaned, a soul-shattered, despondent noise of despair. He was stuck there.]

Cas (ACTION): [Castiel was in the middle of doing the first round of alterations on the Enochian sigils covering their house after he and Dean agreed to let Gabriel stay there when he felt... something. He didn't know what it was. It wasn't the same as when one of his siblings fell or died (was killed) but it was similar, and though it was definitely weaker it still tore through his grace and caused him to shudder inwardly. Gabriel? He was gone in the blink of an eye. It took even less time than that to locate his brother and he was there, the sound of wing beats following him.] Gabriel! [He immediately moves to take one of Gabriel's arms and pull him up.] What are you doing?

Gabriel (ACTION): [Gabriel took a moment longer to look up when the sound of wings echoed off the wall, when he saw, through bleary, red eyes the feet just appear in front of him. No one just appeared like that, he could always feel, he always knew when one of his siblings, or one of his adopted pagan family was about to arrive. This time though he felt nothing, only heard the wings and felt the slightest rush of air.]

Cas?

The word is muttered, because he doesn't quiet believe it's his brother, even as he's hauled to his feet. He feels a little sick, actually, although he's never realised that that entails before] 'was looking at the walls. Thought there might be a way out.

Cas (ACTION): [Cas shakes his head slightly. He knows how Gabriel feels. He was in the same position. Being human is... difficult, especially when you go from having nearly infinite angelic powers to nothing without the slow transition between the two states. Supporting his weight, he starts attempting to lead Gabriel away from the wall.] I've already checked the walls of this place. They're solid -- and even if they weren't I don't think we'd want whatever is on the other side of them. [Which he's fairly certain isn't Earth, home, anyway. Like Gabriel he hasn't been able to hear the Chorus, not even after he got his powers back.] How long have you been out here?

Gabriel (ACTION): [Gabriel blinks up at his brother. Up. He never actually really felt short. Sure, the vessel he wears isn't exactly tall, but he'd never noticed before. Being an archangel always made him feel so much bigger.] I'd worked that one out by now, Cas. [He says, shaking his head. His hair feels nasty, really nasty, and that's unpleasantly new too. He doesn't like any of this, especially the way his vessel almost seems to be rebelling. It never has before. He doesn't like any of this, not one bit. He doesn't feel like himself, this isn't his place, and he doesn't know what's going on. He's as useful as a mud-monkey.]

He looks at Castiel again then, attempting to answer his question.] What time is it?

Cas (ACTION): Mid afternoon. [He wasn't actually sure on the specific time. Human time worked differently than time in Heaven, and prior to feeling Gabriel's distress he'd been preoccupied. He never paid that much attention to time anyway, beyond whether it was night or day. Time wasn't important when you were immortal and didn't need to sleep, after all.]

Gabriel (ACTION): [Gabriel nods, taking the information in and trying to pull away from Castiel, to stand on his own. He does manage it, swaying slightly and then reaches out and leans more heavily on the wall] Two days, then. [He had nothing else to do. He went to the apartment he'd been assigned, and then left it in disgust. It was smaller than the bathroom in his safe-house.]

Cas (ACTION): [So pretty much since he arrived. Castiel sighs, watching Gabriel carefully.] You need to eat something, take a shower, and sleep. [Human things. Things that were necessary unless Gabriel wanted to die here as well.]

Gabriel (ACTION): [Gabriel doesn't like the suggestions. He sleeps and he eats when he wants, and he only showers when he feels like it. He never has any need to do it. Admitting he needs to do human things, well, he might as well give up right now and set up shop in town.]

What? Now? [He makes a whining, unhappy noise] Already?

Cas (ACTION): [Cas understands. Understanding doesn't keep him from giving Gabriel a flat look, however.] You're human at the moment, so yes, now.

Gabriel (ACTION): The expression on Gabriel's face suggests he's going to argue. But he doesn't. He just nods. He never thought people had to eat all that often, they just did it because they were bored or because of advertising or because food tasted good. He didn't realise that not eating, or sleeping, would bother them so much.] Okay, okay. Food. [And that's perfect timing, because right then his stomach roars again, making him feel stupid]

So... you've been doing this... sleeping, showering eating thing for a while then?

Cas (ACTION): [He tries not to smirk slightly at the stomach growl.] I've had to do it a few times. [A strange look crosses his face. Discomfort, or displeasure, maybe.] But the sleeping, not so much. [Even when he was human he tried to get away with as little of it as possible. He just didn't like sleeping.] From what I've observed with Dean, food is necessary at least once a day.

Gabriel (ACTION): Heh. Well, if it's good enough for little Cas, it's good enough for me. [Not that he really wants to, you understand. He still knows he's an angel, and doesn't need these things. It's his body that refuses to listen, that demands things from him. Personally, Gabe thinks that's pretty rude. He raises an eyebrow when Castiel mentions sleeping though. Clearly Cas isn't too found of it. Gabriel doesn't know exactly why, but he's given enough people nightmares over the years for him to make fret about the opportunity of them getting revenge.] Yeah. But I hear coffee is a great substitute for that.

[And that makes Gabriel smirk. He can't help it. He might not have been around his brother and the human long, but he knew how much time Dean spent silently and privately wishing Cas was around. There was something going on, and even if Dean didn't want it poked, Cassie hadn't said anything of the sort.] So, you spend a lot of time watching Deano then?

DEAN SURPRISES CAS WITH A KITTEN (MAY 10 2012)

Dean (ACTION): [After coming home late Dean had checked Cas' room before opening the door and entering after finding the angel gone. He didn't stay long - just enough to drop something off before heading to pass out.

When Cas came back to his room he'd find a cute little male kitten sitting on his bed with a green ribbon tied around his neck. If he came to talk to Dean he'd find the human asleep in his bed, face down.]

Cas (ACTION): [Needless to say Castiel gets a rather nice surprise when he returns to the house and "poofs" into his room. Stairs? What are stairs? He stares at the kitten for several long moments before looking around the room to see if anything else is out of place. It's not. The kitten is the only thing amiss, and as he turns back it gives a pitiful, questioning mewl. Before Cas can approach the bed the kitten is clumsily jumping down and all but racing to bump into one of his feet. Leaning down, he picks it up, touching the ribbon before gently rubbing the kitten's head with two fingers. It immediately starts purring, the sound rusty, new, but more than enthusiastic.

Moving to the door, he makes his way to Dean's room with the kitten in tow, entering without knocking (Privacy? What is privacy?). He pauses when he realizes Dean is asleep. Maybe he should wait.]

Dean (ACTION): [He's a light sleeper - even here so he heard the click of the opening door. Rolling over he rubs at an eye while yawning widely.]

What's up, Cas?

Cas (ACTION): [The angel is about to back out of the room when Dean stirs. The sound of his voice makes the kitten mewl again.]

This kitten. It was in my room. [Way to state the obvious.]

Dean (ACTION): Didja leave a door open? It could have crawled in to get away from the rain.

[Liiiiie. He sits up to look over at the angel and the kitten.]

Cas (ACTION): [Dean. Don't lie to your angel.]

I don't think so. [Considering he didn't use any doors today...] It's not wet, or even damp.

Dean (ACTION): [It's not a terrible lie.]

How long were you gone? It could have been inside long enough to get dry.

Cas (ACTION): [Lying is a sin.]

That doesn't explain the ribbon. Unless I'm mistaken, that's typically indicative of a gift. [He's on to you, Dean!]

Dean (ACTION): [Yeah well let's just add it to the list of other sins he commits.]

Maybe it was a gift to someone else and it got away. [Noooope, gonna keep playing this game until Cas actually calls him on it.]

Cas (ACTION): Dean. [Cue one of those pointed looks. It's ruined by the quirk of his lips into a smile, however.] This house is protected against everything from Djinn to zombies, but a kitten managed to get in?

Dean (ACTION): You shoulda started with angels that way you could say it was warded from A to Z. [After all, only two angels have access to the house.] We warded against supernatural beasties, not harmless little kittens.

Cas (ACTION): [Another attempt at a pointed look, which still falls flat because he can't stop smiling.] The point is that I don't see how it could have gotten in on its own, which means someone purposely left it.

Dean (ACTION): Really? Wonder who woulda done that. We've got enough pets around this place with the new additions to the house. [Dean however, is more experienced at keeping a straight face.]

Cas (ACTION): [He'd be better at keeping a straight face if the little kitten in his arms wasn't attempting to get inside his trench coat. And also if he wasn't just so... happy. The revelation is a bit startling. He's happy.] So where'd you get him? [Completely bypassing the fact that Dean hasn't outwardly admitted it was him yet.]

Dean (ACTION): [Okay, even Dean has to laugh at that. It's the first time he's seen a kitten trying to get into an angel's coat.] The pet store. Saw him a couple of days ago and thought I'd get him for you.

Cas (ACTION): [Ha! Admittance. He wins. Sort of. The kitten starts trying to climb onto Cas' shoulder. The angel is silent for a moment. This is the first gift Dean has given him. He's given him many other intangible things - emotions, for example, and a better understanding of what it means to be human - but he'd never expected anything like the tiny bright-eyed animal. When he speaks again it's more quietly.] Thank you.

Dean (ACTION): [He gets up from the bed now, crossing over to scratch the cat behind the ears.] You have to come up with a name now.

Cas (ACTION): [The kitten purrs even louder at Dean's touch.] A name... [He looks from Dean to the kitten, which has aborted its journey to his shoulder and is now instead focused on getting more pets.] Pan? Short for Pandemonium.

Dean (ACTION): [There's a moment of consideration as he continues to pet the kitten.] Just so long as it doesn't start taking after his name. This house has enough potential for pandemonium with two angels, a little girl, a dog, and two cats.

Cas (ACTION): I could name him Harmony instead. That has the possibility of becoming ironic, however.

Dean (ACTION): Cas, he's your cat so you should name him whatever you want. [Pats the angel's shoulder.]

Cas (ACTION): [There's another smile.] I was already set on Pandemonium. I was just making a joke. [Or attempting to. Obviously his humor still needs work.]

Dean (ACTION): Right well I got all the stuff you need for Pan. [Moving over to the closet to pull a bag out with supplies.]

Cas (ACTION): [Cas blinks, looking at the bag. It's probably a good thing Dean got supplies because the angel has never taken care of anything before. Pets aren't a popular commodity in Heaven.] What all did you get?

Dean (ACTION): [He starts pulling things out and putting them on the bed.] Food, food dishes, a litter box, litter, a collar and some toys.

CAS IS SUSPICIOUS OF SUDDENLY-APPEARING PALM TREES (MAY 20 2012)

Cas (VIDEO/ACTION): [Castiel is standing outside near the Winchester homestead, staring up at a palm tree that seems to have appeared out of nowhere. After a moment, he circles the tree, then turns to look at another just a few feet away.]

These are different. Did anyone notice when they started appearing?

[At least they're not angel statues, though that isn't stopping him from being slightly suspicious.]

Helen (ACTION): They do add a bit of life to the city, don't they?

Cas (ACTION): [He's not really sure what to make of that so he squints at Helen.] Hopefully that's all they'll add. [Killer palm trees! Just think about it.]

Helen (ACTION): [ Helen laughs. ] I meant that it's something new. Fresh. One that isn't abducted as well.

Cas (ACTION): Ah. [He nods slightly.] I suppose they are... interesting. [He means nice.]

Helen (ACTION): Have you never seen one before? [ This is surprising. She would have thought an angel would have gone site seeing. ]

Cas (ACTION): No, I have. I'm just... concerned. Nothing simply appearing here is good.

Helen (ACTION): That is true. I wonder what she could have in mind. Killer coconuts?

Cas (ACTION): [He can't help but smile slightly at that. He's fully aware it's strange to be worrying over trees of all things.] At least they'd be easy to kill.

Helen (ACTION): [ Good, a smile. Helen smiles in return. ] Hopefully. Unless they mutated to be extremely big.

Cas (ACTION): [Giant killer coconuts? At least they'd have food for a while. Not that they're lacking food or anything. Castiel's thoughts are probably painfully obvious on his face as he looks back up at the tree.]

Helen (ACTION): [ Helen lets out a laugh at his expression before patting his back. Oh, Cas. ]

Cas (ACTION): [He's relatively used to back pats thanks to Dean, and he gives Helen another small smile. He gestures at the house.] Since I don't think we have to worry about the trees right now, do you want to come in for a drink? [Attempting to be social~ Wait, what did they even have? He knew there was alcohol; there was always alcohol. Hadn't Gabriel brought home some tea?]

Helen (ACTION): That would be lovely. Thank you. [ She folds her hands together in front of her and nods for Castiel to lead the way. It's a little obvious he is unsure of what to do, but she can hardly blame him. Having to pose as a human must be difficult. ]

Cas (ACTION): [Difficult? Try impossible. The angel is perpetually at a loss for what to do, whether it's simple motions, what to say, or how to do something. He's getting better, though (or at least he'd like to think he is).

Nodding, Castiel turns and heads back toward the house. Upon actually reaching it he holds the door open for Helen.] Have you ever been here before? [He's not sure if Dean has invited her over before or not.]

Helen (ACTION): [ At least Helen doesn't expect him to act like anything other than who and what he is. ] No, I haven't. It's a very lovely home. Do you like it?

Cas (ACTION): [That gives him some pause.] ...it's different. I'd never lived in a house before. [It's definitely better than some of the motels Dean and Sam stayed at, though, or even the apartments here.]

Helen (ACTION): I imagine you've never really had to stay in one before.

Cas (ACTION): No. Before I mostly stayed in Heaven, which is... vast and changeable.

Helen (ACTION): Heaven is a constantly changing state? [ Oh, now she's very interested. ]

Cas (ACTION): [Cas makes his way to the kitchen as he talks.] Yes. Everyone has their own individual Heaven. They're all different, depending on the person, and they can change, still depending on the specific person. If you know how you can even move between them, but there are few who discover that fact.

Helen (ACTION): [ Helen follows after him, making note not to touch anything. She's a guest, after all. ] So, it is what you make it.

Cas (ACTION): [He wouldn't care if she did touch stuff. He wasn't very good at keeping his hands to himself in new places sometimes. At the cabinet he grabs two glasses.] Yes, but it's always a person's happiest memories, the times or moments in their life that gave them the most pleasure or peace.

Helen (ACTION): It is good to know that exists in some world.

Cas (ACTION): [Cas falters at this point, setting the glasses down and moving to the fridge to look inside.] What would you like? It seems we have orange juice, milk, tea, beer... whiskey and some rum. [Someone might have a slight problem. And it's not him.]

Helen (ACTION): Whatever you'd like to have, Castiel. I'm far from picky. As long as it is not coffee. [ Coffee is the worst. ]

---

Sephiroth (VIDEO): I hope this isn't some warning sign that the environmental stability systems are failing.

Cas (VIDEO): [So much frowning.] I do not think that is the case. [But way to put ideas in his head. He'll be thinking about that for a while now. What if.]

Sephiroth (VIDEO): I certainly hope not, but it does seem odd for strange flora to suddenly sprout in a tightly controlled terraformed environment. Something must have brought on the change.

Cas (VIDEO): No stranger than statues appearing. [He's torn. They're just trees, but last time strange things started popping up around the city they tried to kill people -- and succeeded. His frown deepens. He's still staring up at the tree like it's going to move.]

Sephiroth (VIDEO): These might not be quite so easy to ignore. With those, you just had to lay low for a while. If the city's defenses fail there may be nowhere safe. But we haven't seen any dead canaries yet.

Cas (VIDEO): [Hey, some people aren't good at laying low. He blinks at the mention of canaries, shifting his gaze from the tree to the sky.] I haven't seen any canaries at all. [Literal angel is very literal.]

Sephiroth (VIDEO): [He laughs, being reminded of an old friend.]

I was speaking metaphorically.

---

Gabriel (ACTION): I dunno little bro, they just seem like trees to me. But I would like a tropical cocktail. And maybe a Luau

Cas (ACTION): Things aren't always what they seem here. [Like cupcakes. And statues. And cookies! He actually reaches out and touches the palm tree. It feels like a normal tree.] Why a Luau? [Cue confused brow furrow and head tilt.]

Gabriel (ACTION): Yeah yeah yeah, so everyone says but I think this is just a tree, Cas. [He prods the tree in turn, hurting his finger and shaking it out.] I mean, there's a few of them about. Maybe it's normal for this place?

[Now he pulls a face] Why not a luau? We can have food and cocktails and music and you might even have fun. When was the last time this place had a party?

Cas (ACTION): Maybe. [He doesn't sound very convinced. Stepping away from the tree, he glances back toward the house thoughtfully.]

It's been a while. Things have been... bad. [He has to admit, a party does sound good. The last he can remember was before Nana's death and that was months ago.]

Gabriel (ACTION): Everyone keeps saying that. A party would clear the air a bit, lift the mood. Cocktails, hog roast, limbo. It'd be great. I mean, why not? Bring the community together. And you might even get laid.

Cas (ACTION): [Does someone need a cocktail? Cas blinks at the mention of limbo. What does Purgatory have to do with parties? Shaking his head, he's about to say something when what Gabriel said really clicks and he looks back at him, vaguely startled.] I... what?

Gabriel (ACTION): [Someone always needs a cocktail. Castiel should try them, he might like them Gabriel rolls his eyes at the startled look, sometimes his baby brother is too much like a rabbit caught in the headlights.]

Get laid, Cas. You heard me, I know you did. Have sex, make the beast with two backs, do the dirty, rock the casbah? Live a little? One of us better be getting some.

Cas (ACTION): [Well, he'll generally try anything once...

Looking away from Gabriel, he pointedly fixes his gaze back on one of the palm trees.]

Yes, I heard you. I know what sex is. I do not understand the hype. [Says the virgin angel, who panicked and scared off a prostitute.]

Gabriel (ACTION): [Gabriel lifts his eyes to the heavens.]

You don't understand the hype? Maybe if you tried it, you'd get it. Otherwise I'd say that you'll never understand humans. Or anything else either for that matter. It's the driving force behind absolutely everything dear old Dad ever made.

[Not that he thinks that will in any shape or form help persuade Cas, but it's worth a shot.]

And anyway, a bit of company might do you the world of good.

Cas (ACTION): [Cue an incredulous look.] Recreational sex is not the driving force. Reproduction and survival are. [And so help him if Gabriel says semantics he might slam him into one of the palm trees. There's a light sigh.] I have company.

Gabriel (ACTION): [Oh, Castiel knows him well. Gabriel waves his hand, dismissing Castiel's point.] Semantics. Recreational sex is just as important for a lot of species, not just humans. It strengthens bonds between mates and, Hells Cas, it's fun. Everyone deserves a bit of fun.

Do you mean Dean? Or the kitten? Neither of those can offer you the same sort of thing, Cas. You've got to get over this douche. He might be your friend but he's deathly allergic to The Gay. He'll stamp all over your heart.

Cas (ACTION): [Maybe too well. Crossing his arms over his chest, he turns to lean back against the palm tree, deciding to spare it from the impact of Gabriel's weight. It hasn't done anything wrong. Yet.] I have plenty of fun. [Fun is relative, okay.

He looks down at the ground, uncrossing his arms and shoving his hands into the pockets of his overcoat instead.] Dean is not homophobic. [Not even go to say anything about the kitten, because no.]

Gabriel (ACTION): [What weight? Gabriel doesn't weigh anything!] Yes, stamp collecting and filing lint. They're great hobbies Cas, for the dead. I'm not saying you have to stop doing everything you like and become some sort of... Thirty-something twink. Just... Have a relationship with someone not entirely based on the fact you dragged his ass out of hell.

Uh huh. [Gabriel's not so sure. Dean's certainly scared of something, threatened by it, even if he's not grabbing flaming torches and pitchforks.] Whatever he is Cas, he's not exactly into you, is he?

Cas (ACTION): [Everyone weighs something. It wasn't a fat joke, calm down!] No, I read and I... [Wait, why is he defending his hobbies? And what is a twink? More to the point why are they even discussing any of this?] Our relationship is not solely based on my raising his soul from Perdition.

[Castiel is silent for several long moments, seeming to inspect the grass under his feet.] I don't know. There was an... incident some months back. I told him what I feel. He said it was just the cookie I was eating, that I should come back later and we'll deal with things if I still feel the same.

Gabriel (ACTION): [Gabriel steps a little closer and gently presses a hand to Castiel's shoulder.] None of that has to change, bro. You can still do your weird geeky hobbies when you're with someone. I didn't stop beating on asshats just because I was with Kali. In fact, she joined in sometimes. Made it even more fun. [Maybe not the best example...]

Yeah, I bet. So, I guess you've tried to talk to him now that there are no magic rainbow cookies that make you like guys hanging around and he's still adamant it's just not happening? That's a serious case of douchebaggery.

[Gabriel pauses a moment, thinking through their options and then grins a wide, slightly cruel grin.] You should date someone else. Make him see what he's missing.

Cas (ACTION): [He doesn't move away from Gabriel. If anything he seems to lean into the touch.] Not exactly. I brought it up recently. He said he's still thinking. [And Cas, being infinitely patient when it comes to the Winchester, hasn't pressed. He'd give Dean eternity to think.

The look he gives Gabriel then is almost like he grew a second head.] Someone else like who?

Gabriel (ACTION): [Strange, isn't it? Gabriel remembers being light and Grace, nothing physical at all, nothing tangible but now in this form he needs that, needs the comfort of a solid touch. Maybe it's the same for Cas. He doesn't release his grip, still holding on and giving Cas' shoulder the smallest squeeze.]

That doesn't surprise me. [He's desperate to interfer, to slam Dean bodily into a wall for fucking his baby brother around but... But he can't. They have to sort it out for themselves.]

Who? I dunno, someone else tall dark and repressed. Less repressed. Who else do you like enough here to go out to dinner with, see cheesy films?

Cas (ACTION): [Cas wouldn't be pleased with Gabriel if he interfered anyway. He makes a slight face.] I don't know. Why would the films have to be cheesy?

Gabriel (ACTION): I don't think there is any law that says they have to be. Pick any film you want, I guess, something your date might like. [He wiggles his eyebrows.] So you've got someone in mind?

Cas (ACTION): [So much frowning at the eyebrow wiggling. Don't do that Gabriel.] Not really. The people here... I have friends. [But they're just friends.]

Gabriel (ACTION): Well go out with them then, live a little, do things.

[He holds both of Castiel's shoulders. He's suddenly serious, intense and his amber gaze meets Castiel's own blue eyes, unwavering.] Humans are wonderful creatures, and if Dean is the one you want then I will support you. But I am not going to let you get hurt. So have fun with your friends and didn't waste time waiting in him. Understand?

Cas (ACTION): [He does do things, though? Just because he's not out doing... whatever it is Gabriel did back home.

The abrupt seriousness takes him by surprise. He's so unused to this type of concern, he's not sure what to do. He ends up staring at Gabriel for several seconds before nodding, once.] Even if Dean doesn't want me in return... we promised nothing will change between us. No matter what we're family. I'm not expecting anything. [Except he is. He's just trying to reassure Gabriel.]

Gabriel (ACTION): [Oh Dad that's enough to break the arch-angels heart. Nothing will change. If only that was true. But Gabriel has lived with humans long enough and seen enough films to know it doesn't work that way. They're always an ackwardness afterwards. There's enough there, enough hope in his brother and enough pain in Gabriel to break him into Enochian.]

Castiel... I... I wish there was something I could do. Humans are complicated and don't know how to express what they want and they are bound by all sorts of stupid things. But... Winchesters are the worst of all of them. I do not want your heart broken by that jerk demon hunter.

Whatever happens, I'm family too. Don't ever forget it.

Cas (ACTION): [The break into Enochian doesn't seem to faze him. It's his mother tongue, after all, even if he hasn't heard or used it himself in some time. Castiel places a hand over one of Gabriel's, nodding again.] We aren't any less complicated. Not really. [They might even be more complicated, but that's not something he's ready to analyze further just yet. Or ever, really.] Thank you, Gabriel.

Gabriel (ACTION): [Gabriel nods, feeling a little better, at least a little comforted by Castiel's strong gesture. His brother isn't a cowering sobbing wreck, Castiel wound never be, but he seems... Well, alright. He's going to manage and that's what Ganriel was worried about.]

Alright. We're probably not but we understand how we work and I don't think even the humans can fathom themselves. Just... Let me know if you want that jerk smiting, won't you?

---

Darcy (ACTION): [Darcy is on her way back from grocery shopping and stops when she sees Castiel outside.] Cas, are you--

Is that a palm tree? [Darcy asks incredulously.]

Cas (ACTION): [Cas glances at Darcy before returning his attention to the palm tree.]

Yes. There are a few of them now.

Darcy (ACTION): That...doesn't make sense. [Darcy crosses over to stand beside the angel.] They weren't here yesterday.

Cas (ACTION): All things considered I think it makes a lot of sense. [Aliunde, remember?]

Darcy (ACTION): You don't think they're gonna kill us...are they? [Darcy side-eyes the tree, squinting a little.]

Cas (ACTION): [A small shrug.] I'm not certain. I hope they're just trees.

Darcy (ACTION): And we thought the statues were just statues. [Darcy frowns at the memory. There's a phantom ache on her forearm and across her belly.]

Cas (ACTION): Yes, we did. [Believe him, next time he sees any kind of angel statue? He has every intention of smashing it to pieces.] We'll be watching for anything else strange, but right now they're just... trees. [He even touched one to make sure.]

Darcy (ACTION): [Darcy inhales softly, watching as his arm stretches out and he touches the tree.] If they do come to life, I'm just glad they're not apple trees.

Cas (ACTION): [Cas squints at Darcy.] Why not apple trees?

Darcy (ACTION): Haven't you seen The Wizard of Oz? [Darcy's eyebrows go up. What sort of friend is Dean if he doesn't show Castiel the classics?]

Cas (ACTION): [They didn't really have time before Aliunde to sit around and watch movies, and his face probably says as much.] What is the Wizard of Oz?

Darcy (ACTION): Only one of the best movies of all time. [Her eyes go dinner plate-wide and she reaches for his arm.] C'mon. We're going inside and we're watching it. [Her tone says 'do not fight this it is for your own good and shame on Dean'.]

Cas (ACTION): [Cas allows her to grab his arm, looking bewildered and confused. But at least the trees are momentarily forgotten.]

Darcy (ACTION): [Don't worry, Castiel. She'll be gentle. She leads the way into the house, and into the living room.] Sit.

Darcy pushes at his chest lightly, before dropping her bag of groceries off in the kitchen. A quick jog upstairs and Darcy grabs the intended dvd. Vader is oh, so happy to see his momma and he follows her downstairs, yipping happily.]

Cas (ACTION): [He lets himself be led and when she pushes at his chest he flops down onto the couch without so much as a complaint. Despite his bemusement, he waits patiently until he hears Vader's yipping, at which point he turns to look at Darcy.] What is this movie about, exactly?

Darcy (ACTION): [Darcy crosses to the dvd player, sliding the disc in.] Cross-dimensional travel. [She replies after a long moment of thinking.] So, something we should be used to by now. [Darcy grins. She moves to sit on the couch, and Vader pops up onto the cushion between them. The little dog props his front paws on Castiel's leg, tail waggling so hard, his backside shakes.]

Cas (ACTION): [Yeah, that's not really helping him be less confused. He's obviously amenable to watching, though, or he wouldn't still be there. He's also not bothered by Vader, who gets some ear-scratching from the angel.]

Darcy (ACTION): [Vader's happy to have the scratching, tail still wagging. Darcy hits 'play' and the black and white credits start up. She smiles, leaning back against the couch, kicking her shoes off.]

Cas (ACTION): [Cue a slight brow raise at the black and white credits but he continues to scratch at Vader, imperceptibly relaxing.]

Darcy (ACTION): [Through the beginning, with Dorthy on the farm, and Toto, and the farmhands, Darcy glances to Castiel occasionally. He's usually a tough guy to read. She can't wait to see his reaction to Oz. Vader gets nice and cozy next to Castiel's leg, stretching out a little.]

---

Dean (VIDEO): [Dean's on the back porch with a magazine and an apple in hand.]

It's probably whatever the damn Doctor has planned for us next. If sandy beaches and bikini-clad girls start showing up then we'll worry. Just...don't eat any fruit off the trees. [No more awkward, plz.]

Cas (VIDEO): [He's not sure Dean would really worry if bikini-clad girls showed up. Have a face that says as much.] I had not intended to.

Dean (VIDEO): [No okay, he wouldn't. Cas knows him too damn well. He takes a big bite of his apple.] Good. We'll keep our eyes peeled for anything else funky looking in the next few days. That might give us a clue as to what's happening.

Cas (VIDEO): [He glances up at the palm tree once more before moving away from it to start heading around the house.] Before this place, trees wouldn't have made me paranoid.

Dean (VIDEO): [Shrugs and laughs.] Well, before this place trees were just trees and you made them your bitch. [Considering the disaster zone around his grave-site when he woke up? Yeah, Cas could destroy trees.]

Cas (VIDEO): [He almost smiles at that.] I could do the same here. [But there's no reason to. The disaster zone was an unfortunate byproduct of needing space to put Dean's soul back in his body. His true form wasn't small, after all.]

Dean (VIDEO): Yeah but so far they're just trees here too so they're safe. Granted they're creepy, appearing out of nowhere trees put there by the doctor probably, but trees nonetheless. [Funny that angel of the Lord made such a mess. Even considering the size.]

Cas (ACTION): Unless they turn out to be poisonous. [So optimistic. Rounding the corner of the house and coming into the backyard, Cas walks to the porch and sits at the top of the stairs where he turns the communication device off and puts it in one of his trench coat pockets.]

Dean (ACTION): [Dean turns his off and tosses it onto a table.]

Yeah well, I'm waiting for them to spring to life in a couple of days. Or drop fruit that turns people into weird crap. I bet we could start a betting pool with the townsfolk.

Cas (ACTION): [If Dean is paying any attention he'll notice Castiel messing with something in the other pocket.] Maybe we should put a warning out about not eating any strange fruit. [There's no way he's the only one who keeps eating things he just finds. Right?]

Dean (ACTION): [He does notice, but he doesn't even need to ask. Cas has been carting that kitten around.] As long as it doesn't kill anyone I don't see why we gotta be the PSA guys.

Cas (ACTION): [Yep. There's one little paw visible, batting at a blade of grass the angel picked and is teasing Pan with.] I suppose we don't.

Dean (ACTION): [He pulls out a bottle of whiskey from his pocket and takes a long drink.] How much do you keep him in your pocket?

Cas (ACTION): [Letting Pan have the blade of grass, he leans back on his palms to look at Dean.] Not much. I take him out if I'm not walking.

Dean (ACTION): [Cool it, angel. He's only taking a "sip" by Dean standards. This is not a repeat of the holidays. See he's putting the bottle away.] Kittens have lots of energy, you know. He needs exercise or he'll get flabby.

Cas (ACTION): [Hey, he didn't even say anything!] He gets exercise. [Like now, when he comes tumbling out of the pocket, blade of grass in mouth.]

Dean (ACTION): [No but he suddenly had Cas' undivided attention.] Good, wouldn't want him to go stir-crazy living in your pocket.

[Dean lets a hand dangle to see if Pan will come to him.]

Cas (ACTION): [That doesn't necessarily mean anything. :(

Cas nods. He knows Pandemonium can't actually live in his pocket; at some point he'll get too big. When Dean drops his hand down Pan abandons the blade of grass and scrambles over, immediately nosing at his fingers and meowing. Castiel smiles.]

Dean (ACTION): [It can also means something. :|

The moment he feels that cold nose on his fingers Dean's scooping up the kitten and dropping him into his lap, ruffling Pan's fur gently but surely annoyingly.] Ha, you fell for it little man. Now I've got you.

[Don't say a word - he doesn't like the kitten, okay. >: ]

Cas (ACTION): [Psh, he totally likes the kitten. And the kitten likes him back, even if Dean does annoy him by ruffling his fur. Pan tries to bite the offending ruffling hand while Cas watches, still smiling.]

Dean (ACTION): [Nope not even a little bit. Dean lets Pan bite him because it's just a little kitten and he's taken worse bites.] You think you're so tough, huh? You're wrong.

Cas (ACTION): [Pan gives a fierce growl, or at least what he thinks is a fierce growl.]

I didn't know you liked animals. [It's a random observation.]

Dean (ACTION): [Dean goes for Pan's stomach now.]

I don't dislike them. It's just...my life's not exactly made for keeping a pet.

Cas (ACTION): [All the rabbit-kicking!]

I should say, I didn't know you have a fondness for them. [Yeah, he's totally calling you out Dean.] Do you prefer cats or dogs?

---

Alice (ACTION): [Alice was still leery of Castiel. She wasn't even sure he liked her, never mind the safety for her poor pet. But it was such an interesting thing he brought up and she was terribly curious. So there she is standing a few feet away from him... She glances at him carefully every once and a while before looking up at the tree.]

What is it? And don't say tree, I can see that much.

Cas (ACTION): [Cas is aware of Alice's presence, but he doesn't look at her until she speaks up. He hasn't had much interaction with the girl -- and the few times they have spoken seem like complete disasters. He's just not very good with kids for some reason.]

It's a palm tree. [He didn't say tree!]

Alice (ACTION): A palm tree? [She's never seen a palm tree before.] Whatever is that?

Cas (ACTION): [Okay, this might be harder than not saying tree.] It's a type of tree that grows in warm, humid climates.

Alice (ACTION): Human climates? [Misunderstanding, it is had.]

Cas (ACTION): [Blink.] Humid, not human. [Although technically, most climates are human climates.] Places the air contains a lot of moisture.

Alice (ACTION): You mean a place where it rains a lot?

Cas (ACTION): [He frowns.] Not exactly. Tropical places. Like Florida. [Does she know what/where Florida is?]

Alice (ACTION): [Florida?] You mean like India? [Hello British and Indian relations of the late 1800s.]

Cas (ACTION): [More frowning.] No. Where are you from? [Maybe knowing that will help.]

Alice (ACTION): [She raises a brow at that.] Oxfordshire, England.

Cas (ACTION): Hawaii? [It's worth a shot.]

Alice (ACTION): Is that in the orient? [Try Australia, Cas. She canonly knows those countries.]

Cas (ACTION): [But only the northern part of Australia is tropical! So much frowning!] No, but I think the orient has some tropical areas.

Alice (ACTION): What does any of this have to do with a palm tree?

Cas (ACTION): [Hasn't he already said that?] Palm trees are usually located in tropical places.

Alice (ACTION): [All that for an explanation. What a silly sort of man. She smiles as she looks back up at the tree.] I've never seen such a tree before. Why hasn't it any branches?

Cas (ACTION): [It's not his fault, little girl who doesn't know what/where Florida is!] That's just how they grow. Most of them produce fruit, but I wouldn't eat anything here without having it checked first. [Just a friendly PSA from the angel.]

Alice (ACTION): [Alice hasn't been here long enough to know that the Doctor can just pull this kind of stuff.] But... I mean... does this mean we're going to be a tropical zone? How is that possible?

Cas (ACTION): [Castiel shrugs slightly.] I'm not sure what it means. [Oh, wait!] Have you been to the beach here?

Alice (ACTION): No, sir. I've only ever once been to a beach.

Cas (ACTION): [Well, so much for that idea. Turning away from the palm tree, he looks back down at Alice.] You can call me Cas.

Alice (ACTION): Oh um... yes Mr. Cas... [Because Alice has no clue how to handle Castiel.]

Cas (ACTION): [He's trying really hard to come off as non-threatening, okay? ;;] How are you settling in?

Alice (ACTION): [Her first impression was of you beheading one of Loki's creations. But she does understand you're trying so she offers a smile.] I'm doing very well, Mr. Cas. Mr. Dean promised to make the room I picked a room of my very own. It's right next to Gabriel's room!

Cas (ACTION): [Which was attacking Dean. He was only protecting his hunter. Castiel nods.] Dean is good at keeping his promises. I'm sure you'll like your room.

Alice (ACTION): Did he redecorate your room?

Cas (ACTION): No. I did my own room, since I'd... never had one before. [The fact that he has his own room is still something of a novelty to the angel.]

Alice (ACTION): You've never had you're own room? Did you share it with Gabriel? [She knew they were brother's after all.]

Cas (ACTION): In a way... [If Heaven can be considered a room -- and he shared it with all his siblings, not just Gabriel, so it's a really good thing Heaven isn't small.]

Alice (ACTION): Gabriel doesn't really talk about himself, so I don't know much about where either of you come from, I apologize.

Cas (ACTION): [Castiel tilts his head at that. Gabriel, not talking about himself? That's sort of surprising.] Do you know... what we are? [Since he's not keeping it a secret anymore.]

Alice (ACTION): What... you are? You're brothers. [She knew Gabriel joked about the guardian angel thing, but what else could he mean?] Are you not really brothers?

Cas (ACTION): [There's a small, slightly exasperated smile as Cas lowers himself to the ground, sitting down. Might as well. It's a relatively nice day after all, and the trees obviously aren't going anywhere.] No, we are brothers. We're also angels.

Alice (ACTION): [Oh now... this was indeed peculiar. Gabriel said he was going to put in an application for being a guardian angel. But even Alice knew he wasn't being serious. But now Castiel was saying they were angels?] You're... an angel? You both are? [Alice didn't want to say "no you aren't." But... it was a bit difficult to believe, especially considering she wasn't exactly how she pictured angels to be.]

Cas (ACTION): [Of course, there's no such thing as guardian angels. At least not where he comes from. All angels are soldiers, warriors, the incarnation of God's will and word. Or at least they're supposed to be.] Yes. [He watches Alice patiently, aware that she might not believe him at first.]

Alice (ACTION): [Oh Cas, let the eight year believe what your brother TOLD her. Don't get mad at her. She gazes at Cas and then raises a brow.] Forgive me, Mr. Cas, I don't mean to be rude... but you don't strike me much like an angel. [Stubble, rough voice, and a general lack of understand about... well, lots of things. Gabriel didn't fair much better but at least Gabriel was joking.]

Cas (ACTION): [He's not mad. Castiel is actually surprisingly laid-back compared to some of his other siblings, not including Gabriel and Balthazar. Her comment earns a flicker of a smile.] This is not my true form, but rather a vessel. Most humans can't look upon an angel's true form without -- [Hm. He probably shouldn't say they get their eyes burned out, and some even die.] -- some unfortunate consequences.

Alice (ACTION): Well, then is there something you can show me that you're an angel? [She was so very curious and while Cas didn't seem like very good at playing pretend, it was quite the thing to believe!]

Cas (ACTION): [He thinks about that for a moment. He could do what he did to show Dean. That seems to be the most effective way. It won't work without a solid wall behind him, though.] There is something, but we'd need to go inside.

Alice (ACTION): Alright, it's very hot out here anyways.

Cas (ACTION): [One good thing about being an angel: he's not really affected by heat or cold. Getting up, he quickly dusts off his overcoat before turning and heading in the direction of the house.]

Alice (ACTION): [Alice follows obediently, very curious as to what he will show her.]

GABRIEL CONFRONTS CAS ABOUT HIM TELLING ALICE THEY'RE ANGELS (MAY 28 2012)

Gabriel (TEXT): Oh boy, do we need to have a little talk.

Cas (TEXT): about what?

Gabriel (TEXT): About what you do and do not tell small children, Cas. About the nature of reality here. About how fucking poor your lying skills are. Pick one, we'll start anywhere.

Cas (TEXT): i don't understand what you're upset about. i haven't lied to anyone, nor have i told any small children anything that would be considered inappropriate. i assume this is in regard to alice?

Gabriel (TEXT): Got it in one. 1) I wasn't telling Ali anything for good reason. 2) Being an angel is highly inappropriate. 3) Now my kid is acting all weird around me. 4) I am going to teach you how to lie and you are going to be grateful for it.

Cas (TEXT): how is being an angel highly inappropriate?

Gabriel (TEXT): She's a kid! She doesn't need to know about angels! She doesn't need to know that one has adopted her! I was just ordinary old Gabriel. That was good enough.

[Another text follows shortly after]

Look, I don't have any Snap right now. An angel without snap is useless. What if... something happens and she expects me to be able to do something? What if she does something wrong or she's frightened but she won't tell me because she thinks I'll smite her?

Cas (TEXT TO ACTION): [It's almost a minute before Cas texts back.]

i feel like this conversation would be easier in person.

[And just like that Castiel is standing on Gabriel's balcony.] Have you talked to her?

Gabriel (ACTION): [It's just typical that Castiel's text arrives a minute or so after he does. Gabriel sighs, shaking his head at his brother and moving to sit on the balcony. It's good that he's not been drinking and his balance is reasonable, otherwise... well, it's a long drop to the ground]

I've spoken to her. But that's not the point, Cas. There was a reason I didn't tell her. She's just a little kid. I wanted her to grow up sort of normal. You know what happens to kids who have weird parents, right? They grow up and have weird, unpleasant adventures, or have to do heroic stuff. Look at us, look at the Winchesters.

Cas (ACTION): [He watches Gabriel, brow furrowed in obvious confusion, hands shoved into the pockets of his overcoat.] You said something might happen. You're not the only one watching out for her, though. I don't think Dean would just stand by, and you know I wouldn't. As for her being afraid of you, she's not exactly... [He wants to say normal but that word doesn't feel right. Cas shifts his weight.] Well, she's not afraid of Lazarus when other children would be.

Gabriel (ACTION): I know. I know. But it isn't your job. It's mine. I promised to look after her. [He stops, sighs. He would protect her anyway, mojo or not. And it's not really the point. He does smile though, and Castiel's almost slip-of-the-tongue.]

No, she's a smart kid. There's no reason to be frightened of something that hasn't given you any need to be. [He just hopes that Alice's Sunday School skipped over all the things he'd done in the name of his Dad, the things that would give her more than enough reason to avoid him]

Cas... just... don't talk about me, or what I've done, to Alice, alright? There's a lot that... isn't important [And dare he say it, things he's not proud of]

Cas (ACTION): I didn't tell her anything, beyond the fact that we're angels. It's not my place to tell her your past. [Leaning against the railing, he glances down at the ground, still frowning.] You really care for her. [It's a statement, not a question.]

Gabriel (ACTION): [Gabe would argue it wasn't his place to say anything, but he drops that thought as soon as it pops into his head.]

Just making sure you and Deano don't get any ideas about telling her stupid stories. And yeah, of course I care for her. She's a little kid with no one else in the world. I can't just walk past that.

Cas (ACTION): [There's a small nod.] That's... good. [A pause.] When you said being an angel is highly inappropriate, what did you really mean? [Blue eyes lift to fix on Gabriel then.]

Gabriel (ACTION): [Now that laugh is a little bitter] Look at me, Castiel, do I look much like an angel to you right now? Am I one? I don't think I've been one for... for a very long time.

Cas (ACTION): [So much displeased frowning.] How you look doesn't matter. You are still an angel, Gabriel.

Gabriel (ACTION): Says the fledgling that still has his wings. I don't have anything Cas. No wings, no sword, no Grace. I'm... I might as well be Fallen for what it's worth.

Cas (ACTION): [Castiel gives a tight sigh.] I've been in the same place. But here? It's temporary. You aren't fallen. You just have to wait.

Gabriel (ACTION): I'm not very good at waiting, Cas. You know that. Patience is not one of my virtues. In fact, I don't think I've got many of those. [He sighs too, looking at his brother and wondering, not for the first time, what existence would be like if their Father hadn't gone AWOL.]

Do you think He can see us? Even here?

Cas (ACTION): And I am? [He can pretend to be patient, and he's probably more patient than most of his siblings, but even Cas has his limits.

The question has him looking back down. How many times has he wondered that himself?] I don't know. I'm not sure it matters if he can.

Gabriel (ACTION): More so than me, little bro. And that's got to count for something. [He snorts out a little laugh] Compared with me, you've got the patience of a saint.

Michael would say it always matters. But... you know, I don't think I really... [He's about to say 'care' but something stops him.] I think Dad's just letting us get on with our own thing. But... I wondered if He brought me here. If only because... otherwise I'd be dead. Unless this is what it's like to be dead.

Cas (ACTION): I am no saint. I'm not even truly comparable to one. [If only Gabriel knew how many times he'd lost his patience with Dean, just snapped and slammed him up against a wall or beat him bloody.]

No, this isn't death. [Not that he really remembers being dead himself, but he knows he was, and then he was resurrected.] I fought for free will, so regardless of whether or not he's watching I'm going to live how I want. [His gaze returns to Gabriel.] You should too.

Gabriel (ACTION): No, guess not. For the most part, they are dead, human and some of them even had sex from time to time. I'll be sure not to go confusing you again. [And perhaps it was best not to make any more comments on Dean and Cas, no matter how thinly veiled.]

I think Dad gave us all free will from the off, it just took just us some time to realize it. [Gabriel paused, glancing at Castiel and wearing a large grin] You'd not noticed that I've been doing what I wanted for years? Hundreds of years. Dad didn't seem to care. Maybe He just wants us to be happy. Why I ended up here. Why you and Dean are here.