Children of the Wild Ones

[reticentric]

Chapter Seven

For the first week they attempted to quell Croatoan outbreaks where they could, killing those that manifested symptoms while saving those that-after being contained for three hours-continued to be normal. It was a slow process but they managed to keep a few people alive and to Castiel that was a victory. Dean, Sam and Bobby grew ever more frustrated that they couldn’t do more however. Especially Dean whose powers continued to manifest and grow stronger, sometimes without his control. He had slammed his fist down onto the metal examination table of a doctor that had refused to listen when they’d explained about the contagion being in the blood, and broke it completely in half. Needless to say the doctor had no trouble listening after that.

The second week Bobby told Jodi Mills what was going on, enlisting her help in knowing what the police and other government officials were planning to do. As a Sheriff they had to keep her in the loop so that she could best direct the people she was sworn to protect. So far there were just murmurings; quiet whispers of trouble elsewhere that would be contained “any day now” so there was no need to worry.

By the third week? Well anyone that cared to pay close enough attention could tell that something was very wrong and only getting worse by the minute. Some towns were experiencing rioting in the streets; people with red eyes and rage filled minds beating and destroying whatever and whoever happened to be in their path. And they appeared to multiply quite quickly. They could not be reasoned with or contained, only eradicated. It didn’t take long for the Army and National Guard to get involved or for quarantine areas to be set up. Roadblocks too. Several states put curfews into affect while others went into a state of emergency. The President was urging people not to panic-that they had everything under control-but it was a losing battle.

People were panicking. The virus spread quickly in large cities and there had already been calls for evacuations, for all the good it would do. Castiel reasoned several of the people evacuating were probably already infected and off to infect others. He could understand perfectly how in a few months time there would be nothing left, nothing of substance anyway. Yet he couldn’t help but wonder what the other supernatural creatures would do. For example he wasn’t sure but he doubted a demon would want to possess someone with the virus coursing through their veins. Crowley had been especially against it getting out so…

A news reporter on the television droned on about another rash of riots in some suburban town and Dean grunted; clicking the set off with more force than was necessary. “This is shit. I hate just sitting here not being able to do anything.”

Sam ran a hand through his dark hair. “Me too. But going out killing those things only bought us more time. Not to mention if we start doing that again we might be shot on sight thanks to the Army.”

Dean scowled. “Nah we should stay far away from any soldiers. And not just because we’re both technically supposed to be dead in the eyes of the law. They’ll take all our guns.”

Sam chuckled slightly. “We don’t want that.” He stuck his long legs out in front of him, his toes wiggling in his gray socks. “So we’ll keep a low profile.”

His brother huffed. “Yeah until those assholes are right outside our door.” Tossing the remote onto the table, he sat down onto the couch beside Castiel. “It’s been three weeks and things are just getting worse. We need to go to Chitaqua. We’ve got a good haul of supplies and the other hunters know the deal. Whaddaya say?”

Bobby shrugged from his place behind his desk. “Not the worst suggestion I’ve heard. Only a matter of time before we’re too boxed in to go anywhere.”

Dean scratched at his scruffy cheek. “So we’ll head out. Guess we should give Chuck a call and let him know we’re going up there…if he doesn’t know already. Jodi too.”

Bobby took off his hat and itched at his head before nodding. “I’ll get to it then.”

Castiel watched as Bobby hobbled over to his wall of phones, digging an address book out of his drawer. Sam and Dean had fallen into a light conversation about the future and he listened idly, wishing he could do more to help. Though at this point the only one who could save the world was God and no one expected him to show up. He wondered-not for the first time-if perhaps Raphael had been right all those months ago. Perhaps God was dead. As horrible as it was he almost preferred it to the alternative; that God was just a deadbeat that didn’t care about anyone anymore.

It’s so hard to remain faithful when the odds are stacked against me. Against us.

There was however a spot of happiness in all of the gloom and doom. Since their small kiss a few weeks ago he and Dean had grown closer…if that were possible. He had been worried that his friend would react badly to his show of affection, yet had been pleasantly surprised when he’d simply accepted it. They hadn’t discussed what it could mean for them but Castiel was alright with that. He knew that Dean wasn’t the type of man to put his feelings into words, and he didn’t need him to be. He surmised he’d always know what was in Dean’s heart.

And as for his own heart? To say that he cared about Dean would be too simplistic but attempting to explain his emotions would take words that only he would understand. So he was going to take a page out of the Winchester handbook and just keep things to himself for a while. What was the saying anyway? Actions spoke louder than words?

“You think we’re gonna have problems with demons and stuff?” Sam inquired through a yawn. “At the camp I mean.”

Dean shook his head. “I don’t see how with all the sigils and devil traps we’re gonna stick up. Rachel and what’s his face have already super proofed up the butt. Only demon allowed in is Crowley and that wasn’t my idea.” His grassy green eyes shifted to where Bobby grumbled into a phone.

Sam smiled. “Knowing what’s going on in the demon world though won’t be the worst thing. And if Crowley tries to keep his business going we’ll just kick him out.”

After telling Sam about the angels and their desire to help Dean, he’d been all for it. Especially after meeting Rachel and Inias. He deemed them harmless yet honest, saying that if Castiel vouched for them he saw no problems letting them hang around. Dean still wasn’t as sold on the idea but he was trying, and he realized it was better to have the help than to not have it. Yet he appeared to be a little…abrasive when Inias was around. He wasn’t rude to him but he also didn’t make any special effort to connect with him either. Then again he didn’t make any effort with Rachel either so… They didn’t mind however. They were used to the cold indifference of Michael so even getting to have a conversation with the man who carried his grace was a plus for them.

“Inias informed me that Ambriel and Samandriel would also like to help.” Castiel replied. “Perhaps you should station one of them with the other hunters. They will obey whatever orders you give them even if you’re not there.”

“Okay.” Dean patted his thigh, leaving his hand there with an almost forced nonchalance. “Man I hope this works out. I dunno how things were staying together in that fucked up future Zachariah showed me but they were. I hope we don’t get settled and then overrun by Crotes.”

“I don’t think that will happen.” Sam’s eyes were sharp focused on his brother’s hand. He grinned but didn’t comment on it. “I’m gonna go start packing up the Impala.”

As he got up and walked out Dean called after him, “You scratch my baby’s paint and I’m kicking your ass!”

Sam just waved him off.

Dean snorted. “Jackass.” Leaning his head back to the sofa, he stared up at the ceiling. “This could be the last time we’re here for a while. Or ever I guess.”

Castiel placed his hand over Dean’s. “The Croatoan virus doesn’t affect you or me. We could always return if we need something even if the infected are about. You could teleport us.”

A grin lit up Dean’s handsome face. “I should try that again, shouldn’t I? Knowing my luck though with everything on my mind I’d end up in China.”

The angel tilted his head to the side. “The Great Wall is a beautiful sight to behold.” Pause. “The world will be different because of what is happening but its wonders will remain. You have the power to see them all.”

Dean shrugged casually. “I’m a simple man, Cas. Long as people are safe I’m good.” Reaching up, he flicked an errant piece of hair off Castiel’s forehead. “You’ve been awesome these past few weeks. Helping out with everything and…your angel buddies. I uh, I feel better having you around where they are concerned. And period.”

Ducking his head, Castiel smiled softly. “I am happy to be of use to you.”

“Dude, if you were totally human and couldn’t lift a cup you’d still be of use to me-we’ve been over this. And it’s not about what you can do for me. Or Sam or Bobby. We all like havin’ you around. You’re family.”

“I consider you to be my family as well. Which is why I would understand if you wish for Inias or Rachel to continue to help you with your control issues.”

“What control issues?” Several books on the shelf shuddered, threatening to topple to the floor. “Hey I’m doing better. I stopped blowing out light bulbs whenever something on the news made me angry. And I don’t want Inias or Rachel teaching me anything. I want you.”

Castiel felt his heart flutter in his chest. “Alright. If that is what you want.”

Making sure that Bobby wasn’t paying them any attention, Dean clasped the back of Castiel’s neck and rubbed with his rough hand. “You know it is. Stop worrying so much, man. Like I told you, you’re awesome. I’d be up shit creek without a paddle if it weren’t for you.”

While that was true it was still nice to hear. “Well if you hadn’t liberated me from that hospital I would probably be in the same predicament. I would not have faulted my caretakers for leaving me when things got too intense.”

Dean frowned. “I’d have kicked their asses if they’d done that. Still think Michael’s a dick but he gave me his powers just in the nick of time. I’d have freaked out even more if all this shit started going down and I still had no clue where you were.”

Castiel was touched by his friend’s concern. “You would have found me eventually.”

Dean grunted in response and stood, stretching his arms above his head. His shirt rode up in the back, flashing smooth skin that Castiel dragged his fingers across it, causing him to shiver. “Heh I’m gonna help Sam pack. Why don’t you help Bobby with his books?” He winked and strolled out of the room.

Licking his dry lips, Castiel touched his stomach as if it would somehow help with the tightening of it. Since that first night he’d crawled into bed with Dean they’d been sharing one. He was getting used to the feeling of an arm brushing his or being slung protectively across his waist. Wanting to touch Dean wasn’t new, he just had more understanding behind it now. He could comprehend why Dean’s smile made his heart thud or why certain looks of his made his mouth dry. He wasn’t completely sure but he…well he got the feeling that Dean desired him. Having never been desired before it was an altogether wonderful and stimulating experience.

It was also helpful to have answers for things that happened in the past that had confounded him for many nights. Such as his emotions when Anna had turned and kissed Dean good-bye, uttering that she forgave him for turning her in. There had been regret but something else as well, something small and foreign that ran when he tried to chase it. He understood now that it had been a tiny spark of jealousy, perhaps not for the intimacies they shared but because Anna could relate to Dean on a level he couldn’t. Because Dean trusted Anna in a way he had yet come to trust him.

How things had changed.

“You just gonna sit there daydreamin’ bout your new boyfriend, or you gonna help me pack all this crap up?” Bobby groused at him. “I got more books than I can shake a stick at.”

“Sorry.” Castiel cleared his throat. “What do you need me to do?”

Bobby tossed an empty box at him. “Just put whatever is on the shelves in that. We’ll sort it out later.”

Nodding, he started to do just that. “I don’t suppose I have ever thanked you for taking me in, as it were. So thank you.”

The old hunter hunched his shoulders. “You helped the boys save the world. You’re a hunter whether you think so or not, and we take care of our own. Some of us anyway.” He sniffed as dust flew up into his weather beaten face. “Sides, Dean’s never really had a friend before. He’s got Sam but they’re brothers so… Never thought I’d be callin’ an angel his best friend but there ya go. Anyway Dean needs a friend. Boy’s stubborn as shit and John rode him hard for most of his life; screwed him up too. Kinda figured he’d never trust anybody enough who wasn’t family to let ‘em in. Then you came along.” He chuckled lowly. “You look out for his fool ass and I appreciate it.”

Castiel felt that was the best stamp of approval he had ever received.

~*~

It took about four hours to get the camp up and running thanks to Inias and Rachel. It didn’t matter what Dean told them to do or asked them to do, they did it without provocation. Inias happily. Rachel…not so much. It was obvious she didn’t think much of him as a man but apparently she could overlook that to focus on what was beneath his skin. He didn’t much care as long as she didn’t start smiting people.

Anyway he knew realistically they wouldn’t be able to save everyone or shelter everyone, but he wanted to take all those he could. Those that wanted to be there because some wouldn’t have enough trust to stick it out.

They still had electricity and generators for when that crapped out, and Chuck-true to his word-had loads of toilet paper nearly bursting out of his old car. The mess hall kitchen had a working stove and a large freezer to hold perishables. There were also a few grills for the people that knew how to use them. Castiel told him that one day he would be able to conjure things like Gabriel; that would be a big help if whatever he made stuck around without him concentrating on it.

Dean had no trouble getting the cabin he’d picked out weeks earlier mainly because Sam decided not to be an ass hat about it. He didn’t even have to rock, paper, scissors for it which was nice. He was in the process of shaking dust and ants from the old faded sheets of the bed when his brother’s gigantic shadow loomed in the doorway. “How could we forget sheets, man? There are enough dust mites in these to start a small country. Pretty sure I might have to exorcise some later.”

Sam chuckled as he looked around. “You’ll be okay. Better than sleeping on the floor at Bobby’s where a beetle could crawl into your mouth.”

True words. “Yeah. You find a place yet?”

Sam nodded. “Yup. I think it’s gonna look nice once I get it cleaned and stuff. Heh after all this time we actually settle some place and it’s the camp I loved as a kid. Weird.”

Dean smirked to himself. “Maybe for you Samantha, but for the rest of each it’s just a safe haven. Though if you wanna start a basket weaving class go ahead.”

His brother flipped him off. “So what’s next? Now that we’re mostly good to go.”

Dean sighed as he punched a pillow. “Start saving those we can I guess and bringing ‘em here. It’s a losing fight though even with the angels.”

Sam arched a brow. “Maybe. But something tells me that’s not gonna stop you…”

Probably not. “It’s a dirty job but someone’s gotta do it. ‘Sides what good is this angel mojo shit if I don’t use it to help people? Not that starting fires with my mind isn’t fun but…yeah.”

Snickering, Sam brushed hair out of his eyes. “Where’s Cas?”

Dean gestured out a window. “With Inias most likely. They’ve been catching up.” Something that he decided not to focus on, because there was nothing to focus on. Castiel could have friends of course.

“Um…” Sam cleared his throat. “Are you two like, together now? I mean I’ve uh, I’ve just noticed you seem closer.”

“Compared to what?” Dean asked him. “We were pretty close before. He did pull me outta Hell.”

“No yeah I-I know but I mean closer.” He smashed his hands together. “Which Dean, if you are it’s totally okay with me. I just want you to be happy.”

“Sam.” Dean wet his lips. He hated this sort of thing but he figured he owed Sam some sort of explanation, even a small one. “Cas and I are good. Really good. Ya know it’s been nice, having him around and not worrying about where he is or if he’s in trouble.”

“So…you’re not a couple?”

“Jesus. We’re… Are you being a dick on purpose?”

Sam threw his head back with a laugh. “No but watching you squirm does fill me with a sense of glee.” Pause. “Honestly it’s kinda obvious you’re something. Neither one of you are exactly stealthy about it. I am happy for you though.”

Dean walked over and punched him in the arm. “You’re an asshole. Get out of my house.”

His little brother grinned. “I love you too.” Humming happily, he turned and strolled out of the cabin.

Dean would have thrown socks at his head if he’d had any on hand. “Bitch.”

It wasn’t like he didn’t think about his relationship with Castiel because he did. Especially since that kiss. But he didn’t think it needed a label, and he damn sure didn’t think they should sit down and talk about it. He was just happy he wasn’t having some form of gay panic about it-well not a lot anyway. He got though that liking Cas didn’t mean he was gay; he still liked chicks after all. Or he probably would if one showed up that caught his eye. He wasn’t looking but he knew the option was reserved, if that made any sort of sense. So far though all he could think about was Cas.

Cas’ eyes and his lips and his perpetual sex hair and had he always looked like that? Oh and his voice. He remembered talking to Jimmy Novak and idly musing on the difference. How having an angel inside of him pulled on his vocal chords until something raspy and rocky came out. It made him wonder what Cas sounded like without the aid of a vessel. Surely he could hear him and understand him now; that it wouldn’t just be a loud whistling busting his eardrums.

Anyway since that kiss they hadn’t kissed again, and that was on Dean. He wanted to do more kissing but he also didn’t wanna just lunge at Castiel. Poor guy was getting used to a lot, and the last thing he needed was Dean pawing at him like a horny teenager. Even if that was kinda how he felt sometimes. Sharing a bed with the angel didn’t make that any better. In fact it gave him some interesting dreams. And he was sure their earlier grace sharing connected them even more. Touching Cas’ arm was one thing, touching what made Cas, Cas was another. Like wrapping an extension cord around his hand and then sticking it into a bucket of water, but in a good way.

The truth of it was; Dean didn’t allow himself to want much of anything anymore, if at all beyond what he was obligated to want. But…yeah he wanted Castiel.

To himself.

Rolling his shoulders and feeling his massive wings shift, he grabbed one of the rags he’d found earlier and batted down cobwebs from the corner. The floor creaked as he moved but he paid it no attention, instead wondering if it would be in bad form to ask Rachel and Inias to go find him some furniture. He needed a lamp.

“Dean.”

“Yeah?” He glanced to where Castiel stood. “Inias fluttered off?”

“He and Chuck are having a riveting conversation about the Winchester Gospels.” Castiel said. “I assume the plan is to start bringing in survivors tomorrow.”

Better get a good night’s sleep tonight. “Guess we’ll see how this all works out then.” A beat. “You find a place to crash?”

Castiel looked at him. “Can I not stay here with you?”

Dean felt his face heat up. Stupid face. “No-I mean yeah. I just-I thought you might want your own place. It’s okay to want your own things, Cas.”

The angel actually rolled his eyes. “I know. However I do not need as much shelter or provisions as anyone else, not yet anyway. I could take a cabin but someone else will arrive who needs it more. Besides…I’d rather share with you. I haven’t exactly spent much time alone-being a part of the Host of course-but there is an inherent loneliness to being what I am. Being around you greatly dampens that loneliness.”

It wasn’t like he could say no after that, not that he would anyway. “Heh you keep that up and you’ll pick up my bad habits.”

Castiel smiled lightly. “I do not mind. I’ve already picked up your best ones.”

Fuck. Dean exhaled deeply and tossed the rag in his hand to the floor. He crossed the wooden planks to where Castiel stood and tipped up his chin, catching his mouth in a hot kiss that made the angel gasp lightly. Castiel’s hands latched onto Dean’s waist and his eyes fluttered closed as he tried to mimic Dean’s movements. Usually Dean liked his romantic partners to be more experienced but there was something to be said for Cas’ innocent yet eager response to his presence. Not to mention the fact that he trusted Dean to guide him and teach him.

Their kiss was gentle but it made something warm twist in the pit of his stomach, something possessive. It was scary to think it but he’d always want Cas’ kisses-if he could he’d hoard them greedily-and he was prepared to punch anyone else that tried to take them. Maybe that was an angel thing.

Dean ran his fingers through Castiel’s hair after his brain connected to the fact that he could. He could kiss and taste and touch Castiel all he wanted and it would be okay. “Shit…” Pulling back, he rested his forehead to Castiel’s. “This is okay, right?”

Castiel’s lips were red. “Yes. Very.”

Dean chuckled and pecked his mouth again, tugging on his bottom lip with his teeth. “Wanna blow off clean up duty for a while?”

Castiel eyed him curiously. “And…do more kissing?”

The hunter smirked. “Yeah. I think we have some time to make up for. I mean we could have been doing this months ago if shit hadn’t been raining from the ceiling.” Though honestly he wasn’t sure he would have been ready or even accepted this months ago. He probably would have freaked out and ran far away, threw himself into women because that is what was expected of him. Because that is what he’d been basically taught.

And he would have shunned Cas until he lost him. Forced to pretend it didn’t matter when deep down it would have tore him up inside.

Wonder what changed?

Castiel touched Dean’s cheek. “Though this new development in our relationship is one that I am readily happy to explore, I would still be happy to be here with you without it. I’ve had many comrades but I’ve never had a true friend.”

“I haven’t been the best friend.” Dean leaned into his touch. “I say angels are dicks but I’ve been a pretty big dick to you as well sometimes. Sorry. I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to go out and do a little cloud seeding with someone else. Play the field.” Just please don’t go off and have orgies.

“To what purpose?”

“Other experiences?”

“That sounds absurd. Why would I have experiences with others when it is you I want?”

“I don’t know. Maybe you wanna check out the grass on the other side before settling with me.”

“Dean, I’m fine with the grass I have.”

His words made Dean laugh and he pulled him into a rough hug, pressing his face into Castiel’s neck and inhaling. For some strange reason Castiel kept choosing him and the feeling it caused squeezed his heart super tight. He’d always thought losing Sam would be the worst thing ever, but now he added Castiel to that list as well. He wasn’t sure what he would do without either of them. With his new powers though he was pretty certain there would be fire involved.

Grunting, he swerved them around and started walking backwards towards his bed, pulling Cas with him. His knees hit the back of it and he fell back, using the momentum to bring the angel down on top of him. His fingers dipped under Cas’ shirt to walk up soft, warm skin. “Can I ask you something kinda weird?”

Castiel arched a brow but nodded. “Yes.”

Grinning, Dean shifted until they were both on their sides facing each other. “How far did you get with that chick at the brothel?”

Castiel frowned. “She kissed me and while she was undoing my tie, I told her about her father.”

Dean growled playfully. “And here I thought I was your first kiss.”

“Yours was the first with tongue.”

“I can live with that.”

Winking, he drew Castiel in for another kiss, sucking on his lips and tangling their tongues together. Castiel moaned softly and pressed closer, his hands sliding up and down Dean’s back. Dean pulled Castiel’s leg over his thigh so that he could shimmy even closer and rub against him, the friction causing both of them to shudder. It had been a long time since Dean made out just for the sake of making out, but this had him wondering why he’d ever stopped. All this time he could have been building the tension or whatever until the main event.

The skin of Castiel’s throat looked very inviting so Dean dipped down to nibble at it, dragging his tongue over the salty flesh before finding the perfect place to stop and suck. He wasn’t sure he could leave a mark or that it would stay but that didn’t stop him from trying. His teeth nipped and bit and Castiel shivered, digging his fingers into Dean’s shoulder blades.

Dean straddled Castiel’s thighs and tugged off his t-shirt, letting it drop to the floor. In the dim light of the cabin from the old lamp he’d found he could see Castiel’s bright eyes looking him over and taking him in. A slender hand came up slowly to touch his chest, tracing the black ink of his anti-possession tattoo.

“I etched this back into your flesh.” He said reverently. “At the time I found it to be quite an ingenious way to keep yourself safe.”

“Yeah?” Dean flexed his muscles. “You must have thought I was one handsome son of a bitch when you were sowing me back together.”

Castiel’s lips moved in a ghost of a smile. “I was actually more focused on the brightness of your soul. It was tucked against my wings while I healed your body, radiating ease even after all the horrors it’d seen.” He noticed a scar on Dean’s side and moved down to touched it before leaning up and pressing his mouth to it.

Dean shivered, threading his fingers through the angel’s dark hair. He was content to let Cas explore him all he wanted; to let his hands trail along his tanned ribs and over his nipples. As long as he could do the same of course. “Hey Cas, do you ever wanna ditch this body and just be yourself?”

Castiel shook his head. “No. Sometimes I get the urge to stretch but I consider this body a gift. I would never abandon it.”

“That’s cool. To be honest I like this body.” He pushed up Castiel’s shirt, thumbs brushing his pecs. “Not as…bouncy as I’m used to but it has its perks.”

“Am I the…first man you have ever been with?”

“No. But you’re the first who’s ever meant anything. Who wasn’t just a fumble in some rest stop bathroom.”

Castiel smiled and pulled Dean down for another kiss, his hand fitting perfectly on the hand print seared into Dean’s bicep. He’d never touched it before and lights didn’t explode behind his eyes, but was still an important moment for Dean. It felt right. It made him forget about all of the bullshit going on outside or the things he’d have to deal with from there on out. It made him ease off Castiel’s shirt and continue their sucking kisses, enjoying the feeling of warm skin against skin.

With the world going belly up, Dean couldn’t think of a better way to spend his last night of peace than in the arms of his angel.

~*~

Dean awoke early the next morning after about six hours of sleep, his eyes itching but his mind calm. He yawned and tightened his arm around Castiel, pressing a kiss into his dark hair. Castiel hummed as his fingertips continued to draw what he supposed were Enochian symbols on his stomach. It tickled but he didn’t shy away.

“Did you sleep?”

“No.” Castiel replied. “I meditated and allowed my mind to rest.”

“Ah. Well if you ever get to the point where you need to catch some shut eye, just do it. I’ll watch over you.” Dean dug the heel of his palm into his eyes. “It’s not as bad as you think-sleeping that is. I mean you didn’t wanna eat but now you practically love my burgers. And you like showering…”

“I do those minor things to conserve energy.” He explained softly. “Sleep will only be a last resort. I enjoy being awake to see everything.”

Dean snickered before forcing himself to sit up. “I could stay in this bed all day.”

Castiel rose fluidly, brushing dust off his t-shirt. “That would be pleasurable but you have a lot of work to do.”

Don’t remind me. “Ya know seeing my future self all hardened and shit made me never wanna be that way. He had to make all the tough decisions and he didn’t give a shit about anything. What if I turn into him?”

Castiel shook his head. “That will never happen. You are not alone in any of this. Not like I assume he was. You have Sam and Bobby and me.”

He had a Cas too and look how that turned out. “I hope you’re right.” Groaning, he steeled himself for a long day. “Alright. Let’s do this.”

An hour later and Inias arrived with the first batch of survivors. They were scared to death and clutching whatever belongings they had managed to escape with, their eyes darting around frantically. It was a small group of about fifteen but they were clean; Inias explained he had waited with them himself to see if any of them turned. Before bringing them to the camp he’d also destroyed the town because it was a lost cause, sucking it down into the Earth into a large sinkhole.

The image had made Dean cringe but realistically he figured it was the right thing to do.

Standing up and speaking on behalf of their rag tag band of whatever wasn’t exactly easy but he managed to get through it. The crowd had a lot of questions about what was going on and he was honest with them because he decided they’d earned it. Why bullshit them with flowery words when they’d seen with their own eyes how fucked up things were getting? At least this way they could prepare for what was to come, and let go of their old lives.

A couple wanted to know who put him in charge and why they had to listen to him, and he told them they didn’t have to him. They could walk down that dirt road and fend for themselves if they thought they could do any better. He didn’t care because he had angels on his side so he’d probably be okay. Could they say the same?

Things got pretty somber after that and then Sam had taken over to help them find cabins of their own.

To be honest Dean didn’t see all of them actually staying. He just got a feeling that some would run away in the middle of the night, egged on by fear and their own twitchy natures. He wasn’t going to keep anyone that didn’t wanna be kept. He could only offer what he had and if they didn’t take it well, that was on them.

Anyway things went smoothly for another couple of hours even with Chuck following behind Dean-clipboard in hand-asking him inane questions about canned goods and shampoo. Of course when he wasn’t talking about supplies he was asking about Rachel and Dean told him he was on his own there. Just to be careful and not get killed if he tried to go there.

“So far so good.” Sam said as he joined Dean where he stood watching people meander about. “Jodi is helping the women; I think knowing this isn’t a sausage party makes them feel better. Makes me feel better.”

Dean sniggered. “I thought your puppy dog eyes would be doing that. Losing your touch?”

Sam snorted. “I don’t think any amount of puppy dog eyes could make their situation okay.” Pause. “So…Bobby and Jodi are totally sharing a cabin.”

That made Dean grin broadly. “That old dog. Good for him. Wonder if they put her handcuffs to good use?”

His brother groaned in discomfort. “Dude, no.”

Dean wiggled his brows and folded his arms over his chest, noticing a group of about four guys having a conversation. They were older than him and Sam with graying beards and dirty vests. The one with a red bandana was smoking a cigar, his tall friend shoving chewing tobacco into his mouth. However it was the guy in very dirty jeans that caught Dean’s attention because of what he pulled out of his pocket; an unmistakable white baggie of heroin.

Now Dean wasn’t one to tell someone what they couldn’t do and he’d dabbled in drugs before, nothing too hard because hunting while high was a recipe for disaster. But he’d tried a few things. Still he had a firm stance on it at the camp and he wasn’t even going to pretend it wasn’t due to future Castiel and his blasé stance on uppers and downers. Who knows what he’d put into his body while chasing that feeling of still being an angel?

He didn’t even want the temptation of it around.

He was walking over to the small group before he even registered it. “Sorry man but that ain’t gonna fly here.”

Dirty jeans blinked at him. “Excuse me?”

Dean motioned to the drugs. “I don’t mind a little weed or whatever but that stuff ain’t welcomed here.”

Tall-y frowned. “Says who?”

Dean’s face twitched. “Me.”

“Well…” And suddenly Tall-y had a gun in his hand. “Maybe we don’t give a rat’s ass what you say. What? You think just ‘cause you’ve got friends in high places were supposed to listen to you? I’ve got socks older than you, asshole. If my buddy wants to make himself feel good then shit, who are you to stop him?”

“Dave’s got a point.” Dirty jeans mused. “So why don’t cha run along and bake a cake or something, huh sweetheart? I’m sure your blue eyed side piece would appreciate it.”

“I’m only gonna tell you once-” Dean began.

“Good! Then I don’t have to pretend to listen anymore.” Dave interrupted, pointing the gun at him. “So get lost!”

Since Hell Dean wasn’t the most patient man alive and he just couldn’t suffer fools anymore. When people didn’t listen-especially those he was trying to help-it made the hair on the back of his neck stand on end. He wasn’t trying to help these idiots but the fact that they were so quick to pull a gun on him made him question the safety of everyone else at the camp. He wasn’t exactly against a few others having weapons but what else would they use a weapon to try to get?

Growling, he felt a jolt trickle down his right arm as dark clouds abruptly filled the sky. Thunder rumbled loudly over head, making everyone in the area stop and look up as if expecting rain. Purple lightning streaked across the heavens before striking the ground with a deafening crack behind Dean’s shoulder, forcing a few people to scream in terror.

And then there it was in Dean’s right hand, heavy with a thick silver hilt, the sharp end dragging in the dirt. Michael’s angel sword.

It was longer than Castiel’s but had the same intricate engravings and felt right nestled in his palm. Lifting it slowly and pointing it at Dave, Dean smirked. “They say never bring a knife to a gun fight but something tells me I’d win this one. But by all means if you wanna try me, go ahead and pull the trigger. Be ready for what happens next though…which will be me shoving this up your ass and out your throat.”

Dave’s friends backed up, hands lifted. The man in question looked as if he wanted to fight back or take a shot but in the end he tossed the heroin onto the ground. “Fine. Take it.”

“Listen up!” Dean shouted to whoever was in the area. “You wanna drink until you can’t see straight or smoke some weed to mellow out then go right ahead. But I don’t want this shit,” he pointed to the small baggie. “…in my fucken camp. Don’t like that? Well you’re free to leave. Now we’re all here because none of us can do any better against those goddamn assholes on the loose. So that means we gotta use common sense and not go to shit just because everything else is.” Pause. “If I find anymore of this stuff I’m setting it on fire. With my mind. Capisce?”

The crowd murmured their agreement-the assholes begrudgingly but Dean didn’t give a damn as long as they agreed. As long as he never had to worry about Castiel or even Sam getting their hands on that stuff; especially not with their addictive personalities. He never wanted to see Castiel broken and without hope. And he never wanted to see his brother once again scrambling for some toxic shit that would fuck up his head.

Huffing, he yanked up the drugs and tossed them into a burning tin barrel of debris. “Fuck.”

Sam appeared thoughtful but he didn’t question his brother about his tirade. Not yet anyway. “Nice sword.”

Dean smiled at it. “It gets the job done.”

Chapter Eight