[ There's a careless roll of his shoulders at the comment, maneuvering around the room to grab at one of the bottles. He doesn't have the power to will it open as the angel had, so he uses the edge of his shirt and slowly twists until it pops free. The smell is strong and a quick reminder just how little it had taken for the alcohol to seep into his blood.
Castiel leaves the other and takes a drink, smooth as you please. He offers it to him, intent on sharing. ]
[ dean looks at cas for a beat before taking the offered bottle. there isn't any hesitation before he brings it to his lips, takes a long swig... and whatever this stuff is, it's hard, as him hissing a quiet but almost pleased sound. ]
Things were simpler.
[ they had a goal, one mission. here he has sam, who hates him, and himself, who hates him, and castiel, who hates him.
[ As Dean drinks, Castiel helps himself to a seat on the edge of his bed. Usually, he would have preferred the floor, but at that angle, he wouldn't have been on nearly equal ground as the other man. Like this, he can look at him and not feel... small. ]
Things are never really simple, Dean. [ Not as they had been once. ] But, at least, there are some constants to all of this.
[ Him, them. They are here, and whether or not they find another mission, some common ground to share, they're together. What more is there to ask for? ]
[ dean lingers, lets the alcohol burn his throat in a way that's mostly been a distant memory for a while now. but he needs it, desperately, for the alcohol to wash away the past few weeks. ]
Constants we can lose.
[ to death, to the horrors that seem to cling to their lives no matter where they go. it's a bit of a mod killer, but dean's just... pointing that out. a pause later he pulls over a chair, turns it and sits down, legs on either side as he straddles it, arm coming to rest on the back of it. ]
[ Despite the truth, he blinks at the words in an attempt to understand them. Dean is... concerned they might lose it? Lose each other? It's reading too much into it probably, so he only shifts forward a bit to clasp his hands together and rest them between his knees. ]
There is nothing comfortable about this place, so I doubt that will be a problem.
[ But it's said softly, not an ounce of irony in something that might have once held it. He tips his head down to stare at the floor, still trying to piece together the words. Conversation had come naturally before, and even in their silences, it hadn't felt strained. Now, it's a noticeable difference Castiel isn't sure how to contend with. ]
Are you... [ His eyes flicker in his direction. ] How are you?
[ it's really just pointing out fact, more than anything. or that's how he excuses it to himself, anyway. it's the second question that has dean pausing, like he doesn't understand it. why is cas--
why is he asking something that should be obvious? he peers at the other man, like he expects it to be a trick or something, but when nothing but patient, silent waiting is his answer, dean shifts, shrugging his shoulders tensely. ]
Does it matter? [ not really, if you ask dean. he'd killed his brother, he deserves to feel like shit for the rest of forever. ]
[ It may seem obvious, but Castiel doesn't want to assume. They've gotten so good at ignoring the important things that something so minor appears out of place like this. He spreads his hands and stares at them. ]
It has always mattered. [ Whether Dean believes it or not isn't significant. He has always held fast to that. ] There is no one else but us.
[ How many times he has to say it, he doesn't know. Because they are dead, and the others... Well, they could hardly relate to either of them or the things they've had to do to survive. A pause, and he stands so he can go through the bag at the foot of his bed without a word of explanation. ]
[ dean still simply looks at cas with barely hidden wariness, shifting slightly in his chair. he wants to point out that now there is more than just them -- maybe not in this room, in this moment -- but cas has a choice now. he could follow the other dean, the one he likes.
but then, they've already had that discussion.
when cas gets up, dean straightens a little, watching carefully. ]
[ There's a touch of amusement to his voice in that question, positive he knows the answer without really asking. Still, he hasn't managed to find anything like that since coming here, and it would have been careless of him to shove it in the duffel with an assortment of other things necessary to kill the devil.
He finds what he's looking for rather quickly and palms it, fingers curling tight so Dean can't see. ]
I said I had something for you. [ Castiel moves closer now, extending his free arm out to him expectantly. ] I need your hand.
[ He only rolls his eyes, holding fast to the way his fingers tuck the object against his palm. ]
Please trust me. [ Because that's all he's asking here, all he's ever asked, and honestly, it's what he thinks they borh need right now. Granted, this gift isn't a good substitute, but... It's all he has. ] Your hand, Dean.
[ don't you roll your eyes at him!!! but dean only sighs, sound frustrated as he...finally does hold out his hand. whatever this is, he's not digging it so far, not when nothing is being explained. ]
[ His smile is small, but there is no hesitation in his taking Dean's hand, almost lightly pressing with his own fingers before smoothing the other man's out gently. Just a careful inspection, really, and then, he's pushing a ring with a particular symbol on its face down his pinkie. It's small, originally belonging to a woman he should never have taken it from. But that is his business, wanting him to take it without any strings attached.
Castiel traces the lines of it for a second or two--only to make sure it's not too tight. ]
It's, uh... [ for someone with faith in nothing ] It should bring you luck.
[ well, that's not what he was expecting. but one, two beats later and the ring is in place, leaves dean to stare down at it with mute surprise.
he would have much sooner seen you dropping to your knees than this, really. so give him a moment. ]
A lucky charm? [ another look, cas, you can have it. but despite that, his tone remains carefully neutral as he slowly withdraws his hand to look at the odd symbol closer. ]
[ Maybe he likes the attention a little too much, almost reluctant to release his hand, but he does. This isn't what they do--not anymore. Castiel drops his own hands, one lifting to rub at the back of his neck before sliding into a pocket. ]
It's also for... protection. [ Who's to say he's actually wrong about that. ] I think we need all we can get in a place like this.
Protection. [ righty right. dean examines the ring for a beat more, a second or two of simply looking at it, and then drops his hand away, focus back on cas. ]
M'sure its power will be put to the test sooner rather than later.
[ because yeah, this place.
the last part has him pausing, hesitating... ]
Right.
[ don't expect a thank you!!!! ]
You give one of these to everyone you invite over?
[ He stares right back, tensing perceptibly at the question. It should annoy him, and to a degree, it does. That Dean would try to cheapen something he'd put thought into, had risked giving him despite the original hesitation because of that tear in their bond. Castiel's mouth thins. ]
You're the, uhm, fearless leader. I would think you mean more than some random person. [ He keeps his voice cool, distant. ] Besides, who would I bring here?
[ No one really. There's been a handful of others, but nothing beyond words, looks. He hasn't touched despite the urge to do so. ]
There is no other, and you're the only one to have it. [ Just like him. ]
[ who cas would bring, who he wouldn't... dean doesn't really care, but it's easier to bring up than the fact that the other man just gave him a goddamn ring. another glance, down at it, this time his fingers are idly tracing over the symbol... ]
It'll do.
[ is said finally, quietly. it's the only sort of thanks you'll get for it. ]
[ The expression on his face is fleeting, but it's kind. Much too kind than what Dean thinks he probably deserves. It's the same look he's always given him regardless of whether or not he's consciously aware of it--a bit too knowing. Castiel stretches, arms behind his back so there's something to do with his hands. ]
I'm glad you like it.
[ Doesn't mean he isn't going to be a big smug about it though. ]
[ It's only then does the smile falter, eyes rolling over Dean and beyond to the untouched bottle he'd left sitting. What more do they have in common now besides this? Castiel sees it, like most things, as an opportunity, and he picks it up after some maneuvering, this time settling himself on the floor by his bed.
He has to look up at him from this angle, but it's not the first time he's done so. ]
I'm not keeping you from it. [ Because he still has the other bottle. Castiel opens his and leans back, watching him as he takes a drink. ]
[ damn right, you ain't. as if it's a challenge, dean takes a long drink from the bottle, right until he has to part from it just to breathe. it burns good though, sets low in his stomach like solid warmth. ]
So... manage to taint your screw up of a past self yet? He was there, you know, on the spaceship when it happened.
[ He almost laughs at the screw up part, how he knows that to be true, so true, but the last of it has him drawing up short, the sound more clearing his throat than anything else. Castiel swallows what's in his mouth and sits back, looking up to the ceiling. ]
I do, and he's aware of his mistakes. [ More than. There's something like a hum. ] Have you, uhm, seen him around?
[ Because he hasn't. Not since contacting him a few days prior when he'd learned the news himself. It makes him angry, but there's a little pride mixed with it, knowing that he had succeeded where his supposed "better" self had not, even if it had only been once. It's twisted logic, and it has him drinking again--several big, quick swallows. ]
Not since he took Sam's body. [ not that dean particularly cares. castiel isn't useful to him anymore, not with the anger he holds for dean because of what he'd done, and now that there's no lucifer to hunt...
dean has no plans of approaching the angel. ]
Probably better that way.
[ he would, god knows it, just end up getting castiel killed most likely. ]
[ That, however, he hadn't known, and he's quiet for several long seconds, allowing them to fade into a minute. Two, which is taken to drink and let the burn of alcohol settle in his belly. Whatever it is, it's strong, but it doesn't negate the twitch of annoyance he feels thinking of the angel.
There's a low sound of dissatisfaction. ]
I think it would be... unwise to disregard him completely. Past you, as well. [ He drops his gaze, leveling with Dean. ] It seems a considerable amount of time has passed since last we saw him.
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Date: 2013-10-26 04:49 am (UTC)Castiel leaves the other and takes a drink, smooth as you please. He offers it to him, intent on sharing. ]
Would you have preferred it to stay the same?
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Date: 2013-10-26 05:01 am (UTC)Things were simpler.
[ they had a goal, one mission. here he has sam, who hates him, and himself, who hates him, and castiel, who hates him.
8[ ]
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Date: 2013-10-26 05:34 am (UTC)Things are never really simple, Dean. [ Not as they had been once. ] But, at least, there are some constants to all of this.
[ Him, them. They are here, and whether or not they find another mission, some common ground to share, they're together. What more is there to ask for? ]
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Date: 2013-10-26 05:49 am (UTC)Constants we can lose.
[ to death, to the horrors that seem to cling to their lives no matter where they go. it's a bit of a mod killer, but dean's just... pointing that out. a pause later he pulls over a chair, turns it and sits down, legs on either side as he straddles it, arm coming to rest on the back of it. ]
Don't get too comfortable, is all I mean.
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Date: 2013-10-26 09:06 pm (UTC)There is nothing comfortable about this place, so I doubt that will be a problem.
[ But it's said softly, not an ounce of irony in something that might have once held it. He tips his head down to stare at the floor, still trying to piece together the words. Conversation had come naturally before, and even in their silences, it hadn't felt strained. Now, it's a noticeable difference Castiel isn't sure how to contend with. ]
Are you... [ His eyes flicker in his direction. ] How are you?
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Date: 2013-10-27 12:37 am (UTC)why is he asking something that should be obvious? he peers at the other man, like he expects it to be a trick or something, but when nothing but patient, silent waiting is his answer, dean shifts, shrugging his shoulders tensely. ]
Does it matter? [ not really, if you ask dean. he'd killed his brother, he deserves to feel like shit for the rest of forever. ]
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Date: 2013-10-27 03:30 am (UTC)It has always mattered. [ Whether Dean believes it or not isn't significant. He has always held fast to that. ] There is no one else but us.
[ How many times he has to say it, he doesn't know. Because they are dead, and the others... Well, they could hardly relate to either of them or the things they've had to do to survive. A pause, and he stands so he can go through the bag at the foot of his bed without a word of explanation. ]
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Date: 2013-10-30 06:59 pm (UTC)but then, they've already had that discussion.
when cas gets up, dean straightens a little, watching carefully. ]
You gonna roll a joint?
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Date: 2013-10-30 07:13 pm (UTC)[ There's a touch of amusement to his voice in that question, positive he knows the answer without really asking. Still, he hasn't managed to find anything like that since coming here, and it would have been careless of him to shove it in the duffel with an assortment of other things necessary to kill the devil.
He finds what he's looking for rather quickly and palms it, fingers curling tight so Dean can't see. ]
I said I had something for you. [ Castiel moves closer now, extending his free arm out to him expectantly. ] I need your hand.
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Date: 2013-10-30 07:23 pm (UTC)actually, he might but maybe not today. if life keeps being as shitty as it has lately, well, ask again.
it's the request for his hand that has dean pausing and raising a brow, not moving as instructed. ]
Why? What're you hidin'? [ don't tell him it's a blade and you're gonna chop it off. he kinda needs it for shooting and... other things.... ]
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Date: 2013-10-30 07:29 pm (UTC)Please trust me. [ Because that's all he's asking here, all he's ever asked, and honestly, it's what he thinks they borh need right now. Granted, this gift isn't a good substitute, but... It's all he has. ] Your hand, Dean.
[ He's too stubborn to explain. Don't test him. ]
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Date: 2013-10-30 07:34 pm (UTC)Well?
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Date: 2013-10-30 07:49 pm (UTC)Castiel traces the lines of it for a second or two--only to make sure it's not too tight. ]
It's, uh... [ for someone with faith in nothing ] It should bring you luck.
[ He doesn't let go just yet. ]
did u put a ring on it cas did u
Date: 2013-10-30 08:16 pm (UTC)he would have much sooner seen you dropping to your knees than this, really. so give him a moment. ]
A lucky charm? [ another look, cas, you can have it. but despite that, his tone remains carefully neutral as he slowly withdraws his hand to look at the odd symbol closer. ]
maybe. does this mean they're going on a honeymoon now
Date: 2013-10-30 08:41 pm (UTC)It's also for... protection. [ Who's to say he's actually wrong about that. ] I think we need all we can get in a place like this.
[ Awkward now, he just stands there. ]
And for you to remember you are not alone.
idk did you plan one!!!!
Date: 2013-10-30 10:54 pm (UTC)M'sure its power will be put to the test sooner rather than later.
[ because yeah, this place.
the last part has him pausing, hesitating... ]
Right.
[ don't expect a thank you!!!! ]
You give one of these to everyone you invite over?
i could have!!!!
Date: 2013-10-30 11:06 pm (UTC)You're the, uhm, fearless leader. I would think you mean more than some random person. [ He keeps his voice cool, distant. ] Besides, who would I bring here?
[ No one really. There's been a handful of others, but nothing beyond words, looks. He hasn't touched despite the urge to do so. ]
There is no other, and you're the only one to have it. [ Just like him. ]
where are we going
Date: 2013-10-31 05:33 am (UTC)It'll do.
[ is said finally, quietly. it's the only sort of thanks you'll get for it. ]
to the moon
Date: 2013-11-02 04:28 am (UTC)I'm glad you like it.
[ Doesn't mean he isn't going to be a big smug about it though. ]
sexy
Date: 2013-11-03 06:45 am (UTC)But whatever. I didn't come here for this. Less talkin, more drinking.
[ he needs to get drunk, alright. ]
you know it
Date: 2013-11-03 07:01 am (UTC)He has to look up at him from this angle, but it's not the first time he's done so. ]
I'm not keeping you from it. [ Because he still has the other bottle. Castiel opens his and leans back, watching him as he takes a drink. ]
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Date: 2013-11-03 07:24 am (UTC)So... manage to taint your screw up of a past self yet? He was there, you know, on the spaceship when it happened.
[ when sam died. ]
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Date: 2013-11-05 06:48 am (UTC)I do, and he's aware of his mistakes. [ More than. There's something like a hum. ] Have you, uhm, seen him around?
[ Because he hasn't. Not since contacting him a few days prior when he'd learned the news himself. It makes him angry, but there's a little pride mixed with it, knowing that he had succeeded where his supposed "better" self had not, even if it had only been once. It's twisted logic, and it has him drinking again--several big, quick swallows. ]
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Date: 2013-11-07 12:12 am (UTC)dean has no plans of approaching the angel. ]
Probably better that way.
[ he would, god knows it, just end up getting castiel killed most likely. ]
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Date: 2013-11-07 12:40 am (UTC)There's a low sound of dissatisfaction. ]
I think it would be... unwise to disregard him completely. Past you, as well. [ He drops his gaze, leveling with Dean. ] It seems a considerable amount of time has passed since last we saw him.
[ So what do we know about either of them now? ]
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