{perkynipples} You don't understand. I NEED pie.

[principatus]

Castiel had had ample time to stew in the juices of his misdeeds long before he returned to the bunker, his groceries in hand. When Dean was not there he grew agitated. When a full day came and went without word from either of the Winchesters he grew worried.

Considering the present climate of chaos in their lives any number of unsavory scenarios had occurred to Castiel as possibilities for their absence - but Dean has forbidden Castiel to go to him, so he tries to comply with Dean's wishes for once and stays. That doesn't mean it's easy. It doesn't mean the combination of his own intense guilt, his feeling of helplessness, and general ill-ease about Castiel's fight with Dean has made it easy. By the time he hears the impala pull up outside he's worked himself back into irritation again, almost anger, and so when Sam and Dean finally make their way in the door the first thing that comes out of Castiel's mouth is a very gruff and confrontational "Where were you?"

Comments

[principatus]

It makes Castiel's heart swell a bit, to know that he is so well loved, that Dean will not give up on him. Cas slides his fingers through Dean's hair, massaging his scalp and feels himself relax. "If anyone can see it done it's you."

He has faith that Dean can achieve anything he puts his mind to, and it makes him feel proud thinking of all the things he has already overcome.

[perkynipples]

The tension lingers in him for the longest time, his back drawn up as he tries to relax into it. This kind of casual intimacy isn't exactly easy to deal with after years of not having it. One night stands and Lisa not included, of course.

"You know, 's messed up. You've got all this faith in the worst possible guy, and none left over for you," Dean doesn't take the words back once they're out, but it's true. Yeah, Dean's pissed. Yeah, he's furious that Cas had done what he had done, and done it over and over, and yeah, this was a shit situation, but if Cas just bucked up a little and didn't bend over for all the angels who asked pretty please, well...

[principatus]

"You've proved yourself over and over again. I've only proved myself a failure." It's true in every sense, however Dean feels about himself every time he has been tested he has come through and proven himself worthy and just. Castiel's tests have all resolved themselves in failure. "

[perkynipples]

"Bullshit."

It's too late for confidence inducing talks, but Dean reaches up, and over, and clenches his hand on Castiel's shoulder, just once, and then drops it, letting him go.

"You're not a failure. You make some shit decisions."

[principatus]

"That's quite the understatement, Dean, but thank you." He appreciates the gesture, even if he doesn't fully believe it. The fact that even now Dean has faith in him does give him hope, even if he doesn't understand it. "I will never understand all this faith you have in me. I hardly deserve it. I've treated you shamefully. You deserve a better friend."

[perkynipples]

A little, but Dean doesn't agree to it, because too much of that and he's going to wind up genuinely hurting Castiel's feelings even worse, and that's what he's trying to avoid right now, after the shittastic day.

"You fucked up, yeah. Cas, stop beating a dead horse, okay?"

[principatus]

Castiel nods, but only because he doesn't want to further upset Dean. He can't blame him for not wanting to discuss it. It's all much too painful and Castiel has already forced the issue too many times today.

"What happened when you were gone?"