Disclaimer: I don't own Supernatural or its characters - these were created by Eric Kripke - I'm just borrowing them. I'm not making any commercial gain. No harm or infringement intended.

E/O Challenge: Forever. 3 x 100 word drabbles. Nothing is forever. #1: Sam's still stuck as a cat, despite Dean's best efforts. #2: The Kripke vision of Heaven ain't all it's cracked up to be. #3: Even if Dean called from the ends of the world, Castiel would come and protect him.

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Never Forever

"We must tell our hearts that it is 'never for ever', and be happy that it's like that"- Kate Bush

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A/N: Sam's still stuck as a cat, despite Dean's best efforts. Follows on from last month's "Animal Magic: Tomcat"

Unresolved

"I despise my life; I would not live forever. Let me alone; my days have no meaning" - Job 7:16

"What do you mean 'he's stuck like that forever'?" Dean screeched.

Bobby raised one accusatory eyebrow. Dean knew that look and tried to simmer down.

"If you'd listened before going after that witch..." Bobby shook his head. "As far as I can tell, the cure will only work when Sam's ready to be changed back."

Dean glanced at the impressively large cat grooming itself in the sun. "You mean he's choosing to stay like that?"

"Not exactly, more like he's got... unresolved issues."

Dean gaped. "Who could he possibly have issues with?"

It was Sam's turn to raise an eyebrow.

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A/N: The Kripke vision of Heaven ain't all it's cracked up to be.

Final Rest

"I intend to live forever, or die trying" - Groucho Marx

"So Cas, this is... nice," said Dean, trying to put on a good face.

Castiel beamed, spreading both arms and wings in proud greeting. "Welcome to Heaven!"

"So what now?" asked Dean, rubbing his hands together. Despite himself, he was both curious and excited to see what was going to happen next.

"Well, you have full access to replay all your happiest memories as often as you wish..."

Castiel was surprised to see Dean back just a few hours later. "All of them?" he asked, with a sinking feeling.

"Twice," sighed Dean. "I'm guessing forever's gonna be a loooong time..."

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A/N: Even if Dean called from the ends of the world, Castiel would come and protect him.

Refuge

"I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings" - Psalm 61:4

"You need to sit this one out," said Castiel, in a grave voice, placing a hand on Dean's shoulder.

He cast a worried gaze over the battle-worn hunter lying crumpled on the ground before him. He'd done his best, but there were some wounds even an angel couldn't heal.

"Thanks, I'm okay now," Dean rasped, starting to rise.

Castiel pushed him down with a firm, gentle hand.

"You can't keep me here forever," Dean protested, but without any real heat.

Castiel sighed. "I'd settle for after you've rested."

"Maybe just a short nap," agreed Dean, trying to smother a yawn.

(;,;)