Oh shit, Dean is king of hell! Awesome!

Yeah, that was REALLY depressing. Well written, though. Cas's introspection, especially on his fitness as a leader, was interesting and well done, and I especially liked how "purpose reawakened" within him when he realized that Dean wasn't in Heaven, and his resolve to save him coupled with how he feels his identity is now tied to his rescue of Dean. When he finally got to Dean, you did a good job giving it a few moments before he realized what was going on (although wouldn't Cas have seen Dean's soul/true face...? but still, good) and him just saying no over and over... The ending is just horrible - very well written horrible. "I don't want to be saved" was a very good line - good dialogue in general there. So, good job at being very depressing.

b b b but holy hell...
this was well written as usual but I doubt cas's stolen grace would have lasted long in hell :/