The beast was looming somewhere in the dark. It was not hunting for them, but just its presence was enough to keep Castiel alert. His eyes scanned the abysmal forest, to search if the beast had a companion. If there were more than one, he would have to wake the friend who was sleeping soundly in his arms. Lucky for them, the monster was travelling solo, but unfortunately, it was hungry. Its low growled echoed the forest, creating a small wave of branches crackled together quietly.

What was an endless night compared to eternity? As an angel, Castiel was familiar with the concept of never-ending world, but sometimes he couldn't help wondering how much time has passed? How many fight they had fought? How many wound they had taken? How many night they had curled up together just to protect each other from the merciless weather of Purgatory? Castiel felt his own heart beat against Dean's back. It was one of those rare nights they had shelter, even though it was just a small hole under a dying tree but it was big enough for two.

Castiel felt a shift of the body leaning on his chest. Dean had woken up. The hunter never slept anyway, not here in the land where angels are preys to monsters.

"Shhh…" Castiel hushed. "They're not coming this way."

He lied. The monster was coming in their direction, but they were downwind and the distant was too great to be panic. He just wanted to preserve this moment for Dean. His friend deserved to rest. He deserved to be at peace, only in a dream was still better than nothing.

What has he done to be punished here with me? Castiel squeezed their twining hand tighter.

"You should get some sleep. You need your strength for tomorrow." Castiel told Dean as he noticed the beast had changed its course.

"Do we still have tomorrow?" Dean whispered.

"You still have me." The answer made no sense, but Dean accepted it. A few minutes had passed and Dean was drifting back to his dream. His breath was long, slow and rhythmic, contrast to the way it was when he woke up.

Castiel buried his face in Dean's hair to feel his scent, to feel Dean's warmth, to feel that they both were still alive. You still have me, and I will protect you. I will be everything you need in this cruel world, and if I could, I will return you to your home, a place where Sam is waiting for you.

My only wish, my only wish, is to be able to let go of your hand when the time comes. But now, I'm not sure if you would let go of mine. Dean. My Dean.