For Dean, Robin and Ishiah

[godless_son]

He hopes this goes well.

He is keeping his promise to Ishiah and that is important, he knows Ishiah will find that important. He is not, however, with Dean's encouragement, willing to go to the same extremes he would have only a few years ago. He must think of the city, yes, but first he must think of Dean. And he must, for the first time, think of himself. If things go wrong, and he must be controlled, he wants to find a way to fix it that does not end in a body count, including his own.

He tightens his grip on Dean's hand and knocks, hoping Robin is here as well. He is strangely reassuring when Castiel is uneasy.

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[godless_son]

Castiel's eyes drop closed at Robin's words, not trusting the treacherous way they sting. There are parts of being human that have lingered and he wishes emotional volatility were not one of them.

He nods at them both, feeling suddenly unmoored and uncertain when an hour ago he'd felt confident in what he'd wanted to do. He wants to look to Dean to know if he is truly doing the wrong thing, if he ought to hand over his own 'kill-switch' but he has caused this mess. It's not for Dean to clean up.

"I appreciate your help, Ishiah, and your council, Robin," he manages, steeling himself before opening his eyes.

"I truly do. I will return soon and we can practice the incantation you will require.

[always_enduphere]

Dean curls his hand against Castiel's nape, squeezing once before he levers himself to standing. Blood rushes to his head, and with it, all the things they're not saying.

Castiel may very well choose a road without Dean if he thinks it safest, just as Dean may well choose to save him no matter the cost. They both know it, and there's no point in arguing, and certainly not in front of Ishiah and Robin.

He holds out his hand to pull Castiel up with him. "Thanks," he echoes.