Dean sweeps upward, his sword more staff than blade as it deflects the angelic weapon, and in the short space of time that follows, Dean shuffles back, all the air caught in his chest.

He blocked it. An angelic blade hefted with angelic strength, and both he and his sword are still in one piece. There's no time for elation, but something loosens in Dean's chest.

"Cas!" he barks. "Goddammit, snap out of it!"