Heavenly Investigations

‘Meeting at my office tomorrow 0900’

Dean frowned as he looked at his phone. When a mission was completed, he usually got a day off from work to return home. However, being only thirty minutes away from headquarters didn’t require a little rest. It didn’t sound promising that he had to come into the Bureau so early. He went through his memories to find out if he had made a mistake with the recent salt’n’burn, but he couldn’t recall anything. It was, in his opinion, a flawlessly performed job with no complications. No one had been hurt, unless you count the bruises on his back from being slammed into the wall by that bitch of a ghost.

For now, tomorrow’s meeting is the problem of Future Dean, all he wanted to do for tonight was go to the bar for a few drinks. Dean would drive back to the Bunker after his usual four hours of sleep, where his boss awaited him.

“Good morning, sunshine. How was the hunt?” Charlie asked in her usual cheerful tone. Dean simply grumbled for an answer.

“Dean, you should sober up asap. Bobby is waiting for you in his office. There is someone important with him and he said I should send you in when you arrive.”

“Who?”

“I’m not sure, the guy looked a little shabby, but Bobby was way too formal with him. He even dressed up and shaved.”

This sounded serious to Dean. His boss was never like this. Bobby would not behave like that even if the president appeared. Dean checked his phone: 9:23. Oh no, he was too late. Bobby would never let him get away with something like that.

Charlie wished him luck and mentally prepared himself for what was to come.

Dean could never have predicted what was now in front of him. On the one hand, there was his boss in his suit, shaved and hair combed back. Bobby appeared to be more of a mechanic than the director of a state institute most of the time. The old man was the personification of that role at the time.

There was, on the other hand, this stranger. This man was slightly older than Dean, dressed in a suit that was a little too big for him, and wore a trench coat. His blue tie was knotted incorrectly, and his dark brown hair was a tangle. But his most distinguishing feature was his bright blue eyes, which seemed to peer right into his soul.

“Ah, Dean, you have finally arrived.” Bobby greeted him. Dean could tell by the look in his eyes that they were going to have an unpleasant conversation about his late arrival.

“Castiel, this is Dean Winchester. He is our best agent if you don’t mind his rudeness.”

Bobby said to the stranger who was staring at Dean intently.

“I am not very familiar with ‘social skills’, so I don’t mind any behavior.” In a deep soothing voice, the other man told them. Dean had to fight back a smile as the other guy made some quotation marks with his hands. This man, who had now extended his hand in greeting, appeared to be a strange individual. Dean was also certain that he was not human. He accepted the offered hand, resulting in a stiff handshake.

“Mister Winchester, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Castiel is my name. I am an angel of the Lord and I am here to work with you.”

Dean’s eyes widened as he shifted his gaze between the two men in front of him. This must be some sort of prank because he was once again late. Or perhaps he was dreaming.

“Castiel, I need to speak with Dean privately. Could you please - “ Castiel vanished with the sound of flapping wings before Bobby could finish his request.

“What the - ” was all Dean could manage to say.

“Perhaps you should sit down so I can explain it to you.” Bobby said. Dean sat in the chair on the other side of Bobby’s table as if on autopilot.

“Alright. This person appeared out of nowhere about two weeks ago. His name was Zachariah and he claimed to be an actual angel. He told me that Heaven wanted to work with us, and they asked for you. I told them that I need to confirm their story. I did some research and discovered that they are true angels. And Castiel appeared yesterday, so he is your new partner.” Bobby informed him.

Dean rubbed his hand over his face.

“I thought we agreed that I don’t need a partner.” He countered.

“And I perfectly remember that this was going to be a temporary solution. I know you needed some time on your own after what happened with your brother and Benny. But after you idjit got in trouble with that nest last month? Boy, I feel better when I know there is someone out there with you. So when the angels came to me, I took that opportunity.” Bobby replies slightly angry.

“How convenient, isn’t it? Right when you needed someone, they came from nowhere to your rescue. Thousands of years in human misery God and his Angels chilled in heaven doing nothing but when Dean Winchester’s ass requires some rescue they come running. Doesn’t sound fishy at all.”

“Stop being a sarcastic bitch. You are going to work with Castiel who is in fact a very capable fighter. And for the record, you are going to be nice to him. I don’t ask you to become best buddies, just don’t be mean. Also, learn to be on time. Otherwise, the only thing you are going to do for the rest of your career is paperwork. Do you understand? ” Bobby asked him.

“Yes.” Dean whispered.

“Sorry, come again. I didn’t understand you.”

“Yes, sir.” He repeated, now louder.

“Great. Now go home, you are free for today and tomorrow. Take care of yourself. Don’t you think I don’t notice you are hurt, idjit.”

Like a kicked puppy, Dean left the office.

Two days later

Dean and Castiel drove in silence for about an hour in the Impala. They were on their way to Michigan for a hunt. It appeared to be a typical haunted house, which provided an excellent opportunity to demonstrate to the angel how the FBSI worked.

Dean was driving at the time, and Castiel was sitting in the passenger seat, watching him. Dean was never shy and enjoyed being the center of attention, but there was something about the angel’s gaze that made him nervous, as if he could read his mind.

“Hey, what are you doing?” Dean was finally able to ask.

“I am watching you.” As stated by Castiel.

“Yeah, I noticed. But why?”

It took a while for the angel to respond.

“First and foremost, I need to learn how to behave more humanely, and because we work together, you are somehow my study material.” Castiel responded.

“I’m sorry to tell you that I’m not the best example of good behavior. But for the beginning it has to be enough. Only copy what I do when we are on a job, okay?”

Castiel simply squinted at him and went on:

“Second, you are quite an interesting person, so I want to get to know you.”

Dean was blushing now.

“Fine, but keep staring a bit down please. It’s a little strange, okay? And you can ask me questions if you like.” he offered to the angel.

“Okay. I’m still not sure why we’re driving in the car. I could have just flown us over there. This mode of transportation is both time and money consuming, as well as environmentally damaging.” Castiel explained.

Dean tightened his grip on the steering wheel.

“Awesome, what an easy question.” He murmured to himself rather than to the angel.

“We have no idea what flying would do to my body. I’m not going to puke all over you. And it exhausts you, right?” Castiel reluctantly nodded.

“There will be moments when you will need all your powers so don’t waste it. We still have time. Last but not least, you can enjoy the landscape as well as good music. So allow me to teach you about the best music on the planet: classic rock.”

Dean leaned forward to access the glove compartment. He grabbed a cassette at random and inserted it into the deck. It was a mixtape from Dean’s time traveling across the country on his own after graduation.

When the music started, Dean’s body language changed immediately. Castiel took in the lyrics. The angel couldn’t understand why the man next to him was suddenly so relaxed, because the song was kind of sad.

Castiel had hundreds of questions on his mind. Some were about people in general, how to act, or the work they were going to do. Given how infrequently the angel had visited Earth, this was entirely understandable. He last interacted with humans about 2500 years ago. A very short time for an angel, but empires have risen and fallen since then in human history. Castiel was perplexed by all of his questions about Dean. It was unusual for an angel to be interested in a specific human. On the other hand, his mission was anything but ordinary.

The angel took Dean’s advice and turned his gaze away from the man to look outside. They were driving through a wheat field that was nearly ready for harvest. The sun was shining brightly, with only a few clouds in the sky. Castiel didn’t understand the appeal, so he focused on the music instead. His celestial mind examined the text, individual instruments, notes, and sound wavelengths. He even factored static noise into his investigation. A new sound appeared out of nowhere, but it did not come from the speaker. When Castiel looked at the source of the sound, he noticed it came from Dean. The driver was humming along to the music, a small smile on his lips. Dean’s soul was examined by the angel. It was brighter and more content than the day they first met. Even though Castiel still didn’t understand the appeal of driving, he recognized that it was essential to Dean.

They arrived late at night at the motel. Dean stretched as he got out of his car, his muscles a little sore from sitting all day.

Castiel, on the other hand, appeared unbothered. The angel simply looked around, taking in his surroundings.

“All right, let’s go for the check-in. Luckily, they have a 24 hour reception. Otherwise, we would have to sleep in the car, and I am getting too old for this kind of shit. Hopefully, Kevin had booked two rooms. Nothing against you, Castiel, but I shared rooms too often. I value my personal space.” Dean informed the angel.

“It would be a waste of money. I don’t need a bed or a bathroom for myself. Also, my mission is to look after you, so I am going to watch you while you sleep.” The angel stated.

Dean frowned as he looked at him.

“Okay, this is not gonna happen. I am just going to sleep in a common motel room. Nothing could possibly happen to me. Plus, it is creepy to stare at me the whole night, which makes me not going to sleep at all. Last but not least, I don’t know you well enough to trust you right now. Do you get it?”

“I don’t but if it makes you uncomfortable I will stay away. However, an own room is not necessary. If you need anything, just pray for me, and I will be there.” Castiel explained.

“Um, well, I am not very familiar with praying.” Dean stumbled.

“It’s not hard; just think of me and I’ll hear you,” the angel explained.

“Alright, I think I can do it.”

Dean was very much certain that he could do this. There was something intriguing about the angel, and it was not only about the look. Castiel had to conceal a fit body beneath all these layers of clothing. He gave off the vibes of a well-trained fighter. But it was the angel’s confidence and authority in the way he moved and spoke that piqued Dean’s interest. He was fortunate that the angel agreed quickly to not share rooms. Dean would have easily caved if Castiel had insisted.

“When are we going to meet tomorrow?” Castiel inquired, jolting Dean from his reverie.

“How about breakfast at eight in the diner?” Dean proposed.

“I don’t do breakfast. ” the angel stated.

“However, I need some carbs and coffee first thing in the morning, so let’s meet there. You can just pretend, can’t you.”

“I think I will be able to do so.”

“Awesome, then until tomorrow morning.”

Castiel vanished in the blink of an eye.

What a jerk.Dean thought.

Dean checked in (they had reserved a room with two beds) and fell asleep after a shower.

Castiel had deceived Dean. Instead of leaving the agent, he simply became invisible. It was simple for him; all he had to do was mix dimensions, which angels do all the time.

Zachariah was very clear about Castiel’s mission. Keep an eye on and protect the human Dean Winchester at all costs. Nothing should be able to harm him. Nobody told him why, though. And Castiel wouldn’t dare to ask because he was the perfect soldier, always following orders without question. Castiel was chosen by the archangel Raphael for this mission.

So why was the angel feeling guilty? He did as his supervisor instructed, and there was no way the human would notice him. Still, it was difficult to look at him. Castiel didn’t even follow him to the bathroom, instead just listening for the shower and the humming.

The human was now sleeping fitfully, tossing and turning in bed. Dean was clearly dreaming. Castiel was aware that angels could visit humans’ dreams, and he had met some angels who had done so. Some even influenced these dreams simply for the sake of amusement. He never understood the allure of peering into a human mind. But Dean was clearly suffering from nightmares, and Castiel could easily change them to something more pleasant.

Castiel, on the other hand, felt it would be wrong and unwelcome by Dean. And Castiel wanted to earn this human’s trust. Not only because it was his job, but there was something about this man that made him different from any other human.

Three cups of coffee did not help Dean wake up. Normally, he wouldn’t mind, but today he needed to be at his best. Dean couldn’t let the angel’s first hunt go wrong. And Castiel didn’t deserve to work with such a grumpy jerk. This morning, the angel brought him breakfast, muttering about nutrition and vitamins and minerals Dean seemed to require. There was definitely too much food, and the combination was unusual, but Dean appreciated the effort. Dean couldn’t remember the last time someone made him breakfast, or even bought him something. Perhaps he should tell the angel what he liked next time.

Dean shook his head. There was no way this could become a regular occurrence. Castiel would soon realize that Dean was not worth the effort.

The two were now sitting in the Impala in front of the haunted house. Dean turned towards the angel.

“OK, Castiel, let me explain how we’re going to work. We need to find out who this ghost was and how he is bound to this world. We then burn either their body or the object to which they are bound. You understand?”

“I know how a ghost works.” Castiel stated.

“Awesome. We will first speak with the owner. I propose that I do the talking and you simply observe. Is that okay with you?” Dean wanted to know.

They both exited the car after the angel nodded. The owner, a young woman holding a toddler, was already waiting for them. Dean walked in front of the angel before they approached her.

“For the record, as an agent, you need to look a little more put-together. Did you even comb your hair?” Dean said this while adjusting Castiel’s collar and tie.

“Angels do not need to comb their hair,” the angel replied, staring at Dean.

“Of course, buddy. Whatever you do with your hair, change it. It’s not fit for work.”

Dean tugged on some of Castiel’s dark hair. He felt compelled to run his fingers through his incredibly soft hair, making it even messier than it had been. But there was no way Dean could let this happen. Instead, he let go of his hand and walked toward the house.

“All right, I guess we’re ready to go. Remember to let me do the talking. And do you have your badge?”

“Of course.” Castiel responded.

Together, they walked towards the woman waiting for them nervously.

“Hello, Mrs. Montgomery. I’m Agent Dean Winchester and this is my partner, Agent…” Dean wondered if angels had surnames.

Agent Castiel.” The angel completed the task for him and showed her his badge. Dean examined it as well, noticing that it was turned upside down. Dean took the badge and returned it in the proper manner, without comment. There was only the name ‘Castiel’ written there.

“Um, yes. We are here from the FBSI to assist you. You contacted us because you believe your house is haunted. Could you please explain what happened?”

“Thank you for coming. It started around six weeks ago when things were falling down everywhere in the house. We didn’t suspect anything supernatural until Amy’s behavior changed and her toys disappeared.” Mrs. Montgomery explained.

“In what way did she act differently?” Dean was curious.

“It started with her crying in the middle of the night; normally, she sleeps through the night. We thought at first that she was having nightmares, but it happened every night and the doctor couldn’t figure out what was causing it. And during the day she’s so apathetic where she had been normally so lively It has improved since we moved in with my wife’s parents,” the mother explained.

“Aside from that, have you noticed anything else in the house? For example, cold spots, flickering lights, or the odor of sulfur?” Dean asked. Mrs. Montgomery shook her head.

“All right, I need to know if anyone in your family died before these incidents happened. Or did you inherit something or bought in a thrift store?”

“Nobody died recently, and we didn’t get or buy anything secondhand.” We also checked the history of the house before we bought it. But nothing happened to cause a ghost to haunt there. But, just to be sure, we had a spiritual cleansing,” she replied.

Dean had to resist the urge to roll his eyes. These purifications were nothing more than a scam. However, many people believe in this nonsense and would rather contact a priest than the Agency. Dean could immediately recall three instances where this resulted in a disastrous outcome.

“Thank you for this information, Mrs. Montgomery. We will find out what afflicts your family. I recommend that you stay with your in-laws during our investigation.” Dean said.

“Will we be able to return home? We had to buy it on credit, and reselling it will cause..., well,...problems.” she asked, hugging her child even tighter.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t guarantee you’ll be able to return. But I promise you that we will do everything we possibly can.” Dean attempted to reassure her.

“Thank you, Mr. Winchester and Mr. Castiel.” She said, gave them the keys to her house and left.p with her child.

“Alright, let’s go back to the car to get some equipment.” Dean enthusiastically clapped his hands.

Castiel was skeptical of everything Dean had shoved into his arms. The angel had no idea what any of them were for.

“Why do we need all this stuff?” After Dean closed the trunk, he finally asked.

“Well, most stuff is for detecting a ghost. I’m pretty sure we’re not dealing with one of these, but it’s better to be safe than sorry, right?” Dean looked at him as if he was expecting something. Castiel nodded as if he agreed with him. Dean arched his brow.

“Nevermind. The rest is for protection in case this thing tries to attack us.”

“I don’t require any protection.” I’ve got my angel blade.” Castiel stated.

“Good for you, but I need protection as well, buddy.”

“I will protect you.”

Castiel was captivated by Dean’s flushed face. It emphasized his freckles. The human also shuffled on his feet, his eyes darting around.

“Well, thank you. But you have to look after yourself, first. Let’s go find this motherfucker now.” Dean stumbled as he approached the house.

Castiel followed him, saying, “I don’t think this being had intercourse with one of the mothers.”

Dean let out a hearty laugh, which Castiel found endearing.

Castiel detected a malicious presence in the child’s room. But it was well hidden, so Castiel couldn’t tell where or what it was. Even so, they searched the entire house just to be sure.

“At least we know whatever this thing is is after the child. I believe we’ll return to our motel and do some research.” Dean suggested, so they carried the equipment back to the Impala.

Castiel, sitting in the passenger seat, was finally able to ask what had been going through his mind the entire time.

“How would it cause any problems, Dean, if Mrs Montgomery and her family were unable to return to their home? It was most likely not their fault.”

“Basically it’s all about money. If we cause any damage, the Agency will pay for it. However, if anything was damaged beforehand, it is entirely up to them. If they decide to resell the house, they will lose money. Few people want to live in a house that has been haunted or is somehow connected to the supernatural. As a result, the price of this house will be lower than when they purchased it. There are insurance policies available to protect people from these financial issues, but they are prohibitively expensive.” Dean explained everything to him.

“Money and possession is quite a difficult concept, I think.” Castiel stated.

“Yeah,that’s right. Most people are greedy, so capitalism is popular. ”

“And are you one of those people?” Castiel asked without thinking. He wondered where this boldness came from and looked at Dean, fearful that the human would take offense at such a simple question, but Dean simply smiled.

“I’m hoping I’m not. It’s enough for money if I can eat what I want and that this Baby here is in a good shape. “May I ask you a question as well?”

“Ask me any questions you want, Dean.” I’m just not sure I could respond to everything.”

“Awesome. I’m just curious as to why you don’t have a last name. It’s odd to introduce you as Agent Castiel. ”

“Angels don’t have them because they’re unnecessary. Every one of us has his own, unique name. But we have titles.”

“And what is your title?”

“I’m the Angel of Thursday.”

“Yeah, Castiel, Angel of Thursday, is quite a mouthful. So let’s stick just with Castiel.”

They stopped at a supermarket and a liquor store to get some snacks. Dean tried to persuade Castiel to try at least one beer, but he refused. Angels, he claims, are incapable of tasting food or getting drunk. To have an eternal lifetime but be unable to enjoy it had to be somewhat depressing. Dean couldn’t live without food and alcohol; he couldn’t imagine not having them.

They both begin researching back at the motel. Dean occasionally glanced over to Castiel, who punched the keys like an old man and frowned at the monitor. The angel’s inexperience and curiosity about almost everything was endearing.

Dean’s eyes hurt after three hours of reading, and he was hungry. He shut the laptop with a loud smack.

“I’m finished. Let’s send all of the information we have to Mick and let him figure it out. I’m ready for dinner.” He announced.

“Who’s Mick?” Castiel inquired.

“Just a British jerk with a stick in his ass.” He always makes sure that I don’t forget I need his help so often.”

“Having a stick in the ass must be quite unpleasant. Why is he doing it? ”

Dean couldn’t stop laughing; this angel was unbelievable. Castiel simply stared at him, his head tilted to the side.

“Damn it, has anyone told you that you’re funny?”

“No, I was never considered as funny.”

“Well, you are, even if you aren’t aware of it. But don’t take everything too seriously. You really should learn about sayings before getting into trouble, okay?”

Castiel reluctantly nodded.

“Awesome, now let’s go, I’m hungry.”

Dean sent the angel away once more before going to bed. He felt bad about sending Castiel away, but he didn’t seem to mind. Dean, on the other hand, wouldn’t be able to close his eyes if he was being watched. His mother used to tell him as a child that angels were watching over him. It seems true now, but it’s a shame they didn’t when his mother died. Or all the times his father was drunk. He tried to drown out his parents’ memories with a large sip of beer.

Dean checked his phone as he prepared for bed. There were still no messages from Mick, so it was even difficult for the British. For the time being, neither he nor the angel could do anything about the situation. Dean had had a long day, so sleep came quickly this time.