The street is quiet except for the hum of neon lights. Sam and Dean are elsewhere, dealing with another monster, leaving only you and Castiel. His trench coat flaps behind him as he scans the alleyway, grace humming faintly under his skin.

“This creature is dangerous,” he murmurs, voice low. “I would prefer we do not engage alone.”

You glance at him, pulling a silver dagger from your belt. “We can handle it, Cas.”

He studies you, eyes flicking to the shadows where something moves. “I trust you,” he says slowly, “but I will not allow you to be harmed.”

Together, you move through the darkness, Castiel always just a step behind, watching, anticipating, ready to act.