Cas was having a hard time recovering as the days went by and it began to get colder and colder. He spent most of his time in his room reading and usually only came out to eat. One day Dean had apparently decided he'd had enough.

"Cas, you have to get out of the house some time," Dean told him one afternoon as they sat in Dean's small living room, Dean having managed to convince Cas to come out of his room.

"What would I even do?" Cas asked, clutching his book like it was the only thing holding him down on the earth.

"Whatever you want to do. You don't have anyone to answer to anymore," Dean said.

"I suppose I could... take a walk through town," Cas said.

"Yeah. Just take some time," Dean said. Cas gave him a soft smile and put down his book.

Cas had to admit, he was glad Dean had convinced him to go out. It was a beautiful day and Cas had really needed to clear his head. Cas had always loved walking around places and observing people. Watching humanity was something Cas loved to do, and walking through a town was a wonderful way to do it. He remembered most of his free time in high school was spent outside his favorite café, watching the people go by. There were a few people he began to recognize, and a few that he even talked to. Cas hadn't gone out and just watched people since he and Aaron had gotten together, but he thought maybe today he'd change that.

Cas walked around the town for a long time before deciding to sit on a bench just outside a bakery. It was perfect. The smell of freshly baked bread hung over the area, and as Cas watched person after person go by, he finally began to feel some peace.

***

Cas was feeling the best he had in a long time when he got back that evening.

"What did you do while I was out?" He asked Dean.

"Well... I got you something," Dean said. Cas blinked.

"What? Why?" He asked.

"I figured you could use something to make you feel better," Dean said.

"Oh... well, thank you," Cas said, still slightly confused. Dean smiled and grabbed Cas' wrist and leading him into Cas' room. Cas was confused as to what was happening at first, but then he noticed... there were glow-in-the-dark stars scattered all across the ceiling.

"You said you liked space," Dean said, sounding nervous. Cas felt a smile spread across his face.

"You remembered," he said quietly.

"You like it?" Dean asked.

"I love it," Cas said. He looked over at Dean and found Dean staring back at him. Their eyes locked and they stared at each other. Dean's eyes were green, so green. Cas found himself mesmerized by their sparkle. They both leaned toward each other and Cas' mind was wiped blank.

Except for one thing.

You belong to me! I saved you, you are mine!

Cas stepped back.

"I- I'm sorry. I can't," he said, tears filling his eyes. Dean's face fell.

"Okay. I, uh, I get it. I'll... I'll leave now," Dean said, turning quickly and hurrying out of the room. Cas sat down hard on the bed, the tears spilling down his cheeks. He couldn't. He just couldn't.