[ It's painful to watch Dean recoil in Castiel's peripheral vision, to hear his rejection, his scorn, and to know it's justified. Castiel swallows around his guilt and stares at the ground. He doesn't defend himself. Despite their standoff, Dean had earned Castiel's trust, and Castiel was unable to shield Dean from this fate. Dean's hatred is exactly what Castiel deserves, and though it aches, he doesn't flinch from it, or from Dean's anger. He lifts his chin as Dean's voice raises, and he stares at the far wall, shrouded in darkness where the electric light from the hallway can't reach. Dean wants him to admit fault and blame himself, call himself naïve and beg for Dean's trust, but the truth is, Castiel isn't convinced that he's wrong, or that he was naïve, only that Naomi, and whomever else was involved in Dean's poor treatment since his arrival, was misguided. They didn't understand Dean's worth. They misinterpreted Michael's words and God's intentions.

Castiel turns his face sharply back to Dean. His eyes are unblinking. His expression is stonily resolved. ]

Because you were chosen by God.

[ Castiel still believes that. He still believes that Dean's place is here, with him and their family, that Dean is chosen, righteous. He's seen it in Dean's kindness, in his strength. Dean belongs here, in their community. Just not... down here in the mud. Castiel's expression softens back towards pleading. ]

Dean, this is a misunderstanding. I promise you, this is not what God, and my brother Michael, intended for you. There's been a horrible mistake, and I swear to you, I will right it.