“I think I hate this place,” Dean grumbles, stumble/hopping as he lifts his foot up. What the hell is on the bottom of his shoe this time? Gum? Ice cream? Micky Mouse’s spooge? The world may never know.
“I love this place,” Castiel says. He’s not smiling. He’s not particularly emoting at all. But there is a certain… lightness in his steps as they tromp through Disney World. It’s sweltering hot, considering Florida in July, but angel’s don’t sweat, so Castiel isn’t bothered. It’s literally shoulder to shoulder down Main Street. Dean’s having a hell of a time keeping his weapons hidden, though in place like this, a bronze sword probably seems like part of the magic. I sorta is, anyway.
“Yeah, well, let’s just figure out where those fucking harpies are and get outta here.”
Castiel stops in the middle of the teeming river of people to take Dean firmly by the shoulder. “Dean. We must protect this place at all costs.”
“Dude,” Admonishes, coming to an irritated standstill. The crowds are making him jumpy. First of all, this isn’t the fucking… I dunno, Library of Alexandria, or something. It ain’t sacred ground. Second, there’s hardcore security, literally everywhere. This is gonna be hard enough. Let’s just…” he winces as he’s shouldered out of the way by a rush of about ten kids. He sighs. “Let’s just keep moving.”
Castiel plods along with him towards the sunset. “It feels like sacred ground,” he mutters, almost too softly to be heard by Dean.
Dean figures that their best chance of getting towards the artificial lake where the harpies have taken up residence, is during the parade when most eyes would be on the fireworks and other bullshit. Of course, Castiel has assured them that he’ll be able to zap them out of there if worse comes to worst. Which it probably will since they’re at Disney World.
It’s too risky to wait until the park closes. The chance of being discovered is too high. Unfortunately, the best time is probably during the fireworks display. No one would notice a bit of extra noise. But since there have been an inordinate amount of inexplicable injuries in and around the park for a touch of bad publicity, they will be watching for anyone or anything out of place.
They’ve broken away from the crowds, closer to the bungalows for the rich and richer to stay in that abut the lake, when Castiel puts a staying hand on Dean’s shoulder. He points towards the far edge of the park’s property where the lake roars away into a drainage system surrounded by tall grass and reeds. “There,” he says.
“Let’s go.”
“Get ready,” Castiel advises. “They’ve seen us. They will be quick to fight.” He slides his hand up to Dean’s shoulder, and in half a blink, they’re sloshing into the retention pond.
Dean has only a second to lament the dirty water pouring into his shoes, when Castiel growls and grabs one of the gray winged humanoid beasts with a squelch. He rips the wings from its back with a snarl and yells, “Dean!”
In a smooth movement, Dean swings around instinctively towards Castiel’s voice, goring with his bronze sword. It hits true to the harpy’s liver, killing it.
Castiel swings around again and gasps loudly while grabbing for another harpy. For a moment, Dean thinks the angel’s been hurt, but Castiel’s eyes are turned upwards. “The fireworks!” he breathes, crushing the harpy’s skull. “They’re beautiful!”
Dean rolls his eyes, stabbing the two that Castiel rips the wings from simultaneously. Through the carnage and blood, the crackling blues, greens, golds, and reds sparkling across Castiel’s silhouette.
The nest is cleared in minutes, though Castiel keeps his gaze on the sky at all times. Dean joins him, leaning heavily on the hilt of the sword, winded and bloodied.
Blindly, Castiel reaches out and takes the hunter’s hand. “It’s better than magic,” he murmurs, transfixed. “Thank you for taking me here with you.”
Dean sighs. chuckles breathlessly. “I’ve had worse dates,” he admits.
Castiel smiles in response.






