Chapter Text
Castiel was woken by the door falling shut. He instantly tensed. It could only mean Dad was back from his hunt. Gabriel would have made sure the door was locked and the only other person, who had a key was Dad. Castiel could hear Chuck’s heavy boots thundering around the room. He kept his eyes closed and his breathing as even as possible, when Chuck got closer to the bed. Gabriel stirred beside him. Castiel could smell the alcohol clinging to Chuck. So not only risking his life hunting, but after, searching for absolution at the bottom of a bottle. Just collapse on the couch and sleep until we’re in school tomorrow, Castiel pleaded in silence. Gabriel had gone completely still, most likely meaning that the older was awake as well.
There was no reason for Chuck to not just pass out on the couch. The room was spotless. Weapons meant for protection were hidden around the room, just out of sight, but within reach. The door had been closed as well as the windows and any possible entrance had been lined with salt, to keep demons and similar creatures out. To appease anyone, who might came snooping around the two boys left behind in a motel by their father, the room was well maintained, given the impression an adult was staying, but it was just Gabriel, trying to hold it all together.
On first glance, there was nothing to criticize, not that Chuck wouldn’t find something to throw a fit over anyway. The light snapped on. Castiel knew there was no chance of peace for the rest of the night. The turned-on light would unveil the broken line of salt by the door—Chuck’s own doing. It would also illuminate dirt brought in by his boots—either simple mud or monster goo, blood at worst. Despite Chuck himself bringing it in, it would be Gabriel’s fault for not keeping the room clean
“Run,” Gabriel whispered, his voice already strained, both of them knew and feared what was coming.
“Hey, lazy bones,” Chuck yelled, as he yanked the blanket off the bed. Neither boy could pretend to sleep anymore. As Chuck went to grab Gabriel’s arm, to pull him out of bed, Castiel dashed past him into the bathroom, locking the door behind him. He made himself as small as possible, hands over his ears, trying to tune out his father’s yelling.