Splatter

18. The Dreamer 2977

_What were you dreaming of?_

Dean checked his phone with bleary eyes. The message had come through after Castiel had been out of touch for almost a week. Dean sent through something along the lines of 'Damnit Cas, where have you been?!' Though with a lot more expletives.

_I was up to something_ Castiel's oblique reply made Dean exhale on a laugh, he was awake now, turning on his lamp and trying to work out how to video call on the random app Castiel was using.

"Of course you were," Dean said when the conversation window finally opened, his voice softening when he saw Castiel's careworn face. "You look ... tanned."

Castiel poked out his tongue for a second, it was very pink, the same fleshy hue as his generous lips. He looked darkened by the sun, a hint of crows feet showing at his temples, his smile bright in the blazing sun of where ever he was. It was still the middle of the night for Dean. As it happened both of them were bare chested. Dean raising the phone up high to maintain his modesty, while Castiel had his laid by his side at a rather low angle. Dean could see golden skin laid over lean muscles, water splashed and bronzed like some enticing magazine spread. There were glimpses of white sails in the background, the sea a mediterranean blue.

"So do mermen have like a pouch or something?" Dean asked. "I've been wondering where you put your phone when you swim around."

"Wouldn't you like to find out," Castiel grinned, flashing white teeth.

"You don't look too torn up about being outcast," Dean told Castiel about his meeting with Hannah.

Hannah never asked Dean not to tell Castiel about it. Dean didn't want any more secrets between them, Castiel already kept his cards close to his chest. As far as it was possible, Dean was going to be an open book with Castiel. Maybe it'll prompt him into divulging more to his ... friend? Guard? Mate? Dean didn't quite know what he was to Castiel, except that he was important enough for Castiel to keep in touch with. That was more than enough for Dean.

"Oh like they haven't done it before," Castiel rolled his eyes. "Every few years it happens, maybe this time it'll stick."

"Uh, you missing being the big clam?"

Castiel squinted at Dean.

Dean was giggling, the interrupted sleep and relief at hearing from Castiel making him feel giddy. "Big clam, like big cheese, alpha wolf, big fish. Lion fish? King Hotstuff of the Sea?"

"Not one of my official titles but I'll tell Hannah to add it to the list for future consideration. No Dean, I don't miss all the duties of my office. The past few weeks has been far more productive without the scrutiny of an entire royal entourage."

Dean didn't even ask Castiel what he was up to. Judging by the sunny look on his face whatever it was was going well. Dean couldn't imagine Castiel lying low without plotting some game changing feat somewhere. Their conversation flowed steadily for a few more minutes. Dean found it much easier to talk to Castiel over the phone than in person. There was less electrifying staring for one and Dean didn't have to fight the constant urge to taste the words coming out of Castiel's mouth all the time. So it made sense that wi-fi signals made for better communication for the two of them.

"I do miss you, Dean." Castiel said like an after thought as Dean drifted off to sleep again.

* * *

He was breathing air for the first time in a long time in his dream. Watching as the other him stepped calmly into the water tank, the long dark strands of hair obscuring his face. The familiar palm offered, pressed against the glass in a calming gesture. He took in a deep breath when the gills opened in the human's neck. Did he still fit that term? He couldn't believe the miracle of it, was rooted to the spot where he stood. He was standing, had it been months or years since he last stood on his feet?