[ castiel waves a hand, nonchalant. he can feel himself receed from the emotional immediacy of the conversation, the same as he receeded into Lucifer. ironic, isn't it? but jack must know about that already, if it's how he came to be. there's nothing to confess. ]

If you really believe we're from the same timeline, then this place isn't obeying the laws of time as we'd expect. Which means you and I are essentially free to do as we like.

[ of course, it's important to note that he doesn't believe this, so he's not off the hook. but perhaps there's nothing to be done about it anyways. it's not like he deserves to see dean again. that last glimpse will have to nourish him for the rest of his sorry life. his own fault, again. as always. hopefully, it won't last too long. ]