[ dean's shot a withering look for his annoyance, because castiel just had to dig a grasshopper leg out of his teeth while you smiled smugly, you jerk. yes, he did bring it on himself by insisting on cultural immersion, but you could've warned him that bugs would be involved. ]

Of course, I'd hate to ruin my friend's meal with insects.

[ said in a dry deadpan, and castiel folds his arms on the table top, shoulders slouching a bit as he glances out at the crowd, people watching while dean eats and talks and jokes, his lips pulling into a small half smile at dean's prodding, but it isn't a topic he hasn't had on his mind a while already. ]

No, but I ought to. [ yeah, he gets that it was a joke, but that doesn't mean cas won't do everything he can to pull his own weight, especially now that he's powerless. ] To be clear, Dean, I don't expect you to pay my way here. I've secured employment on my own before, I can do it again.

[ it does sound a little bit like he's telling himself that more than dean, straightening himself up unconsciously and squaring his shoulders. you can do it, castiel, go do the human thing. gas station clerk steve, part 2: scifi version. even still, that's not that biggest weight that's been on his mind, and after a moment, he looks back to dean, voice low enough not to be overheard by the crowd. ]

I can't help but wonder. Billie said Chuck was unraveling all the other worlds he made, so if this world isn't Chuck's... Who created it?