Castiel had acquired more human traits than he liked to admit. Once upon a time, he had always stayed so perfectly still and stuff when he spoke. These days, he had learned certain social cues. For instance, when he was upset or displeased, the angel had learned to cross his arms to indicate that displeasure. Also, he could be caught with his hands in his overcoat pockets every once in a while, instead of letting them hang limply at his sides.
Most importantly, he had learned how to smile. It wasn't something he did often, and he had never smiled at anyone but Dean Winchester, but he knew how. That was a start, right?
If it helped, Charlie wasn't the only one who knew she would die when she returned.. Dean had told his angel, quite point-blank, that as soon as he came back through that portal, Lucifer would run him through with an angel blade and he'd be done for. No God to fix him, no last minute miracle. Done. His wings turned to ash on the ground. The end of the line.
Somehow, Cas didn't feel regret about it. He'd stepped through that tear knowing he'd never come out the other side. He'd gone in to die, so the fact that he'd died upon his return? Well, it didn't really matter, did it?
Listening to the woman at his side, however, made his mind shift from things regarding himself. Charlie deserved that attention. "Human lives are very short." He told her once she was done speaking, his own tone so matter-of-fact. "I don't advise that you ever sit and wait for anything. Even Dean and Sam Winchester." She shouldn't be waiting. "But you should know, you go to heaven." Of course she did. "And your heaven is beautiful. I've visited you several times." Not that she had ever taken notice of him being there. Not that she ever could. But it had been nice to see her so happy.
He allowed a pregnant pause to hang between them before speaking up once more. "It must have been difficult." That was all he could think of to say. It must have been difficult. Being a doll. Not being able to do anything for yourself, being so entirely vulnerable. Reliant upon others to keep you safe.