Fortunately for Jack, Michael's days of manipulation were largely behind him: he was no longer leader of the Host, no longer set on bringing about the end of days or Paradise. These days he acted only for himself. Instead of an opportunity for grabbing at power, Jack represented a curiosity, a small branch of family he'd never expected to have.

Michael's features tightened at Jack's first question, mouth twisting. The Cage was not his favourite subject.

"Do you really want to talk about the Cage?" He let out a grudging sigh. Perhaps Jack wanted to compare it to his own experience of captivity. In that case, he'd indulge him a little. "It was quieter, once your father was freed. For the most part, it wasn't very interesting: dark, cold, silent. I did have company throughout, so I suppose it could have been worse."

His expression leveled out. Jack's life with the Winchesters was an easier topic. Movies weren't what Michael would consider an important element of anyone's upbringing, but who better to nurture Jack's human side than a human?

"I wouldn't know. I've never gone hunting, at least not in the way the Winchesters do. It's good that they're teaching you some control—you'll need it."