Dislaimer: This story is not authorized, prepared, approved, licensed, or endorsed by Warner Bros., Eric Kripke, or any individual or entity associated with Supernatural.
"Sammy, I don't get it. You could totally waste the guy without any effort." Dean was filling an ice pack to hold to Sam's shoulder. He'd come back to the motel with a big red mark on his back that was going to be a bruise by tomorrow.
"That's kind of exactly why I don't do anything. I don't want to kill him. He just gets frustrated because of he long distance thing. We only get to see each other when you and I are near for a hunt." Sam pushed his hair out of his face, knowing he sounded ridiculous defending his boyfriend. He also knew Dean wouldn't do anything about it without Sam's permission, the same way he let Sam deal with bullies in school.
"Yeah, I just don't understand why you keep coming back." Dean grumbled. His tone was rougher than his hands as he gently pressed the icepack onto Sam's back.
"You were dead and he was there. I can't… I can't explain it." Sam sighed. He was saved from having to try by a rustling breeze and the appearance of their new angel.
"Dean, Sam…" Castiel greeted with a nod. His gaze stayed on Sam and his head tilted in thought. Sam almost felt itchy under the scrutiny and he looked down, letting his hair cover his face.
"Jeez, Cas. Can't you just stand outside and knock like a normal person?"
Castiel's reaction was to narrow his eyes and then turn to walk out of the room, but Sam reached out to grab the corner of his trench coat.
"Cas, you don't have to- just… Dean was just surprised."
Castiel nodded tightly and stopped his motion to leave.
"You are injured."
"Oh! It's nothing, really. Just a misunderstanding." Sam's face burned as he looked around for the shirt he'd discarded earlier.
"With Dean?"
"No, his dickbag boyfriend." Dean threw a random shirt at Sam, who gratefully slipped it on. Sam didn't know what the expression on Castiel's face meant, but it made him feel like he was sitting under a microscope.
"Just forget about it." He whispered to the angel. He knew Castiel wouldn't forget, but he hoped he'd at least pretend to.
"Very well. I come with news about the seals."
Castiel took two steps towards Dean and his hand came down on Sam's shoulder in a way that looked casual, but Sam couldn't help the small sigh of relief when the pain disappeared from his back. Neither Sam nor Castiel acknowledged the healing that had happened, but Sam was grateful for it anyway.