Castiel waited for Winchesters. He waited over two months, left alone (except odd companionship of nurse Meg Masters and Lucifer in his head) in tiny, pastel room. He thought it will be better this way. In the end, he doesn't need to sleep or eat. He doesn't even need to have clear mind. Cas believed it's a right punishment for what he has done, so he bears it with dignity, or what's left of it.
Over one thousand five hundred hours which he wasted by sitting straight and looking on the walls, while his brother slowly got boring. Well, that wasn't fun, like with Sam. Cas was too reluctant and never, ever said a word to him. Even when Lucifer blasphemed. Even when he told him unrealistic, bloody stories about how Dean died today. The toughest were moments when brother simply told him how Cas hurt Winchesters. How many pain they gone through. He imagined this large, heavy stone on his chest.
"And they must have felt even worse" He thought.
Lucifer smiled and nodded.

It's been a long time and even devil could get bored. That's what it seemed, when his appearance was more and more rare – and suddenly, there was a days when he didn't come at all.

"How is my favorite patient today?" Meg entered the room with her wicked smile. It suited her; when she smiled, she looked pretty even in these white, tasteless clothes. At least that is what rest of medical staff thought.

"Fine." Said Cas. His low, gravely voice sounded tired and worn out.

"It's time for your medication." She gave him two cups – smaller with three colorful pills, and bigger with water. He took it, obediently. It doesn't make any difference, so he could play good patient at least.

"Guess who came to say hello?" She put a hand on his shoulder. "Dean is here."

Castiel couldn't believe her in the beginning. He didn't saw Winchesters since they left him here.

"And his little brother. But Sammy has something more important to do, so…"
Her words couldn't actually get to him, since he saw memories of when he decided to work with Crowley and betray his friends. It was even more painful now, when he thought Dean came back. He didn't deserve his friendship.

"I'll leave you two alone." Voice of Meg brought him back to real world.

When he raised his eyes he saw him – Older Winchester, dressed in leather jacket and with few necklaces, but none of it was Sam's old amulet. It took a moment until Cas believed that it's really his friend.

"Cas…" He whispered, looking into his blue eyes. He took a few steps, like he wasn't sure if Cas sees him or Lucifer.

"Dean." His voice broke a little. Dean breathes with a sigh of relief.

"How are you feelin'?" He asked, putting his hand on his shoulder.

"Better, now."

It wasn't easy for hunter to see his best friend in this state. He gave away his mental health to save his brother. Of course he redeems himself. He did so much more than that. Now, Cas needed him more than ever, that's why Dean was here. That is why he put his arms around him and hugged him tight, like he wanted to protect him from everyone. Protect him even from himself.

For a second, Cas was absolutely passive about this gesture. He needed a moment to understand what's going on. When he felt Deans warmth and realized how close he is, he embraced his friend.

"Cas, listen, I want to get you out of here, but you need to help me. I don't know who can possibly help you…" He whispered.

Cas felt his warmth breath on his neck. He shivered.

"This is real. Everything about this is real." He thought for the first time in months.

"I don't think here is anyone." He said. "Only Archangel or God could save me now, and we both know I don't deserve their help."

"There must be something." Dean wanted to step back, but Castiel hold onto him like he was last person on earth. "I'm sure there is..."