The elder man laid back on his bed, his breathing ragged. He licked his dry lips and sniffed. The oxygen tube went up his nose, giving him the much needed air. He opened his eyes and looked over at the chair next to him. He frowned deeply. He had no one. Sam was already gone.. He died so long ago. His eyes watered as the memory flashed through his brain.

His brother, Sam, died because Dean could no longer protect him. The words "Protect your brother, Dean." flashed through his head again as they so often had. His gaze moved from the empty chair to the window. This was one of the last times he would view outside. It was horrid. He sighed deeply and pushed himself up and moved a shaky hand to get his cup of water. He took it and brought it over to himself.

Soon enough, not surprisingly, he lost grip of the drink. "Dammit." He muttered.

"Dean, you should try to watch your language." A familiar, deep voice said. Dean paused and looked up, his covers and hospital clothes completely wet.

"Cas..?" He asked and coughed. He reached under his pillow and pulled out a flask, taking a long drink. "I thought you were never coming back." He couldn't help but feel bitter. Castiel had promised long ago that he would never see Dean again.

Cas was looking at Dean, his face blank "Hello, Dean."

"Hey," He said and rubbed his chest "What are you here for?"

"You are dying. I thought I would keep you company until you passed. And maybe make your passing less painful." He stated and moved his hand to touch Dean's forehead.
Dean's eyes widened "No!" Castiel stopped and gave him a puzzled look. "No," Dean said again and looked at him "Don't, I deserve this."

Castiel's eyebrows furrowed "No you don't."
Dean held his flask "I do. Let me die in peace, Cas."

Castiel sat down and took Dean's hand "Dean, it's okay." He said softly.

Dean's eyes watered "Cas.. I'm sorry." He said softly and looked at his angel. "I'm so sorry. I should never have done that to you."

Castiel looked at him "It's.. alright, Dean. I forgive you."

Dean covered his mouth and coughed hard, blood staining his hand. He nodded, it hurt to much to talk. Castiel looked down "Only the people with the most faith are to be given this honor.. But you have done so much for heaven. You deserve this, Dean." He said and quickly healed him. Dean looked at the angel.

"Cas, no-"

"Dean, let me do this." Cas interrupted and bent over and picked Dean up. Dean winced and looked in the other's eyes. They were so blue.. Castiel whisked Dean away to heaven. Only a few people have been given this honor of going up to heaven while alive. And now Dean joined their ranks.