Disclaimer: Not mine.
Chapter 3
Castiel paused, sure he'd heard something, he looked around and started to move on when he heard it again, a soft fearful whimper and then he saw something. Castiel knelt down and then practically had to lie down to look under the cabinet. Sure enough the hybrid was there, cowering in fear, eyes black. Castiel took a deep breath, fighting down the instinctive reaction to seeing demonic eyes and managed a small smile for the scared younger angel, it was easier to ignore his eyes and focus on the angelic half of his parentage.
"Hello little one. I won't hurt you." Castiel whispered gently but the hybrid pulled further back, whimpering. "Shh, it's alright. My name is Castiel, Sam is worried about you." He whispered, extending his hand, knowing he was risking losing a finger or two if the hybrid decided to attack. But at Sam's name the black receded from the younger beings eyes, revealing a startling green colour and he scooted a little closer. Castiel took a deep breath and then began purring softly, calling the younger one to him. The hybrid slowly and cautiously moved closer until he was out from under the cabinet and Castiel gently wrapped his arms around him, trying to sooth him. The hybrid slowly relaxed, even cuddling into him, and Castiel gently stroked his head, knowing Sam would feel them together soon. His wings snapped out to wrap around them protectively before relaxing as he recognised Sam and the older angel smiled as he watched them.
"Hey Dean." Sam called softly and Dean lifted his head at the sound of his voice, whimpering and reaching for him. Sam reached out and gently pulled him into his arms, cradling him close. "You're okay, Cas isn't scary is he?" Sam asked, grinning at Castiel who smiled back calmly. Dean peered at him shyly before hiding his face in Sam's shirt, making both angels chuckle. Sam stood, easily lifting Dean who clung to him.
"I am sorry for this Sam, I did try to convince Gabriel this was not a good idea yet but…."
"It's alright Cas, frankly I'm shocked you managed to keep him away this long." Sam admitted as he carried Dean into the bedroom and lowered him to the bed. Dean was willing enough to lie down but he kept one hand fisted in Sam's shirt, refusing to let go. "Shh Dean, its okay you just get some sleep." Sam whispered, gently stroking his face and Dean yawned, eyes slowly drifting shut.
"Isn't that cheating?" Castiel asked as Sam left the room and the older angel smiled.
"Maybe." Sam admitted as they went to join Gabriel in the living room.
"Sorry?" The archangel tried and Sam rolled his eyes.
"For scaring Dean half to death? Or barging in?" Sam asked as he sat down.
"Both." Gabriel offered and Sam nodded.
"He's asleep now." Sam told him.
"Is he always so scared?" Castiel asked and Sam shook his head.
"At first he was terrified all the time but he's gotten a lot better, he's been starting to talk a bit too." Sam smiled softly and Gabriel grinned.
"So there haven't been any problems with you know?"
"He lashed out once but…..there was no rage or anything behind it, he was scared and it turns out sick as well. And when he recovered he was so worried I was mad." Sam admitted. "I don't know if it was after he was caught or before but someone….they told him he was bad, a dirty demon. And he believes it."
"Sounds like something Zachariah and some of his group might have done." Gabriel admitted. "He told you much about his past?"
"Nothing. Don't blame him though; it can't be nice to think about."
Dean woke up surrounded by white and with warm arm around him and smiled happily, cuddling in. The white parted and Sam smiled down at him.
"Good morning Dean." The angel whispered and Dean nodded. "Sleep well?" Sam asked and Dean thought about it before nodding again. "Hungry?" Sam asked and Dean nodded again, making Sam sigh. "Having a silent day today?" Sam asked, tickling Dean softly with a wing before sitting up. Dean watched him, relaxing when Sam got off the bed. Sam knew what Dean was doing; pushing and testing him and Sam went along with it. He wanted Dean to know he was safe and if this was what it took then so be it. Sam scooped Dean up and the hybrid curled into his arms willingly. "Come on lets get showered and dressed then you can have some breakfast." Sam told him, heading for the bathroom. Dean smiled and relaxed in the water as Sam gently preened his wings for him.
Dean chewed on his lip and then slowly reached out to brush Sam's wing and Sam smiled at him. Dean picked up the brush Sam had just finished using on his wings and slowly reached out to brush Sam's wings. Sam blinked in surprise but then turned around to give Dean better access, purring softly as Dean preened his feathers for him. When Dean was done he watched Sam warily as the angel turned back around and Sam hugged him.
"Thank you Dean." Sam whispered and Dean smiled.
"W…welcome." He whispered, breaking his silence. Sam got them out of the tub, drying Dean gently and Dean let it happen. He couldn't remember anyone looking after him before and he liked it. Always before touch had equalled pain but not with Sam, the angel was always so gentle. "Like." Dean mumbled as Sam dried him off.
"Like what Dean?" Sam asked and Dean tensed warily but Sam just kept drying him gently.
"Doesn't hurt…like." Dean whispered and Sam frowned as he tried to figure it out before moving to gently rub the skin between Dean's wings.
"You like my touching because it doesn't hurt?" Sam asked and Dean nodded shyly. "I won't hurt you Dean, ever. Can you tell me who hurt you before? Was it demons?" Sam asked and Dean tensed. "Shh, its okay, you don't have to answer." Sam soothed, running his fingers through the long mess of Dean's hair. Sam hadn't tried to cut it yet, not wanting to scare Dean with a blade. Dean slowly relaxed and leant against him. Sam got them both redressed and then into the kitchen, getting food for Dean.
"Never eat?" Dean asked and Sam sat beside him. Dean leant against him as he ate his meat, still struggling to get a hand of the fork Sam had given him but he was learning.
"I don't eat food Dean." Sam told him and Dean frowned. "You need to eat because you're only half angel." Dean nodded at that but Sam knew Dean didn't truly understand it. Normally cherubs were educated well but Dean had missed all that, he knew how to talk, could understand most things but some….well he was just going to have to teach Dean everything he should have been as a child.
TBC…
