Obviously I missed the mark on this since I've got traffic and only 2 reviews. Not sure what to do to correct that. I was planning to write three different versions of Chapter 7, one for each person's POV, but I guess I'll just forget writing the other POVs since this was the main one.
A little angst, a slight temper tantrum and...oh yeah there's some sexin' but not graphic. I wrote it without a single mention of a body part below the waist, so you'll have to use your imagination. PLEASE let me know if you see any mistakes, I wanted to get it out here and it's 5:41 AM and I need sleep so probably a few mistakes!
R&Review? Please? I need some feedback here to tell what I did wrong...if that is indeed why I'm not getting any reviews.
Date Night - Karen's Point of View
Karen parked her car and wondered for the thousandth time what she was doing. She shouldn't be doing any of this. She was dying and there was nothing anyone could do, but yet here she was going on a date of sorts with a former patient she had only known a few weeks. Why would anyone want to date someone they knew was dying?
Shaking her head she got out of the car and walked slowly to the door, hesitating before knocking lightly on the door. She heard some thumping inside and then a voice she recognized as Dean's yelled out, "Be right there!" Looking down at the simple navy dress she was wearing, she wondered if she was showing too much cleavage, but figured it was too late to do anything about it.
After a few moments the door opened to reveal Cas perched precariously on a drafting chair, not using his crutches. He seemed dumbstruck, just staring at her with big blue eyes. She used the awkward moment to take him in, realizing that the hospital uniform of baggy sweatpants, hospital gowns, and bed hair had not prepared her for how gorgeous the guy really was.
The sky blue shirt made his eyes the deepest cerulean blue she had ever seen and it hugged his chest and slim waist perfectly. The hair was still tousled, but artfully, what her friends referred to jokingly as sex hair. Oh, God he's…perfect. Her hand went to her mouth involuntarily when she wondered if she had said that out loud. The perfect man was standing in front of her and yet the look on his face was more that of a child.
The strange naiveté and childlike wonder he had exhibited in the hospital hadn't bothered her at first…he had sustained a very serious head injury and basically come back from the dead. Now it was bothering her a little, since his behavior hadn't changed, but Dean seemed to be fine with it like it was his normal behavior. His reaction to the brief kiss in the hospital cafeteria was the most puzzling, like he had never been kissed before. Surely this gorgeous man has had his pick of women.
She was jolted from her thoughts and jumped slightly as Dean said, "Don't just stand there Cas…invite the lady in."
Cas slid aside and opened the door wider, but still didn't say anything as she walked in.
"Hi Cas, Dean" Karen said, a snort of laughter escaping as she looked at Dean in the wheelchair and Cas still perched like an overgrown owl on the drafting chair.
"What's so funny?" said Dean.
"You two…I send him home in your care and you end up hurt too. I think you must be cursed." Karen said as she walked over to Dean and gestured at his ankle. "Mind if I take a look?"
"Be my guest." Dean said, sticking his foot out for her inspection.
Gently unwrapping the bandage Karen began to probe the joint, ignoring Dean's winces of pain.
"You are going to the hospital to have this x-rayed?" Karen asked, crossing her arms and trying to look stern.
"I will make sure that he does." Castiel said quietly, scooting his chair closer to Karen.
"Why don't you two sit down on the couch? I'll get the food and put it out for you before I make myself scarce." Dean said, turning the chair and rolling toward the kitchen.
"You don't need to do that, Dean. Let me." Karen said, feeling slightly guilty for being the only able bodied person in the room.
"No, you and Cas talk and I'll be done in a sec….well maybe longer than a sec but I'll get it done." Dean said, glaring at Castiel and motioning with his head towards Karen.
It was obvious to Karen that if the date was going anywhere she was going to have to take the lead. She saw the sketch pad on the couch and sat down, flipping through the pages. Patting the couch beside her she looked at Castiel and said, "Why don't you come show me what you've done?"
Castiel simply nodded and moved the chair over the couch, lowering himself awkwardly to sit beside her.
"This is beautiful, Cas." Karen said, as she looked at a pastel rendering of some sort of park with many colorful flowers and a man flying a kite. "Is this a real place?"
Cas hesitated before saying, "No, it…yes, it is real…I used to like to go there to…um…relax."
Karen wondered about the hesitation and contradiction in Castiel's words. She could tell by the way he looked at the drawing the place was important to him, but he seemed sad. "Why don't you go anymore?" she said quietly.
"I can't, it's…too far away."
"Well, maybe you can go back someday soon." Karen said, hoping to lighten the mood.
"I doubt it, but maybe a similar place that you like. Yes, that would be nice." Cas said cryptically, looking into her eyes.
Karen looked at him questioningly, not understanding the odd choice of words. She wasn't sure how long they looked at each other, but she was beginning to feel uncomfortable under Castiel's unyielding gaze. She shifted and looked away, wishing she extricate herself from the awkward situation gracefully.
"Karen, can you help me with something here in the kitchen?" Dean yelled.
Taking a deep breath of relief Karen jumped from the couch and walked quickly to where Dean had leaned up against the counter, his injured ankle held carefully off the floor. "What can I do?" she said.
"Look I can see Cas is weirding you out, but just give him a chance OK? He's always been a little …um…socially awkward, and he's not very…experienced if you know what I mean. I probably should have given you more of a heads up on that. Sorry!" Dean whispered.
"I'm trying to draw him out, but the conversation goes no where. I'm afraid I don't know what else to do." Karen said quietly, glancing back towards Cas.
"Let me talk to him a minute outside and see if I can help him out a little. I probably should have done a little more to get him ready for this instead of throwing him into the deep end." Dean said apologetically.
Karen watched as Dean sank back down into the wheelchair, grabbed Cas' crutches and rolled over to him. Then she busied herself gathering the rest of the food and placing it on the table. As the door closed behind them she sank into the chair at the table, taking a deep breath. This has to be the weirdest date I've ever been on, with the weirdest guy I have ever met. Eying the wine on the table she was tempted to pour herself a glass, but stopped as she reached for it. I should let him do that…if he will. She sighed, almost but not quite wishing she had never shown any interest in this strange man. How can someone be that old and not even understand how to have a conversation? Maybe it's me…maybe he just isn't into me.
She got up and went back over to the couch, sinking dejectedly into the cushions. Picking the sketch pad back up she began to flip through it again, stopping when she came to the last sketch. I'm just going to leave now. This isn't going to work. Throwing the sketch pad to the side she noticed that there was something on the very last page as if he had wanted to hide it. Picking the pad back up she looked at it, breathless.
It was another pastel drawing…of her. She was standing in what looked like the same park. Cas had drawn himself beside her reaching out with two fingers toward her head. A soft light came from behind Cas, seeming to illuminate him from within. She admired the artistic skill necessary to produce the effect and then noticed something else…vague shadows of something shaped like….wings…sprouted from Cas' back.
Her hands trembled as she looked at it, now even more curious about this place Cas was obviously so attached to, and why he would draw himself this way. She wasn't so sure there was a Heaven, but if there was this is surely what it would look like…and there would be angels in Heaven. Cas wants to be an Angel?
Any further thought on the subject was interrupted as Dean and Castiel made their way back into the room. Karen saw Dean wink at Castiel, who took a deep breath and smiled stiffly, gesturing to the table.
"Would you like some wine?" Cas said, turning on his crutches to head for the table.
Taking a deep breath of her own Karen walked to the table, noticing that Cas had positioned himself behind a chair…presumably the one he wanted her to sit in. He pulled the chair out and looked at her shyly. Karen smiled back, relaxing a little, and sat down as he did his best to help push in the chair.
It did not escape her attention that she was now seated with her back to the rest of the room and that Dean had quietly seated himself on the bed directly opposite Cas. She smirked a little as she realized Dean was going to try to coach Cas. This will be entertaining to say the least. Might as well see where this goes.
Cas lowered himself slowly into the chair opposite and laid his crutches aside before pouring some wine into his glass, tasting it and nodding before pouring some into hers. It was mechanical and looked rehearsed, but endearing nonetheless. Karen resisted the urge to laugh, knowing by the determined look on Cas' face that he was trying really hard. She took a sip and nodded back.
"This is nice, Cas. Is Cas short for something or just a nickname?" Karen said, sitting back and relaxing a bit.
Cas' eyes went wide and she saw them glance behind her at Dean, but acted as if she didn't notice.
"It's…um..short for my…ah…middle name." Castiel said, looking up at the ceiling and blushing.
"And your middle name is?" Karen coaxed.
"Castiel." he said quietly, bowing his head and looking up at her through thick dark lashes.
Karen resisted to urge to melt right there on the spot. Damn those eyes are just…God he is so gorgeous.
Swirling her wine in the glass nonchalantly she said, "Castiel…that's an unusual name. Where have I heard that before?"
"My…mother named me after the…Angel of Thursday." Castiel said, swallowing hard before looking back from Dean to her.
She resisted the urge to laugh as she watched Castiel mirror her swirling motion and then take a big gulp of wine. "That's interesting, is your family religious or something?"
"Yes, very." Castiel said forcefully but somewhat sadly, not needing to look at Dean this time.
The emphatic answer made her laugh and she looked over to see Castiel's eyes searching for Dean's again. That would explain the choirboy persona…jeez is he a virgin or something?
"So…your Mom and Dad were strict?" Karen said, hoping to finally ferret out enough information to explain his strange behavior.
"Yes, my Father is…was…extremely so. We didn't get much…any…freedom…or instruction on how to use it if we had it." Castiel said somewhat angrily.
Karen could tell from the emotion in his answer that it didn't come from Dean, but instead of explaining things it presented a new puzzle. Why is Dean so normal and Castiel so…not? Thinking back to her first conversation with Dean she remembered that there was some sort of disagreement between them. Dean wasn't sure he wanted to take responsibility for Castiel. The interaction between them now was so easy…not forced in any way. How could they have resolved such a bad situation in such a short time?
"We should eat…before it gets cold." Castiel said, reaching across the table and taking the cover off of her plate.
Karen looked across the table and hesitated before reaching for her fork. Religious family… should I wait for him to say Grace? When Castiel reached for his fork and took a bite she relaxed and took a bite of hers. Normally she'd ask about the meal, but it was pretty obvious Dean was the one responsible for all of this. She continued eating, waiting for Castiel to say something.
Karen could hear movement from behind her, but resisted the urge to look. Dean's probably over there gesticulating wildly trying to get him to say something. She smirked into her fork as the sounds stopped and Castiel spoke.
"Um…is your meal satisfactory?" Castiel said, looking at her hopefully.
Karen could almost hear the unvoiced groan from across the room, knowing Dean was probably cringing at the phrasing Castiel had used. She reached across the table and put her hand on top of Castiel's, watching as he followed her hand with his eyes as if it were some kind of threat.
"The food is really good. This is all really nice. Thank you, Castiel." she said, noticing that he smiled slightly she said his full name.
"You're welcome, but I am not the one you should thank. I wouldn't have thought to do this." Castiel said, trailing off sadly at the end.
Karen was slightly taken aback by the longest sentence she had ever heard Cas utter, but felt a twinge at the sadness in his voice.
Taking his hand in both of hers she fixed him with her eyes and said, "It's OK, Cas. You had a serious head injury; it's understandable if you forget things."
Removing his hand and placing it in his lap Castiel said, "No, it's not something I would have thought of before. I'm just not very good at being…human."
Karen heard a sharp intake of breath behind her and then more rustling as Castiel looked over her shoulder at Dean. It was a weird thing to say, but why would Dean object to that?
Castiel seemed to draw into himself after the last look and when he spoke again it was barely a whisper. "I'm sorry, I should have said I wasn't very good at…doing the right thing."
Karen knew this had to be the strangest situation she had ever been in, but the sad look on Castiel's face was breaking her heart. She plowed on, determined to get a conversation going that wasn't being coached by Dean.
"Relax, Cas. I'm not going to bite you." Karen said, wondering why saying that would provoke the extra loud rustling noises behind her.
Castiel looked up and met her gaze again and said intently without looking at Dean, "I know. I'm aware that you aren't a v-"
Karen heard a loud thump and then a moan from the other side of the room as she saw Castiel reach for his crutches and start to get up. She turned to see Dean on the floor holding his ankle and writhing in pain.
"Sorry" Dean grunted. "Was trying to get up to go to the bathroom and I slipped."
Karen went to help him up and resisted the urge to call him out on the whole Cyrano de Bergerac act. Throwing his arm over her shoulder she guided him down on the bed and fixed him with a stare. She jumped as she turned to find herself face to face with Castiel who had somehow managed silently position himself very closely behind her.
"He's really good at that whole ninja thing…always has been." Dean said with a snort.
"That's IT! No more Cyrano de Bergerac…no more coaching." Karen yelled, more than a little freaked out when Castiel just stood there looking at her instead of moving away.
Dean rolled his eyes and rubbed his face with both hands, finally looking at her apologetically and shrugging.
OK, I'm in the Twilight Zone…might as well go with it…what have I got to lose? Grabbing a surprised Castiel by the shoulders Karen planted a forceful kiss on his lips. He resisted for a second and then began to kiss back, haltingly at first and then more confidently. She teased at his bottom lip with her tongue and he parted his lips, his breath hitching as she began to explore. There was no hesitation as his tongue quickly entwined with hers. Castiel's crutches clattered to the floor as he wrapped his arms tightly around her waist and hobbled slowly towards the couch, dragging her with him.
The fact that Dean was now swinging rapidly across the room on his crutches and out the door barely registered as Karen fell onto the couch with Castiel, his lips still exploring hers. His cast was a momentary distraction as they tried to figure out the best position for it. After Dean was gone Karen sat up and looked down at Castiel, who was looking back up at her intently.
"You haven't done this before have you?" she said as gently as possible.
Castiel pursed his lips and reached up to touch hers with a finger as he said simply, "No I haven't."
"That's refreshing. Most guys would lie and say they had." Karen said, looking at Castiel thoughtfully. But then most guys wouldn't still be a virgin at his age.
"I see no reason to lie about it." Castiel said, cocking his head to the side, his eyes travelling over her face languidly.
"You definitely aren't like most guys." Karen said, lowering herself over Castiel to lay a trail of kisses across his cheek.
"No, I'm not. I've led a…sheltered life." Castiel said somewhat sadly, reaching up to touch her cheek with the back of his hand.
Karen leaned into the touch, closing her eyes and enjoying the feeling of his hand softly caressing her face. When his hand fell away she opened her eyes and reached for his tie, looking at him questioningly. His eyes went wide for a second and then he relaxed and nodded, placing his hand on hers as she slowly worked it loose.
"Castiel?"
"Yes?"
"You'll stop me if I go too fast?"
"Yes."
After pulling his tie out and flinging it over the back of the couch, she watched as Castiel began to slowly undo the buttons on his shirt…his fingers shaking as if he had never done that before either. A strange feeling washed over her and it suddenly didn't matter to her how strange he was, or why he was that way. She just knew that she was meant to do this.
"Why don't we move somewhere more comfortable." She said, gesturing with her head toward Dean's bed.
Castiel sat up and looked at her, taking a deep breath before saying, "You are very beautiful, Karen."
She blushed and took his hand, helping him up before kissing him again with everything she had. He returned the kiss, running his hand up her back and then kissing slowly down her neck and onto her exposed chest.
"Is this right?" he said, looking up at her imploringly.
"Ummmm…ah…yes. That's…yeah." Karen said, now sure that she had chosen the right dress.
Castiel shifted his weight slightly and stepped back, taking all his weight on his good leg. After a moment of hesitation he locked her eyes with his and swept her up into his arms.
"You can't do that, Cas. You'll hurt your leg...or your ribs." Karen said, surprised at the position she found herself in.
"I've got you, don't worry." Castiel said, a soft smile playing at the corners of his lips.
Karen hadn't realized that the step back had placed him right at the forgotten drafting chair and she panicked briefly as he began to sink onto it thinking he was falling with her. When she realized they were safe she relaxed and looked up at him, marveling at how different he looked with a smile on his face, even if it was a small one.
"You should do that more often." she said, reaching up to trace his soft lips with her finger.
"What? Pick you up?" he said, a look of confusion replacing the smile.
"No, smile. I've never seen you really smile."
A brief look of sadness crossed his face before he smiled again and said, "I've never really done that much either."
As he propelled them across the floor to the bed Karen wondered briefly about how far she should go…it wasn't like she had ever taken a man's virginity before. She sighed as she remembered that she didn't have much time left. This could be it…his first and my last…how ironic that would be.
"Am I hurting you?" Castiel asked, his face lining with worry.
"No, why?"
"Your smile disappeared. I was afraid I had hurt you."
"No, Cas. I was just…you know I'm going to die right?"
"Yes. I know." he said quietly.
"That doesn't bother you…that I might be gone soon? I don't want you to be hurt when I'm gone."
"You'll only be gone from your body. You'll be in a much better place." He said, the surety of his words making her wonder if he knew something she didn't.
He deposited her gently on the bed and smiled down at her, pushing her hair away from her face gently.
"You are sure of that aren't you? You truly believe?"
"Yes, I'm sure." He said, running his fingers through her hair.
Grabbing his hand she held it against her face, closing her eyes against the tears that were threatening to spill out. They poured out anyway and she found herself sobbing softly into his hand, hugging it to her face as if it were the only thing keeping her alive.
"Don't cry, Karen. I promise everything will be all right." He said, struggling to climb into bed with only one hand and a bad leg.
Releasing his hand she reached out to help him, pulling him close and laying her head on his shoulder. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to spoil the moment."
"You didn't." he said, kissing the top of her head and then raising her chin with his finger. Locking her eyes with his he stated emphatically, "There are things humans…um…we don't understand. A larger purpose. If Fa-God is taking you now it is for a reason. It is not our place to question the timing, but I know I will see you again…if you want of course."
Lost in his eyes Karen felt a sense of peace wash over her, like he was suddenly all around her… protecting her from everything the world could throw at her…even death. She felt a smile begin to form again and sighed, wishing she could just stop the world at this moment. Only a miniscule part of her noticed the strange hesitation and near slips Castiel had made.
"I believe you. I've never been so sure of anything in my life. Thank you Castiel." she said softly, as she laid her head back on his shoulder.
"You're welcome." He said simply, sliding his arm under her and hugging her closely to him.
Karen laid there for awhile savoring the closeness and peace she felt. Castiel reached across with his other arm and began to stroke her hair again as she turned to kiss his neck, humming softly against it.
"Mmmm, that feels nice." Castiel said.
Sitting up, Karen reached inside his shirt, pulling it gently aside so she could continue scattering kisses down his chest. Once she had reached his waistband she went back up the other side, looking up at him briefly before taking his nipple into her mouth and swirling her tongue around it.
"MMmmm, that feels…huh…ummmm. He said, closing his eyes and moaning softly.
Castiel shifted under her, using his hand to lift her head as he sat up and began to remove his shirt. He hesitated for a second before placing his hands on her hips and tugging at her dress gently, silently asking permission with his eyes. Karen placed her hands on his, helping him pull the dress over her head.
He reached out slowly, his eyes searching for hers as his hand caressed her breast softly. Reaching back she unhooked her bra and shrugged out of it, watching as Castiel's eyes explored her body with a look of wonder…like he was seeing a woman for the very first time. She tilted her head and looked at him curiously, realizing that when he said he had never done this he had never done any of this before. Suddenly she felt as if the whole world was resting on her shoulders…this had to be perfect. She tensed as he pulled her closer, cupping her breasts in his hands and kissing them tenderly.
"Am I doing something wrong?" he said, eyes pleading.
"No Cas, I'm sorry. I just…well…I've never given anyone their first time. I want this to be perfect for you." Karen said, reaching out to stroke his cheek and looking away.
"It is." Castiel said, turning her head back and searching for her eyes with his as a broad smile lit up his whole face.
She hadn't melted before, but that smile was her undoing. Grasping desperately at his belt she straddled him, leaning forward to kiss him eagerly as her fingers fumbled to release the catch. She felt his breath hitch as she bit as his lower lip, his tongue reaching desperately into her mouth. He pulled her closer and kissed her harder and longer than she had ever been kissed before. As dizziness began to overtake her she pulled away, breathing heavily.
"Is that what they mean by a breathless kiss?" Castiel said, his eyes twinkling.
"I…um…think so. That's my first one of those so I'm not sure." Karen said, amazed that this strange man's inexperienced kiss could be the best one she ever had.
"From what I've been told I believe we still have too much clothing on? He asked, his eyes questioning.
From any other man that would have been a cheesy come on, but from Castiel it was as innocent and honest as a question could be. Karen smiled down at him and then started to laugh, covering her face with her hands. As the laughter subsided she peeked out through her fingers to see Castiel gazing up at her, a soft smile sitting ever so gently on his swollen lips.
"You are beautiful when you laugh. You should do it more often." he said, reaching out to run his thumb across her lips.
"Why are you so damn perfect…and where have you been all my life James Castiel Winchester?
It was Castiel's turn to laugh, and at first she wasn't sure if it was a laugh or he was suddenly choking since his eyes flashed a brief look of fear. It's almost as if he has never done that either, but who the hell could go through their entire life without laughing? After a few moments he relaxed and they were both laughing loudly, unable to stop. Tears began to flow down Castiel's face and she watched as he wiped them away and then looked at his hand curiously as if he had never seen his own tears before.
Karen's mind was doing cartwheels, trying to make sense of all the little things about him that added up to nothing. The perfect man was so imperfect she couldn't wrap her head around it. What was it about him that made her want to protect him like a child, knowing he was a full grown man? She was reminded none to gently that he was a full grown man when he shifted underneath her, his hips pushing up ever so slightly against her as a soft moan escaped his lips.
Looking back down at him, she saw his eyes slide closed and a look of sheer bliss spread across his face as he began to move against her. As she leaned to kiss him gently he opened his eyes, looking for and finding hers before rolling her off and placing her hand on his erection. She nodded but removed her hand, instead flipping the clasp on his pants open and pulling the zipper down.
Quickly examining the leg of his pants covering his casted leg she saw the inseam zipper and moved down the grasp the tab in her teeth. Looking up at him she crawled backwards, pulling the zipper as she went. Castiel raised his hips and she pulled them off in one fluid motion, tossing them aside as she removed her panties and went back for his briefs. Pulling them down as she went Karen left a trail of kisses down his good leg, and stopped at the bottom of the injured one to kiss each of his toes as they struggled to free themselves from their confinement in the cast.
Feeling Castiel reaching for her Karen moved back up and straddled him again, gently caressing his erection as he explored her breasts with his hands. He moaned and bucked sharply almost throwing her off to the side and she knew that as much as she wanted this to go on forever, they probably didn't have long before Castiel would explode like a lit firecracker. Karen took his hand, guiding it slowly down and placing her finger over his, coaching silently and then not so silently when he hit the right spot.
She was sure the entire hotel could hear her moans, and wondered idly just how far away Dean was before turning her attention back to Castiel. His eyes were wide as saucers he watched her writhe on top of him. Taking in a hissing breath Karen leaned forward to brush his lips briefly before her shift in position and his exploration hit the elusive perfect spot.
She shuddered and screamed out, "Castiel….ah…hmmmmm…oh GOD!"
Castiel muttered something she didn't hear, but she didn't stop to ask him what as she gently guided his erection inside her. An unearthly groan erupted from Castiel as he slid inside and she began to move on top of him, changing position until she found the one. Moving more rapidly she watched as Castiel threw his head back and began to move with her as much as he could in his injured state.
"Kar…en…ah…ughhhhhh…ah…umph…oh, Guh…ah!" Castiel said, his eyes flying open as he began to come.
Squeezing him hard, Karen closed her eyes and rode him out, entwining her fingers with his outstretched hand and letting him push against her until he was spent…her own orgasm forgotten completely. When he stopped moving she opened her eyes and looked down to see him staring back up at her, his mouth agape. Sliding gently against him one more time she leaned down to kiss him, and rolled off onto her side facing him.
Castiel blinked his eyes several times and opened his mouth as if to say something, but nothing came out. He propped himself up on an elbow, wincing briefly as his ribs complained, then ran his fingers up and down her arm, still breathing deeply from the exertion.
"Was that….good?" he asked, the sincerest look on his face she had ever seen.
"Mind-blowing, Cas. That was…otherworldly good." Karen said, still breathing hard herself.
Castiel sat up, staring down at himself and said, "Though somewhat messy."
Karen laughed and sat up, dragging her finger through the wetness and tracing it up his chest then around a nipple. She winked at him and ran her tongue out, licking her finger suggestively. "Can be fun."
Castiel blushed and looked away, obviously realizing that there were other things she could do with that tongue.
"I think I've had enough fun for one night." he said, closing his eyes and flopping back on the pillows.
"Probably so. I should probably get up and get your pain meds. I'm betting you'll be sore in the morning." Karen said.
"I'm sore now." Castiel said, tiredly raising his hand and rubbing it across his ribcage.
"That's what you get for picking me up you idiot."
"I'll keep that in mind for…um…next time?" he said, his voice questioning as he opened one eye cautiously.
"What makes you think there will be a next time?" Karen said, reaching out to trace the curve of his jaw with her finger.
"Um…you aren't grabbing your clothes and running out of the room like some of the girls Dean sleeps with?"
"Oh, so Dean's one of those guys, huh?"
"One of what guys?"
"Love 'em and leave 'em" Karen said, taking Castiel's hand in hers.
"Not always….he's just afraid I think." Castiel said thoughtfully.
"Of what?"
"Of being happy."
"He seems like a good guy…he did all of this for us. Why would he be afraid to be happy?"
"I don't know, but he is." Castiel said, closing his eyes again and taking a deep breath.
"You rest. I'll get your pain meds and we'll get some sleep. I just wish I didn't have to be at the hospital at the crack of dawn." Karen said, rolling off the bed to retrieve her panties.
Castiel nodded tiredly and rolled over onto his side, burying his face in the pillow.
Karen went over the Castiel's bed and looked into the duffle bag lying on the floor until she found a t-shirt to put on, then went to the kitchen and grabbed Castiel's medication. When she returned he was already snoring softly, but she knew if she didn't wake him he'd wake up later needing them.
"Mmmmmph" Castiel moaned as she shook him gently.
"Come on…you need to take your meds."
"No…wan sleep." he said, burrowing deeper into the pillow.
Poking him again she said, "You'll be sorry later."
"OK…I surrender." Castiel said, rolling back over slowly and sitting up sleepily.
Karen couldn't help but laugh when he pulled the covers up under his chin and sat there blinking at her like the proverbial owl.
"What's so funny this time?"
"You. Your hair is going every which way and you look ever so cute. Like a little owl."
"Owls have yellow eyes, mine are blue."
"Still you are just so cute." Karen said, pinching Castiel's cheek.
"I am not cute." He said, slapping her hand away.
"OK, I give…you are not cute…here take your pills." Karen said, holding them out in her hand and giving him a glass of water with the other.
Castiel snatched the pills and swallowed them dry, flopping back into his pillows with a huff.
"You gonna sleep naked?"
"Yes. Go away."
"You'll be needing the bathroom soon. Don't you want to go now?"
"Not really."
"Come on, get up and go now then you can sleep all you want."
Castiel sighed and sat back up, swinging his cast over the edge of the bed and easing it down slowly. "I'll need those" he said, pointing at his crutches lying forgotten on the floor by the couch.
Karen went to retrieve them and then looked through the bed clothes to find his briefs. Twirling them around her finger said, "You might want these too if you are going to prance about the place."
"I still can't put them on by myself." Castiel said morosely, his shoulders drooping slightly.
Karen knelt down and pulled them up over the cast, letting the waistband snap on his belly. "You'll be out of that cast soon."
"I hope so. I'm really tired of this."
Karen kissed him on the cheek and rubbed his back as he adjusted the crutches under his arms and set out slowly across the room. A low whistle escaped her lips as she watched the muscles in his shoulders and arms ripple. He turned and looked at her quizzically.
"What was that for?"
"Nevermind…just go pee so we can get some sleep?"
After she heard the bathroom door close she grabbed a towel from the kitchen and cleaned the mess up as well as she could, then waited for her turn. When Castiel returned she helped him into bed and ran to the bathroom quickly, hoping to get back before he was asleep again.
Karen found him sitting on the edge of the bed looking rather sad when she got back.
"What's wrong?"
"I hate this" he whispered, gesturing down at his leg.
"I know Cas, just be patient."
"And I hate these." He said, shoving his crutches away and watching them fall to the floor.
"Patience. It will be over before you know it."
"But you'll be…might be…gone…before then. I want you to see me whole and I'm afraid you won't." Castiel said, looking up at her sadly.
"Cas, I don't want you to see me…die either, but it's something we just have to accept."
"But I used to be…I could have…"
"Could have what?"
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said anything. I'm just not very good at accepting things the way they are yet."
More pieces to the strange puzzle that is Castiel. Karen shook her head and guided Castiel back into bed. Crawling in next to him she pulled his arm around her neck and laid her head on his shoulder again.
"I'm not very good at it either, but I don't really have a choice."
"No, I guess none of us do." Castiel said with a loud sigh.
Karen sat up and smiled at him. "So let's just enjoy what we have for as long as we have it…even if that means I'm gone tomorrow."
"Yes, you are right if course. I'm sorry." He said, smiling softly back at her.
"It's understandable. You're a guy. Guys don't like being helpless. But remember, if you hadn't been hurt and ended up in my hospital you never would have had this night of amazing sex."
"True. I got…laid and Dean slept alone…that's new." Castiel said visibly brightening.
Karen grabbed the pillow and threw it at him, laughing at the way he said got laid like he had never said it before.
"That's all I am to you…a good lay?"
"No, actually you are an amazing…lay."
"Glad I could be of service, but you don't actually have a basis for comparison."
"No, but…"
"No, but what?"
"Nothing…I'll tell you one day soon. Can we sleep now?"
"Yes, I thought you'd never ask."
