Two weeks into Dean's exams, on a Thursday evening.
Dean taps his foot impatiently, as he leans against the familiar brick wall beside the hospital entrance. He takes the last sip of his orange juice, hoping to get rid of the sore throat that has been bothering him for a few days now – it's probably just the hot weather.
Finally, Cas jogs his way over towards him. "Hey!" He places a kiss upon Dean's cheek, in sync with his fingers entwining with his boyfriend's.
They walk to the car in silence, but Castiel doesn't push a conversation – he knows how exhausted Dean must be. "Was the chem exam okay?" Cas questions, as he starts up the engine.
"Uh... I hope so," Dean shrugs it off, leaning his head against the window.
"You've literally been studying for the past couple of months, not to mention cramming extra revision into the early hours of the morning for the past couple of weeks... I bet you did great," Castiel frowns at such a half-hearted reply.
Sighing, the Winchester lets his eyes close. "I'm too tired to talk about it," he mumbles.
So, letting Dean rest the whole way back to his apartment, Cas plans to let him relax for the evening. As they pull up outside, Castiel notices Dean jerk awake – even though he acts like he wasn't sleeping. "Let's watch TV whilst we eat dinner," a sleepy voice mutters, and Cas nods in agreement.
They both change into casual clothes once they're inside, and then Dean heads for the kitchen. "I'll make us food!" Castiel calls out from the living room, where he's currently flicking through countless TV channels, trying to find something half decent for the pair to watch.
"No, it's fine.. You've been at work for –" at first Cas wonders why Dean has paused, but then he hears him start to cough, before continuing his sentence. "– hours, just let me cook!"
Cas immediately gets up from the couch, to go and help Dean. "Go sit down, I'm cooking." He states firmly, but then he frowns as when the Winchester attempts at replying, but finds that the incessant tickle in his throat clearly has some other ideas.
"You're not getting si –" before he can even say 'the s word', Dean intervenes with a quickly thought up excuse.
"It's just allergies," he waves a hand in front of Cas, as he tries to step closer.
Not really buying it, Castiel sighs. "But, I bought you those allergy pills a couple of weeks back – you did take one today, didn't you?" The look of worry upon his face causes Dean to feel bad. He hates it when anyone worries about him, especially his own boyfriend.
"Uh, maybe I forgot?" Scratching the back of his neck, he makes sure to avoid eye contact with Cas... It's still really hard to forget that he's a nurse.
"Look – we're both tired as hell. Let me cook, and then we can get to sleep." Castiel finalises, and Dean decides not to try and argue this time.
After they both have a simple dinner of soup and buttered bread, the pair head straight off to get ready for bed. Snuggling into Cas chest, Dean wishes that they could just spend the day cuddling together tomorrow. He doesn't have another exam until next Wednesday, and then he only has two left of the whole lot. Then, he can finally stop consuming way too much coffee for his own good, and actually get a good night of sleep without feeling anxious, or doing some last minute studying.
Cas had to leave to go to his apartment and get ready for work at five am, so he placed a kiss upon Dean's forehead, and left the room on his tip-toes. He wished that he could just stay and relax with Dean... He was still suspicious about his whole 'allergies' excuse from yesterday evening. Making a mental note to check up on him via a phone call on his lunch break, he then quickly headed off to get ready for work.
When Dean finally wakes up from his long slumber, he has no idea what time it is. Trying to roll over and squint at his alarm clock for some reason causes aches around his whole body, and the sunlight that's peeping in makes his head feel heavy. He tries to inhale some air through his nose, but instead he is hit with congestion... Oh no.
"No, no, no." he groans, "not this week," his voice is barely even audible, and just the slightest bit of speech reacts with the tickle in his throat.
Clumsily feeling around on his dresser for his inhaler, Dean makes use of it, before preparing to sit up. His blurred vision spots a small piece of paper sitting by his alarm clock, so he reaches out for it. It's a note, from Cas;
'Have a good day. relax lots... Call me at 12, please. I hope you're feeling okay :)x'
The Winchester manages to crack a smile, before doubling over with another coughing fit that pains his throat greatly. Groaning loudly, he forces himself out of bed in order to go and take a shower.
The rest of the day passes by extremely slowly. All Dean wants is to cuddle up to Cas on the couch, and fall asleep to his touch. In fact, a few times he drifts off to sleep, and then wakes up calling his boyfriend's name. When the time to actually go and meet Castiel outside the hospital arrives, Dean has already taken two different cold medicines that he managed to salvage out from the very back of his medicine cabinet in the bathroom, and then his medical drawer and cupboard, in the kitchen.
He wipes at his watery eyes, and puts on his sunglasses in order to disguise them. Shrugging on his denim jacket, he then heads out of the door. Hopefully he can act as healthy as possible, or he knows the fussing that's to come... And, he's not exactly one to love being doted on.
It's around quarter past six when he leaves the house, and he shoves his hands deep into his denim jacket pockets, thrning the volume of his Walkman up as loud as he can – without hurting his head too much. His sunglasses shade his eyes from the beating heat that somehow can't keep him warm, as the soles of his combat books thump along the pavement.
When the dull, grey buildings finally come into view from behind his shades, the Winchester has already used his inhaler... Twice. Maybe walking to meet his boyfriend wasn't such a good idea afterall. Close to being exhausted, Dean leans against the brick wall that's adjacent to the hospital entrance that Castiel should be walking out of in... About two minutes ago.
Taking his sunglasses off in order to rub his eyes, Dean squints from the sun to look out for any sign of Novak. He's missed him all day, and is getting fairly close to wanting to collapse into his arms. Not that he's going to admit that to Cas though, because that would make him look weak.
Further time passes, and the dull ache in Dean's skull grows worse from the slowly lowering sun. When he checks his phone to reveal that it's almost eight pm, the decision to enter the hospital becomes final. Although he despises the very building he's now walking inside, the Winchester can't wait any longer for Castiel to meet up with him.
The eery echo of his shoes hitting the linen floor fills his ears – his music playlist had ended about fifteen minutes ago, but his headphones still stay plugged in – as he tries to work out why Cas could be so late. For obvious reasons, Dean can't exactly stroll up to Ward 37 and ask where his boyfriend is... But, then it clicks. He remembers the time when Ellen came to visit him, and how she mentioned that Cas sometimes still visits the paediatrics ward that he used to work on, before moving.
Heading for the nearest elevator, Dean shoves the call button with his knuckle, and taps his foot whilst he awaits for the doors to let him inside. When he nears the brightly painted entrance to the ward, a feeling of sickly nostalgia overwhelms him. "You better be in here," his voice comes out a lot more croaky than anticipated – then again, he hasn't had anyone to speak to all day.
Taking a shaky breath inwards, he pushes the double doors wide open. Trying to ignore the sound of beeping machines and crying infants, he strides straight up to the reception desk. Being greeted by a half-asleep looking black haired woman, he clears his throat in order to receive her full attention. "Visiting hours are over... sorry," the gum in her mouth moves with her jaw as she speaks.
"Is Nurse Novak here?" Dean ignores her blunt statement, shifting uncomfortably from foot to foot.
The woman blinks twice, and then frowns. "Sir, are you sick? Because we can't let you in here... Are you close family?" As if Dean's question to her was non-existent, she simply continues to loosely follow questioning protocol.
"No, I'm not sick! Is Nurse Novak in here, or not?" One of his hands rests firmly on the desk in front of him, as he stares the lady down. He doesn't have time for any stalling, all he literally wants is to go home and cuddle with Cas on the couch.
She squints hard at him, and then pops her gum. "You sound sick to me, I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to leave." The lady forces a sickly sweet smile, and Dean prepares himself for an argument – quickly noting that he's on a children's ward, so as not to swear.
"Lady, I swear to God – I don't have time for this right now. All I need to know is if a nurse came in here ear –" being temporarily interrupted by a sneeze, he immediately carries on, " – lier, or not?!" Dean finishes, sighing in frustration.
"I knew you were sick," the Winchester's mouth opens in anticipation of snapping something incredibly angered at the receptionist, but the familiar face of a blonde woman suddenly comes into view – stopping him from doing so.
She walks up to the desk. "It's fine, you can end your shift now..." She turns to face Dean – that recognisable smile of sympathy plastered upon her softened, but stern face. "I'll just go get him for you," she informs – leaving just as quickly as she came.
Leaving the sniffling Winchester standing there dumbfounded and wondering whether or not Ellen might be psychic, he soon hears the joyful sound of his boyfriend's laughter entering into earshot. "Thanks, Ellen... Tell Claire I'll beat her at snakes and ladders next time!" Cas chuckles, giving Ellen a small hug.
Turning to face Dean, his smile soon fades to a look of worry and concern. "Dean? Oh – shit, I'm so sorry I should've called, or – or, told you I was going to be late! Are you alright?" He speaks so fast and stuttery that Dean's brain can't process it, and when he tries to answer Cas he just sneezes instead.
Rubbing at his red tinted nose, Dean looks up at Castiel with sleepy eyes. "Can we go home?" He practically pleads, already walking towards the exit.
Breaking into a sprint to catch up with him, Cas grabs Dean's hand before he can push the doors open. "You should've called to say you weren't feeling well," his face saddens as Dean pulls away from his grip, and continues to walk ahead.
"I'm fine," watching the Winchester's pale hands dive back into his pockets, Novak sighs.
"No.. you're not." His stern statement is further backed up by Dean breaking into a painful sounding coughing fit, which is accompanied by a sneeze just ten seconds later. "Did you happen to forget I'm a nurse? Your nurse, to be precise. I'd know that sick voice anywhere," managing to catch up with him after having slowed down, Cas places a gentle hand upon Dean's shoulder.
The guilty look inside those green eyes that are trying their hardest to avoid the concerned orbs of blue tells exactly the same story that Cas is trying to accuse. They end up walking the rest of the way in silence – well, speech wise, anyway – until they both stop outside Castiel's vehicle.
Climbing inside the comforting warmth that usually smells of vanilla air freshener – being unable to breathe through his nose right now, means that Dean can't quite relive his usual safe senses – the Winchester leans against the car window. Cas drives for a good ten minutes until the silence is broken, when Dean opens his eyes after accidentally drifting off to sleep for a third time.
"Can we watch a movie?" Of course Castiel can't say no to sick Dean. Well, he can barely say no to somewhat healthy Dean – especially when he tries to tickle Cas as a weapon, or kiss him until he gives in.
Nodding as his reply, Cas' eyes meet the familiar block that Dean lives on. He parks up outside his apartment, and then tries to run around to Dean's side of the car, in order to help him out. But, Dean being the stubborn idiot that he is, has already jumped out way too fast for his own good.
Holding out his arms to steady the swaying Winchester, Cas folds his arms after Dean pulls away and regains his balance by using the car as a back rest instead. "Alright, alright... I admit it, I may have caught a cold from staying up too late and studying and stressing over my finals – there, now stop giving me that 'I told you so, I knew you weren't fine' look!" Dean blurts out, literally leaning forwards and falling into Castiel's chest.
Having not expected his usually so argumentative boyfriend to give in so easily, Cas is even more confused when Dean wraps his arms around his torso. "Hug me back then," comes a muffled sound against Cas' uniform, causing him to giggle a little.
Squeezing Dean with as much affection as he can give him without hurting the guy, Cas kisses the top of his head. "Let's go watch that movie," he whispers, just before Dean pulls out of the hug... So that he doesn't sneeze all over his boyfriend – because, that would seriously kill the moment of cuteness.
"Bless you," Cas comments, waiting for Dean to walk towards the apartment first, before he follows behind.
Hearing Dean mumble something along the lines of a 'thank you,' (his voice is too nasally and raspy to understand), he traipses along the pathway in pursuit of Dean's combat boots. As soon as they head inside, they both hurry upstairs to get changed into casual clothes.
Castiel comes downstairs before Dean is ready, so he starts to sift through his movie collection. His grey sweatpants, and ACDC t-shirt are a good combination for the fairly warm July day... Making his eyebrows raise as he spots Dean's outfit choice, once he arrives inside the living room.
He has sweater paws from his navy blue hoody, and a pair of matching – they could even be Cas' – sweatpants. Plonking his body onto the sofa, Dean's eyes flutter closed within seconds. "Cas?" He whines, whilst listening to the sound of the DVD player start to whir.
"Dean?" As soon as he puts on a mocking voice, the Winchester's eyes pry open, and a frown appears upon his flushed face.
"Okay, first; I don't sound like that... And, second; why do I have a cold. In freakin' July?" He sits up on the couch, and folds his arms for extra effect.
Castiel chuckles lightly, taking a seat next to him – choosing to ignore the fact that Dean is not so subtly shuffling as far away from him as possible right now. "Firstly, I know you don't... I wasn't holding my nose," he smirks jokingly, glancing over to see that Dean still looks grumpy. "And, second... Because you abused your already crappy immune system thanks to your exams." Cas admits – and, even Dean knows that it's true. Which is why he chooses not to answer what Castiel has just pointed out.
When the menu option for the movie flashes up onto the TV, Cas chooses the right option. "Dean, you don't have to sit that far away." A sigh parts from Novak's lips, as he watches his boyfriend struggle to move any farther.
Side eyeing him briefly, the Winchester nods. "I have an immune system of steel – especially when it comes to you. Friendly reminder I've looked after you every time you got sick over the past five months, and not once did I catch a thing." Reaching out to get a grip upon Dean's arm, Cas pulls him closer, before he can even think about protesting.
He doesn't stop pulling until Dean is safely snuggled up into his chest, and then he places a kiss upon his forehead. "Take your hoody off, before your temperature rises." His voice enters Dean's ears, along with the theme tune to Aristocats, that has just started.
Making some kind of annoyed grunting noise in response, Dean finds that his eyes are already growing heavy. He can just about smell the faint aroma of Castiel's cologne – the one he likes, not the one that gives him breathing problems – and, the feeling of Cas' hand absentmindedly toying with his hair is causing him to relax even more.
Finally having the safe feeling of being in his boyfriend's arms again, after having needed this all day, Dean let's himself fall into a deep, and comforting sleep. Castiel sighs softly, as the sound of incessant snoring competes with the sound of the movie.
He had originally booked this weekend off as a surprise to Dean, and he was going to take them out somewhere... An attempt to distract his boyfriend from the previous two weeks of hard working with exams. But, considering current circumstances, it looks like Cas is going to be working from home instead.