Castiel stood beside Dean's bed watching him sleep as he waited for Benny to show up. He texted him, telling him about the room change but nothing more than that. Unlike Balthazar, Benny was never too curious (read nosy), and Castiel appreciated it and would somehow always end up confining in him. As he would now, considering he will need help Castiel untangle this mess and hold all eyes on every loose string, while he was focusing on Dean and his recovery.
Right now, he needed to find Dean's doctor, and make sure they don't sound any alerts of a missing patient and a missing hospital bed. Considering how giddy dr. Gavin McCloud was when Castiel brought Tony in, he figured the young doctor admired him and he would allow Castiel to relocate Dean's current room to Sam's.
As he suspected, dr. Gavin was happy to assist, commenting that if they needed him, they should contact nurse Masters at the coma ward and she would help them. Dr. Gavin had his suspicions about the good doctor Raphael, but he never thought he would go so far as to keep a patient in a comatose state for 16 years.
As Castiel descended back to the third floor, he could help but regret that his friend happened to be on call that evening and won't be able to back him up when he confronted the good doctor during the evening rounds. Rounding a corner, he almost bumped into that short redhead nurse he saw before, but she was too quick to get away and he didn't have a chance to confront her and ask why she was spying on them. He had to make sure she hasn't done anything to Dean.
Running into the room, he saw nothing has changed, Dean was still asleep, his hand wrapped around Sam's and Benny leaning against the wall seemingly unfazed by Castiel's rapid entrance.
"She was here. Smiled at me, checked Sam's vitals, then Dean's, written them down in their chats and walked away." Benny reported and Castiel sighed thinking she was most definitely headed to the good doctor to tell him about an extra patient in Samuel Winchester's room. Okay, that meant he would have to confront the bastard sooner rather then later. And all he wanted was to focus on Dean right now.
Time ticked away and nothing happened.
Eight o'clock came soon and it was time for the rounds, Sam's room being one of the first in line. But it turned out the good doctor wanted to start from the furthest and work his way back, so Castiel was already edgy by the time footsteps echoed in front of the door.
Castiel glanced at Dean's sleeping form. Even beaten and bruised, he was still beautiful. Strong jaw and full plush lips fitted his character perfectly and Castiel felt unworthy. He fought and worked hard to bring his company up and build this empire, but Dean... Dean worked hard and fought and bled to earn money to keep his brother alive. He sacrificed his life, his happiness, just for a chance to see his brother open his eyes again and talk to him.
Castiel could never measure up to that, but at least he could help Dean achieve that goal now.
He stood up and took a deep breath, turning to face the ajar door. That redhead nurse came to view, but she didn't peek inside the room, instead she lingered at the door. "I have checked Samuel's vitals, his condition is unchanged. His medication is due tomorrow after the morning rounds." She said and sounded... Odd.
As if she was trying to avert the attention and have the good doctor pass the opportunity to go into the room, but at the same time providing information about Sam's treatment. Not until tomorrow morning after rounds. That was good, because Tony will be there 5 am sharp, right after his shift.
"That's good." Came a deep voiced reply. "Once I finish the paperwork, I am signing off for tonight and won't be in until tomorrow for the night shift. I expect the medication properly administrated this time, Miss Masters. We don't won't any slip ups, now do we?" There was a certain threatening gravity in his voice and Castiel could see her standing her ground, but still nodding sadly, swallowing hard. He observed her every micromotion, studying her body language.
This was actually the nurse Dr. Gavin spoke of, one that would help. She must have made a few 'slip ups' with Samuel's dosage before, thus getting in trouble, but with the new information coming to light, Dr. Gavin must have figured she was trying to help the patient.
"Yes, doctor. There won't be a problem." She replied softly and glanced at Castiel very briefly, knowing well that the medication won't be administrated at all. The good doctor must have missed the undertone in her voice, so he spoke freely.
"Excellent! His father should be coming in today with his donation and we wouldn't want to disappoint him with the lack of care for his son, correct? You do know how easy it would be to loose a job as a nurse in my department, not to mention your reputation." As he spoke, the rage inside Castiel bubbled, but the man clenched his fists and tried to breathe through. Now was not the time for a confrontation. Tomorrow they will have enough evidence to get him fired, to have his medical licence reworked and sued for malpractice.
The footsteps echoed away and Castiel visibly relaxed, letting out a long breath. It wasn't as if he wouldn't be able to face the good doctor on his own, but even with Benny here, he feared he might do something that wouldn't help their case, like beat the living shit out of the bastard. Tomorrow is wiser. Tomorrow they will bring him down and start the path of healing, for both Samuel and Dean.
Dismissing Benny for the night, Castiel sat in the hard chair next to Dean's bed and took a moment to just look him over. Dean was still holding Sam's hand tightly, turned toward him. When they first got to the room, Dean hissed and grunted, but had to turn to face his brother and as much as it pained Castiel to see him like that, he felt immensely proud of him. Dean was so strong and so focused on his brother and Castiel knew he would go to no extent to help them both. Thinking about the man he cared for, he started dozing off when he felt someone sneaking into the room.
Jerking awake, he clearly startled the redhead nurse that froze the moment he stood up. Even if Castiel recognized her as someone who would help and won't be a threat, there was a long road from that to actual trust. He stood eyeing her carefully as she forced a smile and lifted her hand, only then did his eyes slip down to see what she was carrying. Castiel frowned at a sandwich she was extending.
"I know people usually forget to eat in these situations, so..." she said shyly, her voice almost a whisper. Castiel looked back up at her eyes for a moment, then nodded and took the offering.
"Thank you." He said and paused, taking a deep breath. "For creating a diversion. I don't think I could have stopped myself from tearing him apart."
A small smile flashed upon her face, gone faster then it came. She reached into her pocket and Castiel stiffened, following her movement, but all she did was take out a small iPod and walked over to the window. She set it up, plugging it in, so that it wouldn't loose power, then turned towards the statue of a man.
"I used to play some music to Sam when he first came to the ward. When Dean found out, he bought a iPod and I put some music after the evening rounds." She explained, them looked back at Dean with a kind smile. "When he learned that I played music, he got his hands on every book he could find to research about sounds involving coma patients. He read that they might hear music and that it is soothing for them... Did you know he was here every day, reading to Sam? I don't think there is a Russian, Greek, Roman or American novel he hasn't read to him. He would always say that Sammy was the smart one and that he would prefer classics rather then sci-fi." She added, the kind smile broadening. It was clear she held both of the boys dear, just by the way she spoke and that caring look in her eyes that just couldn't be faked.
Castiel relaxed and took a better look at her. He was always a good judge of character and had a knack for noticing the little things. Like no ring on her finger or the sad look in her eyes, especially when she looked at Sam. In fact there might have been something more there, some sort of longing, and Castiel couldn't help but wonder if maybe she helped them because she had fallen for the sleeping brother. The fairy-tale kind of love. The kind Castiel had recently started to believe in.
"I am Castiel. Castiel Novak. Dean's... Partner." He almost said friend, but there were so much more than that, even if it was too early to be throwing around titles. But friend just didn't sound right, and boyfriend was too high-school-teenage-girl for him, so... Partner it is. Besides, it spoke of some sort of equality between them that Castiel wanted to kindle.
"I know." the nurse said with a soft smile. Of course, everyone knew who Mr. Novak was. Only a few knew Castiel. But much to his surprise, the media and the papers weren't where she knew him from. "Dean spoke of you. Not to me, of course, but to Sam. I accidentally overheard. He does care about you a great deal, you know?"
So much for not being a high-school teenage girl, considering the heat he felt rising up on his cheeks and a goofy smile that he tried to contain by pinching his lips together. I mean, Dean spoke of him? To Sam?
"Anyway... My name is Meg Masters. I do hope you are able to get them out. To help Sam." She said looking back at the shadow of a man that lied still on the bed next to Dean's. There was a heavy sigh and Castiel's attention was back on her and the whole Sam issue. Logically, Castiel knew that what she did here, concealing them and going against doctor's orders could be catastrophic for her career, even if she was right not to administer more sedatives into Sam's system. Castiel also knew that people like her were good folks, worth time and attention, help even. Right there and then he decided he would speak to Tony about her once they fixed this thing. But for now, he needed more information, on the treatments, on the good doctor and Sam's state in general.
They spent the next two hours talking, and she explained that Sam was brought in before she started working in this hospital, but that she learned he was in a car accident. Later, when she met Dean, the guilt within him told her he might have been behind the wheel or was otherwise responsible for what happened, but no matter her efforts to talk to him about it, he would always just shut down. So she stopped prying.
Castiel learned that by the time Meg learned about Sam and his condition, she was already too deep and Dr. Raphael threatened her, not only with losing her job, but making her an accomplice if not the person responsible for the whole thing. She had a little kid at home to look after and she couldn't loose this job. It was a very difficult decision, one she made for the benefit of her son, and Castiel couldn't blame her.
"But ever since I made that call, it has been eating me up slowly, so much so that I can't look at my son without seeing contempt in his eyes. I know it isn't real, not yet with him being only two, but someday... He might look at me ashamed because I didn't do the right thing..."
"I was on the fifth floor helping out the main nurse when I saw Dean. And then you... And I have been trying to find a way to approach you and tell you... It doesn't matter anymore. You're here and you will help him, right? Right?" There was so much hope in her eyes, and fear that maybe Sam was beyond saving. Castiel couldn't tell her that it will all turn out alright and that he will help wake Sam, but he could tell her he will give his damnest to make it happen. For Dean. And for her.
She left after that, going to attend to the other patients, but before she left she turned on the iPod and let Dean's favorite music fill the air. Ballads of the 70s, 80s and 90s filled the room, voices and music of Bon Jovi, Whitesnake, Scorpions, Def Leppard, Aersomith, Led Zeppelin and many more echoed through the silent night and after just staring at Dean for a good hour, it seemed like he was looking a bit more relaxed. When Castiel glanced over at Sam, he could see the similar change in him, his face just a tad less pale, his skin a bit more shiny, his mouth almost curling into a smile. Or was that just wishful thinking?
Castiel dozed off thinking about if comatose people could really her the world around them or was that just a romantic notion invented by those left to watch them wither and slowly perish, just to make themselves feel better because there was nothing else they could do for them. It was around 2 in the morning when Castiel startled awake, immediately winching at the cramp in his neck. It took him a moment to realize what had woken him, and as soon as he did, he was by Dean's side in an instant, gasping seeing the state of the man he loved. Heavy, silent tears rolled down his cheeks and his face was screwed up in pain and fear while he kept whaling and whispering pleas, begging someone to stop.
"Dean... Dean, wake up. It's... It's just a nightmare, it isn't real." Castiel said slowly, quietly, not to startle Dean awake and risk him further injuring himself. And like he was incited to, like he heard the worry and care in Castiel's voice, he opened his eyes and in an instant, all the fear and pain drained from his face, replaced by a relieved smile and a spark of joy in his eyes. "Hey, there..." Castiel said, not even sure what that came from, but feeling some sort of warmth spread deep in his chest.
"-ass..." Dean tried and closed his eyes, as a blush crept on his face. That didn't come out right. Not as Castiel's full name, not even an attempt if his name of endearment. Still, Cas chuckled, amazed how with one single syllable, Dean managed to lighten the mood.
"So..." Dean tried after he opened his eyes, but Castiel stopped him.
"It's ok, Dean, I know what you meant. And I am glad this little mistake brought some color to your face." Castrol said. He saw Dean looking up and glancing at his brother and Castiel felt the need to assure him. "He is here. We won't be leaving him."
And even though it sounded like they were just simply staying in his room until further notice, that statement bore a little bit more meaning to it, one that Castiel felt it was too early for Dean to discover. He needed his rest and his sleep, he didn't need to get his hopes up because of what Castiel thought could be done for Sam. It wasn't as simple as stopping the sedation. There were so many unforseen consequences that might come up and he needed to discuss them with Tony first.
Sam could wait until morning. But Dean could not.
Dean just had a nightmare, probably a very harsh, scarring one, if the redness in his eyes was any indication. Castiel needed to calm him, to make sure he was ok and to help him get more rest. Since Dean was turned slightly away from Castiel, not being able to lie directly on his back due to the stitches in his anus, Castiel chose to use the access he had to Dean's back and rub soothing circles between his shoulder blades.
Dean let out a long breath and leaned into the touch, closing his eyes. A few deep breath turned into something close to purring and Castiel smiled, filling like he was finally able to do something to help Dean, to make him relax and forget about the trauma, if only for a few moments. When Dean opened his eyes a minute of so later, he looked at Cas with a tremendous amount of gratitude and admiration, but as he scanned him, his tired eyes, his over-a-few-days old stubble and his missing tie but an ever-present trenchcoat, he couldn't help the sigh that escaped him.
"It's alright, Dean. Go on, rest, try to sleep some more. I'll be right here, okay?" Castiel said, not interpreting Dean's look as one of worry for his well being, because this wasn't about him, this was about Dean, about what Dean wanted and what Dean needed.
And apparently Dean needed to tug his hand.
And Dean needed to make undefinable sounds made out of "...phm...tmp...hmh..."
And Dean needed to pull his hand and curl his arms around it, leaving Castiel in an very awkward position in which he had only two choices. Take his hand back, yanking it out of Dean's embrace, or... Lie on the bed next to him.
Which was probably what Dean wanted. And needed.
Slowly and very carefully, Cas climbed next to him fully dressed, kicking off his shoes as he went up. His ass kind of dangled off the edge of the bed, but he made sure Dean didn't try and scoot away to give him more room, it was enough and besides, Dean shouldn't move.
The moment Castiel's arm hugged Dean and Castiel came closer to embrace him, his whole body leaning against Dean's, Castiel tensed. He forgot Dean has been through an extremely traumatic event and that this kind of a contact could trigger him, but Dean just seemed to purr again, melting against the warmth of another body by his side.
Like he knew what Castiel was thinking and worrying about, he managed "Safe." in one silent breath, easing Castiel's mind and letting him know this was exactly what he needed. And for the first time in over a week, Dean was back in Castiel's arms, safe and loved, and everything was right with the world once again. Castiel felt that gaping hole inside his chest fill and he finally let himself relax, and drift off to the dreamworld listening to Deep Purple's "Soldier of fortune".
Castiel woke as the warm rays if sun shone upon his face, coming out of that daze of a dream. In it, unlike in this current position, he was holding Dean more closely, his hands caressing the blond man's arms, chest and shoulders all the while whispering sweet proclamations of love in his ear. He would hear Dean's breath stutter from excitement, feel the goosebumps spreading across his skin, and Castiel would kiss down from his shoulder along his arm, slowly, carefully, lovingly. And just that. Nothing else. Completely happy to just have him in his arms and stay like that forever.
Bon Jovi's voice brought his attention to the still working iPod and he could think that maybe it was that song that spurred on his dream...
With an ironclad fist
I wake up and french kiss the morning
While some marching band keeps
Its own beat in my head
While we're talking
About all of the things that I long to believe
About love and the truth and what you mean to me
And the truth is, baby you're all that I need
I wanna lay you down in a bed of roses
For tonight I sleep on a bed of nails
Oh, I wanna be just as close as the Holy Ghost is
And lay you down on a bed of roses
And it was true, the bed of nails, it was the most awkward position to sleep, half dangling off the bed, his arm prompted up for a pillow, the other holding Dean tight, but not to tight, because it might hurt him or it might trigger him. And still, it was the best sleep he had in over a week.
Gradually and with much reluctance, he peeled himself off Dean and moved to get off the bed, taking a deep gasping breath when he noticed a figure in his chair. Immediately calming upon meeting the smile of his friend, he huffed in slight annoyance of being caught in a somewhat discriminating position. Not that Tony would ever say anything.
"Morning." Tony greeted and Castiel just nodded, picking up his shoes to put them back on. As the room came into focus, Castiel could see the curtains drawn, but the bright sun still shone and it's rays managed to sneak in the room, bright and strong. Castiel frowned.
"What time is it?" His gruff voice made Dean stir so he made a note to whisper from now on, as not to wake him.
"It's almost 7." Tony responded and watched Castiel, awaiting for his reaction. Castiel wanted to shout out, confused and slightly angry at his friend for not waking him up, but for Dean's sake he managed to get himself under control.
"Why... Why didn't you wake me? How long have you been here? Did you get a chance to..." His anger dissipated into eagerness to deal with the situation at hand.
"It's taken care of, Castiel." Tony simply said.
"Wwhat?!" Castiel really took an effort in trying not to shout.
"I got here just after 5, after my shift. Nurse Meg Masers was here, making sure no other nurses bothered you and after I introduced myself, she showed me Sam's charts and all the drugs that were administered. And you were right, Castiel. At the beginning, Sam was indeed in a comatose state for about a year and a half, but after that he slowly started to wake. As far as I gathered, his next of kin - that would be Azazel Gold - was notified and he must have made a deal of sorts with doctor Helbreder, probably to make regular payments to keep Sam down under. " Tony explained.
"From what Meg told me, Sam was actually pretty strong and managed to fight the medication and wake a few times, making doctor Helbreder having to up his dose. Meg tried to sooth Sam on a few occasions and try to explain it to him, and to maybe avoid alerting the doctor he needed a change in dosage, but Sam was too incoherent and his mind overstimulated to understand what she was trying to say. Basically, he was all over the place." Tony added and saw the worry wrinkle on Castiel's forehead.
"I know it doesn't sound like it, but it is actually good news. Means that Sam is still in there. If he was calm, unresponsive after his awakenings, that would be a reason to worry, as it might indicate no brain activity, but this... There is hope, Castiel."
Castiel let out a breath he didn't eve know he was holding, and a small smile crept on his face as he glanced over at Dean and Sam. He couldn't even imagine Dean's reaction to the news, but he could imagine the wide smile he would have after he processed the news and it made Castiel feel warm and fuzzy in his chest. Still, the situation that brought them here was not... But at least this will be a bright moment in Dean's life and Castiel could only hope it could outshine the events that followed up to this.
Not that it served to diminish what happen to Dean and make his feelings about it less important, but to at least give him something good, give him hope and something to look forward to. Castiel only wished that he wasn't giving Dean false hope and end up with a man more broken then ever before.
"As for doctor Helbreder..." Tony started tentatively and Castiel snapped his eyes at him, sharp focused. "...I know you wanted to make sure he paid for what he did, but I have already taken care of that. Half an hour ago, police knocked on his door, informed him that he had lost his medical licence, was fired and will be taken into custody to await for trial. Brady, with Charlie's and Nick's help already filed a malpractice lawsuit, and together we have set things in motion. Benny and Balthazar filled us in on some other details that helped and... I know you wanted to personally attend to this, Castiel, but we all felt it was more important for you to be with Dean and focus on him right now. We got this."
Castiel was speechless.
He was always good and kind to the people around him, only a few of them he considered his friends, and just because they themselves proclaimed as such, like Tony and Nick, but the fact was, he had considered them all good people. He just never thought, never could have anticipated they would come together like this to help him. To help someone he cared about. Tony came closer and set his hand on Castiel's shoulder, and spoke before he walked out of the door.
"I am going to head out and catch some shut eye, I had a double shift, but I will come by later today to check up on you guys. We could discuss moving them both somewhere more... Comfortable, in a few days. Let the others do the rest regarding justice and setting things right, you just focus on Dean. We are here for you so that you could be there for him."
Author's note: This week has been hell work-wise, so I didn't have time to work on this chapter until yesterday, but when I sat down, words just flew right out of me. I just wanted to have this up for you this Saturday. Still, it feels strange for me not to have the chapter reread a few times before posting it, so I would love to hear what you thought of it.