The Impala swerved wide as it shot from the exit, Dean fighting the wheels as they lost traction and fishtailed on the tarmac before he wrestled control back and floored the gas.
Glancing in the side and rear-view mirrors, he checked their six for any signs of a tail before allowing himself to look at Sam's unconscious form in the backseat next to the angel. He wrung the steering wheel tighter at the sight, his jaw muscles twitching with rage and adrenaline even as he fought to quell his panic.
"How is he? Is he–"
"He's stable."
"Why isn't he awake?"
"It's better for him to rest… And… I need to refocus my energy, before can I heal him fully."
"What the hell Cas!" Dean demanded. "What happened back there?!"
"It was a confrontation you should have waited to have when I was by your side. Or you should have at least informed me."
"Why would I? It was just Jake! Hell, last time we met, he turned tail and ran the moment I shot Azazel. And now he's what? Able to win a face-off with you? How the hell?! You're an angel!"
"I know what I am Dean."
Castiel still had a hand placed on Sam, but as Dean glared at him, he'd swear the angel passed out briefly. Only a split second, if that, but it was enough to temper some of Dean's rage and raise the alarm in him even higher.
"Hey Cas! Hey?! What's going on with you man? C'mon talk to me."
"I am fine Dean," he responded, though his eyes remained closed.
"Like hell you are!" Dean snapped and Cas finally met his gaze in the reflection. "Tell me what's happening!"
Cas seemed to contemplate the request for a moment, before relenting under the intensity of Dean's glare.
"I'm using my power to keep Sam stable."
"That's not what I'm talking about. How was Jake able to do... whatever the hell it was he did back there? I mean I know he's the last surviving super-freak but c'mon!"
"His powers have grown considerably since then. More than we anticipated, it seems."
"To the extent that he could win a fight with you?"
"He did not win."
"He sure as hell isn't on the losing side."
"My powers are somewhat... diminished."
"Why? Because of Jake?"
"No. At least... Not entirely."
"Then what?"
"I am not at full strength."
Dean narrowed his eyes. "Why not?" At the angel's hesitation Dean's frustration resurfaced. "Dammit Cas! Just talk!"
"My trip to Heaven was enlightening but, taxing," he relented, then sensing Dean's questions, spoke again quickly to appease him. "And my business there is not yet concluded. We will discuss it later. For now, I need to focus."
Dean's features clouded over with concern and when he spoke, a vulnerability entered his earnest tone, betraying his underlying fear. "Should I be headed for a hospital Cas? Is that what Sam needs?"
Castiel shook his head in response. "He's stable," he reassured again. "However, I need to recover my energy before I can heal him fully."
"But… you can do it, right? You can heal him... right?"
"Yes."
At the angel's affirmation, Dean exhaled, releasing the breath as though he'd been holding it ever since the confrontation with Jake.
"Dammit Cas," he repeated, though this time with none of the earlier ferocity, his voice now trembling slightly as the adrenaline began to ebb and his panic subsided a little. He took another few shaky breaths before glancing back in the mirror at Sam's pale reflection. The blood was still there, around his mouth, but at least it was dry and there were no indications of any fresh streaks. But still, it shook him to see his brother like that, and he couldn't supress the knee-jerk alarm which the sight triggered again. "You sure he's gonna be okay?"
"Yes."
"Well," he forced himself to focus on the road ahead, forced himself to accept the assurance and reel in his worst fears. "Lucky you came when you did," he conceded.
"It was not luck. I heard you call."
"I didn't call." Dean refuted.
"You prayed."
"No, I didn't. I didn't say anyt–"
"Your soul called out. It was instinctive. You have always reacted this way when it comes to Sam."
Dean squirmed uncomfortably in his seat before the nuances of what Cas had said sunk in.
"What d'you mean 'always'?"
"Throughout your life. You have always placed Sam's safety above your own. And you have always reacted this way when you perceived him to be in danger."
"Yeah, but what do you mean, always?" Dean repeated. "How would you know that?"
"All true prayers, those which arise instinctively from the human heart or soul, reach Heaven. And in your case, Dean, you are Michael's vessel. Heaven has always been aware of you. Heaven has always heard your call."
Dean let that sink in for a moment, before speaking. "So, that means you all heard me when I was a kid? After my mom died? You all heard the me calling out to you up in Heaven. And you did nothing?"
"Dean–"
"Michael did nothing."
"Dean, I–"
"I'm not saying yes to Michael," Dean cut him off, briefly catching the angel's gaze in the mirror again before refocusing on the road. "Unless it's the only option, the absolute last last option, then maybe, as a last resort. But just... There's gotta be another way before it even gets that far. There's gotta be a way to stop Lucifer from ever getting out. And even if he gets out, Michael's way is… It feels wrong, you know? Inside, it just, it feels… I gotta trust my instincts Cas and saying yes to him it… it just doesn't feel right. So…"
Castiel didn't respond, and Dean found that more disconcerting than if the angel had threatened him with an outright smiting. He risked another glance.
"Cas?"
"If that's how you feel Dean, then that's how you feel. We can discuss it later if you want."
"Really?" Dean asked sceptically. "That's it?"
"Yes."
"Okay, well... OK. I was expecting a little pushback, but..."
"Saying yes to Michael may be inevitable since Lucifer's release may be inevitable, as we have been unable to prevent the Seals from breaking and both Lilith and Jake seem intent on making it happen."
Dean shook his head in exasperation. "Why the Hell would Jake want that? Why would anyone want that? I don't get it."
"Power corrupts. And the power of an archangel, it is unimaginable. Most humans would find that irresistible."
"Yeah? Well, most humans are dicks," he shook his head again. "I don't get it," Dean mumbled, rearticulating his incomprehension and Castiel studied him, reminded once more that he wasn't quite like most people.
"For the record Dean, I don't entirely disagree with your decision."
Dean stared at him at that, trying to get a better read on him. "What exactly happened while you were in Heaven?" he asked finally.
"I was trying to find something out... I've not yet finished, but... As I said, it was taxing. We'll talk when I'm done."
Dean wasn't sure whether Cas meant when he was done with healing Sam and recharging his angel battery, or whether he was referring to his mysterious heavenly task. In any case, he bit his tongue, not wanting to distract Cas any further, and instead pulled out his phone, ignoring his own pains which had now started clambering for his attention as he punched the speed dial.
"Bobby, Sam's hurt… No, no, he's gonna be fine, but get Jess and the kids outta the way… I don't care how! Just… Don't let 'em see Sam like this. We're less than an hour out."
He hung up without any further preamble, resisting the urge to glance in the mirror again, instead channelling all his anxiety and fear into the pedal and pushing harder to reach home.
-oOo-
"Oh my God! Sam?!"
Despite Dean's attempted precautions, Jess was waiting for them when they arrived, rushing forward as soon as Cas and Dean had removed the still unconscious Sam from the car. She reached forward laying a hand on his chest, then instantly flinched, withdrawing it as she realised too late that the dark, damp stain covering the entire front of his shirt was fresh blood. Blood which now stained her palm red.
"Oh my God!" she repeated.
"You shouldn't be here Jess," Dean tried to appease gently, even as he glared at Bobby who had also rushed forward and had manoeuvred to take over from Dean in supporting Sam. "What the hell Bobby!" Dean growled, letting the older hunter take his brother's weight, before returning his attention to Jess, voice softening again as he addressed her. "Jess, c'mon. You shouldn't be–"
"I'm his wife!" She cut him off angrily, a fire he hadn't seen in her before, flashing in her eyes and stopping him short. "Try telling me again not to be with him." She glared at him for a moment more, before she seemed to register the multitude of visible injuries which also marred Dean's face.
"Jesus Christ," she whispered, taking in his appearance.
"It's okay. Sam's OK. He's gonna be fine, Jess I swear. Cas is on it. I just didn't want you or the kids to see him passed out like this."
She flicked a glance back towards Sam, stroking his face just as Cas spoke.
"We need to get inside."
Reluctantly, she let her hand fall and stepped aside allowing Bobby and Cas to proceed. Then, noting Dean's state, she moved beside him to provide support, cutting Dean off again just as he opened his mouth to protest.
"Don't even bother telling me not to," she admonished, slipping an arm around his waist. "I can't just stand around doing nothing."
Dean was obliged to coil his arm around her shoulder, and although he tried his damndest not to lean on her, there was no denying that he needed a little support as he hobbled forward.
"I promise you Jess," he repeated gently. "He's gonna be OK."
"And you?"
"Me? I'm fine," he scoffed dismissively.
"If this is your idea of 'fine'," Jess retorted. "Then I'm beginning to seriously doubt your prognosis of Sam."
Dean huffed, partly with the effort of moving and partly in a laugh. "Mine are all just superficial."
"And Sam's? What exactly happened?" At Dean's hesitation Jess persisted. "Please just tell me. Just… I'm sick of not knowing. It's bad enough that Kyle's still out there and I don't know if he's even alive." Her eyes smarted with the acknowledgment, but she blinked them clear, looking away from him and focussing ahead as they moved indoors. "I don't wanna be in the dark anymore."
Dean wavered, his desire to protect his sister-in-law wrestling with the overwhelming anguish that she was clearly trying to keep a handle on. The battle was decided for him as she steadied her pace and clenched her jaw and he felt a strength that he hadn't even considered she might possess radiate from her in the face of this latest development.
"We got jumped by a demon," he confessed. "Well, not just a demon exactly. But Cas got there in time, and he fixed Sam up and I swear Jess, he is fine. Cas' just got him unconscious so's he can heal fully. Give him a day or two, he'll be as good as new. Probably better."
Jess nodded but bit her lip and Dean knew she still wasn't convinced.
"I mean," Dean drawled. "You know what he's like when he's awake right? All hopped up on caffeine and kale and won't sit still," he grinned down at her. "He just needs to rest, that's all, so Cas is keeping him out for a while. OK?"
Jess glanced up at him and actually smiled a little as she nodded again. "OK," but then she frowned. "Get Cas to work his mojo on you too. You look awful."
"I'm fine. He doesn't need to–"
"You're gonna be around Deanna, which is great, but I don't want you looking like you faceplanted on a lawnmower."
Dean quirked an eyebrow, giving her his best smile. "C'mon! I don't look that bad."
"Bad enough."
"I'm still adorable on the inside," he dismissed, before changing the subject. "Where are the kids anyway? And Jo and Ash?"
"Ellen has the kids out back with Sunny. Jo and Ash were out when you called, they should be back soon. Don't blame Bobby for telling me. I overheard. I just… I needed to see Sam, to make sure he's okay."
"He is," Dean repeated again gently. "Trust me. Just needs a little time."
They'd all made to one of the back bedrooms by then, and as Dean eased himself down into a chair, Jess moved away to sit beside Sam on the bed.
"Look, I'm sorry about Jess," Bobby offered quietly as he came to stand near Dean. "I tried to keep her away–"
"It's OK," Dean cut him off, shaking his head. "I get it."
Bobby seemed a little taken aback at Dean's newfound congeniality, giving him a sideward appraisal. "You weren't kidding with that whole apology speech, huh." He received a somewhat petulant look in response so carried on before Dean could revert back to old habits. "What the hell happened to you boys? I thought it was just meant to be a meet and greet?"
"It was," Dean sighed wearily, closing his eyes and letting his head rest back momentarily. "He brought Ruby along."
"Ruby? Don't tell me you got your ass served up to you by a run-o-the mill demon! Weren't you in a devils trap?"
"'Course we were! Jesus Bobby. It was Jake."
"Jake did this? I thought all he had was super strength? Or some basic level psychic juice."
"Yeah well, he must've 'roided up his psychic V8 intake, coz if it hadn't of been for Cas, we wouldn't have made it out of there. But even then," he hesitated. "Bobby, he managed to keep Cas held off. Cas."
"How?"
"I don't know how."
"Was he possessed?"
"No. Least I don't think so. I shot him."
"With the Colt?"
"Yeah. He bled, for a while at least, but it didn't put him down. Not like it should've if he'd been a demon."
"So, he's still human."
"I don't know what he is 'cept he's insane."
"Does he at least wanna take out Lilith?"
"Oh yeah…"
"Well, that's something at least."
"Along with Sam and Kyle too. And anyone else he thinks'll get in his way."
"In his way to what?"
"To being Lucifer's boytoy."
"He actually wants to be Lucifer's vessel?" Bobby removed his cap to run a hand over his scalp. "Balls."
"Yeah. And I don't think we can talk him out of it either. Hell! I doubt there was even two dips worth of crazy sauce left after he was done dunking in it. I'm telling you Bobby, he's," Dean shook his head. "He's not the same guy we met back in Calvary, back at the Devil's Gate. I mean, even with Yellow-Eyes pulling his strings back then, he was still… human, you know. He was sane at least. Hell! I actually felt sorry for him at the time. But now… If I'd known back then this is where he was headed," Dean shook his head again remorsefully. "I should have shot him right there, saved him from whatever he's become. Especially after what I saw at Cold Oak. I should've known."
"It's not your fault, son." Bobby said, features softening as he eyed Dean, sensing his misplaced guilt. "Besides, you said it yourself, he was still human. And you don't kill humans. That's what makes us better than these bastards, remember?" He gave Dean a rueful smile as Cas came to join them.
"How's he doing?" Dean asked referring to Sam.
"Recovering. I've been told I need to 'fix' you."
"Told?" Dean raised an eyebrow, then cocked his head to the side, glancing beyond the angel towards Jess. "Look Cas, Sam takes priority. Then you. I don't know what's going on with you, but if you need to power up, then power up and fix Sam. I can wait. There's nothing wrong with me anyway."
With that he made a move to get up and both Bobby and Cas exchanged a look.
"Where d'you think you're going?" Bobby asked.
Dean gave him a look landing somewhere between perplexed and annoyed. "We need to get a lead on Jake. Find out what's up with him. Find out where he's holed up. Maybe have some answers before he's had time to regroup and take another shot at Sam. Or Kyle. Or both."
"And in your sorry state, you're gonna help with that how exactly?" Bobby queried looking utterly unimpressed before carrying on. "Right now, we need to hit the books. And you ain't in any fit state to even research a can o'beans, let alone a Hells-Angel wannabe."
"I'm fine!" Dean repeated, this time receiving a sceptical look from Cas.
"Dean, you are clearly not fine. Ruby's onslaught has reopened your hunting wounds."
"It's just a few cuts."
"Don't bother argue with the man… angel… whatever," Bobby said as he moved away. "Besides, you do nothing but complain when you're researching, and I ain't in no mood to listen to your belly-aching."
"I give one stupid apology," Dean grumbled, flopping back in the chair. "Suddenly everyone thinks they can boss me around. Not like there's even anything wrong with me." Cas gave Dean an admonishing stare at that, and Dean rolled his eyes. "All right fine, I'm not 100%. But are you fully rebooted? Or recharged, or whatever?" He raised his eyebrows challengingly and Cas opened his mouth to respond, then closed it without answering. "Exactly!" Dean snapped triumphantly. "Sort yourself out, then sort Sam out. I can wait."
Cas sighed. "I can at least improve your appearance, as requested." Without giving him any time to put up a fight, Cas raised his hand to Dean's face. Dean instantly felt the healing effects, and for a moment, he wanted nothing more than to curl into the sensation, the remedial warmth soothingly addictive as it began to heal his myriad of aches and pains, before he jolted back, reluctantly pulling himself away.
"Okay I'm back to looking breath-taking. That's good enough," he reproached gruffly. "Like I said, fix yourself, then fix Sam."
"Sam is fixed. A day or so of rest and he will be fully recovered."
"And you?"
"I need to return to Heaven. My strength will undoubtedly replenish there and… I have unfinished business."
"Are you gonna tell me what that is?"
"Yes. But not yet. When I'm done, I'll know everything."
"Can you at least tell me what it's about? Is it the Seals? Is it Lilith?"
"It's… a betrayal. But I'm not sure to what extent. Or why."
Dean stared at the angel, registering the potential danger Cas was putting himself in.
"Do you need back up? I mean, I don't even know if I can get into Heaven, and I know I'm just a hunter but… Is there anything I can do?"
Cas stared at him a moment, as though caught off guard by the offer, then smiled. "You are more than just a hunter Dean. And of course, you, of all people, can get into Heaven. But no, there is nothing you can do. But… thank you."
Dean shrugged self-consciously, uncomfortable and embarrassed under the sudden scrutiny. "Just… Whatever you're up to Cas, just… Be careful, all right? Don't do anything stupid."
Cas' lips twitched at that, a shadow of something almost like a smirk, and Dean's annoyance reacted instinctively to it.
"What?"
"I think I just understood your human concept of irony." Cas said, then at Dean's confused look he elaborated. "Your advice, given what you and Sam just did."
Before Dean could respond to that, the angel vanished.
tbc
Thank you for reading and thank you B7Bubby, LLBRUCAS and Shazza19 :-)
And sorry for this chapter, I know it feels like filler, but without it the pacing just wasn't working ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Hey, I don't make the rules!
