"I need you to listen to me very carefully." Castiel wanted nothing more than to go to his omega, being away for him while Dean was suffering was excruciating, but he knew he had to heed Michael's words. The elder alpha set his hands on either of his shoulders, grounding him and making Castiel completely focus on him, and he should have been feeling cornered, he should have wanted to tear the alpha apart for keeping him away from his omega, but he didn't. He knew this was too important, and it concerned Dean as well.
"I don't know if you figured it out yet, but there is something more about this omega, more than just…" Michael trailed off, averting his eyes. He clearly didn't want to call Dean a breeder, even if they thought that was what he was. Castiel understood, he empathized, just like for him, it was hard to see the omega as they did, as something less than a human being.
"I know." Castiel said, lifting his hand and placing it on Michael's upper arm. It was both to inform him that he sensed it too, but also to comfort the elder alpha. "There was more to their plan, but as far as I can tell, only the king knows exactly what it is. I am not sure if the Cardinal or the prince knew."
"I doubt James knew, the king wouldn't intrust him with any real vital information." Michael said, lifting his gaze back to meet Castiel's. He paused, looking deep into Castiel's eyes, then let out a small sign. "I think… I think the king believes that the prince… That you changed. He sees this stronger, bolder person and… I believe he thinks that the attack had something to do with it. And I… I don't know if that is a good thing…" There was so much concern flashing in the alpha's eyes, gone in less than a millisecond, but Castiel saw it. Michael took a deep breath and stepped away, averting his eyes once more.
"I will try to speak to the Cardinal before his death, perhaps I could persuade him to reveal some information… If not… We could try the prince." Michael said, dropping his eyes closed and shaking his head. Castiel had no idea how to feel about it, about his twin that had taken his place in the dungeons. And honestly, he had more important things to worry about right now, so he compartmentalized it for later.
Michael let out a heavy sigh as he turned towards Castiel's room, and the younger alpha fell into step beside him, eager to see Dean. "He must be scared." Michael whispered sadly, and Castiel simply swallowed and then took a deep breath to calm himself.
"I will need your help to check on him…" He said, but when Castiel's eyes snapped up at him, giving the elder musketeer a sharp look, Michael waved it off as if he knew exactly why Castiel was reaching in such a way. "... I won't touch him. He doesn't need any more strange people in his space. No, you will help me, by checking on him and telling me your observations, alright?"
"Yes." Castiel answered simply as they reached the door, then slowly entered the room so as not to startle the hurt omega.
While he was away, Dean managed to drape his blanket over his body, but still remained in the same position, curled in a ball with his arms as shields in front of him. As Castiel neared the bed, he saw the omega was covered in a layer of sweat, his whole skin glistering with it, as he shook with coldness. The sight made Castiel's chest ache, and he had no strength left in his body, falling down on his knees next to the bed, unable to tear his eyes away from the little creature that resided in his bed.
What little of his face Castiel could see, his entire left side, most of it buried in the pillow, was bright purple, but the alpha could have sworn it wasn't as big when he saw him mere moments ago. In fact, as his eyes roamed over every little detail of the omega's face, he could see more discoloration to his face. There were purple bags under his eyes, not swollen, almost as if someone put a swipe of makeup under his eyes. But no, if it were makeup, it would have been ruined by the tears that slowly slid down his cheek and nose. Dean's breath was slow and shallow, his lips trembling and purple as well, a small sound of teeth chattering barely reaching Castiel.
"Touch him." Michael said, his voice so soft and low, Castiel thought for a moment that he imagined it.
"What?" He asked, not sure he heard the elder alpha well.
"We need to know if he is hot or cold. If he is hot, that means he went into heat, but if he is cold…" Michael's words were still really quiet, as if he didn't wish for his voice to disturb the omega.
"Then what? What happens then?" Castiel asked as if he didn't know omega biology. They ran hot, especially during their heats, as their body prepared for insemination, creating a perfectly warm environment for the fertilized eggs who would grow to be big, strong puppies. Exposing an omega to cold is like dousing the fire with water, it would cause it to flicker; add enough and it would kill the fire altogether.
"Then we would have to try and keep him warm. Touch him, tell me how his skin feels." Michael persisted, and Castiel slowly dragged his eyes away from him, and back to the omega. Tenderly, he reached, his hand shaking, and set only the tips of his fingers on Dean's shoulder. His skin felt clammy to the touch as if he was overheating, but he was in fact stone cold.
Castiel's eyes fell closed as he tried to regain himself and stop the tears that were swelling up in his eyes. Michael must have taken it as confirmation as another heavy sigh fell from his lips. Castiel forced his eyes open to look at the poor little omega, the hurtful sight a punishment not nearly enough for Castiel. He should have been more careful, he should have checked that Elias knew. He should have worked harder to get Dean out. He should have saved him. He failed.
"He is cold. So cold." Castiel sounded so defeated, and clearly, Michael understood, giving him a moment to recollect himself before speaking up again. "I can see he is also sweating, but that's good, he will flush the toxin out of his body. You need to keep him hydrated. Hydrated and warm. Open his eyelids, how do his eyes seem?"
"Glassy." Castiel's words were but a whisper, his fingertips closing the eye, unable to stand the empty look.
"That's… That's okay. He's going to come to, eventually. He just needs all of his strength in his body right now, not his mind." Michael said, not sounding completely convinced, the words meant more as comfort than an actual prediction. But it didn't matter. Castiel would do whatever it took.
"I can see by the small rise and fall of his chest that his breathing is shallow, but that is to be expected considering his condition…" Michael talked, but Castiel was barely listening, breathing heavily, too tired, too drained. He nodded when Michael said he would send over another guard to bring water and food and to remain as Benjamin's second, so that he could be sent to retrieve whatever they may need. He nodded when Michael said he would make excuses for him for the next few days, under the pretense that he wasn't feeling well. He nodded when Michael reminded him to give the omega plenty of water and said his goodbye.
He nodded to an empty room.
His hand still lay stretched over towards the omega, close, but not touching and he stared at it blindly, his thoughts too jumbled to make any sense right now. Yet his mind wouldn't let him drift off, his subconscious waiting for something beyond Castiel's comprehension.
That was until a soft knock came. Mechanically, Castiel stood up and walked to the door, opening it to find a very strange looking alpha on the other side with a wide smile on his face.
"Evening, Your Majesty. I brought fresh water and a basket of fruit as Mr. Michael requested. I do hope you feel better, and I will be right by the door, so don't hesitate to call on whatever you need." The scrawny looking alpha said slowly and silently, soothingly even. He was an odd one, he looked like an omega with his soft features and tiny frame, maybe he could pass as a beta. The only thing giving him away was his scent of metal, leather, dirt and ink.
"Thank you…" Castiel trailed off, not because he didn't know the name to this excessively smiling face, but because a part of his brain was trying to tell him that the prince wasn't supposed to show gratitude.
"Gartholomew. But you can call me Garth. Good night, Your Highness." Odd alpha, indeed. Castiel hadn't given him much thought even as Garth introduced himself to Benjamin and immediately shortened his name to Benny. Instead, Castiel put the big water jug and the fruit basket on the table, then poured the water into a small cup.
He tried to figure out how best to give the omega a sip without disturbing him much, but in the end he knew he would have to lift Dean's chin. As soon as he made contact, the omega's shivers subdued just a tiny bit and Castiel used his thumb to part his lips and pour some water in his mouth, hoping that Dean's body would recognize the action and swallow the liquid without choking on it. A few drops ran down his jaw, but thankfully, the omega gulped most of it down.
Pleased that he managed to do this without screwing up, Castiel returned the cup to the table, feeling thirsty as well, but denying himself the luxury of a drink. Instead, he turned around, and looked at the poor shivering creature with so much regret and sorrow in his heart. He walked around, remembering there was a duvet in the large chest by the dresser and he retrieved it, slowly draping it over the omega even if it was late spring and it was really hot inside. Lastly, Dean stopped shaking.
Castiel knelt back by the bed again, leaning his upper body on it while his eyes fell upon Dean once again. Even hurt and purple, he was beautiful, but the bruises still hurt Castiel, he felt as if they were his fault. At least once Dean woke up, he could tell him that the Cardinal had taken his last breath and that he was burning in hell. He would not be able to touch Dean ever again. He would not be able to harm Dean ever again. Nobody ever would.
Castiel slowly woke, a grunt escaping his lips. Every muscle in his body felt sore as he found himself still sitting by the bed, his hand sprawled on it, outstretched towards the sleeping omega. The sun must have just risen, the entire room eliminated in an orange hue. Castiel moved, stretching his legs, back and arms, then swung his head towards Dean to check on him.
Even under the heavy covers the omega had begun to shake again, his paler skin creating an awful contrast to his purple bruises, but what really caught Castiel's attention were the small whining sounds that fell from those quivering lips. Dean's eyes were still closed, his brows curled in discomfort, his lips parted and dry, probably from inhaling through the mouth. Castiel allowed another grunt to escape him as he rose to his feet, but other than that he didn't even think to complain. Instead, he walked to retrieve more water, and made sure the omega took a few sips, once again, titling his head with his hand, and parting his lips with his thumb. He didn't notice right away, but Dean stopped wailing as soon as he touched him and his shivers slowed while the alpha made him drink. As soon as he let go, the omega went back to his silent crying.
Castiel paused, looking down at the shaking man with slight curiosity. He didn't think Dean would want to be touched after the whole ordeal with Zachariah, but he wasn't even completely conscious, so maybe that was just his body reacting?
His thoughts were interrupted by Garth knocking on the door, bringing in a light breakfast consisting of more fruit, yogurt and toast, along with some tea and more fresh water. Castiel cleared the small nightstand and put food there, and what couldn't fit, he placed on the ground, deciding that getting up to reach it all was unnecessary and maybe… Counterproductive? It would be if what Castiel thought of worked.
The alpha settled back on the ground next to the bed, organizing the food so it was easy to reach, then took a deep breath. Sending a silent prayer that he won't make things worse, he reached forth, slowly snaking his hand under the duvet and the blanket and tentatively setting it on the omega's bare shoulder. The effect was instentagious. Dean stopped shaking, and his whining turned into one long hum as he visibly relaxed under the touch. His skin was still icy cold, and Castiel supposed it was the warmth of his hand that was helping him right now. Dean's breaths deepened and he seemed to have fallen into a deeper slumber, making Castiel wonder if the poor thing even slept through the night.
Castiel took a peach and some yogurt, and settled to eat. He left some yogurt for Dean, and other fruit too, but he suspected the tea and the toast would be better for him in this condition. The alpha ate, spending the entire time watching over Dean while the omega slept, tracing each and every freckle dusted across his cheeks and nose. Those perfect plump cherry lips were still slightly pale-purple and chipped, but Castiel decided to let Dean sleep for a little bit, to rest, before he woke him to give him more liquid.
It was two hours later that Dean finally moved, if his lips parting in an exhale could count as movement. Castiel's entire lower body felt numb, but he didn't care, raising from the sitting position to just the kneeling one so that he could reach Dean. He picked up the teapot with luke-warm tea in it, scent of mint and honey reaching his nostrils as he poured the liquid into the cup. Good, mint was good for the stomach and honey had soothing properties as well, this should help settle a bit of Dean's hunger too. He was pleased that the honey was already mixed in the tea so that he didn't need to let go of Dean's shoulder while he poured the tea, having his hand touching a part of Dean made him felt like he was contributing to his healing, like he was passing on his own energy, allowing it to spread across the omega's body and keep him warm.
There was a split second where his left hand lifted off the omega's shoulder to travel to his face in order to help him drink the tea and Castiel was really surprised by Dean's short displeased whine followed by a very deep relaxing sigh as Castiel's fingers curled under his chin while his thumb sweeped right under his lower lip, pulling the skin to part them open. As he carefully poured some warm tea in his mouth, his thumb twitched to run across that lower lip, not to selfishly feel it, but to hopefully wipe that pale color and make them puffy and cherry red once again. If only it would be that easy. If only one simple touch could be enough to erase this sickness, to make Dean healthy and well again.
Dean's lips made tiny smacking sounds as they parted and closed a few times; he clearly liked the taste of the tea, but Castiel worried about giving him too much at once, so he set the half-drunk cup on the nightstand, deciding to wait a bit before he gave him more. The alpha observed his charge for a moment, trying to figure out if his touch was indeed helping. As he tried to pull his hand away, the omega followed his fingers, chasing back the touch, so Castiel returned his hand, cupping his cheek and pressing his palm into the cold skin. Dena leaned into it, and no, Castiel's heart did not skip a beat.
The alpha knelt by the bed, holding Dean's face and just watching him.
After about an hour, and after he managed to give Dean two whole cups of tea, Castiel was ready to sit back down, the rough floor not doing his knees any favours, despite the sheet that was under him. Biting his lower lip, Castiel tried to figure out how to reposition his hand, because when he sat down and let Dean's hand fall back down to the pillow, it would perhaps be uncomfortable, or suffocating for Dean. A shoulder would be a better option, but how could he reach it without breaking skin contact?
No, that wasn't the question. The question was - should he reach it without breaking the skin contact?
He wanted to, he really did, but was it appropriate? Of course it wasn't, Castiel shook his head, expelling the excuses and questions out of his head. He knew he shouldn't do this, he knew it wasn't right, but the omega responded so well to his touch, this should help him. Before he could chicken out, Castiel took a deep breath and slowly started moving his hand.
He wanted to use only the tips of his fingers, but his hand moved on it's own accord pressing his entire palm as it travelled under his jaw, tentatively moving down his neck. Castiel gasped as the omega moved his head so that more of his neck was exposed, and Castiel's inner alpha purred as his hand slowly dragged down to the collarbone, then slowly moved back up to the tip of his shoulder. Feeling dazed at the sight of his hand leaving a warm trail across his omega's skin, Castiel moved his hand down to the shoulder blade before he stopped himself.
What was he doing? Shame washed over him as he quickly returned his hand back to the tip of his shoulder, hating himself for allowing this weakness. But then Dean let out a hum, such a pleased little sound, rolling his shoulder towards Castiel's warm palm, soothing the alpha's guilt. It was true what all those biology books said - omegas crave touch. It helps them calm and heal, so this should be beneficial for Dean.
Castiel settled back down to the sitting position, taking in one deep breath and letting it out, his eyes never leaving his omega. His skin wasn't as ashen as it was before, some color coming back to his cheeks and Castiel relaxed only a tiny bit knowing that Dean's state was improving. No matter how much time it took, Castiel would remain by his side to make sure it remained that way.
Author's note: The previous chapter came a bit short, so it is messing with my plan, and I had to cut this one short too, as I wanted to portray the whole recovery process, but you guys only get some of it. So sorry, but there is a future chapter that simply has to start at one specific moment and… Yeah, I am ranting. Never mind, ignore this. Just write me a comment, tell me if you liked this.