Cas raced to Dean's room, expecting to see some sort of fight; an intruder perhaps. But instead he found the hunter asleep, clearly in the throes of a nightmare. His fists were clenching the sheets, brow shining from perspiration. His face was contorted as if in pain, but the only sounds he made were tiny whimpers.
If it wasn't for the bond they shared, Cas never would have known Dean was suffering silently.
"Dean," Cas turned on the lamp and sat at his bedside, gently shaking his shoulder.
The hunter gasped, sitting straight up. His eyes opened wide and Cas could see the terror fade as Dean recognized that he wasn't in danger.
"Cas?" He ran a hand through his hair. "W-what are you doing here?"
"You were having a nightmare." The angel explained.
"Sorry." Dean cleared his throat. "I hope I didn't wake Sam up."
"No, you were being very quiet."
"Then how-?"
"I could feel it."
"Of course you could." Dean rubbed his eyes.
"What were you dreaming about?"
Dean almost told him to buzz off; that it was none of his business. But the way his friend was looking at him...worry in those kind blue eyes...he couldn't bring himself to lie.
"Hellhounds." He shuddered, even saying the word. "The case we worked...there was a Hellhound..." He couldn't even finish a sentence. Just thinking about those glowing red eyes, shadowy figure, and razor sharp claws...he couldn't breathe.
"Dean!" Cas put one hand on his shoulder, and the other grasped his hand. "You need to calm down."
"Easy...for you to...say..." He wheezed.
"It's okay," Cas squeezed his hand. "Breathe...You're safe. They can't hurt you anymore."
"I know," His breathing was slowly returning to normal, but he was shaking. Trembling like a leaf in the wind. "It's just, s-sometimes I can still feel their breath on my neck, their...c-claws in my chest." He stuttered.
Cas frowned, then stared at Dean's chest thoughtfully. Their hands were still intertwined, and Cas slowly moved them up under Dean's shirt. The hunter flinched, but didn't pull his hand away. "What are you doing...?"
"Do you trust me?"
Dean nodded, a blush creeping up on his freckles.
With Cas's hand on top of his, the angel slid their hands up his chest to rest above his heart.
"Do you feel that?" He murmured.
"My heartbeat...?"
"Smooth skin. No claw marks. Healthy, beating heart. You're alive, Dean."
The hunter drew a quivering breath. "Yeah,"
Cas let go of his hand, and Dean coughed awkwardly. "So, um, can you 'feel' it every time I have a nightmare?"
"Most of the time, yes. It seems to be a frequent occurrence for you, especially lately."
"Jesus, I'm sorry, man." Dean looked away.
"It's alright. I just wish I was here to help you every night."
Dean met his gaze, expression unreadable. But Cas could feel his soul aching for contact; for comfort. Subconsciously, Dean wanted Castiel to be there.
"I could be, you know." He said quietly, studying Dean's face carefully to gauge his reaction.
"You're always welcome here at the Bunker, Cas. We could make up one of the spare rooms, and-"
"I don't sleep."
"I know, but it's kinda nice to have your own space."
"Or...I could stay here in your room. Watch over you."
Cas waited for Dean to tell him 'no fuckin' way,' and that it was 'creepy', like the last time he'd mentioned it. But he didn't. He was silent for a moment, and then replied, "You would do that for me?"
"Of course."
Dean rubbed the back of his neck. "I dunno, it might be kinda boring."
"Watching you is never boring," The angel assured.
"Does that mean you do it often?" Dean smirked.
It was Cas's turn to blush. "You should try to sleep again."
Dean looked uncertain. "Every time I close my eyes...I see them. The Hellhounds."
"I'll be here." Cas repeated. He reached to turn out the light, but Dean stopped him.
"Could you leave it on?" He asked sheepishly.
"Of course."
Dean reluctantly laid back down, but didn't close his eyes. "Cas?" He asked, suddenly sounding very small.
"Yes, Dean?"
"It, uh, helps when you touch me. Would you mind...?" He slid over, making room for Cas to lie next to him on the bed.
"Are you sure?" The angel's heart jumped at the opportunity, but he didn't want to make Dean uncomfortable.
"Please,"
That's all it took. Cas kicked off his shoes and removed his overcoat before climbing into bed, facing Dean.
"What?"
Dean was staring at him with an unmistakable look in his eyes. "Nothing," He licked his lips. "That was just, uh, way hotter than I expected it to be." He chuckled nervously. "Sorry,"
"You don't have to apologize. I find you very attractive as well."
Dean swallowed hard. "I'm not...very good at talking sometimes."
"I know." Cas nodded.
"Thanks," Dean laughed. "But I mean, I want you to know...how I feel about you."
"I already know."
"Really?" Dean looked slightly horrified. "How?"
"Our bond. I can feel your soul calling for me. I can sense the love you have for me. I just wasn't sure...what kind of love." He said hesitantly.
Dean slid closer to him, until their noses were almost touching. He gently laid a hand on Cas's cheek, and pressed their lips together. It was a soft, chaste kiss, but there was so much love behind it.
"Does that answer your question?" Dean asked, voice rough.
"Yes," Cas said breathlessly.
"Why didn't you say anything?"
"I...didn't want to lose you. I was under the impression that you were strictly heterosexual."
Dean shrugged. "I swing both ways, but I've been in denial for way too long."
"I am glad you've realized this."
"Me too," Dean's eyelids were drooping.
"Sleep," Cas said, tenderly kissing his forehead.
The hunter let himself start to drift, but his eyes sprung open after only a few seconds.
"Cas," He whimpered. "I can still see their claws."
"Shh," Cas pulled him closer, until Dean's head was resting against his chest.
"I can feel your heartbeat!" He said with wonder. "I thought you didn't have one."
"My vessel is still human," Cas smiled. "I maintain respiration and the circulation of blood throughout the body."
"So, in English, you still breathe and have a heartbeat."
"That was English." Cas said, confused.
Dean chuckled. "You're adorable." He yawned.
Cas gently ran his fingers through the hunter's soft brown hair. "You are quite endearing as well."
"Mmm," Dean mumbled something that sounded vaguely like a protest, but was soon fast asleep in Castiel's arms.
He hadn't been lying when he said watching Dean was never boring. From this angle he couldn't see the hunter's face, but he could feel every breath. Every sleepy sigh. He continued to stroke the hunter's hair, marveling at how soft it was.
He could stay like this forever.