Castiel slowly moved his cart through the store. He was doing a supply run for the Winchesters. He had volunteered to do so, and Sam helpfully provided a detailed list. Dean had also helpfully told him to "not fuck it up."
The food items were a stark mix of things he knew had nutritional value and things he knew caused more harm than good. He briefly considered not purchasing them, but decided against the action. They were on the list and he had instructions.
The store was large, with half devoted to groceries and half devoted to home items. He had no reason to look at the home items-he did not need things after all-but he still looked down a few aisles.
The baby supply aisle caused a small pang in his chest. Jack did not need them. The Nephilim had been so scared when he was born that he'd aged himself up to be able to defend himself. Castiel should have been there so that hadn't been needed. Instead, he'd been dead.
After the baby aisles came the children's toys. He wasn't sure if Jack needed any of them. Jack's age was nebulous. He knew the Winchesters treated him like an adult. Cas had a harder time thinking of Jack in that way. He still remembered feeling Jack moving while inside Kelly. He remembered the happiness and fear he felt at the prospect of caring for a baby.
Now that baby was grown and he did not know him. He did not know his likes or dislikes. His fears. His goals. Jack had brought him back from the Empty, but now that he'd met him, did he even want Cas to continue to raise him? He had the Winchesters, after all. Cas was nothing compared to them.
Something caught his eye. It was foolish, but he picked one and placed it in the cart.
Back at the bunker he placed the groceries in the kitchen and went to find Jack. Jack was in his room, watching something on the laptop. He caught colorful animation before Jack closed it.
"How are you doing?" he asked.
"I'm okay," Jack replied. "Are you?"
"I am well." He felt like he should say more, but he didn't know what. Clutching his bag, he looked away. "Have a good evening."
"What's that?" Jack asked, looking at the bag.
"It's...a gift for you," he said and handed the bag to Jack.
Jack pulled out the teddy bear, looking confused. "What is it?"
"A teddy bear. It's a comfort item."
"Comfort item," Jack repeated, examining the bear. He squeezed the arms and legs, finding them cushiony. A slow smile on his face as he held the bear to his chest and hugged it.
Cas turned to go but paused at the door. "I am sorry that I was not there for you when you needed me. I understand if you do not want me now."
"What? Why would I not want you? When you were...dead...all I wanted was you with me. I know that you are not my father but...my mother said you were to take care of me."
"I did promise her."
Jack smiled and Cas felt warmth spread through his chest. He looked at the bear. "You like it?"
"Yes. Thank you, Castiel. It will provide...comfort."