The doctor came and the doctor left. She had prescribed Dean some medication looking a lot like the one Sam had already acquired. Castiel hadn't failed to notice the looks Dean had given her. There was no hint of fear in his eyes; instead they were filled with something Castiel couldn't quite put his finger on. Something that had made him experience a mix of emotions he had never felt before. He was sure Dean had never looked at him like that.

And the medicine had made Dean better. It had worked. He had been well enough to eat and go out. He had looked so much better with a grin lighting up his face. But then his fever had returned. Higher than before, but not by much. He had gone back to resting for most of the day and Castiel had been contended to sit by him. He was joined by Sam a lot and it was no longer awkward between the two of them.

Still, Dean's condition had continued to worsen for days. Until it had gotten to the stage it's at now, where it can't seem to get any worse.

Castiel tries not to wince as Dean reaches for a tissue, the soft paper dragging along his scarred, red nose. His lips are cracked from being able to breathe through only his mouth and his dull green eyes move slowly around. Castiel often notices Dean looking in his direction, although he is unsure of how much he can see.

Dean moves his hands and tries to push himself into a seated position. Castiel quickly places a hand under each shoulder, easing him up. It's horrible for Castiel to see Dean like this and be unable to help. His powers should be able to heal something as simple as this! The medicine should have healed Dean. It's agonising to sit here hour after hour and watch Dean struggle with the simple task of breathing. He often finds himself placing his hand on Deans forehead again and again without any conscious effort. Trying over and over to heal him, and failing.

***************

Time passes with barely any notice. Castiel is unable to think of anything but Dean. Hoping, praying that he will be alright. That things can go back to normal. He doesn't notice when it grows dark outside, or when the sun rises again.

He does notice when Dean coughs. The way it sounds so painful. He notices the way Deans face is always covered with a shiny layer, his skin always warmer than it should be. He notices, and he worries.

"Caaaas" Dean moans quietly.

Castiel's head whips up at the sound of Dean's voice - something he hasn't heard for days.

"You don't have to sit there. You... can leave"

"You want me to go?" Castiel frowns.

"No," Dean pauses "At least don't sit so far away"

Castiel moves the short distance to the bed, sitting on the edge by Dean's feet.

"That's a little better" Dean says without even opening his eyes.

Dean then sinks back into sleep, leaving Castiel to his thoughts. He touches the Eldest Winchesters hand, leaning over to do so. He once again notices the over warm temperature.

***************

It takes him a while, longer then it usually would, to realise that Dean's breathing sounds hoarser. With a quick hand to the forehead he also realises that Dean's temperature is slightly higher. He gets up and quickly covers the distance to Sam's bed. He gently shakes Sam awake.

"Sam, it's Dean" is all that is needed. He can see the fear flicker through Sam's eyes as he tries to hide his own.