"What? What is it?!" Sam doesn't even wait for an answer, but is across the room in a few strides. Checking Dean's temperature. His panicked movements show his fear. He can't go through losing his brother again, he won't survive, won't make it. Not twice.

"Shit, we have to get you to a hospital, man" Sam says, trying to shake him awake softly.

"... hospital?!" Dean practically whispers, "Would rather die." A small smile lighting up his face. He doesn't mean it, they all know that. But Dean has to do something, and talking is just about all he can manage. It's the one small thing he can do to make himself believe that he'll get through this. To make Sam and Cas believe. He needs to get through this.

"Your brother is right, Dean. It was foolish to wait this long in the first place." Sam shoots Castiel a grateful look, Dean seems to listen to him a little more.

"And that is all the say you get. We're going." Sam adds a "now" when Dean looks like he's going to complain. Complain in a whisper that he can barely manage. This is the guy Sam's looked up too his whole life. The one who beat up the kids picking on Sam and who taught Sam pretty much everything he knew. Reduced to a whisper, by a cold. A cold that Castiel can't even heal. An angel of the freaking lord can't heal this cold. Yeah, it's definitely time for the hospital.

"Help me move him into the car?" He asks Castiel. With two of them carrying it'll cause less strain.

"I think it will be quicker if I use my...angel mojo." Castiel half asks.

"I can come right back and get you" He has to assure Sam, "You have all the fake information" Not that he approves of the constant lies they tell the authorities. But, it works for Dean and it's exactly what they need right now. Things to work for Dean.

Sam gives a quick nod and watches as Castiel takes Dean in his arms and, after a brief glance, disappears completely.

***

Dean's body is not heavy. To Castiel it feels lighter than it should, as if the sickness is hollowing out his very insides. Light and very warm. Much, much warmer than it should be, and he finds himself pushing his wings faster. He very much wants to wipe Dean's forehead, remove all the sweat and offer whatever comfort he can. But he is unable to use his hands, so he plants a small kiss there instead.