Sam, Dean and Bobby set to work looking for any suspicious activity in the location Maggie had given them. So far they'd come up with nothing. But their determination wasn't wavering.
Cas was perched blissfully on Dean's lap watching Dean use Sam's laptop to pull up the major local newspapers for the Minnesota area. Dean was having no luck finding abnormal signs in any of the articles. However he wasn't entirely sure whether it was because there was actually nothing to find, or because he kept getting distracted by Cas who was alternating between grooming his wings and poking at Dean playfully.
It was after lunch when they heard someone rattling at Bobby's front door.
Bobby raised himself from his chair behind his desk, trudging down the hallway, Sam and Dean could hear him muttering his complaints about visitors all the way up. Only a moment later Bobby walked back through, Sheriff Jody Mills following behind him, what looked like a couple of police files in her hands.
"Hey boys," She greeted both Sam and Dean cheerfully.
"Heya Sheriff," Dean grinned back as Sam offered a wave.
Jody glanced at Castiel, who was tapping on the laptop keys while Dean wasn't paying attention, "What you been doing Bobby? Picking up strays?" She nodded her head in Cas' direction.
Bobby grunted, "It's a long story. But that's Cas, he's Sam and Dean's angel pal." Jody raised her eyebrows at the word angel, "He's generally more intimidating." Cas shot Bobby a glare at the insult to his current state. "Actually he's the reason I had you put those car warrants out."
"So you'll be pleased to know I found something on one of them then?" She indicated to one of the files in her hand.
"Greatly," Bobby motioned towards the kitchen, "Come and sit down, you want a drink?"
"Beer, if you'll spare one. I'm officially off the clock for the day."
Dean and Sam both headed into the kitchen as well. Dean left Cas with the laptop so he could keep himself entertained; he'd worked out how to use it surprisingly fast. Sam pulled the door closed behind them.
Bobby passed a bottle around to everyone. "What did you find?"
Jody flipped open a file, "This white Sedan. Registered in the name of Jayde Horn. A couple of speed cameras picked up the plates late yesterday afternoon in Minnesota."
"Near Fairmont by any chance?" Sam asked.
"Precisely. What made you say that?"
"Because thankfully, it means we've been looking in the right area."
Sam copied down all the details Jody had bought with her. There were two places that the car kept cropping up. One was near a motel on the outskirts of Fairmont and the other a residential street right in the centre of the main township. It was defiantly a couple of places for them to check out.
Jody had also bought around a couple of case files she wanted Bobby to take a look at, as she suspected supernatural elements were involved. Ever since she'd discovered Bobby's covert lifestyle a lot of unsolved cases started to make a lot more sense. Bobby had been happy to help out whenever he had the chance.
Bobby has half way through explaining how a nest of vampires generally worked when there came a rather loud crash from the adjoining room.
Dean was about to open his mouth to yell at Cas to explain what he was up to in there, when said kid came bolting into the kitchen. Cas jumped up to Dean's lap, and burrowed his way into Dean's neck before Dean could protest. Cas' wings firmly wrapped around himself in what Dean had learned was a defensive position.
"Cas what's wrong?" Dean asked into his ear, rubbing his hands up and down Cas' small sides, trying to calm him. "Did you break something?"
"Demon," Cas mumbled out.
Sam was on his feet and heading into the other room before Dean could put Cas down to help.
"Sam," Bobby started exasperatedly, "Don't panic, it's probably just-"
"Hello Moose," A drawling voice sounded through to the kitchen.
"Crowley?!" They all heard Sam exclaim, "What the hell are you doing here?!"
"Hell? No, just came from there though."
Dean quickly followed after Sam into the other room, Cas still clutched tightly to his chest, Bobby and Jody trailing close behind.
"I am looking for a particular book. I am sure grumpy guts will have a copy of it lying around here somewhere." Crowley muttered, his head stuck into a bookshelf.
"You just thought you'd pop in to borrow a book?" Sam asked confused.
"Bobby?!" Dean rounded on the old hunter, a snarl on his face.
"Don't you get snarky with me boy. I've tried stopping him from coming and going as he pleases. Nothing works," Bobby sighed, as Crowley tossed aside volumes that didn't interest him. "You try stopping the newly appointed King of Hell from taking your stuff while he still has a contract on your soul. Trust me, it's not as easy as it sounds."
"King of Hell?" Jody asked weakly.
"Don't worry Jody, we don't believe it's true," Sam muttered.
"You can't just let him take advantage of you!" Dean continued to rant.
Bobby shrugged, "What do you want me to do about it? If you have a suggestion smartass I'm all ears."
"Speaking of ears," Crowley said without turning around, "I do have some and I can hear you."
"Well then maybe you could learn to take a hint!" Dean snapped.
"Uh huh! Precisely the one." Crowley straightened up looking smug, a hardback in his grasp. Glancing over at his gathered crowd it appeared he was going to take off without another word, until he spotted the bundle of feathers in Dean's arms. "What have you got there squirrel?"
Dean felt Cas shudder as Crowley's gaze landed on him. "None of your damn business. You got what you came for, so leave." Dean said firmly.
"They look an awful lot like angel wings."
Cas immediately tried to draw his wings back into his body, but he couldn't focus enough. Sam stepped to the side, shielding his brother and Cas from Crowley's steely stare as much as he could.
"That's certainly an interesting predicament you boys seem to have there. Don't tell me your baby in a trench coat is now actually a baby." Crowley paused, "Although he seems to have lost the trench coat."
"Get out Crowley."
"You telling me that is actually Castiel?"
"We're not telling you anything," Dean said firmly, "Now get out!"
"But I think I just discovered an interesting enough reason to stick around."
Sam and Dean exchanged an uneasy look as Crowley continued to peer at Cas' small form with intense curiosity. Crowley took a small step forward and the four people opposite him immediately backed away.
Crowley rolled his eyes, "I'm not gonna try anything. I just want to take a look at him."
"No," Dean growled at the same time Sam asked, "Why?"
"Because I'm curious. Not every day you witness the effects of something that can one up an Angel." Crowley's tone developed the slightest hint of uncertainty. "What was it? You been pissing off your siblings Cas? They trying to teach you a lesson?"
Dean shot Crowley a glare as Cas clung to him tighter.
"Seems to be gripping to you quite tightly Dean, not developing separation issues are we?" Crowley's haughty tone slipped back into place easily.
"Fuck you Crowley."
"Ooo touchy, but maybe later darling." Cas clutched to Dean's shirt tighter as Dean made to start forward. "Now, now. Don't get prissy about it boy." Crowley sighed, taking in each of the resolutely staring faces in front of him, "Well since you're not going to share in your juicy excitement, I'll be on my way. Busy day ahead you see, things to plan, an anguished dimension to run. But I suggest you boys go deal with that little problem of yours. Don't fancy having something with enough juice to hinder an angel wandering around. Ta for the book Singer." With less than a nod of his head he was gone.
"You know, we should really look in to taking care of him," Dean said conversationally.
Sam and Bobby both grunted in agreement.
-/-
Sheriff Mills didn't stick around much longer after Crowley's departure. She seemed to have had more than her fill of the supernatural for one day.
Cas had been more subdued since the King of Hell's impromptu visit, the little angel ensuring to trail after Dean everywhere. Dean was almost certain Cas was deliberately trying to retain physical contact between them. It was as if Cas was afraid if he let go Dean would evaporate into thin air.
The three hunters had spent the remainder of the afternoon using the new information they'd obtained to plan a course of action. Dean was hesitant to simply go charging into anything that could exceedingly easily become a trap. The most likely scenario they were facing was that Jayde, as well as her sister, would be prepared for them and any attack they attempted to make would be thwarted. Whatever they did, they'd have to be cautious.
It wasn't until Cas was almost slipping off Dean's lap with exhaustion that Dean ceased looking over the maps he was working with to take the kid up to bed. Cas was so sleepy Dean had almost made it inside the bedroom before Cas realized what his current intention was.
"Don't wanna go to bed Dean," Cas mumbled as sternly as he could.
Dean chuckled, "Too bad sleepy head."
"I'll just," Cas paused to yawn, "Sleep downstairs sitting with you till you're finished."
"Not a good idea Cas, it'll be mighty uncomfortable."
"You're not uncomfortable Dean."
Dean rolled his eyes fondly, "Get changed Cas."
"How about a bath?"
"Stop stalling."
It was Cas' turn to roll his eyes, disappointed at his failed attempts. Cas continued to grumble to himself as he shucked off his shoes, followed quickly by his clothes, leaving them strewn messily across the floor in an attempt to be defiant.
Dean shook his head affectionately as he picked up the clothes, placing them folded on a chair. He turned back around to find Cas' back facing him solidly, wings folded tightly together, tiny arms folded petulantly across his chest. Dean attempted to smother his laughter. He walked back over to the door and pushed it closed, manufacturing it to sound like he had left the room.
Cas spun around so quickly he almost fell off the mattress. His squinted eyes quickly found Dean's grinning face and he scowled. "You are not funny Dean."
"I'm hilarious Cas and you know it." Dean sauntered back over to the boy, sitting on the edge of the bed by his feet. "Why don't you want to sleep? Not scared of Crowley are ya?" Dean asked jokingly.
"No," Cas mumbled, barely audible. He then looked up at Dean, face completely serious, "He's not a nice person Dean."
Dean chuckled, "He's a demon Cas. I think 'not nice' is in the job description. As well as pompous asshole."
Cas huffed, "You should stay away from him."
"Didn't plan on anything different."
The two of them fell silent, gazes locked onto each other.
Cas' eyes were about the only thing that hadn't been even slightly effected by the curse. Their deep blue still seemed to extend for miles, appearing to hold vast memories while hiding cavernous secrets. All that power bottled up behind such an innocent visage. His eyes reminded Dean of the stars.
It wasn't until Cas' eyelids started taking longer to flutter open after he blinked that Dean shook himself out of his trance. He didn't bother to hide the sappy smile that had formed on his face. "Go to sleep Cas," Dean said softly, sweeping some stray hair away from Cas' eyes.
"Don't wanna," Cas mumbled out.
"Why not buddy?"
Cas averted his eyes, and mumbled something indistinguishable.
"What was that?" Dean nudged him lightly in his ribs, trying to make him smile.
Cas' voice was only slightly louder this time when he whispered out, "Nightmares."
Dean sighed heavily, he knew that feeling well. The terrible visions that you couldn't keep away, especially when you wanted nothing more than to slip into rest. Dean was half way to asking what could Cas possibly be having nightmares about, but he held his tongue, positive Cas wouldn't tell him. Maybe some of their darker dreams even overlapped. Cas had been to Hell, after all.
"They're only dreams Cas. Nothing will hurt you." Cas didn't respond and still firmly avoided Dean's gaze. "Hey, look at me." Dean carefully leant forwards to pull Cas' chin straight. "Nothing's going to hurt you Cas, I promise. I'll protect you."
Cas nodded his head slowly, "I know."
Dean's smile returned and Cas gave a hesitant grin back. "You'll be ok." Dean said firmly, reiterating it to himself as well as the vulnerable boy below him.
Once Cas' eyes started to drift close again Dean stood up slowly heading for the door, "Night Cas," he whispered back to the bed.
Cas took a deep sigh, allowing his eyes to fall close properly.
"Goodnight Dean."
-/-
When Dean made it back downstairs he could hear a voice he wasn't expecting speaking rather loudly. Sam's animated guffaw of a laugh came in return. Dean curiously walked back into the library, then let out an annoyed sigh, "So apparently today is unwanted visitors day."
"Unwanted? I could take offense to that Dean-o," Gabriel smirked, he was sprawled across the couch that Dean had recently vacated.
Dean pointedly chose to ignore him, turning to his brother instead, "Where'd Bobby go?"
"Thought we heard something outside, he went to investigate."
"I swear it wasn't me," Gabriel said around a mouthful. He'd produced a candy bar from thin air and was chewing on it happily.
"Sure it wasn't," Dean muttered bitterly.
Bobby clattered back through from the kitchen, "Damn bloody stray cats. Wish they'd learn to find someone else's property to piss all over." His eyes landed on his sofa. "Who in the ruddy hell are you?"
"Gabriel," he replied with a chocolaty grin.
"The trickster?" Sam and Dean both nodded, "Well arch angel or not, you can get your dirty feet off my couch."
Gabriel didn't so much as blink an eye at being bossed around by the older hunter, moving his feet so they hung off the edge of the couch, no longer touching any part of it, "So you must be Robert Singer?" Bobby grunted his confirmation. "Heard a bit about you."
"Is that all you lot do up in the clouds. Gossip about us mortal folk?"
"We sometimes also discuss sports," Gabe said with a grin.
Bobby snorted his amusement as Sam and Dean both rolled their eyes.
"What are you doing here Gabe?" Sam asked finally.
"Looking for you knuckleheads of course," Gabriel stated, "Can't actually get a lock on either one of you easily, so the search was somewhat a process of elimination."
"Yea, we're special like that." Dean sat down on the edge of Bobby's desk. Not liking his chances of managing a spot next to Gabriel on the sofa. At least one where he walked away intact.
Gabriel took another large bight of his chocolate, "Speaking of special things. Where's my baby bro?"
"Sleepin',"
Gabriel raised his eyebrows.
"What's wrong with that?" Dean asked, his tone immediately defensive.
Gabriel sat up a little straighter before he explained, "Cassie's powers obviously haven't been stripped along with his age, the prominent wings are proof enough of that. He technically still doesn't require sleep, or food. But he is seeking both out. It's not a necessary thing for his body, it's completely psychological. I find it interesting."
"Why would he be craving something like that if he doesn't need it?" Sam asked curiously.
Gabriel shrugged, "Your guess is as good as mine Sammy. I'd say he might be subconsciously attempting to fit into his surroundings."
"You mean he's just copying us?"
"Sure, why not?" Gabriel shook his head, "It's not important. I'm sure any symptoms will all fade with the reversal of the spell. On that note, any luck finding the witches?"
"We found one of them the other day. It was the usual spiel, you know? The whole 'we didn't know what we were doing' crap."
"The, 'they forced me to do it' ones are always the best." Gabriel said with a faraway look in his eyes.
"Yeah she threw in some of that as well," Sam chuckled, "Now we think we've located the one who cast the spell on Cas." Sam chucked over a map he had with the pin pointed location.
Gabe nodded, "Seems feasible."
"So you wanna zap on over there and take care of it for us?"Dean asked.
"Oh Dean-o, you know that's not the way these things work."
"You're seriously not going to help Cas out?"
"Hey, don't get me wrong. If I was his only option for savior I'd be over there in a heartbeat. But I'm not. I have complete faith in you boys to take care of this. This is like a regular old Thursday for you isn't it? A witch here, a demon there, saving the world and its occupant's one small leap after the other."
"You angels are strange creatures." Bobby said skeptically from where he was leaning against the doorway.
"Right back at ya, mortal," Gabriel smirked, conjuring up another candy bar. "What do you boys have planned after all this is over?" He continued conversationally, "Tell ya what, we could go out for a meal."
"Oh get lost Gabriel."
"Meal doesn't interest you? How about a round of mini golf?" Gabriel vanished from the couch before the book Dean threw at him could make contact. He reappeared nonchalantly perched next to Sam. "Your brothers being mean to me Sammy."
"Good." Sam replied.
Gabriel faked his horror at the youngest Winchester. "And here I was thinking you were the nice brother," Gabe shook his head sadly.
"Don't you have something else to do Gabriel? Other people to torment?" Dean asked hopefully.
"Probably true Dean-o, I best be off." He stood up, being overly dramatic in the way he stretched. "I'll call you to set up our date details." Gabriel gave them a cheesy wink, vanishing permanently this time, his cackling laughter echoing in his wake.