Their lives were strange. Dean was so used to having an Apocalypse looming over their heads that he didn't know what to do with himself with no impending crisis. They could continue to look for Kelly and her Satan-baby, but what would they do once they found her?
The next couple days were spent getting used to life back at the Bunker with their mother. Mary was adjusting well, and to Dean's relief, showed no intention of leaving again.
One thing they didn't count on, however, was Cas getting sick.
It started out as a small cough, and wasn't even on the boys' radar. But Mary took instant notice of it.
Despite her suggestion that Cas take it easy, the cough progressed to a deep, rasping sound within days. It left him gasping for breath, and that's when Dean started to worry.
"I'm fine," Cas wheezed, collapsing onto the couch after a particularly bad coughing fit.
"Bullshit." Dean said. "Maybe we should take you to the doctor..."
"Dean, I'm still an angel. Human medical professionals won't be able to help me."
The hunter patted Castiel's back as he began to cough again. "Easy...you know, maybe they'd be able to do more than you think. It's worth a shot..." His tone was nonchalant, like they were discussing where to eat. But Cas recognized the underlying concern and fear.
"If they try to draw any blood, they will also get remnants of my Grace. Their imaging machines would also be compromised. Human technology and old angelic powers do not mix well." Cas explained.
"Dammit..."
"It's okay. I'm fine." He repeated.
Dean glared. "No, you're not. This is probably because you went for that dumbass walk out in the thunderstorm."
"I didn't know I could get sick." Cas mumbled.
"You should've come back in as soon as you got cold! You were out there for almost an hour!"
"Oops." Cas said snarkily.
"Heyy, am I interrupting anything?" Sam walked in, holding his tablet.
Dean realized his touch was lingering on Cas's back. He quickly removed his hand. "Nope. Any news on Kelly?"
"Unfortunately, no. But I found a case."
Dean perked up at that sentence. "Yeah?"
"Oh, you found a case?" Mary walked in from the kitchen and stood next to Sam. Dean had to smile. She looked so small next to his 6'4 brother. He was almost a foot taller than her.
"Yeah, a couple towns over. Four people dead; missing hearts."
"It's the full moon." Mary said. "Werewolf?"
"Probably." Sam nodded.
"I'll get my coat." Cas struggled to stand, and ended up leaning on Dean as the hunter eased him back down on the couch.
"Um, you're staying here." Dean stated, his firm tone indicating there was no room for argument. "You're in no shape to be hunting."
"Why don't you and Sam go?"
They all stared at Mary, blinking at the suggestion.
"What? It'll be a good case to get back in the groove of things." She smiled. "I'll stay here with Castiel."
"I don't need a babysitter." He muttered grumpily.
"I know." Mary said quickly. "But I think Sam and Dean have this one covered."
"She's right, man. Werewolves are easy. Basically a milk run." Sam backed her up.
Dean bit the inside of his cheek. He wasn't sure about this. Of course he trusted his mother with Cas, but at the same time...he really didn't wanna leave him. He wanted to be the one to stay here and take care of the angel.
But Mary had a point. This would be their first case since he and Sam escaped that government facility. Over six weeks of inactivity; he definitely needed to get back in the game. He was going crazy cooped up here in the Bunker.
"Okay," He said reluctantly. "But you two call if you need anything, alright?"
Mary chuckled. "Of course. Call if you end up needing backup."
"Will do."
They got their stuff together, and Dean went to Cas's room to let him know they were leaving. He found the angel sleeping, piled under several layers of blankets but still shivering violently. He put a hand on his friend's forehead and frowned. Cas was running a serious fever. Maybe he should stay...
"He'll be okay." Came a soft voice from the doorway.
Dean turned around to see his mother approach. She laid a cool washcloth across Cas's brow, and gently removed a couple layers of blankets.
The hunter watched, feeling a pang of nostalgia. His memories of Mary Winchester were from so long ago they almost seemed like a dream. But he remembered her staying up all night with him when he was sick. He remembered her singing to him. Nursing him back to health.
He swallowed thickly. "Thanks, Mom." Mom. That word still felt foreign on his lips.
"Be safe." She hugged him. It felt so weird, the hugs he remembered were from a four year old's perspective.
He tried to shake the mixed emotions. "Yeah. And will you call me if he gets any worse?" Jesus, he could hear the anxiety in his own voice.
"Of course."
"And I don't care what he says, take him to the hospital if it gets bad."
"Dean," Mary gave a small smile. "I know. This isn't my first rodeo."
I know. He wanted to say. But he simply nodded. "See you later." He awkwardly backed out of the room.
Maybe if he focused his energy on hunting, he wouldn't be so worried about Cas. Poor bastard got the short end of the stick every time. As if losing most of his Grace wasn't enough...he had to get sick too.
It's okay. He told himself. He knew the angel was in good hands.
