That first day of Dean being awake was full of tests, poking, and prodding from the doctors. Although he couldn't say anything, he found it annoying. But he never made noises to indicate anything contrary. Only Castiel knew he felt this way. If Sam had been able to see through the thick grouping of doctors, he could have gathered the same from Dean's body language. The two of them stood by, waiting for the doctors to disappear. When they did, it was well into the night. By that point Dean was too tired to fight sleep anymore and easily found himself adrift in slumber.

Sam passed out almost as quickly as His brother had, leaving Castiel alone with his thoughts.

Keeping himself invisible so that the hospital cameras couldn't see him, he took a step toward his son. He looked at his face and saw the toll that the past days had taken on him. It wasn't right. He frowned at the sight, wishing he could fix it. He could, but not here. The type of work this required needed privacy. Castiel felt sadness blanket him as he thought about how little power he had over the situation. Normally he could fix things in the blink of an eye. Bullet wounds, cuts, bruises, even advanced things like carpal tunnel. But the brain was the most complicated organ in the human body. Healing muscle and tissue was easy, but something that complex took time. He hoped and prayed with all his might that he would be able to restore Dean's brain to it's former glory.

He was still looking at his son when Gabriel opened up the connection between them.

Hey little brother.

Gabriel. Do you have any news about the Angel who attacked?

Yep. His name is Asteraoth, and he has a very interesting boss.

Did you get a name?

Yes.

Castiel waited for more, but Gabriel was silent. He rolled his eyes. And?

His name is Azrael.

Castiel's eyes widened. Azrael? You mean-

Yes. The archangel of Death.

But I thought that he was-

In prison? Yes. It seems he escaped somehow.

Did Asteraoth say how?

No. And I don't think he knows that piece of information.

He isn't high enough in Azrael's ranks, right?

Exactly. I'm going to take him back up to heaven and put him in jail. I think he's told me everything he knows for now.

Alright. Thank you for telling me, brother.

Anytime, Cassie. I'll be stopping in to visit your little tyke when you get back to the cabin.

I'm sure Dean would love that.

How is he, anyways?

I can heal most of the wounds, but he suffered some pretty severe brain damage.

Gabriel was quiet. Castiel was about to ask him what was going on when he appeared beside him.

Gabriel was about to speak when Castiel reminded him that both of the boys were sleeping.

Jesus Cas, why didn't you tell me?

You had your own problems to deal with. I didn't want to burden you with mine.

He's no burden. He's my nephew.

It will take some time to heal him, but the damage is treatable.

Do you want me to take a shot at it?

No. Thank you, Gabriel.

Are you sure? Because I-

He's my son, brother. And I need to be the one to fix this. Considering that I was the reason he got hurt in the first place.

Gabriel frowned but nodded. Is he doing okay at least?

Considering everything he's been through I think he's handling this extremely well.

He's a strong kid.

Yes he is.

What are you going to do once he gets out of here?

I'll take him back out to the cabin and take care of him there until he gets well enough to get back in the game.

Good thinking. That kid could really be helpful if we're going to be taking Azrael down.

I had the same thought. In the meantime, Gabriel, could you ward the cabin from any intruders?

Sure. Whatever you need.

I still don't know how they tracked us down, but they can't find us again.

Gabriel felt a twinge of guilt well up inside of him. He had used his powers back at the cabin. But that was one time! How was he supposed to know that the could have tracked Cas through him? How could he have known the catastrophic consequences of his actions? Although he had seen the future regarding his brothers and the apocalypse, he had no way of knowing that this tragedy would unfold. He shook it off and looked at his brother.

I'll make sure that nobody else can get in.

Thank you, brother.

Of course. Later, Cassie.

Goodbye.

With that, Gabriel disappeared, and Castiel turned his attention back to Dean. What he saw warmed his heart. The boy was fast asleep, his thumb in his mouth, snoring quietly. Castiel felt the strangest fluttering inside of his chest. A feeling for which he had no name. Dean was normally so strong and determined. To see him so soft and innocent was heartwarming to the Angel. He couldn't help himself from running his fingers Dean's hair, and watched him smile unconsciously from behind his thumb. His boy was so sweet and good that it broke his heart.

"I'm so sorry, baby boy. But I promise you I will make this right."

It was then that he felt a wetness on his cheek. He brought his hand to his face and saw a drop of water had been on it. It took him a minute to realize that he was crying. So this is what crying felt like in a human body. He had never experienced the sensation before, but he felt a sense of relief tied to the action. He wiped his face of anymore tears and slowly calmed down as he stood vigil over his child. No Angel would get to him tonight. Not while he was on the clock.