Author's Note: This chapter was inspired by the song "Calls Me Dad" by Jelly Roll. I hope you all enjoy it!
Castiel walked into the nursery and felt himself grimace at the blood that stained the carpet and was on the crib bars. He took a second to wipe all the evidence away with his grace before picking Dean up out of the crib. He sat down in the rocking chair and cradled the crying boy in his lap. He ran his hand through Dean's hair, hushing him quietly as he rocked back and forth.
"Shhh. It's okay baby." He soothed, rubbing circles on Dean's back. "Everything's okay now. It's over. He won't ever lay a hand on you again. I promise."
Dean looked up at him pleadingly, trying to communicate with him. Castiel opened the connection between them and saw his thoughts focused on Sam's face.
"Sam is fine." He assured him. The face switched to Bobby. "He's fine too. And before you ask, so is Uncle Gabe."
That seemed to pacify him, and his sobs slowly quieted.
"I'm so proud of you, baby boy. You did so well. I know that was hard for you to watch but you did the right thing."
Unable to help himself, Castiel did the only thing he could think of and pressed a gentle kiss to his son's forehead. Although he'd done it before, he'd never done it while Dean was awake. There were no words to express the deep love he had for his child. He hoped that that simple action said it all. Dean looked up at him with a bright smile, and suddenly all the pain had been worth it. This was what he had fought so hard to protect. This was why he got back up after being knocked down. This was his reason for living.
He watched Dean stick his thumb into his mouth and start sucking. For a few minutes he stayed like that while Cas stroked his hair and whispered reassurances in his ear. Dean calmed significantly. There came a point when Dean looked up at him and put a hand to his cheek to get his attention. Castiel opened the connection and saw him thinking of Sam, Bobby, and Gabriel with longing.
"Do you want to go see them?" He asked. Dean nodded.
"Alright buddy, let's go see them."
He stood up and settled Dean on his hip. He told Gabriel to make Azrael scarce, and then carried his son out to the living room. Sam and Bobby were sitting on the couch. Dean frowned and looked up at his Daddy.
"Uncle Gabe will be back soon." He promised. Dean nodded, and Castiel sat him down on the couch. Dean gave Sam a tight hug, and Sam was happy to do the same. He noted that although Dean was hugging him, his eyes never left Castiel. It was like he thought the man would disappear if he was out of his sight. After everything Dean had seen today, Sam couldn't blame him. Although Bobby wasn't necessarily the most affectionate person on the planet, he pushed it aside and pulled him into an embrace. When he pulled back, Dean was smiling happily, and Bobby couldn't help but smile back. The kid was good. Dean reached out and gripped the bottom of his Daddy's trench coat as if it were his favorite blanket. He wanted to make sure nothing could ever hurt him like Azrael had ever again, and the best way to do that was to keep him close. Before he could think anymore on the subject, Gabriel appeared in the room, and he instinctively reached up for his Uncle to pick him up. Gabriel Ruffled his hair affectionately.
"Hey there, Dean-o. Miss me?" He asked, picking up his nephew. Dean nodded and gave him a hug. Castiel gave him a look, silently asking about Azrael. Gabriel nodded, and Cas relaxed. Dean looked over at his Daddy worriedly, but Cas just smiled serenely at him. He reached out to him and grabbed a fistful of his coat to make sure he didn't leave. Gabriel noticed this and lifted Dean's chin up.
"Relax, bud. Cassie won't be going anywhere without you anytime soon." He promised. Dean looked at his Daddy, who nodded reassuringly. That made him feel much better. He smiled up at his Uncle, who couldn't help smiling back.
All of a sudden, the lights began to flicker. Bobby and Sam were up on their feet instantly, but Dean was perfectly content. He knew who it was and waited patiently for her to appear.
Mary Winchester appeared, stunning Bobby, and surprising Sam. But not Dean. He reached eagerly for her, giggling happily. She smiled at him and reached out to stroke his cheek. She cuddled him for a minute or so before walking up to Castiel.
"Thank you so much for protecting my baby."
"Anytime." He said sincerely.
She smiled at him and it made him feel like even though he had suffered so much today, he had done the right thing. It was empowering. She went back over to Dean and smothered him with hugs and kisses. Castiel briefly wondered what had triggered her appearance. He thought about the last time she had come, and then the answer occurred to him: She came when Dean was in great distress. She knew when he needed another parent besides himself, and he felt grateful for her empathy. Mary whispered reassurances in her son's ear and gave him a kiss before turning to her younger son. She gave him a kiss and looked at him like he was the most precious thing in the world. Then, with one last look at her boys, she vanished into the air.
Dean and Sam stared after her for a moment with longing before returning to reality. Then, Dean reached back out for his Daddy, who happily took him into his arms. Castiel planted a kiss on his forehead and smiled down at his son. Dean snuggled into the warmth of his chest. He was safe. Finally, he was safe at last.