Dean's eyes darted nervously from the masked faces of other doctors and nurses maneuvering the halls to the small over hanging signs that he was using to try and find his way around. He certainly didn't want the damn maternity ward!

After reaching the hospital and managing to sneak through the main waiting room without being detected, Dean had knocked out one of the male nurses who looked to be about his height and 'borrowed' the guy's scrubs. He felt a bit bad about punching this guy, Dr. Wilson, and leaving him mostly naked and unconscious in a supply closet. But hey, desperate times called for desperate measures, right?

Sure, he could have waited around town until the hospital released Cas and met up with him then, explain everything to him when he was better and in a state to handle and understand said explanation. Cas would give him one of those blank stares followed by a slight nod and they'd move past it without a second thought. Or that's what would have happened before; before Cas had fallen and became human; before Dean had betrayed his trust without even giving a reason.

Now Dean wasn't sure Cas would shrug off getting abandoned by him again, wasn't sure Cas would fair well mentality thinking Dean had once again left him to fend for himself. And Dean would never be able to live with himself if one of the other angels happened to find him and kill him while he was hanging out in some cheap motel eating Cheetos.

Yet even still, every minute spent wandering the halls made Dean reconsider his brilliant idea. Now if he got caught he could add assault to the list of reasons the law should haul him off to the nearest high security prison. And the fact that he was going room to room and 'spying' on the patients was a good reason for someone to get curious.

He'd already checked the main level where they'd had Cas the first time but no luck. So now he'd found his way to the IC unit, which was harder to slip in and out of undetected because they were a lot of more people around, keeping much closer tabs on the patients.

It took him longer than he would have liked to search the whole ward and still no Cas. Dean didn't know whether to be relieved that he wasn't in the IC or panicked that he was back to square one and running out of time. Dr. Wilson wouldn't stay unconscious forever and once he woke up and sounded the alarm this place would be swarming with people, or police, looking for the assaulter.

Just then Dean caught the word 'outpatient' with an arrow pointing down on one of the many signs scattered throughout the halls. That had to the right one! They'd probably moved him there, planning to discharge him the second he was stabilized since he had no insurance. Annoyingly enough it seemed the outpatient ward was underground, meaning he'd have to either use the elevator or stairs to get back to the main level before they could actually leave.

He just hoped Cas would be corporative.

Stepping out of the elevator Dean was relieved to find the place was mostly vacant of staff. That didn't make him feel any less like a creep for looking into every single room as he walked by, thanking God that they had windows on the doors.

Finally, about two thirds of the way down the hall, Dean found who he was looking for. He'd know that tousled dark hair anywhere. Opening the door slowly so not to startle Cas, Dean glanced briefly around the room, exhaling a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding, when he saw it was empty.

Heart flip flopping with a mixture of excitement and anxiety, Dean walked over to the bed and gently shook the former angel's shoulder. Cas was curled up on his left side, covers pulled up all the way to his nose and he groaned a bit as Dean shook him, but otherwise didn't stir.

"Hey, Cas." Dean whispered, tightening his grip a little. "Wake up, buddy."

"Go away..." Cas mumbled, waving his hand weakly in the air in an attempt to dislodge Dean's hand.

"Cas!" Dean rubbed his thumb tenderly over the other man's jaw. "You got to get up, okay?"

Mere seconds after Dean touched his bare skin Cas' eyes flew open with a gasp and he was suddenly fighting with the sheets, scrambling half way up the wall behind him in his haste. "I don't have anything!" he yelped, his terrified blue eyes darting around the room before he brought his arms up to cover his head like he thought someone was going to hit him. "Don't hurt me."

"Jesus, Cas! It's me!" hissed Dean in surprise, pulling the mask down so Cas could see his face. It felt like someone had stab his gut with a rusty, dull knife and then took the handle and started twisting it deeper. Seeing Cas coward and damn near beg for his safety messed him up way more than he'd like to admit.

"D'n?" Cas lowered his arms and looked at him uncertainty, as if he couldn't decide if the person standing in front of him was real. "You, you came... back?"

"Yeah, Cas. 'Course I came back." Dean swallowed the lump in his throat and sat down on the small bed, motioning for Cas to move closer. "Why did you think I wouldn't?"

Frowning, Cas hesitantly wiggled closer, his averted gaze and slumped posture told Dean all he needed to know without Cas having to say a single word. He didn't think he was worth anyone's time of day.

Damn it, Cas! Dean grabbed him into a tight embrace as soon as he was in arms reach, needing to feel his warmth, assure himself that Cas really was alive, and going to be okay. "You're the most important person, next to Sam, on this entire planet to me, I'll always come back for you." Dean muttered, nose buried in Cas' hair, secretly pleased to discover it smelled like his shampoo. Desire stirred in his gut. Cas' scent, the way he felt in his arms, was like a drug that Dean couldn't get enough of.

Cas tensed, his rapid breathing sounding labored, uneven, like he was holding back tears. "You shouldn't have." he insisted, weakly pushing against Dean's ribs in an attempt to get out of the hug.

But Dean didn't let go, he had to show Cas he really, truly, cared about him. That he loved him. And Dean isn't good with words so this was the only way he knew how. "Shh, don't say that." he pleaded, running his hands up and down Cas' thinly clothed back to sooth him. "Everything's going to be okay, you'll see."

"I don't deserve..." Cas started, but trailed off with a soft sigh when Dean pressed his thumbs firmly into his upper back. It took longer than he would have like, but finally Dean felt him relax, leaning against him heavily, like he had the first time Dean had taken care of him and caressed him like this. Obviously Cas approved of the affection and Dean felt the familiar heat flare up in the pit of his stomach. Just like before, he wanted to kiss Cas, except now the urge was even stronger, unhindered by his previous hang ups. He wanted this, though he's still scared to openly admit it - it just felt right. Simply having Cas close, and safe, lifted a huge weight off his shoulders. And he'd be lying if he said he didn't want to do unholy things with this beautiful creature in his arms.

"I need you." mumbled Dean almost shyly. A shiver of pure excitement ran down his spine when Cas gently nuzzled his neck in response. Maybe Cas had feelings for him too... or maybe he just liked the comfort. Dean moved his hands to the back of Cas' head, idly playing with his hair as he mulled over the possibilities.

"Dean..." Cas whined a little in protest, shifting to make it easier for Dean to get to the good spots. "Keep doing that, please."

"You liked that, eh?" Dean chuckled, letting his fingers dig into Cas' shoulder blades once again.

"Feels so good..." Cas sighed breathlessly, his hand clutching the scrubs covering Dean's arm. The hunter smiled, resting his chin atop Cas' head, enjoying the feel of his soft hair brushing against his throat, his warm breath washing over his bare skin.

Dean allowed himself a couple more minutes to just snuggle Cas, because the poor guy acted like he really needed, hell; Dean needed it. Cas was right; this did feel good. The way Cas pressed against him, soaking up all the attention like he couldn't get enough, made Dean want to show him just how many ways in which he could give him pleasure.

Well, screw it! Why not indulge in bit of iniquity?

"What's this feel like?" Bringing one hand up to grip a fistful of messy hair, Dean gently tilted Cas' head, barely brushing his lips over his exposed neck, softly kissing the warm skin. Cas' surprised gasp sounded loud so close to his ear and Dean jumped slightly. He could feel the former angel's pulse quicken, beating frantically just like his own. Maybe this was a bad idea...

The silence seemed to last forever, though in reality was only a few seconds, neither one dared move.

Finally huffing out something Dean couldn't quite understand, Cas tipped his head back a little more and Dean took that as an open invitation, trailing chaste little kisses down his neck, sucking a bit when he got to his collarbone, letting his hand caress the silky hair tangled up in his fingers.

"Nice..." Cas muttered, tentatively resting a hand on Dean's thigh. It took Dean a moment to realize Cas was just now answering his question. Without breaking contact, Dean glanced up and saw the other man had his eyes closed, lips parted just enough to give him that blissed out look on his face.

Dean let out a shaky breath, everything in him wanted to press his lips to Cas', thrust his tongue inside that warm mouth and lick, taste, just immerse himself in Cas. But not here, not like this, he wanted it to be special. Jeez, he's getting cheesy.

"We got to go." Dean told him, reluctantly pulling away enough so he could pull the IV drip from Cas' arm. "Got to get out of here before this guy wants his scrubs back."

"Uh?" Cas stared at him blankly with eyes open just enough that Dean could made out the blue color of his pupils. Swaying a bit as he tried to hold himself in a sitting position without Dean's support, Cas smiled weakly, he seemed really out of it.

Studying him closer, Dean noticed Cas' glazed over eyes, the way he blinked unevenly as he desperately tried to focus. Yet he didn't seem to be able to, his gaze wandered around aimlessly, appearing to look through, instead of at, everything he saw.

"Cas, you alright?" Dean asked with concern, placing a hand on his shoulder to steady him.

"No, Dean, I'm not alright." the sudden despair in Cas' voice took the hunter by surprise. "I don't know what I'm doing, I'm horrible at being human. I've ruined everything, and... and I don't know if I can live with that anymore." Cas lowered his voice to a mere whisper. "...I'm scared."

Dean didn't know how to react, he was bad with emotions in the best of times, and this... well this was just too much for him to process. He should comfort him, right? But where on earth would he even start? "Cas..." he pressed his palm to Cas' forehead, almost flinching at the heat he felt burning against his skin. "You need to take it easy." he muttered, not knowing what else to say. "I'm here for you, no matter what."

Cas was quiet, his brow furrowing as he blinked heavily lidded, watery eyes. He licked his dry lips, taking in every detail of the hunter in front of him like he'd never seen him before. The atmosphere in the room shifted and Dean caught a glimpse of the steely gaze Cas had often given him as an angel before his face fell, eyes darting downward.

"You're lying. You hate me." Cas suddenly became super interested in a loose thread from the sheets that he picked at idly with his fingers. "How could you not?"

"No, Cas..." Dean insisted, an indescribable, horrible feeling bubbling his chest as he reached out to comfort him, but Cas jerked away from the touch like it physically hurt. "I don't hate you." he finished in a whisper, slowly retracting his hand while Cas watched with a slight scowl.

"Yes, you do." Cas sounded much calmer than he looked, and quite sure of the statement. But his confidence wavered as he continued in a whisper. "I try to pretend its not true, that I don't care... but I can't, I do."

"Why are you saying-"

"You hurt me." Cas interrupted, his voice shaky with sorrow. "You hurt me, Dean. I was scared, and alone, and I needed you, and you, you... I thought we were friends."

"We are." Dean told him softly, clenching his fist in a vain attempt to fight the urge to pull Cas close and provide whatever comfort he could, he didn't even deserve the right to touch Cas right now. "I'm so sorry, Cas. You don't know how much I wish I could go back and do things differently."

"Dean, I don't think you understand." Cas smiled bitterly.

Of course he did! He'd been a total jerk. Let down the one person besides his brother he had left in the world, and no matter how many apologies he uttered he'd never been able to change that fact. Dean snorted, his expression one of grim acceptance. "Yes I do. I screwed up. What's not to understand?"

"Everything." Cas replied as if that explained it somehow. He leaned closer to whisper something in Dean's ear but thought better of it, instead only shrugging and letting himself collapse back against the pillows with a bone weary sigh. "I was stupid to ever trust you."

Well Dean couldn't really argue there, but he knew one thing; he was here now and he wasn't going to let Cas out of his sight again.

"Come on, Cas. I'm going to get you out of here." Dean grabbed the unwilling man by his arms and tried to pull him up, but Cas was surprisingly heavy as dead weight and Dean found the task harder then he anticipated. "Little help would be nice."

"Leave me alone!" Cas spat, smacking his hands away. "I know you don't really want me around now that I'm not an angel."

"What? Where are you getting all these stupid ideas from, freaking Facebook?" but he knew. Dean recalled all too clearly how he'd acted when Cas had first shown up and asked for help. So much had happened since then, even though it had only been a couple days it felt like forever to Dean. He was way past caring if loving Cas made him gay or not. But apparently his asshole behavior still weighted heavily on Cas' heart.

Cas snorted and kneed him in the back hard, causing him to loose his balance and tumble off the bed. He grabbed awkwardly at the empty chair to break his fall and managed to keep from landing on his rear. Okay, so he probably deserved that. Actually he deserved far worse.

With a small groan, Dean pulled himself up and turned around, holding his hands in front of him in surrender. "Cas, take it easy, I know you're pissed, and you have every right to be. But right now we have to go."

"No. No, you. Y-you need to go, Dean." Cas slurred, jabbing a finger in Dean's general direction, like a damn drunk person.

"Man, how much morphine did they give you?" Dean inched a bit closer. "You still have a pretty bad fever, I think it's messing with your head."

"I... don't know." Cas said with a lazy shrug, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "But I like it. It makes the pain go away."

And there it is, that long forgotten image that had haunted his dreams for months after being sent to the future by Zachariah. Cas, stoned out of his mind, not giving a shit, popping pills like they were candy, stupidly trusting his 'best friend' who cared about nothing but the mission. Here they were, five years later, except this time it was real, not just a possible future, this is their actual future. And Dean had to wonder. Had they really done any better?

Because now they had freakin' Knights of Hell and hundreds of crazy angels on the loose, Cas is human, still on his side, by his side?, telling him how much he liked the feeling of being high on drugs and Sam was still getting his ass rode by a very questionable angel. And Dean, well he'd done some dark shit, how could he say he was any better then his other, pro torture, future self had been?

So really; had they avoided the apocalypse? Or just traded one devil for the other?

"Please, Cas..."

"Don't 'please, Cas' me! I'm mad at you. I feel things when I'm around you now, in my chest, it doesn't really make sense, I thought they were good feelings at first. When you and Sam found me, I think thats the first time I've truly felt... happy." Cas said the word like it was completely foreign. "But now everything just hurts, it hurts so bad I can barely breathe." the former angel met Dean's gaze, his blue eyes searching the freckled face before him for answers. In spite of his declaration of being mad he looked more miserable and lost than angry.

Dean stared back, the unfettered pain he saw in his friend's soft eyes made him feel like he'd just gotten his heart ripped out and stomped on. Why did breathing suddenly seem nearly impossible? Was Cas saying he had feeling for him? Dean couldn't tell, damn angel was horrible at explaining things sometimes, and Dean was much too afraid to ask. Afraid he was reading into this that weren't there.

"Dean."

"Hm?" the hunter raised his eyebrow.

"What's wrong with me?"

Oh, Cas.

"Nothing." he whispered, heart aching with need. He needed to touch Cas so bad right now, show him the good side of being a fucked up human. Teach him about comfort and joy and family and love. Dean wanted Cas to feel love. Maybe as an angel he couldn't, but he's not an angel anymore. "You're human, Cas. Being human hurts. Because humans have emotions, and emotions are a jumbled up shit show on the best of days."

"You feel that way around me?" all irritation had left Cas' voice, now he just sounded confused. And hopeful? No. That's just his wishful thinking. It's not like Cas wants to kiss him until he stops breathing, take all his clothes off and caress every inch of his body like its a temple to God. Cas isn't the one wondering what waking up next to Dean for the rest of his life would feel like...

"Well, I..." Dean didn't know what to say. Should he tell him? Tell him he can't think straight when his is around? That he wants so bad to touch, to kiss, to just let passion consume him like a flame, because that's what his feelings for Cas are like; a flame burning him from the inside out.

Probably not. Cas would most likely freak.

Footsteps outside the door snapped Dean back to the present faster than a lightning bolt. A familiar tingle of nerves ran up his spine, somehow he just knew those weren't human footsteps. They were too soft, too precise. He had to get them both out of here.

Dean was on the bed beside Cas before he even realized he'd moved.

"What the-?" the angel exclaimed before Dean slapped a rough hand over his mouth, shoving him up against the headboard in his haste. Cas' surprised gasp was muffled by his palm but Dean could tell by the amount of squirming that he's probably in pain.

Trying to ease the weight off his friend, Dean shifted off his lap, straddling Cas' hips with his knees, which was more than a little awkward but at least served his purpose. He kept a firm hold over Cas' mouth as he held his breath, trying to hear over the roaring of his own frantic heart beat.

Shit! Dean thought he was nervous, Cas looked utterly freaked out, eyes wide and flicking wildly around the room as if a monster is going to jump out of the walls, muscles tensed and chest heaving, but otherwise holding himself completely still.

"Shh." Dean hissed, wanting to explain himself, tell Cas he would protect him from whatever came through that door, but fearful his voice would be heard by whoever, or whatever, stood just outside.

Hushed voices whispered to each other on the other side of the door, Dean ducked his head, hiding his face and hoping he'd been wrong, that it really was just normal nurses going on their rounds.

Cas' breath got even more erratic and Dean could feel his body start to shake beneath his own. Using his free hand, Dean stroked Cas' arm slowly, hoping to calm him down. But his touch seemed to have the opposite effect. Like Cas anticipated the gesture to have a negative affect.

Finally the footsteps faded into nothing and Dean released his grip, sagging a little against Cas' trembling form before turning to his friend. "Okay, that was too close for..." he trailed off when he realized Cas had his lower lip between his teeth and tears filling his eyes, threatening to spill over and slide down his pale cheeks. "Shit, Cas. Did I hurt you?"

"D-Dean." Cas stammered weakly, his voice breaking. "Dean, please... I'm so sorry, I... please don't."

Backing off Cas slowly, not really sure what to think, Dean asked softly. "Don't what?"

"Hurt me."

Dean felt something inside him break like a sheet of fragile glass. He hadn't realized how important Cas' friendship and trust had been to him until now, until it was too late to undo the damage and heal all the pain.

"Relax, okay?" Dean sighed in frustration, despite the longing in his chest to fix things, he hadn't the faintest clue how to deal with Cas' new found fear. Hell, he didn't even know why he was so afraid, obviously something had happened but this wasn't the time or place to discuss such deep matters. "I'm not going to hurt you, why would you even think that?"

"I don't... I..." Cas' breathing slowly returned to normal and Dean could have sworn he looked embarrassed. "Can we just go?"

"Yeah." Dean forced out, wishing he could forget what he'd just witnessed. He quickly explained to Cas his plan, which wasn't much, and why they had to make sure he didn't get spotted as anything more than another one of the doctors going about his rounds. Cas nodded but Dean wondered just how much he'd actually understood.

With Dean's help Cas managed to get off the bed without falling, but he appeared unsteady and drugged out of his mind, grabbing the sheets to keep from swaying, unfocused eyes taking in his surrounding with disinterest.

Dean gripped his arm for support and was surprised when Cas leaned into his chest, pressing his face into the crook of his neck. Everywhere their bodies met burned with repress passion and Dean found himself struggling to keep his brain focused on the task at hand as his blood rushed to his lower region.

Oh shit.

Dean was a perverted asshole. But he couldn't help it.

Cas leaned into him heavily, nuzzling him like a cat while practically panting warm air over the sensitive skin of his neck. And God help him, he wanted. Oh, he wanted so bad, to shove Cas into the mattress of that crappy hospital bed, grind their hips together, kiss his lips until neither one of them could breathe and then strip off that ugly gown he had on...

"Okay, it's okay." Dean brought a shaky hand up to caress Cas' messy hair. Even the simple feel of those silky strands between his finger made Dean's legs weak with desire. Fuck! Cas felt so good snuggled up to his side, he never wanted to let go. Wished this moment could last forever. He hugged him tighter.

Cas let out a little sigh, and wiggled a bit, his hand brushing across the front of Dean's pants. And Dean isn't sure if it's intentional or not but the abrupt sensations coursing through his loins make him jerk. Cas had barely touched him, but damn if it wasn't one of the most pleasurable things he'd ever experienced. "Oh! Cas... Cas, d-don't do that."

Oh, oh, oh, fuck! Dean needed more of that, the intensity of his longing scared him to the core. He'd do anything short of murder just to have those feelings, those emotions, filling him again.

"De-an..." slurred Cas, his tone somewhere between amusement and annoyance. He looked up at the hunter, blue eyes glistening with fever, or lust. Probably just the fever...

"Yeah..." he panted. So high on endorphins he couldn't breath.

"Your face... is red." Cas said, tilting his head like he always did when something confused him.

"Whoa, whoa!" Dean, head still spinning from the unexpected contact, panicked for a second when Cas' knees abruptly buckled and he found himself scrambling to support all the weight. Dude was heavily for a nerd angel. Thankfully he managed to sling Cas' left arm across his shoulders while simultaneously hooking his arm around Cas' middle, effectively preventing them both from tumbling on top of each other in mess of failing limbs. Not so bad. He could this.

Until Cas tried to move and nearly pulled them both to the floor.

"Damn it, Cas!"

"Eh." Cas giggled. Giggled! He let his head fall back on Dean's shoulder. "I don't think... I can walk." he announced like he found the notion funny. Well it wasn't funny! This happened to be a very serious matter.

"No shit, Sherlock."

Cas frowned, deep in thought, before he grinned cheekily. "I don't... What's that mean?"

Dean rolled his eyes dramatically. "Nothing. I think I saw one of those rolling hospital beds on the way here, just down the hall. You think you can manage that far?"

"Of course." Cas bobbed his head in agreement, taking a shaky step forward, dragging a cursing Dean with him.

"Stop it, you idiot!"

"You're... idiot." Cas laughed, but he let Dean lead as they walked more or less towards the door.

Each step had Dean clutching his teeth against the pain, his sore ribs screaming in protest each time Cas' elbow brushed against them. But he didn't say anything, having Cas close was worth any discomfort he might be feeling. And as an added bonus the discomfort kept his raging erection under control.

Finally making it to the door, Dean pressed a hand to the frame, pulling in labored breaths as he tried to pump himself up with positive thoughts. Everything was going to be fine, he had Cas in his arms, safe, not dying, just a little drugged up and feverish, nothing some nutrients and rest couldn't fix. Sam was safe, for now, he'd worried about the rest once he got to that point.

Dean pressed a kiss to the dark hair tickling under his chin, inhaling a quick whiff of the intoxicating scent. Why did he smell so good? Cas' head lolled forward, causing Dean to grunt with the effort of holding the increasingly limp body upright.

"No, hey. Cas! Stay with me, buddy."

With difficultly, Cas raised his gaze enough to look the hunter in the eyes for a moment. "So tired, Dean." he muttered.

"I know, man. You can rest when we get to the motel, okay? But right now you have to stay awake."

"And you'll rub my back more?" Cas asked, his gravely voice hopeful. "I liked that."

Dean's face flushed hot, the request stirring up some fleeting inappropriate thoughts and a whole nest of butterflies in his stomach, but he nodded. Really, had it been anyone else the physical neediness would have annoyed him, but Dean really wanted an excuse to touch Cas, whether it led to sex or not. "Yeah, of course. I'll do whatever you want."

Cas seemed satisfied with that answer, and as Dean replaced the mask over his face before pushing the door open and peering around quickly to make sure whoever, or whatever, had been lurking around was gone, the former angel did his best to stand straight.

The hallway was mercifully empty, because no way would a supposed doctor half dragging, half carrying a barely conscious patient be seen as even remotely normal.

"Okay, come on, Cas." Dean repositioned the other man to obtain a better hold. They were close, once he got Cas on the bed, moving him would be much easier and a lot less conspicuous.

Cas was soon panting, and each step he took seemed more uncoordinated then the last, yet he didn't complain, only clung tightly to Dean's clothes like a life line.

"Shh, I got ya." Dean muttered in what he hoped was a soothing voice.

Getting Cas up on the gurney was hard, especially since Dean had to be extra careful not to rip open his own stitches. He found himself wishing Cas still had angel powers, then he could heal both of them and teleport them out of here.

Dean glanced down at the other man still curled up against his side and smiled sadly. Even if Cas felt something for him now, once he regained his true angelic form the chances of him retaining those feelings were slim. That hardly mattered though, Dean would do whatever it took to get his grace back regardless. There was no way Cas would be happy living the rest of his life as a human, so that about settled it.

Pushing the jumbled up mess of emotions to the back of his mind, Dean motioned for Cas to lay down and quickly draped a sheet over him.

Dean tried to act normal, to walk calmly, but the way his heart hammered in his chest like a drum made it quite the challenge. All that mattered right now was getting Cas back to the motel - with him.

All he had to do was act normal, right?

Finally he made it to the elevator door, and pressed the button. This had to work. He simply couldn't handle not having Cas with him right now. Dean drew in ragged breaths as he waited for the elevator to descend to their level, trying desperately to calm his frantically beating pulse.

The door opened and Dean pushed the gurney inside, feeling his anxiety rise when his gaze fell on the same brown haired nurse who'd basically shoved him out of Cas' room earlier that day. If she recognized him all hell would break loose, because he would not be going to jail while Cas needed him.

"Hey." Dean nodded to her casually, hoping his voice didn't betray his nerves.

The women narrowed her eyes slightly as if studying him and Dean swallowed nervously, quickly averting his eyes to the metal wall opposite them as he gripped the bed rail so tightly his knuckles turned white.

The insane thought of pulling a gun and taking down anything in his way should someone try to stop them fluttered through Dean's brain for a moment before he quickly caught himself. What is he thinking? These were all innocent people just doing there jobs. Loving Cas really is making him crazy!

When the door opened on the main floor the woman gave him one more curious stare before walking off, leaving Dean heaving a sigh of relief as he sagged against the elevator wall. It took several moments before Dean felt steady enough on his feet to actually walk. Now that they were on the desired level it was time for phase two of his master escape plan; setting off the alarm.

But he never got that far. Just as Dean stepped out of the double doors he noticed the browned hair woman walking towards him, this time she had two men dressed as security guards on either side of her, one taller with blonde hair and the other appearing half Mexican, with black hair and olive skin.

"Shit." Dean mumbled under his breath, putting on the most convincing smile he could muster and nodded briefly to the threesome. "Can I help you?"

"I don't know, you tell me. Dr. Wilson." the women crossed her arms across her chest and crock an eyebrow, almost appearing to smirk.

"Tell you what?" he slowly stepped in between them and the gurneys and the taller guard placed a hand on his gun.

"Don't move." he ordered.

"Whoa, whoa." Dean held up his hands in an nonthreatening gesture of compliance. "Look, I don't want any trouble. I just want to take my friend home. So if you can pretend you never saw me than everyone can go about their lives like this never happened."

The man frowned in confusion and glanced at the other two while the woman simply smirked. "Ah! I knew you weren't the doctor, your the guy from earlier, 'Dan Evens'." she air quoted the name with a small shake of her head. "What did you do with the real Dr. Wilson?"

"Nothing." replied Dean with what he hoped to be a charming grin. "I'm just borrowing his clothes."

"Sir, I'm going to have to ask that you come with us."

"Let's just talk about this..." rationally Dean knew how stupid he was being even as his hand went for the pistol at his side, hidden by the stolen clothing. When he pulled the weapon and saw the fear on the other people's faces his heart lurched. This isn't what he wanted, he's suppose to protect people, but right now the only person that exists in his mind is Cas. He couldn't stop now, an invisible force seemed to take hold of his body and he mind was trapped, simply a helpless whiteness of his actions.

Eyes wide the taller blonde man fumbled for his own weapon, appearing more then a little spooked. Poor guy had probably never had a gun pointed at him before.

"Drop the gun!" the guard demanded, but his voice wavered, hands shaking as he held the gun out in front of him. Dean's hand, by contrast, remained steady as he slowly backed up, pushing the wheeled bed with him.

"You're not going to shoot me." Dean kept inching back. "And I don't want to shoot you. But I will if I have to, so just lower the gun, I'll leave and then you can call the police, whatever." his heart hammered in his chest as he watched the two men exchange nervous glances while the nurse did her best to hide behind them. "I don't want to hurt anyone, I just want my friend."

The other man, who had yet to react past a look of fearful surprise, finally spoke to his companion. "Do what he says."

"But-" the taller man started to argue but was cut off.

"Just do it."

The blonde man hesitated before kneeling to the ground and placing his pistol by his feet, eyes never leaving the hunter's. Dean saw his chance and fled the scene, not once looking back as he maneuvered around the blur of frightened or shocked people in his path, some turn to stare, most simple scramble out of his way to avoid being plowed over by the gurney.

The main door would make a horrible escape route once outside, too many people, not to mention the confusing parking lot. Dean turned down a hall, praying there'd be an exit at the end. It's a hospital, they're required to have fire escapes everywhere, right?

His lungs burned, to say nothing of the still fresh injury to his ribs. But Dean didn't slow down, even when he's filled with relief as a red neon exit sign came into view ahead of him.

The door was just big enough to fit through, and the alarm started blasting the moment he opened it, hopefully causing more confusion. Once outside, Dean found himself standing in the darkness, a single wide parking lot in front of him and a sidewalk to either side.

Glancing frantically around, Dean shook Cas shoulder. "Cas! Get up!" he hissed sharply.

When Cas failed to respond, Dean pulled back the sheet from the former angel's head and ran his fingers through the damp curls, noting with growing panic that Cas' breath sounded labored and sweat poured down his face. Ezekiel said he'd healed him end to be out of danger, right?

"Cas!" he tried again, voice breaking. It's not like Dean could carry him all the way to the motel in his current state. "Come on, buddy..."

Finally Cas moaned and turned his half opened eyes in Dean's direction. "Uh?" he muttered, struggling to a sitting position. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Dean said quickly, then added. "I might have pulled a gun on some people in there and... they might not be too happy about it."

For a moment Cas was silent, his blue eyes blink unevenly in the dim light of the street lamps overhead. When he finally spoke and Dean couldn't have been less prepared.

"And you say I do stupid things?"

I had a really hard time writing this and I, still not completely happy with it but *shrugs* hope you guys enjoy it anyway :)