Hi.

I'm sorry to say that this is the last chapter- I want to thank you all for reviewing, I love to hear your views!

This chapter concerns the recovery of Castiel, which is a long and winding one...

Please review and enjoy!

Castiel groggily opened his eyes and slowly looked around him. He gasped when a dull pain echoed down his neck; he tried to keep his head still because it seemed to stop the pain. He recognised where he was; Bobby's house. He could tell this because it was warm and cosy, with wooden walls which bordered the entire house. He didn't, however, recognise the room he was in.

He heard the door open and resisted the urge to look; he had an idea who it would be. There was a weight that settled on the bed next to him, and a familiar hand grasped his arm.

'Hey, man. You're awake' Dean sounded happy. Cas looked up into his face from the position he was in. He saw worry lines in Dean's handsome face, and felt guilty at having caused them.

'How are you feeling?' Dean asked, eyes scanning him analytically.

Castiel paused, unsure at how he was exactly feeling. 'My neck, back and stomach hurt a lot. My head also feels painful.' He answered truthfully.

Dean looked perplexed. 'Oh. Is that all?' he asked with a sly grin. It grew when Cas nodded back earnestly.

'Well, we patched your stomach up; it's pretty much fixed, though we need to take the stitches out when it's done. Your back is bandaged, and has several stitches in it. And we now need to work on your neck, it seems.' He ran down what had happened during his angel's unconsciousness.

Castiel nodded. He had spent the last few days (or however long he had been unconscious) trying unsuccessfully to fight off the nightmares that had plagued him since what had happened with Raphael. He looked up at Dean.

'How's Sam?' he asked, voice full of concern.

Dean waved his hand 'Guy's fine. Swollen nose, though. He's been sat here next to you almost as long as me.' He looked down sheepishly. 'Cept' he went to get something to eat and sleep every now and again.'

Cas tilted his head in that adorable way of his. 'And you didn't?'

Dean tenderly took his angel's hand and leaned forward to capture his lips in a gentle kiss. 'I wanted to be here when you woke up. You've been out for four days'

Cas nodded, retaking Dean's lips. After a few moments they broke apart. Dean's heart swelled as he watched Castiel's face relax ; he had been terrified that Cas wouldn't wake up, he'd been out so long.

A question suddenly popped into his head.

'How come you didn't heal? I thought angels didn't go unconscious.'

Cas looked pained, turning away. 'Raphael took half my Grace. I can no longer heal. My abilities have been hindered. I am now unsure as to what I can or cannot do.'

Dean whistled; a low shocked sound which made Cas jump. 'What about zapping? You know, now you only have one wing?'

Castiel looked brighter. 'It takes me almost no energy to 'zap' as you call it. Unless I'm time- travelling; which I can no longer do, I presume.'

Dean nodded. 'Can I check your wound?' he asked, motioning at Cas' stomach. Cas nodded, trusting Dean, though feeling as though he had no say in it. He let Dean take control.

He watched silently as Dean bend slightly to push down the blanket that covered him, pull up his shirt (which Cas recognised was one of Dean's) and slowly peel off the bandages which criss crossed his abdomen.

'Look's good' Dean commenting, more to himself than Cas. 'Redness has gone down a little. Still looks sore though.' He bent down to retrieve something under the bed and then gently and tenderly, re-bandaged Castiel's stomach. He squirmed in pain a few times and Dean stilled to give him time to rea-just to the new sensations. After he finished, he turned to Cas himself, who was watching him closely.

'Look's like you'll live.' Smiled Dean, leaning down and kissing the angel again, who was quite happy to reciprocate.

'All right, you two , knock it off' Bobby's fond voice floated in from the doorway. They broke apart, looking over at the door, Cas hissing when he neck hurt again.

'You alright, featherhead?' Bobby crossed the room, looking concerned. Cas shook his head.

'My neck hurts' he told the older Hunter, who nodded and gently put his hand around the back of Cas's neck.

'Looks like tension.' He looked over at Dean. 'You can masseur him, boy.' Dean nodded.

'Yup' he smiled at Cas. 'Something to look forward to later, then.' He grinned.

Sam walked in through the door. 'Hey Cas' he greeted the angel, who smiled at him.

'How are you feeling Sam?' he asked.

The younger brother shrugged. 'I'm fine, Cas. Really. Nose is healing alright. It's you I'm worried about.'

'I'm in a lot of pain, but I'm sure it'll ease soon enough.' He assured Sam, who nodded.

'We'll leave you two love birds to it then' smiled Bobby, getting off the bed and walking out the room, closely followed by Sam.

Dean looked over at Cas. 'You sure you're ok?' he asked, still concerned.

'I'm not Ok, Dean. But I'll heal up eventually. It'll take some time to heal as I cannot do it celestially.' he winced.

Dean smiled tenderly at him. 'Don't worry, I'll help. We all will' he assured the angel, who smiled back.

The next few days were spent with Dean helping Cas, putting new bandages on his wounds and feeding him up with Sam's special chicken soup, which Cas liked.

Soon enough Castiel was back on his feet, his wounds slowly, but surely healing. Dean watched him, closely and was pleased with his progress. He also enjoyed giving Cas his nightly massages, which benefited more than the angels neck.

This afternoon they were sat on the deck at the back of Bobby's house, enjoying the sun and a cold beer each. Dean looked over at the angel; he had made massive progress in the last few months, though still suffered with terrible nightmares at night; he couldn't remember the last time when he had had a full nights sleep without waking up to Castiel's screams. He comforted Cas the best he could, holding him tight and whispering reassurances in his ear, which he hope helped.

Castiel caught his eyes with his own, smiling slightly. He had been grateful for Dean's help for the last few months; he wouldn't have got through it without him.

He watched with interest as Dean opened his mouth to say something, and earnest look on his face. But he closed his mouth quickly, doing an amusing impression of a goldfish. Dean looked away sheepishly.

The angel watched as Dean slowly inched his hand closer to him, gently placing it over his own. Dean knew that this probably wouldn't be the last time Cas would be hurt; but he knew now that he could deal with it. And one day, he knew, he would tell Cas exactly how he feels about him. But not today. Today Bobby had told them about a new hunt, which Dean would be taking Cas on.

Because whatever their mad, hectic, dangerous, invigorating, terrifying life threw at them next, Team Free Will would be ready to handle it.

There you go. I'm a bit sad now it's ended, but rest assured- there will be more fics on the way :D

Please review and let me know your overall thoughts- I'd love to hear them!

Thanks for reading and I hope you all enjoyed it.

I'd like to thank a few people for multiple reviews, which is very flattering; 67impala : Nath2704 : gnoing : Wolfa Moon : supermanlosh : Wolfgrowl : Miamars : Tina : Kay : Sandra

If I have missed any off I am very sorry and know that I thank you as well!

Luckypixi

xxx