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Dean was really grateful to be working a case, however it wasn’t necessarily completely getting his mind off of his predicament. His massive headaches and consistent nausea had only increased over time since his big plan – which, everyone seemed to be forgetting, was still a backup plan of his. Between the constant pain and worrying Sam, Cas, Jack, and even Rowena, he honestly didn’t know how he’d lasted that long with Michael in his head.
However, he put aside his problems for the sake of this tricky case. Cas’s voice snaped him out of his thoughts.
“So, if Jack and I approach Noah on our own, we – we may surprise him.” Cas looked to Dean, who compliantly nodded his head.
“Yeah. It’s risky, but I think it’s probably our best play,” Sam confirmed over the phone. Dean took that as a green light symbol and hovered towards Baby.
“Rowena, get your tracking spell ready.” Dean told her before hanging up and opening Baby’s door.
Dean let out a sigh as he sunk into Baby’s seats, squeezing his eyes shut at the glaring sun and Baby’s creaky doors, which of course wouldn’t have normally bothered him, but all of his senses had been heightened, and any of them could trigger Michael to really hit him hard.
Dean was just able to escape a concerned glare from Cas, opening up his eyes just before Cas turned to face him. Instead, he was the one to turn his head at Cas, giving him a teasing smile before over exaggeratingly starting the engine. That earned a chuckle from Cas, and then they were off.
Seeing that the gas station Dean and Cas had to see was in the middle of nowhere, Dean got to do one of his favorite things while driving, drive on an empty road surrounded by nothing but land.
Michael, meanwhile, unknowingly also relishes in taking advantage of Dean letting his guard down through happiness. Michael was pleasantly surprised to feel happiness, even just a small bit of it, roaming around Dean’s head -- considering the circumstances.
With all of Baby’s windows rolled down and the wind flowing, Dean actually felt free, peaceful for a minute, maybe two. He took a look around at the land outside of his own window and in front of him. He did that as well as partially listen to Cas talk about something about how the clouds above them looked like a cartoon.
That all was until Michael unexpectedly took advantage of Dean’s happy state, going from silent to throwing a massive fit in a matter of seconds.
This caught Dean completely off guard, and therefore meant he felt more pain than he had before. So much so that he completely disregarded the steering wheel, both arms reaching for his head, desperately trying to make the pain go away.
“Dean!” Cas yelped, feeling the shift in direction. Only then did he turn towards Dean, grabbing the unarmed wheel and trying to gently pull them over. However, the speed they were previously going at, due to the empty road, was very high, and the side of the road was very bumpy.
The viciously bumpy side of the road only worsened Dean’s state, causing Dean to desperately slam on the breaks. Of course, that wasn’t good for Dean either, but he was desperate.
Cas knowingly put the car in park, finally allowing some time for Dean to recover in peace. Dean panted, his breaths coming out shallow and shaky. His hands still remained on his head, rubbing it soothingly. He turned towards the window, which he told himself was to get fresh air, but was really so that he didn’t have to feel the heat of Cas’ eyes on him – scanning him.
Cas slowly placed his hand on Dean’s shoulder, and Dean still flinched. His breath hitched too, only making Cas feel worse.
“Dean...” Cas’ words were lost in the jumble of thoughts in the front of his mind. His face softened and all he could think of was how to make this better. First and foremost, he begun to rub soothing circles into Dean’s shoulder. He really couldn’t tell whether or not Dean found it comforting, but it was worth a shot.
Once Dean had calmed down enough to the point where his breathing returned to normal, Cas patted his shoulder, indicating Dean to look at him. Dean did so, turning slowly while flexing his eyelids. Cas tried not to give him the “Cas puppy dog eyes” that Dean hated whenever he looked to be in poor condition.
“Dean, I... I promise as soon as we get back from this case, I’ll have everyone’s main priority be finding a way to get Michael out.” Dean didn’t really have the energy to respond, let alone respond to a statement like that, so he just gave Cas a sheepish smile and nod.
Cas knew how uncomfortable he must’ve just made the situation, so he leant on the second thing he felt would bring Dean comfort.
“I saw a burger place right near the hotel?” Dean’s smile grew just a bit, making sure not to be too overcome with happiness.
Just as Dean was about to start up the car again, Cas spoke up.
“Dean.” Dean whipped his head around to Cas. Cas tilted his head. “I’m driving.”
Dean rolled his eyes, muttering, “whatever, mom,” as he climbed out of the driver's seat. Cas hopped out of the passenger seat as well, and as the two of them passed by each other in front of Baby, Dean patted Cas on the shoulder.
“Just don’t hurt Baby.” Cas chuckled.
“Don’t worry, Dean. I’ll take great care of her.”