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Cass stood quietly beside the bed as Dean snored soundly. It wasn’t too often Cass did this, he’s been caught once, Dean didn’t seem too fond of it, but he didn’t understand why. All he was doing was protecting him through his sleep. Angels didn’t sleep. Sam had also given Cass music to listen to while he was bored and awake at night in an Ipod? He thinks it’s called. Catching up on human music was interesting. The Beatles was something he took a liking to. Dean’s music was on there too, pretty loud in Cass’s opinion.
Startled out of his thoughts, Cass turned curiously as he heard shifting in Dean’s bed. A grunt, another twist. He watched intently, it seemed to stop for a bit. Cass walked closer, standing by the head of the bed now. The room was still comfortably silent, only with the soft snores of both Winchesters. Cass began to stare out the window getting lost in his thoughts. He didn’t understand why humans needed sleep. Especially if there was a chance it was unpleasant. Dean seemed to have an unpleasant sleep constantly. Sighing, he looked down at the sleeping man. His eyes widened slightly as he saw the scrunched up, anxious expression coating the man’s face.
The comfortable silence was interrupted again by grunts and whimpers, tossing and turning. Suddenly Dean shot up. Cass wasn’t startled by the sudden movement. He stood staring which only seemed to make Dean jump in response.
“Cass what the hell!” Dean whispered harshly. “Son of a…bitch” Dean panted out putting a hand over his chest trying to breathe and calm the sudden panic. It only worsened though, given that he had eyes on him while he was vulnerable.
“I was just trying to make sure you were safe while you slept…it seems as though you are having an unpleasant sleep.” Cass pointed out.
“No shit Sherlock.” Dean sneered. Didn’t sound as intimidating, given the panicked state the older Winchester was in.
Cass began to reach for Dean, cocking his head as Dean flinched away. He sat next to the human and wrapped an arm around him.
“What are you doing?” Dean practically demanded.
“Providing comfort, you are clearly distressed.” Cass said. “I read that humans seek hugs.”
“Yeah well I’m not one of those guys. Remember our talk about personal space??” Dean retorted, trying to pull away.
Despite this, Cass didn’t move away, pulling him into a more gentle embrace. “It’s okay Dean, you’re safe.” Cass observed as Dean’s lip trembled and he shuddered, the tears that had been pricking at his eyes starting to fall. He couldn’t pull away now, a small sob escaped him. Cass pulled him in tighter, placing his chin on top of the head of the other man. His eyes widened as Dean’s grip on him got incredibly tight, like he was afraid Cass would leave. The angel cradled Dean. “It’s okay Dean, I’ve got you.” He said softly. The angel was full of a feeling he could only describe as protective.
“I’m sorry.” Dean sobbed.
“Shhhhh.” Cass hushed. An idea popped in his head, he had remembered reading that human children enjoy lullabies. “Hey, Jude…don’t make it bad…take a sad song and make it better-”
Dean stiffened in Cass’s embrace, a choked cry escaping his lips. Cass stopped, this wasn’t supposed to make Dean feel worse.
“I’m sorry I didn’t mean to further distress you.” Cass whispered worriedly.
“No…no please..please keep going.” Dean sniffled. Cass nodded, and slowly began to sing softly again. Cass was in no way, a good singer. But he figured, this might be a song that Dean might have also liked since it was on Sam’s ipod. It was slow enough to be a lullabye too. Cass gently placed two of his fingers to Dean’s temple. Dean deserved good sleep. He worked his angel magic, giving Dean a dreamless sleep. He sighed and held the other man close, not leaving his side.
~~
Dean woke well rested. He jumped realizing he was laying on someone, not anyone but Cass. He was cuddling with a man. An angel man.
“Good morning Dean, how did you sleep?” Cass asked softly. Cass could tell Dean looked as though his initial response might be a grumpy or rude one, but to his surprise it wasn’t.
“You stayed with me all night?” Dean asked, ignoring Cass’s question.
“Yes.” Cass replied. Dean put aside his pride and cuddled into Cass a little more, leaving the angel surprised.
“How did you know to sing that song?” Dean asked barely above a whisper.
“I didn’t? Why? I just liked the song and thought it was slow enough and you might like it too.” Cass said thoughtfully. Dean never replied. He sat quietly, taking in the morning, and latching onto any comfort he could get before he inevitably pretended like this didn’t happen.
~~
Mary woke up to screams from her son’s room. She turned to John who only groaned in response. She sighed and rose, walking to her son’s room. “Oh Dean…did you have a bad dream?” she asked softly, approaching her 3 year old. She sat on his tiny bed, careful and holding her baby belly. His soft sobs filled the room as he rubbed his eyes with both fists.
“Momma..” He cried brokenly.
“Shhh baby, lay back down and get some rest I’m right here.” She ran her fingers through her baby’s short hair. “Hey Jude…don’t make it bad, take a sad song and make it better. Remember, to let her into your heart. Then you can start…to make it better.”
His eyes fluttered shut as he sniffled. Dreamless sleeps awaiting the 3 year old Dean Winchester.