Archive of Our Own

Before Claire, when Jimmy didn't have anything to lose, Rodger had brought Jimmy bungee jumping. 

It was jarring, to say the least.

There was the moment of free fall, trying to get a grasp on the world whooshing past him, then the cord pulled taunt and yanked him in another direction.

Being Castiel's vessel is worse, he said it's like being strapped to a comet and he stands by that.

He's falling constantly, being dragged and jolted in different directions. It's like being thrown against a wall and each time before he can get up, he's pulled and thrown into another wall. He's a rag doll being tossed around his own body.

There times, few and far in-between, when he's able to get enough of a hold on himself to see out his own eyes. Each time he can see his own body being torn apart by whatever wretched creature Castiel is fighting against, and Castiel doesn't even care.

He wouldn't wish this upon his worse enemy, let alone his own daughter. 

He struggles, fights against the current pushing him around. He struggles because it's the only thing he can do. He fights because he can't let Castiel forget he's in here, he's still here and he's still suffering. 

He fights and struggles until he can see out his own eyes, until he can feel his limbs. He still can't control his body, but at least he can feel it. 

At first it's better like this, when he's aware and not drowning in Castiel's spirit, but it quickly turns sour. 

For one, it's warm. Not blistering hot, but he constantly feels uncomfortably warm. Then, there the responses.

Each shot Castiel takes, Jimmy tries to flinch away from. He jerks and tries to bring his hands up to his wounds, but he can't. He can't do anything, not for lack or trying, but because he can't influence his body at all. When Castiel passes a person on the street, Jimmy by habit tries to wave, but he can't. When there's a pebble on the sidewalk, he tries to kick it. But he just can't. He's a vibrating atom held in place by the force of Castiel's spirit. 

Besides all of that, there's the phantom pain. 

When a knife slides through his arm, he can feel his flesh parting for the blade, feel the blood seep out of his body. Castiel heals it and goes on like nothing happened, all while Jimmy's left reeling and screaming.

And Castiel hasn't even noticed him. Jimmy wishes Castiel was just ignoring him, then at least Castiel would have to be making a effort to ignore him, but no matter how much Jimmy screams, he's invisible. He's suffering and he wishes someone would notice. It's a weird wish, but he's so helpless. He can't stand the fact he has to go though all this while everyone goes about their lives. 

All in all, this really fucking sucks. Why does he have to live through this? It would be so much more easier if he died and Castiel possessed his dead body. That's what the demon chick did, Jimmy wishes he was possessed by a demon. If he ever gets to be himself again, he's converting to satanism. 

.

Castiel lands them in a small but populated town in seemingly the middle of nowhere, there's a couple of groups of people walking down the street who don't seem to have noticed the man who appeared out of nowhere. 

Castiel strolls leisurely down the street, searching for their callers. He draws odd looks along the way, looks that Jimmy can understand.

It's a bright, sunny day, late afternoon; the weather is too nice to be wearing a trench coat. Well, the weather nice to everybody but Jimmy.

It's not fucking fair. How can it be so sunny and pleasant while he's suffering? Jimmy decides he hates sunny days. He also acknowledges that he may be becoming a little cynical.

Castiel spots the Winchesters who wave at him. Well, Sam waves. Dean's carrying what seems like a pizza box of some sorts. Jimmy can feel himself trying to raise his hand to wave back, no surprise he fails. 

"Heya Cas!" Dean says when Castiel draws near. Ah yes, this is his absolute least favorite part of being Castiel's vessel. His body isn't his anymore, it's Castiel's. No one sees him, they see Castiel. Even if it's his goddamn body.

"Dude, you gotta try some of this pie." Dean says and opens his box to reveal a mostly eaten peach pie. "I'm usually more of a apple pie guy, but his place has some pretty good peaches."

"Dean." Castiel cuts in, "Did you call me here for pie?" 

"No, but the pie is pretty good." Dean says and Jimmy wishes Castiel would just take some of that damn pie, he can't remember the last time Castiel fed his body, probably not since he possessed it. 

"Why was I called here?" Castiel asks while Jimmy drools over the pie, he's so hungry. Castiel needs to take better care of his body. 

"Right so," Sam starts, "We came here for a case after a string of unusual deaths. While we were investigating we came across this symbol." Sam shows Castiel a rag with a drawn symbol. To Jimmy it looks like some random shapes and lines put together weirdly, but he's long since learned that things like this most likely have a meaning. 

"Bobby said that this symbol used to be used in summoning rituals by mediums. Angel summoning rituals." Sam says and raises his eyebrows at Castiel. 

Sam is waiting for some clarification from Castiel, it takes Castiel a moment to realize that. "Oh. Yes Bobby is correct. However, the rituals rarely work." 

Sam nods. "Yeah, we figured as much. Though, there's a chance of angel involvement and we'd like you here with us," he says. 

Dean nods in agreement and takes a bite of his pie, "If you're not busy that is." Dean says around his mouthful of pie, Jimmy weeps in jealousy. 

They aren't busy, Jimmy knows this. All Castiel was doing was sitting inhumanly still and questioning everything he was ever told. Jimmy hopes he agrees to help the Winchesters so there's something to watch other than paint drying.

"I'm not busy at this moment." Castiel says and Jimmy cheers. This will probably backfire on him, having people stare through him all day, but he'll take it as a win for now. 

Sam smiles lightly. "Thanks Cas, come on," Sam jerks his head down the street, "We can tell you more at our motel."

Sam starts to walk off with Castiel in tow but before they get far Dean reaches out and pats Castiel's shoulder, "Hey wait." He holds out his box of pie to Castiel again, "Eat some pie."

Please eat some of that pie Castiel, Jimmy silently begs.

"Why?" Castiel asks with a tilt of his head. 

"Because you need to feed your vessel, and I highly doubt you've been doing that." Dean says with a knowing look and nudges the box at Castiel again. Jimmy's so caught up in the fact that someone actually thought about him, he doesn't even feel offended at being referred to as a vessel.

"Not eating will have no effect the health of Jimmy's body. He does not require food." Castiel says in response and Jimmy huffs, yes he does!

"Yes he does!" Dean says and wow. "You weren't there Cas, but last time when he was awake he was starving. He needs food." Dean says and more urgently nudges the pie at Castiel. Jimmy is struck, he didn't think Dean would have remember that. He didn't think anyone was thinking of him. 

For a tense moment Castiel hesitates, but then he's taking some of the pie and heading off to the motel with Sam and Dean, eating it as he walks.

It's so nice, he can't really taste the pie but he can feel the ball of hunger inside of him being chipped away and it's so nice. Instead of phantom pains and itchy urges, he feels full and fuzzy. 

He's decided he hates sunny days, and fucking loves Dean Winchester. 

..

"There were three dead bodies found in the span of a week. Normally this wouldn't have been enough to bring us here, but the coroner's report has the same thing to say for all three bodies: no known cause of death, but they all had a bite mark on them. So, naturally, we thought vampires." Sam says like it's the most normal thing ever, just another Tuesday. Which Jimmy supposes, for them it is. 

"But, when we checked out the bodies, the bites weren't vampires. It was human bites. Which is weird. Lucky, we specialize in weird. So, we decided to investigate. 

We checked out their belongings, to see if there was any ectoplasm or sulfur, and that's when we found this," Sam brings out the rag from before, "That's when we called Bobby and the rest is history."  

"So what do you got for us Cas? Anything angelic that could result in people dying like this?" Dean asks from where he's sitting on the edge of his claimed bed. 

Castiel looks at the sigil on the rag and shakes his head, "This symbol was indeed made with angels in mind, but I do not know how it could relate to the deaths of humans involved," Castiel says and he takes a thoughtful pause, "Can I see her body?"

Sam nods, "Sure, the morgue is already closed but if you can fly us in-"

"No way!" Dean interrupts, "No flying." Jimmy can understand the dislike, he's not a fan of flying either; planes or angels.

"Dean..."

"No Sam." Dean says, "No flying, that's final."

Sam sighs, "Fine, then we can either break in or wait until tomorrow." 

"I'd prefer we head there now and break in." Castiel says, Sam and Dean accept this and together they head to the morgue. The sun has set in the time they took to recap Castiel and they sky is dark as they drive. As they drive through the evening Dean says to Castiel: "Why the hurry Cas? There's no need to rush." 

"Actually, I take it back. I can understand the rush." Dean says later when they've gotten to the morgue and found the mortician dead. Castiel is staring straight at the body and Jimmy feels nauseous, he may have been doing this for a while and he's seen his fair share of dying and dead bodies, but it's still nauseating. He desperately wants to turn his head away. 

Sam kneels down to methodically inspect the body. It looks relatively fine, there are no outward injuries that Jimmy can notice, but the dude looks like he had the life sucked out of him. 

Case in point, Sam says, "It seems like algor mortis has already finished, which shouldn't be possible because we saw him just a couple of hours ago." He says with a frown and furrow of his brows. 

"Uugh." Dean says, Jimmy agrees. "Did you have any idea that something like this was going to happen?" Dean asks Castiel.

Castiel shakes his head, "I didn't know. I haven't seen angels do something like this either." He says and furrows his eyebrows together, similarly to Sam. 

"Hey guys," Sam says, "Check this out." He turns the arm of the corpse and on the inside of it there is a bite mark, a seemingly human bite mark. 

Castiel and Dean crouch down with Sam and inspect the body. Castiel reaches out his hand toward it, and before Jimmy can even despair over the fact that Castiel is about to use his body to touch a corpse, Dean grabs his hand. 

"Dude woah. Corpse." Dean says and jerks his head in the direction of the corpse as if to point out that it's there. 

Castiel gives Dean a incredulous look, "Dean, I know that's a corpse." He says slowly.

"If you know, why are you trying to touch it?" Dean asks. 

"Dean, it is just a corpse." Castiel says and sighs like he can't believe this conversation is happening.

"Yeah Dean, we touch corpses all the time. I'm literally touching this corpse." Sam says, he gives Dean a 'are you dumb' look and he waves the corpse's hand for emphasis. 

Dean just huffs. "Yeah I know it's just a corpse, and I don't care if it’s you or me touching it, but Castiel," Dean turns his head to Castiel, "That's not your body, you are non-consensually touching corpses with Jimmy's body." Dean says and Jimmy laughs and feels a little flutter of happiness that someone cares about his opinion here.

Castiel raises his eyebrows and says, "Dean, I have touched many corpses with Jimmy's body." Which is true. Still, Jimmy appreciates that Dean cares. 

Dean scrunches his face up, "Okay, first of all why did you phrase it like that-"

He's cut off by a loud bang from the room over. Then another.

The group goes quiet and they share glances with each other before they silently get up. They head to the room over, Sam and Dean pulling out guns from their jackets. Dean takes the lead and the group flanks the door, Dean on the right side with Sam and Castiel on the left. Dean mouths out a count down before he swings around and kicks down the door, revealing the inside.

Jimmy questions his life choices a lot, especially since Castiel started possessing him, especially at times like these. Just how in the Hell did he get here? Inside the room there is a pale almost green dead woman with her arms stretched out in front of her and she's hopping around. Yes. Hopping around. 

What the fuck. 

He's clearly not the only one who is bewildered, Sam and Dean are shocked still in the doorway and Jimmy can feel the astonishment radiating off of Castiel's spirit.

They are broken out of their stupor when the hopping zombie dashes right at them. 

"Shit!" Dean yelps and shoots the thing. As it turns out, rock salt has nothing on hopping zombies.

The zombie gets eerily close to Castiel and Jimmy tries to move out of the way. He flails around but is cruelly reminded that he's not in control of his body when his efforts fail to move even a muscle. It works out alright though, Castiel throws the zombie against a wall. 

"Castiel look out!" Sam yelps and yanks Castiel out of the way just in time for another zombie to barrel into the spot Castiel had been standing. It's the mortician. 

On the other side of the room Dean continues fighting with the other zombie, he shots it and knocks it down, but it keeps getting up. 

"It just keeps getting up! What are these things? How the Hell do we kill them?" He shouts over to Sam and Castiel.

Sam dodges a slash from the zombie of the mortician, said zombie gets knocked to the ground by Castiel, "Dean! The incinerator." Castiel yells to Dean.

Dean smirks, "I like the way you think Cas. Sam, Cas send them my way." Dean hollers to them. He abandons his fight to dash over to the cremator. 

Sam and Castiel herd the zombies toward Dean and when the mortician lunges at Dean, he moves out of the way and the mortician flies right into the cremator. Dean turns it on. 

The other zombie, seemingly realizing this isn't a fight it's going to win, hops away and jumps out the window, breaking it in the process. Jimmy mulls over what he observed during the fight, something about it gnaws at him. 

Castiel heads to the window, he grips onto the framing and pokes his head out. He turns back to the group and shakes his head. "It's gone."

Sam sighs, "That zombie was the corpse of the women who had the sigil on her. None of this makes sense.." He mumbles to himself while he goes to make sure the mortician is properly burning. 

Dean runs a hand over his face and then marches over to Castiel with a dour expression on his face. He yanks Castiel's hands off the window frame and looks at the glass pieces in his palms, already starting to heal up. He shoots Castiel a hard look. 

"Do not be concerned for me Dean, it did not hurt and look, it's already healed." Castiel says and sure enough, his palms have been healed. 

Dean sighs, "Castiel I'm not worried for you, I'm worried for Jimmy! It might be nothing to you, but what about to Jimmy?" Dean asks with a concerned frown. 

Castiel's face also pulls into a frown, "He can't feel it, I highly doubt he's even conscious at this moment.." Castiel says, but there is doubt in his voice. 

Dean must sense Castiel's doubt because asks, "Are you sure about that Cas?" 

Castiel pauses and before he can answer Sam's voice breaks thought he room and he calls to them, "Hey guys! The other two corpses that were also bitten are gone."

"Seriously?" Dean asks and he goes towards Sam, but not before spending a worried frown in Castiel direction. Actually no, it's not directed at Castiel; it's directed at him. The realization of this sends a comforting feeling through Jimmy but he can't even properly appreciate it because he just realized he knows exactly what they are up against. And he can't even tell them.

...

Jimmy didn't really have a family when he was growing up. Sure he had his dad, but that man wasn't any sort of father figure Jimmy needed. He gave him a roof over his head and food on his plate, but that was it. Jimmy didn't have any of the affection that most kids had with their parents, he coped with that by throwing himself into religion. When the world left him with nothing, he went to religion and found hope and community. He used to see religion as his everything, because at the time, it was his everything. Before Amelia, before Claire, when he was a lonely little boy; religion was all he had. 

There was a kind pastor at his church who taught him how to be faithful and hopeful. Jimmy looked up to this pastor, he represented the future and possibility. Unsurprisingly, this led Jimmy to decide he wanted to be a priest. As a child, he reread the Bible many times and he would go to the library to read stories of all the demons he would need to look out for. Then, when he got to college, he majored in religious studies. 

It was in the last year of college he met Amelia and he decided put aside his dreams to pursue a job that could provide for them better. 

Not that selling radio time provided much. 

Anyway, during his time studying religion he had learned about a malicious spirit from Chinese mythology, the Jiangshi.

Jimmy never thought they were real, though to be fair he'd have to actually think of them to have any opinion. But now he knows they are real, because the angel possessing him and said angel's posse had just gotten into a fist fight with some Jiangshi.

And they have no idea. 

"So here's what we know: the three original victims are all missing, they are some sort of undead, they spread through bites, their victims die, and fire can kill them." Sam says, he and Castiel are sitting around a table in the motel, trying to figure out what they are up against. It's Jiangshi. IT'S JIANGSHI. Jimmy tries to scream at them, it doesn't work, he tries screaming it at Castiel too, even though he knows that also won't work. 

"We also know that victims die fast. The mortician couldn't have been dead for more than a few hours but he seemed to be dead for days. It's like the life force was sucked out of him." Sam says, which, very smart Sam! Because that's literally what happened. Jimmy groans. It's like reading a mystery novel where he knows who the murders are, yet the characters can't figure it out. Except this is worse because peoples lives are on the line and he can't help.

Dean comes into the room, phone in hand, "What did Bobby say?" Sam asks him. 

"Nothing, because turns out, based on a voice mail he left me, Bobby's on a hunt and can't answer any calls." Dean huffs, a irritated tone in his voice. 

"Well, did you try tuning into the police radio? Are our zombie friends causing any trouble?" Sam asks, Dean shakes his head. 

"Nothing, quiet all around." Dean says and he flops down on his bed. "You scholars have any idea what we are up against?"

It's Jiangshi, It's Jiangshi.

"No we haven't come up with anything."

IT'S JIANGSHIIIII. 

"We also still don't why that women had a angelic symbol on her." Castiel adds. Which is a good point actually, to Jimmy's limited knowledge there is no relation between angels and Jiangshi.

"Yep, there's that." Sam says with a head tilt towards Castiel. 

"Okay." Dean starts, sitting up in his bed, "I suppose the first thing we should do is go investigate that women, what information do we have on her?" 

"Her name's Diana Turner and we know her address, which we can go check out," Dean and Castiel get up to go, but Sam continues, ".. after we rest. Castiel I don't know about you, but me and Dean haven't slept since since yesterday night. Also we all have zombie blood spattered on us." Sam says with raised eyebrows. "So we rest and head out in the evening, less chance of running into people while we check out Diana's house." 

Which seems like a good idea, except Jimmy knows that the Jiangshi hunt at night. If they sleep all day then when they go out they'll be in danger... On the other hand, if they rest now Jimmy doesn't have to worry about the Jiangshi hunting random people while they sleep. Not that it matters what Jimmy thinks though. 

Dean looks hesitant for a moment then shrugs. "Fine, I dib first shower, Castiel you can go next. And Sammy, of course, you get last." Dean says with a cheery grin sent in Sam's direction. Oh God- not God, screw God-, a shower. It's been so long since he's had a shower, it's another one of those things Castiel thinks Jimmy doesn't need. He just uses his Grace and resets them everyday. But it's just not the same as a relaxing shower, the water washing away the weight of the world. 

However, of course, "I do not need to shower." Castiel says. 

Dean shoots a look at Castiel, "Castiel, Jimmy needs a shower."

Castiel raises his eyebrow, "I am perfectly able to keep his body clean." Dean responds by crossing his arms and narrowing his eyes. Castiel stares back at him.

Sam looks between the two of them until ultimately deciding he doesn't want to get involved in this, "Okay, you guys figure that out. I'm taking Dean's spot for first shower."

They don't acknowledge him and Sam awkwardly grabs a change of clothes and goes to shower. Jimmy doesn't blame him for leaving, even he can feel the tension in the air. 

It's after Sam has started this shower that Dean speaks again, "It's not about angel-ing him clean."

"What is it about then?" Castiel asks. 

"It's about-" Dean flails around looking for words. 

Castiel doesn't give him a chance to find them. "Dean, since I've gotten here you've been oddly adamant on how I take care of my vessel. Why?" Castiel asks with a questioning look aimed at Dean. It's a good question. As much as Jimmy appreciates Dean's care for him, he can't help but be curious as to why he cares so much. 

Dean sits down on the edge of the motel bed. "It's just that, Castiel, Jimmy isn't just a vessel. I've been thinking about him a lot recently. He said that first year was horrible; the least he deserves is something to make this a little easier for him." Dean says, and Jimmy feels himself shatter a little bit. Dean didn't forget him. He knows that Jimmy's in here, suffering, and he's trying to ease the misery a little bit. The knowledge of that breaks Jimmy more than he'd like to admit. 

"And a shower will do that? Make this a little easier for him?" Castiel asks, and yes, Jimmy thinks so.

"Maybe, I don't know. But I think he'd enjoy you taking your time to take care of his body. Other than just using your Grace to make it all better." Dean says and for one, Jimmy is extremely touched. Also, he'd pleasantly surprised with how expressive and perceptive Dean is being. 

Castiel must also be surprised because he starts to say, "Wow Dean, that's surprisingly-" 

"-also like Jimmy is hot, this is a free opportunity to ogle his body. Hell knows I'd take that chance." Jimmy snorts. Yeah, that's a lot more Dean. 

Castiel sighs at Dean, but there's amusement in it. "I'm pretty sure that's the last thing he'd want me to do." He says. 

Dean gives Castiel a faux disappointed look, "Fine then, keep his boxers on and stare at the wall." Which is exactly what Castiel does. 

When Sam finishes his shower, Dean begrudgingly gives Castiel the next shower and Castiel spends the entirety of the shower unmoving and staring at the wall. 

The whole time Jimmy aches to run his hands through his hair and over his body, and he's pretty sure Castiel takes the shower cold. But, all in all, it's pretty fucking awesome. Afterwards he feels cleaner than ever.  

....

The Winchester brothers sleep, Castiel stares at the wall, and Jimmy basks in the comforting feeling he has left over from the shower (and from basically every Dean related thing that happened since arriving in town). When evening comes and everyone is rejuvenated, they head off to the home of Diana Turner.

The comforting feeling that Jimmy was relaxing in fades away as he's reminded of their situation. They are in a town with at least three known Jiangshi, and that's not including the fact that there had to be at least one other to turn those three. The only people who have a chance at killing the Jiangshi haven't even realized that's what they are up against, which is quite frankly ridiculous. In Jimmy's opinion if anyone should know what they are up against, it would be the seasoned hunters and the angel that's been alive for who knows how long, but apparently not.

Jimmy's not too worried though, he's seen what the Winchesters can do, and he knows damn well what Castiel can do. They got this under control. Probably. Hopefully. Though, Jimmy knows how pointless hope is; he just has to trust their abilities. Besides, it's not like there is anything else he can do.

They arrive at Diana's address once the sun has started setting, which just puts Jimmy more on edge since this is when the Jiangshi start to hunt.

Dean picks the lock of Diana's house and they head in. The inside is relatively normal, nothing that screams 'I tried to summon an angel and then I somehow got turned into a hopping vampire'. But first looks can be deceiving, so they look deeper. They check the bedrooms, the attic, the basement, and they find... Absolutely nothing.

"What the Hell? There's like nothing here, nothing to explain the zombies and her weird angel rag." Dean complains.

Castiel raises his eyebrows, "Angel rag?" To which, Dean and Jimmy giggle. Though, of course, only Dean is heard.

"Wait wait, hey guys look at this." Sam calls and they head over to him, he's holding a graduation picture of a group of people. "Look, there's Diana, her son," Sam points to the different faces,"her son's friend, and his parents. Dean, don't his parents look familiar to you?" Sam asks and Dean grabs the photo then a look of disbelief falls over his face, "Wait woah, aren't those the other two victims?" Dean asks, to which Sam responds with a affirming sound.

"So, I think we can deduce that the victims' children are most likely involved in this." Castiel says.

"Most likely." Sam says and look over the picture, "Now where do we find these guys?"

Before anyone can speak more though, things dissolve into chaos. A Jiangshi sneaks up on them and attaches itself onto Castiel's back. Which scares the ever living Hell out of Jimmy but Castiel stoically grabs the freak and throws it off of them, which tears the trench coat but Jimmy isn't too worried about that because he knows Castiel will just Grace is better.

Another Jiangshi is wrestling with Dean, Sam kicks it off Dean and it lunges at Sam, who jumps out of the way.

"Fuck! How are things that hop so sneaky?" Dean bites out as he collects himself from the surprise.

Sam and Dean corner one of the Jiangshi and the Jiangshi lunges at Dean. Sam shoots at it, which while it doesn't stop it, it does knock it off kilter.

Dean tackles the Jiangshi to the ground and pins it down. "I got it! Look around for something to kill it!" Dean shouts out at his companion.

"Something to kill it? All we know is that fire works! Do you see a flame thrower anywhere?!" Sam shouts back and he flails around a little bit before heading toward door, "Hold them off, I'm going to go check the shed!" Sam shouts at Dean and Castiel. Castiel, who is wrestling with his own Jiangshi, gives the barest of nods in response.

The Jiangshi stretches his face and Cas punches it square in the jaw, it stumbles back a bit and trips over Dean. The Jiangshi that Dean was wrestling takes that as an opportunity to snap at Dean. Dean jerks out of the way but while distracted, the other Jiangshi jumps on him and he can't fight it off. Castiel pulls it off, but it distracts the both of them long for the other Jiangshi to bite Dean in the leg.

To bite Dean in the leg.

It bit Dean.

It.

Bit.

Dean.

Time slows for Jimmy, just enough for him to realize that he has to do something. The bite will speedily kill and turn Dean, and quite frankly, he's started to like Dean.

Not doing anything isn't a option, he has to help Dean.

Time speeds back up and Jimmy throws himself at Castiel spirit. He reaches out until he physically stumbles forward, "Dean!" He yells and he yanks Dean away from the Jiangshi. He can feel Castiel's spirit instinctively trying to take back control, just as he did, but he pushes it away until he barely feels it anymore. He drags Dean into the kitchen and he starts swinging cupboards open, looking for rice.

He finds some tucked away. He grabs a fistful of it and advances on Dean.

"Cas? What-" Before Dean can finish his sentence, Jimmy drops to his knees and shoves the rice onto the bite. Dean curls over, he lets out a hiss of pain and screeches out a "OW! What the fuck!"

But the rice in his hand is puffing up and for once, Jimmy is happy for what he learned in school. His joy is cut short, through, when the two Jiangshi stumble into the kitchen.

Jimmy rushes to his feet and he absolutely does not squawk in fear. He backs up to the farther end of the kitchen, pulling Dean along with him. Dean, who is still sputtering and hissing in pain.

"Dean, Dean, Dean." Jimmy chants and shakes Dean's shoulders, he can feel Castiel's spirit trying to take back control and he can't hold on much longer. "Dean!" He shouts, "They're Jiangshi!"

"They're what?" Dean snaps, but then the Jiangshi are lunging at them and Dean is pushing him against the counter and out of the way.

"Jiangshi!" Jimmy yells, that's the last thing he gets out before Castiel's spirit overtakes him and he's once again forced aside. The power of it is so strong he loses sight of the world for a moment. When he comes to, everything is a little blurry and he's still reeling, but he can vaguely make out Sam pinning the Jiangshi to the ground with rakes and an axe, seems like the trip to the shed worked out-- sort of.

The world is still a little fuzzy and the conversation between Sam, Cas, and Dean sounds muffled.

"What happened?" Sam asks, befuddled.

"Yeah that's a good question," Dean enunciates, stepping away from Castiel, "What the Hell just happened, Cas?" Dean asks.

If they want answers, they won't get it from Cas, as he says, "I don't know, that wasn't me."

A look doubt and confusion falls over Sam and Dean's faces, "Wait, not you? Like, Jimmy, not you?" Dean asks.

Castiel nods his head, almost hesitantly. Dean does a exaggerated blink and looks off to the side before looking back at Castiel.

He opens his mouth to most likely ask more, but a growl from one of the Jiangshi cuts him off. Sam looks from the Jiangshi to Cas and Dean, "Okay well, we'll have to deal with the Jimmy thing later. Lets focus on the problem at hand."

That seems to remind Dean of something and he snaps his fingers, "Oh! Right! After Jimmy shoved rice on me, he mentioned something about a... Jiangshi?"

Sam furrows his brows, "A Jiangshi?"

"Yeah, though let's not exclude the possibility that Jimmy may just be crazy." Dean says, which like, rude. But Jimmy can't be too bothered with it. He's too distracted with the way Castiel's spirit is nudging at him, though Castiel's 'nudges' feel more like forceful shoves and Jimmy does not need that right now. He uses all his remaining energy to shove Castiel back the next time he tries nudging at him.

Castiel blinks a bit in surprise and then decided to leave the matter as it is for now, he turns his focus onto Sam and Dean, "I think we should check it out, but first," he lowers his gaze to the Jiangshi, "Lets burn them?"

.....

After they've burned the Jiangshi and collected whet they deemed as useful from the house, they return to the motel. 

Sam hunches over his computer while Dean and Castiel hover around. "Jiangshi, also called 'hopping vampires,' are from Chinese mythology, it's a sort of malicious undead creature." Sam reads off from his computer. "According to the folklore, they feed off of life force, or qi, often times through bites. These bites can also turn their victims into more Jiangshi." Dean shifts uncomfortably but Sam ignores him and keeps taking,"But, as in Dean's case, putting rice on the bite immediately after getting it will stop the victim from turning into a Jiangshi." Sam says and he glances at Dean before continuing. "They are also known to have stiff limbs, so they keep their arms stretched out in front of them and they hop around, as opposed to walking around." Sam says and he raises his eyebrows and looks up at Castiel and Dean, "Basically, this is exactly what we ran in to." 

"And Jimmy figured it out, I'll be damned." Dean says and he looks over to Castiel and gives him a thumbs up, "If you hear this Jimmy, good job! Thanks for saving my life." He says cheerfully. 

Castiel raises his eyebrows and Jimmy barks a laugh. 

Dean turns back to Sam, "So, is there a way to kill them?" He asks. 

Sam nods and leans back in his chair. "Yeah, there's a couple ways. Most accessible to us is that fire can kill them, as we know, and also peach wood."

Dean raises his eyebrows. "Peach wood?"

Sam nods, "Something about it being the essence of the Five Elements. Convenient too, as we are in a town that's known for it's peaches."

Dean snorts, "Well aren't we lucky."

"Is there anything that would explain the angel sigil Ms. Turner had?" Castiel cuts in and asks.

Sam shakes his head, "Not a thing. However, I'm thinking that Ms. Turner may have been a witch, and maybe she's tried summoning angels before."

Castiel raises a eyebrow. "You think she's a witch?" He asks.

Sam nods, "Yep. The Jiangshi can be summoned by witches and necromancers, and we got Jiangshi here. So based on everything, it's not a bad guess." He crosses his arms. "I think she must have rose the Jiangshi, realized she couldn't deal with it, tried to summon a angel to help her, but was ultimately killed." Sam offers as a possibility.

"What about the other two Jiangshi?  The mom and dad Jiangshi we ran into at her house?" Dean asks. 

"And what about the kids?" Castiel adds. 

Sam shrugs, "Got caught in the cross fire, like the mortician. The kids I'm not sure about, but it's pretty likely that they got involved, as we haven't seen them anywhere." 

Dean sighs and crosses his arms and taps his fingers along his forearms, very toned forearms, if Jimmy does say so.

"Alright, so I say we head to the home of the other family, and see if zombie Diana and the kids show up." Dean says. 

Sam shrugs and tilts his head forward, "We could do that but..."

"But? Lets go gank these fuckers." Dean urges.

Sam sighs. "Think about it Dean, the kid's parents are all Jiangshi, chances are those kids are also got turned. And Jiangshi don't come out during the day, there's no way we'd find them." Sam says.

Dean huffs and plops down his motel bed. "So what? We sit around and wait until night?"

Sam shrugs, "Yeah, I guess. Though, in the main time, I got a couple more questions that could use answers." Sam says and he turns his head towards Castiel with a questioning expression. Dean also turns his head toward Castiel. 

Castiel lets out a breathe, "If you want answers of how Jimmy was able to 'take control', I'm afraid I don't have any. I barely even noticed Jimmy's presence before." Which is disappointing, and slightly offensive, yet not very surprising. Jimmy's dwarfed when compared to Castiel's spirit.

Sam looks thoughtful and he hesitates before asking, "Can we... ask Jimmy about it?"

Dean jumps off his bed, "That's an idea," he says and he walks up to Castiel and puts his hands on his shoulders, "Hey Jimmy! Come out so we can talk to you." Dean says, and it's intimidating, but Jimmy would still love to. However, he was barely able to do it before, he doubts he could do it now when it feels like the life has been sucked out of him. 

Dean stares at Castiel expectantly for a couple of moments, "Jimmy?" He asks.

"It's still Castiel." Castiel replies. 

Dean sighs and pouts, "So what, does he not want to talk to us?" But that's not the case at all. Jimmy would love nothing more than to actually have a conversation with Dean, with anyone really. But he can't just come out like they expect him to. 

"Hold on Dean, it might not be like that."Sam says. "Remember when Yellow Eyes possessed Dad? Dad used all his energy to overcome Azazel to stop him from killing you, it may be similar in this case. Maybe Jimmy used all his energy to overcome Castiel before and can't do it know." Jimmy sighs in relief, happy that Sam understands. Leave it to Sam to figure things out, Jimmy still believe he figured out the Jiangshi before him, compared to Sam he's about as smart as a rat.

"It's possible, though, perhaps I can make it easier for him." Castiel says, and this catches Jimmy's attention. Could Castiel give control over to Jimmy? Would he?

Dean seems to be wondering something similar, "Could you?"

Castiel nods before tilting his head, "Probably, before when we.. switched places, my spirit was forced back into the space Jimmy held. I can try simulating that and possibly make it easier for him to take control." Castiel says, it's a intriguing prospect and it has Jimmy at attention. 

Castiel closes his eyes and Jimmy can feel the pressure and he retreats into the space Jimmy occupies. Normally, Castiel's spirit is overpowering, constantly pushing Jimmy back and making him fight to even glance out his own eyes. Now though, it slides back and opens a path for Jimmy to walk right out. 

Which is exactly what he does. 

Being back in his body brings a array of sensations and now that he doesn't have adrenaline numbing the feeling, it's overwhelming. He can feel his knees shake and threaten to fall out under him, which causes him to lean into Deans hands on his shoulder. Dean's warm, physical hands. God- not God, screw God- he can't remember the last time he actually touched someone. 

No, that's a lie he can remember. 

It was when Castiel cradled his head and told him that he would suffer for the next thousands of years if Jimmy let him possess his body. 

"Jimmy?" Dean asks and Jimmy opens his eyes that he hadn't realized he closed, he meets Dean's gaze. 

"Man, I'm hungry."

......

They get burgers and Jimmy almost weeps after he takes the first bite. He proceeds to basically inhale his burger.

"You wanna slow down there?" Dean asks with a amused tone to his voice.

Jimmy takes another bite of his burger and shakes his head, "Nah. As good as the pie was, I'm starving." He says and goes back to ravenously eating his burger. "Mmm. Mmm. Mmm!"

"The pie? So you were.. Awake for that?" Dean asks while Sam mumbles something about deja vu.

"I was always awake. Kinda hard to sleep when your being yanked around by a comet." Jimmy says and takes another bite of his burger. It's the truth too, he couldn't sleep; not with his eyes always open and his limbs constantly moving. But he doesn't want to think about that, not when he has this delicious burger in front of him. Said burger he finishes in two bites.

"Last time you said that you only saw bits and pieces." Dean says, and oh, he's still on that.

Jimmy shrugs, "It's complicated." He says and he hopes Dean gets the 'I don't want to fucking talk about it' message.

Dean does not get the message, he raises his eyebrows and says. "It's complicated?"

Jimmy nods. "Complicated." He says.

Jimmy turns to Sam and raises his eyebrows at him, he glaces down at Sam's burger and back at Sam. Sam sighs and waves his hand in a 'have at it' motion, and boy, does he have at it. "Mmm. Mmm!"

Sam sighs and leans forward onto the table, "Look Jimmy, we're just trying to understand. Last time you were pretty adamant in explaining that you were barely able to even see the world most times, let alone just take back control of your body like that. Were you always able to do that?" Sam asks.

Jimmy shrugs and finishes off Sam's burger. "If I could do it, I didn't know. Last night was the first time for me." He says as he licks his fingers off. He's about to eat Dean's burger, but after one glance and the look Dean gives him, he decides not to push his luck. Instead he flags down to waiter to order more burgers, to which he proceeds to scarf down.

Sam gives him a horrified look, "Watching you eat is going to give me gout." He grumbles. "I'm going to see if I can get some peach wood to use against the Jiangshi tonight. Dean.. keep your eye on him." Sam says and he departs, as he leaves he gives Jimmy another horrified look when Jimmy scoffs around a mouthful of his burger.

"I don't need a baby sitter." Jimmy grumbles, spitting some crumbs as he does.

Dean, unperturbed, eats his own burger. Albeit, at a much slower pace. "Last time proved you do." He gives Jimmy a look then continues, "Look, if any of Castiel's enemies learn that Castiel can switch places with you, they may try to take advantage of that." Dean says. "So we can't have you running off."

Jimmy sighs places down his burger, "I won't run off.. I... I don't have anywhere to go to."

Dean frowns at him, "What about...?"

Jimmy shakes his head. "I can't go back there. I won't bring any more trouble to Amelia and Claire.. And.." He trails off, looking for the right words. "I'm not... I'm different. Amelia knew it back then and I know it now, I can't just go back to that life. Plus, as it stands, Castiel may need my body at anytime." He says gloomily.

He stares despondently at his burger, his appetite slightly dampened. For a moment he considers not eating it, but he quickly squashes that idea and continues wolfing down. After all, who knows when he'll get a chance like this again.

Dean's looking at him with a odd expression, Jimmy pointedly ignores him.

They eat the rest of their meal in a thoughtful silence. Jimmy orders a couple more burgers from their waiter, who looks extremely disturbed by the fact Jimmy ate five burgers in the last forty minutes. Or maybe it's because he's eating burgers at nine am in the morning. Maybe it's both.

After Jimmy is full and content, they pay and leave. They were planning to go back to the motel, but when Jimmy steps outside into the cool morning air and pleasant sun rays, he stumbles and closes his eyes to the onslaught of sensations. When he opens his eyes his hand is gripped tight onto Dean's leather car coat, he should probably let go.

he doesn't.

Dean has a unreadable expression on his face, but then turns away slightly, "Actually, before we head back I'd like to get some fresh air." He says.

Jimmy nods numbly and he stands still for a moment, still holding onto Dean.

Behind them a irritated teen clear her throat. Right, they are standing in the doorway.

They jolt and Dean pulls Jimmy into his space to clear way for the angry teen.

He clears his throat, "So.. where do you want to go?" He asks Dean as pulls his hand back to his side from where it was curled up in Dean's coat.

Dean shrugs and puts his hands in his pockets, "Anywhere. Where do you want to go?"

Jimmy hesitates, where does he want to go? He wants to go home, but that place isn't his home anymore. He swallows a lump in his throat, "Lets just walk around. I haven't breathed in fresh air in... A while." He mumbles.

Dean glances at him then shrugs, nods, and starts walking up the street. Jimmy pauses then walks next to him.

They walk through the town leisurely. The world is still a little much for Jimmy, leaving him somewhat dazed, and Dean has to stop him from walking into things and people. After Jimmy almost walks in front of a car, Dean decides to hold onto his hand to more easily pull him from trouble.

They make their way through the town, eventually ending up at a small park in the center of the town.

He and Dean settle onto a bench that's nestled away in a quiet, shady spot of the park. Dean has let go of his hand, Jimmy blames his dissapointment on the fact he hasn't touched anyone in a long time. Jimmy tells himself that it has nothing to do with the fact it's Dean. Sweet, pretty, funny Dean..

Jimmy takes off the trench coat and lays it over the back of the bench. He leans back and takes a deep breathe, closing his eyes and basking in the ambience.

He feels like a live wire. He can feel each strand of his hair flow in the wind, can feel the cold air touching where his skin is exposed. He can feel his lungs push against his ribs with each breathe he takes, can feel where the bench is digging into his back. He can feel the fibers of his clothes wrapped around him, too tightly. He wants to take off his clothes, lie bare on the ground and let all these sensations wash over him. He settles for just loosening his tie.

"Jimbo? You alright there?" Dean asks, sounding slightly concerned. Jimmy turns his attention to him and gives him a blank questioning look.

Dean raises his eyebrows, "Your shaking man." Jimmy startles and he looks at his hand and he realizes that yes, he is shaking.

"Oh."

Dean waits and when Jimmy looks at him, he has a eyebrow raised.

Jimmy lets out a breathe and he lets his head hang back till he's looking at the foliage above them. "I'm fine, it's just a lot." He chokes out.

Dean gives a sympathetic sound. "Good lot or bad lot?" He asks and Jimmy says softly with a sigh, "Good lot."

Dean hums. "Good. Since that's the case, quit the frowning. You're ruining your pretty boy vibe." Dean says and he leans close and flicks between Jimmy's brows.

Jimmy snorts and swats away Dean's hand, "Fuck off." Jimmy says, but he's smiling and Dean is too.

Dean gives him a exaggerated surprised look and says, "Woah, did you just swear? Sweet Christian boy like you?" Dean asks teasingly and something lightens in Jimmy. In a way it's a relief to be able to joke with Dean about this, it's thousand times better than pity or just pure disregard.

Jimmy rolls his eyes, "I've long decide that God and his, quote unquote, 'sins,' can suck my dick." Jimmy replies cheerfully and Dean chokes out a laugh, Jimmy smiles and lets out a small laugh too.

Once they settle down Jimmy becomes painfully aware of how close together they are sitting. Jimmy can feel Dean's warmth through his clothes, all of a sudden everything becomes too much again and his breathe gets caught in his throat.

He blames the heat in his cheeks on the slight chill.

He abrupt stands up and blurts out, "I want pie." He says and tucks his trench coat under his arm.

Dean turns his head to him, "A man after my heart." He says with a grin what makes Jimmy feel like he's dying.

As they walk to the pie bakery, Dean asks, "So, when Castiel just got here and had pie when, did you taste it?" Dean asks.

It's late afternoon and there are few people out. They took a detour and get some ice cream, because "what's pie without ice cream, Jimmy?".

Jimmy takes a lick of his ice cream, Dean's eyes bore into the side of his face. "Not really, sort of, I don't know. It's like the placebo effect, I see Castiel eat it so I taste it. It's the same with pain." Jimmy says with a shrug.

Dean winces and gives Jimmy a sympathetic look. "Yikes, though that reminds me. Last time, when Castiel was sent to Heaven, you said you only saw bits and pieces, what changed?"

Jimmy internally groans, He's still on that?

Jimmy pauses in eating his ice cream, this isn't a question he wants to answer. He doesn't really want to tell Dean about how hard he fought to just to look out his eyes, it feels too vulnerable.

And..

In a way he feels that by saying that it's incriminating Castiel, which he doesn't want to do.

He doesn't really blame Castiel, sure he harbors some resentment for Castiel not telling him what he was getting into. But it's not Castiel fault, not really. Even if he wasn't Castiel's vessel, someone else would be. And it's not like Castiel wants to hurt him, he just needs a vessel and Jimmy just so happens to be compatible. If Jimmy's going to be mad at anyone it would be at God and the fuckers who made it so it has to be like this.

It's fucking unfair, but at least he's got Castiel and not some asshat like Uriel. From what he saw of Uriel and the some of the other angels, he would rather shove a fork through his skull then have someone like that in him and controlling him.

"Jimmy?" Dean asks, he looks mildly concerned and Jimmy realizes he's been quiet for too long.

He looks around for a excuse, and shockingly he actually finds one.

He's not the only one who's noticed.

Normally Castiel's spirit is still ever filling, but while Jimmy was in control Castiel was not trying to push him away, instead he settled softly at the back of his mind. Now though, Castiel's spirit shifts to attention and pushes insistently at Jimmy.

"Dean." Jimmy hisses and tries to look casual, "Isn't that Diana Turner's son?" He asks in a low panicked whisper.

Dean stands up straight and looks around, "What? where?" He asks.

Jimmy swings a hand over Deans shoulder and hauls him close, "Be more obvious, will you? He's walking on the other side of the road." He hisses lowly.

Dean's eyes slide over to the other side of the street where Diana's kid is walking casually.

Dean straightens up and casually switches directions to walk in the same way the kid is heading. "Come on, lets follow him." Dean says and reaches into his pocket for his phone, probably to contact Sam.

Jimmy goes to follow him but pauses because, "You need Castiel." He says.

He can't help them in the say Castiel can, and besides, there is still the chance of angel involvement and if that happens they'll definitely need Castiel.

Even if he's terrified of retreating and never being able to come back. A wave of nervousness washes over him and Dean seems to understand the severity of what Jimmy is saying by the look he gives Jimmy.

"Jimmy.." He trails off and Jimmy shakes his head.

"Castiel can help you guys in ways I can't." He says, though it's mostly to convince himself. He knows what he needs to do, but he's still to scared to give up the control on his body for fear of never getting it back again.

Dean seems to understand this. He reaches over and places his hand on Jimmy's shoulder, rubbing his thumb softly over the base of Jimmy's neck. "Hey... It's okay. When this is over me and you will go get pie, yeah?" He says softly. It's a sort of stupid promise, but it's also the best and Jimmy relaxes and closes his eyes.

He takes a breathe and releases control on his body enough to open the way for Castiel to come out. Honestly, if Castiel wanted to, he could probably just push out. But he waits for Jimmy, which is.. It's nice.

After being out all day, going back into his body makes him feel a little floaty and disoriented for a moment. When orients himself, Castiel is looking at Dean with raised eyebrows. He glances to the hand on his shoulder. Dean chuckles awkwardly and looks a little flustered when takes his hand back.

Castiel gives him a look before tuning his attention down the road where the kid is, "Lets catch up before we lose him." He says and he starts walking down the road, putting back on the trench coat.

Dean follows after, already ringing Sam.

.......

They catch up with the kid, keeping a good distance away but staying close enough as to not lose sight.

By the direction the kid is going, Sam suspects that he's heading to a abandoned barn outside the town.

They follow the kid until it turns to dusk, but as they near the barn they have to put some distance between them due to the loss of cover the town offered.

Sam is on his way meet them, bringing equipment.

For now, Dean and Castiel walk down a long dirt road towards the barn.

They walk in companionable silence, Diana's son is far enough ahead that they can no longer see him, but they are confident enough that he's heading to the barn not to be worried. It's boring and Jimmy distracts himself by thinking his day with Dean.

It was a pleasant day. He didn't except that he'd get along so well with Dean. Though now that he thinks about it, maybe he shouldn't be surprised. After all, the first time he came around, it was Dean who advocated for him, who understood his desire to see his family.

Dean did seem to understand him better than most. Maybe that's why their date was so pleasant.

Wait, not date. Day. Not date.

It wasn't a date right? Was it?

No no, they just walked around. There is nothing date-like about that.

But then, Jimmy thinks back to Dean's teasing, them holding hands, laughing with each other and getting ice cream.

Was it a date? Or is this just wishful thinking?

It's seems a little too soon for a date. Then again, people go on blind dates, and Jimmy likes to think they they are at least one step up from strangers.

So, was it a date?

Castiel must have been paying attention to Jimmy and picked up something from him because he asks Dean. "Did you enjoy your date with Jimmy?" It takes Jimmy and Dean by surprise.

"Date?" Dean asks, flustered and mildly surprised.

Castiel raises his eyebrows. "That is what it was, was it not?" he asks.

Dean looks a bit taken off guard and thoughtful for a moment, then he leans in closer to Castiel and whispers, "And if it was? Would Jimmy like that?" Dean asks and Jimmy's mind goes momentarily blank at the possibility that Dean may considered their day a date.

The angel's mouth quirks up slightly for a split second before returning to normal. "I'd advise you ask him that next time you two talk." He says almost smugly and Jimmy mentally curses about meddling angels.

Dean opens his mouth to say more but Castiel says, "We're here."

The barn is up ahead of them, Dean and Castiel head for the woods for cover, they hide out and watch the barn.

"Whats that kid doing here? Can't be anything good." Dean whispers to Castiel.

"I concur." Castiel says.

A whistle cuts through the air, from the right side of the barn Sam is just barely visible to them, waving them over.

"Alright, here. I got some stakes made from Peach wood. This should work on the Jiangshi." Sam says once they get over to him, he hands them each a stake.

Castiel turns it over in his hand, "Anywhere in particular we should aim for?" He asks.

Sam shrugs, "Just anywhere lethal. I couldn't find more information other than that peach wood was one of their weaknesses. Worst case scenario, if it doesn't work we'll just immobilize and burn them."

"That is, if they even are here. What make you so sure they here?" Dean asks dubiety. "And what happened to 'chances are the kids are also Jiangshi?'" Dean asks, mockingly imitating Sam.

Sam gives Dean a irritated look and rolls his eyes. "I did some research, turns out Diana's son's friend, the other graduate from the picture, went missing on may twenty-ninth. Two days before the bodies started showing up."

"And that tells us what?" Dean asks.

"Look, it's a working theory, but I think maybe Diana's son, Cole Turner, turned his friend into a Jiangshi and the parents of the two got involved. Maybe things backfire.. or worked out. Depends on what the goal was."

Dean groans, "Ugh, more witchery?" Jimmy shares the sentiment.

Castiel hums thoughtfully, "Any idea about where the angel sigil came from?" He asks, ignoring Dean's whines.

Sam shakes his head. "No, like I said, still a working theory."

A scream cuts through the air, making them jolt and jump to action.

"Yeah and probably a wrong theory, based on the screaming!" Dean says and he rounds the corner and kicks open the barn door, Sam and Castiel not far behind.

Inside the barn, in the dim lighting, they are able to make out two forms.

Sam turns on a flashlight and it shows a Jiangshi biting into Cole Turner.

"Shit!" Dean yells and runs forwards. He wretches the Jiangshi off the kid and throws it to the floor. He's about to drive a stake through it but Diana's son rushes forward and pushes Dean away.

"Stop! What are you doing?!" He shrieks.

Dean looks at the kid like he's fucking crazy, "Saving your goddamn life, that's what!" He snaps.

"Y-You can't kill him!" Cole yells.

"Can't- Kid! That Jiangshi just attacked and bit you!" Dean barks, said Jiangshi recovers from where he was knocked down and leaps onto a cursing Dean, Castiel tugs off the Jiangshi and sends it flying into a wall while Sam goes over to help Dean out.

"Look kid, this really isn't your choice to make." Dean hisses sourly.

"Not my choice? He's my best friend! My family! It is my choice!" Cole says cries out and Jimmy feels a pang of sympathy, he knows how hard it is to lose your family. But he also knows when to let them go. "I finally got him back! I had tried everything- I tried summoning goddamn angels!-" Well, Jimmy thinks to himself, that's one mystery solved. "-I'm not letting you take him away now that I've got him back!"

Sam sighs, "Cole, that's not your family anymore. Your best friend is no longer in there, and now you're dying too. We have to put a end to this before anyone else gets hurt." He says softly.

His words don't reach Cole though. Cole shakes his head, "No. No one is ending anything. Everyone has been trying to stop me but no one understands." He says and he raises his hand up to look at the bite mark. "I'm not dying, this bite won't turn me. My best friend would never hurt me."

Dean sighs, "Look kid-"

Cole cuts him off though. "No. you don't get it, no one understands it. Not you- not my mother. She didn't get it when she found out about everything I've tried to bring him back. And now you'll have her same fate." He says darkly and he steps back right as the Jiangshi of his best friend makes it's way back over to them and attacks them.

It leaps at Castiel who steps back to slash at it with the peach wood stake, but it manages to grab onto him and slash at his arm, blood drips out but Castiel heals the wound quickly and kicks the Jiangshi.

There is a grunt from the side and Castiel turns his head to see Dean and Sam struggling with the Jiangshi of Cole's mother. During his slight moment of distraction, the other Jiangshi takes advantage and it leaps at Castiel and knocks him back.

Castiel stumbles a bit and the Jiangshi attaches itself onto Castiel, it goes to bite him and Jimmy mentally prepares for the phantom pain, but before it succeeds it's yanked off.

Castiel turns his head to the sight of Dean stabbing a peach wood stake through the chest of the Jiangshi, he and Sam having had successfully dealing with Diana Turner.

A scream pieces the air and a extremely pale Cole Turner pushes Dean aside to hunch over his friend.

For a second Jimmy is worried that Cole will grow angry and attack them, but he just kneels his friend and cries. Cries and cries until Jimmy can feel the cries echo inside him and until the Jiangshi's poison sets in and kills him.

They are silent for a moment, then Dean walks forward and rolls over the corpse of Cole Turner. "Anything we can do for him?" He asks gravely.

Sam walks next to him and hands him one of the stakes. "Prevent him from turning into a Jiangshi."

........

After they confirm the Jiangshi are officially dead, and after they burn the corpses, they head to the motel to get some much overdo rest.

Castiel and Dean are leaning on the Impala outside. Sam's already inside the motel room.

"So, guess there wasn't any angel business after all, just some broken up young adult." Dean says, he's looking up at the sky and the light from the motel and surrounding billboards casts him in a glow. Like this, Jimmy thinks he's beautiful, and jeez, when did that happen?

Castiel hums in response, pulling Jimmy out of his thoughts.

"Will you be sticking around?" Dean asks.

Castiel's hesitates, and Jimmy really really hopes he says yes. He's quiet for a moment longer then says, "You did promise Jimmy pie, did you not?" And Jimmy breaks out in a cheer, he uses all of his power to try to send Castiel some of his gratitude. He thinks Castiel gets the message, if the way his lips twitch for a moment if anything to go by.

Dean grins. "Yeah I did promise him that."

Castiel hums and gives him a sidelong glance. "Would you like to talk to him?" He asks. Jimmy leaps to attention at the possibility of being in control of his body again and talking to Dean.

Dean raises a eyebrow. "You'd be willing to let him take control for a bit?"

Castiel shrugs. "I'm the one in his body." He says and Jimmy feels a sense of validation from Castiel acknowledging that yes, this is indeed Jimmy's body.

Then, Castiel retreats back into Jimmy and Jimmy feels the cool air touch his skin. He takes a deep breathe; he's still not used to it, being back in his body and experiencing the world again. Which is funny, since before Castiel he was always in control of his body and was always interacting with the world.

A breeze blows by and it ruffles his hair a bit, he takes off the tench coat and rolls up his sleeves to feel the air better.

It's calming and peaceful, serene.

"You enjoying yourself?" Dean asks, slightly amused. When Jimmy turns his head, Dean is smirking softly at him.

Jimmy smiles back and scooches closer to Dean. "Yeah. I'm still getting used to it but this.. this is nice." He says with a happy sigh.

They settle into a delicate, peaceful silence. Jimmy missed this, being around someone just because.

He thinks back a bit, thinks about his family that is off somewhere. He thinks about Cole Turner; he can understand some of it, there's endless things Jimmy would do for his family. But one of those things is letting go, even if it hurts for awhile.

There are some pros to letting go. Letting go got him here: leaning against Dean's precious car and just enjoying each others company. The here, right now, is actually quite nice.

Somewhere his family is happy and living their lives, and Jimmy is over here living his own. Jimmy smiles to himself.

"What you smiling about?" Dean asks.

"Nothing just.. I'm enjoying this," Jimmy turns his head to Dean, "Being here. With you." It's a embarrassingly intimate thing to say and Jimmy is about to stumble through a excuse, but then Dean smiles and all reasonable thought flies right out the window.

"I'm enjoying this too." Dean says lowly and then his eyes light up likes he remember something. "Hey, was yesterday - or was it today?- a date?"

Jimmy sputters and he can feel his cheeks heating up. "Uh- I mean- it- mayb- um..." He scrambles for words, he wants to say yes but he doesn't know if Dean wants this too. He looks at Dean to gouge his reaction and Dean looks hopeful and slightly afraid, the answer comes easily to him. "Yes." He breathes out.

Then his brain catches up with his mouth and he flushes even more. "I mean, if that's okay, If you.. want that too." He stumbles out.

Dean smiles and he slides closer. "Yeah, yeah I want that to."

And God- not God, screw God- Dean is so close, if Jimmy leaned just a little forward- He tries to shut down that thought before it can take root, but it's too late.

The imagine of him brushing his lips against Dean is already embedded in his brain.

He swallows and he can't stop himself from taking a quick glance at Dean's lips.

He shouldn't- he really shouldn't. He could ruin whatever this blooming thing between them is. But he wants to, he wants to so badly. Before he can over think it, he decides, 'fuck it, gotta take some risks sometimes.'

He leans forward just enough, his heart going a mile a minute, so that his and Dean's lips press softly together.

He doesn't even get a chance to doubt himself because Dean's immediately kissing back. He leans closer and slides his hands up Jimmy's arms, rubbing softly over the spot where he got scratched earlier. Jimmy makes a strangled noise that Dean swallows up.

Jimmy can barely think, but he briefly registers his want to get his hands on Dean. He grips onto Dean's coat, pulls him closer until Dean tips him back against the Impala and until they are pressed flush together.

Dean rests a hand at the crook of Jimmy's neck, he runs his thumb tenderly over Jimmy's jaw and Jimmy whimpers.

It's so good. He never wants it to stop. But ultimately, they have to pull apart for air.

Dean doesn't go far though, Jimmy doesn't think he could handle it if Dean pulled too far away from him. Luckily, Dean stays close. They catch their breathes and pant into each others faces, which should gross Jimmy out, but right now it's the hotness thing imaginable.

"Hmm." Dean hums and runs his hand through Jimmy's hair. "So perfect." Dean whispers, Jimmy sobs and he pulls Dean back into a desperate kiss.

They stay like that for a while; kissing each other until their lips swell, until Jimmy is shaking and gripping onto Dean for dear life. All the while, Dean whispers sweet nothings to him at each chance he gets.

Eventually, Sam peeks his head outside and yells, "Dean, Jimmy! Stop eating each others faces and go to sleep." Jimmy doesn't know how Sam knows it's him, and he doesn't bother asking.

That night, he falls asleep wrapped up in Deans arms.

For once, Jimmy doesn't long over the past and wish for things to go back. He's content and he has pie to look forward to.

He's happy.

....The End....