The soul looked back at Cas, still seeming a little uneasy, but less panicked. He's unstable. He's scared. The kid's got issues, and there's only so much I can do about it. Fixing him is your job.
Private
group
"I know," Halm said, looking back at the soul. "I can take care of him." Halm smiled softly.
You'd better. He cares about you more than he's going to admit to you. Can I go back in now? The soul asked. It's freezing out here.
group
Halm nodded at the first part of what the soul said. Cas wasn't the only one.
"Of course," he said. He moved the soul closer to Cas's body, watching was it was gently pulled back in. He raised his hand to cup Cas's cheek, waiting for him to wake up.
"Cas," he said gently.
"Mm…" Cas whined softly, stirring and then curling up tightly, shivering. His eyes were still closed, but he seemed to be floating on some plane of consciousness.
group
"It's over now," Halm said, voice quiet. Once he was certain it was safe, he picked Cas up out of the wardrobe, holding him close.
Cas huddled close to Halm for warmth, and Nix was still yowling angrily in the background at not being able to help Cas.
group
Halm secured Cas to himself with one arm, closing the wardrobe door and turning to Nix. He picked the cat up carefully, bringing him up to Cas.
"Everything's gonna be okay now."
Nix nuzzled against Cas's cheek and lay on his chest to calm him down. After a few seconds, Cas weakly brought up his arms to hug the cat.
group
Halm was relieved when Cas moved. He went over to the bed, sitting down. He gently layered Cas onto his lap, arms wrapped around him.
After about ten more minutes of being warmed up by Halm and Nix, Cas finally opened his eyes blearily. "…Halm?" He asked, his voice faltering and breaking.
group
Halm stayed silent the entire time, letting Cas take as long as he needed.
"I'm right here, Cas," Halm said gently. He moved one hand up to cup Cas's head, being so so gentle.
Cas leaned his head into Halm's hand and let his eyes fall shut again. "What happened…?" He asked weakly. "Am I dead?"
group
"You're not dead," Halm said softly. "You're soul and I just had a little talk. It was… scared." Halm curled around Cas a little more, holding him close. He rubbed Cas's cheek with his thumb.
"What was it scared of?" He relaxed into Halm's gentle touch.
group
"Dying," Halm said softly. "It saw all the other souls, and it was scared you'd die too." Halm was so relieved when Cas relaxed into him.
"Oh…" Cas was quiet for a few seconds. "Is it okay? My soul, I mean?"
group
Halm nodded.
"Perfectly fine." He gave Cas a small smile.
"That's good…" Cas relaxed a little again. "It doesn't feel as uneasy, anyways."
group
"Good," Halm said. He smiled again, pulling Cas a little closer.
"How long was I out?" He asked, yawning a bit and keeping his eyes closed.
group
"At least fifteen minutes," Halm said. He uncurled a little, but he still had Cas close to him.
"Is that bad?" He seemed mildly worried, but was too tired to react strongly.
group
"Not exactly," Halm said gently. "You just need some rest."
Cas nodded, closing his eyes again. "Sounds good, love…" He murmured.
group
Halm moved Cas up against his chest a little, holding him close.
"What about Marcos?" He asked. "We kinda just left…"
group
"Don't worry," Halm said quietly. "Marcos understands."
Cas nodded. "Alright… that's good. Maybe you should send your friend to go tell him?"
group
"Okay then. So long as you get some sleep, okay?" Halm reached up with one hand, gently pulling Aiko down. He spoke to her a moment, and then she was off.