Chapter 5 - Going Home
October 23, 2010
I'd slept off and on all night. McNamara sent a message around 1:30 am to say Michael had shown up. He'd tried to get Castiel's file but Nurse Greenley had moved it and he couldn't find it. It bothered me that this guy wanted his file.
By the time morning rolled around and Ellen came in for her first check of the day, we were both awake.
She summoned me out to the hallway and like last night, I let him see me through the blinds.
"Jody called me first thing this morning and I met with security as well. Do you feel like he will do well in your home? I can send physical therapy out or you can bring him in."
"I believe he will. I think he may do better because he slept fitfully last night. I think spotting that asshole upset him."
"Then I'm going to release him into your custody. You can set up physical therapy. However, let him walk and make him if he doesn't want to. He needs to build up strength. Also, I don't mind burgers but Dean, don't give him burgers three meals a day and two snacks."
"I should be offended."
"I know how you eat." She smiled when she said it and I knew she was playing around.
"I'll make sure to give him veggies and lean meats too. But I'll give him treats too."
"I'll live with that. Let me get to work on his release papers. You tell him he's getting released after lunch."
"Okay."
I went back in the room and closed the blinds.
"So, Ellen is releasing you from the hospital. You'll most likely have some medication to take and these bandages still need to be taken care of."
"Is it because of him?"
I sat down on the edge of the bed. "Yes. It's a safety issue. He came back later on and tried to find your chart which the nurse had moved. Commander Jody believes you would be safer elsewhere. He doesn't know where I live and he would be a fool to try to get you there."
"I'm sorry to be so much trouble."
"Hey, none of that. You are not to blame for any of this. However, I'm going to need to order food and supplies. Can you tell me what you like and if there is anything you're allergic to?"
He seemed hesitant but after a bit we worked out a list of likes and dislikes. To his knowledge he was not allergic to anything. Once I had a list I texted it to my brother and asked if he could possibly shop for me that afternoon. He agreed so I let Cas know he would stop by.
Physical therapy came around ten and while they were present we made appointments for him during the week. They also provided some exercises he could do at my house without any issues.
Ellen came in at lunch time and handed me a bag. "That has bandages and tape in it. For his back and groin area. I also included another tube of the antibiotic cream. You should have enough for the week."
"Thanks. I was planning to have Sam get a stock of them too."
"Now you don't have to." She turned to Cas and smiled. "Are you ready to get that IV out?"
"Yes!"
We both chuckled at the enthusiasm he had and she got to work. It was a quick process and when she was done she patted his hand.
"You get better. Make sure you drink plenty of water and don't let Dean give you burgers all the time."
"I like burgers though."
She chuckled. "Have them, but not daily."
"Yes, ma'am."
She turned to me. "They're bringing lunch up now. I'll have the release papers and the prescriptions ready by then. We filled them so you don't have to stop."
"Thank you."
She stepped out and brought lunch back. She also brought the papers for me to sign and fill out. I was taking sole responsibility for him because, while he was 18, it was clear that he was extremely vulnerable.
Once we were done with lunch and had everything ready to go I got him one of my shirts. He has shirts of his own in the bag but being outside this confined room would be harder. The scents from outside could be overwhelming. My scent brought comfort so this should help. Once he had it on it was obviously too big but he seemed fine.
"I have some smaller ones if you prefer."
"No, Alpha. This is fine."
He had new tennis shoes that were white as well but he seemed to dislike those. But kept them on anyway.
I stepped out to give my keys to Ellen. I hated doing that but I needed to stay with him. Ellen would bring my car around for me and Garth would escort us out with a nurse on duty.
"Dr. Fuentes wants to speak to you. Send me a text when you get loaded up and head down."
She was already walking away when Dr. Fuentes came up. "What's up?"
"I wanted to provide some guidance for home. Mr. Winchester, this is not to upset you or provoke you into doing things. It's to protect him and for his safety."
I didn't like the sound of that already. "Okay. What guidance do you have?"
"Set rules and boundaries for him. I don't mean to command his every move, but like he shouldn't be cooking right now so maybe make the stove off limits for a bit. Maybe no going outside without you present. Or opening the door. It sounds trivial, but based on his past he is used to having strict rules with punishments. You should have some form of punishment attached to the rules; I would think about that and see what you feel is best in that scenario."
"Punishments? Why can't I simply talk to him about why it's in place?"
"Because he hasn't had that type of punishment. You saw the bruises and welt marks; you know they hit him. I know you would never do that, so find something appropriate. "
"Okay. I'll think about it."
It made sense, Castiel's whole life was being told what to do and when. He'd proven that sometimes he can't make choices without approval. I would have to determine those rules and figure out some punishment. I would not hit him!
I motioned for Garth who brought the wheelchair but waited outside the room. Cas seemed indifferent to being moved. He also seemed way quieter and more submissive. I was sure that was due to his previous training.
But the moment the chair was aimed for the door he tensed. "Alpha..."
"It's okay. Nurse Lee is escorting us down to the lobby per hospital policy. Officer Fitzgerald, or Garth as he prefers, is also escorting us. I'm right here and will not let the chair go."
He pulled the trench coat I had in a bag out and draped himself in it, covering most of him up. I stepped around and kneeled down.
"Would you prefer if I let the nurse or Garth push you and I be where you can see me?"
He nodded and I smiled. "Let me get you to the hallway then I'll let him take over."
The hallway was brighter, more sounds and scents. It was clear he had trouble with that. But Garth was glad to push him and did so carefully. I texted Ellen the moment we started down and she was waiting beside my car when we got to the lobby.
The day was dreary and wet and had been for a few days. Garth steered him to the car and I put the bags in first and then helped him. I spotted Benny's truck waiting and eyed Ellen.
"He's following you home and will wait for a bit before leaving," she said.
I got Cas buckled in before saying byes and getting in myself
"Ready?"
"Yes, Alpha."
His voice was shaky and he was clinging to the coat now. He had aimed for the backseat but I'd put him up front with me. Normally I blasted the radio, but this time I just left the radio low.
It took a bit of time to get home, as traffic was horrible. He was very quiet on the drive, barely looked anywhere but the dash and to me.
I parked inside the garage and saw Benny's truck park across the street before the door closed. Castiel seemed to relax a bit once the garage door was closed.
"I'm going to run the bags inside right quick and then I'll come back for you."
He nodded and I grabbed the several bags from the back seat and took them inside. I just sat them in the living room -- I'd worry about putting them up later.
He was still in the same spot when I got back and opened the door. While he has been walking it was still iffy with his balance and stability. So I helped him inside.
The first area was the small foyer off the garage, then it was the main part of the house. The dining area and kitchen were to the left and the living area right ahead.
"Do you want a grand tour or do you want to sit first?"
"Tour, please."
"As you can see this is the main area. The fireplace does work and I use it often in the winter times. It's gas though, wood was nice but not a lot of places to stack it. That door leads to the porch on the side."
He took it in slowly, not really moving around the room but more looking at everything. From the wall colors to the floor and everything in between. We then moved toward the hallway.
"There is a small hallway, the primary bathroom is here on the left. Your new room will be this door to the left as well."
I opened both but his scent shifted from acidic to something more sharp when I mentioned his room. But he did peek inside the guest room. It was a beige color with white trim. A large queen size bed and dresser against the wall with a TV on top. It wasn't meant to be impressive.
"My room is right here, it's the only other room. I have a door leading to the patio as well."
I pushed the door open to a light space. Much lighter gray walls. The same bed, dresser, and TV combo. I got a whiff of something sweet here and was puzzled until I realized it was Castiel. The sharp acids were still present but his true scent must be coming through. It smelled...like home.
I swallowed because no one had ever smelled that way to me. What did that mean?!
"Am I to undress, Alpha?"
"No. You keep the pants, shirt and socks if you wish. You don't have to keep the shoes on though."
He took them off and left them in the spare room, something I was sure he didn't want to do.
"Sam should be over in about an hour. He's going to pick up my card and go to the store for us. I didn't think you'd want to tackle that task just yet."
"No, Alpha. I don't think I can yet."
"You will get there."
We moved to the living area but he seemed confused. "Alpha, where am I to kneel?"
For a moment, my mind was blue screened. I'd never been asked that question and it seemed so...random. Then, Dr. Fuentes came to mind.
Castiel was raised by cruel people and was taught he was less than them. I had a lot of work to do.
"You are not required to kneel at any time. You may sit anywhere you want to, even on the furniture which I would prefer."
His head tilted. "Even with the bandages? What if it bleeds again?"
"I've got some towels I can put down just in case."
I retrieved a few and spread them over the couch and chair, he then chose the couch. He looked relieved to be sitting on something that wasn't a hospital bed.
"I'm going to unpack these bags right quick. Do you want anything?"
"I'm good, Alpha."
"Okay. Won't take me long."
It didn't either. Most of my clothes were put right in the washer. His new items were put in the bedroom and I would need to get more than a few pairs of sweats and t-shirts. I made a note to ask Sam if he could do that later in the week.
Castiel was sitting in the same spot and hadn't moved. He was usually this way though. I parked my own rear end beside him.
"So, how about burgers tonight? I'll make them with leaner meat and less seasonings for now though."
"Sounds good."
The quietness grew until my phone pinged, Sam saying he was here. I let Cas know before I let Sam in. Sammy was four years younger than me, just 21. Sam was in college and lived in a dorm on campus. He wanted to be a lawyer.
"Sam, this is Castiel. Cas, this is Sammy, my younger brother."
"Sam is fine. It's nice to meet you Castiel."
Cas seemed very hesitant until Sam offered his wrists. A casual sniff showed him relaxing. Sam was a beta and glad to be one.
"Home. It's nice to meet you Sam."
Sam blinked but didn't say anything negative.
"I'm glad you're here and safe with Dean. He's a good protector; I can vouch for him."
Cas smiled some and I wanted to hide. Compliments were not my strong point. Once introductions were over, Sam went over the list once more and even remembered I should add some soaps and shampoos that were for omega skin. It was nice that he remembered Ellen probably included some hospital crap but Cas needed good stuff.
Once he left I returned to my seat beside him. "He smelled like home as well?"
"Yes. Alpha..can I..." he paused and hesitated. "Bathroom..."
"You need to go?"
"Yes, Alpha."
"Come on then."
I only assisted him to the door then let him handle it. Once we were back on the couch I turned to him. "Castiel, I maintain that I am not like your owners. Can I assume that they made you ask for the bathroom? Showers? Things of that nature?"
"Yes, Alpha. My parents weren't that way with some things but the ones after were pretty clear. I had to ask for anything. To do anything."
"Alright. I don't usually have rules but would you feel safer and better if you did?"
"Yes, Alpha."
I nodded and considered what he told me and what Dr. Fuentes mentioned.
"Okay. With regards to needing to use the bathroom, you do not have to ask. If you need to go, go. If you need me to walk with you for safety, just let me know. Regarding showers I would like to know that is your intention. For right now, no locking the door for the bathroom or showers. If you fall or get hurt, I need to get to you quickly. We will revise that rule in a few months."
He nodded. Seemed more intent to listen.
"Sleeping wise. If you are sleepy then you may sleep. Let's not get the days and nights mixed up, but I know right now you're recovering and rest is important for that. So, if you get sleepy during the day, you don't have to ask for a nap."
"Do I always have to sleep in the bedroom?"
"No. If you want to curl up here on the sofa that's fine. I will ask that if guests are over, you do go to the bedroom. I don't expect many though."
I took a few moments to think about what I should implement because really, aside from Sammy I've never needed rules for anyone.
"Food. You are free to eat whatever you want, when you are hungry. However, do not use the stove without permission. I'll make sure you have plenty of options that don't require the stove. I also ask that you clean up behind yourself."
"Whatever I want?"
"Yes. Within reason, I obviously don't want you eating cookies and candy all day. But if you want a snack, get it. If you get hungry let me know or fix something."
His hands began to fiddle with the end of the shirt and I waited for the question he had. He always fiddled when he wanted to ask something.
"What about your room?"
"What about it?"
"Am I allowed in there at all?"
"Yes. I know that sleeping in a separate room right now may be very uncomfortable for you. We know that even with me in the same room those nightmares are pretty bad."
"Are there any requirements?"
I raised a brow confused because what requirements would I have?! I wasn't even sure what he was referring to.
"Cas, what are you asking? Requirements for what?"
He swallowed. "Sex."
I reached over and lifted his chin. Could see the fear in those gorgeous eyes
"There are no requirements for you to do anything sexual. That said, I can't guarantee that I won't ever get aroused around you. But, I do not require you to do anything about it. I'm an adult, I can handle it. The same applies to you, I don't expect that you'll never be aroused around me, but I will not touch you unless you give consent."
He blinked. "I don't understand, Alpha."
"About?"
"Everything? I'm sorry I just.."
I cupped his face and directed his attention to me. "You don't owe me an apology for asking questions. Ask them. It's fine. So, what confuses you?"
"If you are aroused, why would I ignore that?"
Well fuck! "Because whether you cause it or a dream or something else does, I do not expect you to do anything. I did not buy you and you are your own person. If you do not want to, I will not make you. Likewise, if you have that feeling and don't want me to touch you I will respect that."
His head tilted adorably. "I think I understand. You prefer that I want to as well? Not like Master Michael who expected it and would punish me if I didn't."
"Right."
"What punishments are there for breaking a rule?"
"I am not sure at this moment. But, I will not be beating you or hitting you. I'll come up with something suitable."
"Okay."
It still felt unresolved but I wasn't sure what else would require a rule. I may ask Ellen since she had a daughter. It felt so damn stupid to need rules and treat him like a child.
When Sam messaged I let Cas know but asked him to stay inside, and I actually made that a rule too. That he couldn't go out into the front yard. It was a shitty thing to tell an adult.
Sam and I unloaded the bags and he stayed to help me put away the massive amounts of groceries. He did spend a little bit of time talking with Cas while I put away the non grocery items. Cas seemed reluctant but not afraid. I was glad he wasn't afraid of Sam.
Once it was just us again, I began to fix dinner. He sat on a pillow on one of the chairs so he could watch and talk to me. Conversation was mainly on foods he didn't care for and why and what foods he would like to try.
I had to admit that watching him eat something I fixed from scratch was pleasant. The sweeter scent I was getting was also nice, the sharpness was fading.
"Do you know what your scent was prior to everything?"
He finished chewing the fries but still shook his head. "No. It's always been unpleasant to alphas, mast...I mean, Michael...he said I smelled weird but he was never able to tell me exactly why. The last few months it's been this sharp scent that barely anyone could stand."
"It smelled acidic which is a sign of malnutrition and poor health. Most omegas in distress have an acidic or sharp scent."
"Is that all you smell?"
I smiled at him, inhaled two more fries. "Initially, yes. The first few days it was very strong. It's not as bad and I asked because sometimes I get a sweet scent. But I'm unsure of how to describe it."
"You always smelled like home. I first caught a slight scent at the place. But you had blockers on, outside though I got it in the jacket. It's odd that Sam smells pleasant and I get a homey type scent as well."
I would have to speak to Ellen about that. Home was good, but I wasn't sure of the implications of it.
When we finished I put away the leftovers, washed up the few dishes and then looked at him.
"Bandages. Then we can catch a movie."
Changing them was quick, even the groin area was faster now that he could do that. The bruising was still very evident but fading in some places. He even indicated it didn't hurt that much or as much in some areas.
When I asked about movies I gave him several options and I intentionally chose genres that I wouldn't automatically go for. Rom coms, animation, and even Disney movies were options. He chose an animated movie about bugs, it was cute. Even if he was falling asleep before the end.
Truthfully, I had fully expected him to be in his room. Why, I didn't know. But when I led him toward the room, instincts directed him to mine. I missed my memory foam mattress and was settled quickly. It didn't take long for him to be curled up beside me asleep. Without IVs, wires and other people interrupting I was hoping we both slept well.