A/N I have a few chapters done but I'm gonna release them over a longer period of time so I can keep working on the book I ignored for 7 months because I feel bad

Castiel has every intention of flying back to Sioux Falls on the morning of Christmas Eve to spend Christmas with his family and Dean's. The problem is, the first thing he does when he wakes up is run to the bathroom and puke. Wow, what a time to be sick.

Misha trots in after him, walking slowly, as he tends to do these days. Castiel just assumes it's because he's old — Amelia the vet says he's about ten — and he's getting lazy in his old age. It's not uncommon. The dog lies down on the floor next to him, just to keep him company.

Castiel reaches over and rests a hand on his dog's head. Misha glances up at him, then closes his eyes, probably to take a nap after that exhausting walk across the room.

Castiel reaches for his phone to check the time, only to realize he doesn't have his phone on him. He doesn't remember seeing any light out his bedroom window, not that it was his first priority to look there, but he's not sure if that means it's still nighttime or it's early morning.

"Hey, Misha, go get my phone," Castiel instructs him.

Misha opens his eyes, then closes them again without moving.

Castiel sighs. "Well, you're no help."

He's about to stand up to get his phone when he pukes again. Okay, maybe he'll hold off on that for now.

~~

It's a little while later when Castiel finally does go get his phone, returning to the bathroom immediately. Misha barely looks up, like he knew Castiel would be coming back. Either that or he's just lazy.

Castiel hesitates, not sure who he wants to text and finally settling on texting Lucifer, and he'll probably text Dean afterwards.

Castiel: I won't be coming up tonight.

Lucifer texts back immediately, as always.

Lucifer: What?? But you have to!!!

Castiel: I know, but I'm sick.

Lucifer: Idc you have to come!

Castiel: Sorry.

Lucifer: No but like you actually have to for real this is the most important Christmas ever

Castiel: Um?

Lucifer: Are you absolutely positive there is no way you can come?

Castiel: Yes.

Lucifer: Okay but like please?

Castiel: No, I cannot come. Idk how many different wants you want me to say that.

Lucifer: Okay then can you at least FaceTime us tomorrow morning so it's like you're opening presents with us? Most of Aunt Amara's side of the family isn't coming so it won't take tooo long but you have to be there.

Castiel: idk maybe but I'll probably be asleep.

Lucifer: No, seriously, Castiel, FaceTime us. You have to. It's not optional.

Castiel: Ugh fine I'll try to be awake.

Lucifer: Do or do not. There is no try.

Lucifer: And there also is no do not.

Lucifer: So do.

Lucifer: Okay? :)

Castiel: Fine whatever gtg.

He doesn't actually have anywhere to go, obviously, because he doesn't really want to leave the bathroom, but Lucifer is being pushy and Castiel doesn't want to deal with it. Instead, he texts Dean about the same thing.

Castiel: Hey just so you know, I won't be able to make it today.

Dean: I'm sitting next to Lucifer right now so I am aware.

Dean: He's right, tho. You do need to come.

Dean: Don't let a stupid cold get in your way! You can do it! Defeat the cold!

Castiel: It's a little bit worse than a cold, but thank you for those motivational words?

Dean: Idc you have to come anyway.

Castiel: I'm sorry.

Dean: Seriously, Cas, it's not going to be as impressive through a screen.

Castiel: ...?

Dean: Ah whatever, forget it. Just make sure you do FaceTime us, because you won't want to miss Christmas.

Dean: I've only seen you twice in the last three months and I miss you so that's more incentive if ya need it.

Castiel: Okay yes that's enough to make me want to FaceTime you.

Castiel: TTYL

Dean: K bye!

Castiel tosses his phone aside and sticks his head over the toilet again. This is going to be a long day.