I do not own the song "Wherever You Are" or anything like that

"Are you awake?" I whispered as I knelt next to Castiel's motionless form.

He opened his eyes slowly and turned to look at me. Castiel stared at me without answering and I took the cloth off his forehead and re-soaked it, wiping his face once more. He didn't complain, which made me slightly worried.

"I brought you some soup, and I'm making you some porridge for later. Can you sit up a little and I'll feed you?"

He continued to stare at me and I felt my cheeks warm up. I cleared my throat and looked down at my lap, clasping my fingers together awkwardly.

"You don't have to feed me," Castiel said softly and I looked up at him.

He pushed himself up with a groan so he was leaning against the arm of the couch. I lifted the bowl up and he reached for the spoon. I was alarmed at how much his hand was shaking though and pulled the spoon away from him.

"I don't want you to spill. Let me do it," I urged, ladling a small amount of soup on the spoon.

"Fine," Castiel sighed. I brought the spoon up to his mouth and as the soup hit his mouth he grimaced, swallowing hard.

"What? What's wrong?"

"It's hot," he mumbled and I blinked in surprise.

"Oh, I'm so sorry. I thought I let it cool down long enough."

"Just blow on it a bit before you give it to me," he muttered and his cheeks flushed brighter.

I reached up and straightened the cloth on his forehead while thinking that he needed to take his medicine before his fever got any worse. Carefully I scooped another spoonful of soup and blew on it gently before bringing it to Castiel; he sipped it and nodded. I had only fed him a third of the bowl when he said he was done.

"Are you sure? You should really eat all of it."

"Don't want it," he refused stubbornly and lay back down on the pillow.

"Okay," I replied with a sigh.

Putting the soup to the side, I picked up the Aspirin bottle and twisted the cap off. I slid two tablets into my hands and held them out to Castiel.

"Take these, they'll help," I instructed. He looked over at me and then closed his eyes.

"I don't want to move," he mumbled quietly and I blinked.

If he doesn't want to move then... My cheeks warmed up and I remembered distinctly when he had licked the ice cream off my finger at the beach. I gave him a wary look but his shallow breathing and flushed cheeks eased my discomfort. He was sick and needed to be taken care of.

"Okay. Turn your head a little towards me and open your mouth."

He did as I asked and I brought my hand with the pills over him and dropped them carefully into the side of his mouth. Reaching down I picked up the water bottle and held it to him. He took a small sip and swallowed, then he looked up at me and stared into my eyes. I blinked but found I couldn't look away. It was as if Castiel was trying to speak to me with his eyes, but I couldn't see beyond the steely gray to what he might be trying to communicate.

Brrrrinng Brrrrinng Brrrrinng I nearly jumped out of my skin when the ringing of a phone from somewhere in the house sounded loudly. I looked down at Castiel who had closed his eyes tight as if he was trying to drown out the noise.

"Does your head hurt?" I asked and he snorted weakly.

"It's about to hurt more."

Just then the phone stopped ringing and a recorded voice sang out, You've reached the Scarlatti residence! Robert and I are out of town so if you are trying to reach us give our cell's a try. Have a nice day! A high-pitched beep could be heard and then the same voice began speaking.

"Castiel, pick up. I know you're home, so answer the phone."

I looked down at Castiel who had turned over and clamped a hand over his ear. Was this voice his mother? Why doesn't he want to talk to her?

"Did you forget I was calling again? *Sigh* Fine, but I just wanted to let you know we're sorry we couldn't make it home for your birthday. Your Dad couldn't get away from his research and I'm in the middle of a huge project, but you're such a good boy. You understand, right?" Castiel buried his head deeper into the couch cushion and I bit my lip. "Anyways, your present should be arriving later today. I hope you like it!" There was a voice in the background and I heard a muffled reply from Mrs. Scarlatti. "I've got to go, Castiel; my crew is helpless without me. Happy Birthday!"

A sharp click sounded and the voice went away. Castiel slowly brought his hand away from his ear and I stroked Demon's back, wondering if I should say something.

"It's your birthday?" I asked and he grunted in affirmation. "Is that why you went cliff diving last night?"

"Yah," Castiel responded shortly.

I closed my mouth, continuing to stroke Demon's back. After a few silent moments passed I leaned forward slightly.

"You should sleep. You'll get better faster if you rest," I said in a quiet voice. Just then my cell phone vibrated, letting me know I had five more minutes before I needed to start cooking the rice. "I'm going to go finish the porridge. It won't be done for almost an hour and I can always reheat it if you fall asleep; so go ahead and take a nap."

I moved Demon's head off my lap and stood. A little squeak escaped me when I felt a warm hand clasped around my wrist. Nervously I looked down and was surprised to see that Castiel was still facing the other way. I made to move away again but his grip tightened.

"Is... there something you need?" I asked.

He remained silent but pulled my arm lightly. Following his silent prompting, I knelt back down. He slowly turned to face me and I peered into his bright red face. I hope the medicine will kick in soon. I thought with worry.

"I can't fall asleep without music. And my cloth is hot."

I smiled in relief since I could do something about that. Castiel released my wrist and I took his warm and slightly sticky cloth off his forehead. Once again I wiped his face after rinsing the cloth in the bowl of water.

"Would you like me to get your MP3?" I asked and he shook his head. "Is there a stereo in here?" I asked while glancing around the room but Castiel shook his head again.

"Just sing," he said with a husky voice. I blinked in surprise and felt my heartbeat quicken.

"Oh you... you don't want me to sing. I'm not really..."

I tried to refuse but Castiel looked over at me with the most pitiful face I had ever seen and I swallowed hard. Singing was supposed to be my secret, but it WAS Castiel's birthday and he was sick... Maybe he wouldn't even remember it when he woke up.

"Is there a specific song you want me to sing?" I asked reluctantly.

He shook his head briefly and coughed. I gave him his water bottle again and he took a long drought. As he drank, I searched my mind for a song that would make a good lullaby. One song stuck out to me but I blushed just from thinking of using that one.

"Just sing," Castiel repeated, reaching out and taking my hand in his. I gulped but the heat from his hand worried me so much I decided to do as he asked. Shifting my position so I would have a better airflow, I began to sing softly.

Come out moon
Come out wishing star
Come out, come out
Wherever you are

I'm out here in the dark
All alone and wide awake
Come and find me
I'm empty and I'm cold
And my heart's about to break
Come and find me

I need you to come here and find me
'Cause without you, I'm totally lost
I've hung a wish on every star
It hasn't done much good so far
I can only dream of you
Wherever you are

I'll hear you laugh
I'll see you smile
I'll be with you...
Just for a while

But when the morning comes
And the sun begins to rise
I will lose you

Because it's just a dream
When I open up my eyes
I will lose you

I used to believe in forever
But forever's too good to be true
I've hung a wish on every star
It hasn't done much good so far

I don't know what else to do
Except to maybe dream of you
And wonder if you're dreaming too
Wherever you are
Wherever you are

I let the last note hang in the air gently and looked down at Castiel. His breathing had become deeper and he blinked slowly as if he was fighting to stay awake.

"That was pretty. Where is the song from?"

I felt my face heat up and I slowly took my hand out of his. I positioned his hand on his chest and then brought my hands together in my own lap.

"It's, uh, from a Winnie the Pooh movie. I watched it all the time as a kid."

Castiel grinned widely and I felt my face warm up even more in embarrassment.

"That doesn't surprise me. Thanks for singing," he said quietly and then his eyes closed.

I waited for a second to make sure he was actually asleep and then took the soup and the bowl of water for his cloth in my arms and headed for the kitchen. Demon stayed with Castiel; curling up next to the couch for a nap of his own.

Once I was safely back in the kitchen I placed the soup on the counter and dumped the water in the sink. My cell phone vibrated and I turned to the rice. Picking up the heavy pot I placed it on the stovetop and turned the heat to medium-high. I hummed as I waited for the water to boil and added a teaspoon of salt into the water. Soon it was bubbling happily and I placed the cover on, setting the stove timer for 29 minutes.

I tapped my foot, wondering what I should do until the rice was done. My tapping foot soon became a small shuffle and then a full-on slide. I surfed youtube until I found the song Shin Woo was teaching me the dance to and began to practice. It was a little strange practicing in a kitchen instead of a dancing studio with floor-length mirrors and hardwood floors, but I still had fun.

Halfway through my practice, I realized that I had a lesson planned with Shin Woo today. I quickly turned off the music and called him but just got his voicemail. I left a message explaining that a friend was sick and needed my help so I couldn't come tonight and hung up just as my timer beeped.

Spinning lazily over to a drawer I had discovered housed oven mitts in my earlier exploration, I slipped a pair on before taking the pot off the heat. Setting the timer once again for ten minutes. I walked down the hall to peek in on Castiel. He was still sleeping but his breathing was shallower than I would have liked. Demon raised his head as I came closer and I rubbed his ear, kneeling down and looking into his black eyes.

"Are you watching over him, Demon? Do you think he's feeling better?" I whispered and he whined softly, licking my face.

Wiping my face off with a grin, I gave Demon another pat. Reaching over I flipped the face cloth so the cool side was on Castiel's skin and headed back to the kitchen. Once back I began searching the pantry for some honey. I was still searching when I heard the timer beep and I sighed in exasperation.

Where on earth do they keep the honey in this place?

I walked out, choosing one of the large spoons in a cylindrical holder on the counter, and carefully removed the lid from the pot. Steam poured out and I gazed at the white mass at the bottom of the bowl. I stirred it slightly and it seemed to be the right consistency, but since this was my first time making it I wasn't sure. Picking up a small spoon I took a bit from the pot and popped it in my mouth. It was extremely bland and I almost burned my tongue on it but at least the texture was good.

I turned back to the pantry with determination and resumed my search for honey. After my second circuit around the huge pantry, I finally found a small bottle of honey stuffed behind a couple of jars of peanut butter. I pulled it out triumphantly and portioned out some rice porridge in a bowl and drizzled a generous amount of honey over it.

"I hope he likes honey," I muttered to myself as I remembered Nathaniel's dislike for sweets. But then I shrugged; if he didn't like it there was plenty left I could feed him.

Placing the lid back on the pot I turned and refilled the large bowl from before with cool water for Castiel's cloth. Carefully I positioned it in the crook of my left arm and the rice porridge in my right hand. As I walked down the hall again I couldn't help but chuckle.

How many times am I going to be making this trip today? I wondered as I walked into the living room with Castiel and Demon. Castiel was still sleeping but Demon propelled himself up and came to greet me, sniffing at the porridge.

"Sorry, Demon, but this isn't for you," I whispered as I carefully set down both the porridge and water bowl before turning my attention back to Castiel. His eyes were screwed tight and his breathing was rapid as if he was having a nightmare.

Instinctively I reached out to place my hand on his but immediately redirected it to take the now sticky cloth from his forehead. I rinsed it thoroughly in the water and began wiping his face gently. His eyes popped open and he seized my hand, squeezing my wrist so tightly I winced in pain. Unfocused gray eyes stared at me and I stood very still. Slowly Castiel eased his grip on my arm and his mouth turned down into a confused frown.

"Opal..." he croaked before coughing violently. I gently pulled my hand from his grip and picked up the water bottle. He took a long sip and fell back on his pillow with a groan. "Sorry about that," he said hoarsely and I shook my head.

"It's fine. Can I take your temperature again?"

He nodded and opened his mouth, letting me insert the thermometer in. Once it beeped I pulled it out and frowned. 103.2 degrees. The medicine had barely made a dent, but I hoped that it was just taking some time to kick in. I silently wiped Castiel's brow and tried to keep my worry from showing.

"Could you try to eat a little?" I asked and Castiel grunted. "Please? Your body can't get better without energy."

He sighed and pushed himself up against the armrest again. "It's not more soup, is it?" he asked and I shook my head.

"This is a recipe my aunt suggested. It's supposed to be really good for when you're sick."

Castiel nodded wearily and I picked up the porridge bowl. Making sure I had a good amount of honey with the porridge I blew on it lightly and then held it out to Castiel. He eyed it suspiciously but eventually tried it. I watched as his face registered surprise and then turned thoughtful; he swallowed and blinked at me.

"More," he said simply and I smiled in relief.

To my delight, Castiel proceeded to eat the entire bowl of porridge. When I gave him the last spoonful he laid back with a contented sigh.

"I'm surprised you liked that so much," I commented happily and he smirked at the ceiling.

"Maybe it's because you made it for me," he mumbled quietly and I blinked, feeling a flush come to my cheeks. I shook my head, mentally chiding myself for feeling happy about that comment.

I flinched violently when the chorus to Winged Skulls "Heartbroken" suddenly tore through the still air. Castiel groaned, dug into his pocket, and pulled out his phone. He hit a button to silence the call and then dropped the phone onto the ground unceremoniously. With a sigh, he covered his eyes with his arm and in the process ended up knocking the cloth on his forehead off-kilter slightly.

"Is your head hurting?" I asked gently, reaching out to remove the cloth and dip it in the water.

Castiel grunted in what I assumed was affirmation and I chewed my bottom lip, looking down at the aspirin bottle. It hadn't been long enough for Castiel to take more medicine, but I wasn't sure of what else would help a headache. I jumped, almost tipping the bowl of water over when Castiel's phone began ringing again. Castiel growled, almost sounding like Demon, as the harsh ringtone kept playing.

"Would you like me to turn your phone off?" I asked gently and he sighed.

"Just answer it," he said with obvious annoyance and I blinked in surprise.

"I couldn't..."

"I don't want to talk," Castiel said, flopping his hand down to slide his ringing phone across the short space between the couch and my knees.

Swallowing hard, I picked up the phone, pressed the answer button, and brought the phone to my ear nervously.

"H-hello?"

"Is this Castiel Scarlatti's cell phone?" A musical voice asked and I blinked. Is that Lysander?

"Yes, it is." I replied hesitantly and there was a long pause.

Did he hang up?

"Kate?" I gasped and nearly fell over. How had he known it was me? "Kate, why are you answering Castiel's cell phone?"

"Well, you see... Castiel has a really bad fever and so I..."

"Are you at his house?" Lysander's voice had taken on a hard edge to it and I gulped, feeling like I had been caught doing something bad.

"Yes, I am. He couldn't walk so I..."

"I'll be there in ten minutes," Lysander said curtly and promptly ended the call.

I stared at the phone, my thoughts going 100 miles per minute. Why is Lysander coming over? How had he known it was me? Why had he sounded so upset?

"Who was that?" Castiel asked and I jumped in surprise. I handed his phone back to him but he waved it away so I placed it on the ground.

"It was Lysander. He said he was coming over," I relayed and Castiel groaned, placing a hand on his forehead.

"We were going to check out a music store after school," he said and coughed slightly. I gave him his water bottle again and was happy to see that it was almost empty.

"I'll go refill this. Did you want any more porridge?"

"Not right now; but maybe later," he said gruffly before looking away.

"Okay. Why don't you go back to sleep?"

"I don't want to sleep," he growled and I sighed.

"You don't want to do a lot of things," I observed and he chuckled dryly. "Try to think of something you DO want to do for when I get back," I said, replacing the damp face cloth on his forehead before I picked up the water bottle and empty porridge bowl. Demon stood up to follow me and I thought I heard a small chuckle as I left the room yet again.

A/N So when Opal sings the Wherever you Are song, obviously she does it a lot prettier than Winnie the Pooh, but I absolutely love this song and just had to put it in here XD