Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Dean is just climbing down from the dais where they have everything set up for Alpha Claus when he spots Castiel standing nearby, holding Jack’s hand. Jack spots him first, jumping up and down and pointing.

“Daddy! There’s Omega Claus!” Dean hears him cry, getting the attention of quite a few other mall patrons. Dean winces, wondering if this is going to spark any complaints if any of them believe him to be an Omega. He’s pretty sure the fake alpha pheromones are still working, but it’s been long enough since he reapplied those and his blockers that his own scent might be breaking through.

“Hello, Dean,” Castiel says as Dean reaches them.

“Heya, Castiel.”

“Daaaad, I told you, that’s Omega Claus.”

Castiel looks torn, and Dean winces again. How, exactly, are they gonna navigate this without spoiling Santa for the little guy? Then he has an idea.

“Hey there, Jack,” he says, crouching down so he’s on the boy’s level. “Have you heard of Alpha Claus’s little elves?”

“A’course. They make all the toys!”

“That’s right. But there’s something else they do too. Can you keep a secret?”

“Yeah!”

Dean looks up at Castiel, hoping what he’s about to say is okay. The alpha doesn’t look upset though, just smiles down at his son indulgently.

“Well, here’s the thing. Alpha Claus may be able to visit every house on Christmas Eve to leave presents, but what he can’t do is be in every mall everywhere at the same time. Instead, we elves help him out by playing Santa and then telling him all the wishes that children bring to us.”

Dean glances up at Castiel again to see him covering his mouth, eyes crinkling in silent laughter. Okay, so far so good.

“But you’re not little!” Jack counters.

“Uh…” Dean falters, then improvises some more. “Well, that’s another secret. Some of us are Santa-sized so we can help this way.”

“Oooooh,” Jack says, seeming to process the information before he looks up at his dad. “I’m hungry. Can we get ice cream?”

No longer the center of the boy’s attention, Dean stands up slowly, his knees popping.

“Jack, we haven’t had dinner. Dinner comes before dessert.” He looks shyly at Dean. “I know you said coffee, but I figured you might not have had a chance to eat for a while, so maybe we could grab a meal?”

The guy looks so hopeful, and there’s no way Dean is turning this down anyway. “Hel—eck yeah,” he replies, apparently already having lost the kid-filter he’s had on all day. He rubs the back of his neck. “Sorry about that.”

Castiel just chuckles, but Jack pipes up before he can say anything. “What does helleck mean?”

Dean can’t hold back a snort but does manage to straighten his face after that. Mostly.

“It means Mr. Dean is hungry, too,” Castiel explains without missing a beat, then looks up at him, the corners of his mouth twitching up. “How do you feel about burgers? Jack’s a picky eater and there’s a burger place nearby that has chicken fingers he’ll actually eat.”

“Burgers sound awesome. I just gotta get changed real quick, but it won’t take long. Is it here in the mall?”

“No, a little closer to downtown if that’s okay. Probably a fifteen minute drive? We could meet you there.”

“Sounds good,” Dean agrees, though he’s not excited about finding parking. Even that close, if it’s in that direction it means street parking. He hates finding street parking for Baby, his 1967 Chevy Impala. Still, he’s got a feeling the alpha might be worth it. “I’ll give you my number and you can text me the address.”

Castiel beams at him and oh yeah, if it’ll get him a smile like that, Dean will probably do much more than deal with street parking.

Once Castiel sends Dean the address, they part ways and Dean heads for the small Employees Only area where he has his things in one of the lockers. Before long, he’s changed and donned his winter jacket, hat, and gloves (because fuck is it cold out at night this time of year) and is heading out to Baby.

Finding parking isn’t nearly as bad as he expected, probably because it’s a Thursday night instead of the weekend. He looks at his phone as he gets out of the car to see a message. Opening it, he’s met with a picture of Castiel and Jack in what must be a booth at the restaurant plus the message, “We’re here! ☺️🍔☺️”. 

So the guy loves emojis, he thinks with a chuckle. What a dork. Somehow, unlike with other people, he finds it endearing rather than annoying. With a grin, he puts his phone in his pocket and heads to the restaurant.

Chapter Text

Looking around once he enters the place, Dean quickly sees Castel and his son, Jack waving so hard he looks like he might fall over. He scoots into the seat across from them, taking off his outer layers and smiling.

“Hey, Mr. Omega Elf!” Jack says enthusiastically, and Dean laughs.

“Hey, Jack.” Then, addressing Castiel. “This is gonna be a whole thing, isn’t it?”

The alpha laughs. “So it would seem.” He turns to his son. “Elves have names, and this elf is named Dean, so you can call him Mr. Dean, okay?” 

“’Kay. Can I get tenders now?” Jack says, any protests immediately forgotten in the face of food.

“It will be a little while because we still have to order and then they have to make them. Would you like some cheese crackers while you wait?”

“Yeah!” the kid cries with more enthusiasm than the somewhat smooshed, packaged crackers that Castiel pulls out probably deserve. Of course, Dean was pretty crazy for those sandwich cheese crackers when he was a kid, so maybe it’s deserved after all.

“So what’s good here?” Dean asks once the kid is munching happily.

“Honestly, every burger I’ve tried has been delicious, though we haven’t been here quite enough times for me to try them all. I think I’m gonna have the regular cheeseburger but with a fried egg tonight.”

“That sounds awesome,” Dean says just as the server arrives.

“What can I get for you folks to drink?” the beta asks.

“Actually, if we could order our food too, we’re ready.” Castiel indicates his son. “This one’s getting hungry.”

“No problem. What would you like?”

“We’ll both have the regular cheeseburger with a fried egg,” Dean says. “I’ll have it with fries and he’ll have…” he trails off, only then realizing the alpha may not appreciate Dean ordering for him. Or at least, partially ordering for him. When he looks at Castiel though, the man seems entirely unphased.

“I’ll have mine with sweet potato fries, and chicken tenders with regular fries for the little one,” Castiel says with a smile, no indication that Dean’s upset him.

“And to drink?”

“Water for us will be fine,” Castiel says, gesturing to himself and Jack, and Dean’s about to order a Coke when Jack whines, “But daaaad, I want a Sprite!”

The server is apparently well-versed in how to handle upset children (aka only address the adults and ignore the situation unless it gets entirely out of hand), and so turns to Dean expectantly.

“I’ll, uh, have a water too,” he says, changing course and figuring if that doesn’t help the situation, at least it won’t make it worse like ordering his own soda might.

“Sure thing. I’ll have those waters out in just a moment and your food shouldn’t take long!” the server chirps, turning and walking toward the kitchen.

Dean turns back to see Castiel speaking firmly but quietly to his son. “You had a soda yesterday, and you know that you can’t have soda more than once a week. Remember?”

“I ’member,” Jack says, sulking.

Castiel squeezes his hand before pulling over a children’s menu and crayons that Dean hadn’t seen. “Can you show us how well you color? I bet Mr. Dean would love to see how good you are.” When Jack continues to sulk, the alpha looks at Dean imploringly.

“Oh, uh, yeah,” he fumbles. “I’d love to see something you colored.”

Jack looks at him, a surprisingly calculating expression on his face for one so young. “Will this mean I’m on the good list?”

The good list? Dean’s mind is momentarily blank before he puts two and two together. “Yeah, kid, it’ll put you on the good list. Promise.” He looks at Castiel, who mouths a ‘Thank you’ at him. Checking Jack isn’t looking at him anymore (he’s already busily coloring in the large burger on the back of the kid’s menu), he mouths ‘No problem’ in return.

Dean smiles at him reassuringly, hoping the alpha doesn’t feel too bad. Jack’s just being a kid, really, so there’s nothing to be embarrassed about.

“So tell me how you came to be Santa,” Castiel asks. “I, um… wouldn’t have guessed you were an omega.” His eyes widen as his cheeks start to redden. “Not that you don’t look like an omega! Or there’s anything wrong with an omega being Santa! It’s just, not usually… what… happens…” he trails off, and Dean decides to let him off the hook.

“It’s okay, man,” he says with a smile. “Of course you wouldn’t. I was wearing blockers and synthetic alpha pheromones. Besides, I know I don’t look like an omega. Or so everyone tells me.” He shrugs. “Kids just know sometimes, you know? I think most of them have the past few days, at least subconsciously, just none of them said anything till Jack. I’m just glad you’re okay with it.”

Castiel tilts his head to the side, looking confused. “Why wouldn’t I be okay with it?”

“You’d be surprised how many people can’t handle it when us uppity omegas try to do things that only alphas should do,” Dean replies with an eye roll.

“That’s an archaic notion.”

Dean smiles. “Glad you think so, Cas.” Then he realizes what he said. “Cool if I call you Cas? Castiel is kind of a mouthful.” He blushes immediately as his imagination makes the connection between ‘mouthful’ and some less than PG activities.

The corner of Castiel’s mouth quirks up. “Cas is fine.”

Their food arriving interrupts the conversation then, and Jack promptly shoves away his coloring in favor of his food. “Want ketchup!” he demands.

“What do we say when we ask for something?” Cas corrects gently.

“I want ketchup, please ,” Jack amends.

“That’s better,” the alpha says before squeezing a generous amount on the kid’s plate. 

It’s not until Cas looks back toward him that he realizes he’s been watching this interchange in favor of eating, and… that is not normal Dean Winchester behavior. Usually nothing short of Hell or high water can distract him from a good meal. But watching the alpha with his son is bringing up some long-buried thoughts and emotions annnnd nope, not going there.

Dean gives Cas a quick smile, then picks up his burger and prepares to take a bite. Between the regular toppings you’d expect — lettuce, tomato, onion — plus the thick patty and the egg, the burger is massive. There’s going to be no way to eat this without making a complete mess, but it’s not like he ever eats anything daintily, anyway. 

Sam is forever complaining about his table manners, and while he’s sure his younger brother would admonish him to be on his best behavior on a first date, Dean just shrugs to himself. Better to let the alpha see what he’s getting into. 

Just as he’s about to take a bite, however, he hears a moan that does not belong in a family friendly restaurant. He looks at Cas, deer in the headlights style, as he tries desperately to keep a grip on his reactions. He knows by now that his blockers and fake pheromones must be wearing off, so he really needs to keep any hint of arousal out of his scent.

Cas has closed his eyes as he savors his first bite of his burger. Dean really needs to start eating his if it tastes good enough to elicit that reaction, but he’s mesmerized by the scene before him as Cas wipes his hand across his mouth and then licks the transferred ketchup off his hand.

Time to change gears, he thinks desperately, and turns to his own burger. Flavor explodes on his mouth at the first bite, and okay, he has to admit this is really damn good. Not as good as his own burgers, of course, but nothing is, so that’s not a fair comparison.

“’is is really ’ood,” Dean says around his first bite, and Jack looks up from where he’d been systematically demolishing his chicken tenders.

“It’s not polite to speak with your mouth full, Mr. Dean,” he says, clearly parroting an admonishment he’s heard before, and Dean has to hold in a chuckle so he doesn’t spray food all over the table.

Once he’s finished chewing and swallowing, he wipes his mouth (pointedly not licking the juice off his hand despite his initial instinct) and replies, “You’re right Jack, I’m sorry. Thank you for reminding me.” Grabbing a napkin from the dispenser at the end of the table, Dean wipes his hand off and looks at Castiel sheepishly, only to see the alpha’s eyes dancing with mirth.

“Jack is very good at reminding others of the rules he’s learned,” he says, then slants a look at his son. “Not always so good at following them himself.”

Jack doesn’t respond to this, once again engrossed with eating his own food, which naturally involves getting the ketchup all over his face.

“Well, he hasn’t spoken with his mouth full of food yet tonight, so he’s good on that one at least,” Dean replies.

“Still, I appreciate your patience with him.”

Dean waves him off. “Ain’t no thing. I know I only said it’s not a problem,” he begins, then hurries on as Cas’s face falls, “but what I should have said is that I love kids, and he’s being exactly that — a kid. So no worries, okay?”

“Okay,” Cas says with a relieved smile.

“As for how I got the Alpha Claus gig…” Dean slants a look at Jack. “I’d be happy to tell you, but maybe when it won't be confusing for little ears?” Maybe Dean can finagle another date out of the guy. This one has barely started and he knows he wants to see the alpha again.

Cas blinks, then huffs a laugh. “Right. You’d think I would have thought of that. Thanks, by the way, for not ruining it for him.” He pauses for a moment. “And I don’t know when I’ll be able to make it happen, but spending time together without little ears would make me very happy,” he says with a smile.

“Awesome,” Dean replies, knowing he’s got a stupid grin on his face. Then Cas’s nostrils flare and oh, is he really sending out that much ‘happy omega’ scent? When Cas doesn’t react at first, Dean starts to get nervous. The lack of floral notes in his scent is often commented on, just one more thing that makes him ‘not omega enough,’ though he tends to think cedar and honey, while maybe a bit odd, go pretty well together. But then Cas smiles at him, no hint of disgust in his features, so he must not hate it, at least.

And that’s when Dean smells it — ‘happy alpha’ in the form of cherries soaked in expensive bourbon, and oh, isn’t that delicious. A date sans little ears is going to be very nice if Dean gets the opportunity to get closer to that scent.

Clearing his throat before his thoughts get out of hand, Dean quickly takes another bite, seeing that Cas is doing the same.

Soon, though, conversation is flowing, and Dean couldn’t be more thrilled at how it’s going. He learns that Cas is an accountant at a local firm, where the work may not be exciting but is steady, which is what counts when you’ve got a kid. Dean shares how his love of cars led to him working as a mechanic for a while before he started doing car restorations. Things are a little slow right now, and he only barely remembers not to explain how that’s what gave him the time to be Alpha Claus.

Jack seemed content to return to coloring after Cas wiped his face with a wet napkin, at least for a while. Eventually, though, he interrupts a story Dean is telling about a particularly awesome restoration he did. “Mr. Dean! Look at my drawing!” He shoves it toward Dean, who takes it even as Cas is reminding Jack that it’s rude to interrupt.

The color choices for the burger are interesting to say the least, but then, with only four colors, something was bound to be blue. He managed to stay mostly inside the lines, but either way it would have been adorable. “This is awesome. You did great!”

“It’s for you. Elves work hard so you should have a gift too,” Jack says decisively. He tilts his head to the side as Dean’s heart is melting from that declaration. “Do elves have refidge-aters?”

“We do, as a matter of fact. Should I put this on there?”

“Yeah!” Jack says enthusiastically, and yeah, Dean is absolutely going to do that.

At that moment, the server returns to gather their plates. “Can I get you anything more, some dessert maybe?”

Usually Dean would be all over ordering some pie, but after the soda discussion earlier, he decides he should let Cas take the lead here.

Cas slants him a look as if checking if it’s okay, then replies, “No thank you. Can we get the check?”

“Sure thing,” the server says, gathering up the plates and heading towards the kitchen.

“I hope it’s okay that I turned down dessert,” Cas says, then hesitates. “I was hoping… well, you did mention coffee when you first asked to get together, and there’s a coffee shop walking distance from here that’s right by the ice rink they set up. We could grab coffee? Or hot chocolate? It’s probably terrible parenting, but if I give this one that much sugar, he’ll have the energy to go ice skating at least for a little while before I’ll need to get him home for bed.” 

Cas is chewing on his lip with what Dean guesses are nerves, and the whole thing is just so adorable he almost can’t take it. Besides, it’s not like Dean was going to turn down more time with the alpha and his kid.

“I’d love that. And as for Jack… I’m not a parent, but I figure, the occasional late night can’t hurt, right? It’s the holidays, after all.”

Cas beams at him, his cherry and bourbon scent strengthening, and honestly, anything Dean can do to get that reaction, he’s probably willing to do. He feels like he could drown in that scent a happy man, and sure, they barely know each other, but the alpha has a great kid, is dorky in the best possible way, and is hot as Hell. What’s not to like?

The server arrives with the bill, and they both pull out their wallets at the same time.

“I asked you out in the first place, this one’s on me,” Dean insists.

“You asked me for coffee. I’m the one who suggested a whole meal, so I should cover it.” Cas counters.

Dean thinks for a moment, knowing they’re going to have to find a compromise here. “How about this? You pay for the meal, and I’ll cover coffee and hot chocolate,  then ice skate rentals. Sound good?”

“Sounds good,” Cas concedes. Dean has to appreciate that he’s not getting all alpha about needing to pay for everything, because as much as he likes the guy, that sort of knothead behavior would be a dealbreaker. But no, once again, Cas is just being awesome.

Once they’ve settled up, they put on their warm jackets, gloves, hats and scarves, and venture out in the direction of the coffee shop.

Chapter Text

The coffee shop is very quaint. It’s not one Dean’s heard of before, so he figures it’s a mom and pop operation — a definite step up from Starbucks. He looks around to see mismatched though well-maintained furniture, artwork on the walls with prices below them that, upon closer inspection, is by local artists. It’s a cool way to provide decor while also supporting the community.

It’s clearly a popular spot, as it’s past 7pm, but most of the seating is still taken and there’s a line at the register. They get in line, and Cas asks Jack, “Would you like a brownie with your hot chocolate?” Well, that answers the question of whether it’ll be okay for him to order anything on the side with his coffee. Dean looks over the pastry case and score! There’s pie!

Once they reach the register, Cas orders a small hot chocolate and brownie for Jack — yeah, kid’s gonna be bouncing off the walls after that — and a chai latte for himself, while Dean gets a vanilla latte with a slice of pecan pie. He’s not always one of a frou-frou coffee, but he figures what the heck — if an alpha can get fancy drink, he can, too.

They don’t have to wait long, and happily, a couple vacates a small four-top in the corner that they immediately lay claim to before anyone else can snatch it up. Once Cas has Jack situated — “Eat your brownie first because the hot chocolate is too hot right now,” — he smiles at Dean. With all the scents swirling around the shop from the coffee and pastries, he can’t really get a read on the alpha’s scent, but by his expression and body language, he’s happy right now. Good — Dean feels the same way. More than, really.

“So, uh, fair warning,” Dean begins as he takes a large, scalding gulp of his latte. “I’ve never been ice skating before.”

“Really?!” Jack yells, his eyes practically bugging out of their sockets.

“Inside voice, Jack,” Cas says, sounding exasperated more than upset. 

“Oh, right. But really? I thought all of Santa’s elves would know how to ice skate!”

This time it’s Dean looking beseechingly at Cas. He’s got nothing here, and honestly, this whole ruse is starting to get out of hand. The kid is only five, though… the last thing he wants is to ruin Alpha Claus for the little guy. 

“Remember how we talked about how not everybody knows how to swim?” Cas tries.

Jack slants him a suspicious look. He doesn’t reply, but he’s listening.

“Well, not everyone knows how to ice skate either.”

“But dad, he’s a Christmas elf!”

“Well, just because we expect things to be a certain way, doesn’t mean they always will be. And it’s important that we not judge people for the things they can’t do, even if it seems like they should be able to. Now, are you going to be nice to Mr. Dean or do we need to go home?”

Jack’s eyes widen at the prospect, and he shakes his head vehemently. “I’ll be nice.” He turns back to Dean without being prompted. “I’m sorry, Mr. Dean. I shouldn’t ’ssume.” Then he brightens. “I can teach you! I’m real good!”

“Sounds awesome,” Dean says before taking a big bite of pie. It’s sweet with a buttery crust and all things a pecan pie should be, and he can’t help the sound he makes, he really can’t. It’s only when he looks back at Cas that he realizes just how similar it was to the sound the alpha made over his burger, and oops, it’s not that family friendly either. Well, by the alpha’s reaction, at least they seem to be mutually attracted, though figuring that out while having a tiny little chaperone is awkward as Hell.

Dean quickly takes a sip of his latte, hoping to cover up his growing blush, but he doubts it’s effective. Oh well. Cas has one to match, so it could be worse.

This time when they get to talking, Jack is paying more attention.

“Mr. Dean, do you make cars because you’re a Christmas elf for grownups, too?”

Dean wants to facepalm. This is never going to end. But he’s gotta keep the magic alive, so all he can do is say, “Yep, exactly that,” and go back to eating his pie.

While it’s certainly not a bad date so far — it’s honestly pretty awesome — it’s starting to get up there with his most awkward dates thanks to this little hiccup. He’s not willing to give up on this yet, though.

Before long, their drinks and desserts are gone, and it’s time to head to the skating rink. Just as Cas said, it’s right nearby — while not visible from the shop, once they get to the end of the block, it’s just a little ways to the right. It’s set up in the town square, with a ridiculously large, decked out Christmas tree in front of it. 

The sugar is definitely kicking in, with Jack literally jumping up and down in excitement as they reach the skate rental booth. Dean pays for the rentals, deciding to pay for a locker that actually locks as well. Good cheer and neighborliness is all well and good, but people can be assholes and he is not losing his good winter boots because someone comes by and steals them.

“Are the skates supposed to be this tight?” he asks dubiously.

“They shouldn’t be pinching your toes, but otherwise, yes. It’s to give you enough stability so that you can skate well,” Cas replies, finishing up tying his own skates before taking care of Jack’s. Once their boots are in the locker, it’s showtime.

“Come on, Mr. Dean, let me show you!” Jack says, fairly wiggling with excitement as he holds out his hand.

Dean hesitates. Dollars to donuts, he’ll be ending up on his ass at some point, and the last thing he wants is to pull the kiddo down with him. “How about this — if you can skate in front of me so I can see how it’s done, Cas can be the one who holds my hand.” Yeah, it’s a thinly veiled excuse to hold hands with the guy, no matter that they’re both wearing gloves, but at the same time, he’s pretty sure he’s gonna need the help.

“Okay!”

Cas looks at Dean with a grin, taking his hand. “Stay close,” he instructs his son. “I need to be able to see you and Mr. Dean needs to be able to as well if he’s going to learn.”

Now that they’re close, Dean can smell his happy, cherry and bourbon scent. It’s truly addictive, and his omega just wants to roll around in it and never get up again. Trying not to focus too much on that, because they’ve only just met and really, Winchester? Getting that attached that quickly? 

Shaking himself out of his thoughts, he walks awkwardly toward the entrance to the ice. It’s not hard to stay upright on the blades when walking on rubber mats like this, but it’s a weird feeling.

“Ready?” Cas asks once they reach the edge of the rink.

“Guess I gotta be,” Dean jokes, starting to feel more than a bit nervous.

Cas can probably scent it, because he starts pumping out calming pheromones. This type of treatment usually drives Dean up the wall, but given the circumstances, it’s not so bad. Cas doesn’t seem to be doing it out of some sort of idea that omegas are weak and in need of coddling, anyway.

Cas steps onto the ice first, pulling Dean’s hand encouragingly. “Use your right hand to hold onto the edge of the rink for now. Once you’ve got your legs under you, you can switch to just holding my hand. Sound good?”

Dean nods, but Cas doesn’t see him since he’s busy looking after Jack. Right, gotta keep up with the little one. Time to nut up, Winchester.

It’s a good thing Cas told him to hold onto the edge in addition to his hand, because Dean very nearly goes down as soon as both feet are on the ice. Yeah, he’s definitely going to be falling down more than once. The amused look in Cas’s eyes and his bright, happy scent make it all worth it, though, even if his attention is divided right now.

“Jack! You’re too far, come back!”

The kid doesn’t look that far away, but then, he’s only five and the ice is pretty crowded. Dean doesn’t have long to focus on Jack, though, because all his attention narrows down to keeping himself upright.

“It’s not quite like walking,” Cas explains. “Push your foot out a little bit, then step forward with the other one and do the same, like this.” Then he lets go of Dean’s hand, causing Dean’s heart to beat almost out of his chest as he desperately clings to the wall of the rink. Dean belatedly looks down at Castiel’s feet, noting the smooth gliding motion, each foot in front of the other as easy as can be.

He tries to emulate it and yeah, no, not so easy. He only just barely manages to stay upright, even with the steady support of the wall next to him.

Before he realizes it, Cas is back and taking his hand again. Jack is right in front of them — how, exactly, did they get back so quickly? — and is somehow going backwards , swiveling a little back and forth rather than picking up his feet at all.

“Come on, Mr. Dean, you can do it!”

Dean smiles weakly. “Thanks, kid. I’m sure I’ll get there. You’re really good at this, huh?”

“Yeah! I took lessons so I don’t fall down anymore!”

“That makes one of us,” Dean mutters.

Cas looks over at him, an amused look in his eye. “You haven’t fallen over yet.”

“Just give it time. Once I let go of the wall I’m sure I’ll be on my a—butt at least a few times,” Dean replies, catching himself just in time.

“As long as you don’t pull me down with you.”

Dean grins. “No promises.”

They make slow progress down the ice, eventually hitting the curve, and Dean has to wonder if Cas is even enjoying himself. Jack, at least, seems to be having a blast.

“Ready to let go of the wall yet?” Cas asks once they reach the straightaway again.

“Not really, but I might as well try.”

“That’s the spirit. Alright, we’ll take it slow, just remember to keep moving forward, easy pushes, one foot at a time.”

Dean’s heart starts pitter-pattering at an alarming rate as he lets go of the wall, his other hand squeezing Cas’s in a death grip. He wishes they weren’t wearing gloves, that he could feel the warmth of Cas’s skin against his, but that thought flies away as soon as he lifts one foot on the next push forward. He wobbles, throws his free hand out at his side to try to counterbalance, but it’s futile. In moments, his ass is on the ice and fuck does that hurt.

His only consolation is that he didn’t pull Cas down with him. Well, that and that the alpha is looking at him with more concern than amusement.

“Are you alright?”

“Well, it kinda hurt like a bi—like a lot ,” he course-corrects as Jack skates back to join them, and there’s the amusement Dean was expecting. At least it’s at his choice of words rather than his fall. “But I’ll live. Uh… think you can help me up without one of us ending up on the ice?”

“I think so,” Cas assures, grasping both of Dean’s hands and leveraging him up. Once he’s on his feet again, he finds he’s nearly chest to chest with the alpha, their breath mingling in the cold air of the outdoor rink. Cas looks as startled as he feels, but neither of them make a move to separate. Until Jack’s voice breaks the moment, that is.

“I can hold your other hand so you don’t fall,” Jack offers, and Dean turns — carefully — toward the kid.

“I appreciate it, kiddo, but I really don’t wanna drag you down in case I fall anyway. Just keep on showing me how it’s done, okay? That’s a big help.”

“Okay!”

“But don’t go far!” Cas reminds his son as Jack darts ahead.

“Thanks for being patient with me,” Dean mutters, belated embarrassment bringing a blush to his cheeks. “Dunno if I’m gonna get the hang of this or not, but I appreciate you trying.”

“Nonsense. You’ll get it, just wait and see.”

And, as it turns out, Dean does get it. Three falls and several more near misses later, he’s finally skating on his own. He’s going approximately as fast as a snail, but he’s still managing it all by himself, grinning ear to ear.

“Check it out, Jack! I’m doing it!”

“I told you, Mr. Dean! All Christmas elves are good at ice skating!”

And there it is. If this goes anywhere past tonight — please let it go past tonight — they’re really gonna have to come up with some way to break Dean out of the Christmas elf-shaped box he’s currently wrapped up in. But that’s a problem for another day. For now, Cas has to convince Jack to get off the ice, which, despite clearly getting more and more tired by the minute, the kid is more than reluctant to do.

Dean decides to try to help. Yawning hugely the next time Jack turns back to look at them, he says loudly, “I’m getting tired. I think it might be time for me to get my regular shoes back on and head home for bed.”

Looking at Dean gratefully, Cas follows suit, yawning and agreeing.

“You know, Jack,” Dean continues, “I’m not used to ice skates at all. Do you think you could help show me the best way to untie them and everything?”

“Okay,” Jack says on a yawn, rubbing an eye with his fist.

“Awesome. You’re the best.” Dean gives Jack his best smile before grabbing Cas’s hand and heading for the exit, grinning back at Cas as well.

Once they’re off the ice and taking off their skates, Dean notices that his feet and legs are all aching from the strain of the unfamiliar movements, not to speak of the tightness of the skates. Once they’re off, he groans as he flexes his toes. Feels damn good to be out of those things, even if he did have a good time.

Dean looks up to see Cas smiling at him fondly, though he looks a little sad too. It hits him that it’s time for their night to come to a close — Jack is clearly wiped, and Dean’s sure it’s well past the kid’s bedtime.

Shoes back on, they stand up and Cas goes to take Jack's hand, but Jack raises his arms in the universal gesture of “pick me up.”

Cas sighs. “You know you’re too big for me to carry you all the way back to the car. Remember, you’re a big boy now.”

“But Daaaaad,” Jack whines, and Dean does not like the direction this is going.

He leans over to whisper in Cas’s ear, not wanting Jack to hear in case Cas isn’t cool with it. It takes him a moment to say anything, however, being so close to the source of Cas’s amazing scent. “We could switch off carrying him, if that would help? Only if you’re comfortable with that, though.” He leans back, hoping Cas will be okay with it. The idea of holding this great little kid, even for a short while… well, it gives him a warm feeling in his chest he doesn’t quite want to examine.

“You’re sure? He really does get pretty heavy pretty quickly.”

Dean smiles reassuringly. “Sure. Especially if it’ll decrease the likelihood of a meltdown. God knows Sammy always had them when he was this tired.”

“Sammy?”

“Oh, yeah, my little brother. Don’t call him that to his face, though, he hates it. Call him Sam.”

Cas raises an eyebrow as he reaches down to pick up Jack, settling the boy on his hip. “So I’m going to be meeting your brother, hmm?”

Dean feels heat suffuse his face for what’s gotta be the millionth time that night. “Oh, uh, well, um…” Dammit, Winchester, stop sputtering like a moron! “If you want to? I mean, no pressure, I just… Tonight was so great, I was hoping we’d do this again. Not exactly this, but, uh, spending time together? Shi—oot, I sound like an idiot.” Dean buries his face in his hand, wishing the ground would just swallow him up. Why couldn’t he be smooth around Cas like he usually could be? No, instead he just babbles without anything coherent coming out.

“Dean,” Cas says gently, and yup, this is when Cas lets him down gently. The guy is way too nice to be rude or cruel about it, but there’s no way that— “ Dean ,” Cas says again with more emphasis, and Dean looks up at him, not wanting to see what he’s about to find there. “I don’t know what’s going through your head, but by your scent, it’s nothing good. I’m sorry I upset you — I only meant to tease. I already said I’d love to see you again, and that hasn’t changed.”

“Really?” Dean asks, daring to hope.

Cas smiles gently. “Of course. I’d love to keep spending time with you, too, except this one,” Cas nods his head in the direction of his son, who’s got his head pillowed on Cas’s shoulder and eyes drooping almost shut, “needs to get home. Walk me back to my car?” he asks hopefully, and yeah, Dean can get behind that. Especially since it’s backwards from the usual alpha and omega dynamic — if Cas is cool switching up gender roles like that, well, Dean is more than thrilled.

“Yeah, okay,” Dean says with a smile. “Let me know when your arms are getting tired, yeah?”

“Will do,” Cas says with an answering smile.

Despite Cas’s insistence that they get going, they stay standing for a moment longer, just gazing into each other’s eyes, and wow Cas’s eyes are blue, even in the dim light afforded by the floodlights behind them illuminating the rink.

Eventually, Cas clears his throat, breaking the spell, and if Dean’s not mistaken, Cas is blushing as much as he is. They turn in tandem, heading back the way they came.

They walk in companionable silence, Cas apparently feeling no need to fill it just as Dean doesn’t. It’s not long before Cas murmurs a low “Your turn,” handing Jack over. 

As Dean settles Jack on his hip, the warmth of the small boy seeping into his side just as a resulting warmth emanates from Dean’s chest, he can’t help but feel like everything about this moment is right . Him, Cas, and Jack, walking quietly on a beautiful, if cold, winter night, a quiet understanding between them. Dean doesn’t want the walk to end.

His arms are getting tired, but he doesn’t want to let Jack go before he has too. Already the kid has found a place in his heart, and Dean knows warning bells should be going off in his brain, but he just can’t bring himself to worry, not really. He’s surrounded by the scent of happy alpha, Cas’s cherries and bourbon aroma blending with his own cedar and honey into something new and beautiful that he can’t imagine letting go, though every moment they’re getting closer to having to do just that.

By the time they arrive at Cas’s car — a freaking Prius of all things — Dean’s arms are positively aching. Worth it. Cas hits the unlock button on his key fob, opening the back door and reaching for Jack, and Dean lets go reluctantly. Cas smiles at him, bemused as if he can tell exactly what Dean’s thinking, and okay, if he can, Dean’s glad he’s not upset.

Soon, Jack is securely buckled in his booster seat, head lolling to the side as he sleeps peacefully, and Dean can just feel the goofy grin he’s got on his face as he looks at the little guy. Cas tugs the pup’s beanie down to better cover his ears, then stands up from where he was leaned over and looks at Dean, eyes and smile soft as he takes Dean in.

Dean swallows as almost overwhelming feelings of both joy and longing sweep over him. Joy for having met this wonderful alpha and his child, longing both for this night to continue and, knowing that it won’t, for the next time they’ll see each other.

“I had a wonderful night,” Cas says, the joyful note in his scent showing just how true his words are.

“Me too,” Dean says, voice hoarse.

A small furrow appears in Cas’s brow. “Is everything okay?”

Dean coughs. “Yeah, just…” He hesitates, then decides to just go for it. “I’m gonna sound like an idiot, but this might be the best date I’ve ever been on, and I know you’ve gotta go, but I wish it didn’t have to end. I’m not trying to be demanding or needy, promise, but… when can I see you again?”

The furrow disappears and Cas’s soft smile returns. “You don’t sound like an idiot. When I said I had a wonderful time, that was me downplaying how I felt because I didn’t want to scare you off. That you can say that after a date that included my pup, especially having to work around the crazy idea that you’re a Christmas elf? I cannot tell you how much that means to me. I don’t know exactly when I can see you again, but if you don’t mind Jack joining us, it’ll be sooner than otherwise.”

“Of course I don’t mind. It’ll be nice to spend some one on one time together eventually, but I know you and Jack are a package deal. I wanna see you either way.”

The burst of happiness in Cas’s scent is enough to erase what’s left of Dean’s melancholy, and he can’t help but smile at the alpha.

“I’ll text you tomorrow with some options for another date,” Cas offers. 

“Perfect. And text me when you get home so I know you got there safe?”

“Only if you do the same. Now I’ve got to get the car going and the heater on before Jack starts to get cold, so how about you give me a kiss and we say goodnight.”

“Oh shit! Yeah, course,” Dean says, realizing belatedly that he didn’t catch himself before cursing this time… but fuck it, kid’s asleep. He steps forward, arms coming around Cas’s shoulders as he leans down to plant a short, chaste kiss on the alpha’s lips. They’re cold and chapped but oh, so soft and absolutely perfect.

He pulls away reluctantly, breathless even from that innocent, little kiss, knowing his scent is blooming with more than just happiness now, and more than a little pleased that Cas’s is too.

“Man, I wish you could stay,” Dean breathed.

“That makes two of us.” Cas surprises him with another, just as short kiss before pulling back and closing Jack’s door gently, opening the driver’s door and getting into the car. “Text me when you get home,” Cas reminds him.

“You too,” Dean says with a smile, and then Cas is closing his door and turning on the engine. Dean walks back to the sidewalk, then watches after them as the Prius pulls out and away down the street.

He waves after them even though he knows Cas probably isn’t looking, and keeps standing there even after the car turns a corner. Thinking back on the evening, he can hardly believe that any of it was real. Who would think a kid coming to tell Alpha Claus his wishes would be the catalyst for such a wonderful night?

Eventually, a shiver rolls through Dean’s body and he starts walking the block to where Baby is parked, barely noticing his surroundings he’s still so focused on everything that took place. He knows he’s grinning like an idiot, but he can’t help it. This really was the best date he’s ever been on, and sometime soon there’s gonna be another.

Sliding behind the wheel, Dean takes a deep breath, trying to calm down his jittery excitement over the prospect of seeing Cas (and Jack) again. With the weather this cold, there’s always a chance of ice on the road, so he really does need to be able to focus on driving. At least he doesn’t live far.

He’s just pulling into his driveway when he hears his phone ding, and looks to see a text from Cas.

Cas : Just made it home. Time to get Jack in bed. Thank you again for tonight. I’ll text you tomorrow with some options for our next date.

Dean : I just pulled up, and I can’t wait. Have a good night

Cas : Good night, Dean. ❤️

Dean already knew he was a goner, but seeing that little heart makes his own heart melt so much that if he hadn’t figured it out sooner, he’d certainly know now. It’s going to be so easy to fall for this alpha, if he hasn’t already. He quickly types out one more reply.

Dean : Night, Cas ❤️

He waits for a few moments, though he doesn’t really expect another text. When none comes, he decides it’s past time to get inside where it’s warm. He’s pretty tired himself, if he’s honest, and the sooner he goes to sleep, the sooner tomorrow will arrive, and along with it, Cas’s text about their next date.

Dean gets ready to bed faster than he probably ever has, and it’s not long before he’s out like a light. When he wakes the next morning, he can’t remember exactly what he dreamed about, only that whatever it was, it was happy. He just can’t help it — he’s got a good feeling about this.