Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The Paths That Cross

“Man, I know this shit’s important, but jeez I could do without havin' ta stand up infront‘ve a bunch a teenagers who aint listening to a goddamn word we’re sayin' first thing Monday mornin' ”

“Yeah yeah, but s'just another part of our civic duty, being upstanding pillars of the community, members of the fire 'n' rescue service an all,”

Benny rolled his eyes at Dean and looked back out of the fire truck window as they drove down the street towards the high school. Today was the annual

‘go to the high school and talk to the kids about how important it is to not be complete dicks and set shit on fire when they could be doing way more exciting stuff like fucking or getting high’,

Dean smirked and reminded himself not to use those particular suggestions as things the kids could do in their spare time. Considering this was Deans 14 year old daughter Claires school, he would definitely not be making those kind of suggestions.

Deans worst nightmare would be Claire doing half the shit he did when he was a teenager, but his teen years had been pretty different to hers, thank fuck. Deans baby wasn’t ever gonna be out god knows where, with fuck knows who, not on his watch, no siree thank you very much.

The fire truck rounded the corner and pulled into the parking lot of the high school. Already waiting was a small woman with flaming red hair, reading glasses perched on the end of her nose and one eyebrow raised slightly. Dean glanced at his watch. 9.31am...

Seriously, he thought, if this little witchy looking broad was gonna give them shit for being one minute late, he was gonna get the hose out and douse a bitch.

“Good morning gentlemen,” she chirped in a shrill Scottish accent (definitely a witch) as they climbed down off the rig.

“G’Mornin’ there darlin’” Benny replied in his deep southern drawl, smiling as he grabbed his helmet and slammed the truck door shut.

“Thank you for coming, let me show you into the hall where our wee darlins are all ready and waiting to be enlightened by your pearls of fire safety wisdom.”

Dean had to actually fight his own eyes not to roll all the way back in his head as he and Benny followed Witchy McGinger into the school.

True to her word, the hall was full. Full of teenagers who clearly wanted to be anywhere but here right now. Deans eye automatically scanned the hall looking for Claire, even though they’d agreed this morning over breakfast, that if they saw each other they would totally be ignoring each other and pretending they had never met, obviously.

Witchy McGinger walked to the front of the hall and stopped. The chatter of the hall started to lower in volume until after a minute or so, it was quiet.

“Good morning everyone, I’d like you to give a warm Woodfield High welcome to our very special guests Benny Lafitte and Dean Winchester, who have come in from our local fire house to speak with you all about fire safety and such.”

As his eyes continued to scan the room, Dean caught sight of a man he had no memory of ever seeing at the school before, Claire was only a freshman and hadn’t even done a full semester here yet but shit, he’d definitely have remembered a face like that, eyes as blue as the ocean and wild sex hair that made Dean’s pulse pick up almost instantly.

His eyes had been locked onto this mysterious, drop dead gorgeous man for what felt like hours when it dawned on Dean that the beautiful cobalt blue eyes were looking straight back at him. Dean’s heart promptly made its way up into his mouth as the man’s eye squinted, his head tilting to the side slightly.

Dean rubbed a hand over the back of his neck and looked away quickly, trying desperately to keep the heat from his cheeks.

What the ever loving fuck just happened.

The hall was filled with murmurs and moans of how boring this was about to be. From the far corner, not far from where sex hair was standing, came a few little whispers of ‘hey Claire isn’t that your dad,’ ok so there she was, looking at the floor and ignoring Dean, as agreed, obviously.

Dean looked away, but not before taking a millisecond to glance back at the mystery guy who was causing Deans temperature to heat up so quickly, he felt like he was about to become a fucking fire hazard.

Fuck.

Dean needed this to be over, like yesterday.

Benny thanked Mrs. Witchy Whatever Her Name Was, and got to talking to the kids about the dangers of starting fires, having BBQs on fields, swimming in the lakes and shit like that, Dean wasn’t really listening, his brain refused to engage with what he was actually there for, it wouldn’t stop with the guy at the back of the hall,

Who was he? A teacher?

Not one Claire had ever mentioned. Every time Dean dared to glance in his direction, sex hair was looking straight at him, their eyes would lock and there was that squint and that little head tilt!

Oh man that’s hot. Jeez get it together Winchester!

Suddenly Dean was brought back from his pervy daydream by the hall filling with the sound of clapping. Dean looked round in Benny's direction to see him making his way back towards Dean with a look that he knew was going to get him a lecture on the way back to the fire house.

“Thanks for the input there Champ,” Benny grumbled as he walked passed Dean towards the door.

The kids started to get up from their chairs and in the bustle of the hall emptying out, Dean grabbed one last glimpse of the gorgeous, mystery man as he was walking away, admiring the perfectly rounded globe of the best ass Dean had ever seen in his goddamn life.

Dean was going to hell, for sure, because he knew in that exact moment, that that perfect ass, that wild sex hair and those ocean blue eyes would be topping the charts of the Dean Winchester spank bank in no time at all.

Yup Dean was going to Hell..

Chapter Text

Castiel stretched and squinted in the low light of his bedroom, the room was quiet but Castiel already knew he wasn’t alone in his bed. He smiled to himself and turned over to see his wide eyed little sweetheart staring intensely at him, like he’d been waiting hours for Castiel to wake up and notice he was there. 

“Daddy! It’s morning! I waited for you to wake up just like you said, and now you’re awake, and we can get up and I can show you, it’s so exciting Daddy, come on, come look!”

Jack was already climbing across Castiel and out of the bed towards the door before Castiel had even looked at the clock on his nightstand, to see what ungodly hour it was, seeing as the sun was only just rising.

4.22am.

Yawning, he answered,

 “Good morning Jack, it’s very early.”

Jack didn’t answer, already off the bed and making his way towards the kitchen.

“Wait Jack, I’m coming.”

Castiel climbed out of bed and made his way round to the door and across the hall to the kitchen.

Castiel’s apartment was small with two bedrooms, it was simple but it was theirs, cosy and most importantly, it was safe.

Jack was at the window, a hand over his mouth like he’d seen something awful.

“Jack, was wrong?”

“it’s gone Daddy, it was there before and now it’s just gone!”

Jack turned to face Castiel, his eyes shining with unshed tears.

Castiel picked Jack up and hugged him, his sweet, sensitive, clever little boy was the light of his life. Even obscenely early on a Monday morning, he felt nothing but pure love for this 3 year old little whirlwind.

“What’s gone?”

“The fire truck, it was right out there but it’s gone and I wanted to show you Daddy!”

Castiel sat down and stroked Jack's fair hair off of his forehead.

“Maybe it was here to help someone and now they’ve gone to help someone else, I’m sure we’ll have another chance to see them around town, you can show me then sweetheart.”

Jack didn’t answer, seemingly unsatisfied with Castiel’s reasoning for the fire truck leaving too soon.

After a few moments of them sitting together Jack jumped down and started towards the fridge.

“Ok, breakfast Daddy.”

The next couple of hours of their morning was filled, as usual, with Jack's enthusiastic chatter about whatever was crossing, at speed, through his mind. Castiel listened as he readied them both for their day.

***

After dropping Jack into daycare, Castiel made his way over to the high school.  Working his way through the bustle of students, Castiel finally made it into the quiet of the teachers’ lounge, closing the door and letting out a sigh.

“Here he is! Good Morning to you too Clarence, looking forward to our Monday morning visitors as much as the rest of us?”

Castiel made his way to the coffee machine, Meg smirking at him as she walked over, cup in hand, raised and expectant. He took her cup and filled it, giving it back and filling his own,

“Visitors? What, Who’s visiting?”

“Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten, the highlight of the year!  The annual visit from the sexy men in uniform? Clarence, your slacking!”

“Ugh, yes, the fire crew, I did forget. I’ve got so much grading to do and this first period on Monday is my only free one, I would prefer to use that time to catch up, rather than sit in the hall, listening to a talk we’ve heard a thousand times, that the kids take little to no notice of anyway.” Castiel sighed taking a sip of his coffee.

“But the eye candy Clarence, the eye candy!”

Castiel smirked, Meg was right, the fire crew was usually made up of rather attractive men but that was the last thing on Castiel’s mind at the moment. It had been the last thing on his mind for some time now, since Jack came along in fact.

Jack had been only a day old when he was placed in Castiel’s care by child services.

Castiel had fostered a few children short term, but none so young and with such an unfortunate start in life. Jacks mother had died in childbirth and as there was no father or other family members listed on her records, Jack was taken into the foster system merely hours after he was born. Castiel had agreed to care for Jack while child services tracked down Jack’s family, but after six months they were still coming up blank. It mattered little by that point because Castiel was already in love with the tiny boy and within 12 months Castiel had adopted Jack. Since then, Castiel found little to no time for anything other than caring for Jack and keeping up with his work as a history teacher at Woodfield High. 

Romance was the last thing on Castiel’s mind.

***

Leading his class into the hall, Castiel smiled to himself as he thought about collecting Jack from daycare and seeing his little face light up. It was always a special moment that made his heart swell. Castiel knew Jack would have plenty to say about his day, he always did, but today Castiel would have a story of his own about something he knew his little sweetheart would be very pleased to hear.

Firemen. So maybe this missed opportunity to get his grading up to date wasn’t a complete waste of time.

Castiel’s class found their seats and began to talk amongst themselves while the hall filled with the rest of the students and teaching staff. Meg smiled and winked over at him as she found a spot near the back corner of the hall.

Meg had been Castiel’s best friend since college and after they graduated, when Castiel needed to get out of his hometown, Meg was ready and willing to help him start a new life here, teaching at the same school. They could not be more different but their friendship was one of the only constants in Castiel’s life and although Meg gave off a sharp, sarcastic persona, Castiel knew underneath all the bravado, Meg was a kind and loyal person and he loved her for that.

The murmurs in the hall began to quieten as Vice Principal Rowena MacLoud stood at the front waiting. As she began greeting students and teachers alike, Castiel glance briefly across to the left, seeing the two fire crew members enter the hall. Not ones we’ve seen before he thought, Castiel couldn’t remember. Meg caught his eye and grinned her signature wicked grin, raising an eyebrow at him. He responded with a coy smile.

After a moment, as his eyes moved back across to look properly at their visitors, Castiel noticed the second man was looking directly at him. His breath caught in his chest. Staring into his soul, were eyes as green as emeralds. Sparkling bright green eyes that belonged to the most beautiful face Castiel had ever seen..

Chapter Text

Dean pulled the impala into the driveway just after 7pm. He was exhausted, it’d been a day. The lights in the house were on so Claire was home. Deans mind was buzzing, formulating how he’d approach the subject of this morning. He knew Claire had been quizzed by other kids about him visiting for the fire safety talk, so he needed to check in and make sure she was ok. But more pressing on Deans mind in that moment, was the dark haired man at the back of the hall. Dean hadn’t been able to stop thinking about him the entire shift, it was driving him crazy. Even Benny had noticed he was different after they’d left the high school. Dean needed to know who he was - he needed to get the information out of his daughter without giving himself away. This wasn’t going to be easy. His 14 year-old firecracker was as sharp as a tack. Nothing got passed Claire Winchester so he needed to plan his move with laser like precision.

“Claire, baby, you here?” he called out as he opened the door,

“Hey, one sec Dad, I’ll be right down.” Came from upstairs, Dean chuckled to himself, every light in the damn place was on and the kid was upstairs in her room, with the door shut. He dropped the bag of take out on the kitchen table and started getting the plates out of the cupboard when Claire appeared in the doorway.

“Hey baby, good day?”

“Yeah, fine, apart from all the ‘is that your dad Claire, omg that’s your dad Claire, I didn’t know your dad was a fireman Claire, OOoo-Woah Claire your dads so dreamy’, blah blah blah” Claire recalled in a sing-song whiny voice.

Dean huffed out a laugh,

“Who said I was dreamy?” he asked, knowing full well he was highly unlikely to get the answer he really wanted,

Jeez Winchester, what is wrong with you!

“Ashley and Georgi, but all they talk about is guys so your no big deal Dad,” Claire said as she rolled her eyes at him.

“Huh, thanks, I guess... So, I er, I recognised some of your teachers today too, your English teacher, what’s her name, Miss Masters? Yeah, saw her at the back with, erm who was she with, I’m not sure I knew that guy from teachers' conference, is he a teacher you have?”

Dean didn’t look at Claire as he asked, trying to sound as casual as he could while he served the food onto plates.

“Who, Mr. Novak? No he isn’t one of my teachers, he’s history I think, I have Mrs. Butters,

don’t you remember, you loved her! You said she was like a cute little Grandma.”

“Oh yeah yeah sure, course, I remember.” Dean said, trying to stay cool as his brain instantly started to try and come up with another question to dig about Mr. Novak.

They sat down and began to eat their Mexican whatever it was that Claire had requested. It was actually pretty good, not that Dean would admit it after he lost the coin flip this morning and complained about not being able to have burgers, again.

“So, uhm, yeah, I thought I didn’t recognise that guy, Mr. what was it, Novak?”

Dean shifted in his seat, Claire eyeing him curiously, but after a moment she went back to her meal.

Dean knew he was flying close to the sun here and he wasn’t about to Icarus himself at the first attempt of stealth information gathering . He could do this.

Mr. Novak, he thought. So, Dean had a name. A history teacher, so the guy was hot and smart. Dean could already feel the flush rising up the back of his neck and he prayed it didn’t make its way to his cheeks,

Get it together Winchester for Christ’s sake.

Unfortunately for Dean's little plan, as he was about to attempt to start the Mr. Novak conversation again (he had no idea how, but he was gonna try) Claire started talking about a party she had been invited to at the weekend. Deans brain shifted instantly, protector mode engaged.

“So yeah everyone’s been invited Dad, I can’t be the only person who isn’t there, it’ll be fine! All my friends are going, we won't do anything crazy and Brandon is in my math class so I do know him, kinda.”

“Brandon huh? I don’t know Brandon,” Dean replied in a less than impressed tone. He knew this day would come. Claire was 14 now, she was a freshman in high school, it was only a matter of time before parties and going out…..and boys started to become something they both had to contend with. Dean didn’t say anything else for a long time and when he looked back, Claire was staring at him with a determination in her eyes that made him both proud and terrified all at once. This kid was smart, she was strong - she was everything he’d hoped she’d be, but now, he realised what people meant when they said be careful what you wish for, because that super brain and killer confidence was Claires greatest weapon against him. Dean was screwed.

“Let me think on it baby, okay?” Dean said, giving Claire a small, unconvincing smile. She smirked, knowing she hadn’t cracked him completely, but she’d definitely made a chink in his armour.

They cleared the rest of the dinner things away in comfortable silence, Deans brain buzzing about the party, and the history teacher. So much so that he didn’t notice his phone ringing until just before it stopped. The caller ID showed a number he didn’t recognise, he’d called them back later.

“Any homework to do baby?” Dean asked as Claire began to make her way back towards the stairs with a spring in her step that almost looked triumphant.

“Nah I did it when I got back, before you came home, I’m gonna head upstairs now, Kaia and I agreed we’d face time at 8 and she talks as much as you and Uncle Sam do when you’re together, so I’ll probably go to sleep once I’m done. Night Dad.”

“Ok, night baby, I got a day off tomorrow so I can drive you if you want?”

“It’s cool, I’ll walk with Kaia, she said she’d meet me at the corner anyway.”

“I don’t mind driving her too you know.”

“Dad, its fine, we can get ourselves to school, besides, do you wanna be in car the with us talking about the party, seeing as you are still thinking on it?”

She air quoted him and in spite of himself, Dean let out a chuckle filled with fondness for his feisty daughter.

“Ok, yeah well, good night then. Love you baby.”

“Love you Dad, Night!” Claire called back, already halfway up the stairs.

Dean sighed and made his way over to the refrigerator to grab a beer, day off tomorrow, so why not. He walked into the living room and slumped down onto the couch.

What. A. Day.

They’d been to the school, then straight to a car wreck on the 405, as soon as they got back to the station they were called straight back out to a fire at the industrial site over on the east side of town. Dean was beat, and even though the day had been filled with adrenalin and action, his mind was still stuck on the image of the dark haired man he started the day seeing. Dean closed his eyes and took a long pull of his beer.

Mr. Novak huh he thought to himself, 

What am I gonna do about you?

Chapter Text

Castiel clipped Jack into his seat in the car, little legs wiggling excitedly.

“Jack sit still, just for a moment,” Castiel said with a smile. Jack beamed back at him,

“Sorry Daddy, I’m so excited you’re here and we are going home now and then when we get home I can tell you all about all the things I did at my school today and you can tell me all the things you did at your school, and then we can have dinner, and then we can have a bath and then we can do some writing at your desk, or even at my desk if you want Daddy, I don’t mind, you’ll have to sit on the floor because my desk is littler than yours, and then when we’ve done all our hard work Daddy, we can choose a story and you can read it to me or I can read it to you, I don’t know all the words Daddy but I can try.”

Jack took a deep breath, “Is that sound good Daddy?”

“Yes Jack, that sounds wonderful.” Castiel said smiling as he leaned down to kiss Jack on the forehead.

They drove home in relative silence, Jack only speaking every now and then to point out people walking their dogs or other children walking home from school with their friends.

Castiel held Jacks hand as they walked up the stairs to their apartment and Jack rushed through the door the moment Castiel had turned the key.

“MARVIN!!” Jack screams at the top of his voice, rushing to the couch and scooping up a very worn, well-loved looking teddy bear into his arms and hugging it so tightly that Jacks little face began to turn a dark shade of pink. 

“Is Marvin ok Jack?” Castiel said as he brought their bags into the kitchen and turned on the burner for the steel kettle which sat on top of a hob ring of the stove. He unpacked their empty lunch bags and took a teacup down from the shelf above the oven.

Jack was still cuddling his bear and whispering into it's ear as if he needed to catch up with his teddy before he could re-engage with his father. Castiel smiled fondly, what a blessing this sweet-hearted little boy was. As the kettle began to whistle, Jack came into the kitchen and climbed, limbs everywhere until he was sat at the table, Marvin the bear tucked safely under his arm.

“Daddy?”

“Yes Jack.”

“Why doesn’t Marvin talk anymore?”

A pang of guilt shot through Castiel’s chest. After a moment Castiel looked up and smiled at Jack,

“I think perhaps Marvin enjoys listening to you tell him all the wonderful things you do while he is at home looking after our apartment.”

Marvin, or Marvelous Marvin, as he was more commonly known, had been a gift from Meg for Jack's second birthday. Jack had fallen in love with Marvin instantly and Meg was delighted to show Jack, and Castiel, that Marvin could talk. And so it began that, wherever Jack went, Marvin came along and they both talked more than Castiel had ever known any person (or bear for that matter) to talk in his life.

After many months of Marvin's repeated phases, (and one particularly challenging day at work) one night Castiel took Marvin once Jack was asleep and removed the batteries from his back. Jack had never mentioned that Marvin had stopped talking, perhaps because Jack never did. Castiel knew the day would come when Jack would notice but he didn’t expect to feel as guilty in that moment as he did right now. Quickly, Castiel thought about how he could distract Jack and move the conversation away from Marvin's sudden mutism.

Of course!

“I have something very exciting to tell you and Marvin about my day today Jack.”

Jack's eye widened, “What is it Daddy?”

“We had some very special visitors come to see us at school today, to speak to the students about how to be safe.”

“Who Daddy? Was it Captain America?”

“No Jack, it wasn’t Captain America, or any of the Avengers.”

Castiel smiled at his son, sensing the next big love in Jack's life was on the horizon - Super Heroes.

“So who then? Tell me Daddy please!”

“Today two firefighters came to the school in their fire truck and spoke to everyone about how important it is to be careful around fire, and water like lakes. We know not to go near fire or lakes don’t we Jack.”

“FIREMEN! THE FIRETRUCK! Daddy, that’s my favouritest favourite in the whole widest world Daddy. Did you get to sit in the firetruck like at the fayre? Did the firefighters let you put their helmets on? Oh Daddy your so lucky to get to wear their helmets and did you use the hose, the water comes out so fast, do you remember when we went to the fayre with Uncle Gabriel and we held the hose and you fell over and Uncle Gabriel laughed so much his face went all red then he fell down too?!?” Jack paused to draw breath.

Castiel smiled, crisis averted.

Yes, the firefighters, Castiel had done his best throughout the day to distance his mind from the green eyed fireman that had locked eyes with him in the hall that morning. Unfortunately for him, Meg was a master at reading Castiel like a book so, in the teachers’ lounge during lunch time, she had gotten out of him how flustered he had been made to feel by the gorgeous man in uniform.

Meg. Was. In. Her. Element.

Much to Castiel’s awkward embarrassment.

Dean Winchester.

Meg taught his daughter Claire and she had met him once at teachers' conference. Meg didn’t mention anything about Claire’s mother being at the appointment but she did tell Castiel he was almost certainly barking up the wrong tree as she described Dean as an all American Man, pretty yes but gay, almost certainly not.

Castiel tried not to let the disappointment show, reminding himself that his life had little to no room for anyone else anyway. But as the day drew on, the thoughts of those emerald-green eyes looking deep into his continued to persist.

“Well Daddy?” Jacks little voice snapped Castiel out of his thoughts and back to reality.

“Did you?”

“No Jack. We were in the hall when the firefighters spoke to us.”

The rest of their evening went by smoothly, dinner, bath, bedtime stories. As Castiel settled Jack into bed and kissed him good night, Jack's face looked questioning,

“Daddy, tomorrow before school can I draw a picture for the firefighters, just in case they come back to your school? I draw the best fire trucks, Miss Talbot told me so when I drew one at my school.”

Castiel thought for a moment, he doubted the firefighters would be back anytime soon, mores the pity.

“Yes Jack we can do that, now go to sleep my little sweetheart, I love you so much.” Castiel kissed Jack again and tucked him, and Marvin, in with a soft smile.

“Ok goodnight Daddy, I love you the whole world, and Marvin loves you too, he told me.”

Castiel winced as he turned the light out and gently closed the door. 

Quietly, Castiel moved around the kitchen preparing their lunches for the next day, his mind continuing to go back to Dean. He knew he was not in a position in his life to pursue any kind of romantic relationship, not with Jack being so young and his work being too time consuming. Meg had already told Castiel that Dean was ‘as straight as an arrow’ but he couldn’t stop thinking about him. Castiel sighed, at least he wasn’t likely to see Dean again anytime soon, he’d just have to put his feelings to one side until they faded. Sadly for Castiel, it wouldn’t be the first time he’d had to do that.  

Chapter Text

Claire zipped up her bag and glanced at the clock,

8.08am – shit, late again - she hurried to grab her shoes from the rack, slipped them on and ran out the door and down the street with a slice of toast hanging from her mouth.

“Hey you,” Kaia smiled, as Claire hurried round the corner.

“Sorry, I got sidetracked this morning, tryna get those math questions done for first period while packing my crap this morning was not the best idea I’ve ever had,”

“Why didn’t you do it last night?” Kaia asked raising an eyebrow in Claire's direction.

“Oh, I don’t know, maybe, because I was on face time with someone until almost midnight.”

Kaia smirked, “I mean, before I called you, dummy.”

“Yeah, I didn’t realise this was due today until this morning, I did everything else last night before my dad showed up with dinner, speaking of……I’ve got something to tell you about last night, over dinner me and the old man had a very interesting little chat.” Claire chuckled to herself.

Kaia looked round hopefully “About the party? Can you come? Please say he said yes, I can’t face Brandon and the ‘Bros’ without you!”

“Yeah we talked about the party, he did his usual Papa Bear routine but I’ve got a feeling he’s ready to cave, give it another day and he’ll be agreeing to let me go, but be warned, we may have to let him drive us, I get the feeling if I give him a role he’ll feel more like he’s got a handle on what’s going on. But no, it wasn’t just that, there was something else, something very interesting indeed.” Claire wiggled her eyebrows at Kaia as they walked up main street towards the high school.

It was at the end of second period when the ‘what have I forgotten’ feeling finally materialised into actual information and Claire realised she didn’t have her gym bag. She could picture it still sat on the kitchen table. Shit. Claire whipped out her phone to send a text to her Dad who thankfully wasn’t at work today.

Dad ❤️ : Hey Dad, I left my gym kit at home, can you drop it into the office for me, before 2pm, please? 🥹  ily 😘

Claire slipped her phone back in her pocket and made her way to English.

English was one of Claire better subjects, her Teacher, Miss Masters was young and feisty, the boys all had a crush on her and the girls thought she was super cool. She literally gave no shits and Claire was on board with that. They got the work done in Miss Masters classes but they had fun as well. Claire liked this lesson.

She sat down next to Kaia on the table of girls who had all moved up from middle school to high school together. Across from Kaia and Claire sat Alex and Patience. The four girls had been friends since first grade.

“So, you guys, who wants to hear something kinda funny and also kinda weird slash gross..” Claire said as she took her books out of her bag.

“Funny weird gross, sounds like my kinda gossip, spill Winchester” Alex replied with an excited grin.

“Yeah spill, I’ve waited all morning to hear what this is” Kaia said as she elbowed Claire in the side.

“Hey!”

“Ok alright alright, so get this, last night, at home, my Dad was quizzing me about Mr. Novak. He was acting all cool and calm but he was blushing like crazy and wouldn’t look at me when he asked who he was. Hilarious. He kept tryna bring him up, tryna get more info outta me about him.” Claire was leaning in towards the middle of the table, as were the others now, so they could hear Claire's hushed voice.

“Oh, wow, ok so do you think….” Kaia’s question went unfinished as she was interrupted suddenly,

“Er Ladies.. I think that’s enough gossiping for now, we have an essay to plan.”

The amused tone came from behind them and all four girls sat bolt upright as Miss Masters walked slowly around the table and into their line of sight. She was smiling like the cheshire cat from Alice in Wonderland as she perched on the edge of the table.

“So who’s been quizzing you about Mr. Novak?” she asked Claire with an eyebrow slightly raised and a knowing smile creeping across her face.

“Her Dad!” Alex blurted out before she could stop herself.

Claire's eyes darted to Alex with a look of venom,

“Sorry” Alex mumbled looking down into her lap.

“Interesting” Miss Masters mumbled to herself as she got up and made her way to the front of the classroom.

***

Meg walked into the teachers’ lounge at the start of lunch with a spring in her step and a positively evil smile on her face.

“What’s got you looking like that?” Castiel asked as she glided over and

flopped herself down next to him, not once breaking eye contact.

“Meg, what? Do I have something on my face?” Castiel asked already feeling himself becoming irritated by his friend.

“No Clarence, you do not have something on your face, but I do have a little something for your ears..” Meg looked so pleased with herself she was positively beaming.

“Oh for goodness sake Meg, if you have something to tell me just get on with it.”

Meg leaned in slightly and Castiel followed leaning towards her.

“You, my darling, have an admirer..” Meg whispered into Castiel’s ear.

“Do I? Who?” Castiel said, surprised and a little sceptical.

“Oh now that would be telling,” Meg teased,

“Meg..” Castiel used his best stern voice but it did little good to dampen Meg’s mischievous mood.

“Alright alright Clarence, I’ll tell you what I heard today and you can make of it what you will.”

Meg processed to recount the conversation she had overheard between the four girls in her freshman English class this morning. Castiel listened intently trying not to let himself become overwhelmed with a range of emotions. Embarrassment, excitement, fear, back to embarrassment. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. His pulse began to race, he felt himself getting hot and his hands became clammy.

“So it would appear that maybe I was a little off there, and that’s what all the staring was about Clarence, the sexy fireman’s got the hots for you!” Meg laughed throwing her head back as she cackled loudly.

“MEG!” Castiel hissed looking around to make sure no one else’s attention had been drawn by Meg’s laughter.

Castiel had no idea how to deal with the information he’d just received.

***

Dean made his way up towards the high school office, gym bag in hand. They were having burgers tonight whether Claire liked it or not, she was damn lucky he was at home when he got her message about the kit bag. Kids. Dean smiled to himself, who was he kidding, he’d do just about anything for that girl and she damn well knew it.

Glancing left and right, Dean hoped he might catch a glimpse of the gorgeous history teacher and his perfectly rounded ass & sex hair. He was doubtful though, it was lunchtime and if the teachers here were anything like his crew back at the fire house, they’d all be hidden away, grabbing the peace and quiet while they could. Lunch breaks were a sacred thing.

Dean pushed the door open and made his way to the desk, it was just before 2pm so he was good and if he was lucky he might see Claire for a second if she was coming to the office to get her bag at 2 o’clock. The lady at the desk looked up at him a smiled,

“Welcome to Woodfield High, can I help you?”

“Erm yeah, I’m just here to drop my daughters kit bag off for her, she left it on the kitchen table this morning. It’s Claire Winchester, she should be here to get it any time now.” Dean passed the bag over the desk and smiled.

“Thank you Mr. Winchester, I’ll be sure to see Claire gets it, was there anything else I can help you with today?”

Dean paused for a moment, out of the corner of his eye he thought he saw a familiar face in the corridor opposite, then it was gone again.

“Dear? Anything else you need?” The receptionist's voice brought him back,

“Er, no, thank you.”

Dean began to walk back down the pathway towards the parking lot when he felt the presence of someone walking up behind him. He slowed his step and turned sharply to see who was there. When his eyes met the person now stood in front of him, it was the very last face he expected to see..

“Ash?”

Chapter Text

***15 years previous***

Thursday night was movie night. For as far back as he could remember, Dean had been making sure that no matter what was going on in their lives, no matter where they were, he would make sure that on Thursday nights, he and Sam would watch a movie together. If they had money, he’d get popcorn or some of those giant pretzels that Sam loved. Over the years they’d watched everything they could get their hands on. Cartoon movies, French movies, cowboy movies, black and white movies, musicals, racing movies, war movies, even the occasional chick flick, you name it, they’d probably seen it.

When Sam met Jess in high school and they started dating it was no different. Thursday was movie night and so Jess would join the brothers in their weekly ritual. Dean had a buddy named Ash, who lived & worked at the bar Dean sometimes drank in and after a game of pool one night they became fast friends. Ash was a chilled out easy going kinda guy, not much of a filter, what you see is what you get kinda dude. He made Dean feel like it was easy to be himself, no need for any bravado or the constant demand to be macho like John (Dean and Sam’s old man) had always expected. Not that he was around now anyway. So, yeah, with Ash, it was easy.

“So what’s it gonna be tonight you guys?”  Ash asked as he walked into the small apartment that Dean rented for him and his kid brother. Sam and Jess were curled up together on an old pale blue couch on one side of the room, Dean laying with his feet up on a large even older looking mustard yellow couch in front of the tv.

“Hey man, no decision yet, those two lovebirds have only just stopped making out over there.” Dean replied, gesturing at the tiny couch that Sam and Jess were squished into, Sam's giant limbs hanging over every edge with Jess’ tiny frame tucked safely in beside him.

Ash pushed Dean's feet off the couch as he sat down next to him. Sam and Jess were giggling and whispering, not looking like they had any real interest in anything other than each other, certainly not helping pick, or even watching a movie.

“Ok, lets pick something before we all fall asleep or before you two start sucking face again,” Dean said as he straighten up and moved to sit next to Ash, their sides almost touching.

What Sam and Jess didn’t know, no one did as far as Dean was aware, was that his and Ash’s’ relationship had moved on from that of friendship some time ago. Ash was out and everyone who knew him knew he described himself as “a guys kinda guy, if ya know what I mean”.

Dean knew he’d have to be open with Sam about this thing with Ash at some point, if he wanted it to be anything more than late night drunken fumbles in the back of the impala and secret sex in the room above the bar.

Maybe he wanted more but his mind always got cloudy whenever he thought about it for too long. Dean knew he felt something for Ash but he also knew he didn’t want to broadcast his sexuality yet. He wasn’t a fan of labels and even if he was, he didn’t have one for himself right now anyway.

Things were fine as they were, he thought to himself as he felt Ash press his leg closer. He looked across and saw Ash eyeing him darkly, it made him feel uneasy.

Dean raises an eyebrow at Ash,

“Not now man, come on.” He whispers in a low tone, Ash just smirking at him.

“What are you two mumbling about?” Sam's voice came out over the side of the couch.

A devious grin spread across Ash’s face,

“Dean was just sayin’ he’s down to watch some real hot romantic shit, you know the type where the two main characters dance around each other for way too damn long then end up fuckin’ nasty at the end, sweat, spit, cum, the whole nine yards, grinding ‘un panting in the back a some banged up crappy old car, sun sets, credits role, happily ever after kinda shit.”

Ash laughed, taking a pull of his beer as he kneed Dean in the side of the leg.

Jess’s head popped up from behind the couch,

“Was he? Dean!”

“Ash!” Dean was pissed off now.

Sam and Jess had only met Ash once before and although he was pretty near the knuckle with his jokes he hadn’t pushed it this far before. When Ash had invited himself to movie night Dean hadn’t thought it would be an issue.

It was starting to seem like he maybe he wrong..

“The fuck is wrong with you man?”

“Chill out, we all know you love a bit a dirty dick action.”

“Ash, seriously, cut it out,” Sam said sitting up and making eye contact with both him and Dean.

Ash just grinned as he put his feet up into Deans lap.

“Come on sweet cheeks, we’re all friends here, some more than others am I right?”

“Ok that’s it,” Dean pushed Ash’s legs down and was on his feet, making his way to the kitchen before he’d finished talking, his voice hard and his fists clenched.

“Ah Dean-o, come on, you know you love me really, come tell Sammy and his sweet girl how much you love me, I’m sure they’d love to hear all the stories we could tell them about..”

Ash didn’t finish his sentence, Dean was in his face in under a second.

“You need to shut your damn mouth Ash, if you say anything else - so help me, I will kick your ass!”

“Dean calm down, Ash is just messin’ I’m sure, aren’t you, Ash?”  Jess said, trying to calm the situation but Ash was having none of it,

“Am I? Maybe you should ask Dean about...”

CRACK

Deans fist made contact the left side of Ash’s’ jaw and he damn near flew backwards off the back of the couch. Dean stood staring at him, blood boiling in his veins, he could see the shocked faces of both Sam and Jess out of the corner of his eye but his gaze was locked onto Ash, who sat back up and just gave him a shit eating smile like he had no intention of reining anything in any time soon.

Seeing that look, Dean grabbed Ash by the shoulder of his shirt and dragged him to the front door, Ash stumbled, laughing under his breath.

Dean opened the front door and threw Ash out of the apartment.

“Not cool man, not cool,” Dean stared at Ash sat on the hall floor for a second and slammed the door shut before Ash could say a word in response.

Dean took a deep breath and walked, head down, fists still clenched, back into the living room.

“What the hell was that about? Dean? What’s going on man?”

Sam asked, voice filled with concern, but Dean wasn’t listening, he looked around for a second then grabbed his jacket, picked up the keys to the impala and walked out. Not looking back round, he slammed the door behind him. Out in the hall there was no sign of Ash so Dean took a second to calm himself. What the fuck just happened? Dean could hear Sam and Jess’s voices inside the apartment, then he heard Sam's footstep coming towards the door. Dean took a breath and started walking down the stairs towards the parking lot. He was not ready to talk to anyone right now, not Sam, not Jess, certainly not Ash. No, what Dean needed was a drink.

***

Dean drove.  Pulse racing, head buzzing. He was furious. Ash wasn’t playing fair, it was like he didn’t even care how Dean felt in this situation. He was not ready! Not ready for Sam to know what was going on and it was not for fucking Ash to decide when, how or even if Dean told Sam whatever the fuck he was, Gay/Bi?/whatever, He didn’t know, he’d been with plenty of girls, he loved their soft skin and the curves of their bodies but there was something about the strong muscled lines of a guy, the stubble on their faces and the feeling of knowing he didn’t need to be as delicate when he was with a man. This was the last thing he wanted to be thinking about right now.

Dean swung the impala into the parking lot of a run-down bar he’d seen but never been into. Deciding that this was a safe bet of somewhere he wouldn’t see anyone he knew, Dean got out and walked across the parking lot and into the bar. A haze of smoke hung above the heads of the people inside. It was full to bursting, people everywhere. Dean walked over to the bar and pulled out a stool to sit. After ordering a drink he just sat, head down, temper still simmering.

Dean sipped his drink and closed his eyes, letting the burn of the whiskey travel down his throat and settle in his chest. His phone had vibrated in his pocket a few times but he hadn’t bothered to check it. He knew it would be Sam, asking where he was and if he was ok. The seconds ticked by into minutes, hours no doubt, Dean paid no attention to the time.

Just as he had ordered his fifth? sixth? seventh whiskey, he’d lost count by now, he felt presence of someone sit down next to him. His gut twisted,

Fuck!

How had Ash found him here? Ash was the last person he wanted to talk to, he was still way too pissed off. As the bar tender placed his drink down in front of him, he sat up ready to turn and tell Ash to get lost when, as he turned his head to speak, he noticed that it was in fact not Ash sitting next to him but a petite young women he had never seen before. Reddish brown hair, beautiful kind eyes and a soft shy smile.

“Hi, you looked like maybe you could use some company, I hope you don’t mind me joining you.”

Dean gave a small smile but didn’t respond for a moment,

“uh sure yeah no problem, I was er, I was just heading out actually..”

“Oh, ok. Shame. I thought maybe you’d keep me company for a least the time it takes for you to drink that drink you just ordered,” she gave a small smirk glancing down at his full drink sat on the bar.

Dean huffs out a laugh, busted.

“Sure, names Dean,” he says holding out his hand.

“Anna” she responds with a soft smile, taking his hand.

Chapter Text

Dean was on the late shift today. Claire had turned down a ride to school, again, so he took his time getting up and ready for work. Throughout his slow morning of showering, doing some laundry, making breakfast and aimlessly wondering around the house, his mind kept going back to the mysterious Mr. Novak. Dean didn’t even know his first name, he needed to find out. And then, there was Ash.

He'd practically jumped Dean as he was leaving the high school yesterday. Dean was so shocked to see him that he let Ash say all of two words before Dean turned and high-tailed outta there. His mind was doing flips, he felt like he was going mad. In times of crisis, like this, there was only one thing he could do, apart from get drunk – work in 4 hours so that was off the table. No, he needed to call Sam.

Dean picked up his phone to call his brother when a text came through from the mystery number that had been calling him for the last two days. He’d been meaning to call back to see who it was but just kept forgetting. His brain was complete mush right now.

He opened the message,

Hey man,

So, sorry if seeing me at the school was a bit of a bolt outta the blue but I tried to call, lots, and you never pick up.

Lets catch up, call me – Ash.

Dean stood motionless, so that who’d been calling, fucking Ash. They hadn’t spoken in over a decade. Probably more, Dean hadn’t seen or spoken to Ash since a little after Claire was born and everything happened..

Dean let out a long sigh. This was all he needed.

Leaving the message unanswered, he dialled Sam's work number. Sam and Jess lived in the city now, had a nice condo, both working in family law. They visited as much as their work would allow, but it wasn’t enough for Dean's liking, he missed his brother more than he cared to admit.

The phone rang once before Sam answered,

“Sam Winchester”

“Hey buddy, you free to talk?”

“Dean, hey, yeah of course, everything ok?”

“Good man yeah, all good,” Dean lied, he’d get to the point soon enough but for now some pleasantries with his brother is just what he needs to clear his head a bit.

“That’s good, Claire ok?”

“Yeah she’s good, wants to go to some party this weekend. How did she get old enough to be asking to go to parties?”

“And is she going? Don’t tell me you said no. No, knowing you, you’ve said you’ll think about it and haven’t mentioned it since, how long has she been waiting for an answer.”

“Two days so far. She’s 14 man, I’m not ready for her to be going to some boys party.”

Sam let out a sigh that accompanied and soft laugh.

“Dean. It’s not about what you are ready for, besides, think about what you were doing at 14.” Sam deadpanned.

“It’s not the same and you know it,” Dean replied, humour in his voice, he already knew this battle is lost.  

“Ok, well if you’re calling to ask me what I think, I think you should let her go. She’s a smart kid Dean and you’re a good father. Her life as a teenager is different to yours because she has you. You know she’ll call you if anything happens.”

“Thanks man, I know you’re right, it’s just, well, never mind…” Dean trailed off, not sure where he was even going with that sentence.

“Is there something else?” Sam asked, knowing full well that there was.

Dean didn’t speak, the silent pause between them stretched out until Sam spoke again.

“Dean. What’s going on man?”

“It’s nothing.”

“It’s not nothing, you call me, in the middle of the morning, at work, to chat? Come on, spill.”

Dean sighed,

“I saw Ash yesterday.”

"What?”

“Yeah.”

“As in Ash, from the bar when we were in the old apartment? Shit man. What’s he doing in your neighbourhood, jeez its gotta be years since you’ve seen him right? After everything that went down with Anna and Claire, shit man what happened? Where did you see him? Did you talk?”

“He was at the high school Sammy, walked right up me all hey man in his stupid I’m so fucking chill tone like it was nothing.”

“What the hell is Ash doing in a high school? Last I heard, he was out in Silicon Valley making bank with some big tech company.”

“I have no idea man, didn’t give him a chance to say, I was outta there like a bullet.”

“Shit. You ok?”

“I dunno, he’s been calling me too, text me today asking to ‘catch up’ or some shit.”

“Shit.”

Neither men spoke for what felt like a long time. The silence hung in the air like a dead weight.

“Hey, listen Sam, I gotta go, gotta be at the fire house at 2.”

Sam let out a long sigh,

“I’ll call you Saturday ok? If anything else happens let me know Dean, don’t get into with him, the last thing you need is get arrested again because of that asshole.”

“Bye Sammy”

Dean ended the call before Sam could reply. He didn’t feel any better, if anything he felt worse.

***

Dean readied himself for work, trying to keep his head clear. Every time he tried to think about Claire’s request to go to that damn party, his mind would wonder, always back to those deep blue eyes. He tried to focus on the things in his life that needed his attention but that ocean blue stare and hair that looked like it’d just a hand run through it would fill his mind, every chance it got.

God he wanted to run his hand through that hair.

“Fuck” Dean sighed under his breath.

Claire could go to the party, with some conditions obviously, but he’d decided on that at least.

Party Decision, Check.

Ash could fuck off, that one was firmly checked off the shit to deal with list.

Fuck Off Ash. Check.

All that was left now was to find out the first name of the beautiful history teacher and then proceed to obsess about his next move before Sam called on Saturday. He knew Sam would break down his defences with his psychic abilities to know whatever was going through Deans mind.

He had to tell him.

Now seemed as good a time as any, Dean thought to himself, as he locked up the house and made his way to the impala.

Chapter Text

Benny was on the late shift today, plus Bobby, Charlie and Garth. Dean was glad to be on with his usual crew. He knew he’d get the Spanish inquisition within the hour, but maybe he was ok with that.

Bobby was always straight to the point, Benny listened and never judged, Garth always had a funny quip to make him smile and Charlie, well, she’d been his best friend since high school and knew him better than anyone, aside from Sam, but even she knew things about Dean that Sam didn’t. Charlie could read Dean like an open book.

Yeah, he knew there’d be some chick-flick type conversations tonight between jobs.

As he pulled in behind the firehouse his mind settled. Time to focus on the job. Dean had pretty much mastered the art of separating work and home life. When he clocked on his mind was focused on the task ahead. It had to be that way, people’s lives were at stake. He was good, even if blue eyes had been creeping into this thoughts at work lately….yeah he was good.

Dean walked into the garage to see everyone next to the rig,

“Here he is!  Come on Princess, we’re heading out, let’s go!”

Benny grinned at Dean as he pulled on his jacket on.

“What, a call already? Can’t engine 7 take it, we’re not due on for a half hour,”

“7 is out at a wreck on the 55, 4 cars, won’t be back for a while. We’re headed to Oaktree, report of a gas leak.”

“Oaktree?”

“It’s that daycare across from the high school, on main”

“Yeah I know it, ok let’s go”

Dean grabbed a jacket and helmet and climbed up into the rig, looks like the click-flick convos would have to keep for now.

They were driving down Maple Avenue towards Main Street when Charlie jabbed Dean in the ribs with her elbow.

“Ooof, what’s with the elbow Bradbury? A simple hello would do ya know!”

“You’ve got that look Winchester, what’s eating Gilbert Grape?”

“Huh?”

Charlie lifted her head and looked up at the roof of the fire truck,

“Uncultured swine” she mumbled

Looking back down and directly at Dean, like her eyes were boring a hole into his soul.

“Spill, what’s up with you?”

“I’ll tell ya later ok, let’s get this gas thing sorted.”

Charlie shrugged, smirking at him with a look that told him yes he would indeed tell her later. In another life, Charlie Bradbury would have made a mean detective, her interrogation skills could get anything out of anyone. And she knew it..

The daycare really was right opposite the high school. The crew got out and while Benny and Garth started checking the exterior of the building for any signs of a leak, Dean and Charlie went inside to let the staff know they were there and ask about where the gas had been smelt.

“Is it he or a she? At least tell me that.” Charlie said without even looking round.

“What? Can we do this later Charlie.”

“A he then,” Charlies glance round, just for a second and winked.

“Yes, a he, now shut up and let’s get this done so we can get back then I’ll tell you everything.”

Charlie let out a little sound that sounded very much like a squeak, Dean ignored her.

After signing in, Dean and Charlie followed the receptionist to the kitchen. No leak. They walked round to the baby room, which smelt a lot like shit and sunscreen, but no gas leak. There were 2 more rooms to check after they’d been into the staff room which also had no sign of a leak, just enough boxes of chocolates to make Willy Wonka jealous. 

Benny and Garth came back in to say there was no sign of anything outside, so they took one of the remaining rooms and Dean and Charlie took the other. The classroom was empty, the staff and children were outside in the garden. Dean started checking round the room as Charlie went outside to speak to one of the staff.

After a few moments Dean heard a sound coming from the far side of the room, he walked over and rounded the corner to see two small stalls, one of the doors shut. He knocked on the door gently.

“Hello?” Dean said as he pushed the door, it didn’t open.

“Anyone in there?”

No answer.

Dean pushed the door again, it didn’t move but then he heard a noise so quiet he thought he imagined it. Then he heard it was again, a tiny sniffle.

There’s a kid in this stall.

“You ok in there buddy?” 

No answer.

As Dean went to walk away and call to let someone know there was a kid in the toilet stall, a tiny soft voice spoke.

“I want my daddy.” The little voice sounded afraid.

Dean stopped in his tracks. He walked back over to the door and sat down on the floor.

“Hey, you wanna come out and I’ll take you to your teacher?” 

No answer.

“What’s your name?” 

No answer, then, after a moment,

“Jack”

“Hey Jack, my name’s Dean, I’m a fireman an I’m here checkin' everythin’s working ok at your daycare, wanna come out an say hi?”

There was silence for a long time then a click and slowly the door opened to reveal a tiny blonde haired boy with tear tracks running down his cheeks. Dean's heart melted.

Poor little guy he thought.

Jack moved slowly, eyes locked on Dean, shy, cautious but curious. They looked at each other for a long moment then as Dean smile and went to speak, Jack cut him off and said,

“I like firemen, and fire trucks, I saw a fire truck at the fayre once, we used the hose, the water came out so fast!”

Dean laughed softly, “It sure does Jack.”

“My daddy tried to hold it and he fell over and Uncle Gabriel laughed so much he fell over too.”

“Yeah? That sure sounds funny.”

Jack was smiling now, he rubbed his hand across his face and looked back at Dean, eyes wide.

“Is the fire truck here?” he asked, tone so hopeful it made Dean’s heart melt again.

“Yeah, it’s right outside, you wanna come take a look?”

“Yes! I do please I really do, yes, yeah please, I do.”

“Ok buddy, let’s go see your teachers, we can tell them everything is ok and working here then we'll see if you guys can come and take a look at the rig, you can wear my helmet if you want,” Dean smiled, pretty proud of how quickly the little boy's mood had lifted.

Jack's eye became impossibly wide and he was about to answer when the door from the garden opened and Charlie came back in followed by two daycare staff and a small group of kids.

“Jack Novak, we’ve been looking for you sweetheart, were you in the bathroom the whole time?”

The young woman came over and took Jack by the hand leading him back to the other children. As he walked away, Dean could hear him telling her about the fire truck outside and that they could go see, she smiled listening intently. Jack turned briefly and looked back at Dean. Smile beaming, Jack gave Dean a little wave then turned and carried on talking.

Dean smiled.....sweet kid.

Then, his brain caught up.

Fuck!!

Novak!?!

Jack NOVAK!!

The woman definitely just called him Jack Novak. That isn’t a name you’d expect to be that common, Dean thought, it had to be, that kid had to be connected to blue eyes, somehow?

Right?

He had to!

Dean rubbed a hand over his face.

“You alright Princess?” Benny’s voice came from the doorway,

“Come on, I heard you offered a guided tour outside, let’s get at it.”

Dean looked up and gave Benny a weak smile.

Novak, he thought, it had to be…

Chapter Text

Castiel walked across the road to the daycare. As he walked around the side to the main entrance he saw it.

A Fire truck.

Panic passed over him.

Was something wrong?

Surely the daycare would have called if there had been any kind of accident or issue. As he got closer he could hear the voices of the children, laughing and shouting to each other. He smiled to himself. No emergency then, just visitors from the firehouse.

Visitors… from the firehouse….

 His heart flipped and made its way promptly up his throat.

Castiel could see some of the children inside the fire truck and others next to it, trying on the jackets and helmets. As he approached, looking to see if he could spot Jack, he noticed the crew all interacting with the children, helping them up and down the steps into the seats of the truck, lifting them to look out of the windows and supporting then to hold the hoses, thankfully not on.

Then he saw him,

Dean Winchester...

The beautiful man with the stunning green eye who was apparently  his 'admirer'. His pulse began to quicken. Dean wasn't facing Castiel so didn’t see him approaching. As he got closer, Dean turned and Castiel realised Dean was hold a little boy in his arms, the little boy was laughing and wearing a firefighters helmet.

It was Jack.

Noticing Castiel instantly,  

“DADDY!! LOOK!!” Jack screamed and began to wiggle with excitement. Dean had to lower Jack down quickly so he didn’t drop him.

Jack was running now and Castiel barely had time to brace before Jack collided with him. He grinned, scooping Jack up easily and holding him to his chest.

“Daddy look the fire crew came to see us! To see ME Daddy! That’s Dean, he’s a firefighter. We’re friends now. He saved me when I was sad because I missed you when everyone was loud and busy and then they all went outside and I was in the bathroom and I missed you so much and I was so sad Daddy, but Dean saved me.”

Castiel held Jack and looked up as Dean began to cautiously walk over to where they were standing.

“Hey” Dean said, glancing over coyly, struggling to look directly at Castiel.

“Hello Dean. Jack tells me you saved him today.”

Castiel kept his tone even but he could feel the thundering of his heartbeat pounding in his ears.

He was certain that if Dean were standing any closer he’d be able to hear it too.  

Dean's cheeks pinkened instantly. He let out a soft chuckle,

“Oh he did? I just gave him a hand back there while he told me all about the last time he saw the fire truck, at a fayre?”

Now it was Castiel’s turn to feel the heat rise in his cheeks. He knew Jack. He knew that Jack had told Dean about the hose incident. Jack told anyone who’d listen. Hell, Jack would tell people who weren’t listening.

“Is that right?” Castiel said with a smile. Dean smiled back. Good lord he is beautiful, Castiel thought to himself as he worked to keep the heat from his cheeks, failing miserably.

For a moment, they just looked at each other. Castiel took in the emerald green eyes, the soft spray of freckles across the bridge of his nose, the sharp line of his jaw covered with a slight stubble. Castiel was captivated, mesmerised. The moment was broken when Jack wiggled free and ran off to his friends who were taking turns to sit in the driver’s seat of the fire truck.

After a moment, Dean spoke, his voice soft,

“So, er, Jack's er, you got a great kid there, got plenty to say don’t he,” He smiled and rubbed a hand over the back of his neck, a nervous gesture Castiel thought.

Perhaps Meg was right, this stunningly beautiful man who stood before him, did seem to be somewhat bashful in the moment. Castiel couldn’t believe this was happening.  

“Thank you, yes Jack certainly does have plenty to say. He said you saved him today, whatever you did, it meant something to him, so thank you for helping him Dean.”

“Oh man, no, he just seemed kinda upset so I talked to him for a while, then we brought the kids out to the rig to take a look, s’no big deal, like I said he’s a great kid, you and his mom must be super proud.”

Castiel could sense Dean’s caution, waiting to see how Castiel would respond to the mom comment perhaps.

He smiled.

“It’s just me and Jack but yes, I am very proud of him.”

Something passed across Deans eye, just a flash, then it was gone.

“Ok, erm, ok, I better get back to it, was er, was nice talking to you…..”

Dean waited, eyebrow slightly raised..

“Castiel” he replied, holding out his hand. Dean took it and, for a moment, Castiel felt electricity shoot through him. Their eyes locked and time stood still. Dean let go first and smiled at Castiel, the most beautiful smile he had ever seen.

“Real good to meet you, properly Cas, can I call you Cas?”

Castiel smiled but before he was able to answer, a deafening blast came from the horn of the fire truck followed by a burst of the siren. It made both men jump and they laughed, slightly embarrassed but still smiling.

Castiel watched as Dean made his way back over to the rest of the crew who were saying goodbye to the children now. He saw Jack run over to Dean and fling his arms around his legs in a tight hug, Dean let out a laugh and ruffled Jack's hair before he turned and followed the crew onto the fire truck as it’s engine started. Castiel walked over to the children and staff, watching as the fire truck pulled away. He saw Dean lean over to look out of the window. There was that beautiful smile again, then a wink and a brief two finger salute.

Castiel stopped, raising a hand and smiling in return. A flicker of something moved through him again. He could feel it building his chest, something he hadn’t felt for a very long time….

Was this, Hope?

***

The fire truck pulled back into the garage.

“Well, what in the star-crossed lovers was that little display all about then Dean-o?”

Charlie was in Dean’s space, glaring straight at him and practically breathing his air.

“You saw that huh?” Dean paused, letting out a long sigh, Charlie raised her eyebrows expectantly.

“That’s the ‘he’ Charlie, that was him, he’s a teacher at Claire’s school, I had no idea he had a kid at the daycare. Jeez the kid damn near decided I was his best buddy an told his old man so as soon as he showed up. Crazy. My head’s spinning.”

Charlie sat back and chuckled to herself.

“Sounds like you’ve got plenty to fill me in on then Romeo, come on, let’s get some coffee and you can tell Aunty Charlie all about it.

Chapter Text

Saturday came around far too quickly for Dean’s liking.

This damn fucking party was weighing on him.

He’d eventually told Claire she could go, with conditions.

1. He would drive her to and from said party.
2. She HAD to stay with her friends.
3. NO ALCOHOL/DRUGS/FUNNY BUSINESS WITH BOYS!
4. She would call him if anything went wrong or she (or the other girls) felt uncomfortable in any way at all.

The discussions went on almost all evening. Claire called it lecturing but Dean didn’t care, he knew how important it was to get Claire to understand what he was saying. She scoffed and made a mock face like she was going to puke when he outlined rule number three and assured him that he really didn’t need to worry about any of that. After much discussion and Dean feeling a little better about it all, Claire took aim and struck him with that deadly sharp brain that he was proud and equally terrified of.  

“So, we gotta stay together, you gotta drive me, how about the girls come here, we get ready and go together, then after, we all leave together an so you’re not driving all over town all night, they could just stay here?”

Claire delivered her proposal like she was doing him a favour, like it was for his benefit - obviously.

Dean hated to admit it, but she made a good point. As much as he didn’t like the idea of waking up on a Sunday morning to a bunch of giggling teenage girls, he wanted them all safe.  

As Claire was about to move onto level two of convincing Dad to do whatever she wants Dean smirked and agreed, Claire looking a little shocked for a second then smiling in return.

So it was agreed;  Kaia, Alex and Patience would come over and get ready with Claire. Dean would drive them all to the party, collect them all and they’d sleep over at the house afterwards. Dean spoke to the other girls parents, apart from Kaia’s mum, but he left a message,  so it was all pretty much squared up.

Saturday came and with the girls all safely dropped off at a house that didn’t look much like a party was taking place - instruction reiterated and teenage sighs and huffs received - Dean headed over to Benny's place to pass the time with him and Charlie who were already having a few beers and putting the world to rights.

***

Claire and the girls walked up the path and into the house, once her dad had driven away. She was excited to spend the evening with her friends. They’d laughed and joked while getting ready, doing each other’s hair and make-up. Kaia looked beautiful.

As they entered the house the noise level rose and the stench of weed made Claire's throat sting.

Great, Dad will smell this from a mile off and that’ll be my partying days over..

The house was filled to bursting with people clearly far too old to be high school students. As Claire scanned the room looking for anyone she knew, no luck so far, she heard someone shriek her name and turned to see Ashley and Georgi skipping over waving their hands at her,

“OMG Claire, you made it!” They said in unison, their voices so high Claire wondered if all the neighbourhood dogs were going to be ok.

“Erm, hi?”

“Come get a drink, this is like the coolest party we’ve ever been to! Come meet the others, Brandon's brother is home from college and brought all his friends, who are just like so dreamy, come on!”

Before Claire could answer Ashley grabbed her left arm and began leading her away, Georgi grabbing her right. Looking over her shoulder she heard Kaia say to Alex,

“Since when has Claire been friends with them?”

Out in the garden it was just as busy, people everywhere, she knew she needed to make her escape and get back to her friends. Ashley was immediately draped over the lap of a guy who looked like he was at least 20

Eewww Claire shuddered, time to bounce.

Pushing her way back into the house was not as easy as being dragged out had been. There were people everywhere. Claire looked around for any of her friends but couldn’t see them. She knew she needed to call her dad. This was not what they’d signed up for and she knew he’d flip if he could see what was going on here.

Claire could feel anxiety starting to build in the pit of her stomach after doing a lap of the house and still not being able to see Alex or Patience or Kaia. Just as she was about to get her phone out to call one of them she spotted Alex & Patience standing in a corner looking as uncomfortable as she felt.

“Where’s Kaia?”

“Hey, she went looking for you!”

“Great. Come on, we need to find her then get outta here.”

“Yeah my mom would kill me if she could see all this”

“Mine too!”

“Oh my dad’s gonna take one whiff of the weed we stink of and turn full-on psycho”

The girls walked together through the sea of bodies towards to front hall when Claire heard Kaia’s voice, she threw the front door open to find some six foot stoner trying to push Kaia against the side wall of the house at the same time as force his hand up her shirt.

Claire saw red. She closed the gap between her and stoner guy in under a second, grabbing him by the shirt and pulling him so hard he fell backwards.

“Hey!” Stoner guy stumble back to his feet about to say something but Claire wasn’t waiting to hear anything this douchebag wanted to say,

CRACK!

Claire landed a punch to the side of his jaw so hard it echoed around the street, stoner guy went down and Claire's hand felt like it had already doubled in size.

“Shit, that hurt!” Claire mumbled, turning to see if Kaia was ok. Before she had a chance to ask, stoner guy was up and coming at her - faster than he should be for a guy who was clearly so wrecked he was wobbling. A fist started coming up, his eyes were crazed - Claire braced for impact. Then, out of nowhere, a man in a black t-shirt and grey sweatpants launched himself on top of stoner guy and planted him flat out on the sidewalk.

The girls all stood frozen in place, Claire's knuckles throbbing painfully. She looked around to see a crowd had started to form. Kaia was at her side, pressed in next to her like she was scared Claire would vanish if she moved away. Alex and Patience moved first, coming to standing in front of her. Claire noticed black t-shirt man started moving to get up off stoner guy who was still out cold. Alex gasped and Kaia stepped forward ever so slightly. When she spoke, her voice was a mixture of shock and awe.

“Mr. Novak?”

Chapter Text

Castiel paced the hallway of his apartment, up and down. Jack nestled into him, his little head tucked under Castiel’s chin and arms gripping around his back. Up and down, Castiel rubbed soft circled on Jack’s tiny back, up and down. They’d been pacing for what felt like hours, Jack unable to settle to sleep.

“They are too noisy Daddy, do those people not know its bedtime now?”

“It would appear it isn’t their bedtime Jack, but yes they are very noisy aren’t they.”

“The noise makes me frightened. I don’t like it. Marvin doesn’t like it either, he told me Daddy.”

“Did he now. Ok Jack, just close your eyes and try to relax. Let’s go and settle down in bed.”

“Can I sleep in your bed with you Daddy? Can I have the bumble bee blanket?”

“Alright, let’s get the blanket and go into bed together.”

Castiel carried Jack into the lounge and picked up a yellow fleece blanket from the back of the coach, wrapping it around his small body. As he walked past the window Castiel noticed a group of girls walking towards the front door of the ‘noisy’ house. He had seen the homeowners leaving this morning in a taxi so it was fair to assume that the teenage sons had been left at home and decided to take full advantage.

Castiel sighed anticipating the restless night ahead of him.

Jack was now a dead weight in his arms. Castiel walked slowly into his bedroom hoping that the noise coming from the street would not continue too much longer. Laying Jack gently down on the near side of his bed, Castiel paused for a moment to make sure Jack didn’t stir and took in the sight of his precious little boy, now fast asleep. Jack’s mouth was slack, his hair scruffed up on one side and his hands clutching the little yellow blanket covered with tiny bees.  

Castiel wondered what life would bring for them when Jack reached his teenage years. Parties, girls – or boys – hormones, college, Castiel shuddered at the thought. His greatest gift in life was watching Jack grow but he wasn’t in a hurry for his sweet little boy to do it too quickly.

Castiel perched on the edge of the bed gently stroking the hair off of Jack’s forehead. Jack’s breathing was deep and steady, he was most likely out for the night so Castiel kissed him gently and crept out of the room closing the door behind him.

Back out in the hallway, the noise coming from the street was no better, in fact it sounded worse. He made his way to the window.

There, in the street was one of the girls from the high school, he wasn’t sure of her name but he knew she could not be more than 14 or 15.

Castiel felt concern rise in his chest. He watched for a moment as the girl walked up and down the pathway, around one side of the house and then around the other.

As the girl was walking back towards to front door, a man stepped out from the far side of the house and approached her, staggering but at speed.

Castiel watched intently, the concern in his chest now almost painful.

Without realising he had started to put his shoes on and when he looked up from his feet and back at the scene unfolding in the street he was met with a sight that made his heart stop.

The man was pushing the young girl towards a wall and pulling at her clothes. Castiel saw red and raced out of the apartment door, down the stairs and across the street as fast as he could. As he ran closer to the man in question, who was now getting up off of the floor, he saw Claire Winchester and some other girls from the ninth grade.

Claire was holding her hand to her chest and the man looked as if he was about to strike her.

Without a second thought, Castiel launched himself into the air, grabbing the man’s arm before he could use it, and landed on top of him with a thud. Castiel laid there for second, the wind knocked out of him.

The man beneath him was now unconscious.  

Adrenaline pumping, Castiel began to move and get up off of the floor and the unconscious man. He heard a voice say his name and looked round to see dozens of pairs of eye wide and looking straight at him.

“Girls, are you alright? I’ve left my son asleep upstairs, I need to go back inside but you’re welcome to come in to call your parents.” Castiel said, his tone harsh, picturing a sleeping Jack upstairs alone. Without waiting for an answer from the four students, he turned and began walking back towards the stairs of his apartment building.

He could hear them bickering behind him as he climbed the stairs and as he walked back in the door they followed and stopped in the hallway, sheepish and unsure.

“I called my mom already,” one of the girls said in a quiet tone, “She’s on her way to get me and Alex.” Turning to her left she continued, “She’ll give you a ride too Claire, Kaia, if you want?”

“Nah we’re good,” Claire replied, “I gotta call my dad and get him to come or I’ll never hear the end of it.”

Castiel felt an anxious wave at the thought of Dean coming to his apartment, especially under these circumstances. Then he remembered Claire’s hand,

“Claire have you hurt your hand? I saw you holding it and it looks rather swollen.”

“I punched that stoner dude, he was tryna get his hands all over Kaia and that shit don’t fly with me, erm I mean, sorry Mr. Novak, I’m just so mad.”

“It’s quite alright Claire, I understand, I saw the man being forceful with Kaia here, that’s what prompted me to intervene. Let’s get some ice for your hand, girls may I ask we just keep our voices down as Jack is asleep in the next room.”

Castiel gestured to his bedroom door and the girls all looked and gave small smiles.

“My mom’s here, she said thanks for letting us stay until she arrived, I’ll see y’all later.” With that Patience and Alex left closing the door as quietly as they could.

Claire and Kaia sat together on the couch and spoke in hushed tones as Castiel went to get the ice from the freezer, he snuck a peek at Jack on his way passed, who was still fast asleep in the same position that Castiel had left him.

“So you got a kid huh?” Claire said as Castiel handed her a dish cloth wrapped around a bag of ice.

“Yes, Jack is 3.” Castiel smiled.

“Have you let you father know where you are?”

“Yeah he’s on his way,  sounded pretty surprised when I told him I was here.”

“Yes I’m sure. I’ll explain how that came about. Would you like to tell me what else happened this evening? I’m aware that Brandon and Dylan’s parents are away at the moment.”

“We weren’t,” Kaia said, breaking her silence for the first time.

Castiel watched as Kaia drew a deep breath and looked down at the floor.

“Are you alright? That must have been very frightening for you.”

Kaia didn’t respond but tears began to roll down her cheeks. Castiel sat down on the chair across from the couch.

“I’m sorry that happened to you Kaia. When we return to school on Monday I would advise you to make an appointment with the school councillor. I am happy to sign the referral for you.”

Kaia looked up and gave a brief nod and a small smile, her eyes still desperately sad.

Claire put her arm around Kaia and pulled her into a tight hug. Just as he was about to ask them again if they wanted to share the events of the evening with him, there was a quiet tap on the door.

“Here we go” Claire whispered to Kaia.

Castiel rose and walked to the door. He opened it and there was Dean, eyes wide with a look of rage and worry.

“Hello Dean, come in.”    

Chapter Text

“So, you gonna go for it with the teacher?”

Benny asked Dean as he sat back down on the patio chair next to Charlie.

Dean looked across for a moment but didn’t answer. Charlie gave him a light tap on the shin with her foot.

“Yeah man, it’s just, well how am I gonna make it happen? The guy’s a teacher at my kid's school. Not exactly super ethical to hit on him at work, when the hell else am I gonna see him, I dunno, I’m kinda stumped.”

“Where there’s a will there’s a way my young padawan!” Charlie quipped, she was in her element. Charlie liked to think of herself as a kind of match maker. She’d introduced Benny to Andrea and their boss Bobby married their friend Jo’s mom after meeting at a Halloween party several years back thanks to Charlie too.

She was on at Dean all the time about getting him set up with someone, which he had always been resistant to. But Charlie wanted in on the action when it came to her best friend’s love life, so this was making her giddy with excitement.

“We need to come up with a way you’ll run into each other, by accident, ya know?” she said twirling a strand of her hair while deep in thought.

“Hey, I’ve got it! So, hear me out, because this is gonna sound kinda crazy, but what if…..”

Charlie was cut off by the sound of Dean’s phone ringing.

“Shit, it’s Claire, I only dropped her at that party like an hour ago!”

“Hey baby, you good?.....

WHAT!?!

So where are you now?

Where? You’re, Why?....

Ah Jesus ok, I’m on my way.”

Dean was up and heading for the door before he’d even hung up.

“Everything ok? Is Claire alright?”     

“What’s happening man?”

Benny and Charlie asked at the same time but Dean wasn’t listening, he was heading out the door.

“Dean! Stop for a second brother, You need us to come?” Benny asked, concern in his voice.

Dean took a breath, trying to calm himself and focus on what Benny had said,

“Nah s’ok. I’ll fill you in later, I just gotta get to Claire asap. She left the party, some shits gone down, she didn’t say what but I could hear Kaia crying in the background.”

“Are they still there?” Charlie asked getting up and moving towards Dean.

“No, get this, they’re across the street,”

Dean and Charlie just stared at each other for a long moment.

“Clarie is at his apartment.”

“Who’s apartment?”

“Cas’s apartment..”

“Oh.” Charlies mouth dropped open.

“Ok wow. Well. Ok. Yeah I got nothing. Go get your girl and ya know, if you can, get that number maybe?”

Charlie gave a weak smile and a slight raise of one eyebrow.

“I’ll call you later.”

And with that Dean was out the door and heading towards the impala.

Dean drove faster than he should have. His mind was racing,

What happened with Claire and Kaia? How were they at Cas’s apartment and why the hell was the universe pushing this beautiful man into his path at every turn?

Dean pulled onto the street of the house, he could see the apartment block opposite.

That must be it he thought.

As he got closer he could see beer cans and bottles littering the sidewalk and in the garden in front of the house.

There were teenagers all over the street, staggering, puking, crying. Some older looking guys were fighting, shouting and generally being total pains in the ass.

With his window down he could smell the stench of weed. He sighed, glancing in his rear view mirror to see two squad cars pulling into the street behind him. He turned into the parking lot of the apartment block and shut off the engine.

He pulled out his phone as he got out to call Claire and ask her where she was when he saw a text from her giving him the apartment number.

He made his way up the stairs and remembering Jack would most likely be asleep now, he tapped on the door just loud enough to be heard. His pulse was thundering, a mixture of stress and worry for Claire and nerves for seeing Cas unexpectedly like this on a Saturday night.

He took a deep breath as the door began to open.

Dean took in the sight of the man in front of him. He was stunning. The black t-shirt sleeves straining to contain his biceps. Grey sweatpants hanging low, his sharp hip bones visible. His hair as wild as ever and he had a grass stain on one shoulder, weird. Finally their eyes met and Dean spotted a knowing smirk on Castiel’s face.

“Hello Dean, come in.” Castiel’s voice was deep and gravely. He stepped to the side allowing Dean to enter the apartment. On seeing Claire and Kaia huddled up on a small couch, he walked towards them not saying a word until he came to a stop in front of the girls. Dean kneeled down in front of them and gave a small smile.

“How’s it going girls?” he asked in a soft voice. He could tell by the look on both of their faces that they had been through the ringer tonight.

“Wanna tell me what happened?”

Dean waited as Claire and Kaia exchanged a nervous look.

“It sucked Dad, we went in and it was full of older guys we didn’t know, then we got separated and when I found Kaia some stoner jerk was pushing her around and tryna cop a feel, I lost it and punched him.”

“You what?”

“I punched him, you’d have done way worse if you were there and you know it.”

Dean looked down and saw Claire's knuckles were swollen and bloody.

“Jesus Claire, did I raise you to go around punching people?”

“No Dad, you raised me to look out for people I care about and stand up for what’s right.”

“Ok, so how did you end up here?”

“Maybe I should explain that part,” Castiel stepped forward and continued.

“While readying Jack for bed I noticed the commotion from the window, once Jack was asleep I looked out again and saw Kaia and the man Claire mentioned. I became very angry at what I saw so I went down to intervene.”

“And intervene he did! Dad you should’a seen him, outta nowhere, the jerk that grabbed Kaia was about to whack me and Mr. Novak just jumped him, landed on top of him and knocked him out cold.”

“Daddy?”

They all froze as a tiny voice came from the bedroom.

“Oh dear.” Castiel said with a small frown.

“DADDY!!”

The tiny voice not tiny now, now it was very loud and sounded rather panicked.

“Would you excuse me,” Castiel hurried off to the bedroom.

“Sorry Mr. Novak, I didn’t mean to wake your kid.”

“It’s quite alright Claire, I’ll just be a moment, Dean, do sit down if you wish,  make yourself at home.”

Dean sat in the chair across from the girls.

"So are You doing ok Dad?” Claire asked Dean with a devious grin.

“I’m fine Claire, I was just worried about you, why you asking me and looking like that.”

“We know you like Mr. Novak, we know you like like him.”

Dean's throat felt dry and his eye widened.

How the hell does she do that??

“What? I don’t know what you’re talking about!”

Dean huffed out.

“Ok so explain why…”

Claire stopped as Castiel and Jack came into the room.

“DEAN! You came to see me? Did you bring the fire truck again, I was in Daddy’s bed with Marvin and I heard a lady voice. Who’s that?”

Jack looked between Dean, Claire and Kaia.

“That’s Kaia and Claire. Dean is Claire’s Dad.” Castiel explained to Jack in a soft voice as he rubbed his hand up and down Jacks back.

“So sorry man, we didn’t mean to disturb you guys like this tonight, we should head out.”

“DON’T GO YET! I need to show you my bedroom!”

“I think it’s a little late to show Dean your bedroom Jack, Dean is here to collect Claire and Kaia and take them home.”

“Oh, well, but can I show Marvin to Dean? He said he wants to meet Dean, he told me, please?”

“Alright, go and get Marvin then.”

Castiel put Jack down and he ran into the bedroom to retrieve his bear.

“Jack is so cute Mr. Novak, where’s his mom?”

“Claire! That’s not your business.” Dean snapped, feeling the pressure of the whole situation building in his chest.

“It’s fine, Jack's mother died when he was born. I fostered him for the first few months of his life and then adopted him when he was a year old.”

“Oh wow, poor kid, no, but he’s lucky to have you, you’re pretty awesome Sir, you sure kicked ass tonight.”

Claire’s comment made Castiel blush and his eyes glanced across to see Dean smiling at him. Dean opened his mouth to speak but Jack came running out of the bedroom and slammed into him with his raggedy old bear in his arms.

“Wow Dude, steady there, so this is Marvin huh?”

“Yes, Marvin is my bestest friend, like you! He used to speak but now he doesn’t, well, he does, in secret to me but not to Daddy.”

“Is that right?”

“Yes. Is that your child?” Jack pointed at Claire and smiled shyly. Claire gave Jack a little wave and smiled back.

“Yeah Jack that’s my daughter Claire.”

“Does she have a mom or not, I don’t, my mom went to live in heaven when I just was a small, tiny and small baby. She still lives there now so I don’t see her.”

“Erm no, Claires mom isn’t in heaven but we don’t really see her either.”

“Jack, I think it’s time we say goodnight to Dean, Claire and Kaia and we get you back into bed. Say goodnight.”

“Ok Daddy, Goodnight Dean, Goodnight Claire, Goodnight Kaia.”

“Night buddy, thanks for showing Marvin to me.”

Dean smiled, the girls said goodnight in unison and waved as Castiel took Jack and settled him into bed. After a few moments Castiel came back in.

“We’re gonna head out now man, I need to get these two party animals home and to bed themselves. Thanks again for stepping in and helping..”

“It’s quite alright.”

“Dad we’re gonna head to the car, we’ll see you there in a sec?”

Claire and Kaia were at the doorway, Claire shot Dean a wink while Castiel’s back was turned away from her.

Suddenly, Dean and Castiel were alone, all the kids gone and the tension in the air rising.

“Thanks again man, I appreciate what you did for her, for all of them tonight. I dunno, maybe, I could take you for dinner? As a thank you? Or, no, maybe that’s not cool, my kids a student and….”

“Yes Dean, I would like that very much.”

“Yeah? Awesome.”

“Here’s my phone number, you can let me know when would be good for you, then I can arrange a babysitter for Jack.”

As Dean left they exchanged a smile. Dean couldn’t believe it, he’d asked the hot teacher on a date and the hot teacher had said yes! Woooo!!

Winchester, stop man, this isn’t the start of a porno…….

Yet..

Dean walked down the stairs to the impala.

Fuck man.

He had a date with Mr. Novak. He pulled out his phone,

Dean: Charlie, call me in an hour. You’re gonna wanna hear what’s just happened :)

Charlie: I take it Claire’s ok? Speak soon xx

Dean:  yeah she’s ok :)

Chapter Text

Saturday night 10.27pm

Dean: Thanks again for tonight man, Claire and Kaia are fast asleep now, hopefully they’ll tell me more about what happened in the morning.

Cas: You’re welcome. I’m glad I could help.  Do let me know if I can be of assistance any further.

Dean: Sure thing. Sorry we woke Jack up! Is he still asleep?

Cas: Yes he is still asleep, please don’t worry, Jack was very happy to see you :)

Dean: He’s a great kid, it was a cool surprise to see him again too :)

Cas: Thank you Dean. Let me know when you’d like to go for dinner. I plan to ask my brother Gabriel to baby sit Jack for me.

Dean: Awesome. I’ll look at the rotas on Monday and get back to ya.

Cas: I look forward to it..

Sunday 1.41pm

Cas: Jack has requested I send you a picture of his drawing. He is very proud it and assures me you will like it very much. It’s your fire truck :)

Dean: Hey! That’s awesome!! Tell Jack I love it! Is it for me?

Cas: It is. Jack said he would like you to put it on your refrigerator .

Dean: Sure thing! I can do that. Claire says Hey. Her and Kaia haven’t said much more about last night but I get the feeling they felt outta their depth until you stepped in, or jumped in ;)

Cas: Well yes. You would have done the same I’m sure. I fear I’m not going to live it down with them anytime soon am I… I’ll be the talk of the school tomorrow..

Dean: The hero of the school more like! Kaia told me a bit about what happened to her. She’s real shaken up, you sure did show up at the right time.

Cas: Claire had already done a fine job of helping Kaia before I arrived. I expect you are very proud of her. You have raised a fine young woman.

Dean: Oh Yeah, She’s a firecracker alright.

Cas: She is indeed. I had better go, Jack is waking up from his nap.

Dean: Ok man, no worries, let him know I think his drawing is awesome. I’ll txt tomorrow about dinner, catch ya later :)

Cas: Goodbye Dean :)

Monday 6.22pm

Dean: Hey Cas, so the rotas got me in on late shifts most of the week this week,  I was thinking maybe we could have dinner Friday night? Would that work?

Cas: I already have plans on Friday night. It’s one of the teacher’s birthday and we have all be invited to have drinks with them. I could cancel if that’s the only night you can do. What about Saturday evening?

Dean: Nah don’t cancel plans on my account. How about Sunday? I can’t do Saturday, My brother and his wife are here for the weekend from the city but they usually leave by lunch time on Sunday so that’d works if you wanna?

Cas: Yes Sunday would be wonderful. I look forward to it.

Dean: Great! Sunday then :)

Wednesday 5.41pm

Cas: Hello Dean, I wondered how Claire is now after the weekend’s events. I saw her briefly today but I didn’t feel it appropriate to ask her in front of her fellow students. I do hope she is alright.

Dean: Hey Cas, yeah she’s ok, we’ve talked about what happened. She’s more worried about Kaia than herself which I get totally. I’m kinda worried about her too. Kaia stays here sometimes but since the party she’s been here almost every night. By the time I get in from work they’re both asleep so it’s too late to call Kaia’s folks. I’m cool with her being here, she’s a great kid, I just wanna make sure her folks are cool with her staying out on school nights. When I do call I never seem to get an answer so I leave messages but they never call back. Think I should go over there?

Cas: Yes that does sound concerning. Perhaps I can reiterate my recommendation for Kaia to speak to the school councillor. They may be able to offer some support.

Dean: Cool, thanks man. How’s your week been so far? Jack doing ok?

Cas: Yes we’ve had an uneventful week so far. Jack is fine. He speaks of you often. I think you’ve made quite the impression on him, Marvin too so I’m told :)

Dean: Marvin the bear right? Crazy, I kinda think Claire had a bear like that, drove me nuts, damn thing never shut up!

Cas: Yes, that sounds like the same one. Jack’s bear spoke too, for a time, until I couldn’t take anymore and removed the batteries. I feel guilty to this day but I can’t bring myself to replace them, I’m an awful parent aren’t I.

Dean: OH  HELL NO! I get it man, really I do. Claire’s bear got given to goodwill on the agreement she could have roller skates from Santa. I can tell you it was the best damn deal I’ve ever made. You’re a great dad, you only gotta meet Jack to see that! Anyway, I gotta head back into the station, breaktimes over.

Cas: Thank you Dean, that’s very kind of you to say. I hope the rest of your shift goes well.

Dean:  :)

Cas:   :)

Friday 7.46pm

Dean: Have a good time tonight, don’t get too drunk ;)

Cas: Thank you Dean, I assure you there’s no fear of that happening. I will see you on Sunday. Let me know tomorrow what time I should meet you and where.

Dean: Cool, I’ll txt you tomorrow, I’ll pick you up, not having you drive yourself to our first date!

Cas: Very well. I look forward to hearing from you tomorrow. Have a good evening :)

Dean: You too man x

***

“So, you gonna tell us who’s got you constantly checking you phone, or do we have to guess?” Sam asked as they sat down in the backyard after dinner. Jess smiled at Dean expectantly.

“We could always just ask Claire, pretty sure she’ll know and be more than willing to dish the dirt on her old man.”

“He’s right Dean, you should probably just tell him, you know he won’t let up until you do.”

“ Jesus, you two been here less than two hours and you’re ganging up on me already? Turned up a night early just to grill me did ya?”

Dean handed Sam a beer and kicked him gently in the shin.

“Hey! I just wanna know who’s got my brother looking like he’s won the lotto!”

“Yeah come on Dean, we’re dying to know, please?” Jess shot Dean her sweetest smile. He could see why Sam was defenceless when it came to Jess getting what she wanted.

“Okay okay. Er, so, I have a date. On Sunday. Someone I met recently, we’ve been talking a fair bit, not much else to tell.” Dean tried to act casual but he could feel the heat steadily rising in his cheeks.

“Is that it? Nah, come on man, you gotta give us more than that! Where d’you meet her? Who is she? What else do you know about her? Come on, we want details!”

Dean knew he wanted to have the conversation with Sam, and Jess, this weekend, but he didn’t expect it to be happening straight out the gate.

Oh well, here goes nothing!

He took a deep breath and looked straight at his brother.

“He.”

“What?”

“He Sam, not she, he. His name is Cas. I met him at the high school. He’s a teacher. He doesn’t teach Claire before you start at me with your ethical mumbo jumbo, he’s a history teacher, I think he teaches the older kids. He has a kid, little boy named Jack. I’ve met him too but that was kinda by accident, he’s 3, great kid. Yeah, so there, that’s all I got for ya. Happy?”

Sam and Jess looked at each other then back at Dean. The moment hung in the air like mist on a lake at dawn. 

“What, nothing now? You quiz me non-stop and now you got nothing?” Dean could feel his hands beginning to get clammy, he needed Sam to say something before the tension got too much.

“Awesome! So how d’you end up meeting his kid already?”

“What?”

“You said you met his kid by accident, how did that happen?”

“Wow, ok, so no what hell are you doing going on a date with a dude? Why have you never told us you were into guys too?”

“Dean. I’ve always known you are into guys too. You’re my brother, I’ve looked up to you my whole damn life, you think I wouldn’t notice something like that? And then there all that shit that happened with Ash, you didn’t actually think we didn’t know you guys were way more than friends, did you?”

Dean just stared at Sam, then at Jess, then back at Sam. The silence settled between them but now there was no sense of tension, just knowing. Of course Sam knew. Maybe Dean knew all along that Sam knew, that Jess knew, deep down - yeah, of course they already knew.

He’d spent so long convincing himself the thing with Ash was a one off, that no one suspected anything. Then Claire came along and everything just, well, Dean always talked to Charlie about this kinda thing but he knew he should have said something sooner to his brother, but until he met Cas, it didn’t seem like there was any point. Single was single right?

So here he was, out. Kinda fuss over nothing it turned out.

Dean smiled at Sam. After everything they’d been through as kids, all the shit with their parents, then out here on their own. Dean looked at his brother, really looked at Sam. He’d grown into a good man. In that moment Dean felt overwhelmed with pride for his kid brother. He stood up, Sam sensing a shift in Dean’s demeanour, stood too, and without a word or a seconds thought, grabbed Dean and pulled him into a tight embrace.

“Thanks man, I should’a said before.”

“No need, we got you, we just wanna see you happy, you and Claire.”

***

The rest of their evening was spent catching up on everything, Jess talked about a big new case she was working on and Sam spoke non-stop about the new golf club he’d joined.

They laughed about how grown up and sassy Claire had gotten and how proud Dean was that she’d settled into high school okay. Claire and Kaia showed up briefly to say Hi, then disappeared upstairs to watch a movie, Claire nabbing the bowl of popcorn on her way passed.

Dean was just about to offer another round of beers when he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. He took it out to see a text from Cas..

  Cas: Dean, I’m so sorry to bother you,

 I need your help, can you come?

 I need to get out of here urgently.

Cas x

Chapter Text

Castiel straightened his tie as he looked at his reflection. He could hear his brother chatting to Jack while Jack splashed around in the bath.

“Wow there Jackie boy, you’re soaking me here!” Gabriel complained, humour in his voice.

“Right. I’ll be off then, Meg is outside.”

“BYE DADDY!” “See ya sport, don’t go doing anything I wouldn’t!”

“No fear of that Gabriel!” Castiel laughed as he walked passed his brother and bent down to kiss Jack on the forehead.

“Don’t stay in the bath too long Jack, you’ll get cold and won’t have time for stories.” He smiled as he picked up his jacket and made his way to the front door.

“BYE DADDY I LOVE YOU THE WHOLE WORLD!”

“Bye Jack, I love you, be good for Uncle Gabriel. Gabriel please call me if you need to.”

“We’ll be fine, go have fun.”

Castiel smiled and closed the door, making his way down the stairs towards the parking lot. Meg was waiting in her small red sports car, large sunglasses on and a look of mirth on her face.

“Hello Meg.” He said as he climbed in beside her.

“Well Hello Handsome! You know, if you weren’t totally a six on the Kinsey scale and also not my best friend, I’d almost certainly be having you for dinner tonight.”

“Meg stop.” Castiel laughed.

“So, what’s new then, how’s things with the sexy fireman? Set a date for dinner yet?”

“Yes actually. We’re going out on Sunday. He did suggest tonight, I offered to cancel but he said it wasn’t necessary. I wondered if I seemed a little too keen. I’m so out of practice with dating I have no idea what I’m doing.”

“Clarence, that man is worthy of being keen for, believe me. You’ll be fine, just be yourself, how could he resist?”

“Well that’s kind of you to say, but also extremely unhelpful.”

They pulled up outside the cocktail bar and looked at each other.

“Ooo this looks very upmarket, typical Crowley, always showing off.” Meg said as she parked and got out of the car.

“It does look very exclusive doesn’t it. I’m glad I decided to ignore you and wear a tie.”

They walked inside to find their work colleagues at a large table to one side of the beautiful cocktail bar. Castiel smiled as he approached Rowena who was holding what looked like an espresso martini, likely not her first, he thought, given the size of her smile and the volume of her laughter. Most of the teachers had come out to celebrate Crowley’s 40^th birthday and he was making the most of be the centre of attention, regaling the group with stories of his travels across Europe during his youth. Meg headed for the bar and Castiel moved to join her when a man stepped in front of him.

“Evenin' Mr. Novak.” The man said with a smirk on his lips and a beer bottle in his hand.

“Hello.” Castiel said awkwardly, he knew the man was a new teacher at the school but hadn’t been formally introduced yet so couldn’t remember his name. Castiel went to step to the side to pass him and join Meg but the man stepped aside too, blocking Castiel’s route to his friend and the bar.

“Thinkin’ maybe as we ain’t had no chance to get to know each other yet, maybe tonight’ud be a fine ol’time to er, get to know each other…” With a raised eyebrow, the man stepped forward, so closely into his personal space that Castiel could smell the stale beer on his breath.

“Er, well perhaps a little later,” Castiel said, stepping back.

“I’m just about to get a drink for himself and Miss Masters, er Meg, over there,” he mumbled, tilting his head in Meg's direction. Meg was already busy flirting with a tall blonde barman, too distracted to notice that Castiel had been cornered by the new guy.

“Le’me get ya drink, what’s ya poison?” The man said, raking his eyes up and down Castiel’s body. Castiel could feel himself becoming overwhelmed. The man was not unattractive, a little unkempt perhaps, but it was his brazen forwardness that made Castiel feel uncomfortable.

“That’s really not necessary, but thank you, I can get my own drink. Would you excuse me,” Castiel stepped aside and waited to see if the man would block him again. Thankfully he didn’t but as Castiel stepped passed him the man grabbed him by the bicep and leaned in close, whispering into his ear.

“Real excited to get t’know ya, later, sir...”

Castiel ignored him and moved quickly to Meg's side.

“Meg, who is that man, he’s a teacher yes?”

“Who, Ash? Yeah, he’s the new computer science teacher. Dude needs a haircut for sure but he seems nice enough, not that I’ve spoken to him much.”

“Well I’m not so sure, he seems very pushy, he just propositioned me!” Castiel said, pulling to loosen his tie.

“Oh Clarence, calm down, it must be awful having men falling at your feet. You wouldn’t hear me complaining if someone propositioned me within the first few minutes of us walking in”

“Well I’m not interested. I’m very much looking forward to my date with Dean on Sunday and haven’t come out tonight to be cornered by a colleague, who I barely know.”

Meg and Castiel got their drinks and made their way to the table to join the group.

Castiel was acutely aware that Ash was watching him. It made him feel extremely uncomfortable. He tried to ignore him by engaging in conversation with whoever he could. He spoke with Donna, the art and design teacher, about how Jack was getting on at daycare. He chatted with Crowley for a short while, but Crowley was far too busy mingling with his guests to stay in conversation with one person for too long. He spoke with Rowena but again, not for long as she had clearly had too many espresso martinis to hold a proper conversation with him.

Every time he’d chance a glance around, Ash was looking at him, eyes undressing him and a smirk that made Castiel want to run for the hills.  

This was fast turning out to be a less than enjoyable evening, Castiel thought to himself, scanning the room for Meg, who he realised he hadn’t seen for a while now.  

He couldn’t see her anywhere. He took out his phone to send her a text, only to see she had already sent him a message.

Meg: Clarence, forgive me. You’ll have to Uber home tonight, the Greek God from behind the bar and I have made our escape! Have fun, I know I will.. 🫠❤️

Great, Castiel thought. Perhaps he should have cancelled and gone out with Dean after all..

He made his way to the restroom to clear his head and decide how to make his excuses and go home. Maybe he and Gabriel could have a few drinks instead as it was still early.

He used the bathroom and washed his hands. He stood in front of the mirror and stared at his reflection. Just then the door of the rest room opened and Ash walked in. He caught Castiel’s eye in the mirror and smiled, a smile that Castiel knew meant trouble. Castiel turned to speak but before he could Ash was on him,

“There you are, ready to get to know me yet?”  Ash said, closing the gap between the two men. He was right in Castiel’s face, breath stale from cheap beer and cigarettes. Castiel stepped back but had nowhere to go, his back pressed against the basin.

“Ash, please, I’m not interested. We need to be able to work together and this is highly inappropriate behaviour on your part.”

“Oh come ooonn, don’t pretend you ain’t interested. I know damn well you ain’t inta the ladies, you’d a’been all over the dark haired broad you came here with if you were. "Let’s have some fun!”

Castiel leaned backwards trying desperately to put some space between their faces, Ash leaned forward and closed the gap again.

“No one needs to know, we can keep this between us and I’ll make sure it’s all highly appropriate at work.”

Ash purred at him moving closer still. Castiel couldn’t bare much more of Ash’s advances so in a moment of impulse he pushed Ash away from him, both hands pushing hard into his chest and sending Ash backwards, almost causing him to fall onto his back.

“I said no. I’m not interested.”

Castiel said, trying to keep his tone even but he was shaking now and his voice betrayed him. Ash glared at him. He stepped forward again and grabbed Castiel by the shoulders, pulling him towards the cubicles. Before he had the chance to pull him inside the first cubicle Castiel stepped forward, towards Ash, and in a sharp, quick movement, Castiel raised his left knee as fast and hard as he could.

Ash let out a scream as Castiel’s knee connected with his testicles. Ash fell to the floor and Castiel didn’t wait around to see what would happen next. He walked, at speed, out of the restroom and straight out of the bar.

Castiel stood in the street and took a deep breath. He looked at the space where Meg’s car had been parked when they arrived, now empty. He sighed and took out his phone, writing the text message as quickly as his shaking hand would allow….

Dean: Dean, I’m so sorry to bother you,

I need your help, can you come?

 I need to get out of here urgently.

Cas x

Chapter Text

Dean looked up from his phone. His face must have told a story because Sam was there in a second,

“Dean, what’s wrong?”

“It’s Cas, look at this,” Dean said handing Sam the phone. Sam read the text message and handed it back.

“Where is he?”

“That fancy cocktail place by the river I think, I gotta go man, he didn’t say anything about needing a ride or us getting together before Sunday so somethings up, he said he needed an out, urgently.”

“Yeah yeah it’s fine man go, me and Jess are fine here with the girls. Let me know when you get there and everything is ok.”

Dean smiled at his brother and Jess, who had been listening, not knowing what the text message said but getting the general idea. He grabbed his keys and made his way towards the door,

“Let Claire know what’s happening.”

“She knows about you and Cas?”

“Not much to know yet dude but yeah, she knows, she pushed me to ask the guy out!”

“Man I love that kid, sharp as a tack.”

“She sure is. Ok, later.”

***

Dean drove through the business area and towards the river to where he thought Cas would be. As he rounded the corner of the street he saw Cas outside the cocktail place. He looked incredible. Black dress pants and a pale blue shirt, a dark blue tie, a little wonky but he still looked amazing. His hair was as wild as ever, which Dean loved and he had a jacket over one shoulder.

Oh Man,

Dean whispered under his breath. He stopped the impala next to where Cas was stood waiting. Cas took a second and then opened to door and climbed in. He sat down next to Dean looking straight ahead and for a moment, neither of them said a word. Then Cas turned and looked at him. Stunning blue eyes, misty, sad, Cas looked shaken. His smile was small, false almost, it was there but it didn’t reach his eyes, eyes that told a story of a night that had been anything but fun for him.

“What happened man?” Dean asked, breaking the silence.

“Let’s just say I wish I had chosen to have dinner with you instead of coming here. Thank you for coming to get me Dean. I’m sorry if I interrupted your evening but I didn’t know who else to call.”

“No problem, you alright man? You look pretty shaken up.”

“I am alright now, thank you, shall we go?”

“Yeah lets go, where to, home? Or you wanna maybe grab a coffee somewhere before we head back.”

“Yes, coffee sounds good, but somewhere away from here. I’ve had my fill of this place for tonight.”

“You got it buddy, lets head back into town and drop into that late night café on 5^th.”

“Perfect.”

They drove in comfortable silence until they arrived at the late night café. Dean parked up and shut off the engine. Turning to Cas, he cleared his throat.

“You don’t gotta tell me what happened tonight but if you do want, I’m a pretty good listener when I need to be, Claire will vouch for that I can promise.”

Cas let out a small chuckle. Dean could tell he was trying but something was weighing on him.

“Someone propositioned me this evening, a man, in the cocktail bar, and when I turned him down he, let’s just say he wasn’t taking no for an answer.”

“Shit! What happened?”

Dean could feel his temper starting to fray. After last week’s nightmare with the party and what Kaia went through, Dean could feel his blood beginning to boil.

“Come on, let’s get coffee and walk, I’m not sure I’m ready to go into details but I will tell you what happened.”

“Do I need to go back in that cocktail joint and start banging some heads together until we find out who the guy was?”

“That won’t be necessary Dean, besides, I know who he is, he’s a teacher at the school.”

“He’s WHAT? Ok man, I know you said you didn’t wanna go into details here but that’s so not cool, I swear to God-!”

Cas looked at Dean. Dean waited, trying desperately to calm himself and give Cas the time and space he clearly needed to tell him what the hell had happened…

“Come on, let’s get that coffee.”

***

They ordered their coffee to go and walked in silence for a long time. After a while Cas spoke,

“Did I disturb your evening, by calling you out? Is Claire ok? I hope I didn’t pull you away from anything you were doing with her.”

Castiel was apologetic, worried, like he thought he’d caused a fuss over nothing and that he was guilty of ruining Deans Friday night.

“Claire’s fine Cas. She’s in her room watching a movie with Kaia and eating the popcorn I made for me, Sammy & Jess.”

“I thought you brother wasn’t arriving until tomorrow, Oh Dean, I am so sorry, I pulled you away from your brother and sister-in-law-”

“It’s fine man, they understood.”

“Well thank you. I won’t keep you much longer, I should get back to Jack and let my brother go home. He will no doubt be exhausted from entertaining Jack this evening.”

“Cas, drink you coffee, relax, we’ll get you home to your boy and if you wanna off load, I’m listening. I kinda need to know you’re ok before I head back myself.”

They walked and drank their coffee. It took a while but eventually Castiel told Dean what had happened in the restroom of the cocktail bar and the events leading up to it.

“Motherfucker.” Dean said under his breath once Cas had finished telling him what had gone down.

“Dean, I am fine now, thanks to you. I intend to speak to the Principal on Monday.”

***

They drove back to Castiel’s apartment, the radio playing quietly in the car, removing any pressure to make conversation. Dean pulled into the parking lot and switching off the impala and waited.

“I’d ask you in for coffee but we’ve only just had one so that would be pointless.”

“Oh, yeah, no, it’s cool man, I’ll just head out now you’re home safe, probably wanna get your head down after all that anyways.” Dean replied, trying to keep the disappointment out of his voice.

“You’re welcome to come up though, coffee or no coffee, your choice.” Cas said with a small smile.

“Er, yeah ok, just for a bit then, I told Sam I wouldn’t be too long, I wanna see Claire before she hits the hay anyways.”

“Ok.” Cas said, his eyes avoiding Dean's gaze.

They walked together up the stairs to the apartment. Cas unlocked the door and quietly stepped inside, Dean following close behind. The sound of some crappy game show was coming from the living room, along with the low rumble of a man snoring on the couch. Castiel chuckled softly and gestured to Dean to be quiet, bringing a finger up to his lips. Dean smiled and nodded.

Castiel crept past the sleeping man and turned off the tv. He snuck down the hall and opened the first door, looking inside for a moment and then closing the door again. He came back and gestured for Dean to follow him into the kitchen. Dean made his way after Cas and sat down at the table. They spoke for a few moments in hushed voices until the sleeping man appeared in the doorway, hair flat on the left side of his head and sticking straight up on the right.

“Evening gents, Dean I presume?”

“Hey man, Cas’s brother right?” Dean said standing up and extending his hand. Gabriel shook it and smiled, raising curious eyebrow at his brother.

“Didn’t expect to be meeting lover boy tonight Cassie, what’s the word?”

“Dean gave me a lift home Gabriel, how has your evening been? Was Jack alright after I left?”

“Good as gold, like always, he’s a champ for his Uncle Gabe. Kid talks like it’s an Olympic sport and man does he love stories. I think I read seven different books before he finally conked out.” Gabriel answered with a yawn, rubbing a hand over his face.

“So anyway, back to you Romeo, what happened to the she-devil dropping you home?”

“Er, Meg decided to leave a little earlier than I did so I asked Dean to pick me up.”

“Really, couldn’t have gotten an Uber?” Gabriel asked, more awake now, sensing there was more to this story than Castiel was letting on.

“Well, I suppose I could have but I was, flustered, and, well…” Castiel’s voice trailed off.

“Cassie, you know you can’t keep anything from me, what happened?”

Castiel looked at his brother, then at Dean, then at the floor.

“Castiel. I know you, something happened tonight, its barely passed 10pm and you’re looking at the floor like it’s your new best buddy. Come on, out with it.”

Gabriel shot a look at Dean,

“Hey, don’t look at me! I’m just the ride home, I wasn’t there when shit went down.”

“When what shit went down exactly? Castiel, don’t make me ask you again.”

“One of the other guests at the birthday gathering came on a little too strong tonight and I had to forcefully reject his advances. I am fine Gabriel, please don’t raise your voice, I don’t want Jack to be woken by the noise.”

“What do you mean a little too strong?” Gabriel asked through gritted teeth, face turning a dark shade of crimson.

Castiel recounted the events of the evening again, this time for the benefit of his older brother, who was becoming angrier with every second that passed.

The three men sat at the kitchen table and stared into nothing. No one spoke for a long time. Then breaking the silence, Gabriel asked,

“Who did you say this guy was? Some random dude or someone there for the birthday?”

“He was there for the birthday, he is a new teacher at the school, I don’t really know him but as I told Dean, I intend to speak to the Principal on Monday.”

“What’s his name Cassie?”

“I don’t see how that’s relevant Gabriel, it’s highly unlikely you’ll know who he is, besides, I only know his first name.”

“Name Castiel.” Gabriel was at breaking point now and Castiel knew it.

“Ash. His name is Ash.” Castiel answered, a tremble in his voice again.

Dean froze, his blood ran cold in his veins. His head was swimming, if he hadn’t already been sitting down he was sure his legs would have given out underneath him.

“What???”

Dean knew his voice was sharp but he couldn’t help it,

“Did you just say the guy’s name was Ash?”   

Chapter Text

Dean knew he was going too fast. He was driving like an idiot. Dean knew he was an idiot. He’d jumped up the second Cas had said it was Ash who had been coming on strong at the cocktail place, and he high tailed outta there, not saying a word. He was driving way too fast. With no real destination, he just drove, foot hard on the peddle, heart racing.

What was fuck...

He found himself by the river. His brain had brought him back to the bar, on auto pilot. Dean parked the impala right outside and looked in through the tall windows. The bar was still full of people. He could see some of the teachers from the high school. He shut off the engine and got out, slamming the door. His heart rate had calmed slightly but was still pretty damn high and he could feel the rage simmering in his chest.

He walked to the door and stood just for a second, his mind about to ask what his plan was. He ignored it, not giving it time to formulate. He pushed the door open and marched over to the corner where he could see the teachers still enjoying their evening.

The small ginger woman he’d seen on the day they visited the high school spotted him first, rising from her chair and beaming at him with a smile that looked decidedly more warm and almost certainly drunk.

“Well, hello there Mr. Winchester, and what do we owe this pleasure?”

Dean didn’t answer. His eyes scanned the room. No sign of Ash. He let out an agitated breath.

“Deary, is something wrong?” The petite woman was next to him, a hand rested gently on his arm, his head spun round to look at her. Dean could tell by the look on her face that his own expression must be telling a story, based on the concern in her eyes.

“Er, I’m er, just looking for someone. A guy who was here earlier, he’s er, never mind.”

Turning to leave, Dean looked around but still not seeing Ash, he could feel his temper beginning to peak again.

“Somone I might know dear?” Clearly concerned, the ginger woman was yet to let go of Dean’s arm. He huffed out a sigh and made eye contact with her,

“Names Ash, he was here before, for the birthday thing?”

“Oh, yes, Mr. Williams. I think he left, just after Mr. Novak, perhaps they left together dear?”

“Huh, no, they didn’t, no worries, er, enjoy you night.” Smiling his best fake smile, Dean turned and started for the door.

“You too dear!” Came from behind him but Dean didn’t bother to look back, he pushed the door open, heading back out into the cool night air. Dean let out a breath he hadn’t realised he was holding.

What was he gonna do if Ash had still been in the bar? What must Cas think of him just up and leaving like that? Why could his life not just be simple, just for once?

“Who am I kiddin’” he muttered to himself under his breath, heading back to his car. As he unlocked the door he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. The vibration reminded him that he had felt it a few times in the last few minutes but had ignored it. He pulled it out to look.

There was a message from Sam, a message from Cas and then another message from Sam.

Sam: How’s it going man?

Cas: Dean, I’m not sure what happened to make you leave so suddenly, but I do hope everything is alright. I wanted to thank you again for coming to my aid this evening. Perhaps we can speak again tomorrow. Cas x

Sam: Hey buddy, let me know what’s happening. Claire’s asking when you’ll be back.

Dean ran his hand down his face and let out a long slow breath. His adrenalin had dropped into his boots and suddenly he was overcome with tiredness. He gave his head a quick shake, opened a window, fired up the engine and pulled away, headed for home.

***

Castiel sat on the edge of his bed, the room cloaked in darkness with the only light being the small line under the door from the hallway. His hands felt like they were shaking but weren’t moving. They were still. Everything was still, silent. He had a sick feeling low in his stomach and his head was pounding. He glanced at his phone screen again, still black. Castiel let out a sign looking up at the ceiling.

The apartment was so still and so quiet. It felt heavy. Gabriel had finally gone home, but not before Castiel spent several minutes reassuring him that he and Jack would be just fine without him sleeping on the sofa tonight.

He could hear Jack shuffling in his bed. He smiled a small smile while he listened to see if his little sweetheart was waking or just stirring. After a moment, the silence resumed.

He took some painkillers and drank the water down in one go, quenching the thirst he was unaware of until that moment. Anxiety hung in his chest, familiar, like a weight behind his lungs. He reflected on the events of the evening. The one thing, out of all of it, that was making him feel so anxious, was Dean leaving in such a hurry.

One moment they were talking with Gabriel, about what happened at the cocktail bar and the next, Dean was out of his chair making for the door without a word or even a glance back. Castiel knew something was wrong but he didn’t know what. Dean had been so kind, so understanding, they didn’t know each other all that well yet, they’d been texting quite a bit and had their first date planned.

The date!

Castiel thought in a panic, perhaps now Dean wouldn’t want to go on the date with him. Castiel let out a long slow sigh. He was always so cautious when it came to matters of the heart..

He felt things so deeply. Castiel knew he liked Dean, in a way he hadn’t liked anyone else in a very long time. He found him very attractive yes, Dean was beautiful but Castiel knew he didn’t just want a fling, if he was entering into something with someone, it had to be worth the work, for his sake and for Jack’s. Castiel felt like Dean would be worth the work.

But now he didn’t know where he stood, not after tonight. He looked over at his phone again, screen black and still. He tapped it once to make it light up, no new messages.

Castiel flopped back onto his bed, closing his eye and allowing the sadness he felt to pull him into an unsettled sleep.

***

Sam was by the front door as Dean got out of the impala. The lights in the rest of the house were off now. He walked slowly up the driveway and approached his brother who stood silently, eyebrows knitted together with worry.

“What happened man? We were starting to get worried when you didn’t reply to the messages.”

“Sammy, I’m beat, can we do this tomorrow?” Dean replied, not looking at his brother as he passed him and walked into the house.

“I guess, it’s just you go running out like that then you get back and don’t wanna say a word? We barely spoke about this guy Cas and it’s on my mind that we need to talk about Ash turning up again. I dunno man, I just, after everything that happened before, I was kinda freaking out here.

Claire came asking for you a couple times and then just went to bed. I didn’t know what to say to her, she doesn’t know what went down before, does she? Oh and Kaia’s here too, Claire said you’d be ok with that, I hope I didn’t overstep.”

Dean pulled two beers from the refrigerator and popped the tops, taking a long pull on his before he turned to Sam to answer,

“Nah it’s cool, Kaia stays most weekends, during the week recently too..” He replied, handing Sam the other beer.

“Yeah? Are her and Claire a thing?”

“A thing? What? No Sam! They’re friends! Jeez what is it with you?

“What is it with ME? Dean! What the hell is going on with YOU? You need to talk to me about what happened tonight, I mean - ”

Dean didn’t give Sam a chance to finish whatever he was about to say,

“You wanna know so bad what happened tonight, I’ll tell ya, Ash was fucking there Sam, at the damn cocktail place, coming onto Cas and he wasn’t taking no for an answer – I shouldn’t be surprised, the guy seems to get a buzz outta pushing peoples boundaries. So yeah, he practically attacked Cas in the men’s room. Cas freaked and text me. I took him home then went back to the bar looking for Ash, and surprise surprise the guy was gone, again, so yeah, and now I’m here listening to your whining.”

Sam looked at Dean for a long time, his brain putting together everything he’d just learnt.

“You WHAT? Dean! Jesus! Ash is bad news man and you know that better than anyone. I can’t see you go through all that shit again! Claire’s not a baby anymore, you won’t be able to pass it off like it never happened if you end up getting arrested again!”

“I know Sam! You think I don’t know all this? Goddammit! You think I don’t know it’s not like it was before! Anna is god knows where and Claire is old enough to wanna know shit Sammy, shit I haven’t told her yet! I’m not some idiot kid anymore and that asshole isn’t worth losing a job I worked my goddamn ass off for!”

Dean was shouting now, he knew he was, but he couldn’t hold his tongue. The stress of the evening was finally coming out like a damn had burst and he couldn’t hold it back anymore.

“That fucking guy damn near wrecked everything for me and now here he is AGAIN, just when things started to look like they might be headed somewhere good. I’ve been on my own this whole time with Claire, you got any idea how hard it’s been? Her mother gone and no one in my corner, I haven’t so much as had a second date in over a decade Sam. Cas was the first person I’ve felt like I might have a chance with and Ash is FUCKING BACK! It feels like I’m fucking cursed Sammy!”

Sam's eyes softened and he stepped forward,

“Dean, I’m in your corner, always, Jess too, you know that, but I get what you’re sayin’. You deserve to be happy man, Claire too, and if this Cas guy could be that for you, you gotta go for it. Ash is in the past, you gotta make sure he stays there. Did Cas call the cops?”

“Nah man, you know they won’t do shit without evidence or witnesses, assaults like that get brushed off like they’re nothing. Cas is gonna tell the Principal on Monday but it’s gonna be his word against Ash so I ain't holding much hope on that making any difference either.”

“Shit”

“Yeah”

They stood in silence in the kitchen, drinking their beers and pondering their next move. Jess’s soft voice broke the silence pulling them both from their thoughts,

“Come on you two, let’s get some sleep and we can make a plan tomorrow.” She stood in the doorway, smile soft and eyes understanding, having clearly heard everything that had been said tonight.

“Your wife’s right Sammy, let's sleep on it. I, uh, sorry I blew up at you like that..”

“Yeah. Ok. we will get this sorted Dean, you’re not alone here man.”

“I know buddy. I know.”

***

Dean took a glass of water and made his way up the stairs. He could hear Sam and Jess whisper-talking across the hall in the spare room. He glanced towards Claire’s room, it was silent. A pang of guilt filled his chest. He barely saw her all evening, he needed to tell her, there was just so much she didn’t know yet, it needed to be soon. If she’d heard any of tonight’s bullshit it’d be sooner than he wanted but hey, it was time. She needed to know.

Dean headed to his bedroom, practically falling onto his bed. He grabbed his phone to drop Cas a quick text just to reassure him he was ok, they’d talk and the date for Sunday was still on.

Dean picked up his phone to send the text and saw there was a notification waiting for him..

He opened the message and stared, the words staring back at him, settling like a noose around his neck.

Claire: What shit haven’t you told me yet? 😕

Fuck..

Chapter Text

Castiel woke to find it still dark outside, the sun yet to rise. His sleep had been restless and broken. Shifting his arm to check, he felt the far side of his bed was cold and empty. Cas let out a slow sign, glad that Jack had obviously slept well but also ever so slightly sad that he hadn’t come in during the night for a cuddle. He laid in the quiet of the morning and allowed his mind to wonder..

Castiel checked his phone. No messages. He closed his eyes again, knowing he wouldn’t fall back to sleep but not having it in him to move yet. Castiel had dreamt about Dean at some point during his restless sleep. He could remember vividly those beautiful green eyes staring into his soul.

He could almost feel the press of the plush pink lips against his. Castiel ran his thumb over his bottom lip and sighed a shaky breath out, relieving the tension in his chest. He knew he felt something for Dean that he hadn’t felt for anyone in a very long time.

Castiel wanted this to be something. He wanted to feel the press of those lips against his own, he wanted to run his hands down Dean’s back and across his broad shoulders. He wanted so much already, the intimacy he craved and missed so much, but not only that, he wanted the partnership that came from being in a relationship. He wanted to be part of a team, working together for a better life, for him and for Jack. Before he met Dean, Castiel had kept those thoughts, the loneliness, at bay, focused on Jack and his job, but now…

His mind had wondered in recent weeks, in those quiet moments alone. He would imagine what life would be like if he and Dean were together, how they would spend their days, their evenings and… their nights.

How their children would build a relationship with each other and how things would change for them all if that was in their future. Castiel tried not to let his daydreams carry him away to a place he may not get to go, but he couldn’t help it.

Castiel wanted a family for him and Jack, he wanted the love he knew he deserved, the love he knew he could give to someone else. He knew Dean was special already and he hoped beyond hope that there could be a future that looked like his daydreams.

But now, here in the darkness, after a frankly awful night, he began to wonder if destiny didn’t have that vision for him after all. Maybe Castiel was meant to stay as he was, just him and Jack. He knew how blessed he was to have his little sweetheart but he also knew he wasn’t wrong for wanting more. Maybe more just wasn’t on the cards for him. Maybe Dean wasn’t part of Castiel’s destiny.

His parents had told Castiel that he’d never be truly happy, that he didn’t deserve it because of the ‘lifestyle he had chosen’. Their cruel words had hurt him and caused him much turmoil but now, well, Castiel wasn’t about to start going over what they had told him all those years ago. He knew he deserved love and now he knew he wanted it. He wanted it with Dean.

His stomach twisted nervously, Why did Dean run last night? Was their date off now? It was 4.57, Jack would be up anytime, it was still too early to call or text Dean, who still hadn’t replied to the text message Castiel sent last night.

Rubbing a hand over his face, Castiel climbed out of bed and padded bare foot to the kitchen to make coffee in the vain hope that it would make him feel a little more alive than he did currently.

Castiel sat at the kitchen table holding his coffee cup close to his face. It was too hot to drink but the heat in his hands and the smell of the coffee gave him a sense of calm and comfort. He would speak to Dean today. He would find out why Dean left so hastily and he would make it clear he very much still wanted to go on their date tomorrow.

Yes, that’s what he would do. Feeling a little better now he had an action plan, Castiel relaxed somewhat and began to drink his still-very-hot coffee while he waited for his little ray of sunshine to appear from his bedroom.

***

Castiel didn’t have to wait very long. He could hear shuffling coming from Jack’s bedroom and then the door opened and out came his little love, hair sticking up in every direction and pyjama trousers on inside out.

Castiel smiled.

“Well Good morning,” he said, his voice brimming with love and fondness.

“Hi Daddy, why are you not in your bed?”

“I woke up a little while ago and decided to wait for you here.”

“Oh, is Uncle Gabriel gone home now? We had all the fun last night.”

“Yes Uncle Gabriel has gone home.” Castiel smiled,

“All the fun, my goodness, I would love to hear about all the fun you had together.”

“Yes Daddy, it was all the fun, so…”

Going from sleepy to awake and raring to go in less than a minute, Jack proceeded to tell Castiel, in great detail, all the things they had done while he was out last night. Jack went to get all the books they had read to show him and talked at speed and with much enthusiasm.

While Jack was returning the books to his bedroom, Castiel noticed his phone light up with a message. He grabbed it quickly and opened it to read,

Meg: Morning Clarence, how was the rest of your night? Hopefully it was as good as mine ;)

Castiel: Good morning Meg, you’re up early, doing the walk of shame are we? The evening was eventful to say the least, but not in a good way. We have much to catch up on..

Meg: Oh, not the response I was expecting, are you alright?

Castiel: Honestly, not really, but I am not able to go into detail now, perhaps we can speak later?

Meg: Of course! I’m sorry if me leaving suddenly had anything to do with your ‘eventful evening’…shall I call you later? Text me when the energizer bunny has a nap later and I’ll call then.

Castiel: Alright. Thank you Meg x

Meg: ❤️

Castiel placed his phone down on the kitchen table and got up to see what Jack was doing, it was very quiet, no noise coming from Jack’s bedroom was always a slight concern..

As Castiel walked away from the kitchen, he didn’t see his phone light up again, this time with a text message from Dean..

***

Dean yawned and stretched his arms above his head. He back ached from the stress of the night before. The tension in his shoulders made him feel like he’d gone ten rounds with Rocky Balboa. He’d barely slept, his mind racing over everything that had happened last night. Claire had heard him and Sam arguing.

Fuck!

How could he be so stupid to let her hear all that. So today was the day he’d have to tell his 14 year old daughter why they had no idea where her mother was. Dean let out a long sigh.

Fuck.

Dean could hear someone moving around downstairs in the kitchen. He heard the coffee machine whirring, so it was either Sam or Jess. Claire rarely surfaced before noon at the weekends and it was just past 7 so his money was on his brother being the first one up.

Dean pulled on his sweats and made his way down to the smell of fresh coffee.

“Hey buddy,” Dean said as he entered the kitchen to see his giant little brother standing against the counter, clearly still half asleep.

“Oh hey man, you’re up early, get much sleep?”

“Nah, brains going haywire after last night,”

“Yeah, me too Dean, me too. Jess is still asleep so thought I’d get the coffee going and try to think about how we’re gonna deal with this situation. I was thinking, I have some vacation days I can take, maybe I could stick around for a few days, get this shit sorted before I head back?”

“Hey man, no, you don’t need to take time outta work for this, I’m good, I’ll get it worked out.”

“Dean. You can’t complain you got no one in your corner then turn us down every time we offer help, come on man, let me stay and help you out here.”

“Maybe. I gotta talk to Claire. She heard us last night. I gotta tell her what went down when she was a baby.”

“Oh shit man, I’m sorry, I thought she’d be asleep.”

“She probably was, but I wasn’t exactly quiet was I. Don’t stress man, it’s been a long time coming, she needs to know.”

*** 

Dean took a shower and got dressed. Sam and Jess had gone to the farmers market to give him and Claire some time and space to talk. He could hear Claire and Kaia in Claire’s bedroom. He didn’t want to rush Kaia home but he knew today needed to be the day he spoke to Claire and got everything out in the open. Dean picked up his phone, he opened his messages and started writing a text to Cas.

Cas: Hey Cas, sorry about last night, everything got a bit crazy. I’ve got some shit I gotta deal with this weekend so I’m thinking maybe we need to take a raincheck on tomorrow…

Dean really didn’t want to cancel his date with Cas but he didn’t think Cas needed to be pulled into all his crap when they hadn’t even had a chance to get to know each other properly yet. Granted, they’d been talking a hell of a lot recently, mostly messages but they had done a lot of talking.

Dean knew this guy was special.

He knew he wanted this to be something but he was also pretty sure that Dean Winchester wasn’t destined for a happy ending..

Why would a guy like Cas wanna get messed up with a dude like him anyway, Dean’s head was a wreck and Cas deserved better than him and all his bullshit baggage.

Claire and Kaia came out of Claire’s bedroom and went down the stairs whispering to each other in hushed tones. Once they were downstairs, Dean left his room and made his way down to the kitchen. He was just starting to unload the dishwasher when he heard Claire’s voice come from the hall,

“Hey Dad? Can we drive Kaia to her aunts? The buses run a different schedule on the weekends and we think she just missed the only one that’d get her there on time.”

Dean straightened up. His nerves settling a little. He always felt better when he was helping someone and Claire’s tone sounded normal so that was a good sign, for now.

“Sure baby, I’ll be right there.”

***

Dean drove Claire and Kaia to Kaia’s aunts house on the far side of town. Dean had been over here a few times on the job but he didn’t know it well. It was a pretty run down area but the little house that Kaia pointed out was clearly well loved and well looked after.

He pulled up at the curb and the girls got out, Claire walking Kaia to the door. They spoke for a moment then hugged goodbye before Claire made her way back to the car.

Claire got back in the car and without looking at Dean, she spoke,

“So, we doing this now or you gonna do your classic,

‘What Claire? Oh no it’s nothing, let’s go get burgers’

act?”

Dean paused then looked round at his daughter, still so young but so wise for her years, he knew she was right, every bone in his body was telling him to avoid this at all costs. But he’d avoided it long enough.

“We’re doing this now, then we’re gettin’ burgers.”

***

After picking up all the crayons, putting all the books back in their correct places and generally putting Jack’s bedroom back together, Castiel made his way back to the kitchen, Jack in his arms, ready to make breakfast.

They made pancakes together and Jack happily sat eating his stack, flour in his hair and across one cheek. Castiel sipped his third cup of coffee, still not feeling hungry.

Castiel’s phone laid face down on the table. When Jack went to pick it up and begin playing with it with his floury, syrupy hands, Castiel took it from him and went to put it on the counter. It was then he noticed that Dean had text him while he’d been busy in Jack’s bedroom.

Castiel mouth went dry and he felt his heart shoot into his throat. He knew it was bad news, he could feel it. Why would a man like Dean want to waste his time with someone like Castiel. Tentatively, he opened the message,

Dean: Hey Cas, sorry about last night, everything got a bit crazy. I’ve got some shit I gotta deal with this weekend so I’m thinking maybe we need to take a raincheck on tomorrow…

Castiel’s heart sank..

Chapter Text

Dean and Claire drove out to the lake on the outskirts of town. It was still early so there were a few dog walkers but otherwise it was quiet.

Dean parked up and shut off the engine.

“So you heard me and your Uncle Sammy last night huh?”

“Yeah, I did. I don’t wanna make you talk about stuff I don’t gotta know Dad. I don’t wanna hear anything about you and Mr. Novak, old guy stuff, no thanks, but I heard you mention my mom. What has last night got to do with her?”

“Ok, I’ll get to that Claire I promise, wanna walk and talk?”

“Sure.”

They left the impala and began walking around the lake, neither speaking for what felt like an eternity. Claire broke the silence with a question that made Dean's blood run cold.

“Is my mom dead?”

“What? No Claire, at least I don’t think she is, I haven’t seen her or heard from her since you were a baby.

Look, I need to tell you what happened back then and I need to you try and understand that as messed up as this all was, and kinda still is, none of it is your mom’s fault. You gotta believe me Claire.”

Claire didn’t answer, she just looked at Dean with sad expectant eyes. They walked a little further and found a bench tucked away from the trail.

They sat together and Dean put his arm around the back of the bench giving Claire’s shoulder a quick squeeze.

“Ok, first off, I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to talk with you about this. I never wanted to keep anything from you but for so long you were too young to get it and then it just never felt like the right time, I've been putting it off and that’s on me baby, I’m sorry.”

“It’s ok Dad, just tell me.”

So he did.

Dean started at the very beginning.

He told Claire that he and Anna were very young when they met in a bar one night. They had spent the night together and then hadn’t spoken again until Anna tracked him down months later to tell him she was pregnant.

He told Claire how happy he had been, excited to be a dad even though he was so young and was still watching out for Sammy because their own parents had died a few years before in a house fire.

Claire knew that part already.

He told Claire about how Anna wasn’t sure she wanted a relationship with Dean but he had promised he would support her and their baby and eventually, not long before Claire was born, Anna moved into the little apartment with him and Sam.

Dean told Claire how happy he was when she was born, she’d heard this bit many times but she indulged him by letting him rattle on about seeing her for the first time and all the joy that brought him.

Then he told Claire about Ash. That bit wasn’t as easy. He wanted to be as open as he could but this was his kid, she was 14, a smart 14 but still his baby. Dean took a deep breath and continued.

He told Claire he had been seeing Ash secretly before he met her mom, that he now realises Sam and Jess knew but never said anything, letting Dean tell them if or when he was ready.

He told Claire how hard he had found it to be himself around everyone else and how Ash had made him feel like he didn’t have to pretend to be someone he wasn’t.

Claire listened intently, her features open and kind. She was hanging on his every word when he told her about the fight he and Ash had, about him storming out to a bar and subsequently meeting her mom.

Claire smiled and waited for him to continue.

Dean told her that things had seemed good with Anna for a while, or so he thought, but after Claire was born the cracks began to show.

Anna was sad all the time, she couldn’t get out of bed, she never smiled, she couldn’t take care of Claire, and Dean began to struggle to hold down his job, look after them both and get the rest he needed.

He told Claire he knows now that Anna had post-partum depression but at the time, he had no real knowledge of what that was, so wasn’t able to seek the help they both needed.  

Dean could feel himself beginning to get upset as the story moved to the hardest part. A part he never really spoke to anyone about. Claire knew her Dad, she could see in his eyes that he was struggling so she took his hand and smiled softly,

“You can tell me the rest another time Dad, I don’t mind.”

“No baby, we need to do this, today.” Dean continued.

He told Claire about a day etched in his memory like an invisible scar. Dean had gone to work early. He had fed and changed Claire and put her back down to sleep before he left. Anna had still been sleeping.

He told Claire that he knew the relationship with Anna wasn’t working for either of them and he had been spending time with Ash, not cheating, just spending time, although Ash wanted more and Dean knew that. His head was a mess and he didn’t know what he was going to do.

After work that day he came home to baby Claire screaming the place down. She was in her crib, red faced and hungry, Anna still in bed.  Dean told Claire that he’d got mad at Anna and a fight between them had erupted.

Anna had told him she knew she was a terrible mother, that maybe she never should have had Claire.

She told Dean that she felt like he had pressured her to try and be this perfect family when she knew she couldn’t do it and wasn’t sure she even wanted it.

Dean was devastated, terrified Anna would take Claire and leave. He begged her to stay and try to work things out. Dean told Claire what he’d said, and what happened next…

Dean had told Anna he loved her and she lost it, screaming at him that she knew he didn’t because she knew he had been seeing Ash behind her back, that she knew all about the secret relationship, how Dean didn’t care about Anna, he just wanted the baby.

Claire’s face was grey, she looked down and couldn’t make eye contact with Dean.

He waited.

“So, was it true? Did you just want me and not her? Were you seeing this Ash guy behind my mom’s back?”

“No. It wasn’t true, so much of it wasn’t true. Claire you gotta understand that Ash wasn’t a good guy. I think I knew that back then but I didn’t wanna admit it to myself. He’d helped me see who I was and I didn’t wanna believe he didn’t give a shit about the things or the people that mattered in my life.”

Claire thought for a moment then gently nodded for him to carry on.

“Ok, so here’s where things get really fucked up,” Dean said, looking across the lake at the boats that had started appearing now people were turning up for their Saturday morning ride-outs.

He looked at the families, moms and dads with their kids, laughing and fooling around. His heart clenched in his chest.

Dean told Claire what Anna had said that day. In the heat of the argument, with baby Claire still crying in Dean’s arms.

Anna had told Dean that Ash had been to see her that morning after he’d left for work.

Ash had told Anna that Dean didn’t want her, that he just wanted Claire.

Ash told Anna she was wasting her time here and she should just leave, do them all a favour and go, take the baby, or don’t, it didn’t really matter because Dean would never love her like he loved Ash, saying Dean had told him so.

“I’m not proud of what I did that day Claire, I wasn’t thinkin’ straight.”

“What did you do?” Claire asked, fear written all over her face.

Dean told Claire how he’d felt when he heard what Ash had been telling Anna, the mother of his new baby, the woman he was trying to build a life with, a family with.

He told his daughter that in a moment of madness Dean handed his tiny baby to her mother and walked out, driving like a lunatic to the bar he knew Ash would be in. He told her how he found Ash there with a look on his face like the cat who’d got the cream and Dean saw red.

He had dragged Ash outside into the parking lot and beat him within an inch of his life. The cops arrived, hauling Dean away as Ash was taken to the ER by ambulance.

They sat in silence for a long time. Dean looked at Claire trying to read her reaction but she was watching the families in their boats.

“Yeah so that was pretty bad.” He said bringing her attention back to him.

“I got arrested and charged so I lost my job too, and Ash spent weeks in hospital.”

“Shit.”

“Yeah.”

“So what happened with my mom?”

Dean took a deep breath and finished the story of the worst time of his life.

Dean told Claire that he was held by the police for 72 hours then Sam had bailed him out. Sam drove Dean to a local diner to meet up with Jess. When they arrived at the diner Dean saw baby Claire in Jess’ arms and his heart sank.

“Jess had you there because she had offered to take you for a bit so Anna could have a break. That was when Sam called Jess to say he’d bailed me out so she brought you to me….

When we went back to the apartment your mom was gone. All her things were missing and she was just… gone. No note, not forwarding address, gone. I never saw her again Claire, it was like she just up and vanished.”

Claire leaned into Dean, hey eyes brimming with the shine of unshed tears.

“Did you try and find her?” Claire asked, her voice so small, she sounded so young, so vulnerable.

“I did baby, we all did. I reported her missing with the local PD but they were no help, especially since they’d had me in custody pretty recently.

Your mom had taken everything that belonged to her so the PD said she wasn’t missing if she’d left. I spent weeks driving around, looking everywhere I thought she might be, asking people who knew her and no one knew a thing. Eventually I had to stop Claire, I needed to able to look after you. Sammy and Jess couldn’t keep holding the fort for me.

After getting arrested I lost my job, so money was real tight by then. I had heard back from the firefighters academy too, I’d been accepted onto the new programme. I thought my chances were fucked if I ended up a convicted felon but when Ash got outta the hospital he skipped town so the police didn’t have the evidence they needed to charge me. So yeah, I decided to go for it. I wanted you to have more than me and Sammy had growing up and, I guess, as they say, the rest is history.”

“So you never heard from her, not once, after all these years, she never once called or wrote me for my birthday, nothing?”

“No baby, not once. I’m so sorry, I wish I could tell you something good here but it’s all pretty damn shitty.”

 Claire began to cry.

It was like she’d been holding it in until she knew the truth and now, the freedom of knowing allowed her to release every emotion she’d been holding onto about her mother and the history she knew so little about.

Dean held his daughter and let her cry, they cried together.

Time moved differently while they sat on that bench by the lake filled with boats and laughing children. The hours ticked by and Dean felt pain deep in his chest for his baby girl who was not a baby now but felt so small and fragile in his arms.

***

“So, since we’re sharing I kinda wanna say something.”

Dean sat up as Claire moved and cleared her throat.

“Yeah? Listen you should know you can tell me anything baby, I got you ok?”

“I know Dad, I do. And I’m grateful for what you told me today. It’s hard knowing but still kinda not knowing, you know?

I wanna know if she didn’t want me or if it was coz she was sick and hurting, but I know maybe I’ll never get answers to those questions and that really kinda sucks, but thank you, for telling me.

I love you Dad. I’m glad I have you, you ain’t half bad at this parenting bullshit.”

Dean could feel the tears coming back, having only just subsided. He squeezed Claire again and cleared his throat, trying to compose himself.

“So, what d’you wanna tell me?”

“Ok, so, I knew something was, well something was something, when you starting asking me about Mr. Novak. I knew you were interested in the way someone gets when they like like someone. I could tell..   

Wanna know how I could tell?”

“Was it because I can’t get shit passed you and I’m damn near useless at not being obvious about anything?”

“No Dad. That wasn’t it. That’s all true sure, but it wasn’t that. I knew because I know how that feels. The way you asked about him, the way you tried to be cool and were so not cool, I get it because that’s how I was with Kaia….”

“What do you mean?”

“Jeez you really do suck at this huh!”  

Dean let out a soft chuckle,

“I guess I do, are you saying your Uncle Sam was right, again?”

“What?”

“He asked me if you and Kaia were a thing, is that what you’re saying? Oh Sammy’s gonna love this.”

Claire laughed and hugged Dean's arm.

“So you and Kaia huh? She’s a great kid, I’m sorry if you ever felt like you couldn’t tell me baby.”

“No it’s ok Dad, really. I wasn’t sure myself for a while then Kaia told me how she felt and that was that I guess.

No one else knows Dad, just you, well, Uncle Sam and Jess I suppose, and now you. Kaia’s folks aren’t the best and she doesn’t want them to find out, not yet anyway, so please don’t tell anyone ok?”

“Sure baby, thank you for telling me.”

“It’s cool. So you’re still going on your date with my teacher tomorrow right?”

“Ok first off, One, he’s not your teacher, he’s a teacher, at your high school. Two, I told him we gotta raincheck, I needed to sort this shit out first, he don’t gotta be caught up in someone else’s drama. He’s got enough of his own goin’ on.”

“You cancelled the date? Dad No! You gotta go!”

“Claire, there’s more stuff going on than just what we talked about today, stuff that’s not mine to share so..”

Dean paused. He didn’t want Claire to know Ash was working at her school and he couldn’t tell her what happened at the cocktail place.

“Well I think you should go Dad. You deserve to have fun too you know. Alex has Mr. Novak for history and she said he’s a real nice guy, super smart, real kind and patient. She said you’d make a cute couple.”

“What? Did you tell your friends?”

“Erm.. kinda. Sorry.”

Dean let out a huff that sounded more like a laugh than anything with any anger in it.

“I don’t know baby, I already told him I couldn’t make it. He probably ain’t gonna wanna go now anyways. Besides, we need some time no? It’s been a day.”

“It has, but I’m good. I need to process and I need to tell Kaia, we don’t keep secrets and I know talking to her will help me process it all. Dad you should call him, rearrange and go out, have a nice time, think of yourself for once.”

“When d’you get so damn smart huh?”

“I’ve always been the smart one and you know it.”

“Come on, let’s get back and see what Sammy and Jess bought from the farmer’s market, I’m betting there’s enough honey to cause a flood in our kitchen right now.”

They walked back to the impala arm in arm. Dean felt a weight had been lifted. This kid was incredible. He thought about the future, they probably both needed to see a therapist about all this but that was a conversation for another day.

Then Dean started thinking maybe Claire was right, maybe he did need to start thinking about himself a little more and what he wanted. He needed to speak to Cas and see if he could make it tomorrow after all, if he still even wanted to go now..

Then there was the Ash thing..

He’d speak to Sam and make a plan.

Ash wasn’t fucking things up for him again, that was for damn sure.

Chapter Text

Castiel carried a sleeping Jack into his room and lowered him gently onto the bed. Jack was still covered in flour from their pancake making this morning but it didn’t matter, he could have a bath once he’d had his nap.

Castiel sat on the couch and looked up at the ceiling,

When did everything get so complicated?

he put his feet up on the coffee table and picked up his phone. The message from Dean was still open when he unlocked it,

Dean: Hey Cas, sorry about last night, everything got kinda crazy. I got some shit I gotta deal with this weekend so I’m thinking maybe we need to take a raincheck on tomorrow…

Castiel swiped it away, without responding. He had no idea whether to question Dean, just accept he’d been blown out or send no reply at all. For now, he would leave the message unanswered. Castiel didn’t know what to say so a hasty reply wasn’t a good idea.

Instead, he opened a new message to Meg,

Meg: Jack is asleep now if you would like to call, I am free to talk x

Castiel’s phone rang almost instantly,

“Hello Meg,”

“Clarence, tell me...”

“Well, I’m not sure exactly where to start.”

“At the beginning maybe, that usually works.”

“Yes, thank you Meg, for that insightful remark.”

“I’m sorry, I’ve been waiting all day to speak to you, and it’s got me a bit, well, spill, come on...”

Castiel proceeded to recount the events of the previous evening, his ‘run in’ with Ash, calling Dean to the rescue and then Dean running like a bat out of hell not long after they had got back to the apartment.

Meg was furious.

“That Williams asshole better hope he doesn’t see me on Monday before you speak to Cain and get his ass fired on the spot.”

“I don’t know Meg, I’m not sure he’ll be fired, there were no witnesses so I am not confident the outcome will be favourable. Besides, it will obviously be my word against his, what makes you think I will be believed?”

“Castiel why would you not be believed? It makes me so mad that you’d even think that.”

“Meg, you know I’ve been through things that I have spoken up about and was called a liar by my own parents.”

“Your parents Castiel! Hardly a glowing example are they?”

“Yes. I suppose you’re right. I will tell Cain and we will have to see what happens.”

Castiel paused for a moment, thinking, then continued,

“I wish I knew why Dean ran last night, he was here, talking with Gabriel and I then as soon as I told Gabriel the name of the man who, who,”

“Assaulted you Castiel, he assaulted you, you can say it!”

“Who, yes that, and well, in that moment Dean was on his feet and gone before I could comprehend what was happening.”

“You think he knows Williams?”

“What?”

“Maybe he knows him Clarence, maybe that’s why lover boy was up and outta there like a bullet, perhaps he knows the guy and couldn’t take the shit he was hearing, maybe he went to find him and give him a beat down.”

Castiel couldn’t believe it hadn’t crossed his mind that this could be a possibility. Dean had left as soon as Castiel had named the man in question. He must know him, it made perfect sense. How could he be so foolish?

“Meg, I think you may be right.”

“Well of course Clarence. When am I not?”

Their conversation continued for a short while longer, Meg telling Castiel that he should absolutely reply to the text message from Dean. She gave several suggestions on what the reply should contain and Castiel did not commit to using any of them but she was right, he really should reply.  They said their goodbyes, Castiel promising to keep her informed of any developments with the Dean situation, go get your hot fireman, she chimed as she bid him farewell.

***

Laying down on the couch, Castiel felt exhausted. The stress of last night’s events weighing heavy on him, plus the restless night’s sleep and early start had all caught up with him now. He closed his eyes and began to drift…

Green eyes as bright as summer grass, plush pink lips and the smell of cologne and engine oil, hands running up his sides, making him shiver.

Castiel could feeling his pulse beginning to race. Dean leaned into him, his pupils blown wide with want, Castiel felt the soft press of Dean's lips against his own.

Castiel ran his hand through Dean’s hair and with a gentle tug, pulled him in closer, deepening their kiss.

He could feel his arousal surging through his body, a tingling up his spine and desire pooling in his stomach. He wanted this man in the most sinful way.

Dean pulled back looking at Castiel, his gaze so debauched it made his head spin.

Dean’s hair was ruffled and his lips were shining and swollen. He could feel Dean's hands moving over his thighs, nearer and nearer, Castiel’s breath caught in his chest,

DING

Castiel jumped awake, his phone lit up with a message. He steadied himself, realising all at once he had been asleep and his dream had been getting rather, well….

Castiel reached across and picked up his phone from the coffee table. There, bright and clear was a message from Dean. A thought ran fleetingly through Castiel’s mind. Dean had been thinking of Castiel, he had been writing and sending a message to him at that very same moments that Castiel had been dreaming of Dean. Was this a good sign? Or was it Castiel’s mind running away with itself as was often the case when he thought about Dean Winchester.

Castiel opened the message, he held his breath as he began to read,

Dean: Hey Cas, look, I get if you don’t wanna go now but about tomorrow, if you still wanna go on that date, I’d really like to take you somewhere real nice, you don’t gotta, I know I’ve been a jerk, last night and this morning but I do wanna take you out and I’m kinda hopin’ you still wanna, well, let me know yeah? No pressure, like I said, I totally get it if you decided you don’t wanna do that anymore. So call me, or text, whatever you want..  Dean x

Castiel felt himself relax and let out a breath he didn’t realise he had been holding. Dean wanted to take him somewhere nice. Castiel sighed with relief that he hadn’t rushed to reply to Dean this morning and now wrote a reply that needed very little formulating.

Cas: I’d like that very much Dean. I will ready at 7pm tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing you, Cas :) x

Castiel placed his phone down and smiled to himself, perhaps all was not lost after all. He closed his eyes again and wondered where Dean would decide to take him tomorrow. As his mind explored the possibilities, a noise from down the hallway brought him back to reality…

“Daddy!! I’m woken up Daddy, come quickly, I had a dream and I need to tell you it before my brain forgets”

Castiel laughed to himself as he rose from the couch and made his way down the small hallway to retrieve his little whirlwind.

*** 

Sam and Jess weren’t back when Dean and Claire got home. Dean emptied the dishwasher while Claire went upstairs to facetime Kaia.

Dean took the opportunity to call Cas and try to pull back on the raincheck for tomorrow night. He was nervous as hell. He pulled up Cas’s number and looked at it, his finger hovering over the call button. His heart felt like it was in his mouth.

Come on man, you got this, make the call.

He pushed call, then, instantly hung up.

Fuck! Why was he so nervous?

He closed his phone and stood,

Do the right thing Winchester, let’s take the hot teacher to dinner.

Dean opened his phone again but this time he opened his messages, not looking at what he’d written before, already pissed at himself for cancelling and remembering that Cas hadn’t replied anyway, which set his nerves on edge again. He wrote a new message, this time praying he’d get a response.

Cas: Hey Cas, look, I get if you don’t wanna go now but about tomorrow, if you still wanna go on that date, I’d really like to take you somewhere real nice, you don’t gotta, I know I’ve been a jerk, last night and this morning but I do wanna take you out and I’m kinda hopin’ you still wanna, well, let me know yeah? No pressure, like I said, I totally get it if you decided you don’t wanna do that anymore. So call me, or text, whatever you want..  Dean x

Dean put his phone down as he heard the front door open and the sound of Jess’s laughter fill the hallway. He smiled to himself, damn Sammy got so lucky, Sam and Jess had one of those marriages you see in the movies, they were sickeningly happy and in love.

Dean felt his chest tighten, he wanted that..

“Hey man, how’d it go with Claire?”

“Yeah Ok, as well as somethin’ like that can go I guess. I told her everything, we cried then we came home, she’s upstairs calling Kaia. Hey Sammy, get this, appears you were right, about Claire and Kaia, she told me this morning. But it’s not common knowledge so ya know, between us yeah?”

Sam and Jess both smiled at him, Dean could tell his brother was dying to gloat but with a look and an elbow from his wife, he decided against it.

“I’m glad you guys talked Dean, she’s an awesome kid, a real credit to ya, whatever happens now I know you guys’ll be good, you got this.”

“Ok man, enough of the chick flick moments, let’s get some food and make the most of the day before you guys have to head back to the big smoke tomorrow.”

“About that, Jess and I talked and we’ve decided we’re both gonna take those vacations days so if it’s all good with you and Claire, we’re here until next Sunday, if you’ll have us?”

“Sure thing man, you know you guys are always welcome here, I’m on day shifts all next week so you’ll have to occupy yourselves and tomorrow night, I’m taking Cas on our first date……hopefully.”

“Hopefully?”

“Yeah. I kinda freaked out and told him I needed a raincheck this morning but I’ve called it back in so I’m hoping he’s still on board for dinner.”

“Why did you raincheck him? I thought you were super into this guy.”

“I am! I just freaked out after everything that went down last night and needing to talk to Claire today. I just, I freaked out ok. Man I hope he isn’t done with me already.”

Deans phone bleeped with a message. It was Charlie, asking if everyone wanted to get together tonight. Dean assumed she knew Sam and Jess were here and wanted to get the gang back together for an evening. He also knew her next request would be him hosting, which he was cool with. Once Dean had replied to Charlie he notice an unread message in the inbox….

Cas..

Dean's heart jumped.

Please don’t be a brush off, Please don’t be a brush off….

“The moment of truth Sammy, Cas text me back.”

“Yeah? So what d’he say?”

He opened the message, read it then showed it to Sam. Dean smiled, relieved he hadn’t screwed it up, yet..

“Ok, so where you taking him?” Sam asked with a smirk,

“Saw you said you’d take him somewhere 'reeeal nice’ ”

“I have no idea Sam, you gotta help me man!”

Chapter Text

Charlie and Dorothy arrived just as the last pizza was being taken out of the oven.

“Perfect timing, you guys must’a smelled the food!”

Jess and Sam got up to greet them as Dean laid out the last of the food onto the kitchen counters.

“Long time no see big guy, it’s been a minute, when you guys gonna move back to us and give it up in the big smoke?” Charlie said as she wrapped her arms around Sam’s giant frame.

“We’re working on it I promise,” Jess laughed as she and Dorothy shared a hug in the doorway.

Everyone made themselves comfortable at the kitchen table. Sam and Jess one side, Charlie and Dorothy on the other and Dean at the head of the table.

Charlie clinked her beer bottle with Dean’s to get his attention,

“So, what have I missed, you said on the phone that shits been going down. I don’t see you for a few days and all hell breaks loose huh?”

Dean looked at Charlie then around the table at everyone else, he wasn’t sure where to start with everything that had happened recently. Sam must have been able to tell his brother was struggling to find the right words in the moment so he stepped in,

“Something like that, it’s not all bad news though, there are some good things to report, right Dean?”

“Yeah man, I feel like my life looks like a damn soap opera right now but yeah, definitely some good shit too.”

Dean told Charlie and Dorothy about the events of the last few days. He didn’t go into details about what Ash had done to Cas, that wasn’t his place, but he did tell them what he’d done in reaction to it. They talked about the things that had happened before, Ash being a face from their past, coasting over the main points for Dorothy as she and Charlie hadn’t been together back then.

“It’s good you told Claire everything too, I know it wasn’t easy carrying all that for so long, how was she when you told her?”

“She was, well, kinda how you’d expect her to be I guess. Kids got a lot to process.”

“Yeah, well you know we’re here to help however we can, you and Claire mean, whatever you both need.”

Charlie leaned over and squeezed Dean’s hand, smiling at her best friend.

“I know, ok so more importantly tonight, I need you guys to help me come up with a first date idea that will blow Cas’s socks off, come on guys, hit me with you best shots!”

“You don’t have any ideas?” Jess looked at Dean with a smirk and a raised eyebrow,

“Well, I don’t wanna do the standard crap like dinner at a restaurant or drinks in a bar, I feel like I gotta make a good impression with this, ya know, I want Cas to know I’m serious here, it’s been a crazy couple days and I was a jerk when I found out about Ash being at the cocktail place. I really like this guy, we’ve talked heaps over the last few weeks and I’m kinda hoping he likes me too so I gotta get this right you know?”

“Our first date was at the laundromat so I’m not sure we can be much help,” Sam laughed looking at Jess,

“Well we were 16 so we can be forgiven for it not being the picture of romance and sophistication back then!”

“Our first date was a DnD night at that little all night café over on 5^th, it was awesome.”

“Yeah I’m thinking that kinda date comes later maybe,”

Dean laughed looking at Charlie and Dorothy who were leaning into each other fondly.

“Come on you guys, what ya got for me? I’m on my knees here!”

“Well THAT, my friend, is definitely a kinda comes later date!”

“Charlie!”

“What? I know you all thought it.”

“Ok, ok, seriously, what’s the best date you’ve ever been on?”

“Dean I think you’re putting too much pressure on yourself here,”

Dorothy spoke in a quiet tone which made everyone turn to look at her.

“You need to do something simple, something that gives you both a chance to spend time together without pressure, just being able to talk and be, that’s what you need, not something busy or crazy on a first date, especially after the last few days for you both have been crazy enough, just my two cents.”

“Dorothy’s right man, it needs to be relaxed.” Sam added taking a pull of his beer.

“The best dates we’ve had have been the relaxed ones. Like walks on the beach, around an art gallery or museum, coffee in a quiet café. Life gets hectic and you said Cas has a 3 year old right? I’m betting he's busy 24/7, maybe something chilled would be his perfect date anyway.”

“You know, I think you guys might be onto something there..”

The beer and conversation flowed as they ate pizza, played card games and laughed until their belly’s hurt.

Dean looked around and in that moment he allowed himself to feel happy,

...maybe good things do happen...

***

Castiel couldn’t hold back his laugher as he shielded his face from the water,

SPLASH!

“Jack, I’m soaked!”

“I know Daddy! It’s so fun! YAY! I love to show you how the dolphin jumps out the water just like this, WEEE!”

SPLASH!

“Alright alright I think that’s enough dolphins in the bath for now, come on let’s get you out and we can FaceTime Uncle Gabriel before we get ready for bed.”

“YAY!”

Castiel wrapped Jack in a towel and carried him into his bedroom. They picked out Jack’s favourite pyjamas, the ones covered in tiny fire engines.

He smiled to himself, already counting down the hours to his date with Dean.

Castiel propped his phone up on the bookshelf to call Gabriel on FaceTime.

“Jack look, let’s call Uncle Gabriel and ask him very nicely if he would like to come over tomorrow and look after you while I go out with Dean.”

“With Dean? My friend Dean? The fireman Dean?”

Castiel smiled at his son,

“Yes Jack, your friend Dean, the fireman. We are going on a date together.”

“What’s a date Daddy?” Jack's face was coy, like he thought maybe he knew what a date was but wasn’t sure and wanted to see what Castiel would say,

“A date is when people who like each other go and do something fun together, like have dinner or see a movie or go to a show at the theatre perhaps.”

“I like Dean, can I come?”

“Well, maybe you’ll be able to come along another time but this time it’s just going to be Dean and I. You’ll be here with Uncle Gabriel and you’ll have lots of fun again I’m sure.”

“Ok, yes I do would like to want to come another time though Daddy, Dean is my friend isn’t he and now is he your friend too?”

“Yes Jack, he is.”

Castiel could sense Jack thinking it all over and knew whatever he was about to say next was going to be interesting.

“So Daddy?” ……

“Yes Jack?”

“Will you and Dean be in love when you go on your date?”

There we are..

Castiel thought to himself, he should have known this would be a line of questioning that would come up at some point. Cas hadn’t dated at all since Jack was born so this was new territory for them both. Jack continued,

“At Daycare, when we play in the home corner, Toby and Macey play going on dates sometimes, they play fancy dinner at the table and they say I love you and I love you too to each other. Miss Talbot asked them who they are pretending to be and they say they were being Toby’s Mommy and Daddy on a date because they are in love.”

“That’s lovely Jack. Toby’s Mommy and Daddy love each other because they know each other really well. Dean and I don’t know each other that well yet so we’re going on a date to get to know each other a little better.”

“And then will you be in love?”

“I don’t know Jack, we will have to wait and see wont we.”

“Can you and Dean love each other like Toby’s Mommy and Daddy do, do boys love each other like a boy and girl?”

“Yes Jack they can, people can love whoever they want to love. Some boys love girls, some girls love boys, some girls love girls and some boys love boys, and that’s wonderful because love in wonderful.”

Castiel waited with a soft smile as Jack processed what he had said,

“Do you remember the books we read? They are on your bookshelf, there is one called Daddy, Papa and me and one called Heather has two Mommies.”

“Oh yeah! My Mommy is in heaven isn’t she.”

“Yes Jack, she is.”

“When Uncle Gabriel comes over can he read those books with me?”

“Yes, I’m sure that will be fine Jack, shall we call him now?”

Castiel called Gabriel and Jack waited with baited breath until Gabriel’s face appeared on the screen of Castiel’s phone.

“Hey Guys, what’s happening?”

Gabriel's voice boomed into the quiet space of Jack’s bedroom.

“Hello Gabriel.”  

“HEY UNCLE GABRIEL HI IT’S ME JACK HI!”

“Hey buddy, good to see ya, getting ready for bed are we?”

“Yes, soon I am, I’m just in my bedroom with Daddy, see, he’s right there. We were talking about Daddy and Dean going on a date and being in love like Toby’s Mommy and Daddy and you coming to see me while they go to be in love and we can read books about everyone else who’s in love and I was a dolphin before and I made Daddy so wet, he is still wet now and we had chicken at dinner and then we had ice cream but I didn’t get any in my hair so Daddy said that was good but I did get flour in my hair when we made pancakes before and it was all in my hair and on the table and some was even on the floor!”

Castiel laughed as Jack took a big breath in after his monolog, Gabriel’s face smiling back at them both.

“So Daddy and Dean huh? Tomorrow night's a go then Cassie?”

“Yes. Dean is picking me up at 7pm, are you still happy to come over to be with Jack? I can ask Meg if you aren’t able.”

“I’ll be there, sounds like my little buddy has our evening planned out for us already.”

“Thank you Gabriel, can you be here for 6ish?”

“Sure thing. Cassie, hey I’m gonna let you go, looks like you got a streaker situation goin’ on there!”

As Gabriel let out a laugh Castiel turned around to see Jack running naked around the bedroom.

“Ok, bye Gabriel, we’ll see you tomorrow and thank you again.”

“No worries Amigo, see you guys tomorrow, bye Jack, put some clothes on!”

The call ended and Castiel scooped Jack up in one arm and the fire engine pyjamas in the other.

“Come on my little sweetheart, let’s get ready for bed.”

Chapter Text

Dean stood in front of the mirror in his bedroom. He couldn’t remember the last time he had felt this nervous.

He glanced across to see his bedroom door slowly creeping open. Claire leaned against the doorframe, arms folded with a soft smile on her lips.

“Looking sharp Winchester!”

“Yeah? Thanks baby. You sure it looks ok, hey, it better, I 'bout tried on damn near everything in that closet..”

“You look great Dad really, so, you excited?”

“Er, yeah, honestly? Kinda freaking out here.”

“Come on, you’ll be fine, you’ll have fun. Erm hey, you’re gonna be late of you don’t leave soon.”

Dean looked at his watch, 6.41pm.

Ok, time to hit the road.

“Ok, you get to bed at a decent time ya hear me? No staying up super late jus coz I ain’t home.

Sam and Jess are here if you need anything and I’ll see you in the morning.

I gotta leave around the same time as you so maybe we can get breakfast together if we have time?”

“Sure Dad, now go have fun”

“Thank you baby.”

Dean made his way downstairs and into the kitchen to grab a quick drink of water, his mouth felt as dry as the desert. Sam appeared smiling like the cheshire cat.

“You good?”

“As I’ll ever be I guess.”

“Relax man, this is good! Put all the other shit outta your mind and focus on having fun with Cas, you deserve it Dean.”

“Thanks man, ok I gotta go, make sure Claire ain’t up too late would ya.”

“We’re all good here, go.”

Sam patted his brother’s shoulder as he walked passed and into the hall. Dean picked up his keys and did a quick last check in the mirror before heading out the door.

Opening the impala, he saw Sam running out the door and down the driveway towards him.

“Dean, you forgot the flowers!”

“Oh Shit! Thanks buddy.”

“No problem, Go Get 'em Tiger!”

“Shut up man.”

Dean laughed and took the flowers from his brother, climbing into the car and setting of to pick up his date.

***

Castiel was pacing, he felt so anxious he couldn’t stay still.

“You’re gonna wear a hole in that carpet Cassie, calm down would ya?”

“I feel so nervous Gabriel, it’s been a very long time since I’ve been on a date.”

“I know I know, but getting worked up ain’t gonna help is it? Come on, try to relax, take a deep breath or something.”

“Daddy do you want to hold my bee blanket for a minute? That helps me feel better when my head feels all fuzzy. I can get it for you.”

Not waiting for Castiel to answer, Jack jumped up from the couch where he had been sitting with Gabriel and ran into his bedroom to retrieve the blanket.

“Cassie relax, try and just be in the moment tonight, everything else can wait for you to over think it, tonight needs to be about you having a good time with a guy you clearly like a damn lot.”

“Thank you, I think. Yes I do like Dean, very much in fact, which is why I feel so nervous.”

“Yeah I hear ya.”

Jack returned, blanket in hand. He stopped in front of Castiel and looked up at him with his beautiful kind eyes. Taking the blanket from Jack, Castiel kneeled down and hugged his little boy.

“Thank you Jack, you are so kind and thoughtful, I feel better already.”

“That’s ok Daddy, hold the blanket as much as you want to.”

Castiel kissed Jack on the forehead and watched as he ran back to the couch and jumped into Gabriel’s lap, landing with a thud.

Gabriel and Jack went back to their episode of Scooby-Doo. Castiel folded Jack’s blanket and returned it to his bed. As he made a quick stop in his room to have one last look in the mirror, his phone buzzed in his pocket,

Meg: Good luck Romeo, if you get past second base be sure to call me when you get home. I will need details… 😉😈❤️

Castiel chucked to himself and put his phone away, walking back into the lounge.

“Jack, I will be leaving soon then it’ll be time for you to get ready for bed. Gabriel please don’t let Jack stay up too late, we have school tomorrow and Jack already looks rather tired.”

“Yeah yeah we know don’t we Jackie-Boy, don’t stay up too late!” Gabriel sang as he tickled Jack making him squeal with excitement.

After a few moments, there was a soft knock at the door. Castiel froze.

“Pretty sure that’ll be for you dear brother, don’t wanna keep your Prince Charming waiting.”

Castiel walked over to the door, took a breath and opened it to find Dean, holding a beautiful bunch of flowers and looking more handsome than Castiel thought possible.

“Hello Dean.”

“Hey Cas, er, wow man, you look great, um, these are for you.”

Dean handed Castiel the flowers and smiled shyly, looking down slightly as his cheeks darkened.

“Thank you, they’re beautiful, would you like to come in while I put them in some water quickly?”

“Sure, thanks. Oh hey guys, Scooby-Doo huh? I love that show, me and Claire used to watch it together all the time.”

Dean smiled over at Jack and Gabriel snuggled on the couch, Jack already looking like he was struggling to stay awake.

“Hey buddy, yeah, although this little guy looks like he’s ready to watch the inside of his eyelids right about now.”

Gabriel chuckled, lifting a very sleepy Jack into his chest as he rose from the couch and started towards the bedrooms.

“So, what’s the plan for the big date then?” Gabriel asked, wiggling his eyebrows at Dean, Jack now fast asleep in his arms.”

“Oh no way man, that’d be tellin’ ” Dean laughed.

“Well, have fun you guys, Imma get blondie here into bed, catch ya later.”

“Yes we’ll see you later Gabriel, thank you.” Castiel said, returning from the kitchen and kissing Jack on the head as Gabriel walked by.

“Shall we?” Castiel said to Dean with a soft smile,

“Ok, let’s go.”

***

They drove out of town, the radio played low and Castiel watched the fields go by out of the window.

“If I ask where we’re going will you tell me?”

“Nope.” Dean said, glancing round at Cas,

“Alright.” Castiel smirked as he continued to watch the passing scenery.

Castiel looked round then and smiled at Dean, his eye filled with warmth. Dean smiled in return and looked back to the road, trying to keep himself calm while his heart felt like it wanted to jump up and out of his chest.

After a while longer they arrived, the parking lot was small, only a few cars parked outside.

The building looked old but well cared for.

“We’re here, you ready?”

They got out of the car and walked across to the small diner that looked as though it belonged in the 1950’s.

“This is lovely Dean, I had no idea this little place existed.”

“Yeah it’s a well-kept secret I guess.”

Inside, Dean led them to the booth in the corner. They sat facing each other, Castiel smiled as he looked around taking in the details of the beautiful little diner.

It was like going back in time, every detail was perfect, the black and white pictures on the walls of music legends from days of old  – Elvis, Buddy Holly, Dean Martin, Jerry Lee-Lewis, Ella Fitzgerald, all in mismatched frames.

The chairs around the tables on the far side of the diner were almost certainly authentic 1950's decor and Castiel wondered to himself how much chairs like that would cost these days in mint condition. The juke box was a work of art and even the staff wore 1950's attire.

“So, er, I know history is your jam and well, this place is kinda parta my history so I figured it’d be cool to share it with you, you like it?”

“I love it Dean, I don’t think I’ve ever been to a diner that made me feel like I’ve gone back in time, it’s quite remarkable.”

“You think the place looks good, wait til you try the food!”

They made light conversation while they chose from the menu, Dean recommending almost everything that was on it. When the waitress came over they ordered their food and Dean laughed as he ordered them both milkshakes.

“It’s tradition Cas, trust me, you’re gonna love it.”

The waitress came back with their milkshakes. Dean told Cas about how he used to come to this diner as a child, just him and his mom.

He told Cas about how much his mom loved history, and music, and that she called this diner her little pocket of heaven. He told Cas about how he lost his mom, and his dad, in a house fire when he was 16, Sammy was just 12.

As Castiel listened intently to Dean sharing a part of his life that was deeply personal, he was struck by how comfortable Dean appeared to be sharing this part of his story with Castiel. Dean talked about his mother with much fondness, rarely mentioning his father.

Castiel took a sip of his milkshake,

“Mmm! This is wonderful!”

“Ha! Told ya, worth the drive out here just for the milkshakes!”

Their food arrived, so they ate and they talked and they laughed and they talked some more. Time flew by but it didn’t matter. Castiel felt so relaxed, like the world outside this little diner on the edge of nowhere had stopped, just long enough to allow them to be here, together, and for whatever this was, to begin to grow.

Eventually they finished their meals, and their milkshakes, and Dean left some bills on the table.

He stood and held out his hand to Castiel, who took it immediately. Their fingers wound together, like they were made to fit just so. Dean smiled at Cas, Castiel smiled back.

As they walked back to the impala, hand in hand, Castiel looked round at Dean, he looked so beautiful in the light of the moon,

“Thank you Dean, I’ve had the most wonderful time with you. I’m so grateful you chose to share your little pocket of heaven with me.”

Dean turned and stopped.  

“You’re welcome Cas, I hoped you’d like it here. But don’t go soundin’ like it’s time to head home, we ain’t done yet, there’s another stop on our little adventure to make.”

***

They drove back towards the town but before they got into an area Castiel recognised, Dean turned the car down onto an old dirt road which led to a roadhouse bar.

“You know this place?”

Dean asked as they parked up in the parking lot.

“No I don’t think I do, I must confess, I don’t venture this far out of town and I clearly haven’t lived around here as long as you have.”

“Yeah I figured. Good, another surprise for ya then.”

Dean said, green eyes shining as he gave Castiel the most dazzling smile, that made his heart skip a beat.

“Come on, we’re just in time.”

“Just in time for what?”

“You’ll see...”

Dean led Castiel into the bar, it was busy with every kind of person you could imagine. Groups of girls laughing together, men playing pool and couples for whom the rest of the world didn’t exist. Castiel smiled as he took in the scene around him.

It was vastly different from the diner they had just left but it was so quintessentially Dean. It felt like a big family home, everyone knew each other and was comfortable just being in the same place together.

Dean led them to the bar and a young blond barmaid came over to serve them,

“Hey Dean, not seen you here in a while, how’s life treatin’ ya?”

“Hey Jo, yeah good, this is Cas by the way.”

“Hey Cas, good to meet ya.”

Jo held out her hand and smiled warmly. Castiel shook it and smiled,

“Hello, lovely to meet you.”

Dean ordered them a bottle of beer each.  Castiel glanced around and saw a band setting up their instruments on the small stage to the left of the bar.

People began to make their way towards the dance floor, not dancing yet, just ready to listen when the live music began. An older woman came to the microphone and spoke in a tone that sounded like she was both the owner of the establishment and also the mother of everyone in the room.

“Well evening y’all. Who’s ready to take a turn tonight?”

The crowd cheered and began to murmur and Dean smiled at Cas with a twinkle in his eye that set Castiel’s pulse racing.

Dean led Castiel to a booth and they sat, this time together on the near side of the booth, they shoulders pressed together.

Dean took Castiel’s hand and ran his thumb over Cas’s fingers. They watched as different members of the audience took turns in joining the band and singing various song from the last 40 years.

A group of girls sang a Cyndi Lauper number, not well, but they certainly seemed to enjoy it. The older women from the bar sang a Joni Mitchel song, beautifully, and ended to rapturous applause.

As the applause began to die down Dean began to fidget in his seat.

“Are you alright?” Castiel asked, concern in his voice.

“Yeah I’m good man, I just, that’s my cue.”

With that, Dean rose from his seat and began to walk towards the stage. Castiel watched with baited breath.

Was Dean going to sing?

Castiel thought he knew so much about Dean from their weeks of talking in messages and their hours talking face to face tonight, but with every moment that passed, he was learning something new about this incredible man who came into his life completely by chance.

Or was it by chance, the way Castiel felt in that moment was like destiny had pulled them together. He couldn’t believe his luck.

The sound of feedback jolted him out of his thoughts, Dean was at the mic, looking straight at him, across the crowd like it didn’t even exist.

Their eyes locked and Dean smiled wide, emerald green eyes glistening in the dim light.

“So this number is for a special person, enjoy.”

The music started and Castiel knew the song immediately. In a smooth velvety voice, Dean began to sing We’ve Only Just Begun by The Carpenters. His eyes never leaving Castiel’s.

Castiel wasn’t a fool for romance but in that moment, he knew something was happening, something he couldn’t name yet. Dean was up there, in front of all these people, making a declaration.

It wasn’t an I love you . Not yet. But it wasn’t small either, it was something.

This was definitely something.

***

They walked outside into the cool night air, hand in hand like it was something they’d always done. Castiel couldn’t quite believe this was their first date. It all felt so natural.

New, but in the same breath like it’d always been this way.

They stopped next to the impala. Dean stepped into Castiel’s space as though he was about to speak but hesitated.

Then, with a confidence that surprised them both, Castiel leaned in and kissed Dean, soft and slow.

Dean tasted like cheap beer and hope, like something that might last.

Castiel stepped back, Dean looking at him like he’d hung the moon.

“Thank you Dean, for a truly magical first date. I’ve had the most wonderful time.”

Dean smiled and cupped Castiel's face in his hands. He leaned in and kissed him with such reverence, like Castiel was something so precious, like he was someone who really meant something to Dean. 

And in that moment, in the parking lot of a roadhouse, on the outskirts of town, in the arms of this most beautiful man, Castiel felt that perhaps

- he was.

Artwork by 

Lazarus

Chapter Text

Castiel arrived at work earlier than usual. Jack had been so good going into daycare before his scheduled time which helped settle Castiel's mind as he walked up the pathway into the high school. Castiel knew he needed to speak to Cain first thing or it would be hanging over his head all day.

His emotions were all over the place and on arriving outside the main school office, he already felt completely overwhelmed.

Castiel was still on the high from his date with Dean, which had ending in his apartment doorway, with a make out session that any teenager would be proud of, a promise to speak again today and have their second date very soon.

Castiel was on cloud nine. He still couldn’t believe how lucky he felt that this stunning, kind man had come into his life.

Castiel’s phone buzzed in his pocket,

Dean: Morning sunshine ♥️

Good luck, call me when you can with an update, or even just a text to say you’re doing ok xx

Castiel smiled as he put his phone away and made his way down the quiet corridor towards the Principal’s office.

He knocked and waited.

“Come in.”

Castiel opened the door to find Cain behind his desk, reading glasses perched on the end of his nose.

Cain was an older man, he’d been the Principal here for a long time and had a quiet air of authority about him.

Castiel had always got on with Cain and found him to be very fair in his running of the school and faculty alike.

“Ah Castiel, I wondered when I would see you this morning,”

“Oh?”

This was not the greeting Castiel had expected and now he felt completely thrown off. Castiel had rehearsed in his head how he would tell Cain what had happened on Friday evening and now, his mind was blank and he just stood, frozen in place.

“Have a seat Castiel.”

Cain motioned for Castiel to sit in the chair across from him as he removed his reading glasses and closed his laptop.

“I understand there was an incident that took place on Friday evening at the gathering for Fergus’ birthday.”

“Uh, yes that’s right, may I ask how you are already aware?”

Castiel could feel his heart racing and his anxiety begin to spike, his hands felt clammy and he was beginning to sweat.”

“Please try and relax Castiel. I appreciate this isn’t easy for you. Would you like to tell me what happened and I can let you know what the witness has told me already.”

“Witness?”

“Yes, someone who was also there on Friday witnessed some things they deemed necessary to inform me of and have been to see me already this morning.”

Castiel let out a shaky breath. His head was spinning. He had assumed no one had seen anything and now he was beginning to panic.

Cain rose from his chair and moved over to the cooler in the corner of his office. He handed Castiel a glass of ice cold water which Castiel drank so quickly the chill in his chest made his breath catch.

“Take your time Castiel. I have already asked Donna to take your home room this morning so there really is no hurry. Whenever you are ready.”

After taking a moment to compose himself, Castiel told Cain what had happened on Friday night.

As difficult as it was to speak about in the cold light of day, away from his safe space of home, his brother, Dean, he was able to give Cain all the details of the turn of events.

He told Cain how uncomfortable he had felt, then how frightened.

He told Cain about his fear of what Ash could have done if he had been successful in pulling Castiel into the stall in the men’s room.

All the while, Cain listened intently, his face neutral and he did not speak until he was sure that Castiel was finished.

“Thank you for telling me what happened Castiel. I know that would have been very difficult for you. I will say from the outset that you have my full support. I would encourage you to report this incident to the authorities but I fully respect that it is your decision should you decide to, or not.”

Without any warning, Castiel felt tears fill his eyes and instantly break free and rush down his cheeks.

Cain believed him.

Cain wanted to support him.

Castiel felt so relieved it was overwhelming.

Cain moved the box of tissues from the corner of his desk in front of Castiel and gave him a soft smile.

“Now, as I mentioned, there is a witness. Another member of staff saw some of the events you have described and was very concerned about you. Everything you have told me and their account of what there saw is identical, aside from the incident inside the men’s room. They did not witness that, am I to assume there was no one else in the men’s room at the time?”

“No, there was no one else there. May I ask who it was that came to see you?”

“I spoke to the person about this and they have assured me that they will speak to you themself, once you had the opportunity to speak to me about it. They were concerned you may not come and see me but I assured them I knew that you would. Your sense of justice has always been commendable Castiel and I had no doubt you would come to me with this as some point. I am very glad you did. I ask that if you feel you need any time away from class, or even a few days at home, that you don’t hesitate to come to me and we will work to accommodate you however we can.”

“Of course. Thank you. Currently I don’t deem it necessary to be away from class or work in general. My only immediate concern is how to deal with..”

Castiel paused, suddenly he couldn’t put into words how anxious he was about coming face to face with Ash, in the teachers’ lounge or the corridors of the school..

“I will be seeing Mr. Williams as soon as you leave here and he will be off campus before lunch time if that is your concern. The school board take matters such as this extremely seriously and we will not risk the safety of any of our students or faculty. Be rest assured Castiel, you won’t be running into anyone you don’t want to see here.”

Castiel let out a long slow breath. This had been much harder than he imagined it would be. He had experience of something similar many years ago, he was just a high school student himself at the time and asking for help had been as traumatic as the incident itself. This was very different and as grateful as Castiel was for that, he felt completely drained.

“Go and get yourself a coffee and take some time in the teachers’ lounge while it’s empty. Everyone will still be in home room for another 30 minutes. I intend to speak to Mr. Williams now and then I will be free until lunchtime should you need to come back for anything, or if you’d rather, I can get your classes covered today, you can head home and we’ll see you tomorrow.”

“No that won’t be necessary. I think I will get that coffee though. Thank you, I appreciate how understanding you have been.”

Castiel rose from his chair as did Cain, walking to the door and opening it for Castiel, Cain stopped and turned,

“You are a fine teacher Castiel, my door is always open.”

“Thank you again.”

***

It was lunch time before Castiel finally saw Meg.

“There you are! I was worried you hadn’t come in today, so? Did you speak to the boss?”

“I did. He was very understanding thankfully. He also told me there was a witness who came to see him before I did this morning. I have no idea who it was but Cain assured me the person intends to speak to me about it at some point.”

“Good, I’m glad it went ok, I was worried when I didn’t hear from you last night, then I remembered you’d probably be otherwise engaged with a certain dreamy first responder.”

“Well, yes, you could say that.”

Castiel gave Meg a smirk that made her eyes go so wide it made Castiel laugh.

“Clarence! Tell me everything!”

Meg gushed eyebrows waggling with glee.

“We had a very nice evening Meg”

“Yes…..and….”

“And nothing, Dean is a gentleman and you know how nervous I was, I hardly think rushing things would bode well would it.”

“Really? Nothing? At all? Not even a kiss?”

“Well, yes, there was a kiss. It was wonderful Meg, the whole evening was magical. I feel like a teenager, I can’t stop checking my phone or planning our next date in my head. You know he text me this morning and called me sunshine.”

Castiel knew he was blushing but he couldn’t help it, he hadn’t felt like this for, well, ever.

Meg smiled and the mirth in her eyes faded giving way to a look of kind sincerity.

“I’m happy for you Clarence, if anyone deserves to have some happiness in their life it’s you my darling.”

As they stood waiting for the coffee machine to be free Castiel noticed Meg look over his shoulder and he turned around to see Donna walking towards them.

“Hey there you two, sorry ‘bout interruptin’ y’all’s chitchat, Castiel honey, can I speak with you for a quick sec there?”

Chapter Text

Dean felt like he had been awake for hours already. He had really, he was still buzzed from their date the night before but the anxiety about how Cas’ morning would go had him up at the ass crack of dawn even though he was on the late shift today.

“Dean?” Sam’s voice cut through and brought Dean back from his thoughts.

“Yeah buddy what’s up?”

“You looked like you were on another planet, what’s on your mind?”

“Cas, he’s uh, he’s speaking to the Principal this morning about that shit with Ash. I dunno Sammy, I can’t seem to shake the feeling that this is the start of some shit storm that’s just gonna wreck everything, again.”

Sam joined Dean at the kitchen table. Claire had long since left for school and Jess had gone to meet an old high school buddy for coffee.

“Have you talked to him yet today?”

“Not yet, I text him but ain’t heard anything back. Why does this shit seem to follow me around man? I ain’t askin’ much, just some peace and ya know, maybe some good shit, I gotta deserve some good shit right?”

“You do Dean, sure you do. Try an focus on the good here, because there’s plenty. Last night was a success right? I gotta say, taking Cas to Mom’s diner what a real nice touch. He’s doing the right thing speaking to someone about what happened and you spoke to Claire about some really important shit. This weekend has been a real mixed bag for sure, but you do have some good in there.”

“I know you’re right Sammy, I do. Last night was awesome, ain’t no doubt. I just can’t shake this feeling. Ash calls me, he damn near assaults the guy I’m just starting to dating, what next man?”

“It was assault Dean. We all know that, and we know what Ash is capable of, that’s where your stress is coming from. This time around you’ll handle things the right way and I’ll help you, you know that.

I really think Cas needs to speak to the cops, get it on record. I could speak to him about it, I’d be happy to give him any advice or support he might need and if it comes to it, I can get someone from the firm to represent him if we get that far down the road.”

“Sure. Yeah, I guess, I er I can’t, ugh, Sammy I don’t wanna think about those possibilities right now buddy, I don’t see it going to that but for now, I just gotta hear back from Cas and get my head straight before I go on shift.”

They sat in silence for a while, Dean’s worry hanging in the air as he fidgeted with the cup of his now cold coffee. Sam got up and laid a comforting hand on his brother’s shoulder.

“I’m gonna go shower. Shout if you need anything yeah?”

“Yeah.”

Dean sat and listened as Sam walked up the stairs and into the bathroom. Dean rose from his chair and began to clear away the breakfast things and tried to clear his mind a little.

***

It was after 1pm when Dean decided he just couldn’t wait any longer. He’d text Cas hours ago and still hadn’t heard anything back. He needed to get ready for work soon and this was driving him crazy. He pulled out his phone and opened his messages. 

Cas: Hey Cas, I don’t wanna keep messaging, I know you’re gonna be in class or something by now but I gotta know, did it go ok with the Principal? Let me know yeah xx

Dean watched again as the message was read straight away. This time Cas did reply and Dean felt the weight lift almost instantly.

Dean: Hello Dean. Apologies for the slow reply. Yes it went well with the Principal this morning. I can fill you in on the details after school if you are free to talk later? xx

Cas: That’s awesome Cas, I’m 'bout ta head out for my shift. I’m on til midnight so I can call you during the break, around 8 so long as we ain’t been called out, will Jack be asleep by then?

Dean: Yes he will be down by 7 or so. I look forward to your call. Have a good shift Dean xx

Cas: Thanks Cas. Catch ya later :) xx

Dean: :) xx

***

“So, how was the date brother?”

Benny asked as he and Dean sat on old sofas in the break room.

“It was awesome man, best night I’ve had in forever.”

“Yeah? So explain why you’re there lookin’ like the worlds 'bout ta end”

“Man, we aint got the hours, let’s just say I got other shit I’m tryna not let fuck things up right now.”

“We do got hours if you wanna bend my ear, what’s troublin’ ya?”

“Another time Benny I promise. Wanna coffee?”

“Sure.”

Dean made himself and Benny a coffee. He usually enjoyed the quiet shifts like tonight, where they had barely any calls and got to chill together and shoot the shit.

Tonight his mind wouldn’t let him relax. He was pissed. The memory of the best date he’d ever had was being overshadowed by Ash.

Fucking Ash..

Dean couldn’t get the feeling out of his head that Ash wasn’t done, something was gonna happen. Dean could feel it.

Maybe speaking to Cas would help calm his mind.

He glanced at the clock. 8.04pm.

“Hey Benny, I’m steppin’ out to make a call, be right back.”

“Sure thing brother.”

Dean walked down the stairs and out onto the back lot, dialling Cas as he walked.

Cas answered on the second ring.

“Hello Dean,”

“Hey Cas, you good to talk? The little guy all tucked up?”

“Yes Jack is asleep. How are you?”

“Better now, been waiting on speakin’ to ya all damn day.”

“I’m sorry I wasn’t free sooner, today has been eventful to say the least.”

“Hey no it's all good, so tell me how this morning went down..”

They spoke for a long time. Cas telling him how helpful the Principal had been and about the witness who had spoken to him about what she’d seen in the bar that night.

He told Dean how Ash had been suspended pending an investigation and was off school property before they’d even broken for second period.

Dean was relieved that Cas sounded much calmer about the whole ordeal but his mind wouldn’t let up that there was a storm brewing and this was a long way from being done.

“Listen Cas, I gotta get back, I’ll call you tomorrow, same sorta time if that’s good for you?”

“Yes, I’ll look forward to it, oh and Dean,”

“Yeah Cas?”

“Thank you again for last night, I, well, I loved it, all of it…”

There was a hint of something in Cas’ voice that made Dean suddenly come over hot and the butterflies in his stomach went crazy.

“Me too Cas, we gotta do it again real soon..”

“Indeed. Goodbye Dean.”

“See ya Cas.”

Dean walked back around the side of the firehouse and in the door by the stairs up to the rec rooms. He made his way back towards the kitchen to make what felt like his 70^th cup of coffee when Pam, the lady who sat on the reception desk called up to him,

“Dean sweetie, there’s someone in the lobby to see you!”

“There is?”

“Yes honey, guys been there a while now, says he’s a friend needing a word real quick.”

Dean knew instantly shit was about to go down. Ash had found out where Dean worked and was here, he knew it in his bones. He ran into the rec room, Benny looking up at the speed Dean appeared.

“Benny, I’m gonna need you to come down to the lobby real quick, if this visitor is who I think it is, shits ‘bout to get real ugly real fast.”

Benny was out of his seat and next to Dean in a split second.

“I got you brother, lead the way.”

Dean's heart was thundering in his ears as he rounded the corner at the bottom of the stairs and walked through to the lobby, Benny hot on his heals.

Just before Dean pushed the door open he felt a hand settle firm on his shoulder. He turned to see Benny looking straight at him, a mix of anger and curiosity in his eyes.

“Anything I should know before we open that door?”

“Just that if this is who I think, the guys an asshole that we gotta get outta here quick as we can.”

“You got it.”

***

Dean pushed the door open and sure as the sky was blue, there, in an old Metallica t-shirt and ripped jeans, stood Ash Williams, bold as brass.

“You got some damn nerve comin’ here.”

“Well hello to you too Dean-o, long time huh? Gotta say you aint an easy guy to find ‘un now I found ya, what, no emotional reunion?”

“Are you fuckin’ serious? What the hell are you doin’ here man?”

“I tried callin’, tried messagin’, you never call back or reply, what’s a girl to do?”

“Cut the crap Ash, what do you want?”

“I just wanna talk Dean, I ain’t here tryn’a cause no trouble.”

“Talk about what Ash? I aint got nothin’ to say to ya, and trouble? Are you fucking kidding me right now? All you do is cause trouble you fucking asshole. I aught’a kick your ass right here after what you did to Cas you son of a bitch!”

Dean stepped forward, his temper already gone. He felt Benny put a hand on his shoulder and he stilled, waiting to see what Ash would do next.

Ash stared at Dean, shifting in place and glancing at Benny just over Dean’s shoulder, then back to Dean, his eyes now furious with rage.

“Cas huh? You talkin’ ‘bout that pretty boy teacher who’s a damn liar as well as a tease. Makes sense you’d be..”

Ash didn’t finish his sentence. Dean was on the move like an animal attacking prey. In a split second Dean lunged forward and grabbed Ash by the throat, slamming him up against the wall.

“Don’t you dare say another word about him, you hear me? NOT A DAMN WORD!!”

“Alright alright jeez Dean-o come on!”

Benny pulled the back of Dean’s shirt and he let go of Ash, stepping back to look him square in the eye.

“I think we’re done talkin’ here.”

Benny said, stepping between the two men.

“Dean’s never done with me sweetheart, ain't that right sugar.”

That was the line, well and truly crossed.

Dean felt a surge of emotion, of rage. Everything he went through, because of Ash, when Claire was a baby, came rushing back in and Dean saw red.

In a split second he was practically airborne, jumping at Ash, knocking Benny to one side, sending him into a desk.

As Dean drew his fist back to strike Ash he noticed a flash of light next to Ash’s side.

He tried to stop himself but he came down, realising what he had seen too late.

The blade Ash held in his hand plunged into Dean’s side and he fell, limp, onto the floor with a thud...

Chapter Text

Dean’s head was fuzzy.

He remembered having breakfast with Claire before she left for school. Sam was there too. Jess looked so pretty in her new jacket and her hair tied half up off her face. She was heading into town, coffee with an old buddy from high school, or something, he couldn’t remember.

Waffle house, that was it, Jess was going to the waffle house. Dean could murder some waffles right about now, he was so hungry, his stomach felt like his throat had been cut. The gripping pain intensified, then started searing, the pain was unbearable.

What the fuck?

Then everything came crashing back in. Dean opened his eyes and the pain in his side shot through him like fire under his skin. He screamed out but no noise left him, he tried to look around but his eye couldn’t focus. His head was pounding and he could see flashes of coloured lights everywhere. He felt cold. So inconceivably cold.

Dean could hear a voice, a man's voice, Benny’s voice, but it was muffled and he couldn’t see where it was coming from. He began to panic, his breathing getting ragged.

Benny’s voice became clearer but only for a moment.

“DEAN! I got you buddy, helps a comin’ just try an stay awake for me brother, come on Dean, yeah, open your eyes, that’s it, come on now, you’re doing great, stay with me alright!”

Then, it was quiet, eerily quiet. Darkness fell like a blanket being thrown over the whole world, Dean couldn’t hear, he couldn’t see, nothing, just the feeling of spinning in his head and the searing pain in his side. He moved his arm to touch his side but it wouldn’t budge.

***

Claire woke suddenly, she could hear someone knocking at the front door.

“What the hell?”

She glanced over at the clock on her nightstand.

11.41pm

The one damn night she actually managed to get settled in at a reasonable hour and some jerk was knocking at the damn door at almost midnight! She shifted in her bed listening to see if they’d gone or of they would knock again, weren’t no way she was getting up to see who the hell was jerkin’ around out there.

It was quiet for a moment then she heard Sam’s voice and the voice of another man talking in the kitchen.

Was that Benny?

Panic began to rise in her chest. Benny from the fire house. Benny, who should have been at work with Dad.

Dad..  

Claire was out of bed and down the stairs, crashing into the door frame as she ran into the kitchen. Sam and Benny stood by the back door, faces both ashen and eyes wide.

“Why are you here Benny? Where’s my Dad?”

“Claire, I was just about to wake you, listen, something happened.”

Sam’s face was grey, he looked like he was going to puke, Claire felt the rise of bile in her throat, she actually was going to puke, she ran at the sink and threw her head over it but nothing happened. She took some deep breaths and grabbed a glass from the drying rack, filling it with water and gulping it down.

Claire straightened up and turned to the men who were frozen in place looking at her with horror in their expressions.

“WHERE’S MY DAD BENNY?!?”

Claire screamed at him but what came out sounded horse and fragile.

Sam stepped over to her and took her in his arms.

“Was there a fire? Or a wreck? Is he hurt? Please tell me Uncle Sam, what’s going on?”

“No there wasn’t a fire or a wreck but he’s hurt yeah, he’s in the hospital, he’s in theatre, we need to get there, you wanna get some pants on and we can head out now?”

“What happened? Why’s he in theatre?”

Claire’s head was spinning, she couldn’t understand why her Dad was in theatre in the middle of the night.

“He was attacked, couple a hours ago, stabbed in the side of his stomach. I rode to the ER with him but they took him and wouldn’t let me go no further coz I ain't blood, that’s why I’m here baby girl, your Daddy needs his blood there, we gotta get you and Sammy to him.”

“Stabbed? What the hell? What? I don’t get it, stabbed by who? Where? What is going on?”

Claire felt faint, she wobbled in place and Sam reached for her, steadying her with a gentle grip of his huge hand.

“We’ll work out the details soon, for now go get dressed and get back down here, we need to leave.”

Claire raced back upstairs, mind running on over drive. She grabbed her jeans from the floor and shoved her legs into them, she ripped a hoody from the closet, pulling it over her head as she grabbed her phone from the nightstand and ran back downstairs. Jess was in the kitchen too now, face as grey and worried as Sam and Benny.

“What are we waiting for? Let’s go!”

Claire snapped as she headed for the door..

***

When Dean woke he knew instantly that something was very wrong. He wasn’t at home, where the hell was he? Everything hurt and he felt like he'd drunk a gallon of whiskey without the nice buzz.

What the fuck is this?

His head felt like a led weight and his eyes wouldn’t open properly no matter how hard he tried. He could hear hushed voiced around him but didn’t recognise any of them and Dean couldn’t make out what they were saying. He tried his eyes again, this time they began to open a little and were assaulted by an onslaught of blinding light.

He slammed them shut again.

“Mr. Winchester, can you hear me? Open your eyes, you’re in the hospital, open your eyes Mr. Winchester.”

The hospital? What the hell was he doing in the damn hospital?

“Open your eyes honey, you’re doing great, we just gotta see those pretty eyes now, come on now honey.”

Dean cracked his left eye open and was blinded again but he blinked against the light. All he could see was white. White ceiling, white walls and white sheets covering his legs.

He turned his head a little to the side and pain shot up his torso making him wince and his breath catch in his chest.

“Try to stay still for me honey, you’ve had an operation and you’re gonna be real sore for a while there. Can you hear me Dean? I’m here honey, can you look over at me?”

Dean moved his eyes to the right, keeping his head and body still. Next to him, by the bed, was a nurse, an older woman with kind eyes and a soft smile.

“There he is, well hello baby, it’s good to see you awake. I’m Missouri. I’m your nurse tonight and I’m real happy to see you. How you feeling? Can you remember what happened honey?”

Dean tried to speak but his throat was burning. He swallowed around the dryness and tried again.

“You’re throats gone be real sore now, let me get you some water.”

The nurse brought a small paper cup to Dean’s lips and he sipped the water, soothing his dry throat.

“What happened?”

“Tell me what you can remember honey, I can fill in the blanks after.”

“I remember breakfast, what time is it?”

“It’s almost 2am sweetie, can you remember anything else from today? Going to work maybe?”

Dean tried to think but it was like his brain was soaked in syrup, his thoughts were slow and sluggish as he tried to put the pieces together.

He remembered breakfast with Claire, talking with Sam and waiting to hear from Cas.

He tried to think, to remember, but he couldn’t piece it together.

What was going on?

Then he remembered going to work, talking with Benny over the shit fire house coffee, he remembered calling Cas and..

Dean’s heart started to race. This breathing began to become ragged and short.

“It’s alright honey, Dean, try and stay calm, you’re safe, can you tell me what you remember?”

Dean was quiet for a long time, the kind nurse waited and then,

“Ash, he, he came to the fire house. He had a knife but I saw it too late, it was down by his side, I tried to stop but, but it was too late, I saw it too late.

Jesus Christ he fucking stabbed me.

Shit!”

Dean’s heart was hammering so hard he thought it might burst out of his chest. The nurse took his hand and stroked gentle circles on the top of it with the pad of her thumb.

After a few moments of silence, the nurse spoke again. Dean felt a little calmer now, but still couldn’t wrap his head around what had happened.

“Ok. Now, the police are gonna wanna talk to you at some point honey, but not until you're feeling ready alright? Your baby girl is here with some huge handsome young man, says he’s your brother, how about I tell them you’re awake and maybe they can come in an see you soon too. How’s that sound?”

Dean let out a long sign and laid his head back looking up at the ceiling.

Ash stabbed him.

He just couldn’t believe it, but then again, he knew there was a shit storm coming, he just didn’t expect it to end with him laid up in a hospital bed with a hole in his gut.

“Is it bad? The stab wound, is it bad?”

“It was bad yes. You lost a lot of blood but everything’s been stitched right up and the doctor is happy you’ll make a full recovery. You were lucky Dean, you friend Benny did a mighty fine job keeping you stable until the EMTs arrived on the scene.”

Benny. He’d been there and seen it all, shit..

“Is he still here?”

“No honey, he went back to the fire house now that you have your brother and daughter here. I can call him if you’d like, to let him know you’re doing ok?”

“Yeah, that would be great. Could you tell Sammy and Claire they can come in too.”

“Sure thing.”

The nurse left and Dean looked back up, staring at the ceiling.

Fuck.

***

A while later the door creaked open and Dean opened his eyes. He must have fallen asleep because his head felt groggy and his throat was dry again. He glanced his eyes around to the doorway to see Sam standing there looking as white as a sheet, behind him he could just make out the side of a head of messy blonde hair, Claire.

Dean turned his head, wincing but trying to smile at his brother, beckoning him inside. Sam stepped into the small room followed by Claire. When he saw her face his heart broke in his chest. She looked so scared, so small and vulnerable. He could feel tears brimming in his eyes and he did nothing to stop them falling down his cheeks.

“Hey buddy,” Sam said approaching the bed and taking Deans hand,

“You had us scared for a while there!”

Sam tried to smile but his eyes told a different story as they shone with the weight of unshed tears.

Claire stepped around the bed and sat in the chair next to Dean, taking his other hand.

“Hey Dad, you doing ok?”

“Hey baby, better now yeah.” Deans voice came out croaky and unsteady.

Claire gripped his hand and allowed her tears to flow, he squeezed her hand in return and looked at her, seeing so much pain in her eyes.

“I’m sorry baby, I didn’t mean to scare y’all.”

“It’s not your fault Dad!”

“I know I know but, hey where’s Jess?”

“She’s in the lobby, Benny and Charlie are down there too so she’s filling them in and letting them know you’re awake.” 

Sam sat on the window ledge and watched as Dean processed everything for a moment, Claire still gripping his hand like he’d vanish if she dared to let go.

“Did anyone call Cas?”

Dean began to panic, what if Ash went looking for Cas, his head began to spin again,

“Sammy, someone needs to call Cas, warn him, if Ash finds him and tries to hurt him Sam, you gotta call Cas and warn him!”

“Dean calm down. The cops arrested Ash hours ago. He’s downtown in the slammer so he ain’t hurting no one else anytime soon. I can call Cas if you want me to, where’s your phone?”

Dean had no idea where his phone was, he had no idea where anything was. He let out a sigh and looked back at Claire. The apprehension in her eyes was heartbreaking.

“I’m ok, I promise baby, I’m ok.”

“You might not have been, the doctor said you lost so much blood Dad, if Benny hadn’t acted quickly you could have died!”

Claire's voice broke at the end of her sentence and she let out a sob that crushed Dean.

“That asshole, can you remember what happened Dean?” Sam was on his feet again, clearly unable to sit still.

“Kinda, nurse says the cops wanna speak to me.”

“They will yeah but Benny gave them enough for now, and like I said they arrested Ash pretty quickly once Benny told them what went down.”

“That’s good. Ok, Sammy can you ask that nurse, Missouri I think she said her name was, ask her where my phone is and all my other crap.”

“Sure, Claire you ok here for now?”

“I’m not moving.” Claire replied, smiling at Dean, her eyes still desperately sad.

Sam left to find the nurse. Claire and Dean stayed silent just gripping onto each other’s hands for a long time.

“I was so scared Dad, I thought I lost you. When Uncle Sam told me what happened I was so so scared. We got here and the doctor said you were in the theatre and you lost so much blood and, and..”

 Tears erupted from Claire’s eyes again as she let out a shaky breath and sighed, closing her eyes around the flowing wetness.

“I’m so sorry baby, I’m here, I’m gonna be ok, ain't no one taking me away from you, you’re stuck with me you hear me!”

Claire let out a slight chuckle that seemed to surprise her. She smiled at Dean and laid her head on their interlaced fingers.

They stayed like that for a long time before Sam returned, Dean’s phone in hand. He handed it to Dean who fumbled as he took it then looked up at Sam.

They exchanged a knowing look.

“You gotta tell Cas what happened.”

Chapter Text

Castiel woke with a yawn and a stretch. He had slept remarkably well considering the day he had yesterday. Perhaps things were actually starting to look up. The Ash situation was being dealt with and he intended to report the incident to the police after work today.

Gabriel had agreed to collect Jack from daycare and take him to the park, giving Castiel a free hour or so the go to the precinct.

Knowing he had the support of his brother, the school and of Dean, had made him feel so much better about everything. The date was still fresh in his mind, the kiss in particular, well, the several kisses.

Castiel let out a sigh, he felt so…. happy.

He climbed out of bed and made his way down to the kitchen. As he flicked the coffee maker on he could hear Jack shuffling around in his bedroom. The door creaked open and Jack appeared, his bed hair as glorious as ever, Castiel let out a soft laugh,

“Good morning my little sweetheart, did you sleep well?”

“Hello Daddy, yes, I did sleeping like this,”

Jack smiled as he proceeded to close his eyes and open his mouth, making a mock snoring noise as loud as he could.

Castiel laughed again as he scooped Jack up, kissing him hard on the cheek and neck, over and over quickly peppering his little boy with kisses.

“Daddy stop that, I’m a big boy not a baby you know!”

“You’ll always be my baby Jack, alright, let’s have some breakfast shall we?”

***

They made pancakes for breakfast, again. Clearly Jack’s new favourite, whenever Castiel gave Jack a choice, that was his pick.

They dressed and readied for their day and got their lunches from the fridge. Castiel packed the last of his grading papers and checked around for this phone.

He hadn’t seen it all morning.

Where did he have it last?

Ah yes, speaking to Dean last night, he made his way to the couch and found the phone tucked in between the cushions, grabbing it and tossing it straight into his bag, he called Jack and they set out for their journey to school.

***

Castiel saw Jack into daycare and chatted with the staff for a short while before he headed back out and over to the high school.

Meg was waiting for him in the doorway when he arrived at the teachers’ lounge.

“Good morning Meg, and what do I owe the welcoming committee to this morning?”

“Castiel, I didn’t know if you’d be here or not, I tried to call you before you arrived.”

“Why, what’s wrong?”

“You haven’t heard?”

“Heard what?

“Claire Winchester’s uncle called the school office this morning to say Claire wouldn’t be in school today and asked for a message to be sent down to you too.”

“Meg what is going on? Is Claire alright?”

“Yes, it’s not Claire, it’s Dean..”

“What about Dean?”

“He’s in the hospital Castiel.”

“What? Why?”

“He was stabbed last night.”

“What?”

“He was stabbed Castiel, at the fire house, his brother said he’d tried to call you but got no answer so asked the office staff to pass the message on. That’s all I know. Cain knows, he said go and see him if you need to leave, I think you should go, I can get Jack from daycare after work if you want?”

“What? I don’t understand, Sam called me? I, shit, my phone, it was stuck between the couch cushions, I haven’t even looked at it this morning! No, I, I need to go, is Dean alright? Do you know that at least? Oh god, why does something always have to go wrong, alright, Gabriel is getting Jack later anyway so that’s already in hand, shit, Meg I need to go, I’ll call you later.”

And with that Castiel turned and practically ran to Cain’s office to let him know he was leaving.

***

Castiel walked into the lobby of the hospital. There were people everywhere. He pulled out his phone to call Sam and let him know he was here. The screen lit up with more messages and missed calls than Castiel had ever seen. It was somewhat overwhelming so he found which number was Sam’s and just pressed call.

It rang once,

“Sam Winchester.”

“Hello Sam, it’s Castiel. I’m in the lobby of the hospital.”

“Oh, hey Cas, I’ll be right down.”

The call clicked as it ended and Castiel stood frozen in place. He had no idea what he was walking into. All he knew was that Dean was here having been stabbed at work last night. It made no sense, although Sam didn’t sound upset, or did he? The call was so brief he couldn’t tell. Just then a very tall man stepped out of an elevator to the left of the lobby. His hair was long and he must have been well over six foot tall but he had a familiar look to him, his face was like Dean’s in subtle ways, the man turned and Castiel raised a hand to signal him over.

“Castiel?”

“Yes, hello Sam,”

Castiel held out his hand and Sam shook it firmly.

“How is he?”

“He’s doing ok, it was a bit touch and go last night but he’s doing a lot better this morning. It’s good to meet you by the way, not the best circumstances but all the same.”

“Quite, yes you too, so what happened?”

“Come on, I’ll let Dean fill you in.”

They walked to the elevator and went up to the 4^th floor. They made their way down the corridor and turned into a side room. There was Dean, looking pale and exhausted but still beautiful, still Dean Winchester.

Castiel glanced round and saw Claire in a seat in the corner. There was a tall broad man by the window talking to a petite woman with long blonde hair. As they entered the room everyone looked around at them. Dean gave Castiel a soft smile,

“Cas… good to see you man.”

“Dean, I’m so sorry I wasn’t here sooner, I didn’t know anything had happened until I arrived at school this morning.”

Castiel glance round at everyone, unsure where to put himself. He wanted to get to Dean, to touch him and make sure he was alright.

Sam must have sensed that so he cleared his throat and spoke to everyone else,

“Come on you guys, let’s leave these two to catch up on everything, Dean we’ll be out in the waiting area if you need any of us alright buddy?”

“Sure thing Sammy, thanks man.”

Everyone filed out of the room, smiling at Castiel as they went, Claire left the room last and squeezed his hand briefly as she passed him.

Castiel closed the door behind her and came around the bed to sit next to Dean, taking his hand immediately as he sat down.

“Dean, what happened?”

“Ash”

“What?”

“Ash came to the firehouse, said he wanted to talk. I lost it man, he was saying shit, about you and I just lost it and went for him. I didn’t see he had a blade until it was too late and, well, I gotta say I can’t really remember much else after that.

Benny kept me going until the EMTs arrived and rushed me here, apparently it was a bit touch and go there for a bit so they took me straight down to theatre and stitched me back up.”

“My god.”

“Yeah, I still can’t believe what went down, the cops have been here too, said they arrested him pretty soon after it happened. I don’t get it Cas, it was crazy and it all happened so quickly. Claire was real messed up about it when she got here with Sam, broke my damn heart.

“I can imagine. Dean, I don’t know what to say, I’m so glad you are alright.”

Dean squeezed Castiel’s hand and Castiel squeezed back, offering a small smile. For a long time they just looked at each other. The weight of what had happened began to dawn on Castiel and he could feel himself becoming distressed.

Things could have gone very differently last night.

Castiel felt his stomach swoop as he imagined all those daydreams and fantasies about the future snuffed out in an instant. His eyes filled and his chin began to quiver.

“Hey, Cas, it's ok, I’m alright, hey..”

“I know Dean, but from what you’ve said, there was a point last night where that may have not been the case. I know this is all new but, the idea of something taking away what we are building here, it, well it terrifies me. I know now probably isn’t the time but I have to tell you Dean, I don’t think I’ve ever felt about anyone, the way I feel about you. I’m sure I sound quite mad, I know it’s only been a few weeks but, I can’t explain it..”

Castiel took a deep breath, Dean watching him with affection in his eyes, he smiled at Castiel and waited, sensing that Castiel wasn’t done yet.

“You changed me Dean. I know that sounds dramatic but it’s true. For as long as I can remember I’ve been lonely, I ignored it best I could but it was there. I always felt I never really fitted anywhere. Jack is the greatest joy of my life and I feel grateful every day to have him but I always pushed aside the feeling that I wanted more because I believed I wasn’t worthy of what others seemed to have, like I didn’t deserve happiness, or love.”

Castiel’s face flushed a deep pink and he looked down for a moment, composing himself.

“I feel seen with you Dean, like I can be myself and not have to filter out pieces of who I am. I can’t describe what that’s like. And the thought of losing this, so early, when things are so new, when, well, we’ve only just begun..”

Dean chuckled at the reference to the date song..

“I couldn’t bare it Dean, I’m sorry, I know I sound like a crazy person.”

“Hey Cas, you know what? If that makes you a crazy person then I’m right there with ya. Please don’t be sorry, I get it, I do, I feel it Cas. This is all new yeah but I hear ya, I was so young when Claire was born, that was a wild time, and since then I focused everything on giving her the life I never had, the calm stable home, the unconditional love, all of it. It hasn’t been easy and somewhere along the way I forgot about what I might have needed, until I met you.”

Dean pulled Castiel’s hand and leaned ever so slightly towards him. Castiel, catching on quickly, moved over to meet Dean where he was. Their lips met and the kiss was like nothing Castiel had ever felt before.

In that moment Castiel knew he would wage war on heaven and hell for this man.

He was falling in love with Dean, there was no doubt about it.

Chapter Text

Dean was glad to be home.

The staff at the hospital had been incredible but man was he glad to be back under his own roof, able to sleep in his own bed. Claire was happier than she’d probably admit too. Sam and Jess were still staying with them, they’d both been given extended leave after what happened and they were planning on sticking around for as long as it took to get Dean back on his feet.

His doctor had told him to take it easy and he was trying, he really was, but there was only so much resting someone like Dean could handle.

After being in hospital a little over two weeks and then three and a half weeks at home, Dean was ready to get back at it. He missed the firehouse and the rest of the crew, Benny and Charlie came to see him every few days. Most of all he missed the job.

He wanted to get back at it as soon as his doctor signed him fit for work, which would hopefully be next week.

Ash had been charged with misdemeanour charges for possession of the knife and assault charges for what he did to Dean. He received a warning for the cocktail bar assault.

According to Sam, Ash had tried to argue self-defence but stabbing Dean was not seen as proportionate. Ash also had other unserved warrants against him so was looking down the barrel of some lengthy jail time. Dean slept easier knowing he wouldn’t be showing his face around them again. Dean never found out why Ash had reappeared after so many years or what he wanted with him, none of them cared either, they were all just glad Ash was gone, unlikely to be back. 

Ash had plead guilty to the charges so Dean wouldn’t need to testify, thank fuck…

Sam had found out a few other things via an old colleague but when he asked if Dean wanted to know, Dean declined.

“You said he needs to stay in the past Sammy, I’m leaving that asshole there, in the past.”

***

Cas and Dean had been seeing each other whenever they could since Dean had been off work. Cas would come over straight from collecting Jack some days and others, he’d come over alone for the evening, Gabriel babysitting for Jack while Cas was out.

In those short weeks their relationship had bloomed into something incredible and both of them would count down the hours until they could be together again.

Jack and Claire were both happy with how things had changed. Claire got on with Cas so well it warmed Dean’s heart and Jack, well Jack was awesome. He was comfortable at Dean’s place in no time at all, he never stopped talking and Claire loved him to bits.

The bond between their children grew every day and it was a joy to witness.

There was just one thing they hadn’t been able to do together yet…

***

“Hey you guys!” Dean called through when he heard the thunder of Jack’s feet coming through the front door and into the living room.

“Dean! We’re here! We brought you a pie but Daddy said it’s a surprise so I won’t tell you yet ok?”

Dean chuckled as Jack climbed carefully onto the couch next to him. Making sure he didn’t touch Dean’s ‘hurt tummy’, Jack moved over to the other side and snuggled into Dean placing a soft kiss on Dean’s arm.

“Hey, where’s your Dad at Jack?”

“Daddy’s coming, he was just getting the things we need out of the car. Can we watch Scooby-Doo now?”

“Sure thing buddy, lets change the channel, hey you want a drink Jack?”

“Yes please I will love to have some of your juice, the orange one please.”

“Orange juice, you got it buddy.”

Dean walked out to the kitchen just as Cas came through the front door.

“Hey you, good day?” Dean asked, stopping to kiss Castiel after he had put down the bags he was carrying.

“Hello Dean, yes fine, how are you? Any pain today?”

“No, no pain, just sick of being stuck at home. So Jack said there’s pie he isn’t going to tell me about because it’s a surprise.”

“Did he indeed” Castiel said with a laugh and a soft smile.

Dean pulled Castiel into a hug and ran his nose along the side of Cas’ cheek,

“So er, any other little surprises for me? Got your toothbrush in one of those bags?”

“No Dean, no other surprises and no toothbrush, not yet, you know you need to wait until to doctor gives you the all clear before you engage in any strenuous activities…”

Dean grumbled and nipped at Cas’ neck. The moment was broken by a voice from the lounge,

“Is my juice that’s orange ready yet Dean?”

“Yeah buddy I got it, one sec.”

“Besides, when strenuous activities can be partaken, we need to make sure we’ve arranged a babysitter.” Castiel smirked as Dean walked to the fridge to get Jack’s orange juice.

***

Dean sat in the doctors office, Sam at his side.

“He better give me the all clear today Sammy, I can’t spend another day bumming around the house, it's driving me nuts.”

“He will Dean, I’m sure. Hey, listen, Jess and I were talking, we’re gonna head back on Saturday so we can get straight before we go back to the office on Monday, you guys gonna be good once we’re gone?”

“We’re gonna be fine Sam, we’ll miss you guys but we’ll be good. You’ll be back end of the month though yeah?”

“Yeah, we’ll be back soon enough.”

Dean’s name came out over the intercom and he rose to go into the doctor’s office.

After about half an hour Dean returned to Sam, smiling like a kid at Christmas.

“All good?”

“All good Sammy, let’s go to the firehouse.”

“Right now?”

“Yes Sam, Right now.”

***

Dean walked into the firehouse and immediately felt like he was home. He hadn’t been back since the night of the attack and he thought that maybe he’d feel weird coming back here, to where it happened, but this place was so much more than that night for Dean.

This was his home, these people were his family. Dean belonged here and he was glad to be back. They walked through the lobby, towards the spot where he almost bled out. Dean paused and looked down at the floor.

There was no sign of anything that had happened that night and Dean took a deep breath and carried on, up the stairs and into the rec area, Sam following closely behind, not saying a word.

“Dean! Good to see you brother, howdy Sam.”

Benny rose from the couch and came over, shaking hands with Sam and then pulling Dean into a hard embrace.

“Hey Benny, how goes it man?”

“All good brother, how you doing?”

Dean was about to answer when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see Bobby standing behind him, a coy smile on his face.

“What are you two idjits doing in my firehouse Winchesters?”

“Aw Bobby, that ain't no way to greet your favourite crew member is it?”

“Alright, once y’all are done with all your chitty chatting get down to my office would ya.”

Bobby turned and left, tipping his hat to Sam as he walked away. 

Dean and Sam grabbed a coffee each and spent some time catching up with the guys before the bell rang and they all left in a buzz of slick organisation. Dean felt his chest clench. He wanted to go with them so badly.

Dean and Sam walked back down to the lobby and through to the offices.

“Hey Dean, I’m gonna head out to the car and give Jess a quick call while you speak to Bobby, take your time man, I’ll be out here.”

***

Dean knocked on Bobby’s door and waited, hearing the gruff voice call him in, Dean opened the door and walked in. Without waiting for an invite, he sat down in front of the man who had been more of a father to him than his own ever had.

“So, docs gone give you the all clear then?” Bobby asked in his matter of fact tone, waiting for Dean to tell him why he was here today.

“Yeah, all clear and ready to get back on the truck. What’s on the roster for tomorrow, I can be here at the ass crack of dawn if it works?”

“Dean, it’s been less than two months since you almost died out there in that lobby, you sure you’re ready to be back here son? It ain’t like we ain’t missed your sorry ass but I gotta think about your head here and not just my numbers on the rosters.”

“Bobby, I need to get back to it man, I can’t stay cooped up at home any longer, that’ll send me crazy, not coming back!”

“I hear ya son, I just gotta be sure you ain’t gonna have no struggles being here after what happened.”

“Look Bobby, I get it, I do. I even thought ‘bout how it’d feeling being back in that lobby, but ya know, this place is my home, these guys have been my family for damn near half my life. And I ain’t gonna let that asshole take anymore from me than he already has. I felt nothing when I was in there before, there’s no sign of what went down and I was just glad to be back under this roof, I won’t let that be taken from me Bobby, I won’t.”

“Alright boy, but you damn well tell me if anything changes. Benny had a pretty hard time being in there after what went down. You gotta promise you’ll speak to me, anything changes ya hear?”

“Sure thing Boss, you got it.”

“Alright ya idjit, get outta here, I’ll see your sorry ass at 0600 tomorrow and don’t be late.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it, thanks Bobby.”

Dean stood and extended his hand, Bobby gripping it tightly and placing his other hand on top. Their eyes met and Bobby hard exterior fell away.

“It’s good to have you back son.”

“It’s good to be back Bobby.”

***

Castiel drove out of the daycare parking lot with Jack happily chattering about his day in the back seat.

“So and then the butterfly that I saw yesterday came and landed on my knee Daddy and it just stayed there and flapped it’s tiny little wings like it was showing me all of it’s pretty bright colours, it looked so pretty and then it flew up and away and I didn’t see it for all of the rest of the time we played garden time Daddy, not one more even once.”

Castiel listened as Jack regaled him with stories of cat books and riding trikes and butterflies and yogurt.

With Jack now gazing out the window, seemingly done with his days round up, Castiel thought about Dean, always about Dean.

He had been going to his physicians appointment this afternoon. Dean hoped he’d be signed off as fit to return to work. Even though they had loved spending so much time together, Castiel knew it was getting him down being stuck at home all the time.

Castiel decided he would drive straight to Deans, he was sure to be back by now as the appointment had been at 3pm and it was just after 5.30pm now.

Pulling up on Dean's driveway next to the impala, Jack let out a squeal as Claire appeared out of nowhere and knocked on Jack’s window. Castiel rolled down the window for her to speak to Jack.

“There’s my favourite little guy, hey buddy, you wanna come to the park with me and Kaia?”

Claire smiled and she opened Jack’s door, looking to Castiel for permission to unclip Jack and let him go with her.

“That sounds like fun Jack, would you like to go to the park with Claire and Kaia?”

“YES YES YES! Claire can we go on the swing again and the slides and climb and then run like we did when you chased Kaia and me, remember, that was so fun, can we?”

“Yeah sure thing Jack, we can do all that, you ready?”

“Yes.”

And with that Claire lifted Jack out of his car seat and stood him down next to her, taking his hand, they walked down the driveway to meet Kaia who was waiting on the sidewalk.

“Be good Jack and tell Claire if you need the bathroom.”

“BYE DADDY!”

Jack shouted, not even looking back, as he was now being swung between Claire and Kaia, each holding one of his little hands.

Castiel smiled as he walked up the driveway to the front door, which was still open from Claire coming out to greet them.

“Dean?”

“In here Cas!”

Castiel made his way to the kitchen where Dean was already cooking something that smelled incredible.

“Hello Dean, something smells amazing!”

“You’re amazing, get over here.” Dean crooned, placing the pan down and making a beeline for Castiel. Dean grabbed his hips and pulled him in until they were pressed together, chest to chest. Dean kissed him with so much vigour it made Castiel feel giddy.

“What’s gotten into you?” Castiel asked pulling away briefly.

“Guess who’s going back to work tomorrow”

“Ah so the doctor gave you a clean bill of health, I am so pleased for you Dean, you must be delighted.”

“I am, thanks Cas, and that’s not all, doc says I am all good to go with strenuous activities too so get Gabriel on the phone and let’s get this date night we’ve been waiting on arranged.”

Castiel could feel the heat rising in his cheeks as he took in the way Dean was looking at him. They’d been together now for more or less 6 months but had yet to get any further than heavy make out sessions. Castiel knew that Dean wanted more and so did he.

Deans eyes were dark with lust and as Castiel moved closer, he could feel the heat radiating off him as they leaned into the kiss again. It started soft and slow then became deeper and more desperate quickly, Dean pressing Castiel against the wall of the kitchen now.

“I want you so bad Cas, feels like I been waiting my whole damn life for this..”

Castiel let out a small gasp as Dean bit his bottom lip and began to move down his jaw, Castiel lifting his head to give Dean access to the column of his neck. Dean’s hands began to roam, pushing at Castiel’s shirt, searching for access to skin.

Just then the front door clicked shut and they heard Sam and Jess chatting as they walked towards the kitchen.

“Hey guys, wow something smells good, what’s on the menu tonight…oh shit, sorry, er, wow Dean, seriously, in the kitchen?”

Dean laid his head on Castiel’s shoulder and removed his hand from up Cas’ shirt. Castiel chuckled under his breath as he glanced round to see Sam’s mortified face and Jess behind him smirking.

“Hey Sammy, Jess, yeah dinners almost done, it's meatballs and pasta.”

Dean stepped away from Castiel and straightened his t-shirt. Looking over at him with a smirk and a wink, Dean eyed Castiel mischievously and mouthed,

 Call your brother!....

Chapter Text

Dean returned to work without any issue. Sam and Jess went back to their condo and returned to their jobs.

The new routine fell into place smoothly but everyone did miss being together as much when everything went back to normal. Dean missed Cas and Jack being around as much, as did Claire, he missed Sam and Jess too.

Cas had said Jack was struggling with not seeing Claire as much, and Dean, but Claire was Jack’s favourite person in the whole whole wide whole world.

One thing that seemed to play on Dean’s mind more and more, was the lack of alone time that he and Cas were able to have. Both being single parents who worked full time, it was no real surprise that things weren’t easy and they were both super busy, but still, Dean and Cas were both frustrated now.

Jack’s routine was rigid, he needed his own bed. Dean didn’t want to leave Claire in the house alone all night so overnight stays at each other’s places were off the table at the moment. Dean needed a plan of action. Gabriel seemed to be happy to babysit whenever Cas asked him and they had many many dates under their belts now, their relationship was everything Dean wanted, Cas too, bar that last detail. Something had to give.

***

“Claire! Come on, what’s the hold up?”

“Dad I’m coming stop would ya!”

“Alright alright, but if we’re late and you miss the damn bus I ain’t driving you all the way to Washington!”

“We won’t be late, just relax alright, is Kaia here yet?”

“Yeah she’s just walking up the drive now. Come on, lets go!”

***

They arrived at the high school in plenty of time, much to Claire’s delight.

It was only just after 7am on Saturday morning and the hall was buzzing with excitement.

“Ok, you sure you got everything you need?”

“Dad, will you please relax. I have everything I need, I also have money if I need to get anything, we’re only gone for a few days, chill out would ya!”

“Alright, ok. Hey, looks like the buses are here, want me to take your duffle?”

“No Dad, I can carry my own bag, I’m fine, go see Cas and Jack and give them kisses from me, I’ll see you on Saturday.”

“Don’t want me to see you off on the bus?”

“I’m pretty sure no one else’s parents are coming out to wave the buses off, I’m good Dad, I love you, but you can go now.”

“Well alright, have fun baby, be safe yeah, stay together and don’t..”

“Dad!”

“Ok, I love you baby, enjoy your trip.”

Dean walked back down the drive of the high school towards the impala. He could see all the kids loading their cases and bags onto the coaches and climbing in, laughing and chatting.

His heart clenched in his chest.

Washington DC, for a week! He knew Claire would be fine and have a great time but it didn’t make him worry any less.

He’d miss her.

So much had happened in the last few months and his relationship with his daughter had grown and changed.

He knew how lucky he was, all the hard work had paid off.

Dean sat in the impala watching as the last coach pulled away.

Time to get his weekend plans underway. First stop, the bakery.

***

Castiel could hear Jack banging around in his bedroom as he stepped out of the shower. Wrapping a towel around his waist, he walked down the hall to Jack’s room and opened the door.

“Good morning!”

“Oh, Daddy, where’s you t-shirt?”

“I just showered Jack, I’m going to get dressed now, what are you doing with all your toys?”

“I am getting everyone ready for the zoo.”

“Oh, do you need to take toys to the zoo?”

“YES! Of course! Daddy how will Marvin and all his friends know what the elephants looks like for real in the real life if I don’t bring him them all with me?”

“I see.”

Jack continued to pull his stuffed animals down from the shelves and line them up next to each other, talking to them in a hushed voice.

Castiel smiled and left Jack to make his arrangements as he dressed and began breakfast for them both.

Jack came into the kitchen a few moments later, Marvin tucked safely under his arm.

“Marvin says we shouldn’t bring the other friends, it’s very too many for me to hold and Marvin wants to see Daddy, he won’t be able to see if I am holding the all the other friends so we are going to leave them here. Do you think that’s a better good idea?”

“That sounds like a very good idea Jack. I’m sure you and Marvin will have a lovely time at the zoo with Uncle Gabriel. Let’s have some breakfast before he arrives.”

Gabriel arrived a short while later, seemingly more excited about his day at the zoo with Jack than Jack himself. Castiel waved them off and cleared the breakfast things away, anticipation growing by the minute. Dean was free today as well, Claire had left first thing for her school residential and Dean had promised Castiel a day to remember, he hadn’t told him anything more, but Castiel was hoping they would be making the most of some uninterrupted alone time.

***

Dean pulled up outside Cas’ apartment block and parked. Turning the engine off, he sat for a moment and congratulated himself on a very productive morning.

Everything on the to-do list was done.

Well, almost everything…

Dean made his way up to the door of Cas’ apartment and knocked, waiting for his date to greet him.

He felt like a teenager, his throat dry and his hands clammy.

“IT’S OPEN!!” came from inside the apartment, great, there goes surprise number 1.

Dean hid the flowers behind his back and let himself in.

Cas was unloading the dryer when Dean found him,

“Dean, you’re early,”  Castiel said, surprised, looking at his watch,

“Oh! you aren’t early at all, I’m so sorry, I must have let the time get away from me, I’m not used to being here alone and being able to get things done without Jack to watch.”

“It’s fine Cas, come on, leave the laundry and let’s get ready to go, hey, these are for you.”

Dean stepped forward and took the flowers out from behind his back, handing them to Castiel.

“Thank you Dean, they are lovely, so where are we going?”

“Ha! Nice try, come on let’s go..”

“Alright, do I need anything?”

“Nope, I got everything we need…”

They locked up and walked down to the impala together, Dean walking round and opening Castiel’s door for him. Castiel smirked at Dean as he got in and let Dean close the door behind him. As soon as Dean was in the car, Cas was on him, he kissed him with so much passion, like he was worshipping him.

“What was that for? I ain’t complainin’ but Wow Cas..”

Castiel pulled back and smiled at Dean, his cobalt blue eyes shining,

“You’re being very romantic today, I like it..”

Dean let out a little chuckle and smirked at Cas,

“You ain't seen nothing yet Sweetheart.”

***

They drove out of town and up the freeway. Castiel had no idea where they were going or what they’d be doing but he was very excited. As lunch time approach he began the feel himself getting hungry. Gabriel had sent him some pictures of Jack at the zoo, his little face beaming. Castiel smiled, his stomach made a grumbling sound and Dean let out a soft laugh,

“Almost there Cas, we’ll get lunch when we stop I promise.”

“Alright, can’t I have even a small clue?”

“Nope, you’ll see soon enough.”

After a while longer, Dean turned off the freeway and headed towards to outskirts of the town, Castiel didn’t know this area, but by the looks of the houses this was a very affluent place. The houses were huge, expensive cars on every driveway.

“This is nice, are we visiting a rich friend of yours that I don’t know about?”

“Cas! Stop tryna guess where we’re going, look, we’re here.”

They rounded the corner of the expensive street and drove towards a huge hotel. It was stunning, it looked like an English stately home or somewhere royalty might live. Castiel couldn’t believe his eyes.

“This is where we’re going on our date?”

“Sure is! Like it? Pretty nice place huh?”

“It’s stunning Dean, but I don’t understand, we’ve come to a hotel for the afternoon?”

“No Cas, we’ve come to a hotel for the weekend.”

“What? I can’t stay away all weekend, I have to be back for Jack this evening, I don’t have any other clothes or anything or..”

“Cas, stop. Listen, Gabriel is staying at your place with Jack tonight and tomorrow, he isn’t expecting us back until dinner time at least. I have all the clothes we need in the truck and I’ve booked us some cool shit to do while we’re here so just relax and enjoy it yeah?”

Castiel looked at Dean, his eyes wide with shock, then, slowly, they began to soften and he smiled the most stunning smile, so fond and so genuinely happy.

“Dean, I don’t know what to say..”

“You don’t gotta say nothing Cas, come on, let’s go check it out.”

They walked hand in hand to the foyer and were greeted by a young man who smiled at Dean and nodded acknowledging them both.

“Mr. Winchester, Mr. Novak, welcome, may I show you to your room?”

“Hey Alfie, yeah that’d be awesome.” Dean shook the young man’s hand and followed him towards a huge staircase, leading Castiel, who was looking shell shocked again.

Dean smiled to himself as they walked up the grand staircase.

Alfie led them to their room and opened the door, stepping aside to let them in,

“Enjoy your stay gentlemen.”

***

Castiel stepped into the room behind Dean. The sight that greeted him took his breath away.

There was an enormous bed in the centre of the room, covered in pale blue & green rose petals. On a table next to the bed was a champagne ice bucket, two glasses and a tray of fresh fruit, sandwiches, a pie and some cakes & pastries that looked remarkably like those Gabriel baked and sold at his bakery back home.

“Dean.”

“You like it?”

“I - I don’t know what to say, I’m not sure what I expected of today but it certainly wasn’t this! I don’t think anyone has ever put so much effort into a surprise for me before.”

Castiel could feel his eyes beginning to prickle, a few tears falling as he looked around at face Dean.

“Cas, sweetheart, I didn’t mean to make you cry..”

“Of course not, but, these are happy tears. Thank you Dean, I love it all.”

“Good, what d’ya say we eat then check the place out.”

They shared a lunch of champagne and pasties, Dean eating more pie than he sensibly should have, then, they went to look around the hotel. Walking hand in hand around the gardens, they talked about everything and nothing – what the kids would be doing right now, Claire would still be on the plane to DC, Jack still running Gabriel around the zoo. They laughed about getting through all the food they still had in their room.

They talked about life, their pasts, their families, their hopes and dreams for the future, for themselves and for their children.

The afternoon slipped by as they wandered, talking, laughing and savouring just being together.

When the evening rolled around Dean took Cas back to their room and opened the closet revealing two suits, one belonging to Dean and the other one Castiel’s.

Dean had Gabriel take Castiel’s best suit from his apartment and collected it from him, along with all the baked goods, earlier that morning. They washed up and changed then made their way down to the restaurant where a table was ready for them.

Dinner was by candlelight and Castiel felt like he was living in a dream. It was the most romantic evening of his life.

After a beautiful meal, more laughter and even more champagne, they slowly made their way back to their room.

When they arrived the petals had been removed from the bed and placed in a small glass jar with a red ribbon tied around the top, a tag on the ribbon had the date inscribed in beautiful handwritten letters. The room was bathed in the soft glow of candles that adorned every ledge and surface. The scene was a picture of beauty.

Dean took Castiel’s hand and led him over to the side of the bed. Loosening his own tie, he leaned forward and kissed Castiel, sending a shiver up his spine.

Dean ran his hands up Castiel’s arms and removed Castiel’s tie then slowly began to unbutton his shirt.

Their hands moved in sync, slowly undressing one another, never breaking apart, their lips laced together as though their lives depended on it.

The moments that followed were gentle and reverent. Once their clothes had been discarded they laid on the giant bed and worshipped each other in a way they had never been able to until that very moment.

They moved together, their bodies joined and time stood still, as though they were the only two people in the world. Castiel’s heart was so full, he had never felt this close to Dean, both emotionally and physically.

In the moments after, they laid on their sides, looking at each other, and whispered words of affection with gazes of unspoken promises of the future.

Dean looked at Castiel with a glint of something in his eyes that Castiel had not seen before, a look with such depth it made Castiel want to cry all over again.

Dean was the most beautiful man Castiel had ever met. He was kind, selfless, beautiful in all the ways a person could be, and Dean had chosen him.

Castiel was taken by the moment and under the light of the moon creeping through the window and the dozens of candle which lit their room, he took a breath and opened his heart in a way he had never done before.

“I love you Dean.”

The words left his mouth tentatively and Castiel watched as Dean’s eyes shone under the weight of unshed tears.

“I love you too Cas, so much. Can’t believe I got so damn lucky, you gotta be the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

They stayed like that long after the candles burned down and the sun began to peak over the horizon.

They finally fell asleep wrapped in each other and the safety of their newly confessed declarations of love.

Chapter Text

In the months following their hotel weekend, things took a shift for Dean and Castiel.

Their time together, uninterrupted, moved their relationship on in all the ways a relationship can progress. They both knew this was it for them and they started making changes that paved the way for a future together.

Cas and Jack began staying overnight at Dean and Claire’s place, Jack now having a bedroom just for him. That took some work, Dean hunted high and low for the same rug, the same curtains, the same little bed, bookcase, everything he could find to replicate Jack’s bedroom at home so he felt as comfortable there as he did in his and Cas’s apartment. They’d even started buying duplicate books of those Jack had at the apartment.

Jack settled into staying at Dean’s much faster than Cas has anticipated and before long Jack was treating Dean’s place like his second home.

Dean would stay at Cas’ when Claire was at sleepovers at her friends’ houses or on the odd occasions that she went to the city to stay with Sam and Jess.

They spent more time at Dean’s place seeing as there was more room and Jack loved having a back yard to play in.

He told Dean, in a very matter of fact way, all the things he thought would make the back yard better. A fire engine made of wood to play on and a swimming pool - were the top requests.

Dean set about finding out what would be involved in having a pool put in but Cas stopped him, telling him that the wooden fire engine would be a better investment for now. Dean agreed to speak to a buddy from work who was a carpenter on the side.

Things were good, really good.

Dean was happy.

Happier than he’d ever been.

***

“Dean, Dean! DEAN!”

“Yeah buddy, I’m coming, I’m coming.”

Dean walked out onto the back porch where he could see Jack running around the yard, chasing a butterfly that kept landing then flying away just as Jack got close.

Cas was sat on one of the old yawn chairs, still in his pjs quietly sipping a cup of some fruity kinda tea. Dean looked on with fondness for a moment before he spoke,

“So, any ideas on how we keep this little firecracker occupied today while Adam is here?”

“I’ve asked Jack what he’d like to do today while your friend is here building the fire engine and he has turned down every suggestion I’ve given. I don’t know Dean, perhaps you could ask him what he’d like to do.”

“Hey Jack, you know my buddy from work’s comin’ to build your fire truck in the back yard today, we need to go out and leave him to get it done, what ya wanna do?”

“FIRE HOUSE!! FIRE HOUSE!!”

“You wanna go to the fire house huh?”

“Yes, that’s all he wants to do, I did try to explain the firehouse doesn’t usually have visitors and perhaps he could wait until the open day to go inside. I’m sorry Dean, he has the idea in his head and I’m not sure we will be able to work around this today.”

“Hey, no need to be sorry, I can take him there, no problem. It might have to be a short visit if the guys are busy but we can go for sure. You wanna come?”

“I would love to but I have so much grading to do today I don’t think I could spare the time. I need to go back to the apartment soon and get started”

“Ok, I gotta get Claire from Alex’s house at lunch time then we can head out.”

“DEAN! LOOK! DADDY LOOK AT ME QUICK!!”

Dean and Cas stopped and turn to see the butterfly had landed on Jack’s forearm. Jack stood frozen in place wide eyed, watching the tiny creature, as it’s little wings opened and closed.

Cas smiled at Jack and turned back to Dean,

“I can collect Claire if you’d like, then you and Jack can go whenever you’re ready.”

“Awesome, I’ll text Claire and let her know, finish your tea, I’ll call Bobby and make sure he’s good with Jack coming by.”

Dean kissed Cas’ head as he turned and walked back into the house.

***

Castiel went back to the apartment to do his grading then drove to collect Claire from her friend’s house. Dean and Jack had gone out together, Jack was a bundle of excitement at going in Dean’s car AND visiting the firehouse. Cas smiled to himself knowing they would be fine, Dean was wonderful with Jack and Jack adored him.

Castiel parked outside the address Dean had given him and waited. After a moment, Claire appeared and made her way down to the car.

“Hey Cas, thanks for coming to get me, so Dads got Jack huh? He said they’re going to the firehouse, Jack’s gonna be wild!”

“Hello Claire, yes Jack was very excited this morning. How was your night?”

“Yeah good, I’m super hungry though, we slept late and didn’t have breakfast.”

“We can’t go back to the house yet, so if you’d like to come to the apartment I can make you something?”

“Or we could go out? For lunch? Together? If you want, we don’t gotta, but, I’m just thinkin’, we never do anything just us.” Claire sounded a little unsure about voicing her suggestion but Castiel was touched at Claire wanting to spend some time together.

“That’s a lovely idea Claire, let’s go out for lunch, where would you like to go?”

“Waffle House?”

***

“Ok Jack, now listen buddy, we’re gonna go in and I am gonna need you to stay with me and listen to whatever I tell ya, the fire house has a lotta stuff that could be dangerous for little kids so you don’t wanna be touchin’ things or runnin’ around yeah? I know you can do it champ, I gotta keep you safe or your Dad won’t let me bring you here again, got it?”

Dean looked at Jack through he rear view mirror as they pulled into the lot around the back of the firehouse and parked up. Jack was nodding intently, his eyes focused and his shoulders back.

“I promise I will be the goodest good boy Dean, you will be so proud of me for being so good and doing the greatest listening to you. I won’t touch the things I promise.”

“Good job buddy, you ready?”

“Yes, I am.” Jack paused, looking at Dean with a hint of something in his eyes that made Dean wait to see if there was something else he wanted to say,

“Dean, my tummy feels fuzzy now. I do want to go in but I am having a bit of worries as well.”

“Hey buddy, that’s ok, maybe you’re a little nervous coz this is new place, I get that. I’ll be with you the whole time and I promise I’ll keep you safe, it’s gonna be fun Jack ok?”

“Ok”

***

Castiel could not believe quite how much food Claire was able to eat for someone of her petite stature.

She certainly was her father’s daughter.

“Ah thanks Cas, that was awesome.”

“You’re welcome Claire. It’s been lovely to spend some time with you. When I was your age I would do whatever I could to get out of spending time with my parents -  not that I’m implying I’m you parent, just, well, it's lovely that you wanted to do this today.”

“It’s ok Cas, I get it, so why d’ya never wanna be with your folks?”

“Well, they - they didn’t understand me. I spent my teenaged years feeling like they didn’t really know me at all. Then, when they found out I was gay they were less than pleased to say the least. They are religious people and my ‘lifestyle choices’ were not something they could condone. After I finished college I moved here and I haven’t really had any contact with them since.”

“Wow, so, they’ve never met Jack?”

“No. I’m not sure they even know about him. I understand Gabriel speaks to them on rare occasions and as far as I am aware, they don’t ask about me and Gabriel doesn’t offer any information either."

“Jeez, I’m sorry Cas, that sucks, does it bother you? Not seeing them or speaking to them?”

“It did, for a long time. But I wasn’t prepared to pretend I was someone I’m not to appease them and I couldn’t tolerate their judgemental opinions, it was too upsetting. When Jack came along I knew I didn’t want people like that in our lives, regardless of my biological connection to them. I deserved better than parents who couldn’t love me unconditionally and Jack deserves people in his life who are accepting and loving no matter our differences.”

“Yeah, I get that. I reckon my Dad’s told you about my Mom huh?”

“He has.”

“Yeah, it’s tough, I know more than I did before but I feel like there’s so much I still don’t know, did she care about me at all? There’s so many questions I wanna ask her, it plays over in my head so much and I don’t know what to do about it. I don’t wanna upset my Dad by talking about it all but, I dunno, I just, it’s hard.”

“I think your Dad would be happy to talk about anything that was on your mind Claire, he’d much prefer you to go to him than keep things bottled up, especially if it’s bothering you.”

“Could you speak to him, tell him we talked and I said I wanna find stuff out, maybe see if we could find out where she is?”

“I’d be happy to speak to him but I do think he would much prefer to hear it from you. You really don’t need to worry about upsetting him, he loves you more than life itself. He’d be more upset to know you didn’t want to go to him. I can be there if you think that might help.”

“Maybe, thanks Cas. So you heard from Dad yet? Jack running the fire crew nuts yet?”

“No, I haven’t heard anything, I assume they are busy keeping Jack entertained, oh, I think he has just sent me a picture..”

***

“Ok Jack, that’s it, hold the hose and look at me, awesome buddy, you look great!”

Dean pointed the camera on his phone and laughed to himself as he took picture after picture of Jack by the side of the rig, in full fire crew uniform which swamped him, a helmet hanging low above his eyes and the hose that looked huge in his little arms. The smile on Jack’s face made it all worth it and Dean’s cheeks hurt from grinning at the little boy who had stolen his heart.

“Little guy’s taken a real shine to ya ain't he boy?”

Bobby's gruff voice came from behind Dean.

“He’s a great kid, thanks for letting us come by Bobby, he’ll be talkin’ about this for the next year I guarantee it.”

“Ain't no thing. So, how goes it with the teacher?”

“Good, yeah real good.”

“Gotta say I ain’t ever seen you lookin’ the way he’s got you lookin’ son.”

“Yeah. I’m kinda feeling like he’s it for me Bobby, him an me, Jack, Claire, this is what I want, long game ya know?”

“Well, I’m happy for ya. You deserve it, now just don’t go messing it up.”

“Trust me, I ain’t got no plans to mess this up..”

Dean stood and thought for a moment, watching Jack laughing as the other members of the fire crew helped him hold different pieces of the truck equipment and talked to him about what they were and what they did.

This really was it for him. He wanted this, family. A proper family like he’d always dreamed for him and Claire. Cas was it. He was in love with him and he knew he wanted this to be forever.

The bell began to ring and the crew turned to make their way over to the lockers to gear up, Jack stood, hands over his ears, eyes wide watching them as they donned their coats, helmets and equipment.

Dean picked Jack up and held him as they watched the crew load into the truck, the garage doors opened and they sped away.

“Are they going to a fire now?”

“Yeah buddy, or maybe a car accident on the freeway. Whaddya say we get you outta this get up and head back to see how you’re fire truck is comin’ along?”

“Yes, I need to tell my Daddy and Claire all about the everything I saw today and how I was the goodest good boy as well.”

“You sure were Jack, you sure were. You had fun yeah?”

“The best fun.”

“Awesome.”

“I love you Dean.”

“Hey, I love you too buddy. Come on, lets head back and see your Dad and Claire.”

***

Dean pulled onto the driveway next to Cas’ car. Jack was looking rather sleepy in the back so Dean parked and waited for a second.

“Daddy's here! Daddy's here!” Came from the back as soon as the engine had stopped, Dean laughed,

“Yeah looks like your Dad and Claire beat us back, come on kiddo, let's see if this fire truck is ready for ya.”

Dean helped Jack out of the impala and walked up the side of the house and round to the back yard.

The fire truck was done. It was incredible.  Adam had done an amazing job, it was big enough for several children to play in, painted bright red, black wooden wheels, a ladder leading to the small roof and seats at the front.

On a chair next to the truck was a box wrapped in gift paper covered in tiny fire engines and a huge red bow.

Jack stopped and just stared. Then, like a rocket, he began to run, up the lawn and over to the truck.

He stopped by the chair, not knowing what he should do first. He climbed into the front of the truck and sat down in the drivers chair.  

Dean came over to the chairs where Cas and Claire were both sat smiling, Jack not even noticing them as he sped past.

“Hey guys, you good?”

“Hey Dad.”       

“Hello Dean.”

“Been back long?”

“No, we’ve been here about half an hour. I gave Adam the money you left for him and thanked him from us both. It’s wonderful isn’t it.”

“Sure is, looks like Jack’s impressed, hey what’s with the gift box?”

“Oh, I got that from the store when I went with Kaia last week, can’t wait to see what Jack thinks.”

“Oh yeah? What is it?”

“Wait and see!”

Jack played for a while before calling Claire over to join him. She went happily and before long Claire was being ordered around by Jack who was using lots of new terms and words he had heard earlier at the firehouse. Dean laughed when he heard Jack giving Claire her orders.

“So what did you guys do while we were out?”

Dean asked as he sat down next to Cas, taking his hand and kissing the back of it.

“Waffle House.”

“Waffle House? Wow she really saw you comin’ Cas!”

“It was actually lovely Dean, we had a nice time, we talked and Claire ate her own body weight in food.”

“Yeah, no idea where she gets that from.”

“I’m sure.”

“Look at me Daddy, Dean look!”

They both looked up as Jack came running over wearing his very own fireman’s custom, complete with jacket and helmet.

“Claire did you buy this?”

Cas asked as he looked at Jack running back to the fire truck as fast as his little legs could carry him.

“Yeah, I hope that’s ok, Kaia and I used the money we had left over from the DC trip.”

“Wow baby, that’s awesome.”

“Thank you Claire, that’s very thoughtful of you both.”

“Ah it’s cool, you know we love that little dude..”

Cas and Dean looked at each other. Hearts fit to burst, with love for each other and for their children. Dean leaned in to kiss Castiel. His hands moved to Cas’ face, cupping his jaw. Cas’ hands came up and held the back of Dean's neck.

“Oh My God! You guys! Gross! Stop!”

Chapter Text

It had been a long time since Dean’s place had felt this full. He loved hosting and today everyone was here.

Bobby & Ellen, Jo, Charlie & Dorothy, Benny & Andrea, Garth, Bess & little Gerty, Sam & Jess, Kaia, Alex, Patience, Gabriel & Kali, Meg & Bar Guy, Donna & Jody.

And of course him, Cas, Claire and Jack.

The kitchen counters were covered with various dishes and the outdoor grill was ready to go.

The lawn chairs were set out in small groups and everyone was mingling as Jack and Gerty played in the small pop up swimming pool that Dean had filled for them that morning. Kaia sat on the grass by the pool laughing and feigning mock surprise as Jack splashed her every time he jumped around.

Charlie and Jo sat chatting with Meg and Bar Guy,

Dean really needed to try and remember his name..

Bobby was talking to Sam while Jess sat sipping her fruity drink and watching the kids play.

Ellen had disappeared into the kitchen again even though Dean told her to go and relax, there was nothing that needed doing.

Gabriel and Kali were inside too, arranging the pies and pastries they had brought over. Donna and Jody were sat on the porch with Cas and Dorothy, showing them photos of their recent trip to Paris.

Claire, Alex and Patience were sat on the top of Jack’s fire truck, legs all hanging off the back while they chatted and laughed at Kaia who was slowly getting completely soaked by the kids in the pool.

Garth stood behind Bess and chatted to Benny and Andrea. Bess sat in a chair, Garth’s hand on her shoulder, watching their little daughter laughing and playing with Jack.

Dean smiled to himself. This was it. This was what family looked like. Bobby always said family don’t end with blood and in that moment, Dean knew how true that was. He felt so blessed.

For a moment everything felt perfect. Then, as it sometimes did, his mind offered up a memory that took that warm feeling in his chest and turned it cold and mournful.

He thought of his parents. What would they have made of the life he’d built, how things had turned out for him, and for Sam.

He wondered how his Mom would have been with Claire, and Jack. How his Dad would have been with Cas. He wondered what they would have made of it all, of the roads that life had taken him on and the challenges he had faced.

Just then a pair of arms snaked around his waist and he turned his head to see Cas smiling at him. Beautiful Cas, his angel, the love of his life, who’s captivating blue eyes were shining just for him.

The mournful feeling was gone. Dean missed his folks but he wouldn’t change a thing if it meant their paths might not have crossed as they did and brought them here, to this.

“Hey sweetheart,”

“Hello Dean.”

“You good?”

“I am. And you? You looked deep in thought there.”

“Just watching everyone, this is it Cas, you know, all the shit, it’s worth it for this.”

***

As the day went on Dean took turns with Sam and Benny to man the grill. Cas had joined Jess, Kaia, Garth, Kali and Bar Guy, who were playing Uno at the table on the end of the porch. Claire had taught him how to play a while back and now Cas was winning nearly every game, much to Gabriel’s amusement, who was sitting close by and laughing every time Cas narrowly beat Kali on almost every round.

Jack and Gerty were out of the pool now, both wrapped in towels. Gerty was sat on Bess’ lap holding a plate that appeared to contain only fruit and half a small hot dog. Jack was wrapped in Claire’s arms, snuggled into her chest talking animatedly to her and Sam.

“Dean,” Ellen called over as Dean stepped back outside from getting himself another beer.

“You gonna go get that guitar of yours and give us a few old favourites?”

“What now? Nah I dunno if anyone wants that today Ellen,”

“Sure we do, go get it Princess,” Benny chimed in taking a pull of his beer.

“Oh Dean, I didn’t know you could sing!” Meg said with her signature devilish grin.

“Oh sure you did Masters, we both know that you and I have been subjected to the first date story more than once from Cassie over there,” Gabriel laughed wiggling his eyebrows at Dean.

“Alright alright,” Dean replied, waving a hand in defeat at everyone in general.

“Lemme finish my beer then I’ll get it.”

Dean returned with his guitar a short while later and sat on a lawn chair at the edge of the grass. Everyone hushed ready to listen. Dean began to play the first few chords of Ramble On by Led Zeppelin and almost immediately everyone started to make their way to the small area in front of Dean, moving the chairs away to create a makeshift dance floor. Before long almost everyone was up dancing as Dean sang, accompanied now by Jack and Gerty who had found two old tambourines and were playing along and beaming at everyone around them.

***

The day had been a success. Everyone had eaten more food than they ever would on any given day. Their guests had gone home after enjoying too much food, beer, pie and good company.

Dean had himself eaten enough to feed a small army, as had Claire, Sam and Benny. Cas and Dean sat together on a blanket on the grass. Jack was in bed fast asleep after a very busy day of swimming, playing and showing everyone his fire truck. Claire and Kaia were laying on the swing on the front porch after seeing Alex and Patience off with Alex’s mom.

Sam and Jess were cuddled up on a lawn chair, Sam’s huge frame spilling over the edge of the chair with Jess tucked safely into his chest.

“Great day man, I can’t believe how much I ate.” Sam said smiling over to Dean.

“I can,” Jess laughed.

“Yeah it’s been awesome. You guys oughta get moved back so we can do this all the time.”

“Funny you should mention that actually Dean,”

Jess replied, a coy smile on both her’s and Sam’s lips.

Dean sat up,

“Huh?”

“Well, we have been looking at local real estate. We’re thinking, maybe, we need to get moved, before...”

Sam and Jess grinned at each other,

“…before the babies arrive…”

Dean looked at Sam, then Jess, then Cas, then back at Sam who’s smile was spreading across his face like the Cheshire cat.

Dean jumped up and Cas and Jess both laughed as Dean grabbed Sam and pulled him into a fierce hug.

“Babies Sam, you guys are having BABIES?”

“Twins, due in the new year, right around your birthday actually.”

“And you didn’t think to tell me this?”

“We wanted to wait and see you, tell you face to face, once everyone else was gone and it was just us.”

“That’s awesome man, I, wow man I kinda, wow, that’s so awesome. Congrats you guys.”

“Thanks man, so you guys gonna help us house hunt?”

“You bet your ass we will, right Cas?”

“Yes of course. Congratulations, that’s wonderful news. I’m thrilled for you both. Jack will be very excited.”

“Yeah, hey we gotta tell Claire!”

Dean walked around the side of the house, wobbling slightly from excitement of the news, and from all the beer he’d consumed throughout the day. Claire came back round with Kaia and Sam & Jess told them the news. 

Claire hugged Sam, then Jess, then began to cry, then laughed at how her crying was making Jess cry, then Sam cry and then Dean cry.

They sat in the garden long into the night talking about the future. About the babies, Sam and Jess moving back and all the things they were looking forward to doing together.  

***

Dean was already in bed when Cas came back from the bathroom. Cas climbed in beside him and instantly Dean wrapped himself around Cas, clinging to him like a limpet.

“What a day, I feel like I oughta sleep for a week now.”

“Yes it certainly was a very full day. It was wonderful Dean, I loved it and I know Jack did too.”

“Yeah, s‘been awesome, ya see him with Gerty? They played so nice! He’s gonna be great when the twins arrive, I just know it.”

“I hope so. It’s very exciting, I’m so grateful he has so much love and family in his life now. Thank you Dean. I love you.”

“I love you too Cas.”  

They laid in silence for a moment, Castiel sensing that Dean had more to say,

“Hey Cas?”

“Yes Dean..”

“I been thinkin’. You and Jack, you guys could move in here with us. I mean, you don’t gotta, but, it seems crazy havin’ two places when we’re all here most of the time. I just, well, look, Cas, I love you. I love you and I love Jack, Claire does too. We miss you both like crazy when you’re not here. You’re it for me and I wanna be with you all the damn time…”

Dean’s eyes softened as he ran his thumb over Cas’ bottom lip,

“Move in with me Cas.”

“Alright.”

“Alright? Just alright?”

Dean laughed and jabbed Cas in the ribs, making him squirm and wriggle. Dean kissed him, soft and so full of love. They kissed and held each other for a long time. Castiel broke away and looked at Dean, summer grass green met deep ocean blue. Dean smiled and pulled Castiel impossibly close.

“So, you guys are gonna move in?” Dean asked, a hint of nerves in his voice.

“Yes Dean, we are going to move in”

Castiel said with so much affection in his eyes and a gummy smile on his lips,

“Awesome. That’s awesome Cas.”

Chapter Text

Epilogue

Dean was so nervous he felt like he was going to puke. He’d tried to have coffee this morning but it made him feel worse. He considered opening a beer but it was just past 8am so he decided that wasn’t the best idea he’d ever had.

“Dean, you gotta calm down man, it’s gonna be fine, how about you eat something?”

“I can’t eat anything Sammy, I can barely hold down coffee right now.”

“Alright well sit at least, the pacing can’t be helping.”

Dean sat and looked up at the clock..

Five hours.

Five hours until Dean and Castiel were getting married, at a hotel one town over. The hotel that Dean had taken Cas to all those years ago when they were just starting out together. The hotel that they visited many times since. The hotel they loved so much, that meant so much to them.

Five days.

Five days since Dean had realised this was actually happening. Like for real. All the planning, organising, talking, daydreaming, waiting and then BAM!                 

It was here…

Five weeks.

Five weeks since Dean had collected their wedding rings. He’d been carrying them around with him the whole time since, looking at them whenever he got a chance alone. Five weeks of having them with him, they were in Sam’s pocket now, which felt weird..

Five months.

Five months since it had all finally been paid for. They wanted everything to be perfect and perfect don’t come cheap. But it was all paid and they were doing it, FOR REAL!

Five years.

Five years. They’d saved and planned and planned and saved, for five years, for today to be perfect and now the pressure of wanting everything to go off without a hitch was making Dean feel sick.

“You wanna shower yet?” Sam’s voice brought Dean back from his horror daydream. His work buddies had been calling him bridezilla for the last year, he could only imagine what they’d be saying if they could see him right now.

“I can’t shower Sam, I could pass out in there and die!”

“Dean,”

Sam was almost certainly about to give Dean a lecture when he was interrupted by the thundering feet of Nora and Gracie closely followed by a sleepy looking Jess.

“DADDY!! UNCLE DEAN!! IT’S THE WEDDING!!!” Nora bellowed as she ran at Sam,

“Hey girls! You excited?” Sam replied, scooping Nora up in his arms,

“Yes Daddy Yes!” The twins screamed in unison,

“Uncle Dean! Aren’t you excited? It’s your wedding Uncle Dean!” Gracie asked, looking a little concerned at Dean’s lack of excitement.

“Sure is honey! Yeah I am, just feeling a little nervous is all.”

“Why Uncle Dean?”

“Yeah why are you nervous? Uncle Cas will be there to take care of you.”

Dean smiled and picked little Gracie up, kissing her cheek. She was right, he should be excited, and he was, of course he was, today was the day he got to marry the love of his life.

It was just that it felt like today carried so much weight.

All roads had led here.

Dean let out a shaky breath. He needed to get it together and start getting ready.

***

Dean showered and came back to the kitchen in sweats, not ready to don the suit just yet. He made a bagel and a coffee then made his way out onto Sam’s terrace, to find Claire and Kaia sat sipping coffee together on the love seat Sam adored.

“Morning you two, you good?”

“Hey Dean, ok I’m heading in to shower now you’re done, catch ya later.” Kaia stood, kissing Claire’s forehead, and made her way into the house.

“Hey Dad, you doing ok? Looking a bit green around the gills there champ.”

“Yeah yeah ha ha. I’m fine baby, just want everything to go right ya know.”

“It will! It’s gonna be great. You guys have been planning everything for sooo long, what could go wrong? Actually don’t answer that.”

They both laughed softly as Dean sat down next to Claire. She rested her head on his shoulder.

“Proud of you old man. You deserve this Dad, you work so hard for everyone, without sounding totally like a chick-flick movie, it’s about time you got your happy ending.”

“Yeah? Well thank you baby.”

They sat together in comfortable silence until Kaia return and joined them. The three of them chatted and laughed until Sam came out to hurry everyone along.

“Dean, the girls are dressed and ready so Jess is gonna take them now, come on, we need to get dressed, Claire, you getting ready too? We need to get moving here you guys, we can’t arrive after Cas and Gabriel.”

“Sounds like that’s my cue, ok let’s get in this monkey suit.”

***

Castiel sat at the kitchen table and sipped his tea. He’d been up much longer than he needed to be. He had showered, shaved and tried & failed to tame his hair. He had helped Jack get sorted out and into his suit. He was ready. Jack was ready. Gabriel was ready and Meg was arriving any minute so they could all leave together.

“Hey Dad?”

“Yes Jack,”

“Have you spoken to the hotel this morning?”

“No Jack, why do you ask?”

“Well shouldn’t you make sure everything is ready and there haven’t been any problems?”

“Problems? What sort of problems?”

“I don’t know, just problems Dad, what if something isn’t there like the flowers or the food or the cake or or..”

“Jack. Calm down, everything is going to be fine. The food will be there, the flowers will be there, the cake will be there and even if it isn’t, as long as Dean is there when we arrive then everything will be just fine.

I know big events like this are hard and you feel anxious but I promise you it will all be fine. We’ve been planning for a long time and every detail has been covered.”

“Ok, so what if something’s happened to Dean, what if he’s so nervous this morning he’s made himself sick and he can’t go now?”

“Jack, Dean will be there. I’m sure he is a little nervous but he will be there.”

Jack turned, not responding, and walked out into the hall calling for Gabriel to see if he’d heard from Sam yet and if Dean was ok.

Castiel finished his tea. Everything would be fine. It would. It was going to be wonderful, even if nerves were currently getting a little frayed.

“Clarence! Your Maid Of Dishonour has arrived!”

Meg called through the house as she let herself in and made her way to the kitchen.

“Hello Meg, you look beautiful.” Castiel rose from his seat and greeted Meg with a smile and a hug.

“You look very dashing I must say, that pretty boy is a lucky man!”

“Thank you Meg, are you ready to leave? Jack is quite anxious so I think we’ll need to get going soon, he needs to see that everything is as it should be at the venue.”

“Ah where’s my little buddy, I’ll go cheer him up.”

Meg walked off to find Jack.

Castiel took a moment to look in the mirror. It was finally here. The day they’d been planning for. He was going to marry the most beautiful man he had ever met. The kindest most selfless, caring and loving man. Dean was never really very good at accepting praise or complements so Castiel was going to spend the rest of his life telling Dean just how wonderful he thought he was. And the rest of their lives began today.

Gabriel strolled into the kitchen without a care in the world.

“Ready Cassie? Almost time to hit the road, did I hear the she-devil arrive?”

“Meg is here yes, I wish you wouldn’t call her that Gabriel, she’s been a good friend to me for a long time and a valuable person in Jack’s life too.”

“Yeah I know Cassie, hey I love that little libertine you know that, just a bit of playful banter is all, so ready to get wed?”

“Yes I think so.”

“Well you look great, come on let’s get you to the chapel.”

“You know there’s no chapel Gabriel,”

“Yeah yeah, Come on Cassie, let do this..”

***

Dean stood in front of the mirror,

“Ready?” Sam asked placing a hand on his brothers shoulder.

“As I’ll ever be.”

“You look amazing man, how you feeling?”

“Nervous. I keep tryna remind myself that it ain’t all gonna go wrong, that Cas isn’t gonna run out on me and, well, Claire said something earlier about it being time for my happy ending or somethin’.”

“Sounds pretty chick-flick to me.”

“Huh, yeah that’s what she said too.”

“Look, you know Cas loves you Dean, and you love him. You guys have already faced some pretty crazy shit and come out on top.

You’re great together. Claire’s right, you do deserve the happy ending, but this, today, this isn’t an ending, this is the start.”

“Who’s going all chick-flick now huh Sammy?”

“Alright alright, come on lets get this show on the road.”

***

Sam drove the impala, Dean next to him with Claire and Kaia in the back. They arrived at the hotel to see Jess’ car parked at the side, near the entrance to the function room they’d hired for the wedding.

Now they were here, Dean felt remarkably calm. He couldn’t wait to see Cas. They’d only been apart since the afternoon before but Dean was itching to see him.

They had chosen matching suits for today. Dean, Cas, Jack, Sam and Gabriel all wore dark grey suits, white shirts and black dress shoes. Dean wore a green tie, Castiel, a blue one.

Each grooms party wore their tie colours but in a pale variation so Sam wore pale green and Jack and Gabriel wore pale blue. Jess and Meg wore matching dresses, both looking absolutely stunning. Meg in pale blue and Jess in pale green.

It was a joint idea from Cas and Dean, being as they both seemed to be obsessed with their partners eyes so it seemed fitting. The flowers for the wedding followed the theme and beautiful pale green and pale blue roses lined the room and decorated the reception tables.

Dean got out of the car and stood for a moment taking it in. This hotel had a special place in his heart and today would make that more so. He thought about the first time he and Cas had come here, the first time Cas told him that he loved him and the first time Dean said it too. It felt like both a lifetime go and also like no time had passed at all.

“Dad, you good?” Claire asked, placing a gentle hand on his arm.

“Yeah baby, I’m good.”

“Ok, we’re gonna go in, make sure everythings ready. Come in when you want yeah? Theres no guests yet and Cas won’t be here for another half hour so take your time.”

Claire reached up and put a soft kiss on Dean’s cheek, walking away towards the function room hand in hand with Kaia.

“Wanna take a walk for a few minutes?” Sam asked as he stood beside Dean.

“Yeah just for a bit, I don’t wanna keep Cas waiting when he arrives, I reckon Jack’ll be buzzin’ with nerves by this point so it’s all gotta go like clockwork.”

“It will Dean, come on, lets walk a bit.”

They walked out of the gravel drive and onto the greens that surrounded the hotel building. Neither of them spoke for a while before Dean broke the silence.

“You think Mom would be happy about today? About how things turned out?”

“Mom? Yeah Dean I think she’d be super proud of you. Claire’s great, you got a good career, nice home and you’re getting married, it’s the dream right?”

“Yeah course, I just wonder what she’d make of it all, and Dad, ya know, me and Cas.”

“I don’t know Dean, I guess, I kinda just like to think they’d just be happy that you’re happy.”

“Yeah, Mom would be happy, she’d be fussin’ around right now, in there, makin’ sure everything was neat and perfect.”

“Dad would be at the bar, talking with anyone and well, I know you wish she was here man, him too probably, but whatever they’d think, you should be proud, but you never really needed anyone else’s approval, just took you a while to see that.”

“Yeah, you’re right Sammy. I do wish they were here yeah, but I wouldn’t change anything that happened if it meant I never met Cas. I wouldn’t risk that for anything, does that make me a bad person?”

“Jeez, no Dean, it doesn’t, of course not, I get it.

 Hey, come on, I think we need to get back and get ready before you get in your own head anymore.”

“Ok. You got a point, alright, hey have a look and see if Gabe’s car is here, I thought I saw it, maybe they’re early.”

Sam walked ahead a little to look and sure enough Gabriel’s car was parked just down from the impala.

Cas was here.

***

Castiel walked Jack through the hallway of the hotel reassuring him that everything was just as it should be. They had seen the flowers all in place and the food ready and waiting for after the ceremony. Jack seemed to be a little calmer now, it was Castiel’s nerves that were beginning to take hold.

“You doing ok there Cassie?”

Gabriel made him way over smiling at them as he approached. Jack, seeing Bobby and Ellen arriving, made a beeline for them. The guests were arriving, Dean was here, somewhere, and the ceremony was due to start very soon. Castiel suddenly felt extremely overwhelmed.

“Cassie, you alright little bro?”

“Yes, I’m fine. Have you seen Dean yet? He must be here somewhere..”

“Stop panicking. He is here. Everything is fine.”

Just then Sam approached them.

“Hey guys, almost time. You ready Cas?”

“Hello Sam, yes I’m ready. How is Dean?”

“He’s doing good Cas.”

They stood for a moment allowing the last of the guests to get seated.

The celebrant gave them a smile and a nod.

“That’s our cue Cassie, I’ll see you in there.” Gabriel smiled at his brother and patted his shoulder.

“You got this Cas.” Sam smiled and he and Gabriel made their way into the function room closing the door behind them.

As they had chosen to walk in together, all that remained now was for Dean to come to where Cas was.

He stood by the closed door of the room their friends and family were gathered, and waited.

After a moment that felt like every season had passed, Dean walked slowly around the corner and their eyes met.

Simultaneously smiles broke out on both of their face. Dean looked beautiful. He always looked beautiful but today there was something in his eyes that made his beauty radiate and Castiel felt almost bowled over by the weight of the love he felt for this man.

Dean stopped in front of him,

“Hey sweetheart,”

“Hello Dean,”

“Ready to get married?”

“Ready.”

Dean took Castiel’s hand just as the music began to play.

We’ve only just begun, by The Carpenters.

The doors opened and they walked in hand in hand, beginning the journey into the rest of their lives as they planned to live it.

Side by side, Together.

***

Walking down the aisle together felt surreal. Everyone that Dean gave a shit about was right here, in this room, watching him and Cas. It was weird. They came to a stop and, never letting go of each other’s hands, looked to the celebrant.

She began the ceremony by greeting everyone and welcoming them here today for the wedding of Dean Winchester and Castiel blah blah blah, Dean wasn’t listening, his brain had tuned her out already. His eyes were locked with Cas’. Dean was mesmerised by the cobalt blue eyes that had captivated him all those years ago.

He thought about that first day, in the hall of the high school on a random Monday morning. He could never have dreamed that day would have led him to this one. How fate would make sure that he and Cas’ paths would continue to cross and bring them here.

He could feel his eye beginning to fill, the love inside him was overflowing and making it's way out, he made no attempt to stop it. Castiel’s eye glistened and his smile lit his face. Cas squeezed his hand. Dean came back to the moment and Cas began to say his vows.

As a tear escaped Castiel’s eye and ran down his cheek, he spoke his vows to Dean. Vows of love and hope and promise for the future. He spoke of courage, of respect and honesty, of love that allowed him to truly be himself and strive to be the best version of that in every day to come.

Dean could feel his own tears racing down his face and he let them. He loved Cas so much and today he was going to let it show, to Cas and to everyone who was here to celebrate them.

Then it was Dean’s turn. He had written and rewritten his vows more times than he could count. He had practised and memorised them and then changed them and learnt them all over again. No one had heard what Dean planned to say today. Sam had offered, Benny had offered, even Bobby had offered to hear his vows but he declined all of them.

When he said these words, out loud for the first time, it needed to be to Cas.

“Dean, if you’d like to say your vows to Castiel now,”

“Cas, when we met, I never expected us to end up here. The roads that life had taken us on before we met weren’t exactly smooth and it’s been pretty bumpy these last few years too. But having you by my side on this journey makes it all worth it, all of it Cas.

You’ve shown me what really matters, family, partnership and love. I am grateful every day that we found each other and I promise to spend the rest of my life loving you so much that you never feel you have to be anyone but yourself and you never have to step into the future alone.

I love you Cas and I love that you love me too. I love our children and I know they love us. Thank you for giving me the family I always dreamed of. I promise to always put you and our family first. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life loving you because you Cas, make me happier than I ever thought I could be.”

The tears flowed freely now, on the faces of both of the grooms and almost all of the congregation. Even Bobby let out a little sniffle at one point.

Sam and Gabriel stepped forward on either side of them and both produced a ring. Sam handing the one he held to Dean and Gabriel handing his to Castiel.

The rings were simple white gold bands, the insides inscribed with the date and the letters C&D inside Dean’s ring and D&C inside Castiel’s. As they made their promises to each other, Dean slipped the ring onto Cas’ finger and held his hand like he might vanish if he dared to let go. Castiel put Dean’s ring on his finger and looked at him like he’d hung the moon. They shared a look, and just for a moment, everything and everyone in the entire world didn’t matter, just for that one moment it was just them..

“And it is with great pleasure, I can congratulate you both and pronounce you married! You may kiss your husband!”

Applause erupted around them and Dean wasn’t waiting to be told twice. He stepped forward bringing himself chest to chest with his husband and took Castiel’s face in his hands. Cupping his cheeks, Dean kissed him and poured every ounce of love he felt into their kiss, every moment of joy, every second of fear, every feeling he had ever felt since the moment he laid eye one this incredible man.

Dean kissed Castiel as though the world would end of he didn’t. And if it did end right now, well, Dean would go out happy..

They broke apart,

summer grass green meeting deep ocean blue,

“I love you Cas.

“I love you Dean.”

“Ok, wanna go get drunk?”

“Dean..” 

***

The reception food was ready when they all made their way back inside after the photographer had taken 861 millions photographs. Dean knew he’d be grateful for them at a later date but right now, he was so over having his picture taken. Dean wanted a beer, some pie and to dance with his husband until his feet screamed for him to stop.

Cas and Dean spent time chatting with their guests. Sam and his twins made a beeline for the food and Gabriel went straight to the bar, clearly the nerves for his upcoming speech were creeping in.

Everyone ate and chatted, the afternoon was relaxed and warm, the double doors to the gardens were open and Jack, Nora and Gracie ran around with the other kids who were at the wedding.

The speeches were informal, Sam spoke of his brothers selflessness and loyalty, his commitment to being a good father to Claire, even at such a young age himself.

Sam spoke of the change he’d seen in Dean since Castiel came into their lives.

He thanked Dean for raising him and always being someone that he, Jess and their children could rely on.

He thanked Cas for tolerating his idiot brother and making him happier than Sam had ever seen him.

Sam cried, Jess cried, Claire cried, Dean cried and Cas cried.

Then it was Gabriel’s turn. He was usually the jester of the family but today he stunned everyone with his heartfelt words of love and pride for his brother, and for Jack. He spoke of their upbringing and the challenges Castiel had faced.

He spoke with such admiration of how Castiel had worked hard to gain his freedom to be himself and then the joy of him bringing Jack into their lives.

Obviously there were a few jokes at Dean's expense. References to the sexy fireman with the muscle car were heckled by Meg and Charlie, amongst others.

Gabriel closed with a toast congratulating the newlyweds, everyone stood and raised their glasses.

Now the party could really begin.

The Winchester-Novak’s and their families danced into the night.

They ate and drank and Dean even sang a few numbers.

The twins, Jack and the other children made a valiant attempt to keep going but by 11pm they were flagging.

Ellen and Bobby took Jack and the twins to their rooms to get them settled to sleep and the other families with kids began to head home.

As midnight approached most people had said their goodbyes and Dean & Cas were now surrounded by the usual suspects.

They made their way outside and all sat together on the seats and benches in the nearby gardens.

Claire sat on the grass, Kaia’s head rested on her lap. Charlie & Dorothy sat together nursing their glasses of champagne and Gabriel & Kali had nabbed the big comfortable seat at the edge of the patioed area.

Benny sat in a lawn chair with Andrea perched on the arm, across from them Sam sat spilling out of another chair with Jess on his lap tucked safely under his arm.

Dean and Cas sat together on the bench hand in hand, their ties loosened and their cheeks rosy from all the champagne they had drank throughout the day.

“What a day,” Dean said with a gentle sigh.

“You did it you guys, ya happy? Everything went great huh?” Sam said smiling over at his brother and brother-in-law.

“It has been wonderful. I can’t believe we finally did it!” Castiel smiled laying his head on Dean’s shoulder.

“Too late to back out now Novak, you’re in it for life. Legally.” Charlie laughed taking another sip of champagne.

“That’s Winchester-Novak to you Bradbury. Yeah it’s been awesome. Thanks you guys, all of you, for today and for everything ya know.”

“Oh look out y’all, Bridezilla is getting all chick-flick on us again!” Benny quipped and raised his beer bottle to Dean.

“Nah I mean it man, I’m so grateful for y’all. Today’s been perfect.” Dean smiled and leaned down to kiss Castiel’s forehead.

“You better get your husband there to bed soon Winchester or you ain’t consummating no marriage tonight,”

Gabriel grinned at Dean nodding at Castiel who was beginning to fall asleep on Dean’s shoulder.

“Ooow Gross! I know it’s their wedding and all but that’s still my Dads!”

Claire groaned, Kaia laughing and swatting her arm playfully.

“Yeah yeah, right come on Cas, let’s leave these heathens to it.”

Dean stood slowly, jostling Castiel awake and then Dean leaned in and lifted Castiel under his arms and legs, picking him up and carrying him in a traditional bride/groom carry.

“Dean! Put me down!” Castiel protested as a chorus of laughter came from their family.

***

Dean carried Castiel all the way to their room. Castiel’s protests long since ended as he gazed at his husband and they both laughed every time Dean wobbled or stumbled as they approached their room. Jack was staying in a room on the floor below with Ellen and Bobby, as were Sam’s twins.

They opened the door and Dean finally put Castiel down once they were inside.

“Well that was, unexpected.”

“Count y’self lucky I didn’t fireman carry your ass up here!”

“I’m just glad we made it without falling over or you hitting my head on a wall.”

“What little faith you have in your husband Mr. Winchester-Novak!”

“Husband..”

“Yeah, cool huh.”

“Very.”

They both flopped down onto their huge bed, the same bed they spent the night in on their very first visit to the hotel. They laid on their sides, facing one another, looking, just looking for a long time. Dean rolled onto his back and Castiel snuggled into him, resting his head on Dean’s chest and laying a hand gently over his heart.

“Hey Cas?”

“Yes Dean.”

“You ever think about that morning in the sports hall, at the high school?”

“All the time.”

“Yeah? Me too. I think about the very first time I saw you. I never felt like that ever before Cas.

It was crazy, I wasn’t even out properly then, although I kinda think everyone knew but that’s not the point.

I saw you and it was like something clicked inside me. I didn’t know we’d end up here but I feel like now I kinda should have.

Everything changed for me that day Cas, I didn’t know it back then but I do now.

It’s like destiny or some shit ya know, it put us both there and then lined us up so no matter what happened, we’d get to each other and get to here, to this now.

Married. I’m so happy Cas, I love you so much, you know that right?”

Castiel didn’t answer.

Dean looked down at his husband to see his face soft and his eyes closed. He looked so beautiful, so peaceful. Dean ran his fingers lightly across Castiel’s cheek,

“I love you Cas. Sleep well my angel. Thank you for making me the happiest guy on earth.”

~~~~~~~~~~

“Ok, Dad, seriously. If you ask me one more time if I’ve got everything I swear to god!-”

“Alright alright, can’t blame a guy for wantin’ to be thorough.”

“I have everything Dad. I promise I will call you when we get there and I will call you every week. Besides, we’ll be back for Thanksgiving which isn’t that long away as it is!”

“I know baby, I know, you just gotta forgive your old man for getting a bit sentimental is all. Not everyday my baby girl heads off to college.”

“I know. I’ll miss you too Dad, and Cas and Jack. We’ll be fine though, Kaia and me. We will be ok, alright?”

“Yeah alright. Come on, let’s get back inside and you can say your goodbyes to Cas and Jack.”

Dean and Claire walked back up the driveway, Dean’s arm slung loose around Claire’s shoulder. Her banged up old truck was packed full with all of hers and Kaia’s belongings, ready for the drive across country.

They were headed to college, together. That was always the plan for Claire and Kaia, Dean knew that but he never expected it to come around so damn quickly.

The wedding had been so all consuming for so long that once it was all over and they had their little honeymoon by the ocean, Claire leaving for college kinda crept up on him.

He didn’t feel ready. Jack was struggling with the idea of Claire not being at home all the time too.

Cas though, he was super excited for her, of course he would miss Claire too but being an academic himself, Cas spoke so positively about everything Claire would be doing and experiencing.

“Hey Jack? Wanna come say bye?”

Dean called up the stairs. Jack came thundering down, he smiled at Dean but his eyes looked lost.

Suddenly Dean was reminded of the tiny little boy who came out of the toilet stall in the day care all those years ago.

“Hey buddy, she isn’t leaving forever, she’ll be back at Thanksgiving, and Christmas, and we can visit too ya know. You still got me and your Dad here, more control of the tv now too!”

“It’s not the same.” Jack replied looking at the floor.

“I know buddy, Ima miss her too. Come on, let’s get your Dad and go see her off together.”

Dean and Jack found Cas in the study franticly wrapping a gift of some sort.

“Cas?”

“It’s a present for Claire, she’ll need it when she arrives.”

Dean snaked his arms around Cas’ waist and kissed him softly, Castiel melting into him.

“Come on, let's go say bye.”

The three of them made their way out to the driveway where Claire was putting the last few things into the back seat of the truck.

“Ok, I think I’m pretty much set! Gonna pick up Kaia then we’ll hit the road!”

Jack ran to Claire and hugged her hard.

“Hey little guy, I’ll be back before ya know and you know you can call me whenever you want ya hear?”

“I know. But... I’ll miss you.” Jack’s voice was soft, Dean’s heart broke a little.

The bond their children had formed with each other over the years that he and Cas had been together was something quite remarkable.

They loved each other so deeply. It reminded Dean of him and Sam almost every day in the way that Claire was so protective of Jack and Jack looked up to Claire like she was the greatest person on earth, she kinda was Dean thought.

“Love you buddy, be good for Dads yeah?”

“I will. I love you.”

“Safe journey Claire,” Cas stepped forward and hugged Claire, smiling as he handed her the gift.

“Thanks Cas, what’s this?”

“A little something for when you arrive.”

“Thanks Cas. I love you, look after my little buddy and the old man would ya.”

“Of course. I love you too Claire. I’m very proud of you.”

Castiel’s eyes began to fill as he stepped back allowing Jack to come and hold his hand. They waited together as Dean stepped forward to say goodbye to Claire.

“Ok. You take care of yourself ya hear me, eat proper, get sleep and you and Kaia watch out for each other.”

“We will Dad, you know we will.”

“I know. I love you baby.”

“Love you Dad.”

“I’m so proud'a you kiddo.”

“Thanks Dad, now let go a me before we all start blubbin’ again.”

“Too Late!” Jack called from behind them, noticing Dean had tears running down his face.

“Dad..”

“I’m good baby, ok drive safe ya hear. Call me as soon as you arrive and if you need me, anytime, day or night, if you need any of us, you just gotta call.”

“I know. Ok, I’m gonna hit the road. I’ll call you I promise.”

“Bye baby.”

“See ya Dad.”

Claire turned to the three of them now standing together and smiled a soft smile,

“Ok bye you guys, Love y’all!”

Claire climbed into the trunk and waved out of the window as she drove off their driveway and down the street.

Dean, Cas and Jack stood on the driveway watching as the truck disappeared down the street and around the corner. They stood for a while after the truck was out of sight and no one spoke.

“Alright you two, who wants lunch?” Dean asked looking round to Cas and Jack.

“Pancakes?” Jack asked with a small smile.

“Pancakes for lunch?” Cas said grinning at their son.

“Yes, pancakes for lunch.” Jack replied in a very matter of fact tone.

“Alright champ, you got it, pancakes for lunch.”

Dean laughed, ruffling Jack’s hair as they turned and walked back into the house, together.

~ THE END ~

♥️