Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It’s cold, a little bit too cold for most people in Lawrence, Kansas. The air forms vapor clouds around the words people speak and makes their fingertips tingle. People walk with hunched shoulders, scratchy scarves wrapped around their necks, pressing up on pinkened, stinging cheeks. Little kids run around looking like marshmallows with their insulated jackets and warm mittens, their parents hovering over them like flies on their way home from school.

But it isn’t too cold for Dean Winchester.

The cold air is a remedy for the forming bruise on his jaw, his split lip, and purple cheek. The wounds are hot and sore to the touch, he doesn’t want to move. But the air feels euphoric on his face, like the world isn’t against him for once. He tilts his head back in the seat of his Impala, door open, enjoying life and crisp air for a few precious moments, Queen whispering ‘Break Free’ on the radio. It’s September, fall is almost in full swing and the weather has just begun to turn cold, families are ramping up for the onslaught of big holidays and students are getting antsy in class, eager for a couple days off. It’s a perfect opportunity, Dean could try his damndest to not screw up Emma's schooling for a few days at least while he figures this shit-show of a situation out. 

Lee had been drinking the night prior, rambling on nonsense about how certain he was that his mate was sleeping around, how the pup in Dean's belly couldn't be his; so on and so forth. It was just another Tuesday for Dean, living in the hell that was his marriage. Most times he'd let the alpha's comments slide, feel the sting deep into his soul yet manage to not say a word. Others, it's too much, the pain builds up over time to the point it overflows, and he has to spit out something in his defense. Last night was one of those nights where Dean had unfortunately decided to be brave, and Lee, already volatile and drunk out of his mind, used his pregnant omega as a punching bag.

Nowhere near Dean’s stomach though, Lee made sure to tell Dean he should be grateful for that part.

Another normal night for Dean was usually spent on the floor of Emma's bedroom, back flat on the shag carpet and staring up at glow-in-the-dark plastic stars glued to a popcorn ceiling. Sleeping with Lee at any point was hard. The man had terrible dreams of his time in the army, and often woke up with fists flying - Dean was the victim of those night terrors more often than not. Other nights, the alpha wanted what Dean was rarely in the mood for anymore, his dangerous hands slipping up the omega's inner thigh, gripping his hips, brushing under his shirt. And you couldn't tell Lee no, that word wasn't in his vocabulary when it came to what he wanted, when he wanted. 

So Dean slept in their daughter's room again last night, the sweet pup that had his heart snored softly in her bed throughout the night.

So the Impala sits in the elementary school parking lot, the back seat filled with a couple of black garbage bags stuffed with clothes, documents, and Emma's stuffed animals. A couple blankets and pillows… necessary bits of their life that he couldn't leave behind. Because that was the plan - leave their life behind, flee Lee's abuse. Dean couldn't bear another day, and the man leaving on a business trip left a perfect window for Dean's escape plan. It gave a couple of days for him to gain a head start before the alpha inevitably came home, enraged towards Dean's independence. It wasn't a matter of the omega finally having enough of the treatment, it was a matter of him finally being brave enough to step away. 

Emma runs towards the car, her small red backpack bouncing against her hips. She was five years old with dark blonde hair, green eyes, and cheeks pink from the cold. The sight of her never failed to make a deep-rooted love bloom in Dean's chest, and today was no different. 

Emma grins, her small hands curled around her backpack straps. "Momma! You're here!" she exclaims, bouncing on the balls of her feet as Dean exits the car, rounding the hood to open the passenger door.

Dean manages a smile, his face sore from the previous night's punches. Henlooks down at his daughter, heart swelling with love and sadness at the same time. "Yep, I'm here. Ready to go, baby?”

Emma nods, her cheeks puffing up as she grins at her mother, either not noticing or just used to the injuries Dean is sporting. "Uh huh! I made you something today!" the little girl exclaims, her voice almost squeaking out in excitement as she unzips her backpack to pull out a paper.

Dean's heart melts as he hears that, a small, genuine smile forming on his face. "Oh yeah? Well, I can't wait to see it," he says, helping his daughter climb into the car and buckling her in. He takes the wrinkled paper from her little hands once back in the driver's seat, shutting the creaky door behind him. "What did you make for me, Em?”

"It's a drawing," Emma replies happily, pointing at the paper. There are stick figures, presumably a picture of their little family. A tall stick figure labeled ‘momma’, a shorter one beside it labeled ‘Emma’, and a third taller one with a big frowny face labeled ‘daddy’. "Do you like it?" she asks, oblivious to the true nature of her father's unhappiness.

Dean's throat tightens at the sight of the picture - it's a reminder of the harsh reality of their home life. He takes a deep breath and smiles tightly, doing his best to hide his pain and sadness from his daughter. "I love it, sweetheart. It's beautiful," he says softly, his voice barely above a whisper. He gingerly folds the picture and sets it on the dashboard. "You're an amazing artist, kiddo.”

Emma smiles, eyes squishing shut as Dean clears his throat, backing out of his parking space in front of the school. The pup however was very intuitive, she always has been. This was something Dean always gloated about to his family. She turns, looking over the shiny plastic mounds in the back seat, and then back through the windshield again, seeing the opening of their little cul-de-sac passing her window.

“Momma, where are we going?” she asks curiously, her head tilted to the side.

Dean swallows hard, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel nervously. "Well, sweetheart, we're going on a little trip," he says, trying to sound cheerful and excited, even though the thought of fleeing his abusive mate filled him with more terror than anything.

"We're gonna go visit your Aunt Ellen on her farm in Nebraska." He’s careful to use the words 'trip' and ‘visit’ instead of 'run away' and 'leave'. He couldn't let Emma know the true extent of their situation, he wants to protect her innocence as long as possible.

"A farm?" Emma echos, her voice tinged with eagerness, unaware of the hidden meaning behind the trip. "Are we gonna see horses and cows and stuff?"

Dean nods, forcing a smile. "Yeah, we are. We'll get to see lots of animals and spend time with family. Doesn't that sound fun?”

Emma is bouncing in her seat, clearly excited. "Can I pet the animals?" 

Dean chuckles softly, wiping a stray tear from his eye at the pup's excitement. It was a small comfort in their current situation. "Of course you can," he replies, his voice cracking slightly as he tries to put on a brave front. "Aunt Ellen has lots of animals on her farm. You'll have a blast, baby girl. Promise.”

Emma squeals in excitement, kicking her feet in her seat. "This is gonna be so much fun, momma!" 

Dean laughs softly, his heart clenching at his daughter's innocence. "Yep, it'll be great, sweetheart." 

He reaches out and rubs her head with one hand, keeping the other hand on the steering wheel.

They drive on in silence for a while, the sound of the radio and the tires on the asphalt the only sounds filling the air. After a few minutes, Emma speaks again. 

"Momma?”

Dean glances at her, his heart pounding in his chest, bracing for what she might ask. "Yeah, baby?”

"Is daddy gonna come with us?" Emma asks innocently, oblivious to the pain this question causes her mother. 

Dean's heart clenches, his throat tightening as he struggles to find an answer. "No, sweetheart. Papa isn't coming with us. This is just gonna be a trip for us, okay?”

"Okay," the pup whispers, sensing the dark ambience of the car's interior. She watches Dean for a long moment - the furrowed brow, the way he chews his lip, and the short gasps of air he takes in every few minutes in an attempt to not burst into tears. "I love you, momma," she adds, patting Dean's arm before looking out the window.

Dean looks over at his daughter, his heart swelling with love and sadness at Emma's words. He swallows hard, trying to compose himself as he responds. "I love you too, Em. More than anything in the world."

Dean turns his attention back to the road, trying to concentrate on the drive ahead. They have a long journey before them, and he needs to keep it together for Emma's sake.

Chapter Text

It’s roughly a six hour drive from Lawrence to Kenesaw, Nebraska - Ellen Harvelle/Singer's hometown, and Dean's home away from home. After his parents divorce, Sam and Dean bounced back and forth between his aunt's farm, and John's camp trailer back in Kansas growing up. That was until Mary went on hospice and passed away, at which point their alpha father took full custody. And he hadn't been back since. Last time he set foot on the farm, the omega had to have been around fifteen. Eleven, long, hellish years. The last time he saw his aunt and uncle was at John's funeral when he was nine months pregnant with Emma. Lee did not allow Dean to talk with family, didn't allow him to have friends, or any social life to speak of. Dean's friends were Lee's buddies - close coworkers to his husband who surely saw Dean as nothing more than a warm, brainless hole. 

So needless to say, as the Impala rolls down the long, bumpy, dirt driveway at almost ten PM, he’s a bit nervous. He has no idea what the older omega woman would say, if she'd welcome him with open arms or meet him at the door with a shotgun, telling him to scram. Hell, if not Ellen to pull a cold welcome ceremony, maybe his uncle Bobby would. He truly has no idea. Dean’s flying on the promise of family and an exhausted prayer, hoping that would be enough. 

While the Impala's headlights illuminate the Harvelle household, the buzzing bug lamp by the porch flickering into the night, Dean's heart thumps wildly in his chest. Driving up that path felt like going back in time, back to a place he never thought he'd return to. The memories associated with this place are bittersweet, tinged with both nostalgia and pain. He takes a deep breath, gathering courage, and parks the car near the porch. His eyes dart to Emma, who’s snoring soundly in the passenger seat, and he gives her a shaky smile. Dean steps out of the car, closing the creaky door as quietly as possible, not wanting to wake the pup just yet. He approaches the front steps, his heart thumping in his chest as he takes in the large windows lit up by warm yellow lights from within. He can’t help but feel like a teenager again as he reaches the front door, his old leather jacket and faded jeans a familiar sight. With trembling fingers, he raises his hand and knocks gently on the door.

A dog barks inside, while crickets and frogs churn in the distance. The omega lets out a shaky breath, hearing footsteps approach the door from inside. The chain jingles inside, the deadbolt unlocks, and then the door is ripped open, a sharp omega looking at him with an expression of annoyance.

“What the hell do you fuckin’ want this damn late- Woah,” The woman's whole body softens, eyes scanning Dean over as her lips part in shock. “Dean?”

Dean lets out a shaky laugh, his legs feeling like they’re about to give out as tears begin to form in his bloodshot eyes. “Hey, auntie,” he whispers, standing huddled with his hands buried in his pockets.

Ellen stands there for a moment longer, looking at her beloved nephew's battered profile, taking in his soured scent - the poor thing was hurting, she could see it plain as day. After years of radio silence, here he stands, trembling in the dark on her front porch, seeking sanctuary. 

And who was she to deny him that? It was her sister's son, and she loves him deeply.

“C’mere, baby. Goodness,” she hums, pulling the other omega down into a tight hug as he breaks down, relief of acceptance pulsing off of him in waves. 

She didn't dare ask what happened, not yet. Not when she spots a snoozing pup through the black car's windshield, the boy's husband nowhere in sight. It was obvious enough to her what had happened without Dean even needing to say a word. Dean collapses into his aunt's embrace, his body shaking with years of pent-up stress and pain. The scent of another omega is a comfort, her warmth enveloping him like a safety net he didn't know how badly he needed. He buries his face in her shoulder, his tears soaking into the fabric of her shirt as he tries to regain his composure.

Ellen rubs his back soothingly, her voice soft, as she whispers, "It's okay, baby. You're safe now. Come inside. Bobby!" She calls her beta husband from over her shoulder before looking back to Dean. "Go in and sit down, I'll go get your girl."

Bobby comes running from the upstairs, a look of confusion and concern on his face. He'd been fast asleep moments earlier when he heard his wife yell for him.

"Ellen, what-?" he starts, before he spots Dean. His expression falters and he approaches the young omega quickly, a look of worry on his face. "Dean, is that you, boy? What the hell you doin-”

He pauses, noticing the state the poor kid was in, and his heart sinks. Dean's battered looks and the air of anguish surrounding him makes Bobby's face harden in anger. But he bites his tongue for now, knowing that his nephew needed comfort, not a lecture. He grabs Dean's arm gently, guiding him to the nearby couch. 

"Sit down, kid. You look like you're 'bout to pass out," Bobby mutters, his voice gruff but his touch tender.

Dean lets himself be steered to the couch, his legs feeling like jelly. He collapses onto the cushions, wincing as his sore body makes contact with the fabric. He runs a trembling hand through his hair, his eyes darting around the familiar living room. Everything looks the same as it did eleven years ago - the floral wallpaper, the framed family photos on the walls, the soft ticking of the nearby grandfather clock. He swallows hard, his throat thick with emotion.

Just as Bobby opens his mouth to speak again, Ellen returns, Emma cradled half-asleep against her chest. 

“Want me to go lay her down?” the woman asks, slowly petting her hand through the little girl's hair. 

“Please,” Dean sighs out, blowing Emma a kiss as she murmurs a barely -understood goodnight to Dean in passing.

Ellen nods, giving Bobby a knowing look before taking Emma into the spare bedroom and shutting the door quietly behind her. Bobby sighs and watches her go before turning back to Dean.

"Boy, you look like hell," he says, his voice gruff but filled with concern. "You gonna tell me what the hell happened to ya?”

"I'm sorry for dropping in so late, and unannounced. I forgot your guy's number, so I couldn't call..." Dean sighs, rubbing his hands over his face slowly.

Bobby waves a hand dismissively. "Don't you worry about that," he says gruffly, with kindness laced in his tone. "But you didn't answer my question. What happened to you, Dean? You look like you've been dragged through a ringer and beaten with a baseball bat.”

Dean laughs a little at that - Lee had hit him with a number of things in the past, a bat among the varying objects. But that wasn't something he needed to admit aloud to anybody.

Ellen returns as silence hangs heavy over the young omega, sitting beside her mate on the couch with a stern expression etched on her features. “It's that bastard alpha of yours, ain't it? Lee?” she asks confidently, without any sort of hesitation.

Dean looks up at his aunt and swallows the lump forming in his throat. He knew he couldn’t hide it from her, and even if he tried, he was positive she’d sniff it out anyway.

“Yeah,” he whispers, his voice hoarse and shaky. He tries to put on a brave front, but the pain is evident in his voice and on his face.

Ellen’s expression hardens further, anger creeping into her scent. “That goddamn-" she starts but pauses when Bobby rests a hand on her shoulder.

Bobby squeezes, silently signaling her to take it easy. He glances over to Dean, observing the state he is in, the injuries that are visible and the ones he is trying to hide. The beta feels his blood boil at the thought of someone laying their hands on his nephew in such a manner, but he keeps a calm demeanor for now.

Ellen takes a deep breath, clearly trying to compose herself, and turns back to Dean. "How long has this been goin’ on, honey?" She asks, her voice strained.

Dean shakes his head, an instinctive hand resting on the small swell of his belly where his unborn child was growing. “It um… I don't know. Early on, before we got married. I should've left then but I was an idiot and stayed. And now we have a kid, and another on the way and-” 

“Baby, slow down,” Ellen hushes Dean, reaching across to rest her hand on his knee. She could see how overwhelmed Dean was becoming, how guilty he felt about it all.

Bobby listens to Dean's words, his heart clenching with anger and sadness. He can't imagine what his nephew has been going through, being trapped in such an abusive relationship. His eyes flick to the slight bump on Dean's belly, his jaw tensing at the implications.

"Another kid on the way?" he asks gruffly, concern lacing his voice.

“Oh my God, you're pregnant,” Ellen says, the realization hitting her hard and fast. 

Dean looks down at his lap, one hand protectively resting on his belly. "Yeah," he mutters, his voice barely audible. 

Ellen's expression softens ever so slightly at the sight, her motherly instincts kicking in. "How far along are you, sweetheart?" 

Dean mumbles, "Somewhere around fifteen weeks now? I don't know, I have it written down somewhere in all our shit.”

Bobby lets out a low huff of air, the worry lines on his face deepening as he looks at Dean. "You mean to tell me he's been hitting you while you were pregnant?" His voice is soft, but the venom behind his words is not missed.

"He shouldn't be hittin' on you at all," Ellen corrects her mate, cheeks red in distress and anger.

Bobby nods in agreement. "Yeah, yeah, you're right. But to hit a pregnant omega… That's a new level of low."

Dean swallows, his eyes tearing up as he looks at his uncle and aunt. He's trying to keep his emotions in check. "I know it is. I know it's messed up, I know I should've left a long time ago but…”

Dean's fingers traced the collar locked around his neck, the chain having felt more and more heavy as the years dragged by. Truth is, Lee owned him, from the hair atop his head, clear down to his toes. He was the alpha's property as were their soon to be two pups. Unless Dean could get a good legal team in his corner; the world frowned heavily upon omegas who stray too far from their alpha's guidance. 

"I'm marked, I'm bonded to him," Dean mutters, his fingers tracing the collar now, his eyes trained on the floor. "I can't divorce the bastard, the courts would never side with me. We would have to share custody of Emma and the baby, and I'm scared of what he'd do to us if I tried."

Bobby snorts, shaking his head. "Boy, you can't stay with him. You know that, right? Ain't no law sayin' you have to put up with that bullshit.”

Dean looks up, his eyes filled with desperation. "I know. I know, okay? But what the hell am I supposed to do? It's not just me, it's Emma too. She loves her father, and… And I can't-"

Ellen cuts him off, her voice softer than before. "Sweetheart, you don't have to worry about any of that now. You're here now, you're safe. You can figure everything out in the morning when your head's clear, okay?”

Dean nods, his exhaustion finally catching up with him. "Okay," he whispers, his voice barely audible.

Bobby stands up from the couch, running a hand through his hair. "Ellen's right, kid. You need some rest. We can figure all this out later, but for now, why don't you get some sleep? You look ready to fall over."

Ellen reaches over to place a comforting hand on Dean's shoulder. "Come on, baby.”

Dean nods, his body sagging with exhaustion. "Okay..." he hums, letting Ellen stand him up from the couch. He's a little dizzy and shaky on his feet, probably from all the stress he's endured over the last twenty-four hours. Ellen wraps an arm around his waist to help lead him.

She guides Dean towards the spare bedroom where little Emma was sleeping peacefully, her soft breaths filling the air. The door is slightly ajar, and Ellen peeks in, making sure the pup was okay.

"She's fast asleep," she whispers with a small smile, before turning back to her nephew.

Dean nods, relief flooding his features at the sight of his little girl sound asleep. "Yeah, she was exhausted," he responds, his eyes roaming over the familiar room, taking in the same comforts and familiarities from the time he and Sam had spent in the bedroom as pups. The bedroom was cozy and familiar to Dean, adorned with the same wallpaper and photos that had hung for years, unchanged and inviting. Ellen pats his side softly.

"Come on, sweetheart. Let's get you to bed too," the woman says gently, guiding him towards the bed.

Dean sits on the edge, feeling like a weary little pup again, needing his auntie to tuck him in. He rubs a hand over his face tiredly, his exhaustion finally crashing over him as he lays back. Ellen stands bedside for a few moments, making sure Dean was all situated and comfortable before leaning in, and pressing a kiss to his forehead. She offers a small wave from the doorway, Dean mouthing a silent “Thank you,” as she smiles warmly, tugging the door shut with a soft click behind her.

Dean's body melts into bed, feeling the familiar softness of the mattress beneath him. A sense of comfort washes over him and his eyes flutter shut as he relaxes into the pillow. Suddenly he feels a small, warm pressure against his side. Opening his eyes he sees that Emma's little body has instinctively snuggled up next to him. The five year old pup is fast asleep, her head tucked under his shoulder with the covers wrapped around the both of them. He lets out a tired sigh, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He wraps an arm around her, pulling her closer, and gently kisses her forehead. The warm presence of his little girl helps to soothe his weary heart and mind, and he feels himself begin to relax, exhaustion finally taking over.

It's been a long time since Dean has slept so soundly.

The sun pours into the window, warm and gentle, waking up the omega with the first rays of the new day. He slowly opens his eyes, wincing at the soreness of his body, and yawns wide as he begins to wake up. His body arches into a deep stretch, fingers grazing the quilted headboard as his legs pull up, folded tight against his body. And then he relaxes, letting out a slow exhale as his body decompresses. The room is quiet and peaceful, the only sounds coming from the birds chirping outside the window. Dean feels a sense of calmness, a feeling he hasn't been able to experience in a long time.

The sound of voices talking in another room drifts in through the doorway, and the smell of bacon sizzling begins to permeate the air, stirring up his stomach. Dean blearily opens his eyes as he lays in bed, rolling onto his side, suddenly aware of the cold, empty space next to him.

Emma.

He sits up fast, his head spinning when he realizes that the pup was no longer snuggled up against his side. But then he hears her laugh drifting from another room and relaxes a little, realizing she must be in the kitchen with Ellen and Bobby.

He rubs a hand over his face, still feeling sore and tired from the events of the previous few days. The omega pushes himself up slowly, wincing at the various aches and pains in his body. With a sigh, he swings his legs over the side of the bed and pushes himself up, his joints creaking a little with the motion. As Dean stands, he feels a wave of nausea wash over him, his stomach churning uncomfortably. He lets out a soft groan, his hand instinctively going to his belly as the nausea intensifies.

"Ugh..." he mutters, gritting his teeth as he tries to fight back the feeling of wanting to throw up.

He stands frozen in place for a moment, taking slow, deep breaths until the nausea passes. Once it eases up a bit, he takes a few tentative steps out of the bedroom, making his way down the hallway towards the kitchen. As he walks towards the kitchen, he hears the sound of Emma's giggles getting louder, her high pitched voice mingling with the voices of his aunt and uncle. He stops in the opening to the kitchen, leaning on the doorframe for support as his nausea returns, this time stronger than before. He swallows hard, trying to ignore the feeling of bile rising in his throat.

“Momma!” Emma squeals, running up to Dean and wrapping her arms around his thighs, a fat black lab close on her heels. “You was sleeping forever!”

Dean huffs through his nose, the corner of his mouth quirked up into a half smile as he pets through his pup's hair. “Oh yeah? I'm sorry, baby. Was just tired.”

Bobby is rinsing his dishes in the sink, already dressed and ready to head to his auto shop while Ellen works at the stove, fixing up a plate for Dean, and a second serving for Emma. 

“You guys better take care today. And behave,” Bobby gruffs out, offering the giggly pup a wink before kissing his wife in passing on his way out the door.

Dean eyes the small dining table, the distance between it and him seeming impossible as his stomach continues to churn uncomfortably while Emma tugs on his hand, trying to get his attention. Ellen glances back at him over her shoulder, before bringing a plate to the table. 

“Emma, honey. Come sit down - and no more sneaking Trigger any table scraps! That damn dog is so fat, he certainly doesn't need ‘em,” She scolds playfully, waiting for the girl to hop up in her chair before pushing it in and closer to the table.

The older omega turns her attention back to Dean. “And you, baby. You look real pale. You feelin’ okay?”

She offers Dean her arm, walking him to the table.

“Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine. It's the baby…” he sighs, sitting down gingerly with a sigh of relief once seated. “It's gotten a lot better though, the last couple weeks.”

Ellen nods understandingly, a look of concern etched into her expression as she listens to Dean's words. She places a plate of food in front of him, the smell of bacon and eggs wafting up. Dean's stomach groans.

"It'll get better as the pregnancy progresses. Mine was pretty bad when I was carrying Jo for the first trimester. But it completely went away," she reassures him, patting his shoulder gently. "You eat up, okay? You're looking a lil’ skinny to me. The both'a you, and that just ain't gonna fly in this house.”

Dean's heart warms at his aunt's motherly concern, and he manages a weary smile up at her before picking up a fork. The nausea was still churning in his stomach, but he didn't want to seem ungrateful.

"Thank you," he mutters, taking a small bite of the food. He knows he needs to eat something, even if his stomach disagrees. 

As they eat together, the nausea gradually begins to fade away while Dean takes in the warm, familiar atmosphere and the comforting presence of his aunt and little girl. Despite feeling better, he doesn't say much, mostly listening to Emma's lively chatter while Ellen responds. The pup seems to be in a particularly talkative mood, her little mouth moving a mile a minute as she talks about her school and her friends. Dean can't help but smile as he listens to his daughter chatter away, a sense of contentment settling over him. Despite the circumstances that led him to his aunt and uncle's doorstep, he was glad to be here - safe, comfortable, and away from Lee. 

Emma excitedly retells a story about a boy who got in trouble during class, and Ellen listens with her full attention, laughing at some points and nodding in feigned concern at others. But the entire time she was keeping a close watch on the younger omega sitting across from her. Dean looks exhausted, dark bags under his eyes and the pale skin of his face only highlight the deep colors of the bruise on his cheek, and the split of his bottom lip. She wants to ask questions, she wants to know what has happened, but she also knows that now isn't the right time.

As they finish up breakfast, Ellen lets out a sigh, looking at the clock on the wall. She knows if they plan on doing anything today, the sooner they get started the better. She looks at Dean briefly, before turning her attention to the little girl sitting in front of her.

"Alright, you little munchkin," she says, playfully ruffling Emma's hair, "It's time for some farm chores.”

Emma's eyes light up at the mention of farm chores. "Yay!" she exclaims, jumping out of her chair. "I'm gonna go get my boots on!" She dashes out of the room, Trigger in tow, leaving Dean and Ellen alone.

Dean cocks a brow, looking back to Ellen with his chin rested in his hand. “Boots?” he asks. “When did Emma get boots?”

Ellen smiles with a soft laugh, turning off the sink to allow their dishes to soak. “Yeah, your uncle gave her Sam's boots. Practically brand new… Just had some dust on ‘em.”

“You still have our farm boots?” he asks, smiling in disbelief.

Ellen chuckles softly, wiping her wet hands on her apron. "Sure do! Can't seem to bring myself to get rid of 'em."

Dean's heart aches a little, the realization of their old boots being held onto after all these years must have meant that Ellen and Bobby had hoped he and Sam would return. He feels a pang of nostalgia for those days, long ago, spent running around on this farm, helping out here and there. 

"She'll be happy, though," he sighs, running a hand over his face. "She's never been on a farm before, never had a pet. Lee hates animals.”

Ellen's expression softens, her heart aching for the young omega. She never could stand Lee, not from the very beginning. "I remember how much you and Sam loved it here on the farm," she says.

Dean nods, a small smile tugging at his lips at the memory. "Yeah, those were happier times." 

Emma bounds into the kitchen then, the sound of her boots thumping against the hardwood floor of the entrance hallway. She skips up to the table, hopping up onto her chair. "I'm ready!" she declares enthusiastically, lifting up her little feet in their old farm boots to show Dean.

"Oh, look at you," Dean says, admiring his daughter and the little boots she was so proud of. "Lookin’ like a true rancher."

It made his heart swell to see his daughter so thrilled about the things he had loved when he was younger. Emma grins wide, and looks up at Ellen expectantly.

The woman chuckles, rubbing her hand down the little girl's back. "I think we can go feed some chickens now, what do you think?”

“Yes!” she yips in response, skipping towards the door as Dean and Ellen follow in tow.

Once bundled up in hoodies and Carharts, the trio make their way to the barn, the sound of chickens clucking and the smell of the dusty building greeting them. Dean has to hold back a chuckle of disbelief as they step inside - it had been years since he'd breathed in that familiar smell of fresh hay and manure. It was like home. They soon set to work, feeding the poultry and collecting the eggs, milking the two dairy cows, tossing flakes of hay to the beef cattle, and giving the goats and sheep an assortment of feed. Emma helps out diligently, doing her best to imitate all the things she'd seen on TV. Ellen watches over the pair with a small smile, reminiscing about long ago when Dean and his brother would do the same, though Dean is much more timid and quiet than he was back then, in comparison to Emma's wild excitement. 

The last stop of their tour was the horse stable, where they had a few dozen horses and a couple donkeys to feed. When the little girl sees the long line of stall doors, her eyes light up.

"Woah..." Emma mutters, admiring the large beasts before her.

One of the horses, a black and white pinto, sticks his head out of his stall, eyeing Emma curiously. Emma reaches her hand up gently, giggling softly in excitement when the young gelding lowers his head, hot breath coming out in puffs against her palm as he gathers her scent. 

"He likes you, Emma." Dean says with a smile, resting a hand on the girl's shoulder. A moment later, Dean is picking the pup up onto his hip, allowing his daughter better access to the horse from over the stall door.

Ellen takes out a few treats from the tack bin, and hands them to the little girl, watching with a smile as the young pup begins to feed the pinto. The gelding snorts gently, taking each treat from Emma's hand with his velvety soft lips, munching contentedly. Emma giggles and pats the horse's neck, his coarse hair a delightfully new experience under her small hand. 

"He's so pretty," she tells Dean with excitement.

"Yeah, he is," Dean agrees with a nod, reaching one hand up to pet the horse's muzzle. "Horses are awesome." 

The gelding nuzzles Dean's hand, searching for more treats. "Uh uh, buddy. All out.”

The gelding snorts with a small, sassy flick of his head, the force of air blowing Emma's hair back as she erupts with laughter. Then, he turns on his heavy hooves, trotting out into his sandy run that is attached to the back of his stall, doing a couple laps as he knickers at other animals that he spots outside. Ellen smiles as she watches the gelding prance, his hooves kicking up puffs of brown dirt. 

“They’re beautiful creatures,” she comments, leaning against the stall door with a soft sigh.

"Yeah," Dean agrees, shifting Emma to a more comfortable position in his arms. 

"I remember when you boys got your first ponies," The woman adds as she stuffs alfalfa into a hay net, a small smile on her face. "You were both so excited.”

"You had a pony, momma?" Emma asks in almost a whine, but also mixed with curious excitement.

"Yep," Dean replies with a small huff. "Me and your uncle got our first ponies when we were your age."

“A little black crossbred pony," Ellen adds with a smile on her face. "Your momma named him Midnight, and your uncle Sam named his Lucky.”

Emma's eyes go wide. "That's so cool!" she exclaims, her own imagination already running wild. "Can I get a pony one day?”

"Maybe one day, baby girl," Dean hums, kissing her temple before setting her back on the ground. 

Ellen takes Emma's hand, leading her further down the stable to the stalls. "Alright, let's go and see if the horses need new bedding," she tells the little girl, who nods enthusiastically.

Dean watches as the two head off down the aisle of stalls, a fond smile on his face. He leans against the closed door of the black and white pinto's pen and lets out a sigh as he watches the horse dance back and forth. As Dean stands there, watching the gelding run, he can't help but admire its wild and carefree nature; something he desperately needs in his own life. He'd do anything for that sort of freedom, but it was something that felt so far out of reach. He lets out a heavy sigh, his fingers curling into his palms from where he's leaned against the wood of the stall. Dean finds himself envying the animal, fingers absently tracing the collar that weighs heavy on his neck.

Dean's thoughts drift to Lee as he stares out at the horse. That man's control over him was so tight it was suffocating. He felt like he was drowning, and he'd do almost anything to break free.

He wishes he could feel that same happiness as the horse, that sense of untamed joy and carefree nature. But today was not that day.

Chapter Text

The following weeks allow everyone in the Singer household to fall into a comfortable routine. Rise at five-thirty AM, eat breakfast, take care of the animals, and be home by lunch. Process the milk and eggs, shower, and then relax until Bobby got home from work around dinner time. Then after dinner, it's night-time farm chores, optional second showers, and then bed. Dean is glad to be back on a routine, something he hadn't had in a long time. Not to mention a much healthier routine than the life he'd had before. The days are filled with simple, mundane tasks, but that's what makes it so enjoyable. And he loves watching his daughter flourish in this sort of environment. She was like any other kid her age, running around the property and helping with chores. And he was able to help too, with his still somewhat decent condition. Sure he was sore most days, and fatigue is more prominent now than it previously was, but his body was adapting.

Despite the comfortable routine, there's still a sense of unease in the air as the week passes. Dean knows it’s just a matter of time before his husband returns home in Kansas to find Dean and Emma gone. It makes the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end just thinking about it. He tries to focus on the simple things, the simple routine, but that constant threat of being interrupted, that fear that this sense of calm could be taken away any second, keeps him on edge. He can't shake the thought that the other shoe is going to drop, and it's eating at him. But he tries to stay strong for Emma, and for everyone else. He smiles and makes lighthearted cracks with Bobby about the cattle, and jokes with Ellen when they're chopping up vegetables after dinner.

When Emma's tucked into bed, he sits alone on the back porch, his elbows on his knees, and just breathes. The air is even colder in the evening, and crickets are loud and alive in the night. The moon is high and bright, and the sky is starry and crystal clear. It's a beautiful night, and he feels some of the tension in his shoulders drain away. He takes a deep, shaky breath, his mind wandering. 

Bobby and Ellen are working with their lawyer, trying to find ways to keep Lee at bay in the event that he suddenly were to appear. It was all so much, so hard for him to understand. He knows they're doing their best to help the situation but he feels like he's adding to the stress and the mess he's already made. The guilt eats at him, the fact that all of this trouble just follows him like a cloud wherever he goes. Bobby and Ellen reassure him that's not the case, and they love having them at the farm - but he feels a sort of responsibility, like it is all his fault. Because it is, to a degree. If he had just… left Lee. Left that bastard a long time ago, he wouldn't be in this mess. He wouldn't have two pups coming into the world having the first years of their lives being a damn train wreck. Dean scrubs his palms over his face, groaning softly. He hates the thought of his kids growing up in a broken home like he did. He wants nothing more for them to grow up in a happy, comfortable environment, one without violence and manipulation, with parents who aren't always in turmoil. He wants his children to have love and freedom, and to just live a damn happy life.

The sound of the screen door creaking open breaks him from his thoughts. He looks over his shoulder to see his uncle standing in the doorway.

“Couldn’t sleep either, huh?” he asks, coming out to stand next to Dean.

Dean shakes his head, his lips curved down in a slight frown. "No," he says quietly. "Too much on my mind.”

Bobby grunts in agreement, his eyes flickering over nephew, taking in his tired appearance highlighted by the dim porch light. 

"It's gonna get better. You know that, right?" he asks, his voice gentle.

"No," Dean admits through a half laugh, his scabbed lip splitting back open. He winces a bit, his tongue running over the wound. "I'm just waiting for shit to hit the fan, Bobby. I know it's coming. He won't let us go.”

Bobby's expression darkens, his hand balling into a fist. He knows Dean is right, and the very thought of Lee returning makes his blood boil. 

"He's not gonna get to you, your baby, or that little girl," he says firmly, his voice hard. "We'll figure somethin' out, you hear me? You're safe here. We ain't gonna let him lay a hand on you ever again.”

Dean nods, his throat suddenly tight with emotion. He knows his uncle means it, and the thought fills his heart with a sense of security. But he also knows how powerful Lee is, and how relentless he can be. 

"I'm just scared, Bobby," he admits quietly, his fingers balling against his knees. "I don't know how this is all going to end.”

Bobby can hear the fear in Dean's voice, and he reaches out to rest a hand on his nephew's shoulder. "We'll figure it out, boy. We'll keep you safe, you and those pups. You're family, and family sticks together. No matter what," He squeezes his shoulder, trying to reassure Dean with just his presence.

Dean nods again, the stiffness in his body seems to relax a bit. "I know," he murmurs, his eyes fixed on the dark horizon. The silence between them is broken only by the soft hoots of an owl somewhere in the distance.

Saturday's were for the farmer's market in town. The Singer Farm’s turquoise 55’ chevy pickup would roll in, the bed loaded with crates of milk, eggs, produce, and sometimes wool to sell at one of the various farm stands lining the block. The main square of the small town is crowded and bustling with people, the smell of fresh produce and sweet baked goods filling the air. Emma's eyes are wide with excitement, her gaze darting in every direction. The pup is thrilled, seeing stands selling pumpkins signaling the approach of the Halloween holiday. Dean’s admittedly nervous, struggling to keep an eye on the girl between manning the cash box and her running off. Ellen had assured him that she would be fine, everyone was keeping an eye on her. But the omega instinct he feels to protect his young makes not worrying a fairly daunting task. He’s hyper-aware of his surroundings, his eyes constantly scanning the crowds, his nerves on edge.

As the day trickles on, with every sale they made, Dean feels himself relaxing a bit more. The steady flow of customers, some familiar faces of regulars he recognized from childhood stopping by to chat and purchase - it feels like a normal weekend activity. And having his uncle take Emma off his hands helps immensely, seeing the old grumpy man walk through the market with her small hand clutched in his, smiling at something the little girl was saying, is endearing. Slowly, he can't help but let his mind let go of some of its tension, his shoulders losing some of their perpetual hunch.

"I see you've got quite the assortment today," a man in a plaid flannel and faded jeans approaches the stand, a friendly smile on his face. He leans in to take a closer look at a basket of eggs.

Dean jumps, turning from closing the cash box to see an alpha man looking to be in his thirties standing along the left side of their farm stand. He’s semi-muscular; not too much, just enough, with wavy brown hair that was so dark it could be mistaken for black in the right lighting. And his eyes are a cold blue, sharp and piercing in a way that had the omega's heart hammering in his chest. The alpha takes in Dean's appearance as he steps closer, his eyes roaming over the omega's form, absorbing every detail. From the goosebumps lining his arms to the fading bruises on his face. There’s something in the alpha's gaze that makes the hairs on the back of Dean's neck stand up, his instincts kicking in. He straightens his back, standing a little taller as the man looks him over.

"Yeah, um…” the omega swallows. “We've got a lot of… things..." Dean's voice wavers slightly as he tries to keep his composure, the stranger's gaze still lingering on him. He motions to a few of the crates, trying to keep his voice from trembling.

“Castiel! How are you, honey?” Ellen suddenly interjects, returning with another crate from the truck. She sets it down, coming around the stand to give the mysterious man a hug. 

The alpha, Castiel, turns his attention away from Dean for a moment to hug Ellen in return, his expression softening. "I'm well, thank you Ellen," he replies, his voice a deep baritone. 

Ellen turns to look at Dean, sensing his unease and offers him a comforting smile. "Castiel here is our neighbor - just five minutes up the road. He runs the honey stand on your way outta the market," she explains before turning her attention back to Castiel. "You here to buy anything, hon? Or just to chat?”

"A bit of both, actually," Castiel responds, his gaze flicking back to Dean for a brief moment. "I see you've got some new help today?" he asks the woman, though it's really more of an observation.

"Oh yes, that's my nephew, Dean," Ellen says, looking back at her nephew fondly. "And his adorable little girl Emma is here too, just wandering around with Bobby.”

"Ah, little Emma," Castiel nods, recalling the brief interaction he had with the pup about an hour ago. "Quite the energetic thing, isn't she? She came and had to um... Try every honey stick sample I had," he says with a laugh, holding Dean's gaze with a sort of warmth that makes the omega's stomach flutter.

Ellen chuckles, patting Castiel on the arm softly. "Yes, she's still in that ‘everything is new and awesome’ phase. But she's a good girl," she looks back over at Dean, noticing the way Dean's staring and the slight flush of red on his cheeks. She clears her throat, raising a brow at her nephew. "Dean, honey?" she prompts him. He's still staring, looking dazed and nervous.

Dean blinks, the sound of his name jolting him out of his thoughts. He feels heat rising to his cheeks, embarrassed at having been caught staring at the alpha. "Yeah?" he mutters, tearing his gaze away from Castiel's intense eyes to look at Ellen.

Dean can feel Castiel's eyes on him still, and it makes his skin tingle. He clears his throat, fiddling with the cash box as he avoids looking up. 

Ellen smirks, seeing the way her nephew was behaving. "Why don't you take a little lunch break, honey. I can hold the fort down here for a bit,” she glances at Castiel with a knowing, mischievous smirk. “Cas, you should take Dean over and show him Gabe's little diner. Bobby and I haven't had a chance yet.”

Dean's eyes widen and he's quick to shake his head. “Oh, no. I um- Ellen, I wouldn't wanna be a both-”

“I'd love to,” Castiel says eagerly, glancing between the two omegas before his eyes land on Dean in an almost apologetic manner. “If you want to, Dean. Of course.”

Dean opens his mouth to reply, cheeks burning red. But Ellen answers for him. “He would love to,” she says, giving Dean a comforting squeeze on the shoulder before shooing him out of the stand, right over to the intriguing alpha.

Castiel can't help but notice the way that Dean looks flustered and a little embarrassed. He finds it adorable, the way that the omega blushes a vivid red. 

"Guess you're coming with me, then," he teases, offering his arm to the omega.

Dean hesitates for a moment, looking back over at his aunt who gives him an encouraging wink, before slowly taking the alpha's arm. The feel of his warm body sends a shiver down his spine, the rough texture of the man's flannel making his hand tingle.

“Guess so,” he murmurs, offering a forced smile before turning his gaze back to the ground as they start walking.

Castiel's eyes flicker over to the omega as they walk, silently taking in his appearance as they make their way towards the diner. There’s something about the way that the young man carries himself, the way he avoids eye contact, the almost skittish way he responds to him that makes Castiel's alpha instincts go haywire. They walk in silence for a moment, the sound of the busy market behind them. 

"So you're Ellen's nephew?" he asks after a while, his deep voice breaking the silence.

Dean's eyes flick up to meet Castiel's, his tongue subtly darting out to wet his lips. “Uh, yeah. Her and my mom are siblings. I visited and helped out on the farm a lot growing up,” he explains, the farmer's market fading away behind them.

Castiel listens patiently as the omega speaks, his gaze fixed on him, taking in every word and inflection. "And you're staying here now?" he questions, leading them down the sidewalk and towards the diner.

“Visiting,” the omega responds curtly, glancing both ways before they descend the crosswalk.

Castiel raises an eyebrow at the omega's curt response, though he doesn't press the matter. He could sense there’s more to the story, but he respects the man's privacy. "How long are you planning on staying?" he inquires, keeping his gaze straight ahead as they approach the diner.

Dean looks over the fifties style diner, the large, neon sign flickering slightly with the name ‘Mystery Spot.’ 

“You ask a lot of questions,” he remarks, tossing the older man a shy, but teasing grin.

Castiel chuckles softly, unable to resist a smile at the omega's comment. He likes the way Dean's lip quirks up, the sparkle in his eyes - the subtle hint of personality he’s finally seeing. "Just making conversation," he replies with a shrug, grabbing the door of the diner and holding it open for the omega.

The inside of the restaurant is all teal, salmon, and chrome in color, with black and white checkered flooring and red leather seating booths. Various retro pop-culture signs litter the walls, and a continuous shelf of similarly themed vintage toys and knick knacks border the walls, just below the ceiling. It’s like stepping back in time, all the employees are dressed to match the theme, and music matching the time period plays softly over the general chatter, adding to the ambience. The diner is like a blast from the past, the decor and atmosphere transporting them to another era. 

Castiel leads them to a booth towards the back, gesturing for the omega to sit across from him. He glances around the room, taking in the sights and sounds of the diner before turning his gaze back to the omega. 

"Nice place, isn't it?" he asks, taking off his flannel shirt and draping it across the back of the booth.

Dean lets out a small laugh, his eyes slowly panning the room in awe. “Yeah, it's pretty sweet.” 

“My brother owns and runs it. It's been open for almost ten years now,” Castiel explains, leaning into his elbows on the table top.

Castiel can't help but take in the omega's expression yet again, the way his green eyes flutter across the room, the way his lips curl slightly at the corners, amused by the surroundings. The omega is beautiful, his features so soft and delicate. It makes Castiel's alpha instincts hungry, almost possessive in a way that is all new to him. But the collar around Dean's neck reminds him to behave, to reign those primal urges back. 

Dean's green eyes flicker to the alpha's hands, noticing the way they’re now fidgeting, his fingers tapping softly on the table in a nervous manner. He can't help but notice the way the alpha's eyes are on him, studying him in an almost predatory manner. It makes his heart pound in his chest, his instincts telling him to run - alphas couldn't be trusted, they were all the same. 

But he doesn't. Instead, he swallows hard and meets the alpha's gaze. 

"That's impressive," he finally replies, breaking the silence between them.

Castiel smiles, feeling a sense of pride at the omega's compliments. "Yeah, my brother, Gabriel. He's always had a thing for retro stuff. And the diner is a passion of his. He wanted to create a place that was a blast from the past, and I'd say he did a pretty damn good job of it.”

As soon as the words leave Castiel's mouth, a boisterous voice interrupts their conversation. "Damn right, I did a good job!" A short, chipper omega appears at their booth, his wide grin spreading across his face like the Cheshire cat.

Gabe is the absolute opposite of his brother. His eyes twinkling, his face open and playful. Even his scent is different, something that smelled of honey and sweetness, almost like candy. He’s dressed like every other employee, in the diner's required attire. His hair is slicked back with some stiff product, a loose curl bouncing off-center on his forehead. It somehow suited the vibrant, hyperactive man.

"And look what we got here!" he exclaims, his gaze settling on Dean. "New to town, huh? I'm Gabe. The owner and chef, by the way," he adds on, sticking his hand out for Dean to shake.

As Dean is assaulted by Gabriel's excitement, Castiel takes the two menus from his brother's hand, the younger omega sibling not even noticing. 

"This is Dean, he's Bobby and Ellen's nephew," Castiel explains, already flipping through his menu casually.

Gabe's eyebrows raise in surprise at the mention of their names. "Oh! Really? Ellen and Bobby are good people, real good. It's nice to meet ya, Dean! Nice to have another Singer in town!" he says, his gaze flicking over to his brother, when the gruff alpha clears his throat. 

"We were just about to order. Any new specials today?" Castiel inquires, bringing the two men's attention back to food.

"Yes! Yes, a new special!" Gabe exclaims in an over-dramatic tone, striking a dramatic pose before continuing. "Today's speciality is a grilled cheese and roasted tomato sandwich, served with homemade potato chips and a pickle spear. Also, we have our homemade ice teas today, my personal favorite!" he adds, winking and shooting finger guns at his brother.

Dean actually giggles now, his hand coming up to cover his mouth. Gabriel's antics serve as comedic relief for his tense nerves, allowing him a moment to breathe. It catches Castiel's attention, a warm smile pulling at his lips. But he doesn't address it so as not to embarrass the omega. Gabe grins, taking note of Dean’s laugh as well. He glances over at his brother, knowing full well the effect the sound had on the alpha, before turning his attention back to Dean. 

"So, that all sound good to you two? Or something else?" he quips, a smirk on his face as he readies himself with a notepad.

"Yeah, that sounds great to me. Dean?" Castiel asks, closing his menu and placing it back on the side of their booth. 

Dean glances over the menu one last time, then back up at the two men. "Yeah, that sounds good to me too," he says, handing his menu to Gabe. "Please, and thank you," he adds.

A huge smile stretches across Gabe's face as he takes the menu from the omega. "Alright! Coming right up!" he exclaims, before bounding off to place the order. 

"He likes you," the alpha observes, leaning back in his seat. A hand rubs at his chin, and his smile is a bit more gentle. "My brother doesn't greet just anyone like that.”

Dean snorts with a toothy smirk, leaning into the table. “I'm glad? I think?” he teases, the both of them pausing to thank a waitress who briefly stops by to drop off their teas.

Castiel smiles at the omega's snark, taking a sip of his tea before continuing the conversation. "He's quite the character. And trust me, he gets even more annoying the more you get to know him.”

There’s a bit of teasing in the alpha's tone, though there’s also a hint of fondness as well. It’s obvious that Castiel cares deeply for his brother, even though he’s feigning annoyance.

“I thought he was fun,” Dean admits, his lips wrapping around the tip of his straw to take a pull of his drink. “Wow, that's nice,” he adds, turning the drink in his hand to look it over.

Castiel watches the omega take a drink, the way his lips wrap around the straw, and he has to resist the urge to let out a low growl deep in his chest. The omega's features are so soft and delicate, his freckles standing out against his sun-kissed,  golden skin, despite the slight discoloration from fading bruises. He’s mesmerizing. Castiel's gaze is like a magnet, drawn to the way the omega's throat bobs with each swallow. Every movement, every sound, every gesture Dean makes is captivating to the alpha. His scent is driving him crazy, a mix of sweet honey and cinnamon, and all he wants to do is bury his face in the omega's neck and breathe him in. But he manages to keep control of himself, staying in his seat and keeping his hands to himself. 

He takes another sip of his tea, his eyes slowly roaming back up the omega's face. "Yeah, he's a great guy," he responds to the omega's comment before taking a deep breath. 

Dean watches the way the alpha's eyes linger on him, the intense gaze making him shiver slightly, his heartbeat increasing its pace. The alpha is attractive, with his messy dark hair, his thick shoulders, wide chest, and stubble-lined jaw. And he smells incredible. Leather, pine, honey and something else, something that he can't quite pin down. He finds himself wanting to lean in a little closer to the alpha, to get a better whiff, and he has to physically resist the urge.

Dean reaches for his drink again, shifting in his seat. “So um… How long have you lived in Kenesaw?” he asks shyly, trying to break the awkward tension in the air.

Castiel takes a moment to respond, still looking the omega over, before finally dragging his gaze away to look around the restaurant. "Oh, since I was a kid," he responds, a slight smile on his face. "My parents moved here to raise us.”

"It's crazy, I never saw you growing up. When I was down here visiting with my mom, I mean," The omega leans his chin into his hands, arms propped upon the table at his elbows.

Castiel shrugs. "When you're little, people tend to just blur together," he replies, his gaze flickering up to the omega's face, taking in the way his green eyes were focused intently on him.

“I'd have remembered you,” Dean states bluntly, his eyes unwavering. 

The alpha is a bit taken aback by the boldness of the omega's response, and he feels the hint of suggestion behind the phrase. "Oh, would you now?" he inquired, his eyebrow raised slightly, a small smirk curling at his lips.

Dean's face and neck heat up, and his collar feels as if it's choking him out. His gaze flickers down to his hands, clearing his throat in a flustered manner. “Y-yeah. You just stand out, that's all.”

Castiel enjoys seeing the omega's flustered reaction to his teasing, his alpha ego and instincts preening at the compliment. "Stand out, huh?" he questions, leaning in closer to the table. He can see the way his eyelashes bat down to shield his green eyes, sweeping across the subtle pink tinge that dusts the omega's cheeks. 

A small pang of guilt twists in the omega's gut. It’s wrong, being here and talking to an alpha. Especially one who’s sending flirty signals, as a mated omega. Despite the fact that his marriage to Lee is far from happy, he is married, and it’s hard to fight the programming wired in him as an omega to be a loyal mate. 

"You alright?" Castiel's voice breaks through his thoughts, his attention snapping back to the alpha, who has a concerned look on his face. "You kinda just went blank for a minute there," he adds, tilting his head in curiosity.

At the same time, their food is being dropped off by two waitresses, the alpha and omega pair thanking the girls before they disappear off into the diner. Dean waves a hand dismissively, pushing himself to offer a friendly smile. 

“Yeah, just lost in thought. I'm sorry,” he admits, fidgeting with the chain of his alpha's collar.

Castiel's eyes darted to the motion, a sense of understanding washing through him. The last thing he wants to do is make Dean uncomfortable, but he also wants to make sure the omega knows that he’s seen, heard, and most importantly, safe. The alpha's gaze lingers on the collar around the omega's neck, his eyes narrowing slightly. It was a nice collar, intricate and well-made. Nothing like the heavy, restrictive collars used centuries ago. But he knows, from experience, that even these newer, more modern collars still hold a lot of weight. And he can sense some unease from Dean, can sense he’s fighting against years of conditioning. He feels a sudden protective urge wash over him, a desire to wrap the omega up and keep him safe. He wants to give the omega freedom, show him that he’s worth more than being some man's possession. But he knows that he has to tread cautiously. Even if there is some attraction and interest bubbling between them, Dean's safety is still his top priority. He doesn't want to do anything to make the situation worse.

Castiel's gaze softens as he leans back in his seat, his fingers drumming lightly against the tabletop. "You don't have to apologize," he comforts, his voice low and soft. "You're safe here, you know that right?" He desperately wants to reach out and touch the omega's hand, to give him the physical reassurance he’s longing to give. But he knows he needs to hold back.

Dean chews his food as Castiel speaks, eyebrows raising at his question. He finishes off the bite before speaking. “What do you mean?” he asks, head tilting to the side, his green eyes staring back at the alpha cautiously.

Castiel chews the inside of his cheek, holding the other man's gaze for a long moment before looking down, his fingers squeezing around his napkin. There’s no easy way to put it, so the man decides to just say it. “It just… It doesn't take a lot of thinking to figure out why a bruised up, collared omega is suddenly visiting family… With no mate in sight.”

Dean stiffens at Castiel's words, his heart rate increasing. He’s surprised by the alpha's bluntness, but also slightly relieved. It’s almost as if the man could see right through him, could see the years of abuse and struggle… That he doesn't have to explain. But there’s also a part of him that’s nervous, worried that the alpha would judge him for staying with his mate, despite the bruises and abuse.

“And you don't gotta tell me about anything, Dean,” Cas continues, his blue gaze pulling back up to Dean's stunned face. “I just, um… I just need you to know that you're safe. With me. In this diner. Here in this town,” he pauses briefly, gesturing around the restaurant. “Word travels fast here in Kenesaw, we're a tight-knit community and… We will protect you. You don't gotta be afraid of him anymore, especially with me around.”

Without thinking too much into it, Castiel reaches across the table, giving the omega's free hand a comforting squeeze. Dean's heart flutters at the touch, the man's words sinking deep into his chest. His green eyes flicker down, gaze focusing on their hands for a moment. He can feel the strength of the alpha in that touch. It makes his omega instincts purr with a sense of peace and safety that he hadn't felt in years.

Dean takes a deep breath, exhaling it shakily with a quiet, nervous laugh. He nods slightly, eyes a touch glassy as he looks at Castiel finally. “Okay. Thank you.”

Castiel squeezes Dean's hand again before pulling it back to his side of the table, murmuring a soft “Of course,” followed by a heavy moment of silence. “Now… let's enjoy our specials, because Gabriel will attack before we leave asking what we thought about them,” he says in a light hearted tone, smiling when Dean perks back up, an amused giggle slipping past plush lips.

“Yeah, yeah. Okay,” he responds, the both of them moving to eat their meals.

Chapter Text

A little over six weeks pass, it's mid October and there are still no signs of Lee. One might think that this is a relief to Dean, but in all reality, the longer this silence continues the more scared he is; the sicker he feels. Dean felt safer being in contact with Lee, knowing his mood, his headspace… But the unknown was a frightening beast that haunted his thoughts day and night. Every sound made him flinch, every brunette mullet paired with a broad set of shoulders had him doing a double take, only to find himself reacting to a complete stranger. It was exhausting, being so on edge constantly. Dean spends most of his time tending to the farm, making sure everything is running smoothly. He throws himself into his work, taking on more tasks than he usually would for an average day. Anything to keep himself distracted. He finds himself sneaking glances towards the road, terrified at the possibility of seeing a familiar vehicle pull up at the driveway. 

The other detail eating away at him is the way this had all disrupted Emma's life - her friendships, her schooling. His pup is happy, there’s no doubt about that. She loves Ellen, the farm, and seems to have a very special relationship with Bobby. But as a mother, Dean knows she needs more; both her and the pup growing in his womb. They need a home and stability. They need school, they need a routine. Ellen had been kind enough to take it upon herself to get Emma in the local elementary school. It was a slow process that involved a lawyer and briefing with the staff, but they assured Dean that Lee would not be able to pick up Emma from there, regardless of him being her biological father. 

And that was another problem weighing heavy on the omega's mind, the legality of everything. In order for Dean to not be liable for parental kidnapping, they had to begin forming a case proving Lee's abuse. Photos were taken of any remaining physical marks on Dean, and statements were taken from himself, Ellen, Bobby, and even Emma. Their lawyer, Rufus Turner, was positive they had a great case against Lee, and that terrified Dean to no end, thinking of how the alpha would react. Despite everyone's reassurances about their case, Dean couldn't shake the feeling that Lee would get out of it. He was powerful, smart, and sadistic. He was sure the alpha would find some way to turn the tables on him, make it seem like Dean was lying or making the abuse up. And the thought of having to go to court, having to face Lee again, makes him feel physically sick. 

And the guilt is slowly chipping away at him. Despite the abuse Lee had caused him, Dean still feels this loyalty to the alpha, still feels as if he belongs to him. It’s a confusing mix of feelings, and one that’s hard to shake. He finds himself worrying constantly about his mate, unable to stop thinking about him, despite all the terrible things Lee had done to him. Dean can't help but feel guilty about the way that the separation is affecting Emma. Despite the abuse that Lee had inflicted on him, the young girl still loves her father. She asks about him constantly, and it breaks Dean's heart to see her so torn. He knows that he’s doing the right thing by keeping her safe from Lee, but the guilt is still present, gnawing at his heart like a hungry animal.

Despite everything, however, the shining light throughout everything, what Dean looks forward to everyday, is Castiel. 

The bond between Castiel and Dean had developed quickly into an intense friendship. It was as if they had known each other for years, despite only meeting a couple weeks prior. Castiel had made a habit of stopping by the farm every day to check and see how everyone was doing, bring Emma little treats that Gabriel had made with honey from Cas’ beehives, and to spend some time with Dean. He’d noticed how hard the omega worked, and wanted to give him a break occasionally, inviting him out for lunch or coffee. Dean found himself looking forward to these little outings with Castiel, relishing in the change of pace from his day-to-day routines. The alpha was easy to get along with, and his presence made Dean feel relaxed in an almost effortless way. It felt good, having someone like Castiel, someone who understood him, someone he could count on. And an alpha, nonetheless. The two spent their time together engaging in simple activities outside of the farm, visiting local shops and diners, running errands with each other. Sometimes they would end up sitting in a car for hours simply talking, the conversation flowing between them with a natural ease that surprised them both.

As the duo continued to spend time together, Dean found himself developing feelings for the alpha. It was a confusing mess of emotions, but there was no denying the attraction there. He tried to ignore the growing emotions, to push them away as if it was filthy and wrong, but the pull was too strong, the bond they shared was too intense to ignore. Castiel's presence alone was like a soothing balm to Dean's tired soul. Whether it was the casual brushes of their arms against one another while walking, or the way their thighs would press together in a booth, or the casual touches on the shoulder or hand, the way a simple look from the alpha would send a shiver down Dean's spine; it was all so addictive. And it was obvious Castiel felt it too, but he was so damn respectful of Dean, of his fears and hesitation. 

Being around Cas felt as easy as breathing air. He didn't feel any push or pressure to act on his feelings for the man. Castiel seemed to be happy just spending time together. And that was more healing for Dean than anything anyone had done for him yet.

They shared similar interests in music, film, food, and television. And their sense of humor was similar as well; dry and full of sarcasm. They made each other laugh without even trying, just being in each other's presence was enough for them. It was a kind of comfort and familiarity that neither had experienced before. They just fit together, like two pieces of the same puzzle; as corny as that sounded.

Dean was sitting on the steps of the front porch of the farm house, something that's become a daily or nightly routine depending on how tired he was, his legs dangling lazily over the edge. His head was tilted up skyward, his eyes shut in blissful contentment as the sun shone warmly down upon him from the heavens above. The omega had just finished his tasks for the day, and had a short window of leisure before it was time to start on supper. Ellen had just left to pick Emma up from school, and Bobby was still gone for a couple of hours yet. So when the crunch of gravel beneath rolling tires drifts up the driveway, Dean's anxiety immediately spikes. He stands, watching the hill as a truck top breaks the horizon, and his shoulders slouch in relief. A two-tone red and white Ford ranger comes rattling up to the house, Castiel’s arm coming out the driver's-side window with a wave. The omega can't help the smile that pulls up on the corners of his mouth, walking steadily down the steps with a hand rested on his ever growing bump. 

He was almost at the end of his second trimester now, so there was no hiding the fact that he was carrying a pup anymore. Old ladies at the farmer's market every weekend would ask to touch his belly, couples would congratulate him, and even congratulate an unknown alpha that nobody has the faintest clue about. Dean never spoke of Lee, just offered nervous smiles or laughs in response. 

As Dean arrives beside the pickup, Castiel steps out, his smile wide and as bright as the sun in the sky. His eyes twinkled, and his dark brown waves blew softly in the cool breeze that passed through the valley.

“Sorry I'm later than usual,” the alpha gravels out, running a hand through his already messy hair. “Gabe called and was having me install a new wash sink in the diner. Took me longer than expected.”

Dean smiles, his mood brightening even further at the sight of the alpha. He leans against the side of the truck, crossing his arms over his stomach. "No worries," he responds, a small amused huff escaping his lips. "I was starting to wonder if you forgot about me, though.”

Castiel barks a laugh, rolling his eyes at the omega's dramatics. “Like I'd forget you, Dean. C'mon,” he laughs, nodding for Dean to follow him to the horse barn.

Almost every day now, the pair hung out in the barn. The atmosphere smelled of dirt from the arena, sweetness from the hay, and the soft musk of the mighty beasts homed there. Castiel found Dean at his calmest there, found their conversations flowed easier and the omega seemed more unguarded then he typically was. They walk by the stalls, each animal nickering softly in acknowledgment of their presence. Some horses stick their heads out, their eyes following the pair as they make their way towards the back of the barn.

“So,” Dean starts, steadily lowering himself to sit on one of the hay bales stacked in the corner, leaning back against the rest of the pile. “How was your day?”

Castiel settles down beside him, their upper arms and thighs pressed together. "Eh, it was all right," he responds, his gaze falling to the omega. "Just been at the diner for Gabe and doing stuff with the hives. How about you?" he inquires with a soft smile, leaning his head back against another hay bale in the pile.

Dean turns his head, some pieces of hay clinging in his hair. “It was okay. Just the usual stuff. Feeding animals and cleaning up a bit. Ellen keeps getting on me to slow down though,” his eyes turn back to his stomach, a hand running over his bump with a frustrated sigh.

Castiel's gaze follows Dean's hand, watching as he rubs his belly. He'd noticed the omega's bump getting bigger and harder to hide. It was cute, in a way. "She has a point, y'know," he says gently, tilting his head to look at the omega.

Dean sighs, his chest rising and falling deep and relaxed as he looks back at the alpha. "I know," he replies. "But I hate sitting around and not doing anything. It leaves me too much time to think.”

Castiel nods in understanding. He can see the tension in the omega's face, the worry in his eyes. He reaches out, placing a hand gently on the omega's knee. "I get it," he says softly. "But you gotta take care of yourself too, Dean. You gotta think about the pup.”

“Yeah, I know,” Dean murmurs quietly, chewing the inside of his cheek as he looks down at his hands.

Castiel squeezes his knee gently, trying to offer some comfort. He can see the anxiety etched on the omega's face, the worry lines around his eyes and mouth. 

"Hey," he says softly, tilting his head to catch the omega's eye. "You know you can talk to me, right? About anything. I'm here for you, no matter what.”

Dean looks up at the man, his eyes meeting Castiel's intense gaze. "I know," he murmurs, his scent giving away his nerves. "I just… I don't know. I don't want to be a burden, y'know? I just crashed back into this town, into my family's life after not speaking to them for years, half broken, and disrupted everything. And now I've got you out here almost everyday, and you're just-” 

Dean swallows down his words, ‘too perfect,’ is what he'd wanted to say. But instead he ends up shaking his head, looking off to the side.

Castiel's gaze softens, his hand giving the omega's knee a gentle squeeze. He can smell the worry in the omega's scent, the way his anxiety is bubbling up.

"You're not a burden, Dean," he says firmly, his voice low and soothing. "You might have come back here a little battered and broken, but it's not your fault. And I'm here because I want to be here. Because I like spending time with you."

“But why?” Dean responds quickly, his voice cracking a bit. “You're just so… I don't understand why someone like you would wanna be around someone like me,” The omega spews with a sad sort of laugh, pain etched behind green eyes.

Castiel sighs, taking one of Dean's hands and sandwiching it between both of his much larger, calloused ones. “Dean, you know why,” he answers softly, his gaze unwavering and intense in a way that the omega has never seen.

Dean's breath hitches at Castiel's words, his heart skipping a beat. He can feel the heat of the alpha's touch on his skin, the way his fingers are intertwined with his own. It's a simple gesture, but speaks so loud. He opens his mouth, trying to come up with a response, but no words will come out. He looks at the alpha's hands, watching as his slender fingers are engulfed in the alpha's large, tan ones. His eyes flicker up to the man's face, taking in the intensity of his stare.

The alpha continues after a beat, looking down at where he's holding Dean's hand. “And I know you aren't ready, or comfortable… I know you're scared, Dean, and that's okay! I won't ever push you, I won't ever do anything to hurt you. And even if you aren't ever ready, that's okay too. I'm just happy enough to be around you. I'm happy seeing you happy, healthy, and safe, above everything else. Even if you're never mine.” 

Cas’ words felt more genuine than Lee's wedding vows, so tender and warm. Dean questioned what he'd done to even deserve somebody like Castiel in his life. Dean feels a lump forming in his throat as he listens to the alpha's words. His heart pounds in his chest, his stomach flipping with an unusual mixture of emotions. Part of him wants nothing more than to lean into the man's touch, to let himself be held and comforted. But another part of him, the part that's been beaten and broken down for so long, is fighting so hard against it. It's telling him that he doesn't deserve this, that he's no good, that he's damaged and disgusting and weak! 

The conflict must show on his face, as Castiel reaches out to brush a stray piece of hay from the omega's face, letting his fingers rest along the apple of his cheek. “You don't have to fight it, y'know?” he comments softly, his thumb stroking across the omega's cheek. “That battle in your head, you don't have to keep fighting it all the time. You deserve to be happy.”

The hand on his cheek is so tender, the alpha's touch so gentle and caring that it makes his eyes burn. He can't help but lean into it, his eyes closing as he takes in a deep breath, taking in the alpha's scent. His scent is so calming, like a warm cabin during a long winter - coffee and smoke. It fills his nose, and he can almost feel his omega purring, his instincts begging for more…

Frantic footsteps come padding down the concrete floor of the barn, Emma squealing to Castiel and Dean with excitement, her backpack bouncing off the back of her hips as she runs. The pair pull apart instantly, turning their attention to the happy pup who was ready to spill about her entire school day over dinner.

Castiel's the first to move, standing up and smiling widely as he ruffles the young girl's hair. "Hey there, honeybee," he greets, his eyes twinkling as he looks down at the little spitfire.

Emma smiles, pushing his hands away jokingly. "Quit it, silly!" she says with a giggle that sounds exactly like her mother.

“I've got your honey sticks in the truck. I'll give them to you after dinner, okay? Don't want Ellen paddling me with the spatula,” Castiel tells the pup with a wink, making her laugh more as Dean bends to pick her up with a grunt, settling her on his hip. 

Dean fixes her messy hair, tucking it behind her ears and out of her face. “Alright, baby girl. Let's get you inside and washed up.”

“Want me to grab her bag?” Cas asks, wanting to relieve Dean of as much extra weight as possible.

“Please?” Dean responds, glancing to see Castiel already taking off the girl's book bag anyways.

“On it,” Castiel replies, his smile still on his face as he pats the girl's head, slinging her pack over his shoulder effortlessly. 

He follows the pair as they exit the barn, the sun having already made its way low enough in the sky that the evening breeze was already starting to chill the air. The trio meander towards the house, Dean carrying the pup on his hip as he goes. Castiel takes in the sight of the two of them, a sweet domestic scene. He can see himself in this picture, in this moment, the vision coming to life in his mind so vividly it actually causes his heart to ache with longing. He swallows it down, shaking his head at the thought, as they walk. He wouldn't allow himself to think of such things, he wouldn't let himself entertain the idea. Not yet.

Dinner was, as it had become, a casual affair, a warm and cozy atmosphere filling up the kitchen. The table was set, the food was steaming on top, and the house smelled like fresh-baked bread and roasted herbs. 

Ellen has the last bit of food ready, setting the casserole dish on the table before crossing back into the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dish towel. “You staying for dinner, Cas?” she inquires as she passes by the alpha. "Or do you have big plans to sit alone at home and do nothing?" she teases, making it blatantly obvious she wanted the man to join them.

Castiel chuckles, his eyes twinkling in amusement. "I'm staying," he replies, smiling slightly. "Like you'd even let me leave if I said I had somewhere to be.”

“Damn straight. Now go sit,” the older omega commands, swatting Castiel out of the kitchen as Dean snickers in the doorway, Bobby passing him by with a cold beer from the fridge.

Castiel raises his hands in mock defence as he's pushed out of the kitchen, a playful grin on his face. "Yes, ma'am," he responds before sitting down at the table. He catches Dean's snicker as the omega enters the room, and he sends the younger man a mock glare.

Dean takes a seat across from the alpha, his hand immediately finding its way to his stomach, rubbing soothing circles over the curve. It's a subconscious habit, a comforting sort of thing, and he doesn't even realize he's doing it half the time. Cas watches, fixated on the movement of the omega's hand, his fingers tracing over the stretch of his shirt over his round stomach. It's mesmerizing for him, to watch the young omega so instinctively take care of the pup growing inside of him, as well as the one he already has. It stirs something within him, something primal, some sort of possessive satisfaction of seeing an omega be so nurturing to his pups. He feels his alpha instincts purr a little, wanting to shield and protect the omega and his pups from anything and everything. It's a feeling he's grown used to around Dean, a protective streak that seems to be more prominent now that he and the other man have grown so close. Dean's oblivious to the alpha's eyes though, still rubbing small circles over his stomach, his attention on his young daughter sitting next to him, telling the adults a story about her day. 

Castiel's glad for it - glad that Dean doesn't seem to realize just how completely enthralled the alpha is with him and the situation. The possessiveness he feels is overwhelming. It's like a fire that just keeps growing, and it scares him a little. That was the exact opposite of what Dean needed - an alpha tying him down, owning him… Dean was blossoming more and more everyday, and Castiel was damned if he was going to be the one to ruin this period of growth for the omega. He deserved to flourish after everything he's been through. But Castiel also knew that he'd never be able to control that possessive alpha urge completely, that animal part of his brain that desired to hold and have the omega close. He clenched his jaw, pushing down the urge to let loose that possessive growl that rumbled impatiently in his chest. He needed to remain steady, in control. 

But oh how he ached to let himself go, to pull the omega over in his lap, to press his nose against his scent gland, to bury his face into Dean's neck…

He's pulled from his thoughts by Bobby's gruff voice. "You alright there, boy? You look like someone put a spell on you," his eyebrow is raised, his face a bit amused.  

Castiel blinks, sitting up straighter as he realises he had been staring, clearing his throat awkwardly. "Yeah, I'm fine, just… Spaced out," he replies, looking away quickly, hoping his embarrassment isn't too apparent.

Bobby eyes him skeptically, as a father would do, but seems to drop his curiosity as he focuses on his food. Ellen and Dean don't seem to notice the exchange, too immersed in their own conversation. Castiel lets out a low breath he didn't know he was holding, feeling like he just avoided a trap he didn't even know was set. He steals a look towards the omega again out of the corner of his eye, his gaze soft for another long moment, before turning back to his meal, Emma's tales of school a welcomed form of entertainment for the night.

Dean felt like he was floating in the blackest of oceans, the water completely opaque. The omega couldn't see a single thing in the murky depths, couldn't tell which way was up. He couldn't see any point of light, and most troublingly the water weighed him down like a ton of bricks, making him feel heavy and sluggish, unable to move. His lungs were burning from the pressure, threatening to burst if he didn't take a breath soon. Despite not being able to see, Dean knew that he was moving. Something was dragging him backwards, pulling him further and further towards the black abyss that was the bottom of this unknown ocean. He tried to thrash, tried to escape whatever invisible pull was on him, but it was no use. He felt absolutely useless.

And then everything was crystal clear - the familiar surroundings of their mobile home trailer back in Kansas a startling omen, giving away who was pulling him along. Turning over his shoulder, Dean flips onto his back, kicking with his free leg at Lee, who has bright red welts in the form of scratches down his face. The alpha had spanked Emma to wailing tears for no good reason, she was just being a kid. Dean stood up for his daughter, Lee slapped him, and the omega fought back in the form of claws. And now, the man had Dean by the ankle, dragging him along the floor to their bedroom where once inside, he closes and locks the door.

Dean remembers this day all too well - Christmas of 2000. 

He runs the second he can scramble to his feet, only for Lee to catch him by the shirt, tearing the fabric so that it was just hanging off of the omega, using the ruined garment to turn Dean around, and slam his back into the wall. Dean can't hear the poisonous words that spill from Lee's screaming lips, he's focused on slapping and scratching and thrashing - fighting for his life. Lee grabs a fistfuls of hair on each side of his mate's head, using it as leverage to slam Dean's skull back against the drywall, over and over again until the omega saw stars, slumping down until he was sitting, head in his knees crying. Dean curled in on himself, arms over his head until he resembled a ball, as the repetitive dull punches of Lee's fists on his upper back and shoulders caused a new wave of pain through Dean's body, each one making the room spin more than the last. His chest was heaving from the physical exertion, his sobs sounding like they came from a wounded animal. He was tired, and he just wanted it to stop. He just wanted to breathe again, to sleep…

He could faintly hear Emma crying, her little fists beating against their bedroom door in the other room. But she sounded far away, like she was at the other end of a tunnel.

And then, as dreams do, the scene fades away, coming back into view to later that day. Emma had just finished opening her presents, everyone's bellies now full from the holiday dinner Dean had slaved over for hours. The girl had quickly forgotten the prior pain of her father's hand, now sitting on his lap with a beaming expression, clutching her new teddy bear to her chest. Dean, despite how sore he was, stood behind the camera, waiting for his family to look at the blinking light with smiles before snapping a picture. 

Once printed, Dean would sit under a lamp at the small dining table, writing in a blue inked pen ‘Emma's first Christmas,’ the fading pink welts on Lee's face permanently etched into the memory within the photo…

Dean had sweat through his pajamas, sitting up so fast in bed that he found himself dizzy. He feels panicky, his heart still beating fast and hard, his breath coming in short gasps… His collar felt like it was choking him out, like familiar and cruel hands had done so many times before. Trudging into the guest bathroom of the little farmhouse, Dean splashes his face with cool water, leaning on the edge of the sink for a few minutes to catch his bearings. The attempt is short lived when he turns to vomit into the toilet, trying to keep his retching sounds to a minimum out of courtesy for everyone sleeping. 

By the time his stomach is finished evacuating its contents, Dean’s entire body feels weak, his limbs shaky and his face flushed. He reaches over to grab a couple of toilet paper sheets, spitting into the porcelain bowl before flushing everything away. His heart’s still pounding like a battering ram inside his chest, almost as if it’s trying to escape. The omega leans back up over the sink, turning on the cold water tap to splash his face again, the coolness helping to calm the nausea. What snaps him out of this state is a sharp jolt in his stomach, followed by a roll and a twitch. Dean's hand comes to rest over his belly, smiling faintly with a sniffle as he feels his unborn pup being incredibly active all of the sudden. It brings a sort of comfort that he hadn't expected, warmth blossoming up through his chest where only moments before, it held fear and anxiety. Dean places his hands on either side of his stomach, rubbing the taunt skin soothingly. He tries to focus on the feeling, on the way his pup was moving vigorously inside him, kicking and rolling. It seems the little thing was awake, and feeling feisty.

“I know, I know. I woke you up, didn't I?” Dean whispers, moving to sit on the edge of the tub. “I'm sorry, little one. Just having a hard night.”

The omega leans his head against the side of the shower wall, focusing on slow, deep breaths as he rubs his belly, the pup's movements becoming smaller, and fewer. He can feel the pup settling, the fluttering movements slowing to a few rhythmic kicks. It's soothing, the way the pup responds to his touch, to the sound of his voice; Dean feels like maybe he could do something right for once. The omega lets out a slow breath, his eyelids growing heavy again as his anxiety eases. With a quiet grunt, the man pushes himself back up to his feet, passing the bedroom to crack open the door of Ellen and Bobby's master bedroom, his eyes softening as they settle on Emma, snoring softly and tucked in snugly between the omega's aunt and uncle. 

He wouldn't wake her, he just needed to see her. His little girl who was so fucking strong, and has already lived through so much for a five year old. He stands in the doorframe for several minutes, just watching her sleep, her face soft and sweet, her long eyelashes casting shadows over her cheeks in the dim lighting. It makes him smile, how much calmer he feels seeing her safe and happy. After a few more minutes of observation, he carefully shuts the door, mindful not to make any sound to disturb those in the dark room.

The stairs creak beneath the pads of the omega's feet as he makes the trek down to the lower level. It's already almost five in the morning, he wouldn't be sleeping much longer anyways if it'd been a normal night. So, he starts on breakfast - Ellen would probably appreciate the reprieve. He starts by frying up some bacon, the scent filling the air with a thick aroma. Then he gets a pot of coffee going, knowing everyone would most likely be waking up soon. Once the bacon is finished, he starts a few batches of pancakes on the griddle. By the time he's finished up the breakfast, the sky has already started to grow lighter, a hint of soft pinks and pale blues on the horizon, a beautiful view through the window perched above the double sink. 

It's not long before Dean starts hearing movement upstairs, voices and sleepy yawns. He can't help but smile to himself as he flips some pancakes onto a serving plate, stacking them high before starting another round. He hears the pitter-patter of little feet on the stairs, and a second later, a bundle of five year old is flinging herself against his legs. The omega chuckles, reaching down to scoop her into his arms, placing her atop the bar of the island. 

"Mornin', sweetheart," he greets with a smile, preening her as he tucks away some crazy strands of hair behind her ears.

Bobby comes down the stairwell next, lured to the kitchen by the smell of coffee. The old beta yawns widely, scratching idly at the hair on his chest that peeks out of the top of his grey t-shirt. 

"Morning sleepyhead," Dean greets with a smirk, tilting the coffee pot towards Bobby to pour him a mug.

"Mmm, mornin'. Smells good, boy,” Bobby replies with a grunt, rubbing his eyes to wake himself up. He takes the mug, sitting down next to Emma at the bar, taking a long sip of the hot black liquid.

“Thanks, Bobby,” Dean hums, setting a plate on the counter in front of him, squeezing the older man's shoulder in passing.

Ellen ambles in soon after, her hair a wild mess on her head. She groans at the sight of the already awake people in her kitchen, before grabbing a coffee for herself as well. 

"You are up awfully early today, hon," she comments with a yawn, leaning against the counter.

"Couldn't sleep," Dean replies nonchalantly, flipping another pancake onto a platter, starting a fourth stack. "Figured I could be productive instead," the omega shrugs as if it’s no big deal.

"Well, you’re certainly being productive. Who could say no to a homemade breakfast?" Ellen comments, taking her mug of coffee before seating herself next to Bobby. She turns her attention back to the younger omega, her eyes soft and appreciative. "Thank you, baby. This is awfully sweet of ya.”

“It's nothin’, auntie,” Dean shrugs off the compliment, setting everyone's plates in front of them before finally serving his own, moving from the island to the table and sitting beside his pup, fitfully tucking hair behind her ear once more.

Silence falls over the kitchen, the wayward family all huddled around the small dining table, jaws working the warm food in their mouths. Emma is even quiet, the young girl still drowsy, eyes half lidded with occasional yawns. But whereas everyone is enjoying their meal, Bobby can't help but notice the way Dean's eyes are distant, his expression absent as he looks off to the side. The beta man subtly grunts, tapping Ellen under the table with his foot. She is quick to catch on, it was obvious Dean's mind was somewhere else. Dean jumps slightly, pulled from his racing thoughts when the other omega reaches across the table, taking his hand within her own and giving a small squeeze. When their eyes meet, hers are full of softness, understanding, and comfort. Bobby's expression held more of the same as the younger man's green eyes darted to meet his uncle's. There were no words verbally spoken, but the actions spoke volumes; they had him, he was safe. 

Emma finally breaks the silence, oblivious to the melancholy tension hanging heavily in the room, telling everybody about her adventurous dreams from last night, conversation falling easily over their breakfast now. Dean's body softens, a smile gracing his face as they all engage with his pup, her growing excitement infectious and very much welcomed.

Things were gonna be okay.

Chapter Text

The sun is just starting to rise as Dean emerges from the house, a small throw blanket wrapped tightly around his shoulders to fend off the frigid winter air. He walks down to the fence line, making sure to be careful as he travels barefoot across the uneven grass so early in the morning. The frost from the night still clings to blades of green, his feet quickly becoming soaked. Once he reaches the wood paneled fence, he leans against it, using the top rail for balance as he watches the sunrise slowly creep above the horizon. It's a slow rise, the sun still hiding behind the top of the surrounding trees, but the light is bright all the same, illuminating the world with a soft orange glow. The sky is painted in gentle pinks and purples, and the birds begin their morning chirping, filling the air with their music. As Dean watches, he can feel his muscles start to relax, his mind calming. It's like watching the start of a new day is resetting him, giving him a clean slate.

His night's from the last month had been easy since his nightmare, and today, Dean woke up with a surprising sense of calm and peace about him. Thanksgiving went by in a flash, and for the first time in a long time, Dean felt a bit giddy for the impending Christmas holiday. Better yet, he knew what he wanted right now in his life, and what he wanted for his future - things weren't so uncertain or scary suddenly. He lets out a long, slow breath, closing his eyes for a moment, focusing on the feeling of the sunrise on his face as the cold morning breeze ghosting across his skin. It's a simple moment of peace, but it feels significant and rejuvenating. He can't remember the last time he felt this way. 

But as he stands there, his eyes closed, a memory starts to play in his mind. He's back in the same spot where he's standing right now, his kid brother, Sam, sitting on the top rail of the fence beside him, watching the same sunrise with a sense of awe and wonder. They would sneak out often when they were younger, running down to the chicken coop to collect eggs before Ellen or their mother had a chance. Half of the time, Bobby would catch them in the act, scolding them for walking around barefoot and in their pajamas. But it was all in good fun - kids just being kids. He can almost hear the soft, melodic tone of his brother's laugh again, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. It's a bittersweet memory, one that aches in his chest but also warms his heart at the same time. He opens his eyes, looking down at his rounded belly.

When he married Lee, and the abuse became bad, the alpha isolated Dean away from his family, friends - everybody he had known and loved. He convinced the omega that he was all Dean needed, and that he was all Dean should desire in life. Dean and Sam got in a huge fight upon delivering the news to his brother that Lee and him were engaged. Sam had seen the signs, had cautioned Dean, but being young, naive, and helplessly in love, Dean didn't want to believe his sibling. And they haven't spoken since. Dean lets out a soft sigh, the memory leaving him with a pang in his chest. He knows he should reach out to his brother, mend things between them. But the thought of having to explain everything that he's been through makes him feel sick. He knows Sammy won't judge him, but the omega is afraid of the way his brother might look at him; with pity, and maybe even a sense of ‘I told you so.’ 

But he also knows that he can't keep running away forever, or keep Sam out of his life. He makes a mental note to himself to try and make some calls or send some emails to try and start the process of mending their relationship. It won't be easy, and it won't happen overnight, but it's a step in the right direction. With a final look at the horizon, now completely bright with the glow of the morning sun, he starts his way back towards the house. It's a new day, a chance to start fresh, and he's determined to make the most of it.

The first thing that greets him as he enters the house is the smell of food wafting in from the kitchen, the familiar scent of eggs, bacon, and strong coffee. Emma is already sitting at the table, her hair a mess of curls that seem to have a mind of their own, happily munching on a plate of buttered toast. Ellen is standing over the stove, flipping pancakes in a pan, while Bobby sits nearby, sipping on a mug of coffee and reading the morning newspaper. Both of them look up as Dean enters, giving him a warm smile as they greet him cheerfully. 

"Morning, mama!" Emma pipes up, her mouth full of toast, crumbs falling on her shirt.

Dean can't help but smile brightly, coming up behind her to wrap around the pup and kiss her cheek, and then her temple, eliciting giggles from her that ring throughout the kitchen. “Morning, baby girl.”

“Were you out there barefoot?” Ellen asks, glancing back at Dean from her place at the stove.

Bobby chuckles, shaking his head slightly as both he and Dean look down at the wet footprints across the tile. Dean shrugs, moving to help the older omega finish up. 

She shakes her head, trying to hide her amused smile. “Damn, boy. It's just like when you were a kid. Why do we even bother with giving you boots?”

“He's a country kid, Elle. At least he ain't hoppin’ in mud puddles anymore,” Bobby adds, giving Dean a playful wink as he serves his uncle a hot plate of breakfast.

“I could go back to that! Em, wanna go play in the mud with mommy?” he teases, dodging with a laugh when his aunt swats him with a dish towel.

“Oh Lord no! Don't influence this sweet angel of a girl into your debauchery! Laundry those days was hellish for your momma and I!”

Emma giggles as she watches the banter between the three, her eyes widening at the mention of mud puddles. "I wanna make mud pies!" she exclaims, her eyes lighting up at the possibility.

Ellen's jaw drops, a half laugh of disbelief escaping her gape as Dean snickers towards the fridge. She crosses her arms, shaking her head and trying to not laugh more and encourage the girl. “No, sweetheart. You don't wanna do that,” she tries to convince the girl, pausing to wipe her buttery face with her towel. “Now finish up so we can get you washed up before school. Don't listen to your damn mama, he's crazy.”

“Most omegas are…” Bobby teases under his breath, catching a pointed look from both Ellen and Dean. 

“Watch it, buster. Or it's gonna be couch time for you,” his mate warns, playfully rolling her eyes when he stands, kissing her cheek in passing on his way to place his plate in the sink.

Emma giggles as she watches the exchange, her eyes wide with amusement. "Couch time?" she echoes, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "What's couch time?”

Dean takes the girl’s now-empty plate as well, pulling her chair back from the table. "Answer for another time, baby. Go up to the bathroom, I'll meet you there in just a sec."

"Nuh uh, mister. Eat first, I'll get her all cleaned up," Ellen orders, nodding for Dean to sit at the table, a final plate of food in hand intended for him. "You're eating for two, don't forget."

Dean sighs, a warm smile on his face as Emma trots up the steps. "Thanks, auntie."

"O'course, honey," she purrs, kissing his forehead before following the pup up the stairs.

He watches as his aunt disappears up the stairs, the echo of their voices carrying down from the bathroom. He turns back to the food in front of him, his stomach growling loudly at the sight and smell of the hearty breakfast. He digs in, savoring each bite as he eats, his eyes fluttering shut with each delicious mouthful. Once finished, he takes his plate to the sink, helping to clean up the kitchen while Ellen is focused on the young girl. He hears the sound of giggling and splashing coming from the bathroom, and he can't help but smile to himself, picturing the scene in his mind's eye. 

He can hear gravel crunching beneath a vehicle's tires, and just assumes it is Bobby leaving for work, as it is every morning. Dean is startled however when he hears a knock on the door, his heart jumping up into his throat, a soapy dish slipping from his fingers and crashing into the sink. There, out the old pane of glass in the window, a 1994 maroon Honda accord sits running in front of the house, parked right beside his 67’ Impala. 

That was Lee's car.

Dean feels his whole body go rigid, his heart pounding hard in his chest as he tries to compose himself, turning off the faucet and drying his hands. He takes a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves, and walks towards the door. He shouldn't be doing this, he should be calling Ellen from upstairs, should be calling the police… Anything but what he's doing. Lee, without a doubt by now, had been served court documents. He knew what Dean was trying to do - trying to run away and take full custody of Emma. He was trying to paint the alpha in a corner with the abuse and rape allegations, to make him out to be the monster he was… Expose him to everyone after years of silence. Surely Lee was here to punish Dean, to beat him back in line…

He opens the door up slowly, taking in a sharp inhale when he sees Lee standing there, his gaze steady as he looks at the omega with a small, awkward smile. Dean doesn't open the door anymore than a twelve inch gap, not wanting to seem too inviting or unguarded.

Dean can feel the tension thick in the air, like static electricity that sends goosebumps up his spine. "What are you doing here?" he asks, his voice quiet but steady.

Lee's face melts into a charming grin, the very same one that swept the omega off his feet all those years ago. He clears his throat awkwardly, running a hand through his hair before replying.

"I know I'm the last person you wanna see, but I just- I couldn't keep staying away," he says softly, his eyes flickering away from Dean's gaze. "Can we talk?”

"Talk," Dean almost whispers, his voice cracking as a drowning sense of panic wells up in his chest.

Lee nods, his eyes darting up to meet the omega's gaze once more. 

"Can I come in?" he asks, his voice soft and hesitant.

"No. You can talk right where you are," Dean has to bite back a growl as his voice shakes, his hand inside the house is gripping the doorknob so hard, he thought it would break.

Lee nods, respecting Dean's wish to stay outside. "Okay. That's fine," he says, taking a pause before continuing. "I've been thinking about you a lot, about everything. And I know I messed up, baby. I never meant for things to get so outta control, and I'm sorry.”

Dean chews on the inside of his lip as Lee speaks, the tang of blood soaking his tongue. It's hard to focus on the alpha's words, his mind drifting in and out of disassociation as he stares numbly at the man before him.

Lee runs a hand over his face, his shoulders slumping a bit as he leans against the doorframe. "Look, I know I shouldn't have done what I did. I know I hurt you, and I don't deserve your forgiveness. But… I can't stop thinking about you, about how much you mean to me. Especially thinkin' about you out here, with no alpha. Without me. Unprotected..." the alpha sighs heavily, his expression pained. "It just- it drove me crazy, man. And I know I have no right to feel that way, but I did. And still do.”

Dean's grip on the doorknob tightens even more, his knuckles white. He feels sick to his stomach, hearing Lee's words. Seeing his mate, hearing him speak, is bringing up all sorts of emotions in him - anger, fear, frustration, and a twisted sense of longing. A longing he knew he shouldn't feel, yet he did. There's a long pause of the pair just staring at one another, and Dean almost felt deaf due to how loud his heart was pounding in his ears. He doesn't even hear it when Trigger begins barking at Lee's car in the driveway. It felt like the world was closing in around him, slow and suffocating.

Lee scoffs finally, tossing his hands up, impatient for an answer.

Dean sighs, shaking his head. "What do you want, Lee?" he asks, his voice still low, but not so shaky this time. "What more is there to say? It's over. You know it is."

Lee glares at the omega, his frustration building. 

"What do you mean it's over? It doesn't have to be! I know I messed up, but people make mistakes, Dean. And I'm trying to fix them, I'm trying to make things right! I apologized, damn it. And it takes two to tango, darlin'. You sure as hell aint no angel - you fucked up too, but I'm not the one running away from our relationship like it meant nothing!" he says, his voice raising slightly.

Dean clenches his jaw at Lee's words, his eyes hardening. "You think that I feel like we meant nothing?" he echoes, his voice tight. "Is that how you justify laying your hands on me, hurting me, and breaking my trust? That it was because our relationship meant something?"

The omega can feel his anger rising, boiling up inside him like a volcano about to erupt. "You say you're sorry - you always say you’re sorry. But sorry doesn't make up for everything you've done to me. Sorry doesn't fix what you've broken.”

Lee sneers, his expression darkening. "You think I don't know that?" he snaps, his own anger boiling over. "I wake up everyday knowing I shouldn't have ever laid a hand on you. I hate myself for it! But at the same time, you just made me so goddamn angry! And you pushed and pushed-”

"Don't you dare try to tell me that any of what you did to me was my fault, you son of a bitch," Dean snarls, tears stinging his eyes.

Lee scoffs, dismissing Dean's words with a wave of his hand. "Oh, come on, don't give me that crap about it not being your fault. You pushed all my buttons, and you know it. You think you're so goddamn innocent, but you're not! You have a mouth on you like hellfire, and you don't know when to shut up!" he takes a step forward, jabbing a finger dangerously close to the omega's chest. "You're not some victim, you know. You're just as guilty as me.”

Dean slaps Lee's hand away from his chest, shaking his head furiously. "Fuck off, Lee. Get out of here," he snaps, swinging the door to slam it in the alpha's face.

But Lee sticks his foot in the door before the omega can slam it shut, his expression hardening as he pushes his way inside. "You can't just shut me out, damn it! I came here to talk, and we're going to talk!" he says firmly, his eyes glazing over with anger.

Dean stumbles backward as Lee pushes his way inside, his heart racing in his chest. He feels cornered, scared, and he can feel the hairs on the back of his neck raise. He clenches his fists, trying to keep his voice steady as Trigger's barks become more frantic and aggressive from where he now stands on the porch. 

"Get out of here, Lee. You're not welcome here.”

"I'm not going anywhere until we talk," Lee retorts, his voice taking on an edge of warning. He takes another step closer, his eyes locked onto the omega's. "You owe me that much.”

Dean's hand lands on the swell of his belly by protective, maternal instinct, the alpha's gaze flickering down at the sudden motion. His expression is piqued, stopping his advance once Dean's pressed back against the wall of the entryway. The sight of Dean's hand on his belly causes Lee to pause, his expression faltering for a moment. He seems to register the protective motion, his gaze shifting down to where the omega's hand rests. The tension in the room thickens palpably, the air crackling with unspoken emotions. This pup had been the last nail in the coffin of their relationship. The fight they'd had about Lee's doubts of the baby even being his, the night he beat Dean bloody… The omega feels as if he could throw up right in this moment, all of his emotions threatening to come to a head as the predatory alpha just stares at his stomach.

Lee's expression softens a bit as he looks at the omega's enlarged midsection. He hesitates for a moment before finally reaching out, gently resting his hand on the swell of his belly.

"You've… grown," Lee observes, his voice quiet and a hint of tremulousness. A range of emotions flickers in his eyes, from regret to longing to anger. He clenches his jaw as if trying to contain it all. "You hardly showed last time I saw you, baby.”

There's a note of regret in his voice, as if he's sorry for missing it. But at the same time, there's possessiveness - a sense of ownership. It's as if he feels he has a right to touch Dean, to feel his growing belly. The alpha's hand presses lightly against the omega's stomach, as if trying to claim the pup inside.

"I've missed seeing you like this," he murmurs, his eyes locked onto the omega's fear frozen expression, like a prey animal in the jaws of a hungry predator. "Growing with my pup…”

The ‘clack’ of a shotgun can be heard just off to the pair's left, Lee snapping his head in the direction of the sound. It isn't until he hears Ellen's voice that Dean finally dares to pull his eyes away from Lee, dragging his gaze to his aunt Ellen, the double barrel of her Bobwhite aimed dead to rights at Lee.

“Howdy, Lee. Mind taking some steps back from my nephew?” she asks, a condescending tone to her voice. Lee grimaces, obviously angry as he steps away from Dean, his hands up to show he wasn’t going to argue. “Honey, get over here. Now,” she orders Dean, not taking her eyes off Lee for even a second.

Dean moves away from the wall, keeping his gaze fixed on Lee as he walks over to his aunt. His heart is still pounding rapidly in his chest, feeling a mix of relief and gratitude that Ellen arrived to defuse the tense situation.

Ellen's eyes are fierce, blazing with a protective anger Dean hadn't seen before as she stares Lee down, her gun still pointed at him. “You ain't welcome here, boy. This is my house, and you are trespassing. We don't take too kindly to trespassers out here,” she advises, moving towards Lee and backing him slowly towards the still open door.

Lee scoffs, a bitter laugh escaping his lips as his brown eyes shift between the two omega's. He nods with a sense of understanding. “Alright… okay. I see what's happening here. That's fine,” he says dismissively, moving back out onto the porch, swatting at the black dog that continues to bark and growl. “You'll get what's coming to you, omega bitch. You just wait and see,” Lee calls to Dean, Ellen stomping up and slamming the door just as fast, locking the deadbolt before looking out the window just in time to see Lee peeling out of the driveway. His tires kick up dirt and gravel, a cloud of dust following him as he disappears over the hill.

Ellen watches Lee go until he's out of sight, her expression still hard and furious. Then she turns to Dean, her expression softening as she looks at him. "You okay, honey?" she asks, her voice gentle but firm.

Dean lets out a shaky exhale, his adrenaline calming as the threat is removed. He nods at Ellen, trying to steady himself. He opens his mouth to reply, but finds it hard to form any words. The more he pushes himself to speak, the more his eyes welled up with tears, his entire body trembling in shock as his fight or flight dies down. Ellen recognizes the signs of emotional overwhelm in her nephew, and sets the gun down on the wall, crossing over to wrap him up in a tight hug.

"Shhh…" the older omega coos softly, her arms around him pulling him close. “You’re alright, honey. You’re safe now,” she assures him gently as she holds him tightly, her own heart still racing from the encounter.

Dean clings to Ellen, burying his face against her shoulder as his composure crumbles. Hot tears spill from his eyes, his trembling body shaking against hers. He tries to form words, to express himself, but all that comes out are small, choked sobs. The emotional rollercoaster of the past few minutes has left him exhausted, unable to do anything but cling to the comfort of his aunt's embrace.

“Emma. Where's Emma?” Dean suddenly chokes out in a panic, looking back towards the staircase.

Ellen hushes him, cupping his face in her hands to calm him. “She's upstairs playing with some toys. I told her to entertain herself for a bit while I came down to grab something,” she explains, stroking Dean's hair back. “She didn't see nothin’, honey. Don't you worry about that.”

A sense of relief washes over the young man, his body relaxing slightly at the knowledge. Ellen must've heard the commotion, or the dog, maybe even saw Lee's car parked outside from upstairs. Either way… she'd kept her and Bobby's word. She protected Dean, she protected Emma. 

Dean nods, his eyes searching Ellen's face as he tries to process everything. He takes a deep breath, exhaling heavily, trying to steady himself. "Thank you," he whispers hoarsely, his voice still a little shaky.

“Of course, honey,” Ellen replies softly, her own voice trembling in aftershock as she strokes his cheek lovingly. “I'll always protect you, and that sweet little girl upstairs. Don't you doubt that for a second,” she reassures him, her expression still fierce from earlier.

Dean nods, his eyes searching Ellen's, gratitude evident in his expression. He takes another deep breath, feeling grounded by her words and her presence. "I don't doubt it for a second," he replies softly, his voice still shaking a bit. "You're pretty terrifying when you want to be," he adds with a weak chuckle, trying to lighten the mood a bit.

Ellen laughs warmly, her tough exterior cracking a bit. "Yeah, well, when it comes to protecting family, I'll be the scariest damn thing in this world," she replies with a small smile, her eyes softening as she looks at her nephew.

She takes a deep breath, regaining her composure. "I called the cops when I saw his car out there. They should be here any minute now... Get statements and all that legal b.s." she informs him, using her thumbs to wipe the tears from his cheeks.

Dean nods again, taking a deep breath to steady himself. "Okay. Thank you," he repeats, grateful for Ellen's actions. He tries to collect himself, running a hand through his hair. "Oh, shit... Emma is going to be so late for school! I gotta call th-"

Ellen shakes her head, calming Dean the best she can. "Don't worry about that, baby. I'll get her there and talk to the office; I think this was more than enough excuse for her to be late," she soothes, looking back as two police cruisers pull up to the house.

Dean sighs, nodding, watching as the cops approach the door and knock. 

“Now, you tell them everything, honey. Every damn word that fucker said to you. Body language - everything. You hear me? Don’t try to protect him anymore,” she orders sternly, kissing his cheek before going over to let them inside, Dean offering a hollow nod in response as his words fail him yet again.

He steps back, trying to gain a bit of composure. Though, he figures the puffy eyes and tear-streaked cheeks will give away the state of mind he was just in. Still, he tries to straighten himself up, taking a shaky breath. 

He was sure tired of having to be brave all the time.

Dean doesn't remember much of his conversation with the police. It was like his mind was on autopilot the whole time, body just going through the motions. Whatever he'd told them must've sufficed, as he briefly noted Ellen giving him an encouraging, proud nod in passing as she shuffled Emma out for some quick farm chores to keep the girl distracted and oblivious. No charges were pressed against Lee, but a report was taken for what had happened. His lawyer assured him it was fantastic to have a report on record, but it left Dean feeling nauseated at the idea of Lee finding out later on. It was again, the unknown. Lee hadn't even mentioned being served the divorce papers, or the legal documents involved in his fighting for full custody of their children. Surely Lee was fuming, but he hadn't shown it, and that was even scarier yet. 

Dean's anxiety spiked throughout the rest of the day, his mind constantly on high alert. He watched every car that drove by, listened for every noise - the humming fan, the flickering light in the bathroom, the leaky kitchen faucet, a creaky floorboard… Everything made him jump, his nerves on end. And, to make matters worse, he was still trying to process his emotions. Anger, hurt, and fear were fighting for top spot in the emotional turmoil that filled him. It was afternoon now, Dean was still in a bit of a daze. The entire experience had left him feeling shaken, and the day had carried on in a dull blur. It was like his subconscious was still playing catch up. Bobby was at work, Emma was in school, finally, and Ellen was in her office doing some paperwork for the farm. 

Just like before, the silence that came with the farmhouse feels heavy, almost suffocating to the omega as he drowned in his own fears and doubts. He feels a need for something- anything to focus on. He needs fresh air, some time to think, to clear his head…

He needs Castiel.

Dean had only just seen Cas the night prior, yet he misses the peace he finds in the alpha's presence. The feel of his solid body beside him, strong and secure. Those hands that touched him so gently, yet were so capable of violence if needed to protect. The way those dark blue eyes would gaze at him, like he was the only thing in the world worth looking at. His kind voice, so gruff on the outside but smooth like silk and sweet as honey when it lowered into a deep timbre… 

While Cas brought him peace and comfort, Lee brought him stress and trepidation. He wanted to own Dean, claim him in both his scent and his touch, leaving the omega feeling violated and trapped. He treated Dean less like a mate and more like a possession, a prize to be won and shown off. Lee was all hard edges, rough and demanding, angry in every action and decision. Cas, on the other hand, is all gentle slopes, firm yet kind, and soothing to the touch. He was dominant in his own right, but he never made Dean feel unsafe. He respected the omega, his decisions, and his freedom. He loved Dean for who he was, not how he could be used or what he could do. The more Dean thinks of Cas, the more he craves the alpha's presence. He desperately wishes he were here now, with his arms around him and his face buried in his shoulder. The safety and reassurance that came with it would be such a welcome distraction from everything that's happened. He looks around the house, as if expecting the alpha to appear, and then lets out a huff of disappointment when he doesn't.

His mind was made up - he had to see Cas. He needed to feel safe and protected, and the alpha's home was the only place he could see himself feeling that way. He grabs his keys, still in his pajamas as he moves towards the front of the house. Ellen pokes her head out of the office, hearing Dean up and about. She watches him, a brow raised in question before she finally speaks up.

"What'cha up to now?" she asks, her tone a touch harsh. But Dean knows it’s all just her being concerned.

Dean slides into his slippers, his voice almost shy. “I wanna see Cas,” he admits, the corner of his mouth tugging up ever so slightly.

Ellen's expression softens, not at all surprised by Dean's answer. She knows the omega enough to see the emotions in his eyes that he was trying to hide - fear, anxiety, longing.

"You want a ride? Probably hard to drive with all of that baby in front of ya," she laughs softly, moving beside Dean to pull on her shoes. 

"Yeah, actually. That'd be awesome, thank you," he replies, watching Ellen throw on her baseball cap and coat. "And thank you again… for earlier. For everything.”

Ellen wraps an arm around Dean's shoulders as they walk toward the door. She shakes her head, a warm smile on her face.

"Honey, you don't gotta keep thanking us. We do it because we love you. And you ain't no burden, either. You got that?”

He nods, a wave of gratitude washing over him. He knows how lucky he is to have them in his life, to have people who care so deeply about him and his pup. It's more than he's had in years. 

"Yeah, I got it.”

Chapter Text

Dean hasn't been to the small farmhouse where Castiel resides until today. Ellen and Bobby always point it out in passing, sometimes stopping at the little sales stand at the end of the man's driveway to drop a five dollar bill into the cash box and grab a jar of honey. He hadn't thought much of it until now, as Ellen drops the young omega off and drives away, a slip of paper clenched tightly in one hand with the Singer landline scribbled down just to ensure he wouldn't forget the number. The house is modest, old, and rustic in a charming sort of way. A small garden sits in front of the house, the cold weather plants in full bloom to the crisp, fall weather, just off from a line of beehive boxes. There's also a wooden sign hanging above the dormant patch of pollen flowers, the writing on it making a fond smile tug at the omega's lips - 'Heavenly Honey Co.'

Dean takes a deep breath, the air sweetly scented from the greenery around him. The surroundings are calming, the sounds and smells of nature easing the tension in his chest. He glances down at the paper with the number on it then back up to the house with slight hesitation. He’s anxious to see the alpha and get the comfort he so strongly craves, but he can’t help but worry that he would be intruding. As his heart pounds in his chest, he recalls Cas' words - the promise to be there for him whenever he needed anything. Those words and that promise echo softly in his head as he takes a deep breath. He knows Cas meant it, knows that he can find safety and comfort in his presence. With that thought, he approaches the front door and lifts a hand up, hesitating for just a moment before knocking gently.

The door opens a few moments later, the sound of rustling and clanging from within the house ceasing the second the door opens. When Castiel sees Dean on the other side, wearing pajamas and his coat, his face holds a flash of surprise and concern. 

"Dean?" he asks, his voice slightly gruff, as he rubs one palm over his stubble. "Is everything okay?”

Seeing the alpha standing before him, the scent of him surrounding him is instant, like a warm blanket. A small smile creeps onto his face, his eyes taking in the sight of Cas. But then everything seems to hit him at once - the encounter in the morning, all the memories, everything. He suddenly feels dizzy, his vision blurring as tears well in his eyes. He tries to speak, but the second his mouth opens, a sob escapes his throat. Cas' expression changes instantly as he sees tears welling up in Dean's eyes. He can sense the distress in the omega, smelling the scent of angst and fear on him, and he immediately puts out a hand to steady him. 

"Whoa, whoa... it's okay. Come here," he murmurs, his voice low and soothing as he pulls Dean inside.

As soon as Dean is within the threshold, he can't keep himself together. He collapses against Cas, his body trembling as he buries his face into the alpha's chest, shaking with heavy sobs. The feeling of helplessness and fear that had been building up inside him all day finally bubbles over, and he feels a sense of relief mixed with guilt. Cas holds him tightly, his arms wrapping around him in a protective embrace. He doesn't say anything, just holds Dean close, letting him sob against him as he rubs circles across the omega's back. 

"It's alright, omega," Cas murmurs, his voice soft and low, his nose buried in Dean's hair. "I've got you, Dean. Shh…”

Dean doesn't know how long he stays like that, pressed up against Cas' body, crying into his chest. But eventually, his sobs quiet down to small hiccups, his body still shaking slightly as Cas rubs his back. He feels so exhausted, both physically and emotionally, and he finally manages to speak, his voice cracking. 

"I'm sorry," he whispers, his face still buried in the alpha's shirt.

Cas shakes his head, his chin resting on top of the omega's head. "Don't be sorry, Dean. You have nothing to apologize for," he replies, his voice gentle and reassuring. 

There's a long pause where neither person says a word. It's just their slow, rhythmic breathing, and then faint ticking of the wall clock in the corner of the living room. The silence isn't awkward though - it never was with Castiel. The thought makes Dean huff, tilting his head up just enough to meet eyes with the alpha. 

“You know what always amazes me about you, Cas?” he asks, resting his temple on the man's shoulder.

Castiel feels a warmth blooming throughout his chest, a sense of comfort wrapping around him like a blanket - this feels so right, holding Dean like this. But he can't stay caught up in the idea too long, as he must respond to the omega's question.

“Hm?” he hums softly, shifting Dean into a more comfortable position, their bodies slotting together with ease.

“You never ask me stuff. About… the how's, or the why's… or the what's. About all the Lee shit,” he explains, staring into Cas’ eyes like he'd hung the moon and stars in the sky. Then he looks down, a melancholy smile tugging at his bitten red lips. “You make me feel like a normal person again. Not like a caged animal for everyone to gawk at and sympathize.”

Cas can feel his heart swelling in his chest, his alpha howling with pride at the praise. But he doesn't let it show too much. Instead, he just shakes his head slightly, his hand moving up to brush some of the stray pieces of hair from Dean's forehead.

"No," he replies quietly. "I figure you'll tell me when you're ready. I never want to push you into something you don't want, especially when it comes to that. You've been through enough. And I don't need to know specifics, Dean. It's not my place to pry. That's your story to tell, and only if you want to," he replies, his voice low and soothing. He rubs his hand gently across Dean's back, feeling the omega gradually calming in his arms.

Dean feels another wave of emotion wash over him. Cas’ words mean so much to him, more than the alpha probably even realizes. It’s been so long since someone’s treated him like his feelings matter - far too long. The omega shifts so he can bury his face into Cas’ neck, his nose brushing against the man’s scent gland. He takes a deep breath there, relishing the familiar scent of cinnamon and pine. It makes him feel safe, protected. Like nothing can touch him as long as he’s in Cas’ arms.

Castiel has to bite back a moan, but can't stop himself from turning his face into Dean's at that moment. Their skin presses together, nose to jaw, dragging until their foreheads touch. Dean looked so tired, his eyes dulled slightly and the skin below them tinged a faint purple in the form of bags. Yet still, there was something in there that'd always drawn Castiel in; a fighter, a survivor.

“I love you, Dean. I can't help it,” the alpha whispers, his tone clear that this confession is more of an apology than anything.

Dean nods against the alpha's skin, his fingers coming up to trace that damned collar hanging on his throat. “I know you do,” he whispers, his grip around the chain tightening.

Cas can sense the underlying tension in Dean's body, his eyes following the omega's every move. He can feel the emotions that the small piece of metal chain holds. The pain, the fear, the anger. When he sees Dean's hands wrapping around it, his eyes darkening, his heart clenches knowing what's coming next.

Dean takes a deep breath, the metal jingling quietly as he tightens his grip on the silver in the palm of his hand. He can feel the memories, the trauma, the power it holds over him. He can feel Lee's hands on him, his words, his scent. It makes him feel dirty, defiled. Like he's nothing more than a possession, an object. In that moment, something snaps inside of Dean. The dam breaks and the anger and the frustration and the pain bubble to the surface. With a soft pop, he jerks the chain, the metal links falling away limply into his fist, before he hurls it across the room in disgust. Cas watches as the chain flies across the room, landing with a quiet clink against the hardwood floor. He can feel the intensity of the emotions radiating off of Dean, the omega's scent bitter and biting.

Dean releases a shaky breath, his eyes fixating where the chain landed across the room. He can feel the sudden sense of relief, like a physical weight lifted off his shoulders. It’s not just the collar - it’s everything it represents. All the pain and abuse he’s been through with his soon-to-be ex mate. It’s like he’s shedding the past, letting go of the trauma. He looks back to Castiel, his eyes searching the alpha's face. Cas can sense the vulnerability in the omega, the need for reassurance and comfort. 

Cas’ hand moves to rest on Dean’s cheek, his touch tender and gentle. “It’s okay,” he whispers, his thumb stroking the omega’s skin softly. “It’s all going to be okay,” Cas’ eyes are steady and sincere, filled with a love for the other man.

Dean is fearless for the first time in years when he allows himself to lean in, pressing his plush lips softly against the alpha's dry and slightly cracked ones. A hand comes to rest alongside the column of Castiel’s stubbled neck, a way for Dean to ground himself as he tilts his face so that it may slot more naturally into the tender kiss. Cas can feel his breath catching in his chest as the omega leans in, the feel of Dean’s lips on his own is like a soothing balm to the ache that has been growing within him since he first laid eyes on Dean. His skin tingles under the omega’s touch, his instincts telling him to take him, to claim him… but he holds back. He knows that now is Dean’s time to lead, and take only what he is ready to give. 

Dean deepens the kiss, his fingers trailing up to sink into the alpha's soft hair, pulling him closer. His mouth opens just barely, his own tongue gently licking at the seam of Cas’ mouth. The alpha lets out a small sound of surprise in response, his hands instinctively moving to grasp at Dean's waist, the action causing sparks to flow over every single one of Castiel's nerves. His mind races, wanting to devour the omega right here and now. Cas’ hand comes to rest on the omega's abdomen, his fingers instinctively rubbing in soothing circles. The warmth of the omega's skin and the roundness of the bump makes something in the alpha's heart soar. He can feel the pup moving, fluttering against his hand. 

Cas breaks the kiss, resting his forehead against the omega's as they both catch their breath. His other hand comes up to cup Dean's cheek, his thumb tracing over the omega's cheekbone. His eyes are hooded, his gaze intense and full of raw emotions. “Omega…” he breathes, his voice low and thick with want.

“I love you, too,” Dean finally whispers, his voice soft and cracking like a desperate prayer as he continues. “I have waited my whole life to find someone just like you. And I'm not afraid to let myself have that anymore. I know what I want- who I want, and that's you, alpha.”

Cas feels his heart swelling in his chest, his alpha howling in triumph as the words sink in. He can feel a wave of emotions washing over him - relief, happiness, and most of all, a fierce protectiveness. This omega was so beautiful... so strong, and perfect  despite everything life sent his way. He leans down, his nose nuzzling into the soft flesh of Dean's neck, his lips ghosting over the omega's mating gland.

"You are-" he purrs, his voice dropping into a possessive growl. He can't say it, not after Dean had just exercised his freedom from Lee... it wouldn't be right.

“Yours,” Dean finishes the man's sentence without hesitation, nipping at his jaw, demanding Castiel's attention. “I am yours.”

“Dean, no. You're finally free, I couldn't-” 

“And my first choice in my freedom is choosing an alpha- a man who has been so incredibly kind to me from day one, despite the battered package I showed up in. I get to choose a man who sees me as a person, not a possession. I choose an alpha who says fuck the hierarchy, and is confident enough in himself to allow me to have a voice, to not feel a need to command and dictate my every move.”

Dean kisses him again, his cool, lithe fingers traveling under the bottom of the man's shirt, exploring the firm and muscled plane of Castiel’s stomach. Castiel groans into the other man's mouth, sliding Dean's jacket down and off his shoulders, where it slips down to the floor, forgotten.

“And most importantly,” Dean pants between frantic kisses, his fingers running down the buttons on the front of Castiel's shirt, leaving each one undone in his wake. “I choose a man who my daughter loves and adores. A man who, despite that pup not being of his blood, has this primal need to protect her from anything and anyone in this world who could hurt her. A man whose face lights up as bright as the sun when he makes that pup of mine smile, or laugh.”

Cas growls under his breath, tugging his shirt down and off the rest of the way, kissing Dean with a fiery and feverish need, his large hand completely engulfing the nape of the omega's neck. 

Dean sighs blissfully into the motion, pulling away to stroke his fingers through Cas' hair, his face melted into a half lidded and blissful smile. “That's the man I choose. Because I'm free to choose for myself, and because I want you. Belonging to you doesn't take away that freedom, it just means I choose a life of safety, and happiness. For me and my children.”

Cas can feel a wave of emotions wash over him as the omega speaks, his words a soothing balm to the possessive, primitive alpha within him. No one has ever described him, or made him feel so wanted and loved. Dean was choosing him, not because he had to or was coerced, but because he wanted to. That realization was the most intense feeling he had ever experienced. He growls softly, his hand tangling into the omega's hair as he kisses him deeply, his tongue delving into Dean's mouth like a starving man. His hands begin to roam over every inch of the smaller man's body. His lips trail down over Dean's jaw, nipping and sucking at the sensitive skin there. His hands slide over the omega's hips, possessive and greedy. He can smell the arousal coming from the omega, along with the sweet scent of pregnancy. It drives him crazy.

“Bed,” Castiel finally pants out, finding it hard to keep his mouth off the omega's skin. “Need you in my bed first.”

“Cas…” Dean whines, eager to not put off what he's been craving for so long for even a second longer.

Castiel shakes his head, moaning as if in pain as he stands to his feet. “No. No, I want to be gentle, I need to be. Your pup…” He softly pulls Dean to his feet, coaxing him towards the bedroom.

Dean nods, his own arousal growing as the alpha guides him towards the bedroom. The thought of being touched gently and intimately after so long is overwhelmingly exciting and nerve-wracking. He follows Cas into the room, walls lined in navy blue and gray striped wallpaper, a queen sized bed perched in the middle and draped in a floral duvet. His hands slide up the alpha's hair-peppered chest to wrap around his neck, fingertips brushing through the dark brown waves at the base of Castiel’s skull. In that same moment, Cas’ fingers curl into the bottom hem of the omega's shirt, his eyes asking a silent and shy permission before pulling up up and over Dean's head, exposing a sun kissed and freckled slate of bare skin. Dean is more stunning than he could have imagined, all the lines and contours of his body clear yet so soft, and the way his skin was pulled taut around his midsection, cradling the life within; it made Castiel's mouth water.

Cas gently guides him down onto the bed, straddling Dean as he hovers over top. He leans down, his lips finding the other man's once again, kissing him with a bruising force. He feels the omega's hands running over his body, his own hands wandering over the planes of Dean's flesh at the same time. He can feel the omega's scent all around him, driving his alpha even crazier. Dean's fingers now work to open the button and zipper on the alpha's Levi's, sliding inside to grip firmly around Cas’ half hardened length through the thin fabric of his boxers. Cas lets out a strangled groan, his body shivering from the contact. He gasps, hips bucking into Dean's palm. The omega handles him so confidently, so possessively - it’s not at all what he expected, but is a more than welcomed surprise. 

"Dean," he gasps out, his voice rough and low. "Omega..."

Cas can feel his alpha howling with want inside him. He wants to claim this beautiful omega. To mark him, to take him. But he holds back, reminding himself that this is all about Dean - making him feel safe, loved. He leans down to mouth at the skin of the omega's neck, his teeth grazing across the sensitive flesh of his scent gland.

“Jesus, Cas. Get your pants off, please!” Dean breathes out, wanting nothing more than to rip away the fabric keeping him from getting to what he wanted most.

Cas lets out a breathy chuckle, his own patience running thin with the omega's insistence and needy voice. He pushes himself up, shimmying out of the stained denim and plaid underwear. As the bands of fabric slip down the protrusions of the alpha's hips, Dean can't help but let out a soft moan to himself as Castiel's member pops free, slapping up against the happy trail below the man's navel. Shifting closer to the side of the bed, Dean reaches out without hesitation whilst Cas takes a step closer, the fronts of his thighs pressed into the mattress. The omega's fingers wrap around the man's girth, stroking steadily as the alpha stares down at him, his eyes dark with a primal need. Castiel's cock is everything he'd expected - nothing short of perfection just like the man himself. Perfect size, a slight curve, and a thick mushroomed tip that’s already weeping with sticky precum.

Just as Cas opens his mouth to speak, Dean's lips come into contact with that sensitive flesh at the tip, pressing feather-light kisses down the length. Once at the base, he drags his tongue up along the entire length of the underside, a trail of spit breaking away as he comes off the tip. Castiel hisses, cradling the side of Dean's head within his hand. He can't form words even if he tries. The feel of Dean's lips and tongue on him was almost too much. He watches through half-lidded eyes as the omega works him, his fingers carding through his lover's hair as those damned plush lips wrap obscenely around his dick, cheeks caving in as Dean sucks slow and deep, up and down, up and down. Soft pants and moans escape Castiel's lips, his hips involuntarily bucking forward in small twitches and jerks here and there. His fingers curl into the omega's hair, tugging softly in an attempt to control himself. 

Dean finally pulls off, his lips swollen and hot pink, the alpha's cock glistening with saliva as the omega's hand eagerly pumps his length. That's everything it takes for Cas to move, reaching for Dean's pajama bottoms and carefully maneuvering them off, along with the man's briefs. Dean put up zero protest, trying his best in his heavily bred state to lift his hips and make the alpha's job easier. But Castiel does most, if not all the work for him. The potent tang of omega slick instantly burns into the alpha's nostrils as Dean's legs part in a welcoming gesture. Castiel's pupils blow wide, black eclipsing the usual soft blue, his tongue darting out to wet his lips. The scent of Dean's arousal is so potent that it makes Cas' head spin. He can feel his alpha instincts kicking into high gear, his need to mate growing with each passing second. His hands roam over the omega's body, appreciating every curve and contour, until they finally come to rest on the omega's inner thighs, pushing them further apart. He growls softly, his nose nudging at the hot, soaking flesh between the Dean's legs. He can't resist the urge to have a taste, his tongue sweeping over the man's hot slit.

“Fuck,” Dean seethes out in a whisper, one of his legs giving a sharp jerk of surprise at the new sensation.

Cas presses and grinds his mouth in firmer, his tongue flicking in and out, licking and slurping hard enough that the soft meat of the omega's inner thighs tremble. He lands a few more open mouthed kisses against the crease between Dean's sex and his thigh, moving up enough to bite below his knee.

“You taste so good, omega,” he moans, allowing Dean to lace his fingers into the alpha's more calloused ones. 

Dean's grip on Cas' fingers tightens, his hips moving slightly, seeking more contact. He can feel the alpha's tongue lapping at his flesh, his hot breath against his skin, making goosebumps prickle along his skin. He moans, his back arching slightly. "Alpha..." he whimpers, his voice coming out soft and needy.

“I've got you, Dean. My beautiful omega,” Castiel hums, pushing two fingers into the other man's slick entrance.

At the feel of Cas' fingers, the omega moans, the muscles in his thighs tightening. He closes his eyes, his head falling back against the pillow. He can feel the alpha's fingers stretching him open and he can't help but whine, his body tensing slightly in anticipation. 

"Please, Cas," he pleads softly, his body shifting on the bed, turning more onto his hip. “I want your knot… Need it bad.”

Cas is lost in the smell, the sight, the feeling of the omega. He lets out a ragged breath, his eyes roaming over Dean's body while his own trembles with desire. 

"You want my knot, baby?" he asks, his voice low and rough. "You think you're ready for it?”

Dean's cheeks are hot pink, the skin of his face dewy and glistening. His breaths come in short puffs, one hand cradling the swell of his full belly, and the other draped lazily across his chest. He looks almost ethereal; a vision of fertility and beauty. The omega gasps sharply when Castiel's fingers part his sex open, the alpha's lips sealing around the tip of a sensitive ball of nerves that makes him see stars in the best of ways.

“Yes! God- yes! Please, I've been ready!” Dean whines louder, his toes curling in pleasure as Castiel devours between his legs.

Cas smirks, his body moving to hover over the omega. He kisses Dean hard, the taste of the smaller man's arousal still on his face and tongue. 

"Such a needy little omega," he murmurs, nipping at the omega's bottom lip. “How are you gonna be most comfortable, sweetheart?” he asks, dragging kisses along Dean's protruding collarbone.

Dean lets out a shaky exhale, his fingers digging into the alpha's skin as he gets lavished in kisses. He tries to think, already short of breath from the weight of the pup pushing down on his spine, and up into his lungs. The idea of being pounded into the mattress and folded up by the alpha is a nice one, but not at the cost of his pup or his own comfort. 

"On my side," he finally breathes out, his voice heavy with want.

Cas nods, gently easing Dean on his side, his large hands roaming over the omega's body with reverence. He slots himself in behind him, his solid body pressing against Dean's back. 

"Comfortable?" he whispers, his breath warm against the omega's neck.

Dean grunts a bit as he shifts a pillow half under his chest and stomach, just enough to hold up the heft of his baby. "Yeah... yeah I'm good." He looks back over his shoulder, just in time for Castiel to catch his lips in a far softer, far more tender kiss.

Cas can't seem to get enough of the omega's mouth. He kisses him slowly, his tongue sliding against the omega's in a sensual dance. His hands continue to roam over the other man's body, mapping out every inch of skin he can find with his touch. He can feel his alpha howling, itching to claim the omega as his own, to mark him and breed him... but he resists, forcing his instincts to be patient, to be gentle. He instead waits for Dean to guide him, as he lifts a leg and takes hold of it just below the pit of his knee, effectively giving the alpha full access to his slick-soaked entrance. They kiss again, Dean gasping and whimpering as the other man rubs the blunt head of his cock up through his swollen slit, just before slowly guiding into Dean's warm, welcoming walls.

Cas closes his eyes, his head falling forward to rest against the omega's shoulder from behind as he slowly sinks into the other man's depths. He feels a shiver run down the omega's spine, his alpha growling in response. But he holds still, letting Dean adjust around him, letting him get used to his length and girth. One hand finds its way to gently caress the omega's full stomach, his fingers splayed across the round flesh. 

"You still doing okay?" he murmurs against the skin of the omega's neck, his lips and teeth tickling the sensitive flesh there.

Dean nods, a soft moan escaping his lips as he feels the alpha's fingers and mouth against his skin. He takes a deep breath, his body still adjusting to the feeling of Cas' member inside him. 

"Feels good," he pants out, his body moving involuntarily as he grinds his hips down, taking the alpha even deeper. “Need more, though. Please?”

Cas swallows hard, restraining the primal urge to slam into the omega, to fill him so completely. He moves his hand to grip at the hip of the omega, his fingers digging into the taut flesh. 

"Yeah, omega. Whatever you need," he murmurs, his voice strained with the effort to control himself. 

He slowly begins to move, his thrusts slow and gentle, his hand still rubbing the omega's swollen stomach. He presses a kiss to Dean's shoulder, his teeth scraping gently against the skin there, through ragged pants.

"You feel so good, omega. So good for me, aren't you?”

Dean’s whole body trembles at Cas’ words. He can feel the alpha taking control, moving in and out of him with a slow, steady pace. He nods feverishly in agreement, his breath coming out in short gasps. 

"Yes, yes..." he manages to get out, his fingers clenching the sheets beneath them. His body feels like it's on fire, the pleasure building with every movement. "Need you... Need you- want you.”

Cas can feel himself losing control, the primal urge to claim and breed taking over his senses. He picks up the pace, his thrusts becoming more forceful now, each stroke hitting deeper, harder; but never too hard, and never too rough, just perfect. His eyes are dark with desire, his gaze fixed on Dean as he moves. 

"You have me, omega. All I am, all I have is yours," he growls, an arm wrapped around his midsection as he rocks into Dean, his other hand coming to slide up the front of the omega's neck, his fingers gripping gently at his chin.

Dean lets out a loud moan, his head tilting back into the alpha's touch as he rocks into Cas’ movements. He can feel the need for release growing, his body trembling with each thrust. "Please, Cas," he whimpers, the arousal he feels bubbling up more and more and more, his body becoming even more desperate. "Please, I need-”

Cas leans in, his lips finding the omega's neck once more. "Need what, baby?" he murmurs against his skin, his teeth nipping at the sensitive area behind his ear. He can feel the omega trembling, his breathing growing ragged. He shifts his angle, trying to hit that sweet spot inside Dean, his hand still rubbing soothing circles on his stomach, moving up to caress the man's sensitive chest and nipples.

Dean lets out another loud moan, his body arching beneath the alpha's touch. He feels like he's going to explode from the pleasure building inside of him. "Need-" he gasps out, his voice breathy and raw. "Need to cum. Oh- God..! Please, Cas, I can't- I-" he stutters, his own hand coming to grip at the alpha's arm, his nails digging into the alpha's flesh.

Before Castiel can even respond, Dean comes undone with a broken cry, his body going tense before shaking as the waves of bliss rock his body. The omega's inner walls flutter, grip, and contract around the man's length, the sudden tightness has Cas joining the omega's moans and sighs of pleasure in his own deep baritone. But the man's thrusts don't falter, just change to a more deep and rolling motion - like waves lapping at the sand on a beach. Cas can feel the omega trembling, every muscle tight as he rides out his orgasm, but the alpha continues his movements, his own need quickly building. He presses soft, wet kisses against the omega's shoulder and neck, his teeth sinking gently into the flesh, as his hands rove in long languid movements over the omega's sensitive, heated skin. He feels his release right at the brink, the heat in his abdomen coiled tight with a primal need to mark, to claim, but he continues to hold back. Just a moment longer…

"You're so perfect, so beautiful," he whispers against Dean's shoulder, nipping at the skin and tasting the salty sweat that has formed. 

Dean shivers at the words, feeling a mix of emotions flooding his chest. It's all so overwhelming and so good and he can't help it when a few wet tears start to leak from his eyes. 

"Please, Cas," he whimpers again, his whole body still trembling as he comes down from his orgasmic high.

Cas leans in, his lips capturing the omega's in a soft, tender kiss. He can taste the salty tears on the omega's lips, the tangy, sweet scent of his arousal still strong in the air. He can feel the omega's body still trembling, his inner walls still fluttering around him, and he wants nothing more than to bury himself deep inside this beautiful man and never let him go. And that's exactly what he does.

Castiel moans onto their passionate kiss as his hips stutter, his thrusts now more shallow and jerky just in time for his knot to swell, locking the pair together as the alpha's seed floods Dean's insides. Cas presses his face into the side of the omega's neck, his breathing ragged as he feels his knot thicken and lock them together. He can feel the bond forming between them, the connection growing stronger and more complete with each passing moment. And then, with a sharp, possessive bite, he claims the omega as his own. 

Dean yelps sharply; he'd forgotten how much the claim could hurt. It feels like acid being pushed through his veins, popping out all of his nerve endings. But it ceases as quick as it starts, the sharp burn immediately followed by a soothing warmth that washed through his center, pooling down to his toes. Cas can feel the bond forming as the claim sinks in, his body still pressed against the omega's sweat-slick back. He can feel the emotions shared between them; the love, the need, the protectiveness... He can also feel the omega's submission, the way his body relaxes as he accepts the bond, a blissful sigh slipping out of Dean's parted lips. Cas gently runs his tongue over the bite mark, his hand moving to rub soft circles over the omega's hip. Dean's scent is so warm, and calm, and it fills him with a deep sense of satisfaction. 

"You okay, Dean?" he murmurs against the omega's skin, his voice rough and low.

"Mmhmn..." Dean hums in response, his body still trembling as he leans back against the alpha's chest. "I'm okay," he manages to get out, his voice heavy and slow. He pauses, taking a deep breath. "Tired.”

Castiel chuckles softly, his hand continuing to rub gently over the omega's skin. "I bet you are," he says, his voice still low and rough. He lets out a small, pleased sigh. "You were so good for me, baby. So good.”

Dean hums in response again, bringing Castiel's hand off his belly, and to his lips. He presses a long kiss into the man's knuckles before allowing the heavy limb to relax limply back against the omega's body. Cas lays his hand back on the omega's stomach, his fingers tracing soft patterns over the taut flesh. He can feel the pup moving inside, the life within the omega bringing him a sense of awe. He nuzzles his face into the side of the omega's neck, inhaling the sweet scent of his mate.

“Lee never fucked like that,” Dean whispers after a long pause of silence. “He didn't care if I was in the mood or not. If he wanted sex, we were gonna have it. But even if I was consenting, or even in heat… He was just bad at it. I honestly don't think he ever got me to cum, either.”

Cas growls low against the omega’s neck, anger rising up inside him at the thought of the other alpha treating his mate in such a way. "He didn't deserve you," he mutters against the omega's skin. "He didn't deserve to even look at you, let alone have you.”

“He didn’t,” Dean sighs, running a hand up over the one the alpha had on his stomach. “He didn’t deserve me. He used me. He made me feel like an object. Like a baby-making machine, rather than an actual person. I felt like an empty shell, a hole for him to fill.”

Cas tightens his arm around the omega, pulling him closer to his chest. "You are so much more than that," he murmurs, his voice firm but gentle. "You're beautiful. You're strong. You're kind. You're fierce." He presses a soft kiss to the omega's shoulder. "You deserve to be desired. You deserve to be respected. You deserve to be loved and cared for, and worshipped.”

"You do too, y'know?" Dean asks, looking back over his shoulder at the other man. "You deserve the world. You fuckin'... You saved me, Cas. You showed me I wasn't as broken as I thought I was.”

Cas shakes his head, his eyes filled with a soft, intense tenderness. "You were never broken," he says, his voice firm but gentle. "You were just in the wrong hands.”

“Well… not anymore,” Dean sighs, smiling as he reaches back to cup the alpha's stubbled jaw.

Cas leans into the omega's touch, a rumble in his chest. "No, not anymore," he agrees, his eyes soft as he looks down at his mate. They are both quiet for a long moment, enjoying the closeness and the comfort of the other's presence.

Chapter Text

The morning sun filters into the room through the curtains, casting a warm, golden glow over the room. Cas is the first to wake, his eyes slowly blinking open to find the omega still soundly asleep. He lifts a hand to gently brush a few stray locks of hair away from Dean's face, his fingers tracing along the man's high cheekbones. He can't help but smile at the sight of the omega, his face peaceful and relaxed in sleep, body still curled into the bedding with his back against Cas' chest. Cas watches him for a long moment before gently pulling the omega closer to him, his arms snaking around the other man's waist, his nose nuzzling into the sensitive flesh of his neck. He inhales deeply, his nostrils flaring as he takes in the omega's scent. It still has that sweet, familiar smell, but it's mixed now with something more, something Cas identifies as himself; his own scent, his own essence intertwined. It's a scent he wants to bathe in, to savor and appreciate for the rest of his days.

The alpha pushes himself up onto an elbow, eyes slowly taking in the entirety of beauty that is Dean. His hair glows brilliantly as the sun blasted through it from the window, and every freckle stands out from tanned and soft skin, each looking like it had been meticulously placed by an artist and paint brush. Castiel's eyes then drag up to the back of Dean's neck, the skin across his nape and the backs of the omega's shoulders littered in bites, hickeys, bruises, and scrapes from the alpha's mouth and teeth. The possessive alpha in Cas growls with approval at the sight of the omega's skin, his eyes continuing to take in the marks he left behind only hours prior. It makes his chest swell with pride, the pride of knowing that the omega is his. He can't help but lean down and press his lips to the omega's shoulder, trailing his lips across bare flesh, causing Dean to stir. He moans softly in his sleep, his face twisting and scrunching for a moment before he flutters those pretty green irises open. 

"Morning, angel," Castiel purrs, his voice heavy with a soft grumble as he watches the omega stretch out the kinks and soreness from the previous night's activities. 

Dean lets out a small moan as he moves, the soreness in his lower back and thighs making him wince slightly as he tries to shift. "Morning, alpha," he replies with a sleepy smile, turning slightly in Castiel's arms to gaze up at him.

Cas leans down, his lips capturing the omega's, stealing a sweet, tender kiss. "Sleep okay?" he asks, his voice low and gravelly with sleep.

Dean nods with a yawn, running his hands in circles on either side of his baby bump. “Good. Haven't slept that hard in a long time,” he admits, reaching to cup the side of the alpha's face in awe.

Cas leans into the omega's touch, his eyes warm as he gazes down at the other man. "Glad I could help," he murmurs, his own hand coming to rest on the omega's stomach, his palm covering the soft swell.

"You know you talk in your sleep, right?" Dean asks, his eyes closing again as he relaxes into Cas' touch.

Castiel quirks a brow, letting out an amused snort. “Do not!”

Dean smiles, his cheeks pinking up as his eyes glitter with mischief. “You do!” he insists, rolling onto his side to fully face the alpha. “You were crackin’ me up a couple times last night.”

Cas rolls his eyes playfully. "Oh really? What did I say then?" he asks, his fingers roaming softly up and down the omega's side.

“Well, you said a bunch of things,” he chuckles, his hand stroking up to play with the hair on the alpha's chest. “Couldn't really understand most of it, since you were grumbling it all into my neck. But I could make out the words ‘mine’ and ‘my mate’ a few times. I didn't know if you were dreaming that or just saying it out of instinct... You also yelled at Gabriel. Called him a shit head - that I definitely understood. Sibling stuff I assume?" he snickers, watching Castiel blush in embarrassment.

Cas remembers the dreams that plagued him. He lets out a small, huffing sigh. "I don't remember the yelling at my brother, but I remember the mine and mate parts… I was dreaming about you all night," he admits, his hand moving up to gently brush a few locks of hair out of Dean's face, the omega's eyes closing as he leans into the touch. "Is that... okay? Me calling you mine?" he whispers, his voice soft and almost nervous, even though he knows the answer.

“I'd be upset if you didn't call me that,” Dean whispers with a grin, stealing a soft and lingering kiss. 

Cas smirks against the omega's lips, pulling away just enough to speak. "Noted," he murmurs, his hand returning to the omega's stomach. He can feel the pup shift beneath the skin, his hand roaming over the soft, full bump.

Dean sighs at the touch, his own hand roaming down to meet Castiel's. He looks down, watching the alpha's strong, tan hand run over the skin of his stomach. He smiles softly at the sight. Every time the alpha touches him, or his baby, it just makes something warm and light bloom in his chest. Cas can feel the connection too, the small flutter beneath his hands as the pup moves. He feels his alpha preening with pride, his instincts so happy and content. He leans in close, his nose nuzzling and scenting the omega's throat. 

"Beautiful," he murmurs. “All of you is beautiful. Drives me nuts.”

Dean groans, tilting his head to expose more of his neck to Castiel, goosebumps lighting up his skin with a chill as the man's hot tongue laps over a tender wound there from last night. Cas' hand slides down to rest on the omega's hip, his lips tracing a trail down the column of the man's throat. He takes a deep, shuddering breath, the scent of warm vanilla and arousal filling his nostrils. The alpha growls softly, his nose nuzzling into the flesh right above the omega's clavicle. 

"Want you," he murmurs against the skin.

Dean's mouth parts open with shallow breaths, squirming under the alpha's touch as the man's rough and calloused hand slides between the omega's plush thighs. Castiel's fingers start rubbing through Dean's sex without wasting any time, his lips moving up to catch all of the omega's gasps and whimpers in his own mouth. Cas pushes his fingers into the omega, moaning into the kiss when he feels how wet Dean is. He slowly melts against the man's lips, his tongue swiping across the seam. The omega is already writhing and whimpering in his arms and they've only just begun. He's desperate, needy. 

Cas pushes another finger inside, rubbing against the walls and crooking his hand. "That's it, good boy," he growls, his lips moving away from the omega's mouth to trail kisses over his cheeks, his chin, his ear…

Dean is trembling, his hands grasping at the sheets, at Castiel’s back, at his shoulders. He's whining so helplessly, his body completely submitting to the alpha. The alpha he needs so bad. Dean wants to give Castiel everything he's ever wanted and more. To be the mate of Cas’ dreams.

"Alpha-" Dean pants, his breath hitching as Cas finds that sweet spot inside him. He's so overwhelmed, his body thrumming in pleasure.

"I've got you," Cas breathes into the omega's ear. He continues to rub against the man's walls, he can feel Dean trembling, can hear his little moans and whimpers, can taste the sweat on his throat as he sucks and nips at the skin. "You're such a good boy, aren't you? So good for me, such a precious, perfect little omega.”

He can feel Cas' words in his soul. They melt him, make him weak. So he nods and agrees, wanting to be good. To be everything the alpha wanted. "I am. I'm yours," he practically sobs. They're all breathy sounds, all pleas, and moans, filled with so much need.

"I know, baby. I know, I'm here. I'm right here," he whispers, his lips capturing the omega's in a hungry, possessive kiss. He can feel the man's need, and it drives his alpha crazy to know that he's the one causing it. "Going to give you what you need, don't worry. Be patient.”

"Can't- be patient," Dean mutters against the alpha's lips. "Need you now, alpha. Don't wanna wait. Wanna feel you, be filled with you." 

Dean pants against the alpha's ear, his body hot with need, slick soaking the sheets beneath them, his head fuzzy with lust and desire. Castiel snarls, his eyes clenching shut at Dean's lewd admission. It was pushing the man's buttons, making him want to stop the foreplay and just go for it now.

“Fuck, don't talk like that,” Castiel tuts in a sultry tone, moving up onto his knees as he climbs down between the omega's legs. “Such a needy little thing.”

"Can't help it, I'm just needy for you," Dean moans out, his fingers daring as they slide down between his own legs, two fingers spreading his soaked slit open in a lewd display for his lover. "Just want you, alpha. Need you."

He watches the alpha between his legs, his whole body quivering. His every nerve is lit on fire, every inch of skin begging for the larger man's touch. The look in the alpha's eyes just makes his insides clench with need. Castiel grabs the omega's hips and pulls him closer, his own body shaking with restraint. He runs his hand up the omega's thigh, gripping the flesh as he leans down, his eyes never leaving the omega's as he presses a soft kiss to the man's knee. He can smell Dean's arousal, the scent making his head swoon and his instincts flare. 

"Comfortable?" the alpha asks, rubbing his tip across Dean's slick entrance.

Dean's breath hitches, rolling his bottom lip between his teeth with a chaste nod. "Comfortable enough, yeah. Fuck, put it in already. Please..." he mewls, pulling a pillow back behind his head to prop himself up just enough.

Cas can feel his alpha preening at the sight of the omega, of his need, of his submission. "Good boy," he murmurs, gripping the omega's hips. "Such a good boy. Such a beautiful little omega."

Gripping the base of his own shaft, he rubs himself through the omega's slick just before he slowly guides his length into Dean's entrance. "You take me so well. You're so good, aren't you?”

The omega moans at the praise, his body arching into the touch, his breath quickening as he takes more and more of the alpha's length into his body. 

"Good boy," Cas repeats, his voice low and gravelly, eyes dark and possessive. "Such a good boy for me, my omega, my good boy," Cas pulls his length out almost all the way before sinking back in, his hands gripping the skin of the omega's thighs. "You like that? Like me filling you up, taking you good and deep?”

“Fuck- Jesus, fuck. Cas…” Dean moans, a smile cracking at his lips. “You tell me not to talk so dirty, but do you hear yourself?” he teases, sighing blissfully through the man's deep, slow thrusts. “God, it feels so good…”

Castiel growls, his hands roaming over the omega's skin, gripping and rubbing, wanting to get as close to his mate as possible. "But you respond so well to it. Get all whiny and pliant,” The alpha chuckles, leaning down to nuzzle and kiss at the omega's throat. "M'not usually this bad. But you bring it out of me.”

The omega just moans more, his body clenching involuntarily around the alpha's length. He lets his head fall to the side, exposing more of the sensitive flesh for Castiel to lick and bite at. “Love the way you talk to me,” he mutters, his hands coming up to grip at the alpha's shoulders. “Love this, love how you make me feel.”

"Good," Castiel murmurs, leaning up to kiss the other man deeply. The alpha can taste the omega's desperate moans on his tongue, his fingers gripping the skin of the omega's hips tighter, leaving deep red imprints in their wake. "All I ever want is for you to feel good, to give you all the pleasure and comfort this godforsaken world has to offer.”

"You already give me so much," Dean sighs, turning his head to capture the alpha's thumb between his lips. He takes the digit into his mouth, suckling on it softly before releasing it with a pop. "You make me feel things I never thought I would feel again.”

Castiel’s hips slowly halt, pausing to look into Dean's eyes and really see the raw emotion and vulnerability they hold. There wasn't a hint of fear, or reserve - his soul lay open and raw for Castiel to do with what he wanted. The trust was something otherworldly, and as the alpha traced his thumb across the tops of Dean's freckle dusted cheeks, he found himself swept up by emotion, his sharp blue eyes becoming glassy.

“You're a treasure, Dean Winchester. Thank you for choosing me,” he rumbles, kissing the omega's forehead as his hips move back into a steady rhythm.

Dean's breath hitches, his own eyes wetting with tears as the alpha takes him with slow, deep thrusts. It's tender and romantic, their love for each other palpable in the air. The omega's hand moves to the alpha's cheek, his thumb grazing over the man's sharp and bristled jawline. 

He smiles softly, his cheeks flushed and eyes glossy. "Never want anyone else," he whispers.

"You're all I've ever wanted, baby," Cas responds, his voice trembling. He leans down again, capturing the omega's lips in a tender, gentle kiss. His fingers caress and rub the omega's bump as he presses deeper still, his head dropping to the omega's shoulder. "L- ah! Love you so much.”

Castiel's dam breaks loose then with a broken moan of ecstasy, pulling out of Dean to cum across the omega's bright and glistening holes, painting them like a lewd and abstract piece of art. Dean whines as he watches the alpha stroke himself with one hand, milking every last drop of seed from his pulsing knot, while reaching down with his other hand to thumb fast circles into the head of the swollen, achy bundle of nerves between the omega's legs. Dean writhes against the sheets, his body trembling with the intensity of the overstimulation. He can feel himself growing closer to the edge, his thighs clenching as the alpha's thumb continues its onslaught. He reaches out, grasping at Castiel's arm desperately, his legs coming up to clamp around the alpha's forearm. 

"Please, please, please," he whines, not even sure what he's begging for anymore but knowing that he needs just a little bit more…

Cas hums in satisfaction when he feels Dean's sex throb against his digit in climax, the omega's head pressing back deep into the pillow, mouth agape in deep and lustful moans. The alpha runs his now free hand in soft, soothing circles around the omega's hip as he comes down from his high. His eyes rove over the man's body, admiring the omega's flushed, freckled skin, his damp hair, and the beautiful green of his eyes. 

"Beautiful. You're so beautiful, omega," he purrs, the hand that was playing with the omega's sex moving up the man's body to rest on the swell of his stomach.

Dean flushes as the alpha praises and touches him, his eyes heavy as he stares up at the alpha. He sighs, a sense of complete satisfaction and contentment washing over him. "Y'look at me like I'm the most beautiful thing in the world," he mutters, his chest clenching. He brings his own hand down to rest over the alpha's against his stomach, his fingers intertwining with Cas'.

Castiel smiles, shrugging a bit as he offers Dean both of his hands, pulling the omega to a sitting up position as a quiet groan escapes Dean's lips. “It's because you are the most beautiful thing in the world, Dean. You are.”

Dean tosses the alpha a blushing, yet pointed look. “No, you are.”

Castiel raises a brow, his lips parting in an amused and toothy smile. “No, you!”

Dean rolls his eyes, huffing with a hand on his stomach as he gets to his feet, stretching in a warm beam of sunlight that leaks in through the curtain. “I could go for hours, y'know? Arguing with you… might as well give up, man,” he teases, looking back at the man over his shoulder. 

Cas chuckles, shaking his head at the omega. "Oh yeah, sweetheart?" he asks, his eyes roaming over the man's figure again and again. The omega's golden skin seems to shimmer in the light, his body lean and muscular yet soft and curvy in all the right spots. Castiel's inner-alpha growls in approval of his mate as he pushes himself up from the bed and saunters over to the omega. 

"You think you got more in you than me?" he murmurs, his arms wrapping around the omega's torso, gently pulling him back and flush against Cas' chest, dipping his face to kiss Dean's shoulder from behind.

Dean laughs softly, leaning all of his weight back into his new mate's solid frame. “Whatever. I'm right, you're wrong,” he hums, looking out the window to hide his deeply blushed face.

Cas shakes his head with a soft and amused smirk, kissing Dean's mating bite wound before moving away from him. “C'mon, let's go shower and then I'll make breakfast.” 

Dean's face perks up at both words, taking the man's hand as he follows behind, their naked frames padding across beige shag carpet. The omega can barely keep his hands off the man, kissing and caressing his skin as they both step into the shower. They get each other cleaned up, stealing small pecks and touches, gentle caresses, and soft murmurs. Cas helps to towel off Dean, drying and rubbing his skin, making his omega lean in and giggle against his neck. The way the couple moves around each other is tender, domestic, sweet, and loving

Cas helps the omega into a pair of flannel pajama pants and a large, worn t-shirt, wanting him to be comfortable. He leads Dean out into the kitchen, his own pants slung low on his hips as he gets to work on breakfast. He starts a pot of coffee, starts to cut up strawberries and blueberries for some pancakes, humming to himself contentedly as the omega sits just behind him at the oak dining table, chin leaned into his palm as he watches Castiel work at the stove. It's comforting to Dean. The warmth of the kitchen, the smell of coffee and pancakes being cooked, the sounds of silverware clinking against plates, and Cas' soft humming of some song Dean can't place. His inner-omega is practically swelling in approval at how Cas dotes on him, his eyes tracking every movement the alpha makes. He can't help the smile that keeps creeping across his lips, his cheeks red. And then, plates of warm food set before them, they eat together, a comfortable silence settled between them as their jaws work through their meal. 

Castiel, just like their first unofficial date at his brother's diner, keeps stealing glances at Dean while he eats, taking in every single movement he's making. Every little thing seems to fascinate him, to draw him in. He studies every way the omega's lips wrap around the fork, the way a small, pink tongue darts out to lap away a sweet drop of syrup or melted butter. He even tracks the muscles flexing in the omega's neck as he swallows each bite. It's like he cannot look away, doesn't even want to try. The omega takes notice, his own eyes darting up to the alpha's through his lashes every so often. It makes butterflies form in his stomach, excitement and anticipation building up inside of him. It makes heat pool in his face, the way the alpha is looking at him, making him feel like the most desirable thing in the whole world - and he loves it.

Castiel smiles when their eyes meet, before allowing his faze to drop back down to his plate. He forks at his food for a moment, deciding on conversation to distract from the way Dean has him wrapped around his finger. 

“I called Ellen after you passed out last night, by the way. Once my um- once our tie broke and I could get out of bed,” he says casually, glancing up as Dean's eyes widen in realization.

“Oh, shit. I totally forgot,” he admits, feeling incredibly stupid. This whole experience with Castiel thus far since his aunt had dropped him off yesterday had felt like nothing short of a dream. Like time stilled and things moved slow like molasses. “She would've freaked the hell out if nobody called…”

“I was afraid of her showing up on my porch with a shotgun,” the alpha laughs, though he really wasn't joking. “I just told her you got tired and passed out. I also told her that if you woke up and wanted to go home, I'd take you,” He shrugs, pausing to take a sip of coffee. “I didn't wanna overshare… Didn't know what you'd be comfortable with me telling her.”

Dean smiles, his chest blooming with warmth. Castiel had really thought this through when it came to his aunt, clearly trying to find a way to keep their relationship on the down low - to keep it private for Dean's sake, until they'd talked it through together. It was so thoughtful, and so considerate, nothing like what Dean was used to. He reaches across the kitchen table, taking the alpha's hand in his and giving it a tight squeeze.

"Thank you," he whispers, voice a bit hoarse, and the alpha just smiles back, his eyes soft.

It's intimate, yet innocent, and very them. Dean can feel himself purring from this small amount of contact between them. It makes his heart flutter and his mind race, still in disbelief that this is his real life and not an elaborate dream like how it feels. The alpha just grins back at him, his thumb rubbing back and forth over the back of Dean's fingers. He can feel the way he's got the omega's heart fluttering, it's written all over his face.

"Do you want any more?" the alpha asks, tilting his head towards the omega's plate. 

Dean looks down, surprised to see his plate is completely clean already, the silverware laying in a cross. When had he eaten all of that? He's not sure, but he's also not hungry in the slightest for food. 

"Umm... no," he finally replies, tearing his eyes away from the barren plate to look at the alpha as he stands up. “But thank you, Cas.”

The alpha gathers their dirty dishes and moves over to the sink, depositing them there and starting some hot, soapy water to let them soak. He turns back around, wiping his wet hands on the thighs of his pants as he walks back to the table, pulling out a chair so he can plunk himself in it. Sitting backward, straddling the back of the chair, he looks at Dean, his hands resting on the back of it. He doesn't say anything for a moment, his eyes studying the omega. He's trying to gauge something, his eyes narrowing just a bit.

Noticing the intense gaze on him, Dean tilts his head curiously, lifting a brow and offering a small smirk. "What is it?" he asks, his voice gentle as he reaches out and gently kicks the man's leg with the toe of his bare foot.

The alpha laughs, grabbing the omega's ankle and pulling the appendage into his lap. "I'm just thinkin'.”

"Yeah?" Dean teases. "What ya thinkin' about?" He relaxes back into his chair, letting the alpha toy with his foot.

Castiel's face drops to a more somber expression, giving Dean's foot a small squeeze as he stares blankly at the limb. “Honestly? Lee,” the alpha admits, sheepishly glancing up at Dean. “It bothers me that he's still out there. That you constantly have to look over your shoulder.”

Dean feels his breath hitch at his existence name, a faint sense of panic creeping through his chest.

He hadn't told Cas that Lee had shown up the day prior. That him showing up had been the entire reason Dean was even sitting there right now.

Cas watches the change from curiosity to nervousness in the omega's expression, his own face softening in sympathy. "What is it, baby?" he gently prods, the hand that's not massaging the omega's foot reaching up to gently squeeze his knee.

Dean opens his mouth, closes it in hesitation, and then starts again. “Yesterday, um… After Bobby left for work,” the omega swallowed thickly, allowing his eyes to close as he continued speaking. “Lee came to the house. He came to apologize and I… I don’t know why I even answered the door. I don't know why I didn't call the cops right off the bat I just-”

“Did he hurt you?” Castiel interrupts, his jaw set as he stares Dean down, anxious for an answer.

The omega's eyes snap open, guilt and shame written all across his face. "No," he mutters, shaking his head. "No he didn't hurt me."

Cas feels rage bubble up in his chest, yet he doesn't outwardly show it. Instead, he remains calm and collected, a reassuring presence of support for Dean. The only thing that gives away his angst is the faint bitter note that now mingles with his scent. 

“Dean, what happened? Let me help you, you ain't gotta shoulder that all alone, you know?”

Dean takes a deep, shuddering breath, pulling himself out of the alpha's grip to stand. His hands grip the back of the chair he'd been sitting in and he lets his head hang. "I don't know why I even let him in the goddamn house, Cas. I should've slammed the door in his face. I should've run upstairs to Ellen or just called the cops. Instead, I just listened to every bullshit word that came outta his mouth.”

Dean chews the inside of his lip for a moment, frustration evident and heavy in his face. “He apologized, in his own Lee way, and then when I didn't give him the answer he wanted, he got mad. Like a switch flipped, like he always fuckin’ does. He wanted me to give in and take him back, to grovel and ask him to let me come home and I didn't do it. So then he flipped it on me, tried telling me every single screwed up thing he did to me was my fault, and I just- I can't stop, I- I-”

Castiel can see Dean's tailspin building as the omega's hand gestures become more frantic, his eyes distant as his mind begins reeling. And before Dean can continue much further down that scary road he's on his feet, pulling his mate into a warm, firm embrace. 

“Slow down, baby. You're safe here, okay? Take a breath,” he murmurs into Dean's hair, placing a couple kisses into the other man's crown.

Dean takes a couple shuddering sighs, resting his forehead against the alpha's chest. "I'm sorry," he mutters, his arms looping around the alpha's back. 

“Don't be, Dean. You're okay.” 

Dean pulls back slightly, wiping under his eye with the side of his palm to whisk away a stray tear - he hadn't even felt the need to cry, yet a tear shed regardless. “Then when I wouldn't let him inside he kinda pushed his way in. Touched my stomach… Felt the pup…” Dean shakes his head, exhaling a shaky breath as he rubs both eyes now in frustration. “Ellen came down and backed him out with a gun. He left, cops showed up after - it was just a really shitty day, Cas.”

The alpha's chest constricts as he listens to the omega's tale, his arms tightening around his mate's form. "I wish I'd been there, baby," Cas murmurs, gently lifting the omega's chin with a curled finger so their eyes can connect.

Dean lets out a trembling laugh, wrapping his arms around the man's shoulders. “I just knew that after all that bull crap, there was only one person I wanted to see,” he strokes Castiel's hair back momentarily, before stealing a quick kiss. “And now look what happened,” he teases, exhaling again as he starts to calm back down.

Cas offers a smile in return, tilting his head up to press a soft, tender kiss to the omega's chin. "Yeah?" he teases back, pulling the omega flush against him. "What happened, darlin'?" he smirks, running his hands up under the omega's shirt to rest on his hips.

Dean arches into the touch, eyes rolling with a needy whine before he pulls away, his cheeks bright pink. “Okay, I gotta get home. Otherwise we are gonna be fuckin’ all day.” 

Cas barks a laugh, nodding in acceptance. “Yeah… Yeah you're probably right. Shame though, really," Cas sighs dramatically, making a show of looking the omega up and down. "I like the idea of having you all day, in my bed."

Dean laughs, gently shoving Cas away with a hand to the chest, his cheeks turning darker pink as a shiver shoots through his stomach. 

"Let me throw a shirt on and grab my keys, then we'll get going. You can borrow those until I see you again," Castiel gestures to Dean's outfit, the omega smiling like a giddy child as his fists clench into the oversized t-shirt.

The omega nods, watching as the alpha quickly disappears out of the kitchen and into the bedroom, leaving Dean alone in the kitchen for a few moments to collect himself. He runs his hand through his unruly hair, taking a few moments for deep and easy breaths, attempting to settle his racing heart. It's a fruitless effort though. Cas just does something to him - makes him feel flustered and on edge, yet completely and utterly safe at the same time.  

He's still leaning on the chair, eyes on the ground when Cas reappears, jacket and keys in hand. “Ready, sweetheart?”

Dean nods, reaching towards the alpha, grinning ear to ear as their hands slip easily into one another; perfection. Two pieces of the same puzzle.

“Yeah, I'm ready.”

Chapter Text

December went by entirely too fast, and Christmas is only a couple days away. It’s snowing heavily, and has been for a while. And as Cas maneuvers his truck down the main street of the small town, they can see the decorations along the buildings and in the windows of all the local shops. Kennesaw lived for Christmas, it was always beautiful around the holidays. Castiel glances over at the passenger seat, smiling to himself as he watches the omega next to him. He seems a bit uncomfortable, his face pinched in a frown and his hand rubbing in soft circles at his belly. 

Dean groans, shifting in his seat, trying to find a more comfortable position for himself, but is having no luck. He’s almost thirty-two weeks along now, and is at that stage where he’s uncomfortable all the time, no matter what position he’s in. Currently, he has one leg awkwardly braced against the door, trying to relieve some of the pressure off of his lower back. 

"You okay?" Cas asks, one hand steering the truck while the other reaches out to gently touch the omega's knee. "You're not in labor are you?" There’s a bit of a teasing note to his voice, but a hint of concern as well. The alpha's palm slides up to the omega's stomach, gently resting it there.

"No," Dean huffs a laugh, gently flicking Cas' hand away. "Just uncomfortable. Sitting upright is giving me hell.”

Cas chuckles, his hand dropping back to the steering wheel. "Do you need to stop?" he asks. They weren't that far from their destination, but Cas didn't mind stopping for a minute if the omega needed to walk and stretch a bit.

"No, we're almost there," Dean mutters, his head lolling to the side against the cool window. He closes his eyes, his breathing coming out in uneven sighs. "It's just hard to be comfortable at this point. I'm so damn big.”

"You look amazing, though," Cas murmurs, his eyes flickering briefly to the omega's heavily protruding stomach before turning back to the road. "You really do.”

"You're biased," Dean chuckles, cracking his eyes open. "You know I'm big as hell and have waddled like a penguin for weeks now.”

Cas laughs heartily, his eyes crinkling in amusement. "You're adorable, you know that? Waddle or no waddle, you're the most beautiful man I've ever seen."  

The truck is soon pulling into a parking spot outside a clothing store, the alpha shutting off the engine and unbuckling his seatbelt. 

"Sure," the omega huffs in response, his cheeks flushing at the compliment. 

He pushes the car door open, stepping out into the snow and shivering. It's starting to get pretty cold, and it's supposed to snow quite a bit more than it already has over the next couple of days; a white Christmas was a guarantee this year. Dean finally makes his way around the truck, meeting Cas on the sidewalk and taking the alpha's hand as they head towards the store. The pair step inside the building, the smell of cinnamon and pine filling their nostrils. It's warm inside, the heaters blowing hot air from the vents in an effort to battle off the frigid breeze from outside. Cas closes the door behind them, the soft jingle of the bell signalling their entrance. The store is pretty quiet, there’s not very many people in the shop this late in the afternoon. 

Dean is looking through the shelves of children's clothes, trying to pick out an outfit for his little girl to keep her warm and happy when she starts school back up after the holiday vacation. He picks up a soft looking grey sweater, a thick cable knitted material - warm and comfortable for playing outside. He finds a simple pair of jeans to pair it with, the denim a sturdy material that would probably last for a few years. He sets them in the shopping cart that Cas is pushing, turning towards the shelf to try and find something else. Dean grabs a cute little purple coat, making sure to get one size larger than what she is now. That way the coat will last for a good while. He sets it in the cart, before grabbing a few t-shirts - one pink and one light blue. He makes a quick stop in the accessories aisle, grabbing some cute headbands, as well as two beanies to keep her ears warm. That's about all she needs, he thinks to himself. With some new, cold-weather clothes for school, the little girl should be all set. 

"This it for her?" the alpha asks, his hand resting on the omega's hip and pulling him in close to his side.

Dean is about to nod, until he sees and grabs a small purple scarf, a warm wool blend to match the coat. He sets it in the cart, turning to face Cas, a slight flush on his cheeks as he takes notice of the alpha watching him with a pointed, yet fond expression.

"Okay!" he laughs. "I'm done now! Promise!” he giggles, putting his hands up in surrender.

"You're the cutest thing, you know that?" Cas murmurs, running his hand through the omega's hair as he pushes the cart towards the checkout.

Dean hums, unable to get the redness out of his face at the praise. He pulls his phone out of his pocket, quickly sending a text to Ellen, letting her know that they were done shopping and that they'd be home soon. Cas pushes the cart towards one of the registers, dumping the clothes onto the conveyor belt. The girl running the register smiles warmly at the two men. 

"Shopping for a loved one?" she muses, scanning the various items.  

Dean smiles, nodding as he looks at the clothing. "Yeah, my little girl," he replies, an obvious sense of pride in his voice. "She's five.”

"Aww, how sweet," the cashier replies, her eyes flicking from the adorable clothes to the omega's smile. "I bet she's just a little cutie."  

"She's the cutest kid you'd ever meet," Cas replies, resting a comforting hand on the omega's back as Dean fishes his wallet from his pocket, pulling out his card to hand the clerk.

"I'm sure she is," she smiles, glancing at the omega's belly as she hands the card back. "You're having a good Christmas, then?”

"Definitely will be now," Dean laughs, nodding at the bags while Castiel loads them into the cart.

"Well, that's good to hear," the cashier replies, reaching into a small basket by her feet, pulling out a small gift bag and depositing a few pieces of candy into it. "And a little gift for you. Merry Christmas.”

"Oh, thank you so much!" the omega replies, absolutely floored by the kind gesture. He has to fight to keep the tears at bay as he picks the small bag up, gently holding it by its red and white striped handles.

"Don't mention it. Have a great holiday, you guys," she smiles, waving as the pair head towards the exit.

"You too!" the couple replies almost in unison, giving a wave back as he smiles at the girl. Cas chuckles, reaching over and kissing the top of Dean's head as they push the cart out of the door.

"I'm getting teary over fucking candy," Dean grouses, shaking his head as they settle back into the truck. "Damn hormones.”

Cas just grins, pulling Dean's chin up to press a tender kiss to his forehead, before shifting into drive. "Just means you have a good heart, darlin'.”

Dean snorts at the statement, shaking his head as a small smile graces his features. They drive through town, the snow lightly coming down as the radio plays soft music throughout the cab. Cas can see the omega practically vibrating with excitement as the truck pulls into the familiar driveway of Ellen and Bobby's home, the alpha cutting the engine and unbuckling his own seat-belt. 

"Ready to go in?”

"Yeah, I'm good," Dean mutters, unbuckling his seatbelt and slowly wiggling his way out of the truck. 

He stretches for a moment once he's out, his back popping, and a sigh of relief escaping his lips at the sweet sensation. He reaches into the backseat, quickly grabbing the bags of clothing before turning back around. Cas meets him at the passenger side, taking the bags from Dean's hands and walking up to the front door. Dean digs in his pockets, fingers curling around cold keys before he unlocks the door, letting them inside. 

"Hey, you two," Ellen greets, nodding towards the bags. "Looks like y’all done pretty well there."

"Yeah, Emma is gonna freak. She's still napping, right?" Dean asks, glancing at the alpha as he discreetly takes the bags and whisks them back to the omega's bedroom.

"Yep, still out like a light," Ellen confirms, smiling. "How was the drive? Roads pretty bad?”

Dean shrugs, moving to the fridge to look for a snack. “Eh, a little bad. But Cas had the chains on his tires. And he drove like a snail.”

"It's called being safe, Dean," Cas chimes in from the hallway, returning from the omega's room. He walks over to Dean, wrapping his arms around the man's waist from behind.

Ellen smiles warmly at the two before her. She knew they were quickly getting very smitten with one another, their relationship still new and blossoming. She'd always adored Castiel. He'd always been an amazing neighbor, and they quickly became friends the more they spent time together at the farmer's market in town. The older omega liked to think she was a fantastic judge of character, and she had no doubt that Castiel was a great man, and a great alpha. Especially for her nephew who needed someone to heal him so desperately. 

Dean laughs, leaning back into Cas as the alpha pulls him flush against his own body, his chin resting against the omega's neck. Ellen can see the alpha breathing in the omega's scent, nuzzling against his scent gland. Dean's face relaxes, a small sigh escaping his lips as he leans towards Castiel, his fingers coming up to brush gently over the man's fingers that are wrapped around his waist. She can see the happiness radiating off the pair, the bond between them nothing short of extraordinary. 

"Well, I'm making some casserole for dinner. Cas, you gonna be staying again, honey?” she asks, slinging a dish towel over her shoulder.

Cas lifts his head, the ghost of a smirk on his lips as a soft "Yes ma'am," follows after, eyes tracking his mate who has moved to forage through the refrigerator. "We still wrapping Em's stuff?"

Dean finally settles on a stick of string cheese, pulling it out and opening it as he replies. "Yeah, I'll be there in just a minute," He smiles, standing on his toes as the alpha leans in and presses a soft kiss to his lips, before heading back towards the omega's bedroom.

Dean takes a bite of his cheese as he leans against the counter, looking at Ellen. The woman is staring at him with an amused expression, a smirk playing on her own lips. "What? Why you smilin' like that?" he asks through a mouthful.

"Don't talk with your mouth full, hon," she says, her voice as stern as a mother's but that of endearment never leaving her eyes. "I'm just enjoying the view of the two of you. Reminds me of Bobby and I early on. He was just as in love with me as that man is with you. It's nice to see.”

“What do you mean was? Bobby is nuts over you. You should see how he stares at you sometimes. Kinda sickening, actually,” he teases with the last remark, snickering when she rolls her eyes.

"Oh hush it, boy," she replies, a chuckle escaping through her lips. "You know I'm just talking about when we were first getting together. It's the puppy love stage. The one you're in with that alpha as well. I've seen it a million times, sweetheart.”

Dean huffs lightly. "I'm not-"

"Don't even finish that sentence," she raises a brow at him, her gaze hard. "We can all see what's happening. You can lie all you want, but I can just see the way you two look at each other. I can smell him on you half the time, you aren't doing a good job at hiding it, honey.”

Dean's face goes beet red, too stunned to reply for a moment. Ellen takes this and runs with it.

“I mean, good for you to have that kinda stamina as heavy bred as you are. I know I sure couldn't do that when I was carrying Jo-”

“EW! Auntie!” Dean whines, a laugh escaping his lips.

Ellen laughs, her eyes sparkling mischievously. "I'm just saying!" 

Dean shakes his head, rubbing a hand across his face. "No, you don't need to say anything!" he retorts with a groan, but is unable to keep the smile off his face.

Ellen laughs heartily, her cheeks puffed and eyes squeezed closed. "I'll shut up, honey. But only ‘cause you asked so nicely. Now go get those presents wrapped up for your baby girl before she wakes up, and let me cook. Shoo,” she waves the towel at him, Dean rolling his eyes with a fond smirk as he waddles to his bedroom. 

Upon entry, Dean notices Cas sitting cross-legged on the floor with the bags that he had carried in earlier. The man is digging through them, pulling out some of the clothing items and laying everything out in front of him. He smiles up at Dean once he enters, before gesturing to the ground next to him. 

“Come here. Sit,” Cas says with a small smirk on his face.

"As long as you're willing to help me back up," Dean laughs softly, supporting his bump as he slowly maneuvers himself down to the ground with a grunt. 

Cas chuckles, his eyes trained to the omega as he lowers himself to the floor. "Of course," he murmurs, reaching out to steady Dean until he's sitting. "You okay?"

"Yeah," Dean chuckles, leaning back on his hands as he stretches his legs out in front of himself. "I can still get myself down, but God is it getting harder every day to stand back up," he laughs, looking over the collection of clothing that Cas has taken from the bags. "I'm ready to start wrapping when you are.”

Cas nods in agreement, his gaze moving away from the omega to examine the clothes he's laid out. "Sounds good." 

They work silently for a few moments, wrapping the different clothing items; the pants, shirts, and sweater in tissue paper first, and then wrapping them in white and gold striped wrapping paper. They work together in a kind of synchronized rhythm, neither of them speaking as they work. 

It's Cas who speaks up first, his hands holding a purple beanie with a pom-pom on the top. "I can't get over how tiny this stuff is." 

Dean looks over, a small smile settling on his lips as he watches the alpha stare at one of the articles of clothing. "Yeah. puppy clothes are like that. Sometimes I look at Emma's wardrobe and get a little bummed that she's growing so fast. Like, she keeps growing out of all her cute stuff, year after year, you know? It feels like just yesterday that she was brand new... Super tiny, and fully dependent on me," Dean muses, rubbing his thumbs over the sides of a t-shirt he'd picked out for Emma as he speaks. "She's just growing too damn fast.”

Cas lifts his gaze from one of the shirts he's just finished wrapping and looks over at Dean. He can see the bittersweet expression on his face, and can smell the nostalgia in his scent. 

His voice is tender when he speaks. "I know, darlin'. It's sad, but it's just part of life, I guess.”

Dean nods, tossing a wrapped present back behind him before reaching for the purple coat to fold and wrap. "Yeah, and now I gotta do it all over again with number two here," he laughs in a bittersweet tone, pausing to smile at Castiel. 

Cas' heart thunders in his chest as a realization hits him. He's never thought once about having kids, but the sight of the omega sitting there, looking so soft and loving at the thought of another child, of raising another precious life, makes him ache for it. And little Emma - he already loved her and the pup in Dean's womb so deeply, he's never felt so fulfilled in his life.

The alpha is snapped out of his thoughts, blinking as he glances down at the pile of wrapped presents that they'd managed to finish. He watches as the omega smiles, his gaze focused on Castiel expectantly.

"You okay?" Dean asks softly, reaching to rest his hand on Cas' thigh.

Cas meets the omega's eyes, nodding as his own hand comes to cover the one on his thigh. "I'm fine. Thinking... But it's nothing bad, I promise." 

"About what?" Dean hums, leaning back against the foot of the bed.

Castiel smiles, joining Dean in leaning back. His hand comes up to stroke his thumb along the other man's jawline, tucking a stray strand of hair behind the omega's ear. "Just about how much I love you, baby. That's all.”

The omega's cheeks heat up immediately as a smile blooms on his face, his expression soft and content. His head moves instinctively towards Castiel's touch, his body responding to his every movement.  

"Pfft... What a sap," Dean chuckles, trying to hide how flustered he is by the alpha's words.

Cas laughs, gently tugging on the omega's chin to bring his face closer to his own. The alpha runs his hand from the omega's chin, over the curve of his jaw, and around the side of his neck, pulling the man against him as their lips connect. Dean kisses him back eagerly, his mouth opening easily for the alpha, his hand resting on the man's chest to keep his balance. The kiss is soft and sweet, the alpha's tongue gently licking into the omega's mouth. Dean whimpers, pressing his body more firmly flushed against Cas' own. He wants to get closer, needs to…

“Boys! Dinner's ready! I'm runnin’ upstairs to wake Em!” Ellen suddenly calls out, Bobby can be heard grumbling something in another room, and Ellen's trotting footsteps going up the stairs above their heads.

Dean and Castiel jolt at the sudden voice, resting their foreheads together with soft laughter. 

“Well, Ellen and I will sneak these under the tree on Christmas Eve. Thank you for helping me today with all of it,” Dean murmurs, kissing Cas' forehead before pulling away.

“Of course, Dean. Anything for you,” the alpha sighs with a blissful smile, standing up with a groan. “Better get out there before Ellen comes to corral us,” he adds, moving towards the bedroom door.

“Hey! You said you'd help me up!” Dean whines playfully, reaching up towards Castiel with grippy hands.

Cas laughs, turning around to look at the omega still on the floor. He moves over to the man, taking his hands and gently pulling him up to his feet. Once Dean is standing, Cas pulls him against his chest, resting his chin against the omega's head.

"There we go, baby," he murmurs, the term of endearment slipping out effortlessly. "I love you."

"Love you, too.”

Christmas morning arrives in a flash, and Emma is awake and bouncy before the rooster has even crowed to alert everyone to the first rays of dawn. The young pup runs into Dean's room, bouncing on the bed, shaking her mother's arm, smiling ear to ear.

“It's Christmas momma! It's Christmas, it's Christmas, it's Christmas!” she squeals, cupping Dean's face between her tiny hands once the omega rolls over, groaning and squinting at her through sleep heavy lids. “You should see the pile of stuff under the tree! Santa brought so many presents!”

Dean groans, lifting a hand to rub tiredly at his eyes. He manages a small smile, reaching out and gently rubbing his daughter's back. "Emma, baby girl, it is way too early to be awake."

"No way, momma! It's Christmas! We gotta start earlier! I wanna open presents before farm chores! Pretty, pretty, please?" Emma clasps her hands together like she's praying, the young girl putting on her best puppy dog eyes.

Dean sighs, his resolve quickly crumbling. "Alright..." he relents, sitting up and scrubbing over his face with his hand. "Gimme a few minutes to wake all the way up, and then we can open presents, okay?”

"Okay, momma!" the young girl chirps, hopping off the bed and running from the room. Her little feet clatter up the stairs, likely to wake Ellen and Bobby, her laughter echoing throughout the farmhouse as she goes.  

Dean laughs softly, watching his daughter run out the door. He rubs over his face again before pushing the sheets off and standing from the bed, padding into the bathroom. He turns the faucet on, splashing water on his face before looking at himself in the mirror. He looks exhausted, and he feels his body protesting as he stands there. His back and hips ache, and his feet are swollen. But despite all that, he smiles as he looks at himself in the mirror, his hands unconsciously rubbing at his stomach.

"Good morning, little one," Dean murmurs, feeling the softest of kicks bump up against his palm. "We're almost there. Gonna get to meet you real soon," he says expectantly, his heart fluttering with joy.

As Dean finally ventures out of his room, Ellen barely even registers his arrival, the older woman leaning against the counter, coffee pot in hand. She looks just as exhausted as Dean feels, dressed in a ratty robe and slippers. Bobby is sitting on one of the couches in a similar state, sipping a mug of coffee and mumbling about ‘crazy hours.’ Emma, on the other hand, is in a complete state of bliss, her eyes wide and alert as she stares at the large pile of presents under the Christmas tree. Once the adults all have had a moment to wake up, move around, and get situated, it's finally time to start tearing into the gifts beneath the tree.

It takes a while to open everything, the young pup squealing with excitement at every new item. Dean receives a plethora of baby clothes, diapers, and other necessities for the little one, while also receiving many other smaller gifts. Useful things. Things for starting over his new life, seeing as though he and Emma had to leave pretty much everything behind in Kansas.

Ellen opens her gifts from Dean - a new cookbook and some clothes she'd mentioned wanting from the department store one day, the woman making a point of hugging the younger omega as she thanks him. Bobby gets a small gift card and a few shirts to wear around the farm, the man thanking Dean profusely. And the gifts from Cas are last, the alpha's handwriting unmistakable on the little tags. For Ellen, he'd bought a new pressure canner. For Bobby, a top shelf, well aged bottle of bourbon. And for Emma, a big bee stuffy, the tag reading, 'for my favorite little honeybee.' All together, the gifts from Castiel all came in medium sized boxes, but one stands out as rather large in comparison. It's wrapped in simple gold wrapping paper, tied with a silver ribbon.

And it was addressed to Dean.

“I should probably wait until he gets here…” Dean says hesitantly, tossing a glance at Ellen, unsure of his decision.

"Aww, why wait?" Ellen groans, taking a sip of her coffee. "Come on, just open it! Or the suspense is going to kill me!"

Emma too, is growing restless with anticipation, a bright smile on her face. "Yeah, just open it already! You gotta open it, momma!" She claps her hands together impatiently.

Bobby clears his throat, sitting forward with his elbows on his knees. "Naw, it's a little something that I helped the guy with. Cas said he wanted you to open it with everyone else's stuff, so go ahead." Bobby insists, Ellen glancing at her mate curiously.

That certainly piques Dean's curiosity. He can feel his heart beat a little faster in his chest as he glances up at the others, a mixture of nerves and excitement bubbling in his stomach. He gently pushes his fingers under the ribbon of the large present, starting to slowly untie the bow. When the bow is gone, he starts to strip away the paper, the others watching intently. The box is pretty large, and rather heavy. The omega smiles to himself, taking off the top of the box, and then removing the final layer of tissue paper. 

What is revealed makes Dean clasp a hand over his mouth, sitting back on his heels as Bobby comes over, pulling a baby crib up and out of the box. It's handmade, and it's beautiful, with details carved into every rail, and each foot. It’s painted a soft, spring yellow, with little forest animals, birds, deer, squirrels, and of course, bees, painted throughout. It’s finished with a thick, glossy varnish, and Dean’s certain he's never seen any object more beautiful. 

“And we signed it, but that's on the underside so it ain't hangin' out, makin’ it ugly and whatnot,” Bobby grumbles in his own, shy way, avoiding eye contact with the omega as he tips the crib to show both his own and Castiel's names on the bottom, alongside ‘Christmas 2005.’

Dean stares at the crib with a mixture of awe and disbelief shining in his eyes. Tears well along the edges of his vision as he gently runs his finger over the wood. It's absolutely gorgeous, and the fact that it's handmade by family… It obviously took time and extreme skill to create, which makes it that much more special. 

He glances up at his uncle, his voice thick and shaky. "I..."

Ellen is in awe as well, her own eyes wide. "Oh my goodness..." she murmurs, a hand over her mouth.

“Bobby, this is- You and Cas didn't have to-” Dean can hardly get the words out, his voice trembling and hardly above a whisper.

“We wanted to, kiddo. It's the least you deserve… Besides, it was a nice project for the two of us. Had a lotta fun with the kid,” Bobby's cheeks are slightly pinkened now, even more so when Dean moves forward, wrapping his arms tightly around the beta man's neck in a hug.

Bobby is surprised - he's not used to hugs, but when Dean clings to him, burying his face in his flannel clad shoulder, Bobby wraps his arms around the omega as well, patting him awkwardly on the back.

Ellen is watching with a teary-eyed smile, shaking her head in amazement. "That is so sweet," she murmurs, watching as Dean pulls back and runs his fingers over the beautiful wood again, a wet laugh leaving his mouth.

“Thank you, Bobby,” he sniffles with a grin, wiping his nose on his sleeve.

Bobby shrugs. “Aw, it ain't nothin’. Make sure you thank Cas, though. He did all the fancy little animals and stuff. Sat in the shop for hours with that thing.”

Dean's cheeks hurt from smiling so hard, a watery laugh escaping his mouth. "I'll thank him as soon as he gets here," he chuckles, turning to look over at the crib again. He runs his hand over it once more, his fingers gently gliding along the smooth wood. It really is gorgeous, and it makes his heart feel like it's about to burst.

Once the excitement over the gifts has died down, breakfast done and quickly eaten, Ellen and Dean start to clean up all the wrapping paper and take the empty mugs and plates from breakfast to the sink. Bobby heads outside to do the morning farm chores, insisting that Dean just relax and rest. Emma rushes out after him, eager to go watch her uncle milk the cows, and Ellen bundles the pup up really well before following behind. Dean is left alone in the farmhouse, and while he is not one to accept sitting and not helping, he's in no mood to argue today. He plops himself onto the couch with a soft sigh, his hand automatically finding its way to his belly. It's quiet for once, the others out in the barn, getting the chores done. The omega hums softly, staring at the tree. The lights glisten on the gold and blue tinsel, the multicolored bulbs making a dizzying display of light and color. The tree is pretty, and he can't deny the warmth he feels as he stares at it, but he can't help the way his thoughts start to stray to darker areas. He sits back against the sofa, his bottom lip being tugged into his mouth.

The tree reminds him of last Christmas; his thoughts don't allow him to dwell on the happy memories. Last Christmas was a nightmare, as it was every year with Lee. The sourness of it all seeps right under his skin and leaves him feeling sick. He closes his eyes, focusing on the feel of the pup within him. Her kicks were strong and determined. The tiny life in his womb was growing stronger every day, a physical reminder of how much his life has changed since last Christmas. 

Their little tree sat right beside their dining table, Emma had been sitting there eating her chicken nugget dinner, while Dean and Lee were engaged in a volatile argument. The man ripped Emma's fork from her hand mid scream, throwing it at Dean and missing the omega by mere inches. At this point Dean had threatened to call the police, and that only seemed to fuel the fire of Lee's rage. He then took Emma's plate all together, the pup wailing and screaming as Lee broke the plate over Dean's head, and smeared ketchup all over the omega's face. While Dean stood there in shock, the alpha's rage turned to his daughter, yelling in her face to shut up, before going to their Christmas tree, picking it up and throwing it to the ground. Precious ornaments - some family heirlooms, some made by Emma as keepsakes, they shattered outward in all directions, rolling across the floor in a mess of jingle bells and flickering lights. The man then stormed out, leaving a distraught toddler alone with a broken mate. Dean sat on his hands and knees in broken glass for hours after laying Emma down for the night, picking up and crying over how many ornaments were lost, his knees and fingers bloody, his head sore.

The memories are strong, the emotions associated with last Christmas raw and harsh. His heart flutters in his chest with the sharp twinge of pain, but he tries his best to push the memories away, replacing those bad moments with happier thoughts. He takes a deep breath, slowly reopening his eyes as his expression softens. He runs a hand over his stomach, a small smile gracing his features. This year, he has his family back. This year, he has a man who loves and treasures him above all else, and treats him with respect. Lee was the past, this is the present, and it is beautiful. He lets the negative thoughts melt away, the bad memories fading to the background as his heart fills with an immense sense of gratitude. 

So, Dean grabs the remote, turns on the Hallmark channel, and watches sappy Christmas movies as a distraction until he is quickly lulled into a soft sleep.

He doesn't know how long he slept for, but he is pulled from his sleep by the front door opening and the sound of familiar voices drifting into the farmhouse. Dean rubs at his eyes as he sits up, slowly lifting his heavy body off the couch, recognizing Ellen, Bobby, and Emma's voices chattering by the door. He straightens out his shirt as best as he can, trying to make himself at least look half decent. 

Emma is the first to notice him up from the couch, the young pup's shrill voice yelling out happily for him, "Momma! Guess what I did!" The child comes bouncing over, her cheeks red from the cold air outside. 

Ellen smiles at the sight of the omega up from the couch, taking in his sleepy appearance as she shrugs out of her coat. "How ya feeling, honey?" she asks, making sure not to leave the front door open too long and let the cold air in.

“Feeling okay, napped a little,” Dean laughs through a yawn in response to his aunt, feeling his daughter wrap herself around Dean's legs. “And what'd you do, baby girl?” he asks, looking down at her.

“Uncle Bobby let me sit on a horsie!” she exclaims.

Dean steals a nervous glance at his uncle, to which the older beta shrugs. “I was holdin’ on to her. Don't worry.”

Dean softens, mouthing a quiet “thank you” to Bobby as Ellen helps the pup out of her new jacket. 

She glances out the glass door towards their driveway, hearing the crunching of snow beneath tires. “That must be Cas - right on time,” she says, her and Bobby exchanging knowing and excited glances that aren't missed by Dean. 

But he doesn't think much else of it.

He does glance towards the door, but he quickly looks back at the puppy clinging to him, running his fingers through her hair. "A horse, huh?" he murmurs, his eyes still a little bleary from sleep, though his attention is quickly diverted when a car pulls up to the house.

Ellen was right, the sound of Cas' car was unmistakable to his ears. Ellen ushers Dean back towards the living room, telling him he should sit because he looks tired, even though he insists otherwise. But he complies, nonetheless, Emma bounding up onto the couch to sit beside him, gasping when she sees her new bee stuffy again, and hugging it to her chest. Ellen is pouring mugs of warm cider in the kitchen while Bobby greets Castiel at the front door, but Dean can't help but wonder who the other voice is that enters the conversation. They're talking too low for Dean to hear, but the stranger's scent was… eerily familiar. 

Bobby and Cas round the corner into the living room together, Dean's face lighting up when he locks eyes with the alpha. But as he opens his mouth to speak, a third man rounds the corner, tall and young, his longer chocolate brown hair framing his face in soft waves, a small gift bag in his right hand. Their eyes meet, and there's a tentative tension in the air between them. 

Dean stands up. 

Could it be? Could it really be?

“Sammy?” he whispers, voice wavering.

The room is so quiet you could hear a pin drop, save for the TV whispering in the background and the fireplace crackling. The young man swallows thickly, his wet eyes darting between Dean, the baby bump, and the young child on the couch. 

Everybody's eyes are on them.

He clears his throat, his voice shaky to match his brother's. “Hey, De.”

Chapter Text

A beat of silence, tense and heavy, hangs in the air. Every eye is on the two brothers, holding their breath as the two men assess each other. Dean takes him in; his younger brother all grown up, before he's suddenly rushing into the man's arms. Sam drops the gift bag to the ground, his own arms immediately wrapping around Dean, holding him tight. He takes a deep breath, tears welling up in his eyes as he hugs the omega. All the breath is knocked out of Dean's lungs as his younger brother crushes him in a tight hug. Sammy was always a hugger, even as a child. He was always so compassionate, empathetic, and emotional. And now Dean was in his arms again. There are tears in the omega's eyes as he holds onto his brother, overwhelmed by the emotions he’s feeling at this very moment. Sammy was home.

Everyone in the living room is quiet, watching the brothers hugging each other. Bobby’s trying to act stoic about it, while Ellen has to wipe away a few tears from her cheeks. 

“How are you here?” Dean asks, his voice raw with emotion. He pulls back, taking in the man's appearance. He looks healthy and well-rested, his muscles toned, and his stance strong. He certainly looks much different from when Dean had last seen him.  

Sam chuckles, shaking his head. "It’s a long story," he replies, glancing over at Cas before looking back at his brother.

Dean hardly even hears what Sam's response is, in total awe as he scans Sam from head to toe. “My God, puppy,” he murmurs, cupping Sam's face between both his hands, before dropping them to the young alpha's shoulders. “Look at you! Holy shit, you're so… Tall!” he laughs, preening his younger sibling how he'd always done before by tucking hair behind the other's ears.

Sam’s a few inches taller than Dean now, lithe and lanky, but definitely has muscle hidden beneath the baggy Stanford hoodie that hangs off his frame. His skin is luminous, hair soft and shiny… He’s healthy. Happy. 

Sam chuckles, letting his brother manhandle him, his cheeks growing pink at the attention. He knew that he had grown a lot over the years, and the last time his brother had seen him he'd barely been eighteen. But with the way Dean was looking at him now, like he was the sun and the stars and the moon all rolled into one, it made him feel like he was the same little boy who used to hide behind his older brother's legs whenever someone strange walked past. 

Dean's hands fall from his shoulders, taking one of the younger alpha's hands in his own. He can't help himself, he has to touch his brother a little, so he squeezes the hand tightly, his eyes roving over Sam's frame as the young man laughs through tears. 

"You look great," he says softly, his voice thick and shaky, and his own eyes glassy with tears. "God, I can't believe you're really here.”

“Yeah!” Sam breathes out, glancing around the room briefly. “I uh, got an email from Ellen a couple weeks ago, kinda explained what was going on. She and Bobby got me a plane ticket and then Castiel picked me up from the airport.”

Dean's lips part slightly in surprise, darting to his aunt and uncle. 

“I'm glad you finally ditched him, Dean. I really, really fucking missed you.” 

And then Sam is hugging Dean again, the omega frozen for a moment before reciprocating. He was in shock. His family knew how scared and ashamed he was for feeling as though he abandoned his brother, Lee's control still hanging overhead. So, they took it upon themselves to extend the olive branch. The hug is tight, and Sam doesn't loosen his grip, like he's scared the omega is going to disappear from his life all over again. Dean doesn't pull away, wrapping his own arms around the younger alpha, tears falling freely from his eyes. Sam presses his face into the top of Dean's head, breathing in the comforting, familial scent.  

"I missed you, too,” Dean murmurs. "God, I missed you so much."

Sam's eyes flicker to the movement of the young girl, going to Castiel and tugging on the man's pants, whispering something as she eyes Sam curiously. And as the brother's hug slips free, Dean's eyes darting between the two, the omega smiles.

“Em, c’mere,” he says softly, reaching his hand out towards his daughter.

Sam had never met his niece, only heard of her when Dean was a few months pregnant with her.

Emma hides shyly behind Dean's legs, just like Sam used to do when he was as small. Dean squats down, nudging her up beside his hip rather than behind him. 

“You remember the stories momma’s told you about his brother? Your Uncle Sammy?” Dean asks.

Emma nods, chewing her nails as she gazes at the stranger who somehow smelled familiar, despite them never having met. 

Sam kneels down to her level, his eyes glassy. 

“This is your Uncle Sammy. My brother,” Dean explains, pointing at Sam before giving Emma's arms a reassuring squeeze.

The pup smiles, still shy, but waving at her uncle, leaning heavily on Dean who is beaming while watching the whole interaction.

Sam melts, his cheeks sore from how hard he was smiling. “Hi, Emma. Merry Christmas!” he says softly, not wanting to come across as intimidating to the shy young girl. He extends his hand as well, palm up, leaving it up to her if she wants to initiate any sort of physical interaction.

“Merry Christmas,” Emma whispers bashfully through her grin, giving Sam's palm a couple tiny pats that makes the younger man giggle.

“Em is a hugger, don't worry. She will warm up to you and then be all over you,” Dean reassures, the pup giggling as she goes to Ellen, asking to be picked up.

Sam is enamored, watching the little pup climb into Ellen's arms. "She's adorable,” the alpha murmurs, standing up and meeting his brother's gaze. “You've done an amazing job with her, De... She's a beautiful kid." 

Dean is blushing, waving his brother's compliment off, but still smiling like a love-struck moron. "Thanks," he replies gruffly, scrubbing at the back of his neck.

Sam smiles at the omega's bashful reaction, looking between his brother and the young pup as Ellen carries her away with a soft tone.

"Come on, Emmy girl, let's let them talk," Ellen whispers. Castiel and Bobby follow, letting the brothers have a moment to themselves.

Then, Sam's gaze falls on Dean's midsection. He can tell by both sight and scent. 

“You’re pregnant,” he states rather than asks.

Dean blushes, shifting awkwardly as his younger brother seems to inspect his body. A mixture of emotions are coursing through the omega's frame; he's anxious, unsure, excited, and so, so relieved that his brother is here, and so happy that he’s home for Christmas.

He nods, rubbing his hand over the baby bump. "Yeah,” he says, his shy smile never fading. "I'm around thirty-two weeks.”

Sam stares, his throat going dry as his words fail him. He reaches out, fingers hovering over the omega's bump, before glancing to look up at his brother and silently asking permission. Dean nods, his heart thundering in his chest as his younger brother gently lays a hand on Dean's baby bump. 

Sam huffs a breath of disbelief, gently retracting his hand. “My girlfriend is like… seven weeks? It's wild-”

Dean shakes his head quickly, his words falling out frantic. “What? Wait- what? Sammy?”

“Yeah… Um, her name's Jess. We met at school- Oh! I'm in college, got accepted into Stanford on a full ride… Studying law- shit, Dean, there's so much to catch up on…” Sam sighs, scrubbing his hands over his face.

Dean's head is spinning as he absorbs all the information being given to him - his little brother was going to Stanford for law, and he had a girlfriend? A pregnant girlfriend? Dean can't help the shock in his voice when he speaks. “Oh my God, Sam. I- What- I'm so proud of you, I… Jesus, you got into Stanford?”

“Yeah, on a full scholarship,” the youngest repeated, smiling shyly, his cheeks turning pink. “I don’t even know how it happened... It doesn't feel real... I mean, I've been in this dream-like state since finding out. Like, I'm about to graduate, I've got a steady relationship, I'm gonna be a dad, and I’m looking at internships. It’s all so wild.”

Dean is in total awe, his heart aching at just how far his little brother has come, at how much Dean's missed out on, everything Sam's accomplished and will accomplish - it's just so amazing, overwhelming, and emotional.

"Sam, that's… God, I'm so proud of you. I don't even have words for it," he breathes out, resting a hand over his baby bump. "What's your girlfriend like?”

“She's amazing. Like... perfect for me. She’s smart, beautiful, and she makes me laugh, all the time,” Sam’s cheeks are rosy, and the young alpha can’t help but gush. “She’s getting her teaching degree, works at a library on campus.”

Dean nods, a warm smile resting at his lips as he watches the way the alpha speaks about his girlfriend. It's clear that Sam is completely smitten with the woman, and it makes his heart swell. "She sounds incredible. You'll have to show me pictures sometime.”

Dean picks up on the hesitation Sam gives off in response, his head tilting to the side with a confused frown. "What is it?" he prods, sensing Sam is keeping something from him.

Sam opens his mouth, closes it, and hesitantly tries to speak again. "I just- I'm worried about you... About you disappearing again."

Dean's heart sinks to his stomach. That is the last thing he expected to come out of his brother's mouth, and it takes him by surprise. He glances down at his belly, his hand absently rubbing circles in the fabric of his shirt. He doesn't know how to respond. He knows why his brother is worried, and he knows Sam has every right to be concerned.

“I mean, I'm happy to see you, Dean. Of course I am. Believe me. But… I'm just hesitant to like, think ahead, of us? If that makes sense?”

Sam shakes his head, waving his hands as if trying to start over, or explain. “It's really hard for me to not feel like you… threw me away, I guess. For Lee. Like just because Lee didn't like me, you… ditched me. You know? That may sound mean but, I just want to be honest with you. That all of this has just kinda hurt me…” he looks down at his hands, picking his cuticles.

Dean's heart is beating hard and fast, and he feels like he is going to vomit. “It wasn't- It's just not that simple, Sam. It never was that easy for me.”

“But how was I supposed to know, Dean? You just shut me out and then you were gone! And I was just out of high school, on my own, no family… It was really hard for me.”

Dean can hear the underlying tone of the hurt lingering in the young man's voice. He hadn't realized just how badly he had hurt his brother back then. Sure, he'd felt guilty leaving Sammy behind, but he didn't realize his departure had broken the kid that bad. 

He swallows dryly, licking his lips in thought. "Sammy, I’m... I'm so sorry," he croaks, his voice thick with emotion. "I never meant to hurt you, I just-”

Dean has to pause, take a breath, and collect himself in order to stop a full blown panic attack setting in.

“Lee was… Really, really abusive, Sammy. He isolated me from all my friends, family… I couldn't get a job, I couldn't go out shopping - anything where he couldn't keep an eye on me, I wasn't allowed to do. He was abusive in every way you can think. Physically, mentally… sexually…”

Sam cringes but doesn't say anything.

“And I just kinda of went into survival mode. Every single day it was fight or flight, being on guard, reading his emotions to try and gauge what was in store. And he'd give me just enough love to keep me holding on, until one day I just couldn't take it anymore. I needed to stop him, I needed… Emma out of that fucking horrible house…” 

The omega sighs, clutching his hands tightly once he realized they were trembling. “And then I was too scared to get in contact with you again once it was all over. I felt stupid and guilty for not leaving Lee sooner, and I didn't want to swoop back into your life with all my problems.”

Sam is quiet, letting the information sink in. He'd always kind of suspected something was seriously off with Dean's relationship with the alpha, but he'd never realized it was that bad. His heart was twisting uncomfortably in his chest. And the way his brother described it… It sounded like the entire relationship had been nothing but torment for the omega. He'd never realized how much pain Dean was in, and he felt guilty for not seeing the signs, for not realizing how bad things had really gotten.

"You shouldn't have had to go through that alone, Dean. I wish I had known," he murmurs finally, unable to keep himself from reaching out to clasp his brother's shoulder. 

Dean takes a deep breath, letting the younger alpha's comforting touch sooth his frazzled nerves. He nods, his eyes flicking away from Sam's gaze.   

"I wish I could've done a lot of things differently; wish I'd made different choices. But I'm here now, and I'd like to... Try and make things right, if that's... okay. I won't leave you again.”

Sam sighs softly, but a small smile tugs at his lips. "Yeah, I'd like that too, De," he nods, feeling some of the weight on his shoulders lifting. He was still hurt, and they still needed a lot of talking, but they'd gotten over the first hurdle.   

They spend the rest of the day catching up, swapping stories and explaining the last few years of their lives. The tension slowly begins to melt, and the two brothers start to feel more at home with one another. The sun starts to set, a beautiful orange-pink color painted across the winter sky. The day flew by, filled with laughter and light hearted conversation amongst the entire family. Christmas presents were opened, delicious food cooked, and everyone ate a full meal at the dining room table. Sam and Dean sit beside each other, eating, chattering, and teasing like they were teenagers again. Ellen snapped pictures, insisting on taking family photos. Despite the previous conversation weighing them down, they were all smiles. It was wonderful and warm, and at the end of the night everyone was exhausted and content. The farmhouse was quiet, save for the fire crackling in the background and the light snores from Bobby, Emma curled tightly against the beta man's side as she napped in unison. Ellen is quietly washing dishes, while Sam and Dean say their goodbyes at the back door.

It was late, and Sam was getting ready to head off to the motel he was staying at. He had pulled his big brother into a tight, prolonged hug, mumbling into the omega's shoulder. "I'm so glad you're back in my life." 

Dean hugs his brother just as tightly, his own voice thick with emotion. "And I'm not going anywhere. I promise, Sam," he says, patting the alpha on the back.   

Sam gives him one last squeeze before pulling away, tugging on his jacket and waving, before his face lights up in realization. "Oh! I almost forgot!”

Sam rushes over to the little table by the door, picking up the red bag he'd dropped earlier. "I got you a little something," the alpha says with a smile, handing the ribboned bag to the omega.   

Dean raises a brow curiously, gingerly taking the bag from his younger brother's hand. "Sammy, you didn't have to-”

"I wanted to," the alpha cuts him off, waving off Dean's protest. "Just open it, okay? I think you're going to like it.”

Dean chuckles, knowing not to argue with the stubborn alpha. He reaches into the bag, his fingers brushing over a thin object wrapped in tissue paper. He pulls it out of the bag, his eyes widening in surprise as he realizes what it is. Their mother's photo album, old and worn, but well-loved. The leather cover is a deep brown color, frayed at the edges. Dean flips through the album, his eyes wide and teary as he sees memories of their lives growing up. There are pictures of the two of them as babies, all bundled up in warm blankets. There's pictures of them at birthdays, Halloween, and the lake. There are pictures of the two of them in the kitchen, covered in flour and laughing together. There are even pictures of John and Mary. The collection of memories is overwhelming, and Dean's breath hitches in his throat, his voice shaky.

"It's- I thought these were lost..." Dean sniffles, flipping through the pages.

Sam shrugs, stuffing his hands in his pockets. "After dad's funeral, I went to the house and grabbed anything special, y'know? Didn't want our lives just disappearing like that..." 

The words make the omega's heart ache, imagining his little brother at the old family home, gathering their memories for safe-keeping. His fingers run over an especially worn photo, a picture of him and Sam dressed in cowboy costumes at a friend's birthday. They were twelve and eight, dressed in cheesy outfits holding toy guns. It was a good memory, a happy time.

“Sam, are you sure you want me to have this? You don't want to keep it?”

“No, no… I thought you'd appreciate it more. Plus, I don't know that Emma's ever seen mom or dad… It's kind of for both of you,” the younger brother murmurs, smiling tenderly at Dean. “Merry Christmas, Dean.”

Dean's smile is teary, but he's filled with gratitude towards his brother. "Thank you," he breathes out softly, closing the book with a soft thud. "Merry Christmas, Sammy. I- I'll take care of this.”

Sam chuckles, resting a hand on his brother's shoulder, "I know you will,” there's another beat of silence, and then the alpha is pulling his brother into a tight hug. “I’m gonna head out, get to my motel. But I'll see you around?”   

Dean nods, his own arms tightening around the alpha. “Yeah, real soon,” he responds - a promise.

"Good," Sam answers gruffly, patting his brother lightly on the back with a smile. "Good night, De."  

"Night…" Dean replies, watching as Sam walks out of the front door, shutting it softly behind him.

Dean stands there for a moment, watching out of the door's window as Sam walks through the snowy landscape toward Ellen's car, the other omega rushing to finish her task, telling Dean she was gonna give Sam a ride and be right back as she passes on her way out the door. It's quiet, peaceful, and Dean feels a weird sense of calm settle over him. He can't remember the last time he's felt so content. He looks down at the photo album clasped between his hands, clutching the precious collection of memories close to his chest.

His name being called in a whisper catches Dean's attention, turning around to see Castiel down the hallway, nodding his head towards the omega's bedroom. Dean raises a brow in curiosity, his heart skipping a beat in his chest as he makes his way down the hall, the photo album tucked under his arm. He gently pushes open the door, peeking inside before stepping in. 

"Hey."

“Hey,” the alpha hums, pulling Dean in and kissing his forehead. “You look tired.”

Dean chuckles softly, wrapping an arm around Cas' waist and burying his face into the alpha's chest. "I am tired," he sighs contently, the stress and exhaustion from the day's events finally starting to hit him. "But so damn happy," he adds, resting his chin on Cas' chest as he gazes up to him. "Best Christmas in years.”

Cas smiles softly, his free hand coming up to card through the omega's hair. "Yeah. It was a good day," he agrees, leaning down to press a kiss to the top of Dean's head.

The omega hums in agreement, enjoying the feeling of Cas' fingers in his hair. "I'm sleepy," he mumbles, letting his eyes flutter shut.

"Go to bed then," Cas murmurs, gently pushing the omega towards the bed. Dean grumbles, but lets himself be pushed towards the bed, crawling up and rolling over to his side, his exhaustion quickly taking over and making him drowsy. Cas chuckles, crawling up next to the omega and pulling him into his arms, gently guiding Dean to rest his head on the alpha's chest, his hands gently rubbing the omega's back.  

"Better?" Cas asks quietly.

"Mmn," Dean grunts, exhaling slowly as he shifts around his swollen middle. "Don't you have to go home?" 

“Not unless you want me to,” Castiel whispers, tucking the blankets up more around Dean's shoulders.

"No, I want you to stay," he mumbles, pressing his face into the alpha's flannel front. He's warm and cozy - content in Cas' strong arms.

Castiel's lips twitch up into a soft smile, his arms instinctively tightening around the omega. "Then I'll stay," he murmurs, pressing his face into the top of Dean's head.

Dean relaxes, the tension in his shoulders melting away as Cas' familiar earthy scent envelopes him. He feels safe and protected in the alpha's embrace, his body melting against the man's side. He closes his eyes, enjoying the way Cas is rubbing his back, and his voice is low and tired as he speaks. 

"Cas?”

Cas hums softly, signaling that he's listening as he continues to rub the omega's back. "Yeah?”

“Thank you for everything,” Dean murmurs, his fingers tracing absent patterns on the alpha’s chest. “You’ve made this whole thing a hell of a lot easier… I don’t know where I’d be right now without you.”

“Don’t thank me,” it’s his turn to whisper, his hands still tracing soothing patterns along Dean’s spine. “I’d do anything for you, I hope you know that.”

“Yeah?” Dean murmurs, pulling away just enough to look up at Cas, a small smile on his lips. “Anything?”

"Anything," the alpha confirms, without a hint of hesitation or a flicker of doubt in his gaze.

Dean's heart is pounding in his chest, his eyes flitting over Cas' face and searching for signs of insincerity, but all he sees is pure honesty and devotion - things Dean has never experienced before. Cas gently threads his fingers through the omega's hair, petting it back idly.

Dean swallows thickly, licking his dry lips.  "Even... marry me?”

Cas' brows shoot up, his heart thudding heavily in his chest. The words ring in his ears, almost like he's heard them wrong. He blinks, just studying the omega, trying to find any sign that he's not serious. He's pretty sure this is real, and judging from the look of nervous tension on Dean's face, Cas realizes he's waiting for a reaction.

"You-" he stumbles, his thoughts jumbling in his brain and refusing to form articulate sentences. The alpha's brain feels fuzzy, like he's floating in one of those dreams that seem so real only to wake up and discover it's all a lie. "You want to... Marry me?" he swallows, his throat dry.

Dean's heart thumps fast and hard in his chest, nervousness starting to creep in as he watches Cas struggle to form words. He swallows, his hands picking at the blanket as doubt starts to creep in.   

"Yeah," he whispers softly, his eyes flickering away. "I mean, only if you want. No pressure," he's trying to play it cool now to hide how he's feeling, suddenly scared the alpha is going to laugh and tell him no.

Cas is on him in an instant, pushing the omega's back against the mattress and pinning his wrists above his head. The alpha's gaze is intense, his breath hot on the omega's cheek.   

“Of course I want to,” he rumbles. “God, I want to marry you so bad I can barely stand it.”

Dean squeaks out a gasp of surprise, giggling at the childlike joy on Castiel's face. "Yeah?”

Cas nods, the grin spreading across his face contagious as he leans down, stealing a quick kiss. “I’d marry you right now if I could. If the damn courthouse was open.”

Dean grins, happiness spreading through him like wildfire. His heart is singing, his skin buzzing, and he wraps one of his legs around the alpha’s hips. “So would I...” he murmurs softly, tilting his head back just a bit to bare his neck in a show of submission.

Cas immediately takes the invitation, leaning down and latching his lips to the skin of the omega’s bared throat. Dean lets out a soft whine, rolling his head back and shifting to bare more of his vulnerable flesh. The alpha’s eyes dilate, the scent of the omega filling his nose and causing his body temperature to skyrocket. But Castiel remembers quickly that with Dean's protruding stomach it is probably not very comfortable for him to lay on his back, so he pulls away from the omega's neck and gently lifts him into a semi-sitting position, Dean's back now leaning against the headboard. Cas is lying between the omega's legs, leaning over the other man with his chest pressed right against his swollen midsection. He presses a kiss to Dean's swollen abdomen, his eyes closing gently.

Dean rests a hand on Cas' head, his fingers threading through the alpha's hair as Cas starts pressing kisses across his belly. "I love you," Dean murmurs softly, his thumb caressing the side of Cas' mouth lightly.

The alpha pauses, smiling as he lifts his head and turns to press a kiss to the omega's palm. "I love you," he replies, moving up to press a kiss to the corner of the omega's mouth, followed by a few more to his collarbone.

Dean sighs, tilting his head back again to give Cas full access to his neck. His fingers flex in Cas’ hair, his breath hitching as the alpha lays another open mouth kiss to his neck. "Cas..." he groans softly, his thighs involuntarily squeezing the alpha's hips.

Cas grunts, mouthing at the omega's throat, before gently nipping the sensitive skin where his neck and shoulder meet. Dean moans softly in response, his eyes fluttering shut as Cas sucks gently on the skin between his teeth. 

Dean whimpers, reluctantly nudging the alpha away, his cheeks flush as his breaths come out in soft pants. “Door- Lock the door,” he whispers, knowing they had to be quiet, but also knowing he wanted his alpha now.

Castiel nods, the realization dawning on him as he reluctantly pulls away from the omega, stumbling off the bed to lock the bedroom door. He turns back around, pausing to run a hand through his unkempt hair. The omega is a vision, his freckled cheeks blushing bright pink, his green eyes wide with arousal as he starts shedding his pajamas. Cas can't help himself, suddenly desperate to be back between the omega's legs. His own clothes are quick to be discarded, his cock heavy and hard, throbbing already in anticipation as he crawls back up the mattress.  

"Goddamn, you're gorgeous,” he growls, dragging his teeth along the other man's shoulder blade.

Dean is on his side, nesting a pillow under his belly, and using another to tuck up under his head. This had become a well practiced position for the pair - Dean could breathe best this way, and Castiel could still access all of the omega's most sensitive areas from his position behind Dean. Cas is pressed flush up against the omega's spine, his chest slotted into the other man's back, his legs tucked up close behind Dean's thighs. He nuzzles his face into the nape of Dean's neck, mouthing along the skin there. He breathes in deeply, taking in the omega's scent, letting his hands roam over the curves and planes of the man's body.

Dean lets out a whimper as Cas' lips brush against him, leaving a trail of chills in their wake. The feel of the alpha's hands - so strong, sure, and skilled, roaming across his body has the omega trembling, arching his back and pressing backwards against Cas' length. 

"Please," he gasps out, his voice strained, desperately wanting more.

One of Cas' hands slides down, his fingertips roaming over the omega's hip and then between the soft skin of his thighs. He presses a kiss to the back of Dean's neck, his own face flushed and heart racing. His fingers finally brush over the omega's dripping hole, spreading the slick around before slowly slipping in.  

"That's it," he whispers, his breath fanning over the omega's ear. "Take me in. Fuck, you're so wet.”

"Yes..." Dean gasps out, his toes curling as Cas pushes a second finger into him. He can feel Cas' hard cock rubbing against his leg, the tip leaking a bit of pre-cum, and it has Dean quivering and keening, desperate for more, trying to push back against the fingers. "Want you. Need you. It- it's not enough," the omega gasps out, his arm shaking as he tries to hold himself up on the bed.

Dean is a trembling mess - soft moans and mewls falling unrestrained from his lips as Cas scissors his fingers in and out. Dean presses his face into the pillows in an attempt to muffle his noises - it's no use now, they're already making enough noise. Dean doesn't care. The omega is too far gone, his eyes watery as he glances back at the alpha. Cas' eyes are blown wide, his tongue running over his plush lips as he looks at the wrecked vision that is Dean Winchester, wanton and begging for more beneath him. He pulls his fingers out and then presses in a third, his brain short-circuiting from the way that the omega is pushing himself back on him. He's whimpering and rocking his hips, and Cas is mesmerized.   

"So good, so good for me," he murmurs, scissoring his fingers open and shut, his cock practically twitching with need.

"Please," Dean whines, his voice muffled by the pillow. "I can take it... I can-" he breaks off, his body shuddering as Cas brushes over his g-spot. "Don't make me wait.”

"I'm right here," Cas murmurs in the omega's ear, pressing a kiss to the side of his face, his own body trembling with need. "I got you, sweetheart."  

He pulls his fingers out, his hands shifting the omega's legs just a bit, until Cas can position himself better, the tip of his cock rubbing against the omega's entrance. "I got you," he repeats, his voice rougher this time. He slowly pushes in, just the tip at first, pausing to make sure the omega is okay.

Dean is so wet, so loose and ready, and he can't help but roll his hips backwards. One hand grabs at the pillows, his knuckles turning white as he tries to keep himself quiet.  

"More... Cas, please... need you," he rasps out, trying to catch his breath. And Cas obliges, because there is no way he can deny the omega. With a low moan, he pushes in deeper, his cock sliding in like it was meant to be. Dean groans, the breath punching out of him, his body trembling as Cas starts to move, and all of it is too much and too good. It's like every inch of him is on fire - all he can think is "Please, Cas, yes, alpha, right there, right there-"  

A few tears are already falling down his cheeks, his face pressed into the pillows, his mouth open and his sounds muffled but still so loud. Dean is lost in it, in the sensations and the pleasure and the perfect way their bodies fit together. All around him is Cas, filling him, surrounding him, and it's better than he ever imagined. And then Cas is whispering in his ear, "You feel so good, Dean, so good for me," and Dean gasps, his thighs trembling, and it's all just so much.

Cas has his face buried in the omega's neck, nipping at tender flesh and leaving little bite marks. He is lost in the way Dean's body feels around him, the hot, wet heat of the other man pulling him in deeper and deeper. Everything is so intense, the pleasure almost too much to bear. Dean can feel himself slipping, lost in the sensations and the way Cas' weight is fucking him so perfect. His heart is pounding, his breaths coming out in little gasps, and Cas is everywhere. Dean's entire world has narrowed to just the two of them, Cas' knot already catching on the omega's rim with every pump.

Cas is murmuring in his ear, "So beautiful, so gorgeous. You're doing so good, sweetheart. Take me, baby. Fuck so- take it.”

"Close- Cas, alpha, I'm so close-" the omega's voice is tight, his entire body tensed up as the pleasure builds and builds. The edge is right there just out of reach, and he can feel himself teetering on the precipice, so close.  

Cas' hands are everywhere - on the omega's hip, on his thigh, in his hair, running over his tender chest, and then his hands are roaming around the omega's middle, touching and cradling the man's heavily pregnant stomach.

Dean's eyes flutter shut, his legs trembling as Cas' hands travel over his swollen belly. His breath hitches as the alpha's thumbs brush over his sensitive nipples, and he feels so loved, cared for, protected, and safe. And then, Cas' right hand is sliding down between his legs, working the omega's sex in time with his thrusts.  

"Cum for me, Dean. Cum for me," the alpha murmurs, his own hips bucking a little faster, more erratically, so close to his own climax.

"I- I-" It's impossible to form words, the sensations rushing through the omega are so overwhelming. He feels so loved, and Cas is so gentle and yet so intense, and he's so close, right on that edge, just needing that push to send him over the edge. His nails scrabble at the sheets, seeking any kind of purchase as Cas continues to whisper praises in his ear.  

Then, Cas' hand is on his neck, his fingers squeezing ever so gently at the sensitive skin, and the alpha growls, "Cum for me, omega.”

And that's it, that's all it takes. With one last gasp and a shudder, Dean is cumming, stars exploding behind his eyes and blacking out his vision. He's trembling uncontrollably, whimpering helplessly as Cas continues to work him through his orgasm. The alpha isn't far behind, his pace increasing until his hips are rocking frantically, his knot achingly swollen as it catches at the omega's rim. Castiel sinks his teeth into Dean's shoulder, marking him once again as he starts to cum too, the omega clenching down around him, the room starting to fill with the scent of sex and pheromones and-

And then Cas is stilling, his body collapsing against the omega's back, the alpha's hands still rubbing over the other man's belly. They're both panting, their breaths hard and uneven, and Dean feels so heavy and boneless and content. He knows he's a mess, slick and cum leaking out of him in a way that's both gross and incredibly satisfying. And Cas is still pressing soft kisses over his shoulder, nuzzling into his skin and keeping skin-to-skin contact at all times. The two of them lay there, breathing as one, sweat beading along the back of Dean's neck. Cas is still inside of the omega, his knot snug and tight. He's still rubbing his hand over the other man's stomach, the gesture soothing the both of them.  

There's a long beat of silence, until the alpha finally speaks, his voice a little raspy. "Are you okay?”

Dean's eyes are still closed, and he's practically purring, satisfaction buzzing through him. He's sore and exhausted, but he's also happier than he's been in a long time. "Yeah," he mumbles softly, leaning back into the other man's touch. "I'm good. You wore me out.”

Cas chuckles softly, his nose still buried in the omega's neck. "You did so well. You always do so good," he murmurs, pressing another kiss to the man's neck.   

That little admission sets off another wave of warmth and pleasure in Dean's chest, the omega's body melting even more into the mattress. He's fighting off sleep, and miserably losing the battle.

Castiel chuckles softly to himself, kissing Dean's shoulder again. “Go ahead and sleep, my love. I'll get us all situated as soon as my knot goes down. Don't stress.”

Dean is already halfway asleep by the time Cas has finished his sentence. But he still hums in tired contentment, letting himself slowly drift off.

Chapter Text

A thick layer of snow is covering both the ground and rooftops, the shimmering ice still clinging to the tree branches. It’s beautiful, really. The sunlight bouncing off the snow makes everything glimmer with a crystalline sheen, like every surface has been sprinkled with diamonds. Inside the farmhouse, Dean is sitting on the edge of the bed, dressed in a pair of pajamas. He’s looking at himself in the long mirror, his bare feet touching the cold wood floor. His shirt is pushed up over his baby bump, and he's staring at the faint stretch marks running across his skin. He'd been antsy all morning - uncomfortable in the physical sense, with the sick feeling of impending doom swirling within his mind. He'd been trying to figure out the source of his anxiety, but he'd been coming up empty handed. Everything is fine… The pregnancy hasn't had any complications, the ultrasounds were good, Cas is good, Emma, Ellen, and Bobby were fine, the farm is thriving… Everything is fine. And yet, all morning, he can feel uneasiness creeping up, the unsettled feeling like a dark shadow is watching him.

There's still a few weeks before the baby's due date, and he knows that he needs to get the nursery in order. He's mostly been ignoring the need, but it's starting to dawn on him that he can't procrastinate much longer. But the thought causes a sinking feeling in his stomach, his hands trembling as he tugs the bottom of his shirt down, suddenly covering the evidence of his body changes. The original plan was to cram the newborn in the bedroom with Dean, but it turned out the omega's pillow talk joke from a couple weeks ago, professing his dreams of marriage, had unfolded into something more serious; he was to move in with Castiel by the time the pup is born. They really are getting married, and he couldn't be more excited. 

Castiel and Dean had gone shopping for a collar just a couple days ago, and Dean was immensely pleased at the light, delicate collar that Cas had chosen. It was nothing like the clunky thing Lee had given him - the man wanted to be sure everyone could see the omega's collar from a mile away, to know he belonged to Lee. This collar from Castiel was more like jewelry, thin and dainty - Dean hardly felt it on him when they'd tried it on. And ever since Christmas, the alpha had been working tirelessly in remodeling the two spare bedrooms in his home, one intended for Emma, and the other was to be the baby nursery.

Dean had also been getting used to checking in with his brother regularly, and they were both getting better at talking to one another. With each email they sent, every phone call, the lines of communication between them were strengthening, and they were slowly rebuilding their former bond. The topics ranged from how their days have been, to discussing the family, both current, past, and future. Both brothers loved learning about the other's life - it was fun getting to know each other again. There were also days where the conversation would turn to something heavier, and that was okay too. They’d both been through a lot, and sometimes they’d get caught up in the bad memories, but that was something they were learning to take control of. The important part is they were making progress, mending the connection they once had as kids.

Yet, even with all of this positive change in Dean's life, he still felt as though something bad was coming. Like this whole nightmare from the last few years of his life wasn't quite over. It was a sinking feeling low in his gut, and it was making his skin crawl. Dean would try to reason with himself, would insist that everything was fine, but the anxiety would only ease for a moment or two before the feeling was back, his stomach twisting in knots. He sighs, running a hand over his face, trying to force himself to relax. He was just being paranoid, he tells himself. He was fine. 

Everything is fine.

Dean stands up, suddenly feeling the need to move. He knows it's cold out, but walking around in the snow will help - it always seems to help. The omega grabs a sweater and a jacket, pulling on a warm pair of boots and stepping out onto the porch. It's like stepping into a snow globe, even more so than before, whiteness has taken over everything. The air is frigid, his breath coming out in little puffs. He stands there for a moment, leaning against the railing and letting the peacefulness wash over him, squinting against the brightness that surrounds him. 

The moment is only a few minutes long, but the fresh air does soothe him. He's about to go back inside when the hairs on the back of his neck suddenly stand on end, a shiver traveling down his spine.  

He turns around, looking back out into the snowy woods that line the side of the house. His brain feels sluggish, but the feeling in his gut intensifies, a thick ball of dread rolling through him as he squints hard, trying to figure out if there's anything unusual out there. Is there something he should be noticing?  

No, there's nothing. Just trees and snow.

“Dean!” 

The sound of his voice suddenly being called has the omega flinching hard, the door of the house being opened just as he turns. Ellen has her purse slung over her shoulder, car keys in hand as she approaches. Dean exhales a sigh of relief, seeing as though it was just his aunt that had startled him.

“I gotta run into town, baby. I completely forgot I had a brunch date with some of my girlfriends. They just called and chewed my ass for it. I gotta get goin’,” she explains, giving Dean a quick side hug before kissing his cheek. “The school bus will be dropping Emma off in about an hour, and Bobby will get home at his usual time… You gonna be okay?” 

He takes a minute to respond, his mind still clouded in that uneasy feeling. It was a little concerning, how on edge he was getting just standing here on the porch. He tries to brush it off, though - it was probably just hormones. Pregnancy had been making him incredibly emotional, so why wouldn't it be causing anxiety as well?  

Dean steals another glance towards the treeline, rolling his bottom lip between his teeth for a moment before looking back to Ellen. “Yeah, auntie. I'll be okay,” he murmurs, giving her a reassuring smile.

Ellen studies him for a brief moment, giving a tiny huff of approval before nodding her head towards the door. “You best head inside before you catch a chill, honey.”

“Yes ma’am,” Dean responds, nodding and trying to keep his tone even as he offers a small smile.  

Ellen looks at him for another moment, her brow crinkling with a hint of concern, but she eventually makes her way to her car, waving goodbye as she drives away back down the long, gravel driveway.  

Dean waves back, watching as the vehicle starts to grow smaller and smaller in the distance. The house is quiet with Ellen gone, almost unnaturally so. He shifts from foot to foot, suddenly feeling the need to leave the house. He tries to push aside his paranoia, to calm down, but he can't. But he needs to see Cas, to have the alpha near him, grounding him. Dean makes a beeline to the phone on the wall, picking it up and quickly dialing Cas' number.

He furrows his brow, pulling the phone away and hitting the switch receiver again to listen for a dial tone. It’s just dead air. The line must be down. Frustrated, Dean hits the switch hook again, hoping one more time might just do the trick. There's nothing, and he's trying to keep his breathing even. He swallows, hanging the phone up and moving to the window beside the front door. His eyes dart over the front yard that he can see from where he's standing, searching for anything unusual. There's nothing. Of course, he knows this. This is ridiculous. Everything’s fine. He's just going through an episode of paranoia, that's all…

Then he smells it, and Dean swore his heart dropped through his chest, straight to the floor.

Cigarette smoke, a smell that makes his stomach curl.

“You're damn jumpy, Dean,” Lee's voice rings out in a casual tone, the omega's eyes wide as he spins around to face the alpha who casually sits in Bobby's recliner.

Every fiber of his being is screaming, shouting at him to run. His fight or flight is kicking in fast; every inch of him is shaking, his breathing coming out in short, panicked gasps. Lee is looking comfortable, like he's just an old friend stopping by for a visit. He's sitting sprawled out in one of the armchairs, a cigarette dangling between his fingers, with a sick smirk on his face. 

“Cat got your tongue, sweetheart?”

Dean tries to speak, but forcing the words out is hard. “Lee, there's a protection order-” 

“A piece of paper ain't gonna keep me away from what's mine,” Lee snaps back, his tone having a sharp edge that makes Dean flinch.

“I'm not yours. The divorce was finalized, Lee. You're not allowed to be here!” Dean argues, his legs shaking.

Lee's eyes darken, and he gives a scoff. "I really don't care what the law says, darlin’. You belong to me. I do what the hell I want, when I want," he grins, a fire burning the alpha's eyes.   

Lee drops the finished cigarette to the carpet, crushing it out under the heel of his shoe as he stands up, beginning to take slow, steady steps toward where the omega stands frozen in place. Panic begins to set in as the alpha gets closer. He considers his options, his mind racing through any chance he has at fighting back. Maybe- maybe he could get by Lee, get to the gun upstairs. Though, he can't remember if it's even loaded. He can't think straight, fear clouding any logical thought. 

Lee grins, knowing exactly what the omega is thinking. “Don't even think about it,” he takes another step forward, and Dean has to fight the urge to stagger backwards. Lee is close enough now that he can reach out his hand, fingers lightly brushing along the omega's bare throat. “You even look like you're thinkin' about it, and I'll give you a real reason to run.”

A whimper escapes the omega's mouth, and he forces himself to remain still, gritting his teeth. His heart is thundering, the pounding in his ears almost deafening, as Lee's hand lightly runs over his skin.

“You look good, Dean,” Lee murmurs, his fingers brushing over the omega's shoulder. Dean shudders involuntarily, trying to keep himself in check. He wants to fight. He's so sick of being terrified, but he can’t get the words out. “Missed you. So damn much.”

Lee gently grips the omega's jaw, his grasp firm but not necessarily painful. “I'm real sorry for how I treated you,” he murmurs, his thumb brushing over the omega's lower lip, like a caress. “I know I've been a bastard. I swear - I'm a different man. I'm done drinking, things are gonna be different this time. I'll treat you like I should. I'll take better care of you. I know you deserve it,” Lee murmurs, his nose nudging against the omega's face as he presses soft kisses around his cheek and jaw. "I never should have hurt you... My behavior was unacceptable,"  

the man’s voice is soft, almost gentle. “I'm sorry, Darlin’.”

A shiver runs down Dean's spine, and he wants to believe the sincerity in Lee's voice. But this is what Lee does. He's a master at manipulation, at making the things the omega wants to hear come out of his mouth. But it doesn't mean it's real. Dean hates this. He hates this so much. This isn't fair. Lee could at least be an outright monster, but here he is, playing nice. And the worst part is, a part of him desperately wants to hear it, wants to believe him. He wants the man he fell in love with back, wants to believe everything could go back to how it was at the very beginning. Lee's fingers are soft against his skin, and it's messing with him, making him miss what they had, making those old feelings well up.

"Stop it," Dean rasps, trying to sound stern, but his voice betrays him, his heart thumping hard in his chest. "Just stop it. You don't get to - to do this. You don't get to turn up in my life, say you're sorry, and expect everything to be alright."  

Lee's hand tightens instinctively, grip becoming a little rougher but still not enough to hurt. "I mean it, Darlin'. I'm sorry," Lee murmurs. "I mean it, for real.”

“Get off of me, Lee. Right now,” Dean grits out, a bit of anger mixing in with his fear now.

A flash of anger crosses the alpha’s face, but he quickly reins himself back in. “You’re not being fair, Dean,” he protests, his hand tightening even more around the omega’s jaw, his eyes narrowing slightly.

“Not fair? I'm not being fair?” Dean snaps back, jerking his face out of Lee's grip. “What wasn’t fair is how you treated me like a possession rather than your partner. What wasn't fair is how you isolated me from anyone and anything that wasn't you and your desires. What isn't fair is that our daughter has to grow up without her father, because he lost his family due to his shitty behavior! What wasn't fair was how you raped me, beat me, degraded me, over and over and over again! What isn't fair is that you think you can just walk back in here, and expect me to forget every bullshit thing you've done to me, like it doesn't even matter! I fucking matter, Lee!”

Lee's face contorts into an expression of anger as he's yelled at, and one of his hands comes up, striking the omega's cheek, the sound sharp in the air. "Don't you dare talk to me that way, little bitch," he snaps. 

Dean gasps, the sound choked and strangled in his throat as he touches a hand to his face, the area stinging where he’d been struck. This is what he expected, this is the Lee he’s come to know so well. He takes a few moments to compose himself, his trembling hands clenching and unclenching into fists at his sides. 

“Get out,” he manages to get out between gritted teeth, his voice wavering. “Get out of here, now.”

“No, I came to apologize, and take you and our little girl home. Why do you always gotta push me, huh? I don’t want to hurt you, but damn it, Dean! You push too much!”

All his anxiety, all the fear, immediately gets overtaken by blinding anger. “How the hell do you justify treating me like that?” Dean snaps, his arms flinging out in frustration as he takes a step toward his ex-husband. “How can you get away with abusing me like that - like I'm your property, your toy? I didn't push you into anything! I never asked for any of that! All I did was love you!”

Lee looks taken aback for a moment, looking almost offended at the accusations. “Well it’s not like you were a goddamn saint!” he retorts, taking a step forward until he and Dean are nose to nose. “You’re stubborn, and spoiled. You don’t listen, you don’t know your place - it’s like you forget who you belong to.”

"I am more than something to be owned, you son of a bitch," Dean spats out, his heart hammering in his chest.

"Is that what the guy you're screwing tells you? Huh? That you're special?" Lee asks, marveling in the way Dean's expression changes. "Yeah, I know all about that. I can smell him on you, stupid whore. Defiled yourself with another alpha. You should be ashamed.”

That's it, that's what snaps the last bit of Dean's control.   

He shoves against the alpha, adrenaline pumping through him wildly. "Shut up!" he yells, pushing at Lee a second time. "You don't get to speak to me that way anymore! I don't belong to you!”

The alpha's face twists up in anger as the omega pushes him, and he reacts on instinct, slapping the other man across the face, harder this time. “Knock it off,” he snaps, his nostrils flaring.

Dean reels back a bit from the slap, but he’s already moving toward the door, desperate to get away. He makes it within a foot or two of the door frame before Lee’s hand closes around his wrist and yanks him hard backwards, slamming him into the nearest wall. It knocks the wind out of him, but through the pain Dean struggles, kicking and scratching at Lee. 

“Let me go!” he gasps, flailing against the larger man.

Lee grits his teeth, his anger only building as the omega continues to struggle. "Stop fighting me, dammit!" he exclaims, his fingers gripping Dean's wrist so tightly he knows it'll leave a bruised indent.

"No! Get off of me! Let me go, you monster!" Dean continues to struggle, trying to free himself. He kicks hard at Lee's shin, but is ignored.

Lee slams him against the wall again, and then once more for good measure. "You keep fighting me, I'll hit you so hard you won't even remember your own name. I'll give you something to cry about.”

Lee reels back as the omega suddenly knees him in the crotch, and that’s the moment Dean has been hoping for. He takes the opportunity, shoving Lee with all the strength he could muster, and then makes a desperate dash toward the bedroom. He makes it through the door, slamming it behind him and frantically locking it with clumsy, shaking hands. It feels like his lungs are on fire with the way his heart is thudding. He presses himself up against the door, his chest heaving as he takes in a lungful of air. The adrenaline is coursing through him, his entire body shaking as he listens to the alpha's heavy footsteps outside.

There's a sharp bang, and then another. Dean flinches, a small whimper escaping his throat, his eyes squeezed tightly shut as the alpha outside slams his full weight into the door. 

"Open this goddamn door, Dean! You stupid fucking bitch!”

He clamps his hands over his mouth, tears blurring his vision. His heart is beating so hard he can't focus on anything else, his entire body trembling. "Please, please, go away," he whispers, though his voice is so soft, there's no way the alpha can hear him through the door.

The door shudders violently with another harsh thud, the frame splintering where the lock meets the wood. Lee's yelling only gets louder, cursing and snarling and banging on the door like a deranged animal. Dean glances around the room, settling on the lamp from his bedside table - he couldn't escape, so he had to fight. There was only one way he was getting away from Lee, and he knew that now. He snatches up the lamp, adrenaline and fear taking control. He grips the heavy base tight in trembling fingers, waiting and listening for each violent bang on the door. The wood seems to be splitting, the frame becoming more and more damaged from the force. And then the door is suddenly bursting open, flying out of its hinges as Lee's much larger frame barrels into the room. He's seething, his face red and his anger practically radiating through the air. Dean doesn't give him time to say anything, raising the lamp in the air, and landing it hard across the top of Lee's skull.

Lee stumbles, a hand raising up to his head, his expression stunned for a moment as blood trickles down his face. Dean tries to move past him, toward the broken door, but Lee recovers quicker than the omega expects, his body lunging forward and shoving the omega backwards with brute force. Dean lands hard on the bedroom floor, the air getting knocked out of his lungs. The alpha is on him in seconds, his eyes dark and feral as he straddles the omega's chest, trapping him under his weight. His fists are relentless, raining down punch after punch, all over Dean's face and torso, ignoring the sound of the omega's pained noises and cries. Dean tries to fend him off at first, but it's useless, and his efforts quickly dwindle as his injuries begin to add up. Lee has him pinned, his body completely at the other man's mercy, and he can do nothing more than curl up to try and protect his middle.

After a few more hard blows, Lee suddenly gets to his feet, panting deeply as he gazes down at the omega's trembling, bloodied form. Dean can hardly see through the blackening swelling of his eyes, but through his hazy vision sees Lee's foot swing back, and moments later, he feels a sharp pain in his midsection, leaving stars in his vision. His brain is fuzzy as he tries to make sense of the situation, but the blow has him reeling and gasping for breath, pain shooting through his body, his thoughts becoming muddled. He instinctively curls in on himself, trying to protect the life that's growing within him. 

A pained whine passes through the omega's teeth as he's yanked up by the hair, struggling to get his bearings as he's tossed onto the mattress unceremoniously. He tries his best to get away, tries to push himself towards the edge of the bed, but Lee is already stalking over, his eyes dark and hungry, pinning the omega in place. Everything hurts, and the room is spinning. Lee grabs at the omega's clothes, tearing the fabric, exposing more of his skin, his hands roaming roughly over the exposed flesh of his body, his nails leaving behind little red lines of abrasions wherever he touches. 

“You and I could've had it so good, Dean. But you just had to go and act stupid. You just had to push, like you always do!” Lee yells, slapping Dean hard with an open palm, his hand racing down to the omega's neck. He laughs, the sound sadistic and twisted. “And I see you got rid of my collar. That's pretty hurtful, darlin’.”

Dean makes a strangled choking sound when both of Lee's hands suddenly curl around his throat like a vice, the man straddling him with all his body weight, and Dean's hands clawing at his wrists.

“Let's give you a collar that you can't get rid of this time. Because if I can't have you, nobody can,” Lee seethes out, and it's then that Dean realizes he isn't going to survive this.

Dean tries to speak but nothing comes out, the pressure around his windpipe too strong. He claws at Lee's arms, eyes fluttering uncontrollably as the man bears down even harder, his world starting to darken at the edges. He can see the alpha's face in the background, warped and ugly, his expression pure anger and cruelty. Lee's hands continue to tighten around the omega's throat, the omega's chest straining and heaving as he tries to breathe. There's pure hatred in Lee's eyes, a deranged gleam that shows how far gone the man has gotten. The world slowly loses focus as the omega's vision starts to tunnel, his entire being consumed by the pain in his neck, the pain of his face, the pain of the pleading kicks inside his womb.

But just as the world starts to slip from Dean's grasp, his vision black and swirling, his lungs on fire, a small voice rings out, cutting through everything like an angel from above.

“Stop hurting my mommy!”

And like a switch flipped, Lee just… stops. 

Emma had gotten off the bus, walked all the way up the driveway to the house alone, and came in on her father trying to murder her mother. She had finally gotten a peek behind the curtain as to what kind of a monster Lee really was. 

But even as Lee's bodyweight disappeared off the top of him, Dean still felt himself slipping into blackness.

Castiel had received the call from Ellen just as he'd finished putting the first coat of paint up in the new nursery. She called from her cell, saying the bus driver had gotten a hold of the school because there was nobody at the end of the driveway to get Emma off the bus. She was worried about Dean, and had asked if he could run over and check on him. With his heart beating a mile a minute, Castiel climbed into his car so fast that he'd forgotten to lock up the house and turn off the radio. With Dean being so close to his due date, anything could be going on in that house. And of course, that was the most likely possibility, that Dean had gone into labor, or had just fallen asleep due to the constant exhaustion. But a nagging voice in the back of the alpha's mind told him to grab his gun from beneath the driver's seat, and tuck it in the back of his waistband. 

Perhaps it was the primal instinct, the worry of his mate being in trouble.

But as Castiel pulls into the driveway, he sees the form of a little girl sprinting up the gravel road, tears streaming down her face with the sleeve of her brand new purple coat ripped at the shoulder, stuffing blowing in the wind. The man drives faster, pulling up alongside Emma and scooping her up as she cries desperately.

“Honeybee, what happened? Shhh, sweetheart calm down. Tell me what happened?” he cooed, frantic concern etched all over his features.

“Daddy killed momma! He hurt momma real bad he's dead!” she wailed, clinging to Castiel like a lifeline.

White noise fills Castiel's brain, his heart pounding in his throat so hard it actually hurts. “What?” he chokes out, barely being able to speak through the sheer panic and fear that’s taken over.

Emma is a blubbering mess, hardly capable of formulating a proper sentence through her desperate sobs. But somehow, the alpha is able to catch the essentials. The little girl knew her daddy had hurt her mother, and Dean's life is most likely in danger.

"Emma, baby girl you sit right here against the fence, do you understand? You do not move unless a police car pulls up, can you do that for me?" he asks, planting Emma in the grass against the pasture line.

When she nods, he gets right back in the car. Castiel's foot almost smashes through the floorboard, pressing on the gas hard as he roars up the driveway and sends gravel spraying everywhere. He calls nine-one-one, giving the address and the briefest information before hanging up, and tossing his phone in the backseat, despite the protest of the operator on the other end of the line. As the farmhouse comes into view, and he pulls up almost on top of the porch, the alpha is out of the car before it can come to a complete stop, leaving the vehicle running, driver's side door wide open. His heart feels like it’s on fire, a fire of rage that’s slowly swallowing him whole as he bursts in the front door. And there, in the front room, Lee stands, disheveled and bloody, his face dazed.

Lee turns around at the sound of his entrance, looking absolutely shell-shocked. His hands are shaking, and his clothes are stained with red. He looked like he had seen a goddamn ghost.

“You're too late,” he mumbles to Castiel, gesturing vaguely towards the bedroom. “I gotta find my daughter…”

“You aren't laying a finger on Emma,” Castiel snarls, slamming the door shut behind him. “What did you do to Dean?”

“Don't tell me what I can't do with my own kid,” Lee yells, taking a step towards Cas.

He opens a pocket knife, pulled from his back pocket.

Cas' hand immediately flies to the back of his waistband, where the barrel of his handgun sat snugly. “Don't,” he says, the word low and even, his hand curling firmly around the butt of the weapon.

“Do it!” Lee yells, kicking a small table towards the other alpha. Castiel raises the gun and aims it in warning. “Just fucking do it! Coward!”

“Lee, just sit your ass down, and wait for the cops to get here. It doesn't have to be like this. Tell me where Dean is. Is he in the bedroom?” Castiel tries to keep his voice calm and even, glancing down the hallway.

“Fuck you! Fuck you fuck you fuck you! Bastard! You took everything from me!” Lee wails in a rage, tears streaming down his face. “Fight me! Nutless coward! Fight me!”

“No! Lee, stop!” 

Lee screams again, and in a flash he's running towards Castiel, swinging his blade like a man possessed. Castiel shoots him in the thigh, but it's like Lee doesn't even feel it. He shoots again in the shoulder, and Lee still barrels forward. And then he's on top of Castiel, stabbing and slashing blindly wherever his blade can hit.

There's one last gunshot, the one that ends it all.

Castiel is limping as he stumbles into the bedroom, stepping over the splintered shambles of the door, a sob ripping through his chest as he sees Dean sprawled across the bed, beaten and bloody. There's a pool of blood soaking the sheets, stemming from between his legs, his body completely limp. 

“Dean, Dean no…” the alpha whimpers, sirens crying in the distance as Cas crumbles over the omega.

But it only takes a second for Castiel to feel the gentle rise and fall of Dean's chest - he was alive. 

Dean was alive.

The front door opens, voices of either police, paramedics, or both echoing through the house.

“Help!” the alpha cries, cradling his lover to his chest. “Down the hall! Hurry!”

The next several minutes go by in a flurry, a dozen people piling into the house. They start running orders, moving Castiel to the side as they assess Dean's injuries, and he's never felt so helpless or scared in his life. His eyes burn, hot and sharp as he tries to listen to the medics, but everything is so loud and chaotic. They finally wheel Dean out of the house on the gurney, and Castiel's breath catches in his throat at the sight. The omega looks so small and delicate, so fragile as the medics load him into the ambulance. 

“Follow me,” a man in blue tells him, tapping him on the shoulder. “You can ride with us to the hospital.”

Everything between there and the hospital is fuzzy in Castiel's memory.

Dean wakes up somewhere unfamiliar, the ceiling a stark white, and the sterile scent of antiseptic swirls in his nostrils. He tries to sit up slightly, his vision fuzzy as his head pounds. He winces, a soft whine escaping his slit lips. And then, soft hands rest on his arm, a familiar voice cutting through his delirium.

“Dean, baby, relax. You're in the hospital,” Ellen says softly, stroking back the other omega's hair. He flinches. “It's your Auntie Ellen. You're safe, honey.”

Dean blinks, his vision becoming a little clearer as he slowly becomes more coherent. A small groan passes through his lips, the pain in his midsection dull but still present. 

Ellen smiles, stroking his hair as she cups her nephew's cheek with her free hand, making comforting noises. "Shhh, it's alright sweetheart. You're okay. You're safe. Don't try to sit up, honey. You took quite the beating.”

Bobby walks past quietly, slipping out the door as he makes his way to the nurse's station.

“Where's m'baby…” Dean murmurs in a whisper, barely audible as a tear slips down his bruised face.

Even after being out cold for over a day, confused and disoriented, Dean still knew the little life was gone from his belly.

“She's okay, Dean. You had a c-section, the doctors delivered her. She is healthy and she is beautiful, honey,” Ellen reassures quickly, kissing the back of his hand.

She. Another perfect little girl.

“She’s okay…?” Dean repeats, those two simple words sending a jolt of relief through his body. He closes his eyes, nodding weakly. His brain is fuzzy, still trying to make sense of his surroundings, but at least he knows his pup is okay.

“Yes, she's a touch early of course, but the doctor said she's doin’ great. She's gonna be just fine and so are you,” the older omega says with triumph, kissing Dean's battered knuckles again with a sniffle.

“Dean?” 

A gruff voice from the left has the omega turning his head towards the door of his hospital room, Castiel standing there in a hospital gown of his own. He has bandages, and some small bruises on his forehead. The alpha smiles, coming to Dean's opposite bed side as Ellen brings the limping man a chair to sit in.

“Cas? You're hurt…” Dean rasps out, swallowing around his dry tongue.

He sits with a wince, his expression tired. “I’ll be fine,” he says, “Don’t you worry about me.” 

He glances to Ellen, and they share a small look of understanding between them. The older omega nods and stands up, patting the alpha on the shoulder before excusing herself from the room, leaving Castiel and Dean alone.

Once she’s gone, Cas scoots closer to the omega, taking his hand gently, mindful of the IV needle. “How do you feel, sweetheart?” he asks softly, bringing the other man’s hand to his lips.

Dean’s eyes flutter at the feeling of Cas’ warm lips against his skin. “Tired. Head hurts,” he mutters, his throat still dry. “Sore.” 

Just as fast as he relaxes into the pillow, his eyes fly wide open again. “Emma- She saw, Cas. Oh God…” he whimpers, his voice cracking.

“Hey, hey hey,” the alpha croons, gently squeezing Dean’s hand. “Let’s not go there right now, sweetheart. We’ll talk about everything that happened later, okay? Sam is watching her, and she's having a blast. You just need to focus on resting and healing.”

“What about Lee? Did they get him? The police?” Dean croaks, trying to wipe his tears, but Castiel beats him to it.

An odd sense of foreboding settles in the alpha's gut, and he chooses his words carefully. “You- You aren't going to have to worry about him anymore, baby.” 

A shiver of fear runs down Dean's spine, his eyes going wide at the implication. It feels like someone is squeezing his heart, and he swallows hard, fear making him sick. "Wh-what does that mean?" he whispers, squeezing Cas' hand so tightly that his knuckles turn white.

Silent tears run down the alpha's face, his mouth pressed firmly against Dean's knuckles as if asking forgiveness. “I took care of him, Dean. I'm sorry-”

“We're safe?” he chokes out, his breath coming in gasps around his tears. “Forever? You promise?” His voice holds a note of hope that surprises Castiel.

“I promise. He can't hurt you ever again, my love.” 

Dean breaks down, a smile tugging at his blemished and swollen features. A small part of him will mourn Lee; their love, their marriage, the few good times they shared. Because at some point, the omega was madly in love with the man, he was the father of both Dean's children. But right now, it was a time for celebration, his heart feeling like it was going to burst from sheer joy, of never having to live in fear again. Cas stands up, gently sitting on the edge of the bed and holding the beaten, exhausted omega in his arms as best as he could, careful of any of Dean’s injuries. Dean clings to him tighter, sobbing against his chest with exhaustion and a thousand other emotions.

A small knock on the door pulls them from their moment, and the omega sits up a bit, wiping his eyes quickly with the knuckles of his hands, and looking like he’s trying to pull himself together. The door quietly pushes open, Ellen at the forefront with Bobby and a nurse in pink scrubs right behind her. The beta man has a small bundle of a baby cradled in his arms, and for just a moment, Dean forgets about everything that’s happened and smiles. 

“Is that her?” he asks softly, his voice cracking.

“Sure is, sugar,” Ellen grins, moving forward to place a hand on his shoulder. “You wanna hold her?”

“Hell yeah I wanna hold her,” he laughs, his voice still just above a rough whisper due to his bruised throat.

The nurse steps forward, moving to adjust the bed so Dean is sitting more upright. Bobby then gently sets the baby into her mother's waiting arms with an expression of pride on his face. The second that the small newborn is placed properly in the omega's tender grasp, tears well in his eyes. She's so tiny, smaller than he remembered Emma being, with a head of brown, fuzzy hair and a dusting of freckles on her cheeks. The baby makes a few soft, breathy noises, and Dean's heart melts. 

"Shhh. Mama's right here, baby girl," he coos quietly, gently running the pads of his fingers across her small, delicate face. 

"Ain't she beautiful?" Ellen asks, a bit of awe in her voice.

"She's perfect," Dean whispers, continuing to stare down at the precious pup's face. He can feel the tears falling down his cheek, and he's barely aware of Castiel gently wiping them away.

"Have you thought about a name for her yet, sweetie?" the older omega asks, gently reaching out to run her fingers through her nephew's hair.

He can only nod, not trusting his voice to speak quite yet; the entire experience is overwhelming him in the best way. In his arms, the baby makes a small noise, her tiny hand squeezing her mother's finger, and things feel like they will be okay. 

"Samantha," Dean murmurs after a long moment. "Samantha Marie.”

"That's a beautiful name, boy," Bobby says, a smile on his face, and Dean manages a smile in return. “Sammy is gonna lose his damn mind when he hears.”

Ellen's eyes have gone soft, her expression a mixture of nostalgic and bittersweet. Samantha, after her younger nephew, and Marie, to honor their deceased mother, Ellen's sister, Mary. It seems to be understood that this baby was named with a lot of love and thought, and it was quite apparent to everyone just how much the pup was already loved. Dean has never felt more at peace, cradling his child safely in his arms, surrounded by family.

Free, finally. The nightmare was over.

Chapter Text

It's the first week in July, and the sun is shining down on a little farmhouse with a large field surrounding it. The crops are beginning to get full, green and on track for harvesting come autumn. A pair of cows stand in the pasture, lazily munching on the rich grasses.

Emma is out in the field, sitting beneath a large oak tree with a pile of books scattered in the grass before her. She's reading one aloud to herself, practicing her reading skills. Nearby, under the shade of that same, mighty oak, Dean has Samantha on an old quilt, crawling on her belly towards a shiny little lady bug that’s landed before her. The omega smiles, glancing between his daughters, closing out the writing in his journal, leaning to turn the volume up on the radio he'd brought out with them, just as Freddie begins singing ‘Break Free’ once more. Looking into the pasture, he sees his husband driving the tractor, a mower hitched behind it that cuts down the hay field to bale later in the week, a cloud of dust wafting up behind. It was a beautiful picture. The alpha was working hard out in the hot sun, his shirt thrown over the back of his seat leaving his upper half bare, his arms glistening with sweat as he maneuvers the vehicle.

As if the alpha had a sixth sense, Castiel suddenly lifts his gaze and catches Dean's eye, a wide smile splitting his face as he waves from atop the tractor. Dean waves back with a love struck grin, Emma doing the same with excitement. After another minute or two, the alpha brings the tractor to a stop. He climbs down off the old machine, swiping his arm across his forehead, wiping up the beads of sweat as he strides across the field, and flops down next to the others with a smile. 

"My legs are tired," he whines, dramatically sprawling across the soft, green grass.

“I bet,” Dean hums, moving to lay beside the alpha, giving him a tender kiss as he slots beside the sweaty man. “Looked good out there, though.”

"Yeah?" the alpha grins, rolling over so he has the other man pinned on the ground. "Is that right? Watching me sweat was entertaining for you?" the alpha murmurs, his teeth grazing the omega's jaw.

Before Dean can snark a reply, Emma bounds over, jumping on Castiel, knocking the wind from his lungs as she hugs and bounces on him excitedly, giggling as the man finally relents with a laugh. Dean scoops up the chubby younger pup as well, the four of them laying there in a heap, staring up into the branches of oak leaves above.

"I love you," the alpha whispers, pressing a kiss to his mate's forehead, his large, rough hand gently rubbing Emma's back as Samantha plays with one of Castiel's fingers, her small hands wrapped around two of them.

“I love you, too,” Dean whispers back, pressing another soft kiss against the alpha's lips.

Castiel smiles, completely love-drunk, before turning his attention to Emma. “And I love you, little honeybee.”

“Love you waaaaay more!” Emma chirps, pointing at Samantha. “And Sammy loves you too, even though she can't tell you yet.”

Dean just smiles warmly, watching the entire interaction.

"That's a lot of love for one little household to handle," Cas teases the young girl, who giggles before flopping herself across both of them, squirming to snuggle between the omega and alpha.

"Well, I happen to think it's just enough love," Dean chimes in, watching as Emma gently pulls her little sister onto her stomach.

The two siblings begin to babble to one another in baby talk, their little hands touching each other's faces as they try to imitate actual conversation.

Castiel smiles, his eyes a little misty as he takes in the entire scene before him, his family, all snuggled and happy. His life couldn't be more perfect even if he tried.

"Yeah," he murmurs, tucking some hair behind Dean's ear. "I think you're right.”