Fic: Supernatural: Jedi!Verse: Dean/Castiel: [PG-13] - Family doesn’t end with blood
I've got a nice long one for you guys this time :)
Title: Family Doesn't End With Blood
Author: nicole9514
Rating: PG-13
Genre: AU, Fusion w/Star Wars, slash, action, romance
Pairing: Dean/Castiel
Warnings: language, and lots of mushiness
Spoilers: None
A/N: This fic takes place in my Jedi!verse series of fics.
Summary: Dean and Cas spend time with their loved ones.
Word Count: 4,427
New to the series; here's a Link to the Masterpost
Several weeks had passed since they’d arrived at the Separatist’s base - and they were no closer to finding a way to stick it to Roman. Dean was frustrated, and he knew he wasn’t the only one.
They’d tried to locate a trail of any kind paper, bodies, credits, hell, Dean would follow a trail of breadcrumbs at this point if it would help.
Roman was being careful, more so than before. He knew they were on to him.
Ash was amazing, the guy could see patterns in things Dean couldn’t even dream up, but it wasn’t enough. Dick wasn’t making any mistakes.
The only good thing with all the down time meant he and Sam had, had time to ‘bond.’
They’d had more meals together, and Sam had shown him some tricks with a blaster that had been quite impressive.
Did Sam see him as an older brother? Probably not, but friends, yeah, they were definitely solid there.
And Cas was right, there was no reason to push or even try for more. If it was gonna happen it would get there on its own. You couldn’t force relationships, or feelings, those things just happened.
Honestly Dean considered himself lucky as hell to have this much. He and Sam hadn’t even known each other existed six months ago, now, he’d trust the younger man with his life.
He couldn’t complain.
They hadn’t told any one else about their blood connection. Only Jess, and Cas were aware. And probably Pamela, but if she knew, she was keeping her mouth shut, which Dean appreciated.
It wasn’t that they were ashamed, they just wanted to figure things out first. They didn’t need the questions it would bring if word got out. Not to mention if Chancellor Douchebag somehow found out, he might try and use the knowledge against them.
The fewer people knew, the better. For now anyway.
Dean hoped that would change soon enough, and they wouldn’t need to worry anymore.
That was also the reason they hadn’t gotten genetic confirmation - any tests done would be another risk of exposure, so for now, they were just going on faith.
Dean wasn’t big on that in general, but faith in Cas, that was easy.
And Sam seemed to be okay with trusting Cas’s judgment as well. Showed he had good instincts.
“Daydreaming again?”
Dean blinked, and noticed Anna standing with her hands on her hips, smirking at him. Her red hair had grown out even more, and she wasn’t wearing it pulled back. It hung down quite a bit past her shoulders, and she was wearing her favorite deep purple top, and black pants. The girl was beautiful, and it was showing more lately. She’d grown up a lot after leaving the temple, and he was pretty damn sure she and Adam were close to becoming more than friends.
“Men don’t daydream, we plot.”
She laughed. “Okay, what are you plotting?”
She sat down next to him.
Dean was sitting on the floor of what amounted to the base’s storage closet. He’d found it one day when he’d been jogging around the base.
Being trapped underground for so long, he needed to keep his body in shape. He and Cas sparred of course, as well as Anna, but he was used to being more active.
So jogging had become another necessary part of his day.
The room was full of crap they didn’t want to toss out, but weren’t sure if they’d ever need again. Dean loved the way the space smelled. A combination of spices, metal, and space. Not many people wandered inside; it was a good place to clear his head. Cas adored it as well. He’d probably be arriving soon, they planned to do their meditations together.
Yep, he was still meditating. It would never be easy, but it helped more than he liked to admit. And Cas needed it, and he enjoyed sharing the experience with the other man.
“Oh, you know the usual. How to make the perfect pie, and achieve world peace all in one morning.”
“Wow.” Anna crossed her ankles. “From pie to peace, you’ve got everything covered then.”
Dean raised an eyebrow. “You just come here to annoy me, or is there a purpose to this enchanting conversation?”
She smiled again, but Dean could sense she was nervous. The way she flipped her hair, and the fingers on her right hand kept drumming on her leg.
“Spill kid.” He nudged her gently.
She exhaled. “What do you think of Adam?”
Dean swallowed, he and Cas had spoken of this, his lover had wanted his advice on how to handle the situation. He’d told him not to get involved, if she wanted his help, she’d ask for it.
And now he was eating his own words, because he’d been right. Except she wasn’t asking Cas, she was asking him. Which made no sense. Her and Cas had a great, trusting, father-daughter thing going on. Why the hell wasn’t she going to him?
Force, the universe really hated him some days.
“Umm, he seems nice,” Dean said lamely.
She wrung her hands. “Do you think Mast-Castiel likes him?”
Dean blinked twice. Now this was starting to make sense.
“Kid,” Dean sat up, and gave her his full attention. “Don’t you think that’s something you should talk to him about?”
She looked down at her hands, and shrugged.
“You worried about how he’ll react?”
She nodded once, and didn’t look up.
“Anna, this is Cas were talking about. I don’t think you need to be overly concerned.”
She looked up, and Dean gave her his best reassuring smile. She smiled back, but he could still see the edges of anxiety flickering behind her eyes.
“I ju - I just don’t want to disappoint him,” she whispered.
He realized in that moment, that Cas wasn’t like a father to Anna, in her eyes, he was her father.
She wanted, hell, needed his approval.
“That’s not gonna happen kid,” Dean told her, no doubt in his tone. He saw the pride every time Cas looked at her, every time he spoke of her, how he made time for her even if there wasn’t. “Trust me. If I haven’t managed to lose his respect, you sure as hell have nothing to worry about.”
She laughed, and shook her head, but the worry wasn’t gone from her eyes.
“He’ll be here soon, you should talk to him.”
She inhaled. “I will.”
“Good, now take a load off while we wait.”
Anna scooted over, and shared the blanket Dean had spread out over the floor.
“It’s just,” Dean glanced over at Anna, waiting for her to continue. She swallowed, and scanned the room making sure they were still alone. “It’s different between you and him.”
“How so?”
She chewed on her bottom lip, then said quietly, “You’d never lose his respect because he loves you.”
Dean glanced at her, trying to keep his jaw from coming unhinged, as he wondered when the hell he’d become so damn domestic. He couldn’t believe he was having this conversation.
Dean struggled not to sputter, and he took a few deep breaths. He had to say something, and son of a bitch, she didn’t realize Cas loved her. But hell, it’s not like the temple allowed or endorsed telling your Padawan how special they were to you. He knew Cas had displayed his pride and affection for her on many occasions, but she was young, and it was clear she needed more.
More than Cas had realized.
Hell, she’d left the temple, given up her future as a Jedi to follow her former Master into war against the head of the galactic senate. You didn’t do something like that for someone who was simply your “master.’
You did that for someone you loved. There was no other reason, not in Dean’s book.
“Anna, look, Cas would do anything for you, he worries about you all the time, he’s told me how amazing you are on more than one occasion, and just trust me on this, the guy loves you.”
Dean was surprised at himself, this new softer side was kind of scary, but then Ann’a big, hazel eyes got bright, and grateful, and it was worth it. “Thank you,” she whispered.
“No problem.” Dean cleared his throat, and closed his eyes.
His life sure had changed.
****
Cas stepped into the storage room, and felt his lips stretch into a warm smile as he saw Dean wasn’t alone. Anna was sitting next to him, her head leaning on his shoulder, and Dean was trying to act like he didn’t adore every second of it. His heart swelled. He hadn’t seen Anna nearly enough lately, between helping Dean connect with Sam, and spending hours pouring over data, speaking with Sam’s contacts, and a few of his own, there just hadn’t been enough time.
They’d sparred a few times, and had two quick lunches, but not much else.
He’d missed her.
“This is a nice surprise,” Cas observed, his tone just as warm as his expression.
Dean gave Cas a shrug. “What can I say, the ladies can’t resist me.”
Anna lifted her head, and gave him a smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes.
He walked closer, and sat down, instinctively knowing something wasn’t quite right with his former Padawan. His protective instincts flared, and he sat close to her, his eyes searching.
Dean cleared his throat, and stood, surprising Cas. “I’ll be back, just need to stretch my legs for a few,” he gave Cas a pointed stare, and Cas got the message, nodding.
“Take your time,” he told Dean absently, his attention already back on Anna.
She wasn’t quite meeting his eyes, and he could feel the turmoil within her. She was nervous.
“Anna, what’s wrong?”
Her gaze shot to his, her eyes wider, her skin paler. “I forgot how perceptive you are,” she murmured.
He smiled. “I’ve been told it’s a rather annoying trait.”
She made a sound that wasn’t quite a laugh, and sighed. “Nah.”
He gave her a dubious look.
“Okay,” she admitted, “maybe a tiny bit annoying.”
Castiel reached out and touched her forearm, squeezing. She scooted closer to him, and fell silent.
They sat in relatively comfortable silence for several minutes. Cas knew she needed to talk, but he would wait until she was ready.
Eventually she exhaled, and whispered, “I like Adam, as more than a friend.”
Cas tilted his head towards her, his eyes patient. “I noticed.”
“You did?”
“Perceptive remember,” he smiled, “and I must admit I’m guilty of keeping an eye on you from time to time.”
“You do?” she seemed surprised.
“Of course,” he said quietly.
She glanced down, then back up. “Why?” Her eyes were intense, almost hopeful.
Cas was taken aback by the question. “I want to make sure you’re safe.”
She stared at him, and she was quite good at it.
She had learned from the best.
“Because I was your Padawan - you still see me as your responsibility,” she said quietly, and she sounded somewhat sad.
Cas knew he was missing something. There was some measure of truth to her words, but that wasn’t all of it. This conversation had rapidly shifted from Adam to something else entirely.
“Anna.” Cas took her hand, she seemed startled, but not upset. “I’ve told you in the past that you are like family to me, I meant that.”
She nodded, her eyes bright.
And he was reminded of how distant he’d been from her lately. Sometimes it was easy to forget she was only fourteen. She’d grown and matured so much in the past months. She even had her own room down the hall from them, next to Bobby’s. His throat felt raw. “You aren’t just a responsibility to me.”
She squeezed his hand tightly, clinging to him, and he couldn’t help but think back on when he’d first met her. Even younger, and filled with a lack of faith in her abilities. All of those that had said her force potential was limited, she’d proved them wrong, and she’d flourished.
She looked at him. “I’m sorry,” and swiped at her face.
“You have nothing to be sorry for.” He leaned in close and made sure she was listening. “And just so you know, I like Adam as well, and I trust your judgment.”
She smiled.
“However,” his expression darkened, and his tone had an edge of smite to it. “I will make sure to let him know that if he ever hurts you, he and I will have a problem.”
She shook her head, but seemed almost pleased with his words.
“Just be careful, and go slow,” he added, knowing he was acting like a worried, over-protective father and not caring, “You’re young, you have plenty of time. If he cares for you - he’ll be patient.”
She gave him a strange look, and he glanced away, hoping he hadn’t crossed any lines with her. He was not her father, and sometimes he worried he was pushing too much, that had been part of the reason he’d given her space, even though it had been hard.
Then she was in his arms, giving him a bone-crushing hug. Cas enveloped her, loving how natural this felt, and knowing if they hadn’t left the order he wouldn’t be sharing this moment with her.
“I’ve missed you,” he whispered, the admission slipping from his lips.
She made a choked sound. “Me too.”
“I’m always here if you need me,” he paused, and took a deep breath, it was still hard to bare his soul. He’d been rejected by many of his peers in the past. Old scars still reared their head from time to time. But Dean had made it easier, and Anna had always accepted him. “You and Dean mean everything to me.”
Anna sniffled into his chest, and whispered, “I love you, Master.”
Cas swallowed, and his heart felt as if it was going to burst from his chest. A few years ago he’d had nothing, he’d been alone on so many levels. Felt as if he didn’t belong anywhere, and had been trying to hide the scars that Alastair had left on him.
And now, he had two amazing people who loved him, who understood him, and accepted him and his flaws, no embraced them.
He could barely breathe he felt so overwhelmed.
He saw Dean peek his head in, their eyes locked over Anna‘s shoulder, as Cas clung to her.
Dean smiled, his eyes burning with affection, and happiness. Cas smiled back. Dean flashed him a thumbs up, and then quietly backed back out of the room.
“I love you too, Anna,” he breathed.
*****
Dean decided to leave Cas and Anna alone for awhile, they needed some father-daughter bonding time. Dean smiled at that, but it was true.
He walked for awhile, waving at children playing toss. He passed several families eating at a communal gathering place. It wasn’t exactly a restaurant, but there were tables, and there wasn’t a day that went by that someone hadn’t brought food to share. He passed the weapons locker, well it was more of a room actually. He’d been in there a few times; Sam had shown him their stockpile. There were also several former bounty hunters living here who were always tinkering, and finding new ways to kill.
They’d improved the power, weight, and reliability of many of the armaments. It would have been nice if building better ways to kill people wasn’t necessary, but unfortunately it was.
A battle was coming, no matter how calm it seemed right now. Dean could still feel the pressure building all around them, and he knew this wouldn’t last, they would need those weapons.
He found himself standing outside of ‘operations’ as Sam had dubbed it. A large, long room, lined with tech, monitors, consoles, and a communication system that was encrypted, and supposedly impossible to trace.
Ash had guaranteed that, and declared himself the King all in once sentence.
He’d known Sam would be here; the younger man was still trying to scrounge up a lead.
At this point they were running low on options.
Sam was leaning over Ash, who’s fingers were flying over the panel, too fast for Dean to make sense of anything.
Sam must have felt his presence, he turned, his eyes meeting Dean’s, and he smiled warmly. It was nice to have Sam seem genuinely happy to have him around, every now and then he still worried he was going to see that look of anger, and pain he’d seen right before Sam had decked him. But the memory was fading, being replaced by better ones.
Dean returned the gesture. “How’s it going?”
Sam sighed. “I’ve got a couple of ideas, but before we attempt to reach them Ash wants to run some extra encryption methods.”
Ash grunted. “You can never be too careful.”
Dean nodded. “Worried someone might get through your safeguards your highness?”
“I might be the King, but there‘s always someone out there trying to take your thrown,” he cracked his knuckles, and his neck, and whipped his mullet around a few times. “Can’t get too cocky.”
Dean managed not too laugh, as and Sam traded glances. “Yeah, you’re the picture of modesty.”
Sam sputtered, then slapped Ash on the back. “Let me know when your ready.”
“Give me a couple of hours.”
Sam nodded, and gestured for Dean to follow as they left the room.
“Didn’t you have plans with Cas?” Sam asked as they headed towards one of the tables in the gathering area, and took a seat.
“Yeah, he and Anna needed some alone time, so I made myself scarce.”
Sam smiled. “That was mature of you.”
“Hey,” Dean lifted his feet up, and sprawled his legs across the top of the table. “I can be mature.”
Sam smacked his lips together. “Yeah, I can see that.” He grabbed onto Dean’s boot, and shoved.
Dean laughed, and placed his feet back onto the floor
“This about Adam?” Sam asked, his expression curious, and warm all at once.
“Yep,” Dean replied.
“Explains why he was so nervous this morning, he dropped his glass of water twice.”
Dean chuckled. “Kids. He must have known Anna was going to tell Cas.”
Sam made a sound of agreement. “When we told Jess’s dad, I was terrified, so I can’t really blame him for being worried. I thought the guy was going to put a bolt from a blaster in my ass.”
Dean sputtered. “That sounds like a good story.”
“Oh, it is.” Sam’s eyes danced with amusement.
Dean waited. “Care to enlighten the masses?”
“Nope.” Sam smirked.
“You’re such a bitch,” Dean spat without heat.
“Yep.” Sam just kept on smirking.
Dean rolled his eyes, but let it go, his heart warm as he realized it wasn’t just him that saw the bond between Cas and Anna. Sam was a smart guy.
“I’m just glad they have each other,” Dean found himself admitting. “Cas hasn’t had it easy.”
Sam’s smirk melted away, and something flickered across Sam‘s face, too quick for Dean to put his finger on. “Yeah, I get that.”
Dean nodded.
Sam leaned forward, resting his palms on the table. “He doing okay?” His expression was almost uncertain, as if he wasn’t sure if he was allowed to have this conversation.
They were friends, but it was still new.
Dean knew Sam wasn’t asking because he wanted to gossip, or gather information on Cas, he was asking because he cared. Sam wasn’t blind. He’d been there the day Cas had panicked over the blaster, and the separatist’s had access to a lot of information. He was guessing, Sam probably knew of Cas’s connection to Alastair, hell, they’d even come to him looking for information on the man. Sam probably had a really good idea of what Cas had been through.
Dean mulled that over for a moment, studying Sam‘s concerned, but also hesitant features. Dean’s voice was kind, and grateful as he said, “There have been some rough patches, but overall, yeah, I think he is.”
Sam’s expression was fond, and any trace of anxiety vanished. “Good. He’s a great guy.”
“Yeah, he is.” Dean knew he was probably boasting a stupid, goofy grin as he thought of Cas, and his blue eyes, small smile, and giant heart.”
Sam was grinning, his eyes sparkling.
“Yeah, yeah. I know. That tear is coming on again, isn’t it, you asshole.”
Sam laughed. “Maybe.”
Dean laughed along with him, feeling somehow closer to Sam than he had a few minutes ago.
*****
Dean looked around the room, taking it all in, he wanted to burn this image into his brain.
Anna, Cas, Bobby, Sam, and Jess were all gathered in Sam’s living room.
Jess was snuggled up against Sam, her strawberry blonde hair resting on his shoulders from their spot on the loveseat. Sam was absently running his fingers though her long locks.
Bobby was sitting at the end of the long couch, drinking a beer, his eyes hooded, his hand on his belly, probably overstuffed from the meal they’d shared. The old man seemed content, and on the verge of taking a nap.
Anna was on one side of Cas, her head on his shoulder, while his arm was draped over her shoulders.
Dean was on the other side of Cas, leaning against his lover, their hands interlaced.
They were all quiet, just enjoying each others company.
Dean watched them all, his eyes finding Cas’s first. Cas gave him a small smile, glanced down at Anna, then back to him, his eyes a bit bright.
Dean leaned in and whispered directly into Cas’s ear, “You make a good father, Cas.”
Cas squeezed his fingers tightly, he watched Dean for a moment, then mouthed, “Thank you,” before he kissed Anna on the top of her head.
Dean felt eyes on them, and he noticed Sam and Jess watching quietly. They smiled at the three of them, then glanced at each other, their smiles growing.
Sam’s hand drifted to Jess’s stomach, and he murmured something, she blushed.
Dean swallowed - his gaze zeroing in on Jess’s belly.
Dean didn’t think, he just blurted. “Sith spit, are you too…,” his voice trailed off, as they met his stare.
Sam laughed, but it was Jess who answered. “Expecting? No, not yet anyway. But we‘ve been talking about it.” Jess gestured towards them. “And you three, you‘re just making us realize how much we want to start a family.”
Dean blinked, momentarily confused. “Ummm, what?”
Sam laughed again, and Jess just smiled.
Bobby’s was awake now, his expression amused. “Come on boy, not even you’re that dense.”
Dean glanced at Cas and Anna, who were looking adorable cuddled together on the couch, then at his and Cas’s entwined fingers, and it hit him - they were a family.
He’d known it for awhile, but for some reason, he hadn’t really got it, until this moment. Now it felt real.
Dean swallowed hard, his heart doing funny things in his chest.
Dean, a man who was a one and done kind of guy, the guy who didn’t do chick flicks, didn’t want kids, didn’t settle down, a guys-guy, had a sexy, amazing, flawless partner whom he wanted to spend his life with. And Cas had pretty much adopted Anna, and Dean, well he‘d kind of fallen in love with the kid as well. It was bound to happen. When you saw Anna through Cas’s eyes, there was no way you couldn’t love her.
Dean saw himself more as the fun-uncle to Cas’s father role, but still it was something pretty fucking amazing.
And it wasn’t nearly as scary as he’d thought it would be.
He could feel Cas next to him, sense a trace of that old anxiety, as he waited for Dean’s reaction.
Dean ran his thumb over Cas’s knuckles, and felt the other man relax, as their eyes locked, and Dean kissed him, he kept it brief, but he put all the love he could into it.
“Eww, gross,” Anna teased, her tone happy.
Cas chuckled, and Dean attempted to glare at her.
But Anna was smiling at him, her eyes glinting, and Dean found himself smiling back. “Behave brat,” he swatted her playfully on the head.
Cas was practically glowing as he looked back and forth between them a few times.
Bobby, shook his head, his eyes fond.
Sam and Jess were all smiles.
“You two would make wonderful parents.” Cas said, sincerity ringing with each word.
“Yeah, I can’t argue with that.” Dean added.
“Thanks, guys.” Sam said, and Dean could tell he meant it.
Dean looked around the room again, at his newfound family, and found himself thinking about Ellen. He hadn’t allowed himself to go there for awhile. It was just easier not to allow himself to miss her. And thinking of her, brought on memories of Cas’s haunting vision, and he couldn’t go there.
While he now knew that his birthmother’s name had been Mary Wesson, the only mother he’d ever known had been Ellen Harvelle, and sitting here, surrounded by people he loved, he found himself wishing she was here to share this with him.
She’d always had his back, supported him even after he’d made stupid decisions, and never stopped believing in him. And she’d had Cas’s back as well - and that meant a lot.
He hoped when all of this was over, he would have the chance to let her know just how much she meant to him.
Sam rose, and came back with a bottle of wine, and poured everyone a small amount in a glass.
“A toast,” Sam remained standing, his eyes warm.
They all took their glasses and held them, waiting for Sam to speak.
He was quiet a moment, his eyes drifting over all of them, and stopping on Dean. “To family,” he said quietly.
“I’ll drink to that,” Dean said, his voice surprisingly steady considering the lump in his throat.
They all lifted their glasses and drank.
Sam touched his shoulder briefly, before he returned to Jess’s side.
A silence fell, as they all relaxed, no one felt the need to fill the quiet.
Dean closed his eyes, and melted against Cas’s side. He heard Cas make a sound of pure contentment, as they just enjoyed being still.
A/N: I wanted to focus/develop Dean and Castiel's other relationships in this fic - Hopefully I didn't overdue the sap/mushiness in this chapter - but I hope you enjoyed it :)
Feel free to friend this journal for the insanity :)
As always, I love comments - each one makes me smile.
Title: Family Doesn't End With Blood
Author: nicole9514
Rating: PG-13
Genre: AU, Fusion w/Star Wars, slash, action, romance
Pairing: Dean/Castiel
Warnings: language, and lots of mushiness
Spoilers: None
A/N: This fic takes place in my Jedi!verse series of fics.
Summary: Dean and Cas spend time with their loved ones.
Word Count: 4,427
New to the series; here's a Link to the Masterpost
Several weeks had passed since they’d arrived at the Separatist’s base - and they were no closer to finding a way to stick it to Roman. Dean was frustrated, and he knew he wasn’t the only one.
They’d tried to locate a trail of any kind paper, bodies, credits, hell, Dean would follow a trail of breadcrumbs at this point if it would help.
Roman was being careful, more so than before. He knew they were on to him.
Ash was amazing, the guy could see patterns in things Dean couldn’t even dream up, but it wasn’t enough. Dick wasn’t making any mistakes.
The only good thing with all the down time meant he and Sam had, had time to ‘bond.’
They’d had more meals together, and Sam had shown him some tricks with a blaster that had been quite impressive.
Did Sam see him as an older brother? Probably not, but friends, yeah, they were definitely solid there.
And Cas was right, there was no reason to push or even try for more. If it was gonna happen it would get there on its own. You couldn’t force relationships, or feelings, those things just happened.
Honestly Dean considered himself lucky as hell to have this much. He and Sam hadn’t even known each other existed six months ago, now, he’d trust the younger man with his life.
He couldn’t complain.
They hadn’t told any one else about their blood connection. Only Jess, and Cas were aware. And probably Pamela, but if she knew, she was keeping her mouth shut, which Dean appreciated.
It wasn’t that they were ashamed, they just wanted to figure things out first. They didn’t need the questions it would bring if word got out. Not to mention if Chancellor Douchebag somehow found out, he might try and use the knowledge against them.
The fewer people knew, the better. For now anyway.
Dean hoped that would change soon enough, and they wouldn’t need to worry anymore.
That was also the reason they hadn’t gotten genetic confirmation - any tests done would be another risk of exposure, so for now, they were just going on faith.
Dean wasn’t big on that in general, but faith in Cas, that was easy.
And Sam seemed to be okay with trusting Cas’s judgment as well. Showed he had good instincts.
“Daydreaming again?”
Dean blinked, and noticed Anna standing with her hands on her hips, smirking at him. Her red hair had grown out even more, and she wasn’t wearing it pulled back. It hung down quite a bit past her shoulders, and she was wearing her favorite deep purple top, and black pants. The girl was beautiful, and it was showing more lately. She’d grown up a lot after leaving the temple, and he was pretty damn sure she and Adam were close to becoming more than friends.
“Men don’t daydream, we plot.”
She laughed. “Okay, what are you plotting?”
She sat down next to him.
Dean was sitting on the floor of what amounted to the base’s storage closet. He’d found it one day when he’d been jogging around the base.
Being trapped underground for so long, he needed to keep his body in shape. He and Cas sparred of course, as well as Anna, but he was used to being more active.
So jogging had become another necessary part of his day.
The room was full of crap they didn’t want to toss out, but weren’t sure if they’d ever need again. Dean loved the way the space smelled. A combination of spices, metal, and space. Not many people wandered inside; it was a good place to clear his head. Cas adored it as well. He’d probably be arriving soon, they planned to do their meditations together.
Yep, he was still meditating. It would never be easy, but it helped more than he liked to admit. And Cas needed it, and he enjoyed sharing the experience with the other man.
“Oh, you know the usual. How to make the perfect pie, and achieve world peace all in one morning.”
“Wow.” Anna crossed her ankles. “From pie to peace, you’ve got everything covered then.”
Dean raised an eyebrow. “You just come here to annoy me, or is there a purpose to this enchanting conversation?”
She smiled again, but Dean could sense she was nervous. The way she flipped her hair, and the fingers on her right hand kept drumming on her leg.
“Spill kid.” He nudged her gently.
She exhaled. “What do you think of Adam?”
Dean swallowed, he and Cas had spoken of this, his lover had wanted his advice on how to handle the situation. He’d told him not to get involved, if she wanted his help, she’d ask for it.
And now he was eating his own words, because he’d been right. Except she wasn’t asking Cas, she was asking him. Which made no sense. Her and Cas had a great, trusting, father-daughter thing going on. Why the hell wasn’t she going to him?
Force, the universe really hated him some days.
“Umm, he seems nice,” Dean said lamely.
She wrung her hands. “Do you think Mast-Castiel likes him?”
Dean blinked twice. Now this was starting to make sense.
“Kid,” Dean sat up, and gave her his full attention. “Don’t you think that’s something you should talk to him about?”
She looked down at her hands, and shrugged.
“You worried about how he’ll react?”
She nodded once, and didn’t look up.
“Anna, this is Cas were talking about. I don’t think you need to be overly concerned.”
She looked up, and Dean gave her his best reassuring smile. She smiled back, but he could still see the edges of anxiety flickering behind her eyes.
“I ju - I just don’t want to disappoint him,” she whispered.
He realized in that moment, that Cas wasn’t like a father to Anna, in her eyes, he was her father.
She wanted, hell, needed his approval.
“That’s not gonna happen kid,” Dean told her, no doubt in his tone. He saw the pride every time Cas looked at her, every time he spoke of her, how he made time for her even if there wasn’t. “Trust me. If I haven’t managed to lose his respect, you sure as hell have nothing to worry about.”
She laughed, and shook her head, but the worry wasn’t gone from her eyes.
“He’ll be here soon, you should talk to him.”
She inhaled. “I will.”
“Good, now take a load off while we wait.”
Anna scooted over, and shared the blanket Dean had spread out over the floor.
“It’s just,” Dean glanced over at Anna, waiting for her to continue. She swallowed, and scanned the room making sure they were still alone. “It’s different between you and him.”
“How so?”
She chewed on her bottom lip, then said quietly, “You’d never lose his respect because he loves you.”
Dean glanced at her, trying to keep his jaw from coming unhinged, as he wondered when the hell he’d become so damn domestic. He couldn’t believe he was having this conversation.
Dean struggled not to sputter, and he took a few deep breaths. He had to say something, and son of a bitch, she didn’t realize Cas loved her. But hell, it’s not like the temple allowed or endorsed telling your Padawan how special they were to you. He knew Cas had displayed his pride and affection for her on many occasions, but she was young, and it was clear she needed more.
More than Cas had realized.
Hell, she’d left the temple, given up her future as a Jedi to follow her former Master into war against the head of the galactic senate. You didn’t do something like that for someone who was simply your “master.’
You did that for someone you loved. There was no other reason, not in Dean’s book.
“Anna, look, Cas would do anything for you, he worries about you all the time, he’s told me how amazing you are on more than one occasion, and just trust me on this, the guy loves you.”
Dean was surprised at himself, this new softer side was kind of scary, but then Ann’a big, hazel eyes got bright, and grateful, and it was worth it. “Thank you,” she whispered.
“No problem.” Dean cleared his throat, and closed his eyes.
His life sure had changed.
****
Cas stepped into the storage room, and felt his lips stretch into a warm smile as he saw Dean wasn’t alone. Anna was sitting next to him, her head leaning on his shoulder, and Dean was trying to act like he didn’t adore every second of it. His heart swelled. He hadn’t seen Anna nearly enough lately, between helping Dean connect with Sam, and spending hours pouring over data, speaking with Sam’s contacts, and a few of his own, there just hadn’t been enough time.
They’d sparred a few times, and had two quick lunches, but not much else.
He’d missed her.
“This is a nice surprise,” Cas observed, his tone just as warm as his expression.
Dean gave Cas a shrug. “What can I say, the ladies can’t resist me.”
Anna lifted her head, and gave him a smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes.
He walked closer, and sat down, instinctively knowing something wasn’t quite right with his former Padawan. His protective instincts flared, and he sat close to her, his eyes searching.
Dean cleared his throat, and stood, surprising Cas. “I’ll be back, just need to stretch my legs for a few,” he gave Cas a pointed stare, and Cas got the message, nodding.
“Take your time,” he told Dean absently, his attention already back on Anna.
She wasn’t quite meeting his eyes, and he could feel the turmoil within her. She was nervous.
“Anna, what’s wrong?”
Her gaze shot to his, her eyes wider, her skin paler. “I forgot how perceptive you are,” she murmured.
He smiled. “I’ve been told it’s a rather annoying trait.”
She made a sound that wasn’t quite a laugh, and sighed. “Nah.”
He gave her a dubious look.
“Okay,” she admitted, “maybe a tiny bit annoying.”
Castiel reached out and touched her forearm, squeezing. She scooted closer to him, and fell silent.
They sat in relatively comfortable silence for several minutes. Cas knew she needed to talk, but he would wait until she was ready.
Eventually she exhaled, and whispered, “I like Adam, as more than a friend.”
Cas tilted his head towards her, his eyes patient. “I noticed.”
“You did?”
“Perceptive remember,” he smiled, “and I must admit I’m guilty of keeping an eye on you from time to time.”
“You do?” she seemed surprised.
“Of course,” he said quietly.
She glanced down, then back up. “Why?” Her eyes were intense, almost hopeful.
Cas was taken aback by the question. “I want to make sure you’re safe.”
She stared at him, and she was quite good at it.
She had learned from the best.
“Because I was your Padawan - you still see me as your responsibility,” she said quietly, and she sounded somewhat sad.
Cas knew he was missing something. There was some measure of truth to her words, but that wasn’t all of it. This conversation had rapidly shifted from Adam to something else entirely.
“Anna.” Cas took her hand, she seemed startled, but not upset. “I’ve told you in the past that you are like family to me, I meant that.”
She nodded, her eyes bright.
And he was reminded of how distant he’d been from her lately. Sometimes it was easy to forget she was only fourteen. She’d grown and matured so much in the past months. She even had her own room down the hall from them, next to Bobby’s. His throat felt raw. “You aren’t just a responsibility to me.”
She squeezed his hand tightly, clinging to him, and he couldn’t help but think back on when he’d first met her. Even younger, and filled with a lack of faith in her abilities. All of those that had said her force potential was limited, she’d proved them wrong, and she’d flourished.
She looked at him. “I’m sorry,” and swiped at her face.
“You have nothing to be sorry for.” He leaned in close and made sure she was listening. “And just so you know, I like Adam as well, and I trust your judgment.”
She smiled.
“However,” his expression darkened, and his tone had an edge of smite to it. “I will make sure to let him know that if he ever hurts you, he and I will have a problem.”
She shook her head, but seemed almost pleased with his words.
“Just be careful, and go slow,” he added, knowing he was acting like a worried, over-protective father and not caring, “You’re young, you have plenty of time. If he cares for you - he’ll be patient.”
She gave him a strange look, and he glanced away, hoping he hadn’t crossed any lines with her. He was not her father, and sometimes he worried he was pushing too much, that had been part of the reason he’d given her space, even though it had been hard.
Then she was in his arms, giving him a bone-crushing hug. Cas enveloped her, loving how natural this felt, and knowing if they hadn’t left the order he wouldn’t be sharing this moment with her.
“I’ve missed you,” he whispered, the admission slipping from his lips.
She made a choked sound. “Me too.”
“I’m always here if you need me,” he paused, and took a deep breath, it was still hard to bare his soul. He’d been rejected by many of his peers in the past. Old scars still reared their head from time to time. But Dean had made it easier, and Anna had always accepted him. “You and Dean mean everything to me.”
Anna sniffled into his chest, and whispered, “I love you, Master.”
Cas swallowed, and his heart felt as if it was going to burst from his chest. A few years ago he’d had nothing, he’d been alone on so many levels. Felt as if he didn’t belong anywhere, and had been trying to hide the scars that Alastair had left on him.
And now, he had two amazing people who loved him, who understood him, and accepted him and his flaws, no embraced them.
He could barely breathe he felt so overwhelmed.
He saw Dean peek his head in, their eyes locked over Anna‘s shoulder, as Cas clung to her.
Dean smiled, his eyes burning with affection, and happiness. Cas smiled back. Dean flashed him a thumbs up, and then quietly backed back out of the room.
“I love you too, Anna,” he breathed.
*****
Dean decided to leave Cas and Anna alone for awhile, they needed some father-daughter bonding time. Dean smiled at that, but it was true.
He walked for awhile, waving at children playing toss. He passed several families eating at a communal gathering place. It wasn’t exactly a restaurant, but there were tables, and there wasn’t a day that went by that someone hadn’t brought food to share. He passed the weapons locker, well it was more of a room actually. He’d been in there a few times; Sam had shown him their stockpile. There were also several former bounty hunters living here who were always tinkering, and finding new ways to kill.
They’d improved the power, weight, and reliability of many of the armaments. It would have been nice if building better ways to kill people wasn’t necessary, but unfortunately it was.
A battle was coming, no matter how calm it seemed right now. Dean could still feel the pressure building all around them, and he knew this wouldn’t last, they would need those weapons.
He found himself standing outside of ‘operations’ as Sam had dubbed it. A large, long room, lined with tech, monitors, consoles, and a communication system that was encrypted, and supposedly impossible to trace.
Ash had guaranteed that, and declared himself the King all in once sentence.
He’d known Sam would be here; the younger man was still trying to scrounge up a lead.
At this point they were running low on options.
Sam was leaning over Ash, who’s fingers were flying over the panel, too fast for Dean to make sense of anything.
Sam must have felt his presence, he turned, his eyes meeting Dean’s, and he smiled warmly. It was nice to have Sam seem genuinely happy to have him around, every now and then he still worried he was going to see that look of anger, and pain he’d seen right before Sam had decked him. But the memory was fading, being replaced by better ones.
Dean returned the gesture. “How’s it going?”
Sam sighed. “I’ve got a couple of ideas, but before we attempt to reach them Ash wants to run some extra encryption methods.”
Ash grunted. “You can never be too careful.”
Dean nodded. “Worried someone might get through your safeguards your highness?”
“I might be the King, but there‘s always someone out there trying to take your thrown,” he cracked his knuckles, and his neck, and whipped his mullet around a few times. “Can’t get too cocky.”
Dean managed not too laugh, as and Sam traded glances. “Yeah, you’re the picture of modesty.”
Sam sputtered, then slapped Ash on the back. “Let me know when your ready.”
“Give me a couple of hours.”
Sam nodded, and gestured for Dean to follow as they left the room.
“Didn’t you have plans with Cas?” Sam asked as they headed towards one of the tables in the gathering area, and took a seat.
“Yeah, he and Anna needed some alone time, so I made myself scarce.”
Sam smiled. “That was mature of you.”
“Hey,” Dean lifted his feet up, and sprawled his legs across the top of the table. “I can be mature.”
Sam smacked his lips together. “Yeah, I can see that.” He grabbed onto Dean’s boot, and shoved.
Dean laughed, and placed his feet back onto the floor
“This about Adam?” Sam asked, his expression curious, and warm all at once.
“Yep,” Dean replied.
“Explains why he was so nervous this morning, he dropped his glass of water twice.”
Dean chuckled. “Kids. He must have known Anna was going to tell Cas.”
Sam made a sound of agreement. “When we told Jess’s dad, I was terrified, so I can’t really blame him for being worried. I thought the guy was going to put a bolt from a blaster in my ass.”
Dean sputtered. “That sounds like a good story.”
“Oh, it is.” Sam’s eyes danced with amusement.
Dean waited. “Care to enlighten the masses?”
“Nope.” Sam smirked.
“You’re such a bitch,” Dean spat without heat.
“Yep.” Sam just kept on smirking.
Dean rolled his eyes, but let it go, his heart warm as he realized it wasn’t just him that saw the bond between Cas and Anna. Sam was a smart guy.
“I’m just glad they have each other,” Dean found himself admitting. “Cas hasn’t had it easy.”
Sam’s smirk melted away, and something flickered across Sam‘s face, too quick for Dean to put his finger on. “Yeah, I get that.”
Dean nodded.
Sam leaned forward, resting his palms on the table. “He doing okay?” His expression was almost uncertain, as if he wasn’t sure if he was allowed to have this conversation.
They were friends, but it was still new.
Dean knew Sam wasn’t asking because he wanted to gossip, or gather information on Cas, he was asking because he cared. Sam wasn’t blind. He’d been there the day Cas had panicked over the blaster, and the separatist’s had access to a lot of information. He was guessing, Sam probably knew of Cas’s connection to Alastair, hell, they’d even come to him looking for information on the man. Sam probably had a really good idea of what Cas had been through.
Dean mulled that over for a moment, studying Sam‘s concerned, but also hesitant features. Dean’s voice was kind, and grateful as he said, “There have been some rough patches, but overall, yeah, I think he is.”
Sam’s expression was fond, and any trace of anxiety vanished. “Good. He’s a great guy.”
“Yeah, he is.” Dean knew he was probably boasting a stupid, goofy grin as he thought of Cas, and his blue eyes, small smile, and giant heart.”
Sam was grinning, his eyes sparkling.
“Yeah, yeah. I know. That tear is coming on again, isn’t it, you asshole.”
Sam laughed. “Maybe.”
Dean laughed along with him, feeling somehow closer to Sam than he had a few minutes ago.
*****
Dean looked around the room, taking it all in, he wanted to burn this image into his brain.
Anna, Cas, Bobby, Sam, and Jess were all gathered in Sam’s living room.
Jess was snuggled up against Sam, her strawberry blonde hair resting on his shoulders from their spot on the loveseat. Sam was absently running his fingers though her long locks.
Bobby was sitting at the end of the long couch, drinking a beer, his eyes hooded, his hand on his belly, probably overstuffed from the meal they’d shared. The old man seemed content, and on the verge of taking a nap.
Anna was on one side of Cas, her head on his shoulder, while his arm was draped over her shoulders.
Dean was on the other side of Cas, leaning against his lover, their hands interlaced.
They were all quiet, just enjoying each others company.
Dean watched them all, his eyes finding Cas’s first. Cas gave him a small smile, glanced down at Anna, then back to him, his eyes a bit bright.
Dean leaned in and whispered directly into Cas’s ear, “You make a good father, Cas.”
Cas squeezed his fingers tightly, he watched Dean for a moment, then mouthed, “Thank you,” before he kissed Anna on the top of her head.
Dean felt eyes on them, and he noticed Sam and Jess watching quietly. They smiled at the three of them, then glanced at each other, their smiles growing.
Sam’s hand drifted to Jess’s stomach, and he murmured something, she blushed.
Dean swallowed - his gaze zeroing in on Jess’s belly.
Dean didn’t think, he just blurted. “Sith spit, are you too…,” his voice trailed off, as they met his stare.
Sam laughed, but it was Jess who answered. “Expecting? No, not yet anyway. But we‘ve been talking about it.” Jess gestured towards them. “And you three, you‘re just making us realize how much we want to start a family.”
Dean blinked, momentarily confused. “Ummm, what?”
Sam laughed again, and Jess just smiled.
Bobby’s was awake now, his expression amused. “Come on boy, not even you’re that dense.”
Dean glanced at Cas and Anna, who were looking adorable cuddled together on the couch, then at his and Cas’s entwined fingers, and it hit him - they were a family.
He’d known it for awhile, but for some reason, he hadn’t really got it, until this moment. Now it felt real.
Dean swallowed hard, his heart doing funny things in his chest.
Dean, a man who was a one and done kind of guy, the guy who didn’t do chick flicks, didn’t want kids, didn’t settle down, a guys-guy, had a sexy, amazing, flawless partner whom he wanted to spend his life with. And Cas had pretty much adopted Anna, and Dean, well he‘d kind of fallen in love with the kid as well. It was bound to happen. When you saw Anna through Cas’s eyes, there was no way you couldn’t love her.
Dean saw himself more as the fun-uncle to Cas’s father role, but still it was something pretty fucking amazing.
And it wasn’t nearly as scary as he’d thought it would be.
He could feel Cas next to him, sense a trace of that old anxiety, as he waited for Dean’s reaction.
Dean ran his thumb over Cas’s knuckles, and felt the other man relax, as their eyes locked, and Dean kissed him, he kept it brief, but he put all the love he could into it.
“Eww, gross,” Anna teased, her tone happy.
Cas chuckled, and Dean attempted to glare at her.
But Anna was smiling at him, her eyes glinting, and Dean found himself smiling back. “Behave brat,” he swatted her playfully on the head.
Cas was practically glowing as he looked back and forth between them a few times.
Bobby, shook his head, his eyes fond.
Sam and Jess were all smiles.
“You two would make wonderful parents.” Cas said, sincerity ringing with each word.
“Yeah, I can’t argue with that.” Dean added.
“Thanks, guys.” Sam said, and Dean could tell he meant it.
Dean looked around the room again, at his newfound family, and found himself thinking about Ellen. He hadn’t allowed himself to go there for awhile. It was just easier not to allow himself to miss her. And thinking of her, brought on memories of Cas’s haunting vision, and he couldn’t go there.
While he now knew that his birthmother’s name had been Mary Wesson, the only mother he’d ever known had been Ellen Harvelle, and sitting here, surrounded by people he loved, he found himself wishing she was here to share this with him.
She’d always had his back, supported him even after he’d made stupid decisions, and never stopped believing in him. And she’d had Cas’s back as well - and that meant a lot.
He hoped when all of this was over, he would have the chance to let her know just how much she meant to him.
Sam rose, and came back with a bottle of wine, and poured everyone a small amount in a glass.
“A toast,” Sam remained standing, his eyes warm.
They all took their glasses and held them, waiting for Sam to speak.
He was quiet a moment, his eyes drifting over all of them, and stopping on Dean. “To family,” he said quietly.
“I’ll drink to that,” Dean said, his voice surprisingly steady considering the lump in his throat.
They all lifted their glasses and drank.
Sam touched his shoulder briefly, before he returned to Jess’s side.
A silence fell, as they all relaxed, no one felt the need to fill the quiet.
Dean closed his eyes, and melted against Cas’s side. He heard Cas make a sound of pure contentment, as they just enjoyed being still.
A/N: I wanted to focus/develop Dean and Castiel's other relationships in this fic - Hopefully I didn't overdue the sap/mushiness in this chapter - but I hope you enjoyed it :)
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