Fic: "Trip Through Your Wires"
Title: Trip Through Your Wires
Author: phoenixangel13
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Dean/Castiel (background Chuck/Becky)
Genre: humor
Spoilers: possible general S5 but not many specifics
Warnings: extensive discussion of and implied Sam/Dean
Word Count: 4090
Summary: Castiel wants to learn more about the Winchester gospel, one internet and one fangirl later he thinks Wincest just might be real. Dean proves otherwise and Sam cleans up his own messes.
A/N: Written for wandersfound who is also my lovely, patient beta ♥. Title from a song by U2.
Castiel had been reading the Winchester gospels, Chuck’s Supernatural books, for some time now. He greatly admired Chuck’s work; he sometimes even asked to see the new, unpublished volumes Chuck was still working on. From speaking with the prophet, he got the impression that there were people speculating the meaning of the prophecies on the internet. Cas knew humans had a propensity for wildly inaccurate interpretations, but every few centuries one of them would get something right. His curiosity was peaked, but he had never used a computer before. That would have to be remedied in order for him to learn more.
~
Castiel knew that the younger Winchester owned a computer, and Sam seemed more inclined to help with such matters-- since the books simultaneously embarrassed and annoyed Dean. So, the angel decided to go to Sam to learn how to use a computer and obtain information from the internet.
~
When Castiel approached Sam, he explained his intentions for using the computer.
“I wish to explore the current interpretations of the prophet’s work and I feel the internet is the obvious answer.”
“I’m pretty sure the internet is both the answer and the problem there, Cas.” Sam couldn’t help but chuckle at what the angel was proposing. He had seen what kind of “interpretations” people had for Chuck’s books and he didn’t think Cas was prepared for that much incestuous gay porn.
“Will you instruct me?” Cas pressed on.
“Sure, just… whatever you find, try to remember not all humanity is that crazy.”
“What do you mean?”
“Some of the fans take pretty heavy liberties with the source material.”
“I want to see all possible interpretations, it is incredible what has come out of analysis on the book of Revelation.”
Sam let it go, he wasn’t ready to talk about sex with the angel, let alone slash.
“Here, there are a few beginning things I should show you before we get to the internet. You can use my computer since I’m not really sure where else you’d find one.” Sam pulled out his computer and willed himself to be patient with the angel for the next few hours because he had no idea how teaching a celestial being to use a computer would go.
~
By the end of Sam’s lesson, Castiel was ready to begin searching the depths of the internet for information about the gospels. He had taken to it all incredibly fast; he was even able to type relatively quickly for a beginner, due to Sam taking the time to show Cas what he called the “home keys” where he was to place his fingers. That had sped up his typing considerably.
Castiel also now knew how to Google; Sam had said this was the cornerstone of any internet usage and that anything he wished to know could be found with the right combination of words in the search engine. Except for where to find God, which he warned would only lead to seeing more of humanity’s stupidity than he would ever need to see.
Sam left the angel on his own with the computer to go meet with Dean, who had finally found a lead worth following. Cas began his search.
~
He found many forums of discussion on the Supernatural books, but the most intriguing of them was fanfiction: people writing addendums to the books or scenes they hypothesized could happen. In Castiel’s mind it was akin to a primitive form of religious sects adding to the gospel over time. He was certain he would classify the proliferation of the rapture as “badfic”.
The first fiction he came across was of a genre known as “gen” and this seemed the most like the books themselves and explored many ideas Cas found interesting. However, during his search, Castiel kept seeing the term “slash” used as something other than to rip or tear and he was mildly confused. He felt that would be an appropriate time for Google, so he typed in the word. Most of the results involved a guitarist, but one page was about slash fiction and it was there Castiel found his answer.
~
After coming to understand what slash was and the motivation behind it, Castiel was curious to see what sort of slash was written for Supernatural; he had told Sam he wanted to see all interpretations and this genre appeared to be very popular. It also appeared to be full of people who believed Dean and Sam were regularly having intercourse based on evidence in the books alone. Cas had never inquired into the Winchester’s sex lives; it was not a topic that had even crossed the angel’s mind outside of the den of iniquity he had visited with Dean, so he thought that he may have missed something. His ability to read physical language of humans was still quite weak; it was possible that there was more to the brothers’ relationship once they had reconciled. Cas was unsure so he continued to look through the fiction he found. Stories were almost evenly divided among those that showed Dean and Sam with an ongoing sexual relationship and those that showed the beginning of such a connection.
Cas was fascinated; he felt a need to know what had driven so many people to assume that there was a physical component to their relationship. Many of the stories had little mention of what the cases the brothers were working on actually involved. At times one brother was reluctant to change things, but both eventually gave in. The best way would to understand would be to go through the prophet’s books again and try to see what these people were seeing in the text. Castiel could read very quickly when necessary so it would only take him a single night and at the moment he had no new leads to follow in his search for God. There would be enough time to spare for this.
~
Castiel transported himself to Chuck’s house, knowing the prophet had the easiest access to all of his books. It was late, so Cas simply went straight to reading to avoid making noise and waking anyone. He planned on reading the entire gospel from beginning to end, the published volumes anyway, as that was what the writers were working from. So he sat down at the table in chuck’s living room and began with Supernatural.
~
As Cas was working his way through Skin, he heard a noise from the stairs. He was not alarmed once he saw that it was only a small woman who was looking at him curiously.
“Are… are you Castiel?” She said rather breathlessly.
“Yes, and you are the woman the prophet has been having intercourse with?” The woman made a high noise that sounded vaguely like “meep” in response. “What is your name?”
“Becky. I… wow, a real angel.” She sounded as though she was in awe and was staring at Castiel with wide bright eyes. “What are you doing here?”
“I have come to make use of Chuck’s books, I had a personal inquiry that could only be answered within them.”
“Don’t you just love them?” Becky beamed with pride at the thought that an angel took the beloved books seriously. She considered herself an expert on them, so maybe she could help. “What were you looking to find?”
“I have seen that a rather large group of people on the internet believe the Winchesters have a sexual relationship, and I was curious as to what led them to think this,” Cas stated in his most matter-of-fact voice. He tilted his head slightly as Becky let out a strange suppressed giggle.
“You’re looking… for Wincest? An angel is looking for Wincest? I love my life right now.” Becky had a huge grin on her face, there were cogs turning in her brain. “I can help you out; at least let me tell you a few books to pay particular attention to. I see you’re still near the beginning so I’ll start there.” She was in her element now; Cas would have a hard time stopping her. There wasn’t an angel mojo, as Dean would call it, for rabid fangirls.
Becky began making a list for Castiel of the slashiest moments she could remember; she always got nervous when trying to convince people of her OTP, but this was an angel and she was downright shaking. Happy shaking. She decided she could give Castiel a list and leave him to the books, the canon was almost always convincing on its own and people believed more when they saw it themselves.
“You’re already reading Skin, did you notice the way Dean was being so possessive of Sam, as if he didn’t want to share him with anyone? Especially not anyone who could make Sam want to leave him. It’s pretty dark, but it’s definitely there, Dean wants Sam all to himself.”
“Yes, the possessive quality of his actions was quite clear.”
“That continues through the rest of it, Dean’s loyalty to Sam never waivers, and his attention is never on anyone else as much as it is on Sam. There are a couple love interests for both of them, but they don’t last. We tend to think if they’ve been together all this time they have a sort of open relationship, but there are… disagreements on why that is.” Becky stopped to take a breath, she was speaking hurriedly in her excitement. Cas just looked at her, expecting there was more to come.
“And here,” she said, pointing to Bugs. “This one is… not one of Chuck’s best, but in it multiple people think Dean and Sam are a couple. They always deny it, but it happens more than is ignorable. So fans aren’t the only ones who see it. People they actually meet just assume they’re together.”
“Interesting.” Cas looked down at the list Becky was finishing up. “Is this a complete list?”
“This is everything I could remember from the big moments, there were plenty of smaller things that tend to be even greater fic fodder. Once you’re looking for slash you’ll have no end of things to find. The people who can’t see it are crazy.” Becky smiled conspiratorially at the angel.
“Thank you for your help, this should make my search easier.” Castiel set the list next to his open book, settling in to read the rest of the series.
“I’ll leave you to it then, but don’t you disappear without telling me what you think.” Becky shook a finger at him before going back up the stairs. Cas could hear high-pitched giggling as she walked away from him.
~
As the sun was beginning to rise, Castiel was just finishing No Rest for the Wicked. He hadn’t moved for hours; in fact a thin layer of dust had settled upon him, but he took no notice. In that time he had gained a new view on Dean and Sam’s relationship. He followed along with Becky’s list as he read; it turned out to be precise and chronological, he wondered how much she had studied the gospel to remember so well. By the time he was reading Shadow he needed the list less and could see the way the brothers clung to each other.
He had observed as much knowing them; he saw the way Dean was lost without Sam, the look in his eyes when Sam was in his good books for the day. Cas had wondered what it would be like to be on the receiving end of such obvious love but had not really considered a physical element. He could tell from being around Dean and from reading the gospels that Dean would do anything for someone he loved, and he loved so few. The angel surmised that one could only give everything for a small amount of people before there was nothing left. He wished Dean could see himself the way Castiel saw him, as the blinding light of the soul he pulled out of hell, seeing past the scars and pain to the spirit underneath that was more beloved to Castiel than any being had been other than his Father. Cas was sure these were blasphemous thoughts, but knew at this point it was too late to care much about blasphemy.
The brothers had been closer than he had ever seen them lately. Without the demon around, their bond had been getting stronger by the day. Dean was unwilling to leave Sam’s side. The first year Castiel had known them seemed to be an anomaly in their lives and they were much happier together.
If Sam Winchester could see even one tenth of what Castiel saw in his brother then he was worthy of Dean’s adoration because he would understand how important Dean was. If they had a relationship that was more than platonic and it made Dean happy, Cas would support it. He understood that humans needed physical connections, though it was still a somewhat abstract idea to him, and if Dean could find that connection with the man he was closest to then he may be stronger for it.
Cas stood up from the table finally, resolved that he would tell Dean that he was in favor of his relationship since he didn’t want his own attention to Dean to jeopardize the fragile balance between the two men. Before leaving, he placed a note within the pages of No Rest for the Wicked.
~
Becky found the book later in the morning; she took out the piece of paper and unfolded it.
“What’s that?” Chuck was peering over her shoulder.
The paper read simply: I see. And I believe you are right.
Becky let out what could only be known as a squee.
“Oh nothing, just another believer added to the fold.” Becky said dreamily as she hugged the note to her chest. It was much too early for Chuck to really be conscious let alone concerned so he just went to pour himself a large mug of coffee.
~
Castiel made his way to the place Dean and Sam were staying after deciding that there was not a perfect way to say to Dean that he supported him having a relationship with Sam. He had dwelled on it for a few hours but in the end he would just be blunt as usual. Dean would understand. He was used to the way Cas spoke by now.
He appeared in the middle of the Winchester’s hotel room as they were getting dressed. Only one of the beds was unmade.
“Hey Cas,” said Sam in greeting. “You don’t need me, do you? I was just about to do a little morning stake out, we’re still pretty stumped with this case.”
“And I’m stuck with book duty,” Dean grumbled.
“No, I only require your brother.”
“As usual.” Sam winked at Dean, who glared back. Cas saw it for a sign of affection, not a very common occurrence between them. Sam leaned in to speak to Dean quietly. “I’m gonna head out Dean, have fun with your angel.”
“He’s not my -“ Dean tried to reply but Sam was already out the door. He cleared his throat. “So, what’s up?” he asked turning to Cas.
“I had something to tell you concerning you and your brother.”
“Well spit it out Cas.” He hadn’t heard the angel hesitate very often, so he wasn’t sure what to think was coming.
“Dean, if you were to have a sexual relationship with Sam, I would understand and support it. Anything that can make you happy is good for you, and if you’ve finally seen that then it’s wonderful.”
“Cas what - what the fuck?” Dean spluttered; he was certain his jaw couldn’t have dropped any further. Anything he thought he was prepared to hear would never compare to what Cas said.
“Cas. You sound like a slash fan… Wait. No. Please tell me you haven’t been surfing the internet?” Understanding started to bloom in Dean’s mind.
“Sam showed me how to use a computer a few days ago.” Cas was confused. He was beginning to think his conclusion might be incorrect despite the copious evidence.
“Seriously, dude, you cannot believe everything you read on the internet.” Dean’s words broke down into laughter; the mental image of an angel surfing the internet for porn was so insane that it drove his horror right from his mind. “Cas you had me worried there, damn man. I am not sleeping with Sam, I never have, though everyone seems to think otherwise, which I’ll never understand…”
“You appear to have a relationship closer than brothers would have. Also,” Cas glanced over at the beds, “only one bed unmade?”
Dean rolled his eyes. “Sam slept while I was out keeping watch on someone. That’s why I’m doing research, Sam made me come back so he could take over. He seems to think I need sleep.”
“I see.”
“Sit down, Cas.” Cas was closest to the bed so he sat down on the edge of it. “I’m not with Sam,” Dean said softly, he moved to stand in front of where Cas was sitting. “Haven’t you noticed I’m much more interested in you?” Dean tilted Castiel’s face up with his hand and ran his eyes over the angel’s face. He had seen the angel up close and personal plenty of times, but for once he had him where he wanted.
“Dean -“ Cas locked eyes with him.
“You’re the one that I want… Fuck, I sound like Olivia Newton John.” Dean leant down and took Cas’s lips with his own.
Cas absorbed the effects of the kiss for a moment, never having known he wanted Dean this close but understanding it now. He quickly became afraid, it was one thing to feel for Dean the way he did, and a complete other to act upon it. Cas pulled away, eyes wide and a little scared.
“I’m - I don’t know if I can - Dean -“ Cas looked at him one last time and disappeared.
Dean fell forward onto the bed into the empty space where Cas had been.
~
“So are you going to tell me what happened?” Sam asked. Dean had been pulling his ‘I don’t give a shit’ act ever since he had gotten back to the room; it was painfully obvious something was up.
“When?”
“Come on Dean, you know this doesn’t work on me. Did something happen with Cas?”
“I sort of… kissed him. Don’t start with me. He freaked and left. And that’s it. And it’s your fault.” Dean looked somewhat dejected.
“How is it my fault?”
“You!” He turned on Sam, pointing a finger at him. “You showed an angel the internet! How could you think that’s a good idea?”
“Oh.” Sam eyes went wide.
“Yes ‘oh’. He found that… fan fiction… stuff. He thought we were fucking. I don’t know what convinced him, but I completely blame you.”
“Oh god,” Sam rested his head in his hands, his shoulders were shaking in barely controlled laughter. “I wanted to warn him… I just… hoped he wouldn’t find it.”
“I wouldn’t have kissed him if I hadn’t had to convince him that I’m not interested in you. I’ve had to convince way too many people of that in my life time. It’s not right.” Dean grumbled.
Sam grinned at him.
“I’ll totally take the blame if it means you finally got around to doing something about the huge crush you have on him.” He sounded way too smug for Dean’s liking; he was ready to punch the smirk off his brother’s face.
“It’s not a crush.”
“It is. And he’s even more obvious about it than you are, and just as oblivious. I think if you give him time he’ll come back and be less freaked, he just has to get used to the idea.”
Sam was still smiling. Dean was sitting with his arms crossed, wanting to remain stubborn forever, but what Sam said gave him some hope.
“You sure?” He gave in.
“Believe me, Cas can’t stay away from you.”
“You’d better be right or you will owe me forever for driving away my angel with internet porn.”
~
Castiel sat down on a bench in a park much like the place where he had first confided in Dean. He was unsure then why he trusted the human so much, and he was unsure now what to do since that trust had grown to be something more. He also couldn’t wrap his head around the idea of Dean wanting him in the same manner. Cas had been so certain that Dean didn’t need anyone but his brother that he hadn’t imagined the possibility of Dean feeling the way he did about someone else. About Castiel himself. He hadn’t imagined Dean wanting him physically, or wanting Dean physically in return. There had not been a relationship between an angel and a human for millennia. Cas remembered well how the situation was received at the time, and it had not been pleasant.
All Cas could think about was the feel of Dean’s lips on his. The kiss had surprised the angel; he enjoyed being close to Dean, but he still forgot the corporeal at times. He considered a future of his feelings for Dean being manifested in kisses such as that, or even more. Why should it matter what the other angels thought then? He was beyond their influence now in so many ways and whatever punishment they had in mind for him already would not be much different from the punishment for loving a human.
Castiel told Dean that he should go after happiness where he could find it; he seemed to want to find it with the angel. Maybe contentment did not need to be an experience limited to his charges’ lives alone.
~
Sam called Cas the next day to see how hard it would be to convince him to come back if he dropped a line about maybe needing some Enochian sigils to trap what they were fighting. Twenty-four hours of moping Dean was enough for a month and if Sam could speed things up they would all be happier for it. It was telling that the angel was there only seconds after he asked.
“Glad you’re here Cas-- have you got anything to help with this?” He pointed to a page in the book he’d been poring over. He could actually use the help, but he probably could have found a way himself. But he got Cas and Dean in a room together, and that was an achievement. Dean was pretending to be reading on the bed at the moment.
“Yes, there’s something similar to the Devil’s Trap that I believe would work.” Cas grabbed a spare piece of paper and scribbled something down. “This one does not require blood, it can be drawn with more conventional means.” He handed the paper to Sam.
“And Cas saves the day.” Dean walked over and patted Castiel on the back, but his hand stayed on the angel’s shoulder. He was smiling, actually content to ignore that they hadn’t needed the angel’s help that badly. Cas looked back at him, his face lighting up. Sam knew when to get out of the way.
“This is great Cas, I’m gonna… go find a place to set the trap, it might take a while.” He shot Dean a look and received a mouthed “Thanks, Sammy” in return. He left quickly with a smile on his face as he went out the door.
“So uh… are you still freaked out about yesterday?” Dean had taken his hand off Castiel’s shoulder and stepped back a bit.
He got his answer when Cas closed the space Dean had put between them, pulling him down into a kiss. He tried to imitate the way he had been kissed, and Dean thought he was doing a great job. This time Cas let the kiss go on for a while before pulling back.
“I decided the possibility of some happiness was the right choice.” Castiel’s intense stare met Dean’s eyes looking more content than he’d ever seen the angel.
“Yeah, yeah it was.” Dean pulled him back in for another kiss, he was pretty sure he had the best brother in the world. And now he had an angel in his arms, a really weird angel, but an awesome one nonetheless.
Author: phoenixangel13
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Dean/Castiel (background Chuck/Becky)
Genre: humor
Spoilers: possible general S5 but not many specifics
Warnings: extensive discussion of and implied Sam/Dean
Word Count: 4090
Summary: Castiel wants to learn more about the Winchester gospel, one internet and one fangirl later he thinks Wincest just might be real. Dean proves otherwise and Sam cleans up his own messes.
A/N: Written for wandersfound who is also my lovely, patient beta ♥. Title from a song by U2.
Castiel had been reading the Winchester gospels, Chuck’s Supernatural books, for some time now. He greatly admired Chuck’s work; he sometimes even asked to see the new, unpublished volumes Chuck was still working on. From speaking with the prophet, he got the impression that there were people speculating the meaning of the prophecies on the internet. Cas knew humans had a propensity for wildly inaccurate interpretations, but every few centuries one of them would get something right. His curiosity was peaked, but he had never used a computer before. That would have to be remedied in order for him to learn more.
~
Castiel knew that the younger Winchester owned a computer, and Sam seemed more inclined to help with such matters-- since the books simultaneously embarrassed and annoyed Dean. So, the angel decided to go to Sam to learn how to use a computer and obtain information from the internet.
~
When Castiel approached Sam, he explained his intentions for using the computer.
“I wish to explore the current interpretations of the prophet’s work and I feel the internet is the obvious answer.”
“I’m pretty sure the internet is both the answer and the problem there, Cas.” Sam couldn’t help but chuckle at what the angel was proposing. He had seen what kind of “interpretations” people had for Chuck’s books and he didn’t think Cas was prepared for that much incestuous gay porn.
“Will you instruct me?” Cas pressed on.
“Sure, just… whatever you find, try to remember not all humanity is that crazy.”
“What do you mean?”
“Some of the fans take pretty heavy liberties with the source material.”
“I want to see all possible interpretations, it is incredible what has come out of analysis on the book of Revelation.”
Sam let it go, he wasn’t ready to talk about sex with the angel, let alone slash.
“Here, there are a few beginning things I should show you before we get to the internet. You can use my computer since I’m not really sure where else you’d find one.” Sam pulled out his computer and willed himself to be patient with the angel for the next few hours because he had no idea how teaching a celestial being to use a computer would go.
~
By the end of Sam’s lesson, Castiel was ready to begin searching the depths of the internet for information about the gospels. He had taken to it all incredibly fast; he was even able to type relatively quickly for a beginner, due to Sam taking the time to show Cas what he called the “home keys” where he was to place his fingers. That had sped up his typing considerably.
Castiel also now knew how to Google; Sam had said this was the cornerstone of any internet usage and that anything he wished to know could be found with the right combination of words in the search engine. Except for where to find God, which he warned would only lead to seeing more of humanity’s stupidity than he would ever need to see.
Sam left the angel on his own with the computer to go meet with Dean, who had finally found a lead worth following. Cas began his search.
~
He found many forums of discussion on the Supernatural books, but the most intriguing of them was fanfiction: people writing addendums to the books or scenes they hypothesized could happen. In Castiel’s mind it was akin to a primitive form of religious sects adding to the gospel over time. He was certain he would classify the proliferation of the rapture as “badfic”.
The first fiction he came across was of a genre known as “gen” and this seemed the most like the books themselves and explored many ideas Cas found interesting. However, during his search, Castiel kept seeing the term “slash” used as something other than to rip or tear and he was mildly confused. He felt that would be an appropriate time for Google, so he typed in the word. Most of the results involved a guitarist, but one page was about slash fiction and it was there Castiel found his answer.
~
After coming to understand what slash was and the motivation behind it, Castiel was curious to see what sort of slash was written for Supernatural; he had told Sam he wanted to see all interpretations and this genre appeared to be very popular. It also appeared to be full of people who believed Dean and Sam were regularly having intercourse based on evidence in the books alone. Cas had never inquired into the Winchester’s sex lives; it was not a topic that had even crossed the angel’s mind outside of the den of iniquity he had visited with Dean, so he thought that he may have missed something. His ability to read physical language of humans was still quite weak; it was possible that there was more to the brothers’ relationship once they had reconciled. Cas was unsure so he continued to look through the fiction he found. Stories were almost evenly divided among those that showed Dean and Sam with an ongoing sexual relationship and those that showed the beginning of such a connection.
Cas was fascinated; he felt a need to know what had driven so many people to assume that there was a physical component to their relationship. Many of the stories had little mention of what the cases the brothers were working on actually involved. At times one brother was reluctant to change things, but both eventually gave in. The best way would to understand would be to go through the prophet’s books again and try to see what these people were seeing in the text. Castiel could read very quickly when necessary so it would only take him a single night and at the moment he had no new leads to follow in his search for God. There would be enough time to spare for this.
~
Castiel transported himself to Chuck’s house, knowing the prophet had the easiest access to all of his books. It was late, so Cas simply went straight to reading to avoid making noise and waking anyone. He planned on reading the entire gospel from beginning to end, the published volumes anyway, as that was what the writers were working from. So he sat down at the table in chuck’s living room and began with Supernatural.
~
As Cas was working his way through Skin, he heard a noise from the stairs. He was not alarmed once he saw that it was only a small woman who was looking at him curiously.
“Are… are you Castiel?” She said rather breathlessly.
“Yes, and you are the woman the prophet has been having intercourse with?” The woman made a high noise that sounded vaguely like “meep” in response. “What is your name?”
“Becky. I… wow, a real angel.” She sounded as though she was in awe and was staring at Castiel with wide bright eyes. “What are you doing here?”
“I have come to make use of Chuck’s books, I had a personal inquiry that could only be answered within them.”
“Don’t you just love them?” Becky beamed with pride at the thought that an angel took the beloved books seriously. She considered herself an expert on them, so maybe she could help. “What were you looking to find?”
“I have seen that a rather large group of people on the internet believe the Winchesters have a sexual relationship, and I was curious as to what led them to think this,” Cas stated in his most matter-of-fact voice. He tilted his head slightly as Becky let out a strange suppressed giggle.
“You’re looking… for Wincest? An angel is looking for Wincest? I love my life right now.” Becky had a huge grin on her face, there were cogs turning in her brain. “I can help you out; at least let me tell you a few books to pay particular attention to. I see you’re still near the beginning so I’ll start there.” She was in her element now; Cas would have a hard time stopping her. There wasn’t an angel mojo, as Dean would call it, for rabid fangirls.
Becky began making a list for Castiel of the slashiest moments she could remember; she always got nervous when trying to convince people of her OTP, but this was an angel and she was downright shaking. Happy shaking. She decided she could give Castiel a list and leave him to the books, the canon was almost always convincing on its own and people believed more when they saw it themselves.
“You’re already reading Skin, did you notice the way Dean was being so possessive of Sam, as if he didn’t want to share him with anyone? Especially not anyone who could make Sam want to leave him. It’s pretty dark, but it’s definitely there, Dean wants Sam all to himself.”
“Yes, the possessive quality of his actions was quite clear.”
“That continues through the rest of it, Dean’s loyalty to Sam never waivers, and his attention is never on anyone else as much as it is on Sam. There are a couple love interests for both of them, but they don’t last. We tend to think if they’ve been together all this time they have a sort of open relationship, but there are… disagreements on why that is.” Becky stopped to take a breath, she was speaking hurriedly in her excitement. Cas just looked at her, expecting there was more to come.
“And here,” she said, pointing to Bugs. “This one is… not one of Chuck’s best, but in it multiple people think Dean and Sam are a couple. They always deny it, but it happens more than is ignorable. So fans aren’t the only ones who see it. People they actually meet just assume they’re together.”
“Interesting.” Cas looked down at the list Becky was finishing up. “Is this a complete list?”
“This is everything I could remember from the big moments, there were plenty of smaller things that tend to be even greater fic fodder. Once you’re looking for slash you’ll have no end of things to find. The people who can’t see it are crazy.” Becky smiled conspiratorially at the angel.
“Thank you for your help, this should make my search easier.” Castiel set the list next to his open book, settling in to read the rest of the series.
“I’ll leave you to it then, but don’t you disappear without telling me what you think.” Becky shook a finger at him before going back up the stairs. Cas could hear high-pitched giggling as she walked away from him.
~
As the sun was beginning to rise, Castiel was just finishing No Rest for the Wicked. He hadn’t moved for hours; in fact a thin layer of dust had settled upon him, but he took no notice. In that time he had gained a new view on Dean and Sam’s relationship. He followed along with Becky’s list as he read; it turned out to be precise and chronological, he wondered how much she had studied the gospel to remember so well. By the time he was reading Shadow he needed the list less and could see the way the brothers clung to each other.
He had observed as much knowing them; he saw the way Dean was lost without Sam, the look in his eyes when Sam was in his good books for the day. Cas had wondered what it would be like to be on the receiving end of such obvious love but had not really considered a physical element. He could tell from being around Dean and from reading the gospels that Dean would do anything for someone he loved, and he loved so few. The angel surmised that one could only give everything for a small amount of people before there was nothing left. He wished Dean could see himself the way Castiel saw him, as the blinding light of the soul he pulled out of hell, seeing past the scars and pain to the spirit underneath that was more beloved to Castiel than any being had been other than his Father. Cas was sure these were blasphemous thoughts, but knew at this point it was too late to care much about blasphemy.
The brothers had been closer than he had ever seen them lately. Without the demon around, their bond had been getting stronger by the day. Dean was unwilling to leave Sam’s side. The first year Castiel had known them seemed to be an anomaly in their lives and they were much happier together.
If Sam Winchester could see even one tenth of what Castiel saw in his brother then he was worthy of Dean’s adoration because he would understand how important Dean was. If they had a relationship that was more than platonic and it made Dean happy, Cas would support it. He understood that humans needed physical connections, though it was still a somewhat abstract idea to him, and if Dean could find that connection with the man he was closest to then he may be stronger for it.
Cas stood up from the table finally, resolved that he would tell Dean that he was in favor of his relationship since he didn’t want his own attention to Dean to jeopardize the fragile balance between the two men. Before leaving, he placed a note within the pages of No Rest for the Wicked.
~
Becky found the book later in the morning; she took out the piece of paper and unfolded it.
“What’s that?” Chuck was peering over her shoulder.
The paper read simply: I see. And I believe you are right.
Becky let out what could only be known as a squee.
“Oh nothing, just another believer added to the fold.” Becky said dreamily as she hugged the note to her chest. It was much too early for Chuck to really be conscious let alone concerned so he just went to pour himself a large mug of coffee.
~
Castiel made his way to the place Dean and Sam were staying after deciding that there was not a perfect way to say to Dean that he supported him having a relationship with Sam. He had dwelled on it for a few hours but in the end he would just be blunt as usual. Dean would understand. He was used to the way Cas spoke by now.
He appeared in the middle of the Winchester’s hotel room as they were getting dressed. Only one of the beds was unmade.
“Hey Cas,” said Sam in greeting. “You don’t need me, do you? I was just about to do a little morning stake out, we’re still pretty stumped with this case.”
“And I’m stuck with book duty,” Dean grumbled.
“No, I only require your brother.”
“As usual.” Sam winked at Dean, who glared back. Cas saw it for a sign of affection, not a very common occurrence between them. Sam leaned in to speak to Dean quietly. “I’m gonna head out Dean, have fun with your angel.”
“He’s not my -“ Dean tried to reply but Sam was already out the door. He cleared his throat. “So, what’s up?” he asked turning to Cas.
“I had something to tell you concerning you and your brother.”
“Well spit it out Cas.” He hadn’t heard the angel hesitate very often, so he wasn’t sure what to think was coming.
“Dean, if you were to have a sexual relationship with Sam, I would understand and support it. Anything that can make you happy is good for you, and if you’ve finally seen that then it’s wonderful.”
“Cas what - what the fuck?” Dean spluttered; he was certain his jaw couldn’t have dropped any further. Anything he thought he was prepared to hear would never compare to what Cas said.
“Cas. You sound like a slash fan… Wait. No. Please tell me you haven’t been surfing the internet?” Understanding started to bloom in Dean’s mind.
“Sam showed me how to use a computer a few days ago.” Cas was confused. He was beginning to think his conclusion might be incorrect despite the copious evidence.
“Seriously, dude, you cannot believe everything you read on the internet.” Dean’s words broke down into laughter; the mental image of an angel surfing the internet for porn was so insane that it drove his horror right from his mind. “Cas you had me worried there, damn man. I am not sleeping with Sam, I never have, though everyone seems to think otherwise, which I’ll never understand…”
“You appear to have a relationship closer than brothers would have. Also,” Cas glanced over at the beds, “only one bed unmade?”
Dean rolled his eyes. “Sam slept while I was out keeping watch on someone. That’s why I’m doing research, Sam made me come back so he could take over. He seems to think I need sleep.”
“I see.”
“Sit down, Cas.” Cas was closest to the bed so he sat down on the edge of it. “I’m not with Sam,” Dean said softly, he moved to stand in front of where Cas was sitting. “Haven’t you noticed I’m much more interested in you?” Dean tilted Castiel’s face up with his hand and ran his eyes over the angel’s face. He had seen the angel up close and personal plenty of times, but for once he had him where he wanted.
“Dean -“ Cas locked eyes with him.
“You’re the one that I want… Fuck, I sound like Olivia Newton John.” Dean leant down and took Cas’s lips with his own.
Cas absorbed the effects of the kiss for a moment, never having known he wanted Dean this close but understanding it now. He quickly became afraid, it was one thing to feel for Dean the way he did, and a complete other to act upon it. Cas pulled away, eyes wide and a little scared.
“I’m - I don’t know if I can - Dean -“ Cas looked at him one last time and disappeared.
Dean fell forward onto the bed into the empty space where Cas had been.
~
“So are you going to tell me what happened?” Sam asked. Dean had been pulling his ‘I don’t give a shit’ act ever since he had gotten back to the room; it was painfully obvious something was up.
“When?”
“Come on Dean, you know this doesn’t work on me. Did something happen with Cas?”
“I sort of… kissed him. Don’t start with me. He freaked and left. And that’s it. And it’s your fault.” Dean looked somewhat dejected.
“How is it my fault?”
“You!” He turned on Sam, pointing a finger at him. “You showed an angel the internet! How could you think that’s a good idea?”
“Oh.” Sam eyes went wide.
“Yes ‘oh’. He found that… fan fiction… stuff. He thought we were fucking. I don’t know what convinced him, but I completely blame you.”
“Oh god,” Sam rested his head in his hands, his shoulders were shaking in barely controlled laughter. “I wanted to warn him… I just… hoped he wouldn’t find it.”
“I wouldn’t have kissed him if I hadn’t had to convince him that I’m not interested in you. I’ve had to convince way too many people of that in my life time. It’s not right.” Dean grumbled.
Sam grinned at him.
“I’ll totally take the blame if it means you finally got around to doing something about the huge crush you have on him.” He sounded way too smug for Dean’s liking; he was ready to punch the smirk off his brother’s face.
“It’s not a crush.”
“It is. And he’s even more obvious about it than you are, and just as oblivious. I think if you give him time he’ll come back and be less freaked, he just has to get used to the idea.”
Sam was still smiling. Dean was sitting with his arms crossed, wanting to remain stubborn forever, but what Sam said gave him some hope.
“You sure?” He gave in.
“Believe me, Cas can’t stay away from you.”
“You’d better be right or you will owe me forever for driving away my angel with internet porn.”
~
Castiel sat down on a bench in a park much like the place where he had first confided in Dean. He was unsure then why he trusted the human so much, and he was unsure now what to do since that trust had grown to be something more. He also couldn’t wrap his head around the idea of Dean wanting him in the same manner. Cas had been so certain that Dean didn’t need anyone but his brother that he hadn’t imagined the possibility of Dean feeling the way he did about someone else. About Castiel himself. He hadn’t imagined Dean wanting him physically, or wanting Dean physically in return. There had not been a relationship between an angel and a human for millennia. Cas remembered well how the situation was received at the time, and it had not been pleasant.
All Cas could think about was the feel of Dean’s lips on his. The kiss had surprised the angel; he enjoyed being close to Dean, but he still forgot the corporeal at times. He considered a future of his feelings for Dean being manifested in kisses such as that, or even more. Why should it matter what the other angels thought then? He was beyond their influence now in so many ways and whatever punishment they had in mind for him already would not be much different from the punishment for loving a human.
Castiel told Dean that he should go after happiness where he could find it; he seemed to want to find it with the angel. Maybe contentment did not need to be an experience limited to his charges’ lives alone.
~
Sam called Cas the next day to see how hard it would be to convince him to come back if he dropped a line about maybe needing some Enochian sigils to trap what they were fighting. Twenty-four hours of moping Dean was enough for a month and if Sam could speed things up they would all be happier for it. It was telling that the angel was there only seconds after he asked.
“Glad you’re here Cas-- have you got anything to help with this?” He pointed to a page in the book he’d been poring over. He could actually use the help, but he probably could have found a way himself. But he got Cas and Dean in a room together, and that was an achievement. Dean was pretending to be reading on the bed at the moment.
“Yes, there’s something similar to the Devil’s Trap that I believe would work.” Cas grabbed a spare piece of paper and scribbled something down. “This one does not require blood, it can be drawn with more conventional means.” He handed the paper to Sam.
“And Cas saves the day.” Dean walked over and patted Castiel on the back, but his hand stayed on the angel’s shoulder. He was smiling, actually content to ignore that they hadn’t needed the angel’s help that badly. Cas looked back at him, his face lighting up. Sam knew when to get out of the way.
“This is great Cas, I’m gonna… go find a place to set the trap, it might take a while.” He shot Dean a look and received a mouthed “Thanks, Sammy” in return. He left quickly with a smile on his face as he went out the door.
“So uh… are you still freaked out about yesterday?” Dean had taken his hand off Castiel’s shoulder and stepped back a bit.
He got his answer when Cas closed the space Dean had put between them, pulling him down into a kiss. He tried to imitate the way he had been kissed, and Dean thought he was doing a great job. This time Cas let the kiss go on for a while before pulling back.
“I decided the possibility of some happiness was the right choice.” Castiel’s intense stare met Dean’s eyes looking more content than he’d ever seen the angel.
“Yeah, yeah it was.” Dean pulled him back in for another kiss, he was pretty sure he had the best brother in the world. And now he had an angel in his arms, a really weird angel, but an awesome one nonetheless.