(no subject)
Title: Angels must be loved
Author: marlene_novalis
Pairing/Characters: Dean / Cas, Sam and Bobby also appear
Spoilers: AU
Category: slash (kinda)
Rating: R for now.
Summary: AU, Dean just got a new pet and wants to introduce it to his brother and Bobby.
1. Devotion
„You just have to come over and see my new puppies! They are ridiculously cute!” Sam sounded a bit like a squealing little girl in a toy store. “I named them Dolce and Angie. Oh really, you just wouldn’t believe how…”
Dean listened patiently, the cell phone clamped between his shoulder and ear. His free hands prepared lunch and stroke his own pet that snuggled up against his legs.
“I will come over. And I think I’ll bring someone special.”
His gentle look wandered over Castiel, his wonderful pet that he had just purchased a couple of weeks ago. Until now he didn’t have the chance to introduce him to any of his friends. Dean knew that those first weeks are so very special in a new relationship. Getting to know each other, building trust. All this involved time and a lot of patience. But certainly Castiel, Dolce and Angie would have a lot of fun together.
Only a couple of hours later Dean entered Sam’s house. Bobby was also present (judging from the laughter and chatter that came from the living room). He held firm to Castiel’s collar. His little darling hadn’t met many strangers yet and it was certainly a challenge for him. The hunter could feel his resistance; he tried everything he could to hide behind his owner’s legs.
“Don’t be afraid.” Dean knelt down and carefully petted Castiel’s head. He had grown quite fond of him during the last weeks. It was just like he had always imagined.
“I’m here with you. No one will harm you.” Castiel’s blue eyes looked at him with relief.
Adoration and an almost infinite trust lay in them and he snuggled his head deeper into his owner’s hand. The hunter enjoyed this moment of closeness. He knew that in a few moments he would either find the acceptance he always wanted or loose family forever.
They entered the huge living room and immediately two tiny fur balls dashed across the carpet to welcome them. Castiel let out a sound of surprise and joy and only moments later he was completely lost in getting to know Dolce and Angie.
Dean closed his eyes for a moment. All the sounds, besides the ones from the pets, had died down. He sighed, let go of Castiel’s collar and sat down on the sofa. The eyes of the other men followed him. Still they didn’t say a word. Bobby stared from him to Castiel and back, his mouth open but unable to say something. Somehow he looked like a confused little boy. Sam who had gotten up to welcome his brother froze in his movement but unlike Bobby his facial expression revealed nothing of his thoughts.
“I told you that he’s special.” Dean’s voice was hoarse. His look insecure and almost hurt went from Sam to Castiel. He just saw his beloved pet but at the same time he knew very well that his friends saw a young naked man.
Immediately Dean could hear Castiel whimper and feelings of guilt swept over him. It was too early for him. He should have warned his friends. He should have... He forced himself to smile at him. Castiel felt his owner’s pain although he hardly understood it. He loved him, they loved each other. Why was everyone making such a drama? His owner didn’t look strong and great as usual. It confused him.
Sam let himself fall on the sofa, right next to Dean. He shook his head. The situation was absurd and what he saw now didn’t make it any better. Bobby looked like a picture of misery. His confusion and helplessness was heart-breaking. He couldn’t take his eyes of Castiel. Stared at him as if only he could give him an explanation. The pets (Sam’s mind twitched when he thought of all of them as such) obviously sensed the tension in the room. They huddled up against each other, looks of fear and uncertainty shot through the room. Dean stared at the ground, unable to give an explanation.
Sam attempted to attract his two puppies but they only snuggled closer to Castiel’s bare skin. Obviously the dogs made the distinction he refused to accept.
“Dean, you are my brother.”
Dean closed his eyes. The fact alone that the younger man used the present tense made him sigh with relief.
“Dean...” His voice got lower, warmer. “Explain, Dean. What have you done to this poor man?”
The hunter searched for words but there were none. He didn’t know where to begin. The man and his pet had been caught in a bubble of affection, happiness and peace during the last weeks. To him all this was natural.
“No...” Bobby’s voice was faint. Dean’s heart almost broke of love and pride when he followed the other man’s terrified stare. It was Castiel. He slowly came across the room, right towards Bobby. Dolce and Angie followed him obediently. In his confusion, uncertainty and fear he addressed the only other being in the room that seemed to feel as lost and helpless as he felt. Dean’s eyes followed him. He moved with grace. His cheeks glowed. His eyes focused Bobby.
“Don’t you see that he is happy?” Dean still felt quite lost for words but he just had to say something.
Dolce and Angie understood where their new best friend was heading to and overtaking him jumped right into Bobby’s lap. The older man petted them absently. Castiel looked at him from a certain distance. His look was bright. Their eyes met. There was no shame in his but enough for two in his.
“I met him some weeks ago. We talked. It had been his dream for years. Just like it had been mine for years. He’s an angel. They need to be loved.”
Castiel approached Bobby a little more. The young man pressed himself into the pillows as much as he could. The angelic pet gently prodded his hand with his nose, seeking contact and comfort. He withdrew immediately.
“Don’t you see what life he’s leading now? No responsibilities, no shame, no doubts, no expectations or human conventions. He is free to express himself, his wishes, his feelings without any restraint.”
Sam’s pondering look lay on Castiel and Bobby. His best friend was obviously not comfortable but nevertheless he listened to what Dean had to say.
“Do you... I mean have you ever...” Sam struggled for the right words. “I thought you were more into... you know... women.”
The hunter smiled. The thought hadn’t even occurred to him. “It’s not sexual, Sammy. He’s my pet, not my partner. You should see him playing. Time has no meaning for him. There are no appointments, not everything has to have a purpose. I give him everything he needs and in return he gives me love, faithfulness, comfort and... You know, pets are not our whole life, but they certainly make our lives whole. If this is true for a simple dog or cat how much more true is it for an angel pet?”
Bobby listened as his look wandered over the man (Yes, a man! Not a pet!) kneeling in front of him. Brown strands almost hid his eyes. He moved with dignity as if he felt absolutely comfortable in the situation. There was nothing forced or unwanted in his behavior. He made another attempt to establish physical contact and this time Bobby allowed it. His nose stroke gently over his open hand. His cheek followed and only moments later Bobby felt the angel’s head snuggling up against his palm. His skin was warm. He purred with satisfaction. It was a low sound, not unlike a cat’s but still completely different and unique.
Sam thought of all the business meetings, all the stress in the next weeks and months. An almost painful yearning pierced his heart at the peaceful sight of Bobby and Castiel and he began to understand. The collar gave him a freedom he wasn’t able to experience.
“Castiel.” The beloved sound of his owner’s voice made him shiver with delight. It was such a soothing, solacing feeling to hear his name from his lips. It only strengthened the bond between them.
Obediently he moved away from Bobby whose eyes followed her, still confused.
Again Angie and Dolce ran after him and he recognized it with calm self-assurance. As he was the oldest and strongest among them it was only natural that he was now the leader of the pack. The puppies jumped on their owner’s lap. Eager to be petted they bit each other in a playful fight for Sam’s hands. Castiel generously decided to ignore their behavior and lay his head into his owner’s lap. He closed his eyes and purred when Dean ran his fingers through his hair and massaged his neck gently.
“Castiel…” All the love of the world lay in this single word. He pressed his head deeper into Dean’s lap and made a faint sound of rapture. He was his world. The one who woke him up, the one who gave him food, the one who played with him, cared for him, the one with whom he felt entirely safe. His voice was his haven, his scent his home, his touch his heaven. Castiel trusted him. He was his completely. Dean smiled down at him. He felt his trustfulness, his devotion. He gave him more than he had ever dared to dream. Castiel might be his but he belonged to him just as much.
“A pet is the only being on earth that will love you more than it loves itself.” Sam’s thoughtful voice broke the silence while he held Angie close to his face and allowed her to lick it. Dean nodded unable to take his eyes of his beloved Castiel.
“Fine. But why couldn’t you just buy a dog? Why must it be… this?” It was Bobby who ruined the peacefulness of the situation. Castiel’s head suddenly turned around, his muscles tensed, his eyes pierced the older man and a low, angry sound escaped his throat. Bobby’s eyes widened. Dean grabbed his collar and forced him head around. Their eyes met. Under the hypnotizing look of his owner Castiel was able to calm down a little and control that outburst of emotions that had followed the older man’s question.
“Bobby…” Dean’s voice trembled slightly with anger. “He might be a pet but he is still an angel. Don’t you think that he understands you?”
The two puppies stumbled over Sam’s legs to their new friend and began to lick his face. Whimpering, comforting sounds came from them as they tried to calm Castiel down. He allowed it, buried his head in the soft fur and breathed heavily. From far away he heard his owner’s reassuring voice. It wasn’t important what he said as long as the tone was gentle and soothing.
“No, Bobby. I couldn’t just buy a dog. What would happen to Castiel then? I am not doing this for my happiness and satisfaction only but just as much for his. He gives up a great part of her “humanness” for me. He allows me to control every aspect of his life. He gives me full responsibility for his well-being. What dog could offer such a gift?”
Bobby stared to the ground, now more ashamed than before. Sam listened carefully. More and more he understood his brother’s reasoning. His eyes lay on the three pets (somehow his mind didn’t twitch this time at the thought). His puppies seemed to accept Castiel and dealt with him so much faster and easier than with all the other people Sam had introduced to them.
Amazed he watched his own hand that began to pet Dolce and then slowly, reluctantly wandered to Castiel’s shoulder. He felt Dean’s and Bobby’s eyes resting on him. When he touched the angel, his head shot upwards and the two tiny dogs barked in protest at the sudden movement. Their eyes met. He looked vulnerable, insecure and afraid. Not unlike Dolce and Angie when he had seen them for the first time. He smiled at him.
“Don’t be afraid. I just want to get to know you.”
Castiel’s head sank back into the pillows of the sofa and he allowed the younger brother to experience at his own speed and intensity this first contact with an angel pet. His touch was gentle and he enjoyed it although it was nothing compared to the shivers of pleasure and delight that he felt when his owner touched him.
“Ok…” Bobby just had to continue. He wasn’t convinced yet and seeing his best friend establishing contact with that man made him feel most uncomfortable. “No dog can give you such a gift. It really is something special. I understand what he gets in return but… an angel just cannot lead a life like this!”
Sam’s hand wandered over Castiel’s shoulder and back. He played with his hair and eventually touched his face. He smiled when Castiel snuggled into his hand and moved closer to him. Somehow he was proud that he was able to built trust in him. His eyes wandered over the angel’s body. Yes, he was beautiful, lean and muscular but he observed it just like he took notice of the color of a dog’s fur or a horse’s breed. He had never been that close to a naked man without being sexually aroused. He was human in a way and yet she wasn’t. Sam decided to just stop his musing when Castiel’s head suddenly touched his thigh. He trusted him and was completely satisfied only because he petted him. It made him smile.
Dean grinned at the sight of Castiel and Sam getting to know each other. This is how he had always imagined it. He was proud of both of them. Bobby’s questions were annoying and unwanted but of course he knew that he had to answer them. He owed it to him, right?!
“We are together since three weeks now. We agreed on three months for now so there are nine more weeks to come. After that…” he sighed and a grief-stricken look lay on his pet. Castiel reacted immediately to the sad sound of his voice. He snuggled up against him, so close and strong as if he wanted to become a part of him. Every inch of his body and soul exuded comfort and love. Even Bobby smiled at the sight. Playfully he snatched at Dean’s long hair and pulled on it carefully. It brought him a gentle smack in return but he didn’t care. His owner smiled again. Nothing else mattered.
“But still, Dean...” This time it was Sam who saw further need for clarification. “I’ve known you since a decade. I never thought that this was what you longed for.”
Dean gently shoved Castiel away from him.
“Why don’t you go and play, little one?”
Sam had never heard such tenderness in his voice. His pet left the sofa slightly pissed and curled up close to Sam’s feet. The younger brother shook his head and grinned. He knew this behavior from his own dogs when they tried to make him jealous.
The puppies jumped down on Castiel’s body. They almost slipped on his bare skin when they climbed about it. Their claws left red marks on him but he didn’t seem to care. He yawned loudly and closed his eyes.
“Sammy…” Dean turned towards his brother. His eyes found his as he searched for an explanation. “During all these years I’ve been by your side… and yours as well, Bobby. I listened to you in sad times, took care of you when hunting took a toll on you, I looked after you during countless adventures, I was always like the eye of the hurricane that thunders around us since all those years, right?”
Sam and Bobby smiled. Yes, Dean was very right.
“Taking care of you, looking after you is like herding cats, or keeping an eye on puppies that are out to explore the world. I always enjoyed it. Especially the times when you turned to me in moments of weakness and allowed me to give you shelter and affection. I ask you: Is there really that much difference between you, Sammy, lying in my arms after a strength-sapping hunt, giving up all barriers and just allowing me to take care of you and my dear Castiel who just went a tiny step further?”
The puppies lingered over Castiel’s stomach, yawned and closed their eyes as well. A faint smile twitched in the corners of his mouth. He sighed blissfully.
Sam found no answer to Dean’s question. Instead he leaned over to his brother and snuggled his head on his shoulder. A wave of affection and sudden peace filled his heart. Dean smiled, looked at Bobby and opened his free arm. The older man hesitated for a second but then he got up, carefully stepped over the pets and allowed Dean to embrace him as well.
Author: marlene_novalis
Pairing/Characters: Dean / Cas, Sam and Bobby also appear
Spoilers: AU
Category: slash (kinda)
Rating: R for now.
Summary: AU, Dean just got a new pet and wants to introduce it to his brother and Bobby.
1. Devotion
„You just have to come over and see my new puppies! They are ridiculously cute!” Sam sounded a bit like a squealing little girl in a toy store. “I named them Dolce and Angie. Oh really, you just wouldn’t believe how…”
Dean listened patiently, the cell phone clamped between his shoulder and ear. His free hands prepared lunch and stroke his own pet that snuggled up against his legs.
“I will come over. And I think I’ll bring someone special.”
His gentle look wandered over Castiel, his wonderful pet that he had just purchased a couple of weeks ago. Until now he didn’t have the chance to introduce him to any of his friends. Dean knew that those first weeks are so very special in a new relationship. Getting to know each other, building trust. All this involved time and a lot of patience. But certainly Castiel, Dolce and Angie would have a lot of fun together.
Only a couple of hours later Dean entered Sam’s house. Bobby was also present (judging from the laughter and chatter that came from the living room). He held firm to Castiel’s collar. His little darling hadn’t met many strangers yet and it was certainly a challenge for him. The hunter could feel his resistance; he tried everything he could to hide behind his owner’s legs.
“Don’t be afraid.” Dean knelt down and carefully petted Castiel’s head. He had grown quite fond of him during the last weeks. It was just like he had always imagined.
“I’m here with you. No one will harm you.” Castiel’s blue eyes looked at him with relief.
Adoration and an almost infinite trust lay in them and he snuggled his head deeper into his owner’s hand. The hunter enjoyed this moment of closeness. He knew that in a few moments he would either find the acceptance he always wanted or loose family forever.
They entered the huge living room and immediately two tiny fur balls dashed across the carpet to welcome them. Castiel let out a sound of surprise and joy and only moments later he was completely lost in getting to know Dolce and Angie.
Dean closed his eyes for a moment. All the sounds, besides the ones from the pets, had died down. He sighed, let go of Castiel’s collar and sat down on the sofa. The eyes of the other men followed him. Still they didn’t say a word. Bobby stared from him to Castiel and back, his mouth open but unable to say something. Somehow he looked like a confused little boy. Sam who had gotten up to welcome his brother froze in his movement but unlike Bobby his facial expression revealed nothing of his thoughts.
“I told you that he’s special.” Dean’s voice was hoarse. His look insecure and almost hurt went from Sam to Castiel. He just saw his beloved pet but at the same time he knew very well that his friends saw a young naked man.
Immediately Dean could hear Castiel whimper and feelings of guilt swept over him. It was too early for him. He should have warned his friends. He should have... He forced himself to smile at him. Castiel felt his owner’s pain although he hardly understood it. He loved him, they loved each other. Why was everyone making such a drama? His owner didn’t look strong and great as usual. It confused him.
Sam let himself fall on the sofa, right next to Dean. He shook his head. The situation was absurd and what he saw now didn’t make it any better. Bobby looked like a picture of misery. His confusion and helplessness was heart-breaking. He couldn’t take his eyes of Castiel. Stared at him as if only he could give him an explanation. The pets (Sam’s mind twitched when he thought of all of them as such) obviously sensed the tension in the room. They huddled up against each other, looks of fear and uncertainty shot through the room. Dean stared at the ground, unable to give an explanation.
Sam attempted to attract his two puppies but they only snuggled closer to Castiel’s bare skin. Obviously the dogs made the distinction he refused to accept.
“Dean, you are my brother.”
Dean closed his eyes. The fact alone that the younger man used the present tense made him sigh with relief.
“Dean...” His voice got lower, warmer. “Explain, Dean. What have you done to this poor man?”
The hunter searched for words but there were none. He didn’t know where to begin. The man and his pet had been caught in a bubble of affection, happiness and peace during the last weeks. To him all this was natural.
“No...” Bobby’s voice was faint. Dean’s heart almost broke of love and pride when he followed the other man’s terrified stare. It was Castiel. He slowly came across the room, right towards Bobby. Dolce and Angie followed him obediently. In his confusion, uncertainty and fear he addressed the only other being in the room that seemed to feel as lost and helpless as he felt. Dean’s eyes followed him. He moved with grace. His cheeks glowed. His eyes focused Bobby.
“Don’t you see that he is happy?” Dean still felt quite lost for words but he just had to say something.
Dolce and Angie understood where their new best friend was heading to and overtaking him jumped right into Bobby’s lap. The older man petted them absently. Castiel looked at him from a certain distance. His look was bright. Their eyes met. There was no shame in his but enough for two in his.
“I met him some weeks ago. We talked. It had been his dream for years. Just like it had been mine for years. He’s an angel. They need to be loved.”
Castiel approached Bobby a little more. The young man pressed himself into the pillows as much as he could. The angelic pet gently prodded his hand with his nose, seeking contact and comfort. He withdrew immediately.
“Don’t you see what life he’s leading now? No responsibilities, no shame, no doubts, no expectations or human conventions. He is free to express himself, his wishes, his feelings without any restraint.”
Sam’s pondering look lay on Castiel and Bobby. His best friend was obviously not comfortable but nevertheless he listened to what Dean had to say.
“Do you... I mean have you ever...” Sam struggled for the right words. “I thought you were more into... you know... women.”
The hunter smiled. The thought hadn’t even occurred to him. “It’s not sexual, Sammy. He’s my pet, not my partner. You should see him playing. Time has no meaning for him. There are no appointments, not everything has to have a purpose. I give him everything he needs and in return he gives me love, faithfulness, comfort and... You know, pets are not our whole life, but they certainly make our lives whole. If this is true for a simple dog or cat how much more true is it for an angel pet?”
Bobby listened as his look wandered over the man (Yes, a man! Not a pet!) kneeling in front of him. Brown strands almost hid his eyes. He moved with dignity as if he felt absolutely comfortable in the situation. There was nothing forced or unwanted in his behavior. He made another attempt to establish physical contact and this time Bobby allowed it. His nose stroke gently over his open hand. His cheek followed and only moments later Bobby felt the angel’s head snuggling up against his palm. His skin was warm. He purred with satisfaction. It was a low sound, not unlike a cat’s but still completely different and unique.
Sam thought of all the business meetings, all the stress in the next weeks and months. An almost painful yearning pierced his heart at the peaceful sight of Bobby and Castiel and he began to understand. The collar gave him a freedom he wasn’t able to experience.
“Castiel.” The beloved sound of his owner’s voice made him shiver with delight. It was such a soothing, solacing feeling to hear his name from his lips. It only strengthened the bond between them.
Obediently he moved away from Bobby whose eyes followed her, still confused.
Again Angie and Dolce ran after him and he recognized it with calm self-assurance. As he was the oldest and strongest among them it was only natural that he was now the leader of the pack. The puppies jumped on their owner’s lap. Eager to be petted they bit each other in a playful fight for Sam’s hands. Castiel generously decided to ignore their behavior and lay his head into his owner’s lap. He closed his eyes and purred when Dean ran his fingers through his hair and massaged his neck gently.
“Castiel…” All the love of the world lay in this single word. He pressed his head deeper into Dean’s lap and made a faint sound of rapture. He was his world. The one who woke him up, the one who gave him food, the one who played with him, cared for him, the one with whom he felt entirely safe. His voice was his haven, his scent his home, his touch his heaven. Castiel trusted him. He was his completely. Dean smiled down at him. He felt his trustfulness, his devotion. He gave him more than he had ever dared to dream. Castiel might be his but he belonged to him just as much.
“A pet is the only being on earth that will love you more than it loves itself.” Sam’s thoughtful voice broke the silence while he held Angie close to his face and allowed her to lick it. Dean nodded unable to take his eyes of his beloved Castiel.
“Fine. But why couldn’t you just buy a dog? Why must it be… this?” It was Bobby who ruined the peacefulness of the situation. Castiel’s head suddenly turned around, his muscles tensed, his eyes pierced the older man and a low, angry sound escaped his throat. Bobby’s eyes widened. Dean grabbed his collar and forced him head around. Their eyes met. Under the hypnotizing look of his owner Castiel was able to calm down a little and control that outburst of emotions that had followed the older man’s question.
“Bobby…” Dean’s voice trembled slightly with anger. “He might be a pet but he is still an angel. Don’t you think that he understands you?”
The two puppies stumbled over Sam’s legs to their new friend and began to lick his face. Whimpering, comforting sounds came from them as they tried to calm Castiel down. He allowed it, buried his head in the soft fur and breathed heavily. From far away he heard his owner’s reassuring voice. It wasn’t important what he said as long as the tone was gentle and soothing.
“No, Bobby. I couldn’t just buy a dog. What would happen to Castiel then? I am not doing this for my happiness and satisfaction only but just as much for his. He gives up a great part of her “humanness” for me. He allows me to control every aspect of his life. He gives me full responsibility for his well-being. What dog could offer such a gift?”
Bobby stared to the ground, now more ashamed than before. Sam listened carefully. More and more he understood his brother’s reasoning. His eyes lay on the three pets (somehow his mind didn’t twitch this time at the thought). His puppies seemed to accept Castiel and dealt with him so much faster and easier than with all the other people Sam had introduced to them.
Amazed he watched his own hand that began to pet Dolce and then slowly, reluctantly wandered to Castiel’s shoulder. He felt Dean’s and Bobby’s eyes resting on him. When he touched the angel, his head shot upwards and the two tiny dogs barked in protest at the sudden movement. Their eyes met. He looked vulnerable, insecure and afraid. Not unlike Dolce and Angie when he had seen them for the first time. He smiled at him.
“Don’t be afraid. I just want to get to know you.”
Castiel’s head sank back into the pillows of the sofa and he allowed the younger brother to experience at his own speed and intensity this first contact with an angel pet. His touch was gentle and he enjoyed it although it was nothing compared to the shivers of pleasure and delight that he felt when his owner touched him.
“Ok…” Bobby just had to continue. He wasn’t convinced yet and seeing his best friend establishing contact with that man made him feel most uncomfortable. “No dog can give you such a gift. It really is something special. I understand what he gets in return but… an angel just cannot lead a life like this!”
Sam’s hand wandered over Castiel’s shoulder and back. He played with his hair and eventually touched his face. He smiled when Castiel snuggled into his hand and moved closer to him. Somehow he was proud that he was able to built trust in him. His eyes wandered over the angel’s body. Yes, he was beautiful, lean and muscular but he observed it just like he took notice of the color of a dog’s fur or a horse’s breed. He had never been that close to a naked man without being sexually aroused. He was human in a way and yet she wasn’t. Sam decided to just stop his musing when Castiel’s head suddenly touched his thigh. He trusted him and was completely satisfied only because he petted him. It made him smile.
Dean grinned at the sight of Castiel and Sam getting to know each other. This is how he had always imagined it. He was proud of both of them. Bobby’s questions were annoying and unwanted but of course he knew that he had to answer them. He owed it to him, right?!
“We are together since three weeks now. We agreed on three months for now so there are nine more weeks to come. After that…” he sighed and a grief-stricken look lay on his pet. Castiel reacted immediately to the sad sound of his voice. He snuggled up against him, so close and strong as if he wanted to become a part of him. Every inch of his body and soul exuded comfort and love. Even Bobby smiled at the sight. Playfully he snatched at Dean’s long hair and pulled on it carefully. It brought him a gentle smack in return but he didn’t care. His owner smiled again. Nothing else mattered.
“But still, Dean...” This time it was Sam who saw further need for clarification. “I’ve known you since a decade. I never thought that this was what you longed for.”
Dean gently shoved Castiel away from him.
“Why don’t you go and play, little one?”
Sam had never heard such tenderness in his voice. His pet left the sofa slightly pissed and curled up close to Sam’s feet. The younger brother shook his head and grinned. He knew this behavior from his own dogs when they tried to make him jealous.
The puppies jumped down on Castiel’s body. They almost slipped on his bare skin when they climbed about it. Their claws left red marks on him but he didn’t seem to care. He yawned loudly and closed his eyes.
“Sammy…” Dean turned towards his brother. His eyes found his as he searched for an explanation. “During all these years I’ve been by your side… and yours as well, Bobby. I listened to you in sad times, took care of you when hunting took a toll on you, I looked after you during countless adventures, I was always like the eye of the hurricane that thunders around us since all those years, right?”
Sam and Bobby smiled. Yes, Dean was very right.
“Taking care of you, looking after you is like herding cats, or keeping an eye on puppies that are out to explore the world. I always enjoyed it. Especially the times when you turned to me in moments of weakness and allowed me to give you shelter and affection. I ask you: Is there really that much difference between you, Sammy, lying in my arms after a strength-sapping hunt, giving up all barriers and just allowing me to take care of you and my dear Castiel who just went a tiny step further?”
The puppies lingered over Castiel’s stomach, yawned and closed their eyes as well. A faint smile twitched in the corners of his mouth. He sighed blissfully.
Sam found no answer to Dean’s question. Instead he leaned over to his brother and snuggled his head on his shoulder. A wave of affection and sudden peace filled his heart. Dean smiled, looked at Bobby and opened his free arm. The older man hesitated for a second but then he got up, carefully stepped over the pets and allowed Dean to embrace him as well.