Children of the Wild Ones
Chapter Eight
Chuck wasn’t much of a writer and he was even worse of a fighter, but Castiel admired his dedication to the one job Dean had given him. It was obviously to keep him out of the way but he appeared to take pride in it, following people and asking them what supplies they needed before writing it all down onto his clipboard. He had different sections for different people so that he wouldn’t get confused and he used a red pen for things they were already running low on. However he was never too busy to greet Rachel when she returned from rescuing people or with information about the outside world.
He liked Rachel which was a bit unfortunate because Rachel would probably be one of the last to warm up to humanity, if she ever did. She would gaze at Dean with something like awed revulsion sometimes, her emotions warring over the fact that he was Dean and yet also Michael. Still she was civil to Chuck and let him follow her around while she moved heavy things or simply took in the scenery. Castiel hoped they grew closer; it would be good for both of them.
Chuck’s duty made him question is own place amongst the growing survivors. He still had enough powers to be of use even if later he would need a recharge but he wasn’t quite sure where to start. Everyone was scared but trying to make the best of a new situation, and he wanted to offer comfort but his people skills in that area left much to be desired. He didn’t think squeezing their shoulders would have the effect he wanted it to have.
Dean was okay with him simply wandering around but he didn’t like that idea. And then he had found seeds tucked between two buckets and Sam had suggested he start a garden; that fresh vegetables and fruits would be awesome. It wasn’t much but he liked plants and he knew he could coax them to grow by surrounding them with his grace. Contributing any little bit would be better than sitting around while everyone else participated. So he cleared a nice spot beside his and Dean’s cabin and got to work.
He was digging in the dirt with his trowel and wondering what type of manure he could reasonably get for fertilizer when the sound of wings flapping drew his attention up from his work. There was a blonde man standing in front of him in a black suit sans fancy shirt and tie with a smirk on his tanned face. It was a face Castiel hadn’t seen in ages, one he was sure had perished in the war against Lucifer, one he’d grieved for.
“Balthazar?” He questioned slowly.
“Hello Castiel.” Balthazar said with a melodious British accent. “It’s so good to see you.”
Castiel stood, taking off his gardening gloves. “We thought you were dead. That you had perished in the war.”
Balthazar nodded. “Mm yes that is what I wanted everyone to think, that way they wouldn’t come after me. Turns out Gabriel had the right idea all along. There are far greener pastures out there, Castiel. As you have seen for yourself.”
Castiel frowned at him. “I stayed and fought for years after you ran away. I don’t think it’s the same thing.”
The other angel shrugged. “Perhaps. And yet here we both are. Which to be honest is very amusing to me. I mean you were always such a good little soldier-doing whatever Anna told you to do. Just because I’ve been on my own doesn’t mean I haven’t kept abreast of what has been happening.” He grinned. “The Apocalypse. Michael and Lucifer whipping out their measuring tapes to see which one is bigger. You siding with Michael’s vessel against Heaven. A couple of hairless apes actually managing to pull it off…”
Castiel stared at him. “And where were you while we were fighting for what’s right?”
Balthazar shoved his hands into his pockets. “The beaches of Rio.” Pause. “Anyway I heard about Gabriel killing Lucifer and Raphael being in control of Heaven so I thought I would come see what all the fuss was about. Ghastly things those Croatoan infected, aren’t they? Almost makes going back to Heaven seem like a viable option.”
His words made Castiel smile. “Except Raphael would have you tortured for leaving your post. He would strike you down into Hell for not fighting.”
Groaning, Balthazar pressed his lips together. “Perhaps I should just stay here then with you. Now that the stick has been removed from your ass I’m sure you’re a lot more fun. We could have orgies.”
It is nice to see that Balthazar hasn’t changed. I think. “I…don’t think Dean would like that.”
A spark twinkled in his friend’s dark blue eyes. “Ah yes, Dean Winchester. The head ape. I hear you two are quite close.”
Castiel blushed. “We…are bonded, yes. Dean is an admirable man.”
Balthazar snickered. “Yes I’m sure what he does to you is very admirable. I’m proud of you, Castiel. You’re mingling with humans and shacking up with one. Rebellion looks good on you. How are you managing to hold onto your grace if you’re technically banished from Heaven?”
It wasn’t something he wanted to discuss, not even with one of his oldest friends. Thankfully he didn’t have to because seconds later Dean strolled over, axe slung over his shoulder from where he’d been out chopping fire wood. “Hey Cas. Everything okay?”
“Well if it isn’t the man of the hour.” Balthazar mused. “All sweaty from going out and slaughtering the bacon.”
Dean arched a curious brow. “Lemme guess, another freaken angel come to join the pow wow.”
Castiel gently took the axe from him and placed it against the cabin. Better safe than sorry especially since Dean was wary of strangers. “Dean this is Balthazar. We were soldiers on the front lines together until he…disappeared.”
Dean nodded. “So, you here to work too?”
Balthazar snorted. “Oh God no. I simply wanted to check in with Cassy here and see how he was fairing. However I suppose if you need something you could always give me a call. If I’m not busy I’ll see what I can do.” A grin. “Then again with the world going to Hell staying here doesn’t sound like a bad idea. Is there alcohol?”
Dean sighed, not impressed. “You’re like Gabriel, huh? Living by your own rules? I can respect that. I just hope you don’t have his sense of humor if you do decide to stay.”
“I’ve become much more of a lover than a fighter.”
“Okay. Keep your nose clean and we’ll have no problems.”
“And if I don’t keep my nose clean?”
“I’ll wipe it off your smug face.”
“You and what army?”
“You’d be surprised, dude.”
Castiel cleared his throat. “Dean has the allegiance of Michael’s followers because he has Michael’s grace.”
For a moment Balthazar actually looked unnerved. “I see. Big brother’s watching, eh?” He cut his eyes to Castiel teasingly. “Must be good, dating the Prince.” A beat. “I’ll be in touch, Cassy. Take care of yourself.”
He disappeared with a flap of wings and although he was slightly annoying, Castiel was happy to know he was alive. Angry that he’d lied all of these many years but happy that he seemed to be happy. He couldn’t fault him for wanting a life away from the Host; not after he knew how wonderful it could be.
Dean wiped his wrist across his dirty, damp forehead. “Would I be a horrible person if I said I was glad he didn’t decide to stick around?”
Castiel chuckled. “No I don’t think so. Balthazar is an acquired taste. He usually ends up doing the right thing though.” Motioning for Dean to follow, he led him inside of the cabin and dug a bottle of water out of his duffle bag.
“Ugh thanks.” He took it gratefully, prying off the top and gulping it down. “Pretty sure I could mojo the wood into pieces but I don’t wanna accidentally topple another tree. That poor outhouse never had a chance.”
“I think you are doing very well.” Castiel murmured. “You will reach a balance with your powers eventually. And even if you don’t it’s alright.”
“Yeah.” Dean grew a little pensive before guzzling down more water. “So I know you’re doing garden stuff but I was wondering if maybe you wanted to get in some target practice. Sam set up a makeshift range for the people with weapons training. Keeps their mind off of shit I guess.”
It sounded a bit exciting. “I think I’d be useless with a gun.”
Dean finished off his water and put the empty bottle down. “Nah I don’t believe that. You’re kick ass with a sword and shooting is mostly hitting your target. I think you’d have good aim. Besides you’re helping me with angel crap so I wanna help you with human crap.”
Castiel placed his gloves on the table. “Alright. I put myself into your capable hands.”
Dean smiled widely and yanked him closer, not caring that his shirt was drenched in sweat. “I like the sound of that.” He smoothed his nose along Castiel’s cheek and then down along his throat, kissing at his soft skin. “Of course we could blow that off and get back into bed.”
Laughing, Castiel gently pushed him away. “No I want to learn to use a gun. There is plenty of time for intimate things later.”
With a cute little pout, Dean huffed but moved to the bag that held some of his guns. Most of his weapons were still in the truck of the Impala because he didn’t trust anyone not to steal them. “Let’s go. And then food. Gonna put those steaks Inias brought to good use.”
They all knew steaks and other foods wouldn’t always be available especially with how fast the virus was spreading. So it made sense to stock up now, to bring in farm animals in the hopes that they could never be infected. Sam wasn’t fond of the chickens they’d acquired and made a point to stay away from where they were being kept. One had chased him apparently.
Castiel got a sense that Dean was trying to do everything differently from the vision Zachariah had subjected him to. The area was more like a small community than just a place to live until you died. He had a feeling the survivors were thankful for it.
Quietly he followed Dean to the crude targeting area; four plastic barrels with orange paper circles drawn on them. Dean handed him a loaded pistol and positioned him a fair distance away. “Just point and shoot.”
Without his grace he was sure he would have been a terrible shot. However as it was he could see the other bullet holes perfectly; the places where he needed to hit or miss. So he held the foreign piece of machinery in his hand and fired, not flinching at the loud bang bang bang. The bullets hit their goal flawlessly, embedding deep into the dark plastic.
“I knew you would be awesome at this!” Dean exclaimed proudly. “I’m gonna teach you how to clean ‘em too. And then get you a holster for one of your own.”
“Okay.” He replied. “Though I am not sure I would fare as well with a moving target.”
“Maybe we’ll try to rig up a skeet thing.” Dean rubbed his chin. “Some kinda pulley that launches a plate or something into the air for people to shoot at.”
It was an odd thought to have but Castiel felt even with the world crumbling to ash that Dean was somewhat happy. He was certainty in his element though he often thought otherwise. But there was a reason everyone was looking to him for guidance; he was an amazing leader. Michael had probably always known he would be-that was probably why he’d targeted him, bloodline notwithstanding. In the end as stubborn and dedicated as Michael had been, even he had bowed to Dean’s guidance.
It was a remarkable thing to be a part of.
~*~
Inias arrived three hours later with another group of frightened people, some still sobbing. Castiel sat on the steps of his new home, petting a big black stray cat that he was secretly going to keep whether Dean signed off on it or not. However from the way Dean was watching him interact with it he was pretty sure he could convince him that having a pet would be beneficial to them. Not to mention they couldn’t just leave it out alone without food and shelter.
Dean gave the newcomers the same speech he’d given the first about safety and having hope; seeing others already meandering around seemed to make it go over easier than the first group.
I wonder what they think of Inias when he arrives saying that he is and angel of the Lord, there to rescue them? Do they automatically believe him or run from him?
“Dean?” Called a young woman as she broke from the small crowd, pushing long black hair out of her face. “Is-is that you?”
Dean blinked. “Sarah?”
She grinned and quickly hugged him. “Oh my God I can’t believe it’s you! Wh-when all this stuff started happening I immediately thought of you and Sam. I just knew you were out there, helping people.”
He chuckled happily. “Dude! I thought we’d never see you again! Sam! Sam!”
“What? What’s wrong?” Sam called as he lumbered out of a cabin. His expression morphed into one of shock at the sight of Sarah. “Sarah?”
She smiled, ducking her head. “Hey Sam. You…look good.”
He stumbled over and hugged her. “So do you. I-wow this is-are you okay?”
She nodded, motioning to the older man watching all of them with interest. “Your…friend saved me and my dad right as those…things were attacking. What is going on?”
Dean slapped his brother in the back. “Hey Sammy, why don’t you get Sarah and her dad all settled in. Tell them about the Crotes and what kinda conditioner you use in your hair now. I’m sure she’d appreciate it.”
Sam glared at him before flashing Sarah a smile. “Don’t mind him. He’s still as immature as he was when we first met. I’m glad you’re okay though. You too Mr. Blake. C’mon we uh-we’ll find a place for you.” Pause. “Everyone c’mon. I-yeah…”
Snickering, Dean gave Sam a thumbs up and then walked over to where Castiel had observed the whole thing. “This is awesome.”
Castiel tilted his head to the side. “How so?”
Dean pointed to Sarah. “That girl? She is so cool. We worked a job a few years ago with a haunted painting and she helped. Like we told her the deal and she just rolled with it. Had an obvious thing for Sammy too. I told him to marry her back then…” A beat. “Maybe now he actually will.”
“It must be nice to know the people you have saved are living good lives.” Castiel pulled the purring cat into his lap.
“It is.” The hunter looked thoughtful. “We don’t like, check back in or anything. I figure most would rather forget we even exist so they can go back to thinking everything is fine. Nice to know some wanna remember us.” His eyes fell to the cat. “I see you made a new friend…”
Castiel hummed. “He told me his name is Mortimer.”
“Mortimer? And I didn’t know you could talk to cats.”
“It’s a skill I don’t need to use very often. I can also talk to plants, fish and bees.”
“Uh-huh. So what does Morti want?”
“A warm place to stay and someone to love him.”
Dean growled but Castiel knew that meant he had already given in. “Whatever. He better not try to take my side of the bed!”
~*~
It wasn’t fair really. It wasn’t fair that Cas could look at him with those big sad eyes and boom, suddenly they had a damn cat. Yeah it was better than a dog because he hated dogs but still, it was some furry little needy thing that would probably claw up his jeans and have Cas wrapped around its kitty finger. Though Dean wasn’t kidding himself; it could have been a baby bear and he probably would have still said yes. It was hard to resist Cas and his eyes and his gentle smiles when he was pleased.
If a stupid cat made him happy then he could deal with it.
Leaning over the thick railing with a beer dangling from his fingertips, Dean focused on a barrel of trash someone had left burning. He stared at it and stared at it until the rusted brown metal curved in on itself with a loud grating sound, snuffing out the fire by denying it air.
“You are a fast learner.” Inias appeared beside him, hands clasped behind his back.
Dean jerked only a little, thankful that weird feeling in his gut usually alerted him now that an angel was near. “Cas is a good teacher.”
Inias smiled. “That he is.” He sighed wistfully. “Before I get distracted I would like to debrief you on the situation pertaining to the infected. I had just arrived to where the humans had barricaded themselves in some building when a group of Crotes-as you call them-attacked. I-I’m sorry to report sir that a few humans in my charge were infected before I could destroy the Crotes. There were just so many of them and they were so vicious. Their hands were covered in blood and they dug in with their nails, ripping out clumps of skin. Biting with bloodstained teeth.”
Dean could see it all so well in his mind, remembering that little girl that had slashed at him like a madman. “It’s okay, man. I know you did your best.”
Inias lowered his gaze. “I destroyed those that I could and then turned my attention to the survivors. I’ve watched humanity for such a long time but this is the first time I’ve ever actually seen them. I understand their beauty now.”
More chick flick stuff huh? Okay you can do this. “Cool. I’m sure they’re happy you’re helping them. I would be.”
Beaming, Inias turned to face him. “Thank you Mi-Dean. I can see why Castiel likes you so much. I have known him for as long as I’ve known myself and yet I have never seen him as alive as he is when he’s with you. He was a good soldier and a good son, and I always assumed what made one happy made the rest happy. Serving God did make him happy but it’s different with you. It’s…warm.”
Dean didn’t reply, just took another swig from his beer. Inias didn’t seem to mind though or really notice; he continued talking, “I know how much you care about him. It’s so evident really. Other angels might refuse to see it or at least acknowledge it but I have no problems doing so. I’m glad my brother is being so well taken care of. And I am proud to follow you, Dean, and to help humans.”
“Thanks.” Dean said softly, uncertain of what else to say. Getting Cas to rebel and then witnessing him slowly deteriorate and be hunted by his so called family always weighed heavily on his mind. However knowing that Inias didn’t blame him-never mind that Castiel didn’t either-made him feel better. It was nice to know that not every angel in creation wanted his head on a pike for seducing their bother to the so-called dark side. “I appreciate what you and Rachel are doing. Things wouldn’t be going half as well as they are without you guys.”
“You are very welcome.” Inias replied cheerfully.
Dean’s thoughts turned to Sarah-who was no doubt hanging out with Sam in his cabin-and other people like her. Ones they had saved and sent out into the world to hopefully make a go of it. He couldn’t remember all of them because there had been so many, but two in particular stood out in his mind.
“Hey Inias, can you do me a favor?”
“Of course. I shall do anything you ask.”
“Heh okay. I just uh-there is this family called the Braedens, Lisa and Ben. I would really appreciate it if you could make sure they get to a safe place.”
“Of course. I can go do that now if you wish? Would you like me to bring them here?”
Would I like him to bring them here? It was a good question and before the mountain of shit he’d recently dealt with he would have immediately been all for bringing them to Chitaqua. But things were so different now. It sounded horrible but he didn’t need a pre-made family to insert himself into. He already had a family and someone that-hopefully-wanted to spend the rest of their days with him. And with the way things were going there would probably be kids that needed guardians; that didn’t have anyone because of the Crotes. He wasn’t wishing for it but it was bound to happen, and he wanted to be there for them when it ultimately did.
Having Lisa and Ben at the camp would just complicate things that were pretty straight forward. They would have questions about his powers and about Castiel; he could see things taking a turn for the worst to be honest. He wanted them safe-needed them safe-but he wasn’t stuck on the idea that they were perfect for him anymore just because deep down he wanted something of his own. He still wanted that but organically.
“No, don’t bring them here.” He said after a few beats. “Take ‘em to Rufus’ place. But if they ask why they are there don’t say I said take them there. Just say…it’s closer or something.”
“Yes sir.” He left with a low whoosh.
Draining the last of his beer, he tossed the bottle into a crate to be recycled or something and made his way into his cabin. It didn’t look as comfortable as it had in his future trip but he supposed that was because there was no stoner Cas to decorate it. However he fully planned to add real furniture when he could though the beads were never gonna happen. Just the sound alone when they blew in the wind would drive him crazy.
Castiel was sitting on the bed with one of Bobby’s books in his lap, his new cat lounging across his ankles. He looked immersed in whatever he was reading but Dean couldn’t help but wonder if he’d overheard his conversation with Inias. Most likely because of angel hearing and all that.
Shrugging out of his two shirts, he made sure the door was locked and closed the ratty curtains before stretching out beside the angel. He rubbed his scruffy cheek along Castiel’s arm. “Hey. You know you don’t have to study anymore. Class is over.”
Castiel smiled. “I enjoy this text.”
Pain in Dean’s lower back made him hiss, and he shifted to get comfortable. “If I take my wings out will I kill your stupid cat?”
Castiel laughed. “No. Animals can perceive angels in their true forms.”
Dean nodded. “And I won’t hurt anyone else by taking them out?”
Castiel tilted his head to the side. “Not if you cloak them so that only I can see them.”
Meh. “Cas, I’ve just gotten the hang of not exploding shit and even that doesn’t work all the time. How do I cloak them so only you can see them?”
Closing his book and setting it aside, Castiel turned to face him, pressing a warm hand to his lower back. He massaged the flesh gently before pushing down at the base of Dean’s spine. Soothing warmth flowed out of his palm, slipping between muscle and bone to coax out Dean’s wings. Dean being Dean however…they still erupted out of his back with a low pop, raining golden feathers around the room.
Feathers that Mortimer lunged at gleefully.
“Ah that’s nice.” Dean moaned. “Bitches are heavy. I don’t notice them until I think about them and then I feel them.”
“May I?” Castiel inquired and Dean nodded.
Licking his lips, Castiel smoothed his fingers across Dean’s wings slowly, savoring the feeling of them. There was a lot Dean didn’t know about wing touching and stuff but he got the feeling it wasn’t an everyday thing. Or maybe it just wasn’t an everyday thing to someone like Castiel who’d been sorta uptight about…everything. It seemed he was over it thought for the most part. He patted and combed and dug his fingers into the soft feathers, smiling when Dean hummed in pleasure.
Who knew wings could be so sensitive?
Castiel sighed dreamily. “They are so beautiful, Dean. Like a pure representation of your soul.” He pulled one closer and rubbed his face against it, his scruff tickling. “I am honored that you are sharing them with me.”
Dean peered at him before wrapping his left wing around Cas’ body, curling it, pulling Cas forward until he was pressed against his chest. “So…you like this huh? Being all wrapped up in ‘em?”
Castiel’s eyes were dark and glassy. “Yes.”
The hunter grinned and started pushing up Castiel’s shirt. “Why? Tell me.”
Castiel blinked, looking down before ripping his t-shirt off. “I-they feel wonderful. They remind me of nice things.”
Dean nuzzled his neck. “Glad I got ‘em for you to enjoy then. I can use ‘em for this instead of flying.” Pause. “Let yours out.”
Castiel’s lovely white wings appeared with less fuss, flapping up and down rapidly under the heavier weight of Dean’s. He could move his better than Dean because he’d had them longer; and contrary to what he thought Dean thought the opposite. Castiel’s wings were awesome.
“I can’t believe I get to touch these.” He said, cupping the wing joints and squeezing. “That I can see them whenever I want. I used to dream about them sometimes.”
“Pleasant dreams?” The angel questioned, his expression saying he already knew the answer.
“Yeah you little shit.”
Dean growled and lowered his head, tracing his tongue slowly around Castiel’s nipple. It perked up immediately and Castiel gasped, one hand holding the back of Dean’s head while the other clutched his golden wing. Dean licked one and then the other, smiling when Castiel shivered. His skin tasted salty but clean, cleaner than anything Dean had ever tasted. It made him suck a dark bruise into Castiel’s flesh that faded away right before his eyes. And then it had him moving lower, leaning the angel back so that he could nip down his chest to his bellybutton. He sunk his teeth in enough to lightly pinch, eyes widening when Castiel full out moaned.
He’d never heard of anyone with a sensitive navel. Angels and their weirdness.
Suddenly Castiel was wrapping his arms around Dean’s neck and kissing him passionately, his wings serving as another pair of arms to hold the hunter even closer. There was so much skin and Cas was so warm, grinding down into his lap without any real conscious effort that he was doing so. There was no finesse to it, just Cas needing something that he couldn’t put a name to but trusting Dean to give it to him. Which Dean was totally going to do as he sucked on his pink lips and drew tiny little whimpers from him.
It was strange almost to discover that Castiel was hard because he would always be an angel to Dean no matter what; an angel just not interested in human bullshit. But when Dean snaked a hand down between them he found Castiel tenting his jeans. He rubbed and Castiel made a soft needy noise in the back of his throat, his wings tightening nearly to the point of pain.
“Dean.” He whispered, panting against his mouth. “More.”
“Fuck yeah.” Dean grunted. He made quick work of unbuttoning and unzipping both their jeans, pulling Castiel’s cock of out his black briefs first before taking out his own. He stroked Cas a little from root to tip, smearing pre come along the wet head, building up a nice slow pace that Castiel rolled his hips into. His chest was flushed red, his head tipped back so that his face was pointed up to the ceiling, his wings unable to decide if they want to keep squeezing Dean or move to Dean’s rhythm.
Castiel whimpered when Dean pumped a little faster, bucking up into his tight fist. He swallowed hard and wrapped his own trembling hand around Dean’s thick erection, trying his best to mimic his actions. It made Dean groan loudly; the window panes shaking uneasily but he ignored them. He didn’t care if he blew out every damn window in the camp.
For a few minutes there was just this with the slick pull of their fists filling the air. Dean’s fingers were sticky with Cas’ come but he was finding it hard to focus because Cas was damn good at playing copycat. When Cas tripped his fingertips under the head of Dean’s dick he almost lost it, gritting his teeth to rein in his control. He wanted Cas to come with him, he wanted them to come together.
“Cas. Cas, ar-are you close?’ He stammered out, biting at his earlobe.
Castiel looked fucken delectable with his red cheeks and bedrooms eyes, his hand whipping up and down on Dean’s cock. “I-yes. Dean-Dean please.”
Dean gulped, nodding, the muscles in his stomach straining. “I got you, baby. C’mon. C’mon Cas.” He slipped his free hand into Castiel’s briefs and rolled his balls. “Come for me.”
Castiel came with a loud cry and spurted across Dean’s hand, the blue of his eyes swallowed up by a brilliant white light. He held nothing back as his orgasm flowed through him, tightening his legs on either side of Dean’s thighs, his wings arching up and brushing the dusty ceiling. He looked beautiful and almost overwhelmed with pleasure as his hips continued to rock forward with tiny hitching movements.
Dean was pretty much gone after that, coming so hard that he felt like it was being dragged out of him. Castiel’s name was on his lips as the angel’s hand kept caressing him, working him through it. His wings slammed back against the wall, his whole body brimming with power, a surge of energy shattering every light bulb in nearby streetlights. He felt drunk but sated as he slowly started to come down, having to pull Castiel’s fingers off him when he became too sensitive.
“Holy fuck.” He murmured, groaning when Castiel licked his fingers experimentally. “Cas.” Not giving a shit about the mess, he yanked the angel into his arms and kissed his forehead. “Th-that was amazing.”
Castiel snuggled against him, body vibrating. “Yes, it was.” He smiled as Dean’s wings wrapped protectively around him. “Can we do that all the time now?”
Slumping to the headboard, Dean smirked. “We better.”
Chapter Nine