[Fic] Sin with a Grin - Chapter 6/18
Title: Sin with a Grin
Author: Stolen Childe
Disclaimer: Supernatural and all associated characters belong to Kripke and Co. I make absolutely no claims on any of them.
Special Thanks to dapperscript for the wonderful beta! Thank you!
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Castiel awoke the next morning groaning as he squinted into the light, not even remembering how much he had to drink the night before. He didn’t actually remember much of the night before, after he used Gabriel to rescue him from Meg. Castiel shuddered at the thought of his ex; a strange choking sensation of unease settled in his gut.
Unmindful of his head, or his rolling stomach, or the chalky sandpaper feel of his tongue, he tossed the sheets aside and padded quickly to the kitchen. Almost running, but not quite. He let the unease release a little at seeing the familiar form of Dean rocking and wiggling his hips slightly as he sang Zeppelin under his breath. Castiel couldn’t hear well enough to pinpoint which song it was, but he knew Dean well enough to pick up on the artist.
Feeling a sudden urge for closeness, Castiel shuffled forward and snaked his arms around Dean’s waist, burying his face in the comfortable valley between Dean’s shoulder blades with a squeeze, probably a little tighter than he normally would have.
Dean chuckled, low, and Castiel felt it rumble pleasantly and vibrate through his entire body. The younger man turned his head to peer awkwardly over his shoulder before gently saying, “Hey, what’s this for? You okay?”
“Head hurts,” Castiel mumbled with a pout in his voice, unable to come up with a better reason. “Feel sick.”
Dean chuckled again and turned in the embrace, cradling Castiel’s head against his shoulder, “Poor you. I’m making bacon, eggs and hash browns… Uh! I See the look, none of that. A greasy, starchy breakfast is the best cure for a hangover. Take it from someone who was a borderline alkie in his undergrad days. I know.”
Castiel only nodded in response and shut his eyes; he had no desire to move right at that moment, and was just enjoying the feel of Dean wrapped around him so completely. He really wanted to know what this nagging feeling was in his stomach, but couldn’t for the life of him figure it out.
Castiel pulled back, becoming suddenly suspicious. “Hey, nothing happened last night did it? We’re okay, right?”
Dean snorted, “Dude, black out? Really? Nope, nadda. I showed up just after you wandered off to hit the head - according to Gabriel - and before that, you were with them the entire night. Gabe said something about you running into an ex and it rattling you, but that’s about it.”
There was the lancing flash of shame again and Castiel frowned… Why would he feel guilty if he was just rattled by her? Castiel didn’t like it, and vowed to never drink again… Then he remembered they were meeting John, Mary, Sam and Jess for Dean’s Halloween Carnival and Cas suddenly wanted to reach for the nearest bottle of whisky. The good Canadian stuff they bought at the duty free on their last trip up.
“Your mother is going to kill me,” Castiel muttered, finally taking a step back.
“You still on that? Is that what the sudden cuddle - not that I mind - is about? No worries, Babe. I’ll handle it, okay? Now sit. Grease and starch await.”
Castiel complied, though food was the last thing on his mind.
xx
Castiel was feeling marginally human by the time four o’clock rolled around and he had to take up his place as Haunted House Monitor. He would never admit that the damn things frightened him a little, but was not about to tell that to Missouri so she could assign him elsewhere. Missouri had been pretty insistent that she needed Castiel’s help, and that woman was wonderfully terrifying.
The doorbell rang, and Dean jogged excitedly over to answer, bouncing like a child. Castiel watched with a soft, fond smile, and put his novel aside, standing up and stretching to meet their guests.
It was hugs and squeals all around as the Winchesters (and Winchester-to-be, if Sam ever took Dean’s advice and got off his lazy ass… Dean’s words) tumbled into the room. There was the customary brother hug that had Sam wrapping his massive arms around Dean’s shoulders as if they hadn’t just seen each other the night before, and then Dean went to petite Jess and picked her up in a big bear hug. The pretty blonde giggled, then dropped a kiss on Dean’s cheek before scooting aside to allow Dean to greet John and Mary. Mary received a similar treatment to Jess and Dean and John partook in that awkward handshake, half-hug that Castiel always failed to understand. Then it was Castiel’s turn as the two women came towards him, arms spread, Sam’s bright grin and John’s firm handshake. After the enthusiastic greetings, Castiel always found himself slightly befuddled for a few moments, before he managed to regain his composure with the soft pressure of Dean’s hand on his lower back.
Castiel’s own family had never really been physically affectionate; the only brother who ever really hugged Castiel was Balthazar. Castiel and Jimmy even stopped giving one another hugs when they were children and didn’t share the same bed any longer. For the first seven years of their life, Jimmy would crawl into Castiel’s bed in the middle of the night, and then one day, it just stopped. They began gradually drifting apart after that, Jimmy becoming more involved in the Church, and Castiel becoming more involved in his crime novels and war dramas.
“All right, so I insisted that Mom and Dad come down for the carnival and that we all stop here before heading out, because Jess and I have something to tell you,” Sam burst out. He had been positively brimming with nervous energy for the last several days, and Castiel realized it was time for the big reveal. Dean vibrated excitedly behind him. It was a pretty safe assumption to make, considering how close they all were, that Dean had already figured out the announcement. Castiel had his own suspicions. So did the elder Winchesters if Mary’s eagerly clasped hands and John’s slow smile were anything to go by.
Sam took Jess’s hand in his own and all suspicions were confirmed when the tallest Winchester spoke, “I asked Jess to marry me, and being the foolish girl that she is, she said yes.” Sam’s grin was cheek splitting and Dean had an answering one firmly in place.
Dean tackled his brother then, the younger man catching him with a laugh before Dean pulled Jess into a tight group hug.
“I knew you’d smarten up eventually, Sam!” Dean crowed. “I’ve been telling him to pop the question for years Jess. Years. From the moment I met you, I knew you were way too good for him and he’d lose you if he didn’t. You have got to be the most patient girl in the world.”
Jess laughed, “I almost gave up on him!”
“Well, Dean…” Sam began with a sneaky smile, “You know I’ve be-” Whatever Sam was about to say was quickly cut off by Dean leaping up once again and pulling his big-little-brother’s head down to messily ruffle his hair.
“You’re such a jerk,” Sam said, wrestling his brother away and laughing all the while.
“Bitch,” Dean grinned back.
There was another round of hugs and congratulations, and Castiel watched it all with a fond smile. When Jessica was finally free, Castiel put a gentle hand on her shoulder and pulled her away from the group.
“Best wishes Jessica. You do wonders for Sam, and I wish you many long years of happiness,” Castiel said gently.
“Jeeze Cas, you don’t have to be so formal all the time,” she slung her arm around him. “Thank you though. He makes me happier than I ever thought I could be.”
Castiel chuckled, “Yes, I rather know the feeling. Something about those Winchester men, isn’t there?”
“Oh yeah, and it has nothing to do with those cheek bones, green eyes and dimples,” Jess winked.
Castiel laughed at that. “No, nothing at all.”
“So…” Jessica said in a sneaky tone Cas was pretty sure she picked up from Sam, “you thought anymore about what we talked about last time? You should take advantage of it, Cas, you brother’s done it.”
Castiel shifted, “I know but… Dean’s… Dean. I don’t want him to feel uncomfortable. You know how he gets sometimes. What we have is wonderful as it is, there’s no real need to label anything.”
“Yeah but think of the legalities Cas, especially in your lin-”
“I know,” Cas cut in gruffer than he meant to. “I apologize,” he said just as quickly. Jess smiled it away.
“Besides,” continued Castiel, “it took Sam nearly ten years to ask you! I’ve only been with Dean for three.”
Jess shrugged it off. “Different situation though. Sam took this long to be content enough with where he was in life to bring someone else in so permanently. I knew it was coming eventually, almost from the moment we met. But there was his schooling, and then his dissatisfaction with the firm. Now he’s happy and he’s ready, and there you have it. Dean’s been settled in what he’s doing for five years, he’s the happiest I’ve ever seen him, and Sam tells me he’s the happiest he’s ever been. You’re obviously settled in your life, and you’ve always been the guy to take what he wants Castiel… Just think about it.” She patted Castiel’s back, then returned to Sam. Her fiancé leaned down as she whispered in his ear, and his eyes flicked over with a grin before he turned his attention back to her soft grey eyes.
Castiel had to smile at the picture they made.
“Hey,” Dean whispered soft by his ear.
“Hello,” Castiel returned.
“This is so great, huh? God I’m happy for the kid. She’s the best girl he’s ever dated, ever. Hands down. Not that he had many before her, but still. She’s something. I know Mom’s thrilled, and Dad’s not showing it, but he’s eager to have the grandkids. I think he’s long passed the point of wanting to join in the bragging fests with the geezers at work.”
Castiel’s eyes twinkled a little. “Is that so? I think he may be able to join in sooner than we’ve all expected.”
Dean gaped at him. “Dude… Serious?”
“I have five nieces and nephews Dean. I know the look,” Cas nodded at Jessica. “That’s the look.”
“Awesome,” Dean grinned. “I’m gonna be the best uncle ever.”
“I don’t doubt it,” Castiel chuckled. He took Dean’s hand and led them over to the rest of the family. It was almost time to go.
xx
The Haunted House was more comical than frightening, but he was pretty sure the children would find it scary. Castiel, for one, was pleased that it was toned down to be kid-friendly, because he didn’t want to let on that Mister FBI Winchester was frightened of a few fake ghosts. He never really understood why the children called him Mister FBI Winchester when he came around. He supposed there could be worse things than being bestowed that last name… Much, much worse.
He watched the kids filter in and out, ready to calm them if they became too frightened, or to send a stern look towards any boys who decided that rough housing and teasing was the thing to do. Many came through with their parents, so Castiel didn’t really have much to concern himself with. He just spent the majority of it studiously avoiding looking at the large rubber boa constrictor than would flash now and again in the fake lightning. Castiel never liked snakes.
The time he wasn’t spending doing that, he would take in the gleeful faces of the children. See them laugh and run and admire each other’s costumes. Some were remarkably creative.
He smiled a little sadly. Castiel always felt a deep pang of sadness at the thought of having children. Part of his sadness was also for Dean. Dean had always loved children, hence his profession, and Castiel thought the green-eyed teacher would make a fantastic father.
Castiel had just turned his back on the window displaying the snake when he felt something reach out and grab him. Castiel startled forward, eyes widening and heart racing, hand reaching for his concealed sidearm. He relaxed almost immediately when he heard a warm, familiar chuckle.
Castiel turned with a glare, “Dean.”
“Sorry, Cas, I should have waited for a better time to do that, yeah?” Dean’s sparkling eyes didn’t really give much weight to the apology. Seeing Dean’s gentle amusement, Castiel was beyond pleased that he had managed to keep the frightened and embarrassing squeak lodged firmly in his throat. He wouldn’t have heard the end of it from Dean if the demeaning noise had managed to escape.
“Yes, well, I was thinking we could fly out to see my brother next time. You know, on a plane. What do you think Dean?” Castiel said, just a little nastily.
“Dude, not cool,” Dean shuddered.
“I cannot believe you put a snake in here.” Castiel glared over at the offending rubber.
Dean grinned wickedly. “It’s all right, Sam’s over by the face painting booth… And guess what’s doing the face painting…”
“Clowns?” Castiel quirked a brow.
“Yep!”
Castiel shook his head. “You are a horrible human being, Dean Winchester.”
“You love me anyway,” Dean laughed. “I just came by to say you’re relieved. All that’s left is the costume parade, and then the ribbon ceremony. Shop’s closed.”
“I see, I was wondering why we’ve been alone for the last five minutes,” Cas remarked.
“Oh yeah, and we’ll be alone for a lot more than that.” Dean flashed Cas a suggestive glance, slowly strutting towards him, forcing Castiel to move back step-by-step until he was flush against the glass with the fake reptile. Castiel sidled away from it. Dean chuckled low and Castiel felt the sound shoot straight down his spine to pool warmly in his belly.
“Dean,” Castiel breathed out. “I really don’t think this is the most approp-” His words were cut off by a searing kiss and Castiel felt his eyes flutter closed, the wailing and flashing lights all falling away to dull background noise.
Dean was never really like this; he spoke suggestively and would whisper wicked innuendo to Castiel at inappropriate times, but it was rare that he acted on it. Castiel and Sam hadn’t been lying when they told Ellen that Dean was extremely professional. But now, here in the fun house, steps away from Dean’s entire family, his boss, colleagues and place of work, Dean was pressed flush against Castiel’s body, the warm, wet heat of Dean’s mouth devouring Castiel’s. Hands sinking lower and lower down the black sweater Castiel wore, tickling and playing at the agent’s side before coming to rest at the loose waistband of Castiel’s jeans.
Castiel had discovered with Meg that the risk of being caught was a surprising turn-on, but it had been a very long time since the former soldier explored that aspect of himself, and now that it was with Dean, whom Castiel had always had always been exceedingly aroused by, Castiel found himself reacting a lot faster and a lot harder than before.
Dean chuckled against Castiel’s lips, feeling the evidence for himself in their position. He pulled back far enough to whisper, “Bit of a naughty little thing, aren’t you Cas?”
“Jesus, Dean,” Castiel whispered as Dean twisted his hips a little and sent Castiel’s eyelashes fluttering and lips falling open in a gasp.
“Do you like that Cas? Thinking anyone could walk in at any minute? See you here with me. Me having you pressed nice and tight against that wall, hands all over, in all those places you love my hands to be,” Dean muttered.
“Fuck,” Castiel panted out, scrambling for purchase at Dean’s arms, shirt, shoulders anything he could reach. Fingers curling in the shot cropped hair at Dean’s nape, hips shifting and rutting of their own accord, lips-
“Dean?”
“Shit!” Dean laughed, scrambling away.
Castiel choked and blinked, prying himself off the wall and hoping his flush and other things weren’t as obvious as Castiel feared, when Sam made his way around the corner.
Dean and Castiel couldn’t help the nervous laughter that bubbled out. Dean with a hand splayed over his red face, and Castiel trying to school his features in the semblance of his usual calm mask while simultaneously attempting to completely ignore the throbbing in his jeans as he did so. Thank God, it was only Sam.
“Ah… you guys okay?” Sam asked hesitantly.
“Yep,” Dean answered, a little shaky.
“Kay…” Sam didn’t look convinced. “Andrea’s looking for you, the costume parade is about to start.”
“Thanks, Sam.” Dean still hadn’t moved, because Castiel was using him as cover. Sam gave them both a strange look again before shaking his head and leaving. Both men collapsed into laughter as soon as they heard the younger man’s footsteps fade.
xx
It turned out that one of Andrea’s second graders won. She went up on the stage with the little girl, Bailey, and had the quiet, prideful glow that was habitual in teachers when their students accomplished something. It was just as much her victory as Bailey’s, and Andrea handed Bailey the blue ribbon with a wide grin.
It was no secret that there was always friendly competition among classrooms, mostly in an effort to instil responsible behaviour and community outlook in their students. Sometimes they had friendly competitions on which classroom managed to bring in the most toys for the Christmas Tots Foundation. Sometimes during Sustainability Awareness month, it was which class managed to come up with the most creative alternative use for recycled items, among many others. Usually the class would win a small memento, a pizza party, and their photograph on the Hall of Fame billboard for that month. This time, it had just been for fun, and Dean lost the bet and owed Andrea dinner. He was sure one of Chuck’s fifth graders would win this year because they had the last two years in a row. Andrea swore up and down that one of her kids would win.
“You owe me, Cowboy,” Andrea winked as she came up to him after the kids had scattered to their homes and beds. Dean paused in his work of stabbing trash and rolled his eyes.
“Yeah, yeah. Well Matty owes me dinner, he was sure anyone but you would win, and I told him if it wasn’t Chuck it would be you.” Dean chuckled, “Not sure how Cas will take me going on two dates that don’t involve him, but we’ll see.” Dean winked, and even after all these years and all their history, Andrea never failed to blush at that.
“If it’s a date, does that mean we can’t go to the Roadhouse like I planned?” Matt was grinning when he said it as he approached. He was straight as an arrow but he played along with Dean when he could.
“Hell no, Man. The Roadhouse is the shit, best damn wings this side of the Hudson,” Dean smiled.
“At least I don’t have to dress up, then,” Matt laughed.
“I’ll still look pretty for you, no worries,” Dean winked again. It did not have the same effect on Matt as it did on Andrea.
“You’re taking me to the Roadhouse too, then; that way I don’t have to dress up,” Andrea jumped in.
“Good enough for me, Sweetheart, I’m a cheap date,” Dean grinned.
“Yes, and also a bit licentious if I recall,” Castiel’s cool, even drawl broke the banter. “Not that we’ve been on a date in a while... So my frame of reference might be a bit dated.”
Dean had the grace to blush at that one.
“Hello, Castiel,” Andrea greeted, pleasantly enough.
“Andrea,” Castiel replied in kind. “Have you been well?”
“Sure have! You?”
“Quite,” Castiel nodded.
“Awkward,” Dean mouthed at Matt, behind Castiel’s back. Matt snorted and covered it up with a cough.
“Hey, Castiel,” Matt jumped in with his easy, charming smile. “Good to see you again. Still have to have that music chat that I promised you. I have a few albums that you may not have heard. They’re newer, but they harken back to the old school.”
Castiel’s smile was easier now, genuine, it was hard not to be relaxed around Matt. “Yes, we do.”
“Well, you got my number. See you guys, Andrea. It was a great job tonight. The kids loved it!” Matt waved.
“Bye, Matty!” Dean said happily.
“See you, Matt,” Andrea beamed after a quick hug with the tall, dark haired man. She turned back to Dean and Castiel.
“I have to be on my way, too. Why don’t you guys get on? We’ll all be back tomorrow for the big tear down so we can clean up then. Night guys, say ‘hi’ to Sam for me!” She bounded away over to Lucas, who sat a few feet away with his crayons and his toy soldiers. Dean watched her for a moment as she bundled the boy deeper into his coat and ushered him towards her car.
“So, they decide on a place for dinner yet?” Dean asked, turning back to the man at his side.
“Your father wants steak. Everyone is inclined to give him what he wants,” Castiel smiled.
“I image they are,” Dean chuckled.
xx
Mary had let the idle conversation go while they waited for their food, and then the first five minutes after it arrived. She may have been a patient woman, but sometimes, you just had to get to the point. Mary lightly put down her knife and fork, took a sip of her water, and coughed delicately. Her family stopped mid-sentence, and she found four sets of light eyes, and one set of dark trained on her in an instant.
“All right, Dean, what have you been desperately trying not to tell me since we sat down?” Mary asked, straight to the point and quirking a delicate blonde brow.
Dean stole panicked glances at Sam and Cas. Sam made a point of looking anywhere but at anyone, and Castiel got very quiet and very still, staring blankly down at his plate.
“What? Have an illegitimate kid you just found about? Robbed a bank? Killed someone? Jeepers Dean, I know you, what’s going on?” Mary frowned at her eldest.
“Illegitimate kid?” Dean squeaked.
Mary found that one sort of odd for Dean to stumble over, but let it slide for now. Castiel whipped his gaze over to the younger man, frowning, but shook it off. John was remaining pointedly silent at her side. When it came to Sam, John was always the first to help wheedle, but with Dean, he let Mary take the reins.
“Come on, Angel, what’s going on?” Mary asked softly now. Dean flushed at the stupid nickname his mother had given him when he was a child, before clearing his throat.
“Okay, don’t freak out,” Dean began.
“Uh oh,” Mary muttered.
John narrowed his eyes, “Dean?”
“Look Dad, Mom, relax. It wasn’t even Dean’s idea it was mine,” Sam jumped in.
“Ours,” Castiel said quietly.
“Oh,” was how Mary responded. Maybe this was more serious than she thought. But what on earth would cause her three boys to go on the defensive like this? And yes, she did consider poor Castiel one of her boys now, too. God knows his own parents never did much for him. Jess was fidgeting in her chair, not taking her eyes off of Sam.
“I’m gonna… Ah… I’m gonnadosomeundercoverstufffortheFBI,” Dean said in one long rush, and snapped his mouth shut with an audible click. He squinted one eye closed and peered at his mother with the other like he had when he was a little boy after having just drawn all over the walls of the upstairs hallway.
“Oh,” Mary said again, quieter now.
“I see,” John murmured. Sam, Dean and Jess blinked; Castiel cocked his head to the side. The four children waited for what they assumed would be the inevitable explosion.
Mary took a deep, shuddering breath, clamping down on her panic that had welled up the moment Dean said undercover. Dean. Teacher Dean. Third Grade teacher Dean. Third grade teacher who hadn’t been in a real fight since twelfth grade Dean. Third Grade teacher Dean who could really handle himself like a pro if Mary were being honest with herself, but had no need to handle himself like a pro, was going to tote firearms and do ‘undercover stuff’ for the FBI. Dean, who was supposed to be the safe son, the son Mary didn’t have to worry about any longer. Her little angel, who Mary thought had all his trouble (and there had been a hell of a lot of trouble) behind him. Who was in the first long term, committed relationship that Mary approved of, had a steady, wonderful job, an excellent place to live, and was happy for the first time since he was four-years-old, and wasn’t frightened to death for Sammy.
Dean picked up Castiel’s beer and took a long swig while he waited for Mary’s response. The woman frowned at her son, and Dean did have the grace to look guilty. He put the beer down and pushed it away, but didn’t meet her eyes. He picked up his Perrier instead and swallowed nearly the entire bottle in one go. Once he was done, his line of sight zeroed in on the individual butters placed haphazardly on the plate. He reached out and began straightening them. Castiel snatched Dean’s hand back and held it firmly in his own.
Mary sighed, “I’m sorry Dean. I didn’t mean to upset you, but I just need a moment… I thought you loved teaching and I’m… surprised.” Worried, terrified, not sure if you can handle the stress of this whole crazy scheme. Frightened of what it may do to you. Please God, you promised you wouldn’t take him away from me.
“Dean,” John said gruffly, “are you really sure this is the best idea, Son? And Castiel, I’m a little surprised…”
“Believe me, Sir, I don’t like it any more than you do, but Sam and I have debated all feasible options, and given what it is we’re working on, this is the best solution,” Castiel said calmly, military man to military man. Not once betraying how his heart was pounding a mile a minute in his chest, or that his palm was sweating where it was pressed up against Dean’s jumpy, twitching fingers on his lap. Mary closed her eyes and let out a long breath.
“Mom…?” Dean ventured.
“Sorry,” Mary whispered. “I’m just… Dean, are you sure?”
“Mom, I have to,” Dean replied, that familiar steely determination falling over him, a determination that so often mirrored her own.
Mary nodded, “Okay then.”
Dean blinked, then surprised laughter slipped through, the sound not joyful in the least. “That’s it?”
Mary nodded tightly. “Dean, you’re thirty-two years old. I should have stopped deciding your life for you years ago. If you want to do this, if you feel you have to do this, then all right. Just… just promise me… Castiel.”
Castiel’s head snapped up.
“Castiel, you promise me you’ll keep him safe,” Mary glared at the agent.
Castiel swallowed and nodded stiffly. “Yes, Ma’am.”
“You promised, Boy,” John said sternly. Castiel snapped up into rigid military posture and his hand twitched, automatically wanting to salute, but he managed to bite it back by tightening his grip around Dean’s hand.
“Sir!” Castiel couldn’t stop from slipping out. John nodded, satisfied. Mary picked up her knife and fork, cutting a small piece off of her steak and chewing. The table fell into an awkward, stiff silence.
Dean cleared his throat, “So everyone have a good time at the carnival?”
Sam suddenly grinned over at Dean. “Well, we know you did, at least.”
Dean hissed, “Sam!” and kicked out.
“Ow,” Castiel said flatly and pointedly.
Sam let out his full belly laugh as Dean’s ears flushed pink.
“Sorry, Cas,” Dean muttered.
“Will you boys settle down? For Heaven’s sake, you’re embarrassing poor Jessica. So Jess, any wedding plans yet? Do you know where it’s going to be? A date?” Mary pressed, leaning towards the other petite blonde.
“Well, we’ve been thinking…” Jess and Mary fell into that close, huddled conversation that women were so fond of.
“Sam, you and Jessica aren’t going to stay in that god-awful rented apartment that smells like cigarette smoke and sweat socks are you? You have to give this pretty girl a proper home. Any thought on that yet, Son?” John piped up, shooting his piercing dark gaze to his youngest.
“Ah… well…”
“Sam, honestly, I won’t hear of it. You will give that…”
Dean grinned privately at Castiel, and Castiel smiled back. As big confessions go, that one went pretty well.
“My brother’s in real-estate,” Castiel offered, jumping in at the end of John’s lecture on the merits of a proper homestead. “I’ll have him call Sam. You remember Balthazar, don’t you?”
Sam groaned, and Dean smiled.
Yeah, pretty well indeed.
End Chapter
Previous | Master Post | Next
Author: Stolen Childe
Disclaimer: Supernatural and all associated characters belong to Kripke and Co. I make absolutely no claims on any of them.
Special Thanks to dapperscript for the wonderful beta! Thank you!
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Castiel awoke the next morning groaning as he squinted into the light, not even remembering how much he had to drink the night before. He didn’t actually remember much of the night before, after he used Gabriel to rescue him from Meg. Castiel shuddered at the thought of his ex; a strange choking sensation of unease settled in his gut.
Unmindful of his head, or his rolling stomach, or the chalky sandpaper feel of his tongue, he tossed the sheets aside and padded quickly to the kitchen. Almost running, but not quite. He let the unease release a little at seeing the familiar form of Dean rocking and wiggling his hips slightly as he sang Zeppelin under his breath. Castiel couldn’t hear well enough to pinpoint which song it was, but he knew Dean well enough to pick up on the artist.
Feeling a sudden urge for closeness, Castiel shuffled forward and snaked his arms around Dean’s waist, burying his face in the comfortable valley between Dean’s shoulder blades with a squeeze, probably a little tighter than he normally would have.
Dean chuckled, low, and Castiel felt it rumble pleasantly and vibrate through his entire body. The younger man turned his head to peer awkwardly over his shoulder before gently saying, “Hey, what’s this for? You okay?”
“Head hurts,” Castiel mumbled with a pout in his voice, unable to come up with a better reason. “Feel sick.”
Dean chuckled again and turned in the embrace, cradling Castiel’s head against his shoulder, “Poor you. I’m making bacon, eggs and hash browns… Uh! I See the look, none of that. A greasy, starchy breakfast is the best cure for a hangover. Take it from someone who was a borderline alkie in his undergrad days. I know.”
Castiel only nodded in response and shut his eyes; he had no desire to move right at that moment, and was just enjoying the feel of Dean wrapped around him so completely. He really wanted to know what this nagging feeling was in his stomach, but couldn’t for the life of him figure it out.
Castiel pulled back, becoming suddenly suspicious. “Hey, nothing happened last night did it? We’re okay, right?”
Dean snorted, “Dude, black out? Really? Nope, nadda. I showed up just after you wandered off to hit the head - according to Gabriel - and before that, you were with them the entire night. Gabe said something about you running into an ex and it rattling you, but that’s about it.”
There was the lancing flash of shame again and Castiel frowned… Why would he feel guilty if he was just rattled by her? Castiel didn’t like it, and vowed to never drink again… Then he remembered they were meeting John, Mary, Sam and Jess for Dean’s Halloween Carnival and Cas suddenly wanted to reach for the nearest bottle of whisky. The good Canadian stuff they bought at the duty free on their last trip up.
“Your mother is going to kill me,” Castiel muttered, finally taking a step back.
“You still on that? Is that what the sudden cuddle - not that I mind - is about? No worries, Babe. I’ll handle it, okay? Now sit. Grease and starch await.”
Castiel complied, though food was the last thing on his mind.
xx
Castiel was feeling marginally human by the time four o’clock rolled around and he had to take up his place as Haunted House Monitor. He would never admit that the damn things frightened him a little, but was not about to tell that to Missouri so she could assign him elsewhere. Missouri had been pretty insistent that she needed Castiel’s help, and that woman was wonderfully terrifying.
The doorbell rang, and Dean jogged excitedly over to answer, bouncing like a child. Castiel watched with a soft, fond smile, and put his novel aside, standing up and stretching to meet their guests.
It was hugs and squeals all around as the Winchesters (and Winchester-to-be, if Sam ever took Dean’s advice and got off his lazy ass… Dean’s words) tumbled into the room. There was the customary brother hug that had Sam wrapping his massive arms around Dean’s shoulders as if they hadn’t just seen each other the night before, and then Dean went to petite Jess and picked her up in a big bear hug. The pretty blonde giggled, then dropped a kiss on Dean’s cheek before scooting aside to allow Dean to greet John and Mary. Mary received a similar treatment to Jess and Dean and John partook in that awkward handshake, half-hug that Castiel always failed to understand. Then it was Castiel’s turn as the two women came towards him, arms spread, Sam’s bright grin and John’s firm handshake. After the enthusiastic greetings, Castiel always found himself slightly befuddled for a few moments, before he managed to regain his composure with the soft pressure of Dean’s hand on his lower back.
Castiel’s own family had never really been physically affectionate; the only brother who ever really hugged Castiel was Balthazar. Castiel and Jimmy even stopped giving one another hugs when they were children and didn’t share the same bed any longer. For the first seven years of their life, Jimmy would crawl into Castiel’s bed in the middle of the night, and then one day, it just stopped. They began gradually drifting apart after that, Jimmy becoming more involved in the Church, and Castiel becoming more involved in his crime novels and war dramas.
“All right, so I insisted that Mom and Dad come down for the carnival and that we all stop here before heading out, because Jess and I have something to tell you,” Sam burst out. He had been positively brimming with nervous energy for the last several days, and Castiel realized it was time for the big reveal. Dean vibrated excitedly behind him. It was a pretty safe assumption to make, considering how close they all were, that Dean had already figured out the announcement. Castiel had his own suspicions. So did the elder Winchesters if Mary’s eagerly clasped hands and John’s slow smile were anything to go by.
Sam took Jess’s hand in his own and all suspicions were confirmed when the tallest Winchester spoke, “I asked Jess to marry me, and being the foolish girl that she is, she said yes.” Sam’s grin was cheek splitting and Dean had an answering one firmly in place.
Dean tackled his brother then, the younger man catching him with a laugh before Dean pulled Jess into a tight group hug.
“I knew you’d smarten up eventually, Sam!” Dean crowed. “I’ve been telling him to pop the question for years Jess. Years. From the moment I met you, I knew you were way too good for him and he’d lose you if he didn’t. You have got to be the most patient girl in the world.”
Jess laughed, “I almost gave up on him!”
“Well, Dean…” Sam began with a sneaky smile, “You know I’ve be-” Whatever Sam was about to say was quickly cut off by Dean leaping up once again and pulling his big-little-brother’s head down to messily ruffle his hair.
“You’re such a jerk,” Sam said, wrestling his brother away and laughing all the while.
“Bitch,” Dean grinned back.
There was another round of hugs and congratulations, and Castiel watched it all with a fond smile. When Jessica was finally free, Castiel put a gentle hand on her shoulder and pulled her away from the group.
“Best wishes Jessica. You do wonders for Sam, and I wish you many long years of happiness,” Castiel said gently.
“Jeeze Cas, you don’t have to be so formal all the time,” she slung her arm around him. “Thank you though. He makes me happier than I ever thought I could be.”
Castiel chuckled, “Yes, I rather know the feeling. Something about those Winchester men, isn’t there?”
“Oh yeah, and it has nothing to do with those cheek bones, green eyes and dimples,” Jess winked.
Castiel laughed at that. “No, nothing at all.”
“So…” Jessica said in a sneaky tone Cas was pretty sure she picked up from Sam, “you thought anymore about what we talked about last time? You should take advantage of it, Cas, you brother’s done it.”
Castiel shifted, “I know but… Dean’s… Dean. I don’t want him to feel uncomfortable. You know how he gets sometimes. What we have is wonderful as it is, there’s no real need to label anything.”
“Yeah but think of the legalities Cas, especially in your lin-”
“I know,” Cas cut in gruffer than he meant to. “I apologize,” he said just as quickly. Jess smiled it away.
“Besides,” continued Castiel, “it took Sam nearly ten years to ask you! I’ve only been with Dean for three.”
Jess shrugged it off. “Different situation though. Sam took this long to be content enough with where he was in life to bring someone else in so permanently. I knew it was coming eventually, almost from the moment we met. But there was his schooling, and then his dissatisfaction with the firm. Now he’s happy and he’s ready, and there you have it. Dean’s been settled in what he’s doing for five years, he’s the happiest I’ve ever seen him, and Sam tells me he’s the happiest he’s ever been. You’re obviously settled in your life, and you’ve always been the guy to take what he wants Castiel… Just think about it.” She patted Castiel’s back, then returned to Sam. Her fiancé leaned down as she whispered in his ear, and his eyes flicked over with a grin before he turned his attention back to her soft grey eyes.
Castiel had to smile at the picture they made.
“Hey,” Dean whispered soft by his ear.
“Hello,” Castiel returned.
“This is so great, huh? God I’m happy for the kid. She’s the best girl he’s ever dated, ever. Hands down. Not that he had many before her, but still. She’s something. I know Mom’s thrilled, and Dad’s not showing it, but he’s eager to have the grandkids. I think he’s long passed the point of wanting to join in the bragging fests with the geezers at work.”
Castiel’s eyes twinkled a little. “Is that so? I think he may be able to join in sooner than we’ve all expected.”
Dean gaped at him. “Dude… Serious?”
“I have five nieces and nephews Dean. I know the look,” Cas nodded at Jessica. “That’s the look.”
“Awesome,” Dean grinned. “I’m gonna be the best uncle ever.”
“I don’t doubt it,” Castiel chuckled. He took Dean’s hand and led them over to the rest of the family. It was almost time to go.
xx
The Haunted House was more comical than frightening, but he was pretty sure the children would find it scary. Castiel, for one, was pleased that it was toned down to be kid-friendly, because he didn’t want to let on that Mister FBI Winchester was frightened of a few fake ghosts. He never really understood why the children called him Mister FBI Winchester when he came around. He supposed there could be worse things than being bestowed that last name… Much, much worse.
He watched the kids filter in and out, ready to calm them if they became too frightened, or to send a stern look towards any boys who decided that rough housing and teasing was the thing to do. Many came through with their parents, so Castiel didn’t really have much to concern himself with. He just spent the majority of it studiously avoiding looking at the large rubber boa constrictor than would flash now and again in the fake lightning. Castiel never liked snakes.
The time he wasn’t spending doing that, he would take in the gleeful faces of the children. See them laugh and run and admire each other’s costumes. Some were remarkably creative.
He smiled a little sadly. Castiel always felt a deep pang of sadness at the thought of having children. Part of his sadness was also for Dean. Dean had always loved children, hence his profession, and Castiel thought the green-eyed teacher would make a fantastic father.
Castiel had just turned his back on the window displaying the snake when he felt something reach out and grab him. Castiel startled forward, eyes widening and heart racing, hand reaching for his concealed sidearm. He relaxed almost immediately when he heard a warm, familiar chuckle.
Castiel turned with a glare, “Dean.”
“Sorry, Cas, I should have waited for a better time to do that, yeah?” Dean’s sparkling eyes didn’t really give much weight to the apology. Seeing Dean’s gentle amusement, Castiel was beyond pleased that he had managed to keep the frightened and embarrassing squeak lodged firmly in his throat. He wouldn’t have heard the end of it from Dean if the demeaning noise had managed to escape.
“Yes, well, I was thinking we could fly out to see my brother next time. You know, on a plane. What do you think Dean?” Castiel said, just a little nastily.
“Dude, not cool,” Dean shuddered.
“I cannot believe you put a snake in here.” Castiel glared over at the offending rubber.
Dean grinned wickedly. “It’s all right, Sam’s over by the face painting booth… And guess what’s doing the face painting…”
“Clowns?” Castiel quirked a brow.
“Yep!”
Castiel shook his head. “You are a horrible human being, Dean Winchester.”
“You love me anyway,” Dean laughed. “I just came by to say you’re relieved. All that’s left is the costume parade, and then the ribbon ceremony. Shop’s closed.”
“I see, I was wondering why we’ve been alone for the last five minutes,” Cas remarked.
“Oh yeah, and we’ll be alone for a lot more than that.” Dean flashed Cas a suggestive glance, slowly strutting towards him, forcing Castiel to move back step-by-step until he was flush against the glass with the fake reptile. Castiel sidled away from it. Dean chuckled low and Castiel felt the sound shoot straight down his spine to pool warmly in his belly.
“Dean,” Castiel breathed out. “I really don’t think this is the most approp-” His words were cut off by a searing kiss and Castiel felt his eyes flutter closed, the wailing and flashing lights all falling away to dull background noise.
Dean was never really like this; he spoke suggestively and would whisper wicked innuendo to Castiel at inappropriate times, but it was rare that he acted on it. Castiel and Sam hadn’t been lying when they told Ellen that Dean was extremely professional. But now, here in the fun house, steps away from Dean’s entire family, his boss, colleagues and place of work, Dean was pressed flush against Castiel’s body, the warm, wet heat of Dean’s mouth devouring Castiel’s. Hands sinking lower and lower down the black sweater Castiel wore, tickling and playing at the agent’s side before coming to rest at the loose waistband of Castiel’s jeans.
Castiel had discovered with Meg that the risk of being caught was a surprising turn-on, but it had been a very long time since the former soldier explored that aspect of himself, and now that it was with Dean, whom Castiel had always had always been exceedingly aroused by, Castiel found himself reacting a lot faster and a lot harder than before.
Dean chuckled against Castiel’s lips, feeling the evidence for himself in their position. He pulled back far enough to whisper, “Bit of a naughty little thing, aren’t you Cas?”
“Jesus, Dean,” Castiel whispered as Dean twisted his hips a little and sent Castiel’s eyelashes fluttering and lips falling open in a gasp.
“Do you like that Cas? Thinking anyone could walk in at any minute? See you here with me. Me having you pressed nice and tight against that wall, hands all over, in all those places you love my hands to be,” Dean muttered.
“Fuck,” Castiel panted out, scrambling for purchase at Dean’s arms, shirt, shoulders anything he could reach. Fingers curling in the shot cropped hair at Dean’s nape, hips shifting and rutting of their own accord, lips-
“Dean?”
“Shit!” Dean laughed, scrambling away.
Castiel choked and blinked, prying himself off the wall and hoping his flush and other things weren’t as obvious as Castiel feared, when Sam made his way around the corner.
Dean and Castiel couldn’t help the nervous laughter that bubbled out. Dean with a hand splayed over his red face, and Castiel trying to school his features in the semblance of his usual calm mask while simultaneously attempting to completely ignore the throbbing in his jeans as he did so. Thank God, it was only Sam.
“Ah… you guys okay?” Sam asked hesitantly.
“Yep,” Dean answered, a little shaky.
“Kay…” Sam didn’t look convinced. “Andrea’s looking for you, the costume parade is about to start.”
“Thanks, Sam.” Dean still hadn’t moved, because Castiel was using him as cover. Sam gave them both a strange look again before shaking his head and leaving. Both men collapsed into laughter as soon as they heard the younger man’s footsteps fade.
xx
It turned out that one of Andrea’s second graders won. She went up on the stage with the little girl, Bailey, and had the quiet, prideful glow that was habitual in teachers when their students accomplished something. It was just as much her victory as Bailey’s, and Andrea handed Bailey the blue ribbon with a wide grin.
It was no secret that there was always friendly competition among classrooms, mostly in an effort to instil responsible behaviour and community outlook in their students. Sometimes they had friendly competitions on which classroom managed to bring in the most toys for the Christmas Tots Foundation. Sometimes during Sustainability Awareness month, it was which class managed to come up with the most creative alternative use for recycled items, among many others. Usually the class would win a small memento, a pizza party, and their photograph on the Hall of Fame billboard for that month. This time, it had just been for fun, and Dean lost the bet and owed Andrea dinner. He was sure one of Chuck’s fifth graders would win this year because they had the last two years in a row. Andrea swore up and down that one of her kids would win.
“You owe me, Cowboy,” Andrea winked as she came up to him after the kids had scattered to their homes and beds. Dean paused in his work of stabbing trash and rolled his eyes.
“Yeah, yeah. Well Matty owes me dinner, he was sure anyone but you would win, and I told him if it wasn’t Chuck it would be you.” Dean chuckled, “Not sure how Cas will take me going on two dates that don’t involve him, but we’ll see.” Dean winked, and even after all these years and all their history, Andrea never failed to blush at that.
“If it’s a date, does that mean we can’t go to the Roadhouse like I planned?” Matt was grinning when he said it as he approached. He was straight as an arrow but he played along with Dean when he could.
“Hell no, Man. The Roadhouse is the shit, best damn wings this side of the Hudson,” Dean smiled.
“At least I don’t have to dress up, then,” Matt laughed.
“I’ll still look pretty for you, no worries,” Dean winked again. It did not have the same effect on Matt as it did on Andrea.
“You’re taking me to the Roadhouse too, then; that way I don’t have to dress up,” Andrea jumped in.
“Good enough for me, Sweetheart, I’m a cheap date,” Dean grinned.
“Yes, and also a bit licentious if I recall,” Castiel’s cool, even drawl broke the banter. “Not that we’ve been on a date in a while... So my frame of reference might be a bit dated.”
Dean had the grace to blush at that one.
“Hello, Castiel,” Andrea greeted, pleasantly enough.
“Andrea,” Castiel replied in kind. “Have you been well?”
“Sure have! You?”
“Quite,” Castiel nodded.
“Awkward,” Dean mouthed at Matt, behind Castiel’s back. Matt snorted and covered it up with a cough.
“Hey, Castiel,” Matt jumped in with his easy, charming smile. “Good to see you again. Still have to have that music chat that I promised you. I have a few albums that you may not have heard. They’re newer, but they harken back to the old school.”
Castiel’s smile was easier now, genuine, it was hard not to be relaxed around Matt. “Yes, we do.”
“Well, you got my number. See you guys, Andrea. It was a great job tonight. The kids loved it!” Matt waved.
“Bye, Matty!” Dean said happily.
“See you, Matt,” Andrea beamed after a quick hug with the tall, dark haired man. She turned back to Dean and Castiel.
“I have to be on my way, too. Why don’t you guys get on? We’ll all be back tomorrow for the big tear down so we can clean up then. Night guys, say ‘hi’ to Sam for me!” She bounded away over to Lucas, who sat a few feet away with his crayons and his toy soldiers. Dean watched her for a moment as she bundled the boy deeper into his coat and ushered him towards her car.
“So, they decide on a place for dinner yet?” Dean asked, turning back to the man at his side.
“Your father wants steak. Everyone is inclined to give him what he wants,” Castiel smiled.
“I image they are,” Dean chuckled.
xx
Mary had let the idle conversation go while they waited for their food, and then the first five minutes after it arrived. She may have been a patient woman, but sometimes, you just had to get to the point. Mary lightly put down her knife and fork, took a sip of her water, and coughed delicately. Her family stopped mid-sentence, and she found four sets of light eyes, and one set of dark trained on her in an instant.
“All right, Dean, what have you been desperately trying not to tell me since we sat down?” Mary asked, straight to the point and quirking a delicate blonde brow.
Dean stole panicked glances at Sam and Cas. Sam made a point of looking anywhere but at anyone, and Castiel got very quiet and very still, staring blankly down at his plate.
“What? Have an illegitimate kid you just found about? Robbed a bank? Killed someone? Jeepers Dean, I know you, what’s going on?” Mary frowned at her eldest.
“Illegitimate kid?” Dean squeaked.
Mary found that one sort of odd for Dean to stumble over, but let it slide for now. Castiel whipped his gaze over to the younger man, frowning, but shook it off. John was remaining pointedly silent at her side. When it came to Sam, John was always the first to help wheedle, but with Dean, he let Mary take the reins.
“Come on, Angel, what’s going on?” Mary asked softly now. Dean flushed at the stupid nickname his mother had given him when he was a child, before clearing his throat.
“Okay, don’t freak out,” Dean began.
“Uh oh,” Mary muttered.
John narrowed his eyes, “Dean?”
“Look Dad, Mom, relax. It wasn’t even Dean’s idea it was mine,” Sam jumped in.
“Ours,” Castiel said quietly.
“Oh,” was how Mary responded. Maybe this was more serious than she thought. But what on earth would cause her three boys to go on the defensive like this? And yes, she did consider poor Castiel one of her boys now, too. God knows his own parents never did much for him. Jess was fidgeting in her chair, not taking her eyes off of Sam.
“I’m gonna… Ah… I’m gonnadosomeundercoverstufffortheFBI,” Dean said in one long rush, and snapped his mouth shut with an audible click. He squinted one eye closed and peered at his mother with the other like he had when he was a little boy after having just drawn all over the walls of the upstairs hallway.
“Oh,” Mary said again, quieter now.
“I see,” John murmured. Sam, Dean and Jess blinked; Castiel cocked his head to the side. The four children waited for what they assumed would be the inevitable explosion.
Mary took a deep, shuddering breath, clamping down on her panic that had welled up the moment Dean said undercover. Dean. Teacher Dean. Third Grade teacher Dean. Third grade teacher who hadn’t been in a real fight since twelfth grade Dean. Third Grade teacher Dean who could really handle himself like a pro if Mary were being honest with herself, but had no need to handle himself like a pro, was going to tote firearms and do ‘undercover stuff’ for the FBI. Dean, who was supposed to be the safe son, the son Mary didn’t have to worry about any longer. Her little angel, who Mary thought had all his trouble (and there had been a hell of a lot of trouble) behind him. Who was in the first long term, committed relationship that Mary approved of, had a steady, wonderful job, an excellent place to live, and was happy for the first time since he was four-years-old, and wasn’t frightened to death for Sammy.
Dean picked up Castiel’s beer and took a long swig while he waited for Mary’s response. The woman frowned at her son, and Dean did have the grace to look guilty. He put the beer down and pushed it away, but didn’t meet her eyes. He picked up his Perrier instead and swallowed nearly the entire bottle in one go. Once he was done, his line of sight zeroed in on the individual butters placed haphazardly on the plate. He reached out and began straightening them. Castiel snatched Dean’s hand back and held it firmly in his own.
Mary sighed, “I’m sorry Dean. I didn’t mean to upset you, but I just need a moment… I thought you loved teaching and I’m… surprised.” Worried, terrified, not sure if you can handle the stress of this whole crazy scheme. Frightened of what it may do to you. Please God, you promised you wouldn’t take him away from me.
“Dean,” John said gruffly, “are you really sure this is the best idea, Son? And Castiel, I’m a little surprised…”
“Believe me, Sir, I don’t like it any more than you do, but Sam and I have debated all feasible options, and given what it is we’re working on, this is the best solution,” Castiel said calmly, military man to military man. Not once betraying how his heart was pounding a mile a minute in his chest, or that his palm was sweating where it was pressed up against Dean’s jumpy, twitching fingers on his lap. Mary closed her eyes and let out a long breath.
“Mom…?” Dean ventured.
“Sorry,” Mary whispered. “I’m just… Dean, are you sure?”
“Mom, I have to,” Dean replied, that familiar steely determination falling over him, a determination that so often mirrored her own.
Mary nodded, “Okay then.”
Dean blinked, then surprised laughter slipped through, the sound not joyful in the least. “That’s it?”
Mary nodded tightly. “Dean, you’re thirty-two years old. I should have stopped deciding your life for you years ago. If you want to do this, if you feel you have to do this, then all right. Just… just promise me… Castiel.”
Castiel’s head snapped up.
“Castiel, you promise me you’ll keep him safe,” Mary glared at the agent.
Castiel swallowed and nodded stiffly. “Yes, Ma’am.”
“You promised, Boy,” John said sternly. Castiel snapped up into rigid military posture and his hand twitched, automatically wanting to salute, but he managed to bite it back by tightening his grip around Dean’s hand.
“Sir!” Castiel couldn’t stop from slipping out. John nodded, satisfied. Mary picked up her knife and fork, cutting a small piece off of her steak and chewing. The table fell into an awkward, stiff silence.
Dean cleared his throat, “So everyone have a good time at the carnival?”
Sam suddenly grinned over at Dean. “Well, we know you did, at least.”
Dean hissed, “Sam!” and kicked out.
“Ow,” Castiel said flatly and pointedly.
Sam let out his full belly laugh as Dean’s ears flushed pink.
“Sorry, Cas,” Dean muttered.
“Will you boys settle down? For Heaven’s sake, you’re embarrassing poor Jessica. So Jess, any wedding plans yet? Do you know where it’s going to be? A date?” Mary pressed, leaning towards the other petite blonde.
“Well, we’ve been thinking…” Jess and Mary fell into that close, huddled conversation that women were so fond of.
“Sam, you and Jessica aren’t going to stay in that god-awful rented apartment that smells like cigarette smoke and sweat socks are you? You have to give this pretty girl a proper home. Any thought on that yet, Son?” John piped up, shooting his piercing dark gaze to his youngest.
“Ah… well…”
“Sam, honestly, I won’t hear of it. You will give that…”
Dean grinned privately at Castiel, and Castiel smiled back. As big confessions go, that one went pretty well.
“My brother’s in real-estate,” Castiel offered, jumping in at the end of John’s lecture on the merits of a proper homestead. “I’ll have him call Sam. You remember Balthazar, don’t you?”
Sam groaned, and Dean smiled.
Yeah, pretty well indeed.
End Chapter
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