FIC: Twitfics V, R, Multiple Pairings
Jun. 29th, 2010 06:32 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
cloudy_ficTitle: Twitfics V: JuneTwitFic
Author: CloudyJenn
Fandom: Supernatural
Pairings: Dean/Castiel primarily. Also: Sam/Gabriel, Sam/Castiel, Sam/Anna, Dean/Michael, Chuck/Castiel, Ash/Victor, Jared/Genevieve
Rating: R
Word Count: 7,830
Disclaimer: These characters do not belong to me. I am making no profit from this fanfiction.
Warnings: General Season 5 Spoilers, tiny bit of Gen RPF, tons of AUs
Summary: Too many for one summary. Supernatural characters doing things!
Author's Notes: A fifth collection of ficlets from my twitter. There are a few longer series in here, but unlike before, all the stories are complete. Any uncompleted series are stored here:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
cloudy_verses. Also, two of these ficlets cross over with Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials and one crosses with the TV show Lie to Me.
Strange Transformations
"I'll never eat fish again."
Dean dips his finger into the water. The fish's fins billow out like angry little wings and he barges at the tip of Dean's finger.
"This is really going to put a crimp in your sex life," Sam says from the other side of the bowl. He raises an eyebrow at Dean. "It better anyway."
Castiel flips a tiny wave of water at Sam.
~~~
Awkward
"Cut the creeper stare," Dean hisses. He wishes he hadn't said anything when Castiel spends the rest of their bus ride staring at him instead.
~~~
The Real Vessel
"So Cas, you never really told me about your vessel."
Castiel looks down at his borrowed body.
"His name is Jacob," he says. "He can fly almost as swiftly as myself and his faith in hidden mysteries astounds me," Castiel says in admiration.
"Big fan of God, huh?" Dean asks.
"No, robot heads," Castiel replies.
~~~
New and Old Love
Cassie laughs as Castiel makes Dean explain fajitas to him. It's when she sees the love through Dean's feigned annoyance that she realizes she's genuinely happy for him.
~~~
Blind Date
"Are you sure about this?" Sam asks as Dean checks his hair again.
"Yeah, why not?"
"Well..."
Dean glances at him the mirror. "What?"
Sam sighs. "You're in love with Castiel."
Dean huffs. He doesn't want to talk about how he's been in love with their clueless childhood friend for as long as he can remember. Much better just to date this guy he met online. At least he might have a chance of getting laid sometime or another.
"Yeah, well, that ship sailed, okay?"
"You don't even know the guy's name!" Sam protests.
"I know enough. Now quit bitching and promise me you won't wait up," Dean commands. At Sam's resigned sigh, Dean grins and heads to the door.
"Be careful," Sam calls after him.
They've agreed to meet at an Italian place downtown. He knows his friend as James, but that's not his real name. Long before they'd decided to meet, they'd agreed not to share their real names and it stuck.
"Can I help you, sir?"
"Yeah, I'm looking for James?"
The hostess beams. "Oh yes. He's waiting right this way."
As he follows her, Dean's nerves begin to make themselves known. After all, he'd only been chatting with this guy for a few weeks. Sure, they seemed to get along, but he could be a murderer or a creep for all Dean knew and even if he weren't, he'd never be-
"Cas?"
Dean's stomach drops. The man staring up at him from their table is as familiar to him as his own brother. That constant deep ache of longing, the one Dean always feels, flares into a brilliant sharp hurt.
"What are you doing here?"
"You're Mike?"
And it's stupid, but the realization that Castiel had been looking for someone else adds a deep cut of jealousy to the mess of pain Dean's feeling.
"Yeah, surprise," he grunts, dropping onto the seat opposite Castiel. "Looks like you got screwed in the deal."
But Castiel doesn't seem to hear him. His eyes are fixed on the lit candle in the middle of the table, lines of tension turning his expression into an angry mask.
"Look, I'm sorry," Dean snaps. "But it's not like I knew."
"And how did you like James?" Castiel says in a low dangerous tone. "Did you at least find him acceptable?"
Confusion clutters in after the hurt.
"What is that supposed to mean?"
Castiel is silent briefly, just long enough for a flare of determination to cross his face and then his eyes jerk up to Dean's.
"I went online to get over you and you followed me even there," he growls. "Will you never give me peace?"
He makes to stand up, but Dean grabs his arm, reaching through his fog of shock, anger and dizzying hope.
"Sit your ass down," he orders. "What do you mean 'get over me'?"
Castiel laughs softly without humor.
"Sam said you didn't know. I didn't believe him." He meets Dean's surprised gaze. "I've loved you since you shoved Billy Luellen in the dirt in second grade for calling me a geek."
Dean shifts in his chair. "Billy was a jerk," he mutters.
"And I was a geek and you didn't care," Castiel says quietly. "You never cared."
Dean searches his face, unable to process what he's hearing. What he's finally hearing.
"You stayed at my house during prom when Ginny Ammerman dumped me for a football player," Dean blurts. "Even though Sandy Philips wanted to sleep with you that night."
Castiel frowns.
"What does that have to-"
"That’s when I fell in love with you."
Dean's heart leaps into his throat. After all these years of hiding the words and the feelings, pretending they didn't exist or matter; finally saying them out loud made him feel sick and scared and free.
"Oh," Castiel says blankly. "I...I see."
They stare at one another, each with a frightened look of anticipation, like one might see on the face of someone about to jump out of an airplane.
Castiel breaks the silence first.
"Don't ever look for dates online again."
Dean nods.
"Move in with me," he says.
"Alright." Castiel picks up his menu. "I'm hungry for pasta tonight."
Dean smiles.
"Me too."
~~~
Duh
"Your car may be alive."
"Really? I knew it! I knew she was alive," Dean crows.
Castiel blinks.
"Sam was right. You are surprisingly gullible."
~~~
A Mistake
When Sam slides a hand up his thigh, Castiel doesn't protest. After all, the brothers share everything. This must just be another thing.
~~~
Aggressive Cuddler
Castiel appears in their motel room just as the brothers are sitting down to lunch, Dean to his cheeseburger and Sam to his chicken salad.
"Hey, you okay?" Dean asks, concern flickering across his expression. Castiel is swaying slightly on his feet. He looks like a good stiff breeze could knock him off his feet.
"I require rest," he announces.
Dean and Sam stare at him, then glance at each other and then stare back at him.
"So...?" Dean asks, drawing the word into a question.
"I need to have a nap," Castiel explains further, but Dean doesn't get it.
Sam, on the other hand, obviously understands the message because he giggles into his lettuce.
"What?" Dean demands.
"He needs to nap. You know, like before," Sam says, somewhat unhelpfully.
Okay, so maybe Castiel had fallen asleep on Dean's shoulder in the car that one time. Then there was the time when he dozed off during a Jayhawks game and happened to lean into Dean for the rest of the game. And of course, last week when Castiel had been sitting on Dean's bed with him while the brothers discussed their latest case and had fallen asleep while Dean poked him in the side repeatedly.
But that was just those few times. It wasn't like he needed Dean to sleep.
"So?"
"I must sleep," Castiel interrupts. "We sleep together."
Dean stood up from the table so fast, his chair nearly fell over.
"Um, what? No. No, you sleep and I happen to be around for it sometimes," he argues.
Castiel frowns deeply.
"Every time," he corrects. "All three times."
He really wishes his mouth hadn't fallen open in obvious shock, but Dean just can't help himself. Sam's girlish giggles return.
"Told you. Face it, Dean. You're an angel's security blanket," Sam says through his amusement.
"That's...you can't...What the hell, man!"
Castiel ignores Dean's nonsense ranting and begins steering him towards the bed. "I would appreciate it if you held off your emotional crisis until after I feel more well-rested," he says, pushing Dean down onto the bed.
"But...my food," Dean protests.
Sam snaps it up. "No worries. We'll just heat this up later. Pleasant dreams, you guys!"
He flounces out of the room, but Dean barely notices because he's too busy watching Castiel shrug out of his trench coat and loosen his tie.
"Is undressing really necessary?"
"I assume so," Castiel says, tossing his tie aside. "Feel free to adjust your level of dress."
In spite of himself, Dean laughs. "That's the least sexy come-on I've ever heard."
"I'm not coming on to you," Castiel says in a cranky tone. "I'm tired." He shoves Dean down and climbs in beside him, throwing his arm over Dean's waist.
"Now be quiet and sleep," he commands.
"You know, I always thought you'd be aggressive in bed, but this wasn't exactly what I meant," Dean comments. He's never been much for snuggling, but his arms don't really have anywhere to go, so he gathers Castiel up against his body.
"Shut up," Castiel says sleepily.
So Dean does.
~~~
First Meeting Ends
"Because we have work for you."
There's a long silence. Castiel shifts from one foot to the other.
"So yeah," he says. "Work." Another pause. "And I'll be back and everything too."
They continue to stare.
"Right," Castiel says. "I'll just-"
Dean nods. "Bye."
~~~
Reunion Series
Challenge
"Isn't there anyone you want to see?" Sam needles.
Dean remembers serious blue eyes, a lack of personal space.
"That's what I thought," Sam gloats. "Just go to the reunion. You won't know why he left unless you ask."
Dean scowls. He hates when Sam is right.
Preparation
Dean decides not to freak out. Castiel is the one who left all those years ago. And it's not like he and Castiel were anything special. They didn't even meet until freshman year. So really, it'll just be seeing some guy he used to know. Who probably won't even be there since the only person he'd cared about, he'd already abandoned.
Right, Dean thinks. So no reason to freak out at all.
Not the Only One
"I don't want to go," Castiel says petulantly. "I have no interest in my fellow classmates' lives and I'm sure they have none in mine-"
"You care about Dean," Anna interrupts, giving him a don't-fuck-with-me glare. Castiel abruptly turns away.
"I don't want to talk about it."
Anna's voice is gentle when she speaks again. "I know he broke your heart, but that was ten years ago. You owe it to yourself to have some closure."
Perhaps she's right. But after how long it took Castiel to get over Dean?
He's not sure he can handle seeing him again.
Still the Same
Dean is most surprised by how much people are the same. Even with ten years of age and change, for the most part, it's the same kids he remembers. The same cliques, the same outcasts. With a few exceptions, it's like walking back into 1996 and finding everything where he left it.
Of course, Dean himself is part of this unchanging landscape. He's the obsessed shop kid that grew up to have his own garage. He's still single, still living with his brother. Even his clothing is the same. The leather jacket he's wearing is the same one his father gave him when Dean started high school. He's never been much for change.
Except when he turns away from a seemingly endless conversation with a former cheerleader Dean's almost sure he banged at some point to see Castiel watching him from across the gymnasium.
Dean might as well be eighteen again. It's lunchtime and the noise of dozens of chatting students fades away because Castiel is looking at him. The world moves on around them and Dean is terrified because Castiel is looking at him and someone will know. They'll see what Dean feels when he's with his friend.
He shakes himself. If he could change one thing, Dean would tell that stupid kid he used to be not to bother with the conflict. Even if he had known what Dean felt for him, Castiel wouldn't have cared.
But Dean can't change things. All he can do is give Castiel a flippant smirk and turn away towards the refreshments table.
It's been ten years and Dean's moved on. He refuses to be pulled back into self-doubt over a pair of bright intelligent eyes. He won't abide that old unsatisfied longing that's even now so very easily creeping back into his heart.
Fuck him, Dean thinks savagely.
The thought doesn't really help.
Not Letting It Go
If this really were high school, Castiel would have left well enough alone.
But when Dean sneers at him from across the room, Castiel snaps. After spending senior year wondering why his best friend was suddenly distant and enduring the crushing realization that Dean didn't care about him right as he also figured out he loved Dean, it had taken well into Castiel's college career to recover enough to date other guys.
It took even longer for him to admit to himself that he never stopped loving Dean.
So when Dean essentially looks at Castiel like he's worthless, Castiel loses it. Within seconds, he's across the room, right up against Dean's side at the refreshments table. He clamps a hand around Dean's elbow.
"What the-" Dean starts, but cuts himself off when he sees who's manhandling him.
"Hey, look, it's Novak and Winchester, together again," someone teases. Castiel doesn't even bother to acknowledge them. He drags Dean towards the gym door.
"Stop it," Dean says, trying to jerk away. "What the hell is your problem, Cas?"
The nickname strikes a chord, turning Castiel's anger into molten fury. As soon as they reach the hallway, he slams Dean back against a locker and presses close, too upset to really think his actions through.
"My problem? You really must ask?" Castiel can't even fathom what makes Dean think he has the right to this question. "Alright, since you bothered to ask, I will tell you exactly what my problem is."
Dean's eyes flick down to Castiel's mouth and even though it's really not the time, Castiel can't help noticing how they turn that dark rich shade of green Castiel always loved so well.
"I loved you," Castiel says and the tense is a lie, but he's standing far too close to Dean for the truth. "I loved you and you didn't care. I left for school and you never said goodbye or hello again. I gave you everything and it's been ten years and you're standing here asking me why I'm upset."
There's very clearly shock in Dean's expression and suddenly Castiel feels very tired. Dean never knew. Ten years is too long to carry this kind of hurt. Castiel's exhausted and he just wants to finally give it up.
"I loved...love you," Castiel corrects himself as he withdraws from Dean's personal space and straightens his shirt.
"And I suppose it's time I learned how not to."
Cleared Up
It has to be one of the least romantic moments of Dean's entire life. Despite the word love being thrown around, Castiel looks as pissed as Dean feels. Although to be fair, Dean's not sure if he's mad at Castiel or himself more. All he knows is that Castiel just confessed his love for him and Dean feels like his chest is compressing in on itself. He always thought that kind of moment was supposed to be pleasant. Not make you want to stab yourself in the face over your own stupidity.
"Where do you think you're going?"
Dean catches Castiel before he can escape and hauls him close again. Much has stayed the same, but some things have changed. Castiel's not a kid anymore. Sometime in the last decade, that skinny awkward body of his filled out with muscle and strength and given that it's currently pressed against Dean's, it takes a few moments for either of them to remember the point of their conversation.
"Don't you dare try to stop loving me," Dean says and it sounds much sillier outside his head than it did inside.
Castiel doesn't seem to notice.
"Let go of me," he says, struggling to break out of Dean's grasp. "I'm leaving."
It's the magic phrase, the one that digs down deep and stabs at badly healed wounds. Dean flips them and takes great delight in turning Castiel's actions back on himself. Slamming Castiel into lockers has the added benefit of thrusting Dean further against Castiel's new grown-up body.
"Not again, you're not," Dean growls. He curls one hand around Castiel's hips, holding him firmly in the place. The other hand he places palm-down against the cold metal beside Castiel's head. Leaning down, so close he can see Castiel's pupils dilate as his eyes widen, Dean speaks quietly, mouth hovering just over Castiel's.
"You know, I don't know which of us is stupider," he says in a contemplative tone. "You for assuming I stopped talking to you because I hated you or me for thinking my scrawny little stalker would actually abandon me."
That comment finally makes Castiel lift his gaze from Dean's mouth. Irritation flickers across his eyes.
"Excuse me?"
Dean grins. "Don't tell me you forgot how you followed me around all freshmen year. Like a sad puppy. You were worse than Sam."
"I was not!" Castiel hotly denies. "You were my friend is all-"
"Yeah, I was," Dean says, his smile fading away. "So how come you never bothered to ask me why I acted like an idiot our senior year?"
"I thought you-" Castiel stops himself, apparently unwilling to give that information.
"You thought I what?" Dean presses. He squeezes Castiel's hip, hard enough to leave bruises. "You thought what?"
"I thought you'd figured me out," Castiel murmurs as he leans up into Dean's grip.
"No." Dean slides his hand down the locker and grasps Castiel's other hip. "No, I was too busy trying to hide what I was thinking."
There's a short pause where Castiel seems too afraid to ask the logical question. He curves his back, arches away from the locker until only his shoulders touch it, but still he doesn't ask the question.
But communication problems got them into this mess. Lost them ten whole years and Dean's not about to lose ten more.
"I fell in love with you, idiot," he says.
"Oh," Castiel says.
He's clearly unable to process the concept, but that doesn't stop him from pushing away from the locker completely and settling his hands on Dean's chest.
"And...and now?" he asks dazedly.
"Now...I don't know," Dean says and it's the truth. They can't fall right back into being best friends. And despite the fact that so much has stayed the same, the Castiel he fell in love with was a boy of 17. The person standing in front of him is an adult, a man in his late twenties. A veritable stranger.
And yet, in all those years and all those other people, Dean never found anything or anyone that came close to making him feel the way Castiel does.
"I guess I just want the chance to do it again," he finally says.
"Alright," Castiel says.
Obviously, it won't be this simple. There'll be hours of talking and slow moves and knowing Castiel, months before they get to the good parts. But right now, in this moment, he's holding Castiel and learning hope.
And that's more than enough.
That's everything.
~~~
Can't Lie
Lightman stares at the man, but gets nothing from his cold blue eyes. He tries a different tack.
"Do you love this man?" he asks, pointing to the loud-mouthed one whose feelings and thoughts are so obvious, it's laughable. "Because he loves you," he adds.
Something finally flickers across the man's expression. Shock and hope and a flash of profound love. Cal sighs with relief. Not a psychopath after all.
~~~
Belonging
He settled in and stretched his wings. Intense relief coursed through his grace. Finally, he was where he belonged.
Dean?, he thought. The answering voice sounded oddly breathless, though the human no longer breathed with his own lungs.
Yeah, I'm h-here. Dude, this is...
He knew all too well. Yes and since you finally said yes, you'll never have to feel anything else. Ever.
The strong pulse of satisfied pleasure that pumped through his veins was not his own.
Michael smiled.
~~~
Sleep Plans
"Cas'll just sleep with me," Dean says when Sam asks about bed space.
"But you're not dating," Sam deadpans.
Dean scowls. "No! Shit, why'd you keep saying that?"
"Oh I don't know," Sam sighs. "The sleeping together, the couples' checking, the-" He makes a face. :The cuddling."
Turning away to unpack his bag, Sam mumbles his next words. "You know, the dating."
"We do not...wait, couples' checking?"
Sam turns back and performs a little scene. "Oh, hey Cas, you wanna go see a movie?" He lowers his voice in an apparent imitation of Castiel. "I must ask Dean what he wishes to do."
Dean puffs up, presumably to defend his not-boyfriend, but Sam continues on over top of his complaint.
"You want to go get a drink, Dean?" He clears his throat and roughens his tone. "I don't know, man. Cas kinda stays away from liquor anymore. Lemme ask him if he's cool with it."
"That's called being a man's friend-"
"No, it's called dating." Sam drops his now unpacked bag and curls his hands around Dean's shoulders. "You're already dating him. The only part you aren't doing is the sex. Think about that, Dean because your sexual tension is giving me an ulcer."
He walks out of the room, leaving Dean spluttering useless denials.
Sam gets his own room that night.
~~~
Soul Piece Picnic
Castiel opens the basket of pies. "I brought 27 distinct flavors."
Israfel nods. "I'm very curious about them."
They spend the rest of the day, sitting on their corner of the celestial beach and sampling Dean's favorite food.
~~~
Renn Faire Series
Skeptic
Dean snorts. "Dude, I'm not going to the new crackpot." He waves a wickedly sharp knife in Sam's direction. "But have fun."
Sam sighs.
Good Reading
"She wants you too," Castiel says solemnly as he traces Sam's palm. Two nights later, as Sam collapses beside Anna, panting and grinning, he decides that Dean must go see the 'new crackpot.'
Giving In
Dean stands in the doorway of Castiel's tent.
"You don't like me," Castiel says plainly.
"Congratulations. You really are psychic," Dean says, rolling his eyes. Castiel points to his chair, unfazed.
"Please sit." The only reason he does is because Sam won't shut up about him.
"Fine, but I think this whole thing is a crock of shit."
"And I think throwing knives at my brother is a bad idea. We're even."
Dean glares.
Unexpected
Castiel's fingers are soft and knowing, drawing across Dean's palms.
"How's my life line?" Dean asks sarcastically.
Castiel ignores him. His touch is warm, gentle; Dean considers pulling away when Castiel suddenly drops his hand and jumps back, stumbling out of his chair.
"The hell?"
Shock staggers Cas' normally serene expression.
"I have nothing for you," he says. Clearly it's a lie, but when Dean stands and starts to speak, Castiel pushes him out of the tent. "Forgive me."
Dean considers going back in, but anger steers him back to his own trailer. Watch him listen to Sam's stupid ideas anymore.
Can't Say No
Sam worries when Dean tells him about the reading.
"He was actually scared? You could be sick! You could die!"
"Dude, just because you got to do a little slap and tickle with Queen Anna doesn't mean he's always right."
But it's Sam's sad face that finally convinces Dean. His brother is genuinely frightened for him.
He'll have to go back to Castiel.
The Truth
"I thought I told you-"
Dean pushes past Castiel. "Just tell me I'm not dying, so I can tell Sam and we don't ever have to talk again."
"Dying?" Castiel shuts the curtain, ties it. "It's nothing like that."
"Then what?" Dean's impatient, annoyed and under it, trying very hard not to be frightened.
"You wouldn't wish to know-"
"Just tell me," Dean barks.
Castiel stares at him, eyes opaque with intensity.
"You're the jeweled eyed man," Castiel whispers.
Dean blinks. "The what?"
Castiel turns away, fiddles with a deck of cards on a nearby dresser. "The jeweled eyed man. My...ah, my childhood imaginary friend," he says.
And then it's Dean's turn to stare. He just knew psychics were crazy.
The Vision
"I've always Seen," Castiel murmurs. Dean strains to him, takes a step closer behind him. "I've moved across the country and the world and I've sold my visions. It's all I have to offer and the moving never stops."
He suddenly spins and Dean's heart leaps into his throat at the emotion written in Castiel's face.
"In all that time, I've only had one vision for myself. When I was four years old. A man with eyes of jewels and a heart split in two," he intones as if having a vision right then and there, his eyes falling shut.
"One half for his past and one half for me. He would pull me down to Earth and plant my feet."
He opens his eyes.
"You."
His
Dean's words stick in his throat. "I loved you more than my own family," Castiel confesses. "You were mine."
Interpretation
"Why d'you look so sad?" Dean finally asks. It's all bullshit, but if Castiel really believes it, shouldn't he be happy about finding his childhood dream? Castiel's smile is slight, his eyes resigned.
"He ran," Castiel says. "You'll run and I'll wait."
"I thought I was the one tying you down," Dean growls, angry without understanding why. Castiel turns away again, thoughtlessly tidying.
"No," Castiel murmurs. "I stop moving so you can always find me."
Unacceptable
Dean's anger boils over.
Castiel is so calm and understanding. Expecting Dean to run out on him. They just met and Castiel's crazy and he doesn't know Dean at all. Psychic or no, he has no clue. He has no way of knowing that Dean raised Sam all by himself. He doesn't know that Dean lays awake at night and wonders why there's no one there with him. That he sprints from partner to partner because Dean knows deep down that they'll never be there in the morning.
"So in this vision of yours," Dean snarls, reaching out to whirl Castiel around by his elbow. "Where I give you half a heart and I'm running and your feet hit the Earth, did it ever occur to you that maybe you read it wrong? Or hell, that it wasn't real in the first place?"
"Of course it's real," Castiel says without hesitation. "And how do you think I should have read it?"
"Maybe you're the one with half a heart," Dean declares. "Maybe I ran away because you'd already decided I was some kind of screw up and you're too much of a pussy to fight for me."
He backs Castiel across the room, stalking him. This is so stupid. Dean doesn't believe in psychics or visions and Castiel is clearly a nutcase. But the look in Castiel's eyes climbs into Dean's chest. The feelings, the love and the fear, it's all real.
"Or maybe I'm running towards you," Dean says gruffly. "Did you ever think of that?"
Castiel shakes his head, mute with confusion. Dean's fingers skim his cheek.
"You don't even know me," Dean says softly, leaning close, breathing Castiel's scent. "So you loved a vision. Who gives a shit? I'm not some damned story you made up as a kid to keep yourself company. So give me one reason I shouldn't walk out on you right now."
Castiel kisses him.
Pulls him in close, arms sliding round his waist, hands already struggling with Dean's clothes. And as they tumble towards Castiel's bed, Dean decides he very much likes this reason.
A New Interpretation
When Dean wakes up, Castiel is staring at him. Bright yellow sunlight glows behind the dark red fabric of Castiel's tent curtains. Dean idly wonders if they were quiet enough last night to avoid detection. But then he stretches gently, feeling a bone-deep glow of satisfaction and decides he doesn't care.
"I believe I understand the vision now," Castiel announces. He's on his side, one palm flat over Dean's heart and Dean can feel warm skin pressing down the length of his body.
"What?"
It's hard to care when he's already gearing up for more of what happened the night before.
"My vision of you," Castiel says, undeterred even when Dean's shifts an arm under him and begins stroking his back.
"Yeah?"
"It wasn't a promise, it was a warning," Castiel explains. "I Saw how much you loved who I understand now was your brother. I thought I would be settling for only half of you and I was willing to wait."
He rolls into Dean, climbing into his lap, sitting back on his thighs. Dean's interest in Castiel's revelation falters once more as his hands settle on Castiel's hips.
"Talk faster, dude," he grumbles.
"It was trying to tell me that you'd only run if I didn't pursue. That whatever relationship we'd then have would be poisoned by my hesitation and your suspicion."
He leans over Dean, his hands pressed hard into the mattress on either side of Dean's shoulders.
"I require more than that," he murmurs and he moves his body in one long fluid motion. Dean's hands clench tight around Castiel's hips. "I will follow you if you run. I will stay if you stay."
"Cas," Dean sighs, torn between wanting to hear more and wanting Castiel to shut the hell up.
Castiel leans down further still and presses a kiss to the corner of Dean's mouth. "I will be there when you wake up," he whispers. "You won't ever wonder why you're alone at night again."
It's shock that jerks through Dean's body, but when it forces a deep hard thrust against Castiel, his head falls back and suddenly Dean doesn't care anymore. Psychic or not, nut job or not, he believes Castiel.
And as soon as he can think clearly, he'll tell him so.
Years Later
Dean watches the fire flickering, listens to Sam occasionally scolding the kids, both his own and his nieces and nephew. It's a slow mellow night, comfortable and familiar. Castiel looks up from his conversation with Anna and smiles a promise. While the heat that begins to rise isn't urgent, Dean settles happily into its warm glow nonetheless. Just like any other night and maybe Dean still doesn't quite understand, but he'll always be glad Castiel is a crazy psychic.
~~~
BAMF
Castiel twists Haniel's wing hard. "You are jealous," he growls before leaving Haniel slumped in a pile.
No angel calls Cas 'whipped' again.
~~~
Mating Season
Sam watches as the two exchange insults and threats. He's vaguely worried that things will go overboard and someone will end up fried, but mostly he's just entertained by the variety of swear words they both know. A presence at his side captures a part of his attention.
"Are they going to kill each other?" he asks Castiel. The angel peers at his older brother.
"I believe it's a mating ritual of some kind." Sam blinks and turns back in time to see Crowley drag Gabriel into another room.
"Um..."
"I'm going to find Dean," Castiel says and he leaves Sam alone. He sighs. He really needs to find himself an angel.
~~~
SPN People in 140 Characters
Sam: it's not my fault. It's not my fault. It's not my- wait, is is my fault? Well why didn't you tell me?!? This is all your fault!
Dean: Ouch. A feeling. Hurry, I need a beer or a woman I have no hope of falling for. Oh. Awkward. Um, have you met my son..I mean, brother?
Castiel: God. Plan. No. Obey. Rules. God. Stop. God. Des-wait, you're going to stop being my friend? Fuck that shit, let's blow this pop stand.
Ruby: I hate you. I maybe like you. Ok, I love you. Would you like to kick this football, Charlie Brown? Aha, j/k! Lucifer, ilu.
~~~
Surrogate
Bobby checks the boys. He grins as Dean sleepily tugs Sam against his chest and wonders if John really understands what he's got here.
~~~
Commiseration
While Dean sleeps, Castiel climbs into the car. He brushes the back of his hand over its dark leather seat. It's a quiet moment between two of Dean's great loves. Castiel smiles in the darkness and pats one of its buckles.
"How have you not driven him over a cliff yet?" he asks.
The car doesn't answer, but Castiel thinks it understands.
~~~
Odd Duo
They meet in the ass-end of Heaven. His wings disintegrated, her soul in tatters.
"Oh another one," he says, rolling his eyes. "How many of us did they get to jump off the cliff?"
Her glare shrivels his smirk. "I didn't do it for them. I did it for my girl, Jo." The fire of her righteous indignation turns something in his chest. "Who'd you really do it for?"
He thinks of Kali. His beloved brothers Michael and Raphael. Long-lost Anael and stupid annoying amazing little Castiel.
He thinks of Lucifer.
She smiles, softer than he'd have guessed she could.
"That's what I thought."
~~~
Prayer Series
It Arrives
"Can you see it?"
Castiel anxiously peers over his shoulders as Gabriel digs through his feathers, searching whatever sharp object buried itself deep into his wing.
"Yeah, yeah, hold on."
Gabriel's deft fingers pluck through the feathers till his hand closes around the object. Castiel yelps softly when Gabriel jerks it out.
"Oh." Gabriel laughs. "It's a prayer."
"What?" Castiel grabs the prayer to read it, but when he opens the tiny scroll, there's only a name and a hint of an emotion Castiel doesn't recognize.
"Well, looks like this-" Gabriel looks over his shoulder. "Dean Winchester sucks at prayer. Good luck."
He pats Castiel and then shoves him off their cloud, down towards Earth and his new charge.
Inauspicious Beginning
Dean Winchester is surprised to see him.
"What the fuck are you?" are his exact words. Castiel holds up the prayer.
"You called me." Dean snatches the paper.
"Dude, this is a piece of paper with my name written on it. How is that me calling you? Do you have wings?"
Castiel frowns.
"Obviously I do. There was a negative emotion. You need me."
"What emotion?" Castiel falters.
"Well...I don't precisely know-"
"Well, thanks for your help," Dean says, rolling his eyes and pushing Castiel to the door. "Go away now."
When Castiel ends up facing Dean's closed front door, he begins to wish he hadn't asked Gabriel to groom his wings.
Stalker
Dean opens the door again after Castiel spends thirty minutes beating his wings against the front windows.
"Dude, seriously?"
"I must complete my duty. Now tell me what negative emotions you have and I'll help you," Castiel demands.
"Well, right now I'm pretty pissed at you," Dean says, but Castiel ignores this as he shoves his way back into Dean's house.
"Hey!"
"I'm not going anywhere until you're happy again," Castiel declares.
"Well, then you'll have a long wait," Dean threatens. He stalks towards the kitchen, glancing over his shoulder as he goes. "If you're gonna stay, you're going to work."
He flips a dishtowel at Castiel's head and it's the start of Castiel's strange new life.
Immovable
It takes Dean three weeks and four days to realize that Castiel really isn't going anywhere. No matter how many awful chores he gives him or how many terrible sci-fi movies he forces Castiel to watch or how much horrific cooking he subjects him to, Castiel stays.
Dean doesn't remember praying for anything, but if being annoyed to death by an angel is the answer, then clearly he didn't do it right.
Explaining Castiel is the most awkward part. Sam will only accept the old friend from school theory for so long before he assumes Dean and Castiel are sleeping together. It doesn't help that Castiel's an immovable force. When Dean's sick, Castiel chains him to the bed and force-feeds him soup. When Dean's tired, Castiel shoves him into his bedroom and locks the door with some kind of angel magic. When he's upset, Castiel hovers over him like an angry lioness protecting her cub. It's no wonder Sam thinks they're dating.
The problem happens when Dean realizes they really are dating. Castiel is always there. And the thing is, Dean doesn't care. He pretends to care. He rants and raves about needing his space and never having a date with his angelic stalker around and when Castiel offers to leave for the night, Dean makes him cook pizza to make up for it.
Castiel isn't a very good cook either, but Dean's not picky.
Duty
"Are you ever going home?" Dean asks one morning nearly six months after Castiel turned up in his living room. "Don't they need you up there?"
"Not until I solve your problem," Castiel insists as he pours a sugar into Dean's coffee.
The funny thing is, Dean can't remember ever having a problem in the first place.
Mission Accomplished
A year later as Dean holds one of Castiel's wings in his lap and carefully grooms it, he remembers something.
"Did you ever decide what my 'negative emotion' was?"
Half dazed with bliss at the feelings Dean's fingers buried in his feathers creates, Castiel needs a moment to search his memory. Living among humans for so long has taught him much about emotions. And since most of that time was spent in Dean's presence, Castiel's become particularly well-trained at pinpointing the emotions constantly hurled towards him from Dean's soul.
He thinks back to standing on that cloud and the feeling that the washed over him. It's been months since Castiel has felt it within Dean, so it takes a long time to understand it. When realization hits, a little smile tugs at the corner of his mouth.
"Yes, I remember now. It was loneliness."
Dean snorts and lays the wing carefully aside. "Figures."
He tugs Castiel into his lap, pressing a line of gentle kisses along the underside of his jaw. Castiel shivers and moves closer, close enough to feel Dean chuckle.
"Very nice work," he compliments, burying his hands in Castiel's wings once more.
Castiel hopes he thanks Dean, but he's bliss-stupid again within seconds, so he can't be sure. But his actions can't possibly leave Dean in any doubt.
It really has been a successful mission, Castiel decides several hours later as he watches Dean sprawled out naked on the couch, asleep and snoring so loudly Castiel makes a mental note to pick up some cold medicine the following day.
He reluctantly pulls a blanket up over Dean's body.
It's a good thing there's only one way to ensure its continued success.
"Good night, Dean," Castiel whispers, leaning over to kiss his temple and transport them both to bed. Dean rolls over into Castiel's side and throws an arm over his waist.
"Night, Cas," he mumbles sleepily. "See ya in the morning."
Castiel smiles.
"Yes, you will."
~~~
Daemon Outtake
Jensen peers at the baby. Dean changes into a kitten and sneaks up to Jared's daemon. Sam bumbles around confusedly, falling over his own feet as he tries to imitate Dean.
"Hi," Jensen says quietly. Jared just stares, but Sam collapses against Dean's side and Jensen feels a steady flow of innocent affection.
Years later, Jensen watches Sam tackle Dean and grins.
Some things never change.
~~~
Foresight
Chuck swallows hard as he opens the door. Castiel's scary blues eyes are even more terrifying in real life.
"Um, hi." He steps back, lets the trembling angel into the house.
"Do you know why I'm here?" Castiel grunts. Chuck nods.
"Yeah, I saw myself saying yes. I, uh...I seem seem to have enjoyed it."
A short growl is the only answer he gets as Castiel pushes him down onto the sofa.
~~~
Unwanted Touch
"Cas?" He turns helpless eyes on Sam.
"It started 47 minutes ago. I don't know what to do."
They both look down to Dean, arms and legs wrapped firmly around Castiel's body. He's asleep and clinging to Castiel like he's drowning and Cas is a piece of driftwood.
"48 minutes," Castiel updates.
Sam awkwardly pats Cas' shoulder.
"I guess just wait for it to pass."
~~~
Saved
"Who are you?" The demon smiles, his blue eyes glittering with amusement. "I'm the one who gripped you tight and stole you from paradise."
~~~
True Love
When Dean puked in his lap and Castiel just calmly started cleaning up, Sam thought maybe the angel really did love his brother.
~~~
Three Haiku
She looks past the edge
Enthralled by creatures of dust
The longing begins
Never peering down
A true and faithful servant
Untouched by yearning
It starts amongst flames
The stubborn soul fights him off
He sees why she fell
~~~
The Club
After Castiel re-ordered Heaven, they all formed a club. It had no official name, but Ash liked to call it 'Saved by, Killed by'. It was how he met Victor. They were both 'Killed by's, but their human lives were too dangerous to blame the Winchesters for how they went.
"Still have to say, it chaps my ass that they've avoided upstairs for so long," Victor admitted.
Ash just just grinned and poured him another drink, letting their fingers brush together as he passed it over.
"Yeah, I don't know. Kinda think maybe they got the fuzzy end of the lollipop myself."
Victor smiled at him over the top of his drink.
~~~
A Second Daemon Outtake
Jared's first girlfriend had an iguana daemon. The second a turtle. All through college, his girlfriend's daemon was a gecko. The first time Jensen caught Sam gazing longingly at Gen's pretty jeweled snake daemon, Ruby, he couldn't help saying, "Your daemon's tastes are creepy."
Jared grinned.
"I know."
~~~
Contest
When Sam starts buying gifts for Castiel, Dean asks "Dude, do you like him?" Sam's sheepish look says it all. Dean's fists clench. It is so on.
~~~
Switched Up
Jimmy points a gun at the guy. "And what visage are you in now?"
Castiel plucks at the leather coat.
"This? This is my vessel, Dean."
~~~
The Matchmaker
Castiel looks at the gathered group of angels. "Is everyone present? Alright, I'll begin. The human's name is Sam Winchester. Physically speaking, he's quite tall for a human and his hair is rather too long, but he's a healthy specimen. Emotionally, he is somewhat unstable, but well-meaning. His voice annoys me, but others might find it pleasant."
As Castiel continues describing Sam, he thinks to himself that Dean better appreciate his matchmaking efforts.
~~~
First Time
Just as Gabriel leans in, right before his lips touch Sam's for the first time, he pauses and says, "You know, this is my first time."
Sam stares. "You have to be joking."
"Well, first time with a human. Everyone else was either supernatural or a figment of my rather creative imagination."
There's a pause.
"Well, is this going to be a problem?"
Gabriel thinks a moment. "No, mostly I'm just annoyed Castiel got there before me," he says and then finally pulls Sam into that kiss.
~~~
Careful
Dean quickly shushes Sam when he tries to ask Castiel a question.
"Dude, no," he whispers. "He's not had his tea yet."
~~~
Bleak Future
He appears beside Dean, sudden and silent.
"Hey, Cas," he says absently. Continued quiet makes him look up. Castiel is staring at him. The expression of unfamiliar hard desperation he wears frightens Dean. "What's wrong?"
Castiel's eyes flick over Dean's face and body, greedy and hot. It would be a turn-on if Dean weren't so freaked.
"Cas-?"
"What year?" Castiel interrupts.
"What-"
"What year?" he growls again.
"2011," Dean answers on autopilot. Castiel's eyes fall shut and Dean is shocked to see wetness gathering at the corners.
"How could he?" he says.
Dean grips Castiel's wrist.
"You're scaring me."
Castiel releases a breath when their skin touches.
"Dean," he murmurs. "It's been so long."
"I don't-" Castiel's mouth on his erases words and thoughts.
~~~
Back Again
Dean glares at Castiel the next time he sees him. "You didn't say goodbye." Castiel looks puzzled.
"That was never goodbye, Dean."
~~~
Partnership
Castiel helps Dean up.
"I'm too old for this shit."
"But I'm not," Castiel says. "So don't worry."
Dean grins. "I knew keeping you was a good idea."
~~~
Tea-aholic
"I didn't think you could get drunk anymore," Dean says as he watches his fully angelic boyfriend stumble to the bed.
"Not," Castiel denies. He crashes into it and falls headfirst into Dean's chest. "Tea," he mumbles.
"Tea makes angels drunk?" Dean laughs quietly and pets Castiel's hair. "You freak."
~~~
Reluctant Bachelor
This had to be the stupidest idea Dean had ever had. Well, that Sam had. So the stupidest thing Dean agreed to.
"It's time, Mr. Winchester."
He's led through a set of wide double doors. A small crowd of men turn to stare at him. It's time to meet the suitors. There's a short scraggly dude named Chuck. A handsome no-nonsense man named Victor. Snarky little Gabriel, tall grave Michael, sweet-talking Andy. They blur together in Dean's mind. All up until the last guy introduces himself. He's quiet and serious. Dressed in dull clothes. Holding himself in a stiff awkward position.
Dean feels himself falling and wonders if it's too soon to pass out the final rose.
~~~
Time Twins
Castiel appears beside the bed just as Dean leans down to kiss another version of the same.
"What the hell?"
The new Castiel sits in the chair beside the bed.
"You said it would be 'hot' if I went back in time and watched."
The Castiel under Dean lifts an eyebrow at him and Dean grins.
"I'm so completely awesome."
~~~
Happiest Place on Earth
Castiel and Dean appear in Sam's den, Dean wearing Mickey Mouse ears and Castiel holding a balloon.
"We're back from vacation," Dean says with a grin.
~~~
Always the Same
When Castiel is cut off from Earth, his humanity slowly drains as the grace of the heavens filters into soul.
"I can't sleep anymore," he tells Dean one night. Guilt filters into Dean's expression. He's the reason Castiel rebelled against the humans and joined his crusade in Heaven.
"It's okay," Castiel says, resting a hand on one of Dean's brilliant white wings. "I knew this would happen."
"I'm sorry," Dean murmurs. "I never wanted you to become an angel."
Castiel nods. There's nothing else for him to say. His mortality is gradually being erased, his emotions fading to distant impressions and as he looks into Dean's cool green eyes, Castiel doesn't regret it for an instant.
Author: CloudyJenn
Fandom: Supernatural
Pairings: Dean/Castiel primarily. Also: Sam/Gabriel, Sam/Castiel, Sam/Anna, Dean/Michael, Chuck/Castiel, Ash/Victor, Jared/Genevieve
Rating: R
Word Count: 7,830
Disclaimer: These characters do not belong to me. I am making no profit from this fanfiction.
Warnings: General Season 5 Spoilers, tiny bit of Gen RPF, tons of AUs
Summary: Too many for one summary. Supernatural characters doing things!
Author's Notes: A fifth collection of ficlets from my twitter. There are a few longer series in here, but unlike before, all the stories are complete. Any uncompleted series are stored here:
cloudy_verses. Also, two of these ficlets cross over with Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials and one crosses with the TV show Lie to Me.Strange Transformations
"I'll never eat fish again."
Dean dips his finger into the water. The fish's fins billow out like angry little wings and he barges at the tip of Dean's finger.
"This is really going to put a crimp in your sex life," Sam says from the other side of the bowl. He raises an eyebrow at Dean. "It better anyway."
Castiel flips a tiny wave of water at Sam.
Awkward
"Cut the creeper stare," Dean hisses. He wishes he hadn't said anything when Castiel spends the rest of their bus ride staring at him instead.
The Real Vessel
"So Cas, you never really told me about your vessel."
Castiel looks down at his borrowed body.
"His name is Jacob," he says. "He can fly almost as swiftly as myself and his faith in hidden mysteries astounds me," Castiel says in admiration.
"Big fan of God, huh?" Dean asks.
"No, robot heads," Castiel replies.
New and Old Love
Cassie laughs as Castiel makes Dean explain fajitas to him. It's when she sees the love through Dean's feigned annoyance that she realizes she's genuinely happy for him.
Blind Date
"Are you sure about this?" Sam asks as Dean checks his hair again.
"Yeah, why not?"
"Well..."
Dean glances at him the mirror. "What?"
Sam sighs. "You're in love with Castiel."
Dean huffs. He doesn't want to talk about how he's been in love with their clueless childhood friend for as long as he can remember. Much better just to date this guy he met online. At least he might have a chance of getting laid sometime or another.
"Yeah, well, that ship sailed, okay?"
"You don't even know the guy's name!" Sam protests.
"I know enough. Now quit bitching and promise me you won't wait up," Dean commands. At Sam's resigned sigh, Dean grins and heads to the door.
"Be careful," Sam calls after him.
They've agreed to meet at an Italian place downtown. He knows his friend as James, but that's not his real name. Long before they'd decided to meet, they'd agreed not to share their real names and it stuck.
"Can I help you, sir?"
"Yeah, I'm looking for James?"
The hostess beams. "Oh yes. He's waiting right this way."
As he follows her, Dean's nerves begin to make themselves known. After all, he'd only been chatting with this guy for a few weeks. Sure, they seemed to get along, but he could be a murderer or a creep for all Dean knew and even if he weren't, he'd never be-
"Cas?"
Dean's stomach drops. The man staring up at him from their table is as familiar to him as his own brother. That constant deep ache of longing, the one Dean always feels, flares into a brilliant sharp hurt.
"What are you doing here?"
"You're Mike?"
And it's stupid, but the realization that Castiel had been looking for someone else adds a deep cut of jealousy to the mess of pain Dean's feeling.
"Yeah, surprise," he grunts, dropping onto the seat opposite Castiel. "Looks like you got screwed in the deal."
But Castiel doesn't seem to hear him. His eyes are fixed on the lit candle in the middle of the table, lines of tension turning his expression into an angry mask.
"Look, I'm sorry," Dean snaps. "But it's not like I knew."
"And how did you like James?" Castiel says in a low dangerous tone. "Did you at least find him acceptable?"
Confusion clutters in after the hurt.
"What is that supposed to mean?"
Castiel is silent briefly, just long enough for a flare of determination to cross his face and then his eyes jerk up to Dean's.
"I went online to get over you and you followed me even there," he growls. "Will you never give me peace?"
He makes to stand up, but Dean grabs his arm, reaching through his fog of shock, anger and dizzying hope.
"Sit your ass down," he orders. "What do you mean 'get over me'?"
Castiel laughs softly without humor.
"Sam said you didn't know. I didn't believe him." He meets Dean's surprised gaze. "I've loved you since you shoved Billy Luellen in the dirt in second grade for calling me a geek."
Dean shifts in his chair. "Billy was a jerk," he mutters.
"And I was a geek and you didn't care," Castiel says quietly. "You never cared."
Dean searches his face, unable to process what he's hearing. What he's finally hearing.
"You stayed at my house during prom when Ginny Ammerman dumped me for a football player," Dean blurts. "Even though Sandy Philips wanted to sleep with you that night."
Castiel frowns.
"What does that have to-"
"That’s when I fell in love with you."
Dean's heart leaps into his throat. After all these years of hiding the words and the feelings, pretending they didn't exist or matter; finally saying them out loud made him feel sick and scared and free.
"Oh," Castiel says blankly. "I...I see."
They stare at one another, each with a frightened look of anticipation, like one might see on the face of someone about to jump out of an airplane.
Castiel breaks the silence first.
"Don't ever look for dates online again."
Dean nods.
"Move in with me," he says.
"Alright." Castiel picks up his menu. "I'm hungry for pasta tonight."
Dean smiles.
"Me too."
Duh
"Your car may be alive."
"Really? I knew it! I knew she was alive," Dean crows.
Castiel blinks.
"Sam was right. You are surprisingly gullible."
A Mistake
When Sam slides a hand up his thigh, Castiel doesn't protest. After all, the brothers share everything. This must just be another thing.
Aggressive Cuddler
Castiel appears in their motel room just as the brothers are sitting down to lunch, Dean to his cheeseburger and Sam to his chicken salad.
"Hey, you okay?" Dean asks, concern flickering across his expression. Castiel is swaying slightly on his feet. He looks like a good stiff breeze could knock him off his feet.
"I require rest," he announces.
Dean and Sam stare at him, then glance at each other and then stare back at him.
"So...?" Dean asks, drawing the word into a question.
"I need to have a nap," Castiel explains further, but Dean doesn't get it.
Sam, on the other hand, obviously understands the message because he giggles into his lettuce.
"What?" Dean demands.
"He needs to nap. You know, like before," Sam says, somewhat unhelpfully.
Okay, so maybe Castiel had fallen asleep on Dean's shoulder in the car that one time. Then there was the time when he dozed off during a Jayhawks game and happened to lean into Dean for the rest of the game. And of course, last week when Castiel had been sitting on Dean's bed with him while the brothers discussed their latest case and had fallen asleep while Dean poked him in the side repeatedly.
But that was just those few times. It wasn't like he needed Dean to sleep.
"So?"
"I must sleep," Castiel interrupts. "We sleep together."
Dean stood up from the table so fast, his chair nearly fell over.
"Um, what? No. No, you sleep and I happen to be around for it sometimes," he argues.
Castiel frowns deeply.
"Every time," he corrects. "All three times."
He really wishes his mouth hadn't fallen open in obvious shock, but Dean just can't help himself. Sam's girlish giggles return.
"Told you. Face it, Dean. You're an angel's security blanket," Sam says through his amusement.
"That's...you can't...What the hell, man!"
Castiel ignores Dean's nonsense ranting and begins steering him towards the bed. "I would appreciate it if you held off your emotional crisis until after I feel more well-rested," he says, pushing Dean down onto the bed.
"But...my food," Dean protests.
Sam snaps it up. "No worries. We'll just heat this up later. Pleasant dreams, you guys!"
He flounces out of the room, but Dean barely notices because he's too busy watching Castiel shrug out of his trench coat and loosen his tie.
"Is undressing really necessary?"
"I assume so," Castiel says, tossing his tie aside. "Feel free to adjust your level of dress."
In spite of himself, Dean laughs. "That's the least sexy come-on I've ever heard."
"I'm not coming on to you," Castiel says in a cranky tone. "I'm tired." He shoves Dean down and climbs in beside him, throwing his arm over Dean's waist.
"Now be quiet and sleep," he commands.
"You know, I always thought you'd be aggressive in bed, but this wasn't exactly what I meant," Dean comments. He's never been much for snuggling, but his arms don't really have anywhere to go, so he gathers Castiel up against his body.
"Shut up," Castiel says sleepily.
So Dean does.
First Meeting Ends
"Because we have work for you."
There's a long silence. Castiel shifts from one foot to the other.
"So yeah," he says. "Work." Another pause. "And I'll be back and everything too."
They continue to stare.
"Right," Castiel says. "I'll just-"
Dean nods. "Bye."
Reunion Series
Challenge
"Isn't there anyone you want to see?" Sam needles.
Dean remembers serious blue eyes, a lack of personal space.
"That's what I thought," Sam gloats. "Just go to the reunion. You won't know why he left unless you ask."
Dean scowls. He hates when Sam is right.
Preparation
Dean decides not to freak out. Castiel is the one who left all those years ago. And it's not like he and Castiel were anything special. They didn't even meet until freshman year. So really, it'll just be seeing some guy he used to know. Who probably won't even be there since the only person he'd cared about, he'd already abandoned.
Right, Dean thinks. So no reason to freak out at all.
Not the Only One
"I don't want to go," Castiel says petulantly. "I have no interest in my fellow classmates' lives and I'm sure they have none in mine-"
"You care about Dean," Anna interrupts, giving him a don't-fuck-with-me glare. Castiel abruptly turns away.
"I don't want to talk about it."
Anna's voice is gentle when she speaks again. "I know he broke your heart, but that was ten years ago. You owe it to yourself to have some closure."
Perhaps she's right. But after how long it took Castiel to get over Dean?
He's not sure he can handle seeing him again.
Still the Same
Dean is most surprised by how much people are the same. Even with ten years of age and change, for the most part, it's the same kids he remembers. The same cliques, the same outcasts. With a few exceptions, it's like walking back into 1996 and finding everything where he left it.
Of course, Dean himself is part of this unchanging landscape. He's the obsessed shop kid that grew up to have his own garage. He's still single, still living with his brother. Even his clothing is the same. The leather jacket he's wearing is the same one his father gave him when Dean started high school. He's never been much for change.
Except when he turns away from a seemingly endless conversation with a former cheerleader Dean's almost sure he banged at some point to see Castiel watching him from across the gymnasium.
Dean might as well be eighteen again. It's lunchtime and the noise of dozens of chatting students fades away because Castiel is looking at him. The world moves on around them and Dean is terrified because Castiel is looking at him and someone will know. They'll see what Dean feels when he's with his friend.
He shakes himself. If he could change one thing, Dean would tell that stupid kid he used to be not to bother with the conflict. Even if he had known what Dean felt for him, Castiel wouldn't have cared.
But Dean can't change things. All he can do is give Castiel a flippant smirk and turn away towards the refreshments table.
It's been ten years and Dean's moved on. He refuses to be pulled back into self-doubt over a pair of bright intelligent eyes. He won't abide that old unsatisfied longing that's even now so very easily creeping back into his heart.
Fuck him, Dean thinks savagely.
The thought doesn't really help.
Not Letting It Go
If this really were high school, Castiel would have left well enough alone.
But when Dean sneers at him from across the room, Castiel snaps. After spending senior year wondering why his best friend was suddenly distant and enduring the crushing realization that Dean didn't care about him right as he also figured out he loved Dean, it had taken well into Castiel's college career to recover enough to date other guys.
It took even longer for him to admit to himself that he never stopped loving Dean.
So when Dean essentially looks at Castiel like he's worthless, Castiel loses it. Within seconds, he's across the room, right up against Dean's side at the refreshments table. He clamps a hand around Dean's elbow.
"What the-" Dean starts, but cuts himself off when he sees who's manhandling him.
"Hey, look, it's Novak and Winchester, together again," someone teases. Castiel doesn't even bother to acknowledge them. He drags Dean towards the gym door.
"Stop it," Dean says, trying to jerk away. "What the hell is your problem, Cas?"
The nickname strikes a chord, turning Castiel's anger into molten fury. As soon as they reach the hallway, he slams Dean back against a locker and presses close, too upset to really think his actions through.
"My problem? You really must ask?" Castiel can't even fathom what makes Dean think he has the right to this question. "Alright, since you bothered to ask, I will tell you exactly what my problem is."
Dean's eyes flick down to Castiel's mouth and even though it's really not the time, Castiel can't help noticing how they turn that dark rich shade of green Castiel always loved so well.
"I loved you," Castiel says and the tense is a lie, but he's standing far too close to Dean for the truth. "I loved you and you didn't care. I left for school and you never said goodbye or hello again. I gave you everything and it's been ten years and you're standing here asking me why I'm upset."
There's very clearly shock in Dean's expression and suddenly Castiel feels very tired. Dean never knew. Ten years is too long to carry this kind of hurt. Castiel's exhausted and he just wants to finally give it up.
"I loved...love you," Castiel corrects himself as he withdraws from Dean's personal space and straightens his shirt.
"And I suppose it's time I learned how not to."
Cleared Up
It has to be one of the least romantic moments of Dean's entire life. Despite the word love being thrown around, Castiel looks as pissed as Dean feels. Although to be fair, Dean's not sure if he's mad at Castiel or himself more. All he knows is that Castiel just confessed his love for him and Dean feels like his chest is compressing in on itself. He always thought that kind of moment was supposed to be pleasant. Not make you want to stab yourself in the face over your own stupidity.
"Where do you think you're going?"
Dean catches Castiel before he can escape and hauls him close again. Much has stayed the same, but some things have changed. Castiel's not a kid anymore. Sometime in the last decade, that skinny awkward body of his filled out with muscle and strength and given that it's currently pressed against Dean's, it takes a few moments for either of them to remember the point of their conversation.
"Don't you dare try to stop loving me," Dean says and it sounds much sillier outside his head than it did inside.
Castiel doesn't seem to notice.
"Let go of me," he says, struggling to break out of Dean's grasp. "I'm leaving."
It's the magic phrase, the one that digs down deep and stabs at badly healed wounds. Dean flips them and takes great delight in turning Castiel's actions back on himself. Slamming Castiel into lockers has the added benefit of thrusting Dean further against Castiel's new grown-up body.
"Not again, you're not," Dean growls. He curls one hand around Castiel's hips, holding him firmly in the place. The other hand he places palm-down against the cold metal beside Castiel's head. Leaning down, so close he can see Castiel's pupils dilate as his eyes widen, Dean speaks quietly, mouth hovering just over Castiel's.
"You know, I don't know which of us is stupider," he says in a contemplative tone. "You for assuming I stopped talking to you because I hated you or me for thinking my scrawny little stalker would actually abandon me."
That comment finally makes Castiel lift his gaze from Dean's mouth. Irritation flickers across his eyes.
"Excuse me?"
Dean grins. "Don't tell me you forgot how you followed me around all freshmen year. Like a sad puppy. You were worse than Sam."
"I was not!" Castiel hotly denies. "You were my friend is all-"
"Yeah, I was," Dean says, his smile fading away. "So how come you never bothered to ask me why I acted like an idiot our senior year?"
"I thought you-" Castiel stops himself, apparently unwilling to give that information.
"You thought I what?" Dean presses. He squeezes Castiel's hip, hard enough to leave bruises. "You thought what?"
"I thought you'd figured me out," Castiel murmurs as he leans up into Dean's grip.
"No." Dean slides his hand down the locker and grasps Castiel's other hip. "No, I was too busy trying to hide what I was thinking."
There's a short pause where Castiel seems too afraid to ask the logical question. He curves his back, arches away from the locker until only his shoulders touch it, but still he doesn't ask the question.
But communication problems got them into this mess. Lost them ten whole years and Dean's not about to lose ten more.
"I fell in love with you, idiot," he says.
"Oh," Castiel says.
He's clearly unable to process the concept, but that doesn't stop him from pushing away from the locker completely and settling his hands on Dean's chest.
"And...and now?" he asks dazedly.
"Now...I don't know," Dean says and it's the truth. They can't fall right back into being best friends. And despite the fact that so much has stayed the same, the Castiel he fell in love with was a boy of 17. The person standing in front of him is an adult, a man in his late twenties. A veritable stranger.
And yet, in all those years and all those other people, Dean never found anything or anyone that came close to making him feel the way Castiel does.
"I guess I just want the chance to do it again," he finally says.
"Alright," Castiel says.
Obviously, it won't be this simple. There'll be hours of talking and slow moves and knowing Castiel, months before they get to the good parts. But right now, in this moment, he's holding Castiel and learning hope.
And that's more than enough.
That's everything.
Can't Lie
Lightman stares at the man, but gets nothing from his cold blue eyes. He tries a different tack.
"Do you love this man?" he asks, pointing to the loud-mouthed one whose feelings and thoughts are so obvious, it's laughable. "Because he loves you," he adds.
Something finally flickers across the man's expression. Shock and hope and a flash of profound love. Cal sighs with relief. Not a psychopath after all.
Belonging
He settled in and stretched his wings. Intense relief coursed through his grace. Finally, he was where he belonged.
Dean?, he thought. The answering voice sounded oddly breathless, though the human no longer breathed with his own lungs.
Yeah, I'm h-here. Dude, this is...
He knew all too well. Yes and since you finally said yes, you'll never have to feel anything else. Ever.
The strong pulse of satisfied pleasure that pumped through his veins was not his own.
Michael smiled.
Sleep Plans
"Cas'll just sleep with me," Dean says when Sam asks about bed space.
"But you're not dating," Sam deadpans.
Dean scowls. "No! Shit, why'd you keep saying that?"
"Oh I don't know," Sam sighs. "The sleeping together, the couples' checking, the-" He makes a face. :The cuddling."
Turning away to unpack his bag, Sam mumbles his next words. "You know, the dating."
"We do not...wait, couples' checking?"
Sam turns back and performs a little scene. "Oh, hey Cas, you wanna go see a movie?" He lowers his voice in an apparent imitation of Castiel. "I must ask Dean what he wishes to do."
Dean puffs up, presumably to defend his not-boyfriend, but Sam continues on over top of his complaint.
"You want to go get a drink, Dean?" He clears his throat and roughens his tone. "I don't know, man. Cas kinda stays away from liquor anymore. Lemme ask him if he's cool with it."
"That's called being a man's friend-"
"No, it's called dating." Sam drops his now unpacked bag and curls his hands around Dean's shoulders. "You're already dating him. The only part you aren't doing is the sex. Think about that, Dean because your sexual tension is giving me an ulcer."
He walks out of the room, leaving Dean spluttering useless denials.
Sam gets his own room that night.
Soul Piece Picnic
Castiel opens the basket of pies. "I brought 27 distinct flavors."
Israfel nods. "I'm very curious about them."
They spend the rest of the day, sitting on their corner of the celestial beach and sampling Dean's favorite food.
Renn Faire Series
Skeptic
Dean snorts. "Dude, I'm not going to the new crackpot." He waves a wickedly sharp knife in Sam's direction. "But have fun."
Sam sighs.
Good Reading
"She wants you too," Castiel says solemnly as he traces Sam's palm. Two nights later, as Sam collapses beside Anna, panting and grinning, he decides that Dean must go see the 'new crackpot.'
Giving In
Dean stands in the doorway of Castiel's tent.
"You don't like me," Castiel says plainly.
"Congratulations. You really are psychic," Dean says, rolling his eyes. Castiel points to his chair, unfazed.
"Please sit." The only reason he does is because Sam won't shut up about him.
"Fine, but I think this whole thing is a crock of shit."
"And I think throwing knives at my brother is a bad idea. We're even."
Dean glares.
Unexpected
Castiel's fingers are soft and knowing, drawing across Dean's palms.
"How's my life line?" Dean asks sarcastically.
Castiel ignores him. His touch is warm, gentle; Dean considers pulling away when Castiel suddenly drops his hand and jumps back, stumbling out of his chair.
"The hell?"
Shock staggers Cas' normally serene expression.
"I have nothing for you," he says. Clearly it's a lie, but when Dean stands and starts to speak, Castiel pushes him out of the tent. "Forgive me."
Dean considers going back in, but anger steers him back to his own trailer. Watch him listen to Sam's stupid ideas anymore.
Can't Say No
Sam worries when Dean tells him about the reading.
"He was actually scared? You could be sick! You could die!"
"Dude, just because you got to do a little slap and tickle with Queen Anna doesn't mean he's always right."
But it's Sam's sad face that finally convinces Dean. His brother is genuinely frightened for him.
He'll have to go back to Castiel.
The Truth
"I thought I told you-"
Dean pushes past Castiel. "Just tell me I'm not dying, so I can tell Sam and we don't ever have to talk again."
"Dying?" Castiel shuts the curtain, ties it. "It's nothing like that."
"Then what?" Dean's impatient, annoyed and under it, trying very hard not to be frightened.
"You wouldn't wish to know-"
"Just tell me," Dean barks.
Castiel stares at him, eyes opaque with intensity.
"You're the jeweled eyed man," Castiel whispers.
Dean blinks. "The what?"
Castiel turns away, fiddles with a deck of cards on a nearby dresser. "The jeweled eyed man. My...ah, my childhood imaginary friend," he says.
And then it's Dean's turn to stare. He just knew psychics were crazy.
The Vision
"I've always Seen," Castiel murmurs. Dean strains to him, takes a step closer behind him. "I've moved across the country and the world and I've sold my visions. It's all I have to offer and the moving never stops."
He suddenly spins and Dean's heart leaps into his throat at the emotion written in Castiel's face.
"In all that time, I've only had one vision for myself. When I was four years old. A man with eyes of jewels and a heart split in two," he intones as if having a vision right then and there, his eyes falling shut.
"One half for his past and one half for me. He would pull me down to Earth and plant my feet."
He opens his eyes.
"You."
His
Dean's words stick in his throat. "I loved you more than my own family," Castiel confesses. "You were mine."
Interpretation
"Why d'you look so sad?" Dean finally asks. It's all bullshit, but if Castiel really believes it, shouldn't he be happy about finding his childhood dream? Castiel's smile is slight, his eyes resigned.
"He ran," Castiel says. "You'll run and I'll wait."
"I thought I was the one tying you down," Dean growls, angry without understanding why. Castiel turns away again, thoughtlessly tidying.
"No," Castiel murmurs. "I stop moving so you can always find me."
Unacceptable
Dean's anger boils over.
Castiel is so calm and understanding. Expecting Dean to run out on him. They just met and Castiel's crazy and he doesn't know Dean at all. Psychic or no, he has no clue. He has no way of knowing that Dean raised Sam all by himself. He doesn't know that Dean lays awake at night and wonders why there's no one there with him. That he sprints from partner to partner because Dean knows deep down that they'll never be there in the morning.
"So in this vision of yours," Dean snarls, reaching out to whirl Castiel around by his elbow. "Where I give you half a heart and I'm running and your feet hit the Earth, did it ever occur to you that maybe you read it wrong? Or hell, that it wasn't real in the first place?"
"Of course it's real," Castiel says without hesitation. "And how do you think I should have read it?"
"Maybe you're the one with half a heart," Dean declares. "Maybe I ran away because you'd already decided I was some kind of screw up and you're too much of a pussy to fight for me."
He backs Castiel across the room, stalking him. This is so stupid. Dean doesn't believe in psychics or visions and Castiel is clearly a nutcase. But the look in Castiel's eyes climbs into Dean's chest. The feelings, the love and the fear, it's all real.
"Or maybe I'm running towards you," Dean says gruffly. "Did you ever think of that?"
Castiel shakes his head, mute with confusion. Dean's fingers skim his cheek.
"You don't even know me," Dean says softly, leaning close, breathing Castiel's scent. "So you loved a vision. Who gives a shit? I'm not some damned story you made up as a kid to keep yourself company. So give me one reason I shouldn't walk out on you right now."
Castiel kisses him.
Pulls him in close, arms sliding round his waist, hands already struggling with Dean's clothes. And as they tumble towards Castiel's bed, Dean decides he very much likes this reason.
A New Interpretation
When Dean wakes up, Castiel is staring at him. Bright yellow sunlight glows behind the dark red fabric of Castiel's tent curtains. Dean idly wonders if they were quiet enough last night to avoid detection. But then he stretches gently, feeling a bone-deep glow of satisfaction and decides he doesn't care.
"I believe I understand the vision now," Castiel announces. He's on his side, one palm flat over Dean's heart and Dean can feel warm skin pressing down the length of his body.
"What?"
It's hard to care when he's already gearing up for more of what happened the night before.
"My vision of you," Castiel says, undeterred even when Dean's shifts an arm under him and begins stroking his back.
"Yeah?"
"It wasn't a promise, it was a warning," Castiel explains. "I Saw how much you loved who I understand now was your brother. I thought I would be settling for only half of you and I was willing to wait."
He rolls into Dean, climbing into his lap, sitting back on his thighs. Dean's interest in Castiel's revelation falters once more as his hands settle on Castiel's hips.
"Talk faster, dude," he grumbles.
"It was trying to tell me that you'd only run if I didn't pursue. That whatever relationship we'd then have would be poisoned by my hesitation and your suspicion."
He leans over Dean, his hands pressed hard into the mattress on either side of Dean's shoulders.
"I require more than that," he murmurs and he moves his body in one long fluid motion. Dean's hands clench tight around Castiel's hips. "I will follow you if you run. I will stay if you stay."
"Cas," Dean sighs, torn between wanting to hear more and wanting Castiel to shut the hell up.
Castiel leans down further still and presses a kiss to the corner of Dean's mouth. "I will be there when you wake up," he whispers. "You won't ever wonder why you're alone at night again."
It's shock that jerks through Dean's body, but when it forces a deep hard thrust against Castiel, his head falls back and suddenly Dean doesn't care anymore. Psychic or not, nut job or not, he believes Castiel.
And as soon as he can think clearly, he'll tell him so.
Years Later
Dean watches the fire flickering, listens to Sam occasionally scolding the kids, both his own and his nieces and nephew. It's a slow mellow night, comfortable and familiar. Castiel looks up from his conversation with Anna and smiles a promise. While the heat that begins to rise isn't urgent, Dean settles happily into its warm glow nonetheless. Just like any other night and maybe Dean still doesn't quite understand, but he'll always be glad Castiel is a crazy psychic.
BAMF
Castiel twists Haniel's wing hard. "You are jealous," he growls before leaving Haniel slumped in a pile.
No angel calls Cas 'whipped' again.
Mating Season
Sam watches as the two exchange insults and threats. He's vaguely worried that things will go overboard and someone will end up fried, but mostly he's just entertained by the variety of swear words they both know. A presence at his side captures a part of his attention.
"Are they going to kill each other?" he asks Castiel. The angel peers at his older brother.
"I believe it's a mating ritual of some kind." Sam blinks and turns back in time to see Crowley drag Gabriel into another room.
"Um..."
"I'm going to find Dean," Castiel says and he leaves Sam alone. He sighs. He really needs to find himself an angel.
SPN People in 140 Characters
Sam: it's not my fault. It's not my fault. It's not my- wait, is is my fault? Well why didn't you tell me?!? This is all your fault!
Dean: Ouch. A feeling. Hurry, I need a beer or a woman I have no hope of falling for. Oh. Awkward. Um, have you met my son..I mean, brother?
Castiel: God. Plan. No. Obey. Rules. God. Stop. God. Des-wait, you're going to stop being my friend? Fuck that shit, let's blow this pop stand.
Ruby: I hate you. I maybe like you. Ok, I love you. Would you like to kick this football, Charlie Brown? Aha, j/k! Lucifer, ilu.
Surrogate
Bobby checks the boys. He grins as Dean sleepily tugs Sam against his chest and wonders if John really understands what he's got here.
Commiseration
While Dean sleeps, Castiel climbs into the car. He brushes the back of his hand over its dark leather seat. It's a quiet moment between two of Dean's great loves. Castiel smiles in the darkness and pats one of its buckles.
"How have you not driven him over a cliff yet?" he asks.
The car doesn't answer, but Castiel thinks it understands.
Odd Duo
They meet in the ass-end of Heaven. His wings disintegrated, her soul in tatters.
"Oh another one," he says, rolling his eyes. "How many of us did they get to jump off the cliff?"
Her glare shrivels his smirk. "I didn't do it for them. I did it for my girl, Jo." The fire of her righteous indignation turns something in his chest. "Who'd you really do it for?"
He thinks of Kali. His beloved brothers Michael and Raphael. Long-lost Anael and stupid annoying amazing little Castiel.
He thinks of Lucifer.
She smiles, softer than he'd have guessed she could.
"That's what I thought."
Prayer Series
It Arrives
"Can you see it?"
Castiel anxiously peers over his shoulders as Gabriel digs through his feathers, searching whatever sharp object buried itself deep into his wing.
"Yeah, yeah, hold on."
Gabriel's deft fingers pluck through the feathers till his hand closes around the object. Castiel yelps softly when Gabriel jerks it out.
"Oh." Gabriel laughs. "It's a prayer."
"What?" Castiel grabs the prayer to read it, but when he opens the tiny scroll, there's only a name and a hint of an emotion Castiel doesn't recognize.
"Well, looks like this-" Gabriel looks over his shoulder. "Dean Winchester sucks at prayer. Good luck."
He pats Castiel and then shoves him off their cloud, down towards Earth and his new charge.
Inauspicious Beginning
Dean Winchester is surprised to see him.
"What the fuck are you?" are his exact words. Castiel holds up the prayer.
"You called me." Dean snatches the paper.
"Dude, this is a piece of paper with my name written on it. How is that me calling you? Do you have wings?"
Castiel frowns.
"Obviously I do. There was a negative emotion. You need me."
"What emotion?" Castiel falters.
"Well...I don't precisely know-"
"Well, thanks for your help," Dean says, rolling his eyes and pushing Castiel to the door. "Go away now."
When Castiel ends up facing Dean's closed front door, he begins to wish he hadn't asked Gabriel to groom his wings.
Stalker
Dean opens the door again after Castiel spends thirty minutes beating his wings against the front windows.
"Dude, seriously?"
"I must complete my duty. Now tell me what negative emotions you have and I'll help you," Castiel demands.
"Well, right now I'm pretty pissed at you," Dean says, but Castiel ignores this as he shoves his way back into Dean's house.
"Hey!"
"I'm not going anywhere until you're happy again," Castiel declares.
"Well, then you'll have a long wait," Dean threatens. He stalks towards the kitchen, glancing over his shoulder as he goes. "If you're gonna stay, you're going to work."
He flips a dishtowel at Castiel's head and it's the start of Castiel's strange new life.
Immovable
It takes Dean three weeks and four days to realize that Castiel really isn't going anywhere. No matter how many awful chores he gives him or how many terrible sci-fi movies he forces Castiel to watch or how much horrific cooking he subjects him to, Castiel stays.
Dean doesn't remember praying for anything, but if being annoyed to death by an angel is the answer, then clearly he didn't do it right.
Explaining Castiel is the most awkward part. Sam will only accept the old friend from school theory for so long before he assumes Dean and Castiel are sleeping together. It doesn't help that Castiel's an immovable force. When Dean's sick, Castiel chains him to the bed and force-feeds him soup. When Dean's tired, Castiel shoves him into his bedroom and locks the door with some kind of angel magic. When he's upset, Castiel hovers over him like an angry lioness protecting her cub. It's no wonder Sam thinks they're dating.
The problem happens when Dean realizes they really are dating. Castiel is always there. And the thing is, Dean doesn't care. He pretends to care. He rants and raves about needing his space and never having a date with his angelic stalker around and when Castiel offers to leave for the night, Dean makes him cook pizza to make up for it.
Castiel isn't a very good cook either, but Dean's not picky.
Duty
"Are you ever going home?" Dean asks one morning nearly six months after Castiel turned up in his living room. "Don't they need you up there?"
"Not until I solve your problem," Castiel insists as he pours a sugar into Dean's coffee.
The funny thing is, Dean can't remember ever having a problem in the first place.
Mission Accomplished
A year later as Dean holds one of Castiel's wings in his lap and carefully grooms it, he remembers something.
"Did you ever decide what my 'negative emotion' was?"
Half dazed with bliss at the feelings Dean's fingers buried in his feathers creates, Castiel needs a moment to search his memory. Living among humans for so long has taught him much about emotions. And since most of that time was spent in Dean's presence, Castiel's become particularly well-trained at pinpointing the emotions constantly hurled towards him from Dean's soul.
He thinks back to standing on that cloud and the feeling that the washed over him. It's been months since Castiel has felt it within Dean, so it takes a long time to understand it. When realization hits, a little smile tugs at the corner of his mouth.
"Yes, I remember now. It was loneliness."
Dean snorts and lays the wing carefully aside. "Figures."
He tugs Castiel into his lap, pressing a line of gentle kisses along the underside of his jaw. Castiel shivers and moves closer, close enough to feel Dean chuckle.
"Very nice work," he compliments, burying his hands in Castiel's wings once more.
Castiel hopes he thanks Dean, but he's bliss-stupid again within seconds, so he can't be sure. But his actions can't possibly leave Dean in any doubt.
It really has been a successful mission, Castiel decides several hours later as he watches Dean sprawled out naked on the couch, asleep and snoring so loudly Castiel makes a mental note to pick up some cold medicine the following day.
He reluctantly pulls a blanket up over Dean's body.
It's a good thing there's only one way to ensure its continued success.
"Good night, Dean," Castiel whispers, leaning over to kiss his temple and transport them both to bed. Dean rolls over into Castiel's side and throws an arm over his waist.
"Night, Cas," he mumbles sleepily. "See ya in the morning."
Castiel smiles.
"Yes, you will."
Daemon Outtake
Jensen peers at the baby. Dean changes into a kitten and sneaks up to Jared's daemon. Sam bumbles around confusedly, falling over his own feet as he tries to imitate Dean.
"Hi," Jensen says quietly. Jared just stares, but Sam collapses against Dean's side and Jensen feels a steady flow of innocent affection.
Years later, Jensen watches Sam tackle Dean and grins.
Some things never change.
Foresight
Chuck swallows hard as he opens the door. Castiel's scary blues eyes are even more terrifying in real life.
"Um, hi." He steps back, lets the trembling angel into the house.
"Do you know why I'm here?" Castiel grunts. Chuck nods.
"Yeah, I saw myself saying yes. I, uh...I seem seem to have enjoyed it."
A short growl is the only answer he gets as Castiel pushes him down onto the sofa.
Unwanted Touch
"Cas?" He turns helpless eyes on Sam.
"It started 47 minutes ago. I don't know what to do."
They both look down to Dean, arms and legs wrapped firmly around Castiel's body. He's asleep and clinging to Castiel like he's drowning and Cas is a piece of driftwood.
"48 minutes," Castiel updates.
Sam awkwardly pats Cas' shoulder.
"I guess just wait for it to pass."
Saved
"Who are you?" The demon smiles, his blue eyes glittering with amusement. "I'm the one who gripped you tight and stole you from paradise."
True Love
When Dean puked in his lap and Castiel just calmly started cleaning up, Sam thought maybe the angel really did love his brother.
Three Haiku
She looks past the edge
Enthralled by creatures of dust
The longing begins
Never peering down
A true and faithful servant
Untouched by yearning
It starts amongst flames
The stubborn soul fights him off
He sees why she fell
The Club
After Castiel re-ordered Heaven, they all formed a club. It had no official name, but Ash liked to call it 'Saved by, Killed by'. It was how he met Victor. They were both 'Killed by's, but their human lives were too dangerous to blame the Winchesters for how they went.
"Still have to say, it chaps my ass that they've avoided upstairs for so long," Victor admitted.
Ash just just grinned and poured him another drink, letting their fingers brush together as he passed it over.
"Yeah, I don't know. Kinda think maybe they got the fuzzy end of the lollipop myself."
Victor smiled at him over the top of his drink.
A Second Daemon Outtake
Jared's first girlfriend had an iguana daemon. The second a turtle. All through college, his girlfriend's daemon was a gecko. The first time Jensen caught Sam gazing longingly at Gen's pretty jeweled snake daemon, Ruby, he couldn't help saying, "Your daemon's tastes are creepy."
Jared grinned.
"I know."
Contest
When Sam starts buying gifts for Castiel, Dean asks "Dude, do you like him?" Sam's sheepish look says it all. Dean's fists clench. It is so on.
Switched Up
Jimmy points a gun at the guy. "And what visage are you in now?"
Castiel plucks at the leather coat.
"This? This is my vessel, Dean."
The Matchmaker
Castiel looks at the gathered group of angels. "Is everyone present? Alright, I'll begin. The human's name is Sam Winchester. Physically speaking, he's quite tall for a human and his hair is rather too long, but he's a healthy specimen. Emotionally, he is somewhat unstable, but well-meaning. His voice annoys me, but others might find it pleasant."
As Castiel continues describing Sam, he thinks to himself that Dean better appreciate his matchmaking efforts.
First Time
Just as Gabriel leans in, right before his lips touch Sam's for the first time, he pauses and says, "You know, this is my first time."
Sam stares. "You have to be joking."
"Well, first time with a human. Everyone else was either supernatural or a figment of my rather creative imagination."
There's a pause.
"Well, is this going to be a problem?"
Gabriel thinks a moment. "No, mostly I'm just annoyed Castiel got there before me," he says and then finally pulls Sam into that kiss.
Careful
Dean quickly shushes Sam when he tries to ask Castiel a question.
"Dude, no," he whispers. "He's not had his tea yet."
Bleak Future
He appears beside Dean, sudden and silent.
"Hey, Cas," he says absently. Continued quiet makes him look up. Castiel is staring at him. The expression of unfamiliar hard desperation he wears frightens Dean. "What's wrong?"
Castiel's eyes flick over Dean's face and body, greedy and hot. It would be a turn-on if Dean weren't so freaked.
"Cas-?"
"What year?" Castiel interrupts.
"What-"
"What year?" he growls again.
"2011," Dean answers on autopilot. Castiel's eyes fall shut and Dean is shocked to see wetness gathering at the corners.
"How could he?" he says.
Dean grips Castiel's wrist.
"You're scaring me."
Castiel releases a breath when their skin touches.
"Dean," he murmurs. "It's been so long."
"I don't-" Castiel's mouth on his erases words and thoughts.
Back Again
Dean glares at Castiel the next time he sees him. "You didn't say goodbye." Castiel looks puzzled.
"That was never goodbye, Dean."
Partnership
Castiel helps Dean up.
"I'm too old for this shit."
"But I'm not," Castiel says. "So don't worry."
Dean grins. "I knew keeping you was a good idea."
Tea-aholic
"I didn't think you could get drunk anymore," Dean says as he watches his fully angelic boyfriend stumble to the bed.
"Not," Castiel denies. He crashes into it and falls headfirst into Dean's chest. "Tea," he mumbles.
"Tea makes angels drunk?" Dean laughs quietly and pets Castiel's hair. "You freak."
Reluctant Bachelor
This had to be the stupidest idea Dean had ever had. Well, that Sam had. So the stupidest thing Dean agreed to.
"It's time, Mr. Winchester."
He's led through a set of wide double doors. A small crowd of men turn to stare at him. It's time to meet the suitors. There's a short scraggly dude named Chuck. A handsome no-nonsense man named Victor. Snarky little Gabriel, tall grave Michael, sweet-talking Andy. They blur together in Dean's mind. All up until the last guy introduces himself. He's quiet and serious. Dressed in dull clothes. Holding himself in a stiff awkward position.
Dean feels himself falling and wonders if it's too soon to pass out the final rose.
Time Twins
Castiel appears beside the bed just as Dean leans down to kiss another version of the same.
"What the hell?"
The new Castiel sits in the chair beside the bed.
"You said it would be 'hot' if I went back in time and watched."
The Castiel under Dean lifts an eyebrow at him and Dean grins.
"I'm so completely awesome."
Happiest Place on Earth
Castiel and Dean appear in Sam's den, Dean wearing Mickey Mouse ears and Castiel holding a balloon.
"We're back from vacation," Dean says with a grin.
Always the Same
When Castiel is cut off from Earth, his humanity slowly drains as the grace of the heavens filters into soul.
"I can't sleep anymore," he tells Dean one night. Guilt filters into Dean's expression. He's the reason Castiel rebelled against the humans and joined his crusade in Heaven.
"It's okay," Castiel says, resting a hand on one of Dean's brilliant white wings. "I knew this would happen."
"I'm sorry," Dean murmurs. "I never wanted you to become an angel."
Castiel nods. There's nothing else for him to say. His mortality is gradually being erased, his emotions fading to distant impressions and as he looks into Dean's cool green eyes, Castiel doesn't regret it for an instant.
