Chapter Text
Dean wiped his hands on a rag and leaned against the hood of a rusted-out Dodge, sweat beading along his temple from the afternoon sun. The engine purred beneath the metal, thanks to his latest round of fine-tuning, and he allowed himself a moment of satisfaction. That moment was quickly interrupted by Sam pushing open the shop door, phone in hand, grinning like he was about to ruin Dean’s whole week.
“Got a minute?”
Dean raised a brow. “Depends. Is this gonna involve me putting on a suit or talking to strangers?”
Sam ignored him and strode in. “Adam’s getting married. Wants us there. The wedding’s in three weeks.”
Dean blinked. “Adam? As in our half-brother Adam?”
Sam nodded, leaning on the car beside him. “Says we’re the only family from our dad’s side he’s inviting.”
Dean scoffed. “Hell of a family reunion.”
Sam offered a shrug. “Look, I know we’re not close, but he reached out. I think he’s trying to do something good here.”
Dean stayed silent, his jaw working. He didn’t love the idea. But he didn’t hate Adam either.
“You bringing Gabe?” he asked finally.
“Yeah. And… I was thinking maybe you could bring someone too.”
Dean narrowed his eyes. “Charlie’s got her thing with that Dorothy chick.”
Sam grinned again, too smug now. “Not her. Castiel.”
“Who?”
“Gabriel’s brother. He’s a vet. You’d like him. I already asked, he’s cool with going.”
Dean scowled. “So I don’t even get a say?”
“You’re going, Dean,” Sam said. “I booked your ticket. I even got him his own so you two wouldn’t be stuck together if you hated each other.”
Dean tossed the rag into a bin. “I’m not going to babysit some guy I don’t know for a weekend.”
“He’s not a kid. He’s a grown-ass man. And believe me—he can handle himself.”
Dean hesitated. Then sighed. “Fine. But I’m not making small talk on a damn plane.”
Sam smirked. “Sure. Just try not to fall in love with him.”
Dean gave him a look that could kill.
But something tugged at him anyway.