Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Dean’s POV:

“DON’T IGNORE ME WHILE I’M TALKING TO YOU, ASSHOLE!” A voice jarred the green-eyed man from his thoughts as he lazily glanced up at the woman in front of him, having a full-blown meltdown. Tears in her brown eyes as the makeup ran down her pale face. Shouting so loud he was pretty sure the entire skyscraper could hear her. 

…What was this one named? …Betty? 

This lasted maybe a couple of weeks. Slightly disappointing, this one couldn’t handle a bit of Dean’s…fun. 

Dean Winchester was intelligent, charming, and handsome. A genius in the realm of smart devices, he was likely the creator behind many. As the CEO and founder of ELEKTRIC, a multi-billion dollar company, Dean Winchester developed the soC chips found in cell phones, cars, and nearly every smart device. He patented his groundbreaking creation as a high school freshman, secured investors, and launched ELEKTRIC, becoming a billionaire almost instantly.

However, remembering people wasn’t a talent for him. Terrible with names and faces, the Alpha particularly, wasn’t a people person, believing most people were a waste of time to remember. He relied on his assistants to help him with the… human aspect of his job.

“THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOU !” She choked a sob as Dean rested his chin on his hand, blinking at her lazily, lost in his own world. “YOU’RE SICK IN THE HEAD TO GET PLEASURE OUT OF TORTURING PEOPLE!”

Tad Bit dramatic. 

Just harmless fun.

He wasn’t too sad she was quitting.

She was boring anyway.

“Betty-” The Alpha had come to anticipate the whiskey being snatched from his desk and flung at him. When it happened, he merely raised his folder, which absorbed the liquid. This was not the first, nor would it be the last, time someone threw a drink in his face.

“MY NAME IS VANESSA!” She shrieked, enraged, and sent his glass flying. It bounced with a cheerful "boing!" and remained stubbornly whole. 

Thank you shatter-proof glass.

This only fueled her fury, leading to a second, equally futile attempt to shatter the darn thing.

“Did…you need help with that?” Dean pointed to the glass that rolled on the floor.

“UGH!” She growled. Finally, purse in hand, she stomped off, muttering Dean's name like a curse. Missouri, heading to her office, paused as the girl zipped by. 

"Everything alright?" Missouri called, but the girl was long gone. Missouri sighed, then eyed the alpha, who was now giving her his best "who, me?" look while casually juggling a water-filled folder with his feet on the desk. “...I thought this one was good.” Missouri sighed, kneeling to pick up the glass and taking the wet folder. Dean lazily shrugged, relaxing back into his seat. “I picked her because she said she had brothers and could handle you and your antics.” Missouri moved to clean the glass in the sink, drying it before she poured the alpha another drink. “What did you do this time?”

“I told her to walk my dog,” Dean said, tossing the wet folder onto the desk as Missouri raised an eyebrow. 

“...You don’t have a dog,” Missouri spoke, putting the drink on the desk as the alpha sighed. 

“She knows that now ,” Dean mumbled, making her shake her head. “She didn’t know that the six hours she spent searching for him, mistakenly believing he had gotten out.”

“Six hours?” Missouri scoffed. 

“I tried to tell her sooner,” The alpha admitted nonchalantly, taking a sip. “Except she didn’t want to answer her boss's phone call after a couple of hours of searching when she thought she lost his dog.” 

“I could imagine wanting to avoid that conversation,” Missouri spoke as Dean shrugged lazily. “...You should have asked her to talk to the dog when she got to her place. Might have earned some fake barks from her.” The alpha's unreadable face slowly earned a smile before he laughed out loud at that. Missouri smiled affectionately. 

“Next time.” Dean hummed, amused. 

“Why don’t you show them this charming side of you? You’re so handsome behind that asshole big-shot persona you have.” Missouri breathed.

“It’s because no one but you finds me charming.” The alpha sighed. Missouri sighed sadly as Dean glanced away at that, his smile gone before stubbornly adding. “Sounds like you’ll have to stay and put up with me.” 

“Today’s my last day, you know that,” Missouri stated simply. “I’m old, Dean.” The alpha eyed her, taking in her elderly form. She was almost seventy. Dean knew he couldn’t keep her forever, but the idea of losing her stung. The alpha didn’t think he would be here if Missouri didn’t support him. 

“...I know,” Dean mumbled, glancing out the window, his hand over his lips in thought.

“Besides, wouldn’t you want to have some adventures with someone new? Someone who can keep up?” Missouri asked. “Give someone else a heart attack when you blend your cell phone and try to join a hippie commune to avoid the stockholders’ meeting?” 

“...That was a fun year,” He mumbled. “Found me too soon though…you never did tell me how you found me.”

“I cut out the heel of your shoe, hollowed it out, and slid a tracker inside,” Missouri spoke as Dean gave her a look. “...I hope you find someone good, Mr. Winchester…People like you…aren’t meant to be alone for too long…” The alpha took her words to heart before she blinked her sad eyes before straightening up. “...Good night, Mr. Winchester. ” 

“...Good night, Missouri.” Dean breathed, knowing it was the last goodbye they would exchange. 

She placed a warm hand on his shoulder, squeezing it gently. The alpha touched her hand with care, feeling it slide away. He watched her leave before he took off his shoe to check the heel. He didn’t see any damage, but…he wouldn’t put it past her. Dean slid the shoe back on before standing and walking over to the window. He observed her as she slowly made her way down the long stairs to the parking garage. He stared until she drove out of the lot, messaging his driver that he didn’t need him tonight. The alpha glanced around the silent room before quietly returning to work. 

___________________________________________________________________________

Knocking on his desk made Dean groan as a coffee was placed in front of him. He pulled his face away from the desk, paper stuck to his skin, and looked up at the legs of the person standing before him. His receptionist, Charlie, was sitting on the desk with her legs crossed, stirring her coffee with milk. She was dressed in a bright orchid purple blazer and skirt, paired with a red tank top and red heels with black soles. Charlie always looked her best to greet guests with warmth and smiles; she was the sugar to Dean’s spice. Slowly, Dean peeled the paper from his face, groaning as he leaned back in his chair.

“Don’t you have a home?” Charlie asked as Dean leaned back, rubbing his face. “Like if you’re homeless, you could crash on my couch.” She was being a sarcastic bitch…and he loved her. If they both weren’t gay, he might have married her and called it a day. “To be fair, the couch is only like two hundred bucks. It came with a stray cat and seven demons from a shady estate sale in the south.”

“Is that supposed to deter me?” The alpha mumbled, grabbing his coffee.

“No.” Charlie sipped her coffee. “I’d figure the demons would make you feel right at home since you’re going to hell for making that poor girl quit.” He let out a soft snort while taking a sip of his coffee. 

“Thank god you’ll be with me for laughing,” Dean mumbled as Charlie shrugged innocently, finishing her coffee. Jumping off the desk, she turned to him. 

“So the position is open?” Charlie asked, obviously hinting something. He glanced at her, annoyed. 

“Why, you want it?” Dean asked as Charlie made a disgusted face. 

“No way, I could never work for you, don’t you know you’re an asshole?” Charlie mocked, making herself some more coffee. He smiled to himself, amused, but said nothing. 

“But…?” Dean led as Charlie turned to him dramatically. 

“I know someone who is desperately looking for a job, and I told him about it,” Charlie stated excitedly. “He’s been playing it off like he’s fine and he’s too proud to ask for help, but he’s struggling. So I’m asking you to give him a chance when he comes in for an interview tonight.” 

“Wait, interviews? She just quit last night.” The alpha scoffed, finishing his coffee. 

“The devil works hard , but I work harder .” Charlie hummed as she waved him off. Dean stood, setting his coffee down next to her. She eyed him and the cup, blinking as he slid his hands into his pockets. He expected her to make the second cup for him. She didn’t.

“I’m just…not interested in another personal assistant.” The alpha breathed, glancing solemnly out the window. “No one can measure up to the service Missouri provided.”

“Yeah, well, that’s all fine and dandy in theory.” Charlie scoffed mockingly, grabbing his cup and forcing it back into his hand. “BUT…you can’t live without one, so you’re going to have to suck it up, Buttercup.” 

“What? I’m a fucking genius.” He scoffed back, offended. She leaned against the back wall next to the espresso machine, crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow. 

“Alright, fucking genius.” Charlie mocked playfully. “Make yourself a cup.” 

Dean scoffed at the request, placing his cup exactly where it needed to be. He then dramatically rolled up his sleeves, prompting her to roll her eyes at his delay. After a moment, he cleared his throat and glanced at the machine: an expensive Breville Oracle Touch Espresso Machine worth three thousand dollars. The alpha could afford it because it made “great coffee options for any guests.” In reality, it primarily served amazing coffee for Charlie since Dean only entertained guests when threatened with serious bodily harm.

The espresso machine was a benefit for sure… for her. 

“That’s the milk frother.” Charlie blinked unamused, watching Dean grab the milk wand, cranking it like a lever. The alpha made a face before turning a knob and pouring whole coffee beans straight into his cup. “That’s the lever for the coffee beans. You normally grind those.” 

“Shush. I’m thinking.” Dean spoke, eyeing the machine for a long time as Charlie’s face grew more amused. 

“...How do you even wipe your own ass without help?” Charlie asked as the alpha made a face, still pondering. 

“ So I’m not coffee smart.” He scoffed. “Doesn’t mean I need one.”

“...If I said you need to dry clean those suits. What does that mean to you?” Charlie asked, amused, and Dean gave her a dirty look. “And don’t say patting it with a towel instead of throwing it in the dryer.” 

“Then I don’t know what it means.” The alpha scoffed, defeated. 

“Dean, for my love and sanity. You will die without someone cottling you.” Charlie put her hands as though praying. The alpha sighed, defeated, knowing… she was right. 

“...Make me a coffee and I’ll let you convince me to hire your friend.” Dean moved away from the espresso machine, giving up, while Charlie beamed, cleaning out his cup. 

“His name is Castiel Novak.” Charlie started. The Alpha grabbed for the newspaper she brought in when she started work. 

“Weird name,” Dean commented, Charlie sighed, glancing at him and making the coffee. 

“He had overly religious parents. Be nice.” Charlie spoke, and Dean made a noise of acknowledgment. “He’s older. He’s already thirty, I think, so he’s got plenty of life experience.”

“He’ll retire earlier than I’d like,” The alpha mentioned vaguely as she placed the coffee next to him. She sat back onto his desk forcing the newspaper down. 

“You don’t even expect them to last a weekend, so hush,” Charlie spoke while Dean reached for his coffee. “He’s a cute little thing, sweet as can be. Shy but passionate. He’s an omega too so you know he’s not a pushover. He’s a little spitfire when he’s got to be. I feel like he will balance your crazy well.” 

“Male omegas are rare,” The alpha mumbled while taking a sip. “One percent of the population is one.”

“You like rare things.” She hummed, trying to entice him, but then it hit her what she said. “...That sounded creepy.”

“Because it was.” Dean cringed, giving her a look. “Made me sound like I collect humans as trophies or something.”

“Just hire my friend,” Charlie whined, lying on the desk and him dramatically. “You’ll like him!”

“I will consider him, but I’m going to interview everyone and still go with the best candidate.” The alpha playfully kept pushing her off, but she was dead weight. “Get off.” 

“Yay!” Charlie suddenly sat up, shifting away from him and perching happily on the desk.. “Remember, I told you nothing! Never said a word! I promised I wouldn’t put a good word in for him!” She hopped off his desk before moving towards her desk. 

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Not good at keeping your word, are you?” Dean mumbled, taking his drink in peace. She leaned to glare at him from the doorway. 

“I will spit your coffee.” Charlie threatened as he pouted. “Remember, I’m your only source of coffee for the next god knows how many days.” 

“...You didn’t say a thing,” Dean mumbled, putting his hands up in surrender. “Why does he care so much anyway? Having a friend’s vouch for you normally gets you up.”

“He’s just…He wants to earn it.” Charlie spoke. “It’s just how he is. He’s an honest guy.” The Alpha nodded at her words. “Besides…I think you’ll be good for each other…” Charlie said affectionately as she went to start working.

Dean made a face at that, he highly doubted that, as he leaned back into the chair to get some more sleep. Charlie hit the button closing Dean’s doo,r allowing him to sleep a bit more. 

___________________________________________________________________________

Dean got maybe a couple more hours of sleep before the first applicant arrived for the position. He tiredly took ten minutes as his waiting room filled up more and more. First come, first served. He should have gone home, slept a bit, and returned since he knew he’d be working late into the night. However, Dean wasn’t exactly good at taking care of himself, so his most toxic form of ‘self-care’ was just burning the midnight oil. The Alpha just kept downing the coffee Charlie made him every other hour. 

By now, Dean had rejected a good number of people, either too chipper or too eager. It was just too much for his tired brain to handle at the moment, skipping people he knew he’d easily break on the first day. He was much pickier as the night went on. The Alpha was sure it was because he was cranky and tired, but if they couldn’t handle him like this, there was no point. 

“Did you want to take lunch?” Charlie offered poking her head in, Dean glanced up lazily his focus on the new chip he was working on. He pulled his sleeve back to look at his watch. “You haven’t eaten all day.” 

“If I eat, I’ll crash. I’m on my second wave.” The Alpha mumbled as Charlie eyed him. “You should head home, it’s a bit after six.” 

“Did you want to stop the interviews?” Charlie asked. 

“How many are left in the lobby?” Dean questioned, not looking up. 

“Maybe twenty. I stopped letting people line up at three.” Charlie sighed. “...Did you want me to wait?” 

“No. It’s quite alright. I will finish the interviews.” The Alpha stated as Charlie nodded, handing him a stack of resumes. Dean sighed, looking at the applicants, before nodding at her to go. “Can you call the next person before you go?” Charlie nodded, ushering the next person to come before she closed the door behind them.

“Diana Walters.” The applicant smiled, moving to shake Dean’s hand, but he didn’t take her hand, leaning back. Her smile faded as she took a seat in front of him. He didn’t say anything, just staring at her. She shied under his glance, looking like she might cry before looking away to look down at the resume she had brought. “I’ll just get started about myself…” She started awkwardly clearing her throat. “I’m a recent college-”

Dean’s eyes slid over to the camera on his computer, seeing Charlie talking to someone in the lobby. The Alpha couldn’t make them out, but they had black hair and a suit. She was swearing up and down, and she didn’t say anything. The man seemed relieved, holding his hand to his chest, nodding as Charlie went home for the day. Why was he so stubborn and did not just take the help? Was this all an act? Did he really hope she did say something? He was pretty sure this man was only acting modest…he was going to name-drop Charlie in the first five seconds of their interview. Dean frowned noticeably as the woman noticed. He took a second to remember he was in an interview. Oops.

“Thank you, we will call you if we’re interested.” Dean lied as the woman stood nodding. Tears were already in her eyes for the disappointment of the job. The Alpha watched her run past Charlie’s friend, who followed her with his eyes till she disappeared out of the room. This guy looked so concerned for the people whom he rejected. Dean made a face, not buying this guy's act. Calling the next person in, not bothering to get up, and just yelling from his desk.

One after another interview, his eyes kept getting drawn to the man in the waiting room who nervously tapped his leg. Something about this man…

“I’m Aaron-” The next person came in. 

“Can you work that thing?” The Alpha sighed exhausted, almost tempted to hire the first person who could use it as Aaron glanced at the machine. 

“Um…” Aaron started, having no idea where to begin, but the CEO cut him off. 

“Don’t bother. Get out.” Dean breathed to the man who walked in. 

“Fuck you asshole, I’ve waited for hours.” Aaron looked annoyed, turning to leave. “...I didn’t want to work with a dickwad like you anyways.” The Alpha offered a weary nod, simply agreeing to hasten the other's departure. Dean reclined in his chair and then glanced towards the waiting room, noting Charlie’s friend was next. He sighed, tapping his foot impatiently before reaching for his file.

Name: Castiel J. Novak. 

He wondered what the J stood for. If they were super into religious names, it most likely was one. Going through the probabilities list. He would guess it was a simpler name than Castiel’s first name. Not to overshadow it. So it had to be Josiah, Joshua, or Jonah. The Alpha was good at odds. He’s sure he was right. 

He had a lot of odd jobs, he worked mostly retail. A barista, a manager at a movie theatre, and a couple of years as a waiter. It wasn’t till he finally got a break from a small office job that he left retail. Sadly, he was let go three weeks after starting due to the pandemic. He hasn’t found his footing based on the empty spaces in their resume. Most jobs aren't hiring yet after the restrictions were lifted. 

Dean didn’t care about his job experience; that's not why he hired people. He was more about the person and if they could grow into the role, than if they could just go through the motions of the role. The Alpha noticed Castiel glance towards the elevator. Was he thinking about giving up? He had waited for almost five hours, but the idea of him giving up on himself at the last minute made Dean frown. 

“Next,” Dean called, ready to meet this Castiel. He watched him from the camera, watching him slowly get up and walk into the room. The omega entering the room made the CEO lazily glance up. 

You know that saying… Love at first sight?

That wasn’t it. 

Green eyes met blue as he walked over to stand in front of his desk, and stood in front of him shyly. Despite holding himself insecurely, the man never stopped looking him in the eyes.

Somewhere in the pit of his stomach, Dean knew this man would uproot his entire life. He didn’t know why he felt that way the moment their eyes met, but he knew this man would be the end of him. His gut screamed it. The Alpha had never had such a sharp reaction from anyone before. Something about Castiel was reminiscent of the beautiful poison dart frog—gorgeous and inviting, with colors so hypnotic that you could lose yourself in them. 

If Dean were a cautious man, he would have taken heed. The most beautiful beings are the most dangerous.

But he was not a cautious man. 

He was a betting man.

Usually like the odds and the risk they gave.

The Alpha was too curious for his own good.

Oh, how will you ruin me, Novak…?

Dean’s gaze drifted lazily over him before he averted it to his folder. With a sigh, he snapped it shut and tossed it onto the desk, leaning back in his chair. He glanced at Castiel again, resting his hands behind his head. The omega nervously gripped his pant legs, perhaps wiping his sweaty palms. A lengthy silence filled the room. Dean had expected Castiel to mention knowing Charlie, but he remained silent, simply waiting.

When Castiel didn’t do what was predicted, the alpha sighed again before grabbing another folder off the desk and holding it out a folder to him. The omega didn’t move for a second before Dean ushered it at him again. Castiel hesitated, moving to take it from him, the CEO grabbed a pen, going back to work. 

He’ll do.

“Send them home and get me a coffee. No Sugar. No Milk. Black.” Dean mumbled exhausted. The omega frowned, confused, looking at Dean like he had three heads. The Alpha sighed when Castiel’s voice distracted him from his work.

“...Sir?” The omega blinked as Dean tiredly glanced up. 

"You're hired, Mr. Novak," Dean stated, returning to his work without further acknowledgment. Castiel stood frozen, processing the unexpected news. When the omega didn't move, Dean looked up again, rubbing his tired face in frustration. "I have an all-nighter ahead of me with a project due in the morning… and all I want is coffee…" He glanced pointedly at the coffee machine. Castiel followed his gaze, then looked back at Dean. "...Can you start now, or do I need to call in the next person?"

“I-I can start right away.” The omega breathed, lighting up so happily. Castiel nervously clasped his hands together so relieved as he moved to the door of the office. Standing in front of the door he cleared his throat shyly. The Alpha glanced up to watch Castiel, hearing his voice projecting at a reasonable level that the position was filled but they will keep their applications in case other positions open up, and to please have a good night. 

Dean scoffed slightly at that.

Nice of him, for sure. 

Once the last interviewee had left for the elevators, Castiel returned to the office. He removed his coat, rolled up his sleeves, and turned toward the coffee machine. He glanced over at the CEO, who had donned goggles and was working on a chip under a microscope, sparks flying from his small welding tool.

Out of habit from his barista days, Castiel tested the coffee wand, which made Dean look up. The Alpha watched him work the coffee machine for a moment, noting his apparent expertise as he prepared the coffee. Dean returned his attention to his work, pausing only when he heard Castiel quietly place the coffee cup on the corner of his desk.

“Thank you.” The Alpha breathed, continuing to focus on the chip. 

“Is there something I can do for you, sir?” Castiel asked, backing up slightly and standing like a waiter. His coat was over his arm, which made Dean chuckle to himself. Though his poker face didn’t betray his emotions, he thought it was cute—little habits Castiel still had from his previous job. The Alpha pulled back from the chip to relax into his chair, taking off his goggles. He took his cup to drink some of the coffee, sighing with relief after downing the majority of it.

Castiel knew how to make a damn coffee. 

The omega stood silently, eyeing the room, taking in the awards and degrees on the wall. Dean had completed dual high school and college courses during his high school years, graduating with an associate's degree. While still pursuing his bachelor's degree, he dedicated two weeks of his vacation each semester to focus solely on his assignments in a secluded mansion.

He understood his privileged position, enabling him to receive all course materials at the beginning of each semester. This allowed him to complete most assignments early, leaving finals to be managed periodically, ensuring submission by the due date.

Dean's financial resources allowed him to leverage the flexibility of being both a full-time student and the CEO of his company. Wealth facilitated accommodations, including Harvard's permission to study remotely, even when standard policies didn't permit it.

Castiel's stomach growled, and he swallowed, hoping Dean hadn't noticed. The Alpha remained silent but glanced at him, aware that Castiel, having waited all day, likely hadn't eaten. Dean, fueled by spite and coffee, was also hungry.

"...Are you hungry?" Dean asked, putting his coffee down. The omega blinked, surprised.

“I…I could eat.” Castiel admitted with a shy smile. The Alpha sighed, grabbing for his wallet and offering his credit card, which Castiel hesitantly accepted. Dean put his goggles back on, settling in to work with the prospect of food coming.

“Would you please get us some food? Dealer’s choice. I’ll eat anything. Use my card, and get yourself something too. Don’t be modest, just buy yourself a meal, or I’ll fire you for being annoying.” The Alpha mumbled, returning to his work. The omega stared down at the credit card hesitantly, then looked at the door. “Take the limo in the parking garage. It’s downstairs. Walk down there like you own it and tell them to fucking step on it…They’ll get I sent you if you say that.” Castiel nodded slowly and went to do as requested. Dean paused his work to watch him leave before hunkering back to work, chuckling to himself. “Oh, yeah… He’s trouble …”

The Alpha was snapped out of thought when Castiel returned carrying some bags of fast food. Dean moved the prototype he was working on to the side to accept the bag the Omega held out to place on his desk.

“For you,” Castiel spoke as Dean curiously examined the bag, reading the restaurant's name he didn’t recognize. He opened the takeout box, staring at the burrito and salsa inside. The Alpha pulled out the burrito, slathering the salsa on it. “I-I didn’t know what you wanted, so I got my go-to. You’re not allergic to anything-?” Dean just stared at him, taking a large bite, staring at him chewing. “...I guess not.”

“No. I am.” Dean chewed as Castiel looked on in horror. The Alpha stared at him with a poker face. “Don’t worry, I’m just allergic to tomatoes.”

“S-Sir!” Cas panicked, the absolute horror of realizing he could be killing his boss. “T-That has tomatoes-!” The omega’s face of horror slowly slid into a glare as Dean slowly started to smile. “...That’s not funny.” The Alpha chuckled to himself, amused as he tried not to choke on the burrito. “I was really scared for a moment!” Castiel sat down in the chair in front of the desk, handing Dean back his credit card before opening his food. “Jesus.”

“It was a little funny.” Dean chewed as Castiel pulled out his burrito, moving to eat it. 

“...Thanks for the meal. I appreciate it. ” The omega spoke, his voice low, unable to look him in the eye as he took a bite of the burrito. The Alpha could tell by his tone that this might have been the first real meal he’d had in a while.

“Don’t thank me. It’s part of your job.” Dean lied as Castiel tilted his head at that request. “I guess I should discuss what this job entails.”

“...Maybe it would be a good idea.” The omega giggled at his joke as the CEO softly smiled.

“Your job is really simple,” Dean explained. “You’ll be my assistant. You’ll make sure I take care of myself. I forget that I’m human sometimes. You’ll just make sure I eat, drink, and sleep. Along with making sure I wake up on time, go to important meetings, and know all my clients. I’m bad with names and faces. So that’s your job. Simple.”

“I can do that.” Castiel nodded, smiling; it sounded easy. The Alpha set down his burrito to go to Charlie’s desk and grabbed the binder case labeled ‘Assistant’, plopping it onto Castiel’s lap. The omega opened it, taking in the new phone and a ring of keys, along with a binder of names, faces, and information. Castiel started the phone, noting the schedule already filled with Dean’s daily appointments.

“Everything you need is in there,” The Alpha spoke, sitting back down to eat. “Remember the binder and stick to the schedule. Charlie updates it in real-time with anything work-related, whether it’s a face-to-face meeting or a virtual one. It’s all there, color-coded, and the binder explains the colors. I will ask you to fit my personal time things on the schedule. I stick to the schedule; my schedule makes my world go around.”

“I understand, sir.” The omega nodded. 

 “Those keys are for my home and office. Your badge to the building is something you can get tomorrow, I’ll have my receptionist do that and your paperwork with you then.” Dean breathed, taking a bite of his burrito. “You have a car?”

“Um—” Castiel hesitated, but Dean just opened his drawer, tossing him a company car key. The omega lit up, surprised. “S-Sir.”

“I need you available any time I need you,” Dean said. “You’re going to be salary, but any hours you work over forty hours a week will be paid hourly.”

Castiel sucked in a happy breath, and Dean saw him tearing up. The Alpha tried not to look like he noticed as Castiel looked down, blinking the tears away. The omega swallowed the lump in his throat, quickly wiping his tears away, hoping Dean hadn’t noticed.

“My address is pre-programmed into the phone. Tomorrow, just worry about getting the paperwork signed. You don’t need to tend to me. We can make your first day on Monday,” Dean said. Castiel nodded softly, not looking at him. They ate in silence while he regained his composure. The omega broke the tension by wiping a tear.

“I got mine extra hot.” Castiel lied, tears sliding down his face as Dean laughed, taking the lie with a smile. 

“Maybe cool it on the salsa next time.” The Alpha teased, offering him a handkerchief, which Castiel gracefully took, wiping his eyes. “Only I’m supposed to make you cry, not salsa.” The omega nodded gratefully, wiping at his tears.

After they finished eating, Dean glanced at his watch. It was almost midnight. Normally, he worked until one or two, but Castiel had been there for hours.

“Let’s call it a night,” The Alpha said, standing up and collecting his things. The omega stood as well. “Come, the company car you’ll be taking should be by my limo.” Dean grabbed his briefcase and moved to leave. Castiel quickly followed. Dean led him down to the parking garage as he walked towards his limo. “Hit the unlock button,” The Alpha instructed. The omega pressed the button, revealing a nice white BMW 3 series. Castiel stared in awe at the expensive car he would now use, running his fingers over the hood. “Welcome to the team, Castiel.”

Dean climbed into the limo before his driver took off. Watching Castiel from the rear-view, when the omega thought Dean wasn’t looking, he started to jump up and down, cheering silently, clearly overjoyed. The Alpha turned back around as his driver, Bobby, glanced at him.

“I like this one,” Bobby said as Dean eyed him.

“Very interesting. You don’t like anyone. Even me,” the Alpha spoke, pouring himself a whiskey as Bobby smirked.

“You didn’t see him trying to psych himself up to walk in here and order me around,” Bobby hummed. “He paced for a solid two minutes before opening the door, coming in, and said, ‘Mr. Winchester would like some food, so please take me to El Toro…please. ’ I stared at him until he cleared his throat and sweetly added, ‘ And fucking step on it?’ ” Bobby snorted at that, mimicking the shy omega perfectly. “Little too sweet for you. You’re going to break him.”

“What do you give him?” Dean chuckled.

“One week, tops,” Bobby snorted. “That poor last girl, Vanessa, didn’t even make it to the end of her second week.”

“Who?” the Alpha questioned.

“...Betty,” Bobby spoke as Dean remembered her.

“Nah, I got faith. He’s going to last longer than her,” the Alpha hummed as he messed with his suit, loosening the top. “This one is a bit more timid, but I feel it. He’s got spunk.”

“I hope for your sake he does,” Bobby stated as Dean leaned back in the limo, relaxing to take a small nap on his way home.

Chapter Text

Coming back to the office, he hit the button for the elevator heading up to Charlie’s desk next to Dean’s office. He couldn’t hide his happiness. Charlie beamed seeing him, and she ran over to him. Pulling him into a tight hug, the omega happily hugged her back.

“I TOLD YOU, YOU WOULD GET THE JOB!” She cheered happily as she pulled back, moving to her desk. He followed, standing in front of it and beaming at her.

“Still not sure why, though,” Castiel admitted shyly. “But I’m grateful.” He could go into detail about those beautiful young men and women who were rejected. He saw qualities he wished he had, things he just didn’t measure up to.

“Castiel, just because you can’t see your shine doesn’t mean others can’t.” The beta sighed slowly, handing over the paperwork he needed. She then moved to stand, grabbing a camera. “Smile.” The omega beamed. She moved back to her desk to print out his badge. “Sign the highlighted portions for me.”

The omega moved to grab the pen she offered; he signed all the legal documents confirming his employment before she slid over a badge.

“Here’s the company credit card,” Charlie said. “The purchase needs to be related to Dean in some way to use it. You may also buy your gas with it. I know you aren’t one to take advantage, so I won’t go into too much detail.”

“Wow.” The omega beamed, happy that he would keep more of his paycheck now that he wasn’t buying gas with it. It saved him about a hundred or so dollars.

“Now, Castiel, you know I can’t stress how important this position is,” the beta explained. “You are one of the very few people who literally have unlimited access to this whole building.”

“The whole building?” The omega blinked, taken aback as Charlie ushered him to use it on Dean’s locked door. Castiel took the badge, scanning it, and the door opened for him. He blinked, shocked as he turned to her. “I-I’m just an assistant.”

“This is a serious position,” the beta explained. “You are literally an extension of Dean. Dean’s better half.” Castiel blushed at the saying. “Dean can’t live without you.”

“You’re just saying that.” The omega smiled at the compliment, but Charlie’s face fell with a sigh.

“I wish I was being cute, but no. That man would literally die without you.” The beta deadpanned seriously. Castiel blinked at that.

“He’s…a genius, though?” The omega asked. “What do you mean?”

“Look, Dean might have an IQ of two hundred and sixty-three, but when it comes to living…he is a bit…stupid?” Charlie breathed, as if that was nicer than what she was going to say. “It’s like he absorbed all the smart shit and forgot to download the basics. He needs people like you to make sure he eats, drinks, and sleeps. Especially eating; if he doesn’t eat with someone else, he won’t do it.”

“O-Oh.” Castiel choked. “…How is he alive?”

“Sure dumb luck,” the beta spoke, popping a chocolate into his mouth, amused. “Love him to death, though. He’s a great guy, but he’s an asshole, though. You don’t play into his tricks. Speaking of tricks,” Charlie spoke, “He likes to get out of every work-related event he can. He’s notorious at it.”

“Why?” The omega asked curiously.

“They are boring. Straight up snorefest.” The beta playfully gagged. “But as a CEO, he needs to go. That’s where you come in. You need to make sure he does. No matter what he pulls. Okay? No matter what.”

“What exactly does he do that you need to warn me about it? Twice?” Castiel worried.

“He…does elaborate stunts to get out of them,” Charlie explained. “Last year, he faked his death.”

“Wait…What?” The omega looked mortified.

“Yep. He had a movie studio's visual effects team make him a replica that looked dead. Hired actors to play cops. The whole works. It would have worked if it wasn’t for the fact Dean ordered a pizza on his tab, Missouri was on his ass-”

“Who was Missouri?” Castiel spoke.

“...Oh.” The beta paused affectionately. “She was Dean’s first personal assistant. Wonderful woman.”

“What happened to her?” The omega questioned as Charlie smiled softly.

“She retired.” The beta nodded.

“That’s good. I was a bit worried about the whole stunt thing,” he laughed nervously.

“No one has died from Dean’s stunt,” Charlie said. “Many have cried and quit. No deaths though.”

“Wait, how many assistants has he had that cried and quit?” the omega questioned.

“...Um…Including the one you replaced…” the beta hummed, counting. “Thirteen.”

“...” Castiel was quiet, staring at her, looking defeated already. She reached over, taking his hand.

“Look, I told you about this job because I knew you could handle it,” Charlie smiled softly. “You’ll be great. Just be… careful what Dean says sometimes. He is a bit of a trickster. Just take anything he says with a grain of salt. Use your brains. You got this.” The omega smiled back at her. “So you don’t have to be here till six. What are you planning to do for the rest of the day?”

“He actually gave me a three-day weekend...but...I’m…actually going to work. I know he said I could start on Monday but…” Castiel glanced at his watch. “Dean’s schedule says he normally gets up at four. I figure I would just go in and make sure he doesn’t die.”

“Alright then,” the beta hummed. “You got his house keys and such?”

“I do.” The omega held them out.

“Well, good luck.” Charlie beamed as he nodded slowly, turning to leave. Hitting the elevator button, he headed out to his car. Castiel got into the BMW, hitting the GPS to Dean’s private home.

It wasn’t far out of town, on the outskirts of the city, up the hills on a remote road. The omega got to the gate, pausing to figure out how to get past when he noticed the card reader on the gate. Castiel hesitantly reached his card out, unsure if it would work…and it did. The gates opened, and he drove through. Dean’s home was a beautiful luxury house, white with tan roof tiles, a four-car garage, and a beautiful circular driveway with a fountain in the middle.

The omega pulled off to the side, trying not to be in the way, as he looked at his watch. He wasn’t too early to wake Dean up. Castiel got out of the car and walked towards the front, looking at the picture on his company phone of the layout of the home. Dean’s house was massive based on the map. He unlocked the door and walked in. The house was quiet and…pretty dark. Castiel turned on the lights as he entered. Dean’s home seemed to have a lot of windows; why did he keep it so dark?

As the omega walked up to Dean’s room, he opened the curtains, preparing himself to start the day. Getting to the room he was sure was Dean’s, he slowly pushed it open. The room was darker than he expected, Castiel having to turn on his phone light to see before he found the curtain. The omega checked his watch before confirming the time, pulling the curtains open.

A groan from the lump in the bed made him turn, seeing that he was correct. This was Dean Winchester’s room. Now that Castiel could see, he turned towards Dean, staring kindly at the half-naked man in bed. He swallowed, blushing slightly, looking away, seeing that the Alpha was only in his boxers.

“Don’t you start Monday ?” Dean mumbled half asleep. The omega paused at that; he was right. However.

“Would you eat if I didn’t come?” Castiel asked with a frown of disbelief. The Alpha sat up, turning to him for a moment as if offended, he asked. The omega expected him to deny, or perhaps Charlie was exaggerating about his lack of survival skills. Dean tiredly rubbed his face before getting out of bed.

“...No,” Hiss boss mumbled tiredly. Well, at least he was honest. The omega nodded and walked over to his closet, checking out the assortment of suits before selecting one. Bringing it over to Dean, who took it without argument.

“I’ll get started on your breakfast.” The omega nodded his head before he left the room. Castiel breathed in relief after he left the room, opening the map on his phone again and getting to the kitchen. The kitchen was beautiful and large. It obviously wasn’t used as much as it should have been. The omega could tell. It must have been used by the assistants in the morning only. The kitchen was fully stocked but…it was like it was a display. Castiel put his stuff down, slowly rolling up his sleeves, and went to work.

When the omega was done, he noticed Dean in the dining room, holding his newspaper and already seated. Castiel walked over, placing their plates and drinks next to each other. The omega took a seat next to him. This arrangement was nice; he got free meals, and Castiel didn’t complain. He was going to go hungry without it.

The Alpha put down the newspaper, taking in the meal of smoky bacon, cheddar breakfast hash skillet. Dean moved to take a bite, which the omega watched curiously. The Alpha moaned, nodding as Castiel smiled.

“Better cook than the last girl,” Dean mumbled.

“Thank you…I think,” the omega stated. The Alpha nodded, chewing. “...You have a beautiful home.”

"Thank you," Dean said. "Please see this as your home as much as mine. You'll be here about as much as I am." The Alpha glanced down at his phone. "Do you have a family, Castiel?"

The omega sucked in air at that; he should have expected a question about himself. No. Castiel had lost his parents when he was twenty-three to a drunk driver. He didn't have living relatives. The omega didn't even have a mate or kids. He was alone in this world, and the very idea of having to voice that always hurt.

"No." Castiel gave a sad smile.

"Well, you're welcome to use the pool or any of the other amenities in my home while you're here," Dean said.

"Thank you," the omega whispered. They finished their meal, and Castiel stood, taking their dishes. Castiel washed the dishes, watching Dean go back to his phone. "...The house is quiet."

"It's always quiet," the Alpha admitted.

"Do you not have staff to help you?" the omega questioned.

"I have a maid who comes while I’m at work at night. I have a driver who lives on the property in one of the mother-in-law suites. A gardener who works the landscape, and a butler who keeps my house items stocked, along with my kitchen. That’s it." Dean spoke, not looking at him.

"You don’t have a private chef?" Castiel asked curiously.

"I don’t eat enough at home to need one." The Alpha waved it off. The omega nodded slowly. "...I’m going to head into my home office. I have a work call I need to take, unfortunately, can’t wait until I’m in the office. Could you please see to it that my dog is walked and fed?"

"...Right away, sir," Castiel whispered. The omega noticeably paused at this, watching Dean get up, walking out of the room towards his office. Castiel listened for the door to close before he stood there for a long time in silence. He pulled out his cell phone, dialing Charlie, putting the phone up to his ear while he cleaned up the table with a sponge.

"Charlie, here." The beta hummed. Castiel put the sponge into the sink, rinsing it off.

"Why is Dean asking me to walk and feed an imaginary dog?" The omega questioned seriously.

"Oh, caught on, did you?" Charlie laughed. "You'd be the first. How did you catch on?"

"His house is too quiet, there are no dog bowls, no dog hair, no toys. Unless he's got a second home where he keeps his dog, there is no pet here," Castiel stated.

"It's his little quirk," the beta stated. "He likes to test the newbies. I told you, he loves his tricks."

"...Right." The omega paused as he slowly grabbed his phone, heading toward the front door. "Always, I should go walk his dog then." Charlie made a noise in confusion. "See you later, thanks for the help! Bye!" He hung up and got into his car, driving away.

___________________________________________________________________________

Dean’s POV:

“Yes,” Dean laughed politely, wanting the conversation to be over. Since he had investors from other countries, he worked odd hours and disliked mornings. “We’ll keep you in the loop. Alright. Have a good night.” The Alpha hung up, closing his eyes and rubbing his face. Dean glanced at his watch, seeing he had been on the call for over an hour. It was boring, and Dean was already over it. The Alpha walked back to the kitchen, really craving a coffee. “Castiel, can I get a coffee—?”

Dean paused when a dog came up, happily jumping on him. The Alpha blinked in surprise, taking in an adult black dog that looked like a mix between a Rottweiler and a Pitbull. It had the coloring of a Rottweiler but was built like a unit of a Pitbull. The dog’s thin tail wagged as Dean glanced up to see Castiel filling a couple of bowls with dog food.

“Hi…boy.” The Alpha paused, looking at the Omega with obvious confusion.

“I took him for a walk,” Castiel spoke calmly, as if this dog wasn’t out of the ordinary. The Alpha thought that maybe Castiel stole this dog from somewhere, but the bags Castiel was throwing away, which he purposely let Dean see, were from a local pet store. Dean knew he was checkmated. “Beast. Food.”

Beast moved away from loving on Dean to eat, and the omega gave him a pat with care. The Alpha watched them both, eyeing them.

“You said something about coffee?” Castiel spoke nonchalantly, a small smirk on his face, before Dean sighed, obviously defeated, taking a seat at the table. The Alpha watched the dog in thought. When the dog finished, he spoke.

“Beast,” Dean spoke, and the dog moved to him. “Come.” The dog ran over to him. “Sit.” The dog sat. “Lie down.” The dog lay down. The dog was able to follow a basic command. The Alpha nodded at the fact before grabbing his newspaper again. “I’m assuming you got a dog walker hired?” 

“Yep.” Castiel was working his espresso machine, amused by his antics. “Beast is signed up for daycare, where they will collect him by bus every weekday morning, where he will socialize and be cared for till six pm. Then, when you’re at work, I have a dog walker who will walk him during your eight-hour work day till two am.”

The Alpha nodded, agreeing, and reached out to softly pat the dog’s head. Dean glanced at the kibble Castiel got for him, which was left by the food.

“Can you make arrangements for the food? The best and freshest quality, please.” The Alpha mumbled, sending a text to his driver to be ready for pick-up when the omega handed him his coffee in a thermos. Castiel smiled softly and nodded, most likely impressed that Dean was so accepting of this new information. The Alpha eyed the omega, watching him turn away as Castiel made himself a coffee with an extra thermos.

“Alright.” Dean stood, grabbing his thermos. “Beast. Let’s go.” Beast got up off the floor as Dean walked towards the front, Beast on his heels. “Castiel, would you mind going to the store and collecting a dog bed for the office before you arrive? I believe Beast wants to come to work with me today.”

“Right away.” Castiel choked, following after him. The driver opened the door, and Beast jumped into the car. Bobby blinked in surprise at Dean’s new furry companion, but Dean just got in after him. The driver closed the door, moving to get into the driver’s seat. The Alpha didn’t glance up until he felt Bobby drive. Watching the omega scrambling to his car and unlocking the door. Dean smirked, amused, as he petted Beast.

"New dog?" the driver asked curiously, making Dean hum in acknowledgment.

“A consequence of my actions.” The Alpha breathed amused. “I was humbled today.”



"What happened?" Bobby asked, chuckling. "Wait, did you tell him to walk your dog?"

"Yep." Dean snorted.

"...And what? He pulled a dog out of his ass?" Bobby snorted.

"Pretty much." The Alpha laughed. "I'm assuming he picked him up at a shelter when I was on a call, got the supplies, and came home with him." Dean sighed lovingly when the dog flopped for a belly rub in front of him. The Alpha leaned down, petting him. "He won today, but next time he won't be so lucky. I'll get him next time."

"Man, I like this guy already!" The driver snorted. "Have you ever been put in your place like this?"

"Nope." Dean beamed and shot Bobby a look as he laughed. "Eating this up, are you?"

“Absolutely.” The driver snorted laughing his ass off. 

“Remind me to fire you,” the Alpha mumbled with a smile, glancing at his phone.

“Right on that.” Bobby beamed. “Looks like I should have had more faith in this man after all. Look at how happy he made you, maybe you have finally met your match…” Dean said nothing, the idea of someone matching him like that. Missouri was the only one to ever be his equal, and the idea of getting someone like that again…

“I doubt it.” Dean’s voice was so soft, so sad. The driver’s smile faded at his words. Dean never would have had an equal like that. Dean…was always meant to be alone.

Bobby pulled into the parking garage and got out, opening the door for Dean, who exited the car with Beast trailing behind him. Hitting the elevator button, the dog whined nervously, but Dean patted him with care. Beast got in without much enticing, Dean keeping a hand on his head and petting him. The office was almost empty at this time, normally just Charlie finishing up for the day. Charlie gasped when she saw Beast, calling to him, and Beast happily ran over for some love.

“Hello, puppy!” Charlie squealed, kissing him.

“Aren’t you allergic?” the Alpha asked.

“Aren’t you a bitch?” the beta retorted, not caring if she got a sneeze fit. Dean said nothing, raising an eyebrow as Charlie hummed, kissing the dog. “...Sorry, that was uncalled for. He’s just too cute.”

“You’re fired,” the Alpha commented as Charlie beamed at him.

“How many times now have I been fired?” the beta asked. “Are we in the double digits?”

“Yep.” Dean chuckled.

“So this is what Castiel had in mind.” Charlie hummed as Dean raised an eyebrow.

“Don’t tell me you told him the ‘walk my dog’ trick. I’ll be so disappointed.” The Alpha frowned.

“Nope,” The beta spoke. “I did get a wonderful call asking why you wanted him to walk an imaginary dog, and he said he had an idea of how to handle it. Speaking of which, where is he?”

“He’s getting said dog a bed for the office,” Dean said.

“Cute.” Charlie stood up. “Well, I should head home.” The beta leaned down to pat the dog before walking to the elevator. “Have a good night, Dean.”

“Night, Charlie,” The Alpha spoke, tapping his badge on the office door. It opened. Dean whistled, ushering the dog inside. The Alpha allowed the dog onto the sofa for the time being as Dean casually walked over to the coffee machine with a smirk. He eyed it for a moment before taking one small piece off. He slid it into his pocket before walking towards his desk. He was working on his daily emails when he heard a quick clopping of feet as the omega ran into the office holding a dog bed.

"Sorry, I’m late," Castiel panted. "There was a line." The omega walked the dog bed into a nice corner spot, placing some dog bowls and toys for the dog. "Beast," the dog climbed off the sofa, walking over to the bed. Castiel stood in front of Dean.

"Your desk is over there. Use the folder I gave you to log into your new email. Since Charlie is gone for the day, answer and reserve any work meeting requests. Put them on my calendar. All other email subjects and what to do with them are located in your binder," the Alpha spoke, nodding towards what the omega noticed was a desk in the corner of the room. Castiel’s eyes turned to the nice desk in the corner of the room. The omega took off his coat, placing it onto his chair. Castiel rolled up his sleeves, started the computer, and got to work.

__________________________________________________________________________

Castiel’s POV:

The omega stared at Dean’s work email. It seemed Dean had a company email automatically CC’d Castiel whenever an email came into it. His boss was pretty organized; everything was labeled and had a folder. What threw Castiel off, however, was the fan emails Dean got. His boss had women and men from all over sending their praises and adoration. Most were in the haze of wanting to be him or be with him. The Alpha had a file for it in his email labeled Fan Mail. He couldn’t help but go through it. Some of these were four years old.

The oldest email on here was from an older woman declaring her love for Dean, who at the time would have only been sixteen years old, which Castiel stared at in disgust. An article attached showed Dean being labeled the world’s youngest self-made millionaire by sixteen and, only a few months later, the youngest self-made billionaire. He started the company only six months prior at fifteen, his freshman year.

Why would Dean keep these?

Was it like an ego thing? Did he just adore his fans?

“These are creepy; I have no idea why he keeps them,” The omega mumbled at the older woman who still, to this day, sent him emails.

“It’s for legal purposes.” His boss’s voice startled Castiel, making him jump. When did Dean stand up and walk over here? “Just in case I get a stalker or whatnot and I need evidence.”

“Oh.” The omega blinked. Maybe he should have realized that.

"Most fans who have been writing to me for years automatically get sent to that folder. It's the new ones you need to sort into there," the Alpha spoke. "Never respond to fan emails, but emails from schools or colleges, please respond according to the folder. Sometimes schools will email me regarding presentations, encouraging words, or speeches I could give. Those ones I don't mind sending a response to."

"R-Right." Castiel nodded as Dean placed his empty coffee cup on Castiel's desk, a subtle request for more. Dean had finished his thermos faster than normal—about as quickly as a child given their first soda. His boss then leaned over to give the dog a majestic pat on the head, smiling at his cuteness. The Omega sprang up, as if on cue, gathering the empty cup and his own. Dean's order was simple: espresso and water. How Dean survived on this alone was a miracle; it seemed to be all he drank when prompted. Dean leaned back in his chair, leaving Castiel to flawlessly work the espresso machine. Castiel delivered the hot espresso to Dean, who was holding a clear umbrella, looking as if he was about to star in a very niche musical.

"Thanks," his boss drawled, sipping his coffee, holding the umbrella like a mini-duel was about to commence, lazily twirling it around. Castiel, blissfully unaware, wrestled with the espresso machine, wondering why the milk was staging a rebellion. He started to hear clicking and clacking inside the machine, making him slowly lean in. Was something stuck? Just as he leaned in, a little too close, Dean's umbrella fwumped open.

Before Castiel could register a single thought, his face was slapped in a milky explosion. He tensed, gasping, absorbing what had just happened to him, but deep down, he knew what had just happened to him. He slowly, deliberately, turned to Dean, who was now calmly closing the umbrella, a smirk playing on his lips. The umbrella, it seemed, had been his shield in this dairy-based assault that only an evil mastermind would dare know. Dean then, with an almost theatrical act, shook the milk-drenched umbrella into the trash, unbothered.

"Oh. That's what this little doodad I 'found' on the floor does," Dean said, feigning innocence as he sauntered over and reattached the rogue piece to the machine. He was clearly fighting a losing battle with his laughter as Castiel glared at him, a murderous glint in his milk-splattered eyes. "Anyway, it's lunch. Feel free to, you know, de-dairy yourself before you come back." Castiel just stared, radiating pure audacity. The omega calmly grabbed his jacket, walked to the door, and pulled open the office door, dripping milk everywhere.

“... Touché,” Castiel grumbled, admitting defeat to Dean’s amusement. “...Thanks for the milk.”

“Thanks for the dog,” his boss smirked. “Guess that makes us even.”

“For now,” Castiel mumbled under his breath, leaving without another word. The omega rolled his eyes when he heard Dean’s explosive, howling laughter. Castiel admitted he laughed too as he walked to the limo to tell Bobby to step on it so he could change and grab them lunch.

Chapter Text

Castiel’s first stockholder’s meeting:

Dean’s POV:

“Alright.” Castiel’s voice made Dean’s green eyes glance up at Castiel’s serious face. Dean leaned back in his chair crossing his legs. “Game plan for tomorrow.” Dean watched Castiel hit the button on the projector in Dean’s office as Dean lazily glanced at Beast who tilted his head watching Castiel. Tomorrow was the Stockholder’s meeting that Castiel had been preparing like a war general on. Castiel had it planned out to a T, which was currently down to the minute. Five minutes for Dean to brush his teeth, thirty minutes for breakfast- Yada Yada Yada.

Dean wasn’t even half listening. 

Dean already had a plan that would go into place after he left today at work. Dean was great at keeping a straight face. Castiel was a fun one to go against these last couple of months, lasting longer than anyone expected. Dean didn’t doubt him. Any time Dean fucked with Castiel, Castiel dished it right back. It kept them both on their toes and there was never a dull moment, unsure of when the cease-fire would end. They always had plenty of time between tricks, and Dean has been extra good not messing with him this last month. 

“And…that’s it, sir.” Castiel turned around as Dean raised his eyes to see the PowerPoint of everything supposedly happening tomorrow. “I know you hate your company meetings but I will make this as painless as possible.” Castiel glanced at his watch. “Alright, we should head home. I will be at your house at seven-thirty to wake you up.”

“You got it, boss.” Dean hummed as Castiel nodded in satisfaction, Dean got up grabbing his briefcase. Castiel turned off the projector. Castiel took his time packing up, while Dean waited by the door. When Castiel finally followed him out, Dean walked a bit ahead to push the elevator button for him holding it open for him. 

“Thank you, sir,” Castiel spoke getting in as Beast walked in with them, Castiel was silent as he softly acknowledged the pup with loving pets and a kiss till something was offered to him. Castiel glanced up realizing Dean was holding out something for him. Castiel hesitantly paused taking the small box offered to him. “...What’s this?”

“It’s your thirty-first birthday, isn’t it? Dean hummed as Castiel blinked taken back. Castiel glanced down at the small decorative box before he pulled the top off. Inside were “Hold Tight” Cartier cuff links. Castiel choked out in surprise at the cuff links staring back at him. “Happy Birthday, Castiel.” 

“S-Sir. I couldn’t accept this.” Castiel stuttered. “This looks expensive.” 

“Please.” Dean waved him off as he exited into the parking garage. “You put up with me. It’s the least I could do.” 

“I-I-I couldn’t.” Castiel tried to get Dean to take it back trying to force it into his hands, but Dean kept his hands in his pocket. “Sir, I insist-” 

“Castiel.” Dean stopped instantly making Castiel bump into him. Castiel glanced up at the alpha looking starstruck. Dean leaned down to him slightly their faces at eye level. “It’s not expensive and it’s something that was in my possession I simply do not want. For the meeting tomorrow, you must look your very very best. Which is why I made you pick out a new suit and get it tailored. If I need you to look your best, you do have to look your best. Cuff links are part of looking your best.”

“...” Castiel looked down at the cuff links silently in thought. His pride or his work ethic fighting to win. 

Dean stared down at his face blinking softly taking in how…handsome Castiel looked when he was thinking. Dean wasn’t blind. Castiel was indeed a handsome man in general but…there was something so very beautiful when he was lost in thou-Which Dean instantly pushed the thought away, not allowing the thought to continue. Where did that thought come from? 

“Thank you, Sir.” Castiel glanced up eyeing his face with a stern look on his face and nodded at him holding the box to his chest. Dean softly pulled away from that sucking a deep breath as he walked towards his car. 

“Don’t need to thank me, Novak.” Dean glanced at him. Castiel tried to hide his smile looking down at the cuff links. Bobby opened the door, which Beast climbed in first before Dean got in. “Get home safe.”

“I-I will do!” Castiel called as the door was closed. Dean watched Castiel wave before he slowly made his way to the car as Bobby drove off. 

“...Look at him being so happy…What’s the occasion?” Bobby asked. 

“It’s his birthday,” Dean spoke as Bobby raised an eyebrow. “I got him some cuff links.”

“Hm.” Bobby made a noise as Dean gave him a look. 

“What does that mean?” Dean mumbled. 

“Nothing.” Bobby laughed as Dean glared. “Okay, What did you get Charlie for her birthday?” 

“Thousand dollars cash,” Dean stated. 

“Me?” Bobby spoke. 

“Thousand dollars cash,” Dean repeated. 

“What did you get, Castiel?” Bobby asked.

“Cuff links,” Dean explained point blank.

“How much did they cost?” Bobby questioned glancing at him in the mirror. 

“Four hundred thousand.” Dean shrugged as Bobby jolted the car, Dean blinked unphased by the amount. 

“FOUR HUNDRED THOUSAND?” Bobby choked gaping at the price. “For Cuff links? Why are they so expensive?”

“They once belonged to King Edward VIII,” Dean stated simply. “So the historical amount alone makes that a reasonable expense.” 

“...And you see nothing different about any of the gifts?” Bobby glared as Dean shrugged confused. “...Right. This is beyond you at the current moment.” 

“Hm?” Dean tilted his head confused. 

“You know for a genius, you’re kinda an idiot.” Bobby laughed. 

“Remind me to fire you.” Dean made a face. 

“Then who will wake you up in time for your plane?” Bobby questioned as Dean frowned. “I got to get you up before Castiel comes to get you for your meeting. Or you’ll have to go to a stockholders meeting.” 

“....” Dean sighed looking away as Bobby smirked in victory. 

_________________________________________________________________

Castiel’s POV - The next morning:

Castiel stood in front of his mirror putting the cuff links on as he glanced over his fitting suit and the shining cuff links. Castiel admitted the saying that you feel like a million bucks…because he did feel like it. Castiel smiled to himself as he grabbed his itinerary walking out to the car. It was… earlier than he told Dean. Knowing Dean had the notorious habit of trying to bail from these things. Castiel was trying to stay on top of Dean this time. He wasn’t going to pull anything on his watch. If he arrived before he woke up, he should be good right? Besides, Dean doesn’t even wake to an alarm. Dean could have slept through the sinking of the Titanic. 

Pulling up to Dean’s place, it was dark the sun just rising as Castiel got out of the car walking up to Dean’s door. Unlocking the door he walked in, closing the door behind him. Castiel paused expecting the furry little companion to come waddling up for love…but the house was quiet. Castiel frowned noticeably. 

“Beast,” Castiel called but when he didn’t hear those pats of cute little feet. “...Shit.” Castiel bolted up the stairs pulling open the door and seeing the bed empty. Castiel grasped his hands together cursing up to high heaven. He THOUGHT he could beat him if he woke up at the crack of dawn.

THAT MOTHERFUCKER!

Castiel noticed a small note on the side table making his eye twitch as he snatched it from the side table. 

“Dear Castiel, You might be wondering where I am.” Castiel read out loud, growling his response. “Yes, Dean. I am.” Castiel paced the room. “And once I get back, I’ll tell you. X Dean.” Castiel stared at the little plane drawing next to the name. Shit. 

Castiel yanked out his phone shakingly dialing Charlie’s number who at this point should have been up. 

“Yeah?” Charlie’s tired voice made Castiel breathe in relief. 

“Dean’s on a plane, I think!” Castiel choked in an absolute panic. “But he needs to come back! I have no idea where he is for the stockholder meeting!”

“That…sounds like Dean,” Charlie mumbled as Castiel angrily crumpled the note. “I told you he’s…a bit eccentric when it comes to the stockholder meetings.” 

“I-I thought I was being so slick! I came here an hour earlier than I told him!” Castiel cursed. “I can’t let Dean win by missing this or I’ll never be able to live this down, but I have no idea where he is.”

“Hey hey…It’s cool. Don’t fret.” Charlie fumbled with things in the background. “...Did you check his tracker?” 

“...Tracker?” Castiel paused his panicking when Charlie hummed into the phone. 

“Missouri said she was too old to be wandering for him, so she had all his shoes hollowed out and placed a tracker inside.” Charlie sighed in relief at finding what she was looking for. “Ah…He’s currently arriving at the Fairfault Private airstrip. He’s taking his jet somewhere. I’m sending you the address as we speak, along with the app name and login. The airport is Dean’s private airport. Mostly him and investors using it. The badge will let you in.”

“Charlie, I could kiss you.” Castiel breathed so happily into the phone. 

“Get in line.” Charlie laughed hanging up. Castiel scrambled down the stairs, downloaded the app, and got into his car. Hitting the GPS to the address, Castiel sped out of the driveway hoping he could get there before they took off. He was lucky the airport wasn’t too far away, meaning he must have JUST missed Dean leaving when Castiel pulled up to the house. 

Castiel got to the private airport, seeing the card reader beside the gate. Castiel slammed his badge against the reader which opened for him. Thank you Charlie for being right. Castiel sped onto the tarmac, seeing the plane still sitting with Dean’s limo still beside it. Castiel laughed in happiness seeing Dean and Bobby shaking hands in a goodbye. If Castiel had a camera, he would have kept that image of Dean’s surprised face when Castiel drove up to them. Castiel slammed on the brakes roughly parking the vehicle in front of the jet. 

“Hey, you can’t-!” Security called but Castiel just threw his badge at him. The badge smacked against the security guard’s face shutting him up as Castiel stormed up to him. 

“I told you I would be at YOUR house at seven-thirty!” Castiel panted as Dean blinked his jaw open in surprise that Castiel even rolled up on him in time. “Looking like you’re a little not home at…” Castiel looked at his watch. “ SEVEN THIRTY FIVE! ”

Dean blinked in slight fear of the omega who was panting at him in anger. Castiel admitted he might look unhinged, ready to strangle his boss…but you just had to embrace the crazy around Dean Winchester. 

“Uh…” Dean paused looking away knowing he was in trouble. “...I actually have a good and reasonable explanation for this.”

“Oh, yeah? And what’s that?” Castiel put his hands on his hips. 

“Well you see-” Dean suddenly stopped talking, moved around him to run up the stairs into the plane as fast as he could. 

“You-!” Castiel growled following up after him. 

“He can’t-” The security guard started but Bobby just raised his hand leaning against the limo. Allowing this to play out. Castiel ran into the plane as his eyes landed on Dean. 

“You aren’t getting me off this plane.” Dean slid on his seatbelt quickly like a CHILD as Castiel noticed his luggage. Castiel gave him a little smug smile, crossing his arms and nodding as he slowly walked over to the luggage. Castiel grabbed Dean’s bags. “Hey!” 

Castiel bolted past Dean who forgot to unbuckle his seat and rammed into the seat belt almost knocking the air out of him. Castiel threw the two pairs of luggage out the open door. Bobby and the Security guard watched the expensive silver suitcases slam into the cement. One popped open on impact, Dean’s clothes spilling everywhere. Dean popped his head out the window next to Castiel seeing the carnage. 

“You can’t just-” Dean choked, Castiel crossed his arms smugly. Dean scrambled trying to change tactics. “Truce! Truce! How about this, I will pay you to come with me! We can just skip the snoozefest!” Castiel glared debating. “Imagine how much fun we could have instead of being bored! You've never been, right? I’ll pay for everything.”

“Everything, huh?” Castiel asked curiously blinking his long eyelashes at Dean which made Dean perk up. “ Where are you going ?”

“Venice, Italy.” Dean tempted him. “Come on, I’ll take you on the Grand Canal. It’s beautiful this time of year.”

“Is it?” Castiel eyed him before he cooed. “...Do you have a smoke? I need to think.” Dean moved inside the plane, heading to the complimentary section for his guest. Grabbing a cigarette and a lighter he brought it over to Castiel. Castiel put it to his lips as Dean lit the cigarette for him. Blowing out smoke towards the open door as he eyed him curiously. “...How can you go if you don’t have a passport?”

“I have a pass-,” Dean spoke holding up his passport. Dean should have in retrospect expected Castiel to push the cigarette’s burning end into his picture. Dean made a face as Castiel blinked innocently slowly smushing the cigarette into it watching it catch it on fire. Dean nodded in acceptance as his face was burnt off his passport making it unusable as he calmly blew it out. Castiel threw the cigarette into the nearest trash can, Dean examining the hole where his face once was. 

“I’m sorry!” Castiel mocked pointing at it. “Did…you need that?”

“No.” Dean swallowed trying to keep a straight face. 

“Oh, yeah?” Castiel nodded mocking him with each word. “How are you getting to Italy then?”

“I’m sorry. Did I say I was going to Italy the country?” Dean questioned sarcastically. “I meant Italy, New York. You don't need passports to different states.”

“Oh, yeah? Italy, New York?” Castiel nodded smiling and laughing before his face fell to anger and he grabbed Dean’s ear. 

“Ow!” Dean whined as Castiel walked him down the stairs with Dean trailing behind him. “Ow, Ow, Ow!” 

“Bobby, can you please get Beast and Dean’s suitcases home? Dean has postponed his trip indefinitely.” Castiel said extra sweetly. 

“Will do.” Bobby saluted as the omega yanked the alpha towards the car. 

“Save me or you’re fired!” Dean whined but Bobby just waved, watching Castiel shove him into the passenger seat. Dean pouted like a kid as Castiel continued to scold him. 

“Man, those two…” The security guard whistled. “Match made in heaven those two.”

“Yeah, I think everyone’s starting to realize that but them,” Bobby explained moving to pick up his clothes, watching them drive off. 

__________________________________________________________________________

Castiel sat silently in the front seat with a pouting Dean, Castiel glanced at Dean taking in that even if he was a least trying to bail he still got dressed for the event. It seems despite Dean being so sure he would win, he was also prepared to lose.

“...You look nice.” Castiel tried, but Dean ignored him childishly. “You can’t ignore me forever.” Castiel sighed affectionately. “...Since you are being good and not trying to throw yourself out onto oncoming traffic, we can get milkshakes from the drive-through. How does that sound?” 

“I’m not a child you can buy affection from.” Dean started but uncrossed his hands relaxing into the seat. “...But I’ll take a chocolate though.” 

Castiel beamed in satisfaction as Dean played with the radio. Castiel eyed the station Dean picked. Led Zeppelin was playing, which Dean accidentally skipped over but went back when he realized. It played softly in the background. Castiel glanced at Dean who was looking out the window, he eyed him with care. He had never been with Dean like this, normally if they were alone they were working or doing something. Now they were kind of just…together. They had a couple hours till the event and Castiel was honestly worried Dean would pull something so he figured he would just drive with Dean till the event started. 

“...How did you find me anyways?” Dean asked as Castiel glanced at him.

Shit.

“You drew a plane on the note,” Castiel spoke. “Bit of Googling told me you had a private plane.” Dean nodded impressed as Castiel smiled softly at him. Dean didn’t need to know all his secrets or he would never find him. “...Also X is for kisses.”

“What?” Dean spoke. 

“You said ‘X Dean’,” Castiel stated. “The X in XO is kissing.”

“No, it doesn’t.” Dean looked offended. “O is kissing because you make an O with your lips.” Dean puckered up showing him. 

“The X is two people kissing, the points being the kiss. It’s the X,” Castiel stated. “The O is someone hugging.” 

“...I don’t…believe you,” Dean said slowly as Castiel laughed. 

“Fine. Don’t believe me.” Castiel snorted. “I’ll just assume you are sending me off with a kiss.” 

“Fine, but you better buy me dinner first.” Dean breathed making Castiel scrunch his nose at him. 

“I’m buying you a milkshake I think that counts.” Castiel teased. Dean smiled back as Castiel pulled into the drive-through. Getting them milkshakes, which Dean sucked on one softly. 

“...I haven’t had a milkshake in years,” Dean admitted looking down at it. 

“...Oh yeah?” Castiel sucked his own, pausing when he noticed…how sad he looked. 

“Yeah…”  Dean admitted. “...I think I was eleven and I suckered the social worker into getting me one because of being unadopted-”

“Wait, what?” Castiel turned to look at him taken back. 

“Oh, sorry. I just use the term unadopted because I hate saying returned like I’m a small t-shirt at a mall-” Dean chuckled, Castiel spoke cutting him off. 

“-N-No…I understand what you meant but…” Castiel’s voice faltered. Dean’s eyes glanced away at Castiel’s sad eyes. “...You were adopted?” 

“Not if I was returned.” Dean joked laughing. Castiel eyed him taking him in hoping this was a bad joke. “Sorry, didn’t mean to kill the mood.” 

“N-No, I just…” Castiel choked looking away. “Were you ever-?

“No,” Dean admitted. The car was quiet as Castiel absorbed the information Dean told him. Castiel always assumed Dean came from wealthy or middle-class suburban homes. That he had opportunities that helped him get this smart or get him in front of the investors for his company. He…didn’t know much about Dean did he? “Anyways, this is a better occasion to have a milkshake.” Dean started to suck the straw. 

“Yeah, it is.” Castiel sucked in the air trying not to look like those words hurt him to know. Castiel had lost his parents as an adult, but he still had parents. Dean lost his before eleven and never was adopted. He wanted to ask what happened, why, or…something to try to rationalize something. Why…was Dean returned? Why wasn’t he adopted? 

“We should start heading over to the event,” Dean spoke enjoying the milkshake. Castiel nodded putting the address into the GPS. Dean’s hand reached for his wrist, holding it tenderly in his hand, slowly looking at the cuff links. Castiel’s heart fluttered at the soft touch. Though Dean didn’t say anything…he could tell Dean was happy he wore them. He touched the cuff links with care but said nothing slowly sliding his hand away. Castiel let out a shaky breath before clearing his throat as he nodded to the song playing. 

“I like this song.” Castiel ushered. “Twist and Shout.”

“No.” Dean made a face. 

“What?” Castiel laughed as Dean waved him off changing the station. 

“We are not enjoying The Beatles together.” Dean waved him off as Castiel snorted. “Get some taste.” Castiel laughed loudly. 

“What?” Castiel spoke. 

“Metallica, AC/DC, Van Halen, Kansas. THAT’S music.” Dean explained as Castiel gave him a puzzling look. “Don’t…Don’t say you don’t know one of those bands or you’re fired.” Dean scoffed. 

“....Kansas? Like…the state?” Castiel questioned watching Dean’s soul implode at that making Castiel laugh harder. 

“Fired. Completely fired.” Dean held his chest as Castiel pulled up to the event. A valet stood waiting to take the car. The Valet opened the door for Dean as he stood fixing his jacket. Castiel grabbed his itinerary from the back and fixed his suit walking over to Dean. Dean stood holding out his elbow for Castiel. Castiel eyed him confused for a moment before he understood Dean’s request to take his arm. “You memorized the people in the book?”

“Backwards and forwards. I know more about these people than myself.” Castiel whispered as Dean nodded seemingly tense, Castiel gave him a comforting touch to his arm. “Just give me a look if you don’t.” 

“Right.” Dean nodded grabbing for a whiskey glass being passed around as someone called them through the crowd.

“Deano!” The man laughed happily walking over to them with an older woman on his arm. Dean glanced at Castiel. Castiel expected himself to freeze, to panic. But Castiel recognized the man almost instantly started to speak, not missing a beat. 

“Mr. Rodney Parker, one of your biggest and first investors, you made disgustingly rich,” Castiel whispered. “Likes betting horses and a big family man. Two kids sixteen-year-old boy Clark and a recently fifteen-year-old girl Jane…and let’s not forget his date for this evening, his wife of thirty years, Liliana Parker but she constantly asks you to call her Lily.” Castiel mumbled as Dean beamed like he knew them. “ Don’t get me started on his mistresses-”

“ Ooo, there’s a mistress?” Dean gasped at the gossip but they had to stop talking. “Rodney!” Dean took his hand shaking it. “Miss that firm grip of yours, how have you been old friend?” 

Castiel glanced at Dean's sudden friendliness and comforting aura. Dean was indeed a charmer. Dean had no idea who these two were two seconds ago but now he was greeting them like he’s known them for years…which funny enough he had .

“And the ever-gorgeous Liliana.” Dean took her hand kissing it with care, he bowed at the waist. She held her chest at his gesture smitten by him. 

“Now, Dean-” Liliana started. 

“I know you will scold me for not calling you Lily.” Dean laughed with care. “But your name is just too gorgeous to not repeat in full at least once.” Dean gave Castiel a hidden smirk as she swooned. 

Fucking smooth-ass player, how does he do it?

“Have you met my darling new assistant?” Dean asked pulling Castiel into this conversation wrapping an arm around his lower waist and pulling him close. 

“A male omega.” Liliana noticed instantly, suddenly really impressed to meet him. This happened often enough, once they noticed his scent everyone liked to take him in. He understood being a male omega was rare, but the attention it gave him was enough to make his skin crawl. At least he could tell their curiosity was harmless. Not sexually curious anyways. He felt like a decoration on display to be gawked at. 

He was waiting for an endless amount of questions. A few of the questions he has have been the following, ‘Can you cum with that penis of yours? What’s the point in it?’ Yes, and I don’t know, ‘How do you control your heats, I bet you’re horny all the time’ I have suppressants like alphas do, just the omega version, ‘I heard omegas can get pregnant by multiple men at the same time. ’ Nope, that’s a kink talking. And his all-time favorite, ‘What do your heats feel like? Describe them in creepy over-the-top detail.’ Castiel would just excuse himself with a good excuse to leave.

Castiel prepared to rebound the questions coming, but…he didn’t have to.

“Close, but his name is actually Castiel.” Dean charmingly corrected her behavior. Castiel paused at that. He deterred her from the questions politely.  Which Castiel…wasn’t expecting. “He’s new, so please don’t overwhelm him. He’s here to observe and learn more about our company. So if we ask him impudent questions to that. It might deter my intent of having him fully integrated into the company by next year, stalling my ability to keep our company productive.” 

“Quiet smart.” Rodney beamed. 

“Absolutely. I understand.” Liliana nodded holding her husband’s arm. “I would hate to ruin the progress you’ve made with your work.” 

“Ruin his progress? It’s my paycheck we’re talking about, ha ha!” Rodney laughed along with them. Castiel stared at Dean with surprise who comfortingly touched his lower back. 

Dean’s words were so soothing and charming that he could have stolen their wallets in front of them and got a thank you. Dean Winchester could have insulted you to your face and you’d only love him more. How Dean had a charm that works so magically, he’d never know. Castiel’s heart fluttered softly at the look Dean gave him. The look that told Castiel he was safe. Castiel…gave Dean a smile in a thank you but Dean’s look told him it wasn’t necessary. 

Castiel sucked in the air when Dean offered him the wine glass, which Castiel took with a thank you. Dean grabbed another for himself as he kept the conversation on him. Dean kept him from being the main focal point of the conversation which Castiel was grateful for. Always tired of explaining his existence to people. Castiel was Dean’s right-hand man the whole meet and greet till Dean had to give his yearly speech about his newest ideas and inventions. Updates on the projects. Castiel stood in the background leaning against the collum holding his wine glass taking in the being that was Dean Winchester. 

He could be playful, childish and a jokester but the man he saw before him wasn’t a man but a god. Castiel watched the people around him worship his words, just in awe of him just taking him in. Castiel had to admit, Dean had his ways. It was beyond wealth or status. Dean’s confidence swallowed the room, his words swooned you. No wonder so many people looked at him with lust, whether they wanted him for his mind, his body, or his charm. 

As amazing as this persona was…

Dean’s eyes fell on him as he discussed the prototype he had been working on all year, his eyes lingered on him for a moment and Castiel lightly raised the glass encouragingly. Dean gave him a soft side smile continuing like their moment never happened. 

…He liked the Dean they didn’t see…

Dean finished his speech as the crowd erupted standing and clapping. Dean bowed his head thanking everyone with a kind wave. Castiel put his glass down to clap along with them. 

Chapter Text

Dean’s POV - Six months later:

Dean glanced at his phone with a sigh, not precisely in the mood to deal with who texted him. Castiel put his coffee cup by his desk as Dean turned to him. 

“Hey,” Dean spoke rubbing his face annoyed as he casually tossed Castiel his phone. Castiel scrambled but caught it. “Can you do me a favor?” 

“Uh…sure?” Castiel offered looking down at the text message curiously reading it out loud. “ I’m in town ?” The number wasn’t saved into his contacts so Castiel didn’t know who this was.

“Yeah, about that.” Dean breathed. “Can you reject them for me?”

“...” Castiel took a second to understand what Dean was asking. “...Are you asking me to break up with someone for you?”

“We aren’t dating, He’s just a previous fuck buddy.” Dean shrugged as Castiel eyed him at the words shuffling at the term. “Surprised your boss is gay?” 

“I-...” Castiel paused not able to look him in the eye. “I always assumed-” 

“I just rarely have time for anything more than sex,” Dean stated. “Otherwise you’d have known sooner.” 

“I’ve never seen you with anyone,” Castiel spoke as Dean blinked innocently. 

“When I turned eighteen, I was much more… available for sex,” Dean stated. “Now that I’m twenty-two, I am less inclined to.” 

“...Why?” Castiel asked like he didn’t understand as Dean raised an eyebrow. 

“What do you mean why?” Dean laughed at that, Castiel blushed at his laughter. “...Are you secretly a freak, Novak?” Dean teased as Castiel blushed harder. 

“N-No! I-I just…I’m not…” Castiel choked out a mess as Dean smiled at his flabergasting expression. 

“I’m kidding.” Dean beamed. “I get what your asking. Free sex is free sex, and I was okay with it before.” Dean paused for a moment in thought. “I just…rather… settle down .” 

“You settle down?” Castiel crossed his arms and scoffed. 

“I’m not saying right now.” Dean chuckled. “I’m just very content with the human interactions I get daily.”

“Human interactions?” Castiel laughed a lot harder than Dean expected. Dean raised an eyebrow. “I never see you with anyone. Who do you have that takes up all your human interactions? I’d like to meet them.” 

“Well…I got you.” Dean explained softly as Castiel’s smile faltered in his surprise. “...That’s all I need for now.” Castiel’s cheeks slowly filled with blush. Castiel glanced down at the phone at the text. “...You’re more human than me. Can you please tell them I would not like to meet up?” 

“...Okay.” Castiel hesitated moving to type into the text. “...Who is this guy anyway?”

“Some model, I think.” Dean waved it off as Castiel choked.

“You’re giving up a model?!” Castiel gasped moving to sit on his desk just jaw-slacked. Dean leaned back eyeing him amused. Castiel’s eyes lit up in surprise. “Which one?!”

“Um…” Dean paused for longer than Castiel liked. Castiel gaped. 

“You don’t remember his name?!” Castiel playfully slapped him as Dean put his hands behind his head. 

“You don’t need names to have sex.” Dean shrugged. “What can you say, I’m bad at names. I got to really like you to remember it.” Castiel used Dean’s phone to pull up famous models. 

“Is he like famous?” Castiel asked. 

“Yeah, he does a lot of runways or goes to them, can't remember,” Dean stated, his eyes watching Castiel pulling up all the potential hookups Dean could be talking about. “No. No. Once. No. Possibly maybe we have. No.” 

“You have a type,” Castiel mumbled as Dean laughed. 

“I do not have a type, Castiel. Hookups are about being cute, horny, and available. Models like to party, I used to love to party. Worked out.” Dean put his feet up on the desk which Castiel unconsciously slapped off making Dean laugh. Castiel sure owned his space here. Comfortable enough to slap your boss's feet off his desk so he didn’t ruin the desk.

“They are all gorgeous.” Castiel gasped and showed him a couple more which Dean shook his head. 

“Models are.” Dean shrugged, he wasn’t wrong they were beautiful. Most had beautiful soft lips to kiss. Skinny, boney things with long elegant bodies. Dean wouldn’t say he had a type but he had a time he was casually kicking a model out of his bed since he didn’t do sleepovers. Luckily, they weren’t the snuggle type either. Most were happy to leave his bed for a cigarette anyways, so they would just get dressed and leave him with a kiss goodbye. 

“Had him.” Dean casually commented on the picture he showed of two men as Castiel looked confused. 

“Him or his twin,” Castiel asked. Dean wiggled his eyebrows. “BOTH?” Castiel scoffed impressed more than anything. “At the same time?” 

“Couldn’t tell where one began and the other ended.” Dean winked as Castiel laughed amused by this whole thing. 

“You slut.” Castiel teased continuing to show him photos as Dean laughed at that. 

“It’s the term fuck boy now.” Dean chuckled. “I kinda had a wild side when I skipped out of the system. I had a lot of money and went nuts. Threw a lot of parties.”  

“Why did you stop?” Castiel asked as Dean sighed not saying anything, Castiel glanced up to notice Dean tense up. 

“I almost died,” Dean admitted, Castiel looked concerned. “Fancy parties have fancy things to fuck you up. So much so that I passed out. The party guests just carried me to my bed and left me in there alone to sleep it off. I ended up asphyxiating on my vomit, but…for some reason Missouri showed up. She was able to twist me to clear my airway. Saved my life. I always asked her why she came, she just said she had a feeling…”

“I…never-” Castiel paused. 

“Missouri covered it up, paid people off. No one knew.” Dean shrugged. “...I stopped partying after that.” Castiel softly placed his hand on his knee comfortingly. 

“...I’m glad you stopped.” Castiel breathed sincerely as Dean waved him off. 

“You would have loved party Dean.” Dean stretched playfully. “He was fun.” 

“I don’t think I could have, I love this you too much,” Castiel spoke softly turning away to look at his phone. Dean paused at that. It was such a simple comment. This was a comment that Castiel threw away without much heed. However, the blush on Dean’s face made Dean turn away. Feeling his heart skip a beat. Why did such throwaway words make Dean…feel so sickeningly giddy. “...Oh, he sent a dick pic.” Castiel deadpanned.

Dean fell back in the chair in surprise as Castiel lazily turned seeing Dean on the ground. Castiel started laughing as Dean sighed eyeing him. Castiel was laughing so hard that he almost fell off the desk. 

“...You were fucking with me?” Dean laughed, and Castiel snorted nodding. Castiel turned his phone to him. 

“Was it him?” Castiel asked as Dean sighed not bothering to get off the ground. 

“No.” Dean sighed laying back in his floor chair. “...Remind me to get my ceiling repainted.” Castiel hummed kicking his feet.

“Any of them?” Castiel asked as Dean squinted at the group photo. 

“Zoom in,” Dean spoke as Castiel zoomed in slowly panning over the faces. “...That one.” 

“This one?” Castiel choked zooming into one of the man’s faces. 

“Yeah,” Dean spoke. 

“THIS one?” Castiel repeated. 

“Yeah, that’s the one who hits me up every time he’s in town. That’s him.” Dean nodded. 

“Dean…this isn’t a model .” Castiel gasped. “This is a crowned prince. From the royal family.” Dean blinked. “...Prince Benny. Dean, he’s a straight alpha with a fiancée. First in line for the crown.” 

“Hm.” Dean hummed impressed himself. 

“You fucked a prince?!” Castiel laughed. 

“Technically, I could be fucking a prince.” Dean pointed out. Castiel hopped off the desk moving to lay next to him. 

“You live such a… fascinating life, Dean,” Castiel admitted handing Dean back his phone. “I’ve had such a boring life in comparison.” 

“...” Dean glanced at the phone at the kind rejection Castiel had given Benny. Dean turned to look at him eyeing him for a moment. “Are you free right now?” Castiel turned to look at him laughing softly. 

“I’m working.” Castiel playfully answered. 

“I’m hungry. Aren’t you?” Dean hinted as he pulled himself off the ground. 

“We’re only an hour into our shift,” Castiel commented as Dean beamed. 

“Come on. We’re working out of the office tonight.” Dean reached out to help Castiel off the ground, which he took. Castiel got up, he stood brushing himself off. Dean held his arm out to Castiel who took it. Dean gave him a light pull making Castiel bump into him, Dean slid Castiel’s wallet out of his pocket and into his own.

“Where are we going?” Castiel sighed affectionately as Dean chuckled sending a text to Bobby to expect them and where they were going. 

“It’s a surprise,” Dean stated taking him out to the limo. Dean opened the door for Castiel who got in. Bobby glanced over at him before starting the car. Dean put his phone to his ear. “Yes, it’s me. I want my table. Fifteen minutes for two. Thank you.” Dean hung up putting an arm over Castiel on the chair, Castiel eyeing him curiously. 

“Where are we going?” Castiel questioned. 

“Don’t worry about it.” Dean hummed making Castiel laugh. When they arrived at the restaurant, Bobby opened the door for him. Dean got out first before helping Castiel out of the car. Castiel looked at the beautiful restaurant as they walked up to the door. 

“Les esto?” Castiel tried reading the sign. 

“Les étoiles dans le ciel.” Dean read in perfect French as Castiel raised an eyebrow. 

“You know French?” Castiel spoke. 

“I know most languages. Except for Russian. That one I struggle with.” Dean admitted as Castiel eyed him impressed. Castiel took in the beautiful and fancy-looking restaurant. 

“Mr. Winchester!” The host spoke clapping his hands and slightly bowed. “Wonderful for you to come and grace us with your presence!” Dean nodded back as the man ushered him to follow. “Please, follow me to your table.” Castiel and Dean were led through the people as Dean glanced at his watch. 

“I’m surprised they had a table at such short notice,” Castiel commented. “It’s almost seven, it would have been the seven o’clock rush.” 

“It’s my goddamn restaurant, they better.” Dean chuckled. Castiel did a double-take. 

“ You own this place?” Castiel choked as they were led to a beautifully set table away from most of the guests, it was slightly higher up than most guests.

“You find that surprising?” Dean asked as he pulled out Castiel’s seat for him. 

“This is just…not your thing,” Castiel spoke as Dean sat down across from him.  

“Really?” Dean chuckled. “What is my thing, Castiel?” 

“Tech,” Castiel explained simply. “You're a techie. You spend your days making new tech. You woke me up at four am because you wanted to tell me about your invention to improve toasters to make instant toast in a second. You are constantly working on tech. It’s your thing. Am I wrong?” 

“...You know me scaringly well,” Dean mumbled as Castiel laughed. 

“But I am curious why you would own a restaurant.” Castiel eyed him. 

“Shut up and order, and I’ll show you.” Dean playfully hit Castiel with the menu. Castiel laughed as the waiter came up. “I’ll have the filet mignon.” Dean didn’t glance at the menu just handing it to him. “The most expensive bottle.” 

“Right away, sir.” The waiter spoke. 

“We’re working.” Castiel frowned at Dean.

“What? Worried your boss would find out?” Dean questioned seriously and Castiel smiled shaking his head. 

“I’ll have the parsley and garlic fresh fettuccini,” Castiel spoke handing the menu to the waiter, the waiter left returning with the wine. He filled their glasses and put the wine into an ice-filled holder but the waiter didn’t leave turning to Dean. 

“Is there anything you’d like this evening?” The waiter asked. Dean paused for a moment looking at Castiel for a long time. 

“...Would you mind giving my date the stars?” Dean turned to the waiter who nodded at the request. He left as Castiel blushed at his wording, Castiel taking the wine. Taking a sip, he smiled at Dean. “Did you want to know why I have a restaurant, Castiel?” Dean smirked when the lights went out. There were some gasps but the darkness was only welcomed when the floor and walls started to glow. 

Castiel blinked in awe as he stared down through the glass table, the ground and walls were…screens. Castiel watched stars moving under his feet as they slid off the floor onto the connected wall. Dean smiled softly watching Castiel gasp in awe as he watched the stars surround them. It was so beautiful, Castiel could see the stars and the planets all around them. 

“It’s so beautiful,” Castiel whispered, Dean staring at Castiel not taking his eyes off him. 

“...Yeah…beautiful.” Dean smiled softly to him seeing the stars reflecting in his eyes resting his chin in his palm just looking at Castiel. Castiel gave him a light glance noticing he wasn’t even watching the display of space. 

“You’re not even looking at it.” Castiel playfully slapped him but Dean smiled to himself looking down before glancing up at him eyeing him softly. “You made this?”

“I did.” Dean nodded before forcing himself to pull his eyes away from Castiel to look at his work. “The floor, walls, and ceiling. All me.” 

“Dean…this is amazing.” Castiel reached over placing his hand on Dean’s. Dean softly turned his hand holding it with care. Castiel squeezed it just so enthralled by the beauty. Especially when the space theme slowly disappeared. Castiel started to laugh when a water visual slowly flooding the floor made Castiel lift his feet slightly. It sounded so real, looked so real. Till the whole room was an underwater show. Fish swimming by, crabs walking under their feet. 

“How many different themes do they have?” Castiel asked when the food was brought to them, Castiel thanked the waiter taking his hand back. Both Castiel and Dean dig into their meals. 

“There are many themes,” Dean spoke between bites. “Enough that one dinner wouldn’t get the same theme. There are ways to request certain themes with a list that could be brought to the table for an additional price. Even custom ones for weddings and birthdays.” 

“This is legit the coolest restaurant ever.” Castiel chewed. “Did you come up with this?”

“I created and designed all of this. The food is a different matter. I have a partner who handles the food, staff, and quality.” Dean spoke. “I maintain fifty-one percent stake. He’s got forty-nine.” Dean glanced up seeing the chef coming towards them. “Speaking of which, Castiel. This is…” Dean paused slightly but Castiel’s eyes widened recognizing the man. 

“World-renowned chef Balthazar!” Castiel gasped in awe, moving to shake his hand. “I-I loved your reality show, Titanic. Where you went to different restaurants to fix them? Your catchphrase ‘You’re sinking like the Titanic’ is iconic! I still watch the reruns.” 

“You watch my show?” Balthazar beamed so honored he shook it back. Dean slightly frowned at Castiel’s attention being taken from him. “Dean, my good friend, here to enjoy my food with your beautiful date.” Castiel blushed at the compliment. Dean made a face seeing the blush on Castiel’s cheeks from Balthazar’s compliment.

“I’m not-” Castiel started but his words faltered when he realized they weren’t listening. 

“Is the food to your satisfaction?” Balthazar asked Dean who eyed him then Castiel. Dean felt a knot in his stomach, he didn’t know why he felt that knot but he heavily disliked the feeling. 

“Delicious. I never doubt your work.” Dean stated. “Could you please do me a favor and autograph a headshot for him?” Dean held out one hundred dollars. Balthazar’s eyes lit up at the tip moving to reach for it when Dean grabbed his wrist yanking him close. “If you put your number anywhere on the autograph in an attempt to hit on my date. I’ll break your fingers.” 

“I-I’ll have someone bring out the autograph with your check. Enjoy your meal.” Balthazar pulled back nodding to Dean as he bowed to them. Dean watched him go coldly but Castiel didn’t notice. 

“An autograph?” Castiel lit up but slightly recoiled. “Let me pay you back for it.” Castiel looked for his wallet but he couldn’t find it. Dean held up Castiel’s wallet, Castiel blinked in surprise. “How did you-...” Castiel reached for it but Dean pulled it back. 

“You’ll get it back when we are back in the office and you can’t pay for anything.” Dean hummed as Castiel eyed him with a gasp. 

“Bastard,” Castiel mumbled as Dean laughed affectionately. 

“Can I not treat my guest?” Dean asked putting the wallet back into his breast pocket. Castiel gave him a look, however, a new scene of the jungle filled the walls and Castiel was sucked into it. They ate enjoying each other. When dinner was done and the check was paid. Dean stood placing a few hundred as tip holding his arm out for Castiel. Castiel took it holding his autograph close as they walked out to the limo. Castiel got in first before Dean got in after him. 

“That was amazing.” Castiel beamed as Dean smiled softly at him. “Do you take people here often?” 

“No.” Dean shook his head. “I don’t normally eat there. Though Charlie likes to have dates there. She calls me to ask for my table now and again. Bobby has too. But I’ve only come here a handful of times, usually for dinners with investors in town.”

“Really?" Castiel asked curiously. “If I owned a restaurant I would eat there all the time.”

“Would you?” Dean hummed amused by the omega who nodded. 

“They would be sick of me.” Castiel laughed. “Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. At every one of my restaurants.” Dean joined in laughing at him. “Thank you, Dean. I appreciate the dining experience.” Dean’s cheeks flushed at the compliment especially when Castiel placed his hand on his leg, giving it an affectionate squeeze. 

“It was my pleasure.” Dean’s heart thumped in his chest as he looked away. God, why was his heart acting this way? He just felt things sometimes when Castiel smiled at him or when he scrunched his nose at him or when Castiel was going to murder him-

Dean made a face at the conclusion he was coming to. No. Castiel was an employee. He wasn’t going to ever cross the lines. Dean may be a lot of things, but he knew the dangers of crossing the line with anyone in your employment. Sure, Castiel was handsome, he was so sweet and- 

No. 

He wouldn’t even let the thought cross his mind. 

Dean would never cross the line with Castiel. 

He wouldn’t let himself even let this crush continue. 

Ugh. He said it. Crush. 

Dean mother fucking Winchester had a crush on his dorky assistant. 

It was an innocent crush. 

He knew this was too new to be anything concerned with. 

Dean didn’t have to draw a line in the sand, though this has never happened to him before. He knew he could keep their relationship professional without any issues. Dean could handle being around him all the time. It wasn’t going to be a big deal. 

Dean wasn’t sure if he was trying to convince himself or just stating facts. 

“Are you okay?” Castiel asked snapping Dean out of his thoughts. “You zoned out.”

“Just tired from eating so much.” Dean lied as Castiel eyed him. 

“Ugh. I know I feel it too.” Castiel patted his stomach as Dean smiled at him softly. “The food was too good.” They got back to the parking lot, Bobby opening the door for them. Dean helped Castiel out before they walked up to the office. Once inside, Castiel slid his signed autograph into his briefcase as Dean tiredly laid down on the couch instead of back in his chair. 

“I need a nap,” Dean admitted as Castiel turned to him. 

“Honestly, me too.” Castiel joked but Dean just scooted over patting the couch next to him. “You’re not serious?” 

“I’m taking a nap either way, you can or not. Like an hour. An hour tops. I can’t work this tired.” Dean breathed already nuzzling into the pillows as Castiel sighed moving to lay next to him. Castiel instead of laying against him, Castiel laid his head on the pillow on the opposite side of the couch. 

“I’m setting an alarm,” Castiel mumbled as Dean pulled the decorative blanket over them and nodded. Both eventually relaxed enough to sleep. When Dean woke he found himself curled into Castiel who must have switched sides throughout the night. Castiel was curled into his chest holding him close. 

The sun was out which meant they had slept through the night. Dean was grateful he had given Bobby a room here just in case something like this happened. Though Dean normally was good at texting him. Dean glanced at his watch. It was six am. Charlie was waking up right now. Dean groaned rubbing his face. Castiel let out a little whimper gripping Dean’s shirt at his movements. Dean paused his movements slowly relaxing back into Castiel whose face relaxed in his sleep. Smiling down at him, he eyed Castiel’s face. 

“...Man. This isn’t helping my crush.” Dean breathed softly touching Castiel’s face. Caressing his face with the back of his fingers. As much as he wanted to let him sleep, he knew the horror Castiel would experience if Charlie got in before they left. “...Cas.” Dean breathed as Castiel groaned softly blinking awake. 

“Shit. The sun is out.” Castiel mumbled. 

“Yep. It’s six, we should head out before Charlie asks questions we won’t be able to live down.” Dean chuckled as Castiel groaned slowly burying his face into Dean’s shirt before pulling away to get up. Dean stood sending a text to Bobby for a ride home. Dean got up as well fixing his suit as Castiel rubbed his face making some coffee for them both. Using the thermos, he brought Dean over his coffee. Dean smiled with a soft thank you. 

“Good night, Dean.” Castiel smiled before he moved to leave but paused. Dean froze when Castiel turned around to face him, Castiel pushing up on his tippy toes. Dean thought for a moment Castiel would kiss him. His heart pounded in his chest when Castiel eyed his face and stuck his hand into his blazer breast pocket grabbing his wallet. “Can’t forget my wallet.”

“R-Right.” Dean breathed holding his chest trying to calm his heart. 

“See you tonight, Dean.” Castiel waved walking out, Dean taking a moment to calm down and work on his breathing before he left to his limo as well. 

Chapter Text

Castiel’s POV - The second stockholder’s meeting

Castiel rubbed his face tiredly as he drove half awake to Dean’s estate. It was five in the morning, which Castiel thought was an UNGODLY hour to make sure Dean didn’t pull what he pulled last time. Castiel only sighed in relief when he noticed the limo still there. Castiel pulled in behind him, getting out of the car. The limo door was open, Castiel paused glancing in grabbing for the bag inside. Castiel glanced in seeing Dean’s business suit, sunscreen, and some towels. 

“Aren’t you nosy,” Dean commented making Castiel slam his head up into the top of the door making him groan. Castiel held his head turning to see Dean standing there in a swimsuit rubbing sunscreen into his arms. 

“...What…?” Castiel choked as Bobby brought a cooler and placed it into the trunk. “Whoa whoa whoa, where are you going?” 

“To the lake,” Dean stated simply.

“No. You have a stockholder’s meeting.” Castiel frowned. 

“I know. It’s not till ten though.” Dean glanced at his watch. Castiel slowly glanced at his. “It’s five in the morning.”

“I understand that.” Castiel squinted. 

“I wanted to enjoy the sunrise and catch a tan before ten.” Dean shrugged as Castiel grabbed his arm. 

“I don’t know what you’re pulling.” Castiel threatened as Dean blinked innocently…which threw him off slightly. Was he not pulling something?

“Look, I know I have to go to it. We are just going to the lake ten minutes down the road and taking my yacht. I have the captain taking us out till eight-thirty.  Bobby has been asked to collect us at nine. Is that correct, Bobby?” Dean turned as Bobby nodded. 

“I have been asked to return to the dock at nine,” Bobby spoke as Castiel glanced between the two. 

“Well…Okay,” Castiel hesitated crossing and uncrossing his arms. “Then I’m going with you, no excuses.”

“I got you a swimsuit.” Dean beamed as Castiel eyed him. Dean was acting pretty innocent. Maybe he learned last time that Castiel was willing to drag him in kicking and screaming? 

“...” Castiel frowned not sure to buy it but Dean held the door open for him and Castiel got in. Dean climbed in next to him closing the door. Castiel kept an eye on Dean prepared for anything as Dean smiled at him.  "Where is Beast?"

"We are going from the boat straight to the stockholder's meeting. It wouldn't be rational to bring him so he's at doggy daycare." Dean hummed, Castiel eyed him and his amazing answer. “You can change in here or on the boat,” Dean spoke as Castiel eyed him. 

“I’ll…change on the boat,” Castiel spoke as Dean slightly pouted disappointed by him not changing there. This made Castiel more suspicious. Why did Dean want him to change in front of him? So he could tuck and roll out of the car? No way, not on Castiel’s watch. 

When Bobby stopped the car at the dock, Dean helped Castiel out after him walking towards a large yacht, called The Fin and Tonic. Cute and clever. Dean shook Bobby’s hand as he collected the cooler walking down the dock with Castiel. 

“Castiel, this is Captain Ash,” Dean spoke as he shook Ash’s hand, then Castiel shook it. “Ash, this is Castiel, my assistant.” Castiel took in the white tank top and Hawaiian shorts with the flip-flops the captain was wearing. Not exactly what he had in mind when Dean said Captain. 

“A little dressed for the boat.” Ash laughed. 

“I-I’m changing on the boat.” Castiel choked feeling a little overdressed with the two half-naked men. “Can you confirm the plan for today? I-I just want to make sure-” 

“Ash, back to land at eight-thirty?” Dean asked as Ash nodded. 

“Yep. Back to land by eight-thirty.” Ash nodded as Castiel breathed in relief. Maybe he didn’t have anything to fear after all. “After you two,” Ash spoke as Dean held his hand out to Castiel, helping him walk onto the yacht stairs before following after him. Dean put his bag and the cooler onto the main hang-out area of the boat. Dean handed Castiel a swimsuit, which Castiel took with care. 

“Bathrooms over there.” Dean pointed. Castiel slowly made his way to the bathroom, waiting till the yacht started to drive before going to change. Castiel was surprised Dean got his size right when he came out. Dean was relaxing on the deck when Castiel came out with a bundle of his clothes. 

“You can place them in the bedroom,” Dean spoke as Castiel turned placing his clothes by the bed before coming out to sit on the long reclining chair on deck. Castiel glared at Dean waiting for the punchline, Dean noticed his gaze starting to laugh.

“What?” Dean questioned as Castiel eyed him. “Relax a little, lay back and enjoy the sunrise.” 

“I don’t trust you.” Castiel frowned. 

“Wow. I didn’t even do anything, yet.” Dean laughed as Castiel squinted at him. 

“Yet,” Castiel commented as Dean beamed innocently enough. “Why the sudden need to go for a swim?” 

“Can’t a man just want to take their assistant on the water without the interrogation?” Dean asked relaxing with his hands behind his back. Castiel eyed his body which…Dean’s body was nice to look at. Castiel’s eyes slid down his six-pack to the start of his swimsuit. He had a hot body, even Castiel couldn’t deny taking it in. 

“Why?” Castiel asked shivering slightly, it was slightly cold for the morning. Dean seemed to notice getting up and heading to the bedroom. He collected a hoodie offering it to Castiel who smiled at him softly sliding it on. Dean’s hoodie was large on him, which Castiel imagined was the exact reason women loved to wear their boyfriend’s sweaters. It smelled like Dean too. Castiel gave the collar a slight sniff when Dean laid back on the long reclining chair. 

“What do you mean why? Why would I, an alpha, want to get my omega personal assistant half dressed so I could look at respectfully as much as I want?” Dean playfully mocked as Castiel gave him a dirty look. 

“Har Har.” Castiel rolled his eyes. Castiel didn’t have a body like Dean’s. Castiel was thirty-two as of yesterday. He didn’t have a six-pack. He didn’t have any abs. He wasn’t big by any means but he wasn’t skinny either. He was slightly below average on a good day. His body wasn’t something someone went out of their way to see. Dean slightly sat up at this, eyeing him for a long time before he spoke softly.  

“This…might be overreaching my position as your boss. So I apologize if this is…out of line,” Dean spoke hesitating as Castiel eyed him. He had never seen Dean so serious. Castiel slightly shuffled in his seat holding the sweater closer. “...But do you not realize how desirable you are?” 

“What?” Castiel blinked taken back. That wasn’t…where he thought this was going. Dean sat facing him looking down slightly before he looked into Castiel’s eyes. Did he hear him right? 

“You are very desirable.” Dean sighed awkwardly. He could tell how hard Dean was coming up with something that kept it from being a call to HR. “You have no idea the power you can hold on someone.” Castiel scoffed looking away. “Can I be candid?”

“...” Castiel nodded shyly. 

“You have a wonderful personality,” Dean spoke. “You’re kind, loving, and caring. If your personality wasn’t enough, you’re extremely attractive. I honestly don’t know how someone hasn’t mated you yet.” Castiel swallowed going beat red, as Dean eyed him sincerely. Castiel wondered if he was just being nice but he…looked at him so sincerely. “I-I’m sorry if that was out of line-” 

“No.” Castiel choked blushing as he looked away licking his lip. Dean glanced away as well. “...Thank you, sir. Even if you don’t mean it.” Castiel sighed softly as Dean looked at him with a sad glance. Dean looked like he wanted to say more but instead bit his tongue and nodded as he moved to lie down in the sun again. Castiel sucked in air glancing out at the lake.

Dean was…just being nice. He had seen Dean’s type. Beautiful models and a hot prince. Nothing like plain Jane Castiel. Castiel's heart thumped at the words still in the air from Dean. Castiel wondered for a moment, just a moment that Dean…said that because he thought it. He imagined for a moment moving off this chair and just kissing his boss. Imagined Dean kissing him back, that there would be that moment in movies when they would kiss and live happily ever after. He instantly rejected the thought though, his heart pounding in his chest. 

God, no. 

He didn’t…wasn’t…

He pushed the thought away. 

Why did he just imagine kissing his boss? 

He didn’t…have feelings for Dean right? 

This is highly inappropriate thinking, Castiel. 

That. Is. Your. Boss.

Castiel touched his lips in thought his eyes flashing blue, he got up moving the bedroom to his briefcase. Castiel dug through his bag grabbed for his suppressants and popped one into his mouth swallowing it dryly. He hoped Dean didn’t notice his scent. His imagination got the best of him. The suppressants could keep him from going into a monthly heat, but if his imagination went a bit too wild he still could…still release a scent like one. Taking a suppressant should mask his scent immediately if it happens, which Castiel sniffed himself to make sure the scent went away.

Castiel returned seeing Dean looking concerned. Shit. Did he smell it?  

“You okay? You ran like a bat out of hell.” Dean asked as he offered Castiel a beer which he took without argument. Castiel eyed him for a reaction to a wanting omega but Dean didn’t give one. He must not have caught the scent.

“N-Nothing. I just forgot to take my vitamins this morning.” Castiel lied taking a sip of his beer as Dean nodded just accepting the answer. 

“Scared me for a second. I thought you were calling HR.” Dean joked as Castiel laughed with him. 

“The only reason I would have to call HR is to explain why I killed you for pulling something to get out of the stockholder’s meeting. Luckily you didn’t.” Castiel teased back. Dean gave out nervous laughter making Castiel’s smile fade. 

“...What did you do?!” Castiel choked realizing, just as he heard a jetski starting. Castiel moved to the side of the boat with Dean seeing their Captain driving away from them waving. Dean winced as he slowly turned to Castiel who cross his arms. “...Dean.”

“...Yes.” Dean smiled blinking innocently. 

“Did…our Captain just abandon us in the middle of the lake?” Castiel glared. 

“...Um…” Dean spoke looking away. “...He’ll be back?” 

“Oh. Really.” Castiel said through gritted teeth. “...Before or after the stockholder’s meeting…?”

“...” Dean licked his lips saying nothing as Castiel growled at him. 

“Dean.” Castiel snapped. 

“H-Hold on, I’m still thinking of something.” Dean winced as Castiel snatched his ear. THIS was the guy he was thinking about making out with a minute ago?! THIS FUCKING PAIN IN THE ASS?! The only KISSING Dean Winchester was about to do was with THE FUCKING FISHES! “Ouch!” 

“You better call him back!” Castiel threatened.

“I…left my phone in the…limo.” Dean choked as Castiel glared at him. Castiel let go of his ear which Dean winced rubbing it before Castiel went into the bedroom for his phone. Dean took the opportunity to head towards the back of the boat.

Castiel stared at Dean watching him jump into the lake as he waited for Bobby to pick up. However, all he got was Bobby’s voicemail. Castiel stormed over to the back of the boat, highly debated if he could get away with murder as he decided to give Charlie a call. 

“Hello?” Charlie’s voice welcomed him. 

“I need you to talk me out of murdering Dean.” Castiel hissed. 

“He's…hot?” Charlie paused as Dean dove down into the water. 

“That’s…That’s your plea?” Charlie scoffed as Charlie blinked. 

“What? It’s true. That man deserves to live by his body alone.” Charlie spoke eating at her desk. 

“Aren’t you gay?” Castiel scoffed. 

“I’m gay, not blind.” Charlie laughed. “Even I know he’s too hot for his own good.” Castiel just sighed at that, not responding to the fact…she was correct, but Dean didn’t need the ego boost at the moment. “What did he do now?” 

“Do you have the contact for a…Captain Ash?” Castiel asked as Charlie started to laugh. 

“Did Dean take off on his boat?” Charlie hollered. 

“No…He stranded us on his boat in the middle of the lake.” Castiel mumbled as Charlie snorted in laughter. 

“No wonder Dean was adamant for me to check on his boat insurance.” Charlie snorted. 

“You didn’t warn me?” Castiel grumbled. 

“Not my circus, nor my monkeys.” Charlie giggled. “And I don’t see any contacts for an Ash. I’ll keep looking though. Have you tried Bobby?” 

“He’s not answering, which makes sense because he’s not supposed to pick us up for another hour. He might be busy.” Castiel groaned. “Dean, get out of the water! You’re going to that stockholder’s meeting even if I got to sink the boat to do it!” 

“You’re going to sink the boat?” Charlie giggled hearing Dean’s panic and pleading not to be so rash as Castiel turned away. 

“No, but he knows I have the balls to-” Castiel heard Dean pull himself out of the water. Castiel’s mouth gaped seeing Dean easily pulling himself out of the water. Water spilling down his body like a fucking Adonis and that was so not fucking fair. Castiel choked blushing as his phone slipped from his hand clanking on the wooden back of the boat and tumbled into the water. “M-My phone!” 

Castiel moved to take off his sweater but Dean already dove in after it. Castiel fell to his knees looking down at the water when Dean came back to the surface holding out his phone. Castiel grabbed for the phone seeing if it worked but it was fucked. Dean pulled himself out of the water as Castiel cursed trying to hit buttons hoping it would work but nothing. Castiel walked back up to the long reclining chairs taking a seat. Simply tossed his phone next to him as he thought long and hard about what to do now. 

“I’ll buy you another one.” Dean offered touching his shoulder as Castiel eyed him with a sigh. He could tell Dean felt guilty but in all honesty, Castiel’s eye fucking his boss was the reason. Even he knew and couldn’t blame Dean….Castiel eyed Dean’s soaking wet abs okay with the view.  

“I was due for an upgrade anyways.” Castiel sighed rubbing his face and sitting in silence for a moment before tossing his phone beside him. Castiel rested his chin in his hand as he squinted at Dean in thought. He couldn’t let Dean win. “...I’m going to beat you.” 

“ Hm ?” Dean spoke drying himself off with a towel. 

“I just need a second to figure it out…but I’m going to get you to that stockholder’s meeting,” Castiel spoke as Dean smiled softly at him. 

“Are you now?” Dean spoke raising an eyebrow amused looking at him.

“...You know that though.” Castiel smiled back softly. “...That’s why you always bring your suit…if you didn’t think I could get out of whatever mess you get me in…you’d never bring it. That’s why I don’t give up…because you already know I’m going to win.”

“ Hm .” Dean hummed amused but said nothing more. Castiel got an idea getting up as he glanced at Dean. Dean’s eyes followed him. 

“This yacht is yours correct?” Castiel spoke as Dean nodded lazily watching him. “Everything down to your phone you have made into your own, this can only make me think this is also a smart yacht.” 

Castiel walked towards the helm. Dean slowly moved to follow him as Castiel opened the door to the wheelhouse. Castiel walked towards the ship’s wheel and turned on the boat. Dean lazily took a seat next to him curious as to what Castiel was planning. 

The center console of the boat started up with a GPS and Castiel curiously tapped the screen. The touch screen responded to him and Castiel lit up moving to switch from GPS to the main screen. A couple more taps and he found exactly what he was looking for. 

“Youtube?” Dean mumbled as Castiel gave him a mischievous look. “ ...No. ”

“Put on the seat belt,” Castiel spoke putting on his seatbelt as Dean quickly put on his own. 

“Hi, I’m Garth Fitzgerald IV.” The YouTuber spoke. “And welcome to my channel boat amigos-” Castiel fast-forwarded much to Dean’s dismay. 

“Let’s just get to the point.” Castiel hummed as Dean held his seatbelt tighter. 

“-Engage forward by gently pushing the throttle handle forward until you feel it shift into gear,” Garth spoke. Castiel paused the video and glanced around for the throttle finding something that looked like the throttle, moving it, the ship made a weird noise. 

“That’s not it.” Castiel laughed putting it back.

“D-Don’t forget the anchor.” Dean choked as he pointed to a red button that warned the anchor was still down. 

“Oh, that’s what I must have skipped.” Castiel snorted pushing the button. The sound of the ship bringing up the anchor. “That’s an important step. Guess I shouldn’t have skipped.” 

“Y-Yeah.” Dean breathed tensing. Castiel tried for another thing he was pretty sure was the throttle. The boat started to move. 

“There we go.” Castiel beamed as Dean looked ready to have a heart attack. Castiel pushed the play button on the video.

“When the boat begins moving, spin the wheel just as you would turn the steering wheel in a car to determine the direction of travel,” Garth explained. 

“Easy. Next?” Castiel spoke moving the wheel towards the shore. The ship tipped slightly making things fall and crash onto the floor, which made Castiel turn it back and try to turn slower. “Oops. All good though.” 

“-Advance the throttle as appropriate to reach the desired speed.” Garth continued but Castiel shut him off. 

“I got the idea.” Castiel touched the screen to get GPS back up. Heading towards the shore. “Looks like we will be right on time to meet Bobby,” Castiel spoke as Dean looked concerned. 

“Castiel s-shouldn’t we slow down?” Dean asked as Castiel shrugged. 

“Maybe.” Castiel playfully shrugged fucking with Dean. Dean looked at him in horror. “... fine. ” 

Castiel slowed the boat bringing it to the dock. Castiel did pretty okay, but he scrapped a bit on the dock, but he was so slow the most it did was scratch it. Castiel turned off the boat, hitting the anchor button before unbuckling his seatbelt. Dean was as white as a ghost as Dean slowly took off his seatbelt. 

“I’m going to go change in the bathroom. You will change here. When you are done you will meet me on deck. Do you understand? Don’t… fuck …with me.” Castiel hummed. Dean didn’t move as Castiel simply left to change his clothes. Coming out, he watched Dean slowly coming out dressed. 

“You big baby. I didn’t even crash… that hard.” Castiel patted his face as Dean eyed him when the boat whined and slightly started to tilt. Slowly leaning against the dock as it filled with water from the scrapes of the dock. “...Oops.” 

“You… scare me,” Dean admitted as Castiel beamed ear to ear. 

“Yeah?” Castiel batted his eyelashes at him before he grabbed Dean’s ear yanking him off the boat. “Well, I should!” 

“Ow!” Dean whined as Bobby simply opened the door without much care at their antics. 

“Get in the car!” Castiel ordered Dean as he obeyed getting in with only slight pouting and whining. “...Bobby, could you please take us to the nearest cellphone store? Dean is going to buy me a new phone to celebrate my winning. Also…call a repair in for the boat.” 

“Right away,” Bobby laughed as Castiel got in sitting next to Dean. Dean lazily glanced at Castiel who was smiling to himself. Against all odds he had beaten that mother fucker Dean-

“Hello?” Dean’s voice made Castiel turn. “I’m on my way, could you have the most expensive phone you have ready for pick up? Unfortunately, I do not have time to chit-chat if I’m going to make it to the stockholder’s meeting…yes. The phone is for my assistant, I need it preprogrammed and ready when I arrive. I’m sending the information with the order…Yes… Thank you.” 

“Th-The most expensive?” Castiel choked as Dean shrugged. 

“You beat me fair and square. Don’t be modest.” Dean stated typing into the phone to send over to the closest store. “I’m also getting you a waterproof case to…prevent my… adventures from leaving you without a phone.” 

Castiel eyed him, smiling at him softly as Castiel laid his head back against the seat closing his eyes. Dean always knew how to make right the mistakes he made. Though he wasn’t sure why he needed such an expensive phone. He knew it mattered to Dean. This was Dean making it right in his eyes. 

“...I can’t believe I just drove a yacht.” Castiel snorted as Dean glanced at him. “...using Youtube.” 

“I can’t believe we even made it to shore,” Dean mumbled laughing as Castiel started to laugh. “Fucking just went for it, didn’t you?” 

“I can’t believe we didn’t drown.” Castiel cackled. “I thought we were goners when the boat started to tip when I turned it too fast.” 

“Could you imagine pulling a titanic goodbye?” Dean snorted. “You on a door and me drowning?”

“Nooo.” Castiel laughed touching Dean’s knee. “I wouldn’t let you drown.” 

“I’m going to drown next time on purpose.” Dean snorted. Castiel bended over in laughter burying his face into Dean’s knee. “I’m getting my Titanic moment.”

“No!” Castiel laughed as Dean eyed him with care. “I swear to god, Winchester, you try to drown yourself and I’ll kill you.”

“A little redundant.” Dean beamed. Castiel eyed his face. “I’ll still die.”

“Yeah, but you’ll die on my terms.” Castiel breathed trying to not laugh. “I’m willing to accept the loss on my terms.”

“Ouch, you wouldn’t miss me?” Dean teased as Castiel eyed him for a moment tilting his head at him. 

“...Of course, I’d miss you,” Castiel admitted as Dean’s smile faded at that. Castiel noticed his smile faded. Castiel wondered if he said something wrong but Dean just softly looked away with what looked like light blush on his cheeks. Castiel eyed him for a moment before speaking. “Come here. Let me fix you up.” 

Dean turned to him allowing Castiel to ruffle his hair and fix his tie. Castiel took his time to make sure Dean looked okay when he pulled back he put his hand down accidentally covering Dean’s. Castiel felt Dean slowly twist his hand to hold his hand back. Castiel stared at Dean’s hand who ran his thumb over Castiel’s knuckles. It was an intimate gesture. 

“...Thanks for putting up with me.” Dean breathed. “I know I drive you nuts sometimes…”

“I never have to put up with you, Dean,” Castiel admitted. It was true. Castiel enjoyed coming to work. Enjoyed spending the majority of his day with Dean. He loved waking up to go see him. Loved saying goodnight to him. Even when Dean was pulling stunts like today…it was always so much fun to try to beat him. Dean smiled softly at that before lifting Castiel’s hand softly bringing it towards his lips. Castiel’s breath stilled as Dean paused when the car stopped. Instead just placing his hand over Castiel’s in a soft kind pats.

“L-Let’s go get your phone.” Dean breathed as he got out, moving to help Castiel out. Castiel ignored the beating in his heart, from his imagination going wild. For a second. He thought Dean was going to kiss his hand…

Chapter Text

Six months later - Dean’s POV:

Dean glanced around at the party decorations and people around his place. The party was in full swing, and Dean naturally thanked people for coming. Most were already drunk. Dean was a couple of shots and a beer in. Nowhere near wasted. He didn’t party like before and so he knew his limit. He was more than nicely buzzed but not drunk. Just doing the meet and greet part of being a host. However, his meet and greet were mostly because he was looking for Castiel. It was the first year he convinced Castiel to come to this party. Castiel normally attended as a sort of event coordinator making sure everything was going okay. Today he was just a guest. 

Dean’s eyes fell onto Castiel who was chatting with Charlie, he looked…so beautiful. Fuck Dean, get ahold of yourself. He was his employee. Not a potential love interest. Dean moved gracefully grabbing a couple glasses of wine and bringing it over to them. 

“If it isn’t my favorite two people.” Dean hummed as he handed them the wine. Charlie beamed moving to hug him and placing a kiss on his cheek. 

“Happy birthday, kiddo!” Charlie beamed as Castiel smiled moving to hug Dean when it was his chance. Dean held him back before they pulled back. 

“You smell nice.” Dean breathed as Charlie noticed the vibes Castiel didn’t. 

“I-I’m wearing the cologne you bought me last year.” Castiel smiled shyly. “The one you threatened to smash if I didn’t take it.” Castiel laughed. “It’s so expensive I just figured I wear it for special occasions. Like today.” 

“G-Good idea.” Dean smiled as Charlie eyes moved between them. 

“I’m going to use the restroom. I’ll be right back.” Castiel stated as they watched him go. Charlie slapped Dean’s chest hard. 

“Ouch.” Dean rubbed his chest. 

“You didn’t tell me you like him!” Charlie laughed as Dean went beat red. Shit. Of course, she’d read vibes. 

“Shh. Kept it down.” Dean cursed. 

“When did you start liking him?” Charlie gasped. “I never seen you guys together, so I didn’t get this juicy gossip.” 

“Look. he doesn’t know. I don’t know. He’s my employee and I’d never cross the line-” Dean frowned. 

“Boring.” Charlie yawned as Dean made a face. 

“What?” Dean gave her a look. 

“You’re letting him go because he’s your employee?” Charlie eyed him. “Just boring.”

“Look. Okay. I like him. I keep trying to tell myself I don’t but he’s not helping that.” Dean mumbled. “I am not going to cause a scandal by falling for an employee-”

“Did…you just say falling ?” Charlie spoke as Dean’s eyes widened in horror. “Oh my god, This isn’t an innocent crush… you’re falling for him.”

“Keep your voice down.” Dean hissed holding himself. 

“That’s so cute. When did you realize it? You got to tell me everything!” Charlie begged but Dean shook his head. 

“No, because it’s a harmless crush and no one needs to know,” Dean mumbled. 

“You’re falling for him.” Charlie awed at him as Dean blushed harder. “That’s so adorable.” Dean tensed when Castiel came back. 

“If you say one word-” Dean threatened but Charlie just playfully pretended to lock her mouth. Castiel came back smiling at them. 

“Sorry about that. There was a slight line at the downstairs one so I went upstairs to use yours.” Castiel hummed. “Perks about practically living here, I know where your bathrooms are.”

“Yeah, you love spending time here, don’t you?” Charlie spoke as Dean gave her a glaring look. “What’s your favorite part?” Dean grabbed a wine glass from a waiter downing it. 

“Oh, the kitchen.” Castiel nodded. “I love cooking so having someone to cook for makes it worth it.” Castiel sipped his wine. 

“Anything else?” Charlie hinted but Dean simply pressed his foot on her toes. She ignored him attempting to stop her. 

“Um…Beast is fun to play with. I love coming to swim with him, he has so much fun.” Castiel stated as Charlie roughly elbowed Dean making him groan and move his foot. “Um?”

“Nothing.” Charlie hummed putting her arm around Castiel giving Dean a look. “Dean, why don’t you go say hi to your company? Castiel, let’s do some shots.” 

“Okay.” Castiel nodded as Charlie lead him away with a smirk. Dean sighed watching them head to Dean’s private bar to the bartender. Dean gave them a glance before going back to his greetings. 

_________________________________________________________________________

Castiel’s POV:

Heading over to the bar, Castiel took a seat at one of the empty chairs. Charlie slid in next to him. 

“Can we get two shots?” Charlie drummed at the desk. Castiel looked around for Dean in the crowd but there were just too many people to see him. “Looking for your boyfriend?”

“What?” Castiel asked as Charlie smirked. 

“Dean.” Charlie wiggled her eyebrows. 

“He’s not my boyfriend,” Castiel mumbled grabbing for the shot presented to them. He and Charlie clanked glasses together before downing them. 

“He might as well be. You’re both practically married.” Charlie stated as Castiel gave her a look. 

“What’s all this about?” Castiel eyed her. 

“Well…what do you think about Dean?” Charlie asked as she asked for two more shots. 

“What about Dean?” Castiel asked clanking their glasses together downing the shot. Castiel felt a blush on his cheeks. He needed to cool it on these drinks, or he was going to get drunk. 

“...Dean’s hot and single. You’re hot and single.” Charlie mumbled. Castiel gave her a look. “What?” 

“I’m not hot,” Castiel stated frowning at Charlie. “Especially implied as hot compared to Dean.”

“Whatcha mean?” Charlie blinked confused. 

“Can I get another shot?” Castiel asked as the bartender nodded. Castiel down the shot before speaking hating to have this conversation. “Look I get you are just being nice, but to imply I’m as hot as Dean or also have a chance with Dean is a long shot.”

“What? You don’t think you’re hot?” Charlie eyed him, Castiel ordered another shot, not exactly up to having this conversation. 

“I am not tall, muscular, or handsome.” Castiel shrugged like it was a fact. “The only people who ever hit on me are interested in fucking the magic unicorn of omegas. I have never had someone organically hit on me without the reason being I’m a rare type of omega.” Charlie looked at him sadly, Castiel down the shot ordering another. 

“Cas, maybe you should slow down.” Charlie offered but Castiel downed his shot anyways. 

“Dean fucks models, he wouldn’t be interested in someone like me,” Castiel stated. “I’ve seen the men he’s had sex with, and none of them even come close to me.”

“You sound jealous,” Charlie smirked as Castiel went red. 

“I-I’m not…” Castiel choked as Charlie beamed mischievously. 

“Do…you like Dean, Castiel?” Charlie asked as Castiel instantly shook his head. 

“N-No, of course not.” Castiel blushed violently. Him…liking Dean? Dean of all people? Sure, he thought Dean was attractive. Beautiful body, Brilliantly smart, and snarky personality. Dean had a lot going for him. He noticed how many people wanted him, following him with his eyes. Even now at the party. Castiel’s eyes found Dean in the crowd watching a man leaning to whisper in Dean’s ear over the loud party. Castiel never stood a chance against these people. The thought revolted him. Never stood a chance? Castiel…did he want to have a chance with Dean? 

He never really gave himself a moment to absorb that. 

He had times when he thought for a moment that Dean was handsome…then the time at the boat when he complimented him about his looks. He imagined then kissing Dean…Was Castiel jealous of the men who could have Dean? Did he…like-Castiel’s thoughts were lost to him when a shot was slid over to him. Castiel glanced up at the bartender in surprise. 

“From the man over there.” The bartender spoke, Castiel and Charlie turned to see a man older than Castiel holding up a drink to him. “For the rare male omega.” Castiel’s jaw tensed at that as Charlie looked at him sadly as Castiel angrily down the drink. 

“Cas-” Charlie tried to comfort him but he just waved it off. 

“It’s fine. I’m…I’m used to it.” Castiel bit his tongue hoping a couple of shots would make him forget. 

_________________________________________________________________________

Dean’s POV:

Dean lost Castiel and Charlie in the crowd of people who came to celebrate his birthday. He found himself talking to some of the guests and looking around for his troublemakers. The lights flickered off when the sound of happy birthdays started to echo. 

Dean turned to see a large birthday cake being brought out to him, Dean smiled gratefully at the people gathering wishing him a happy birthday. He smiled seeing Castiel and Charlie standing next to the waiter who brought it out. Dean leaned in after the song to blow out the candles making everyone clap. Dean noticed Castiel slightly stagger, and Charlie started to giggle at his unstable standing. 

Shit.

Dean grabbed the cake piece that was cut bringing it over to Castiel who lit up seeing him. Castiel staggered lightly but Dean put an arm around his waist holding him up. 

“Hi, Dean!” Castiel beamed wrapping his arms around Dean’s neck in a hug as Dean offered him the cake. Great. He was drunk.

“Charlie, what did you do?” Dean turned to her as she giggled. 

“It wasn’t me! People kept buying him rounds. Apparently, being a rare omega has its perks.” Charlie stated. Dean made a face. “Don’t worry, I kept him safe from those interested in him. I told them you called dibs.” 

“Charlie.” Dean frowned. 

“What? I tried to stop him,” Charlie stated as Dean looked at Castiel who giggled at him. 

“Hi.” Castiel hummed. 

“Hello, my darling drunk assistant. Eat this please.” Dean handed him the cake slice. Castiel thought that was funny but started to eat the cake slice very contently. “Let’s get you upstairs to lie down. Charlie, can you get me some water and some more food for him and bring it to my bedroom?”  

“Right away.” Charlie saluted as Dean carefully walked Castiel to his bedroom. Castiel contently plopped on the bed, chewing softly at his cake. Dean sat beside him allowing Castiel to lay down contently in the bed. He was having trouble eating so Dean took over grabbing the plate and fork. 

“Come on, open up,” Dean spoke as Castiel playfully opened his mouth. It was cute and exaggerated like a toddler. Dean got the cake into his mouth and beamed. Charlie knocked bringing in the water and food he asked for. “Thanks.” 

“I should start getting this party whining down,” Charlie spoke. “Since someone is sloshed, I’ll start getting these people to head home. You got him, don’t you?” 

“Yes. I do.” Dean spoke taking the water and offering it to Castiel. Castiel took a dramatic gulp with the straw making Dean look at him with care. 

“Maybe use this time to…confess feelings or something.” Charlie teased as Dean gave her a glare. “Bye!” Dean rolled his eyes as Castiel started jumping on the bed with his knees. 

“Cas. Careful.” Dean spoke putting the food and water down as Castiel stumbled into his lap. Dean caught him before Castiel fell onto the ground. Castiel broke into laughter burying his face into Dean’s shoulder. “Man, you’re drunk.”

“No. You’re drunk.” Castiel mumbled as Dean held him in his arms.

“Tipsy. Not drunk.” Dean stated. Castiel made a noise as he laid his head against Dean’s shoulder. “Why did you drink so much? This isn’t like you.”

“I don’t know.” Castiel hummed as he got up jumping again. Dean sighed watching him with care as Castiel held his hands out to Dean. “Jump with me, Dean, please!” Dean groaned hating how cute Castiel was being as Dean kicked off his shoes and got on the bed with him. Dean was a bit too tall for this but Dean and Castiel held hands as Castiel jumped about. 

“Careful.” Dean laughed as Castiel let go of his hand to spin. Castiel stumbled making Dean pull him close holding him to his body. Castiel giggled up at him as he smiled up at him. “...God, you’re incredibly cute when drunk.”

“Nooo.” Castiel pouted. “I’m not…cute. You are.” 

“I am?” Dean laughed affectionately when Castiel grabbed his hand. 

“Very cute.” Castiel agreed. 

“Come on, why don’t we lay back down? I don’t want you to get hurt.” Dean cooed to Castiel who pouted. Castiel listened, slowly plopping onto his knees as Dean sat next to him. Dean grabbed the piece of cake giving Castiel another bite. 

“Why…” Castiel paused as he chewed. “...Why are you taking care of me?”

“Because.” Dean shrugged as Castiel frowned at that answer. 

“It’s your birthday and I’m eating your cake,” Castiel mumbled. 

“So?” Dean chuckled as Castiel pouted. Dean sighed moving to take a bite. “Now we’re sharing so it’s okay.” Castiel made a face but he just moved into Dean’s lap. Dean affectionately scooted back on the bed holding Castiel close. Castiel laid on his chest letting Dean feed him and give him water. “It’s okay, I promise I’ll make sure you don’t get sick.” 

“Don’t you want to go out with your friends?” Castiel whimpered. Ah, the time to cry part of the drunk night. “I’m sorry, I got so drunk.” 

“You’re my friend.” Dean cooed to him. “And don’t apologize, I’m glad you had fun. Charlie was there to take care of you till I could. You got drunk in a safe place-” 

“Charlie asked if I liked you,” Castiel mumbled into his chest as Dean’s heart pounded in his chest. “That’s why I got drunk.”

“...Do you?” Dean breathed a lump in his throat as Castiel shrugged softly. Dean looked down slightly disappointed. 

“Why does it matter? I’m old and ugly.” Castiel sniffed as Dean cupped his face. 

“Don’t say that.” Dean breathed as Castiel looked up at him with eyes full of tears. “You’re beautiful.” 

“You’re just being nice.” Castiel hiccuped as Dean sighed giving him another bite of cake and another sip of water. Castiel swallowed looking up at him. 

“I already told you how I feel Castiel,” Dean spoke. “I don’t know how much more direct I could be-”

“At the boat?” Castiel asked as Dean nodded. “You…called me attractive.”

“I did.” Dean smiled softly reaching for the food Charlie brought. Knowing Castiel was going to need food in his stomach to sober up and not be hung over tomorrow. 

“Why?” Castiel sniffed. 

“What do you mean why?” Dean snorted as Castiel tilted his head confused. Dean put the food down to wipe Castiel’s tears. “It’s because you’re attractive, silly.” 

“No one but you thinks that.” Castiel sniffed. “People only want me because I’m a male omega. That’s it.” Dean looked at him sadly. Debating if he should say anything. “No one wants me-”

“That’s not true.” Dean cooed to him as Castiel bawled his eyes out. 

“I’ve never been anyone's first choice,” Castiel admitted wiping his eyes. “No one ever had a crush on me.”

“That’s not true,” Dean reassured. 

“It is true,” Castiel spoke. 

“Yeah?” Dean laughed softly eyeing him. “If no one has a crush on you, why do I have a crush on you.” Castiel blinked at him. 

“...You do?” Castiel sniffed softly as Dean looked up at the ceiling cursing his weakness to this idiot. 

“Yeah,” Dean spoke as Castiel eyed him suspiciously. “What?” 

“You’re…just being nice,” Castiel mumbled as Dean cupped his face. 

“My darling Castiel don’t you get it yet …? I’m falling for you and I don’t know if I can stop myself… ” Dean eyed his face. Castiel took him in silently just…watching him. Dean couldn’t help but softly press his lips against Castiel’s. Dean slowly pulled back taking in Castiel’s reaction of shock and awe but Castiel moved forward kissing him again. The kiss was so soft Dean almost imagined he made it up, Dean’s lips moved against Castiel’s in a soft moan. Castiel pushed him back into the bed. Dean could feel Castiel’s inexperienced lips moving against his own. The drunkenness heightened the fact Castiel didn’t know what he was doing. 

God, this kiss was exactly how he always thought Castiel would feel against him. Castiel kept weirdly moving his mouth but gave up whatever he was attempting to do sitting up. 

“Open your mouth,” Castiel asked cutely pulling back as Dean chuckled. “I want to French kiss.” 

“God, why are you so cute… I’m going to hell.” Dean covered his eyes blushing as he breathed as Castiel pulled him back into a loving kiss. Dean wouldn’t allow this to go past kissing. Hell, he shouldn’t have allowed the kissing to continue. When Castiel broke the kiss to yank off his suit blazer, Dean’s eyes went wide flipping them and forcing Castiel to keep his shirt on. “No, no. That’s as far as we go, Tin man.” 

“You…You don’t want to sleep with me?” Castiel whimpered. 

“Not when you’re drunk.” Dean insisted. 

“I’m not drunk.” The drunk pouted. 

“You are very drunk.” Dean crossed his arms sitting on Castiel. “Come on, Let's get you into some pajamas.” 

“...Can they smell like you, please?” Castiel pouted as Dean’s heart swelled at pride at that. The alpha in him was happy his crush wanted to smell him. “I like your scent.” 

“You’re cute.” Dean breathed. “Fine.” Dean got off of him to grab one of his shirts. Dean walked back to the bed moving to help undress Castiel. Dean only looked respectfully enough to strip Castiel into his boxers and slide on his shirt. Dean grabbed some pain relievers, holding them out to Castiel who took them without complaint. “Let’s get you into bed.”

Castiel allowed Dean to tuck him in, Dean put pillows on the floor making Castiel glance down at him. 

“What are you doing?” Castiel asked as Dean chuckled. 

“I’m going to sleep on the floor,” Dean stated. Castiel grabbed his pillow letting it drop next to Dean’s. “No.” Dean got up sitting on the bed giving Castiel his pillow. “You have to stay up here.” 

“I want to sleep with you, please,” Castiel spoke moving to kiss Dean again. Dean melted into the kiss before Dean pulled back. 

“Enough. You win. I’ll lay with you till you go to sleep.” Dean spoke as Castiel laid his head on his chest. Castiel held onto his shirt blinking softly before raising his head and making a kissy face. Dean cursed with a laugh softly kissing him again. “Go to sleep.” 

“Okay, I love you, Dean. Goodnight, ” Castiel mumbled laying his head back on his chest.

“W-What?” Dean asked as Castiel blinked up at him tiredly. “Can…you say it again?”

“I think…I’m in love with you, Dean …” Castiel whispered nuzzling into him, closing his eyes as Dean softly held him close. Dean couldn’t bring himself to confess the words he had been trying so hard to admit. Dean smiled at the words Castiel spoke to him. It wasn’t long till Castiel drifted to sleep, Dean pulled himself away begrudgingly to sleep on the floor. He could hear Castiel’s soft breath as Dean touched his lips. He kissed Castiel…Castiel told him he loved him. His heart was fluttering. Dean ignored the voice saying he was an employee and that he shouldn’t be so stupidly giddy. 

“... Shit…I am in love with you.” Dean breathed in happiness and turned to sleep, his heart all giddy as he dreamed of their kisses. 

_____________________________________________________________________

Castiel’s POV:

Castiel woke up with a whine, feeling himself pulling himself from the warmth next to him. Castiel sat up rubbing his face as he tried to remember what the fuck happened last night. Putting a hand down he felt abs under his hand, Castiel tensed slowly turning to see Dean asleep next to him. 

Why were they on the floor?

Castiel sat up seeing he was in Dean’s shirt snuggled close to Dean on the floor. Castiel wasn’t in panic mode. He understood where he was and he trusted Dean. Castiel was sure his virginity was intact, Dean would never take advantage of him when drunk. Not that he would want to take advantage of him anyways. 

Castiel noticed the empty bed. Did Dean give him his bed and he slept on the floor? Drunk Castiel must have crawled into the floor with him last night. He hoped he didn’t embarrass himself. He could see the water, aspirin, and empty plates. Did Dean try to take care of him? He wasn’t hungover which meant he must have. 

Castiel got up grabbed the plates and headed downstairs. Deciding to make Dean breakfast as a thank-you for being a sloshed idiot last night.

Beast happily greeted Castiel and pressed kisses to his face giving him the love and attention he wanted.  He heard Dean coming downstairs making Castiel turn. Castiel blushed as Dean eyed him from the stairs. The room was quiet as Castiel stood up straight. 

“Sorry…for last night,” Castiel spoke as Dean glanced down at that thinking. “I was pretty drunk.” 

“I know,” Dean stated as he came down the stairs greeting Beast as he sat on the floor petting him. “Do…you remember anything that happened last night?”

“No, and I don’t want to.” Castiel groaned. “I’m a mess when I’m drunk, I could only imagine what I did. Just pretend it didn’t happen.” Castiel turned to cook missing Dean’s saddened look.

“You really don’t remember anything?” Dean asked as Castiel slowly turned to him. 

“...Did…something happen?” Castiel questioned in fear. “Listen, if I did anything that made you question my ability to do my job, I am so sorry-” 

“N-No.” Dean shook his head. “Your job is safe. Don’t worry.” 

“Did I make a fool of myself in front of everyone?” Castiel said with worry. 

“...No,” Dean spoke before adding. “...But you did tell me you loved me when I was putting you down.” Castiel tensed. He felt his soul leave his body. “...Did you mean it?”

“God no.” Castiel choked so embarrassed. Sure, he thought Dean had the body of a god. A smile that could light up the night sky and the cutest personality-...That didn’t mean he loved Dean right? “I would never cross a line like that, y-you’re my boss...” 

The words left his mouth and he instantly felt his stomach knot. His body seemed to be punishing himself for his lies. He…had some sort of feelings for Dean, didn’t he? He wouldn’t call it love per se…or maybe he did…maybe his drunk self was more honest than him now. 

“...R-Right.” Dean nodded looking conflicted as he avoided Castiel’s gaze. Part of him hoped Dean would resist the idea, that Dean would grab him and kiss him declaring his love, job be damned. But this wasn’t a movie. Things didn’t work out that way. Dean wasn’t in love with him. Castiel wasn’t his soul mate. They weren’t going to ride off in the sunset like some fairytale. Even if Castiel could allow himself to fall for his boss…he would go into it knowing Dean wouldn’t ever like him back. That’s why he couldn’t allow himself to.

“We should just pretend that didn’t happen.” Castiel breathed as his heart fluttered as Dean nodded looking at Beast. 

Maybe that was for the best…

Chapter Text

Castiel’s POV - the third stockholder’s meeting: 

Castiel rubbed his face getting up at five thirty in the morning and heading over to Dean’s. The last couple of times earlier was better. Things have been slightly off since Dean’s birthday. It’s like they haven’t been able to click like they used to. Castiel found Dean closed off more than before. Which is fine. Dean didn’t owe him anything other than his job. Dean was to the point with him. Very professional…but not the Dean he was used to. He wondered what happened at the birthday party to have Dean take a step back from him. He…slightly missed that Dean. The Dean that joked with him and laughed. He…was hoping Dean pulled his bullshit today. He was hoping for some normal between them. 

He should have known something was very off between them when Dean didn’t get him anything for his birthday. The last couple of years, Dean had very obviously threatened him to take his gifts. Cuff links which Dean threatened to throw away if Castiel didn’t keep them in not so many words. The perfume was expensive and smelled divine, Dean threatened to smash it if Castiel didn’t take it. This year…Dean said nothing to him. Didn’t try to shower him with a gift. Professionally said happy birthday and left. So unlike Dean. 

Castiel paused noticing the limo was gone, which he cursed stepping out of the car. He glanced around looking for any sign of Dean. Pulling up the app. He cursed seeing that the shoe’s tracker all pointed to him being here. Castiel unlocked the door, coming inside. 

“Beast! Dean!” Castiel called but there were no happy feet of a big dog running to him. The house was dead quiet. Castiel paused noticeably when he noticed…Dean’s suit hanging up where Castiel left it. Still on the hanger. 

Dean…didn’t think Castiel would win this time. 

That…That one hurt the most. 

Castiel clenched his jaw as he looked down at his phone. He didn’t know what to do or how to start. Dean…was gone. 

Castiel slowly took a seat on the stairs just glancing at the suit and feeling tears in his eyes. Castiel wiped them roughly as he held his knees burying his face into them. He had no idea how he was going to find Dean and Dean knew he wouldn’t. Their cat-and-mouse game was their connection. Something Castiel held dear…Dean was ending their game. Wasn’t he? This was something Castiel could feel. If Castiel let him go this time…why did he feel like he was losing him forever?

Castiel wiped his tears before he pushed the button to call Dean’s number. He didn’t know why he assumed he would answer. He just…needed to. 

“Hello?” Dean’s soft voice welcomed him. 

“You left your suit.” Castiel sniffled as Dean was silent for a long time. 

“...I did.” Dean breathed, which made Castiel choke out a sob. “...I won’t need it.”

“Are you firing me?” Castiel asked as Dean said nothing. 

“No…” Dean breathed comfortingly. “I…just think it’s better…we stop playing these games.” 

“...” Castiel wiped his tears. 

“It’s better we…just let this happen,” Dean explained softly. There was sadness in the voice. Though Castiel didn’t know why this felt so final, he disliked the idea of it. Rejecting it. He didn’t…want this to be over. “Let me go. I think this…is for the best.”

This wasn’t about the trip. 

This was something more. 

“No. I won’t.” Castiel snapped much to Dean’s surprise. “I don’t care how far you got. I don’t care if you took a plane to fucking Timbuktu. You’re not missing this stockholder’s meeting.”

“Castiel…” Dean started but Castiel just glanced at his rare record collection that decorated his living room. Standing he moved to it ready to grab every record from the wall. “I’m not turning around.”

“Fine. Don’t come. I’ll just be enjoying a bonfire with your priceless records.” Castiel hissed in anger. “I heard smores were DELICIOUS this year.” 

“...You wouldn’t. ” Dean paused completely blindsided. 

“Let’s see. A signed Van Halen vinyl from nineteen seventy-eight?” Castiel smirked slamming the phone down. “I wonder how much this is?” Castiel put his phone on speaker. “Let’s ask your smart house, shall we? House! How much is a signed by all members Van Halen vinyl album from nineteen seventy-eight?”

“Signed Van Halen vinyl albums from nineteen seventy-eight are estimated to be nine thousand dollars.” The house answered. Castiel grabbed it from the wall tossing it carelessly into a pile on the floor. Starting with one, now working to the whole wall tossing it into the same pile. 

“Bobby, can you please return to the house?” Dean’s soft voice made Castiel smile in satisfaction. “Cas. Don’t be rash.” 

Cas. He said Cas. 

He hasn’t called him Cas in months. Most likely since the party. 

There was a life to his voice trying to talk Castiel off the edge. Dean could hear Castiel grabbing a chair to grab the records off the wall. 

“House, how much is a vinyl called Aphex Twin - Caustic Window?” Castiel called laughing.

“Among the rarest vinyl records, it's estimated to be a whopping forty-six thousand three hundred dollars,” House responded. 

“Oh, I’d hate to burn you.” Castiel tossed it over his shoulder, the sound of the vinyls being ripped from the wall holdings tossed behind him onto a pile on the floor. 

“Cas.” Dean’s voice sweetly called to him. Castiel climbed off the chair when the vinyls were all in a pile on the floor. “If you burn those, you’re fired.”

“Eat me.” Castiel laughed like a madman which made Dean tense in fear. “House? How much is John Lennon and Yoko Ono - Double Fantasy vinyl?” Castiel hummed knowing this was the most expensive. 

“The John Lennon and Yoko Ono - Double Fantasy vinyl is a haunting piece of music history fetches a staggering nine hundred thousand dollar, a testament to the enduring fascination surrounding this chilling artifact.” The house spoke as Castiel picked up the phone from the table, grabbed any vinyl he could carry, and walked to the backyard. Moving to the fire pit, he dropped the vinyls half haphazardly into it before he walked inside to the kitchen for a lighter. Barely grabbed it and the lighter fluid as he heard the limo pull up. Castiel left the lighter fluid on the counter to grab the steak knife from the block, storming out to the front. Dean barely threw open the door to the limo when Castiel slammed the knife into the tire. 

“Beast, Stay,” Dean commanded as Beast sat down in the car. “Whoa whoa! Hey!” Dean choked in fear slamming the door to the limo as Castiel moved on to the next tire. 

Bobby simply just locked the door to the limo allowing their lover’s quarrel to take place. Castiel slammed the knife into the tire repeatedly, angrily kicking it and screaming. Dean blinked allowing Castiel to happily get his rage out on anything but him. Castiel moved onto the last tire slamming the knife into it, leaving the knife in the tire. 

“Cas! You can’t just-” Dean choked. Castiel flipped him off angrily, storming back into the house. Grabbing the lighter fluid as he moved toward the fire pit. Castiel squirted the lighter fluid all over the vinyl before just throwing the lighter fluid onto the unlit fire pit. Lighting the lighter in his hand he glared at Dean who had his hands up trying to calm him down. “Cas, listen! We can talk this out! Don’t take it out on John Lennon! He’s already dead! He can’t take much more-!” 

“You left your suit.” Castiel just glared at him tears pouring down his face despite trying not to. His hand shook as Dean looked away at that. 

“... Yeah,” Dean winced. 

“...Why?” Castiel snapped when Dean softly reached for the lighter. Castiel slowly allowed him to take the lighter from him. 

“I’m sorry.” Dean breathed but that made Castiel slap him. Dean’s face turned at the hit, slowly turning to look at Castiel who slapped him again. Dean nodded accepting the hit when he tried to pull Castiel to him. Castiel started wailing on his chest in anger but Dean didn’t let go till Castiel slowly wrapped his arms around him crying into his chest. Dean closed his eyes holding him close.

“Y-You left it.” Castiel kept crying as Deam held him close. “You left it.” 

Dean left the suit.

He left it. 

He left it.

He left it.

He left me. 

Dean nuzzled him into his arms whispering how sorry he was, cradling Castiel’s face as he sobbed his eyes out. Dean was so kind and so caring, he wiped his tears with his thumb whispering how sorry he was for making Castiel cry. 

“I-I just want things to go back to the way they were!” Castiel choked. “I’m sorry for whatever I did at the party. You’ve been shutting me out and I hate it!” Dean sucked in the air at that, quiet for a moment. 

“...Why do you hate it, Castiel?” Dean’s words were so soft he barely heard them over his crying. 

“Because …” Castiel pulled back angrily. “... Because ….” Castiel’s anger faltered as he looked at Dean’s serious expression. Why was he so upset?

Because I love him? 

Castiel recoiled at the thought. 

No. He didn’t… couldn’t love Dean. 

That was asking for heartbreak.

Castiel wasn’t something someone looked for in a partner wanted. Especially with a ten-year age difference. Castiel was a couple of years from thirty-five, that’s a great age difference for a young wealthy alpha who could have anyone he wanted. Most looking for younger omegas and betas. It was almost second nature for alphas to want young fertile things. 

Castiel grew up understanding if he didn’t get a partner by the latest twenty-five. He was most likely never going to find a partner. Fertility is a big reason. Society considering the older bunch…out to pasture without a better word to put it. Especially for a young stud like Dean who had years to start and grow a big family. Castiel had a time frame. His window to having a baby closes each year. 

Castiel was hoping…by now he’d have one. 

A family. 

After his parents died, Castiel went into a deep depression that ate up most of his twenties. He was barely getting by just surviving daily. It wasn’t till a couple of months before running into Charlie that he started to pull himself out of this depression cycle. Years he lost to cycling through jobs, laying in bed, and crying. 

He didn’t have anyone to help him during this time of mourning. Spiraling into an exhausting routine of sometimes going to work, coming home, sleeping till he lost his job and he would find another and start the cycle again. He had a change of heart after losing his latest job and was going to be a month behind on rent, just deciding then and there that he wouldn’t rot anymore. 

Running into Charlie when he did…was a miracle. 

______________________________________________________________________

A couple of years ago:

Castiel glanced down hearing the manager of the coffee shop rejecting him scratching at his beard. Castiel wasn’t surprised. He worked maybe three months here, only showing up to one or two shifts per week till he was let go for tardiness. He was hoping they would give him another chance, but he figured they wouldn’t. 

“You look good, Castiel.” The manager spoke as Castiel nodded. “I’m glad you’re getting back on your feet. I wish I could do more.” 

“It’s fine.” Castiel breathed tiredly. Fighting the urge to head back to bed. He wanted to cry but that wasn’t him anymore. “Thank you, Derek.” Castiel nodded turning he didn’t expect to slam into someone. 

“What do you think I’m doing? Dean exploded the coffee machine AGAIN. I had to talk the poor girl off the ledge again-” Charlie groaned when coffee fell from her hands onto the floor. 

“I-I am so sorry.” Castiel choked kneeling down to pick it up. 

“It’s fine. Really-” Charlie started but paused squinting at him. “Castiel?” Castiel glanced up at that confused, it took him a second to register who it was. “It’s me! Charlie! We were in band class together!”

“Oh, my god.” Castiel smiled. “Charlie! Hi. How are you?! Wow, you look…” She looked fucking fantastic. 

“Gorgeous? I know.” Charlie hummed cleaning up the spilled coffee with Castiel. “I didn’t know you still lived in the area. I…heard about your parents.” She started softly. Castiel's smile faded slightly turning into a thin line on his face but still somewhat a smile. “...He was…three times over the legal limit right?” 

“Four.” Castiel swallowed the feeling of sand down his throat. 

He didn't know how much Charlie knew. However, she most likely heard the rumors, if not told firsthand. The rumors were the drunk driver who killed his parents, was slightly over the legal limit when he got into his semi to work. No, he was four times over, and no, he wasn't an innocent blue-collar worker driving a semi; that was made up. The story was tangled up in the rinse cycle, scrubbed clean of the truth through legal PR funded by the drunk driver's father. They attempted to get him off with just a slap on the wrist by portraying him as a more sympathetic figure.

Castiel didn’t read much into what the public THOUGHT happened, he knew what happened. Couldn’t stomach reading what they thought caused the accident. It didn’t matter if the drunk driver blew through a stop sign or if he drove the wrong way. All that mattered was that Castiel had to identify his parents by their hands with the wedding ring. That there was nothing of them left after the hit. The only thing he remembered of the trial was the driver blew a .378. 

.378.

“They were good people. I’m sorry.” Charlie touched his shoulder softly. Castiel had to stop himself from flinching. He knew she only meant well, but apologies and sympathies made him want to rot again. To wallow in the loss. He couldn’t…wouldn’t do it again. He had lost over six years of his life to grief. He wouldn’t lose a second more. 

“Thank you…Please, Let me buy you another coffee.” Castiel apologized, moving to the register.

“No, it’s okay-” Charlie started but Castiel started to order.

 “Can I get another…?” Castiel asked turning to Charlie. 

“Vanilla latte,” Charlie spoke noticing Castiel digging through his wallet for cash. He didn’t have more than three dollars and Charlie’s order being almost five made him hesitantly grab for his card he was sure was going to decline. “Do you have a moment to talk Castiel?” Charlie asked. 

“...Yeah.” Castiel nodded as Charlie smiled at the barista. 

“Can you put mine and whatever my friend orders on Dean Winchester’s account?” Charlie asked batting her eyelashes at the barista who nodded. “Thanks.” 

“Charlie.” Castiel hesitated. 

“What did you want, Castiel?” The barista asked chewing her gum.

“Um…I’ll just have the same.” Castiel hesitated. Charlie took Castiel’s wrist leading him to a small coffee table off to the side. “Please let me pay you back-”

“Nah, my boss owes me anyways.” Charlie beamed. “He exploded the expresso machine and flooded the office.”

“Oh.” Castiel blinked.

“On purpose, mind you,” Charlie stated lifting her heel to clean it with a napkin. Castiel watched the paper stick to it. “...My shoes are still sticky with it.” 

“Why would he do that?” Castiel questioned. 

“You know how Prince Charming went around to every lady testing out that stupid shoe?” Charlie hummed. “He’s like that but with the possibility of explosions.” Charlie shrugged. “He’s trying to find someone crazy enough to handle his bullshit. I give the poor girl with him now…maybe till the end of the day before she quits.”

“Oh.” Castiel blinked as Charlie paused for a second eyeing him. 

“...What were you doing here, Castiel? I didn’t see you with a coffee.” Charlie asked as the barista brought them their coffee. Castiel took a sip awkwardly before glancing down. 

“I…was hoping to get my job back,” Castiel admitted. “...I um…” Castiel didn’t continue Charlie eyed him understanding. “They denied me. I totally understand…I wasn’t at my best when they hired me.” I was still rotting. 

“...” Charlie eyed him for a moment. “...So…you’re looking for a job?”

“Yeah.” Castiel nodded as Charlie gained a small smirk on her face. 

“...How does a job with great salary pay, good benefits, and an amazing retirement plan sound?” Charlie offered enticingly. 

“...” Castiel noticed the aura shift when she said that. She was offering him the world and that seemed too good to be true. “...What’s the catch?” Castiel asked slowly. Charlie lightly stuck her tongue out at that crossing her arms. 

“Just a genius, billionaire, playboy, and philanthropist with a god complex.” Charlie sighed. “You heard of Dean Winchester, right?”

“Um…is he a celebrity?” Castiel asked as Charlie grabbed her tablet out of her briefcase googling Dean Winchester. She slid over the information. News article after News article about this guy from the age of sixteen to now. 

“He’s annoyingly smarter than Albert Einstein.” Charlie laughed crossing her legs. “And the worst part is he knows it.” 

“I just have to handle a real-life Tony Stark?” Castiel asked seriously. 

“Maybe if Tony Stark and Loki had a baby. That would be Dean Winchester.” Charlie spoke. “Props for the nerd statement.” 

“I can do it.” Castiel breathed hoping not to sound desperate. “I don’t care what he throws at me. He can explode the office with coffee for all I care.” 

“You say that now…It was the third time this month.” Charlie groaned. “He’s paying for my dry cleaning. It’s the very least he could do.”

“That’s nice of him.” Castiel chuckled. 

“Oh, he doesn’t know yet. He will if he gets the bill.” Charlie hummed. “Perks are that Dean Winchester has an account everywhere. Like he nicely just paid for our coffees because he blew up the office one.” Charlie took a sip of her coffee. 

“Isn’t that…stealing?” Castiel asked.

“It’s an asshole tax, he knows this by now.” Charlie waved it off. “Anyways, you’ll need to interview. I think the new girl is quitting by tonight anyways. So can you be in tomorrow?” 

“Wait…she hasn’t even quit yet?” Castiel asked as Charlie nodded. “What if she doesn’t?”

“She literally was sobbing into a puddle of coffee when I left to get coffee as the janitors cleaned around her.” Charlie winced. “She’s quitting. Trust me…If not, egg on my face because I already posted her position.”

“Is he…that bad?” Castiel looked horrified. 

“...Dean is a really nice guy. ” Charlie sighed sadly. “He just…got a wall around him. Dean just…takes a lot of patience and rough electro-shock therapy to get him to let you in. I…just I don’t know, think you guys might get along swimmingly.” 

“Why?” Castiel asked. Charlie smiled softly.

“Because you both seem so lost,” Charlie whispered the words. “Maybe…what you both need…is someone to be lost together with.” Castiel looked down at that taking in her words. “I can put in a good word for you-”

“No. Please don’t.” Castiel breathed. Charlie knew him during high school, she didn’t know him from a hole in the wall. If she knew his history, she wouldn’t be willing to stick her neck out for him. “I want to earn it on my own merit.” 

“Are…you sure?” Charlie asked as Castiel nodded. “Alright,” Charlie spoke. “It’s a night job from six pm to two am, with weekends off.” 

“That works for me.” Castiel nodded hopeful lighting up. He didn’t sleep at night anyways, usually just staring up at the ceiling. 

“Perfect. Here’s my card.” Charlie beamed handing him her card. “Just show up around noon for the interview.” 

“Unless there’s no job tomorrow.” He joked. She looked at him snorting. 

“Oh, there will be. Trust me.” Charlie nodded standing. Castiel stood as well. “You have a suit right?” 

“Yes.” Castiel nodded. He had one somewhere in his home. 

“Wear that,” Charlie spoke and paused. “And shave the beard. Maybe keep some stubble?” 

“Okay.” Castiel nodded quickly as Charlie waved. 

“I got to head out. But my cellphone number is on there. Give me a call sometime. We could get lunch.” Charlie left leaving Castiel alone staring at her business card.

_________________________________________________________________________

Dean’s POV - Now:

“...” Castiel’s voice caught in his throat as Dean looked down at him. Dean wanted to forget these feelings. He thought it would be easier to let him go if he stopped playing these games with him. He didn’t expect this. He didn’t expect Castiel to burn his record collection and slash his tires. Castiel’s thumb had been bleeding this whole time, cut from the steak knife and all Castiel was doing was looking at him with tears. 

God, Castiel, why are you making this hard for him?

Did you really not know how he felt? 

Ever since the party he has been spiraling trying to ignore this feeling in his gut that Castiel was meant to be his mate. He tried to ignore the feeling. Tried to just pretend this feeling was wrong or he was reading into it. 

But Castiel…really didn’t know did he?

Staring at Castiel’s eyes, he felt tears stinging his own eyes. Castiel trying to explain his own feelings, choked up as he picked at his bleeding thumb. Picking at the fresh wound as he tried to put together words to feelings he hadn’t begun to grasp. 

Did it hurt worse to love someone who didn’t love you or hurt someone who had no idea they do?

“I’m sorry.” Dean didn’t force him to answer softly hugging him to his chest, kissing the top of his head. Castiel melted into his touch and started to just bawl his eyes out holding him close. Dean held him till Castiel stopped crying, raising his face to wipe his tears. Castiel smiled up at him sadly. 

“I’m sorry.” Castiel whimpered. Dean knew he was trying to apologize for whatever Castiel did to make Dean upset. Dean just shook his head with a soft smile wiping Castiel’s tears. It took everything in him to not just kiss him. Dean stared at his lips for a long time before he softly glanced away from Castiel to look at his vinyl collection. 

“...” Dean said nothing. 

“I-I’ll clean it up.” Castiel choked realizing…he may have gone overboard. Dean raised an eyebrow at him. “...I’m sorry I almost set your valuable records on fire.” 

“You’re lucky you're cute because I don’t even think Charlie has the ability to dowse my priceless collection with lighter fluid and get away with it.” Dean sighed clicking his tongue. Castiel turned to it staring at the mess he made. 

“I-I’m not-” Castiel choked blush forming on his face staring at the mess me made. Dean tilted his head eyeing him, smiling to himself. If Castiel needed more time to come to terms with his feelings, Dean would happily wait. Dean softly ruffled his hair with care, Castiel blinking up at him with his adorable blue eyes. 

“Come on, let’s bandage your hand. I’ll fetch those out in a moment.” Dean took his wrist with care, taking him inside. Beast was already inside and followed them closely. 

“Oh…I didn’t notice I cut my thumb.” Castiel mumbled. “...Sorry for popping your tires. ” Dean softly helped Castiel sit on his counter before grabbing the first aid kit and wrapping Castiel’s thumb with care.  

“They are just tires.” Dean breathed as he glanced out seeing Bobby was already getting it fixed as Castiel leaned down petting Beast with his free hand. “All that matters is your okay.” Dean finished wrapping the wound, softly patting Castiel’s head. “...I’ll go to the stockholder’s meeting once I finish collecting the records from the firepit."

“L-Let me-” Castiel choked but Dean just gave him a soft smile, shaking his head no, leaving him to do it. Castiel watched Dean collect the records, placing them on the table to clean off more when he returned. He showered and changed coming down for Castiel who smiled at him. 

“Want to drag me by the ear to the car? I don’t want Bobby to think I caved so easily. I got a reputation to maintain.” Dean joked offering his ear as Castiel smiled softly reaching up and taking Dean’s ear affectionately. Walking out to Castiel’s car, Castiel apologized to Bobby for the tires who shrugged like it was no big deal as they got into Castiel’s car heading to the stockholder’s meeting.

Chapter Text

Castiel’s POV - Six months later:

Castiel woke up with a jolt hearing his apartment door ringing, Castiel groaned as he rubbed his tired face. 

“I swear to god,” Castiel grumbled as he pulled off the blankets moving to the front door. Castiel opened the door annoyed to see an arrangement of flowers being held out to him. 

“Flowers for a …Casteal?” The flower man spoke glancing at the card as Castiel glared at him. The flower man slowly leaned to the side seeing Castiel’s apartment was covered head to toe in arrangements. “...Opening a flower shop?” 

“God, I might have to.” Castiel looked super annoyed with a huff. Castiel took the flowers and chocolates with a sigh, grabbing the card to read. The flower guy turned to leave as Castiel read the card.

‘Sorry for missing your birthday apology number 182. 

 X Dean.’

Castiel groaned softly ramming his head against the door frame repeatedly. Every. Fucking. Day. Ever since Castiel’s last birthday, he had been showering Castiel with flowers and chocolates. Every. Fucking. Day. Castiel didn’t have enough floor space for all these fucking arrangements. He filled his tiny balcony and covered his kitchen, bedroom, and living room. Even his fucking bathroom had two in the shower, the only relief he got was when one died so he could throw it away, not one to waste such an expensive gift. 

“Aren’t you popular?” A voice made Castiel glance out the door to see a teen walking past his apartment. She eyed the room as she headed down the stairs. 

“Here. Want them?” Castiel breathed lazily. 

“Stranger danger.” She joked as Castiel gave her a look. “Touchy. ”  The teen beamed taking them. “...Do I get the chocolates too?”

“Get your own.” Castiel made a face playfully closing the door as he moved to get dressed. Castiel helped himself to the chocolates as he got dressed. He had to put a stop to this. He didn’t have enough living space to keep jumping over arrangements. Castiel skipped over the arrangement finally able to get to the door, grabbing a couple at the door pulling it open, and heading to Dean’s.

Castiel carried the two arrangements into Dean’s house, Beast came to greet him as Castiel slid the flowers onto the kitchen counter. Slapping his hands together, he grabbed Beast's food from the fridge putting them into the bowl. Giving him some love and kisses before he walked up to Dean’s bedroom. Castiel walked into the darkness of the room walking straight to the window and pulling the curtains open. 

The lump in the bed groaned pulling the blankets over his face as Castiel turned crossing his arms. Castiel watched Dean’s hand disappear back into the lump as he tried to go back to sleep. 

“Sir,” Castiel called as Dean remained silent. “Sir, it’s time to wake up.” Dean made a noise but nothing else. Castiel sighed moving to the lump softly shaking the lump. “Sir-” Castiel was yanked into the sheets and pulled to Dean’s half-naked body. Castiel sighed feeling Dean laying over him and staring up at Dean. 

“Good morning,” Dean breathed as Castiel blinked softly up at him. 

“Good morning,” Castiel whispered. Dean smiled moving to hold him burying his face into his neck. Dean had been doing this lately, pulling him into his bed. Where Dean would lay half asleep in his arms, his face buried into his neck. Castiel petted his hair with care as Dean softly woke up in his arms. 

Ever since their fight, Dean was so…stupidly cute and clingy. Castiel…didn’t mind. It didn’t help his lack of a better word crush but it definitely made Castiel’s heart go nuts. He would lay with Dean for maybe twenty minutes, allowing Dean to sleep in. Thinking about it, it might be because Dean wanted to sleep in and not because he liked cuddling Cas. It was good manipulation…and cute. Castiel sucked air, breathing in Dean’s scent for the last time before softly attempting to wake Dean again. 

“Sir, you need to get up or I can’t make breakfast,” Castiel whispered. 

“I have a name you know,” Dean mumbled.

“Still my boss so you still go by Sir,” Castiel stated. Dean frowned at that but said nothing.

“Did you like my flowers?” Dean asked sitting up, he kneeled over Castiel tilting his head. 

“I loved the flowers. I loved the flowers on day one. Day two. Day three. Day four…and even day five. At day one hundred and eighty-two…not so much,” Castiel spoke cupping Dean’s face and squishing it in his hand. “Look me in the eye when I say this, Dean Alexander Winchester. No. More. Flowers.” 

“...So like…every other day okay?” Dean mumbled curiously under his hands. Castiel groaned shoving him onto the bed and straddled him instead. Castiel grabbed Dean’s hands pinning them above Dean’s head. 

“Repeat after me.” Castiel hissed as sweetly as he could. “No.”

“No,” Dean spoke. 

“More.” Castiel continued. 

“More,” Dean repeated.

“Flowers,” Castiel stated. 

“Flowers,” Dean spoke before he made a face and added. “Is the chocolate still okay though?” Castiel groaned climbing off of him. Dean got up following him as Castiel walked down to the kitchen. “Oh hey, flowers.” Dean moved to smell the ones Castiel brought him. Castiel turned to face him crossing his arms and eyeing him. “...I expected them to be bigger. I told them money is no issue…I’ll give them a call.” 

“If they were any bigger, my home would be considered a national park,” Castiel stated rolling up the newspaper and smacking him on the head. “No more flowers.”

“Ouch,” Dean whined being handed the newspaper. 

“Look, I love your attempt to make up for missing one birthday due to a fight.” Castiel sighed getting out the supplies for breakfast. “But you don’t have to do all this. It’s okay to not have one birthday gift. I didn’t even notice.”

Okay, he lied. 

He did notice.

However, Dean had bought him a whole fucking stores worth of Flowers and chocolate. 

He’s more than made up for it. 

“Our lovers’ quarrel is not an excuse to ignore adoring you,” Dean spoke typing into his phone as Castiel went deep red. Castiel eyed him for a moment before he took notice of Dean vigorously typing into the phone. 

“Sir, you better not.” Castiel glared suspiciously. 

“I didn’t do anything yet,” Dean spoke when Castiel moved towards him. Dean attempted to hide the phone by raising it higher. Castiel had to stand on his tippy toes to try to snatch it out of his hand. Dean used his elbow to keep Castiel away by playfully using him as an armrest. 

“Don’t you submit that request for roses!” Castiel yelled. 

“You don’t even know what I’m ordering!” Dean yelped when Castiel just straight-up tackled him. Ready to strangle the ever-living shit out of him. Dean beamed in satisfaction at the confirmation screen as his phone slid under the table. The men exchanged looks before Castiel’s hands wrapped around his throat to throttle him. 

“Kinky.” A voice jarred the two men making them turn seeing Charlie standing there. She was wearing shorts and a tank top with a suitcase next to her. She snapped a photo looking down at her phone. The two men exchanged looks before Castiel slowly let go of Dean’s throat getting off of him. “Good one for the future wedding album.” 

“What are you doing here?” Dean grumbled pouting sitting up. 

“Did I interrupt some foreplay?” Charlie asked putting on her sunhat.

“No.” Castiel laughed embarrassed. 

“Yes,” Dean answered at the same time. Castiel slowly turned to Dean as Dean frowned. Castiel squinted his eyes in a glare. “Don’t you knock?”

“I told the dog I was here. I feel that’s more than adequate.” Charlie shrugged. Dean shrugged agreeing when they heard crashing in the other room. Charlie lazily turned. 

“Lilith,” Charlie called as a toddler came running out of the direction standing beside her. With the cutest dimples, bright blonde hair, and blue eyes. The toddler dressed in her little dress beamed at them.

“Did you steal a kid?” Dean asked when Castiel realized he was still straddling Dean. Castiel got off of him blushing. Dean sat up as the little girl blinked at him.

“God no, I’m the drunk aunt.” Charlie put on sunglasses. “She’s my sister’s kid. Cas, do you remember my sister Anna? That’s her crotch goblin.” Castiel flautered slightly at the mention of Anna before moved to her smiling at the cute little girl. 

“I do remember her...it's been a while... Hi, sweetie.” Castiel cooed as the little girl giggled to him twirling her little dress. “Can I pick you up?” Lilith nodded and raised her arms which Castiel picked her up with a little groan. She was so cute as she sat contently in his arms. His one weakness. Babies. Castiel hugged her close as she held him back. "She’s so precious."

“Alright, now that you all got acquainted. I’ll be back!” Charlie waved moving to leave. 

“Forgetting something?” Dean called getting off the floor. 

“No.” Charlie poked her head back in. “Castiel sweetly volunteered to watch her.” Castiel glanced at Dean confused. 

“Not that I would mind watching this cutie…I just…when did you ask me?” Castiel asked. 

“Don’t tell me you don’t remember?” Charlie blinked.

___________________________________________________________________________

Charlie’s POV:

Charlie glanced up as a flower arrangement was placed on her desk, She glanced over to see who put it there to see an annoyed Castiel glaring at the flowers like they had offended him on a spiritual level. 

“Cas, not that I’m not completely smitten by the idea of you giving me flowers and declaring your undeniable love for me. Dean will murder me. Take them away.” Charlie waved them away. 

“The flowers are from Dean.” Castiel’s eye twitched. “Every single arrangement I have gotten for the last five months has been from Dean. ” Charlie stood noticing the card pulling it out. 

“Sorry for missing your birthday apology number one hundred and sixty-nine.” Charlie read before laughing. “Sixty-nine. Nice.” Charlie continued to read. “Kisses, Dean.” 

“He thinks the X is hugs.” Castiel glared. 

“I don’t think he wants to hug you but I digress.” Charlie handed back the card. “I think it’s a sweet gesture.”

“I’m going to drown in flowers.” Castiel glared. “My whole kitchen and living room are covered in them. I’m going to have to start filling my bathroom next. So to avoid that, you can have this one from yesterday.”

“Awe. Thanks, Flowers on Dean’s dime are my favorite.” Charlie sniffed them. “Man, these are nice. Long-stem roses are expensive. He’s really buying this daily?”

“And chocolate,” Castiel spoke holding up the chocolate. 

“Can I have the chocolate?” Charlie asked but Castiel frowned. 

“I still like the chocolate.” Castiel pulled the chocolate away. 

“Speaking of flowers.” Charlie nodded to the delivery guy exiting the elevator. 

“Shit.” Castiel glanced around for a place to hide. “Charlie, please take them. I can’t take another vase home.”

“...What’s in it for me?” Charlie asked. 

“Hi Is there an Ass…tea?” The delivery driver asked looking around. 

“Jesus they just keep saying my name wrong and it's only getting progressively worse and worse,” Castiel groaned then started begging. "Anything, okay? I’ll do anything.” 

“Watch my niece for a couple of hours two weeks from now?” Charlie questioned as Castiel nodded. Charlie stood waving to the delivery driver. “I’m Ass tea!” Charlie beamed taking the flowers as Castiel breathed in relief heading out towards Dean’s house now that he got rid of these flowers. 

“Thank you!” Castiel waved as Charlie waved back. “Be back in two hours!” 

___________________________________________________________________

Castiel’s POV - Now: 

Oh…yeah… he forgot that.

“Yeah, her mom knows you're watching her. I, unfortunately, have a doctor’s appointment so I couldn’t do it.” Charlie blinked. Dean and Castiel exchanged looks as Dean held his phone and stood next to Castiel. 

“...You’re wearing a bikini.” Dean pointed out. There were other tell-tell signs she was lying. Her beach bag, the flip flops, the towel on her shoulder, and the giant sunhat. 

“Mines a tropical-themed doctor's office. All the rage…with…um…poor people. What do you know, rich boy?” Charlie continued her lie. Dean nodded not buying it. “Well, Toodle-oo!” Charlie waved walking out leaving Dean, Lilith, and Castiel. 

“Guess…I’m not working today.” Castiel cooed to Lilith who smiled at him before noticing Dean and sat in his arms just blinking up at Dean. 

“Well. It’s a good reason as any to take a vacation day.” Dean smiled to Lilith who looked at Dean with awe. Castiel laughed at her staring. “Hi, little one.” Dean breathed when he noticed her attention. Lilith stared at him like he was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. Castiel related to this on a spiritual level. “I don’t have any baby stuff here for her to play with.” 

“I don’t have anything at my house either.” Castiel breathed as Dean noticed her staring. 

“Did you want me to hold you, sweetie?” Dean spoke offering his hands as Lilith reached for Dean. Dean slowly scooped the little girl from Castiel’s hands. Lilith reached up touching Dean’s stubble which made him laugh. Dean playfully tried to bite her hand making her squeal as he tickled her. 

Castiel also found himself staring in awe of Dean. 

He…was good with kids?

He had never seen Dean with children so he guessed the thought never crossed his mind. He softly tossed her up into the air and spun her. 

“I know a very fun place we can go till Charlie gets back!” Dean hummed. “Coming Castiel?” 

“Wait…Aren’t you going to work?” Castiel asked confused as Dean made a disgusted face.

“...Without you?” Dean looked at Lilith. “No, thank you.” Castiel smiled with a sigh. “Looks like Charlie left your car seat! Yay! Let’s go!” Lilith was clapping happily along with Dean’s playful cheering. “Coming Castiel?” Castiel moved to grab the baby chair and baby supplies following after them. 

“Sir, you’re still in your boxers,” Castiel called as Dean was already waiting by Castiel’s car laughing. “Go change and I’ll call the dog walker to walk Beast while we are away.” 

“Well, you’re overdressed. I’m underdressed, we work.” Dean pointed out like it changed anything as Castiel lazily set the stuff down to undo his tie, take off his blazer and roll up his sleeves. 

“There. Now I’m business casual.” Castiel took Lilith from his hands. “Go change.” Lilith whimpered as Dean rushed inside to change. Castiel rocked her with care before getting her into the car. 

Castiel got into the front seat pausing when Dean got into the car with him. He…had never seen Dean in a t-shirt and jeans before. Blush scaled Castiel’s cheek as he watched Dean slide into the car. Castiel had to do a double-take slacked jawed. Dean turned to give Lilith attention as Castiel held his breath. 

Stupid pounding heart. 

“Actually, no offense, I’m going to climb in the back,” Dean spoke putting in the GPS directions, then climbed over the center console much to Lilith’s delight. 

“Dean.” Castiel laughed as Dean plopped next to Lilith kissing her hands. Castiel watched him in the rearview mirror for a moment watching him happily playing with Lilith. Castiel felt a twinge in his stomach, the thought hitting him like a ton of bricks. 

Dean will be a good daddy to our babies.

Castiel stop the passing thought. 

Our babies? 

Castiel touched his lower stomach, he felt that sickness in his stomach. 

Dean was handsome, smart, and good with kids…

But what in his fucking love-sick mind thought that Dean would love him enough to have kids with him?

Like he even has the time…

Your clocks ticking, Castiel.

“Cas.” Dean’s voice made Castiel turn to him. “Hand.” Castiel held his hand to him without much thought before Dean’s hand slid into his and continued holding it.

“What are you doing weirdo?” Castiel laughed. 

“I’ll miss you sitting back here.” Dean pouted holding it tighter. 

“You dork, I need my hand to drive.” Castiel hummed but let Dean hold his hand as he drove toward the GPS address. 

_________________________________________________________________________

“Look, Lily! It’s Ariel!” Dean spoke pointing to the Disney parade. 

Dean had spoiled Lilith all day with a small trip to Disneyland which they didn’t live too far from. Decked head to toe in Disney merch, the only thing she didn’t have was her crown that kept falling off her head when she looked around. So naturally Dean was wearing it, while Castiel held the rest of the merch Dean spoiled her rotten with. Dean had her on his shoulders a majority of the day, just letting her see all the things she was just too little to see. Dean was so patient with her. Allowing her to learn and do things at her own pace. 

The fact this man wasn’t a father was almost a crime.

They were so fucking adorable. 

“Your mate is so cute with your daughter.” A woman spoke to him gaining Castiel’s attention. 

“Oh…um.” Castiel paused looking at the older woman who sat on the bench next to them. He knew he should have denied it. Told her the truth but he couldn’t bring himself out of the rose-colored glasses he put himself in. He nodded with a shy laugh. 

“Sorry. I’ve just been sitting here watching the parade and oh, it's just so cute.” She laughed, they both looked to Dean and Lilith. Dean was singing frozen along with her just swaying which made her happily yell louder. “He’s wearing a tiara and all. Bless him. You got yourself a keeper.”

“...I do, don’t I?” Castiel smiled softly as the parade finished. Dean turned to find Castiel in the crowd realizing Castiel wasn’t standing next to him anymore. 

“Cas.” Dean lit up seeing him moving towards him dramatically as Lilith laughed at the silliness. “Come on, let’s go get churros! Or we could go out to eat! Let’s do that!” Dean was full of energy and just feeding off Lilith’s energy because she was happy too. 

“Chooso!” Lilith called. Which they understood as Churros. 

“I’m with Lily on this.” Dean agreed as the older woman laughed affectionately. 

“We can get a Churro but then we have to go home okay?” Castiel spoke lovingly touching Lilith’s face. “Poor baby’s going to crash once she gets in the car.” 

“Nah, my little trooper can survive a dinner.” Dean helped her off his shoulder smushing her face with kisses as she squealed. 

“I think the omega knows best.” Castiel offered his hand for Lilith as Dean pouted. Lilith happily snuggled into Castiel’s arms tiredly. Castiel sucked in the air feeling her nuzzle her head into his shoulder. God, he loved her so much already. 

“Listen to your mate.” The old lady chuckled to Dean. “Omegas know all regarding the babies.” Castiel went into deep red, trying to come up with something to say. 

“I know.” Dean smiled with care at her. “Come on, let’s go get those Churros and go home.” Castiel blushed walking towards the Churro stand. 

“I-I was going to correct her but-” Castiel hesitated as Dean eyed him. 

“It’s okay.” Dean breathed. “I don’t mind.” Castiel blushed looking down as Dean walked next to him. Castiel held her close as he watched Dean order them Churros. Castiel could feel her soft breath in sleep against his neck as he held her close. He wanted this. He wanted a child he could watch grow. To raise with love and adoration. The thought of going home to an empty apartment made his stomach knot. Reminding him how alone he was. 

It was him watching Dean come over with the Churros, feeling Lilith fast asleep against the nap of his neck that he decided he wanted more than anything to have this. 

He didn’t want to come home to an empty apartment. 

He wanted this connection. 

This love. 

This happiness. 

It was at this moment Castiel made a promise to himself. 

If he wasn’t mated by thirty-five, he’s skipped that step and just have a baby on his own. 

He would be a single mother and do it on his own. 

Taking his own life into his own hands and making his future. 

Castiel knew his time to start a family was getting shorter and shorter. He was finally making something of his life. Taking what he wanted and finally pursuing it. 

He hated getting back to Dean’s house and handing Lilith over, missing her already when Charlie came to collect her. Charlie laughed noticing the tiara still in Dean’s hair. Dean softly laughed. 

“So pretty, princess.” Charlie joked. 

“She was the only pretty princess that mattered.” Dean breathed putting the crown on Lilith’s sleeping head.

“Awe.” Charlie laughed. “Making me feel things, Dean.” 

You and me both, Castiel wanted to admit. 

“Ready to ride off with me into the sunset?” Dean joked as Charlie eyed him. “Buy a house, start a family-” 

“You carrying the babies?” Charlie asked eyeing him. 

“Nope.” Dean laughed. 

“Damn, looks like our love can never be.” Charlie breathed dramatically. Dean laughed at her as Lilith started to stir. “I better get her home,” Charlie whispered tiptoeing towards the car as Dean and Castiel waved goodbye watching them go. 

“Well…since we aren’t working today.” Dean breathed when they left but Castiel was lost in thought. “Did you want to stay and watch a movie? I can order us some food. I know it sounds like a date…I mean it’s kinda like a date-?”  

“I should get home.” Castiel cut him off excited to look into his plans to start a family. There were so many options, wanting to get this plan started to figure out his game plan. Dean’s beaming smile faded into a thin line as he nodded.

"Ri-Right. Um. Yeah. Totally...uh... I-I'll see you." Dean spoke. Castiel smiled a waved walking away to his car, missing Dean’s obvious disappointment as he walked towards his house. 

Chapter Text

Castiel’s POV - Fourth Stockholder’s meeting:

Castiel rubbed his face tiredly driving to Dean’s, he had been sleeping like shit lately. Maybe his heat was desperate to get pregnant, but he hadn’t had a night where he hadn't woke up covered in slick. His suppressants failing, and Castiel was tired and exhausted from being all worked up. His dreams ranged…but they all had one thing in common. 

Dean. 

Every night he found himself pleasured to the fantasy that was Dean Winchester. Sometimes it was just straight into it. Castiel would lull to sleep and find himself in the middle of sex with Dean. Other times it was a romantic interlude where Dean looks like a romance cover and he pretty much seduces Castiel. 

He couldn’t keep dreaming of fucking his boss. 

His suppressants were starting to fail a lot more lately. 

On his birthday the day before, Castiel’s suppressants failed three times. He smelled his scent slightly and had to pop a pill before Dean noticed. His body was a little baby crazy…Especially since he decided on his plan. 

Castiel wanted to have a baby with someone he knew. 

Someone he could get medical information from if the baby ever got sick. 

Someone he could know his baby’s heritage and family roots. 

Someone who his baby could have a connection to. 

So now he was casually searching for someone who he could…ask. 

He didn’t know many people, which was the problem…but he already knew who he had in mind. 

If he wanted someone who had a high IQ? Dean Winchester who currently held the title of highest IQ.

If he wanted someone handsome? Dean Winchester, who was currently on a magazine’s top one hundred men. 

If he wanted someone funny and charming? Dean Winchester who always kept him smiling. 

Every road led to the one and only Dean Winchester. 

He had pretty much come to the conclusion the second he decided he wanted to have a biological baby. Dean Winchester was the only obvious choice. He had everything he wanted and more. Their baby would be so blessed to be half of Dean Winchester.

However, this caused a lot of passing thoughts that weren’t so innocent about his boss but the worst ones were picking every little feature he loved about Dean. Sometimes he would just sit there and think things like ‘I hope our baby has your lips’ or ‘I hope they have your freckles.’

It was an endless cycle of just being in love with Dean and it slightly affected his professionalism because he’d just daydream looking at him. 

He knew he needed to ask him, but Castiel didn’t have the courage yet. Telling him felt like it would end everything. What if Dean said no? Do you think Castiel would be able to keep his job? He had till his next birthday. That was plenty of time to brace himself for a life-changing question. 

Castiel pulled up to Dean’s home expecting the worst to have already happened…but Castiel was pleasantly surprised the limo was out front. The house was quiet like normal. Castiel blinked, confused, walking in. The house was dark and quiet like always. 

“Beast,” Castiel called but there was no answer. However, Beast's leash was here, so he was here somewhere . Castiel walked up to Dean’s room opening the door. Beast sat on the edge of the bed glancing up when he saw him, wagging his tail. Castiel smiled affectionately as he gave the dog some love before moving to open the curtain. This was odd. Did Dean forget today was the stockholder’s meeting? 

Castiel moved to speak but a rough cough made Castiel look concerned. It sounded bad. Castiel gently touched the mound in the sheets earning Dean’s signature groan of life. 

“Dean, it’s time to get up.” Castiel cooed as Dean groaned quietly a cough left him while sitting up. Castiel frowned at that reaching out and touching his forehead. “Awe, Dean, you have a slight fever.” 

Castiel lovingly kept touching his face which Dean leaned into. Castiel had heard him clearing his throat leading up to this week and Dean not being his exaggerated self. He should have been forcing medicine down his throat at the slightest notice of him getting sick. 

“My poor baby’s not feeling well.” Castiel breathed lovingly as Dean softly laid his face into Castiel’s shoulder. Castiel held him close as he pet his hair feeling Dean starting to drift again. Dean jarred himself awake as he shook his head. 

“I’ll be down in a minute,” Dean mumbled tiredly pulling away from Castiel as he eyed him. 

“Okay. I’ll go make breakfast” Castiel breathed. Dean looked pale, he shook his head no. 

“I’m not hungry. Let’s just…go to the stockholder’s meeting. I’ll meet you at the door.” Dean stated trying to sound enthusiastic. Castiel looked slightly concerned seeing as it was five in the morning and in no way time to head out for that. He just gave himself time to Dean’s normal bullshit which is why he was here before sunrise. 

“...Alright.” Castiel paused before he made his way to the front door. 

He leaned against it curiously wondering what Dean was trying to pull. Dean would never miss a chance at a meal. Dean was up to something. Castiel heard someone quickly bolting down the stairs to see Dean in his corporate suit. Castiel was pleasantly surprised Dean looked better than he did upstairs, though oddly he was wearing sunglasses. The sun wasn’t out yet. Dean smiled at him stopping next to him. 

“How are you feeling?” Castiel asked.

Dean just nodded enthusiastically.

Castiel’s eyes narrowed in suspicion. 

Dean never passed up an opportunity to talk about himself. 

“Alright,” Castiel spoke much to… Dean’s delight. “Let’s go.” 

Castiel moved to reach for the door expecting Dean to grab it and hold it open for him. Dean never let Castiel open a door for himself, and would always offer his arm for Castiel. Things Dean always does without fail. Castiel was almost sure he never opened a door for himself in Dean’s presence. When Castiel’s hand slid around the handle without Dean making any effort to stop him. Castiel eyed Dean noting that this Dean was nervously waiting for Castiel to open the door as if someone was acting as you would expect a billionaire would act. Castiel slowly pulled his hand away before just holding his palm out to the man. 

The man hesitantly exchanged looks between Castiel’s open palm and the stairs before he slowly handed over his sunglasses getting the hint. A man who looked extremely similar to Dean stood under the sunglasses. Castiel nodded when he realized he was right.

“Let me guess. Dean paid you to be him?” Castiel spoke. The man nodded. “Well…This proves he’s sick. This plan sucked.” This made Castiel’s concern grow even more for Dean. Dean must have been super sick. He handed them back to the man. “...Okay. Put them back on.” 

The man slid on the glasses. 

“Okay.” Castiel breathed licking his teeth. “Can you speak English?” Castiel asked. Trying to figure out why this man was so quiet. He nodded. “Accent?” 

“I’m Romanian.” The man nodded with his very thick accent. 

Ah. That’s why Dean told him to keep quiet. 

“Come with me. I got an idea.” Castiel left the house walking across the front lawn moving to the in-law house, softly knocking on it. Bobby opened the door tiredly, dressed and ready to take them to the event. “Bobby, I need a favor.”

“Yeah?” Bobby nodded rubbing the sleep from his eyes. 

“Could you take…?” Castiel turned to the fake Dean. 

“Andrei.” The fake Dean breathed. 

“...Andrei to the event? Stay by his side and tell them Dean’s quirkiness for the event is he wants his work to speak for itself. They’ll eat it up. Keep him quiet and let the slides speak for himself.” Castiel breathed. “They won’t notice the difference.”

“Where’s the real Dean?” Bobby spoke. 

“Sick as a dog,” Castiel commented. “So I’m allowing him to skip this event.”

“You’re going to let him win?” Bobby teased. 

“Actually, I’m going to tell him he went. He’s too sick to notice he didn’t.” Castiel smiled devilishly. 

“Evil.” Bobby laughed. “Alright, let’s go, Andrei.” Bobby patted his back following him over to the limo. Castiel waved them goodbye before going back inside kicking off his shoes, stripping off his blazer and tie. Rolling up his sleeves, he made Dean some fresh tomato soup and found some cold medicine in the cabinet for his fever. 

“Dean. Time to eat.” Castiel walked in the tray of food hearing Dean’s rough coughing in his sleep. Dean stirred slowly sitting up as Castiel put the tray on his lap. 

“Cas? What are you doing here? What time is it?” Dean mumbled as Castiel quickly turned his alarm clock towards the wall. 

“It’s two pm,” Castiel lied lovingly taking a seat on the bed. 

“Two pm?” Dean mumbled waiting for his brain to catch up. 

“Yeah? Remember you tricked me with the Romanian guy and I came up here and dragged you to the event?” Castiel cooed his lie as Dean giggled pleased with himself. Castiel smiled loving how cute he was being. 

“Did you get to the event before you noticed?” Dean snorted. 

“Yep! It surprised me!” Castiel lied as Dean smiled so contently. “Only tricked me for about an hour. I was soooo mad.” Dean giggled before roughly coughing. Castiel rubbed his back with care. “Come on, you haven’t eaten all event.” 

Castiel moved to help him eat, taking care of Dean. Dean slept on and off, he had a high fever which Castiel kept fighting with over-the-counter meds. Castiel grabbed his phone when Dean’s fever rose a bit high to his liking, calling for Dean’s private doctor. 

When he arrived Castiel was so relieved leading him up to Dean’s room who checked him over. The doctor was kind to Dean asking him questions and checking him. Dean’s answers were short and soft but he got the point across. The doctor stood when he was done. 

“He needs fluids and I recommend these. It can make him a little out of it but he should be fine.” The doctor spoke offering some meds to Castiel. “He’ll be fine once his fever breaks. You’re taking good care of him.”

“Thank you,” Castiel spoke taking the meds with care the doctor patted his shoulder walking away. Castiel moved to him to offer him meds, Dean weakly took them drinking down the water. Castiel tucked him back in softly sitting next to him and petting his hair. 

He tried to not bother him too much, just making sure he drank down water but mostly letting him sleep. It wasn’t till Dean was covered in sweat did he decide to try to get him cleaned up. 

“Dean, let’s get you into the bath.” Castiel breathed, Beast moved to follow but Castiel stopped him. "Beast, stay." Beast slowly sat back down. Dean whimpered but got up, leaning on Castiel as Castiel walked over to his tub. “Come on, let’s get your clothes off. Okay? We are going to clean you up.” 

“Okay,” Dean mumbled as Castiel let him sit on the edge of the large tub. Castiel helped Dean lean against the large tub, grabbing his boxers and pulling them down. Castiel blushed trying to keep his eyes anywhere but…where they could be. Castiel’s heart was pounding as he stood up. Castiel kept his eyes on Dean’s when it hit him that…maybe this wasn’t the best idea. 

Taking in Dean’s flushed face, slightly parted lips, and the scent of sweat, Castiel’s mind was racing with the very wrong thought more quickly than he could block them. He was…aroused. They both must have smelled it at the same time. Castiel’s arousal spilled out over the suppressants. Dean’s eyes flashed red in response to it. Castiel’s eyes widened in slight fear when Dean gripped his throat roughly pinning him against the separate shower wall. 

Dean growled softly making Castiel tense, Dean was delirious in fever and on medication. Maybe a rational-thinking Dean would be able to hold himself back…Castiel held his breath as Dean’s lips slid down his neck. Castiel could feel Dean’s parted lips sliding down the curve of his neck as he stood pinned against the wall. 

This should be horrifying to him…but he trusted Dean. 

He knew Dean wouldn’t hurt him. Even if Dean was acting on pure instinct…Dean has always protected him. Even from subtle things like how Dean reacts to other Alphas invading his personal space. Dean has had more than one occasion put himself between the alphas with no concept of personal space. Dean wasn’t someone he was scared of. 

Castiel got an idea slowly turning and reaching for the shower knobs and turning them on, lukewarm water spilling onto them. Castiel hoped the water would help with the fever or maybe hide his scent. Castiel turned to look at Dean with a gasp, when he noticed was an inch from his face. Castiel jumped back slightly as he watched Dean lean in. Dean brushed his nose against Castiel’s, his breath against Castiel’s lips. 

“ Dean. ” Castiel let a shaky breath against his lips, staring into the red rim of his glowing eyes. Castiel felt Dean moving his lips closer hesitating to eye his face taking Castiel’s reaction. Castiel’s lips parted slightly as his eyes closed as he slightly raised his head meeting Dean’s lips in a soft kiss. The kiss was so soft Castiel thought he imagined it. 

His…first kiss. 

Castiel felt Dean slightly pull back as they stared at each other. Breathing against each other. He knew he should have stopped this. 

This wasn’t their first kiss. 

Dean wasn’t there. 

This wasn’t his Dean. This was Dean on autopilot, his body naturally reacting to the scent of a wanting omega. Castiel knew he shouldn’t…

Their lips roughly slammed against each other, Castiel wrapping his arms around Dean’s neck holding him close. Dean growled into the kiss gripping him to his body, his hand gripping the back of Castiel’s neck. Dean’s lips moved so smoothly but Castiel’s lips were a mess. He didn’t know what to do but mimic Dean’s. Castiel felt Dean’s tongue sliding against his lips. Castiel opened his mouth to him shyly. He wanted more from the kiss and Castiel couldn’t deny him. Castiel moaned at the touch of his tongue. 

Dean took the reins the kisses were a lustful mess of need and want. Castiel gasped when Dean shoved Castiel against the shower tile snapping Castiel back in reality. Dean turned away panting, keeping him back. He was shaking trying to keep control.

Dean even when out of it protected Castiel…was resisting his alpha instincts. 

“ Suppressants. ” Dean choked as Castiel moved to his pockets with shaky fingers. Trying to calm his heart as he struggled with the lid. Dean snatched it out of his hands opening it for him holding them out to him. Even when Dean was delirious he was chivalrous. Castiel popped a couple of pills panting as he held the bottle to his chest. The second the pills started to work Dean collapsed making Castiel bolt over to him. 

“Oh my god! Dean!” Castiel panted as he held Dean’s face. Dean was completely out cold just panting as Castiel moved to help him back to bed dragging him from the shower. “I-It’s okay, Dean. I got you.”

__________________________________________________________________

Castiel stared at Dean as he slept a bit better now that the medicine was working. His fever though still there had gone down. Castiel sat in a chair by his bed watching Dean’s soft breathing. Castiel softly patted the alpha’s forehead with a wet cloth. Trying to keep him cool. Dean stirred softly, his eyes fluttering open making Castiel smile softly down at him. 

“Hey, sicky,” Castiel spoke as he relaxed against the chair crossing his legs. “How are you feeling?”

“Like shit,” Dean admitted as he closed his eyes for a moment before glancing at Castiel. They stared at each other for a moment, just silence between them. Castiel tensed slightly. Did…he remember their kiss? Was Dean upset? “...Why are you wearing my clothes?”

Castiel was slightly relaxed at the question. Maybe he didn’t remember? Castiel glanced down at the t-shirt of Dean’s and some sweats. 

“Do you remember what happened in the bathroom?” Castiel hesitated as Dean paused like he was drawing a blank. “I tried to get you in the bath and dunked myself too.” Dean nodded like it was slowly coming back to him. Castiel was trying not to read into the kiss, hoping to forget it because…he knew if he didn’t…he’d fall for him hard . 

That was all a kiss from Dean’s alpha instincts. As much as he wanted to kiss Dean again. That kiss was given under…a fever and loopy meds. Even though Castiel could still feel his lips against his own. What…What if he fell for Dean and there was no Dean to catch him? He was scared. He couldn’t lose him.

“I borrowed your clothes. I hope you don’t mind, I didn’t want to go home and leave you.” Castiel admitted.

“Thank you.” Dean breathed. 

“How are you feeling? Can you eat?” Castiel stood as Dean nodded weakly. 

“Wait…The Stockholder’s meeting…” Dean paused confused as Castiel tilted his head with a loving sigh. “...Whatever happened with that?”

“Remember? You tricked me with the Romanian guy and I came up here and dragged you to the event?” Castiel repeated his lie, Dean chuckled pleased with himself but it started a coughing fit. “Easy.” 

“Did you get to the event before you noticed?” Dean choked out between coughs.

“Yep. Got me for an hour. I was soooo mad.” Castiel beamed holding himself as Dean smiled so contently. “Came back screaming and grabbed you by your ear, ya know. The norm.”

“It isn’t a stockholder’s meeting if you didn’t.” Dean beamed before he winced. “...How did my speech go announcing my new chip?” Dean asked slightly concerned. “Must not have been good if I wasn’t all there.”

“Your speech was a little questionable but no one noticed,” Castiel explained. “Don’t worry. I covered. Now rest, you’re still feverous. I’ll go make us dinner.” Castiel turned to leave. 

“That’s why I love you, Cas, you always got my back,” Dean mumbled a breath and turned to go back to sleep. Castiel tensed his heart fluttering in his chest. Such a thrown-away statement, Dean didn’t put much thought in. But those words sealed Castiel’s fate. 

Fuck.

Castiel fell for him.

And not lightly. 

Castiel hit EVERY FUCKING THING on the way down!

He tried so hard NOT to. 

He didn’t WANT to love Dean. 

Dean was so perfect and amazing and sweet-

He knew in his heart that one day he was going to eventually have to watch Dean fall in love with someone else. 

It was only a matter of time before Dean did. 

He imagined Dean slowly slipping away from him. 

Imagined watching him fall day by day in love with someone other than Castiel. 

The thought sickened him. 

He felt it through his bones that Dean was meant to be his mate.

Every part of him had to stop himself from running in there and throwing himself on Dean. 

To cry and beg Dean to love him. 

How fucking pathetic?

Castiel swallowed as he continued to walk out, his heart beating a thousand miles a minute as he got down to the kitchen and leaned back against the wall calming his racing heart. He slid down the wall holding his knees as he buried his face into them. Tears burned his eyes as he wiped at his tears, Dean’s clothes had his scent which comforted him but also made him cry harder. He cried it out. 

He cried out the feelings he knew Dean would never reciprocate. 

Why would Dean pick him when no one else ever had before? 

The sound of footsteps coming down the stairs made Castiel look up in fear. To his relief, he saw Beast standing on the stairs, whimpering. Castiel sniffled as Beast approached him, and he opened his arms wide. Beast happily rushed into them. Castiel buried his face into his fur softly crying as Beast sat next to him like a good boy.

___________________________________________________________________________

Dean’s POV:

Dean stirred softly when he heard Castiel sliding a bowl of soup onto the side table, Castiel turned when he noticed Dean had woken up. Castiel smiled softly at him touching his forehead. 

“You still got a slight fever.” Castiel breathed with care. “I made you some fresh soup.” 

“You made it?” Dean chuckled, Beast plopped on the bed before moving to sniff at it. "Oi, not for you." Beast sniffed laying down. 

“By scratch.” Castiel nodded softly. 

“What is it?” Dean asked curiously. 

“It’s Italian wedding soup,” Castiel spoke, Dean paused softly when he noticed how puffy Castiel’s eyes were. Dean tensed, cupped his face touching the swollen skin under his eyes with concern. 

“Were…you crying?” Dean asked as Castiel laughed shaking his head no, moving his face away from his hand. 

“I was cutting onions.” Castiel hummed. Dean eyed him wondering for a moment if he was lying. A part of him thought he was. Dean slowly pulled his hovering hand away. Dean nodded moving to eat the soup. Castiel ran his fingers through his hair. “I need to check on the laundry.”

“Laundry?” Dean breathed. 

“I washed our clothes and your bed sheets,” Castiel spoke with a soft smile. 

“You did that for me? I have a maid service-” Dean hesitated blushing. He hadn’t had someone do cute things like this for him. Someone taking care of him when sick. God, how was Castiel already the cutest mate? Castiel, you don’t need to do mate shit without the bite. 

“Right. They come weekly. But my clothes were soaked so I figured why not throw yours in with mine.” Castiel breathed with a smile. “...I do eventually want my clothes back.” 

“Right.” Dean looked away embarrassed as Castiel slowly walked away. Dean’s heart was pounding as he slowly brought his fingers to his lips. In his dreams…he had kissed Castiel. It was raining as he pinned him against the wall.  In his dreams…Castiel had kissed him back. Dean glanced up in the direction Castiel went. Sitting in silence he felt the twinge in his stomach in how much he wanted Castiel to always be in his pajamas. To sleep in his bed. To pucker his lips at him silently till Dean kissed him like when he was drunk. He wanted Castiel to let him love him. 

When will this idiot realize that he loves him? 

He was trying to be respectful and allow Castiel to realize his own feelings.

Not wanting to push him away with his own feelings.

However, every day he felt himself losing hope. 

He was almost talking himself out of it. Maybe he had only imagined the feelings from Castiel’s side. 

One year. 

Dean decided. 

If Castiel didn’t give him a sign in one year that he loved him...he’d admit defeat and let him go. 

One last cat and mouse game, Castiel. 

The one game…he prayed he lost. 

Chapter Text

Castiel’s POV - Six months later:

Castiel walked towards the office swinging their meals lightly, heading back to the office with the lunch. Castiel had been…conflicted. He had six months left towards his thirty-fifth birthday. Only six months, and he’s accomplished nothing. When he made this promise to himself to have a baby by thirty-five, he didn’t take into account he was a fucking coward. His crush was making this even fucking worse. 

Hey, Dean. I am totally in love with you and know you don’t want me but can you give me a bit of sperm for a baby? 

Yeah, that would work. SAID SARCASTICALLY.

Maybe in his own twisted way this baby of having his happy ever after. 

A baby made of a little bit of him and Dean. 

He has been so baby obsessed. 

It was so gross. 

Any time he saw a baby, he just lovingly stare at it till he started to cry.  He even did a baby mash-up app with him and Dean. Hoping that if Dean and his generated baby were ugly, maybe it would snap him out of this lovey-dovey baby rose-colored word. 

…He even thought the shitty mash-up baby was so cute. 

It one hundred percent DIDN’T help. 

Castiel rationalized it as maybe his heat was coming up which would explain this baby craze which was worse than normal, but he wasn’t sure. Suppressants masked your scent and stopped you from having heats or ruts depending on what kind you needed. It didn’t stop all heats or ruts. Castiel seemed to have one every three years or so. He had one the second year he worked here. Castiel had woken up wet with slick, hot, and wanting. 

Texting Dean that he had started his heat and couldn’t come in for the week was embarrassing. 

He was surprised when a care package was dropped off at his door from Dean. Dean was honestly a lifesaver during his heat, the delivery service that serves people in their heats sends someone of the same status. Which made Castiel feel safe. Castiel was able to collect it when he felt himself able to, it had more than a weeks worth of snacks, vitamin drinks, sweets, and toiletries he might need. Something Dean’s company did for every one of his employees to make sure they were well cared for. Dean was there for people when no one else was. Which is one of the many reasons Castiel adored him. 

Castiel paused when he smelled something burning, maybe a candle? Was Dean the candle type? Castiel scanned his badge to walk back into Dean’s office to see Dean with a metal trash can staring at the fire he made inside. He was bundled in a blanket looking hopeless. Castiel gasped in panic seeing the fire. 

“Dean!” Castiel growled as he put the food down on the desk to grab a fire extinguisher. Spraying the fire out as he panted looking at Dean. “I was gone for TWENTY minutes and you try to burn the place down.”

“It’s a controlled fire.” Dean frowned childishly looking away. 

And Castiel was in LOVE with this idiot?!

“Where did you get this thing anyways?!” Castiel glared at him. 

“I bought it for five thousand dollars downstairs from a homeless guy,” Dean mumbled looking away. “And you ruined it.” 

“F-Five thousand?!” Castiel choked as Dean pouted more. Castiel groaned rubbing his head and reaching into the ashed-out fire he noticed the blueprints. “...Why are you burning your blueprints, sir?” 

“ Because they suck and I’m a failure, ” Dean grumbled pulling the blankets closer. Castiel sighed grabbing his food he offered Dean his. Dean took it as Castiel took a seat on the couch. Dean and Castiel started to eat in silence. 

“Want to talk about it, sir?” Castiel chewed as Dean shrugged. “Just because you aren’t getting this right doesn’t mean you're a failure,” Dean said nothing slowly eating. “...You know I feel like a failure.”

“What?” Dean turned upset as Castiel nodded. 

“There are things I wish I already had and accomplished by now.” Castiel shrugged. “...Compared to you, I haven’t really done much with my life.” 

“You’ve done so much,” Dean spoke as Castiel tilted his head at him. 

“I really haven’t,” Castiel admitted. “I was twenty-three when my parents were killed by a drunk driver. I spent a lot of my twenties just… rotting .” Castiel held himself. He never talked to anyone about his parent's death. He waited for Dean to apologize for his parents' deaths. Like everyone else to try to comfort him in a way Castiel has to try not to flinch at. But…Dean didn’t. Just stared at him to continue. “...I died the night they died. Most of my twenties were a blur. Job hopping, barely making rent, just… rotting. ” 

“You’re here now.” Dean breathed not looking at him softly. “...Not rotting… rooting maybe.” 

“Yeah…Rooting. I like that.” Castiel smiled sadly when Dean sucked in the air putting the food down. 

“...I wish my parents were dead.” Dean sucked in air and rubbed at his knees with a sad laugh. Castiel turned to face him in surprise. “Might have made it easier.”

“Aren’t you…?” Castiel paused. He thought Dean was an orphan since he was in the system. 

“...I’m not an orphan,” Dean explained simply. “I grew up in the system so people and the world…assumed I am, but the real answer…is….my parents…just sucked.” Dean sighed softly. “It wasn’t like they died and I got sucked into the system. They simply were just…shit.” Dean bit his lip. 

“You don’t have to talk about it.” Castiel tried. Not wanting to open Dean’s wounds but he was curious. What kind of world Dean came from? 

“...” Dean sucked in the air looking at him sadly. “My biological father was twenty-one when he met my biological mother. My mother was barely seventeen. Skipping over how extremely inappropriate that was. I happened.” 

Dean licked his teeth, the words seemed hard to get out as he kept pausing. But Castiel was sure he was trying not to cry. 

“Her father found out she was pregnant, being devout Catholics and against pre-marital sex. He disowned her and threw her out. He took my mother with nothing but the clothes on her back, dropping her off at my father’s girlfriend's house.” Dean chuckled. “Gave her twenty dollars, said he’ll ‘ I’ll pray for your bastard’s soul’ and left.”

“That’s horrible,” Castiel spoke looking away. 

“He drank himself to death, so, c'est la vie.” Dean saluted lazily. 

“ Good,” Castiel mumbled holding himself glad Karma kicked his ass, Dean chuckled at Castiel’s malice.

“My father’s girlfriend found out about their affair when my mom showed up. Kicked him out.” Dean spoke. “They lived motel to motel till the government got my mom emergency housing for her and me but she snuck my dad in. He was jobless so no one noticed he was there. My mom got a job at a diner. It worked till my mom came home to find him in bed with another girl.”

“Nice.” Castiel scoffed sarcastically. 

“Wish she kicked him out, but she didn’t. They had a rocky on and off again relationship till I was like five or six. One night they got into a fight and she came home to find me eating condiments. There was no food in the fridge, my dad was drunk off his ass asleep on the sofa and my mom lost it. The screaming match resulted in my father screaming about how my mom baby trapped him, that he never wanted to be a dad and she should have aborted me. He stated he was going to the bar and never came back. Apparently, he found someone with a better-paying job to be useless at.” 

“So it was just you and your mom?” Castiel asked. Dean nodded. 

“After he left, my mom really started to resent me. Would cry and say it was my fault he left. That led to my mom leaving me alone for hours on end, doing less than the bare minimum to care for me. She would throw things, hit me, and scream that I ruined her life. I think that went on for a year or two.” Dean sucked in the air. “CPS showed up and took me away when I was eight after a teacher reported bruises. My mom got a slap for the child abuse having to attend parenting classes and anger management and I went into the system.” 

“I’m…glad you got taken away, She…doesn’t deserve to be a mother.” Castiel frowned upset. Dean gave a sad smile. 

“Well. They tried to reunite me with my mother multiple times but she was uninterested.” Dean spoke looking down. “While I was in the system, she met someone new, got married, and now has a family who knows nothing about me.” Dean shrugged. “I check on her time and time again. Just to see if she’s back to her old ways.”

“...Has she?” Castiel asked as Dean shook his head no. 

“No.” Dean squeezed his lips tightly. “She’s…a mommy blogger with a cookbook. Two sons named Sam and Adam. She’s married to a politician and she’s…well.” 

“....” Castiel said nothing. 

“Her husband paid a lot of money to make the child abuse charge go away. I want to pretend she was never my mother. Just as much as she wants to pretend I was never her son.” Dean breathed.

“I’m sorry, Dean,” Castiel whispered as Dean shrugged. 

“People say I should be grateful for my upbringing because it made me a genius,” Dean spoke. 

“That’s not fair, you didn’t have to live through that.” Castiel looked disgusted. “You didn’t need parents like that to be where you are.” 

“Sure, they are the reason I’m alive…but they never were my parents,” Dean admitted. “...Books were my parents. They raised me. I got through the hardest times in my life just by reading anything I could get my hands on. I learned about everything I could. I would spend the majority of my childhood face first in a book, especially books on how things work. I was obsessed with how things work. Took apart appliances in foster homes just to see how they worked. Got me kicked out a couple of times from different foster homes.” Dean laughed affectionately. 

“...You were a freshman when you made your company right?” Castiel asked. 

“It was Missouri who saw my potential.” Dean breathed. “She was my freshman high school physics teacher. I had been in her class only a few months when I noticed Missouri always struggling with her computer. It always seemed to freeze and it wouldn’t react to her touch when she was trying to teach the class.” 

“Wait, Missouri? Your old assistant?” Castiel questioned as Dean nodded. 

“I had been making chips for a while. Upgraded and fixed my own cellphone I had saved money up for babysitting and doing lawn work to buy. I never used them on other people’s stuff. So I just walked up and fixed her computer with a chip I had been working on. Risked detention on it…but it worked.” Dean smiled proudly. “She was the only one who saw my potential. She helped me get my company started. Helped me out of the foster care system and I was able to live on my own at sixteen with a company under my belt. The rest is history.”

“That’s why you had such a hard time replacing her,” Castiel whispered. “...She was the only one who ever really seemed to care.” Dean nodded softly. 

“...Can I admit something?” Dean glanced down. “Without being judged like a gigantic asshole?” 

“Yeah.” Castiel nodded looking concerned. 

“...I just…I don’t know…I slightly hate Missouri too.” Dean admitted swallowing. 

“Why?” Castiel spoke confused as Dean looked at him sadly. 

“I’m grateful she got me my start and everything.” Dean swallowed tears in his eyes. “...But…why didn’t she…” Dean licked his lips. “I…would have given up all this…if…” Dean swallowed again. “...I wonder why she never wanted to adopt me? I know that’s stupid.” 

“Oh, Dean,” Castiel spoke tears in his eyes at that. 

“We spent…so much time together. She used to say how lucky someone would be for me to be their family.” Dean sobbed. “But she never tried. I…I loved her. I wanted her to be my mom so bad and she left. She retired and she left. Like I never existed…” 

“Dean, don’t think like that,” Castiel spoke moving to hold him softly. “Some people come in and out of your life for a reason.”

“I know.” Dean sniffed. “But I didn’t want to be a genius. I didn’t want to own a company. All I have ever wanted was to have a family who would love me and see me. Just see me.”

“Oh, Dean.” Castiel pulled him closer into a hug. “ I see you, Dean. ” 

“Y-You promise?” Dean sobbed into his shoulder. 

“Of course, I promise.” Castiel nuzzled him holding him close. He never realized how broken he was. How much Dean hid his pain behind his kindness. “I see you, Dean. I’ve always seen you. I’m so sorry no one ever has.” Dean quietly held him sobbing into his shoulder, Castiel held him close nuzzling into him. Dean pulled back after a bit sniffing as he wiped his eyes. 

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to force all that on you.” Dean breathed after a minute. “I just get a bit discouraged when my projects don’t work.” 

“...You don’t need to be so hard on yourself,” Castiel spoke reaching out and touching his face with care. “You don’t need to be perfect, Dean.”

“I do though.” Dean stood and turned to him. “If I want to keep what I have, I must be my best. I need to be better than my best because I was already not my best and I saw what happens.” 

“Not your best?” Castiel choked standing. “Dean, you were a child .” 

“So?” Dean laughed. “So what? My brothers are kids…and she stayed for them.” Dean snapped. “My bio-dad when he was told I was in the system, he left me there. Told them I wasn’t his problem but had NO problem hitting me up saying he loved me when I got my first million to ask for a handout.” Castiel felt sick to his stomach, holding himself as he listened. 

“...Has your mother?” Castiel spoke. 

“...” Dean sucked in air moving to his safe on the wall. He put the code in before he dug through it. Pulling out an envelope with no return address. He held it out to Castiel saying nothing. Castiel took it moving to open the envelope. 

“Dear Dean.” Castiel read outloud. “...I’m happy to hear you’re well…I know have no right to ask, but I need a favor from you…” Castiel paused for a moment, his eyes filling with tears. “If you ever loved me, you’ll stay away. My sons know nothing about you and it’s best for their sake you keep it that way. Your presence will only hurt them and destroy their image of their family. I plead with you. Please think of your brothers and stay away. Your mother, Mary.” Dean licked at his teeth, looking at the metal trash can. 

“She…wrote you this?” Castiel choked in tears. Dean said nothing as Castiel grabbed for the matches on the table. He lit a match setting the letter on fire. Dean said nothing watching him. He threw it into the trash can. “Fuck you, bitch! You’re a shit mother! You don’t DESERVE him!” Castiel growled at the fire. Dean smiled at him softly when Castiel turned to him. “...Got anything else?” 

Dean simply grabbed a small box from the safe setting in on the desk, a small name was written on it. 

“John?” Castiel asked. 

“The notes from my father,” Dean spoke. “He still writes to this day.”

“We are stopping that now,” Castiel spoke opening up the letter. “I’ll make sure you never get ANOTHER letter from EITHER of them!” Castiel moved to Dean taking his hand. Castiel grabbed the first letter from the box ripped it and threw it into the trash can. Dean watched it catch on fire. “I’m not letting them hold you back anymore. I won’t let you rot . I won’t LET them make you rot. ” 

Castiel choked out in tears, Dean felt tears in his eyes as they stared in silence at each other.

____________________________________________________________________________

Dean’s POV:

Castiel was crying for him. Angry FOR him. Dean couldn’t help the tears sliding down his face. God, he loved him. He couldn’t deny it if he wanted to. He loved him. He was feeling for him more than anyone else had. He had never told anyone about his parents. The only person who knew about it was Missouri. Most of the people he knew of him, they didn’t know of his parents. They like Castiel had, thought that his parents were dead. When he rose to fame, his biological father sprang from the woodwork. Missouri was able to handle it for him, keeping him from selling whatever story he wanted to anyone who wanted it. 

Maybe Castiel was right. He was rotting from his past. 

Keeping each letter but never had the courage to open them. 

What could he really expect them to say?

Nothing he could say could fix what he did. 

Fix the little boy he abandoned all those years ago.

Dean moved to the box grabbing a letter, he stared at Castiel as he ripped it into tiny pieces dropping it into the fire. Castiel smiled at him proud, he grabbed the remote to the stereo hitting play. Some music started to play as they both moved to grab the letters. Taking each piece, ripping it to shreds, and burning it. They laughed, working together tearing up each letter in the medium size box. 

Dean grabbed for his bottle of liquor pouring them both a glass, normally against drinking on the job. Castiel grabbed for his glass clinking it softly against Dean’s. He downed it, making a face that made Dean laugh loudly at it. 

“Strong.” Castiel coughed. 

“It better be. It’s expensive.” Dean hummed downing his own before pouring them some more. 

“Don’t tell me how much.” Castiel winced. Knowing he would stop drinking if he knew how expensive it was. Dean beamed just clanking their glasses together before downing another shot.

It was freeing to dance around their fire, just shredding the darkness of Dean’s past. Dean felt freer. Happier. He no longer felt the burden of his past. Dean knew this feeling was most likely temporary. That his father would keep writing for even a small sliver of his fortune. He knew Castiel meant it. That he would do everything in his power to keep them from writing his work or his home. Even if it meant Castiel got the mail forwarded to his house. 

It was nice…telling someone about his past. 

He felt like it was an old wound finally being treated. 

Castiel was right. 

He had been letting this old wound rot. 

No more.

Castiel spun around throwing more letters in the trash before tripping slightly from being drunk. Dean grabbed for him stopping him from falling as Castiel braced himself against his chest. Castiel glanced up into Dean’s eyes laughing softly. Dean smiled softly down at him as Castiel’s smile faded. They stared at each other in silence, the fire crackling next to him. 

He knew he said he would let Castiel make the first move…but being this drunk…he wanted to kiss him. Imagining those lips against him again. Dean slightly licked at his own lips. Maybe kissing him would get his feelings across. He was drunk enough to break his promise to let Castiel show him his feelings before acting. 

Though Dean was pretty sure kissing him Castiel would claim it was a friendship kiss or something else. God, Dean knew this man too well. How do you tell someone you love them more than the moon and the stars and have them believe it? Dean leaned in slightly, noticing Castiel’s stare. Castiel slightly leaned back when he noticed Dean leaning in and stopped him. 

“Um… Can I ask you a question?” Castiel spoke as Dean paused pulling back.

Was…Castiel about to reject him?

“...Uh…” Dean nodded awkwardly. 

“So…I’m a bit drunk,” Castiel spoke as Dean nodded. 

“I am too,” Dean mumbled. Which was why I was about to kiss the shit out of you but go on.

“So I um…normally wouldn’t be this…confident in being direct.” Castiel blushed not able to look at him so he looked at his chest. “But you know how earlier I said I felt like a failure?” 

“Yeah.” Dean nodded staring at his lips. 

“Well, the reason I feel like a failure is…well…because I thought I would be mated and have children by now.” Castiel rambled. Dean was slightly too drunk to be having this conversation not really following but trying to. “But I’m almost thirty-five. So…I don’t think I’ll ever find a partner-”

“Why not?” Dean spoke. 

“Because I’m old.” Castiel breathed looking down. “Alphas like you want young things. I can only realistically have kids for like five more years or so without higher risks-”

“I don’t care how old you are.” Dean breathed as Castiel smiled. “You’re perfect, Cas. Don’t you get that?”

“You’re sweet.” Castiel beamed touching his cheeks. “I wish half the alphas thought like you.” 

“You don’t need half the alphas to think like me,” Dean growled annoyed. “I am the only alpha you need to think that way.” 

“What do you mean?” Castiel tilted his head smiling up at him. 

“...Castiel, I love you,” Dean spoke as Castiel paused eyeing his face in surprise before he smiled softly patting his cheek. 

“I love you, too.” Castiel beamed drunkenly. “You’re my best friend.” Dean looked up in the air groaning which made the drunk Castiel giggle. 

“Are you friend-zoning me?” Dean laughed at the drunk idiot who just smiled. 

“Maaaybe.” Castiel spoke as Dean shook his head. 

“Do you even know what that means right now?” Dean sighed as Castiel shook his head no giggling as he put his arm around Dean’s neck. Dean holding his waist with care, Castiel eyed his face. 

“What was I saying?” Castiel asked seriously as Dean chuckled. 

“I confessed I love you and you blew it off as a friendship?” Dean offered Castiel who giggled. 

“Before that,” Castiel spoke thinking hard but he started to laugh burying his face into Dean’s shirt. “I forgot.” 

“I quite like you drunk,” Dean admitted.

“Do you?” Castiel smiled at him. 

“Yeah, you’re not holding yourself back while drunk,” Dean mumbled. “I like the you who kissed me at the party.” 

“I kissed you?” Castiel snorted. “That doesn’t sound like me.” 

“Maybe kissing me will help you remember.” Dean smiled when Castiel softly leaned in. When the sprinklers overhead spilled onto them. Dean and Castiel gasping yanking away from each other as the sounds of the fire alarm going off made them look around.

…Maybe lighting a metal trash can on fire indoors wasn’t the best idea. 

__________________________________________________________________________

Charlie’s POV:

Charlie sighed standing in front of the two idiots who were drunk off their ass sitting wet in the lobby while the fire department cleared the building. She was in her pajamas tapping her foot as Dean and Castiel tried not to giggle. 

“You’re both grounded.” Charlie frowned. “You shitheads need less destructive foreplay, I’m going to have to get Dean’s office repaired! You’re lucky the sprinklers only went off in your office.” 

“It wasn’t foreplay.” Castiel snorted. 

“I’m trying so hard for it to be,” Dean whined. 

“Bobby is taking you both home till I get this sorted.” Charlie wagged her finger at them. “I think I speak for everyone when I say just fuck already! This is ridiculous!” 

“She said ridiculous.” Dean snorted making Castiel giggle too. 

“So fucking grounded.” Charlie groaned as Dean and Castiel were ushered into Dean’s limo.

Chapter Text

Dean’s POV - Castiel’s Birthday:

Dean’s eyes slowly moved to the clock the second it struck two in the morning, their normal ending hour. Dean slowly packed up as Castiel moved to turn off the coffee machine and place the clean dishes into the small dishwasher in the room. Dean’s eyes focused on the omega moving around the office like a ghost haunting his room. Ever since their drunken escapades that made Dean’s office an indoor swimming pool, they hadn’t had a moment where Dean got the revelation he was looking for. He was drunk, sure, but he remembered the confession he gave Castiel…and he also remembered Castiel friend-zoning him. 

However, that conversation didn’t lead to any result that satisfied Dean. They were the same after, Castiel claiming it was mostly a blur. God, Dean had it bad. Dean literally was begging for any sign. Any sign Castiel loved him. He was like a gaping open fish stuck in a sandbank just wanting a drop of Castiel’s love. He knew it was pathetic but he just couldn’t quit him. Every day he begged for Castiel to show interest in him. Just one sign and he’d never ever let him go again. 

Dean noticed Castiel finishing his nightly chores, moving to hold out a small box to him. Castiel turned around and paused in surprise as he looked at Dean’s hand, the present held between two fingers. Castiel slowly took the box, opening it. Inside was a very expensive watch, it was the first thing Dean ever bought himself that wasn’t a necessity. It had a lot of meaning to him and he figured…why not give his future mate a symbol of himself. To mark him as his. Castiel looked at him with shock and awe then down again at the watch.

“S-Sir?” Castiel choked surprised not looking up. “I-I can’t accept this.” 

“Dean,” Dean spoke as Castiel glanced up. Dean hated the barrier Castiel tried to keep, their professionalism. Whenever they were at work he would attempt to call him Sir . This was fine when he didn’t love him, now he made a face whenever Castiel did it. Maybe his rut was soon because he was acting a lot more impulsive than normal and a bit more agitated. Telltale signs of an upcoming rut, his suppressants normally kept those in check. He hadn’t had a rut since high school. He knew it was coming but not this soon. He shoulda been a bit concerned about his rut, but the only thing he could focus on was being annoyed Castiel was calling him anything but Daddy-

“What?” Castiel asked, snapping Dean from his thoughts. Blinking innocently at the omega he needed to stop from grabbing and just kissing. Yeah, he was going to have a rut soon. He barely could keep his hands to himself. 

“You keep calling me sir.” Dean grabbed his briefcase, being slightly short with him admittedly though Castiel didn’t notice. “It’s Dean. We have known each other way too long to keep referring to me as sir.” Dean moved to walk out of the room. 

“But sir-” Castiel followed him out of the room. 

“No take backs, Cas,” Dean smiled towards him grabbing for the door as Castiel paused. "Now, unless there is anything else I can give you-.”

Dean started grabbing for the handle of his door pulling it open. He was tired after a long day's work, his mind was fried. All he could think was crawling into bed…before he tried to get Castiel to contemplate murder with his normal stockholder shenanigans. His favorite time of year. Watching Castiel debating if it was worth a murder charge made his day. He already had a long long elaborate plan in place-

“A baby.” His meek blue-eyed assistant choked behind him.

Uh…Rewind?

Did he just say a baby?

Dean froze in place slowly turning his body to take Castiel in. Dean stared at the blue-eyed omega who realized with absolute horror he had said that out loud. Dean blinked taking in all the stages of grief that flashed on his face in a matter of a second. He thought for a second Castiel was joking, waiting in the silence for Castiel to laugh. 

He didn’t. 

The silence grew louder between them as Dean continued to blink at him. 

He must have heard wrong.

“What?” Dean spoke trying to understand the words that came out of Steve Urkel’s cousin here and the implications it came with. Oh, his brain was short-circuiting. That had to be it. Part of him thought that maybe Cas had poisoned his coffee and his brain was dying. That’s why it wasn’t computing this information. Good on him if he actually did it. Dean slowly closed the door for their privacy, the loud creaking the only sound till the door was shut. The silence continued before Castiel choked out a continuation.

“Your sperm.” Castiel winced at his words stuttering through it after the long silence. 

No. He definitely didn’t hear him wrong. 

Dean slowly leaned against the door. Crossing his arms he looked at him to continue. Castiel was red and flushed slightly fanning himself as he waved his arms dramatically when he talked. 

“I-...I want to have a baby, and I’d…just be more comfortable with it being someone I know.” Castiel explained simply as Dean hid his surprise on his face. He had a great poker face when he was dumbfounded. It’s like his version of a ‘Resting bitch face’ he couldn’t help it. So Castiel being unable to read him was a surprise as he started to try to explain himself. 

If Castiel could read his thoughts, he would realize Dean was doing summersaults, his heart was about to explode, and he was pretty sure he was dying. There was no way this was coming true. Castiel was showing INTEREST in him. Not exactly the way he thought to be honest, but beggars couldn’t be choosers. Castiel wanted Dean to be his baby’s daddy. Dean knew Castiel knew his past. He knew how much presence he would want especially since he himself never had a family. Castiel wanted to tie them together forever with a little being. Their little being. A being of Cas and Dean. 

“Okay,” Dean got to the point. There was no question he was going to say yes. Physically doing everything he could not to jump him.

“-I can only IMAGINE the people lining up trying to trap you. But I PROMISE , I would be a single mother, and you won’t be liable for anything. I’ll sign any documents you want that sign your rights away-” Castiel choked continuing to miss what Dean had said. Dean blinked waiting for him to register before he paused. “-Wait…did you say okay?” Dean shrugged and nodded. 

“Okay.” Dean shrugged. Dean’s heart skipped a beat. This was the sign he was waiting for. A sign Castiel loved him. Even if Castiel didn’t have the courage to say it. He understood. He knew Castiel too well. He’d never asked him if he didn’t love him. He loved this job too much to ruin it. Knowing this could cause him unnecessary harm if he was rejected. Dean wasn’t going to let this go lightly. This request…wasn’t going to go without repercussions “...But if we do this…It’s on my terms.” 

“Okay.” Castiel choked nodding so happy he agreed. Maybe he should have asked more questions before signing a deal with the devil. Dean’s mind already planning out his plan of attack.

“Then we agree,” Dean spoke opening the door. “I’ll take you to my vacation home and keep you till it’s done,” Dean smirked trying to hide his devilish nature. He was already canceling his plans for tomorrow as he looked through his phone. Got to cancel the fire department, the stunt double, and the explosions-

“Dean, you can’t,” Castiel called as Dean continued to go sending a few texts. “The Stockholder’s meeting.” Oh, yeah, that thing.

“Stockholders, smockholder,” Dean said maturely, Castiel made a face. 

 “No, you aren’t using me as an excuse to ditch.” Castiel frowned following after him. Oh, sweet summer child, there was no getting out of this.  

“I’m not!” Dean scoffed like a liar as Castiel glared. “...I’m using our baby as an excuse.” He waited so long for this, he wasn’t going to wait a second longer than he had to.

“My baby,” Castiel stated. Dean corrected that immediately. They weren’t getting a work dog, they were making a baby. This was a WE thing.

"OUR baby.” Dean beamed in the elevator. 

“Fine,” Castiel spoke entering with him. "Our baby who can come into existence any time after the Stockholder meeting.” Dean stopped him at the parking garage, eyeing him.

“You agreed to my terms.” Dean threw it back into his face. There was no undoing this Castiel. You’re mine. Signed, sealed, and delivered. “Now, I’ll see you at six am sharp. Be ready.” Dean walked towards his limo as Castiel panicked trying to think of something to stop him from ditching.

“I-I’m not going!” Castiel called as Dean frowned turning to look at him lazily. Dean eyed him as though assessing his threat. There was no getting out of this, Castiel. You sealed your fate the second you offered yourself to him.  “I-I’ll stay away from you all weekend unless you go to that meeting.” 

“Is that a threat?” Dean tilted his head, his face unreadable. His voice was sweet and invited him to the challenge.

“It’s a promise. ” Castiel stood his ground, Dean raised an eyebrow at that. 

Fine, you want to play?

“... Game on, Novak.”   Dean made an amused face with a hum climbing into the back seat.  

“T-That means you’re going right?” Castiel opened his mouth choking out to him. The limo taking off. “Dean, you better be at that Stockholder meeting! I swear to god!” Castiel yelled after him but the car left him alone in the parking lot. While Dean was on his phone hiring some people to… collect him for him. 

___________________________________________________________________________

Dean’s POV - The fifth Stockholder’s meeting: 

Dean glanced up as Castiel walked out of his apartment with the hired help. Castiel had the sack ripped off his head before he was thrown into the back of a limo. Castiel grunted as the limo took off, slowly gaining his composure as Dean went back to his newspaper.

Dean sat lazily across from him, sipping whiskey with one hand while reading his newspaper. He didn’t acknowledge the man in front of him. Castiel, with a grunt, shifted to a sitting position.

“I told you to be ready at six.” Dean’s voice spoke not looking up. “Not looking so ready…” He glanced lazily at his wristwatch. “...at six o’three.”  Dean was happy to throw Castiel’s words back at him. 

“And I told you I’m not going.” Castiel barked as Dean continued to read flipping the page. Patience. This is something he’s been waiting for. He can be a little bit more patient. Besides, teasing Castiel was the only revenge he would be getting for making him wait so long. 

“And I told you you were,” Dean confirmed as Castiel glared. 

“You can’t JUST kidnap people when you feel like it.” Castiel scoffed as Dean took a sip of his whiskey. 

“I believe I just did,” Dean stated simply. 

Castiel glared as Dean casually folded his newspaper crossing his legs. Castiel moved to angrily grab at the door knobs shaking them. Dean watched him like a wolf watching the shepherd’s flock. Waiting for his time to pounce. 

“Don’t bother it’s child locked.” Dean slid a paper towards him which Castiel. He had to be careful, he was forcing this along. He didn’t want Castiel getting in the way of his plan. “...Anyways, while you're here. Sign here, please.”  Castiel moved to angrily sign, not caring what the document was. 

“Here, here, and also here.” Dean hummed. Watching Castiel becoming his with a flick of his cute wrists as he angrily wrote so hard it almost ripped the paper. 

“You can’t just kidnap half-naked people-” Castiel glanced up when he was done, Dean slid the paper rolled up into his blazer pocket. Castiel was cut off when he was roughly pinned against the seat, Castiel blushed staring at Dean’s face so close to his. Did Castiel remember the birthday when he kissed Dean? Did this feel familiar? Castiel swallowed feeling Dean’s breath on his lips. Dean moved his lips away to whisper into his ear. 

“You won’t need clothes with what I intend to do with you…” Dean purred into his ear giving it a nip. Castiel’s heart was pounding in his chest swallowing with the nerves he had. 

Dean pushed him back a bit more sliding between his legs. Castiel sucked in the air feeling Dean press his slightly hardened cock against his ass. Castiel tensed shyly as Dean smirked against his ear lowering his head to kiss his neck. Castiel closed his eyes hesitantly submitting to the touch moving to let Dean have more access to his neck. Dean nipped at his neck making Castiel’s eyes glow. 

“Y-...You can’t just-...” Castiel's words left him when he felt Dean cup him over his pants, Castiel moaned blushing harder at the touch.

“You’re the one who asked your boss to knock you up.” Dean sneered as Castiel’s lips parted slightly blushing. 

Dean’s hand slid down his underwear as Dean mouthed at his neck. Castiel panted his face flush as Dean brought his face towards Castiel’s. Castiel tried to catch his breath as Dean’s fingers teased his tip, pre-cum pooling into a droplet that Dean’s thumb almost refused to touch. Dean smirked when he felt Castiel’s hip involuntarily rock up into him, his body desperate for his touch. Dean’s other hand cupped his face his thumb sliding down his bottom lip. 

“Do you want me to touch you?” Dean purred against his lip as Castiel glared daggers at him. 

Oh claiming you is going to be so much fun…

Castiel didn’t have a chance to react when Dean yanked his boxers off his body, making Castiel lower on the seat. He was now completely exposed to Dean, and Dean eyed him like a piece of meat. Moving to kiss his neck again, loosening Castiel’s tie slowly from his neck as his other hand went to his now exposed hole. Castiel shivered when he felt Dean’s finger circle his hole. 

“Tell me again how you want me to breed you, little omega. ” Dean purred pushing the tip of his finger into Castiel’s hole. Castiel gasped taking his finger well, Dean was slow and teasing. Dean knew how much Castiel was enjoying this, and could feel Castiel opening his legs more to him. God, he wanted Castiel so badly. Castiel’s breath hitched when Dean slowly rocked it in. 

Dean’s tongue slid up Castiel’s jaw as Castiel let out a moan. His legs shook at his teasing, Dean bringing Castiel’s leg over his shoulder taking ownership of his space. God, Castiel had to pick tube socks to wear today. This was a treat. Dean had imagined taking him in his office while he wore those cute blinding white tube socks. Now his fantasies were coming true. 

“You’re so tight, you’re crushing my fingers….” Dean breathed into his ear. Castiel’s breath hitched when Dean slid another finger in. “...Is this your first time?” Dean’s licked at his teeth in a prey’s smile. Castiel’s body had only ever been touched by him, he could tell. The way Castiel shied away from his touch. No one but I will ever touch you…

“Fuck you… ” Castiel panted, Dean smirked at him raising his chin with a smirk. 

 “Dean. ” Dean cooed with a wink as Castiel shivered trying not to let him win. 

 “Fuck you…sir,” Castiel mumbled as Dean slid another finger in making Castiel whimper in pleasure. Dean laughed deliciously at his rebellion.

“Fine. You want to play like that? ” Dean hummed, Castiel sneered at him in satisfaction but Dean rocked his fingers just right making Castiel gasp and whimper loudly. Castiel panted catching his breath. “Your G-spot… delicious information.” 

Castiel couldn’t retort because the second Dean had this information, he thrusted his fingers to hit that spot making Castiel cry out loudly. Castiel looked down watching Dean’s fingers fuck his hole without reserve. 

“De- SIR!” Castiel gripped his shirt unable to stop himself. Dean stared at his face waiting for Castiel to break as Castiel’s hips roughly rolled on his fingers. Needing him deeper, desperately wanting him to hit that spot over and over. “Sir! Sir! SIR!” Castiel panted crying out to Dean as Dean continued his teasing. 

Suddenly, without warning Dean pulled his fingers away, pulling back to sit in his seat and doing nothing more.  Dean eyed Castiel who was a mess of pre-cum and sweat already and they had only just started. There was so much more to come.

“FUCK YOU!” Castiel almost cursed at him ready to strangle him. Dean smirked at the request. 

“Need something, Novak?” Dean asked cockily resting his chin and his palm. 

Castiel moved over to him his hand to grab Dean’s suit belt desperately. Dean raised an eyebrow so fucking amused by the constant muttering of curses under Castiel’s breath. Castiel pulled his cock from his pants, not bothering to undress him. Castiel’s cock throbbed desperately as Castiel straddled him. Castiel needed pleasure and was willing to obtain it himself. Dean flipped him them before Castiel could have the pleasure he was craving. Dean pushed his knees to Castiel’s chest.

“Dean-!” Castiel growled but when he felt Dean teasingly press his tip against his hole. Dean swirled the tip around the entrance. Dean’s pre-cum lightly coated his hole. 

“Hmm…Now you know my name.” Dean breathed. Castiel swallowed looking down at his hole. Watching Dean press his circumcised tip against his hole, Castiel whimpered hating every second of his teasing. Dean slid his precum tip inside slightly, letting Castiel’s hole slowly suck in his tip. Dean hid the shiver of anticipation. How desperately he wanted to take him, but no. He needed Castiel to suffer a bit first for making him wait so long. “...Beg for me to fuck you.”

“Please.” Castiel panted desperately reaching for his hips, He couldn’t take his teasing anymore. Castiel kept whispering his pleas. Dean leaned down eyeing his face as Castiel leaned up softly kissing him. Their… what? Third kiss? If you’re counting Drunk Castiel at Dean’s birthday party. Castiel leaned as high up as he could pressing pecks to Dean’s lips the word please still spilling from his lips. Dean eyed his face, his conquest. He was never going to let him go. 

Castiel moaned in relief as Dean moved to capture his lips in a rough kiss pressing into Castiel. Castiel gasped in pleasure, as Dean slid himself slowly into Castiel. Adjusting himself and his hips to better enter him. Castiel was so tight against him, he had to bite his own cheek not to come. Dean came in slowly and easily as Castiel wrapped his arms around his shoulders, pulling him into a lustful kiss. Dean pinned him against the limo seat, using the kiss as an opportunity to let Castiel adjust. 

Dean’s tongue slid against his bottom lip, tempting him with a more delicious kiss. Castiel enthusiastically opened his mouth to him. Dean moaned at the touch of his tongue, Dean melting into him. When Castiel slightly raised his hips to take him better, Dean knew Castiel was ready for his cock. He couldn’t tease him anymore. He had to take the feast he was offered. Slowly pulling his hips back to start rocking into his tight hole.

Castiel was loudly panting breaking their kisses to cry out when Dean aimed for his G-spot. Dean gripped his throat and jaw with one hand, and his other hand stroked Castiel’s cock. 

The moans and whimpers Castiel made should have been illegal, the feeling of his lover submitting to him was heavenly. Castiel was a good omega, knowing exactly how he wanted to be fucked. He wanted it rough. He wanted to be desired. He wanted to be taken and bred like the good omega he was. And Dean was going to breed him. Castiel wouldn’t leave his side without an ass dripping with cum, smelling of a satisfied omega. 

Dean built up pretty quickly, each thrust harder and deeper. Castiel held his knees allowing Dean to take him. Their skin slapped against each other, feeling Dean’s balls smacking his ass with each thrust. Soon Dean was pounding into him roughly, Castiel felt Dean’s hand slightly grip his throat keeping him in place as he took him. 

Oh, the delicious positions he couldn’t wait to try with the innocent omega. He knew he couldn’t tease him much longer. Castiel’s body already showing signs his orgasm was coming. Dean was surprised when Castiel moved to twist them. Dean was surprised by his boldness, not expecting him to get to this stage yet but Castiel smirked on top of him. Dean held his delicious hip bones as Castiel experimentally rolled his hips for the first time. 

“Mmm.” Castiel moaned desperately as he slowly started to move, trying to get back to the roughness they were at. 

Soon Castiel completely straddled Dean rolling his hips as he rode him, riding him towards their orgasm, Dean let Castiel take control. He wondered how many times Castiel thought of riding him in the back of the limo? He wanted to know every dirty thought, he wanted to taste each and every ounce of pleasure and he wanted to fuck him every way Castiel had imagined. Castiel pressed Dean into the seat, riding him hard and desperately. Bucking on top of him like his only sole purpose was to orgasm. Castiel was a biter, he learned, Castiel had ripped a couple of buttons on the top of Dean’s formal shirt to scratch and bite at his chest in lust. Wanting to mark Dean as his own. Wanting the whole world to see who was riding Dean to Nirvana. 

“Fuck.” Dean covered his eyes, having to physically stop himself from cumming. He didn’t want this to end. They were so close though, Castiel’s tight walls squeezing him to perfection. Enticing him to fill him… when suddenly Castiel stopped rocking on him. Dean pulled his hands away from his face. “Baby, I’m so close-” Dean begged like a bitch as Castiel smirked looking down at him scratching his chest with his nail. 

“Now whose begging?” Castiel cooed seductively but Dean would HAPPILY lose this round if he could fucking get his release. Dean desperately tried to rock up into him but Castiel kept him pinned. “Maybe I stop now. I have so much pre-cum in me, maybe it will be enough to do the deed and allow me to watch you wish you could have enjoyed me completely.” Dean groaned feeling Castiel roll his hips ever so slightly, enough that Dean could feel his tip brushing deep inside the omega. His body begging to get his release, to breed the wanting omega like a good alpha should. 

“Fuck, Want me to beg? I’ll beg! I’ll do whatever you want! I’m so close...” Dean choked and pleaded. He couldn’t cum till Castiel did. Even if Castiel’s body was waiting for him to. He needed his release more than breathing. Castiel smirked taking his win boastfully as he leaned down to him whispering into his ear.

“...You will fuck me to completion, breed me, and then go to your stockholder meeting. Once we are done with your stockholder meeting… then you can take me as your prize to whatever getaway you were planning. Till then …you’re my bitch.” Castiel cooed into Dean’s ear. “Do we have an understanding?”

He never imagined Castiel was this kinky. Sure he didn’t think he was a prude. He just hadn’t had a chance to be this sexual being Dean knew he could be. Castiel controlled the sex here, no matter how much Dean wanted to believe it was him. He was so fucking whipped. 

“Yes.” Dean panted nodding desperately trying to grip his hips. “Yes, for the love of god, move,” Castiel smirked in satisfaction and leaned back slightly to push open the window divider to speak to Bobby. Glad the back was pretty soundproof. 

 “Please detour to the stockholder’s meeting,” Castiel spoke professionally. Should have gotten an Oscar for acting like he wasn’t sitting on my cock. Bobby could only see his face in the window anyways. 

“Right away, sir.” Bobby spoke as Castiel quickly closed the window. He turned to look at Dean but Dean couldn’t wait anymore.

“Fuck! You win, okay!” Dean growled roughly flipping them when Castiel was off guard. Castiel grunted in surprise being he was pinned down. Dean didn’t hesitate to start to roughly pound him,  making Castiel cry out in ecstasy. Being fucked so good Castiel's legs shook at his fucking, so much closer to an orgasm than he thought with his teasing. 

Castiel's orgasm hit him so hard, he cried out loudly. Dean felt the omega’s legs clamp around him, Castiel’s hands squeezing his ass and pulling him towards him. Castiel trying to push Dean as deep as he could go. Castiel’s walls clamped around Dean’s cock. Castiel arched his back accepting his seed as Dean’s balls twitched, spilling into the unprotected omega. Castiel could only stare down at their connection, watching Dean’s first attempt to impregnate him. Castiel’s walls clamped on him coaxing the hot cum to spill into him, and the first pulsing release spilled against his walls coating him so deeply Castiel shuddered.

Dean couldn’t help his mouth, which clamped onto Castiel’s shoulder blade, biting to the bone. Dean felt his teeth scraping bone as Castiel held still. His hips in the natural position to take the mating, his body surrendering to his claim. How long have you desperately wanted this, Castiel? How many dreams have I taken you and made you mine? The bite from a mating was always so pleasurable. Being half-mated actually helped their cause. It increased the chances of pregnancy by a lot compared to the non-mating status. Being half-mated wasn’t serious, though, and something you did with a lot of trust. Especially because trying to half-mate could accidentally lead to full mating. If Castiel had bitten him back, it would have made them soulmates. Unable to break that bond and forever connected. Dean hoped his bite would soothe any insecurities that Dean didn’t love him back.

Admittedly, Dean was slightly disappointed Castiel was not that flexible to have mated him back. 

Dean panted tiredly holding himself in that position rubbing and stroking his base till he was sure he had come completely emptied into Castiel’s unprotected hole. Slowly pulling himself out of Castiel’s hole, ungracefully plopped into the seat as Castiel grabbed hold of his knee with one hand his other leg flopping open. Cum spilled down his crack and onto the seat from how full he was of Dean. Dean relaxed back into the seat, taking the sight he wanted to see for the rest of his life. Dean licked his lips lustfully and reached forward scooping up the cum and pushing it back into Castiel’s sore hole. Castiel was too tired to do any but shudder watching Dean tease his sore used hole. 

Right now hundreds of sperm were swimming towards his egg, hoping to earn their prize of implanting in his womb. Castiel could very well be on his way to becoming pregnant as they spoke. Though Dean hoped this first attempt wasn’t too successful, he wanted every chance to do this over and over again.

“Let’s not waste a drop.” Dean cooed as he scraped his hole with the side of his finger pushing the cum back inside his throbbing hole. 

Castiel let out a tired moan as Dean fingered him till nothing more leaked out. Dean beamed in satisfaction slapping Castiel’s sore ass, Castiel moaned in surprise and pleasure. Liked that, did you? Good to know. Dean gripped his ass into his hands for his own pleasure wanting to do that for so long as he moved to slide himself into his pants suit. Castiel watched him dress, Dean noticed the missing buttons on his shirt which he wore with pride. Dean ran his fingers through his hair before reaching for Castiel’s boxers. 

“Get dressed, we have a stockholders meeting to attend.” Dean hummed amused. He wanted Castiel to give up on that idea now that he was sore, fucked well, and content but Castiel grabbed his boxers sliding them on much to Dean’s dissatisfaction. 

“You kidnapped me without pants-” Castiel bit back. 

Dean could tell Castiel was hoping to leave him in the car but Dean opened the divider window holding his hand out as Bobby slid through his shoes, a new shirt, and pants the hired help grabbed from his apartment while kidnapping him. Castiel sighed slowly sliding on his pants and fixing himself attempting to look like he wasn’t fucked to completion. Dean grabbed the limo’s first aid kit moving to clean and tend to the mating mark before Castiel slid on his shirt. 

When Dean was done playing doctor, he took out the marriage certificate he had Castiel sign, passing them through to Bobby. 

“While we are busy at the event, please have this handled accordingly,” Dean spoke seriously sliding one paper back into his pocket.

“Right away, sir,” Bobby spoke taking them. He was happy to be part of this plan. Part of team #justfuckalready Charlie had coined. He would happily skip the foreplay of their relationship if they would just stop with this will they, won’t they bullshit. 

Dean and Castiel sat in silence, Dean having to mentally hold himself back from having him again as Castiel fanned himself. Hot from the rough sex in the back of the limo. Something Castiel will soon get accustomed to. Castiel cleared his throat as he turned to Dean grabbing his organizer for the event he kept in the limo with names and faces. 

“Remember to smile. Let me know if you don’t recognize someone and I’ll give you the name and some talking points before you greet them. You need to look like you remember them. It makes them feel special.” Castiel spoke. Dean listened to Castiel going over the normal conversation they have at every event. When the limo stopped, the limo driver opened the door for Dean who stood and held out his hand to Castiel. 

Castiel graciously took his hand standing, before Dean offered him his arm. Castiel took it walking into the event. People stood with their wine talking and enjoying themselves as the first man noticed Dean’s present walking over to them. 

“Deano!” The man laughed happily as Dean gave Castiel a glance which he hoped by now Castiel understood as ‘Who the fuck is that?’.

“Mr. Rodney Parker, one of your biggest and first investors, you made very very very rich,” Castiel whispered, being the person he could always rely on. “Likes betting horses and a big family man. One wife Liliana she’s fifty-six, two kids twenty-one-year-old boy Clark and a nineteen-year-old girl Jane…and let’s not forget his date for this evening, his eighteen-year-old mistress….who looks exactly like his daughter and… is also named Jane. One happy big fucked up family tree. ” Castiel mumbled as Dean shook his hand. Castiel always knows all the tea. 

“Rodney!” Dean hummed as if he knew him all along before addressing the eye candy. “And the gorgeous Jane.” He took Jane’s hand kissing it tenderly, being polite as she laughed affectionately. “So glad you could make it.”

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Rodney slapped Dean’s arm, Dean tried not to wince at him slapping his arm as he shook his hand again. “I can’t wait to see this year's newest money maker.” 

“With faster input speeds, the greatest memory on the market, and self-charging capabilities, you’d be sad if you had.” Dean laughed before turning to Castiel. “And you remember Castiel.” Dean nodded to Castiel on his arm who reached out to shake Rodney’s hand. Dean was flaunting his mate around. Though Castiel didn’t notice. Dean was living off the high of the half mating and of course, he had to show off his mate.

“Yes, your wonderful assistant,” Rodney spoke. “Pleasure to meet you again.” 

“Likewise.” Castiel beamed respectfully, all taking some wine from one of the waiters walking by.  

“He’s no longer just my wonderful assistant, he’s now also my husband,” Dean explained. Castiel spit-take to the side coughing and gagging as Dean lazily patted his back. Dean not looking at Castiel who was choking and dying next to him. 

“Congratulations! When’s the mating?” Rodney laughed. 

“We will have an official big and extravagant wedding/mating ceremony in the next few months,” Dean spoke. Mostly informing Castiel as Castiel stared at him in disbelief, looking at him like he had three heads. “Of course, you’re both invited, all our investors are-”

“Dean. A word?” Castiel hissed putting his glass down as Dean blinked at him. 

“Of course, darling.” Dean cooed. Excusing themselves as Castiel yanked him into one of the closest bathrooms. Castiel closed the door panting as he turned to him red in the face. Oh, was he about to lose it on him?  

“Dean, you can’t go around just saying we’re married.” Castiel crossed his arms. Dean slightly tilted his head.

 “...Why not?” Dean asked seriously as Castiel scoffed. 

“Because we’re not.” Castiel choked out like it was obvious. 

“Officially as of this morning, we are.” Dean deadpanned and pulled out the paper he had signed earlier that morning holding out like an award. Castiel snatched the rolled-up paper glancing at it. It was a marriage certificate. Castiel choked glancing between Dean and the paper. 

“Bobby is submitting the paperwork as we speak.” Dean hummed looking at his watch which read a text message. “There. It’s official. With the proper paperwork you so graciously signed and a bit of bribery on my part. We are officially husband and husband.”

“You…can’t JUST marry someone without their permission!” Castiel blushed violently. Oh, sweet summer child. I’m rich. I can do literally anything. 

“I believe I just did.” Dean blinked lazily at him. “My terms… remember ?” Dean hummed as he pulled Castiel flushed against his body. Castiel panting at the heat and lust radiating off Dean as he mouthed at his neck. 

They were married legally.

Half mated physically. 

And Castiel could well be on his way to being pregnant.

Dean lazily moved Castiel pushing him to face the wall as Dean pressed his erection against Castiel’s ass making Castiel moan in surprise. Castiel was already ready for round two. His legs slightly parting and his ass pushing out more to him. 

“Y-...You can’t be ready for a round two, already.” Castiel whined like he wasn’t already waiting for his cock. Dean grabbed Castiel’s pants and underwear pulling them past his ass. Castiel slightly glanced back when he heard Dean unbuckling his pants. Was Castiel enjoying this? Very delicious information to have. Castiel felt Dean grip his hips, taking the flesh into his hands to position him a bit better.

“These walls are paper thin.” Dean purred against his ear pressing his cock tip into Castiel’s hole. Castiel moaned in surprise when Dean slammed into him. The slick made it easy to take him. Castiel covered his mouth with one hand, closing his eyes as he took him so well. 

Maybe he was close to his rut, even regular horny he had never taken someone like this. Dean couldn’t tell if it was the rut or the fact he finally had his mate under him. His body was worshipped like the god he was. Castiel’s face gave away how much he enjoyed himself. Besides the slightly muffled pants and slapping of skin, they were quiet. He expected Castiel to be unable to keep himself down and Dean would have to smooth talk to the crowd eagerly waiting for him that he simply wasn’t pleasing his mate behind the adjacent door. 

Castiel was a good mate and kept it down when Dean couldn’t keep his hands off of him. Castiel slowly started to thrust back against his rocking. Making Dean grunt a bit loudly. Castiel smiled in the satisfaction that Dean was the loud one. He’d get him back for that, Dean leaned down knipping at the mating mark. When they came, it was rough and Castiel shuddered cumming into Dean’s hand and down the wall of the bathroom. Dean only removed that hand when Castiel had thoroughly been emptied. Dean brought his hand back to slowly stroke whatever he had left in his soft shaft into him before pulling out.

Castiel panted leaning against the wall, burying his face into his arm. Seeing Dean’s cum spilling out of him and onto the floor in slow drips. Dean took his time helping Castiel make himself presentable again and cleaning up Castiel’s mess. Tired and exhausted, knowing he couldn’t cave to Dean when they only just got here. Castiel only stood when he felt his pants and underwear being pulled up. Castiel slowly leaned back against Dean who buckled his pants holding him from behind before he turned Castiel around and into a loving kiss. 

Castiel melted into the kiss and wrapped his arms around Dean’s shoulder holding him close. They enjoyed their loving kisses and the aftermath of their orgasms before Castiel pulled back raising an eyebrow. 

“Now back to the party, you still have hands to shake and babies to kiss. ” Castiel breathed against his lips, giving Dean one last peck. Dean groaned hoping to still get out of it. Castiel turned to fix his hair in the mirror making sure he looked presentable. Dean pouted like a child not wanting to go back out but staring at Castiel’s ass gave him more of a reason.

 “I think I will enjoy these parties a lot more, now that I have someone to play with throughout it.” Dean purred. Castiel’s legs slightly buckled at the thought. Dean smirked in satisfaction as Dean came up behind him holding him and kissing his neck. “Ready to go, my darling husband?” Dean pulled back offering his arm. 

“I hope our child doesn’t get your charming personality, dear,” Castiel eyed him. Dean smirked to himself. Oh, Castiel. Tempting the devil. 

“Well, we have plenty of time to try to get one that does.” Dean hummed back as Castiel tensed at the words realizing what he had tempted, both walking back to the event. Dean pulled Castiel close as he whispered into his ear in a teasing tone. “Careful what you wish for… ” Castiel swallowed at his words, realizing how right Dean was.. “... Happy birthday, Cas.” Dean pressed a loving kiss to his cheek which Castiel sighed affectionately melting into the touch. 

“...So for our wedding.” Castiel breathed making Dean turn. Oh, Castiel, have you finally realized you’re mine as much as I am yours? Castiel eyed him softly not shying from the loving gaze as Dean slowly slid his hand over Castiel’s hand on his arm. “...How are we going to handle the invitations…like…do we invite Rodney and his wife or do we invite Rodney and his mistress?” Dean paused at that thought. Castiel had a point, but this was stuff he most likely would have left to Castiel’s discretion. If Dean had a choice their wedding would be in a private villa where he’d worship that body again, but Castiel deserved to be celebrated. 

“...Good question,” Dean mumbled as they walked through the crowd before he smiled. “We invite Rodney and a plus one. He can deal with the mess of who comes.” 

“...But we so are sending one to both his mistress and wife, right? I kinda wanna see that play out.” Castiel smirked mischievously as Dean eyed him and laughed loudly. “There’s no wedding without drama.”

“God, I love you.” Dean chuckled as Castiel lit up beaming at the confession. His face glowed with blush. Dean couldn’t help but lean down and kiss him softly. Castiel kissed back with love softly cupping his face. Before another stockholder called Dean’s name, pulling them out of their moment.  

“Dean, my boy!” The man laughed making his way towards them as Castiel leaned in whispering to Dean. 

"Edward Johnson, ” Castiel whispered quickly.

“Edward!” Dean laughed like he was old friends. Dean was quite the charmer when he needed to be. “Edward, you remember my husband and assistant Castiel.”

“Nice to meet you, sir,” Castiel spoke taking his hand. They talked to guests and enjoyed the evening. Dean made sure to pull Castiel away when he got bored with the event. Castiel grew to expect it and when he didn’t get it in a reasonable time…Castiel, himself, started to pull him away and yank him into lustful kisses. Castiel yanked him into the bathroom, gripping for Dean’s belt as he pressed Dean back against the wall…

God, he couldn’t wait to spend his life with him.

Chapter Text

Castiel’s POV - almost a week later:

Castiel sucked in the air slowly tangling himself out of the alpha who was asleep next to him. He had been using Dean as a pillow for the better half of the night and almost missed his warmth getting up. Dean had kept his word he would keep him till the deed was done. They barely left the bedroom. Dean could work from his home office, which meant they didn’t need to leave the house much. Castiel could get some reprieve whenever he wanted, but so far just content doing some housework.

Castiel admitted though, he didn’t like leaving the house much now . He couldn’t get enough of the affection and bonding. Maybe he was just longing for it for so long that now that he had it, he was addicted to it. It was odd the feeling of being half-mated. They hadn’t discussed for the better word what they are, but Dean calls him darling. Castiel’s face went bright pink with a blush as he touched his lips. 

Darling.

Castiel stood softly grabbing the robe Dean had bought for him and sliding it onto his body. Sitting up he glanced down at his bruised and naked body, he could see Dean’s fingertips against his pale skin. He glanced over at the mating mark, it was still tender but healing. Dean has been careful not to reopen the wound during their rough and lively lovemaking. 

Castiel slid his fingers over the bruises of Dean’s fingertips. They could both smell it on Dean. He was going to rut soon. Castiel blushed at the thought. Dean’s appetite was barely enough for Castiel to handle, he couldn’t believe taking all of him in a rut. Castiel had stopped taking his suppressants the day of the event. This meant his heat might start soon, most likely kick-started by Dean. 

They were just waiting for Dean’s to start. It was any time now. Castiel turned to look at the naked man in the bed. Who looked just as bruised up and marked up as he was. But the only difference was Dean didn’t have the mating mark.

“Come back to bed.” Dean’s grumpy voice made Castiel glance up to his face. Dean opened his arms to him tiredly and Castiel slowly took off the robe before sliding back into the space. Dean breathed out in relief of his lover being near him. Dean buried his face into Castiel’s neck pressing loving kisses to his neck, leaving his visible hickeys. “I can smell your heat coming.”  

Dean growled against his ear as Castiel swallowed. If he wasn’t pregnant yet, he would be. The heat and ruts syncing normally happened with couples who had been together for a long time. Usually new couples like Castiel and Dean, it would be a miracle to get it to sync so quickly. 

“We should talk,” Castiel whispered as Dean held him closer. They hadn’t really done a lot of talking that concerned their relationship. It’s mostly been small talk between sex and sleeping. Lots of sleeping on Castiel’s part to keep up with Dean. “...You married me legally and told everyone we’re getting married...”

“I did.” Dean breathed breathing in his scent. “You don’t have to take my last name-”

“-This isn’t about the last name…” Castiel cut him off as Dean paused at that. Castiel blushed violently at the confession. “I just…You married me legally, we’re trying for a baby and you told everyone of your stockholders I’m your husband…I-I…I don’t understand?”

“Darling, do I have to spell it out?” Dean laughed pulling back with love as Castiel blushed. “I mated you.”

“Yeah?” Castiel paused shyly looking down. “...To help me get pregnant.”

“No. Because I’m madly in love with you, Darling.” Dean confessed as Castiel went beet red. He could feel the heat in his cheeks, his heart pounding in his chest. “ The ability to have a child with you is just a bonus.”

Dean…loved him?

“R-Really?!” Castiel whipped his head around as Dean nodded softly. What?!  “Since when?!”

“God, it’s been so long now. I think…I fell for you early on. I don’t think I stood a chance.” Dean chuckled blushing as he rubbed his face thinking.

“When did you realize? Do you remember?” Castiel asked. He needed to know. How did he miss this?!

“I think the day I realized you were the one for me was my birthday when you got plastered.” Dean nodded remembering.

“What?!” Castiel choked looking embarrassed. 

“Yeah? You confessed you loved me and kissed me…a lot…with tongue.” Dean spoke amused. Castiel went redder if that was even possible. Dean smiled softly as he watched Castiel hide his face in shame. 

“Nooo.” Castiel choked turning to hide his face in Dean’s chest. “Please tell me I was at least smooth doing it?” 

“You told me to open my mouth.” Dean beamed ear to ear. “That you ‘want to French kiss’.”

“Kill me.” Castiel croaked, Dean laughed at his red ears and softly rubbed them with care. “Tell me you’re lying.”

“Never, it’s a wonderful memory.” Dean hummed kissing his mating mark. They were quiet for a long time before Dean softly leaned down kissing his mating mark’s bandages with care. “ Now you know how I feel. ” He breathed as Castiel slightly moved his face away from his chest. “I am curious if you’ll admit you love me too.” Dean cupped his face with care making Castiel look into his eyes. 

“...Are you sure?” Castiel spoke seriously making Dean laugh softly. 

“Am I sure I love you?” Dean laughed. “I mated you. I am marrying you. I want to be your mate, but you have no obligation to mate me back. It’s completely up to you. I will love you no matter what. Take as long as you’d like to decide or not decide-”

“But…why do you want me…I’m older.” Castiel pouted as Dean shrugged. 

“I’m sure it’s Daddy or Mommy issues. Take your pick.” Dean snorted as Castiel rolled his eyes. “I’m kidding. I don’t care. I’m in love with you .” Dean stated, cupping Castiel’s face. “Listen to me when I say this, I mated you because I love you. I find you incredibly attractive and the only reason I didn’t jump your bones sooner is you are so incredibly modest, you don’t know how fucking hot and fantastic of a person you are. I want to mate you completely. I want to raise a family with you. I want the whole white picket fence with you. I want it all, I want you. Do I need to say it in french, Tes yeux, j'en rêve jour et nuit, or in Arabic, تقبرني, or-?”

Castiel eyed his face before leaning in and kissing him ever so softly. The kiss was so soft and easy that Dean leaned in meeting his kiss. Castiel pulled him closer holding him close. The kiss grew needy as Castiel felt the uncomfortable burn in the lower stomach at the start of his heat, it hit him like a bucket of cold water. The feeling he has been feeling since the stockholder’s meeting. It felt freeing. Like Castiel got a shot of adrenaline. It has been so long since he had a proper heat off suppressants. 

Castiel moved, forcing Dean back against the bed as he straddled him. Castiel’s blue eyes glowed as he broke the kiss shoving Dean roughly back against the bed. Castiel eyed his lover whose eyes glowed in response. Oh, Dean. Did I just kickstart your rut? The smell of an Omega wanting and desperate for your cock must do wonders for a young buck of an alpha. Castiel leaned down kissing Dean’s chest before he licked up his abs. 

Normally he wasn’t this bold. This…lustful. 

However, this was an omega who was having his first heat in a very very long time. 

He couldn’t control himself and his desire at this given moment.

Castiel grunted in surprise when Dean flipped them with a growl. Castiel’s back was shoved into the mattress, Dean’s arm forcing his knees to his chest. Castiel panted in surprise, his ass in the air, his hole exposed and open to the alpha. His eyes glowed red as he let out a territorial growl at the smell of his slick and heat. Castiel shuddered being so exposed, being so open for the taking. Dean’s head leaned down sliding his tongue against his exposed hole making Castiel cry out. Castiel’s hands shot covering his mouth at how loud he was at that. 

Castiel was glad Dean warned Bobby and all other hired help that they would be unneeded for the next two weeks. Most or if not all were on paid vacations. Which allowed Castiel to be as loud as he wanted. To have sex how often or where ever they wanted. 

Dean’s tongue slid around the rim ever teasingly slow. Castiel tried to buck his hips, to move, to get him to fuck him already. He whimpered and whined but he was only blessed with a small tip of Dean’s tongue teasingly pressing against his hole. Castiel arched his back as Dean’s tongue pushed inside of him. This teasing made Castiel’s cock throb as his knees gripped Dean’s head. Castiel gasped as Dean held him closer fucking him with his tongue. Dean’s grip on him kept him in place, Castiel gripping the headboard. Castiel’s hips were pinned he couldn’t move them. 

Dean’s teasing his hole, his finger sliding around the sides. Castiel growled but Dean didn’t allow his fingers to move any closer. Castiel panted and whimpered at Dean’s constant teasing. Castiel gripped his head harder, using the headboard to flip them. Dean didn’t expect it, suddenly now pinned against the bed. Castiel roughly rode his tongue, rolling his hips. Gripping the headboard for more leverage. He didn’t care if he suffocated Dean, his pleasure needed more than breathing. 

Dean, however, happy to suffocate pulled Castiel’s hips lower tasting the sweet nectar that was his slick. Castiel panted rocking and rolling his hips like he never needed anything else. Castiel had toys obviously, small and very thin to ride when and if he had heats. It was nothing in comparison to a real cock. Castiel couldn’t believe this was what he was missing out on this WHOLE time. Though he had been tempted slightly on more than one occasion to just meet someone at the bar and lose his virginity. However, he was so glad he waited. Losing it in the back of Dean’s limo with Dean…oh it had been better than any fantasy he could give himself. 

Castiel threw his head back when Dean slid a finger into him with his tongue. Castiel gripping Dean’s head with his thighs, the bed creaked and moaned. Castiel couldn’t help grabbing his cock and thrusting it into his hand. His cock spilled pre-cum as he worked it.

Dean enjoyed his teasing, and tasting the omega. Dean could only think of one thing. Pleasing his mate. His mind could only think of that. He knew this heat would be hard on the omega. How many years has it been since Castiel had a proper heat? Sure, he had small heats on the pill…but full-blown heats off the pill were a monster on their own. Their minds would think of only mating and breeding. The lows of their highs would be spent eating snacks, drinking water, or sleeping. It was going to be hard for both of them.

Dean growled flipping them again, Castiel choked out missing the tongue from his hole. Castiel panted moving quickly onto his knees. Needing to be taken. He presented himself to his alpha, arching his back with his legs spread. Open and ready for his alpha as he gripped the headboard. 

Dean moved into the space Castiel gave him, Castiel gasping in relief when he felt Dean move behind him. Castiel couldn’t take the teasing any longer, he needed him. He needed him now. Dean positioned himself at his hole, and Castiel kept reaching back trying to force him closer. The tip was teasing and desperate against him but Dean grabbed his hands forcing Castiel to grab the headboard before he roughly slammed into Castiel. Castiel cried out at the rough, lustful, thrusts. The headboard rocked with their movements keeping a constant rhythm. 

Castiel didn’t care if his fingers pinched in the headboard, at this point holding it for dear life. The alpha taking him, claiming him, owning him. Dean seemed to sense what the omega needed. When Castiel couldn’t hold himself upright, Dean simply changed their position. Castiel was surprised at how well he was taking a young alpha. Surprised by how well he kept up with the young buck. 

Castiel soon took the reigns, roughly riding Dean as Dean held his hips grinding him on him. They were so close. Castiel arched his back, his orgasm building with each rock.

His eyes moved to Dean’s neck, his hands touching Dean’s abs as he rode him. Focusing on his neck, his heart pounding as he looked at his unmarked neck. So much of him wanted to bite Dean, he could partially blame his heat…partially blame Dean’s mating mark on his shoulder…but that’s not why he wanted to mate him back. 

Dean’s breath.

Dean’s scent. 

Dean’s love. 

He…loved him. 

He loved him so much. 

Was it selfish…to want this? 

They couldn’t be un mated. 

If this was a mistake, they would never be able to undo it. 

If couples who mated separated, they never could mate again. They would wear their mating marks for the rest of their lives. Still connected. It was a very lonely life, forever still feeling the person you lost. 

If he got this wrong…

…he could be destroying his life forever…

But…

God, he loved him. 

He loved him. 

His orgasm reached a tipping point, he could feel his walls crushing Dean’s cock. Castiel crying out loudly moving forward he bit hard into Dean’s neck. Castiel bit to the bone his mouth filling with blood as he felt Dean grip his hips, grinding him down harder on him as Dean finally came. Castiel growled in pleasure feeling the warm cum spilling into him. Castiel collapsed onto his chest still holding on but Dean held secure by the hips. Dean’s hands rolled Castiel’s hips through his orgasm. He could feel Dean’s balls throbbing against his ass as he came into Castiel.

Castiel laid against the mating mark breathing against the pooling blood on his cheek as he reached down, feeling Dean’s balls throbbing in his hand. Earning a grunt from Dean and a territorial growl, not going to allow him to get off. He was still…cumming into him. It took a bit for Dean’s cock to soften, going limp inside of him. It was a strange feeling, feeling Dean cumming and throbbing inside him. Castiel slowly let go of Dean’s balls to reach their connection. Castiel tiredly panted feeling small bits of cum spilling out of his hole and down Dean’s cock, so full of Dean. Castiel relaxed against Dean his eyes returning to normal, knowing the alpha wouldn’t separate them. Especially not with Castiel being in heat. 

Castiel…wasn’t going to leave this bed till Dean was satisfied he was good and bred. 

“...Was I too rough?” Dean panted his eyes flickering to normal. Their cycles calmed after their orgasms for a bit before they began again. 

“N-No, you were perfect.” Castiel sat up tiredly as Dean cupped his face seeing the blood on his cheek. Dean’s thumb wiped his cheek wiping the wet blood.

“You mated me back.” Dean panted he looked so happy as Castiel’s eyes moved to the mating mark blushing at the thought. Castiel softly nodded back, his heart pounding as Dean looked at him. He had bounded them forever. 

“ I love you so much.” Dean eyed his face as sat up slightly, before moving to kiss him with love. Dean softly twisted them, careful not to separate them, deepening the kiss as Castiel met the kiss eagerly being pressed into the bed. Dean kept himself deep into Castiel. 

“W-Wait, your wounds-” Castiel choked wanting to tend to it as he saw Dean’s eyes flickering red. 

His body was already ready for round two, already? God, how was he going to keep up with his young mate? Castiel’s eyes flickered blue when he felt Dean rock his hips pressing his hardening cock deeper into him. Dean lost once again to the rut, Castiel gasped in pleasure letting out a lustful growl at Dean’s thrusting, looking at him in lust when Castiel yanked him back into a hot and desperate kiss. 

Happy to be taken again. 

_______________________________________________________________________

A couple of weeks later:

Castiel walked towards the coffee shop, glancing at the watch Dean gave him as he walked with Beast. His heat was officially over, he was happy to finally get out of the house and stretch his legs. Having a coffee date with Charlie before his first day back to work. Dean was completely passed out like he normally was in these morning hours, and wouldn’t miss him while he popped out for a bit. He had been gone for over two weeks without much notice, he had a couple of things to tell her.

Castiel walked into the coffee shop’s outdoor patio glancing around and shoving his hands into his jeans when he noticed Charlie at the last table. She waved him over standing as Castiel beamed. Beast happily greeted Charlie, Charlie was so happy to see the dog. Poor Beast was kept in an expensive doggy hotel while they dealt with their cycles. Castiel picked him up the second he could, Beast was so happy. Castiel decided to go for coffee when Charlie invited him out, so he could also give Beast some time company.

“Cas! I missed you!” Charlie beamed hugging him when she yanked back pausing at his scent. “Hold on…Are…Are you mated?” Charlie pulled at his t-shirt collar gasping at the healing mating mark. “Oh my god! No way!” 

“Y-Yes way.” Castiel blushed violently rubbing Beast's ears who laid his head in his lap

“Dean?” Charlie whispered covering her mouth as Castiel nodded. “How?!” 

Right, he’s not going to tell her this all came about because he wanted Dean’s sperm.

“H-He confessed,” Castiel admitted swallowing his lie as he remembered the day. “...Very romantic.” Castiel paused remembering Dean pounding him in the car. “...Super…wholesome.” 

“I’m so glad you two finally banged it out.” Charlie breathed, as Castiel bit his lip at the choice of words as a waitress came out to them.

“What can I get for you?” The waitress asked. 

“Can I have a Vanilla latte?” Charlie asked as Castiel glanced towards the bakery part of the cafe.

“I’ll have the same thing, with the chocolate chip bread? Or the chocolate cookie bread?” Castiel spoke as Charlie eyed him. “...or both if you have it? Also, do you guys have like a throwaway bowl I can use for water for my pup?”

“I can get your dog some water.” The waitress offered. 

“Yes, please.” Castiel lit up as she walked away. 

“And I thought I had a sweet tooth.” Charlie laughed.

“Sorry, I’m starving.” Castiel laughed. “Pulling away from Dean when he’s in cuddle mode works up an appetite.” Castiel was so happy when the bread was placed in front of him. Happily picking up the bread, tearing apart the warm chocolate chips as he did. Castiel popped some into his mouth. Man, the sweets were delicious. Just hitting the spot. The waitress gave Beast some water, which she earned some love from before walking away. 

“So. It’s like official? You’re together?” Charlie beamed. 

“Official.” Castiel chewed, maybe not explaining Dean tricking him into signing a wedding document. “He… wants me to plan the wedding.” 

“Oh! I want to help!” Charlie gasped excitedly. “Have you decided on a date?” Castiel paused softly, before shaking his head no. “Has Dean offered one?”

“Dean…just wants to marry me,” Castiel spoke pausing softly and smiling at the thought. “...But I’d like…I’d like to get married in August.”

“Why August?” Charlie spoke. “Is it because there are no holidays or anything? That’s a good reason, though.” 

“No…It’s because it’s…my parent's anniversary date.” Castiel admitted softly pulling apart the bread as Charlie looked sadly at him. “My mom and dad can’t be there…so I thought it could honor them both.”

“...It’s so cute.” Charlie breathed. “You love him that much, don’t you?” Castiel glanced up at that. “You must really love him combine a wonderful date like that with your wedding.” 

Castiel softly popped a piece into his mouth and softly chewed as he thought about it. Charlie was right. He trusted Dean a lot to possibly tarnish a day he held so sacred. He didn’t hesitate to think of that date for his wedding. It just…felt right.

“I do,” Castiel admitted. 

“Oh, that’s so adorable.” Charlie pouted at the cuteness. The waitress dropped off their coffees as Castiel grabbed his drink taking a sip. The warm coffee hit the spot. Castiel rolled his neck at the soreness all over his body. Heats and mating, though fun, always kicked everyone’s ass.  “...Is he good in bed?” Castiel almost spit-take going deep red and coughing roughly. “What? It’s a normal question. He’s like an urban legend, there are a lot of rumors involving his past sex-apades… All Good.”

Dean though young was amazing at sex, Castiel had to admit he didn’t have to beg for Dean to do anything to him. Dean already seemed to know how to please him. Castiel blushed nodding softly as Charlie cackled. 

“You, dog, you.” Charlie hummed. “Do you know how many people would die to be in your shoes right now? Man, imagine how popular you’re going to be once people catch on.” 

“What?” Castiel laughed as Charlie tilted her head. 

“You know those guys with the cameras that follow Dean around?” Charlie teased. “Ya know, because he’s like super famous?”

“Yes.” Castiel made a face. 

“Well…What do you think they will keep cropping you and blurring you in photos now that you’re mated to Dean?” Charlie laughed as Castiel paused. He didn’t realize… “Did you think you could keep going like normal people when you’re about to marry and already mated a man on the top hottest bachelors?” 

Charlie turned her phone to face him seeing collum after collum about Dean. The stupidest articles ranged from speculations about Dean’s love life to why his suit had a wrinkle. Every second Dean stepped onto this earth was eaten up by the public. Castiel was removed or blurred for the most part in every photo. 

Except for one where Dean was showing Castiel something on his phone with the caption ‘Trouble in paradise’. Where if you were to read the article, it was talking about Dean and a possible relationship with a female singer because Dean took Castiel to an exclusive event and she was there. In truth, Dean was showing him a possum meme.

This…was his future wasn’t it? They were going to make stories and take pictures of him too? Rumors and lies painted for the world to see? 

“You didn’t think you’d be able to keep this a secret forever, did you?” Charlie asked but Castiel felt his stomach lurch. Castiel didn’t have time to process as he grabbed for the closest thing he could before he threw up into it. Charlie cried out but it was too late…Castiel threw up into her purse. Charlie softly reached out patting his back. 

“I-I’m sorry.” Castiel choked wiping his mouth with the napkin Charlie handed over as Charlie contently patted her back. “I-I don’t know what came over me.” Castiel pulled back from the purse when he was pretty confident he wouldn’t again. 

“Nerves?” Charlie questioned as Castiel shrugged. 

“...I threw up in your purse,” Castiel admitted. 

“...It’s fine. That was a twenty-dollar knockoff.” Charlie hummed handing him a napkin as Castiel slowly turned to look at her taking it. 

“How are you calm?” Castiel panted as wiped his mouth. 

“Because you’re mungo rich now.” Charlie laughed. “I’ll just charge Dean for a new one…and everything inside…” Charlie glanced at the purse. “...I do need my keys though…You’ll get that for me right?”  Castiel glanced back at the purse when the wave of nausea hit him again, Castiel unfortunately found himself using it again.

Chapter Text

Castiel’s POV:

Castiel sat on the floor of the bathroom of the cafe, he felt like shit to be honest. His head rested in his hands as he stared into the toilet bowl. Waiting for the nausea to pass. Did he eat something bad? He tried to go over the things he ate that morning or the day before. Maybe it was the Chinese food they ate. Charlie had left to get something from the nearby pharmacy so he could make it home. 

Great on his first day back and he had the stomach flu. 

He heard Charlie’s familiar heels as she walked back in with the rustling of the bag. He watched her heels move towards his stall, as she stopped in front of his stall. 

“Honey bear,” Charlie called sweetly in. “How are you feeling?” 

“I think it's passing,” Castiel spoke. 

“Not fast enough because you couldn’t catch me on that floor.” Charlie hummed as she ruffled through the bag. She lightly slid over a bottle labeled ‘anti-nausea’ on the floor, which lightly hit Castiel’s knee. Castiel sighed, grabbed the gummies, and popped some into his mouth. “They recommended those.” 

“Thanks. It’s better than nothing.” Castiel breathed tiredly. 

“Hey, well… since you’re here anyways.” Charlie dropped something else on the floor and lightly kicked it to him. He picked up the box pausing as he looked towards the direction she was. “You know… since you have been humping like rabbits, I’m sure .” 

Castiel glanced at the pregnancy test as he slowly forced himself off the ground. He touched his lower stomach, his heart fluttering in his chest. 

He…couldn’t be? Right?

He started with his belt as he moved to try to take the test. 

Sure, he logically could be. 

But…the idea…he could be was too good to be true. 

Life wouldn’t be this kind to him right? 

A partner who loved him? Marriage? And a child? 

Castiel pulled up his pants after peeing on the stick, cleaning himself up before turning to sit on the toilet holding the test. 

“How long?” Charlie asked as she sat on the sink. 

“Three minutes,” Castiel spoke as Charlie nodded. She rambled for three minutes as she put a timer on her phone. Castiel couldn’t be sure about what as he waited for the timer to go off. Castiel waited for some big change as he faintly watched the test. The first line appeared pretty quickly but when the timer alarmed. Castiel stared at the single line, his heart sinking. 

Not. Pregnant.

“It might be too early,” Charlie spoke when Castiel didn’t speak. Tears in his eyes as he tiredly wiped his face. “Most people start showing signs before the test shows,” Charlie explained when she started to hear him sniff. Castiel knew it was too good to be true. 

Castiel flushed out of habit before getting up and walking out. He threw the test away moving to wash his hands. Charlie looked at him sadly but Castiel just cowarding from her gaze. 

“You might need to wait a week or two more,” Charlie reassured. “Besides, you just mated. Don’t you want to enjoy Dean before having a baby anyways?”

“R-Right.” Castiel nodded giving her a soft smile. “I-I should go. I, um…Dean’s moving me into his house so I got to check on the movers.” He lied as Charlie nodded. “You know Dean’s information right? You can buy yourself a new purse?” 

“Yeah.” Charlie nodded with a thumbs up. “Bye, Castiel.” 

“Bye.” Castiel nodded turning to leave he collected Beast from the waitress watching him for him. 

Castiel wiped at the tears in his eyes as he tried not to have a breakdown on the way home. He knew he was getting up there in age, maybe he shouldn’t have expected this to be easy. Castiel walked back to the car, he got Beast in clipping him in before sitting in the front seat. He broke down the second he got into the car and he didn’t know why. Maybe seeing the test got his hopes up? He just softly sobbed into the steering wheel, letting out his bottled-up feelings. 

__________________________________________________________________________

A couple of days later:

Castiel stood staring at the coffee machine lost in thought as he steamed his milk. Dean slowly glanced at him when he noticed Castiel was still steaming his milk. It had been a good long bit of Castiel doing this. Dean glanced at his watch, sitting back eyeing him. 

“Is there any milk left?” Dean asked curiously as Castiel snapped out of his thoughts turning off the steamer as Castiel turned to him. 

“What?” Castiel asked as Dean ushered him to the milk. Castiel glanced down at the foam he created. 

“Is there any milk left?” Dean asked again as Castiel tried to pour the milk into the cup. It was mostly foam now. 

“Foamy milk,” Castiel confessed slowly just took the cup, shrugging, and drank it anyways moving to his desk. He set the cup down. He turned noticing Dean just staring at him. “...What?” 

“You okay?” Dean eyed him holding his pen in his hand. “You’re off.” 

“I’m completely fine.” Castiel laughed not wanting Dean to worry about anything. Dean slowly nodded as Castiel tried to change the subject. “More coffee?” 

Castiel grabbed his coffee cup, moving to make him more coffee. Castiel made him a new cup before walking over to Dean’s desk. Dean’s hand like clockwork moved to his ass as Castiel’s bent over to put the coffee down. Castiel casually swatted his hand away used to Dean’s shenanigans since they went back to work. Dean pouted reaching for his coffee instead. 

Castiel smiled at him, eyeing his face. Dean was such a cute alpha, always wanting to touch him. He gave him credit, Dean was still somehow able to be professional around him. With minor slip-ups where Dean’s hand almost naturally went to hold his mate when he was close. Castiel touched his face with care kissing his forehead instead. It wasn’t that he didn’t want Dean to touch him, he was just trying to keep work professional and keep Dean from getting any ideas. 

“Are you hungry?” Castiel spoke sitting on the desk in front of him as Dean smirked opening his mouth. “I’m not a meal.” Dean shut his mouth. “I’ll go get us lunch.” Castiel hopped off the desk moving to leave but Dean grabbed his hand stopping him. Dean gave him a look and Castiel smiled to himself leaning down and giving Dean a quick peck. “I love you.”

“I love you more,” Dean spoke slowly letting go. Castiel smiled as he left. Dean was so cute. Wanting Castiel to kiss him goodbye whenever he left his side for too long. It was cute. Sure, Castiel was still very insecure. He understood that…but Dean was so cute at trying to always reassure him. 

Getting the food, he went with the choice he felt in the mood for. It wasn’t the healthiest, but he had been craving Taco Bell. He watched the numbers to the elevator going up when he felt the lurch in his stomach again. He barely made it to the floor, dropping the food on the elevator floor, he found himself face-first into the top floor trashcan. Castiel panted as he waited just in case he was going to throw up again, panting into the trash can. 

Castiel touched his lower stomach almost out of habit. Castiel shook his head. He wasn’t pregnant. He already took the test. Castiel breathed getting up and cleaning up the best he could before he went back to the elevator hitting the button. The food was in the bag on the floor. Castiel leaned down grabbing it taking a second to compose himself. 

He walked towards Dean’s office, opened the door he walked in like he wasn’t face first into the nearest trash can. Dean was welding something when he came in, but he quickly finished acknowledging Castiel’s presence and to eat his food. He pulled off his goggles when he tilted his head noticing Castiel’s food selection. 

“Taco Bell?” Dean asked as Castiel looked at him as he was getting out the food. 

“Oh, did you not want Taco Bell?” Castiel asked. Dean eyed him saying nothing. 

“No, I don’t mind. It’s just that…We’ve had Taco Bell the last couple of days.” Dean asked as Castiel was already digging into his crunch wrap supreme. “...Thought you would be tired of it by now.”  

“Oh…” Castiel paused not realizing that’s what he’s been doing. “I-I just must have not realized…Um…I’ll go get you something else-”

“This is fine,” Dean reassured slowly crossing his legs and grabbing his own food. Taking a bite to deter him from actually trying to go get him something else. 

“I’ll get us something different tomorrow,” Castiel mumbled into his Crunchwrap. 

“Get us what you would like,” Dean reassured. Castiel nodded shyly continuing to eat his meal. Dean eyed him once more saying nothing going back to eating. 

____________________________________________________________________________

A couple of days later:

Castiel eyed Dean’s sleeping face as he crawled into bed with him, it was almost five thirty pm and he should have gotten dressed to wake him up for their six o’clock time. Castiel was lagging today and honestly, he could care less. Castiel leaned in nuzzling into Dean’s body as Dean slowly woke up to his mate. Dean hummed at his mate, softly cupping Castiel’s jaw and slowly pulling him into a loving kiss. 

“You smell good,” Dean mumbled half asleep as Castiel felt Dean’s other’s hand slowly grip his ass. Castiel admitted this is exactly what he had been wanting all morning. Castiel had been horny all morning, not wanting to wake his mate up too early to hopefully help the problem. Castiel kissed back lustfully as Dean moaned gripping his ass into his hand. Dean was happy to keep his mate content as Castiel’s hand moved towards his cock. Not surprised when he felt Dean’s cock already hardening by Castiel’s scent alone. 

Castiel softly gripped his base as they softly kissed, he moved his hand slowly and easily working his cock in his hand. His eyes glowed blue as Dean broke the kiss in surprise, eyeing his face. Castiel eyed him back before he moved to kiss him deeply, Castiel glanced back when he felt Dean’s hand moving towards his hole. Castiel slightly widened his legs giving Dean the access he wanted. Castiel gasped when he felt Dean slid in a finger, feeling how wet he was. 

“You’re dripping,” Dean mumbled as Castiel almost instantly started to rock back on his finger. Castiel panted against his face. “...How long have you been waiting for me to wake up to ride my cock?” 

“L-Long time,” Castiel admitted as Dean smirked. 

“If you want my cock…you’ll have to earn it.” Dean teased as Castiel growled at the teasing. Dean smirked at his blue eyes flashing. “Show me where you want my cock.” Dean cooed to the omega who felt Dean take his finger back. Castiel gave him a dirty look, Dean beamed innocently fluttering his eyelashes. 

Fine, Dean. You want to play?

Castiel thought for a second before he smirked to himself moving to straddle Dean. He moved over Dean’s cock, Dean raised an eyebrow at his boldness. Castiel moved his hole over his cock which Dean held his base for him, Castiel lightly teased Dean’s cock with his hole. Dean moaned feeling Castiel slightly pushing his tip teasingly close to entering him but pulling back. 

“This,” Castiel whispered pressing Dean’s tip against his hole. “Is exactly where I want your cock.” Castiel breathed as his hole opened a bit to the tip, Castiel making sure he didn’t allow Dean in. No. Dean wanted to tease. He could tease. 

“ Fuck.” Dean breathed, Castiel was so hot right now. His tip oozing pre-cum that his hole lightly pressed the tip into him. Dean moved to grip his hip with one hand trying to press Castiel down on him but Castiel let the tip slightly slide in. Castiel smirked not letting him win that easy. Dean growled at his teasing slightly rocking up trying to get himself to go deeper but Castiel raised his hips. Only allowing the tip in. 

“ Show me where you want your cock. ” Castiel cooed rolling his hips slightly on the tip, moaning purposely as sexily as he could trying to hide his smile knowing he was driving Dean nuts. 

“ I’ll show you where I want my cock.” Dean growled. He didn’t expect Dean to grab his waist with both hands forcing him down on his cock. Castiel cried out in pleasure as Dean thrust up into him roughly. Castiel’s hands fell to Dean’s chest as Castiel was pounding well. Castiel barely held onto Dean as he was fucked so well. Castiel’s nails dug into his chest. The sex was hot and rough, Castiel wasn’t going to last long. Not the way Dean was pounding him. Castiel felt himself come undone to the sound of their slapping skin. 

Castiel came roughly, cum spilling into Dean’s chest as he came roughly. Dean kept thrusting into him, panting as he flipped them pounding into him. Dean pressed his knees to his chest and pounded him. Castiel gasped and panted as his legs shook, feeling Dean getting close. When Dean tensed pressing deeply inside of him, he came with a grunt spilling into his lover. 

Castiel collapsed into the bed, shaking as Dean held him in place panting. Dean throbbed inside of him at his release, only pulling out when he finished. Dean let go of Castiel who grabbed his knees keeping his hips up. He was already so tired, fucked to completion, and satisfied. 

Dean lay down next to him, cleaning off his chest of cum with a tissue before he pulled Castiel close, nuzzling close as Castiel slowly let go of his knees. Castiel wrapped his arms around Dean’s neck holding him close. 

“You’re so cute, right now.” Dean breathed as Castiel nuzzled him close. 

“Tell me you love me,” Castiel spoke as tears filled his eyes. He didn’t know why tears started but he started to cry. Dean scooped him close kissing his skin with love. 

“I love you, darling.” Dean cooed at his emotional mate. “Why are you crying? Was I too rough?” 

“No.” Castiel whimpered burying his face into Dean’s neck. “I don’t know why I’m crying. I just am.” He choked out a sob as he held Dean tighter. Dean holding him like a baby in his arms, nuzzling into him as Castiel cried his heart out into his lover's neck. 

“How about we stay home today?” Dean offered as Castiel shook his head no. “Hey, no. I insist. I’m calling it. We’re staying home and cuddling.” 

“B-But…” Castiel hiccuped wiping his tears. 

“You’re just a little sad today, and that’s okay.” Dean breathed sliding his fingers through Castiel’s sweaty hair. “Do you want a bath, love? We can have a bath and get some food delivered.” 

“...Can I have Taco Bell?” Castiel sniffed and whimpered holding Dean tighter. 

Dean nodded softly pressing kisses to his skin, scooping him close as he walked him towards the bathroom. Castiel admittedly felt so small in Dean’s arms. Dean held him as he started the bath, making sure the water was warm before lowering him in. Castiel allowed Dean to lower him in. The water warmed his body as the water rose. Dean was being so sweet with him. Castiel sat up slightly making room for Dean as Dean got the hint climbing in behind him. 

“I love you, ” Dean whispered holding Castiel close as Castiel closed his eyes to his words feeling Dean holding him tightly. “I love you, I love you.” Castiel blushed at the words as Dean’s hands slid over his stomach holding him close by the waist. Castiel’s eyes watched Dean’s fingers slide over his stomach. His heart fluttered at that. Dean had been grabbing him around the waist a lot more lately. Though he was trying not to get his hopes up, he hoped this was a good sign. They always said Alphas seem to know before the omega, their behavior changed subtly to accommodate their pregnant mate. 

However, a part of him whispered to himself that he was delusional. That he was too old to be pregnant. That Dean was just lovey-dovey because they just mated. Castiel felt that pain in his gut, that he felt like he wasn’t good enough. Why did Dean want someone like-?

“Hey.” Dean’s voice snapped him out of his thought. “You’re lost again.” Dean softly knocked his knuckle against Castiel’s head. Dean was shampooing his hair, which Castiel had gotten lost in that. Castiel glanced up at him as Dean smiled and kissed him softly. “Want to talk about it?”

“...What if I can’t get pregnant?” Castiel whispered as Dean tilted his head. 

“Close your eyes,” Dean spoke, Castiel closed his eyes Dean rinsed his head with the shower head. “Is that what’s been on your mind?” 

“Yeah,” Castiel spoke. “I-I…I’m scared, what if I can’t.” 

“We’ll adopt,” Dean reassured. “Or try IVF.” Dean paused noticeably for a moment before brushing his fingers through his hair. “Cas, I know a lot of this comes from insecurities you hold deep within. I love that you came to me about this. I will be gentle answering that.” Castiel turned slightly, slowly looking at him. “I know those voices in your head tell you you aren’t good enough. Cas, I didn’t mate you for a child. I mated you because I love you. Nothing will change that.” Castiel blinked feeling the tears again holding Dean’s arms as Dean held him close nuzzling into him. “Why don’t you take my phone and order Taco Bell while I finish up?” 

Castiel nodded as he leaned back and kissed him softly. Dean kissed back with care before Castiel got up. Water spilled down his body as he grabbed a towel, leaving the bathroom to order dinner. Dean shook his head watching him affectionately. 

_________________________________________________________________________

A couple of days later:

Castiel stood watching Dean work with the soldering tool at his desk, Castiel watched Dean work on a chip the size of his palm. These were prototypes that Dean would work on and fix to make smaller for mass production. Dean worked so tenderly on these, Castiel loved watching his work. Dean’s hands were so tender with the device. Castiel tilted his head, he couldn’t even begin to understand what Dean was doing. Even if Dean explained it, it would go over his head. 

“Did you…teach yourself all this?” Castiel asked making Dean pause slightly, jarred from his thoughts. “S-Sorry. I just-” 

“Books mostly did, and the internet when I was able to. I lived at the library during my younger years pretty much. Just would wake up, go to school, hang out in the library till closing…wash, rinse, repeat.” Dean confessed simply continuing to work. “It was the only place I ever felt at home. I guess…It was the only time someone’s world revolved around me.” Dean winced at his choice of words. “...Like…when you read, the world stops for you and lives for you. It was the only place…I ever felt needed.” Castiel was quiet as he stared at him softly. 

“...You’re my world, Dean,” Castiel whispered as Dean smiled sadly at it. 

“Thank you, darling.” Dean breathed holding his hand out to Castiel, Castiel stepped forward taking it with care. Earning a loving kiss to his hand giving it a squeeze. Castiel squeezed back with care as Dean slowly let go to rub his face. “I feel like you know so much about me. But I don’t know much about you.” 

“That’s not true, you know an obnoxious amount about me,” Castiel spoke. 

“That’s not true.” Dean breathed. “I just have a good memory.” 

“What was the first thing you ever said to me?” Castiel raised an eyebrow.

“ Technically, I yelled ‘Next’ for you to come in.” Dean started with his smart-ass photographic memory. “But the first thing I said to you was, and I quote ‘Send them home and get me a coffee. No Sugar. No Milk. Black .’” Castiel nodded his point proven. Any small ass comment he ever made, Dean remembered it. Castiel once tried a new dessert when out to dinner with Dean, only voicing a small hum of approval. Dean remembered and brought him a whole cake of it for his birthday. 

Who remembers stuff like that? 

Dean.

Castiel mentioned he liked the color Sacramento green and Dean now buys him things he finds with the color.

“My past is pretty boring compared to you,” Castiel spoke. “College dropout who once lost six jobs in one year. Very boring.” 

“What were you in college for?” Dean asked. Castiel paused at this, not wanting to bring up the past.  

“Business,” Castiel lied. “I wanted to be my own boss.”

“Now you just fuck your boss,” Dean commented with a wink. 

“...We’re breaking up,” Castiel laughed as Dean pouted. “That was terrible.” 

“Noooo.” Dean whined, Castiel laughed softly when he felt a lurch in his stomach. Castiel barely covered his mouth, ripping his hand from Dean’s to turn vomiting into the desk trash can. Dean stood concerned as Castiel panted once he waited to see if he’d vomit again. “Cas? You okay?” Dean moved to him, kneeling, he rubbed his back as Castiel paused above the trash can. 

“Y-Yeah.” Castiel choked embarrassed. “I-I am so sorry.” 

“It’s okay.” Dean breathed, not phased by his sickness. “Do you feel like you’ll be sick again?” Dean asked with care, Castiel felt okay and shook his head no. “Why don’t you lay down?” Dean scooped Castiel up much to Castiel’s embarrassment, laying him on the couch. 

“Dean, I’m okay.” Castiel tried but Dean wasn’t having it. “I need to go get us lunch.” 

“I’ll do it,” Dean spoke getting up once Castiel was on the sofa. Dean grabbed a blanket from the cabinets covering him with it but to Castiel’s discontentment. Dean walked to the door. “Rest. I’ll wake you up when I get back.”

“Dean-” Castiel tried but Dean left without another word. Castiel slowly sighed curling into himself and pulling the blanket close. He might be annoyed he wasn’t doing his job but…Dean was right. He wanted to rest, feeling more exhausted lately. Castiel sighed feeling himself fading as he closed his eyes to sleep. 

________________________________________________________________________

Dean’s POV:

Dean walked into the drug store, it was late but he figured it was a good time as any to break the news to Castiel he was pregnant. Dean walked down to the pregnancy test aisle, pausing in front of them as he eyed each box. 

Yes, Dean knew he was. 

His proof?

Besides the fact, Castiel was eating and craving Taco Bell for breakfast, lunch…and dinner. 

Castiel spent forty-five minutes yesterday morning crying that he ate his Taco Bell too fast to enjoy it. The crying did not stop till Dean ordered him some more Taco Bell and cuddled with him while he ate it. 

With his morning sickness, Castiel ended up face-first in almost every trash can once a day. 

Dean had tried to recommend they take a test but Castiel always shut that down saying he already had and it was negative. So Dean waited a bit longer for Castiel to logically be able to hopefully test correctly. So he figured some Taco Bell and a pregnancy test will be a nice hint to him they should test again. 

Dean smiled to himself when he noticed the small baby sock that was tossed onto the shelf next to the pregnancy test. He took the small newborn baby socks off the shelf looking at it. 

He had been so focused on his mate it barely registered. 

He…was going to be a daddy, wasn’t he?

He breathed softly looking at those tiny socks with a sense of fondness. A slight fear in his lower belly, it was a nagging feeling. What if he ended up just like his parents? What if he wasn’t a good daddy to their child? Or a good mate to his lover? He swallowed the painful thoughts as he pulled out his phone looking at the lock screen. It was Castiel and Beast, after a hike in the hills. Castiel kneeled to Beast as Beast loved on him. Dean had snapped the photo of Castiel and Beast. It was one of his favorite photos, Castiel with his shorts and a baseball cap looked so cute. 

Just looking at Castiel calmed his fears. 

Every time he looked into Castiel’s smile, he forgot the cruel world around him. 

“Excuse me.” A voice spoke as Dean turned to see a teen girl smiling. “A-Are you Dean Winchester?” 

“I am.” Dean chuckled. 

“I-I’m a big fan.” The girl blushed as she held her phone to her chest. “I-I hate to ask, but can I get a photo?” 

“Yeah.” Dean laughed, she turned around for a selfie which Dean smiled in. She snapped the photo thanking him again as she bounced slightly as she walked towards an older woman in the aisle who glanced over at him. Dean waved kindly going back to focusing on the tests. The woman and teen walked past before the mother paused slightly. 

“I wouldn’t recommend that one.” The older woman spoke as Dean turned to her. The older woman reached over to grab two different tests holding them out to him. “These ones are the best in my opinion, I also recommend taking a couple of different ones to be sure. The one you were holding told me I wasn’t pregnant.”

“Were you?” Dean asked as the woman laughed. 

“You just took a photo with my ‘not pregnant’ results.” The woman shook her head. 

“Thank you.” Dean smiled watching them continue their shopping. Dean took the tests to the front before grabbing some of Castiel’s favorite chocolate on the way out. 

__________________________________________________________________________

Castiel’s POV:

Castiel stirred softly when he heard Dean return setting the food on the desk, Castiel sat up rubbing his eyes. He fell asleep…Castiel rubbed his face getting up when he noticed Dean holding out a small bag to him. Castiel took it softly opening the bag, glancing down at the assortment of chocolate. Castiel’s favorite milk chocolate welcomed him and a small stuffed dog plush which made him smile. Castiel’s smile faded when he noticed the pregnancy test, he paled noticeably as Dean softly kneeled to him. 

“I know you’re scared.” Dean breathed softly touching Castiel’s knee with love. “But I think it’s time…don’t you?” 

“...” Castiel glanced down at the tests in his hand. “...I’m scared.” Dean tilted his head softly keeping his gaze. Dean was so tender as he took his hand kissing him with care. 

“I know,” Dean spoke with love. “...Come on.” Dean softly took Castiel’s hand taking him towards the bathroom. Dean took the two tests from the box with care as Castiel accepted them. Castiel walked into the stall nervously unbuttoning his pants and sitting. Dean leaned against the outside of the stall crossing his arms when Castiel’s hand slid out from under the stall softly pulling at his pants. Dean smiled at his cuteness as he sighed moving to sit on the floor holding his hand. 

It took a bit for Castiel to calm his nerves to go, only letting go of Dean’s hand to flush and leave the stall. Castiel covered the tip of the tests, washing his hands. Dean watch him from the floor as Castiel finished cleaning himself up before he plopped down next to Dean putting the tests on the floor in front of them. Dean softly took his hand as Castiel laid his head on his shoulder. 

“How long?” Castiel whispered as Dean glanced at the box. 

“Three minutes.” Dean hummed looking at his watch as Castiel nodded biting at his lip in nerves. 

Castiel picked at the skin on his lip. He hasn’t done this in a while. When he was younger he used to pick the skin at his lips till they bled. It was a habit his mother and father worked so hard to break in him. When he got stressed he went right back to it. Castiel picked at his lip as Dean eyed him softly noticing Castiel’s habit. Dean held his hands out, and Castiel glanced at them. Castiel hesitantly pulled his hand away from his lips plopping them into Dean’s hand who held them softly. 

When Castiel started to instead bite on his lip, Dean shook his head, leaned in, and kissed him softly distracting him. The kiss was so soft and inviting, Castiel couldn’t help but melt into it. Cupping his face with love, they softly made out in soft loving kisses. Dean slowly broke the kiss to look at his watch before he turned to look at the tests. Castiel tensed feeling his stomach drop, worried he was setting himself to fail. That fluttering in his chest that he could be…would be his undoing. He watched Dean take his hand off of his to take one of the tests into his hands. 

The results must be the same…

Dean turned to Castiel as he slowly brought the test to him, Castiel taking it and cradling the test in his hands as he took in the words. 

Pregnant 

Castiel felt like he got punched in the gut as he started to cry looking at the words. Breaking down, sobbing in happiness. In relief. In all of his wildest dreams…he never imagined this would happen to him. In his thirty-fifth year of life, he never imagined…this being a reality.

“ I love you, mamas .” Dean cooed and Castiel cried harder moving to hug him. 

“I love you so much.” Castiel sobbed as Dean nuzzled him back. Dean softly scooped up Castiel taking him back to the office. 

“Let’s get some food in that belly for our little one.” Dean hummed as Castiel nodded wiping at his tears. “I got Taco Bell, your favorite.”

“...That’s why I was craving Taco Bell.” Castiel sobbed so happily wiping at his face. Dean slowly lowered into Dean’s desk chair. The seat was nice and cushioned compared to the extra chairs in the room. “Wait, this is your chair.”

“You’re my queen, Castiel.” Dean beamed ruffling Castiel’s hair before getting the food from the bag and placing them in front of Castiel. “...Why would I give you anything less than the best?” Castiel blushed at his words. When he noticed Dean’s cell phone going off.

“Dean?” Castiel spoke glancing at his phone, not recognizing the name or number. Dean never talked or called anyone really. He left a lot of people on read and if he was even more lazy, Castiel would message them. Castiel didn’t recognize the number calling him repeatedly and leaving multiple voicemails Dean sighed glancing at the name. “Who is Crowley?”

“Crowley is my PR manager,” Dean mumbled picking up the phone. 

“PR?” Castiel asked.

“Public Relations. He’s the one that keeps me in line and keeps me out of the gossip columns.” Dean lazily declined the call. 

“Should you be doing that?” Castiel asked. 

“Probably not.” Dean shrugged turning his phone off. “He doesn’t call me unless it's an emergency. The last emergency he was calling me off the hook was when I joined a hippie commune to get out of a stockholder meeting, apparently, he had to stop articles from being written…fun times.”

“Dean!” Castiel choked as Dean blinked at him. “He’s calling off the hook.”

“Yeah…” Dean deadpan agreed. 

“Don’t turn off your phone!” Castiel snapped as Dean simply tossed his phone away. “Dean-”

“Dean BLOODY Winchester!” A voice yelled. Castiel jumped seeing the face on the computer screen. Castiel paused seeing a man he didn’t recognize, taking in his pissed-off expression.“...You’re not Dean.” 

“I-I’m Castiel, sir.” Castiel panicked standing and making himself look proper brushing himself off. 

“...Oh, his personal secretary,” Crowley mumbled remembering. Wait…Did Dean not tell him they're married?

“Goodbye, Crowley!” Dean hummed turning towards his computer and hitting a button, making Crowley disappear.

“D-...Did you just hang up on him?!” Castiel choked. Dean eyed him then hesitated slightly. 

“...Would you believe me if I lied?” Dean paused as though seriously thinking maybe it would work. 

“...No!” Castiel scoffed crossing his arms. 

“Dean!” Crowley’s voice snapped as Dean turned toward the TV seeing a short British man and his forehead vein throbbing. 

“...Crowley! A pleasure to see you, sorry. I just…you got something right here. Let me get that for you.” Dean moved to the tv to turn it off but Castiel stopped him. 

“Dean! No!” Castiel spoke blocking the tv. “You can’t just hang up on him!” Dean frowned eyeing Castiel noticeably. “You’ll have to get past me to do it.” Castiel glared crossing his arms. 

“...” Dean eyed Castiel being shorter than him. “Good thing you’re short-” Dean tried to reach over him for the button but Castiel just pushed up on his tippy toes. He wasn’t short just slightly shorter than Dean. 

“Dean,” Crowley growled but Dean threw his head back not willing to go against his mate. Dean plopped into his chair lazily defeated as Castiel smirked amused. 

“What did I do now?” Dean grumbled. 

“Dean…did you take a photo with a fan maybe fifteen minutes ago?” Crowley gritted through clenched teeth. 

“...I don’t remember.” Dean squinted.

“Does this look familiar?” Crowley snapped as a picture was put on the screen. Dean smiling nicely near a young teenage girl in a selfie. Castiel took in the cute photo and how happy the girl was. Castiel smiled affectionately at the selfie. 

“Oh…yeah.” Dean nodded. “She and her mother were very nice.”

“Was she?” Crowley mockingly asked sweetly. “You know she posted this didn’t you?”

“I figured she would.”  Dean shrugged.

“Right…do you see anything wrong with this photo?” Crowley spoke as Dean and Castiel exchanged confused looks. 

“I don’t play ‘Where’s Waldo?’” Dean stated lazily. 

“What’s. In. Your. Hand?” Crowley hissed. That’s when Castiel saw it. Dean stood in front of the pregnancy tests holding a pregnancy test and baby socks. In his hands as he smiled happily in front of the pregnancy test aisle. Castiel flushed hot with embarrassment as articles speculating Dean Winchester's lover and a baby on the way were already posted as Crowley cycled through them. Photos of Dean and anyone he had been seen with ever with question marks next to it.  

Castiel’s stomach turned seeing the speculation already, his face noticeably paling. 

None with him yet, but it was only a matter of time. 

“Now… Who have you been dicking lately?” Crowley asked pissed. 

“ I don’t kiss and tell, ” Dean stated crossing his arms amused. Crowley looked like he was going to strangle him through the screen. 

“WHO THE HELL DID YOU KNOCK UP?!” Crowley hissed when Castiel’s stomach lurched. Castiel turned falling to his knees and vomiting straight into the desk trash can. Dean and Crowley’s eyes moved to Castiel as Crowley’s eyes glared at Dean. “You didn’t…”

“...Surprise?” Dean hummed.

Chapter Text

Dean’s POV:

Dean blinked at Crowley who paced in front of him in their living room, Dean watched him pacing as he tried to think of how to handle this. Dean kept glancing at his phone whenever Crowley was turned away. 

“So…how long has this thing been going on?” Crowley spoke as Dean paused noticeably being a bit of a smart ass. He was a cute smart ass though. He knew that. Castiel sat next to the lazily lounging out Dean. Looking like a child in trouble with his parents. 

So Crowley didn’t know about Castiel, Dean wasn’t a people person, talked to three people daily and all of them worked for him. Charlie when he caught her before he left, Bobby his driver, and his mate. They only mated a month ago and some change. Dean spent two weeks just making love to his mate, and only recently went back to work. He wasn’t social. He only went out if Castiel forced him to. So it was unsurprising to him people were a little late with updates on his life.  

“The pining or the relationship?” Dean questioned with a beaming smile. Castiel just kept looking at his hands shying from Crowley’s gaze.

“The relationship, you knob!” Crowley snapped. Dean counted on his fingers. 

“Just over a month and a week?” Dean stated. Crowley’s face turned a dark purple. 

Was he holding his breath? 

Dean wondered if maybe he should have been a doctor because the more they talked the more Crowley was coloring. Dean heard his doorbell ring which was in the middle of what he was assuming was Crowley having a medical episode. Castiel watched Dean get up in disbelief as Dean answered the door tipping the delivery driver some money and taking the bag of food. Dean returned to the couch handing Castiel the bag. Castiel hesitantly took it surprised. 

“Eat, darling, you’re pale.” Dean breathed softly touching Castiel’s chin with love. “You will throw up if you don’t.” Castiel swallowed taking the food. It wasn’t Taco Bell, Dean figuring Castiel might do with a more balanced meal this time. Dean didn’t pay much attention to Crowley till Castiel took a bite of his food chewing. Crowley angrily started snapping his fingers at Dean gaining his attention, which Dean blinked. 

“Do you not UNDERSTAND the line you crossed impregnating your assistant?!” Crowley spoke. “The lawsuit and drama you could be walking into?!”

“I understand that impregnating my assistant is not a good idea,” Dean stated smugly crossing his arms. “That’s why I was a gentleman and did the proper thing by marrying AND mating him first.”

“Oh. Gentleman, you say?” Crowley laughed before turning to Castiel. “Did you sign a prenup?”

“...No,” Castiel mumbled, Crowley blinked slowly turning to Dean. Dean frowned disliking what Crowley was throwing out there.

“We don’t need it,” Dean crossed his arms. “Castiel is my mate and the mother of my child. Even if we were to separate, he will be taken care of.” Crowley raised an eyebrow. 

“I’m telling your lawyer.” Crowley turned away. 

“No! She’s so scary!” Dean whined. Rowena was a scary person to mess with. She is going to be livid. Dean was scared of only two people in his life. One was Castiel and the other was Rowena. 

“I-I can sign a prenup,” Castiel spoke making them turn. “...If it helps everyone be less mad.”

“No.” Dean turned to him sharply. Castiel blinked before looking down again going back to eating. “If you wanted to be separated for any reason, you won’t have to need one. I’d happily give you all the things you would need without hesitation.” 

“Look, that might save you from Rowena,” Crowley stated making Dean turn to look at him. “But it’s not going to help fix your image.”

“I don’t care about my image,” Dean stated, Crowley growled at him. 

“Well, your company does.” Crowley reminded him. 

“Excuse me?” Castiel spoke making them turn again. “M-May I ask what’s so wrong with us…being together?”

“It’s not you particularly, love.” Crowley sighed realizing he may be coming off too harsh. “There is a power imbalance to dating someone who works under you, not only is it predatory in every aspect of the professional world. These relationships are going to be a scandal.” Castiel coward at that. 

“W-What if I quit?” Castiel choked. “If he’s not my boss it won’t matter, right?”

“Doesn’t matter now, damage has been done. You’re mated and pregnant,” Crowley spoke thinking. “For now, we just have to do damage control. No one thinks it's you anyways.” Crowley turned towards Dean’s big TV in their home. There was a slide show of all the articles posted. 

Castiel tilted his head at the people they assumed Dean was with. Dean glanced as well, most were acquaintances at best. Most were women Dean hung out with. 

“Even when people assume you are straight, they know you have a thing for models,” Castiel mumbled at a slight jab at himself for not fitting that mold. 

“Says a lot about you to being able to beat them out,” Dean mumbled. Castiel blushed at the compliment. Dean saw that as a win Dean hummed to himself. 

“Focus,” Crowley spoke hitting a button showing some comments. “So far there’s a mix of disappointment of you being taken or happy for you, however, they are all curious who won your heart.” Crowley glanced at Dean. “How many people know?” 

“The stockholders, you, Charlie, and Bobby,” Dean explained crossing his legs. “But I would like to keep it that way. Castiel doesn’t deserve the brunt of my fame.” Castiel glanced at him at that. 

“You should have thought of that before knocking him up.” Crowley crossed his arms. “You think you can never see your child in public? Do you think you won’t touch Castiel in public? We may be able to hide it till he starts to show if you keep yourself in check, but the second your assistant starts to show, rumors will begin.” Dean sighed but said nothing. “We don’t want that to happen. We need to keep complete control of this story at all times.

Dean sighed touching Castiel’s knee affectionately. He could tell by Castiel’s look at him Castiel was grateful for Dean trying to protect him from the world. 

“...Stockholders will keep quiet because they love their money supply, scandals could ruin your good reputation in the community…” Crowley nodded mumbling most likely to himself. “If we play this right, we could make this a love story they will never forget. Two hearts so drawn to each other, they have no choice but to fall for each other. Despite trying to deny each other.”

“...What is he going on about?” Dean mumbled to Castiel who turned slowly to him, Dean’s hands naturally went to Castiel’s belly as Castiel continued to pick at his food. Crowley was turning to glare at Dean ready to strangle him. 

“Stop it,” Castiel stated lazily chewing on part of his side salad. “You’re antagonizing him on purpose.” 

“ Am I? ” Dean hummed as Castiel eyed his face amused by him. Dean leaned down softly moving to kiss him, Castiel kissed back with a small peck before yanking Dean’s ear to pay attention.

“Pay attention.” Castiel pointed to Crowley as Dean whined softly, Castiel let go of his ear to eat. 

“...” Crowley eyed Castiel, Dean didn’t have to question what Crowley was thinking. Castiel was the only one able to control him. Dean admitted. He was whipped, he’d do most things Castiel asked of him without fail…but of course, anything but going to stockholder meetings. That one he didn’t think he could give up, even if Castiel was cute enough to most likely convince him. 

“Well?” Dean spoke crossing his leg over the other. 

“Right. Dean, leave.” Crowley stated. 

“Wait, what?” Dean frowned as Crowley turned to him. 

“I need Castiel to be completely honest with me. If he has anything to hide, he won’t say it in front of you.” Crowley spoke sternly. Dean bit at his cheek not really interested in leaving.

“I-It’s okay I can….” Castiel stated, but Crowley’s look told them both he wasn’t going to accept that. “...I’ll be okay Dean,” Castiel stated as Dean frowned standing and walking out of the living room. 

“I’ll take Beast for a walk,” Dean spoke, whistling for Beast who got off his bed and moved to the door and left.

___________________________________________________________________________

Castiel’s POV:

“Now that we are alone…” Crowley spoke as he pulled a chair in front of Castiel. “Tell me about you.”

“Oh.” Castiel recoiled watching Crowley sit in front of him. “...Why me though? I’m just a nobody…”

“No one cares about Dean.” Crowley waved him off. “Being Dean’s mate, your whole life is going to be front-page news. People will hate you. Not because of who you are but who you are with. They will judge you for everything, hate you for nothing but who you love. They will call you ugly yet you will have your face plastered on gossip columns where they will mock you and accuse you of the most atrocious things.”

Castiel’s heart pounded at that. He did live in such a bubble with Dean. Over the last five years, the only thing Dean ever got any attention for outside his work was when a report caught Dean and Castiel eating pizza at a pizzeria Dean loved downtown. What was it that got everyone’s attention and caused a week's worth of debate? 

Dean made a face at Castiel’s pineapple pizza, Castiel had offered him the slice to eat and Dean became a meme with his disgusted face. Bringing back the discussion…does pineapple belong on pizza? 

That uneventful evening was news.

A mating and pregnancy announcement would be even bigger news. 

Crowley was right. Castiel put down his food to touch his stomach shyly. 

“You got family?” Crowley asked. 

“They’re dead,” Castiel explained. “I was an only child and my parents were killed by a drunk driver when I was in my twenties.”

“Ex-boyfriends?” Crowley questioned. “Ex-Husbands? Sex partners?”

“I-...I never even kissed anyone before Dean.” Castiel admitted recoiling at the questions. Crowley sighed seeing how upset those questions made him. 

“...You seem like a smart kid who is on their honeymoon stage, but do you really understand what you signed up for?” Crowley asked softly taking Castiel’s hand with care. “I can tell you love each other but are you ready for the visceral hate you will receive? Having Dean…will be having the world who will criticize every second what you do or say because you will never be good enough for him in their eyes.” Crowley explained. “You will be seen as too old, too ugly, and too unremarkable for such a man as Dean. Though none of it is true…it will be the narrative.”

Castiel said nothing his eyes moving to his stomach, this was going to be hard. He knew that. He never really thought about it till recently. He loved Dean. He loved Dean with every part of his being. This baby was so wanted and loved. Tears were in Castiel’s eyes as he listened to Crowley’s words. 

“I can do this.” Castiel breathed looking up at Crowley. “I love my mate more than anything. I love this baby. I know it will be taxing on me. I don’t care if the whole world hates me. I love him, I’d fight the whole world to be with him….” 

“...” Crowley eyed him as though taking in his answer. “Eat.” Crowley offered him his meal back. “For the baby.” Castiel took it with care wiping his tears and ate his meal. “Alright, from now on you do what I say without argument. We need to make a love story happen before you get too far along. How far are you along?” 

“Maybe a month, maybe less,” Castiel explained. 

“Okay, I can work with that.” Crowley stood grabbing his phone. “I will call on you two shortly. Come without question. I got to make some calls.” Crowley turned walking out the door, leaving Castiel alone. 

_________________________________________________________________________

Castiel’s POV - A couple of days later:

Dean stared at his watch in his office chair as Castiel was getting their stuff ready to go home. He still had pretty bad morning sickness hiccups throughout his days. He also was now revolted by the idea of Taco Bell. He had been craving Hot Cheetos with cream cheese or pickles dipped in Jalapeno ranch. Castiel was pretty sure their child just wanted him to eat straight hot sauce at this point because his meals needed to be hotter than the sun for him to keep it down. Their meals today were Jalapeno poppers with Chiles Rellenos from a Mexican restaurant nearby. 

“It’s two am,” Dean spoke as Castiel turned to look at him. Castiel glanced at the watch on his wrist. 

“Yep,” Castiel spoke as Dean held his hand towards him. Castiel smiled softly walking over and taking his hand. Dean smiled up at him pointing to his lips. 

“...It’s after work hours, now you can love me.” Dean pouted playfully as Castiel rolled his eyes moving to kiss him softly. Dean kissed back holding him close by his waist. Dean stood softly as the kiss progressed lightly pressing him back against the desk. Castiel knew he shouldn’t allow this to continue but his body wasn’t agreeing. Dean pulled off his jacket as Castiel’s hands moved for Dean’s belt opening it. Castiel’s hand slid down his underwear feeling how hard Dean already was. Dean’s hands moved to Castiel’s hair panting at Castiel’s hand on his cock. Castiel smiled eyeing his face as Castiel pulled Dean’s cock out of his pants. Castiel smiled down at his cock, running his thumb over the precum tip. 

Castiel let go of him, licking the precum off his thumb, Dean growled at his teasing. Turning Castiel, bending him over much to Castiel’s delight. Castiel shivered when Dean yanked down his slacks roughly exposing his hole to him. Castiel slightly parted his legs more to Dean, Dean smirking at how wet he was. Castiel buried his face into his arms as he gripped the desk. 

Dean moved behind him pressing his cock against his hole, which Castiel’s nails gripped into the desk. When Dean slammed into him, Castiel gasped in relief and pleasure. Dean starting to pound him. It was delicious and so needed. Castiel moaned as Dean pounded him right, Castiel panted just taking him so well. Dean leaned over him gripping his wrist as he took him. Dean fucked him just right. 

The sound of their skin slapping against each other was loud in the room when Dean’s work phone started to go off. Castiel panted looking at the phone beside him. Crowley. 

“D-Dean. C-Crowley! I-If you don’t answer he’ll just pop up on the tv and see us!” Castiel panted blushing as Dean stopped thrusting. Castiel let out a panting breath trying to catch his breath, left completely horny and desperate for an orgasm. He could almost whine that he wasn’t fucked to completion. However, Dean frowned noticeably as he simply pushed the talk button.

“Speak,” Dean called as Castiel covered his mouth when Dean thrust slowly into him. Castiel’s heart pounded in his chest as he continued to be fuck by Dean.

“I was worried I missed you,” Crowley spoke as Dean thrust slowly and easily into Castiel. Castiel breathed roughly through his nose trying to keep it down. 

“I’m just about to head out the door,” Dean stated, Castiel biting down at his lip to keep it down. 

“Is Castiel there?” Crowley spoke as Dean smirked thrusting a bit harder into Castiel. 

“Cas? Say hello!” Dean hummed into his ear.

“P-” Castiel swallowed a gasp. “P-Present.” Castiel clamped his mouth shut. 

“Is he okay?” Crowley asked. “He can’t be sick-” 

“He’s fine, you know how pregnant people are,” Dean spoke roughly rocking into Castiel. Castiel bit his lip reaching back for Dean needing him so much harder and rougher. But Dean kept his thrusts silent and unregistered by Crowley.

“Tomorrow, I have a day planned for you, so I need you rested. I already hired a photographer to take staged photos to have your budding romance play out.” Crowley spoke. “I need you up around twelve tomorrow, looking nice and casual okay? I’ll pick you both up at twelve.” 

“Will do,” Dean spoke hitting the end call button. Castiel let go of his mouth when the call ended, Dean returning to slam into him. Castiel gasped in pleasure looking back at Dean fucking him. 

“Yes! Yes! Yes!” Castiel screamed loudly in pleasure, Dean growling as he bit into his shoulder lightly when they came. Dean groaned spilling into his mate as Castiel collapsed onto the desk tiredly. Dean pulled out of him, slowly fixing himself into his slacks. Castiel panted feeling satisfied as Dean helped sit him up. He was slowly fixing Castiel’s pants before he pulled him close and kissed him. 

“Let’s go home.” Dean broke the kiss to whisper. 

“You’re going to have to carry me. I don’t think I can walk…” Castiel whispered as Dean laughed rubbing their nose affectionately before Dean happily scooped up his mate making him laugh as they made their way down to their car to go home.

___________________________________________________________________________

Later that morning: 

Castiel sat drinking some tea while reading the newspaper, they were up at noon which wasn’t Dean’s cup of tea. Dean was tiredly getting dressed. Castiel glanced up when the door opened, Crowley walking in. Beast glanced up from his food bowl from them as Crowley greeted the dog who ran over. 

“Ah, Castiel,” Crowley spoke patting Beast before Crowley ushered him to stand and twirl, so Castiel did. Castiel was wearing just jeans and a simple T-shirt.  “You look adorable. Perfect. You just need one thing. Go find this hoodie from Dean’s closet.” Crowley pulled out his phone showing Castiel a large zip-up hoodie Dean wore before in a paparazzi photo. Dean was half asleep drinking coffee in the photo, it looked like it was before they met. Since Dean didn’t go anywhere without Castiel at his heel. It was a faded emerald green hoodie that Dean wore a lot. Castiel nodded, slowly going up the stairs, Dean was finishing sliding on his shoes looking half asleep. 

“Crowley’s here,” Castiel spoke moving to Dean. Dean whined softly as Castiel cupped his face eyeing him, before kissing him softly. “Go downstairs as soon as your ready, I made you coffee.”

“Thank you, love,” Dean mumbled tiredly. Getting up he paused seeing Castiel go into his closet looking for his clothes. “What are you looking for?” 

“The green hoodie you wear, I’ve seen it recently…” Castiel stated trying to think when when Dean whistled tossing it from the bed. 

“I wore it last night,” Dean spoke as Castiel caught it. Castiel ushered him towards the stairs as he followed. Crowley turned at their entering smiling at them. 

“Alright, you both look good. Dean put on the hoodie.” Crowley spoke as Castiel handed Dean the hoodie. Dean put it on before lightly zipping it up. 

“So what are the plans for today?” Dean asked tiredly, Castiel walked over grabbing the coffee Castiel had made Dean. Dean took it, having a sip. 

“You guys are going on a coffee date with Beast,” Crowley spoke holding out hats to them and sunglasses for Dean. “You will laugh, smile and eventually give him your hoodie. I have hired a photographer to get some candid photos and when you leave. I don’t want kissing, I don’t want affection. I want you friends except for the romantic hoodie pass okay? I want fanfiction about you two. I want people to pair you. If the internet thinks they got you together, the backlash will be less and you’ll have people who love you who will defend you. They will feel part of getting you together.” 

Castiel nodded nervously as Dean just downed his coffee before patting his face and walking to grab Beast. 

__________________________________________________________________________

The coffee shop:

They sat outside on the balcony of this really nice cafe, it had a view of the ocean and Beast was able to enjoy the outing as well. Castiel was happily enjoying the assortment of food they provided. Which was great because he learned when he ate, he was less likely to throw up. So Castiel happily was stuffing his face. It was nice out, except for the cold wind from the ocean. It wasn’t long before Castiel was freezing. Dean softly took off his hoodie, holding it out to him. Castiel smiled at him softly as he slid on the hoodie. 

“Where do you think the photographer is?” Castiel asked, enjoying Dean's scent surrounding him. He had to stop from burying his face into the hoodie.

“He’s on that fishing boat out in the ocean,” Dean spoke. “One of them anyways. I assumed Crowley hired a couple.” Castiel slowly turned to look but Dean laughed. “Don’t look.” 

“Sorry…I’m not used to being spied on.” Castiel snorted popping another sweet into his mouth. 

“You get used to it,” Dean admitted shuffling softly. “It's going to be hard at first, but you’ll forget the people watching.” 

“How did you get used to it?” Castiel asked sipping his tea. 

“I mean, I have been under someone’s eye most of my childhood. CPS. Foster Care.” Dean explained softly. “I’ve kinda grown numb to it. So being famous hasn’t been much of anything for me.” Castiel looked sadly at him. “It’s fine. I’m over it. Really. It builds character.” Dean took a sip of his coffee. “...Though I have to admit, I slightly worry I won’t know how to be a good father when I never had parents who could teach me…what if I suck?” 

“...Dean,” Castiel whispered softly touching his stomach with care. “You don’t have to try to be a good parent, you already are. You sit and rub my back during morning sickness, you make me rest and take it easy when I’m too stubborn too, and you’ve been so understanding about my cravings-” Castiel started to tear up fanning his face. “Shit. The baby’s going to make me cry.” 

“Don’t cry.” Dean teased. “Hold back the pregnancy hormones.” 

“I’m trying.” Castiel laughed blinking his tears away. 

“Ugh, It’s gross how much I want to kiss you.” Dean breathed. 

“It’s very gross.” Castiel snorted as Dean eyed him with his face. Dean got a message on his phone as he nodded to Castiel.

“Crowley wants us to head down the street. Finish your cake pops and I’ll order us food on the way.” Dean spoke getting up. Castiel popped the last cake pop into his mouth as they got up. Dean slid his hands into his pocket, stopping himself from touching him. They walked out of the cafe and walked down the street towards their limo parked a bit away. Dean kept him busy from his nerves, talking and joking with him the whole way to the car. When he got to the car, Castiel finally relaxed curling into Dean. Dean held him close as they drove him. 

“Think it worked?” Castiel asked as Dean glanced at his watch and showed a text from Crowley. 

“Crowley seems to think so. Said good job.” Dean yawned curling to Castiel as well. Dean held him by the waist touching his stomach with care. Castiel sighed closing his eyes tired as well. “Let’s call off tomorrow since we haven’t really slept-....” Dean rubbed his face but when he looked down Castiel was already fast asleep. Dean smiled to himself softly kissing his mate’s forehead before curling to himself and holding him till they got home.

Chapter Text

Castiel’s POV - One month later:

Castiel tiredly rubbed his face glancing at the magazines on the rack as he waited for the breakfast sandwiches at this little bodega. His face was plastered on the magazine. Little dates Dean and him have been on throughout the last month. The one in question he was staring at was the museum date where they were laughing and holding hands and walking around. It was a fun date, to be honest. Though they were trying to manipulate the public perspective about them before the baby bomb, he had to admit Crowley planned some cute dates. Castiel loved the museum, he got to see really cool stuff up close. Which he didn’t think about doing. He just loved the new things they were trying. 

They were out on one of the dates now which involved a cute trip to the bookstore, which Castiel was excited to go to anyways. Castiel had been wanting to get back into reading since he hasn’t read a book since before his parents passed. Castiel picked up the magazine glancing at the article about them. 

Rumors about Dean Winchester and Castiel Novak began a couple of months ago when they were spotted together on an intimate coffee date. According to a source, the couple has been seeing each other exclusively for a few months, and "they really like each other." They also said, "Dean has been enamored by him for years. Dean finally pulled the trigger on their relationship after he had been pining for him for years. I've never seen them so happy."

They weren’t wrong. 

Castiel was sure the source was Crowley. 

Castiel snapped out of his thoughts when the breakfast sandwiches were held out to him. Castiel lit up taking it from the vendor, sliding a hundred-dollar bill into the tip jar. Curtsey of Dean, who knew going to the vendor might draw them a crowd. 

Castiel smiled affectionately seeing Dean with a child on his shoulders playing with them. The kid was giggling as Dean talked to the parents rocking him side to side. They had asked him for a photo on their walk the wife recognized Dean as they walked by. It formed a little crowd on the sidewalk as Dean talked to them. 

“Sorry, he’s not usually this affectionate with strangers.” The mother blushed that her son wanted to be in Dean’s arms. 

“Don’t worry about it, I’m quite honored,”  Dean asked affectionately at the boy on his shoulders as the boy slid his hands into his hair. “How old is he?”

“Two.” The father laughed. “Got any kids of your own?”

“Ah,” Dean smiled affectionately, there was an obvious hesitation to a knee-jerk reaction of Dean’s to say their bundle was on the way. Castiel was glad his hands were full otherwise he might have touched his baby bump at how much Dean lit up. “...Not presently.” 

Castiel was estimated about two months along, his stomach very slightly growing every day. The benefit of being Dean’s mate was they were able to have in-home doctor’s visits. At the last check-up, the doctor confirmed the baby was growing perfectly. Speaking of the baby, he was starving. Castiel glanced at the breakfast sandwich in his hand taking a bite and watching his mate socialize. 

“So weird seeing a celebrity in public.” A man spoke making Castiel turn. Castiel took in the man about his height. He was a beta judging by his scent. “People treat them as if they were gods walking among mortal men.” Castiel smiled softly at that. “They are just normal people too.”

“It’s kinda weird when you think about it,” Castiel admitted. 

“Think he hates it?” The man asked. 

“Oh, no. He loves it.” Castiel sighed affectionately. “He says he hates people but I think he loves them. He’ll talk to them for hours if I let him. Especially if they got kids. He’s great with kids.” 

“I’m sorry.” The man laughed. “I didn’t realize you knew him. I feel a bit embarrassed I was talking about your friend there.” 

“It’s okay, I’m no one special.” Castiel laughed finishing the last bite of his breakfast sandwich. 

“I’m Gabriel.” The man spoke holding out his hand.

“Castiel.” Castiel beamed shaking it before biting into the second sandwich. 

“So you and your friend normally just take random strolls like this in public?” Gabriel asked. 

“Not normally,” Castiel admitted. “I usually go without him places. Especially if I want to be out of there quick.”

“Yeah, I bet,” Gabriel spoke eyeing Castiel for a moment before smiling softly. “Sorry, I know this is a bit forward…but would you like to go for some drinks sometime?” 

Castiel blushed in surprise, his face flushing with pink as he swallowed the food he was eating. Castiel hadn’t been hit on before besides by Dean. It was a nice surprise but admittedly jarring. Castiel didn’t know how to react as he shyly took a step back and picked at the skin near his fingernails. 

“I-I’m sorry, I’m mated actually.” Castiel choked shyly.

“Oh.” Gabriel seemed taken aback almost embarrassed. “Sorry, I didn’t realize-” 

“I-It’s okay.” Castiel laughed covering his face softly trying to hide his blush. It was nice to be hit on for once in his life, but he wasn’t in the slightest interested. Gabriel eyed him affectionately taking in Castiel’s adorable reaction to being hit on. 

“So, how long have you and your partner been together?” Gabriel asked. 

“A couple of months.” Castiel beamed before realizing that sounded bad. “W-We’ve known each other for years, of course. I didn’t just settle down with the first person who looked at me.” Castiel paused. That’s exactly what he did though.

“Congratulations.” Gabriel laughed affectionately. “I noticed you don’t have a ring on your finger…are you guys the more traditional type where the bite says it all?” 

“Oh…We plan to wear rings eventually. Dean’s big on displays of affection so he’s been been looking to find the perfect ring. I told him I didn’t need any of that, I would marry him with paper rings but he insisted. It’s just his love language.” Castiel nodded shyly looking at his hand. “I really can’t wait to marry him, I really love him…I didn’t believe in true love till-” 

“Cas,” Dean spoke gaining Castiel’s attention. Dean’s eyes were on Gabriel who was a bit close for Dean’s liking. Gabriel under the gaze took a step back respectfully. Not interested in a fight if he provoked the alpha. “Are we ready to go?” 

“Yes, I got your sandwich-” Castiel paused realizing he ate more than half of Dean’s sandwich. “...Um. This is Gabriel, Gabriel this is Dean.” Castiel turned to the stand asking for another sandwich for Dean…and ordering himself some more. 

“Nice to meet you,” Dean spoke as Gabriel shook his hand. Castiel finished the sandwich while Dean greeted him.

“Likewise,” Gabriel spoke. “Castiel was just telling me about you.” Dean moved to put an arm around Castiel’s waist from behind as Castiel turned to face him. 

“Really? Good things I hope.” Dean stated. 

“He was just telling me about your mating-” Gabriel spoke as Dean laughed affectionately.

“Maybe one day.” Dean smiled. “Excuse us, we need to get going.” Castiel’s smile fell at Dean’s words realizing Gabriel caught on that Dean and Castiel gave different answers to the mating thing. 

Damn it, Cas.

A stranger flirts with you for the first time and you forget yourself.  

You had one job. 

His eyes went wide as Gabriel smirked softly eyeing Castiel. Dean turned to get the food paying the man with another one hundred dollar bill. Castiel held his breath as Gabriel winked at him tipping his hat and walking away into the crowd. “Here, darling.” 

Castiel jumped at his voice taking the sandwich offered to him, Dean eyed him concerned. 

“You look pale, are you alright?” Dean asked. 

“I-I’m fine.” Castiel lied turning to look for that guy but he was long gone. “R-Ready to go?” Dean nodded. Dean took a bite of his sandwich as they walked towards the bookstore. 

__________________________________________________________________________

Later that night:

Castiel lay on the couch chewing on some hot Cheetos as his legs were over Dean’s lap as he sat next to him rubbing his stomach. Dean always had a hand on his stomach when they lounged together. Castiel hoped this baby how knew how much they already loved them already. Dean was constantly holding his little bump in some way. Dean sometimes did it in public but he would instead grab Castiel’s hand stopping himself from the touch. It was cute how polite he was about his stomach, Dean would hover his hand over Castiel’s stomach, wait for Castiel to acknowledge him with an approving nod before he touched his loving bump. Castiel sighed contently when he noticed Dean’s phone going off on the coffee table. Dean and Castiel’s eyes left the tv to see Crowley’s name popping up on his phone. 

Maybe Crowley was calling…to say hi?

What if he somehow found out about Castiel’s mistake earlier today with Gabriel?

“Ignore it.” Castiel chewed moving Dean’s hand to rub his stomach, which Dean happily did. 

Dean’s hand slid over his stomach, his eyes watching the new episode of Doctor Sexy . Castiel didn’t mind the show but Dean was obsessed. Dean begged Castiel to watch all fifteen seasons of the show, which they were slowly going through. Castiel and Dean watched a couple of episodes per night. Castiel was pretty sure they were on Season four. Dean said that was the best season because Dean’s favorite love interest for Doctor Sexy comes in. 

Fire Fighter Ashtel saves Doctor Sexy from death by pulling him from the burning underground coal mine. The fire was so hot, Doctor Sexy has a hand mark burned into his shoulder- Dean and Castiel’s eyes left the tv to see Crowley’s name popping up on his phone. 

Shit.

“That’s probably not good,” Dean spoke stealing a Hot Cheeto, Castiel turned the bag over to Dean so he can enjoy some.

“Ignore him,” Castiel spoke looking spooked as Dean slowly turned to him squinting at him. Castiel’s face paled at Dean’s gaze.

“...What do you do?” Dean questioned mischievously. 

“I-I…” Castiel choked as the phone went off again. Castiel winced looking away. “...I might have fucked up.” 

“So you’re avoiding the problem?” Dean asked as Castiel slowly nodded popping another chip into his mouth. “...I’m rubbing off on you.” Castiel eyed him amused. 

“It’s our child’s fault. They have too much of you that it’s affecting me and my choices.” Castiel stuck his tongue out. Dean cooed at the baby bump.

“Want to run away before Crowley kills Mommy?” Dean chuckled as Castiel rolled his eyes affectionately. “Saint Lucia is pretty this time of year or we can go back to Italy.” 

“Italy was pretty.” Castiel nodded with a sigh. 

They had gone on one-week vacations once per year. The first year they went, after Dean’s airport stunt, Dean did eventually go to Italy dragging Castiel with him. Castiel should have realized maybe Dean was hitting on him dragging him to tourist groups, taking selfies, having wonderful expensive meals, and hiking. Dean even had a photo from Peru when they hiked Machu Picchu Mountain, Castiel smiling towards Dean as he gave Beast love. Now that he thought about it, maybe Dean having a picture of him and Beast as his cellphone wallpaper for years should have been a sign Dean might of had feelings…

“Is your cellphone background still me and Beast from like three years ago?” Castiel asked making Dean chuckle. 

“What else would it be?” Dean asked as Castiel nodded chewing on a chip. “What’s yours?” 

“...” Castiel paused noticeably slowly chewing. Dean made a face suspiciously squinting at him. Dean and Castiel’s eyes left the tv to see Crowley’s name popping up on Castiel’s phone sitting on the coffee table next to Dean’s. 

“He’s calling you now. He’s desperate.” Dean snickered grabbing for the phone. “Should I answer?” 

“No,” Castiel spoke but Dean just declined the call to look at his background. “Great, you declined him, he’s going to know we are ignoring him and aren’t just asleep.”

“...” Dean stared at the background on Castiel’s phone. Castiel paused realizing Dean was looking at his background. Dean slowly turned the phone to him. “...Really? The Pineapple Pizza meme of Me disgusted?” Castiel looked away hiding his smile and turning away chewing on the hot Cheetos a blush on his face. 

“It’s… really funny,” Castiel mumbled snickering. “I laugh every time I see it.”

“...I’m telling Crowley on you.” Dean started to dial Crowley’s number as Castiel yelped moving to snatch the phone from him. 

Castiel moved his chips and straddled Dean trying to take it back, however…Somehow in the playful teasing their lips moved lustfully against each other. Dean let go of the phone to hold Castiel, slowly grabbing Castiel’s hips and rolling them slowly. Castiel moaned but quickly and playfully pushed the phone off the couch and onto the floor. Dean broke the kiss to chuckle shaking his head but Castiel smiled pulling him back into lustful kisses. Castiel rolled his hips grinding against Dean as Dean moaned loudly. Castiel broke the kiss to top off his shirt, he got the shirt halfway off before the TV changed from the show to Crowley. 

“Which one of you talked to a reporter?!” Crowley snapped as Castiel ripped his shirt back down climbing off Dean cursing. Dean sat up glancing at Crowley lazily. Castiel looked embarrassed sitting as far away from Dean on the couch fixing his shirt. 

“What did I do?” Dean asked as Crowley turned to him with a glare. Castiel blinked surprised. Dean…just took his wrath for him.

“Did you speak to a man named Gabriel when you went out today?” Crowley growled. Dean’s eyes moved to Castiel who wanted to crawl into a hole and die. Dean watched Castiel try to grow smaller wrapping a blanket around him as a security blanket worried he was about to be in trouble. Dean turned back to Crowley.

“I talked to people all the time, I’m not a name person. Darling, am I a people person?” Dean asked..

“No, you are not,” Castiel stated slowly chewing on a hot cheeto unable to look Crowley in the eye. 

“Does this ring a bell?” Crowley snapped. 

Dean and Castiel: A match made in heaven!

A source close to Dean and Castiel has revealed that the couple have been mated for the past two months and are planning an official wedding shortly. The source confirmed the future wedding saying that Dean's love language is grandiose displays of affection and that he painstakingly examined every ring in the world until he found the perfect one for Castiel. Dean and Castiel are incredibly happy together and they are looking forward to spending the rest of their lives together.

Castiel pursed his lips looking away as Dean was laughing to himself. Yep, Castiel fucked up. Castiel should own up to it, it was his mistake. He let a flirting man woo him out of this information without much effort on his part. He didn’t want to explain to Dean why he caved and told him. 

“Ah, yeah. My bad.” Dean beamed as Castiel looked at him with a soft pout tears in his eyes. What a good mate. “We just got to talking and I can’t know when to shut up.”

“Well, you ruined months of my efforts in a matter of seconds.” Crowley snapped. 

“Oops?” Dean winced as Crowley frowned. 

“Don’t oops me, I have to do damage control. People are saying Castiel’s a harlot after your money, mating so quickly into dating.” Crowley snapped. “I will fix this, you keep your mouth shut to the press!”

“Will do.” Dean saluted as Crowley disappeared from the screen. Castiel instantly broke down crying into his hands as Dean moved to him. “Don’t cry, Crowley will fix their opinions. It’s okay.” 

“You lied to protect me.” Castiel sobbed crawling into Dean’s lap. Dean sighed with love rocking him softly. “I’m so sorry I talked to him. Are you mad at me?”  

“Hey, it’s okay.” Dean breathed holding Castiel cradled in his arms. He loved him so much. He hoped Dean wasn’t upset with him. Castiel buried his face into Dean’s neck and held him tightly. “I love you, I’m not mad at you. I promise to tell you if I ever get upset with you but I’m not. I’m happy.”

“Happy?” Castiel choked with a sniff. 

“I can be less reserved about the whole thing.” Dean shrugged. “I want to love you openly and publicly without hesitation. Now I don’t just have to hold your hand. I can just love you. Kiss you. I don’t have to play coy and act like I don’t want to take you into the nearest building to fuck you.” Castiel blushed at that as Dean bit at his mating mark. “You’re mine and I want the whole world to know it. To see your mark with my claim, to see your stomach swell with my seed and to be jealous they didn’t get you first.” 

“...” Castiel shied at his words sitting up. “N-No one would be jealous enough to want me.” 

“No one?” Dean cooed his eyes flashing red as he lightly grabbed at Castiel’s throat. Castiel’s eyes flashed blue at the light grip. “Let me show you how much no one wants you.” 

Dean growled, Castiel’s lips parted in lust when Dean turned and pinned him to the couch. Castiel gasped in pleasure looking up into Dean’s red eyes. Dean let go of his neck to pull and tug off Castiel’s bottoms and underwear. Castiel shivered as Dean slid him into his mouth, Castiel panted gripping Dean’s hair as his legs tightened around his head. Castiel arched his back gripping his free hand on the couch. Allowing Dean to show him anything and everything he’d like. 

________________________________________________________________________

A week later:

Castiel winced at the flashing lights of the cameras as Dean and him walked towards an event Dean was attending. It was a charity event, and though Dean hated parties in general, he always attended Charity events. Castiel wore a classic piece royal blue suit which Dean said brought out his eyes, Dean wore a modern dark green peak lapel tuxedo. Dean held a hand around Castiel’s waist holding him close. 

“Look at me.” Dean breathed softly as Castiel turned to face him. Castiel smiled softly seeing his mate trying to comfort him. “Eyes hurt?” 

“I’ll never get used to it,” Castiel admitted shyly. Dean eyed his mate pressing a loving kiss to his nose. Which earned more frenzies in the reporters. 

“CASTIEL!”  The reporters called in unison. “DEAN!”

“We just need to speak to a couple of reporters,” Dean whispered to him. “Only speak if you feel comfortable.” Castiel nodded nervously. Dean moved up on the carpet to the reporters waiting to talk to them. 

“Dean!” A woman spoke as Dean happily lead them over to them. There were some reporters already set up for them by Crowley’s insistence. 

“ Bela, ” Castiel whispered to Dean. Castiel was given knowledge of who they were to speak to and the reporter's name by Crowley so they were more personable. 

“Hello, Bela.” Dean beamed as the reporter smiled. 

“Dean, it’s a pleasure to see you again. I believe we haven’t interviewed since the Christmas charity ball.” Bela smiled eyeing him with care and she turned to Castiel. “I remember you, Castiel. How are you?”

“Well.” Castiel nodded shyly. “Not used to being in the spotlight, so it's a big change.”

“Don’t worry, love. You get used to it.” Bela smiled. “Crowley has…approved some questions and don’t worry. I’m going to make sure to be as easy with the questions as possible. I know I’m your first official interview as a couple. So I’m happy to do whatever I can for you.” 

“Thanks.” Castiel breathed as Bela turned to the camera. The cameraman nodded counting down. Bela started with the intro of the interviews. 

“So the men of the hour, people have not stopped talking about you since the news broke of you dating. I know there have been a lot of rumors swirling, but nothing has been confirmed. So I have humbly come to ask, Are you or are you not mated? The whole world wants to know if Dean Winchester is off the market for good.” Dean and Castiel exchanged a glance before Dean turned to Bela. 

“We may have been dishonest about our dating timeline when we came out publicly.” Dean breathed smoothly. “It’s my fault, entirely. I wanted to baby step him into the spotlight. But Yes, when we came out as a couple, it was a few weeks after we mated.” 

“Congratulations!” Bela laughed as Dean smiled. “Are you guys more of the traditionalist where the mating mark is enough or are you more modern mating couples who will have a wedding?” 

“Thank you!” Dean smiled. “We consider ourselves a more modern couple, I want to have a wedding. I want to celebrate our love with friends and family. So of course, we want to have a party of sorts to join our union so a wedding was an obvious choice.”

“Any date set?” Bela asked as Castiel lit up.

“August Twent-” Castiel started but Dean touched his shoulder.

“Darling, don’t get too specific,” Dean explained. “For security reasons. Just let them know in the fall. Once we are married we can go into the details.”

“O-Oh,” Castiel spoke shying away. 

“Bela, can you cut that and re-ask?” Dean asked as Bela nodded before clearing her throat and starting again holding the mic to Castiel.

“In the fall,” Castiel stated shyly. 

“Any plans for a little mini-me in the future?” Bela asked. Dean’s face lit up at the question. 

“We will just have to wait and see, won’t we?” Dean beamed. Bela squealed softly. Castiel smiled at Dean, having to physically hold himself back from touching his stomach.

“Just a few questions for Castiel if that is alright?” Bela asked. 

“Sure.” Castiel nodded.  

“Castiel, you are what everyone is talking about. The world is going to want to know more about you. Who was the man who stole Dean Winchester’s heart.” Bela spoke. “We’d love to get-” 

“E-Excuse me.” Castiel felt a lurch in his stomach, Castiel clamped his hand over his mouth jolting into the event without another word. Dean looked concerned but had to try to cover this up.

“Sorry, he’s shy-,” Dean spoke before Castiel was too far away to hear him. Castiel found the bathroom quickly throwing himself into the toilet stall and vomiting up anything he had in his stomach. His morning sick had gotten better, but it wasn’t gone. Dean must be trying to cover up why he was vomiting. 

“ Thanks, baby. ” Castiel breathed as he flushed the toilet. 

Taking a second to soothe his stomach with loving rubs and attention he assumed the baby was asking for. Castiel whispered soothingly to the baby when he heard the bathroom door being opened. He heard the shoes of someone walking but it must not be Dean since didn’t call out to him. Castiel quietly stood flushing the toilet once again shyly and walked out of the stall. He was surprised to see the reporter Gabriel there, he tensed noticeably before he just moved to the sink. Moving to wash his hands in the sink as Gabriel stared at him. He could see him at the corner of his eye. 

“I saw you run into here,” Gabriel spoke as Castiel didn’t look up at him. “I wanted to talk to you.”

“About what?” Castiel asked coldly. 

“I’m sorry I betrayed your trust like that,” Gabriel spoke fixing his suit. “I know you aren’t part of this life, I should have told you who I was and not-”

“Not what? Use me for a story?” Castiel turned snapping at him. 

“ Use is a harsh word.” Gabriel tried but Castiel just turned to leave. Gabriel moved grabbing his wrist and stopping him with care. “Look, I’m sorry. I may have used what you told me for an article but let me be clear-” Gabriel started. 

“You lied to me to get a story, what more clear can you be?” Castiel yanked his wrist back crossing his arms. 

“Look, I’m a bit of a trickster, you have to be in this line of work,” Gabriel admitted with a shrug. “I didn’t want to hurt you or make you upset, I just wanted to apologize.”

“Why do you care if I was hurt or upset anyways?” Castiel snapped. 

“...Because I wasn’t kidding about the coffee date.” Gabriel smiled softly making Castiel blush. 

“...What?” Castiel choked going a shade redder. “...A-Are you hitting on me again? Why?” 

“...Just because I’m a bit scummy doesn’t mean I’m blind.” Gabriel eyed him. “...Maybe once you and Dean are through you’ll keep me in mind.” Castiel’s stomach twisted into a knot at that. 

“T-Through?” Castiel choked. “...W-What do you mean? We’re mates.”

“I mean, he’s a celebrity.” Gabriel shrugged. “Relationships with them never work out. Why do you think Celebrities mate celebrities? Because normal people like us can’t handle the spotlight for long. The pressures. The hate. The whole world wondering when you shit. If Dean doesn’t leave you for a younger and more beautiful model-” Castiel flinched at his words like they stung when the bathroom door opened. 

Dean slowly walked in eyeing the exchange taking in the tears in Castiel’s eyes and the man he recognized as Gabriel. Dean slowly walked over to his mate raising his chin and making him glance into his eyes. 

“Are you okay?” Dean whispered, Castiel nodded he was in response. Dean turned his full attention to Gabriel glaring at him coldly. Dean turned to walk towards him as Gabriel tried to put his hands up and started to defend himself. Before Gabriel could get out a word, Dean sucker-punched him. Gabriel felt like a log gripping his nose groaning in pain, blood gushing between his fingers. 

“D-Dean!” Castiel choked but Dean coldly pulled out his wallet tossing one hundred bills at him lazily like he was below him. Belittling and dehumanizing him, tossing the money at him ‘buying’ his silence on the matter. 

“Let’s skip the assault charge. That’s more than enough, right?” Dean cooed coldly as Gabriel nodded slowly. “ Say thank you .” He was reminding the man how below him he was. Dean always treated people well. He never would do something like this normally. Mocking the man by making him thank you. 

“T-...Thank you.” Gabriel mumbled begrudgingly. Dean smirked in satisfaction turning he held his arm out to Castiel who took it with care. Dean walked out leaving Gabriel bleeding on the floor. Castiel looked up at Dean in awe his eyes looking so lovingly at him. Dean had protected him, Castiel's heart was so full as he laid his head on his shoulder as they walked heading to enjoy the event. 

Chapter Text

One month later:

Castiel’s hand slid over his round belly as he sat up with heartburn, his stomach was rounding much to Dean’s delight. His hands always wanted to be on his belly. Castiel popped some heartburn medication as he left the bed heading downstairs. Beast followed down after him heading down to the kitchen. Castiel was trying to be quiet but the baby was craving a snack. Castiel opened the fridge grabbing for ice cream. Castiel contently grabbed a spoon to eat it as Beast stared up at him. 

Beast contently sniffed Castiel’s belly, which Castiel smiled fondly. He wondered if Beast understood they were about to have a baby, that he would be a big brother. Beast was obsessed with his belly and always laid his head close to his stomach. Castiel leaned down kissing Beast giving him a treat before walking towards the living room sofa. Castiel turned on the TV as he curled up to watch some TV, he kept it down to hopefully not wake up Dean but it wasn’t long till heavy steps moved down the stairs. Castiel turned blinking as a lump of blankets collapsed next to him. 

“Miss me?” Castiel chuckled softly as Dean and Beast fought for his lap, but Dean eventually won making Beast move to lie on the floor at his feet. Dean sighed half asleep, slowly going back to sleep. Castiel shook his head at how cute Dean was. Dean hated being too far away from him and admittedly Castiel loved it. 

Castiel paused when Beast stood up growling towards the front door, Castiel looked over his shoulder at the front door. Beast started to bark which made Dean wince at the noise. 

“Beast?” Castiel asked softly as Dean sat up. Beast was going crazy at the door barking and growling. Dean sat up tiredly, looking towards the door. 

“House, front door camera,” Dean mumbled as the TV switched to the security camera. Dean frowned seeing two teenagers off-screen arguing they must have hopped the fence. If they were thieves, they were doing a shitty job. They were young so Castiel was sure it was kids trying to do a dare or something. Dean watched them verbally fighting in hushed whispers till one walked off camera, and the second took a seat on the step looking like he was crying. Castiel slowly got up, his heart breaking for the boy as he got up. 

“Cas,” Dean whispered with worry but Castiel had thrown open the door. Beast shot out of the door as Castiel turned on the light. The boy on the step shot up, he was crying. Tears slid down his face as he wiped them roughly looking in fear of the dog. 

“Beast. Heel.” Castiel spoke as the dog plopped onto it’s butt. Castiel’s eyes moved to the taller boy who froze in front of him tears in his eyes. “Are you alright?” Castiel asked with care a hand on his stomach naturally as Dean popped in behind him. “Are you guys lost?” 

“N…No.” The boy shied into himself looking away. 

“Where’s the second boy?” Dean asked suspiciously. “You better tell him to come out or I’ll call the cops.” 

“Please don’t call the cops.” The teen begged before turning around holding his backpack straps. “Adam.” The teen called in fear as the second teen slowly came up from behind the car he hid behind. The second teen slowly moved to them standing beside the other boy who exchanged looks. 

“How old are you?” Dean eyed them. 

“Fourteen.” The boys answered as Dean eyed them. 

“Come on in, it’s cold,” Castiel reassured. “I’ll put some hot chocolate on.” Dean frowned at this but Castiel was already ushering them in. Castiel touched Dean’s chest with care patting him to calm the alpha reassuring them the boys were no threat. Castiel walked them to the kitchen and started to make them hot cocoa. The boys sat at the bar in the kitchen looking around at the expensive house. “Are you boys hungry?” Castiel handed them some hot cocoa. 

“W-...We don’t want to put you out.” Adam breathed shyly. 

“Don’t tell him that.” Dean chuckled. “He’s going to make you a feast.” 

“Hush.” Castiel cupped Dean’s face with care as he started to grab supplies for a meal for everyone. “I was hungry anyway.” Dean eyed him momentarily before he turned to the boys who looked down shyly at his gaze. 

“You guys make it a habit of fighting on private property often?” Dean teased as the boys blushed. 

“N-No.” The second boy started looking at Adam. 

“...” Dean eyed them for a moment before speaking. “...Let’s just start with the basics. I’m Dean, this is my mate, Castiel. Now, What’s your name?” 

“...I’m Sam and this is Adam.” The first boy spoke. 

“Brothers? Friends?” Dean asked. 

“...We’re twins.” The boys answered.

“You don’t look alike,” Dean commented. 

“We are fraternal twins.” The boys stated, Dean nodded now understanding. 

“What are you guys doing out in the middle of nowhere?” Dean asked as Castiel pushed plates to the boys. The boys hesitated as Dean handed them forks. 

“...” The boys exchanged looks. “We go to an all-boys catholic boarding school in the city.”

“The city is a long walk away,” Dean explained. 

“We called a taxi.” The boys shrugged. 

“A taxi just dropped off two teen boys out in the middle of nowhere?” Castiel spoke sliding two plates over to the boys. “You’re not allergic to anything right?” Castiel asked as the boys looked down at the meal. “Salsa Steak Garlic Toast,” Castiel explained. “Sorry, the baby loves salsa and hot things-” Castiel took a bite of his salsa toast. 

“Baby?” The twins exchanged looks. “You’re pregnant?” Dean and Castiel exchanged looks of horror as Castiel looked away chewing realizing he fucked up. Dean glanced at Castiel with a playful glare. Castiel just shoved food into his mouth slowly. 

“This is good,” Castiel spoke in the silence. 

“Is it?” Dean mocked as Castiel winced realizing he fucked up. Dean softly kissed his forehead turning to the boys. “Look, that’s…not exactly public information.” 

“We won’t tell,” Adam spoke. 

“We are good at secrets.” Sam nodded. “How far along?” 

“Three months.” Castiel chewed. “We just found out, not too long ago.”

“Congratulations,” Adam spoke chewing on the toast as Dean grabbed one of Castiel’s taking a bite. 

“This is good.” Dean agreed as Castiel beamed, kissing him softly with care. 

“Do you guys think it's a girl or a boy?” Sam asked. 

“It’s too young to tell.” Castiel turned to Sam touching his growing belly. “They aren’t even sure yet.” 

“Can I feel?” Sam asked excited as Castiel nodded with care moving to allow Sam to feel his growing lump. The boys looked so excited for the little life, the only ones besides Dean or Charlie to touch his pregnant belly. Adam also happily felt the pregnancy belly, which Castiel smiled at the boys. 

“Speaking of kids.” Dean breathed as the boys glanced up. “You’re both minors, we have to call your parents to let them know you’re safe.” Their smiles faded. Castiel noticed the shift in demeanor in the boys. 

“Please don’t. We’ll go.” Adam stood. “T-They won’t know we are missing till headcount in the morning. If you call them, we won’t be able to live in the city anymore and we won’t see you again.” 

“See…me?” Dean blinked. Sam and Adam exchanged looks looking spooked. “So…you did know this was my house.” 

“Your house is on the celebrity tour,” Adam admitted. “It wasn’t that hard to find.”  

“That’s why we chose this school.” Sam hesitated. “They were going to send us to an all-boys catholic school anyways, we just…”

“Bettered the odds of getting sent here,” Adam explained. “As long as we pretended not to know who you were.” 

“They were very against it at first.” Sam bit his lip. “But they ultimately agreed to let us go.” 

“I’m sorry. I’m confused.” Dean breathed. “What do I have to do with any of this? Are you fans?” 

“N-No,” Adam started but winced at how rude he sounded. “I mean…yes…but…”

“W-We’re not here because we are fans,” Sam spoke. “We’re here because…” They exchanged looks before Sam sighed. “...Because…” 

“...We think you’re our brother.” Adam paused as he pulled his backpack from behind him, Sam moved the plates away as Adam dumped paperwork onto the table. 

Dean was frozen in place as Castiel slowly moved to the paperwork. 

An old birth certificate was laid on the table, it was stained with a coffee ring and torn but it was still there. There were old baby photos with a blonde woman. She was smiling at a baby on her chest most likely after labor. There was a photo of Dean around three with the cutest overalls. All assortments of photos and documents. Dean’s old vaccination card. Most of the documents and photos stopped around the time he was five which matches his story about when his father left and his mother stopped being interested in him. 

“My mother had these hidden away in an old shoe box in the attic,” Sam spoke. “It wasn’t hard to pinpoint what this was. That we have a brother named Dean Winchester.” 

“We went looking and…you…came up.” Adam licked his lips nervously. “Your Wikipedia page says your birthday, the city you were born in, and…Your parents are unlisted. It all matches up. We knew we couldn’t talk to our parents about this…so we came to the source.” Adam breathed holding out a picture of Mary and Dean. “Are you our brother?” 

“...Wait.” Castiel breathed as he put two and two together. “You’re the Sam and Adam. This is so fantastic!” Castiel was so surprised touching Dean’s arm who recoiled. Castiel noticed Dean moving away from his touch. “Dean?”

“ E-Excuse me .” Dean moved away from his touch like he burned as Dean walked away. Adam and Sam looked sad and conflicted at Dean’s reaction. 

“D-Dean?” Castiel called to him as Dean walked out of the kitchen. Adam said nothing as he sadly grabbed the paperwork and photos shoving them into their bags. 

“Maybe…we should go?” Adam grumbled disappointed by Dean’s reaction.

“If we leave, maybe we won’t see him again-” Sam choked grabbing Adam’s arm. 

“He doesn’t want to see us,” Adam stated. “...I don’t know what we expected. He wants nothing to do with us!”

“Don’t be rash! Just…wait here. Please. Give us a moment.” Castiel moved towards where Dean went. 

Castiel held his stomach as he looked for him finding the backdoor opened to the pool. Dean sat on the edge of the pool holding Beast as he watched a frog using the animal ramp he installed. It swam onto the ramp and croaked. Dean stared at him as Castiel came over. Dean turned slowly moving to help his mate down the cold steps. Castiel sat beside him on the edge enjoying the cold pool water and rubbing his stomach. 

Dean’s hand hovered over Castiel’s stomach and Castiel sighed softly at the cute gesture. Castiel placed Dean’s hand on his stomach. Dean’s hand rubbed his belly with care as Castiel sighed softly. 

“...Your brothers are in the kitchen,” Castiel commented. “They want to meet their big brother.” 

“...I know.” Dean sniffed trying not to cry. “I know…” 

“What’s wrong?” Castiel whispered brushing his hair out of his face. 

“I just…I don’t know. I wasn’t expecting…” Dean paused all choked up. “I guess I wasn’t…I don’t know why I’m crying. I should…be happy my brothers are in there…wanting to get to know me.”

“But you feel…lost,” Castiel whispered holding his hand on his belly. Dean shrugged wiping his tears on his sleeve. 

“I never expected them to ever be here…at my door,” Dean spoke. “I just never sorted out how I would feel about it. I want to love them, but I hate them. No…Not hate. I’m jealous, I guess. They got the mom I wanted. The one who would wipe my tears and kiss my booboos. I…never had that. I never had a place to come home to on the holidays, a home when….everything went wrong…a place…I could be safe and…”

“And?” Castiel asked softly. 

“...If my mom could be the caring and loving parent to them all these years…I will have to face the fact she always had it in her to be that kind of mom for me…and…actively chose not to.” Dean choked. “...and I don’t want…I don’t want to believe that. Making her the villain made my past easier to swallow. That she and my dad were some… Disney villains, that are born evil and will forever do evil. But…to know…she’s more human than that, that she was born able to make right and wrong decisions…that I have to realize she’s a whole person….Which I think makes my pain worse…” 

“...” Castiel slowly moved to hold him, nuzzling him close. Dean sobbed into his neck, holding him close. Castiel kissed his forehead with care pulling back. “I know you’re hurting and have a lot of feelings to process…but you will regret watching those boys walk away especially since you don’t know when you’ll see them again,” Dean said nothing, knowing Castiel was right. Dean nodded wiping his face as he stood. 

“You’re right.” Dean sighed as he helped Castiel up with care. “I can cry later.”

“Let’s cry later because I’m about to cry regardless. Thanks, baby.” Castiel breathed rubbing his belly before kissing him softly. Dean smiled softly at Castiel before hugging him. When they pulled back, Dean helped Castiel off the steps and back towards the kitchen. Castiel paused drying his face of tears, before kissing him once more. Dean and Castiel walked back into the kitchen to see the boys turn to look at him. 

“We’re sorry, Dean,” Sam explained shyly. “We didn’t think about how you may feel if we showed up…we just wanted to know you.”

“I’m glad you came,” Dean spoke softly opening his arms as the boys got up hugging him. Dean nuzzled into them. The boys teared up as Dean tried not to cry again. When Dean pulled back he ruffled their hair with care. “Your mom always treats you right?”

“She does.” Adam nodded. “She’s mungo religious and strict but she’s a good mom.”

“That’s why we were so surprised about this secret life she had,” Sam explained. “We don’t understand why she gave you up. Our dad had a child from a previous marriage, so he would have welcomed you with open arms. I know it.” 

Dean gave a sad smile, Castiel’s heart ripped out of his chest at that. The adults knew that wouldn’t have been the case, because their father did know about Dean. He helped expunge the record of child abuse. He knew of Dean. Most likely knew where Dean was the day they expunged it. Dean was torn between destroying their happy family and being honest. 

“Have…you tried talking to your mom about me?” Dean asked softly. 

“She told us we were mistaken and she had no son…” Sam admitted as Dean nodded knowing which made Castiel tear up turning away to cry. 

“Why would she lie?” Adam snapped pissed. “Especially since we found all this evidence and confronted her! She threw it all away the day we found it but we saved it. We weren’t going to let her take you from us again…”

“When we first found out about you, we assumed it was because our mom was a teen mom and gave you up for adoption.” Sam breathed but he moved the photos of Dean to him. “But…that’s obviously not true.”

“...It’s not an easy story,” Dean admitted. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

“We deserve to know,” Adam confessed. “We deserve to know why we couldn’t be a family.” Dean blinked his tears away as he nodded softly hugging the boys.

“...We should talk.” Dean breathed as he led the boys to the living room. 

Castiel was a mess wiping at the tears as Dean went to grab his laptop. Dean was gentle as he explained everything he had with Cas. The only difference was the evidence he kept on his laptop. Though they had destroyed the letters, Dean had copies that were scanned into the system for his safety by his security team. Dean only had to type Mary’s name for the one letter begging him to stay away. 

However, he also had court records and jail records despite the information now being scrubbed from her record he had never shown Castiel. Though they had talked about it multiple times, it hurt Dean to look at them. Dean was kind while explaining using their big TV as a slideshow, giving them time to process the information, but the boys still cried. They were still upset as Dean broke it down for them to understand. Castiel watched those boys’ perfect homes shatter at his words. The boys wiped their tears and sniffed but said nothing to rebuke him. 

“...” Sam’s eyes moved away from the photos of Dean’s abuse from the court records. “...Our mom…did that?” Dean sadly nodded. Adam’s eyes slid down child Dean’s bruised and beaten body looking away.

“...No wonder she didn’t want us looking,” Adam mumbled with anger. “No wonder our dad didn’t want us digging. How dad told us to drop it when we tried to bring him up.”

“I hate them,” Sam growled through his teeth, rubbing his eyes. “I hate them. How could she do that to you? You were a child! Her child!”

“It’s okay to still love her Sam.” Dean breathed softly as Sam flinched at those words. “I know you can’t just turn it off…”

“I don’t want to!” Sam choked. “How could she?! HOW could she?!” Dean pulled Sam into a hug as Sam bawled in his arms covering his face with care. Castiel softly touched Adam’s back with care as he turned to hug Castiel. Castiel comforted the young teens. 

“I’m sorry.” Dean breathed as Sam shook his head. 

“We needed to know.” Adam choked. 

“...I’m just happy we don’t have to go home them,” Sam admitted. “I can’t face them.” 

“...The holidays are coming up…we’ll have to go home.” Adam sighed. 

“Maybe we can ask to stay?” Sam asked pulling back to look at Dean. “If we tell the school we are heading home for the holidays, and tell our parents we are staying at school to be with friends…can…can we spend the holidays with you?” 

“You’re always welcome in our home.” Dean swallowed and nodded instantly as he pulled Sam back into a tight hug, it would be Dean’s first Christmas with a mate and their baby on the way. Now his brothers? This was going to be a Christmas Dean will never forget. 

“Dean, it’s late. We should take them back to the boarding school.” Castiel breathed not wanting to break up the moment. Dean nodded as he sniffed wiping his tears on his sleeves. “We don’t want them to be found out. Come on, boys. Let’s get you home.” Dean walked with them to the car as Dean smiled sadly hugging the boys before they got into the car. Dean didn’t ride with them, but Castiel figured he wouldn’t. Dean needed to process his emotions. “I’ll be home shortly and bring back breakfast.” 

“Can you be any more pregnant?” Dean teased as Castiel kissed him. 

“Blame your child.” Castiel beamed as they kissed through the window before Castiel drove away with the boys in tow.

____________________________________________________________________

Castiel pulled up to the school glancing at the church-looking school, Castiel made a face as the boys chuckled. 

“It looks haunted,” Castiel mumbled as the twins laughed. 

“Rich people like to make their schools look like they were from medieval times,” Sam stated. 

“It’s only seven years old.” Adam snorted eyeing the building as they got out.

“You guys got holy water in there or something?” Castiel asked rolling down his window, playfully joking. “I’ve never seen a place so ominous.”

“If they did, we wouldn’t have gotten in.” Sam snickered as Adam smiled. “...Thanks for taking us back. We’d hate to get the ruler for disobedience.” 

“Are you sure you’ll get in okay?” Castiel asked. 

“This isn’t the first time we have snuck out.” Sam shrugged. 

“Not being trouble are you?” Castiel smiled at the boys who beamed. 

“We aren’t bad kids, we like the diner across the street,” Adam stated. “The food is amazing.” He nodded towards the twenty-four-hour diner across the street. Which Castiel beamed at, that would hit the spot-

“Thank you,” Sam spoke, before Castiel could blow off his thank you for the ride Sam continued. “For taking care of our brother when we couldn’t.” Castiel held his hand to the chest, he smiled softly at the boys. 

“Happily,” Castiel breathed. “Your brother means the world to me…to us .” Castiel touched his stomach with care. 

“Get home safe, Castiel,” Adam spoke. “Can say bye to our niece or nephew?” Castiel nodded. Adam and Sam happily patted his stomach saying their goodbyes. Castiel waved watching the boys sneaking back up to their room with the emergency ladder. Castiel smiled fondly watching them disappear into the building. Castiel happily going to check out the boys' favorite diner. 

___________________________________________________________________

Castiel pulled back into the driveway while Dean stood seeing him, had he been sitting outside since he left? Dean opened the door for Castiel who grabbed the bags of food looking at him concerned. 

“Babe. You’re freezing.” Castiel touched Dean’s face with care. “Have you been outside this whole time?”

“…I haven’t been alone in that house since you moved in…so the silence of sitting there alone, I just… really missed you…” Dean admitted hovering his hand over Castiel’s stomach. Castiel sighed with love nodding with Dean who happily touched his baby bump. 

“We’re home now,” Castiel reassured as Dean nodded slowly moving to hug him. Castiel held him close, closing his eyes as they embraced. “Let’s go in, eat, and go back to sleep.” 

Dean nodded slowly holding out his arm for Castiel’s arm. Castiel took it with care walking inside with Beast at their heel. Dean walked him over to the couch, Castiel letting go of his arm to plop on the couch. He happily pulled out their burgers, Dean grabbing a blanket covering them. Castiel sighed with love at his mate for taking good care of him as they settled into the couch to eat. Castiel’s eyes kept glancing over at him with worry. 

“What?” Dean laughed taking a bite of his burger.

“You okay…?” Castiel asked with concern as Dean sighed taking a second to really take in that answer. Which Castiel always appreciated. “Today was a lot.” Dean smiled softly. 

“Yeah,” Dean admitted with a nod. “I’m still trying to process but…my brothers believed me. They…know the truth…and picked me…I’d never imagine I’d be anyone’s first choice.”

“You’ve always been my first choice,” Castiel whispered nuzzling into him. 

“...Curious to who is your second.” Dean teased taking his hand. 

“...Them.” Castiel rubbed his stomach as Dean almost started to cry. Dean wiped the tears threatening to fall as he chuckled looking up trying to prevent them from falling after he finally stopped crying. 

“To be honest I thought you were going to say Beast was your number one.” Dean joked. 

“You’re right, I’m sorry.” Castiel teased. “It’s them, the dog…and you’re in there around my sixth choice.”

“Only sixty? Rookie numbers. I want to be lower.” Dean snorted as Castiel shook his head affectionately. 

“I love you, stupid.” Castiel breathed as Dean eyed his face leaning in to kiss him with care. 

“I love you too.” Dean smiled as they happily went back to their second dinner and TV show. 

Chapter Text

One month later - Dean’s POV:

Castiel sat by the door making Dean tilt his head amused by his little omega, Dean always loved how excited Castiel got for their doctor’s visit. The doctor was due any time now. Since they were keeping the pregnancy under wraps, they had the doctor come to them. Dean grabbed some water from the fridge as he walked over to Castiel. 

“You don’t have to sit by the door.” Dean softly touched Castiel’s hair with care. 

“I just worry I’ll miss him and he’ll leave,” Castiel admitted holding the first ultrasound to his chest. Dean softly held out his hand as Castiel offered the photo. Their first ultrasound. They could see a small bean of life in there. Their child. They kept a copy in their wallets. It was cute when he caught Castiel looking at it. Dean smiled looking at the little being before handing it back. 

“I promise he won’t leave.” Dean breathed petting his hair. “He’d text us and call if we couldn’t hear him for some reason.” Castiel nodded softly holding the photo to his chest when a knock on the door made them turn. Dean left Castiel’s side to answer the door as Castiel quickly slid the photo back into his wallet. “Doctor Doc Benton.” 

“Dean.” Doc spoke shaking his hand as Castiel came up next to Dean. Dean put his arm around Castiel’s waist. “Castiel. Wonderful to see you again.” He shook his hand as well. “Excited to see the baby update?” 

“We can’t wait. Castiel has been talking about the ultrasound since we called to schedule the checkup.” Dean smiled. Castiel slightly blushed but nodded. 

“Well, I got all the equipment.” Doc held up his portable ultrasound machine. “Want to head to the couch?” 

Castiel nodded as he moved to the couch, he laid down lifting up his shirt exposing his cute little belly. Dean couldn’t help but smile as Castiel sat up so Dean to sit on the couch with him. Castiel lay his head on his lap as Doc got the machine set up. 

“The gel’s going to be a bit cold,” Doc explained as Castiel still slightly winced at the cold before the wand slid over his stomach. 

Castiel reached up taking Dean’s hand when they stared at the screen. Dean squeezes Castiel’s hand when the ultrasound showed their child. They could make out the little movements as Castiel’s eyes started to water. Castiel wiped at his tears with the back of his sleeve threatening to fall as he watched their baby’s little movements. 

“Looks like they are a being a little stubborn,” Doc spoke before turning. “This right here is their little butt. They are facing away.” 

“Stubborn? Well, they take after their dad.” Castiel hummed as Dean smiled. 

“I’ll try to get a better view of them, but I think they are a bit camera-shy.” Doc joked moving the wand, but the baby was facing too far away to get a good look. “Maybe next time, they won’t be so shy. Did you want to hear their heartbeat?”

Dean and Castiel nodded as Doc hit a button on the machine. The sound echoed of their heartbeat, Castiel started to cry at the sound just breaking down. Dean moved to hug Castiel who was just happily crying. Doc gave them all the time they needed till Castiel had calmed happily just looking at the screen. 

“I’ll get you those photos sent to your email and you could print them,” Doc spoke as he slowly removed the wand from his belly handing Castiel a napkin to clean up. 

Castiel sat up wiping his belly clean, before Doc started to get the supplies he needed for the checkup. Such as blood tests or anything else that needed to be run. Dean normally left Castiel alone for these. Letting Castiel have some privacy for the rest of his pregnancy check-up. Dean gave Castiel a loving kiss before walking away as Castiel offered his arm to get his blood drawn. 

_________________________________________________________________

A few days later - Castiel’s POV:

“...Shit. I forgot to charge my phone, it’s almost dead.” Dean commented between brushing his teeth from his bathroom. 

“We can charge it when we get to work,” Castiel mumbled struggling to get dressed. 

Castiel tried to buckle his pants but his suit was starting not to fit correctly, Here he was trying to not fit in them. Especially since trying to hide the pregnancy, he wanted to try to wear his normal clothes. However. His newer clothes were tailored and the sizing was just not accommodating to his growing belly. 

“Dean,” Castiel called as Dean popped his head out of the bathroom brushing his teeth. “...I need to call out.”

“Call out?” Dean mumbled with toothpaste in his mouth which he spat into the sink. “Why?”

“This is my last pair of slacks that possibly could have fit me.” Castiel ushered to his buttons as Dean continued to brush his teeth eyeing him. Dean raised an eyebrow at an idea that popped into his head, Castiel squinted at him knowingly. “...I’m not going in naked.” Dean pouted going back to brushing and looking at the mirror as he brushed. Dean spat out the toothpaste wiping his mouth. 

“Let’s stay home then,” Dean spoke moving to plop back into bed, making Beast bob on the bed bed sitting up as Castiel rolled up a nearby magazine and walked over.

“No. I will not condone this habit you are developing to skip work every time I don’t want to go.” Castiel stated lightly hitting him with it. Dean let out a little whine but didn’t pull his face from the pillow. 

“ I can work from home, ” Dean mumbled in the pillow. 

“No, you can’t,” Castiel stated. “You never work when we are at home.” 

“I do.” Dean sat up and Castiel raised an eyebrow. 

“What happened last time I gave you the benefit of the doubt?” Castiel asked. 

“...I took one work call.” Dean started but Castiel’s unamused face made him continue. “…and then we fucked in the Jacuzzi…”

“...” Castiel made a face. “...You’re going to work.” Dean started to whine again. 

“But…” Dean groaned. “What if I need you?” Castiel sighed softly in thought. 

He had been thinking about it too. This was a small problem. Something he could easily rectify tomorrow. However, there will be a time when he won’t be able to go to work. At least in the while,  especially with the baby first being born. He touched his belly with care. Dean was right in his logic, Castiel wasn’t going to be able to do his job sooner than later. He hadn’t really thought of the reality of it. He would have to most likely train a backup for him while on maternity till he was ready to return. This was something they would eventually have to discuss…but that was for a later time. 

“I don’t know…” Castiel thought. “Of course, I will drop by with some food for lunch…but you do go through an unhealthy amount of coffee through the shift.” Castiel rubbed his chin. “I can run to get you a large box of black coffee from a coffee shop. I know that donut shop that sells them.” Dean made a face realizing he most likely wasn’t going to win and most likely having to go to work without him. 

“...Well, it’s only five fourteen.” Dean glanced at his watch. “We can hit a maternity store for clothes before they close.” 

“We’ll be late.” Castiel frowned. “I pride myself in our perfect attendance.” 

“...I promise not to rat you out to your boss,” Dean smirked as Castiel rolled his eyes unamused taking off his jeans. “Seeing as your boss knocked you up, it’s the least he could do. Let’s go buy you some clothes.”

“...We can try,” Castiel stated as he moved to grab his pajama pants sliding them on. Dean beamed happily as Dean softly ruffled Castiel’s hair. 

“...I know I’m whining…but if you want to stay home, you can.” Dean breathed softly as Castiel smiled softly at him. 

“I do want to go,” Castiel reassured making sure Dean didn’t feel guilty. “I know if I asked honestly you’d go without complaint. Trust me I’m also whining.” Dean smiled touching his chin. Castiel eyed his face, leaning up and kissing him softly. “Let’s go before we’re late.” Dean beamed in satisfaction as Castiel moved to get dressed. 

______________________________________________________________________

Dean helped Castiel out of the limo, which being so late the parking lot was empty. Dean had on sunglasses and a hat. Despite looking so dressed up for work, it was funny for him to be wearing a baseball cap. No one was around which was what Dean was banking on. The employees were inside cleaning up since it was close to closing. Dean moved to open the door for Castiel as the young woman behind the counter glanced up disappointed someone came in so close to closing but she tried not to show it. She closed the magazine she was reading. 

“Welcome. We close in a few minutes-” She started as Dean took off his sunglasses. She paused recognizing him. “Y-...You’re-” Her eyes lit up like saucers as Dean simply took off his gloves.

“Sorry, I know you close in a few minutes…but if you lock the doors early, close the blinds like you’re closed and let us shop around for a moment. I will pay you to give us the store. Not including the tip and of course, all the clothes I will buy. ” Dean pulled out all the cash in his wallet handing it to her. She lit up at the at least five hundred dollars in her hand, nodding and moving to close the store blinds and lock the door. She turned to see Dean holding out his phone to her waiting for a signature. 

“An NDA?” The woman blinked. “...What is this for?”

“Um…” Castiel paused.

“...Is…it why you’re here in a maternity store?” The woman asked, Castiel slowly nodded as she lit up. 

“I’ll give you five thousand dollars to sign it.” Dean point blank stated that she happily signed the phone before turning to Cas. 

“You’re pregnant, right?! How far along?” The woman beamed. Castiel looked at Dean making sure he could speak, Dean glanced down at the text showing a thumbs up. Dean nodded to Castiel as Castiel slowly took off his coat. Dean’s phone started to ring, which made a face cursing to himself,  he looked at his watch.

“Excuse me, I have to take this work call.” Dean glanced at his watch, Castiel instantly felt guilty as Dean moved to walk to the other side of the room. Castiel could hear Dean speaking Japanese. Castiel watched him pace as he walked around the room having his work call. Castiel should have done this without him. He knew Dean had an important call today. 

“I’m four months,” Castiel explained as she went giddy. 

“Look at your little bump!” The woman gasped happily moving to him. “Can I touch?” 

“Sure…um…” Castiel paused as she laughed. 

“Becky.” Becky beamed touching his rounding belly, Castiel smiled affectionately watching someone fawn over his belly. Besides Charlie and Dean, he didn’t have anyone else gush over their little one. They were keeping his belly a secret for now. “Come on, love! Let’s get you some clothes and maybe some to grow into.”

Castiel nodded as they walked away from Dean. Becky was kind helping him with the sizing and even had some clothes that would work for work. Becky took her time making sure Castiel had a decent pair of clothes to take off with. Castiel was so happy to have clothes to grow into. Since his stomach wasn’t too noticeable, and the clothes were subtle enough to not be obvious for maternity, Castiel was excited for them. He knew he should have just stuck to one outfit and left but after almost trying on the whole store, he knew they were just going to have to accept they were going to be late…very late.

Becky even let him wear one of the outfits out when Dean paced around on call. He stopped moving smiling at his lover as Castiel came out with a handful of clothes. Becky carried the rest to the register. Dean softly touched Castiel's back making him turn. Dean checked out the new clothes, Castiel spun softly showing Dean the outfit as Dean leaned down kissing him softly before pulling away to continue the call. 

Castiel’s eyes fell on a tabloid magazine Becky must have been reading when they were coming in. A picture of Castiel walking out of the store was there with Dean. Big letters reading ‘Gold digger’ with a question mark. Becky noticed his gaze covering it with some clothes shyly with an awkward smile. 

Castiel’s stomach dropped as Becky continued to scan the clothes. Dean and Crowley had warned him about the gossip and tabloids saying horrible things. He had avoided it so well till now. Now he felt out of place…and judged even if she didn’t mean to. Did Becky think he was a gold digger too?

Becky took her time to bag all the clothes as she scanned each clothes. Castiel paled when it got over three hundred dollars, slowly reaching for his wallet as the number continued to go up. Castiel wasn’t paying rent now that he lived with Dean, but he was personally paying off old debt now with the opportunity given by Dean to do so. So he didn’t have much of this check left. However, he didn’t want to prove the tabloid right, so he pulled out his phone to check his bank account.

Two hundred and seven cents.

Damn.

When the price got to over five hundred dollars, Castiel started to debate what he should ask to take off. He couldn’t afford this much and he refused to let Dean pay for him. He wasn’t going to take advantage especially since he agreed to pay Becky bribery money.

“That will be six hundred, ninety-three dollars and twenty-six cents,” Becky spoke. Before he could speak to ask to take things off, Dean walked over to the machine sliding his card into the machine. 

“Dean.” Castiel choked embarrassed. “Let me pay.” Dean was on the phone still, ignoring his words. Speaking Japanese to the phone with a laugh. Becky eyed him saying nothing as Castiel went red. She must be thinking about how much of a gold digger he was. That Dean is this old man’s sugar daddy. Was she thinking he was just with him for the money? “Dean.” Castiel pushed his hand away yanking out Dean’s card as Dean not paying attention lazily walked away still on the phone saying his goodbyes. “Can you cancel the transaction-” 

“It’s done. I’m sorry.” Becky was already handing Dean his receipt. Now that he was done with his call he was back to paying attention, Oblivious to how upset Castiel was. 

“Thank you. How do you want your tip?” Dean breathed before she held out her venmo to scan. Dean scanned it and sent her over what she was promised. She lit up at the amount, which means it was more than promised. 

“Thank you, Mr. Winchester!” Becky beamed as she moved to unlock the door for them. Dean grabbed his bags before Castiel could. Becky had turned off the lights so they could have more privacy walking to their car. Dean nodded shaking her hand and Castiel nodded a goodbye, trying to hide how upset he was. They walked out of the store towards the limo as Dean slid back on the sunglasses holding Castiel’s bags. 

“Lucky we are leaving now. It’s starting to rain,” Dean spoke to Castiel as Bobby opened the trunk for him. Castiel didn’t speak feeling the rain starting to pick up.

Dean put the bags into the trunk, Bobby closing it for them. He glanced around returning to the driver’s seat as Dean opened the car for Castiel. Castiel ducked in quickly as Dean quickly followed after him. Bobby started to drive when Dean reached out to touch his top.

“You look delicious, my love,” Dean mumbled leaning in to kiss him but Castiel turned away. 

“I’ll pay you back,” Castiel whispered coldly making Dean raise an eyebrow, Dean slowly pulled his hand away realizing Castiel wasn’t in the mood for his affection currently. Closing the divider to the limo realizing they would need privacy.

“Pay what back?” Dean asked confused. 

“You. You just spent so much money on me.” Castiel spoke angrily. “You don’t need to pay for everything Dean. I don’t pay rent, the car, food, or utilities. I can buy my own damn clothes.”

“I know you can. I just don’t need you to,” Dean spoke simply confused by his anger. “I can provide for you and our family myself. What’s this all about?”

“I contribute nothing to our household,” Castiel spoke crossing his arms. “I am literally a freeloader.”

“You planned a majority of our wedding next month because you know how busy I am, You have been planning out our baby’s nursery to surprise me when you’re done, and not only that, you work full-time and take care of our household,” Dean explained in disbelief. “That’s a lot. I don’t know where this coming from.”

“I’m not paying for anything involving the wedding or the nursery.” Castiel spat.

“You are doing unpaid labor by organizing the whole event,” Dean mumbled. “Besides you have college debt you have to pay back? You told me when you moved in, you missed a lot of payments and the interest was almost all your paycheck. So you haven’t been able to pay for it till moving in with me. Don’t you want to pay that off?”

“I do-!” Castiel started frustrated.

“I’ll let you pay some of the bills if you let me clear your debt.” Dean compromised. “That way you aren’t struggling to do both.”

“I don’t care, Dean! I don’t want your money!” Castiel snapped frustrated.

“You can’t afford to do both!” Dean rationalized. He was right but Castiel didn’t want to hear it. “You told me your debt payments are almost your whole monthly paycheck even with overtime.” 

“I’ll work more hours.” Castiel breathed. 

“You do so much, and working more than you have could be too much for you and the baby…I’ll just start paying you more.” Dean tried. “How much do you need your paychecks to be to afford your college debt, your fun money, and like…the phone bill which is like one hundred bucks.” Dean was trying to work with him by giving him the lowest bill, but Castiel was just so irrational. He knew he was too. 

“I know how much me and the baby can handle!” Castiel snapped. “I’m not a bad mother, one! Two, You can’t just PAY me more! I haven’t earned it! I do NOT take handouts and I NEVER will.” Castiel snapped viciously. “And Three, Stop treating me like I’m a gold digger who wants your money, Dean! I might be poor but I’m better than that!” 

“I never said you were any of those things! I would never think that!” Dean defended himself. “Why are you so angry with me? What did I do?!” Castiel moved to the divider opening it. 

“Bobby. Pull over.” Castiel insisted ignoring Dean. 

“Don’t-” Dean turned to Bobby but Bobby had already stopped the car. “Cas. Don’t do this. I’m sorry, whatever I did but I’m not leaving you alone at night in a sketchy area-” Dean breathed upset as Castiel simply got out of the car slamming the door. Dean got out to follow him. “Cas.” Dean reached for his wrist which Castiel yanked away.

“Just leave me alone! I don’t want to be near you!” Castiel snapped. He knew he was being hurtful, but he was too upset, full of pregnancy hormones, and prideful to back down. Dean swallowed looking hurt, rain starting to spill on them, he did nothing more but just sighed. 

“ ...I’ll walk .” Dean breathed, his breath hitched. “Please.” Dean was begging. “I just want you safe. Please. Bobby will take you wherever you want…Please. It’s almost ten o’clock at night. It’s not safe for a pregnant omega to be running around alone….Please.” Castiel eyed shivering from the rain. Dean took off his coat instantly handing it to the omega, Castiel hesitantly took it sliding it on without argument. Dean smiled sadly relieved Castiel took the coat. When Castiel moved past him heading back towards the limo, Dean called out to him. “I love you. ” 

Castiel didn’t respond so…angry he didn’t do more but pause for a second wavering before continuing to the car, making Dean look down sadly. Castiel paused at the car also not wanting to leave Dean out there. Dean was already walking away, his hands in his pocket. Castiel hesitated opening his mouth to call to him when he heard an umbrella open above him, Castiel turned seeing Bobby standing there protecting him from the rain. 

“Let him go. We aren’t far from the office. You both should cool off.” Bobby breathed as Castiel turned Dean but Dean had already disappeared around the corner. Tears filled Castiel’s eyes as he turned back to Bobby, Castiel started to break down moving to hug Bobby as Bobby held him close. “Let’s go get something to eat and talk.” 

Castiel nodded softly. Bobby opened the door to the limo but Castiel instead moved to the passenger seat of the limo getting in. Bobby sighed with care closing the back door and getting into the driver’s seat. Castiel cried into his hand before he reached taking Bobby’s hand. Bobby squeezed it with care driving him to a nearby restaurant. 

Castiel sniffed sitting in the diner staring at the food he was just staring at, Bobby hadn’t forced him to talk till the food got there. Bobby sighed with care as Castiel knew they were going to talk. 

“You need to eat, for the baby, you’re pale,” Bobby whispered as Castiel caved slowly moving to eat his waffles. He took a bite slowly chewing which he admitted made him feel a bit better. “...So explain to me why you’re fighting.” 

“Well, when we were at-” Castiel started sniffing but Bobby stopped him. 

“One sentence sum up why you are angry at Dean,” Bobby spoke. “So angry you were going to storm out in the middle of the night.” 

“Because he…B-....Because…” Castiel started he kept opening and closing his mouth before he just angrily shoved some waffles into his mouth quietly looking away. 

“...I figured.” Bobby sighed with care. “You’re not mad at Dean…are you?” 

“...No,” Castiel whispered eating a bit more.

“What set this off?” Bobby asked. 

“...” Castiel pulled out his phone typing into it before sliding the phone. Bobby picked it up reading the articles about Castiel being a gold digger. Bobby slid down the Google search page at the articles. 

“You guys were happy and grossly in love before the maternity store, What changed?” Bobby asked. 

“She was reading a magazine with that…” Castiel confessed. “So I felt put on the spot when it came to paying…I didn’t want to prove them right. But Dean’s…Dean.”

“He paid for it.” Bobby nodded. 

“I asked him not to,” Castiel mumbled. “It was a lot of money.”

“When Dean wants to give someone a gift. What does he get them?” Bobby asked. 

“He gives them Cash.” Castiel breathed. “Or an expensive gift.”

“Why do you think that is?” Bobby asked. Castiel shrugged but he knew, Bobby touched the cufflinks on Castiel’s clothes. Castiel loved them. Always wore them no matter what work occasion, as long as he had a suit. “Why do you think Dean gave you four hundred thousand dollar cufflinks the first birthday you worked together?” 

“FOUR HUNDRED-” Castiel choked in horror going pale but Bobby quietly covered his mouth. Castiel uncovered his mouth in horror to whisper. “I lost one for fifteen minutes yesterday and they were four hundred thousand dollars?! Who buys cufflinks for four hundred thousand dollars?!”

“Dean Winchester who loved the shit out of his assistant does. That boy doesn’t know how to love correctly, so he thinks the only way he can show undying true love is with money.” Bobby explained. “Dean doesn’t care if you stop working or if you never contribute anything financially to the relationship. He thinks it's the least he can do. He believes money is the only thing he can provide to make up for the fact he believes we put up with him.” 

“W-We don’t put up with him.” Castiel choked as Bobby sighed. “Why would he believe that?”

“Where are all the people who knew him before the money?” Bobby breathed sadly as Castiel looked away. “Maybe you were…a bit harsh with him, hm?” Castiel felt horrible forced to face away.

“I-I…I didn’t think about his feelings.” Castiel admitted. “I was just so in my head about my faults…I was projecting my own insecurities on him…” 

“Cas. Can I be…candid?” Bobby asked as Castiel slowly nodded. “You put yourself down a lot because you think you aren’t good enough for the people in your life. You have…a big case of imposter syndrome.” Castiel glanced away, the words stung. “...But what you’re not realizing is that no one is being held hostage here. Dean, for example, is so fucking rich he doesn’t have to put up with you.” Castiel glanced down at his words tears in his eyes. “If he thought half the horrible shit you think about yourself, he would have. But he loves the shit out of you, kid. You belong here, with him, happy with your baby…So why are you trying to sabotage this for you? Why are you so sure you aren’t good enough for the life you’ve been given?”

Castiel wiped at his tears taking a bite of his food as he tried to not break down. He failed miserably putting down his fork to wipe at his eyes roughly. Breaking down, Bobby moved to rub his back as Castiel whimpered. 

“Dean must hate me.” Castiel whimpered. 

“Never. That boy loves you too much…” Bobby breathed with care holding him softly when the waitress returned to check on them. 

“Is everything alright?” The waitress asked shyly as Bobby and Castiel nodded. Castiel tried to fix himself. “Anything else I can get you.” 

“I think we’re okay…can we get the bill?” Bobby asked as Castiel sat up moving to grab his wallet. “I got it.”

“N-No It’s oka-...” Castiel paused realizing when he pulled out his wallet, Dean’s card fell onto the table. Shit. When Dean paid, he kept his card. Shit. Dean didn’t have a card on him. “Shit. I got Dean’s card.” Castiel sat up in a panic. 

“It’s okay, maybe he had cash?” Bobby asked. 

“N-No. He used the last of it to pay the employee at the store.” Castiel panicked. “W-We have to find Dean.” Castiel turned heading towards the door as Bobby handed the waitress the cash leaving after him.

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Dean’s POV:

Dean drank down the whiskey he was drinking at the bar, dripping water onto the floor from walking in the rain. He ran his fingers through his hair watching water drop onto the counter zoning into space when his bill was placed in front of him. He was so lost…this was the first time he hadn’t had Castiel by his side in so long…and he missed him. He had been staring at their selfies on his phone as he drank his heartache out at the bar. Dean snapped out of his thoughts when the bill was brought to him. 

“Thank you.” Dean breathed as he moved to grab his wallet. 

He moved for the cash but remembered he had given it to Becky. Dean sighed annoyed. They were supposed to go to the ATM before going to work. Dean moved to grab his debit card but the card was gone. Dean cursed checking his wallet but found nothing. Dean grabbed for his phone checking to see if he could possibly use his phone to pay but the dead battery icon popped up. Dean cursed not exactly sure what to do as the bartender walked by. 

“Excuse me.” Dean got his attention. “I lost my debit card, is there any way I can put down a tab and I can pay tomorrow?”

“Sorry, it’s against policy.” The bartender apologized as Dean glanced down mumbling curse words under his breath when a card was placed down on the table. 

“For his bill.” The voice gained Dean’s attention making him turn, he slightly recognized the man in front of him despite the disguise…but not his name. “It’s been a bit, Dean.” Dean’s eyes slid to the card to get his name. Ah, this was Benny. The crown prince. “Small world you’d come to drink at the bar of my hotel I’m staying at.” 

“Small world indeed,” Dean spoke holding out his hand and shaking Benny’s hand respectfully. “What are you doing in America?” Benny shook his hand before collecting his card and signing his bill.

“I’m on a solo vacation. Secretly of course.” Benny spoke ushering Dean to follow him. “Come, you can charge your phone and get cleaned up in my hotel room.” Dean hesitated as Benny paused when he noticed Dean not getting up. “Not going to reject the offer after I paid for you, are you?” 

Dean sighed respectfully getting up, following Benny to the room. Getting into the room, Benny offered him a charger and a towel which Dean thanked him before sitting in a chair in the corner of the room. Dean put the towel around his neck drying his face and hair. Benny moved to pour them some bourbon, bringing Dean a glass as he took it. Dean’s eyes focused on his phone as his phone blinked the one percent battery icon. Once he got it charged enough he’d call himself an Uber since he didn’t feel up to walking to work in the rain. Dean took a sip of the drink as Benny eyed him taking off his suit jacket. 

“Heard you are mated,” Benny spoke. “Didn’t think you were the settling down type.”

“I’ve always been the settling down type.” Dean breathed putting the glass on his leg. “Just hadn’t found the right person…” Dean took another sip of his drink. “Heard you were mated. Congratulations. How long have you and your alpha been together?”

“My beta has been my wife for three years now,” Benny mumbled as Dean raised an eyebrow. 

“Beta wife?” Dean spoke eyeing him. “Last time I checked you were a bottom. Quite content with a knot up the ass.”

“Welp, what else was a crowned gay alpha prince who likes to bottom supposed to do.” Benny sighed. “I married to cover and have my…vacations to get my fix.”

“Does she know?” Dean questioned. 

“No one knows but my lovers.” Benny breathed. “It’s better she doesn’t.” 

“Where does she think you are?” Dean asked curiously. 

“Princely duties in our neighboring countries,” Benny stated. “I can have my fix before I’m crowned. Once I am, I won’t be able to get away like this. So I’m having my last world tour.” Dean hummed but said nothing taking a sip of his whiskey when Benny leaned into the chair putting his hands on the arms of the chair and staring into Dean’s eyes. “...I, however, do believe things happen for a reason…so I feel an opportunity has arisen to sleep with my favorite lay. It would be a dishonor if I didn’t offer.” Dean eyed him lazily. “What do you say, Winchester? One last time?” 

“I’m mated,” Dean mumbled sipping at the drink when Benny touched his chin raising his eyes to look at him. 

“So am I.” Benny breathed touching Dean’s lips. “Was your Castiel the reason you were drinking alone in a bar looking so broken?” Dean growled his eyes flashed as he stood grabbing Benny by the neck and slamming into the wall. Benny smirked softly eyeing Dean’s face. 

“Don’t say his name,” Dean growled. 

“Be mine for the night…Come on…for old-time's sake. When life was simpler…easier…” Benny spoke softly. “He doesn’t have to know…” Benny tried to lean in but Dean simply let go of his neck moving away. Benny looked disappointed as Dean collected his barely charged phone shoving it into his pocket. 

“Thanks for the drink,” Dean mumbled drinking down the last bit of his drink and walking away. Dean grabbed the handle of the door pausing at his words.

“Wow…you really love him, don’t you…” Benny’s voice faltered. He sounded like he might cry. 

“I do.” Dean breathed.

“...If I was normal.” Benny started. “A normal British boy instead of a prince…would we…” Dean didn’t have to guess what Benny was asking. If they had been normal people, could they have been…? 

“...No.” Dean breathed, as Benny choked up at his words. “...I think I truly was always meant to be his.”

“...He’s a lucky guy. A regular man, an omega who won your heart…I’m jealous. Everything he is, I can never be…Everything he has, I can never have.” Benny choked swallowing, but Dean started to leave. “Don’t tell him I said that.”

“...He wouldn’t believe me if I did,” Dean admitted with a sad smile before leaving out the door. “Have a good life, Benny.”

“...” Benny said nothing watching him go. Dean headed down to the lobby, slowly walking down the main staircase when he felt his phone start to ring. Dean paused digging for his phone, Castiel’s name plastered on the screen. Dean’s heart skipped a beat as he tried not to sound so happy to answer the phone. 

“Darling?” Dean asked relieved. 

“Dean, are you okay? Where are you? I’ve been worried sick!” Castiel sobbed. “I’m so sorry I was horrible to you. I’m so sorry. You didn’t deserve my anger, you’ve been nothing but the perfect mate. It was unjustified. I’m so sorry-”

“Hey, it’s okay.” Dean tried to calm the mess of an omega sobbing on the phone. “I’m at the Man of Letter’s hotel. I was drinking at the bar and realized I lost my card.” 

“I have your card!” Castiel reassured as he turned to tell Bobby where to go. “We’re coming, my love. Stay right there.” Dean moved outside to wait for him, the rain had let up by the time he returned outside. “Stay with me on the phone we are almost there.”

“I’ll try but my phone’s about to die,” Dean admitted, trying to soothe Castiel who was an apologizing mess, and explained why he was acting the way he acted. He didn’t make excuses. He was honest and open to him as Dean listened. When the limo pulled up, Dean ran over and moved to get in but Castiel shot out the second he got out of the car. Castiel slammed into Dean in a tight hug as Dean held him back so happily. 

“I-I’m so-so sorry. ” Castiel choked. Dean nuzzled into his mate before he pulled back holding his face. 

“I forgive you. Thank you for being honest with me…” Dean breathed with love. “I love you, darling.”

“I-I love you, Dean.” Castiel hiccuped as Dean slowly helped Castiel into the car, before nuzzling into him. Castiel crawled into his lap holding him close just nuzzling into him. 

“Welcome back, Dean,” Bobby spoke as Dean rocked his mate just happy to have him in his arms. “Where to?”

“Home.” Dean breathed. “Let’s just grab some food and go home, How does that sound?” Castiel nodded burying his face into his neck as they softly held each other while they took a much-needed vacation day to spend time together and cuddle. 

Chapter Text

Castiel’s POV - One month later:

Castiel reached for his bags by the front door, but Dean simply picked them up before he could. Castiel eyed his face at the little things Dean did for him which he was always so grateful for, he moved to stop Dean from walking away. Castiel reached up cupping his face before he leaned up kissing him with care. Dean broke the kiss to smile and kiss him back. Dean and Castiel’s baby was officially five months in and now Castiel’s stomach was starting to show noticeably. He was glad he could finally marry Dean, this was a dream come true. 

“I love you.” Dean breathed as Castiel eyed his face with care. “I can’t wait to marry you.” 

“I can’t wait either,” Castiel admitted eyeing his face and giving him a loving kiss again. 

When they pulled back, Castiel grabbed for Beast’s leash before whistling for Beast to follow. Beast happily followed them to the car as Bobby helped Dean put their suitcases into the car. Castiel opened the door for Beast to get in. Castiel got in moving to rub his stomach with care. 

Their child growing bigger and stronger every day. Castiel could feel their little movements, though Dean was constantly touching his belly he hadn’t felt the movements yet. Castiel was trying hard to keep Dean from feeling the movements till he was ready. Castiel wanted to surprise him on their wedding night with the moments. He had been planning it since he felt their first kicks a week ago.

Dean got in as Castiel took his own hand off his belly, Dean’s hand hovered over his stomach but Castiel instead just took his hand not wanting to risk Dean feeling the baby before he could reveal it. 

“I can’t believe I’m marrying you,” Castiel whispered kissing Dean’s hand. Dean smiled as he glanced out the window excitedly. They were driving down to the venue which wasn’t too far away. It wasn’t too far from the town, Castiel just wanted something close to home. Picking a beautiful cabin lodge for the wedding in the mountains. 

Most of the guests if not all were Dean’s stockholders, Since either Castiel or Dean had many friends. So since the guest pool wasn’t too large. The wedding was pretty small, consisting of maybe fifty guests. Dean and Castiel both had one person of honor, and Castiel happily chose Charlie who said yes. Dean’s choice surprised him when he asked.

_______________________________________________________________

A couple of months before:

“Did you pick someone to be your person of honor?” Castiel asked as he brought Dean a coffee as he sat at his desk working on something. 

“I asked Bobby, but he was more logical about it. Since he’s going to be tending to Beast and being our chauffeur, he didn’t think he could take the honor. Which makes sense.” Dean mumbled taking a sip. “My brothers were the next logical, choice. But they don’t know if they can make it…So I asked someone else.”

“Who?” Castiel asked curiously. Did…Dean know anyone else?

“...Missouri,” Dean spoke drinking his coffee with care not looking at him. Castiel paused noticeably at the name. Missouri…the personal assistant before him. Well, technically fourteen assistants before him. Castiel always had big shoes to fill when it came to her. He was going to meet her? 

_____________________

“She’s coming?” Castiel turned as Dean nodded slowly. Castiel felt a tightness in his stomach as he remembered Dean’s words.

“...Can I admit something?” Dean glanced down. “Without being judged like a gigantic asshole?” 

“Yeah.” Castiel nodded looking concerned. 

“...I just…I don’t know…I slightly hate Missouri too.” Dean admitted swallowing. 

“Why?” Castiel spoke confused as Dean looked at him sadly. 

“I’m grateful she got me my start and everything.” Dean swallowed tears in his eyes. “...But…why didn’t she…” Dean licked his lips. “I…would have given up all this…if…” Dean swallowed again. “...I wonder why she never wanted to adopt me…?”

___________________________

 “...Will you be okay with her coming?” Castiel whispered as Dean glanced up. 

“I’m going to have to be, I already asked her,” Dean stated lazily. He was trying not to show it mattered to him. That this was no big deal, but it was. Castiel could tell. 

____________________________________________________________________________

Now:

“Cas?” Dean’s voice snapped him out of his thoughts, Castiel glanced over at him seeing Dean was out of the car. Castiel took his hand as he was helped out of the limo however, he was surprised that Bobby stood holding out an umbrella to the side towards the road of the property. Castiel looked at it confused eyeing it. “There’s Paparazzi,” Dean spoke keeping in the way of their view of Castiel. “They want pictures to sell off our big day.” Castiel shyly covered his stomach a bit more with his jacket making sure they couldn’t see. “It’s okay, we are pretty far from the main road. They can barely make us out.” 

Dean put a hand on Castiel’s back leading him to the main area. There were three cabins on the property facing one another. Charlie beamed waving Castiel coming out of one of the cabins coming over as Castiel happily waddled slightly over to hug her. 

“You look beautiful!” Castiel cheered as Charlie pulled back to spin in her light green bride’s maid dress. 

“Thank you, now come with me! You need to get ready! Besides, isn’t it bad luck to see your husband before the wedding?” Charlie teased as Castiel turned to Dean and Charlie grabbed his hand. Dean moved giving him a loving kiss before he was dragged away. The hired help bring their stuff into their respective cabins.

“I love you, see you soon.” Dean breathed as Castiel mouthed he loved him too. Dean smiled watching him go as Beast whined softly. “Come on, Beast. You’re with me.” Dean whistled and Beast followed after him.

____________________________________________________________________________

Castiel slowly slid his suit shirt over his cute belly, Charlie sat with him fixing her makeup in the mirror. She kept fixing her hair as they got ready together. Charlie was such a good friend and he couldn’t imagine a better bride’s maid. Castiel’s eyes moved to his parents' photo he had brought with him. 

“They would love Dean,” Charlie spoke as Castiel glanced at her. “I’m sure they are just as excited as I am about you marrying him.”

“I think so too. I just keep thinking what today would have been if they didn’t…” Castiel admitted fixing his shirt in the mirror. He got choked up thinking about them. Even now, when he felt he had come so far…he still felt the remnants of his rot. What their deaths had broke of him. “...My father would have been telling every stupid joke he could even if he told you a million times over, most likely following me around with his old joke book trying to make me laugh.” 

Castiel tried not to cry but admittedly he had to swallow back the wound of their loss from tearing open and ripping him apart. 

“My mom would um…” Castiel paused, his hands slightly shaking as he tried to finish buttoning his top. “She would have been here with a needle and thread fixing anything and everything. Making sure it was perfect. She also was the type to follow me around with something to eat because a ‘happy baby is a happy mommy’.” Castiel looked gutted at that touching his stomach with care. “...She would have loved them.” 

“Who wouldn’t?” Charlie breathed happily moving to hug him from behind. “That baby is going to be spoiled rotten having a wonderful mother like you.” Castiel sighed softly closing his eyes. 

“I wish they were here,” Castiel whispered in tears. 

“Oh, love, they are,” Charlie reassured squeezing him close. 

“I just feel so guilty.” Castiel breathed. “Sometimes.” 

“Why, love?” Charlie pulled back with care. 

“If I was just…better they would have seen me get married and met their grandchild-” Castiel sobbed unable to stop himself. 

“Castiel, it doesn’t matter you took your time to find your soulmate…if that drunk driver didn’t drive drunk they would have been there to see it.” Charlie sat him down squeezing his hands. “...You’re belittling yourself and your worth again…I know you told me you and Dean talked about therapy after your big fight…Did you ever decide to go?”

“Dean wouldn’t press me to, he strongly encouraged it.” Castiel breathed looking away. “But he said I needed to be ready for that and…I didn’t feel ready enough.” 

“...What about if we just try?” Charlie offered as Castiel glanced up at her wiping his tears. He hesitated and nodded softly as Charlie smiled softly moving to help dry his face. “After the wedding, I’ll talk to Dean and we can get something set up. How does that sound?” 

“Good.” Castiel sniffed as Charlie smiled. 

“Good, because I hate my best friend in the whole world being sad on his wedding day.” Charlie grabbed a tissue wiping his eyes with care. “...How do you feel about a bit of makeup?” Charlie asked. “Just a bit of mascara and concealer to your face to make you feel the best?” Castiel blushed and shrugged as Charlie moved to grab her makeup. She started to spread concealer under his eyes. “No more crying or your makeup will run.” She teased.

“I’ve never worn any kind of makeup before,” Castiel admitted as Charlie raised an eyebrow. 

“It’s really a gay staple.” Charlie teased joking. “All gays do it.” Castiel laughed. “Missing out on a gay milestone. Funny, I was here for your gay milestone and Dean’s.”

“Wait. Dean’s?” Castiel spoke as Charlie got a wicked smile. “Wait. Spill.” 

“When Dean was a partier,” Charlie spoke. “He may or may not have dressed in drag for Halloween once, He was Princess Lela and I was Han Solo.” 

“Wait. Wait.” Castiel spoke as Charlie beamed. “I need to see that.” 

“Just wait for the speeches.” Charlie laughed as Castiel lit up. “Besides, he wears makeup regularly. Have you ever seen that man with a pimple?” Castiel paused as Charlie snorted. 

“Wait. I haven’t!” Castiel gasped. “He has makeup?!”

“He’s really big on how he appears to anyone,” Charlie explained. “That’s why he always looks his best.” 

“...We need to call off the wedding. I do not know this man.” Castiel joked as Charlie giggled. 

“You are not calling off this wedding, I look too good not to be photographed,” Charlie spoke as a knock made them turn to see the wedding photographer standing in the doorway. The woman politely smiled. 

“Hello, groom! I’m your photographer for this evening!” The woman smiled softly brushing some hair behind her ear and holding a camera in her hand. “You can call me Amy.” 

“Hi, Amy.” Castiel stood shaking her hand. “So what do you need for us to start off?”

“Is this your full wedding party?” Amy asked with care. 

“We only have a couple for a wedding party,” Castiel spoke. “Mine is Charlie and Dean’s is Missouri.” 

“How intimate, I love it.” Amy laughed. 

“Yes! We also would love our dog in some photos as well, but my fiance has him for now.” Castiel explained. 

“Perfect. Did you guys just want to do your thing and I’ll pose you guys and get some photos before I head over to your fiance’s cabin for his get-ready photos?” Amy beamed. Amy told him how to pose as they got the photos. “Just talk and I’ll snap some photos, so it looks more natural. Charlie can you look like you're helping him get ready.” Charlie nodded moving to help him fix his tie and straighten up his shirt. 

“You know, I forgot Missouri was coming,” Charlie explained. “It’s going to be so weird to see her again. I bet Dean’s excited.” Castiel sucked in air at that trying his hardest to smile. He knew she was coming. He wasn’t sure if she was already here or not…He wasn’t sure how to feel about the woman. He will always be grateful for her helping Dean out of the system and helping him become the man he was. But…a part of him will always be…bitter because of Dean’s feelings of her never adopting him. 

“I can’t wait to meet her,” Castiel spoke avoiding speaking to Dean’s feelings. He wasn’t lying about not waiting to meet her. She was the person whose shoes he had been trying to fill. She was a mystery to him. The legend in her own right.

“You’ll love her.” Charlie beamed. “She’s literally amazing.” Castiel nodded as Amy moved to get the last couple of photos of them. 

“Alright. Looks like I got some amazing photos! I’m going to head towards Dean then and get his get-ready photos.” Amy beamed. “See you a bit later.” 

“Thank you!” Castiel beamed as he felt a harsh kick to his stomach making him touch his belly. “There there little one.” 

“Wait? Was that a kick?” Charlie gasped as Castiel nodded softly. 

“They have been kicking for the last week,” Castiel admitted. “I want to surprise Dean with them during the wedding.” Castiel touched his stomach as Charlie beamed. 

“That will be a wonderful gift.” Charlie beamed as Castiel nodded softly, finishing up getting ready.  

____________________________________________________________________________

Dean’s POV:

Dean stood alone in the cabin as Beast lay at his feet. He was ready to go, just had been spending time fixing his suit. Dean leaned into the mirror fixing the concealer he had snuck onto his under eyes patting it in a bit more. His big secret was that he kept a small makeup bag to conceal his flaws so he always looked his best. Even Castiel didn’t know but it was a secret he would take to the grave. 

“I can’t help but miss seeing you like this.” A woman’s voice made Dean turn to look at her. “Watching you get ready, nervous…it’s the day of your first pitch for your company all over again.” Dean eyed Missouri as she walked over. She reached up fixing his suit tie. “I never imagined I would see you being married.” 

“...I’m glad you came.” Dean breathed softly as she blinked softly at him. “Didn’t think you would.” 

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” She explained. “Seeing you start a family of your own. I never met someone so worthy of a happy ending.” Dean blinked looking away at that. He felt the pit of anger in his stomach. The jealousy that he was deprived of a family for so long. He always saw Missouri as a mother to him…she was his family. It stung to know she didn’t. 

“I already had a family.” Dean breathed feeling tears in his eyes as Missouri eyed him. “You were my family.” She looked away as though ashamed. 

“I’m honored you thought of me so fondly.” Missouri hesitated as she moved her hand away from his collar. 

“You’re telling me you didn’t feel the same way?” Dean chuckled coldly blinking the tears turning away from her. 

“I will always love you, Dean,” Missouri whispered. 

“That’s not my question,” Dean scoffed. 

“I can’t give you the answer you want Dean,” Missouri spoke. It was an argument they had before. Normally they would fight and cool off. However, they both knew this time was different. They weren’t just going to go to work on Monday and pretend it never happened. 

“Why…Why did you never want me?” Dean spoke. 

“Dean.” Missouri sighed looking away. 

“Please. I’ll never ask again.” Dean choked. “You’ll never see me again after today. I need to know. I need the peace of that closure for me. For my mate…For my child.” 

“Your mate…?” Missouri spoke. “Your mate’s pregnant?”

“We are halfway through it.” Dean breathed. 

“Boy or girl?” Missouri asked.

“We don’t know yet,” Dean spoke. She nodded softly looking away again. 

“Children are the best thing to ever happen to you,” Missouri spoke as Dean eyed her. “I remember having my first-” 

“Missouri.” Dean cut her off as her smile faltered. “...Please.” 

“...” Missouri hesitated eyeing him back before she breathed taking a seat which Dean did as well. “I guess I owe you that much…you’re the only reason I was able to retire. Ask away.”

“...Did you ever see me as a son?” Dean asked as Missouri nodded softly. 

“I adore you, Dean. I helped make you into the man today.” Missouri explained. “You can’t water a plant and watch it grow daily without loving it.”

“...But why didn’t you adopt me?” Dean questioned. Missouri’s face fell at the words. “You helped me out of the system, you helped me get my own place and you helped grow my company-”

“Exactly, Dean, You didn’t need me,” Missouri breathed. 

“I needed you more than you ever known.” Dean choked. “All I ever wanted…I didn’t need any of this…I just wanted…” Dean didn’t continue as Missouri looked away. 

“What do you want me to say, Dean?” Missouri asked with the softest voice making Dean swallow. “That I just didn’t want you?” Dean swallowed the lump in his throat. 

“I just want the truth.” Dean breathed. “No matter how painful.” Missouri nodded softly before he paused just taking a moment to voice it.

“...I had already raised my children when I met you, the last had left years before I met you.” Missouri breathed. Her voice was kind and to the point. “I was less than five years from retirement. My husband had already retired. Maybe if I still had my children, adding you wouldn’t have been such a…” She didn’t continue letting the words falter.

Burden.

Dean's eyes fluttered at the words she refused to speak. It was like a kick to the stomach. 

“It sounds bad put that way-” Missouri tried to make an excuse. To justify herself. In truth, he didn’t need it. He understood. That was the story of his life, wasn’t it? A little too late, A little too much, and a little unworth it. A knock on the door made them turn, and the photographer Amy smiled waving as she came in. 

“Hi, I’m here for the photos!” Amy spoke as Dean cleared his throat. 

“Right.” Dean breathed before he smiled brightly at the photographer. “Hello. Welcome. How would you like us?” 

Sure, he knew this pain was ineffable. He still loved her despite her reasons or words. He couldn’t ignore the feelings he had for her, even after all this time. Every Holiday and birthday card she sent he would cherish. She couldn’t take away the love he had for her. Even if he wished the outcome was different. He knew this pain was just the broken hope that she would have answered she had always wanted to but didn’t for some reason. Having a mother figure for a moment…was enough for him. Dean and Missouri posed for the photos. She kept touching his chest with care trying to soothe him…or maybe herself. 

However, this was his wedding. 

He wasn’t going to let an obvious outcome ruin this day for him. 

So he smiled to light up the room, turning his focus to his mate and child he soon would call his husband. The evening went by in a blur as Dean went through the movements with Missouri. It wasn’t till Dean stood on the altar, taking a deep breath as he picked at his sleeves that the day resumed for him. Missouri stood a bit away from him as Charlie stood on Castiel’s side of the altar waiting for him. He was counting down the minutes, the seconds. He just wanted his mate. 

He heard the music starting up as he faced away from the aisle, swallowing as there were gasps and awes as Castiel slowly made his way to him. Dean already felt tears in his eyes. The tears he wouldn’t allow himself to cry because of Missouri. These tears were for someone who really mattered. When Dean finally turned to see him, Castiel was halfway down the aisle. Holding a picture of his parents and sobbing so happy. Dean felt tears hit his eyes almost instantly. Castiel wearing a beautiful white suit walked down to him. 

Dean sucked in a shaky breath as he just…admittedly and uncooly…sobbed. Ugly, uncontrollable sobs welcomed him as Castiel lit up seeing his reaction. Dean hadn’t seen Castiel in his wedding suit, how beautiful his eyes were. They shined like diamonds, and it didn’t help his smile brightened the whole day. God, he was ravishing. Dean being so keen on appearances just became a mess in front of him. 

God, he loved him. 

He LOVED him so much. 

Castiel took his hand as he walked up the small steps onto the platform. Dean walked down a bit to help him walk up the stairs, which Castiel took gracefully. Charlie took Castiel’s parents' photo to hold for him. The second he was close Dean pulled his face to his pressing their foreheads together as Castiel looked up into Dean’s eyes. He knew this wasn’t how a wedding was supposed to go. They didn’t move away from each other. 

Dean holding his waist as Castiel wrapped his arms around his shoulder. It was like they were slow dancing. So intimate as they whispered their vows and promises to each other. Charlie held the microphone close for them gaining some laughs at Charlie’s attempt to make them heard. He knew he should stand straight and look stronger than this, instead of breaking down in front of his stockholders. But he couldn’t.

They only broke apart when Beast came running over to them, Bobby holding his leash as the dog brought over the rings. Dean pulled back to kneel to greet Beast kissing him and thanking him for the rings attached to his collar around his neck. He sat so good for them, sitting next to Castiel looking up at his human parents. 

When the kiss to seal their marriage came, Dean cupped his face so tenderly kissing him with so much love. He hoped Castiel could feel the love in the kiss. How grateful he was for him. He promised to cherish him forever. Castiel kissed back pulling him down to him as the room erupted in applause, Dean leaned him back holding him close, before helping him back upright. Castiel laughed so happily as they took Beast’s leash walking with him down the aisle holding their hands up as flower pedals were tossed over them heading towards the reception hall.

__________________________________________________________________________

Castiel’s POV:

He was completely head over heels in love with Dean Winchester. 

Castiel smiled up at him as they enjoyed their first dance holding his mate close. He couldn’t take his eyes off of him moving together in a slow dance. Castiel felt the baby so active since they ate and enjoyed the speeches. Dean was a champ through Charle’s speech which showed some funny yet embarrassing photos that made Dean laugh loudly clapping his hands. They had a good time, even when the drag outfit of Dean’s came up. Castiel laughed and loudly enjoyed the photos from the years he didn’t know Dean. Dean had his revenge when Charlie started her speech about Castiel’s past. Including Castiel’s embarrassing band camp pictures. 

It wasn’t till Charlie was finishing up her speech that Dean’s hand moved to hover over Castiel’s stomach like normal. Castiel softly took his hand moving it to the place where he felt the baby being active as Dean continued to listen to Charlie. Castiel pushed Dean’s hand slightly against the last place he felt movement. Dean’s smile faded in surprise when he felt the movement. Dean’s eyes widened as he slowly turned to Castiel. Castiel beamed at him innocently enough. Dean started to tear up again, clearing his throat and trying not to cry as he leaned over kissing him softly as they continued to watch the speeches.

“I’m disappointed,” Castiel spoke as they slow danced. “Rodney only brought his wife. So boring. Heard he intercepted the invitation to his mistress when his wife got hers first.” 

“What did you expect?” Dean chuckled as they glanced at Rodney and his wife. 

“Something from the WWE.” Castiel mumbled disappointed as Dean tried to hide his smile checking his watch real quick. 

“You mean something like that?” Dean hummed amused when Rodney’s mistress came storming over and tossed wine onto his wife Liliana’s light blue dress. She gasped in surprise as Rodney looked horrified. 

“Rodney, baby, who the fuck is this old hag?!” His mistress Jane snapped as Liliana turned a murderous gaze to her husband. “Think you can take MY man?!”

“How?” Castiel asked as Rodney moved to the mistress. 

“Someone might have accidentally told her he was attending with another mistress…and paid for her Uber,” Dean mumbled. Castiel and Dean exchanged a quiet fist bump trying not to laugh. 

“ Jane, this is my wife .” Rodney hissed as Jane slowly went wide-eyed in surprise looking horrified realizing what she did.

“JANE?!” Liliana hissed disgusted and horrified at how similar the mistress looked to their daughter. Especially the name. “What the fuck is wrong with you, sleeping with our dollar store knock-offs daughters look alike?!” 

“Dollar store knock-off?!” Jane snapped offended as Dean gaped laughing softly, Castiel elbowed him as Dean reached over grabbing them some cupcakes to enjoy the show. Castiel grabbed the one offered eating it softly.

“This wasn’t what this looks like.” Rodney turned away from Jane. “Baby, she’s no one!”

“I’m no one?!” Jane hissed which made Rodney wince. Jane pushed past him getting in Liliana’s face. “You know what? Rodney wanted to get his shit in order before divorcing you, but I’m GLAD you finally know. He loves me. He didn’t want to leave you high and dry for your kids sake-”

“Wait, you think he’s rich?” Liliana scoffed. “The money is mine .” 

“N-No.” Jane choked taken back confused by her confidence.

“All his money is my money. My family money.” Liliana chuckled crossing her arms. “He knows if he cheats or we divorce, he loses everything. He signed a pre-nup, love. He came into this marriage with one sofa and a coupon for a big mac. Good luck supporting him, sweetheart .”

“Rodney-kins, is that true?” Jane choked. Liliana scoffed pissed. 

“Rodney-kins? Really?” Liliana nodded pissed before grabbing Jane by the hair ready to strangle the bitch. 

“Rodney!” Jane cried as Rodney moved to separate them. “She might hurt the baby!”

“Baby?!” Liliana screeched in mocking laughter as Jane smirked patting her stomach. “Funny…seeing as he had a vasectomy.” Jane paled at that. “Better ask for a paternity test before she tries to take you for half your couch and coupon.” Liliana turned on her heels moving past Dean and Castiel before she huffed. “Sorry Mr. and Mr. Winchester for ruining your day.”

“No harm, no foul.” The couple mumbled pretending they weren’t enjoying the show, hiding the snacks they were eating. 

“…I will be taking over on my ex-husband's investments. We will work more closely with one another once I speak to my divorce lawyer.” Liliana stated. “Now if you excuse me.” She left with Rodney following after him like a dog. 

“Liliana, This is a misunderstanding! I love you!!” Rodney cried following her leaving Jane to huff after them. 

“...” Jane grabbed a glass of wine downing it before she noticed their stares. “...I’m not pregnant.” That seemed to lessen their glares. “...Anyone looking for a sugar baby?...No?” Jane just put the empty glass down, she sighed for a moment before following them. “...Rodney-kins.” Jane moved to lazily follow after them with no better options. 

“...That may or may not have been the best wedding present ever,” Castiel whispered snorting as Dean smiled softly looking down at his stomach.

“...No…yours was.” Dean breathed his hand hovering over Castiel’s stomach, Castiel took his hand placing it on his stomach tearing up before they went back to slow dancing holding him close. Now officially married publically. 

Chapter Text

Castiel’s POV - One month later:

Castiel sat in the limo rubbing his swollen stomach, the baby was so active now. Castiel softly hummed as he rubbed his belly. Though paparazzi and the internet now thought Castiel was fat. No one put two and two together yet that he was pregnant. He did a good job hiding it. There were sometimes rumors but Crowley crushed them before they began to spread. He wore bagger clothes and the closer it got to winter the more baggier the clothes didn’t give suspicion. They had decided to try to keep this a secret as long as possible. He luckily only really started to show and still could be seen as him just gaining weight. So if he wore an over large shirt it barely was noticeable how round he was getting. 

They want to keep their privacy as much as possible. Especially since the wedding, any big milestone got the paparazzi on their asses. They followed them everywhere for weeks before and after the wedding. But since it started to snow, it’s been keeping most of them cutting their annoying hounding short. 

Castiel sighed softly as they pulled up to the airport excited to be reunited with his mate finally. Dean was on a business trip overseas in Romania where he was expected to be there for a couple of days on business. Castiel had a doctor’s appointment the next day and said he would fly over after that check-up. 

Dean wanted him to take the private jet, but Castiel knew the turnaround from dropping Dean off and coming back to him was a bit ridiculous to try to manage. So after some convincing, Dean got him a ticket on the regular airline. Dean wouldn’t budge it had to be first class, Castiel though not used to extravagant life privileges still hesitated but Dean paid for it so there was nothing to be done about that. 

It was going to be their honeymoon, but both decided to postpone their honeymoon till when Dean was supposed there anyway. Dean would get his work done, then they were going to spend the rest of the time there for a two-week honeymoon. Castiel wanted to check out the cool castles and had planned out so many tourist things to do. Which Dean happily couldn’t wait for. 

When Bobby pulled up to the airport, Bobby came around to help him out of the car. Castiel gracefully accepted the help trying not to touch his stomach in public. Fear he would draw attention. Castiel slid on the sunglasses and a hat he used as a disguise before saying his goodbyes to Bobby. Castiel had Dean take his suitcases, so all he had to worry about was his small bag for essentials. It was just a quick and easy trip as he walked into the airport and out of sight. 

_______________________________________________________________________

Castiel moved to his first-class seat which he was happy for the extra room, also happy it was closer to the restrooms than not. This was one thing he disliked about pregnancy, he always felt like he was going to pee himself all the time. So Dean made sure to get him the aisle seat. Castiel happily plopped into his seat enjoying the first class experience. He had never flown first class before. If he flew anywhere, it was with Dean’s private jet. 

That sounded so entitled that Castiel winced at the thought. Castiel took off his disguise, easily sliding it off before he snuggled into the warmth of the chair grabbing for the blanket they supplied for first class. Castiel opened his center console, which was prepared with extra snacks that Dean paid to have ready for him. Castiel grabbed some snacks and a blanket getting warm sliding off his jacket and using the blanket to cover his belly since sitting made his stomach more obvious he wasn’t just gaining weight. He happily started to chew on the candy inside the console when someone moved next to him wanting to get by to the seat next to him. 

“Excuse me.” The voice spoke as Castiel sat up with an apology pulling his legs close. 

“I’m sorry-” Castiel breathed his smile faded as he glanced up seeing Gabriel staring down at him. “...Gabriel…?” 

“Small world.” Gabriel breathed as Castiel tensed noticeably, Gabriel moved past him taking a seat next to him on the plane. “I wouldn’t imagine you here.” Castiel pulled the blanket closer and higher up on his chest putting the jacket on his belly to hide it. Shit. He slowly slid another chocolate into his mouth. 

“What are you doing on a plane ride to Romania?” Castiel asked shyly. He didn’t expect to run into Gabriel of all people.

“...Same reason as you, I believe,” Gabriel mumbled relaxing into the seat where he pulled out his laptop once the plane’s signs allowed trays to be down. Castiel slowly started to chew as he debated about what to do. Should he just ask to leave the plane? No. That would draw suspicion. He needed to keep his cool and try his best to hide his pregnancy. “Dean’s the story. So I’m following the story.” Castiel said nothing going back to chewing on his sweets. “Are things not good in paradise that you didn’t go with him or take his private plane?”

“We’re great.” Castiel turned quickly noticeably tensing. “I-I stayed behind for my own reasons and I decided to just take a plane. Save the planet and all.” Castiel turned away upset as Gabriel eyed him saying nothing for a bit. 

“I figured it was about his hookup with the prince,” Gabriel spoke with a chuckle as Castiel eyed him. “...Oh, did you not know?” Gabriel smirked as Castiel tried not to look obvious he felt skittish by the answer. Gabriel slowly slid his laptop around showing Dean soaked and walking behind a man Castiel recognized from before they were dating. The texter Dean wanted Castiel to ghost for him.  

______________________________________

Years ago:

“Yeah, that’s the one who hits me up every time he’s in town. That’s him.” Dean nodded lazily staring at Castiel from the floor. 

“Dean…this isn’t a model .” Castiel gasped. “This is a crowned prince. From the royal family.” Dean blinked. “...Prince Benny. Dean, he’s a straight alpha with a fiancée. First in line for the crown.” 

“Hm.” Dean hummed impressed himself. 

“You fucked a prince?!” Castiel laughed. 

“Technically, I could be fucking a prince.” Dean pointed out. 

__________________________________________________________________

Now:

Gabriel moved through the photos as Castiel stared at Dean. Dean looked so…sad, he was soaking wet. First was Dean alone in the bar just staring at his phone. Then Prince Benny struck up a conversation before Dean followed him into the hotel. This…was their fight. He almost glanced away from the shame of the fight alone. 

“They were up there maybe fifteen minutes,” Gabriel spoke before turning his computer away. “Plenty of time to get acquainted . Don’t you think?” Castiel said nothing as Gabriel eyed the ring on his finger before smirking to himself. “Congratulations by the way.” 

“W-What do you mean?” Castiel spoke covering his stomach more. 

“I saw your wedding,” Gabriel spoke, Castiel gave him a look. Gabriel wasn’t a guest. “From a distance…you looked beautiful.” Castiel swallowed at the compliment blushing. “Wasted on your first marriage, seeing how well it’s going…” Castiel bit his cheek looking away. Castiel held his wrist tightly. “...That’s expected though. A man has needs. Especially famous rich men. They can get what they want and do-” 

“Why are you telling me this?” Castiel glared. “What’s your game?”

“My game?” Gabriel eyed him. “I already told you. I care for you. I want you prepared for the inevitable.” Castiel’s jaw tensed as the flight attendant came over softly to Castiel.

“Mr. Winchester. We have your first meal available. Did you want it now?” The woman asked kindly. Castiel nodded softly wanting something to keep his thoughts distracted, he was handed a plate of food Dean had paid in advance for. There were a couple of different meals Dean already had for him. Along with snacks and the regular meals on the plane. Castiel took a bite of the chicken in front of him as Gabriel eyed him. 

“My husband brought me extra meals for the trip because he loves me.” Castiel snapped as Gabriel raised his hands submitting to his rage. 

“You don’t need to convince me,” Gabriel spoke. “...Maybe the public once I leak these.” Castiel tensed noticeably, Gabriel smirked turning away. “Show the world what kind of man Dean is to cheat on his mate.” 

“My husband won’t cheat on me.” Castiel bit back. 

“Are you trying to coddle me by saying that to me or are you trying to coddle yourself?” Gabriel spoke as Castiel closed his eyes for a second. He blinked tears back as his jaw tightened even more. All the flood of insecurities came back. He felt so small and weak. Castiel had only started his therapy recently and he didn’t feel mentally well enough for such invasive questioning. Castiel closed his eyes taking a moment to compose himself as he took a big bite focusing on the food. 

Dean. 

He wanted Dean. 

A rough movement from their baby soothed him so much, that he absent-mindly rubbed his movements. 

Mommy’s okay, baby.

“Excuse me.” Castiel stood covering himself the best he could with his jacket moving to the restroom, almost knocking into the flight attendant. Castiel got into the bathroom panic breathing, holding the sink as he remembered his mental exercises. 

“I am loved. I am whole. I deserve the love I give. I am worthy of the love I receive.” Castiel whispered closing his eyes. Dean’s sad face came back to his mind. How broken Dean looked standing in the rain whispering I love you to deaf ears. The night of their fight. The night when Gabriel took those photos with the prince and Dean heading up to his room…

Castiel sucked in the air just moving to wash his face when he heard a knock on the door. Castiel paused moving to wipe his face quickly. 

“J-Just a minute.” Castiel choked as he moved to dry his face. He took a moment before he moved to open the door when Gabriel stood in front of him. He paused taking a step back as Gabriel moved into the bathroom with him. “G-Gabriel.” 

“I’m sorry,” Gabriel spoke moving towards him as Castiel held himself. “I didn’t tell you to hurt you…” Castiel sniffed looking away he was emotionally drained from this conversation as he backed into the wall. “...He doesn’t deserve you.” Gabriel reached out touching his face which Castiel turned to glare at him when Gabriel was face to face to him. Castiel tensed when Gabriel put his hand on the wall beside Castiel’s head. Castiel jumped back slightly. “...Why don’t you use me for revenge…to get back at him? No strings attached. Just sweet revenge.” 

Castiel pressed back into the wall as Gabriel leaned in waiting for Castiel to give him permission to continue. Castiel turned his face away quickly making Gabriel pause. Castiel looked at the floor in silent anger and obviously upset. Gabriel said nothing as he moved away. 

“...I understand.” Gabriel glanced away, and Castiel watched him turn to leave. 

“I know my husband and I love my husband. I know you don’t believe he can love someone like me. I understand. I am older, poorer, and nothing special to deserve someone like Dean.” Castiel spoke making Gabriel try to speak. “Save your white knighting. I may not believe or understand why I am worthy of him, but I can’t deny facts. If my husband didn’t want or love me, he didn’t have to keep me. You said yourself, that if he wanted a prince, he could have him. So why does he constantly choose me? Why does he come home to me? Why does he spend all his time with me? I think we both come to the same logical conclusion, Gabriel. Do you not?” Gabriel said nothing to that eyeing him before he nodded his head. “It’s indeed a mystery-”

“From where I’m standing…it’s not.” Gabriel smiled sadly. “He is lucky to have someone as brilliant as is beautiful.” Castiel blushed looking away. “Excuse me-”

“You won’t print the smear piece right?” Castiel choked gasping that he had almost forgotten. “About the prince and Dean?”

“My hands are tied,” Gabriel admitted. “Dean’s hot news. So hot news is a story-”

“What if I give you a bigger story?” Castiel choked before he could think. Gabriel eyed him intrigued. 

“What can be better than a closeted alpha prince?” Gabriel hummed. Castiel could feel this was a deal with the devil. Castiel wanted to protect Dean. Castiel thought about it for a moment trying to think panicking. Gabriel grabbed for the door when Castiel’s words stopped him. 

“I’m pregnant.” Castiel spilled out making Gabriel pause. 

Castiel sighed defeated when Gabriel turned around, Castiel moved his jacket and pulled his shirt tight to his body showing the belly as Gabriel moved to him in surprise. Castiel made a face when Gabriel’s hands touched his belly without permission. So used to Dean’s hands on him. Dean always asked permission. Since he was hiding his pregnancy, he hadn’t had anyone actually touch his belly without permission. Now he had. 

“How have you been hiding this?” Gabriel chuckled in awe. 

“We were careful,” Castiel explained lightly as Gabriel slowly moved his hand away. “We didn’t want the world to take this away from us…If you spare Dean and the prince from public humiliation I will allow you to break this story. I’ll give you the inside scoop. You said yourself Dean is hot news. Imagine his baby?” 

“Hm.” Gabriel thought about it. “...I break the story about your pregnancy and birth, get a copy of your maternity photos to do it, and can take some family photos once they are born.” Castiel paused. 

“...Then I get any copies you have of Dean and Benny,” Castiel swallowed trying to sound confident. “I don’t want you changing your mind later.”

“How do I know you’ll keep your word?” Gabriel mumbled. 

“You know I would.” Castiel scoffed as Gabriel pulled out his phone. 

“I take a picture now and if you don’t send me maternity photos, I post it.” Gabriel offered as  Castiel sighed but agreed, moving to show his stomach better holding his shirt tight to his body. Gabriel snapped a photo before he nodded holding his hand out. “Deal.”

Castiel shook his hand begrudgingly as Gabriel smiled to himself leaving the bathroom. Castiel held his stomach composing himself, taking a second before returning to his seat. Castiel moved to eat, unsure what to do with this awkwardness after the exchange. Gabriel turned the computer over to him showing him deleting the pictures and the article he was working on before he popped out his memory card holding it out to Castiel. Castiel hesitantly accepted the card. 

“There. The only copy.” Gabriel breathed. 

“Thank you,” Castiel whispered taking it softly, he simply plopping it into the remance of his drink. They watched it sink to the bottom as Castiel continued to eat emotionally drained from this interaction. 

“You must love him a lot to put yourself out like this.” Gabriel breathed.

“I do.” Castiel chewed lazily. “He would do the same in a heartbeat.” 

“...I wish I had that much confidence in people like you.” Gabriel chuckled. “I trust them as far as I can throw them.”

“...I used to feel that way too,” Castiel admitted. “Still do sometimes. Like I’m not good enough to keep around.” Gabriel paused at that. “...But I’m getting better at realizing my worth…Especially when I have a wonderful mate that treats me like I’m worth more than gold.” Gabriel nodded saying nothing. 

“Do you know the gender yet?” Gabriel asked as Castiel blinked at him suspiciously. “Off the record.”

“No. We are still deciding if we want to know.” Castiel admitted. “Dean joked there weren’t enough gender-reveal forest fires this year so we should do one.”

“What do you want to do?” Gabriel asked curiously.

“Honestly, I just want to go on this trip to Romania with my mate and enjoy myself,” Castiel confessed. “Party or no party. I am just happy to be…happy.” Castiel shoveled more food into his mouth chewing. “Now I’m going to ignore you for the next god knows how many hours and eat till I can’t.”

“Not one for conversations?” Gabriel chuckled. “It’s going to be a long flight.”

“You just blackmailed me.” Castiel glared. 

“Just a little blackmail.” Gabriel minimized the issue as he relaxed into his chair. “Besides, you never know when you’ll need a smitten reporter in your pocket.” 

“You’re not smitten.” Castiel scoffed as Gabriel just hummed. “Now let's play the quiet game. You stop talking and I pretend you don’t exist.” Gabriel eyed him with a laugh as they continued their flight in mostly silence.

___________________________________________________________________________

Hours later:

Castiel walked off the plane just so happy to finally walk around, he had his hand on his belly as he walked with his hat and sunglasses. He had made sure to get off before Gabriel could, since Gabriel had stuff to grab, it wasn’t hard to be the first one off. Castiel looked around, looking for his mate. Castiel lit up seeing a tall alpha with a hat and sunglasses looking through the crowd. 

Dean.

“Dean!” Castiel ran towards him lighting up as the Alpha noticed him. Dean couldn’t hide his smile as he ran towards him and scooped Castiel into a twirling hug with little effort. Castiel laughed with love as Dean leaned him back holding him around his waist.

“ Hello, Mi Amor .” Dean cooed softly nuzzling their noses together. “I missed you too much.” Dean kissed him again leaning him back for a moment before standing him up. Castiel laughed holding him close as Dean smiled down at him. “Never leave my side again.”

“Unfortunately, Baby says I have to pee.” Castiel breathed laughing, moving towards the bathroom and pulling away from Dean. Dean pouted watching him go with a sigh.

Castiel came out of the bathroom pausing when he noticed Dean angrily moving to grip Gabriel’s collar. Gabriel being shorter than Dean had pulled him up onto his tippy toes as Dean glared at him. Castiel panicked moving towards him and grabbing Dean’s arm stopping the alpha from beating the shorter man to death. 

“Cas.” Gabriel hummed. “We were just talking about you.” Dean continued to glare. 

“Dean, let him go,” Castiel insisted as Dean slowly lowered Gabriel before tossing him away like dirt. Gabriel chuckled amused, Castiel putting Dean’s hand on his belly to calm him. He could feel Dean’s tension leave the second when he did. Castiel smiled softly up at Dean, he always knew how to cheer him up. When Castiel had calmed down Dean, he turned to Gabriel with a scowl. “You are antagonizing him on purpose.” 

“Who? Me?” Gabriel blinked innocently before his facade faded, and he chuckled. “...Yeah, obviously. I was just telling him about our little deal.” Gabriel patted Dean’s shoulder. Dean gave him a dirty look before throwing his elbow back roughly into Gabriel’s face making groan and turning away. 

“You deserved that,” Castiel commented as Gabriel just cursed holding his nose that was gushing blood. 

“...Yeah…” Gabriel mumbled covering his gushing nose. “...Probably.” 

“Let’s just go,” Castiel whispered to Dean taking his hand and pulling him close.  

“Don’t forget our deal,” Gabriel called holding out his card to Castiel. 

Castiel hesitated slightly, he turned grabbing it before they walked away. Castiel dragged Dean behind him. Dean continued to glare at Gabriel till they got out to the front of the airport. Dean put an arm around Castiel’s waist leading them to the limo for them. Dean opened the limo door for him as Castiel slid into the car rubbing his round stomach. Dean got in next to him, breathing a sentence in Romanian as he pulled his mate close. Dean didn’t relax till they pulled away, Castiel sliding Gabriel’s business card into his pocket. Knowing he had to talk to Dean about Gabriel.

“He told me what you did.” Dean’s voice made Castiel pause slowly turning to Dean. Dean looked at him seriously, concern on his face that Castiel could spiral again.  “...I didn’t cheat on you,” Castiel moved to speak but Dean continued. “...He saw me at the bar and paid for my drink. My phone was dead, I was soaked and went up to his room because he had a charger-”

“-I know you didn’t.” Castiel’s voice cut him off slowly taking Dean’s hand. “ My insecurities say I shouldn’t… but I do. I believe you.” Dean leaned in touching their foreheads together softly. Castiel nuzzled into his mate with care. 

“Did you need an emergency meeting?” Dean whispered with care his hand hovering over Castiel’s belly, which Castiel pushed his hand down on his stomach in need for him to rub it. 

“I’m okay.” Castiel breathed softly closing his eyes relieved by his touch. “...but I need to hire a photographer.” 

“A photographer?” Dean asked as Castiel nodded. 

“Gabriel gave me the photos of you and the prince, in exchange, I am supposed to give him the inside scoop on our baby. One of them being maternity photos.” Castiel spoke. “He took a horrible photo of me and I’d like not to see my stained pajamas on People’s magazine.” 

“...Well. If not on People, can I see you on Playboy instead?” Dean smirked but Castiel lightly slapped his arm. 

“You’re terrible.” Castiel laughed as Dean pulled him against him. 

“Thank you…” Dean breathed. “For protecting me.” Castiel sighed with love feeling Dean squeezing him softly. “...And thank you for trusting me.”

“You have never given me a reason not to.” Castiel turned to him eyeing his face with care. Dean nuzzled into him melting into his mate. 

“You sure you are okay keeping this deal?” Dean asked softly. “This isn’t your burden.”

“You don’t deserve to be harassed for me being a dick in the first place,” Castiel explained. “Besides…We wanted photos anyway. Romania might be a good place to get some magical photos without too much of an issue or an audience.” 

“I’ll hire the best maternity photographer I can find on short notice,” Dean spoke hovering his hand over Castiel’s stomach as Castiel pulled his hand to touch his stomach. “Money won’t be an issue. I want you to look and feel as beautiful as I see you.” 

“...God, why are you so good to us?” Castiel spoke before playfully adding. “You already got into my pants, what more do you want from me? I’m already knocked up.” 

“Because I love you.” Dean breathed kissing his neck and Castiel closed his eyes. “...and can you confirm a source?”

“A source?” Castiel laughed. 

“Can you provide sources you are pregnant?” Dean teased. “I just… might need to try again just to be sure.” Castiel blushed as Dean’s hands moved to his sweatpants untying Castiel’s pants string. Castiel let out a shaky breath as Dean slid his hand into his pants. Castiel sucked in air feeling Dean start to stroke him. 

“T-The driver-” Castiel whispered looking towards the darkened window separating the driver and the limo passengers, worried the driver might hear them. 

“Soundproof,” Dean mumbled into his neck. “All my limos-” Castiel shut him up by grabbing his head and yanking him into a lustful kiss twisting to straddle him losing himself to his mate as he happily decided to allow Dean to try.

Chapter Text

Dean’s POV - One month later:

Dean crossed his legs lazily staring at Crowley who was having a stroke again, Dean leaned back into the couch. He crossed his arms eyeing him turning red again. Crowley just slammed the article Gabriel wrote slamming the magazine down. Castiel rubbed his large stomach uncomfortably. Dean could tell it was because of the topic, and nothing to worry about. 

Castiel’s maternity shoot was beautiful and with the beautiful Romania castles, they got some amazing photos. Castiel left the shoot glowing in happiness, unable to wait for the final photos. Castiel was glowing, absolutely stunning, confident, and beautiful. He had that pregnancy glow. Dean made sure to get some framed for the house and his favorite was blown up and put into his home office. Castiel was sitting on the horse looking like a forest nymph with a waterfall behind him. Castiel blushed every time he saw it but Dean couldn’t look away. Even now, Dean had a hard time keeping his eyes off of him. 

“Which one of you went to Gabriel?” Crowley’s voice was annoying, Dean blinked lazily at it. Dean raised his hand a couple of fingers pointed in the air, saving face for Castiel who tensed. “ ....why.” Crowley scoffed irate. It wasn’t a question. Dean simply shrugged making a face. 

“...Have you seen him?” Dean ushered to his mate. “Can you blame me for wanting to show him off like a new toy?”

“...” Crowley looked so done with him just glaring. Dean smiled innocently enough. “Do you realize months of careful planning went down the drain?”

“My bad.” Dean hummed as Castiel looked at him wishing for Dean to stop antagonizing him. Crowley was red in the face. “Won’t do it again, scouts honor.” 

“Were you even a boy scout?” Crowley scoffed. 

“No…slept with a leader of a boy scout troop once. That counts right?” Dean stated. Crowley glared harder. 

“No. More. Talking. To. The. Press.” Crowley threatened. “I need to figure out how to take control of this story before this tailspins.” Crowley turned walking out of the house leaving them alone as Dean sighed bored turning to look at his mate. 

“...Thanks.” Castiel’s voice was so small. Dean leaned in softly kissing him. 

“Standing up to Crowley isn’t a problem to me.” Dean hummed. “I am a harbinger of chaos. It’s a goal to turn him that red any opportunity.” Castiel shook his head no before he sighed rubbing his belly. “...Besides, you did it for me.”

“...” Castiel eyed him softly. “I did it for the soon-to-be king.” Castiel lied playfully eyeing him. “He is cute, you know.”

“Well, thank you nonetheless.” Dean laughed.

“Think he will knight our baby for this heroic act of saving his public image?” Castiel questioned.

“I can pull some strings,” Dean snorted. “He does owe me some favors.” 

“Does he now?” Castiel hummed amused. 

“I mean, for sure he owes you,” Dean stated as he leaned in kissing him softly. Dean pulled back touching his face with care, he could tell Castiel was still upset about the whole thing wanting to find a way to soothe him he stood ruffling his hair with care. “Crowley’s my problem, don’t worry about him.”

“Don’t you think we should tell him about my agreement?” Castiel asked as Dean walked towards the kitchen. “I also promised him family photos once the baby is born.”

“That’s a problem for another day,” Dean spoke. “We’ll worry about it then. Till then, I’ll deal with him. Stay away from that sleazy reporter. He’s keeping his promises because we are playing ball. I don’t trust him.” 

“I will, I promise.” Castiel nodded as Dean grabbed him some food. Castiel smiled softly taking the food offered, Castiel humming softly at the food as Beast came laying at their feet wanting love which they happily gave. 

_________________________________________________________________________

Castiel’s POV:

Castiel stared at the flowers at the shop, he was out alone today, having snuck out of the house alone early in the morning. Castiel took in the bouquet of flowers as he waited for the florist to finish with his. His eyes stared at the flowers in front of him. Flowers of Butterfly weed, Purple Hyacinth, Marigolds, Dark crimson roses, and Willow, made him remember more than he wanted. 

________________________________________________________________________

Many years ago - the morning before they died:

Castiel sighed softly rubbing his face waking up on his parent’s couch and welcomed to the morning by the scent of pancakes. Castiel rubbed his face tiredly feeling someone cup his face to plant a kiss on his forehead. 

“Good morning, baby.” His mother breathed as Castiel smiled softly and rubbed his face. 

“Morning, Mom,” Castiel mumbled taking the plate being offered to him as he started to eat. His mother smiled softly as she moved away to grab a cup of milk for him. “Thanks for letting me stay here while my landlord renovates.” 

“It’s not a problem, love.” His mother spoke as his father chewed on the delicious pancakes nodding his head. “I just wish we still had your bedroom available.” 

“It’s fine you turned it into a sewing room.” Castiel chuckled. “I wasn’t expecting to come stay the night either,”

“You always got a place to stay here.” His mother spoke with love. “Right, Jimmy?” 

“Of course.” Jimmy laughed. “Our son always has a home here. Out to college making us proud. When he’s a doctor, we’ll be asking HIM to let us stay with him.” Castiel rolled his eyes playfully. “Nearly there.”

“No way am I nearly there,” Castiel spoke. “I have so much schooling to do.” 

“You’ll be there in no time.” Jimmy laughed. “You’re making your mother and me proud.” Jimmy grabbed the newspaper and went to read. “Why don’t we take you out to dinner-” Castiel paused when he noticed his phone going off. Castiel picked it up beaming. 

“Hold on, Dad.” Castiel started answering his phone. “Hey, Anna.” Castiel beamed as Anna painted her nails on her bed, the phone on speaker for her. 

“Hey, be free tonight. We have a party to go to.” Anna stated. “I’ll pick you up.”

“I don’t know.” Castiel sighed softly. “My apartment is being renovated remember, I’m at my parent's house.”

“Michael will be there.” Anna hummed. “He had been asking about you.” Castiel blushed at that. Michael was a beta from their college and admittedly Castiel had a bit of a crush on him. However, he was too shy to act on it. 

“Has he?” Castiel blushed. 

“...So I’ll pick you up at seven?” Anna beamed knowing she got him. Castiel nodded smiling before hanging up. 

“Dad, can we raincheck on dinner? I got plans tonight.” Castiel stood as Jimmy nodded. 

“Of course,” Jimmy stated as Castiel grabbed his food to enjoy breakfast with his family.

___________________________________________________________________________ 

Now:

Castiel snapped out of his thoughts when they held out the flowers to him. Castiel smiled sadly taking them into his arms and paid before walking out to the store. Bobby stood outside the limo ready to take him wherever he needed. Castiel was helped into the limo by Bobby before they drove. Castiel didn’t want to wake Dean for his monthly visit to his parents’ graves. It was always something he did, though he knew Dean would be open to coming. Castiel wasn’t ready to let Dean enter the darkness. So Castiel secretly went alone.

Bobby helped him out of the limo when they arrived at the cemetery, Castiel grabbed his basket and flowers. Bobby stayed back out of respect standing near the limo as Castiel walked up to their graves. Castiel used their gravestones to get onto his knees and put the flowers into the holder. Castiel always tended to their graves, he took great time in cleaning the graves up and washing the stones. He knew when the baby came he wouldn’t be able to come for a bit. Seeing as he needed to heal from the birth but once he was able he would come back to them. 

He stared at the gravestones reading the words on them. Jimmy and Amelia Novak. Their ‘May they walk hand in hand into the kingdom of heaven.’ Castiel swallowed the lump in his throat as he softly touched the date. August tenth. 

____________________________________________________________________________

Many years ago - the night they died:

Castiel came out of the restroom now changed into some clothes, he made sure he looked his best. Castiel walked down the stairs as his mother noticed him smiling softly. 

“You look so handsome.” Amelia breathed touching his collar. “You be good tonight.” 

“I will.” Castiel laughed as Jimmy glanced over at Amelia. 

“He’s a good kid.” Jimmy waved her off. “I want him to get a bit wild.” 

“Not too wild.” Amelia worried. 

“Guys.” Castiel laughed.

“Just…promise me, you’ll call us if you need us to pick you up,” Jimmy spoke as Castiel nodded. 

“Anna’s driving,” Castiel reassured but his father’s look made him pause. “...I promise if I need you, I’ll call.” 

“That’s all I ask,” Jimmy spoke as Castiel heard the honk from Anna’s car. Castiel turned kissing his family’s cheeks as he left out the door. 

“Bye Mom, bye Dad! See you later!” Castiel waved. 

“Be safe!” Amelia’s voice called but Castiel didn’t even look back as he left for the party.

__________________________________________________________________________

Now:

Castiel scrubbed and cleaned the grave, working on the stone to make the grave clean. He paused softly when a rough kick to his stomach made him look down. Their baby was growing so strong, now being seven months pregnant he was rounding out. Castiel sighed softly touching his little one. 

“This is your grandma and grandpa, little one.” Castiel breathed to his lively little one. “I know I should take Daddy to meet them soon…but I’m just not ready. I guess…I feel if I take him…It’s real…a part of me really…just thinks the longer I put this off…they can come back and meet him. Like they need time or something.” Castiel swallowed his nerves blinking back his tears. “...It’s dumb. I know-” 

Castiel’s phone rang making him curse, it was probably Dean. Castiel patting his pockets before he found his phone. 

“Dean, I’m sorry-” Castiel started but Crowley’s voice made him stop. 

“Castiel. It’s Crowley.” Crowley’s voice spoke. Castiel blinked surprised, Crowley seemed to kind and soft. Normally when Crowley called it wasn’t a pleasant interaction. “How are you?” 

“...I’m…fine.” Castiel paused confused. “How are you?” 

“I’m well.” Crowley spoke softly. 

“Are you okay?” Castiel asked sitting on his legs. “You…sound…nice. Which is weird. Not something normal for you.” 

“...I got a call from Rowena this morning,” Crowley spoke. 

“Rowena?” Castiel asked. 

“Dean’s Lawyer….now yours by marriage,” Crowley stated. “She looks out for your best interests.” 

“Yes…I remember, I just…” Castiel paused. “Why are you calling me?” 

“...Rowena called me this morning about something and wanted me to break the news to you.” Crowley breathed softly. 

“If you’re looking for Dean, Dean’s not here-” Castiel choked feeling a lump in his throat growing.

“I don’t need to talk to Dean.” Crowley breathed softly. “...Are you sitting down?” Castiel sat down completely. In the silence, Crowley continued. “...He’s getting out, Castiel.” Castiel’s breath left his body.

“...W-What?” Castiel choked tears sliding down his face. “N-No, h-he should have had more time.” 

“Castiel.” Crowley’s voice silenced him as Castiel took in his words. “...He’s getting out.” Castiel let his phone fall from his hands which clanked on the ground.

_____________________________________________________________________

Many years ago - An hour before they died:

Castiel laughed holding his drink and looking at Michael as he talked. He was a Beta, handsome, charming, and funny. He kept running his fingers through his hair as he talked loudly and animatedly. Castiel admittedly couldn’t stop looking at him, loving his long shaggy brown hair. Castiel smiled putting the beer to his lips and finishing his drink. Michael spilled his drink getting too excited with his story, people gasped and laughed when Michael realized. 

“Shit.” Michael laughed as Uriel took his drink from him. 

“Maybe we should cool it with the beer,” Uriel warned him as Michael laughed. Castiel put his empty cup down to move into the kitchen. “Can someone get him water?” 

“Already on it.” Castiel hummed.

“See this is why I adore Castiel. He always has my back.” Michael hummed. Castiel blushed at the comment as he walked away.

“He is the only one who wants to put up with your annoying ass.” Uriel joked as Castiel walked into the kitchen out of earshot. Castiel grabbed a glass and filled it with water before Castiel turned walking back to the group. He paused when he realized Michael was no longer there. Castiel glanced around confused, before turning to Uriel. 

“Where’s Michael?” Castiel asked. 

“Your boyfriend is upstairs.” Uriel teased as Castiel playfully rolled his eyes blushing. It was obvious to most people that Castiel liked Michael. Though he thought he was being so slick about it. Castiel moved towards the stairs looking for Michael. He checked the first couple of rooms, checked the bathroom line, and asked around. 

“Hey, have you seen Michael?” Castiel asked someone in the bathroom line. 

“He was looking for Anna. I told him I saw her heading towards the master bedroom. I think he went there.” The girl commented. “Can you let us know if the bathroom in there is free? The line is ridiculous.” 

“Sure,” Castiel mumbled walking towards the master bedroom, slightly confused as to why Michael was looking for Anna. Maybe he was trying to talk to her about him? Castiel knew if anyone wanted to know Castiel, it was best to speak to Anna. So maybe he was trying to get advice?  “Michael-?” 

Castiel pushed the door open pausing noticeably when Michael and Anna yanked back tensing from the kiss they shared. Castiel said nothing, his heart breaking as Anna turned to him. Anna moved to Castiel. 

“Cas, it’s not what it looks like he kissed me I-...” Anna choked as Castiel looked away. “...I’m sorry, Cas.” Anna moved to walk away but paused turning she slapped Michael hard. She turned storming out as Michael looked down pissed. Castiel and Michael stood in the silence of the room as tears filled Castiel’s eyes. 

“...She rejected me because of you.” Michael turned pissed, and Castiel flinched at his words. “I’ve been trying for MONTHS to get her and because of your stupid crush, she rejected me.”

“I-I thought…” Castiel paused so hurt. 

“You thought anyone would pick you?” Michael mocked. “Don’t you get it yet? You’re a backup option for the desperate. You aren’t good-looking. You aren’t even interesting. The only thing you have going for you is that you’re an omega. You won't ever be someone's first choice. Just desperate and pathetic last chances.” Castiel winced at that. “All you were good for was getting closer to Anna. Now you’re useless to me.” Michael moved past Castiel who started to break down. His heart was crushed as he turned and left once Michael was gone. Leaving the house without a word, he wiped his tears as he put the phone to his ear. 

“Hello?” Jimmy’s sleeping voice welcomed him as Castiel tried not to sound upset. 

“Sorry to wake you Dad…C-Can you pick me up?” Castiel whispered wiping his tears. 

“Yeah.” Jimmy breathed, Castiel whimpered choking back a sob. “We’ll be there soon, Castiel.” Castiel sniffed as he heard his dad waking up his mom before they hung up. Castiel sat on the curb wiping his tears as he softly cried. It wasn’t till he heard screaming that he glanced up. 

“Michael, you’re too drunk!” Anna snapped following after Michael who had walked to his jeep in the front lawn. Castiel watched Anna attempting to stop him from leaving. “Michael!” 

“I’m fine.” Michael breathed annoyed. “Why do you care?” 

“Because you’re a hazard to yourself and others!” Anna hissed looking around for help when she noticed Castiel. “Castiel, help me!” Castiel got up. 

“Look, I’ll stay Anna if you give me head,” Michael commented as Anna scoffed in disgust. Michael looked unamused before he glanced at Castiel. “Hey, Back up. Will you suck my cock?” Castiel froze at the words and didn’t get closer just holding himself. Michael scoffed, eyeing them both before they got into the car. Anna tried to stop him but Michael sped out of the driveway. Castiel just stood there as Anna cursed Michael’s name.

“What a dick.” Anna breathed as she turned to Castiel. “...You okay? ...Are…we okay?”

“Of course.” Castiel sighed. “It’s not your fault he’s a dick.” Anna softly held out her hands and they hugged softly. 

“Why don’t we go back inside? It’s cold.” Anna offered but Castiel shook his head no. 

“My parents are coming,” Castiel spoke as Anna nodded moving to sit on the curb with him to keep him company. They sat for hours just waiting as they talked. When a couple of hours passed, Castiel tried to call his parents again when Anna walked back inside for her stuff. No response. 

“They still not answering?” Anna asked as she returned with her coat and keys from inside. 

“They must have fallen asleep after I called.” Castiel sighed as she smiled sadly. 

“I’ll drop you home if you want,” Anna stated as Castiel nodded. 

“Thanks. I’d appreciate it.” Castiel smiled softly as he got into her little bug and drove away. Castiel sat up when they noticed the backroad to his house was almost a dead stop. The cars inching slowly as they got around the police presence. “What is it? A checkpoint?”

“No, it looks like it was an accident,” Anna commented glancing to her left. “A bad one from the looks of it.” Castiel’s eyes moved to see what she was talking about leaning over. They drove slowly past the accident. “Wait…is that Michael’s car?” Anna asked as Castiel paused seeing the jeep had been totaled the whole front smashed in. 

They passed an ambulance where Michael was sitting in the back of the ambulance blowing into a breathalyzer by police. His head was being patched up from a gash but besides the minor wound, he looked unsathed. A miracle, but that might have been the liquor that saved his life. They drove past him, Anna’s eyes fell onto the second car making her gasp in horror. Castiel’s eyes fell onto the sedan. The second he stared at the smashed-in car, his breath left him. 

“Mom? Dad?” Castiel choked as he took off his seatbelt without a word. Anna slammed on her breaks as Castiel forced the door open. 

“Castiel!” Anna choked throwing her car in park as Castiel started to run towards the car. He couldn’t think, couldn’t breathe. “CASTIEL, NO!”

Anna grabbed him from behind stopping him from getting any closer knowing he could never unsee it if he did. Anna threw all her weight towards the ground forcing Castiel to collapse with her. Castiel staring at the aftermath of a horrible deadly accident, the car’s front smashed from the impact of a speeding drunk driver.

Castiel's tears spilled from his eyes as he loudly screamed in horror, his sobs made people including Michael turn. Michael's eyes fell onto Castiel who just collapsed onto the ground and wailed at his loss.

Chapter Text

Dean’s POV:

Dean cursed startled awake when his phone went off, he groaned trying to go back to sleep but his phone kept going off. He rubbed his face hearing Beast whining beside him. He glanced over to see Castiel’s spot was taken over by Beast.

Where was Castiel?

“Christ,” Dean mumbled when he got up. He grabbed his cell glancing at Bobby’s name popping up on his screen. Dean glanced at the clock, it was ten am which was like three in the morning for Dean’s world. Wondering why he didn’t just walk upstairs to talk to him, Dean put the phone to his ear. “Hello?”

“Dean, it’s Bobby,” Bobby spoke. Dean could hear loud talking and machines in the background. 

“Why do you sound like you’re in a hospital?” Dean yawned still trying to gain his bearings, he stood. 

“Because I AM in hospital, you idjit.” Bobby raised an eyebrow. 

“What hospital?” Dean breathed rubbing his eyes. “Are you okay?” 

“Miracle Hospital.” Bobby started. “Now I’m going to say this…and I don’t want you to panic. But Castiel-” Bobby paused when he heard the phone hang up. Yep. Dean panicked. Dean didn’t need to hear anymore. Castiel. Hospital. Done. He was throwing on his clothes and shoes in a panic. He grabbed his keys and bolted to his motorcycle, climbing on top he slid his helmet on and sped off. 

Getting to the hospital he slammed through the hospital doors looking around in panic his helmet under his arm as Bobby stood in the lobby waiting for him. Dean panted as he ran over, Bobby taking the helmet from him. 

“Couldn’t let me finish my sentence?” Bobby hummed as Dean shrugged still in a panic.

“Where’s my mate?” Dean asked. Bobby ushered him to follow walking into the back towards the hospital rooms. 

_____________________________________________________________________

Castiel’s POV:

Castiel glanced over at the door when Dean and Bobby returned. Dean looked so scared and Castiel immediately tried to calm him.