The bitter cold bites at Dean's skin, but he barely notices.

He glances around the vacant park, scanning the surrounding area eagerly. He promised Cas he'd meet him here.

Dean is late, so very late, but he got caught up buying Sammy a Christmas gift, and he knew Cas wouldn't mind. He crinkles his eyes fondly at the memories of football and eggnog and shitty motels. The smell of air fresher ornaments to this day makes him smile despite himself.

It's dark. Almost too dark for Dean to spot Cas, but he does. He strides over to where Cas is standing, taking a seat on the bench as he did so long ago.

They sit in silence. It's comfortable, in a way that is unique to them.

"Sam graduated this month." Dean says after a while. The sun has disappeared over the horizon and the first stars have begun to show. Dean laughs.

"I knew he could do it, the little jerk. He's finally gonna be a lawyer, and a good one. Came in top of his class."

Dean can't see his face, but he knows that Cas is smiling. He doesn't talk much anymore, and that's fine with Dean. He guesses it's one of the side effects of falling.

Now mostly Dean talks, and Castiel listens intently.

"I, uh, I finished that book I was writing. It got published… can you believe it? I guess people like a good ghost story."

Cas says nothing, but Dean can tell he's got 'I told you' written all over him. When they last saw each other, Dean was about half way done 'Salt & Burn'. He didn't think much of his own writing, but Castiel told him that publishers would be fighting for a chance to partake in the book's success. Cas, having read all of the great literature in the world, had complimented Deans writing. Dean had waved him off but he couldn't keep the grin off his face for the rest of the day.

And Cas was right.

The critiques loved it. They wrote: 'Never before has a ghost story been so personally and realistically portrayed. Dylan Winchester gives a brilliant and new insight to the mythological world.'

Funny how right they are.

Dean shuffles through his backpack until his hand reaches the smooth cover of his own copy. He has to get back now, he thinks. It's late, and Sam's expecting him. He clears his throat before looking over to Castiel.

He quietly takes the book out of his bag and places it on the bench next to Cas.

"It's my copy of the book. I think you'll like it, it's dedicated to you actually." Dean rubs his neck sheepishly before continuing.

"I gotta go now, but I'll see you soon, ok? Sam misses you, we should all get together some time."

Dean wipes his eyes with the back of his hand and turns to walk away. He takes a couple steps before turning back around to reach out and place his hand on the grand willow tree standing next to the bench.

"I miss you, Cas. Promise me you'll read the book ok?" And with that, Dean turns and walks away. He hopes the dedication isn't too cheesy, not that Cas will mind. He'll understand.

In Memory of my Angel

In mending me, you broke yourself.

Yours forever and truly,

D.W.