The Unscripted Confession

It was a beautiful Sunday morning. Not that it mattered what day it was. Every day was a working day in the Winchester family business. Sunlight was streaming in through the window, highlighting the strong facial features of the hunter sprawled on the sofa. He clutched onto the thick blanket that Cas had placed on him in the middle of the night. His other hand was inches away from the half drunk whiskey bottle at the head of the sofa. Cas stood there at the feet of the sofa and stared at Dean. He looked so peaceful while sleeping. He hadn't even removed his shoes. Cas tilted his head and smiled. Cas often fought the urge to do this in front of Dean. Putting on a facade of a grown man, Dean was still a child through and through.

Fragments of their argument from last night began drifting into Castiel's mind as he slowly shifted his gaze to the lake outside the window. It was such a silly fight. Cas had asked Dean to take a break from hunting for some time. He knew the job was getting to him. Dean was drinking and swearing more than usual. He was also upset most of the time. Cas was deeply concerned about him but Dean had dismissed his opinion, and every attempt that Cas made to make Dean realize this was shot down by him. Cas was saddened when he thought about the weight that Dean carried on his shoulders. He never let anyone see his pain, his agony or the tremendous guilt that he carried around subconsciously.

Cas sighed. If only Dean would realize how much he meant to Cas, maybe he would start taking care of himself more. Maybe, he would finally see why Cas only answered his prayers. Maybe he would see why Cas was willing to sacrifice everything, EVERYTHING, for him. Turning against his brothers and sisters for him, distancing himself in purgatory just to protect him. Falling from heaven for him.

Cas looked back at Dean. The sunlight was directly on his face now, highlighting his freckles and beautiful brown hair. Cas wanted nothing more than to hold his face in his hands and tell him that everything was going to be okay. He would make sure that everything was okay, like he always tried to do for Dean. He would put his life on the line for Dean, knowing that it would be totally worth it.

Dean slowly opened his eyes. Through crinkled eyes he saw Cas wearing his T-shirt which he had lent him last night. His hair was in a mess. He was a pleasurable sight as he almost sparkled in the sunlight. He knew that Cas had been standing there and staring at him. His heart gave a slight flutter but he tried not to show how good it felt to have realized that. He sat up on the sofa and rubbed his eyes while trying to stifle a yawn. Once again he looked at Cas who was still staring at him and smiled.

"What? You going to just stand there and look pretty?"

Cas tilted his head slightly with his eyebrows crossed. The things Dean said always confused him. Did Dean think he was pretty? He opened his mouth to ask Dean what he meant, but Dean cut him off.

"How long have you been up?"

"I don't sleep Dean"

"Right"

Cas sat down next to Dean and looked at him.

"I wish to apologize about our argument last night"

"Forget about it Cas"

Dean unscrewed the whiskey bottle and was about to put it to his mouth. Cas gently pushed the bottle away with a pleading expression on his face. Dean gave him an exasperated look.

"Dean I just want you to know that I only said the things I said last night because…. Because…" Cas was grappling to find the right words. He knew what he wanted to say, but couldn't quite get it out of his mouth.

"Because?" Dean said and gave him a lopsided smile. It was more of a mischievous, teasing smile.

"Because, I care about you Dean. Very much. And I need you."

Cas lowered his gaze to his hands. He couldn't bear to look at Dean, not knowing what Dean would say next.

"I know Cas." Dean said, as he gently placed his hand on Cas's. "And I love you too."