Summary: A collection of short, unrelated stories about Dean and Castiel. Dean/Castiel slash.

Disclaimer: I don't own Supernatural or its characters. If I did, Dean and Castiel wouldn't just be having eye-sex and that certainly wouldn't be unintentional…*wink, wink*

Twenty-Six Words for Dean and Castiel

1. Acceptance

No matter what Dean did, or what he had done, Castiel would always accept him. Despite his harsh, cold exterior, Dean was one of the most loving, caring people on Earth, and he was totally devoted to Castiel which the angel didn't mind one bit. Dean would wake from nightmares and Castiel would be there, holding him in his arms and soothing him. Dean would have moments where he'd ask Castiel why he loved someone who'd done the things Dean had done, especially in Hell. Castiel assured him that all would be forgiven, and that he'd always have Castiel's love no matter what.

"Cas…" Dean began one night after they'd made love, "Will you always love me?"

Dean was always a little vulnerable after making love with Castiel, and a little more willing to open up.

"Of course I will, Dean…" Castiel replied, kissing Dean's cheek, "For all eternity."

"You'll stay with me, right?" Dean asked, looking into Castiel's blue eyes as he searched for truth and honesty.

"Always. Even in the afterlife."

He wasn't lying. Dean could tell, and that brought him peace of mind and comfort in his tough moments, always.

"You know I love you, right…I know I don't always say it but…"

"I know," Castiel cut him off, "I know you find it difficult to express it but it's okay, Dean."

The angel assured the hunter with gentle kisses and caresses, comforting fingers carding through the older Winchester's hair. Dean held Castiel close and his eye drifted shut, savouring in the hum of Castiel's Grace as it encircled them both, wrapping them tight in a protective, warm cocoon as Dean drifted to sleep.

No matter what, Castiel would always accept Dean.

Castiel wasn't accustomed to human behaviours and traditions, and Dean was always happy to teach him, but Castiel couldn't help feeling nervous whenever he tried something new. Even if there were times Castiel made a mess of something, Dean would always assure him everything was okay and there was nothing to worry about. Dean would always be there to accept him. One time, Castiel had tried watching horror movies, The Exorcist in fact. Why Dean chose this movie, he'd never know. It was a pretty dumb decision, he'd admit that straight away. Castiel was absolutely horrified to the point where he nearly cried. They didn't even get to the actual exorcism before they had to turn it off. Dean pulled Castiel close to him and ran soothing fingers through his hair.

"It's alright, Cas." Dean whispered, "I've turned it off, it's okay…"

Castiel just buried his face in Dean's shoulder. He didn't ever want to see anything quite like that again. Despite seeing horrible things in this world there was nothing like seeing a child being tortured in such ways by the Devil himself, whether it was fictional or otherwise. The angel was trembling, and Dean knew he must've been pretty damn upset to be like that.

"I'm so sorry, Cas…I didn't mean to scare you with it," Dean continued, "I'm sorry, Sweetheart. It's gone now, it's okay."

Castiel held Dean tighter but remained silent as he shivered in Dean's embrace, curling up closer to the hunter only to have Dean's arms remain wrapped strongly around him.

"I'm sorry for spoiling the movie, Dean." Castiel said softly, his voice quivering with emotion as a few tears escaped his eyes.

"No, no, no, don't be sorry, baby…don't be sorry…I didn't mean to frighten you with it or upset you, Cas…"

Castiel looked up from Dean's shoulder and kissed his hunter's lips, seeking comfort and reassurance.

Even at moments where he was scared or upset by something some humans would consider small or trivial, Dean always accepted him.