Dean knelt down next to the headstone. His rough, calloused fingers ran tenderly over the carved stone.
"Hey, Cas. It's that time of the year again. I brought beer and pie as usual. I wish you were here to share it. Sammy's off at Gabe's. He misses him, ya know? But not more than I miss you."
Dean set the bag next to him and pulled out a beer.
"Can't believe it's been fifteen years. Seems like yesterday. Or a bad dream." Dean opened his beer and took a swig.
"You knew the fire was bad, and you knew you couldn't make it out, so that's why you called me to tell me you loved me. Last thing I hear from you is how much you love me."
He poured some of the beer on the grave.
"When I saw the news, I couldn't believe it. I couldn't believe you were there, risking your life for everyone in the buildings. The people you saved send their thanks, just so ya know."
Dean wiped away a single tear.
"The next day, I got the letter saying you died. I cried for hours, I threw bottles, I grieved more than when Mom died. Because you were my little piece of heaven, my small bit of light in the darkness, and I lost you."
He took out another bottle and some flowers. He placed them on the grave.
"I got flowers this year. I know I'm not a chick-flick person, but if it's you, that's fine." Dean smiled a weary smile.
"Cas, you were, and still are, my perfect angel. And if you were around today, I'd be on my knee proposing this very minute. Cas, I love you and I know you've been watching over me. I miss you."
Dean stood up, kissed his hand and placed it on the top of the headstone. He read it over one more time before turning around. He walked back to his car. "It's not the same without you, Cas." He whispered.
Behind him, a man in a tan trenchcoat and a blue tie stood on the grave, staring at the headstone as he did every year.
In memory of Castiel Novak
The bravest of men
Loving boyfriend
X/XX/XXXX - 9/11/2001
The man turned around to face Dean. Dean didn't notice him, he never did. But he knew Dean knew he was there.
"Dean," the man murmured, "I'll always watch over you. I'll see you next year."
Dean drove away, and Castiel disappeared.