Cas

by sopranish

"Cas." He's heard it every way he thought he could. His nickname given and consecrated only by Dean. No one else has that right to weave value into a shortening of his name-this celestial thing named by a broken man. And only lately, he's realizing, he hears it as an endearment. But he's never heard his name like this. [Thanks to tsadde on tumblr for addition to the description!]

He's heard it every way he thought he could. "Cas" As a complaint, a prayer, accusation, joke, and succinct version of 'are you crazy?'.

And lately, he's realizing, as an endearment.

Same with the touches that used to be reserved for when Castiel was in need- hurt, or broken. Or when Dean was in need- bloody, fallen.

And now, lately, that Dean lets Castiel take just to remind himself he's here. That Dean is real and so is he.

But he's never heard his name like this. All heat and need. Never been touched with reverent possessiveness as Dean marvels at the grace of his movements and the literal grace of his existence.

He never thought he'd hear Dean silently praying to him even as he moved within the hunter. Over and over. His own furious and powerful love finding find its way to expression.

"Cas" - I need more
"Cas" - Thank you for staying
"Cas" - I'm lost except to you

Castiel never thought he'd lay a hand where he first touched Dean to raise him. Only for Dean to scream out, "Cas" once more in fearful bliss, and grip him tight as he raises off the floor in ecstasy.

"Castiel" Dean whispers as he moves faster, and he is overcome.

"Dean" he's heard himself say in greeting, yell in warning or command, sigh in exasperation.

And now he hears his yell of "Dean" be torn from within him as the light of his very soul grows and bursts within Dean.

And then he can only sigh.

"Dean"- I'm here
"Dean"- Thank you.

And when Dean curls around him, his face in the angel's neck, and breathes, "Cas", it is a naming simply meaning, "home."