Dean was just seven years old when he met Castiel for the first time and the two were opposites. Castiel came from a well off family; Dean's sometimes struggled with the bills. Castiel was dark hair and pale skin; Dean was tan and light-haired. Omega and alpha. Bookish and action prone.
What they did have in common was that they have been born with a gift for magic. Most people did not have such abilities and both were lucky that their family supported them studying the art to become mages in their own rights. It was a lifelong study, as there was always more to learn, but both would have to apprentice under a master mage from childhood until they could pass their exam to be licensed as mages. From there they could move on to various occupations or continue to study for the mastery exam to become master mages themselves. That was a long ways off though.
Dean stared at the other child standing in the doorway with Master behind him. "Dean, this is Castiel. He's another apprentice that's going to be learning with you. And that means sharing the quarters." Castiel's fingers fidgeted on the handle of his suitcase, drawing Dean's eyes to it. He noted that it looked brand new. That did not surprise him. Children who left home to study magic spent most of their lives until adulthood living with their master. There were visits to home for holidays and such, but some would forgo it thanks to the rigors of magic study. This kid's family had clearly wanted him to visit, given the new luggage that would last many many trips. Dean knew his family wanted him to come home and visit as well but his case had been old and worn through years of loving use. It still had the scent of home to it though, something Dean had been comforted by on the several hour trip to Master's.
"Top bunk's mine," Dean told the other child from his position stretched out on his stomach on said bunk.
"That's fine." Dean's interest piqued at the nervousness in Castiel's voice. Master leaned down and said something to the young omega, too softly for Dean to hear before comfortingly patting his arm and stepping out to leave the two to themselves. Dean watched Castiel curiously as the other put his suitcase on the lower bunk and started unpacking slowly and deliberately.
"First time away from home?" He asked curiously, getting a silent nod in response. "You'll be fine," He told the other before rolling over onto his back and starting to draw his fingers slowly through the air, leaving behind colorful trails to make images that shimmered.
Dean found himself repeating those words to Castiel that very night as he cried from homesickness in the darkness, laying with him on the lower bunk. And again each night after until their room became home.
