Shenadragons
Chapter one: Time for a Wedding!
Castiel couldn't stop pacing by the backyard window as Dean and his brother sat on the back porch. Even though he was the one that insisted that Dean discuss the matter with Sam before doing anything, he still wanted to be out there. He knew it was selfish to try and keep Dean all to himself but he couldn't help it. He was his lover, boyfriend, Mate. Even Dean said they shared a Profound Bond™. It was times like these when he watched Sam and Dean chat quietly that he felt like he was just intruding on 'The Winchester Show' starring Dean as the dashing protective older brother and Sam as the sweet yet determined younger brother. Castiel was just... Castiel. The mad scientist that had once been a part of a team that had caged and studied Dean for months. He worried that all of Dean's affections towards him were some form of Stockholm Syndrome.
Back then, Dean was still a 30 some foot tall dragon. The hybrid mind in control at the time was a mix of the human Dean and the Drauglin side. It took some time but they eventually gave the Drauglin side a name, Dane, when he emerged and separated as his own distinct personality. But before the final split of minds, he was simply Dean. A dragon with both human and animal emotions and thoughts all his own. Castiel wondered if he and his best friend Balthazar had never tried to pull out the pure human mind from the dragon, if he'd have ever evolved the feelings from simple respect and care, to love and devotion. Back then, he wanted to do right by the huge living test subject, but still had the same kind and level of respect as one would have for a captive tiger. The dragon may seem to have some level of admiration to the humans in charge, but it was still dangerous and unpredictable. For the longest time before ever meeting Castiel, Dean was treated like an animal and monster so he became what they expected. It was only after Castiel had found signs of intelligence that he started to really pay attention to all the clues. The dragon wasn't an evil conniving beast.
He remembered the conversation they had when Dean had first started to communicate with them, that Cas was nice to him and the others were not. That was the foundation for their relationship in Dean's mind. Cas was just the first one to treat him with any kind of respect without expecting anything in return. Of course the dragon would attach his affections to him. Cas prayed that even if that was the catalyst, that it had changed since then. That Dean was with him by choice and not from loneliness and desperation.
A year ago, Sam and Dean were on a hunt gone wrong. Unprepared for their mystery monster to be a huge dragon that took Dean when he went after her with the few ineffectual weapons he had. Sam, meanwhile, destroyed her three eggs that were threatening to hatch and unleash potentially dangerous babies bigger then himself into the world. Since dragons are so rare, a single female can make new offspring if she swallows living things whole and alive. Dean was taken when the mother, Cricket, saw her first nest destroyed, and decided to have a son who's proven to be a fighter. Thinking he would have a better chance to grow up if she focused on just one child at a time. Before, she blamed herself for being gone so much, having to kill much more deer for her offspring's first meals. If she was at the nest site, her three girls might not have been killed.
After several weeks of searching, Dean had finally been found and rescued by Sam and Bobby at his ground level nest. They were too late, but at least recognized the toddler dragon for who he was, before killing him for just being what he is. Together, Sam and Bobby smuggled the pony sized toddler Dragon out of the woods and made the long trek to Bobby's. He grew fast, learning how to fit in a world built for humans and bonding with Bobby, his 'Dadfriend' (for lack of a better term in his growing mind for his former surrogate father), and his old 'litter mate' brother who once was his younger brother, but could now be considered the older one. Dean was growing up with the mind and attitude of a dragon with some memories and feelings of his past human life.
All in all, things went well until a monster collector named Azazel, found him and kidnapped him. He tortured Dean with help from Alistair, and turned Dean into an exotic pet of sorts. An attack dog that was on his way to becoming a living weapon to do Azazel's bidding. Dean was conditioned and beaten into believing that his only worth was in how well he obeyed his Master. A belief that was always going to be ingrained in the back of his mind. It was so strong due to his emotional conditioning carrying over from his human life. Drilled into him since he was four years old, ordered to take care of his baby brother after his mother died. Dean's worth in their father's eyes was based on how well he took care of his family and followed orders. For Dean, family was everything. In both lives. And now, Alistair and Azazel were systematically wiping out Dean's old lives. Both human and reborn dragon. Creating a blank slate over time. But the feelings and base instincts were always going to be there. Since he was denied the traditional sense of family, he changed and narrowed it down to Azazel, as well as the nice lady trainer that spoke with him sometimes.
Meg wasn't there when Dean first arrived, but she found herself hanging around his enclosure more often. He showed a level of humanity that was hard to find at this job. She felt intense pity for him over the other creatures, wanting him to be free again. She found out quickly that he knew sign language and he taught her what he remembered from Sam's lessons, mainly the alphabet, and they had simple conversations. Through which, she found out about his life as a human, his brother and surrogate father. Her heart went out to him and his diminishing memories and with them, his humanity. She wanted him to be free of this place and contacted the military to rescue him. Sadly, the military did come, but killed every creature in the zoo except for Dean, who they took for themselves. They had no intention of freeing him. They already had captured his dragon mother, Cricket, renamed Eve, from the woods the same night that Bobby and Sam had taken Dean away from her. She had been too distraught to fight back.
Dean managed to set fire to the building he was being caged in and the military sold him to a wealthy and greedy scientist named Michael just to be rid of the nuisance. They had discovered how baby dragons were made without a male dragon, and decided to replace Dean. They forced Cricket to turn a vicious Hunter named Gordon Walker into the next male dragon specimen. Telling Walker about all the power he will wield, but withholding the fact that he'll be caged up until they have a use for him, beyond forcefully harvesting his dragon fire spray for future weapons.
Michael initially wanted the mother but was thrilled to be offered the equivalent of a 20 yr old male dragon. A young buck of his own. His team already had a trustworthy cryptozoologist to help him figure out the ins and outs of owning the mythical beast. Here is where Castiel first met Dean. He had been a cryptozoologist for most of his life and thanks to Balthazar, one of his theoretical papers was published, and later read by Michael. Michael saw Castiel's determination and passion for all things dealing with supernatural monsters, and hired him as the leader of sorts. Castiel had risen to the top and was well respected by everyone. But, that changed a bit when Dean arrived. It would be romantic and completely untrue to say it was love at first sight. Dean was weary from being shipped from one owner to another, and had given up hope of ever making a meaningful connection with anyone. At first he only wanted to obey Castiel so that he wouldn't be beaten or tortured. And Castiel only saw a starved thin beast that was damaged in nearly every way.
It took time, but eventually there was a kind of trust forming between them. Dean obeyed him without question and Castiel promised that nothing bad would happen to Dean in his care. After a time, Castiel realized that Dean was more intelligent then he let on. Their friendship grew from the newly formed alliance. Them working together was mutually beneficial. One day, Dean was trying to remember his past when he passed out. Alistair had erased his memories from before the zoo, but sometimes, something would trigger him into recalling past events and people. He would almost always find the event disappearing into a 'white fog' and his mind would blank out. After one occasion, he woke and one clawed hand signed that he was alright, to the gasps and astonishment of everyone there.
This is when the communication barrier was broken and they conversed with Dean openly. Castiel was determined to find out more about where Dean had come from so his friend and partner Balthazar later hypnotized Dean. They confirmed the existence of his former humanity and that the original Dean was basically trapped inside his own head. They decided to help Dean find his family. Coincidentally, at the same time, Sam and Bobby had finally found his brother again.
Sam and Bobby had never stopped looking for Dean after Azazel kidnapped him but the trail was nearly too hard to follow. But, perseverance prevailed and he found his brother again in the hands of Michael and Castiel. Sam infiltrated the building and Castiel and Balthazar were thrilled to see Dean's brother there. Together, the four men helped free Dean from the cage and go on the run. The bond between Dean and Castiel only gets stronger and one day Dean scents Castiel's love for him and his mind finally splits due to the overwhelming feelings. The dragon side comes out fully and doesn't recognize anyone and tries to leave only to have the tiny and strange bipeds follow him. He adopts them as his own and finds Bobby and Balthazar miles away, being 'eaten' by the Impala. He tries to save them when Sam and Castiel finally catch up, bringing out the completely human side. Human Dean hadn't been out in ages and doesn't recall much of his dragon life. Only the short time under hypnosis back at Michael's, he's grateful to Castiel and Balthazar and find himself getting closer to his rescuer.
Since Dean's body is so huge, they had to shrink him down in order to make him 'travel size', easier to feed and keep hidden. Sam and Cas perform a temporary spell on themselves to understand Dean's speech to better communicate and find a side effect that makes them share dreams and feel Dean's emotions. Castiel's feelings for him grow every day and likewise Dean finds himself looking at Cas in a new light. He still thinks of himself as a human stuck in that body, knows what he looks like, and appreciates that everyone is treating him like a human anyway. The Profound Bond that the hybrid formed with Castiel carried over to the human Dean's side, and their relationship went deeper then either thought could happen. Sam and everyone gave their blessing even if the visual part of the couple was far from customary. Only they would see their union for what it was, not something to be reviled. It was love. Just, love.
The pure Drauglin side came forward when Dean was injured during flight training and was frightened of everyone around him. The enormous monsters that resembled the small fragile babies he had adopted not long ago. Things get cleared up and since then Dean and the newly named Dane come to terms with sharing the body. Becoming a team of their own, growing out away from the animosity at being forced to take turns being in control of the body. They learned how to get along and swap control depending on what's going on outside of their shared mindscape. Deciding who would be best to handle the situations.
Now that they have more people and trustworthy Hunters on their side, they storm the military base and free their Drauglin mother. Convincing Cricket to become human again like Dean. The spell is ready, but Gordon suddenly attacks. He knows the only way for him to become human again is that spell and tries to take their spot in the circle.
A fight ensues and Cricket is changed and split in two, her former human self, Missouri and the pure Drauglin. Cricket takes on Walker while Dean tries to get to the circle for his one chance to split from Dane before its too late. Walker manages to fight till the end, landing his head inside the circle as the spell is finishing up and dies from his injuries before turning human. The spell backfires unexpectedly, and Dane is split from Dean but is frightened and feral, Walker's body is too deformed for words, and Dean comes out of the circle changed forever. His overall size and basic shape is that of his human body, but he had retained his wings, short but sharp horns, claws, and a thin tail. There are other traits too that would forever keep him from passing for human, and in his blind rage he mutilates Walker's body further, setting fire to it and nearly turning feral himself.
His family talks both Dane then Dean down from the edge, but, nothing can be done now. Since the spell failed to work all the way, Dean is stuck like that. Halfway between human and monster. When Bobby and Sam were still searching for a way to change Dean back into a human, there was another option but it's useless now. Except for, an untested bronze charm that was originally meant to heal injuries or diseases, to change a body back to its original form. They had hoped the charm would work for Dean, but, they didn't want to risk it when he was a huge dragon. It wasn't meant for monsters at all, just humans. But now, Dean was more human then monster and so Bobby reminded Dean of that untested option. It wasn't without great risks. Once they do this, they can never go back to having alternatives. This is it. If they do try another spell, enchantment, curse, anything, Dean will die. Horribly.
Dean takes his time, going over the risks and talking with his family and friends about it. They are all accepting of his new true form, but he doesn't want to live his life in fear of Hunters or even regular people. It wouldn't take much for a bloodthirsty mob to form to take out the 'Devil'. He admits that he resembles a demon more then a man and hates it. He would sacrifice himself in a second to save his family but knew that there was no guarantee that his family wouldn't be targeted later on anyway. In order for them all to be safe, he needs to be human. The risk is worth it to him. So, he manages to get everyone on his side, and now all that's left to ease Sam into it.
Balthazar is in the kitchen, drinking his spiked coffee and watching his lifelong friend, Castiel Novak, pace by the back window for the twenty fourth time like he's going for a record. "Cassie. Sit." his hand stills Castiel and pulls him over. "Dean will get Sam to agree to this."
Castiel frowned and reluctantly pulled his eyes from the sight of Sam handing the hex bag over. Catching the glint of metal as Dean pulled the charm's leather cord from the bag. Things were just getting started out there but he knew that Dean needed to be with his brother for this. They'd known each other their whole lives and Sam needed to know that even if they didn't see each other everyday anymore, that Sam was still important to him.
Castiel took a long pull from the bottle that Balth had on the table. Wincing at the burn in his already dry throat. "It's not that..."
Balth hummed at him and rubbed his hand on Cas's. "I know." pushing the other mug to him and watching Cas add some fresher coffee and liquor to his own. "Watching the kettle wont make it boil faster, Darling."
"They've been out there for too long. It's too quiet. What if Dean was waiting for me to join him?"
"It's fine. There's no shouting, well, not much shouting." Balth shrugged. "You have a brother, you know what it's like trying to convince them of something."
Cas actually snickered. "You assume Gabriel and I talk on a regular basis. He and I couldn't be more different."
Balth nods, concedes. "True, but, if he were here now, you know that the talk would go in much the same way. Denial, anger, bargaining. The different stages of death. Dean's not dying, but this is almost as risky. The finality of it. Sam needs to come to terms with the fact that this is happening."
"But what if it's the wrong choice? The wrong way?"
"It's not up to us. As much as we love and care for Dean, this is still and always will be his decision. We can give our input but it's his life in his hands. Ever since Cricket took him, other people and forces have been deciding for him. It's his turn now."
"Make it sound like I'm trying to change him." Cas muttered. "I just want him to see that I don't care what the packaging looks like, I love him. His soul. Completely."
Balthazar's eyes went soft, "He knows that. Unfortunately, the world doesn't care that he has a heart of gold or how many star stickers he earned. They see his body first and assume the worst." his eyes narrowed a fraction, hating that he had to say this, "You would have done the same. You're a cryptozoologist. If you'd seen a man with wings you would have been at the front of the line."
Cas glared at Balthazar but grimaced at himself. It was true. "I'm worried he's only with me because he was stuck with us. After all, it's not like Dean can walk around in public by himself. Someone has to accompany him in case things went south, if someone spotted his wings, tail or horns. What if, - " some tears slid down his cheek. "What if he gets to be human again and goes back to having options. What if, he finds someone better. Someone that's not so socially awkward, someone that can hunt with him, maybe he's tired of men and goes back to women. Someone who can give him a child. Someone – someone -"
Balth's arms are suddenly around his chest, hugging him from behind as he slumped down at the table. His breaths are coming sharp and fast. Tears falling freely, landing in spots on the table top. His throat closes up. "What if, what if, what if," he finds his voice muttering brokenly but can't stop it.
"Shhh, it's ok. He's not going anywhere. He loves you. He loves you. You know he does." Balth whispered as they rocked side to side. Cas calmed down a little, freeing a hand from the tight hug to swipe at his face. "He had options all along. He chooses you. He could have left with Sam and Bobby back when we were escaping Michael's, he could have left with them at any point but stayed for you. He was the one that initiated your relationship. I remember, Cassie. He fell in love with you first."
"He didn't! He was just nice to me so I wouldn't beat him!"
Balthazar straightened up abruptly and pulled Castiel from his seat. Manhandling him to face each other. Cas was a bit taller and broader then his friend but right now Balthazar made Castiel shrink back. Expecting a shout or reprimand with the glare hes being fixed with. "Do you really think that?" Balthazar's voice was a hiss. Castiel looked away, Balth shook the arms in his firm grip, forcing Cas to look back into his eyes. Like scolding a child for back talking.
Another tear slipped down, "No. I hope not." his voice was barely a whisper.
"It's not true. Hope has nothing to do with it. It's a fact. He loves you and there's not a damn thing that's gonna change that. Your panic attack isn't going to change it. Him becoming human again isn't going to change it. Hell, if you turned dragon it wouldn't even change it! He loves you. And you'd be a fool if you didn't acknowledge it." Balthazar looked angrily at him but underneath it all was a plea. For Cas to realize what Dean wants. Even if he doesn't feel worthy of the love.
A light came from the backyard. Like someone lit a candle in a dark room and then promptly blew it out. But on a much larger scale in the dim light of dusk. Both of them looked towards the backyard and their eyes were still trying to get the bobbing orb that burned into their vision to dissipate. Balth's hands dropped from Cas before turning and taking those few steps to the window. Sam was standing in front of Dean, blocking the view and rubbing his own eyes. Then, Dean turned and was frowning at Sam, but Sam just dove forward and embraced Dean in a massive hug, squeezing him tight and actually lifting him from the ground.
Several things were noticed in those few seconds. The fact that Sam could hug Dean again and actually lift him up that way. No one could have done that because of Dean's wings. The bones were strong enough to lift himself up, but hurt if they were bent together too closely, pinched the webbed membrane too painfully. Hugs were done gently with Dean. An embrace that was as strong as what Sam was doing, to actually lift him up, could have broken a wing bone or two. Next was the lack of tail that should have been whipping back and forth in surprise. Clearly Dean wasn't expecting Sam to be acting like this. And Sam didn't seem the type to be this excited if nothing happened. Like a giant puppy.
Everything clicked and Cas stumbled from the kitchen, finding his legs again and sprinting to the back door and his human lover. Dean tried to get some breathing room from Sam, squirming in the tight grip that left his arms at his sides, useless to him, and legs kicking feebly underneath him. Sam finally got the hint and let go, causing Dean to stumble a little to regain his balance. Weeks of adjusting to the added weight on his back made him hunch forward, only to wobble in place like a drunk. Sam's eyes darted up and down Dean's body, a grin plastered on his face. Sam finally tore his eyes away when he spotted Castiel trip over his feet as he neared. Sam helped catch Cas and yanked him closer to Dean who's mind finally pieced together the meaning of all the stunned but happy expressions.
"It... it worked." Dean stammered. Hands coming in front of himself, clawless, flawless. No scars or anything marring the skin. He flipped his hands over to check out the backs of them, the claws weren't hiding just beyond sight, they were gone. His gaze found Cas even as his hands shot up to his head, ruffling his own hair, searching for the horns that were no longer present. A laugh bubbling up from his throat. "Cas.. Cas! It worked! It actually worked!" he spun around, hands out for inspection. "My wings? They're gone too? I can't feel them, are they still there? Or did they just shrink down a bit?"
Cas took another step forward, coming into Dean's space just as he faced him again. He reached forward with both hands, capturing Dean's cheeks and kissing him deeply, "Dean, my Dean." he breathed like a plea.
Dean was confused why the desperation in it. "Wait, Cas? Cas? You ok?"
"Please, please," another tear falling from Cas's squinting eyes. "I love you. Please?"
"Please what? This is a good thing, Cas." Cas's worry made Dean's elated feelings slide down a notch. He huffed a laugh, "If I didn't know any better I'd think you wanted me the old way." Dean looked up at Balthazar for an answer.
Cas buried his face in Dean's shirt that was now looser then before, the large holes in the back making it flap in the breeze now that there were no massive wings popping through them and taking up space.
Balth frowned at his friend, whispering to Dean even if Cas would hate him for saying it out loud. "Cassie was worried you'd leave him when you turned human."
Realization slowly dawned on Dean's face, along with other thoughts in his head all vying for attention at that moment. "You really? You really think I would leave you?" pulling back a little to see Cas's face just a bit more. "You really thought that?" another realization slapped him, voice going low and flat. Breathlessly, "You thought that and wanted me to go through with this anyway."
"I didn't want to keep you from happiness." Cas managed to say before hic-coughing into Dean's shirt again.
"Babe, Babe no. I would never leave you. I wanted to be human so bad so we could be together forever. I wanted you. A life with you. Not to be holed up in some house, holding you prisoner along with me. I know you accept me and would stay in some deep dark hole with me, but I can't do that to you. I couldn't." Dean kissed him again, "You deserve the sun, Baby. Cas I want you. I want us. And now, now we get that!" His hands let go of Cas and he couldn't help but check for himself. Dean brushed down his own back again, feeling the lack of wing membrane and bone. "It's fine, Cas. Really. It's fine. We're fine." Dean looked up to Sam, nodding for him to help out.
"Yeah, it's all good."
"Very helpful Sammy." Dean rolled his eyes affectionately. Attempting to catch those weeping blue eyes. "We're good. Right?" he couldn't help but ask. Maybe Cas was struggling with how he felt about the newly turned human.
Cas's eyes shot up to Dean's worried greens. "Oh, oh yes. I love you, Dean. I love you no matter what." his embrace turned desperate again, squeezing Dean tight enough to make the taller man cough.
Balthazar's voice came from somewhere behind him. "Proven that more then once. I swear, if I have to hear you guys humping each other's brains out in your room one more night I'm going to shoot myself." He parted from them and entered the house again, passing a slightly disturbed Sam in his wake. He returned quickly enough with an envelope. "Here. The hotel Addams. It's in the next town over, much nicer then the pay by the hour motels in our fair city. Enjoy. And don't tell me all about it."
Sam laughed and agreed. "Yeah, yeah. Uh, what he said." He didn't know what to do with his hands so he shoved them in his pockets and was looking like he wanted to go back inside. "Sorry I didn't get you guys anything for this, - uh, event." he shrugged. The Winchesters were never much for gift giving. This could have easily gone the other way and with their luck, buying anything to celebrate could have jinxed it. "Why don't I uh, go. Give you guys some privacy." Sam suggested and followed Balthazar's example of fleeing before anything explicit happens.
Cas and Dean were alone now, still in each others arms and Dean dipped down to kiss him again. They stayed together like that for another minute or so before Castiel's nerves calmed down enough to joke, "Gonna miss that sinful tongue of yours."
Dean huffed a laugh behind Cas's ear, "You haven't seen anything yet." Nibbling gently on his ear lobe. The human equivalent of a purring growl making Castiel's spine tingle.
Dean and Cas grow even closer and more public with their affections every day since Dean turned human. Now that it's painfully obvious to both of them that they're in it for the long haul, they couldn't keep their hands off each other on walks, trips to the store, at diners, and basically anywhere there was oxygen.
Dean was still fidgety, a nagging voice in the back of his mind that Cas was only staying with him out of pity, being that Dean only had so many allies. Just like Cas was worried Dean would take off once he was public audience approved again. They'd like to say it was a foolish notion but that deep seated fear wouldn't let up.
After just a few days to calm down and think rationally, at least, once the sex haze that wafted around the house dissipated a bit, it was decided they'd make it official, and get hitched. It would shut those unwanted thoughts up for good if they had a band on their fingers to remind them that their heart belongs to someone.
The only hitch in getting hitched, was when they went to a jewelry store to get sized, Dean found the silver and sterling silver rings would get very warm and leave a red mark on his finger. He couldn't hide the wince fast enough from Cas and they had to leave to get some ointment on his hand. Worried that the jewelry store owner might noticed the faint sizzling flesh smell. Cas fussed over him, but Dean calmed him down in the Impala.
"Should have known. This apparently doesn't have enough juice to change everything about me..." his fingers grazed by the amulet and he was a little surprised that when his ring finger touched it, it healed him a bit, taking away the burning sensation. "We'll just get gold or platinum." He shrugged like it was no big deal.
The next jewelers believed the lie that Dean was merely allergic to some metals and they did a test on his arm to see what would work for him. All other ones were fine except for the ones with any hint of silver in it's making, so they still had plenty of selection. They chose a matching set of platinum and 'Jimmy Page' paid for them with his credit card. The other things for the wedding were easier to round up, fed suits for the Winchesters, and Castiel and Balth had their tuxedos from a fancy costume party years ago. Dean said he was cool if Cas wanted to wear the expensive tux from his first marriage with Meg but Cas felt too awkward about it. This was a new life. They were in too big of a hurry to get married to wait for new tuxedos and suits to be made. There was only one place that they wanted to go for the ceremony. Tired of the quiet lonely solitude of forests, rivers and any kind of a nature based wedding, they went the completely opposite direction.
The wedding was to be held in Las Vegas so if anything supernaturally weird happened it would be accredited to it simply being 'Vegas'. None of them were positive that Dean's amulet would last forever so if he changed halfway through the ceremony, the priest might shrug and continue on, thinking it was part of the plan. Plus, Cas had always wanted to go to Vegas but never had more then one other person to go with, his aversion to large crowds kept him away, except if one of those crowds around him were his friends and future family.
Dean wouldn't hear of any other destination after his Mate's confession. A huge bonus being that the Grand Canyon was just a hop and a skip away, and Dean had always wanted to go there growing up, but due to their busy hunting life, they just couldn't find the time.
The Winchesters fell into sync at the Casinos, and taught the others how to hustle, and get away with it, in the smaller and seedier gambling establishments off the main strip. Once Cas mastered a few tricks, working with the others as the decoy 'newbie', then they'd take them to the larger ones. Balthazar took to it like breathing and their poker faces were perfected. Only targeting the gamblers that oozed over-confidence and arrogance. The ones that disrespected the waitstaff were their favorites to prey upon. Staying well away from slot machines due to the overwhelming evidence of the electronic machines being rigged. They made more money in that one afternoon and night then the brothers had some years. Nearly all of it that could be, was wired back to Bobby's for safe keeping, and to pay for the expenses that Dean had wracked up during his dragon teenage months growing up there. Repairs and food bills mostly. Bobby could only send back a studdering phone call back once he got the memo from his bank. The other items that their opponents lost in the poker games were going to be mailed back home instead of carried around, in case of thieves or cops they encounter before the trip was done.
Balth was no slouch at poker, and wore the numerous gold necklaces and watches with pride.
Dean was just so damned happy to be with his fiance, brother, and his friend on a proper wedding honeymoon vacation, that he practically skipped down the streets. Being seen by so many people and hardly catching anyone's eye twice. It felt wonderful to blend in again. Sam and Dean may have been trained by their dad to stay on the borders of peoples lives, but they still craved human contact like anyone else. It was tough to hide in a crowd all the time, then to switch seamlessly into authority figure that demanded respect. Never being one of the group. Either ignored or feared. Now, they were just a small band of guys walking down the brightest, most colorful and loudest streets in the United States. The same as everyone else, admiring the sights and sounds, and feeling like ordinary guys. That hum of humanity's flashy and outrageous side and pumped up excitement.
Had he his wings still, he's pretty sure he'd be flying on cloud nine. He's alive, everyone's safe enough to be silly tonight, and best of all, Cas wants to marry him. Of all the people in the world, Cas chose Dean. And Dean would make sure Cas would never want for anything.
Sam couldn't stop smiling along with Balthazar to see the lovebirds hand in hand, strolling ahead of them and pointing to all of the landmarks. Castiel knew a bit of information about the town and relayed it to the others to help him focus on their group more then the throngs of people. Even if he didn't know it, Dean was helping Cas cope just by being in constant touching contact with him. His aversion to people stemmed from childhood, and he was gradually getting used to the atmosphere. Dean didn't forget about his lover's phobias and fears, but the excitement of the place was intoxicating. Cas never voiced any objections and seemed to be enjoying himself as well. It was easy for Castiel to forget to be afraid when he's got three people all around him that would always be there for him. However, by dinnertime, it was getting a little overwhelming and Balth picked up the signs first. He suggested they retire to the hotel and it was unanimously agreed to be a good decision. No sense wasting all their energy the day before the real 'Big Day'.
Dean pulled Cas into their room, shutting the door to the conjoined room his brother and Balthazar were sharing. Sam was able to pull together enough cash before the trip for this hotel and Bobby was paying for the wedding chapel the next day. Bobby would meet them there at the reception hall next door before the ceremony, after he picked up Meg and Missouri. Ellen was already at his house helping him get it straightened out again. Bobby could only manage so much with his old injury. All the time spent at the salvage yard helped Ellen and Bobby grow a little closer. No one saw that coming but at the same time, nothing had been set in stone yet. More like a feeling then anything at the moment. Sam was hopeful and kept his mouth quiet about it until the two of them decided to take it further or not. Nothing kills a potential relationship faster between Hunters then being harassed about it nonstop from the entire Hunter community.
Ellen trusted her daughter Jo to watch the roadhouse, and Rufus was undecided about the trip. Everyone was supportive of the marriage but a Vegas trip was a bit big for some people.
Castiel tried to reach his elusive brother, but couldn't get a hold of him with such short notice. His parents were never very supportive of the LGBT+ community and only Gabriel knew his younger brother's other interests and accepted him. Still, they hadn't spoken face to face in years, and the letter Cas sent him didn't get a reply back. He would have called if he had a number, but alas, it seems like it will be awhile before Dean could meet his eccentric future brother-in-law. Everyone else was an unknown factor. No one besides the people invited to the wedding knew that both Dean and Castiel were bisexual. It couldn't really be risked inviting anyone else, not knowing how they'd react to that fact, let alone if one of the grooms suddenly sprouted wings and a tail. Dean was sad to see that his fiance didn't have anyone but Meg and Balthazar for his side of the family. But soon, Dean's family would be Cas's and Castiel's, Dean's. And that made it all worth it. Once they were married and together, no one could keep it from happening. Not that many would want, or were able, to stand up to a small army of trained Hunters.
Dean playfully manhandled Cas into the room towards the bed but chuckled when his lover ninja-ed away from the arm hold. "Nimble. I like. Sam teach you that move?"
"Balth." He turned to pull his suitcase that was already in the room towards the dresser to unload his suit to let the wrinkles out. He sighed at the sight of Dean's duffle with his black suit likely jammed inside. He said offhandedly, "College town kids dig smart men with glasses. Had to make some hasty escapes."
Dean gaped, "You wore glasses?!" Clearly excited to be getting the full 'hot nerd' package.
Castiel rolled his eyes, pulling Dean's suit out next to let it air out. Planning on ironing them in the morning. "Briefly. I got eye surgery done when it was first available."
"Please tell me you still have the glasses. Big black frames right? Tape in the middle?" Dean bit his lip and winked and started pulling off his over shirt and shoes. He hummed softly at the flush that rose to his lovers' cheeks. So many kinky plans to make with this new information. Another time. "So, Cas, is it still bad luck to see each other before the wedding even if neither of us is the bride?"
Cas rolled his eyes and went to his suitcase again for his dress pants. Dean took a running jump onto the frankly over sized king bed and bounced nearly everything from on top towards the floor. He'd been human for less then a week, so he still had to remind himself he didn't have to worry about wings or tail getting caught at a bad angle so he flipped about and squirmed on the bed like a cat in heat, whining for Cas to join him. Loving the new freedom of movement.
"No sex tonight, Dean." Cas admonished. "I want to hold on to at least one wholesome tradition."
"Pretty sure the ship sailed on that one when you asked me two weeks to use my tail to -"
"Hush!" Cas's eyes went wide and shot to the door to Sam and Balth's room. "Thin walls?"
"Oh come on, like they really think we were playing twister in bed." Dean laughed heartily. "Left wing blue." Dean opened up his left hand with fingers splayed, made it flap a few times and smack Cas's behind the second he was within reach. "That was a brilliant idea by the way, my tail in your pert little ass." Dean sucked in his lower lip. "Damn. Wish we got video or at least audio when we still could. The sounds you made. Probably make me cum untouched again. Damn."
"I wasn't the only one making sounds." Cas muttered affectionately under his breath. Even the memory of it had heat pooling in his belly.
Dean stripped off his shirt, making sure the amulet stayed in place. He toyed with it for a second, debating. One more romp with his old dragon bits... but, if taking it off would mean that he could never put it on and get the human body back again, it was best not to risk it. Especially at the look Cas was giving him now. It would be a stupid thing to test out so close to the wedding and in a huge city like Vegas. They might not be able to fool everyone into thinking everything was fake.
Cas tossed him the travel sized bottle of lube, because of course, Dean knew where to shop for one. And said, "You can take care of yourself if you need to, but don't go poking me tonight. I'd like to marry you after I'm well rested instead of dead on my feet and anxious.
Dean chuckled and put the lube away. "More fun making you beg for it." He smirked as if it was his choice to deny Cas an orgasm that night by simply not having sex. He found himself yawning now that he's laying down properly on the cushy bed and rolled over far enough to pull the covers up to get underneath. An old habit of his to make sure his side of the bed was the one closest to the door. If anything should come in unexpected, he would put his body in front of his loved one for protection. Eventually Cas figured it out and let him do it if it made Dean feel more comfortable. But seriously doubted a monster would randomly appear in the Mirage Hotel.
Cas finished puttering around the room, getting their outfits set up and laid out meticulously, and found his fiance already snoring in bed. He gently pulled the covers back and took up position as the big spoon and snuck his hand under Dean's pillow, not really surprised to find the knife hilt. He pushed it aside a bit and relaxed when Dean snuggled backwards into his warm chest. Breath evening out again, they fell asleep peacefully.
They woke at 9 something, hungry more then anything but decided to lay about in bed for another hour. Dean hummed a song and Cas would try and name the artist and song title. Dean's love of classic rock ran deep and Cas loved learning about why Dean found each song special. The stories and past adventures he and his brother went on that the songs reminded him of. Likewise, Cas told Dean about how he enjoyed thinking about the intricacies of nature. How animals and plants evolved to co-exist as well as fight for survival. Dean got a chance to just relax, and enjoyed listening about the tarantulas that kept small frogs as pets to protect its eggs from smaller insects and the spider would protect the frog from bigger predators.
A polite knock on the door to Sam and Balth's side of the room heralded the arrival of breakfast. "Hey Jerk-face, got your greasy ass bacon deluxe burger and the 'Assbutt' a peanut butter and jelly with a side of pineapple sauce."
Dean stifled a snicker, "Sam's never gonna let you live down the pineapple incident." He muttered too quite for Sam to hear.
"It was the first thing to come to mind." Cas harrumphed. "That man at the front door shouldn't have looked down on us for our attire. We are paying customers." He sat up, stretching his arms behind his shoulders, letting Dean sit up himself.
"I think he was justified, I was half naked. My 'attire' was my nipples." Dean rubbed a hand on his chest.
"So many brown freckles I'm surprised he found them at all." Cas turned away to hide the smirk.
Dean grinned into the good morning kiss and rolled out of bed, strolling to the conjoined door to Sam's room and let his brother in. Sam of course had covered his eyes with one hand and held out the tray of food with the other like it was a plate of spiders.
"We're decent." Dean informed then added once Sam's hand was pulled away from his eyes. "Well, I am, Cas sure isn't at the moment."
Sam gave a halfhearted bitchface at him and turned to leave. His own suit was halfway on, and the couple could see Balthazar struggling with his bow tie in the other room. Balth noticed them in the mirror and nodded in greeting as the door shut again. Everyone ate their breakfast with smiles on their faces and eyes on the clocks. The ceremony wasn't until two in the afternoon and they were getting phone calls all morning with updates on when the few others would arrive, and from other Hunters that couldn't make it, but wished them the best.
Bobby, and Ellen showed up at the hotel just as they were leaving and were informed that Meg and Missouri were grabbing lunch first down the street. Meg was still introducing Missouri to regular day-to-day life of those living in the two thousand teens, and found that she was most comfortable at sit down dining establishments instead of fast food. Her upbringing wouldn't let her calm with so many people bustling about. She was still in awe at how much times had changed since she was last human instead of a Drauglin. Attitudes and clothes, technology and how well people got along. She would have never thought she'd see the day when so many African Americans and other nationalities would be simply going about their day without jeers or sideways glances, judgmental stares or outright hostility. There was the occasional bigot but her friends were right there to set them straight with words, and if that didn't work, with threats to bodily harm. It never came to that, but with so many people in this huge city, it made her nervous. The unknown threats would be multiplied. So, Meg stayed by her side almost non-stop as her friend and teacher. Missouri was making more friends once she figured out how to use the internet a bit better, and discovered a newfound interest in psychic studies.
That subject caught her eye more then once in her browsing. Something her grandmother tried talking to her about but her mother insisted that she never went into. Some minor abilities she had growing up that she just ignored since her teens till it was buried in her subconscious. She wondered if she could tap back into her knack again. There were studies being done all the time and she was overwhelmed some days to see how far and fast humanity was growing everyday. Sure people would bitch and moan online, but from her point of view, this was a wonderland with never ending miracles. Having the worlds knowledge at the tips of her fingers... some days it was hard for Meg to pry her away from the laptop. Making up a fake rule that she could only be online for six hours a day or else the laptop will overheat and die. So far so good, Missouri had no reason not to believe the harmless lie. When she gets a handle of living in the future, and get out of the house to interact with people in real life, she'll be told the truth. Or if Meg chickens out, given her own laptop that can go all day and night without blowing up.
Meg thought it would be harder then it is to help her friend, but she's turning out to be the perfect roommate. Missouri had grown up in a full house and being the oldest daughter, took care of her younger siblings. She could relate to her white son a bit more because of that. Meg reluctantly told her that she didnt have to clean house while she was at her new job, that she could relax, make messes, or do whatever she wanted. Update her idea of roommates. She was no ones housekeeper anymore. They were in it together and split the housework evenly. Switching weekly so they dont get sick to death of doing the same chores all the time. Missouri agreed and they worked it out. She wanted to help earn some income as well so she made clothes from her time period with lessons she learned when she was a child. The clothes were called 'vintage' and sold for a fair penny online for those that wanted the look and style without the smell of mothballs attached to the clothes.
Missouri was able to save up enough for a neat gift for her boy for his wedding. Even if he was just a few years younger, she still considered him as her's. And Dean loved having her as his mother, proudly proclaiming it to anyone with ears. Sure they got the occasional questioning look, the short petite African American lady and the 6ft + broad chested white Hunter, but, who gives a shit what other people think? Dean's proud of his Mom's. All of them. It would have been nice to have Cricket and Dane here as well, but of course, that would be impossible and defeat the purpose of all of their struggles to get them back home to the Drauglin island.
Dean knew that his late mother, Mary Winchester, would be proud of him if she were there. His late father, John, as well. He hoped. At least his surrogate dad, Bobby, was here to see him off along with Missouri. Too bad Bobby's got an eye for Ellen, Dean wondered for a hot minute what it would be like if Bobby and Missouri got together. He's too old for her, and she's too old for him... that makes sense. Maybe. Ellen might have a few words to say about that.
Bobby stepped forward and gave Dean and Castiel a warm handshake and back pat, and soon showed them how to get to the restaurant Meg and Missouri were at. Deciding that it was as good a place as any for a rehearsal dinner. The group walked there, dressed their finest and ordered the nicest things on the menu. Sam took it upon himself to start off the meal with some embarrassing stories of his brother's old 'conquests' and Meg had a few stories of her own for Castiel and their days dating. It was surprisingly relaxed and felt like family already for them. Time seemed to slip by and Balth was the one to alert them all that they would be late if they ordered desert so they paid the bill with a generous tip on top and practically sprinted out of the diner.
Luckily, Vegas had large taxi vans as well as cars and they were all somehow able to cram into one. All eight of them showed up at the tiny chapels' doors and piled out and into the lobby.
"Well it's a-bout damn time. Kept getting invites to every freak's freakin' wedding! Looks like these places have resident witnesses to the weddings, but this one's was sick!" Rufus grumbled loudly as he shoved his way past everyone to give Dean and Cas a one armed hug. Pushing off of them and thrusting an envelope at them begrudgingly, like he'd lost a bet. "Here." he grumbled and straightened out his suit which was even nicer then both of the groom's. A jewish cap on his head and a frown on his face. "Well? Ain't got all day!" he said and found Bobby in the group to go stand next to. "You giving Dean away at this thing?"
Bobby's face looked a little startled. It hadn't occurred to him. He looked to Dean for how exactly they wanted to do this since Cas didn't have anyone to fill in his paternal role here. Sam couldn't stop laughing.
Dean's face flushed and he hissed. "No." then addressed their other guests and announced both of their groomsmen and woman, "Bobby and Sam are going to stand up there on my side, Balth and Meg on Cas's and the rest of y'all are going to sit down wherever you want. Sound good? Cas an I will walk up together and we get it done. Sam? Still got the rings?"
Sam pat his jacket pockets down and gave a panicked face to Dean just to freak him out for a second before pulling it out of his pants pocket. Dean punched him anyway and gave him a hug. Straightening out his suit afterwards. "Don't screw this up." A finger of warning and a warm grin back.
One of the chapel's staff went over the details with Bobby and Sam about packages and prices while Dean and Cas just tried to relax and breath while they fixed each other's suits. There were more people in the wedding then watching it but that was ok. It felt cozier that way. So the three others were seated and arranged and photographer got his things ready to go. Dean noticed the flower arrangements for the first time and just knew that wasn't one of the options the chapel would have on hand. He sent a fond grin at his brother and a nod to the numerous colorful snapdragons that were in a few spots. Snapdragons. The little shit. The others looked odd and Dean had no doubt that they were also dragon themed. They did not mesh well in the bouquets.
At least he didn't get some of the dragon herb as well for them. He hadn't come into real contact with it as a half human so he wasn't sure if it would have the same effect. Eh, another time. He's pretty sure Balthazar was able to pack up a fair chunk of that block from way back at the military base. Whatever wasn't smashed to a pulp under his dragon butt when he rolled in it like a cat with nip. No doubt hiding it from Dean. He hadn't even thought of it till now. Balth hiding it away from him because he's the only other dude that would crave that kind of high. Come to think of it, Balth did seem more mellow lately...
Some prerecorded music started playing and both grooms laughed at the choice. Apparently they did have a soft instrumental version of 'Simple Man' by Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Hand in hand, they walked slowly up to the tiny alter and the lady pastor looked at them with genuine kindness. Something they weren't expecting from someone that performed weddings at least a dozen times a day. The music faded down and she started the ceremony, "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today..."
The rest of it faded in their ears. Cas catching Dean's eyes and keeping them. Their fingers entwining and rubbing along each other's palms. Only catching some key words here and there that she said a bit louder then the rest. No doubt sensing that her words were going nearly unnoticed. They said their simple vows of love and devotion, overcoming future trials together and promises to spend eternity in each other's arms. Dean was sure Sam wrote Castiel's along with his own because they sounded eerily similar, but let it go, if he were better with words he would have written it himself, but he was more about showing then telling.
"The rings?" she asked kindly and Sam produced them, Dean catching the choked up expression and winking at his younger brother. He's got this. More words were spoken but Dean and especially Castiel were just waiting for the grand finale.
"You may now kiss your husband." She said with a smile in her voice.
Castiel was the one to dive forward first and capture Dean's lips with his own, teeth clashing from the impact, which they quickly recovered from, having had that happen more then once, hands going up of their own accord to cup their cheeks and everyone clapped and whistled. Flashes went off from the photographer and other words of congratulations were just barely heard by the new couple. Then the sounds of laughter as they found themselves too wrapped up in the kiss to realize that the wedding was over and they needed to lead the way back down the aisle. Dean waved them off to start it without them but they found strong hands on their backs helping them along. They broke off and looked dazedly around them, more flashes in their faces and remembered to pose for the camera. They found themselves in the small reception hall where sweet snacks and foods were offered for their 'deluxe package' option.
Their wedding cake was three layers tall, and the middle one had a special made stand with a pie instead of cake. Dean spun around to try and figure out which one of them did that and Sam was the reddest face there.
"You?"
"I remember that shared dream we had back in the cabin. You and Cas had a pie cake combo. For some reason, that was the thing that stuck out most when I woke up. Who wants a pie for a wedding cake?!" He laughed and held out the pie server. Thankfully it was a kind of thick cream pie that could hold up to being picked up by fingers. Albeit sticky fingers but still, Dean held some up for Cas, and Cas held up some cake for Dean. More flash photography and jokes all around. They hung out there until the cake was all eaten, pie was mere crumbs in the pan, and drinks being finished. The real party was later on at the Dragon's Breath Diner and dance down a short ways from the main strip. It seemed appropriate and there were no objections. It resembled more of a Chinese theme but the wingless snake like dragon statues were still pretty cool to look at. Wrapping around every wall, with some phoenix birds on others swirling around other Chinese creatures. Dean wondered if his pseudo-aunt Phoenix actually looked like the stone birds along the walls. All he remembered from what Cricket said, is that Phoenix was bird-like. She didn't say much else because even after over fifty years, it was still heartbreaking. She still blamed herself.
Dean pushed it aside, today is a happy day. And his boyfrie- Husband, wow, that will never ever get old, looks amazing. His smile and the way he's holding onto Dean's hand, like he'll float away if he lets go... make his heart melt. Dean wants to remember this night.
Dean and Cas were pushed along to the head of the large round table and were surrounded with choices for food. They must have tried everything on the menu between the nine of them and the night was spent dancing drunkenly in the center floor. Cas felt comfortable enough to let loose and ignore the numerous strangers around them, choosing to see them as their guests to their party. Several strangers noticed their attire and congratulated them, swapping stories and tips and buying drinks for them all night. A slower song started up and the newlyweds slowed down to sway side to side in each other's arms. They realize they were not alone, and found Meg pulling Cas aside and Missouri asking for Dean's hand. A mother-son dance.
"Hey, Mom." Dean said warmly and ducked down a bit for his much shorter second mother. She had a few tears of joy in her eyes at that and swayed with him on the dance floor.
"I am so proud of you." she beamed up at him. She was technically older then him, but didn't look it. Missouri was also from a different time period entirely, African American, and never had kids of her own when she was human the first time, but none of that mattered. This was her boy wanting her to help him celebrate the best day of his life. And she couldn't be happier. "I just wish Dane and Cricket could be here to see this."
"We will see them again. Just gotta give them some time to get settled in first. And for us to find another boat to go to the island. One that's not stolen this time." He chuckled. A moment passed and the song changed to a slightly faster tempo but they ignored it, and kept dancing. Vaguely aware that the others were joining in the dance floor. Balth was now dancing with Cas, and Bobby with Ellen. Sam had Meg. Balthazar later was eyeballing Rufus for a dance next who folded his arms over his chest.
It was clear that Rufus would hang back and watch their stuff. A stern, "I do not dance." was reason enough.
The song changed again and Dean left his mother to grab his surrogate father next. Bobby went but not without loudly complaining beforehand. He could tell that Bobby wasn't exactly comfortable with dancing with a guy, so he let Bobby lead. No one was paying attention, really, so it helped. Everyone switched partners again and smirked at Balthazar's persistence at cajoling Rufus up off of his seat.
The night went on, the other patrons filtering out and into the streets as the streetlights started turning on. The Casino's would be in full swing now and finally, at the end of the night and a few minutes before closing, Balthazar got Rufus drunk enough for a single dance. Sighing and cursing the heavens above that it was for just half a song sung by a whining pop star. But, he still called it a win.
Ellen was the only one sober enough to help them find their suit coats and things and angled everyone towards the doors. Outside, the streets were as loud and boisterous as ever and Cas was drained of all the attention. Dean admitted it too, and together they went back to the hotel room to sleep. The rest of the party found a quiet bar or two to unwind.
Notes:This was partly written for nanowrimo, part of it long before I was done with the first one.
just, all the crack. It has no plot at the moment, just a bunch of ideas crammed together in a way that should make sense. Literally playing around with the guys, already did the big story arc deal. Not saying this won't evolve to have one, but right now it's all 'chaotic good'.
I will probably update every Monday or so. I have nearly a hundred pages so far but I want to perfect it a bit rather then word vomit all over this site. The chapters won't be as big, probably 5k so I don't get overwhelmed. This just had so much back story I felt like I'd be cheating you all out of new content. There will be scattered destiel, no idea when they decide to get smoopy lovey dovey. I'll give a warning if it goes r rated. Please let authors know if you like their works!