Dean let out a sigh of relief as soon as he heard the Impala's roaring engine fade into the distance. He had eventually convinced Sam to work the case (easy, a small vampire nest) without him. He took a deep breath before dialing Castiel. "Hey, Cas, you there?"
"Yes, I am here. What do you need?"
"It's…uh…something strange is happening at the bunker and I can't figure it out. I need your help." Dean let the breath he was holding escape. He was a good liar, but not to Cas.
"Can't Sam help you? I'm somewhat preoccupied." Damn it. He needed Cas here now, or else he would chicken out.
"He's on a case, so I need you."
Dean heard the semi-angel—Cas was still using borrowed grace—sigh on the other end of the line. "I'll be right there."
After about an hour of nervous pacing, Cas finally arrived. "Dean! Is everything okay?" He rushed to Dean, trench coat flying behind him.
Cas's concerned face made a smile appear on Dean's face, one he quickly hid. "Yeah, well actually…" The hunter grinned sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck.
"What is it, Dean?"
"Uh…there's nothing wrong here." Cas looked slightly aggravated, so Dean pushed on. "I just really needed to uh…talk." Dean shifted his weight back and forth before adding a "To you. Obviously. I mean Sam is great but sometimes, you need someone, you know, not related to you." The angel's face softened.
"What do you wish to speak to me about?"
"Can we, uh, sit down?" Dean motioned to a nearby couch. Cas joined him a few seconds later, completely disregarding the other's personal space, causing Dean to flush. There was a pause before the hunter spoke again, stuttering at first but then the words pouring out of his mouth. "I…uh…I wanted to tell you that I've never thought of you as just another 'brother.' Or a 'buddy.' I remember when the Leviathans were in you, and you were about to kill me. I said 'I need you' to try and bring you back, but what I really meant was 'I love you.'" He waited for Cas's response, but the angel was shocked into silence. Dean took as a rejection, so he stood up and began to walk away, tears already welling in his eyes.
"Dean! Wait…" Cas grabbed Dean's shoulder, turning him around. "I…I like you too." He pulled the hunter closer, scanning his face.
"Does that mean I can kiss you now?"
"Yes."
