The third time Dean got together with Cas was less accidental and more Dean unsubtly letting the Alpha know where he was if Cas was interested. (Well, more accurately, Dean calling Cas the next time he was in Heat and the Alpha came running like Wile E. Coyote after the Road Runner with a rocket strapped to his ass.)

Dean stared at Cas' phone number in his phone, the only one in there that wasn't pack or a Hunting contact. He felt... warm. Content. And really fucking stupid to be mooning over an Alpha's phone number like some crushing tween but there it was.

He hadn't thought twice about handing his phone over so Cas could tap the digits in. Just shrugged like it was no big deal, like he wasn't fluttering all over inside and feeling a weird, giddy little thrill as Cas handled his phone, brows pulled together in concentration as he carefully poked in his number.

He'd almost deleted it, hearing his father's scolding voice in his head, warning Dean about distractions and untrustworthy Alphas. He didn't delete it, though. But he didn't look at for a few days, either. He just let the knowledge that it was there sit in the back of his mind, an odd sort of comfort as much as it was a distraction.

Dean tried to forget about it. He did. He kept himself from grabbing his cell phone and scrolling through the short contact list so many times...

Until his next Heat and he 'forgot' to take his regulators on time and he was squirming on the lumpy motel bed, fingers white-knuckling the scratchy comforter in one hand and his phone in the other. He scrolled and stared, finger hovering over the little green phone icon a few times before he'd drop his phone and just lay back, panting and sweating, writhing and trying to work through his Heat, trying to remember what the hell he'd been thinking when he left that month's regulators in the blister pack... Because this? This sucked hardcore and was probably one of the worst Heats he could remember.

He must have called Cas at some point, 'Cas' and 'Alpha' the only things he remembered saying with any sort of coherency, because Cas was now outside his door, banging on it and calling out for him. The lowly growled "Dean!", even through wood, made his skin prickle with pleasured anticipation and an achy want settled warmly in his belly.

Dean moaned, eyes fluttering closed as he squirmed in his spot on the rucked up sheets. And goddammit he could smell Cas from there. The door shook under Cas' fists again and Dean rolled off the bed with an effort, knees wobbly but holding him up after a moment. He stumbled to the door as quick as he could before Cas broke the fucking door down. The thought that Cas could—and probably would if he kept pounding like that—was hot but no way was he paying to fix the damn thing.

He unlocked the door with trembling hands, Heat itching under his skin, not giving a damn that he was nearly naked and no doubt looked a little needy.

As soon as he opened the door, Cas was there, crashing into his personal space. He practically fell into Cas' arms, kissing him wherever he could reach, scenting and panting into his neck. He barely registered Cas' soft rebuke as Dean's hands went right for his belt, Cas' chuckle low and a little choked sounding as he urged Dean back into the privacy of his room. Dean had his hand down Cas' pants and barely registered the sound of the door slamming closed, the snick of the lock.

It was the second time Cas had seen him in Heat, so it was familiar, but different this time. Better, because they weren't two strangers. Cas was a quick study and already knew where to touch and kiss to make Dean practically melt into a panting, tingling puddle of goo. Cas murmured to him as he guided Dean toward the bed, nostrils flaring as he inhaled Dean's scent with greedy gulps of air, body warm and firm under Dean's scrabbling, demanding hands.

Dean didn't even bother trying to be smooth about it, just tore at Cas' clothes. Licking and nipping, kissing and nuzzling any bit of bare skin he found. Murmuring 'c'mon, Cas' repeatedly as he fumbled and groped. Jesus why did he have to wear clothes that get in the damn way? Cas should always be naked, dammit. He barely gave the Alpha time to toe out of his shoes, Cas hoping around on one foot when Dean pressed in close again and nearly made him topple over.

He stilled when Cas' hands wrapped around his wrists. As much as he wanted to touch, get Cas naked and splayed out on the bed for his enjoyment, he didn't fight the silent command to stop. He huffed with a whine, though, unable to help himself. He could feel the hot, firm weight of Cas' erection and growing knot against his hip and he wanted it. Didn't know why Cas was playing hard to get when they were both a sure thing.

"Easy, Dean," Castiel murmured softly as he leaned in for a kiss, keeping it soft even though every instinct was screaming to bite and mark, pin Dean down and make him whine, keen and beg. Give Dean everything his hot hands and writhing body ached for. Dean made a soft sound at the back of his throat and pressed into the kiss, hands twitching in Castiel's hold. As much as he enjoyed the tease, he knew Dean wasn't in any mood to wait. He could only guess how long Dean had suffered through the Heat symptoms before finally calling him.

He'd never been one for reckless driving, but he'd made it to Dean's motel room in under 40 minutes. All sense of proprietary and doubt vanished the moment he'd heard Dean's moans, instincts victorious when he smelled the familiar, intoxicating scent through the narrow cracks in the door. He was amazed he hadn't broken the door in his haste...

Castiel let go of Dean's hands and slid his own down Dean's sides, fingers caressing along each bump of rib and muscle, fluttering over the slightly-soft belly before hooking his thumbs in the waistband of Dean's boxer-briefs. Dean's hips twitched forward with excitement as he pushed the elastic band down, getting on his knees to ease Dean's feet out. Dean's flushed erection bobbed free and slapped his belly to leave a shiny smear. He chuckled, kissing Dean's hip as he peeled off the damp underwear and tossed it carelessly over his shoulder. He didn't linger, getting to his feet quickly when Dean grabbed at his shoulder and urged him back up.

He inhaled deeply again, mouth parted to get the full effect of Dean's intoxicating scent. No less potent or amazing than last time. Possibly more so, actually. Dean didn't give him much of a chance to just look, enjoy the vision of naked, tanned, freckled skin. So, he touched, hands gentle and reverent. Everywhere. Focusing on the spots he knew Dean liked, the ones that made his eyes flutter closed with a sigh of pleasure, pant and moan, keen and groan. Dean arched closer, hands scrabbling for a grip and landing on Castiel's shoulders.

Castiel growled lowly with pleasure, enjoying Dean's touch, the way his blunt fingernails dug into the muscle of his shoulders and the Omega growled back with impatience.

Dean just went with it, enjoying everything Cas' hands were doing. He couldn't even care that Cas was acting more like a mate than just an Alpha ready and willing to fuck him through a Heat. He liked it but he couldn't focus past the heated need for more. Cas seemed content to fondle his ass and mouth along his shoulder, teeth grazing and teasing along his shoulder and neck. It was nice, warm tingles shooting all through his body with every brush of fingertips and lips, but it wasn't enough.

He practically drooled as he stared at the large tent in Cas' pants and reached down, palming Cas through dark slacks. His fingers were sweaty but weren't shaking too badly yet as he traced the outline of Cas' erection and growing knot, grunting greedily when Cas' hips twitched to press himself into Dean's hand.

He nipped at Cas' stubbled chin and enjoyed the way his Alpha growled lowly, going with a happy sound when Cas' hand clamped around the back of his neck possessively and pulled them together for a heated kiss. He couldn't help groaning with each nip, Cas' teeth sharp and thrilling.

"Fuck, Cas," Dean panted out, thighs pressing together rhythmically, enjoying the heated pleasurable throb and friction. "C'mon," he urged, fingers clumsy on Cas' belt. "You. Naked. Now," he demanded through breathless gasps, fingers scrabbling at the fabric of Cas' shirt, ready to just rip until the buttons popped off and he got to feel the firm chest, soft skin underneath.

He needed that hours ago and Cas needed to get with the fucking program.

And Cas was awesome, nodding with a soft grunt as he quickly stripped. Dean watched, licking at his bottom lip as he slowly ran a loose fist over himself as Cas' white shirt fell to the carpet, pants and underwear pooling at his feet.

Dean made a sharp noise of protest when Cas bent over and reached for his discarded pants. He buried a hand in dark hair, yanking a little and halting the Alpha's progress. "No," he said, fingers tight in Cas' hair so the Alpha would stop, get back up close and personal and in him.

"But—" Castiel started, brows furrowed, confusion trickling in through the lust and impatience. He glanced at his pants for only a moment, thoughts of the condoms waiting in his pocket quickly leaving his head when Dean shook his head again, pulling him into a heated kiss. He palmed at Dean's ass, greedy for any sort of touch. Dug his fingers in and massaged the muscle, slid his thumbs down to spread slick-shiny cheeks, thrilling in the noises Dean made as he arched into every touch and caress. The heavy, sweet scent of Dean's arousal and slick blocking out nearly everything else.

Dean pulled away with a soft moan. "S'okay. Pill," he managed between kisses, hips moving against Cas'. He wanted this more than he could say through his Heat-addled need, wanted it before. But it was weird before, now it was okay and thankfuck Cas was getting close again.

Castiel nodded, hands tight and possessive around Dean's hips, thumbs caressing in gentle sweeps. "Okay," he said softly, nuzzling at the soft spot of Dean's neck. Dean's fingers tightened and he kicked his pants free, pressing against Dean so they were angled towards the bed when they fell forward.

The entire room was heavy with the balm of Dean. The intoxicating scent enveloped him completely when they fell into the mess of bedding, Dean's heat-scent heavy on the sheets. Castiel went easily when Dean rolled them, straddling his hips and diving in for a sloppy, hard kiss, hot hands sliding over his chest, up his neck and into his hair. He knew soon enough Dean would want to be face down, on hands and knees or pressed onto his belly, but he enjoyed giving Dean the moment of control.

He moaned when Dean's hips shift and roll, his hot, slick cleft practically wrapped around his erection. Dean keened above him and did it again, hips rolling fluidly, sinfully, sensuously as Dean reveled in the pleasurable tease.

"Alpha—"

Castiel flipped them over with a quick move that had Dean's next words trailing off to a keening moan, bowed legs wrapping around Castiel's hips and body arching up, erections sliding hot and slick against each other. Another kiss before he leaned up enough to give Dean room to roll over; onto his hands and knees, ass in the air.

He took a moment to enjoy the sight before leaning forward and burying his face between Dean's slick-shiny cheeks. They both groaned, Dean's hips pressing back shamelessly with a needy grunt. Castiel easily slid two fingers in, moaning into the firm give of Dean's thigh at the easy slide, slick dribbling out to run down his wrist and drip onto the sheets.

Castiel's tongue darted out, catching more and grunting with pleasure as the taste of Dean exploded on his tongue, heady and making his cock throb and jump with anticipation. Dean made a sound, muffled into the pillow, and arched his hips back for more.

Dean huffed out a sound of pleasure, face in his pillow. He loved Cas' tongue and fingers filling him up. It wasn't nearly enough but it felt so so good. He rolled his hips into it, mouth open in his pillow as he panted and moaned as Cas pumped three fingers in and out. The wet squelch of it was almost as loud as his moans and Cas' heavy breathing.

And thank fuck Cas didn't tease when Dean demanded 'more'.

╍●o●╍

By the fifth time Dean 'ran into' Cas, he had to admit there was more between them than just some awesome sex and compatible biology. Cas, the stoic weird ass Alpha that he was, didn't bring it up because he seemed to know Dean didn't want to talk about it (even if he kinda did). He didn't explain why they were still in town (not that it was hard to find something to Hunt) and Cas didn't ask.

Cas didn't pressure Dean with talks of mating and mates. Didn't get clingy or demanding when Dean rolled out of bed and started looking for his clothes or tossed Cas his clothes and kicked the Alpha from his motel room. Didn't get weird when Dean randomly texted him a joke or stupid cat memes when he was bored sitting with Sam on a stakeout. (He usually found himself hiding a smile and wondering how he could possibly want an Alpha that used so many damn emojis.)

Cas didn't bat an eye when Dean no longer pulled away from the softer kisses and touches when he felt brave enough to initiate them (Cas just gave them out without having to be asked). Didn't pause or question Dean's true motives when Dean asked if Cas wanted to join him for a bite to eat or knock some pool balls around, maybe get a beer together (didn't call it a 'date', even if it very clearly was). They were still in the area, after all. No big deal.

And Cas definitely didn't talk about the weird intensity they shared, the Alpha apparently content to just keep on keepin' on. Didn't seem to notice when Dean was staring, feelings choking practically choking him as he tried not to think of words like mate and love and always.

So Dean had to say something. He normally wouldn't, happy to repress and drink the urge away, but he was going fucking crazy with it. He couldn't stand another moment with Cas when everything was so damn uncertain. Couldn't enjoy another soft smile without knowing what was lurking in Cas' mind.

He'd met Cas for burgers, shrugging casually when he offered and trying his damnedest to ignore the bright smile Cas had when he nodded. He didn't think twice as Cas followed him back afterwards, the Alpha walking into his motel room with a casualness that made Dean warm and nervous at the same time. The comfortable way Cas poured them a drink, settling on the bed with his damn coat still on as they settled in to talk. Dean liked it. He liked it and wanted so bad. He found himself crawling into Cas' lap, even though he'd told himself he wasn't going to, not this time.

The sex wasn't quite the wild monkey mating they'd done before. Even Dean could tell the difference between Cas' lusty blue-eyed stare and this... softer look as he touched, ran gentle fingertips down his belly to wrap around his flushed, leaking dick. Cas was on his knees, weight balanced in such a way his other hand carefully stroked along Dean's perineum and teasingly circled his already slick rim. It felt awesome and Dean was fisting the sheets under him, trying not to buck his hips too much, afraid Cas would stop or lose his grip.

Castiel had watched Dean, eyes dark and catching every hitched breath and swallowed moan, every aborted movement of Dean's hips.

He needed more; he needed to see Dean fall apart, get lost to the pleasure he knew was sparking through the Omega's body, needed to hear Dean beg for more of him than just his knot. He wanted to get so deep, Dean couldn't bear to let him go. He dipped his finger in slowly, groaning softly at the easy slide. Dean's slick already filling the room with the intoxicating scent of it. He inhaled deeply, scooting closer without a second thought.

Castiel just managed to smother the urge to smile when Dean's legs parted, a foot nudging him closer. Dean hadn't even opened his eyes, just did it out of want and it drove him crazy to see the way the Omega sunk into enjoying pleasure.

"Fuck," Dean groaned when he felt Cas get closer. He could feel Cas' knees pressing against his inner thighs, Cas drag hot and wet across his hip. He couldn't help it—he nudged Cas closer, body arching up for more contact. Cas' hand kept its steady pace, jacking Dean even as his teasing finger turned into two. He didn't need it, he was so ready already, but he knew better by now than to try to get Cas to go faster, move the show along to the good stuff.

It felt so so good, though, so he just resigned himself to Cas' mercies. Lips trailed down his belly, soft and slightly scratchy because Cas never freakin' heard of ChapStick, a tongue teasing at his belly button.

"Cas!" he gasped out, smacking lightly at the Alpha's head and trying not to laugh. It was really fucking weird but still sent pleasure zinging through him, blooming warmly in his belly and making him moan a moment later when Cas' tongue dipped inside, matching the movement of his fingers. Fuck that was a really weird thing to feel so damn good.

Castiel just hummed, pleased. Dean wasn't in the throes of a Heat but he wasn't any more patient for it. By now Dean was no longer trying to hide his pleasure, hips moving, body writhing, hands clenching and unclenching. Demanding little grunts and body movements, a hand unfisting the sheets to grab at him and direct him elsewhere.

Dean was glorious like this and Castiel couldn't help the urge to kiss him, leaning up and kissing Dean a bit more desperately than he'd intended. But Dean just moaned into his mouth, one of his hands loosening from its desperate hold in the sheets to fist in his hair instead. Hold him closer and move him around how Dean wanted.

Castiel moaned lowly, pressing into the touch even as he licked in, gasping into Dean's parted mouth and rocking his hips into the Omega.

Dean scrabbled at Cas' back, dragging the Alpha closer and arching up into him, panting softly with each rock against him, their erections sliding against each other, sending heat through him and making him almost desperate for more.

"C'mon, Cas," he urged, reaching between them, sliding his hand down to wrap around Cas and gently squeezing at the growing knot. Fuck he needed that in him and Cas already knew that so he didn't even try to pretend otherwise.

He grinned when Cas' eyes rolled back into his head with a deep, grumbly moan and the Alpha thrust shallowly into his fist a few times. He could smell Cas' arousal and he buried his nose in Cas' neck, licking at the jumping pulse point and practically smothering himself in the Alpha's heady scent. He scraped his teeth against Cas' neck, teasing at the corded muscles that practically begged to be bitten.

Dean huffed out a surprised breath when Cas growled lowly, hands shoving his legs up until he practically had his knees in his ears. But for all the growling and Cas' man-handling, the Alpha was fluttering gentle kisses across his face, his hands soft and gentle, stroking along the backs of his thighs as Cas sunk into him.

It had been a haze of movement, heat and pleasure till they both finally went limp, tangled together in a sweaty, sated pile.

He rolled over, not even bothering to fix the sheets tangled around his body. It had the bonus of pulling them off Cas and he looked over the Alpha's naked body unashamedly, Cas splayed out without a shred of modesty. There was still a pleasant flush to Cas' skin, muscles loose and body relaxed, and Dean wanted to just lick him all over.

So he did.

Cas' fingers gently carded through his hair, blunt nails lightly scratching at his scalp as he hummed with sated pleasure, muscles twitching a little under Dean's lips. He kind of wanted Cas to put some oomph into the touch, direct him towards his growing erection maybe. But Cas didn't, he seemed content with the lazy arousal and just touching Dean for contact.

Cas just rolled with it when Dean licked and nibbled at his neck and shoulders and made playful, wet smooching sounds as he laid a trail of wet kisses all over his chest, nipping kisses across his stomach and hip bones.

"Dean?"

Dean blinked, realizing he'd stopped the lazy kisses and was just staring up at Cas. "Huh?"

"Are you... okay?" Castiel asked, shifting a little and running a hand up Dean's shoulder to rest on the side of his neck. Dean didn't shy away from intimate touches any longer but he didn't want to overwhelm him with anything too intrusive. Dean picked up his hand, pressing his palm to a lightly stubbled cheek and nuzzled into his hand, kissing his palm. He couldn't help frowning softly with confusion; that was not the response he expected. Even so, something inside warmed and unclenched at the overt affection and he couldn't help looking down at Dean fondly.

Dean nodded and rolled away, settling on his back and staring at the ceiling. He could feel Cas' gaze on the side of his face, the Alpha's concerned confusion obvious. Cas' hand slid up his side to settle tentatively on his stomach and he couldn't stop himself from resting his hand on top of it, idly playing with Cas' long fingers and intermittently slotting them together. They fit together nicely...

Thankfully, Cas remained quiet but attentive; Dean could practically feel him waiting to listen the moment he worked up the courage to speak.

"I don't know where to start," Dean admitted when the quiet got to be too much. Cas wasn't prodding him, or doing anything really, and perversely, it set him on edge. Made him want to fill the quiet.

Castiel made a soft noise to show he was listening and shifted closer. Dean relaxed a little more, settling against his body with a soft sigh. Feeling emboldened by the closeness, he slid his hand down to cup Dean's hip, pulling him closer. He was pleasantly surprised when the Omega went willingly, no joking comments against 'cuddling', and practically melted against his side with a soft huff of contentment.

"Whatever you wish to say, I'm listening," he encouraged softly, slowly dragging his nose along Dean's temple. He didn't bother trying to be subtle about the gentle caress or that he was scenting Dean. And Dean didn't comment on it, just pressed closer and settled his leg over Castiel's thighs in a comfortable embrace. Dean remained silent, thoughtful, and he slowly drew his hand up Dean's back in a comforting gesture. He was content to wait.

Dean huffed softly, eyes closing. "I don't do this kinda thing, man."

"What thing? Snuggling?" Castiel asked, teasing lightly. He was already aware of that, considering this was probably the first time they'd done such a thing and Dean often protested such actions when he'd previously attempted it. (Closeness demanded by being knotted or Dean panting, flopped onto his chest after a toe-curling orgasm did not count in his opinion since Dean rolled away the moment he got his breath back.) He chuckled when Dean lightly punched his chest, sitting up just enough to glare at him.

"No, you dick," Dean said, rolling his eyes and flopping back down. Well, yeah, that too, but it wasn't at all what he meant. It would definitely be easier to get this out if Cas wasn't staring at him, those blue eyes soft and understanding. Warm and adoring. It was kinda weird but he liked it too damn much to poke fun at Cas about it. "You know, this."

Castiel chuckled again. "No, I don't know, Dean." He might've had an idea what Dean was trying to say, but a part of him needed to hear it aloud. Needed to have Dean say it, in no uncertain terms. He went back to the gentle strokes along Dean's back, smiling widely when Dean hummed with pleasure and scooched closer. The hum became an all-out moan when he slid his hand up, sliding through short hair and gently scruffed Dean's neck.

"This," Dean said, voice muffled by Cas chest and slightly slurred with lazy pleasure. Holy fuck Cas' hands were awesome. He wriggled closer when Cas started massaging the base of his skull, those dexterous fingers doing all kinds of things and making his body tingle and heat up all over again. "Being with someone," he added when Cas didn't ask for more. Dean figured he'd earned it, really. Being patient and all.

Castiel paused, fingers stilling. Dean huffed softly and wiggled his head, silently asking him to get back to what he'd been doing. "I see," he said slowly, hand relaxing and sliding down to flop onto the mattress next to Dean's shoulder. Dean went still as well, tensing a little. He didn't know how he was meant to react, but a warmth spread through him, affection for the infuriating Omega next to him surging through him.

He didn't think Dean would enjoy knowing that he'd become emotionally attached, his mind and soul as well as his body aching for Dean when they weren't together. There hadn't been any real discussion about what was between them, but Dean's actions and the words he didn't say were enough to clue him in to Dean's aversion to 'more' or anything substantial and he tried to respect that.

Castiel wanted more but he'd never push for it.

"What do you see?" Dean asked, staring hard at the wall. He closed his eyes and relaxed into Cas' touch when a hand swept up his back, the touch sparking through him in ways he didn't even want to think about.

He moved, groaning with protest, when Cas slid out from under him. He sighed softly and sat up too, leaning against the pillows and fighting the urge to fidget like a nervous pup under Cas' intense gaze.

Castiel leaned in closer, gently cupping Dean's chin and moving his face until they were looking at each other. It took a moment for Dean to meet his eyes, but as soon as he held the eye contact Castiel smiled. Dean's lips twitched in an answering smile, eyelashes fluttering gently with uncharacteristic shyness for a moment before their eyes met again. He could practically hear Dean scoffing about the emotional moment, but neither of them pulled away.

"Is this your way of saying you wish to be with someone?" he asked. Dean shrugged one shoulder and stared at his chin, expression pensive. He wanted to be exasperated but he'd long ago come to understand Dean. He knew that was as close as Dean would come to admitting it, saying 'yes' that he wanted something.

He inched closer and slotted their legs together, his hand rubbing small circles on Dean's hip, pleased to see the Omega relax that much more. "I'd like that," he murmured, nosing at Dean's temple. He hid a smile in Dean's hair, feeling giddy.

Dean exhaled and fought the urge to grin like an idiot. He wriggled closer, inwardly sighing with relief that Cas understood him. He snickered and playfully poked at Cas' chest. "I didn't say it was gonna be you," he teased.

He expected Cas to tease back, maybe playfully pin him to the bed or something. He didn't expect Cas to pull away and slide out of bed, sitting on the edge with hunched shoulders and his head lowered. Somehow, it seemed worse to see Cas looking so dejected while he was sitting there bare-assed naked and hair all bed-heady.

Dean tucked the sheet around himself, not liking the serious air that suddenly filled the room. "Cas?"

"I apologize, Dean," Castiel said softly, eyes tightly closed. He ran a hand through his hair, pulling the ends lightly. He wanted to push Dean back into the bed, spread him out and make him delirious with pleasure until he thought of no other. He wanted to rage, maybe seek out the other that Dean wanted and remove the competition. But that was ridiculous thinking and Dean deserved more than that.

It hurt like hell but he knew he'd sooner harm himself than get in the way of Dean's chances of happiness. He figured it was foolish to think he'd be that chance. He drew in a long, shuddery breath and tried to control the wild thoughts.

"Cas?" Dean repeated, shifting closer. He raised a hand to touch but dropped it again, fisting it in the blankets instead. Cas didn't move, just sat there, back heaving with deep, shaky breaths. It was probably a good thing he couldn't scent what was no doubt a stress stink over the lingering combination of their scents from earlier. "C'mon, man, you're freaking me out here."

Castiel opened his eyes and turned his head, looking at Dean over his shoulder. Dean did indeed looked freaked out, eyes wide and body tense. He didn't want that. He made the effort to calm himself. He didn't ever want to be the cause for that expression on Dean's face.

"I'm sorry," he offered sincerely and stood, toeing his boxers out from under the bed. He swallowed the lump in his throat and worked his underwear up, averting his gaze from Dean. Dean who was still naked and flushed, eyes wide and darting anxiously as he watched Castiel get dressed.

Castiel tried not to think about anything besides dressing but his thoughts strayed to the... other that Dean wanted. As much as it prickled, they hadn't actually said anything about being exclusive. Just because he hadn't been interested in anyone else, he had foolishly assumed Dean felt the same. He hadn't noticed any other's scent lingering on Dean, but there were plenty of scent-neutralizing methods.

He was perversely pleased Dean wasn't keeping himself from wanting more, finally feeling confident to chase what he truly wished for, even if it wasn't him. He hadn't liked how the Omega had tried to distance himself from personal relationships, going against his own wants and desires because his pack had very strange habits and ideals that Dean tried desperately to uphold. Convinced he'd never have something deemed normal and permanent with someone that wasn't pack.

"Wait, where the hell are you going?" Dean demanded, scowling a little as Cas' fiddled with his belt. Cas finally looked at him, expression sad but determined. Dean was confused and more than a little pissed now. He finally let himself open to something big and Cas was just gonna fucking bail on him? Fine. It hurt more than he thought it would but he wasn't going to force Cas to stay if he didn't want to.

But that didn't mean he was going to take this shit laying down.

Dean scrambled out of bed, not even bothering to cover himself. "The least you could do is say you aren't interested, not just fucking leave," he said, poking Cas in the chest hard enough to make the Alpha flinch.

Castiel stilled, confused by Dean's anger. He was giving Dean what he wanted; why was he angry? "I don't understand," he finally admitted. He looked at Dean but the Omega's angry expression gave nothing else away.

"I said—" Dean started, words cutting off and his mouth flopping open when he realized just what the fuck was going on. "You're an idiot," he said through a startled laugh. Cas just frowned but didn't argue, head cocked to the side a little with his adorable squinty eyes and looking offended but not trying to deny it. "I was teasing earlier," he said, moving in closer.

He lightly batted Cas' hands away from his belt, pleased when the Alpha didn't stop him and let his arms drop to his sides as Dean undid the belt. He slid the belt out and undid Cas' pants, sliding the zipper down and pushing gently until his pants fell and pooled at his feet. Cas still looked confused but made no attempts to stop him, even as Dean leaned in close and slid his hands under the elastic of Cas' boxers, palming his ass.

Castiel looked up, brows knit with confusion still. "What were you teasing about?" he finally asked when Dean didn't elaborate, just slid hands down to grab at his butt before sliding up his back, fingers digging into the muscle a little. He tried not to be distracted, tried to follow the conversation and dizzying change in topic, but the soft little kisses Dean was leaving along his jaw was hard to think past.

"'bout it not being you," Dean said, leaning back and rolling his eyes. He still was having some trouble believing Cas didn't understand that. He wasn't usually that dense. "Talk about a dork, man. I was fucking with you. Of course I meant you," he added when Cas still didn't seem to get it.

Castiel blinked, surprised. "Oh?" He nearly smacked himself in the face for being so stupid. So literal. But, then again, he'd come to realize he had very little leeway when it came to Dean. He'd give the Omega anything he wanted, so it wasn't exactly a surprise he'd misunderstood.

Of course, now that he knew what Dean had truly meant, he was finding it hard not to smile, to contain the feeling of joy trying to wreak havoc with his system.

"I should have realized..." he muttered, trailing off. He could feel Dean laughing, the Omega's chest twitching and bumping against his own with it, and he smiled.

"So, yeah," Dean muttered, trailing off and shifting uncomfortably. Cas was staring again, blue eyes soft, warm and intense. A huge, nose-wrinkling, gummy smile on his face to go with a face full of happy Alpha stink. He couldn't help it, he leaned in closer, body doing all sorts of somersaults to see Cas looking so damn happy. But it wasn't an answer. "You wanna?"

He cleared his throat, working past the lump of nerves and excitement, trying to ignore the gooey feeling in his chest. He tried not to fidget again. Because this was a big deal. It wasn't enough for someone to smell good and get his motor revved up, which Cas did just by breathing, but there was more to it. Even he knew that.

Thankfully, they worked outside the sheets, too, or he probably wouldn't have ever toyed with the idea of mates. Sure, they'd butted heads a few times but nothing they weren't able to smooth over (and the make-up sex was awesome, so win-win). He'd successfully squashed Cas' unholy affection for disco, stupidly pleased when Cas willingly listened to some Bob Seger and Pink Floyd, head bopping a little as he held Dean's battered iPod. Cas didn't smother him but still knew when to bring Dean close, usually claiming he needed the snuggle since he knew Dean wouldn't be able to refuse him.

The one time they'd gone to Cas' place, the Alpha had looked all too pleased when Dean face-planted into his King sized memory foam. He sunk into it with a happy groan as it molded to his body and tried to hug it, vowing to never leave it again. Cas didn't tease him when Dean insisted on feeding him, scouring Cas' 'fridge and pantry for post-mating snacks. He'd mostly been able to ignore Cas' sappy look as he watched from the doorway as Dean puttered around the kitchen.

It was... all the things he never knew he'd needed in a Mate but settled him in ways that were scary and awesome at the same time. All in all, he'd managed to stumble on the perfect Alpha and he wasn't going to be a complete idiot and let him wander off again. His arms tightened reflexively, just in case Cas got any dumb ideas. He'd fucking chase an Alpha if it came down to it.

It took Castiel a moment to decode what Dean was saying and then he was nodding enthusiastically a moment later, grabbing Dean's face for a kiss. Dean opened to him willingly, as usual, and he was quick to pull back, peppering Dean's lips and chin with soft kisses, chuckling when Dean huffed and squirmed. "Anything you want, Dean."

"What if I, uh, wanted, like, the whole enchilada?" Dean asked, working a hand between their bodies and gently pushing Cas away, watching closely for a reaction.

He knew Cas understood what he was saying when the hands on his face tightened a little. Dean waited, his own fingers digging into the meat of Cas' hips as he let Cas think it all through. But Cas looked like he was moments away from breaking out into song and start twirling like a Von Trapp extra and the panic ebbed away.

Dean grinned. "I mean, if you wanna."

Castiel nodded slowly, gentling his touch on Dean until he was cradling him reverently. "Of course," he agreed, tone soft. "However, please humor me and describe the 'whole enchilada'."

He glared playfully when Dean scoffed softly and rolled his eyes at him, his unease evident even through the gestures. He didn't want to make Dean uncomfortable, but wanted there to be no chance for miscommunication on this. He needed to know.

"Dork," Dean murmured fondly, nuzzling at Cas' jaw. He could hear the damn air quotes even if Cas' fingers were busy twirling through his hair and stroking along his neck and shoulder. "Um, I mean everything, okay, man?" Cas just stood, patient as ever and he groaned softly. Sometimes, Cas could be an evil little asshole. "You know. Mates or whatever," he muttered, cheeks heating. He wanted it, god did he want it, but that didn't mean he wanted to have to say it. Out loud.

Castiel thrilled inside. "Mates or whatever," he repeated, a musing lilt to his voice, thumbs brushing over the heated apples of Dean's cheeks. He smiled warmly when Dean's chin dipped and he glanced up at Castiel through his lashes. Rarely was Dean shy and he reveled in the candid moment. He nodded and brought Dean closer for a kiss, keeping it chaste but firm.

"Alright. I suppose," he finally said, his bland tone belying his absolute joy.

"You dick," Dean said through a laugh, practically choking on the blast of happy Alpha stink. He didn't argue when Cas pulled him into another kiss, humming with pleasure when Cas was quick to deepen it from sweet and adoring to hot and dirty quicker than Dean could keep up.

He groaned softly when he felt Cas fill and twitch against his thigh, his own already half-way there. Fuck, if Cas kept it up, there was going to be a round three and he didn't think he'd be able to stop himself from shamelessly begging for Cas' Mark the moment Cas' knot sunk into him.