They all decided to make the road trip up to Sioux Falls. Bobby wanted to check out the new Hunter HQ and he had more room for everyone. Ellen decided it was worth it to shut the Roadhouse down for the weekend despite the few stragglers they usually got for New Year's Eve.
Jo and Ash rode with the Winchester crew and Bobby and Ellen took his truck. Everyone was still buzzing on a post-Christmas high. Jo sitting a little closer to Ash, nobody really saying anything about it. They stopped at a reject gas station and Dean came out with armloads of crappy food.
Sam looked at him with disgust.
"What? You can't do road trips without road trip snack food Sammy." He said grinning.
"Dean it's not exactly a road trip its like 6 hours." Sam chided.
Everyone else was holding their hands out begging for the sugar and fat passing as food. Sam decided it was useless so he gave up with little argument.
Even Cas had taken to candy bars. Almost any kind of candy really. When Sam first noticed he remembered Gabriel fondly and thought maybe the sweet-tooth was an Angel thing.
Barely two hours later everyone in the back seat was disgustingly tired and passed out. Sam laughed when he caught Dean sneaking peeks at his sleeping angel in the rear view mirror.
"You really do love him don't you?" Sam said through the chuckles.
Expecting something witty or insulting back he was actually surprised when Dean just said "Yeah, I really do."
Sam had known for a long time that Dean loved Cas maybe even before Dean knew. He just never thought Dean would openly admit it, of course he never really thought Dean would be in a gay relationship with his angel best friend either though so this year was a whole new level of shocking. He couldn't be happier though. Well maybe just slightly, he still ached for something of his own.
He spent the next hour thinking silently about the application for Stanford Law that Dean had given him for Christmas. He didn't even know that was what he wanted anymore. He'd thought a lot about pursuing social work or maybe even children/teen counseling. Sam knew enough to know that some of the things he'd been through were enough to drive anyone insane. He also knew that he'd made it through, and there were plenty of kids who didn't have a brother like Dean looking out for them.
Most of all Sam knew he wanted to learn, he wanted to grow as a person, and a college degree was something he was definitely interested in. He'd think more about it later, there wasn't any real reason to rush himself. He was pretty happy with the way his life was right now.
Pretty soon they'd reached Bobby's house and everyone unpacked their bags. Sam, Dean, Bobby and Cas went to check out the new space.
They stopped in front of an 9 story building. It was huge and almost completely covered in re-enforced glass windows. The boys had spent a good portion of their savings on this concept alone, but they knew it was more for everyone than it was for themselves or Bobby even.
The Building read "Singer Security." Hoping they could pass it off as a private security firm.
They instructed him on how to unlock the front door. They had it set up with some impressive surveillance equipment and extremely advanced security essentials, Bobby noticed. Inside it was even more amazing. Everything was clean and professional with a personal touch.
They'd managed to ward the building inside the walls. There were no visible marks on the structure but even Cas had some difficulty getting in. It had taken a few attempts but finally they'd worked out a sigil against angels that excluded Castiel. He had to walk through the door though, no poofing in and out.
The bottom floor looked the same as any other office building and the elevator needed a special key and pass-code. They stopped briefly on the second floor that was a small cafeteria, before heading up to the third floor.
When Bobby stepped out he thought maybe he was in heaven. It was a training floor with walls full of guns and ammo. There was a small shooting range set up on one side and boxing ring on the other.
They went on up to the fourth floor and they had a small lab stocked with supernatural supplies. Anything you needed for any kind of ritual they had known about was there.
The fifth floor was a classroom setting, Bobby asked about that. They told him that Garth offered to teach anyone who was looking to become a hunter, or anyone who wanted to refresh their skills. Sam added on that they were still looking for someone to counsel anyone interested in becoming a hunter full time.
"Too many people get themselves killed in acts of revenge. We want to make sure they know what they are getting into. No one likes anyone going in blind and this is where they can learn and train and maybe even deal with some of the issues that plague people left behind." Sam said.
Bobby was almost in tears, he gestured toward the elevator to tell them to keep going.
The sixth floor was full of bookshelves and computer stations.
"This must be the library." Bobby said as he looked around.
"Yeah, it's going to be so much better now though. I had no idea Cas was going to get such an amazing Christmas Present." Sam replied.
Castiel blushed a little making sure to tell Sam it wasn't really any trouble.
Floor Seven and Eight were storage, There were some bins for random things but the back room was locked up extra tight and no one wanted to open it so Sam just told Bobby it was where they kept the cursed objects.
The top floor was a shock to almost all of them. Castiel was smiling like the caught hamburgular though.
They walked in and it looked like a living room.
"Uh Sam?" Dean asked.
"I thought it was supposed to be Gymnasium?" Sam said in response.
Dean turned to look at Sam but caught the look on Cas' face instead.
"Cas?" He asked.
"Do you like it?" He said shyly.
"Yeah, Cas it's awesome but what is it exactly?" Dean answered.
"Well that depends on what you want it to be. I was thinking it could be a home base, if you want. It wasn't as expensive or as huge as buying a house, and I thought it would be more convenient than staying hotels constantly." Castiel said.
The boys and Bobby all stood there in awe for a few moments.
"It has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, and a small home gym." He quickly added on "If you don't like it we can re-do it or let some of the staff stay here or something."
No one was saying anything he was fairly sure he'd messed up. His head hung down for a second.
Dean saw him and quickly fixed that though. He pulled him in close and tilted his head up with a finger before kissing him gently. He pulled him in a hug that felt like it could last forever.
"Let's check out our new home base." He said smiling.
Every room was an incredible thrill. Castiel had done all the decorating because he'd told himself no one knew the boys as well as he did.
The living room had a massive television for Dean, and a nice desk or work station for Sam. The couch was comfortable but there were two recliners as well. The walls were darker colors but not drab. He'd put dark blinds up on almost every window.
They had a huge kitchen compared to what they were used to which was occasionally a mini-fridge and a hot plate. They had chrome appliances refrigerator, dish washer, and a double oven. Dean was the first to point out the coffee maker. He was pretty excited about it, Cas wasn't sure how to take that but he smiled.
They walked through the kitchen and found a bedroom that was undeniably made for Sam. The walls were honey brown with a chestnut color striped along the top. There were a few of his favorite paintings hung on the walls. A bed in the center and small Zen garden and mediation/yoga mat in the corner.
"Wow Castiel, this is unbelievable. I couldn't have designed it any better myself." Sam said.
Castiel was beaming. He wasn't completely sure he'd done the right thing until he saw the smile on Sam's face when he found his room.
"Our turn!" Dean said excitedly.
Castiel led him to the other side of the make-shift apartment. When he opened the door he gasped. He was like a kid in a candy store.
The walls were three different shades of blue, A huge king size bed in the center. A large frame holding several vinyl records together as if it were the perfect piece of art. There was even a full storm trooper replica standing upright in the corner. Dean freaked out when he saw that. He hugged Cas again as hard as he could.
"Sam take Bobby home and we'll catch up with you later." Dean said.
"Oh God, Dean could you be any more obvious?" Sam said hiding his eyes as if that were gonna take the moment away.
"Yeah bitch, I could have ripped his clothes off and threw him on the bed like I wanted to." Dean said with a smirk.
"I don't need to know this stuff JERK!" Sam replied as he shut the door behind him.
Before Dean could really get started Castiel stopped him.
"I have a couple surprises I wanted to show you now that Sam is gone." He blushed.
'I bet you do." Dean smirked.
"Be serious for a moment Dean." Castiel scolded.
He opened the walk in closet and Dean found a full wardrobe of mostly jeans and band shirts on one side, a broader assortment on the other. Even a few suits on each side.
"You could have showed me the closet with Sam here." He stated looking a little confused.
Castiel moved a small picture frame slightly to reveal a small silver button.
"What's that?" Dean asked.
He pushed it and a door in the wall opened. Dean walked into a small music room. There were a few guitars around the edges of the tiny room and a microphone placed on a stand in the middle next to a chair.
"How did you know?" Dean asked barely able to breathe.
"I took a guess." He smiled.
"I should also tell you that when you push the button out there, this side of the apartment becomes sound proof." Castiel said grinning even bigger now.
"So no one can hear you scream?" Dean asked with a wicked look on his face.
"No one but you." Cas smiled.
It wasn't long before they were both tangled in the sheets of their new bed. Taking their time they explored each other in a whole new way.
Both men were blissfully laying motionless on the bed.
"Was this your way of asking to move in with me?" Dean asked.
"Ha, Dean I'd hardly call it that but yes I suppose." Castiel replied.
"Yes! You will always have a home here with me and Sam." Dean said.
"You really should come see the bathroom." Castiel said as he climbed out of the bed.
"I designed the shower just for you." He said with a wink disappearing behind the bathroom door.
Dean followed quickly behind, he couldn't refuse a look like that from his naked angel.
Dean was curious because there was a metal bar wrapping completely around the doubly sized stall.
"What's that?" He said pointing up at it.
Cas started the warm water and had it pulsing down before replying.
"Put your hands up there and find out." He chuckled.
Dean obliged placing one hand on the metal bar and then the other.
Cas dropped to his knees and roughly grabbed Dean's hips. The warm water flowing over his lover's chest was enough to make him growl before sliding his lips around the half hard cock in front of him.
"Fuck Cas!" Dean yelped as the angel took him in fully.
Dean understood soon what the bar was there for. Castiel was bound to make him weak in the knees, but he didn't want Dean to get injured. He was holding on tightly as Cas repeatedly shoved his mouth down on Dean's now achingly hard cock. It didn't take long before Dean was begging to cum. Castiel had made it a habit to hold of Dean's orgasms from time to time. He liked driving him crazy. Finally he tugged slightly on Dean's balls and the orgasm tore from him spilling into Castiel's mouth.
Dean held tight for a moment even after the orgasm had ended. He was still a little weak. When he regained the strength in his muscled legs he pulled Cas up for a hot kiss. He slid his hand around the hardness between them. Cas was always so hard after sucking on Dean. It made him feel even better knowing how badly Castiel wanted him. How turned on he got from taking Dean in his throat. Soon Dean had him screaming begging for release as he sucked a bruise on his shoulder. Castiel loved having his skin marked. Dean loved the possessive side it brought out in him. Castiel came hard screaming his name and Dean decided he couldn't ask for anything better than this.
They finally made it back to bed and cuddled up tightly together.
"I love you Cas, Thank you for doing all this." Dean said.
"Mm love you too. I was hoping you'd like it." Cas responded.
"I love it, almost as much as I love you." Dean smirked.
He usually didn't like being all lovey-dovey but it made Cas happy and he was more than willing to do anything he could to bring happiness to his angel.
Castiel begged and pleaded with Dean to plan the New Year's Celebration. Dean finally agreed. Everyone was more than okay with it. Bobby was ecstatic he said "That means you idjits won't be here messing with my stuff, and Dean won't be drinkin all my booze."
"Don't count on it Bobby." Dean countered.
They all shared a little laugh.
New Year's Eve day arrived and Sam sat quietly watching Cas running around like a chicken with his head cut off.
"I've never seen him this crazy about something, or this happy." Sam said gesturing towards Castiel.
"I dunno man, I think he was an event planner in one of his past angel lives." Dean responded laughing.
"Dean it's not funny, I want everything to be perfect." Castiel said with a little funny look on his face that only made Dean want to laugh harder.
"Cas, you don't need to make a big fuss. We're gonna be happy no matter what. The whole family will be here together that's all we really care about." Dean responded.
When it didn't work he walked over behind the angel and gently started rubbing his shoulders. Castiel leaned back into him trying to let the worries get rubbed away.
"Mmm that's better." Castiel said.
Dean leaned down and kissed the top of his head.
'Dean, I need you to leave." Cas said stoically.
"Huh?" He asked.
"There's something I'd like to be a surprise to you but if you are here I am told that it would not be a secret." Castiel said.
"Okay Angel, Does Sam need to go too or just me?" He asked.
"Sam's presence isn't relative. The surprise is for you." Cas responded.
"Hey Sam you wanna head over to Bobby's with me? Cas is kicking me out for some super secret surprise." Dean asked
"Sure I'll go with ya, if Castiel doesn't need any help." Sam said as he looked up curiously.
"He's good, said your presence wasn't relative." Dean said laughing.
A little over 3 hours later Dean received a text from Cas' new phone.
You may come home now, please bring everyone with you.-Angel
Okay, do you need me to pick anything up?- Human
(Dean had insisted on Castiel's contact being Angel so therefore Cas insisted that his was human. Everyone laughed.)
"Dean I think I can make preparations for an event I specifically asked to plan."-Angel
"Yeah, Yeah, you're the man, or well Angel! Be home in 10 mins"-Human
Dean came home to a familiar smell. He thought maybe Cas had sprayed some Apple Cinnamon air freshener or something until he saw the freshly baked pies sitting on the island.
Dean's eyes lit up like a light bulb. The island was full of food. A large platter of bacon cheeseburgers, a separate platter for condiments, a platter of chips and salsa, and several smaller platters with assorted finger foods. He also saw a huge casserole dish full of Mac-N-Cheese on the end next to the pie and smiled.
He passed out plates for everyone instructing them to help themselves to whatever they wanted. Everybody looked amazed as they looked into the living room which was decorated with small strands of icicle lights. It was beautiful and Dean was incredibly proud.
After they were mostly full Sam decided he'd give the full tour and they were excited to see what the Winchester's new home looked like.
"You did so well angel, this was amazing." Dean whispered wrapping his arms around Castiel.
"I wanted your family to feel at home here and I wanted to make sure everyone was happy so they'd be happy all year." Castiel said sweetly.
Dean chuckled "You've been spending too much time with Jo."
"What do you mean?" Castiel asked.
"I'm glad we are all happy tonight, don't get me wrong. However, it's a human myth that how you are feeling at midnight means that's how you will feel all year long." Dean replied.
"Either way I wanted you to be happy." Castiel said leaning in for a kiss.
"All you need to do for that is be here." Dean replied, feeling incredibly domestic and loving every minute.
Jo and Ash were seated Comfortably in front of the couch.
Bobby and Ellen behind them, Sam in one recliner, and Dean in the other with Cas sitting on the arm beside him.
They were all sitting watching The Times Square Countdown.
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Dean pulled Castiel in for a kiss before the ball dropped completely.
"I thought it was a myth." Castiel smirked.
"Couldn't hurt to try." Dean replied back.
Everyone was incredibly happy, Dean didn't even argue when he saw Castiel insisting Bobby and Ellen take the remaining pie home with them. What they didn't know is that Castiel showed Dean he'd saved an extra one back just for him.
The New Year was really looking up!