Dean clenched and unclenched his fists as he walked towards his room. He knew Castiel would be waiting for him. He knew this was the time to confront the angel with his offer. He wasn't sure what he was going to say. He was still under the shock of his once lover's almost death. He stopped in front of the door and rested his hand on the doorknob. He took a deep breath and walked in.

Castiel sat on the bed staring at the void like he was wont to do when he waited. He could keep this up for fairly long periods of the time, which always creeped Dean a little bit. The angel stood up to greet him but stopped a few paces short of the man. Suddenly, Dean's heart was racing and his palms were sweaty. Castiel cocked his head sideways. Dean resisted the urge to kiss and embrace him. He knew what his answer was. He realised he had known all along but had just been too afraid to admit it to himself. He reached for the angel's hand and guided him back to bed. He then grabbed a chair and sat across his lover, elbows resting on his knees.

"Cas. We need to talk."

"Dean… What I said back there…"

Dean raised his hand.

"Please. This is not easy for me. Let me finish."

Castiel nodded.

"What… What happened tonight, it really got me thinking. I was scared shitless."

"I'm sorry."

Dean shifted on his seat.

"Don't. I'm not good at this. So here. I really thought we'd lose you back there. I thought I'd lose you and…" His voice broke. He cleared his throat. "And the thought hurt like Hell."

He stared deeply and Castiel's blue eyes. The angel cocked his head again.

"What I mean to say is that I need you." He shook his head. "No, it's more than that."

Castiel scooted forward eagerly.

"I… Gee I feel so weird saying this." He laughed awkwardly. "I love you, Cas."

The words had barely escaped his mouth that the angel's lips were all over his. He let himself be pulled forward and ended up on top of Castiel. The angel groaned but did not break the kiss. He pulled his lover in closer, his hands pressing Dean's body hard against his. When the man resurfaced for some air, Castiel rolled on top of Dean. He helped him remove his shirt and t-shirt. With his finger, he traced Dean's tattoo, the many scars on his body. Meanwhile, the man busied himself with the angel's belt and trouser. Castiel abandoned his lover's chest to unbutton his shirt. He furtively glanced at Dean between buttons. The lust in his green eyes was enough to drive one mad. He took a deep breath, ensuring that his angel mojo wouldn't kick in. Once out of his shirt, he got off Dean and moved up the bed, inviting Dean to lie atop of him anew. He didn't hesitate. They kissed again, their breath short, their desire high.

Their pleasure spent, they rested one atop the other; Dean lingered, not wanting to break the warm embrace. This had been as pleasurable as the angel stuff, if somewhat different. He nestled his head in the crook of Castiel's neck and closed his eyes. This wasn't bad. Not bad at all He was close to falling asleep.

"Dean?"

"Ummm?"

"Do you really…?"

"Yeah"

Dean snuggled against his lover's neck, taking in his scent. He suddenly felt something wet on his face. He propped himself on one elbow.

"Cas? You ok?"

The angel shook his head. Tears were rolling abundantly on the side of his face and whatever couldn't escape was pulling fast in the inner corner of his eyes. Dean frowned.

"Hey it's ok." He kissed the angel and wiped his tears. "It's ok"

Castiel shook his head.

"Get off." His voice was a low rumble.

Dean scowled.

"What?"

"Get off!"

Castiel pushed Dean off him and rolled out of bed as fast he could.

"Close your eyes!"

As the words escaped his lips, a blast of light emanated from the angel. Dean only had enough time to duck beside the bed and cover his eyes with his forearm. It lasted only a moment. Dean chanced a peak but everything seemed so dark. He climbed back on the bed/

"Cas?"

A grunt. His eyes slowly getting accustoming themselves to the lowlight, Dean finally found the angel. He sat on the floor, still naked. The man jumped off the bed and grabbed his lover by the shoulders.

"Are you ok?"

Castiel nodded.

"I think so."

"What happened?"

Castiel looked up, his eyes meeting Dean's. The pain in the angel's gaze frightened him.

"The orb."

Dean looked down at Castiel's raised hand between them. Cradled in his palm sat a small calcined marble like sphere.