Christmas time was fast approaching and Castiel couldn't be more excited. He loved Christmas and it was his favorite time of year. Dean practically lived at the Novak residence that month. Castiel didn't question it. Dean being around all the time wasn't an issue.
The impala had to be put away for the winter, since it was more of a summer car and Dean didn't want to have it wrecked. The two of them borrowed Gabriel's car most of the time, which was proving to be difficult, but they didn't mind. As long as Dean was getting Castiel to his appointments, it was okay.
Dean was at work one day, both trying to relieve stress and catch up. Ash and Benny were still no shows. It was almost noon.
It was after one when Dean heard the front door open. He scowled and turned his head to see Benny saunter in, Ash following closely behind. "Hey there boss," Benny said as he sat down on he hood of a car. "So, me an' Ash have been thinkin'," He glanced at Ash. "we need a raise."
Dean threw his wrench to the ground with a clang. "The FUCK DID YOU JUST SAY?" He bellowed.
"W-we just thought that-" Ash cleared his throat, taken aback by Dean's sudden outburst. "-our landlord raised our rent and-" He trailed off when he saw Dean pinching the bridge of his nose.
Dean sighed and leaned onto the car he was working on. "Maybe-" He started quietly, his eyes narrowed at them dangerously. "-it has slipped your small minds that 1), this business is going under. 2), you two are already getting paid more than me. And, most importantly, 3), my boyfriend IS SUFFERING FROM FUCKING LEUKEMIA! What the fuck makes you two so special, huh? You two don't come in until after lunch break, so why should I take pity on you?"
The two of them were silent.
"You know what?" Dean threw his hands up in defeat. "I'm fucking done with you two." He gave them a deadly look. "You're both fired."
"Fired!" Benny exclaimed. "You can't just do that!"
"Actually, I can," Dean said. "Now, get your sorry asses out of my shop."
Castiel jumped when he heard the front door slam. He wasn't expecting Dean or Gabriel back for another hour or two. "Hello?" He asked and peaked his head out to see who it was. Dean was standing in the entryway, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Dean?" Castiel asked cautiously. "Baby, what's wrong?"
"I fired Ash and Benny today," He said, looking up at Castiel. "My business is dead."
"Wait, did you sell the garage?"
"No, not yet. Not until I won't be able to keep it,"
Castiel stepped closer to Dean and pulled him into a gentle hug. "It's okay, Dean," He said softly.
Dean returned the hug. "Thanks, Cas."
Castiel nodded against his shoulder.
The two of them stood there for a second, just sitting in each other's embrace. "I love you, Cas."
Castiel smiled softly. "I love you too, Dean." He pulled away from Dean, squeezing his arm gently before going back into the kitchen.
"So, other than firing your only two employees, how was your day?" Castiel asked.
Dean shrugged. "It was fine. Got a couple cars done before Benny and Ash showed up, meeting my quota for the day, so I left early."
"Can't you just find someone else to work for you?"
"Nobody in this damn town wants to do anything is the problem." Dean scowled and leaned back on the couch.
"I could help you out," Castiel suggested. "I don't know shit about cars, but I'm sure you could help me with that."
Dean grinned. "You're really getting bored here, aren't you?" He said.
"You have no idea."
Dean crossed his legs. "I can give you training after Christmas."
"Speaking of which," Castiel trotted into the living room and sat next to Dean. "What'd you get me?"
"That's for me to know, and you to find out on Monday." Dean grinned and kissed Castiel's cheek.
Gabriel and Dean took Christmas day off, even though they both were technically supposed to be working. Gabriel said he'd just call in sick and Dean said he was the boss anyway; he should be able to say when he takes a day off. Needless to say, Castiel was happy they both were off that day.
Dean had stayed over those past few nights, ever since he fired Ash and Benny. Gabriel suggested he should just move in, mostly as a joke, but he actually was starting to mean it. Dean was over so much, it would hardly make a difference.
Castiel opened his presents first. Gabriel got him a shit-ton candy, which Dean automatically said was a bad idea. Dean got him some more headscarves, which made him smile widely.
Gabriel insisted he didn't want presents, but opened his anyway. Castiel got him a t-shirt that said 'World's best brother From the actual world's best brother,' and Dean got him a card with two hundred dollars in it. "I can't take this," Gabriel protested.
"Yes you can. I insist."
Dean went last. Castiel got him an air freshener for his car and a card. Gabriel got him candy. "Dude, this is a huge bag of jellybeans," Dean said, holding the rainbow bag above his head.
"I know," Gabriel said. "I didn't know what you wanted, so I just got candy."
"Thanks," Dean smiled at him. "Most people wouldn't get their little brother's boyfriend anything."
"Well, I'm not most people."
It was silent for a moment before Castiel stood up. "Gabe, I think we're running low on eggnog in the kitchen. Can I use the car and go grab some?"
"Sure. Key's are in the car," Gabriel said as Castiel started walking out the door.
Once Castiel was gone, Dean cleared his throat. "You know, Gabe," Gabriel turned his attention to Dean. "There was something else I would've liked to give Castiel today."
Gabriel cocked his head to the side. "And what's that?"
Dean avoided his eyes. "A ring."
Gabriel's eyes widened slightly. "A ring? As in an engagement ring?" Dean nodded and Gabriel laughed loudly. "No shit!"
"So... I'm assuming I have your blessing?" Dean asked timidly.
"Fuck yeah you do, Dean-o!" Gabriel exclaimed.
A wide grin spread across Dean's face. "Awesome."
