A Window is a Mirror
A/N: Okay. This is short, but I am following up with a longer flashback chap in number 9
KUDOS: Wow! In addition to all those who are listed in earlier chapters, (thank you for sticking around), as well as those who have already have me on author alert (stalkers!), I have to thank the following for fav's, alerts: Pelleas, 1983Sarah, Auzzeren, Jude23, taki18, Pickle Pegg, BloodyEccentrik, Shutyourcakehole, RavenJoolz , daughterofangryhunters, Demented Symphony, jnut13, and for reviews: darkphoenix2345, ccase13, Pelleas. You guys rock (and roll, baby!)
Chapter 8 Tell Me
Cas rang his aunt's doorbell, but watched Dean's slow and reluctant departure.
"Little Owl! My love! My heart! What are you doing here?"
Cas was still smiling in giddy delight. "I'm gay!" He declared.
He had no hesitancy or fear and the confidence of the statement coupled with his broad grin led Kat to smile and wrap her arms around her nephew.
"Come in and have a tea, Nephew!"
Cas relayed elements of the last year he had left on the editing-room floor when he shared his experience with his parents. He told her about the LGBT and Joey. He told her about all the times he felt like he was lying to himself and his loved-ones.
"What changed for you, Little Owl?"
Cas peeked up at his aunt in bashful glee. "Dean."
The smile changed on Kat's face but didn't diminish as she nodded understanding. "Ah."
Cas blinked. "What do you mean, 'Ah'?"
Kat grinned and poured the hot water into the cup with a tea bag and handed it to her nephew.
"Castiel, you've been in love with Dean Winchester since third grade. I remember you sitting on the sidewalk because Fred Cooper pushed you and stole your bug scoop. I was watching you while your mother was at the hospital… remember that Gabriel managed to sit on a wine glass? I was almost to you when Dean came over with your toy in his hand and a bloody nose. You two sat on that curb and I couldn't hear what he was saying, but I saw your face. It was like… It was better-than-Christmas on your face." Kat stirred sugar substitute into her cup.
They quietly drank their tea.
"Aunt Kat… did… did Mom tell you anything about the night John and Dean…"
Kat's smile did fade at this memory. "Oh, Castiel… my Little Owl…" She shook her head. "John, well… John is proud and his ideas about things are…" Kat broke off trying to find a diplomatic phrase to describe what she thought might not be flattering.
"I just don't understand, Aunt Kat. John never seemed like the kind of person who would kick his kid out of the house and fire him… wait… Mom didn't tell you." Cas deduced.
Kat inhaled and became as serious as Cas had ever seen her.
"Castiel, you are… well, you're not a boy anymore. You've been more mature and wiser than any kid your age… twice your age, if you consider Gabriel… so, I feel like I can be honest with you. I won't talk to you as though you are unable to process this, okay. But, I need you to agree, right now, that you really want to know. You may discover truths that are not what you thought. I can tell you. I will tell you. But, you have to really be sure you want to know." Kat reached for Cas' hand. Her purple-tinted contacts enhanced the intensity of her stare.
Cas considered telling her that he wanted to think about it. Kat never treated him in a way that was condescending. She always spoke to him in tone and vocabulary as though he was able to comprehend information more mature for a boy his age. She never spoke down to him or sugar-coated things. She was a lot like Gabriel… or Gabriel was a lot like Kat. She never lied. He knew if she said that it would be a bitter pill, he wouldn't like it. He nodded. She waited, her eyes intent on his.
"I want to know." Cas blanched and his mouth went suddenly dry.
