It only took four days for Castiel to bring up Dean's sleeping habits, and as was Castiel's way, he didn't even try and beat around the bush. Dean wasn't surprised, honestly. He knew Castiel's curiosity would eventually overpower his resolve to not bring it up.

"Why do you sleep here," Castiel gestured to the couch from his place on the carpet with Anael, "instead of in your bed?"

Dean's view of Castiel was partially obscured by the kitchen counter, but he knew Castiel's lips would be turned down in a frown. He grimaced, not really wanting to talk about this particular subject, but he knew Cas would get an answer out of him eventually anyway. "Because you're in my bed." He heard Cas huff.

"I gathered that. But why?"

Dean sighed heavily and put down the knife he'd been using to chop tomatoes and walked the short distance to where Castiel was sitting with Anael. He knelt down, running his fingers through his daughter's bright red curls. "I don't… I don't go in my…other…room anymore." He paused uncertainly, chewing on his lip. Castiel stared up at him, waiting patiently for Dean to continue, eyes warm and understanding.

Dean took in a deep breath, forcing himself to hold Cas' gaze. "After Lisa died, Sam and I cleared out the room… I shut the door and haven't opened it since."

He looked at Castiel defiantly. So many people had tried to get him into that room saying it wasn't healthy to block things out like that, but Dean had always adamantly refused. He should have known better than to think Cas would do the same as the others.

Instead, Castiel watched Dean with a contemplative expression for a few moments before a soft smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, and he nodded slowly. "I understand," he said as he took Dean's hand. "I do have a question though."

Dean quirked an eyebrow, relieved at Castiel's response. "Yeah?"

"Why don't you sleep in your bed? And I…"

Dean rolled his eyes, cutting in. "I'm not letting you sleep on the couch, Cas."

Eyes alight, Castiel leaned forward and brushed his lips over Dean's cheek. Pulling back, he whispered, "I never said I would be on the couch."

Dean's heart stuttered. Does he mean what I think he means?

Cas continued, voice warm. "If you like, I can stay with you."

Dean swallowed hard, but nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah." He cleared his throat. "Yeah, that'd be okay with me."

Castiel leaned forward again. "Good," he murmured against Dean's mouth.

They pulled apart a moment later, both men smiling. Dean glanced at Anael, who was still playing quietly with her blocks. "Watch her while I finish up dinner?"

"Of course, Dean."

He pat Castiel's knee as he raised himself from the floor and went back to the cutting board feeling lighter and warmer than he had in days.

Bedtime almost came too quickly, Dean thought as he watched Anael yawn. Dinner had been a quiet affair. The pasta Dean made had been a hit with both Anael and Castiel. Then the three had played outside for a while before going inside to watch a movie – Anael's choice, obviously – and snack on some animal crackers since Ana couldn't have popcorn yet.

As the credits of Finding Nemo rolled, Dean sat up from his slumped position against Cas. He grabbed up Anael. "Come on, munchkin. Bedtime."

"Cash!" was her only reply as she nearly bent over backwards in an attempt to get back to Castiel's lap.

Dean rolled his eyes as Castiel chuckled and stood from the cushions. He reached out to take Anael from Dean, who handed the squirming toddler over gladly. "Well, she sort of learned your name," he stated humorously, "but there's room for improvement."

"Better than hearing 'no' every time you say something," Castiel replied, settling Ana onto his hip and rocking her gently.

"No…" Anael spoke half-heartedly and yawned again.

Dean laughed as he planted a kiss on Ana's forehead. "Of course, now she repeats it. Come on. Let's get her settled down."

Castiel followed Dean down the hallway and into Anael's room where the two managed to get her into pajamas before taking her to the bathroom to brush her newly arrived teeth. Five minutes later, Dean sat her down in the crib and covered her with a light blanket, but before either man could leave the room, Ana shot up, holding the sides of the crib to keep her stable.

"Ory! Ory!" she yelled, suddenly awake.

Dean groaned and leaned his head against the doorframe. Cas raised an eyebrow at him.

"Story," he explained. "She wants someone to read her a story."

Castiel nodded, a serious expression on his face. "All right. I will read to her. You go on to bed. I shall join you soon."

Dean visibly straightened at that, and he felt his cheeks heat up a little. "Really?" he asked.

"Of course. You made dinner, after all. A story is no trouble."

Cas hadn't quite got what Dean meant, but his words were answer enough. Placing a hand on Castiel's shoulder, Dean smiled. "Thanks, Cas." He walked back to Anael's crib. She was still quietly demanding a story. "Hey, little girl. Cas is gonna read to you, okay?"

A bright smile graced his daughter's face as she clapped her hands. "Cash! Ory!"

"But you gotta lay back down and cover up so he'll read to you." Dean couldn't believe how quickly his daughter complied. She was laying down and under the blanket in seconds.

Castiel chuckled, coming up behind Dean with a book in his hands. He kissed Dean's cheek. "Go on. I'll take it from here."

Dean sighed. "Yeah, okay. Good night, munchkin. Love you." He leaned down and placed another kiss on Ana's forehead before leaving the room.

Castiel watched Anael watch Dean go. She looked confused at her father's absence and looked at Castiel curiously.

Standing to the side of the crib, Castiel opened the book he'd grabbed from Ana's small bookshelf. It turned out to be Busy Beavers. Clearing his throat, Castiel started reading, "Hurry, hurry! Cut and carry. Busy beavers are at work!"

Before long, Castiel noticed that Anael was sleeping soundly. He gingerly set the book back on the shelf and left the room quietly, making sure to keep the door cracked open a little, just like Dean did, and made his way down the hall.

Author's Note: Well then! Another chapter has arrived! So sorry I didn't get this in sooner, but I'm in the process of transferring schools and moving my cat and I out of our current apartment before the end of July, while still working full-time. I'm incredibly busy, but I'm still going to try and finish up this story as soon as I can! However, I feel this story is coming to a close. I'm not quite sure how it'll pan out, but I'm all about happy endings. Thanks so much for taking the time to read!

Extra Disclaimer: I do not own Disney/Pixar's Finding Nemo, nor do I own the children's book "Busy Beavers."