Author's Note: Thank you for your love and support of this story. I truly appreciate it very much.
Chapter Ten - Peppermint Candy Kisses
"Sam?"
"Mm-hmm?"
"This feels really nice" Cas sighed as he sank in closer to Sam.
The veranda couch was an extra wide one, which was perfectly suited for their current activities.
Sam was concentrating on memorizing the shape of Cas' ear, with the use of his tongue. Each lick brought forth another delighted sigh from Cas.
Once Sam felt he had committed the shape to memory, he moved on to Cas' neck and being the multi-talented person that he was, he started to trace the outline of the stars on the Angel's chest as well.
Although Cas had been to Heaven before, in a more formal sense, he was rapidly going there now, with the feelings and emotions Sam was drawing from him.
Arching his neck back, allowed Sam far more access to lick and nip at the tender flesh.
"Everything good?" Sam murmured.
"Oh, yeah!" Cas managed to confirm, surprised that he could fit two words together sensibly.
All this was lost however when Sam began to suck and rub in earnest.
Cas felt happily helpless under Sam's undivided attention and ministrations. The throb in his groin area was increasing rapidly as was the swelling.
Taking his time, Sam trailed his hand from the stars slowly across a firm quivering belly to the beginning of the treasure trail, which was pleasantly well defined. From his belly button on down, Sam had no problem indulging in one of his pleasures. The Angel had hair and lots of it.
Running his fingertips from belly button to groin and back up again, Sam enjoyed the feel of the fine and then coarse hairs, twirling them between his fingers. This was nothing compared to the delight Cas was experiencing.
"Switch onto your side" Sam murmured with a hot gasp against Cas' lips.
Once Cas moved onto his side, Sam took Cas' leg and moved it over his own thigh.
Cas was fully erect and aroused when Sam slipped his hand into the deep coil of pubic hair and ever so slowly began to massage the inside of Cas' thigh.
"Sam...Sam...Sam" Cas whimpered as he thrust hard against Sam's hand, rubbing himself in a lust filled attempt to relieve the mounting pressure.
"I got ya" Sam breathed as he moved his hand under Cas' dick and rubbed his hardened and vein ribbed testicles until he had Cas on the brink of incoherency.
Sliding his hand to the top of Cas' dick, Sam suddenly stopped.
"Sam...What the hell?"
"You're not cut. I'm not sure..."
Cas smiled and kissed Sam lightly, captivated by this boy's uncertainty of what to do with a non-circumcised penis.
"Just move the foreskin back gently and you'll find what you're looking for. The foreskin is full of tiny nerve endings just like...OH MY GOD!" Cas gasped as Sam tenderly rubbed the fragile skin before pulling it back and locating the hidden slit, rubbing the bobbing tip and mixing the pearls of pre-cum onto his fingers. Sam then used his thumb to rub the sensitive tip in firm passes until he felt the Angel begin to orgasm.
The sensation of overwhelming bliss ran through every part of Cas as he came hard and fast, body warmed semen spraying and covering Sam's hand and smearing their bodies.
Bucking up against Sam, Cas rode out his orgasm in breathless pants and whimpers, as Sam eased him through it with gentle and loving words.
Sam kept his hand where it was as Cas buried his face against Sam's neck and they stayed together just like that, until Cas reached down between them to lay his hand over Sam's. All it took was one brush of Cas' knuckles against the thin material of Sam's boxers, for Sam to lurch against Cas, consumed by his own release.
It was powerful and raw and hotter than sin.
"Damn!" Sam gasped, after finally catching his breath.
Pulling his head back slightly, Cas looked at Sam and grinned. It was a happy grin, full of peace and bliss, set against a wonderfully flushed face. Sam returned the grin wholeheartedly, before kissing Cas fully, inserting his tongue playfully into Cas' mouth and almost melting the Angel with the tingling sensations.
SNSNSNSNSNSN
They slept on and off for the next while, wrapped up together under the blanket, with the scent of lovemaking heavy beneath the blanket. Gentle stroking and petting were intermingled with kisses and smiles.
Scratching eventually became the unwelcome visitor as the dried semen began to scream for removal from their flesh.
"Is there anything worse?" Sam chuckled.
"Probably not" Cas agreed, as he scrunched up his nose and scratched once again.
The rain was still falling and it was well past the middle of the night.
"I have an idea" Sam exclaimed as he kissed Cas quickly before climbing over him and standing and stretching.
Taking off his boxers and t-shirt, Sam then held out his hand to Cas.
"I can't move. I don't want to move" Cas groaned, feeling way to comfortable to make the journey from laying to standing.
"I'll make it worth your while" Sam said as he waggled his eyebrows.
Unable to resist, Cas took Sam's hand and followed him off the veranda and onto the grass, where they both stood getting wet by the rain.
Sam dropped the boxers he had been holding with his other hand, but held onto his t-shirt. Letting go of Cas' hand, he raised his arms above his head and got the t-shirt good and wet.
Cas frowned as Sam then moved behind him. That frown was replaced by an un-anticipated gulp as he felt Sam's wet body rub up and down against him, trailing his lips up and down Cas' spinal column in the process.
Reaching around Cas' tapered hips, Sam began to run his t-shirt down over Cas' groin area, ensuring he didn't miss one spot in his cleaning before dropping the t-shirt onto the ground and turning a breathless Cas around to face him.
Sam looked down into the face of the Angel, who was smiling shyly up at him, unsure if he should be doing something, other than smiling at Sam.
Sam resolved this issue quickly by bending down and kissing Cas until he had him rambling.
"Uh...wow...Sam...you made...this...more...than...worthwhile."
Smiling, Sam snaked his arms under Cas' buttock and lifted him up. Cas had no choice but to wrap his legs around Sam.
Once they were back up on the veranda and Sam had retrieved the fallen towel from earlier, he slowly began to dry Cas off. He took his time, enjoying the look on Cas' flushed face staring down at him and the little murmurs and soft looks that Cas was sending his way.
"You sure know how to sweep a guy off his feet" Cas chuckled and delighted in the rumble of laughter he felt coming from Sam.
"Want to hold you" Sam whispered as he helped Cas to re-adjust himself.
Turning the blanket to the unsoiled side, Sam tickled Cas' nose with the end of it, before covering them up.
Cas placed his head on Sam's shoulder, just under his chin, which allowed Sam all the room he needed to run delicate kisses over the areas he could reach.
Contentment was the prevailing sentiment as they cuddled together.
SNSNSNSNSNSN
"Look what I found?" Cas whispered later on in the kitchen.
They were both re-dressed in their still slightly damp previously laundered bed-time clothing. They'd bunched up the new items that needed washing from their lovemaking and had piled them on the veranda to be dealt with later.
"What is it?" Sam asked, watching as Cas unwrapped the candy and popped it in his mouth.
"It's a peppermint candy kiss and what a shame, because I can only find one of them at the moment."
He didn't mention to Sam that there was a whole bag sitting in the drawer. Sam didn't mention that he had seen the bag earlier the day before. This way was too much fun.
"But I want one" Sam grinned as he moved in closer to Cas, who took a step back and effectively got himself trapped against the kitchen counter and Sam.
The closeness of Sam leaning in and putting his arms on either side of Cas, almost caused Cas to choke on the candy.
Holding the candy between his teeth, Cas managed to speak. "I guess you're going to have to hunt it down" he groaned and let the candy fall back into his mouth.
Sam's smiling lips were on his in an instant, Sam's tongue was seeking entrance in and he wasn't planning on being deterred.
It was a truly fun and light shared moment, as Sam ran his hands over Cas' arms and his tongue through his mouth. He cornered the delicious sweet near the back right side and wiggled it up to the front where he sucked it into his own mouth.
"Yahzee!" Sam laughed lightly and kissed the surprised Angel one more time.
SNSNSNSNSNSN
Dean was fast asleep, on his back, with the covers thrown off. A tiny line of drool was running down the side of his chin.
"Somebody's in a good sleep" Cas grinned as he looked down at Dean.
"He sure is" Sam agreed as he squeezed Cas' hand lovingly before they each climbed in to their respective sides of the bed.
Cas snuggled in close to Dean. Once settled, Sam pulled the covers up over the three of them and like Cas, cuddled up against Dean.
Seeking out Cas' hand, Sam found it over Dean's heart. Placing his own on top, he lifted his head slightly and smiled at Cas.
"I don't think I can sleep. This has been such a great night" Cas said with such open honesty that Sam's heart fluttered.
"I don't think I can either. It's been a marvellous time" Sam agreed.
SNSNSNSNSNSN
Dean woke up engulfed in closeness, two hands intertwined on his chest and two heads resting on his shoulders. There was also this wonderful smell.
Despite their best of intentions to stay awake, both Cas and Sam had fallen asleep.
Blinking a few times, Dean smiled. He was happy and contented. But he was also squished, not that he was complaining, but he couldn't feel his arms. Carefully moving them from between the bodies lodged up against him, Dean shook his hands and arms a few times, just to make sure they still worked. Once the feelings of pins and needles subsided, he turned slowly on his side and waited for the guys to re-adjust themselves, without his shoulders as pillows, before moving down until his face was up directly against Cas and inhaled deeply.
He smelt so good. It was like breathing in something cold.
He had to get more. Licking his lips around and around, Dean then placed them on Cas and kissed him carefully, before re-licking his own lips. The taste was so good that he did it one more time before laying his head back down and sighing happily.
He then switched sides and turned to Sammy and did the same thing and it was just as good, but then, something extra happened and he decided that kissing Sammy was real good too, so he did it again and his eyes widened as he felt his body go all tingly.
He was all set to do it again and jumped a mile when Cas caught him.
"Someone sneaking kisses?"
Dean turned and looked at Cas, all red faced and vibrant and alert.
"How d'ya know?"
"Lucky guess."
"You and Sam smell like candy canes."
"C'mere, you" Cas said softly as he opened his arms up to Dean.
"They're called peppermint candy kisses and it's the peppermint that makes them smell like candy canes. I'll sneak you a few when we get up. There's a bag full of them in the kitchen drawer. But that'll be our secret okay, so don't tell Sammy."
Dean giggled and nodded.
"How's the foot feeling today?"
"It's feeling better, Cas – lots and lots better."
"I'm so glad to hear that" Cas responded warmly, as he stroked Dean's hair.
"In any infection, there's always a piece called the core. It's where the infection all starts from and once that is fully out of your foot and I think it almost is, then you're going to be up and racing around. If you want, you can stand a bit on it today, but just try not to put any pressure on the sore area. Okay, buddy?"
"Okay, Cassie. And then when it all comes out we can play football, right?"
"Absolutely, my darling."
Dean rolled in tighter against Cas. "I love you."
"I love you too."
SNSNSNSNSNSN
It was one of those fabulously lazy days. The sun had decided to make an appearance and was slowly casting patterns through the cut-out designs in the curtains.
One of the shape shadows landed on the page of the book Dean was looking at with Sam.
They were huddled up together on the couch, still in their sleep clothes, both stuffed after the awesome late breakfast, early lunch of scrambled eggs, pea meal bacon and toast that Cas had prepared.
Cas was flaked out on the bed, snoring.
"Hey" Dean said, pointing to the shape, "that looks just like one of the candies that Cas..."
Dean stopped and hurried on, trying to change the subject by reading more of the book to Sammy.
Sam thought this was too good an opportunity to pass up.
"Dean Winchester, are you holding out on me?"
Dean kept his head down. "No, Sammy" came the laughing response.
"I think you are" Sam stage whispered as he took the book slowly from Dean's hands.
"I think you know about the peppermint candy kisses in the kitchen drawer that Cas thinks I don't know about. Muhahaha!!! I'm right, aren't I?" Sam chuckled evilly as he stood up from the couch, laid Dean down on it and began to tickle his big brother.
Dean squirmed and laughed and his cheeks turned bright red and his freckles all appeared. The tickling only stopped when Dean almost choked from laughing so hard.
"Catch your breath" Sam said as he knelt down beside Dean and placed his head on Dean's chest.
"Truce?"
"What's a truce?"
Sam went on to explain what a truce was.
"Truce. You're good, Sammy. I should have known you would know about the candies" Dean said shyly as he peered down at his little brother.
"I learned everything I know from the best and that's you, Dean" Sam said sincerely.
"Sammy" Dean hummed as he put his arms around Sam and motioned for him to move up closer.
"My Sammy" Dean continued on contentedly humming to him as Sam buried his face against Dean's neck and closed his eyes.
This was where Sam always felt the safest, no matter what the circumstances were, today was no different.
SNSNSNSNSNSN
Sam had fallen asleep, on his knees, beside the couch, with Dean humming to him and stroking his hair.
Cas was still asleep.
The foul odour filling the room woke them both up, unsure at first what it was, until they both looked at Dean's tear stained and pain filled face.
"It...it hurts so, so bad...make it go away" Dean cried brokenly.
Cas scrambled out of bed and ran for Dean. "Dean...Dean...you're going to be okay. You're going to be okay. I know it hurts, buddy, I know it does, but it's your body healing itself by getting rid of the last of the infection. The core of it has just come out" Cas soothed as he bent over and kissed Dean's temple. Sam was already stroking his hand.
"I'm going to clean it up and give you some pain medication" Cas whispered in Dean's ear before standing up and tending to the last of the infection seeping out.
"Did you hear that, Dean? Your foot is going to be all better" Sam soothed.
Cas undid the bandage and what looked like a little wiggly worm was there.
"See, it's all out now. It looks kind of gross, I know, but it's actually pretty cool too, huh – the way the body can heal and get rid of things it doesn't need?" Cas ventured.
Sam and Dean both were watching him and nodded numbly together in unison, still unsure with Cas' theory, but willing to go with it.
Dean shuttered.
"All better...all better" Sam soothed as he kissed Dean's face and wiped away the tears.
Dean leaned into his touch, seeking the comfort that was being offered, while he chewed on one of the peppermint candy kisses that Cas had brought him.
SNSNSNSNSNSN
All Dean could talk about between mouthfuls of Mediterranean chicken pizza and hazelnut chocolate ice cream, was how much he was looking forward to playing football with Sam and Cas tomorrow.
This continued on right up to bedtime, where Dean was happily holding Mr. Walla Walla and lodged up against Sam, who was trying to give him his ba.
The pain medication given earlier was re-enforced with another spoonful at bedtime.
Cas was in the kitchen doing the supper dishes and listening to the happy chatter.
"Okay, so tomorrow, I'm going to take you and Cas down, Sammy. Just so you know" Dean advised as he patted Sam's cheek and took another sip from his ba.
"Did you hear that Cas. We're going to need to be ready" Sam called out.
"I hear ya, Sam. We'll be ready" Cas called back.
"Awww, Sammy, I sure love ya" Dean said as he fell asleep.
Sam held the wonder that was Dean in his arms. Oh, how he loved him.
Cas made sure Dean was asleep before he walked into the room and pulled the deflated football from behind him to show Sam.
"What are we going to do? He's looking so forward to tomorrow, Cas, we can't disappoint him."
"I know, I was thinking the same thing. I've re-inflated a few of these things in my past and I saw a small patch kit in the drawer, so I say we might as well give it a try.
We're going to need to do it outside though, because of the noise. You game?"
"You bet" Sam replied quietly as he slipped out from beside Dean.
SNSNSNSNSNSN
Sam carried the deflated ball, air pump and patch kit, while Cas carried the bucket of water and a towel. They set everything up just behind the tree, closest to their home but far enough away so that the noise shouldn't wake Dean, but close enough to hear him, just in case they were needed.
Cas placed the pig skin under the cold water line and pressed and squeezed to get out any trapped air and determine where the leak was coming from.
Once satisfied, he removed the ball from the water and thoroughly dried it off. Sam then handed him the air pump and watched as Cas re-inflated the ball and stuck the pin in.
Sam had previously put the glue on the patch and had it waiting for Cas, who then affixed it over the leak, pressing down hard to ensure it glued together properly and firmly.
They had a ten minute wait to ensure the process took and the ball didn't deflate again.
"You're pretty talented" Sam complimented.
"It's easy, when you have such a cute assistant" Cas grinned and then leaned over and captured Sam's lips against his own, biting down gently on the lower one before releasing it.
Sam reached up and trailed his finger over Cas' lips, eyes widening slightly as Cas pulled it in and began to suck on it, sending a domino effect of tiny and pleasurable shocks coursing through Sam.
It was nice – really, really nice.
SNSNSNSNSNSN
After lots of kissing and petting and teasing and tickling behind the tree, they decided to test out the ball to make sure it was ready for tomorrow.
Spreading out from the tree, they threw the ball back and forth to each other, they were laughing and carrying on, in a quiet tone, but sounds on the night air always amplify and they reached Dean inside the house, who just happened to be up, snagging one of the peppermint candy kisses from the kitchen drawer, when he heard the rough-housing going on.
His heart took a wallop of a hit when he peeked out the back window and saw Cas and Sam playing football, without him.
Of course, Dean had no way of knowing that they were testing the ball out, so that it would be all set for tomorrow when he was going to play. What he saw was Cas and Sam having a good time, playing a game he wanted to play with them.
He'd waited and waited for his foot to get better and he had told Sam and Cas all through supper and bedtime how much he was looking forward to playing tomorrow and what had they done, they had gone out tonight and played without him.
Dean threw the candy on the counter and then got back into bed. His heart felt like a ball of hurt in his chest and even with his best of intentions, a few tears dripped out of the corners of his eyes.
He moved to the very edge of the bed, grabbed Mr. Walla Walla and hugged him. He didn't want to sleep where he felt safest, between Sam and Cas. He was just too upset.
Dean bundled the bedding up to his chin, closed his eyes and automatically put his index finger in his mouth, seeking comfort.
SNSNSNSNSNSN
"That was fun" Cas whispered as he followed Sam into the house, goosing Sam and enjoying the unexpected yelp that followed.
"You're so going to pay for that, Angel."
"Looking forward to it" Cas smirked as he placed the football on the kitchen table, so that it would be all ready for Dean's big day tomorrow.
After washing up, Sam and Cas stood looking down at a sleeping Dean.
"He hasn't done that in a long time" Sam said in concern as he watched Dean sucking on his finger.
"It looks like he's been crying too" Cas said worriedly as the night light caught the tear stains on Dean's face. "And I don't think he's ever slept on the edge of the bed before."
Sam knelt down beside Dean and shook him gently.
"Dean, wake up. We want to make sure you're okay. Dean...please" Sam coaxed in a very soft voice.
The look of hurt when Dean opened his eyes swamped Sam.
"What's wrong?" Sam asked softly.
Dean continued to suck on his finger. "Noth'in" came the garbled response, before Dean closed his eyes again and shifted deeper under the blankets.
Sam looked up helplessly at Cas.
"Don't you want to sleep between Sammy and me tonight, like you always do? We love having you there."
"No, it's okay" Dean hiccupped. "I'm going to sleep now."
Sam climbed in the other side of the bed and took up the position that Dean normally held. He went to put his arm around Dean's waist, but Dean tensed up immediately, so Sam removed it.
This hurt Sam deeply and he could not hide the pain from Cas.
"We'll get this all squared away tomorrow" Cas reassured as he cuddled up to Sam and held him close.
All three of them had fitful sleeps.
SNSNSNSNSNSN
The next day was to have held so much promise and fun, instead, it held hurt and fear.
"I just wanna be by myself" Dean whispered.
"Dean, please talk to me" Sam begged.
Leaning his head against the door frame, Dean looked at Sam's pleading face.
"You hurt my feelings" Dean said quietly as his eyes filled.
"I'm so, so sorry. I would never, ever, ever do anything on purpose to hurt you" Sam cried out.
"But you did, Sammy. Please just leave me alone" Dean cried.
SNSNSNSNSNSN
"He won't talk to me. He wants to be by himself. Dean said I hurt his feelings" Sam explained to Cas in a heartbroken voice. "What did I do? What did I say?"
Dean was still sitting on the back veranda with his head leaning against one of the beams. He hadn't wanted breakfast, lunch or more telling, his ba. Sam and Cas were watching him from just inside the back screen door.
"Something is really up. Let's go find out" Cas said softly as he leaned in front of Sam and pushed the door open.
Sam squatted in front of Dean and Cas sat down beside Dean.
Dean had his finger in his mouth and his eyes were closed.
He startled when he felt warm and gentle fingers cup his chin.
Sitting up and removing his finger from his mouth, Dean looked at Sam and then at Cas.
Sam rubbed his fingers tenderly along Dean's jaw. "We're worried about you, Dean. What's wrong?"
Dean looked at Sam with eyes filled with such hurt, that Sam felt his breath leave his body.
"Please...Dean...we can make it all better" Sam said softly.
Cas during the exchange had put his arm around Dean's shoulders.
"Please." Cas whispered.
Struggling not to cry, Dean shook his head and stood up.
"I'm going to go sit over there" Dean said as he pointed to one of the massive trees and moved out of their range, walking slowly with shoulders slumped and head down towards his destination. Sam and Cas watched as Dean sat down with his back to them, gathered his knees to his chest and leaned against the tree.
"This isn't good, Sam" Cas said, stating the obvious.
Sam was troubled. He didn't like seeing Dean like this and he was wracking his brain to try and figure out the reason why.
"I need to think" Sam said as he took one long look at Dean and headed back inside.
Cas was left standing on the veranda, torn on which way to proceed. He sat down on the outside couch and rubbed his hands through his hair.
Closing his eyes, he walked himself through the events of the last few days, more than once, when it hit him what it could be that was causing Dean so much anguish.
Rushing into the house, Cas found Sam sprawled out on the sofa, with his eyes closed and a deep frown on his face.
Kneeling down beside him, Cas put his hand on Sam's chest and gently shook him. "Sam, I think it's the whole football thing. I think Dean saw us playing with it after we got it fixed and took it the wrong way. Remember how he made us promise more than once, that when he got better, we'd play football again, together, the three of us, well I think he must be thinking that we don't want to play with him and we're shutting him out. It makes sense, given how we found him last night."
Sam groaned and sat up, pulling Cas up to sit beside him. "Damn it. I bet you're right. Dean has taken it all wrong" Sam said sadly as he gripped Cas' hand.
"We've got to go talk to him and get this cleared up. He must be so hungry and thirsty too. I'll make him a sandwich and warm his ba while you grab the football" Sam said as he stood up and went to walk away.
Cas held his grasp on Sam's hand and stood up beside him.
"C'mere for a minute."
Sam was swept into a warm and loving embrace and was held there by gentle hands.
SNSNSNSNSNSN
Sam and Cas approached Dean carefully, not wanting to upset him anymore than they already had.
"Go away."
"Can't do that, buddy. We came to explain what we think happened to make you so upset with us. But first, can you tell us where we hurt you" Cas asked with evident tenderness.
There was no response.
"Please Dean" Sam begged.
"You hurt me here" Dean explained, touching his heart.
"You promised when my foot got better, we would be playing football together, but you didn't wait for me, you guys played and I saw you and you were laughing and having fun and my foot was better and you thought I was asleep and played without me" Dean choked out.
Oh boy, how things can get twisted and turned around, when only the very best of intentions were intended.
Dean saw what he saw and from his viewpoint and with his explanation, it was easy to see how the misunderstanding had happened.
Sam moved closer to Dean, as did Cas.
"You're right, we were playing football and having fun when you saw us. But Dean, take a look at the football" Cas asked as he handed the ball to Dean, who took it and looked down at it.
"See, right there" Cas said, pointing to the small patch "the ball was deflated and Sam and I had to do a patch-up job on it, to fix it for when we had our next game.
The ball had to be put in water and then re-inflated and then the patch had to be put on with some really smelly glue. We honestly thought you were asleep and we didn't want to wake you up. When you saw us, we had gotten it all fixed for you, so that the three of us could play, just like we promised."
Cas finished and patted Dean's knee.
Dean was rubbing his fingers over the patched up area and sniffling. Tear drops began to appear on the pig skin.
Sam moved even closer to his big brother.
"Never, ever, ever would we have done anything to hurt you, Dean. What Cas told you is the truth. Love you way too much to want to see you so upset" Sam gulped as he felt a tight knot of upset and sadness lodge in the back of his throat.
Dean slowly put the ball on the ground, keeping his head down and wiping at his eyes.
"I should have known that. I should have, Sammy. I know you and Cassie wouldn't hurt me, but...but...when I saw you playing I thought you forgot about me and now I made you and Cas sad" Dean cried and jumped up so quickly and started to run, that neither Cas or Sam had a chance to grab him.
When they finally reached Dean, Cas went for his legs and gently tackled him and Sam caught him. Landing on the ground with a whoosh, Dean squirmed and wrestled, trying to get away from the two bodies that were holding him.
"S'kay...s'kay" Sam soothed over and over until Dean tired out and became quiet.
"Everything's okay, Dean. Everything is okay" Cas reassured. "We love you so much and want you to be happy. We're all going to be fine. It's all going to be okay.
I bet you must be hungry and thirsty by now though. There's a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and your ba for you, if you want them."
Dean looked at Cas and nodded.
"But I want to stay outside" Dean said in a soft voice.
"That can all be arranged" Cas said as he retrieved the sandwich and ba from where they had been left by the tree and walked them back to the brothers, before going into the house and coming back out with the bed pillows and blankets.
Even Mr. Walla Walla came to offer support, love and understanding.
Laying one of the blankets on the ground beside them and placing the pillows on top, Cas waited until Sam and Dean got themselves settled on the blanket before joining them.
Dean was eating the sandwich and Sam was running his hand through Dean's hair with small soothing circles. Cas had his hand on Dean's knee and kept patting it.
Once Dean was finished eating, he looked at Sam and then at Cas and smiled.
"Better now?" Cas asked and pulled a face.
"Better now" Dean confirmed.
"Better enough for your ba?"
For everything that had or would happen - past, present and future, this time, above all else, was blessed and special and the three of them knew it, each in their own way.
Sam laid down and held his arms wide open for Dean, who settled into them with love and security.
Cas handed the ba to Sam, moved in close behind Dean and covered them all up with the extra blanket.
The wind was softly blowing, Dean was nursing on his bottle, while Sammy kissed his hair and Cas rubbed his back.
Dean's eyes were slipping open and closed when he caught a glimpse of a big white fluffy cloud directly above them.
"Look, an Angel, with two guys!" Dean observed before cuddling closer to Sammy.
Cas lifted his head and smiled lovingly at Sam. "Me, you and Dean!"
To be continued.