o0Chapel Of Love0o
"It's been awhile." Dean's voice said. It had lowered several octaves, and had a delightful rasp to is that made Castiel's hands tremble in his lap. Castiel tried to speak, but his eyes were locked onto the screen, desperate to fully see the face behind it.
"Damn, nearly six years now." Dean cleared his throat, snapping Castiel out of his haze. Castiel straightened.
"I have to go." Castiel said sharply, nearly tripping over his robe as he tore open the door.
"Hey, wait!" Dean's hand settled large and firm on his forearm stopping him in place. Castiel turned and saw his beloved for the first time in what felt like decades.
Dean was even more beautiful if possible.
Castiel's chest throbbed. Sam wasn't the only one who had grown. Dean was several inches taller, and his shoulders nearly twice as broad. Both of the Winchester brothers had grown into large men. Any of Dean's boyish handsomeness had sharpened out to almost harsh good looks. He had a chiseled jaw had eye wrinkles that drew more attention to his gorgeous stern eyes. He had gotten tanner and more muscular. Leading Castiel to think he had a job outdoors now. His jaw was speckled with a five o' clock shadow that Castiel wanted to stroke, over his nose were the familiar golden freckles. Dean was wearing a black tee shirt under a flannel and black leather jacket. He looked devastatingly handsome.
"Look, just gimme a minute, alright?" Dean grunted, letting go of his arm. He looked dazed as he stared at Castiel. The Priest watched him run a nervous hand through his shorter spiked hair. The light from the windows caught the flash of silver on his finger and Castiel's stomach dropped. His wedding ring.
"What do you want?" Castiel asked tightly, looking away from the young man who still made his chest flutter and clench. But Dean wasn't a child anymore. He was clearly a man, and a large one at that. Castiel's eyes widened. What if he was here to confront Castiel? What if he wanted to punch him for taking advantage of him while he was so young? Castiel swallowed thickly, looking at the floor. He deserved it.
"You have lunch yet? Can we go talk or somethin'?" Dean fumbled, shrugging awkwardly. Castiel blinked, he owed him at least that.
"Yes." Castiel agreed. Castiel took back everything he said about Dean looking stoic, when he smiled he looked like a child again.
Castiel followed Dean down the stairs of the chapel. The black gleaming car sat parked up front.
"You kept it?" Castiel stopped, watching the sun shine over the well kept dark paint.
"Course', that's my baby." Dean grinned, patting the exterior as he rounded to the drivers side. Castiel got in. The ride to downtown was awkward and silent. Halfway there Dean pushed the radio and the gentle cooing of Robert Plant filled the car. Dean changed it.
"You love Led Zeppelin." Castiel said with a frown, looking over at Dean who was flushed slightly.
"That song brings back some memories." Dean sniffed, settling on a station playing the Beatles. Castiel didn't speak for the rest of the way. Inside the restaurant, Dean requested a booth stuffed in the back.
"How you been, Cas?" Dean asked casually once they were seated and had ordered drinks. Beers for them both. He draped a long arm over the back of his booth. Green eyes intense as they sized up the now smaller man.
"Fine." Castiel said curtly, inspecting the sticky wood table before plucking at a sugar packet. Dean was quiet for a moment before continuing.
"Heard you went to Sammy's graduation, I couldn-"
"Yes, I know." Castiel cut him off, he couldn't bare to hear anything about the wedding. The table was silent again and a waitress broke it as she set down their beers.
"I'd like a burger, throw some pig on top too sweetheart." Dean ordered. Castiel felt his fists clench. How many times had that ridiculous endearment been muttered into his ear heatedly.
"A cheeseburger for me as well." Castiel said, folding his menu politely and handing it to the girl.
"Glad you could make it to Sammy's graduation. Although I gotta admit, I'm a little pissed you didn't come to see me while you were in town." Dean's eyes were watching him, as Castiel jerked his head up.
"Visit you?" Castiel's brow furrowed, and Dean's mimicked him. They eyed each other.
"Yeah, come see an old friend." Dean's breezy reply made Castiel's teeth grind.
"Friends. Right, of course." It was impossible to ignore the bitterness in Castiel's tone. They lapsed into another silence.
"Look, Cas-"
"What did you spend all that money on? The money you got from the church? Sam was living in a roach infested apartment and couldn't afford some of his books." Castiel snapped, glaring at Dean from across the dimly lit bar. He remembered when he had finally got the courage to call Sam and had been horrified to learn he was living on his own at only eighteen. He'd immediately gone to visit him. Dean blanched a moment before speaking.
"Me and this guy named Bobby bought a garage together awhile back. I had to pay upfront. I told Sam to hold off on the schooling until it got up and running, but you know him. He always does stuff his own way. I did the best I could, Cas."
"That money was supposed to be for him." Castiel said icily. A slow smirk spread over Dean's face causing his own dimples to show his jade eyes were amused.
"Yeah, well it was an investment. That's what I wanted to talk to you about." Dean reached into his large leather jacket and pulled out a manila envelope.
"Sam did the calculations, here's the money we owe you. Including the year and a half you took me in and the Impala." Dean said sliding it across the table with a smile. Castiel stared at it blankly.
"I don't want it." His voice was devoid of emotion. Dean's grin dropped and he scowled.
"Why the hell not?" Dean demanded. Castiel blinked slowly. How could he answer? At least he had always had a part of Dean because Dean owed him, but if Dean payed his debt. Than the last piece of Dean that belonged to him would vanish. It was a ridiculous sentiment, but it rung true. Castiel shut his eyes firmly.
"I refuse." Castiel slapped the envelope back across the table.
"What's wrong with you? I'm giving you back the money I owe." Dean's voice was getting loudly, husky with anger. It made Castiel's skin tingle.
"I took care of you because you were my adopted son. Not because I expect repayment." Castiel said stiffly, refusing to look at the younger man sitting across from him.
"You're being ridiculous. Stop acting like a child, and take the damn money." Dean said, gripping the envelope and shoving it under his nose. Castiel finally looked up, meeting him in the eye.
"No." Castiel bit out strongly. Dean stood rapidly, knocking his beer to the floor were it shattered. He gripped the front of Castiel's priest uniform yanking him up until they were nose to nose.
"My money ain't good enough for you?" Dean snarled, beautiful straight teeth flashing from beneath his plush lips curled back. Castiel smelt his cinnamon smelling breath, and felt his heart race. Dean was looking below his nose.
"Good to see your temperament hasn't matured in the slightest." Castiel shot back, and Dean's face went bright red at the insult.
"Um." The waitress held up the two plates, eyes on the both of them nervously. Castiel wrenched himself away from Dean and pulled out his wallet, quickly shuffling out two large bills. He got up and left without another word.
Castiel turned the key in his car, sighing as he rested his forehead on the steering wheel as it spluttered but refused to start. Slowly he trekked up to his brothers apartment. He had driven to see Gabriel after the meeting with Dean, but upon arriving he had decided it be better to go home. But his car seemed to have other plans. Knocking on the door, there was some shuffling and some whispers.
"Hey, bro!" Gabriel chirped, opening the door in a enormous flannel that hung from his shoulder. It clearly belonged to Sam.
"Hello, Gabriel." Castiel said slowly.
"You usually call." Gabriel said, running a hand through his mussed up hair.
"I apologize. I was in town, and needed a moment to think." Castiel bit his lip and Gabriel caught the action immediately pulling him forward.
"Come on in." Gabriel said, leading him to the couch before changing direction and forcing him down onto another chair. He heard the shower go on.
"Do you have someone over?" Castiel asked, brow furrowed. It smelt like sex.
"Nah, just Sam." Gabriel said, raking another hand through his hair. Castiel nodded, knitting his fingers together in his lap.
"So ... uh. What's up?" Gabriel said, after Castiel stared at his brother for a full minute without speaking.
"Dean came to visit me at the parish." Castiel muttered, looking down at his sleek black shoes.
"What? Are you serious, that's awesome!" Gabriel's wide grin made Castiel scowl further.
"No, it is not 'awesome'. We ended up in a rather heated argument." Castiel sighed, ducking his head and placing his elbows on his knees. A small hand pressed into his shoulder.
"Well at least there's still some passion there." Gabriel suggested. Castiel glared up at him.
"Hey, Cas." Sam greeted, jeans slung low on his hips. Sam was like a greek statue that had broken through the marble. His long muscled frame towered over the two brothers.
"Hello, Sam." Castiel greeted.
"You gonna go watch the game with us tonight?" Sam asked, ruffling a towel through his floppy hair.
"I don't believe so. I'm having car troubles." Castiel complained lightly.
"Sam's got a great mechanic!" Gabriel suddenly shouted, starling his brother. Sam lifted an eyebrow.
"I do?" He asked. Gabriel shot him a look.
"I do." He repeated, puckering his lips.
"Why don't you drop my brother here off at your mechanics and meet me at the bar." Gabriel pushed.
"That won't be necessary-"
"Go!" Gabriel ordered. Castiel sulkily followed Sam out the door.
Sam followed the tow truck with D & B auto shop scribbled into the side. A young man named Adam drove the truck up the road, Castiel's car attached to the back.
"How long have you had this mechanic?" Castiel asked nervously. He hoped his car would be fixed soon. He needed it to drive back home to wallow in self despair, due to the news of Dean's recent marital status.
"Long as I can remember." Sam winced. Castiel didn't pressure him as they pulled into the auto shop. Getting out he blinked as Sam stayed in the car.
"Aren't you coming?" Castiel asked.
"Sorry, Cas." Sam grimaced, and sped off. Castiel's brow furrowed in confusion until he turned around to were the large open garage sat and it's mechanic came strolling out yelling orders to Adam.
Covered in grease, and wringing his hands over a red cloth was none other than Dean Winchester.
"Damn it." Castiel cursed. Dean's eyes landed on him standing awkwardly in the middle of the road.
"Thought I recognized this piece of crap." Dean grinned. Castiel shuffled up to him.
"I have fallen for what I believe to be one of Gabriel's 'pranks'. Sam assisted him." Castiel informed. Dean offered a sympathetic nod.
"Want something to drink, might be awhile for me to fix this thing up." Dean said, squinting up at the sun.
"It would be appreciated." Castiel followed him inside.
A darling young receptionist smacked some gum as she flipped through a magazine, blonde hair shining down her shoulders.
"Welcome to D & B's auto sho-" The girl's voice cut off as she nodded to Dean.
"Honey, why don't you get our newest customer something to drink." Dean flirtily asked. The girl raised and eyebrow and smacked her gum.
"Get it yourself." She quipped, playful smile on her lips. Castiel felt his stomach clench with jealousy. This must be his wife.
"This is Jo." Dean nodded, the girl gave Castiel a quick smile.
"How much would a taxi cost to take me home." Castiel blurted. He desperately needed to leave. He hated this, seeing how easily Dean had moved on. How happy he was. It made Castiel nauseous and guilty at the same time.
"Taxi? Look Cas, it should only be a few hours. I can call Gabe if you really want to-"
"May I use your phone." Castiel said, sliding past Dean to get to Jo. She blinked but handed it to him. Dean swiped it from his hands before he could press a single button.
"Hey!I can fix it alright, let me fix it." Dean's stern voice cut through Castiel's muddled mind and he looked up, meeting his gaze. Castiel didn't think they were talking about the car.
"It's not broken." Castiel murmured. They stared for far too long at each other and Jo cleared her throat.
"We got TV. Why don't you relax while Dean works on your car." Jo's soft voice was placating.
"No. He's going out in the garage with me. Come on, Cas." Dean gripped his arm, roughly pulling him along. Castiel stumbled after him. The garage was huge, the entire front of the building and open to the warm breeze that flushed out most of the usual horrid scents that came from mechanic shops. Dean was so tan from the sun that was able to light up the entire garage were at least five cars were parked.
"Are you the only one who works here?" Castiel asked, and realized how stupid the question must sound. But he desperately needed to take his mind off of ... everything. Dean only chuckled.
"Nah, we have a couple other guys I hired. But I gave them the day off for the big game tonight." Dean explained, mechanic coveralls unzipped and hanging loosely from his hips.
"I see." Castiel took a seat on a stool as Dean popped open the hood of his car.
"This things a hunk of junk. You need to buy a new one." Dean complained, muttering obscenities over the engine.
"I don't have the money." Castiel admitted, before realizing his mistake.
"I gave you plenty of cash. If you'd stop being a little bitch and take it, you could buy yourself a new car. Maybe even get an apartment out here." Dean said the last part under his breath and Castiel looked up.
"Why would I move here?" Castiel asked slowly.
"All your family's out here. Gabriel, Sam ..." Me. He didn't say the last part but it was true. Dean was as much of his family as Gabriel was, if not more so.
"I can't."
"Why the hell not? You're freakin' miserable over there man. The Volturi have you captive." Dean whipped around, green eyes burning into him. Castiel swallowed the lump in his throat.
"I just can't, Dean." Castiel murmured. He couldn't, couldn't see this new life Dean had wrought up on his own. See how happy he was and not fall absolutely in love with him all over again. It would be torture. Even more so than the hell he was living in the next town over. He deserved that boring, pitiful life. But having Dean back in his life. He didn't think he could do it, especially now he was married. He couldn't break anymore church rules. Adultery was one of the worst sins.
"I ain't leaving you. One way or another I'm getting your ass out of there and bringing you home." Dean blurted, turning back around and burying himself into the mechanics of the car. Castiel felt that perhaps he shouldn't be too harsh on himself when his pulse raced. He could hardly be blamed for loving such a perfect man.