Dean woke up feeling groggy, his nose curled up in disgust at the god-awful taste in his mouth. If he hadn't known better he'd have thought he'd been gargling dirt in his sleep. He stretched out all of his limbs trying for a little less tension before heading toward to the bathroom. He brushed his teeth immediately, even though his bladder was begging to be emptied. Eventually the bitterness was gone, replaced with a cool mint flavor, and he could continue on with his day.

He grabbed his phone and shoved it into the pocket of his sweats before slipping into the kitchen. He felt a heavy weight in his gut as he went through the practiced motions. Sam had already left for class and he was alone. Dean groused just a little at the fact, it was always worse when there was no one and nothing to keep himself from thinking. With a deep breath and he pushed himself to the mailbox to get his morning paper. Life did go on, even if it didn't feel right.

He tried to think about anything other than the fact that it was the one morning they typically shared breakfast together. It didn't work, not even a little. His brain supplied vivid images of the way Cas would walk through the doorway, almost staggering with his mind practically still asleep. The way he'd lay his head over his arms on the table until Dean took mercy on him and pushed a mug of hot coffee in his direction. That picture, the emotions wrapped up in those stolen moments were the only things that had made him smile so wide that it hurt since Castiel left.

Dean refused to make a huge meal so instead he pushed a couple slices of bread in the toaster hoping that it would ease his nauseous stomach. Remembering the way his mother had made him toast when he was sick brought a warm comfort to contrast the emptiness of being alone. He reached into the fridge and pulled out the small container. Sam laughed at him when he'd mixed the butter and jelly together and put it in the fridge, but he always noticed that it was emptied out sooner than he could manage alone.

When the toast popped up he, he grabbed his chest. It seemed no matter how prepared he was, that sound would always cause his heart to skip a beat or two. With a shake of his head he slathered it with a healthy coating of the spread and sat it down on a saucer. He waited for the coffee maker to ding before taking a seat. It kicked off just a minute later and he poured his cup full, breathing in the delicious aroma. Finally comfortable at the table ,he pulled his phone from his pocket to check his messages.

Dean had just sucked in a hot sip and then nearly choked on it. He read the message a few times just to make sure he wasn't imagining it. Dean checked the clock and cursed, twenty minutes he'd wasted when he could have been gone already. He sat his coffee down on the table, toast completely forgotten for the moment. He texted back a quick reply, he rushed into his room and threw some toiletries and a couple outfits into his bag. He changed quicker than he'd thought possible and strapped his dad's old navy bag over his shoulder.

Dean stops in the kitchen long enough to pour his coffee into a to-go thermos. He grabs his not quite warm toast up in his other hand before snagging his keys from the shelf by the door. He locked the door behind him and hurried toward the Impala. He shot Sam a quick text to let him know he was leaving and pulled out of the parking lot. Once he hit the interstate and the roads along with the air were a bit clearer, he slid his phone out and pressed the call button twice.

"Hello, Dean." Cas answered, his voice still a little raspy. Dean suspected Cas was still partially asleep and if it were any other time, he'd feel horribly guilty about that. As it was, he couldn't be anything other than thrilled at the sound of his soulmate's voice. Letting the hum of electricity spike through him, he let out a contented sigh.

"Hey, sweetheart. I'm headed toward you, should be there in a few hours. How are you?" he asked tentatively, unsure if he should let Cas go back to sleep or not. He'd missed the deep rumble of his boyfriend's voice and really didn't wanna give it up so soon.

"I'm okay. The doctor's said that he will be fine and I have to trust their judgement. It's really good to hear your voice, I've missed you, Dean." He couldn't help the way his heart began to speed up and he felt the thudding in his ears.

"I missed you too, Cas. I'm really glad you asked me to come, even if it took you a couple more days than I would have liked. I - things aren't the same without you." He drummed his fingers against the steering wheel in an attempt to ease his nervous anxiety.

"I don't know why I've been so stubborn about this, I feel this like... stretch without you and it's very unpleasant. I won't make this mistake again in the future, I assure you." Cas chuckled and Dean couldn't help but do the same.

"Thank God," Dean said, his voice light and easy. He teased Cas, not wanting to go into the details of the aching desperation and the overwhelming feel of being useless he'd been dealing with during their time apart.

"I suppose this means you'll meet my family, are you… are you sure that's something you're okay with this soon?" Dean heard the anxiety in his boyfriend's voice but he wasn't really sure why it was there. Cas had already sort of met his parents, and it had gone great.

"Uh, yeah. I'm fine with it, are you? I mean you sound a little nervous, man. If you want me to, I can just like grab a hotel or something. We can work it out," he adds shakily. There had been so much brought out in him during their separation, he wasn't really sure what he felt anymore. It was suffocating to think that maybe Cas didn't want to introduce him to his family, but at the same time he guessed in a normal relationship they probably hadn't been together long enough for Cas to have really considered that before.

"No! No, it's great actually. I just didn't want to… pressure you, or assume that was something you'd want to do. This situation was kind a forced on us, but I'd be more than proud to introduce you to everyone if you'd like me to." Castiel responded.

His shoulders slumped in relief and he let out a long labored breath. "Yes, that's... I can't wait, Cas. I'll uh, I'll see you soon okay, sweetheart?"

"Okay, Dean. I'll see you soon."

The call ended and he dropped his phone into the passenger seat. With a huge smile on his face, his fingers twisted the worn knob of his stereo system until the drum beats booming from the speakers caused a small vibration against his leg. He sang along happily. After all, Kansas was classic and he would be able to actually hold Cas in his arms in just a matter of a few hours.

Castiel loved waking up to the sound of Dean's voice, in fact he thought he might just prefer it that way. It usually happened when his boyfriend wanted him to eat breakfast before it got too cold, but when he had to slide the cold metal of his phone against his face to hear it, he remembered all the ways the situation was different. When he found out that Dean was already on his way a flame of hope quickly replaced the lingering feeling of disappointment.

Castiel woke up to the sound of "Enter Sandman" feeling just as exhausted as he'd been when he got home. He checked the clock and realized that it had been less than an hour since he passed out. His body was still exhausted from the anxious stretching under his skin saddled on top of the overwhelming worry over his father's health. He snuggled further under the blankets hoping to get at least a few more hours. The comfort he'd gotten from the short, simple conversation with his soulmate was enough to lull him back to a dreamless sleep.

Several hours later he woke up slightly disoriented until he realized yet again, he wasn't at in the apartment. Even though he'd only lived there for around a month, it still felt more like home than the place he'd spent his entire childhood. When he was alert enough to really think about it, he knew it was because of Dean, and even Sam; the way they'd adopted him into their lives made him feel like he finally had a place to belong.

With the thoughts of his soulmate floating in his mind, Castiel couldn't help but physically respond. He ignored it though, knowing Dean was driving and not entirely sure the distance would provide enough of a filter. He really didn't want to take any chances, not where his boyfriend's safety was concerned. Although, he did consider maybe stepping their relationship up just a little. He wasn't sure they were ready for the completion of their soulmate bond, but that didn't mean that everything was off the table...right?

He rubbed his hands over his face in frustration and stepped down onto the soft carpet, heading straight toward the bathroom. He needed a shower, with very cold water, quickly. Cas let the cool spray rush over him and felt his body begin to tremble from the chill before he'd finally managed to go soft. He shook his head and then turned the handle until he could feel a small amount of warmth seep back into his skin. After that, he quickly washed himself and hopped out before his body got any more ideas.

When he checked his phone his mouth dropped open. He'd slept for almost ten hours, missing two texts and a call from Dean. Quickly, he returned the call, not bothering to check the text because the drive would have taken a normal person nine and a half hours. His boyfriend probably made it in eight and a half. Dean didn't have his address or anything. God how could he have been so stupid.

"Cas!" Dean sounded relieved when he answered.

"Dean, I'm so sorry. I am soooo sorry. I fell back to sleep and had no idea that I'd stay that way for so long. Where are you? I'll text you my address right now." The words came out rushed and anxious and he was terrified that he'd finally managed to screw things up. No one would want to be kept waiting in a foreign city with nothing to do but worry, twiddle their thumbs, and wait for a response.

"I'm actually at a diner grabbing a bite. I was a little worried but it's not a big deal. As long as you're okay, that's what really matters. Just calm down, sweetheart." Dean's raspy voice made him groan a little. He had to be exhausted, after a long drive cooped up in even the most magnificent car wouldn't be very comfortable.

"Well, I'll text you the address and you can put it in your phone. When you figure out how long it will take, text or call me back so I can be out front waiting for you." Castiel toyed with the drawstring of his pajama bottoms while he tried to ease the panic that was elevating his heart rate.

Dean chuckled, and even though Cas still felt the stretch, the panic, and a world of other things, he couldn't help but smile.

"Alright, I'll finish up here and text you as soon as I get out to the car. Okay?" The playful tone swept more of the panic away, as if every second that he could hear the deep, raspy, vibrations chipped away the negativity.

Dean sent a text when he was about thirty minutes out, telling Cas he'd be there soon. When he didn't get an immediate response he figured maybe his boyfriend was just busy getting things in order. He knew if it were him, he'd probably be freaking out a little and trying to make sure everything was perfect. When he crossed into Portland, he stopped at the first Gas 'n Sip he could find and got himself a steaming cup of coffee. He'd only stopped three times, and then only long enough to fill up and take a piss. His baby was not easy on fuel, and it seemed the tank kept getting smaller and smaller.

He checked his phone again, even though he knew there hadn't been a response. It had been almost forty five minutes and still nothing. Dean tried not to worry. He knew it wouldn't be too long till he saw his boyfriend. It seemed that the bond was aware of it as well, the electric energy sparking out in him again, maybe slightly weaker than he was used to, but still there.

Everything okay Sweetheart? - Dean

He waited in the parking lot of the gas station for another twenty minutes before he started to drive around the city a little. Dean turned the radio on and navigated his way through the unfamiliar streets, taking in the pale white lights and bare pavement. He circled around what had to have been a business district, high buildings surrounded him on each side, finally found a side street that led him toward a brighter part of the area. Neon lights, and a lot more people pushing through the crosswalks.

Eventually he spotted an all night diner and pulled into the parking space. He tried to call Cas, still no answer. He closed his eyes and sent a small prayer. I uh.. I'm not good at this but I wanted to say thanks. Thank you for sending me the most amazing guy, for understanding exactly who and what I needed him to be. I'll never be able to return the favor but I wanted you to know I'm grateful. Right now I'm really worried and I just...I need everything to be okay. I need Cas to be safe. I can't be with him right now to make sure he's okay so I'm counting on you. I don't ask for much, just give me this. Please. It wasn't something he did often, but his mom used to tell him that angels were watching over him. Whoever, or whatever had brought Castiel into his life deserved a little recognition, and a little trust.

Dean was over halfway through his burger when he felt the buzzing of his phone in his pocket. He pulled it out quickly and was immediately rewarded with Castiel's voice. Cas was clearly freaking out that he'd fallen asleep, but honestly it sounded like the greatest thing Dean had ever heard. He was just relieved that Cas was okay, that his father was still okay, that nothing terrible had happened.

The waitress was on her way to his table with what looked like a mouth watering piece of pecan pie, but he just waved her off. Dropping a stack of bills on the table, he apologized, "Sorry I gotta go, someone's waitin' on me."

Castiel paced back and forth, the cotton of his pajama bottoms lifting up with the late night breeze. He checked his phone for the fourth time in half as many minutes, as he waited on the text from Dean. He chewed his lip like a piece of taffy, trying to tamp down his rapidly growing heartbeat.

GPS says 13 minutes, I'll make it in 10. - Dean

Castiel replied with a quick, "Be careful," as he took a seat on the swing. He knew it was probably his imagination, but he would have sworn he felt the stretch beneath his skin loosen just a little. The knowledge of the much shorter distance was enough to calm him down, feeling much more excited than anxious. His boyfriend hadn't given him any reason to think he was upset about him oversleeping, so his nervousness had switched to an incredible jolt of anticipation.

Sure enough, ten minutes later, he smiled as the gorgeous Impala pulled into the driveway. He rocketed himself off the swing and ran toward the driver's side door. He'd barely managed to let Dean get out before he pulled him close and held on tightly. The stretch finally popped and left him completely. His arms instinctively slid up to wrap around Dean's neck and pulled him in for a kiss as if his lips held the only drink of water he'd ever get.

"I'm so sorry, so...umfh... so sorry." He apologized during the gasping breaths between their heated kisses. Castiel nipped, licked, and sucked until it felt like they'd spent hours pressed against the cold black metal frame. Finally, Dean pulled away chuckling and drawing Cas back into the present moment.

"Nothin' to be sorry for, sweetheart," he answered. Dean's smile seemed brighter and more intoxicating than it had ever before, maybe that was just because it felt like an eternity since the last time he'd been able to see the real thing, and not just the best his imagination could do to recreate it.

"Come on, let's get your things and I'll take you up to my old room and we can make out for a little while." Castiel smirked as he watched Dean shake his head with a fond look in his eyes. He was certain that nothing had ever felt so wonderfully amazing, at least not in his lifetime. It was as if their bond had rebuilt itself all over again, and he wasn't weighed down by the massive amount of guilt he'd carried with him.

"Now that sounds like my kinda night." He let the deep, husky, rasp of Dean's voice wash over him and felt the contentment seeping into his skin. Castiel pushed through the door and around the corner, pulling his soulmate along behind him quietly. The house was dark, but he guided Dean with tugs on his hand, Cas hoped that he didn't disturb anyone's sleep but wouldn't have cared enough to be sorry if he did. There was nothing he'd ever experienced that made him feel the way Dean did and he wouldn't apologize for that.

They stepped through the threshold of his room and Dean's bag dropped to the floor. Cas was sure to pull the door shut before speaking again. His mind flitted through a variety of things he wished he was ready for, and exactly how it would look, feel, and taste. Shaking his head to bring himself back, he motioned toward the bathroom and then to the bed. "You can change in there and I'll be waiting for you here."

One more quick kiss and Dean carried his bag into the small room off his, closing the door behind him. Castiel flipped on the lamp on his bedside table before climbing back under the covers. He normally would have screamed, but given the late hour, he just flailed beneath the blankets, a bolt of adrenaline and anticipation shocked through him. His arms, legs, and even his heart jumped in excitement.

Dean collected himself inside the bathroom. He was more than happy to see Cas, but it was a lot to take in when just a few hours earlier there was a gaping void inside him that was now full and brimming with hope. He tried to stifle his ridiculous worry over everything, but it was like a jigsaw puzzle he couldn't figure out. He dressed himself quickly in a pair of pajamas and his favorite Rush concert tee. Smiling, he took out the newly purchased blue toothbrush and moved toward the bedroom.

He was surprised to see the bed in even more disarray than it had been in when he left. He shook his head as he watched Cas lift the comforter up and pat the the sheets invitingly. His tongue slipped out of the side of his mouth, causing Dean to groan internally. He followed every movement with his eyes, not wanting to miss a single second of it. He slid in beside his boyfriend and teased him, pulling the toothbrush from behind his back and poking him in the side with it.

"Is that a toothbrush, or are you just happy to see me," Cas said laughing louder than his family would appreciate. Dean just chuckled as quietly as he could as he grabbed Castiel and tugged him tight against him.

"Both," he replied, inhaling the familiar scent of his boyfriend's shampoo. Dean wasn't sure he'd ever missed something as much as he'd missed the feel of Cas plastered against him, the taste of his lips, or the somewhat awkward sense of humor he had. There was nothing he'd ever experienced that made him any happier than having Cas in his arms.

"I think you're probably the first boyfriend in the history of boyfriends to drive nine hours to hand over a toothbrush, especially one that wasn't actually necessary," Castiel smiled. Dean could feel his body shake with the small bouts of laughter that escaped him.

"Maybe, but that just means you hit the boyfriend lottery. I mean I'm not one to brag here, Cas but I paid two dollars for that toothbrush and I didn't even ask you to repay me or anything," he said playfully.

"Well, if it's repayment you're looking for, I've got some ideas." Castiel's smile widened and Dean couldn't help the uptick of his heart. He calmed himself down as much as he could but it only lasted until Cas surged forward and slotted their mouths together. He felt the tip of his boyfriend's tongue sliding against the seam of his lips until he willingly let him in. Dean's head started spinning once Cas licked inside his mouth and he tasted the sweet undertones of butterscotch.

"Stress eating Werther's again?" Dean asked with a smirk. He'd jokingly mocked Cas a few times since he'd found out the nervous habit.

"I'm just glad you're here now. I've missed you so much, Dean." He heard the sincerity in the words and fought off the urge to smother his boyfriend in kisses.

"I missed you too, Cas." Dean hooked his arm over and switched off the lamp, leaving just a small amount of moonlight bleeding in through the window. He moved until he was back into position and huffed a laugh as his soulmate nearly jumped back on top of him.

"Are you nervous about tomorrow?" Castiel whispered against his chest.

When Dean had first thought about it, there was a lot of anxiety and worry that clouded his mind. He wasn't sure if it was how he really felt, or just how the separation had affected him. He was terrified Cas' family wouldn't think he was good enough. Hell, even Dean didn't think he was good enough, so he could understand why they might have a problem with it. He'd barely graduated high school, he'd not even tried to go to college, and he'd probably end up being a mechanic for the rest of his life.

The negative thoughts were overwhelming and made it hard to breathe. It didn't stop until he looked down and caught a glimpse of those gorgeous turquoise eyes. The panic seemed to fall away entirely, and he decided to trust in whatever deity had brought them together.

"Nah, If they can't take one look at me and see how much I love you, well, they'll just have to take my word for it." Dean smiled as he felt Cas' head jerk up, clearly surprised by the declaration.

"You - you really love me?" Castiel asked. Dean couldn't help but notice that his soulmate's voice was even more timid than it had been the first day, the first time he realized he didn't have to be alone ever again.

"I really do, sweetheart." He rubbed circles on Cas's back, hoping to soothe away any doubts he might have had.

"I, don't know if I know how to love, not the way you do at least. I've spent my entire life thinking that no one outside of my family would ever truly care about me. Then I met you, Dean, and it was like a light switch flipped on and there were tons of new sights, new emotions, new possibilities that I'd never imagined before. I feel your love, I felt it before you even said the words. I can tell that you love me in nearly every single thing that you do. I don't know if I'll ever be able to do that, but I want to try. You make me want to try, Dean." He felt Cas tug him even closer and they shared a slow, sweet, kiss.

"You don't have to love me the same way, you love me however you want to, whenever you want to. I'm not in a hurry, sweetheart. We have our whole lives ahead of us. I don't need you to love me today, I just needed to make sure you knew how I felt. Now, close those beautiful eyes and don't worry about it. I'm tired, comfortable, and holding the most precious person in the world. I can't think of a better way to end my night." Dean's eyelids drooped down as he snuggled even closer to his soulmate.

"Goodnight, Dean."