Cas had never had a better night. Well, that one time he had had sex with April was pretty good, up until she stabbed him. But yet, that didn't seem to come close to this night. And all he did was hold Dean close to him. At first the man had been tense, reluctant to even let Cas near him, but grudgingly letting him. Then he had loosened and relaxed, easing into Cas' body for warmth. And when he had fallen asleep, he had even scooted closer, body to body.
Cas could feel his breathing, slow and even. He could feel his heart beat from where his hand now lay draped across his chest, almost touching his other shoulder. And he could feel his own heart pick up at the sensation. It felt like home.
The fire had turned into a smoldering pile of coals in the early hours of the morning, throwing a soft amber glow over everything. He could see Dean's features clearly in the lighting. His nose, which bent a little to the side, his eye lashes, which were long and dark, his lips, full and pink, and each individual freckle. Castiel had the sudden urge to kiss each one, but he stopped himself. Dean would hate him if he did that, and that was the last thing he wanted.
Instead, he continued to stare at the sleeping man, memorizing every freckle, scar, and blemish on his face. And even with all his flaws, he was still the most beautiful thing he had ever come across in all of creation. And he had seen a lot. His hand absently traced the tattoo across Dean's chest with one hand, while the other brushed through his hair. He felt Dean breathe a soft sigh and sink into his touch. Cas felt a smile pull at his lips as he did.
He stroked his hand down the hunters' hairline and to his neck, tracing the skin with his knuckle. His hand made its way slowly down and around his neck. Cas heard a soft hum come from Dean as he did it. He froze or a moment, fearing that he had awoken him, but instead Dean just nuzzled his head lightly against his chest, as if seeking out the affection that had suddenly stopped. Cas smiled softly again, a hot feeling rising in his chest as he resumed the action, this time pulling Dean just a little closer to him, if that was even possible at that point. He felt Dean respond, but only slightly, managing to worm his body into a better passion to fit himself against Cas, like a jigsaw puzzle. Cas could honestly say this moment was one of the best he'd had with the brothers. Or possibly ever.
All the millennia spent on earth and the one thing that could shake his belief of everything was one man. How could one human do such a thing? Well, Dean was more than just a human. He was the righteous man. And not because he had sold his soul for his brother's life, but because of who he was. He was so selfless, never thinking for himself, and yet, so flawed and broken. A patchwork mess of scars and regret. But at the same time he was the definition of humanity for Castiel. He was perfect, because he was imperfect. And that's why he always felt something swirling deep in his stomach whenever he saw him.
He remembered he had spoken to Sam about it earlier, about if Dean did have feelings for him or not. He wasn't too well versed on expressions of human emotions, but he was fairly sure the way he and Dean acted towards each other extended being the realm of what a normal friendship was classified as. But Sam had said he didn't know, and Sam knew his brother better than anyone alive. The state was disheartening for Castiel, but he couldn't help but wonder… Maybe Dean did feel something. It showed in the way he would smile at something Castiel had said. Or when he would stand a little too close to be casual. Or especially when he went out of his way to do something that wasn't necessary, like let Castiel live in the bunker, or bring him a candy cane, or really anything that Castiel didn't even need. But he would always follow through because he knew Dean would be happy if he did.
The embers had all faded out now, throwing the house into shadow again, with only a faint red glow coming from them. He felt Dean shiver slightly beneath him and pulled him closer for warmth. Castiel didn't get cold; he was an angel after all. But humans, as he remembered, did. They were quite fragile, and yet, amazing creators. He was glad to be amongst them. Or more specifically, one.
Hours later the sun had risen, casting a gray light into the freezing house. Dean had woken up first, Cas could tell because his heart rate and breathing had picked up. But for some reason, he didn't move from his spot next to Cas. Not that Castiel minded of course, he would have been happy to stay in that position for hours longer, but Sam woke up not long after Dean did and suggested they get going. And so they did.
They went back to the motel to retrieve their things and soon were on the road again, heading back to the bunker. Dean hadn't brought up last night, not that Castiel had expected him to, but he could have sworn he saw Sam throwing them glances every now and then.
Soon enough, they stopped for gas at a Gas N' Sip somewhere in Pennsylvania, all of them hopping out of the car to stretch their legs. Cas decided to follow Sam into the store when he said he was going to buy a few snacks for the road. Inside the Gas N' Sip was much warmer than outside, at least Castiel assumed so because Sam let out a big sigh and rubbed his hands together for warmth.
"Want anything Cas?" Sam asked, turning to the angel.
"No thank you," Cas responded, looking around the store. The reason he had gone into the store wasn't for him, but for Dean. He wanted to get him something, something he knew he would like. He had heard somewhere that that's what you did on Christmas after all, giving loved one's presents. If so, he wanted to do just that.
"Alright, suit yourself," Sam shrugged, walking off to the bathroom, leaving Cas alone in the store with one other customer and the sales clerk. He walked up and down the aisles, searching for something, anything, Dean would like. At last, he found it. Pie. A smile pulled at his face as he remembered the last time he tried to buy pie for Dean. But that was after they'd had a fight and he was trying to make it up to him. This time he just wanted to give him something. He checked the price on the plastic box, making sure he had enough money before purchasing it. After doing so, he waited until Sam was finished with his business before following hi out to the car.
Dean had finished refueling it by then and was waiting inside. Sam got in the front, and Cas in the back, as per usual. But before Dean started up the engine, Cas cleared his throat, getting his attention.
"I, uh, bought you something, Dean," he said, holding up the pie for dean to see. Dean's eyes lit up upon seeing it, and Cas could swear he smiled a little.
"Thanks Cas, I look forward to having it. Looks great."
Cas smiled. 'So do you', he wanted to say. But maybe it was best that he didn't. One day maybe, but not yet.
