It was another almost full week before they had enough time to have the Novak family dinner they discussed. They continued their nightly tradition and even managed to get a few messages sent through Myspace but time was not a luxury either of them could afford.
"So you'll meet me at your mom's place at 6?"
"Gabriel told me seven! But yes I'll be there at six just in case. Will you bring Ben?"
"I didn't know if you wanted me to.. this is kind of a big thing."
"Dean, of course I want you to. If you think it's too soon though I can understand."
"Cas, you know I love you.. I'm in this.. so there's no .. too soon... as far as I'm concerned. We've always kind of went at our own pace anyway. Everyone might as well get used to it."
"Okay it's settled then! Honestly, I've missed him a lot this week."
"He could say the same. I've answered about a hundred Cas questions in the last few days."
"Well you are an expert on the topic."
"What can I say, I've never been so inspired to learn."
"Guess it's a good thing I'm a teacher then." He teased.
Dean was quiet for a few seconds.
"Dean? You there?"
"Well my brain just took that in a completely different direction. What were we talking about again?"
"Hmm. I'll keep that in mind." Cas laughed.
"You are staying here tonight aren't you Cas?"
" Yes Dean, I've already packed an overnight bag."
"Awesome I'll see you later babe, Love you!"
"I love you too Dean."
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"Hey buddy, got a question for ya... How would you like to meet the rest of Cas's family tonight?"
"Will Cas and Uncle Gabereel be there?"
Dean smiled fondly at the fact that Ben already thought of Gabe as family. He didn't know where it came from but it was immediate, the same as it had been with Cas.
"Yes they will, Would you like to have dinner with them?"
"Yes who else will be there?"
"Well Cas's mom will be there. Her name is Rebecca but you should probably call her Mrs. Novak unless she says you don't have to. Cas's brother Michael and his wife will be there, and they have a little girl who might be there too."
"Okay, when do we leave?"
"Not for a little while in maybe an hour or so?"
"Can I take my bath early Daddy?"
Dean was a little confused. Ben didn't hate bath time necessarily, but he'd always tried to put it off for as long as possible. He rapidly decided that he wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth and agreed to run Ben's bath for him.
Ben washed himself as well as he could and Dean helped rinse the leftover shampoo out of his hair, before pulling helping him out of the tub. After he dried himself off he pointed to his clothes Dean had laid out.
"Do I have to wear that?"
"Well no I don't guess so, but why don't you want to?"
"Can I pick my own clothes please?
Dean again surprised at Ben's behavior. He never complained about his clothes unless they were itchy or something.
"Uh sure, but I get veto power. Do you remember what Veto means?"
Ben did his best to not roll his eyes.
"You can make me change if you don't like it."
"That's right kiddo."
Ben disappeared into his bedroom. Closing the door behind him was a clear enough sign that he didn't want his father to follow him.
About five minutes later Ben came out in his best outfit. A pair of black dress pants, his black dress shoes, and a white button up shirt. The buttons were off a little and his tie wasn't really knotted correctly. Overall though. he'd done a really good job.
"Wow, you look handsome little man."
Ben was beaming.
"Mind if I help you out a little there buddy?"
"I tried to make it look like you do it but it doesn't." Ben said not even a little upset.
"You did a pretty good job Ben, just a couple things off."
Ben fixed the two crooked buttons, and began to work on the tie.
"You have a green tie that matches with a clip Ben are you sure you want to wear this one?"
"Mamaw says that the ones you have to tie yourself make better pressions."
"Pressions?"
"Yeah, what people think about you when they see you."
"Oh you mean Impressions?"
"Yeah, I want them to think I'm nice and mamaw says I look real smart all dressed up."
"Mamaw would be right!" He said putting the finishing touches on Ben's tie.
"Dad can you make my hair less spiky and more neat?"
"I can try let's go get the comb."
About ten minutes later Ben was satisfied with his appearance and Dean hadn't even began getting ready.
He quickly called Cas to tell him they were going a little more formal than jeans and tees, just so he didn't feel excluded or they weren't the odd ones out either.
Cas chuckled at the story of Ben and his wish to make a good impression.
"They are going to love him no matter what he's wearing."
"I know, but it's nice that he tried though. Had to force myself to keep from laughing he was so cute."
"I can imagine."
"I'm going to get ready now I'll see you in about thirty minutes."
"Okay Dean, I love you."
"Love you too babe."
Dean wore his black suit pants and he added a dark green dress shirt and a black tie. He didn't have many dress clothes with him being a mechanic, but since Bobby had let him take over the books and things like that he'd had a few meetings that required a higher level of dress. He'd never been so grateful. Had it been even a year earlier he'd have only had one suit that and it wasn't even remotely flattering.
Soon they were parked outside the Novak home and Dean was incredibly nervous. He'd been here more times than he could count. Rebecca was always sweet and kind and caring, just as much as his own mother usually. She'd never had a problem with Cas being gay or Dean being with him. Michael and Gabe had always treated him well. There was absolutely no reason to be nervous. But here he was, hands shaking, heart racing, drumming inside his head. He has to calm down. He glances in the back seat only to catch the brown eyes of his son and feel a wave of comfort washing over him.
"Well, are we going in or are you going to sit here all day?" Ben said sarcastically.
"You really need to start spending less time with Uncle Sammy." Dean replies.
Ben just smiled in return, apparently proud that his uncle had influenced his behavior.
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Ben grabbed Dean's hand in a way he hadn't in what felt like forever. He (fidgeted) adjusted his tie slightly as he rang the doorbell. They were both a little on edge. Dean would never admit that of the two, it seemed Ben was much braver than he was.
Castiel answered the door thankfully, and Dean's tension instantly relieved.
"CAS!" Ben squealed as he was lifted for a proper hug.
"Hello Ben, I've missed you."
"I missed you Cas, is Uncle Gabreel here?"
Cas chuckled.
"Sure is, you wanna go look for him?"
"Yes please!"
Castiel dropped him back to the floor before Dean gave him a quick kiss.
Ben took his hand and was led into the kitchen where Gabe was putting the finishing touches on dinner.
"Hi Uncle Gabreel."
"Hey little man! Hey Dean-o"
"Hey Gabe. Something sure smells good."
"Yep and it's a surprise, so take my little brother in there and face the rest of the family."
Ben straightened himself up and stood as tall as he could next to his dad as he was led toward the Family Room where the rest of the Novaks were stationed.
Cas took Ben around and introduced him to everyone individually.
"Ben this is my mother Rebecca, Mother this is Benjamin Dean Winchester."
Ben's smile widened quite a bit at the formality in Cas' voice.
He held his hand out and she shook it softly.
"It's very nice to meet you Mrs. Novak."
"You can call me Becky." She said with a wink.
"Yes ma'am."
"You look very dashing tonight Ben. Quite handsome just like your daddy."
"Thank you ma'am."
"Becky, remember."
He smiled and nodded to show he understood.
Castiel smiled as he headed toward Michael.
"Ben this is my brother Michael, Michael this is Benjamin Dean Winchester."
"It's very nice to meet you Benjamin, I've heard all about what a nice young man you are."
Ben blushed a little. He wanted everyone to like him, he thought maybe it was going pretty well.
"It's nice to meet you too Uncle Michael."
Michael smiles down at him but when Ben turns away, he quickly sends Cas a very confused look.
Castiel replied by giving him the we will discuss it later look.
Cas introduced Ben to Michael's wife Rachel, and his daughter Olivia. Ben isn't sure what they are to him, so he just calls them Rachel and Livy (after being instructed to do so.)
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Once they are all sitting at the table, everyone is much more at ease.
Conversation flows easily and the mood is light and happy. It's a great feeling.
"Help me with Dessert Dean-o"
"Sure thing Gabe." He replied.
"Gabriel!" Castiel said his name as if it were a warning."
"Relax Cassie!" Gabriel said patting Dean on the back.
Dean helped Gabe slice the cheesecake and place it on the plates before the shorter man said anything.
"Just what are your intentions toward our Cassie Mr. Winchester." Gabe teased.
"Ha funny Gabe!" Dean said, appearing not even remotely amused.
"I'm serious Dean, I.. I'm just looking out for him. I know you were just a kid the last time around, and I'm not holding you responsible for that. But, you gotta know I've watched him over the years and it's like there was something missing. Like something was just off. I had given up hope on ever seeing it again until that day you guys came into the store. It's different, he's lighter and brighter and I just don't want to see that little spark gone again. I'm not sure I could handle it. I'll never admit this to him but he's probably my best friend. I love Michael and everything, but Cas and I were always closer. He's important to me. I don't want to see him hurting, and you Winchester... you have the power to break that man."
"Gabe listen, I know we've just gotten back into this whole thing and I can understand why you'd be concerned. But I promise that I have no intentions of ever letting him go again. You know my Mom had a similar discussion with me about this, and my ... missing spark you could say. It was awful I hate chick-flicks.. but , it's my mom so what could I do? I love him Gabriel, I probably always have on some level. Ben loves him, they've taken to each other in a way I've never seen Ben take to anyone outside of myself, mom, Sam, and Jess. As a matter of fact your whole family seems to have him under a spell. I'm not going to take that lightly. I'll do my best to make him happy for as long as I possibly can."
Gabriel seemed to accept this but Dean was sure it wouldn't be the end of it. However it was time to serve the dessert.
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"Castiel, why don't you take Ben up to see your old room, I'm sure he'd love it." Michael said with a voice that clearly meant it wasn't optional. Castiel obviously could fight it but if he did there would be chaos and he didn't want to expose Ben to that.
"Ben would you like to see my old room?"
"Yes please.'
Cas placed his hand on Dean's thigh to reassure him that everything would be fine.
"Can I come too Uncle Cas?" Olivia said, clearly understanding she wasn't supposed to be there for the upcoming discussion either.
"Of course Livy, Maybe we can read a story to Ben what do you think?"
"I think that would be awesome!" she said.
Ben smiled a little brighter. He liked having another kid there even if she was a little older.
After the three of them reached the top of the stairs the conversation continued at the dinner table.
"Dean I don't wish to be rude I love seeing my little brother so happy, I haven't seen him like that in a really long time. However, I must ask is there a reason I am unaware of that Benjamin is calling me Uncle Michael?" He said curiously.
"Oh I'm sorry about that ... no nothing like that has happened or anything. Umm He was confused because my brother Sam recently got engaged, he asked if Jess would be his Uncle too. Sam explained that Jess wouldn't be his Uncle. So Ben started asking about Cas and I and marriage. Sam told him that if Cas and I married that you and Gabriel would be his Uncles. Ben's just a curious kid that likes asking questions and my brother doesn't understand he shouldn't always answer them. I think when Gabriel let Ben call him Uncle Gabriel he assumed that you would be okay with that as well. I can explain it to him I just didn't think he'd call you that I apologize."
"Oh no Dean, I'm sorry maybe that came out differently than I intended. I don't mind what Benjamin calls me. It was more of me being worried you two ran off and eloped or something." Michael answered with a chuckle.
Dean felt relieved.
This time it was Becky's turn.
"I just want to say thank you Dean, Thank you for bringing my son back to me. I couldn't be happier for the two of you. I can see how much you love him so you won't have any speeches from me. However, I can't protect you from my boys so I suggest you keep those beautiful smiles on his face." She said teasingly.
"Honestly, I think I should be the one thanking you. He's incredible and I just happen to be lucky enough to get a second chance. I don't plan on messing this one up."
"Well unofficially, Welcome to the family Dean-o. You were kinda always part of it anyway."
Dean smiled as everyone seemed to agree.
"You can go now, I can see you've been itching to run upstairs ever since they left." Becky replied.
"Thank you." He said before excusing himself and practically running up the stairs.
They left shortly after everyone hugging like some Hallmark Movie but Dean couldn't help but love it.
Ben was saying his Goodbye to Becky when she pulled Cas toward them.
"Castiel, tell Benjamin the rule about Winchesters and this house."
Cas smiled remembering the day he'd asked his mom if Dean could bring Sam when he was invited over.
"All Winchesters are welcome in this house."
"That's right Ben, so you be sure to tell your Daddy and your Mamaw that they can bring you over to visit any time you wish."
"Thank you Mrs... I mean Becky."
"You are very welcome Ben."
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Shortly after all the fuss was over they were in the Tahoe headed back toward the apartment.
Ben was smiling bigger and brighter than Dean had seen in a while.
"Why you smiling like that Ben?"
"I think I made a good pression!"
"I think you made a good impression too. Seems to me you had them eating out of the palm of your hand."
"I know for a fact everyone was quite fond of you Ben, but we absolutely used plates and not your hand." Castiel said with a small smile and Ben cracked up.
Dean loved the fact that Cas didn't have to try at all with Ben, it was just natural.
"You're staying all night Cas?"
"Yes Ben if that's okay with you."
"YES! Daddy can Cas maybe read to me tonight instead?" Ben asked hesitantly.
Castiel noticed he apparently picked up his father's nervous habit of rubbing the back of his neck when he was unsure.
"If he wants to that's fine with me Ben."
Cas agrees quickly almost as eager about it as Ben seemed.
'Hey what's he got that I don't have?"
"He does the voices Daddy, you don't do the voices anymore."
"Well yeah because you didn't like it when I did the voices Ben, you asked me to stop."
"But he does them gooder than you."
"Better, I do them better than him." Cas said looking back at Ben with a wink and a smile.
"Oh I see how it is, Don't need dull old dad anymore."
Ben just rolls his eyes. Doesn't bother taking his fake whining seriously.
Dean knows for sure He's been spending too much time with Sam.
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They watched The Brave Little Toaster completely through this time and Ben dressed himself in his pajamas quickly. Cas excused himself to tuck Ben in and Dean found himself feeling happier about it than he expected.
They had only been in there about two minutes and he was curious so he stands just outside Ben's door.
"Are you sure? Your dad says you like Green Eggs, and Ham. I can read that if you'd rather." Cas offered politely.
"No it's okay , I just like it sometimes when Uncle Sammy is away, it makes me think about him."
"Well okay then, what shall it be?"
Dean was shocked, Ben had never told him that the book reminded him of Sammy. It was weird and awesome at the same time to see just how open his son was with Cas.
He listened to the first couple minutes of The Jungle Book and then crept his way back to the
Living Room.
About twenty minutes later Cas came out and he was practically in tears.
"Baby what's wrong?" Dean jumped up to comfort him.
"Nothing, it's just .. he's just.. it's perfect Dean."
"Well we think you're pretty perfect too. It won't always be perfect Cas, but I'll do my best to always make it good for you and Ben."
"I know, I'll do my best too Dean. I love you both so much."
Their arms wrapped tightly around one another as a promise that everything would stay good.
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A/N: This is not the end.. I know it seemed kind of final but I still have a few chapters left in me I think. I'll do my best to get a quick start on them so you guys aren't waiting any longer than necessary. I also wanted to take a moment to say thank you to everyone who's taken the time to review and favorite... it means so much to me. You have no Idea. So a big bowl of awesome sauce to you guys and those of you who Review this chapter *hint hint, *wink wink, *nod nod. I don't think I can make it any clearer! Lol Love you guys thanks for reading!