A/N: Thanks to all the guest comments. Seriously every comment is cherished and inspires me to keep on writing :)
Now I'm afraid there will be more drama in store in this chapter, as well as feels, especially for poor Dean but I promise there will be some respite for them soon.
Again, this chapter is unbeta'ed and I tried my best but something always slips through.
It was cold. Even for mid February this was way below average. Dean had already passed his scarf to his shivering brother and pulled his beanie down as far as it would go, as they made their way home through the icy air. School had let out early because of a blizzard warning and Dean had just about made it to Sammy's school before the snow started falling for real. Dean's teeth were chattering and all he wanted was a long hot shower to defrost. Their clothes were definitely not made for these subzero temperatures. He pulled Sammy along to get home faster, before he would lose feeling in his toes, despite having put on two pairs of socks this morning.
The light was on in the house, which meant their dad must be home. Dean actually lost track of their father's shift schedule, as he had hardly seen him these last few weeks. He just prayed that didn't mean their old man was back on the bottle, but he wouldn't be surprised if he was. Erratic behavior was generally always a telltale sign and just because good things generally never lasted long.
"Hey dad, we're home," he announced their presence as he closed the front door, glad their both finally inside and safe from the elements. There was some commotion in the kitchen. It had been a while since dad prepared food for them. That would make a nice change. Dean grinned as that meant more time in the shower for him.
"Hey, what's cook- who the hell are you?" he stood frozen at the door, staring at the strange woman in their kitchen, clad in the kind of clothes that really weren't appropriate for this time of year.
"Oh, hey, sweetie," the woman looked surprised for a second before her lips twisted into saccharine smile. "Oh right, blizzard warning, school must have let out early today."
Dean just stood still, shell shocked. Who was this and what was she doing in their house, talking to him like they were old pals?
"I'm not your sweetie, who are you," he asked again crossing his arms defensively. Sammy had appeared next to him, gaping wide eyed into the kitchen.
"Who's that Dean?" he asked looking at his brother, like he had all the answers he needed.
The woman let out a nervous chuckle. "I'm Audrey, I'm your- erm, I'm a friend of your dad's."
Dean glared at her. It wasn't too hard to connect the dots. "Right, friend. Why did dad never mention you then?" And why did he bring this person into their family home?
He saw her face fall for a second before that fake smile was back. "Oh, I'm sure he must have just been waiting for the right moment."
Right moment for what? Dean wondered. "Again, what the hell are you doing in my kitchen?"
"I'm just fixing up some food. Your father was hungry and, well, he didn't expect you back until later, but I'm sure there will be enough for everyone. It should be ready in about twenty minutes and-"
"Get out!" Dean's face turned red in anger. How dared this woman be in their kitchen, acting like she was part of their family and what, play mom? She was nothing like their mother, her hair was all wrong, the perfume to sweet and heavy, the lipstick was the wrong color and, most of all, they didn't need her here.
"Dean!" John's stern voice from behind him made him jump and turn around. His father was clad in just sweatpants, hair disheveled, confirming Dean's earlier thoughts, and staring at his son. "Where are your manners? That's no way to talk to a lady."
"Dad, what is she doing in our house?" Dean clenched his fists.
John pushed past his sons and walked over, throwing an arm protectively around this woman. "This is Audrey, and she and I are seeing each other. And I would appreciate if you would show her some respect."
"How long?" Dean hissed through gritted teeth, glaring at the pair of them. This was not happening.
"Dean, this is not the right time. Now apologize to Audrey for your behavior."
Dean gulped, trying to swallow down his anger, but to no avail. "And then what? Play happy house? How can you do this, do this to mom? You can't just replace her with this- this," he shouted.
"Dean," John' voice was harsh and full of unspoken warning. "Your mother has been dead for almost five years now and I think- well it's time for us to start moving on."
"Move on? Move on? And just forget about mom while your little fling makes herself comfortable in our house?"
"Dean, I am warning you." John took a step towards his eldest son.
"John, maybe I should leave and let you talk to your children." Audrey shifted uncomfortably.
"No, you stay. Dean, if you don't apologize this very second you will be in a shed load of trouble." John waved a finger threateningly at Dean's face and Dean snapped.
"Get her out of the house. This is our house. She has no right to be here." Dean yelled, shaking in anger. His jaw clenched tight. How could dad do this? How could he replace their mom so easily and just bring this woman here and expect them to be ok with it, without as much as a word of warning? No one would ever be able to replace their mom.
"DEAN!" his dad growled, grabbing him by the shoulders.
"Don't touch me! You disgust me! How can you do this to mom, to us?" Dean pushed John away, with more force than should be possible for a boy his age, working himself into a frenzy. Sammy gawked at his brother in shock. He had never seen him talk to their dad like that or get physical towards him. "Dean stop," he begged, worried about what might happen next. The atmosphere was charged and it wouldn't take much for it to explode.
"Dean, I won't put up with this behavior, go to your room immediately and don't bother coming down again today."
"No, not until you get her out. I want her out!" Dean stared their father down with a cold glare. There was no way this person would stay in their house, while he was relegated to his room.
Sammy flinched but bravely stood beside his brother in the kitchen.
The commotion could probably be heard in the whole neighborhood he thought, as Dean kept screaming at their dad, hurling abuse at him for tainting the memory of their mother and how he apparently didn't give a fuck about her.
"Stop, just stop please," Sammy finally cracked, shaking and putting his hands over his ears, not knowing what else to do but no one was paying attention to him.
"Get out," John finally roared.
"Fine, I'm not staying here with her. Sammy come on," Dean ordered, not taking his eyes of their dad.
"No, you get out. Sammy will stay here and have lunch with us."
"No," Dean refused to budge.
Sammy could see their father shake with anger, trying to reign in his temper. He had his run-ins with their dad, not caring about the consequences, but even he could tell now was not the time to push back. But Dean seemed to be too out of it to notice. "Dean, it's fine, go, just go. I'll be alright." He just wanted his brother as far away from their father as possible.
"Sam, go to your room," John commanded and without his usual protests he complied. Dean sighed, half panicked half relieved. At least Sammy was out of harm's way for now; he would come for him later. He brought his attention back to their father.
"I don't believe this. You rather throw out your own son than this floozy."
The flat of John's hand connected with Dean's cheek, effectively shutting him up. He rubbed his cheek and stared at his dad in disbelief. "I said get out," John howled as he grabbed Dean by the jacket and manhandled him out the front door. "When you get your manners back you can come home and apologize. I thought I brought you up better than this."
Dean was shaking, he was crying, kicking the front door for good measure. He didn't know where to put all the fury that was eating him alive. How dare their father soil the memory of their mother like that? That woman was nothing like her, how could he possibly think otherwise, how could he do that with her?
He picked up a big rock and in his anger hurled it at the Impala, flinching at the sound of the windscreen breaking.
"Oh shit." he gawked at the car. He knew he was in deep shit now. This car meant the world to their father. He had an inkling that he should probably run but he remained glued to the spot.
"What the hell." John stormed back out, taking in the car and the smashed windscreen. "Dean Winchester," John grabbed him by the collar and pressed him into the car, trapping him with his stronger, bigger body. "What did you just do?"
"Go on, do it!" Dean challenged with venom in his voice. Maybe if his dad would hit him, he would finally stop feeling anything, finally would be able to stop making excuses for their pathetic little lives.
"Get off of him," Dean froze at the familiar gravely voice.
"Mind your own fucking business," John turned his head and snarled at Castiel, who had grabbed hold of him arm, stopping him from throwing that blow. Dean stared in disbelief. Cas was taller than their father but their old man was stronger, broader and he feared for his friend.
Like half the neighborhood, Castiel had heard the commotion all the way up in his study and when he peeked out of the window, he all but dropped the book he had been holding, and raced over, shoes forgotten, clothed in only his sweatpants, jumper and socks.
"Dean is my business, and if you do not let go I will call the police."
"Who the fuck do you think you are?" John let go off Dean and instead grabbed Castiel by the arm.
"Dad, don't you dare!" Dean immediately shot forward.
"Are you the one giving my son stupid ideas about back chatting and disrespecting his father?"
Castiel was afraid, John Winchester was on imposing figure when he wanted to be, but he didn't' show it as he fixed his fierce blue eyes on the man.
"Respect is something that needs to be earned." He stated mater of factly.
John looked murderous, Dean swallowed down the bile that was rising in his throat. "Dad, I'll call the cops myself if you don't let go off Cas."
John took a deep breath before letting go. "Fine, but you will pay for the replacement of that windscreen, so god help me, and don't bother coming back until you sort out your attitude." He headed back into the house without another word, slamming the door shut behind him.
"Dean, come on," Cas tugged at Dean's jacket sleeve. The boy was trembling and looked like he was about to be sick. He led him over to his house, where he maneuvered Dean straight to the couch, kneeling down in front of him. He took the boy's hands in his own, trying to get the teenagers attention while examining his face.
"Did he hit you?"
"No," Dean stated sounding detached. It appeared like the slap to his face had not been hard enough to bruise. But anyway, he didn't count the slap as hitting; he had deserved that for insulting that woman, no matter how much he wanted her out of the house, it was not really her fault.
"Dean, look at me. I need you to be honest. Has your father ever hit you?"
Dean met Cas' eyes reluctantly. "No Cas." He wanted to add that his dad generally didn't care enough to warrant such actions but he swallowed the comment down.
Castiel studied the boy's face for any signs of dishonesty but he could find none. "If he ever does, promise me you will tell me." He looked at Dean beseechingly. Dean nodded his head before looking away. He didn't know what else to say. He wanted to race back there and grab Sammy, and leave and never come back. No, that wasn't quite true. He wanted to come back, just not to the way things were now. He wanted to go back to when they were a proper family, when his mom would make his dad smile as they sat together at the dinner table. Mom would have liked Cas, he was sure of that. His thoughts drifted to his friend. God, he had no idea what he would have done if his father had attacked Cas.
"Dean, what just happened back there?"
"He just-" Dean could feel himself shuddering and wrapped his arms around his body. "This woman- how could he do this to mom?"
The boy didn't make much sense but Cas realized now was probably not a good time to get answers. Dean looked like a spooked animal. And he was shaking like a leaf.
"Are you cold?"
"What?"
"You are shaking."
So he was. Dean tried to get his body under control, but it was to no avail.
"I'm getting you a blanket." Cas said heading out to grab one from his bedroom.
Dean undid his shoelaces with trembling hands, before shrugging out of his jacket, he was still wearing He cursed under his breath. His whole body was aching from the tension in his muscles. He hated how small and vulnerable he felt, so completely helpless to do anything to change this situation, this life he and Sammy found themselves in. He wanted get Sammy out of this or to change their dad back into the person he once was. The dad he knew would never have started anything with a woman like that. With a sigh he curled up on himself on the couch.
Castiel was back a moment later, gently pulling a blanket over Dean and tugging it in around his feet.
"Your socks are still wet; you probably must feel colder than I do." Dean couldn't help but notice.
"Oh." Cas had actually forgotten about that but now that Dean mentioned it, he felt the warm damp stickiness of wet cotton against his feet. And his jumper had also soaked up a fair amount of snow. "Well. I better get changed then."
Dean snuggled up under the blanket, trying to get warm while he waited for Cas. He returned wearing a new jumper and some ugly bright green socks, sitting himself down at the end of the couch, cautious not to sit too close. He was just about to offer Dean a hot drink, because he really looked like he could do with one, when he heard his phone go off.
He lamented for a few seconds whether to answer or ignore it but old habits died hard.
He picked it up from the table and saw it was Dean's number flashing on the screen.
"Who is that?" he asked, pressing 'answer'.
"Hi Cas, it's Sam."
"Sam!" Cas repeated looking over at Dean who was bold upright in a second, waving his arms, indicating for Cas to hand over the phone.
"Hey Sammy, you're ok?"
"Yeah, hiding out in our room. I found your phone, obviously- Hope you're not mad I went through it. But I thought you would be at Cas', and I just wanted to let you know I'm ok, so no need to come charging back in here. Let dad calm down first."
"You sure you don't need me to come and get you?"
"No," his brother insisted. "No need to get into any more trouble now. I can look after myself for a bit."
"Sure, you can." Dean actually managed a small smirk. "But you have the phone, anything happens you call right away, ok."
"Ok, I will. Just promise me you'll calm down. I was, god I hate it when people fight."
Dean instantly felt guilty. He had blown it again. Despite wanting to protect Sammy and his little family, he had managed to upset him.
"Ok, I promise. You hang in there squirt."
"Will do. I better hang up and go eat."
"Ok, see you soon."
Dean sighed. He handed the phone back to Cas, hands shaking and huddling back under the blanket. He wanted to be back there with Sammy so badly but his kid brother, as usual, was right. His dad was most likely still furious about that windscreen, probably more than the actual defiance, and Dean himself couldn't believe he had actually done that. Hurt his baby like that.
Cas put the phone away and picked up on his earlier thought. "Do you, you want a hot drink?"
"No I'm fine, thanks."
Cas nodded his head despite knowing full well that Dean was not fine.
Silence stretched between them, and the longer it lasted the more Dean had to fight to not start crying. He felt cold and miserable and so alone, like that whole event had torn open an old wound, reminded him just what he had lost and would never get back. He glanced over at Cas, the one person despite Sammy, who for whatever reason seemed to give a damn about him. The man telling their dad that Dean was his business suddenly became a small but bright beacon in the darkness that engulfed him, and Dean didn't like the physical distance between them at all. Cas was too far away and he needed him closer.
"Cas, I could really do with a hug here," he rasped, holding back a sob. He didn't even care that he sounded needy. Cas just stared at him from his spot on the couch, hesitation written all over his face.
"I hate this." Dean groaned, clenching the blanket in frustration.
"What?" Castiel asked quietly, although he was pretty sure he knew the answer.
"You act like you're my friend but you can't even get yourself to hug me." Dean loathed the way they had interacted since that kiss, hated the way Cas tiptoed around him these days. Yes, they had maintained their friendship and generally pretended nothing ever happened. Sammy and he still came over here to hang out, and even Amelia popped in once to spent time with them. But there had been no physical contact, no carefree hugs or even pats on the shoulder like there used to be. Any time Dean as much as got within a foot of Cas, the man recoiled, trying to act inconspicuous and smiling it off. But Dean did notice and it felt like getting rejected over and over again every single time. He reluctantly accepted their new status quo, for lack ideas of how to fix it and the knowledge that Cas had his own problems to solve. But right now he needed his friend, needed something, before he would go out of him mind.
"Dean, I-" Cas started.
"Man, I promise I won't assault you again," Dean huffed depreciatively, just please-" his voice broke and Cas gulped. He couldn't do this, couldn't keep his distance like this while Dean was hurting and asking for something as simple as a hug. He scooted over to where Dean was curled in on himself and wrapped him up in his arms.
Dean sighed contentedly. This was what he had been missing. He felt himself go slack and his eyes moisten but he would not cry. He still felt shaky and had a hard time just to control his breathing, but resting his head against Cas' shoulder helped.
"Dean, are you sure you do not want a drink. You are still shivering." Cas could feel the tremble in Dean's muscles and suspected it might be more from shock and exhaustion setting in rather than actually feeling cold.
"No, just- still cold. Also, don't want you to get up." Dean would be embarrassed at this declaration if he had it in him to care right now.
"Ok, no getting up." Cas chuckled. "But in that case, you better share, it is a bit chilly sitting here uncovered" He was trying to keep the heating bill down as money was a bit tight with only him paying the bills now. Cas wriggled and tugged at the blanket. Dean obediently lifted up his legs for Cas to pull the blanket from under his feet, creating space for the man to sneak under it too. Cas settled next to Dean and the teenager happily accepted the closeness and snuggled up to the man as he pulled the blanket around them. Dean was still shivering and his arms felt cold to the touch. Making a probably way to rash decision, he gently pulled at Dean's arm and the teenager willingly followed and climbed into his lap, bracketing Cas with his legs and molding himself against his body. Cas wrapped his arms protectively around him, covering them both with the blanket.
"Thanks," Dean whispered against Cas' neck, finally feeling warmth return to his body.
Cas just held him and as time ticked by Dean initially felt himself relaxing before the air was getting heavy with things left unsaid between them. Things he had wanted to ask for weeks but never had the nerve to do, understanding that it was a no go zone. Apparently they both were very good at not addressing their issues. But today was different. Finally they were alone, and not just that, he was curled up against Cas, had the man's sole attention and he was literally dying to know.
"Why do you never mention, you know- the kiss?" Dean mumbled, not daring to look at him.
Dean could feel the man under him go rigid as he took in a sharp breath. Cas huffed nervously, biting his bottom lip. And for a moment Dean thought he would not grace him with an answer. Then Cas' gravely voice cut the silence, low and steady. "Well for one because most likely you wouldn't like what I have to say on the subject," Dean couldn't help but chuckle at that.
"And?"
"And secondly, because it really never should have happened in the first place."
"So you didn't like it?" Dean interjected, knowing he was pushing it, but he wanted to know because he sure as hell enjoyed it and the way Cas' lips had moved against his was still vivid in his mind.
"I-" Castiel cleared his throat. "You don't understand Dean, whether I did or didn't doesn't matter, I-"
"Cas, please, just be honest with me here. Did you enjoy it?"
Castiel really wanted to say 'no', thought he needed to say 'no' to not give Dean any wrong ideas. But the words got stuck in his throat. Because he had to admit that if the situation was different, if they were different, circumstances were more favorable, he would have wholeheartedly enjoyed that kiss. He surprised himself when what came out was a quiet "Yes."
Dean's heart missed beat, his pulse suddenly racing.
"Yes?" he repeated dazed.
"Yes, ok, but that doesn't change the facts." Cas stated emphatically.
Dean sighed. Why did there always have to be a catch. Why couldn't they just be the two of them, here now, and not having to take the whole fucked up world into consideration? "You like me though, don't you?" he probed further.
"Dean, of course I like you, you should know that by now. But as a friend, only a friend. You're young, so young, you hardly know what you want out of life and-"
"Thanks a lot," Dean huffed sarcastically.
"I told you, you wouldn't like what I have to say."
Dean went quiet for a moment.
"So if I was older, would you- like me like that?"
"Dean that is a moot point, we are what we are, and we can never be more," he was trying to phrase this gently, he remembered only too well how rejected Dean felt the last time. Castiel knew he hadn't handled the aftermath of that kiss very well. He should have talked to Dean, told him where the lines had to be drawn. But he had been too scared to hurt the boy further. But clearly this was not just going to go away, so he needed to be mature about it and try to explain to Dean why they could never be a thing beyond friends.
"Even if you were older, I- Dean, I am not even confident with my sexuality yet, so I will not entertain the idea of any interaction with another man for quite some time. Plus you are, well a teenager and god Dean, even if you were of age, the age gap is just too big, think about it." He just prayed listing all the reasons why Dean should let go of this infatuation, of this pipe dream, would get the boy to reconsider. To focus on stuff boys his age should focus on.
Despite the slight sting of the rebuff, Dean actually found comfort in those words. If anything Cas wouldn't be running off with some hot dude anytime soon. He was sure he would not be able to handle that. He pressed himself closer into the man's body, seeking the warmth and comfort, glad that Cas granted him this much.
"Anyway, I thought you had a girlfriend." Cas enquired. If they were being honest it should go both ways. "So what is this? Do you actually think you might be gay or are you just trying to figure things out?" And how weird was it that the first time he actually kind of openly discussed such matters was with a teenage boy who was currently sat in his lap? The universe must be having a blast messing with him.
"I- honestly, I don't actually know. I think I like being with girls but ever since," Dean gulped "since I met you, I think about that kind of stuff, you know. I don't know anymore. I guess I – god, how do people ever make sense of this stuff?" Dean could feel himself blush at the open admission of his feelings. A stolen kiss was one thing but to actually put it into words, kind of gave it more credibility.
Cas hummed, feeling uncomfortable at having been the catalyst for Dean's doubts but also knowing what the boy must be going through. Maybe if he had someone to talk to when he was younger, someone to make him question and explore and accept himself, he would have not ended up struggling with this now in his late twenties. He cupped Dean's jaw with his hand, getting the boy's attention, looking imploringly into his eyes. "Just a word of advice. Well, two really. Firstly, don't ever let anyone tell you what you are is wrong. You, Dean Winchester, are a wonderful person and you are not defined by your sexuality. And secondly, please don't make the same mistakes I made. Be sure who you are and what you want before you get serious with anyone."
Dean's heart fluttered. Whatever else he might be feeling about and towards Cas, it would always be those eyes that would leave him breathless. He could tell that there still was so much regret in Cas' voice with regards to Amelia and he wanted to comfort him so badly, not even kiss him, just place a peck on his cheek or something to show he understood. But damn those lips looked inviting. Without giving it much thought Dean brought up one of his hands and let his thumb trail the outline of Cas' mouth, eyes glued to his lips before bringing his eyes back up to meet Cas'. He could feel the man's breath hitch and knew he would just have to lean in. He was sure Cas would not push him away, saw it in the man's eyes. But he promised not to and he was a man of his word. What they had here now was infinitely better than what they had, or didn't have, over these last few weeks. It was not worth risking it. So with a small sigh he brought his hand around the back of Cas' head, carding his finger's through the dark unruly hair as he rested his head on his shoulder.
Cas let out the breath he had been holding and sent up a silent prayer, thankful that Dean didn't follow through, didn't test his resolve because he was not sure whether he would have been able to push him away again. He had no idea what that could possibly mean. He just knew it didn't matter because it was just an impossible situation, was well aware that even this here now was too much, too close. He was hyper conscious of Dean in his lap, intimately close, the teenager's lips just short of nuzzling his neck. Cas knew exactly what this would look like from the outside, what people would think should they be looking in. How this whole situation could be misconstrued.
Yet he couldn't get himself to care and he probably was crazy for not being concerned. But he was even more convinced that pushing Dean away right now would break the boy and would damage their friendship in a way that would be hard to mend. And he cared too much about Dean to risk that. Dean deserved so much more than what life currently gave him. Cas had a clear enough conscience and was certain Dean got the message about this never developing into more. And if Dean needed some form of physical contact in their friendship he would try to provide this within the confines of what was acceptable, valiantly ignoring the way he was already blurring those lines.
They continued with what really could only be described as cuddling. Dean was soaking in the comfort Cas gave him like he had been starving for it, which, if he was being honest, he had. He never wanted to move again.
Castiel eventually could feel Dean doze off against his chest. It had gotten nice and warm in that cocoon they made for themselves with the blanket. He shifted them around a bit as his legs were starting to feel numb under Dean's weight, and resettled Dean's head against his chest, not really willing to let go of him yet. Castiel could feel his own eyes grow heavy with sleep; maybe he even had nodded off himself for a few minutes he thought as he jolted, opening his eyes. He smiled at Dean's sleeping form unable to stifle the big yawn that escaped him. He should probably head up to go to bed. It had gotten rather late and the room was mainly cast in darkness, only the light from the hall casting a small glow.
They had missed dinner but he wasn't hungry and assumed Dean wouldn't' have managed to eat much either. Cas carefully moved the boy until he was lying outstretched on the sofa, a small grunt escaping him as Cas did so. He wrapped the blanket around Dean and gave his hair a gentle pat before heading up the stairs. He hardly managed to change into his pj's before he hit the bed, pulled the covers up and fell into an uneasy sleep.
Cas woke up in what felt like the middle of the night. The room was still shrouded in darkness. He thought he heard a quiet noise next to his ear. It almost sounded like someone snoring softly. It took him a second to comprehend this but then he whipped his head around and came face to face with Dean's sleeping features. Again, Cas' sleep addled brain didn't catch up to this straight away. Why was Dean here in his bed? Then he remembered the previous evening and how he had left Dean asleep on the couch. He must have come upstairs and climbed into his bed during the night. Dean was curled up tight to him, one arm slung around his chest, body pressed against his side. Cas could feel Dean was slightly aroused from where his groin pressed into his hip and could only hope the teenager had kept his clothes on. He at least was wearing a t-shirt, a quick touch to his back confirmed.
Cas felt a rush of heat crawl up his body and suddenly had trouble breathing. He became painfully aware of the fact that despite Dean's age, there was in fact a male body, a seemingly fully functional male body, in his bed. This was not how Cas had envisaged his 'first time' sharing a bed to go. Then again, should he be surprised? Things hadn't been going to plan for quite some time now.
He realized he was panicking, trying to take a few calming breaths. He knew sleep and dreams could do funny things to a man's body, even more so to a hormonal teenager, so he tried his hardest not to freak at the implications of Dean's bodily state. That didn't stop his mind flashing back to his one other encounter with an aroused male. Memories of that night in the car park came rushing back, the heat and need he had felt, leaving him all the more breathless and, oh god, making his own penis twitch. He knew he had to get out of here. Go and have a cold shower or something, sleep on the couch, just get away from here.
He slowly edged away from Dean, replacing the arm Dean's head was resting on with a cushion and headed down the stairs into the kitchen for some cold water. The clock on the microwave told him that in fact it had gone 6am, so Cas reconsidered, opting for some coffee instead. He needed to wake up, needed to be able to think clearly.
He was on his second mug when there was a loud knock on the door. Cas was in no mood to talk to anyone yet. Who would knock on the door at that time of day anyway? So he tried to ignore it, only for it to get louder in intensity.
"I'm coming, I'm coming, alright!" Cas mumbled, pulling his dressing gown round himself and stalking out the kitchen. Someone clearly was hell-bent on breaking his front door down if the way that person was banging against it was anything to go. And Cas was worried whoever it was would wake up Dean
He might have expected a lot of people on the other side of that door, Sammy or John Winchester, featuring high on his list, but not one of his brothers.
Which brother will it be? And what do they want? Apologies for the cliffhanger but this chapter was getting so long I had to cut it at a reasonable place.
AND, you have no idea how hard it was not to have these two kiss again, well, maybe you do ;). I was seriously tempted to say 'to hell' with the story outline and just give in, throw away the script so to speak. But that would have steered this story into a whole different direction and with that in mind I remained strong.
