Chapter 12

Castiel and the Kids

9-7-13

The sun shined across Deans face, luring him into wakefulness. He looked over at the clock. 7AM. Well might as well get up, he knew he wouldn't go back to sleep.

Dean took a 10 minute shower, got dressed, and when to get Little Bobby. The baby wasn't in his room. Next he went to Maggies. Also lacking the child he seeks. Bens is the last room, empty. He was kind of worried now, after all it was summer and only 7:15am.

He quickly made his way downstairs and into the kitchen. Ellen was kneading bread dough in a bowl and singing to the radio. Finally something normal.

"Where are the kids?" Dean had meant to say good morning. But as usual his mouth said what it wanted.

Ellen having known Dean since he was in diapers, didn't take offense. She just laughed at his contrite look and put her bread in the sun to rise with a clean dish towel over it. "Well they have been getting up early to go out with Castiel. Boy is up with the sun everyday and out in the gardens barefoot." Ellen puttered around making up a plate of food for Dean and waving at him to sit down. "I think he is giving then botany lessons or something, but I don't think the kids know it. He is good at teaching them stuff without them knowing. A natural teacher. You wouldn't believe the stuff I know now because of him" Ellen laughed thinking of him.

Dean shoveled food in his mouth as he listened to Ellen talk about Castiel. He was more then interested in the man, he tried really hard not to be, but the guy was so weird...and so pretty. What was with that anyway. Dean jabbed his fork at his eggs. He realized Ellen had stopped talking so he looked up.

Ellen was looking at him. Her eyes narrowed. "Tell me whats going on in that head of yours Dean?"

"I don't know Ellen. After everything that has happened to me in the last week. I should just want any strangers gone, and to be a full time Dad again. That is what I want. But the kids like this guy ... and now I'm home I don't really need a nanny. But...he is so interesting. I want to get to know him better. And I feel like it's not right." Dean looked at Ellen with wide eyes wanting her to give him guidance, just as she had for most of his life.

"Now honey, I've seen you in all kinda mess, up and down through the years. I think you will need some time for you, and not just with the kids. Castiel should stay as the childrens tutor, you're right they love him, and he genuinely loves them. Honestly I don't think anything could be better for you then to get to know that young man. Don't feel bad for it, you both need a friend. And if more should happen," Dean blushed at this and Ellen winked at him. "If more should happen, then you should count yourself lucky. Honestly I want that boy to stay here for good, and if you can make it happen Dean Winchester, I'd make you as many pies as you want."

"Isn't he gonna be a priest?" Dean was trying to get some more information, while thinking deeply about what Ellen had said.

Ellen shook her head. "I know he is suppose to, but I just don't see it happening, there is a light in him that I have never seen before. But I can't see him living according to their rules now he's started discovering himself away from the church." Ellen was still puttering around the kitchen as she talks. Dean had just decided to go and find Castiel and the kids when they came through the door.

Castiel was holding little Bobby like he had always done so. They seemed very comfortable together. Castiel held the door open for the other two kids to enter. All four of them were smiling and the kids were asking Castiel questions. When the kids noticed Dean they ran to hug him. Castiel tried to hand him the baby, but little Bobby what having none of it. He twisted his hand in Castiels shirt and hung on. "I am sorry Dean, I think he is just hungry." Castiel seemed embarrassed that the baby wanted to stay with him instead of go to his Daddy.

Dean just smiled and shook his head. "It's ok, man. He'll remember me quick enough, after he's done eating I'm sure." Dean helped Maggie cut up a small slab of ham Ellen had just put on her plate. Castiel relaxed and smiled, trying to temp little Bobby with some mush.

Castiel made buzzing noises and twirled the spoon toward little Bobby. Bobby appreciated the effort and rewarded Castiel with a wide smile and joyful giggle. He also opened his mouth to let the spoon in. Castiel made yummy noises and as he chewed Bobby made the sound too. Dean watched everyone eat, sipping his coffee. Castiel had his eye on all three children, he was vigilant. Dean was even more pleased that he had trusted Castiel. Obviously the man cared for the children, and the affection went both ways. As Dean was spacing out, a Doctor Who conversation started up between the kids and Castiel. Once Dean started listening he realized he had no idea what any of them were saying. Regeneration. Time Lord. Matt Smith. On and on it went.

Dean finally cleared his throat to get everyone's attention. The talking stopped and four heads turned towards him. "I am sorry to interrupt but what are you guys talking about?" Dean put his coffee down on the table. The kids and Castiel exchanged looks.

"We can't tell you..." Said Castiel with a stern face, the kids all adopted the same look and nodded, even the baby.

Dean felt a trickle of anger but held it back."Oh and why is that?" He asked in a low voice, holding Castiels eyes with his own.

A smile started to appear at the corner of Castiels mouth. "One does not simply tell someone about Doctor Who. You have to experience it." Castiel stood up as he spoke. The kids followed. Maggie came over to Dean and took his hand.

"Come on Daddy. You need to love the Doctor too!" Maggie tugged his arm toward the stairs. They all made their way towards the playroom. "Are we gonna start at the very beginning Cassy?" Maggie asked as they all figured out seating. Deans eyebrow rose at the nickname.

"Yes Maggie bean, I think that would be the best. We're gonna watch all of them in order to build up to the 50th anniversary!" Castiel sounded excited and the kids grinned and nodded. Dean wasn't sure what he had gotten himself into.