here's the epilogue! hope you enjoy it! :D

Epilogue: Sixteen Years Later.

Sixteen years is a long time.

There was a time that Dean was eager to reach his thirties; move away from his dad, become an Auror, have someone to love him and someone that he loved. This was everything he thought would happen when he reached his thirties.

It never pans out that way, though, of course.

His dad left him when he was only sixteen - though, it does beat having to wait the length of your life in order to leave you father, but that still doesn't make it easier - and then Voldemort came back and the Death Eaters took over the Ministry, and made his dreams of being an Auror all but disappear. And Dean was so fucked up by everything that ever happened in his life, that meant no-one would love him.

And, all of this happened and he hadn't even reached thirty yet.

But he nothing would beat his year as a nineteen-year-old; doubted anything would. A fight at Hogwarts; watching his friend, the boy in the year below him, the Chosen One, defeat Voldemort; watching him die. But one triumph did not outweigh all the losses he had suffered; Jo. Ellen. Ash. Cas.

Cas, his one and only friend; the only person that truly cared for him, and he threw him away, left him alone all because of the stupidest thing. One kiss. One lousy kiss, and Dean ran for the hills, left him like he was diseased; told him that he'll "see him around" but knew he wouldn't. He lied bluntly to his face and because of a kiss… a kiss that Dean enjoyed.

Sure, he acted like he didn't; pushed Cas away and said he had to go, but he had wanted it. The only reason he turned away was because he was afraid of losing Cas… something that ended up happening, because he didn't want to lose him. How fucked up was that?

And it's not like he didn't try to fix things. After Voldemort fell, and he finished his training as an Auror and got a job in the Ministry, Dean had access to information. He could look up for information about Cas; he discovered that he was still alive, and unemployed.

He even managed to look up his address, and his phone number and was sorely tempted to actually call him, but being the coward that Dean Winchester is, he never did.

Instead, he crumpled up the piece of paper containing all the information and threw it into his fireplace, then promised to never look up on Cas again. He needed to let him live his life.

He finally made it to his dream job of being an Auror… however, after three years of Auror training, followed by a year on the job as an official Auror, he realised that no, this wasn't his dream job after all. Sure, it was definitely living up to his thoughts of it in some ways, but to say that it is what he was made to do? No, that would not be the truth.

But he kept at it, because nothing better was coming up.

That is, until sixteen years later. Sure, it definitely is a long time, but there's no denying that everything was worth it when his brother phoned him up from his work.

'Phoning me from work, Sammy? Don't you have someone to keep out of Azkaban?' Dean jokes and he hears Sammy chuckle before his reply comes.

'I'm having a break, thank you very much,' Sam explains, and Dean can hear some paper rustling, probably moving his documents out of the way so he can eat one of his freaky healthy burgers or something. 'You still coming over for dinner with Jess and me?'

Dean rolls his eyes, 'No, not at all, I'm just going to miss out on the rare opportunity to visit my brother, my sister-in-law and my gorgeous little niece.'

At the mere mention of his niece, Mary Winchester, Dean feels a smile tug at his lips. He was best man at Sam's wedding and godfather to his daughter, but the thing he cried at - or cried the most at, anyway - was when Sam and Jess found out they were having a little girl, and had already settled on a name. The second they told Dean they were naming her Mary after Sam and Dean's mother, Dean broke down in tears.

Sam just laughs, 'Thought as much, anyway, there's a reason I phoned; nothing to do with checking up if you're coming to dinner seeing as I knew your answer, but I've got something you may be interested in.'

'Oh?'

'The Defence Against the Dark Arts post at Hogwarts has just opened up.' Sam declares, just going straight for the news without any premise. That's just Sam's way after all.

'And?'

'And,' Sam starts, exasperation clear in his voice. 'I know you're not happy with your job as an Auror and you're amazing with kids; I've seen you with Mary, and with Lisa's kid, Ben. I know you'd enjoy this job a million times more and I remember how Defence was your favourite subject. So, I've sent away your application.'

'You've sent away my application? Without even talking to me? Are you insane, Sammy? What do you think you're playing at?' Dean demands, standing from the couch he was sitting in, looking around his dingy little flat with a frown on his face, wishing he had his brother in the room with him so he could have the chance to grab ahold of him and tell him how stupid he was, or even have the opportunity to throw a punch, even though he knew he wouldn't; having the option was still something.

'Shut up, Dean, you never know what might happen, but I know if you get the job, you'll love it.'

From his end, Dean can hear another voice from Sam's side and there's a frown on his face as Sam's voice comes through again, 'Look, Dean, I need to go. I'll see you at dinner tonight. But the application is sent and chances are you'll get it with McGonagall being the Headmistress now, so I'd hand in your notice if I were you.'

Before Dean can say anything else, then line goes dead and he pulls the phone away from his ear to stare at it in disbelief for a minute, before he drops back down onto his couch again and sighs.

And that's how Dean ended up with a job at his old school.

~oOoOoOoOoOo~

The first day is nerve-wracking, especially when he ends up being late.

It's been seventeen years since he's been at Hogwarts - well, seventeen years as a student anyway; sixteen since h's been on the grounds altogether - and he's still late to the most important things.

Thankfully, he doesn't interrupt the Sorting and when he comes through the doors and enters the Great Hall, he's relieved when he notices that it's finished.

A part of him is tempted to head over to the Gryffindor table and take a seat, but then he reminds himself that he's a thirty-five-year-old and it really isn't his place to sit at that table anymore. Instead, his place is in one of the empty seats at the front table; the one he's been so used to looking at, watching Dumbledore give many crazy speeches, introducing a new Defence teacher every year… and thinking that he's going to be introduced as one of those new Defence teacher is enough to make him have to take a deep breath to stop his head from spinning so much.

He makes it to the front, sending a small smirk at McGonagall, who's looking at him with narrowed eyes, though there's a smile on her lips that settles Dean, assures him that she hired him because she thinks he's good for this post.

A part of him still can't believe he's back, and the fact he's back as a teacher is making it seem all that more impossible. He found himself pinching his arm all the journey to the castle, waiting to wake up from this dream and find out he's still nothing but a Auror, living in a shitty flat.

But no. He's definitely awake, and he's definitely a teacher at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry; the school he gained his education from.

He sits down next to McGonagall, vaguely noticing that the seat next to him is empty as well, and he finds himself wondering who the hell is in that seat and why they're late as well. He can't think of anyone else that's ever as late as Dean is.

But he shrugs it off as he turns to McGonagall as she says, 'Late as usual, Mr. Winchester.'

'Well, being early is never a good thing, Minerva.' He retorts, sending her a charming wink as his grin widens.

Despite how nervous Dean is about this and how downright weird it was to be chatting casually with the Professor who gave him about a million detentions, he can't deny there's something… natural about it; like he was made to do this. And okay, now he has to tell Sammy he was right, as if his younger brother needed an even bigger ego than he already had.

McGonagall says nothing in reply but Dean's pretty sure he's finally managed to embarrass his teacher, something he's been working on since he was eleven-years-old.

He chuckles to himself and decides to dig into his meal, but after a moment, McGonagall stands from her seat and calls the Hall to order.

'As I mentioned earlier, we have a new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, who has finally decided to make an appearance at our Welcoming Feast.' Dean looks up to find McGonagall looking at him with mock-admonishment. 'Students, I would like to introduce you to Dean Winchester, our new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher.'

The Hall starts to clap and Dean can feel his throat constrict, because these kids are clapping for him and Dean knows that it's just out of habit; new teacher, a round of applause, it's just something you know you do, but it doesn't stop some tears stinging his eyes as he rises from his seat, waving his hand once or twice and nodding his head.

After only a moment or two, he sits back down to hide the burning in his cheeks as the students go back to their meal and Dean decides to do the same. It's been years since he's had a meal this amazing - even though Jess is a good cook, nothing can beat those amazing little elves that work in Hogwarts kitchen in Dean's opinion - so maybe that's why he doesn't talk to anyone, and doesn't really look up as he hears the seat beside him move.

He vaguely notices someone sit down beside him, but there's still so much steak left to eat that he doesn't even bother to glance to the side to look at whoever it is that decided to finally appear at the table.

Well… not until the voice speaks and he feels his blood run cold, like someone had just ran sharp nails down a chalkboard.

'A part of me thought I was making it up.' The voice declares and Dean lets the fork he's holding drop back to the plate with a loud clatter. Several other professors look at him with confused expressions, but he's already lifted his head to listen to that familiar voice and as soon as his eyes land on the face, he feels as if all the air has been knocked out of his lungs.

'Cas?' He chokes out, because he's still not one hundred percent sure. But then he sees those eyes, and yep, this is definitely Cas. But… he's changed. No longer a gangly teenager that's always an inch or two shorter than Dean; he's still slim and narrow, but this time Dean can see muscle under his crisp white shirt.

His features have gotten sharper somehow, but they're still familiar and Dean's just got his breath back when Cas chuckles and it's ripped out of him all over again.

'So, you still remember me? I didn't think you would.' Cas mutters, looking away from him and even though there's still a smile on his face, he's not happy; not pleased. Though, the fact that Dean can still read him after all of these years is enough to make his heart race just a little, and an involuntary smile to appear on his face, despite the words that Cas just spoke.

All the thoughts about Cas, the talks with Sammy about him come hurtling back to him and he decides that this time, he's not going to be the stupid little idiot boy that just locks his feelings inside, instead of telling the person that needs to hear them.

Cas is back in his life, he's damned if he's going to let him walk out of it again.

Dean scoffs, 'Yeah, like I was gonna forget you, Cas.'

It's now Cas' turn for his breath to be punched out of him, and he stares at Dean like he's just saw the sun for the first time. Wide eyes full of wonder and his plump mouth parts in a silent "oh", trying to think of a response to that but failing every time.

'You say that as if you never just walked away from me without a backward glance.' Cas retorts. He doesn't even know why that's the first reply that comes out of his mouth, especially when he knows that going to do nothing but hurt Dean, and the last thing he wants is for Dean to hurt, but he can't seem to help it. He looks down to the plate on in front of him, that still doesn't have any food on it. But now with the shock of seeing Dean Winchester again, he no longer has an appetite.

'You say that as if I was the only one to walk away and shut the other out.' Dean hisses, anger spreading under his skin like wildfire, but as soon as the words are out of his mouth he closes his eyes, taking in a deep breath before shakily exhaling. 'I'm not going to argue with you, Cas. I was just a stupid eighteen-year-old that was frightened and scared by everything that was happening.' He admits, shaking his head because no, that's far too vague and will totally give Cas the wrong impression, so he adds, 'and not just with the war crap.'

And with that declaration, something shifts between them and with small, almost hesitant smiles on their faces, they start to catch the other up on their lives for the past sixteen years.

~oOoOoOoOoOo~

The whole Hall is empty and they don't seem to notice. Sure, they were aware when McGonagall shouted the Hall to order and told the Prefects to escort the pupils to their Common Rooms, but that was only because they had to fall silent as she spoke.

As soon as the room burst into life again, the students leaving the Hall in an orderly manner, chatting amongst themselves, they start talking again and this time, as everyone at their table leave one by one after that, they don't even notice.

Dean knows he had it bad, but Cas has definitely had it worse. Dean knows that his brother, Lucifer, was kicked out of his home, but only because Cas had told him that when they locked themselves in the Room of Requirements and spilled a hell of a lot of secrets to each other. But apparently, things had gotten much worse; Lucifer got into a big fight with Michael and after a couple horrible attempts to try and kill the other, they both ended up in jail.

After that, Cas tells him that the two that he was closest to, his older brother Gabriel and his younger sister Anna were both killed by Death Eaters whilst he went into hiding, as was his mother.

Dean knew he had another brother, so after asking about Raphael, he's ready to pull Cas into a tight embrace and never let him go, because Cas tells him that Raphael, even though a Muggle, started working for the Death Eaters. Dean thought the Death Eaters were above working with Muggles, but then Cas pointed out that they could use them to get close to Muggle-borns and yeah, Dean won't lie that he places his hand on top of Cas, entwines their fingers together and gives it a comforting squeeze.

He also won't lie that after that, he doesn't pull his hand away either.

It reminds him of the night he told Cas about his mother, and Cas placed his hand on top of Dean's, and didn't move it until they had to go back to their respective Common Rooms; maybe that's another reason he doesn't move his hand or release his grasp.

Cas is open with his life, so Dean feels the need to be the same, even though his whole time during the war was just as bad. He tells him about Jo and Ellen and Ash, and it turns out that it's the first that Cas has heard about it. Not that Dean really blames him, seeing as he was too busy hiding from being either killed or thrown in Azkaban for being Magic, but it still shocks him that sixteen years have passed and he still doesn't know.

He tells him about Sam, how he's married to Jess and how they've got a little girl named Mary after their mother. He tells them about how Sam's a lawyer now, working in saving innocent people in the Wizarding World, and how Jess is a Mediwitch.

He's sure he spends more time than necessary talking about Mary and her short curly hair, and how she's started walking everywhere and doesn't stop laughing.

He also tells him about his time as an Auror; doesn't tell him he hated it but Cas knows. Just like Dean never forget how to read Cas, he never forgot how to read Dean. He knew his friend loathed the job he once considered a dream.

It's Cas' turn to squeeze Dean's hand when they get onto the subject of his father, even though Cas is surprised to learn that they're talking again. That Dean actually knows his half-brother, Adam and sometimes goes to watch some football games with him and John.

'We don't see each other a lot, I don't think we could stand that, but I see him at Christmas and at other special occasions like birthdays, and he was at Mary's Christening too.' Dean explains before falling silent, and that's when Cas' gives his hand a reassuring squeeze.

It's also when Dean looks up and realises the room is empty. Completely and utterly empty. Hell, even the Portraits have gone to sleep and left them alone.

And okay, maybe that's the whole reason Dean decides to make a move, because they're alone and there's something familiar about it. Alone, sitting together, no-one watching or caring and it's just the two of them, at Hogwarts, spilling their heart to each other, and okay, so he maybe does give Cas' hand a little tug and presses his lips to Cas' in a brief yet hard kiss.

But then he pulls away, because Cas could've moved on; hell, Cas could be married for all he knew, and the handholding was just a comfort thing for Dean's sake, and he has an apology ready on the tip of his tongue when Cas kisses it away.

Cas' free hand comes up to entwine in Dean's blond hair and Dean responds in kind, using his free hand to grab ahold of the collar of Cas' shirt and pull him closer, slide him off the chair that he had angled towards Dean and then pull him onto Dean's lap.

There's teeth and their noses bump together several times as they try to get closer and get more but it's still the best kiss Dean's had in a long time, so he's not complaining. Especially when Cas grinds down on his lap, a breathless whimper breaking free from his lips and all Dean can do is moan in return.

'We shouldn't be doing this here.' Cas murmurs as he pulls his lips away from Dean and starts kissing, biting and sucking his way down Dean's neck.

Dean groans, arching his neck to give Cas better access as he replies, 'Hmm, I agree, luckily, I know a place.'

Cas' lips find Dean's once more but after only a brief kiss, Dean pushes him away, sending him a grin before he pats the side of Cas' thighs.

'Up.' He orders and even though Cas looks positively pissed, he complies with Dean's request. 'Don't look at me like that, you're the one that said we couldn't do it here.'

Their hands are still entwined and Dean's grin just widens with Cas huffs, but he doesn't reply because that would take time and he knows Cas, and it'll just lead to a small petty argument that'll lead nowhere. And that's not what he wants, especially when that pretty mouth could be put to much better use.

Instead, he just starts to tug Cas out of the Great Hall and to his destination, turning every minute or two to plant a kiss on Cas' lips, before inevitably having to pull back as Cas' hands get too gropey and impatiently start to tug at Dean's belt buckle.

'Y'know, we haven't seen each other in seventeen years.' Cas informs as he sneaks up and wraps his arms around Dean's waist, pulling his hand free in order to do it, before hooking his head over Dean's shoulder.

'I know.' Dean mutters in reply, hoping to God he can find what he's looking for and that he hasn't forgotten where it actually is. He doesn't know where Cas is going with that statement, because to be honest, he really doesn't want the reminder that he hasn't see him in that long.

'Well, I'd say many people would say this is happening too fast.' Cas explains, turning to press a kiss against Dean's jaw. 'It's a little inappropriate, don't you think?'

Another kiss is pressed against Dean's jaw and he can feel the smirk on Cas' lips.

Before Dean can reply, a soft rumbling sound comes from in front of them, and Dean smirks because yes, he still knows his way around Hogwarts; this is good.

'Maybe, but if Hogwarts wants us to screw each other crazy, I'm not going to complain.' Dean mumbles as he places one hand on top of Cas' that's still secured around his waist, before he reaches out and pushes the door open.

They stumble inside of the room that's so different from the last time they were in here. The last time they were here, it was comfortable chairs and a small fire to keep the room warm, and it was small and cosy and comfortable for them - decorated just like Gryffindor Common Room, if they're honest. It was simply a nice place for them to be open with each other.

But now, it was completely different; the floor was one giant mattress, covered in pillows and blankets of black and yellow, and gold and burgundy, and they chuckle when they realise it's for the colours of their old Houses. Candles hover in the air, providing the only light and they also notice that the walls are padded and as the tumble in the room, Cas kicking the door shut behind him, Dean chuckles.

'Hell, Hogwarts not only wants us to fuck, it want it to be kinky.' Dean mumbles as he waves a hand towards the padded walls and chuckles again, but it's cut short when Cas presses his lips to Dean's again, pushing them down on to the mattress covered floor.

His hands go straight for Dean's belt and makes quick to get rid of it, but they don't do anything else as Dean's hands decide to focus on getting Cas rid of his shirt, his hands eagerly spreading themselves across the planes of Cas' back after he sits back and throws his shirt away, before he lies back on top of Dean once more.

His lips descend onto Dean's and Dean groans, his hands trailing up Cas' back before entwining themselves in his dark, messy black hair, ruffling it and making it worse and he feels a little proud that tomorrow Cas is going into his class with sex hair.

Though, so will Dean and isn't that just going to make the best first impression.

But when Cas grinds himself up against Dean as he starts biting just under Dean's jaw, he realises that he really doesn't give a fuck about what his students think about him tomorrow, when he strolls in with sex hair and probably the same clothes he wore to the Welcoming Feast tonight.

He moans again and his hands go straight for Cas' belt, unfastening it and sliding it out of the belt hoops on his jeans. He then unbuttons and unzips them, before pushing them down over those gorgeous fucking hips and why haven't they been doing this all along? Why haven't they been together for sixteen years if this is what they could've been doing?

'I've missed you.' Cas murmurs against his neck as his hands trail down Dean's chest, over his stomach before tracing his finger back and forth over the skin just above his trousers. He pops the button before catching the metal zip between his finger and thumb, but he doesn't unzip the fastener just yet. 'Did you miss me?'

He's not looking at Dean when he asks the last question, his eyes are somewhere just above Dean's head and Dean's suddenly reminded of the teenage boy that was his best friend all those years ago.

Dean swallows hard before his hand comes up to cup Cas' cheek, his thumb brushing across his cheekbone, and it once again reminds him of that first day of Hogwarts when things started to fall apart between him and Cas; when he cupped Cas' cheek and ran his thumb over the cut that was there.

'Every fucking day.' Dean replies before he surges up and captures Cas' lips in his again, and he feels Cas smile against his lips before he feels his zip being pulled down and his jeans are suddenly being pushed down over his ass and hips, and Cas breaks away from Dean's mouth with a soft pop as he moves to pull them down over Dean's thighs before throwing them over his shoulder when they're finally off his person. He then quickly rids himself of his own before leaning over Dean once more, gazing down into Dean's eyes with a soft, caring expression on his face.

He looks over to his left before he starts to chuckle, and Dean can't help but frown.

'What?'

Cas shakes his head, moving one hand out to grab something and when Dean notices what it is, he laughs as well, even as a blush paints his cheeks.

'Lube? Hogwarts really is a kinky son of a bitch, ain't it?'

His laughter is cut short by the growing smirk on Cas' face, as he flicks open the cap of the bottle and squirts a generous amount onto his fingers. He readjusts himself into a better position, lying beside Dean instead of over him, pressing up against his side in a long line, before he lowers his fingers between Dean's legs and traces his hole.

Cas catches Dean's earlobe between his teeth and Dean can hear his sharp, heavy breathing, even as he gnaws on Dean's ear. He feels his finger slowly breaching him, and Cas just remains still for a moment as Dean sucks a breath in, shaky and it catches on his throat and turns into a sob on his exhale, as Cas thrusts his finger out and back in at a slow pace that still has Dean curling his toes and clenching around Cas.

He slides another finger in with the next thrust and Dean gasps, his eyes flying open, and when the hell did he close them in the first place? That thought is quickly chased from his mind as Cas picks up the pace, adding a third finger and a bit more lube, and Hogwarts really did come prepared because it wasn't even cold.

'Cas… I need you.'

'How much?' Cas questions, pressing a kiss to Dean's jaw before kissing his cheekbone. He pulls back and there's a stupid fucking grin on his lips.

'I swear to fucking God, Cas, I've been waiting seventeen fucking years for this, now get inside me.'

With Dean's words, something seems to snap inside of Cas and he pulls his fingers out of Dean, before pouring some lube onto his hand and then he slicks some on his cock. He rolls over so he's now on top of Dean once more, lining himself up with Dean's hole, before he presses his lips to Dean's in a harsh kiss as he sinks into him.

'Oh, f-fuck!' Dean gasps out as Cas starts a punishing pace, apparently deciding that he's opened up and teased Dean enough. He curls his hand around Dean's cock, fisting Dean in time with his thrusts, twisting his wrist, running his thumb over the slit, hitting his prostate with every thrust and Dean's finding it harder to breath, gasping hard and fast.

Cas' lips are just resting against Dean's now, just sharing each other's breath. Dean's eyes are open wide as he watches Cas' face, and he almost chokes when he sees the expression on his face. He always thought Cas was closed off, hardly ever showing how he felt, but now he was here, buried deep inside Dean and he can see everything. There's passion and lust and openness, and holy fucking shit… no. He's imagining that look.

But no, as Cas crushes his lips against Dean's once more, he can no longer see it but can feel it, and fucking God, there's love in his expression, in his kiss, in his thrusts.

And with one well aimed thrust, an amazing twist of Cas' wrist and the revelation that after all these years, Castiel Novak still fucking loves him, he gasps Cas' name as he comes, painting his stomach with white streaks.

Everything clenches; hands gripping on the pillows beneath him, toes curling into the mattress.

Seeing Dean come undone, a sight that he's thought about seeing an embarrassing amount of times, punches Cas' orgasm out of him. He clenches his eyes shut, Dean's name a silent gasp on his lips as he spills inside him, letting out a peaceful gasp before he collapses on top of Dean, not exactly caring about the come that's now also covering his stomach.

They're not sure how long passes - it could've been seconds, minutes, hell, even hours - but eventually Cas rolls off of Dean with a soft groan, but Dean quickly rolls over so he's sprawled out over Cas' body, his hand coming up to trace his finger over Cas' collarbone.

'We should probably move.'

'Nah, it's comfy here; Hogwarts wanted us to have sex, sleepily make out and then sleep. That's why there's so many pillows and comfy things.' Dean mumbles as he closes his eyes, pressing a kiss to the base of Cas' throat and kisses his way up until he's pressing his lips against Cas' who smiles.

He pulls back briefly to mutter, 'That sounds like a good idea,' before he surges up to claim Dean's lips once more.

And okay, if he's late for his class and misses his breakfast, or more importantly, his coffee, he really doesn't care.

He's got Dean Winchester lying beside him. Finally.

~oOoOoOoOoOo~

It's been four months since Dean and Cas found themselves reunited; four months since that night in the Room of Requirements where they finally admitted, and acted, on those feelings that had been eating away at them for the past eighteen years, and they've been together ever since. It took a day or two before they finally managed to sit down and talk about what they wanted; whether it was just going to be awesome sex - which it was - or whether it was going to be "something more" and they both realised they couldn't just have sex. They meant too much to each other; they wanted sleepy morning waking up next to each other, nights grading essays side by side on the couch, soft touches and helping the other get dressed… as well as the incredible, mind-blowing sex.

Soon after that realisation, Dean moved into Cas' apartment, mainly because the only place he had was a room in Hogwarts, and he'd much rather have a nice flat with Cas instead of a lonely room, sneaking out to see Cas every night, like they were back to being students all over again.

They were adults now; decisions like this were possible. He could have that life, without worrying about anything.

So yes, it's been four months since Dean and Cas got together, and they've finally got their first holiday together; Christmas. Sam's talked them into joining him and Jess for dinner, but they've got a good couple of days before they have to leave for his house.

And as Dean lazily combs his hand through Cas' hair, something comes back to his mind. Something he's been thinking about ever since he started teaching the Sixth Years about Patronuses.

'Hey, Cas?'

'Yes, Dean?' Cas mutters as he stops for a moment, feather of his quill resting against his chin as he reads through one of his student's essay on Transfiguration, and briefly turns his head to gaze at Dean.

'What did you think about, all those years ago when your first produced your Patronus?' Dean questions, because he can remember people asking him that question and he shook his head and changed the topic, ignoring every single ones of those questions, no matter who it came from.

Which is exactly what he does now, 'You don't want to know that.'

He moves, pushing the essay away, clearly no longer able to concentrate on his marking.

'C'mon! Yeah I do!'

Cas stares at him, bright azure eyes studying Dean for a split second before he turns his head away from him, his eyes dropping down to the carpeted floor and purposefully looking away from Dean before he even thinks about continuing.

He lets out a shaky breath before he states, 'I thought of how you had finally noticed me.'

Dean stares at him for a moment, before he lets out a whistle that turns into a chuckle, 'Wow, you really were hung up on me, weren't you? Not that I can blame you.' He chuckles again. 'I was a gorgeous kid.'

Cas' eyes shoot towards Dean again, and when he notices the teasing smirk on his face, he shoves Dean's shoulder. It's a relief to finally admit that aloud, but somehow, it means more to him that Dean isn't pushing him away for being obsessive; instead he's almost… happy with the knowledge.

Dean shakes his head in wonder before he leans down, his hand winding its way around Cas' neck and he pulls him close, pressing a kiss against his lips with a wide smile upon his lips as he does so.

'I love you, Cas.' Dean declares as he pulls away, resting his forehead against Cas' for a moment, his green eyes looking into Cas' bright blue ones, a tender smile finding his way onto his lips like it always does when he says those words to Cas.

'Yeah, I love you too, Dean.' Cas replies before he pulls Dean back for another slow, passionate kiss that confirms those words and more.

THE END.

i cannot believe this is finished. like seriously. i remember writing this for NaNo like it was yesterday, and now it's finished?! uhh, wow! thank you all so much for your support for this fic, you have no idea how much it means to me, and i love you all!

please review and let me know what you thought, of the epilogue and the story in general!

for more info on me, and to know what i'm writing and such, i have a facebook and a tumblr page, both of which are on my profile. my tumblr is ineedmyfallenangel, and my facebook is lottielovebuzz's fanfiction! hope to see you at either of them!

~Charlotte.x