A/N: An early update. I will try to do more than one chapter a week now that I am getting to the end of this. But I make no promises. Once again thanks for reviews, faves, and follows.
The Muse
Chapter 21
Dean's alarm signaled it was time to get up. He reached out for his phone and shut it off. He felt a weight on his chest and looked down to see Castiel with his head on his chest, fingers balled up in his shirt sound asleep. Dean was fairly certain Cas would sleep through an atomic bomb. He smiled fondly and started to card his fingers through the other man's hair. "Cas." He spoke softly.
Castiel scrunched up his already closed eyes and let out a cute little groan. "No." He murmured in Dean's shirt.
"Come on, baby. Time to get up." He ran his hand down his back and Castiel let out a soft chuckle that almost could have passed for a giggle.
"I said no, Dean. Start the day without me."
He sighed. "Babe, you are on my chest. I can't get up, I need to pee and I really need some coffee. Besides how can we move in together if I never bring my stuff over?"
He let out a little annoyed sound and rolled off of Dean onto his other side. "There." He murmured in his pillow
Dean rolled his eyes and got out of bed. He looked at Castiel and considered pulling him out of bed but thought better of it. He headed to the bathroom, took care of business and took a shower. He got dressed and peaked back into their room. Castiel was still asleep. He chuckled to himself and headed downstairs.
He pulled out his phone and texted Sam. Sam was still in town he wasn't going to leave until next week. He didn't get a chance to talk to him the day before. He had told him the previous night about him and Castiel deciding to move in together. Sam was excited for them both and offered to help him move. He informed Sam that he was up and was waiting on Castiel to get himself in gear.
He walked into the kitchen and started up some coffee. He looked around the kitchen and made little notes on how to make it look better. He liked the idea of having home projects. He couldn't do anything to fix up his apartment as he was renting it but this house was soon going to be their house and he couldn't wait till he could flex his handyman's muscles and make this old place sparkle. He poured the freshly brewed coffee in a mug and headed back upstairs.
He walked into their bedroom and over to Castiel's side of the bed. "Cas, come on Cas." He held the coffee close to his face so he would smell the aroma.
Castiel slowly opened his blue eyes and stared at the cup. "Coffee in bed? I like it." He reached out for the cup and Dean moved it.
"Out of the bed mister, you can sleep in later."
He let out a groan that would have rivaled most teenagers as he tossed off his blankets and finally sat up in bed. "You're lucky I love you."
"I love you too, baby." He grinned as he handed him his coffee
Castiel took it and took a sip. "Hmmm, so good." He got up from the bed and yawned loudly.
Dean started to make up the bed. "You get clean I'll get breakfast ready. We are going to meet Sam at my place. He rented a truck already."
He nodded. "Okay." He yawned and stretched. He took his mug off coffee and wandered into the bathroom.
He shook his head as he finished making up the bed. He went back to the kitchen and dug up the pancake mix. He also needed to go grocery shopping so they had food in the house. He started to make the pancakes and pour them on the griddle. As the last pancake finished he heard Castiel come down the stairs.
The other man let out a loud yawn as he stumbled in the kitchen. "More coffee." He stated as he poured another cup and flopped down at the table.
"Not a morning person are you?" Dean teased as he placed a plate in front of him.
"No, not really." He rubbed his eyes and picked up his fork. "Thanks by the way."
"Of course, babe." Dean sat down with his own plate. "We need to go grocery shopping once we get everything settled."
He gave a shy smile. "Yeah, I know… I'm not much on cooking."
"I noticed. Good thing I came along or you would have gone hungry."
Castiel let out a soft chuckle. The two ate in silence and they finished off their coffee. Dean cleared the table and Castiel promised to the dishes later.
They went outside to the car after Dean sent a text to Sam that they were ready. They decided to take Dean's car as it had more trunk space than Castiel's car. As Dean climbed into the driver's side he suddenly felt nervous. This was so final as it was. Once all of his stuff was in Castiel's then it was official. Though they were already boyfriends this was a big step. It felt right and yet it scared Dean. The last time he moved in with a significant other they changed for the worse. He looked over at Castiel who was focused on his hands. Castiel was nervous too and this somehow made Dean feel better. He reached out and took his hand and ran his thumb across his knuckles.
Castiel looked at him and smiled. "Focus on the road, Dean. I would like to get there in one piece."
He laughed and took his eyes off of him but not his hand. They held hands all the way to Dean's apartment. Sam was already there with the truck standing beside it. He gave them a wave as they pulled up.
They two them got out of the car. Sam held up a gift bag with a smile. "I have a present."
"I see that." Dean said. He took it and looked into it.
"That's from me and Eileen." Sam said he smiled broadly
Dean looked and realized it was a new skillet, a small pot, and candles. He pulled out one of the candles and looked at his brother his eyebrow raised. "Candles?"
Sam looked away and rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, you know for those romantic evenings."
Castiel looked at the gift bag. "I think it is nice thank you, Sam."
"You're uh, welcome. It was Eileen's idea so…" He smirked
"So you're girl likes candlelight dinners?" Dean teased as he placed the candle back in the bag. He noticed Sam blush as he said.
"We also put some recipes in there so you have a lot of new food ideas."
Dean put the bag in the car. He was looking forward to using the new kitchen equipment and the recipes. He looked at Castiel and wondered if he was a candlelit dinner type of person. Dean had never had that with anyone before and he knew Cas hadn't as he was single until he met him.
The trio headed up to Dean's apartment. Dean really didn't have a lot. He packed only what he needed when he left Lisa's he wanted out of there so bad. He felt the butterflies in his stomach and he reminded himself that Castiel was way different than Lisa. He set to pack up his clothes with Castiel's help.
Time seemed to fly by. They were soon carrying the boxes and bags down to the van. With everything boxed and bagged Dean realized he had a lot more stuff than he thought. Dean decided he would donate his couch as they didn't need two of those. Castiel suggested they keep his bed and put it in the guest bedroom for when Sam wanted to visit. The furniture was a bit harder to get down the stairs to the van. Dean found himself wondering how he ever got it up the stairs in the first place. With the van loaded up, they drove to a nearby diner for lunch.
They sat at a booth together Dean and Castiel beside each other. Sam across from them. They ordered their food and waited.
"So," Sam started as he unwrapped his straw. "Am I the first one to know the good news?"
Dean nodded. "Yeah, I'm going to call Charlie and tell her once I get settled in."
"I think Gabriel had an inclination this was coming." Castiel said he had his phone in his hand and was looking at it. "However, I did tell him this morning. He has since told everyone in my family." He looked up and blushed. "I have become very popular. This thing has been going off nonstop." He chuckled. "They want to throw us a house warming party."
Dean rolled his eyes. Things like that weren't really his scene. "They don't have to. I mean your dad left almost everything in the house so we got what we need."
"I know but… we'll see."
"So you haven't told mom and dad?" Sam asked
Dean shook his head. "No, I…" He looked over at Castiel and sighed. "Me and dad got into a big fight at work yesterday. I mean a big one. He stormed out afterward and I haven't spoken to him since."
Sam shook his head. "I'm sorry, Dean. But we can't hide this you know that you will be in the same neighborhood eventually they are going to notice."
"I know, Sammy." Dean folded his arms and leaned on the table and sighed. "I just I don't know what to say."
Castiel looked over at him and patted him on the shoulder. "It's okay, Dean. I will support you."
"Thanks, Cas." He patted his hand. "But Sam is right. I have to tell them somehow."
Castiel's phone rang and he frowned at it. He pulled it out of his pocket. "I'll be back." He said to Dean as he got up.
Dean heard Castiel say hello as he walked off. A feeling of dread hit him what if something happened to Chuck?
"You know you can start by telling mom." Sam offered up.
He looked at his little brother and gave out a sigh. "I guess I could." He rested his elbows on the table. "I just, I don't know how she is going to react you know. She didn't really get to know Cas that day so I mean…" His thoughts were lost when he saw Castiel heading back towards them with a huge grin on his face. Clearly, the phone call wasn't bad news. Dean almost didn't get time to brace himself as Castiel flung himself on him for a large tight hug. "Whoa, Cas, buddy what's up?"
"I got the job at the gallery!" He cheered and kissed Dean on the cheek.
"That's great news, Cas!" Sam cheered as he raised his soda glass up in celebration.
"I'm happy to hear that, Cas." Dean said as he returned the kiss on his cheek
Castiel untangled himself from Dean and sat back down. Dean couldn't help but smile as he watched him swing his legs like an excited child. He really did want this job. He smiled to himself he wanted to do something with Castiel to celebrate. Maybe he could cook him a nice dinner?
Their food arrived shortly thereafter and they began to eat.
"I have to go up to the gallery to fill out paperwork. I'll start this weekend." Castiel informed Dean
Dean nodded. "Okay." At least with Castiel out of the house, it gave him time to surprise him with a dinner.
They finished their meals and paid their bills and headed back on the task. They brought the moving truck into the driveway of Castiel's place and started to carry everything into the house. Dean was grateful he didn't have more than what he did. The bugger stuff was put away and Dean turned to Castiel and said. "You know me and Sam can handle the rest of this. Why don't you go and take care of that paperwork."
"Are you sure? I don't mind helping a bit more." Castiel said
Dean smiled at him. "Nah go we got it."
The artist nodded and smiled warmly. "Okay, I think I'm going to stop by at Gabe's place and visit dad."
"Okay, take your time." Dean nodded and watched him leave the house. He turned to Sam and sighed. "Alright, let's get this done."
Sam raised an eyebrow. "So, what are you doing?"
"About to put away my clothes." He stated with a sarcastic tone. He carried his clothing upstairs and Sam followed him.
"Are you planning something, Dean?" Sam asked with a tease
Dean frowned as he opened the closet and seen there was no space. "Okay looks like my clothes are going in the guest room for now." He shut the closet and looked at Sam and sighed. "Yeah, I'm planning on making Cas a nice dinner. Get some use out of those candles you and our girlfriend gave us."
Sam grinned. "Oh, I see." He winked at him and Dean rolled his eyes. "You want me to go so you can prepare for dinner?"
"No, not yet. We got to get my clothes up first."
They found a draw in the dresser that wasn't occupied and Dean placed his underwear in it and his socks in the next one and t-shirts in the bottom one. That just left the clothes that had to be hung up. He smiled at the dresser with his clothes in it. It was official then and there. The two of them headed to the guest room and hung up Dean's clothes.
"So when are you going to tell mom?" Sam asked as he handed Dean a flannel shirt on its hanger.
"I have no idea, Sammy." He huffed as he hung up a sweater he would probably never wear.
"I get that your scared but trust me. Mom will be okay with it." Sam handed him a button down shirt that Dean rarely ever wears.
"I know, Sam." He sighed again. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. He looked at Sam and down at the phone. He could do it with Sam here. Sam rested his hand on his shoulder it was firm and full of support. He dialed their mother. He turned it onto speaker mode so Sam could hear it too.
"Hello?" Mary's familiar voice came through the speaker of the phone.
"Hi, mom." Dean said softly.
"Dean, is there something wrong? I heard about the fight at the shop." She trailed off that last part. Mary was searching for answers.
Dean let out a small sigh. "Yeah me and dad fought but that's not why I called mom. I have something to tell you." He took in a breath and said. "I've moved in with Cas."
"Oh!" She said her voice a mixture of joy and confusion. "I guess. I guess I didn't realize you were this serious about him."
"Mom, I told you and dad I love Cas and I mean it."
There was a pause on Mary's end and Dean closed his eyes. His mother was either going to lecture him for moving in with someone or for moving in with a guy he had only been dating for a few months. He held his breath then she said. "That's great, Dean. I'm happy for you. Sometime you should have dinner and invite us over."
That was not what he was expecting. "What? You're not mad?"
"No, honey, clearly this Castiel guy means a lot to you and well I have given it some thought." He heard her sit down. "As long as you're happy than I am happy; that's all I really want is for my children to be happy."
He let out a sigh mixed with a sob he didn't realize he was crying. His mother accepted him. His mother was okay with him being with a man as long as he was happy. He let out a shaky sob and Sam rubbed his back to offer comfort. "Thanks, mom it means a lot to me."
He heard her sniff as well. "I still want to get to know this man of yours better though." She laughed. "Oh, and as for John." She sighed. "Let me deal with your father, okay?"
"Okay, mom." He heard the phone click off. He tossed the phone on the nearby table and let out another sob. They were happy tears, tears of melted away fears. Sam gave him and hug and let him cry it out. Dean finally pushed Sam away after what felt like ten minutes. "I'm good, man." He wiped his eyes. "I got to go to the store and get food."
"Okay, Dean." Sam said as he patted him on the shoulder.
They walked out of the house and Sam headed to the moving van. "I'm going to take the couch to the donation center." He looked back at Dean. "I'm glad mom didn't freak out."
"Me too." Dean said as he unlocked the door to the Impala
"Listen, Dean, if you need anything don't hesitate to call. Even when I go back to school. You're my brother and I will always be there for you, okay?"
Dean fought back the urge to cry again. "Okay, Sammy." He smiled
Sam rolled his eyes and got in the moving van and left the driveway.
He got in his own car and headed to the grocery store. His mind was awash with all matter of feelings. He picked up some steaks, potatoes, and frozen corn. He grabbed a bottle of wine and a pie because he wasn't going to have a fancy dinner with no pie. He paid for everything and drove back home.
Dean rushed in and started to fry the steak. He didn't know how Cas liked his so he was winging it. He started the sides and put the pie on a pie plate. He set up the table and lit the candles. He knew Castiel was coming home soon. He smiled as he looked at the meal he prepared it looked great. No sooner than he admired his work the front door opened.
"Dean?" Castiel called out.
"Dining room." Dean called back. He stood there excitement boiling as he waited for Castiel to walk in. He couldn't help but feel proud as the other man stepped in.
Castiel's already wide eyes seemed to have grown wider, his mouth dropped open. "Dean?" He asked. He walked up to him his eyes never left the table. He stopped in front of Dean and gave him a kiss. "What is this?"
"A celebration dinner, since you got a job and the first official meal for us living together. I thought I would make something special." He pulled out a chair for Castiel and the other man all but fell in it.
"Wow, Dean, this looks amazing."
Dean sat down. "I hope it tastes good."
Castiel cut off a piece of his steak and let out a small moan. "So good, Dean." He focused on his food and took a sip of his wine.
"Thank you, Cas. Did everything go okay?"
He nodded. "Yeah, got everything filled out." Castiel seemed to look distant for a minute. "Dad didn't seem to be doing very well. I wouldn't be surprised if he ended up in the hospital." He gave Dean a weak smile. "But I'm not going to worry about it. I'm going to enjoy our time together."
Dean nodded. They ate their meal, then their pie. Dean put away the leftovers and cleared the table. Castiel did the dishes as he had promised. The two of them wandered into the living room to watch a movie.
They sat on the couch together cuddled up. Dean was only half-way paying attention to the movie as he watched Castiel's face the whole time. Who needs a movie when your partner makes some of the most interesting faces throughout?
"I called mom." He said to Castiel as he kissed him on the cheek
"Oh? How did that go?"
"She was fine with us moving in together. Said she wants to have dinner here and get to know you." He watched as Castiel smiled at him.
"I am glad to hear that, Dean." He buried his head in Dean's chest. "Dinner was wonderful by the way." He looked up at him. "I liked it. It was good and romantic."
Dean looked down at him and smiled. The night was getting a little late. "I'm glad you liked it, Cas." He kissed his forehead. "Cas, want to head to bed? I know I'm tired from all the moving we did today."
He looked up at him and nodded. "Yes, that sounds good."
Dean took his head and led him upstairs. They got dressed in their night clothes and headed to bed.
Castiel pulled down the covers for both of them. He looked up at him and smiled. "Dean, can I hold you tonight?"
"Sure." Dean mumbled as he felt Castiel wrap his muscular arms around him.
He leaned forward and kissed him on the lips. Dean returned the kiss. Soon they lost themselves to the kisses and to their own passions and feel asleep in each other's arms both completely satisfied.