"Much has happened since we last danced, Mr Novak." said Dean in a quiet voice that betrayed none of his feelings of thoughts.

Castiel was eager to decipher him for he was in a great state of excitement, something he had forbidden himself to experience for the last months.

So he caught his breath, focused on his demeanour and when he was certain he had his body under control, he replied with a calmness that was but a lie:

"Indeed, Mr Winchester. I have to congratulate you on your recovery. I was not sure if you could attend your brother's wedding at all."

Dean's eyes were pensive and he kept the same prudent tone when he answered:

"I could never miss this. The love I have for my brother is something that has been reproached to me many times but I do not feel ashamed. His well-being is of the utmost importance. I am glad he has found a worthy Omega to share his life. I will not worry as much."

"I did not know you had such a high opinion of Gabriel. Many who met him see him as quite childish. He is only eighteen after all."

"He is very young that is true, but he is also warm and loyal. He has high values and will judge easily those who do not meet his approval, yet for those who do, he then shows devotion and caring. Sam has gone through such horrifying experiences, his spirit was as damaged as his body. Since he met your brother, his cheerfulness has been restored and he now leaves his house and meet other people. Plus, at seven and twenty, he has wisdom for the both of them."

"I have to agree with this statement. My mother and I have often worried about his passionate character. The Colonel will be very good for him and," Castiel added mischievous "while Gabriel has learned to be more prudent with money, he will certainly appreciate the luxury the Campbell's fortune can provide."

He had intended to say this in jest, knowing that Dean would be happy with his attempt to lighten their conversation but strangely, Dean frowned and took a step back.

"You are right. I sometimes forget that you were used to comfort. It is to your credit Mr Castiel, that you appear unaffected by such a drastic change in your living conditions."

His posture was now so stiff that Castiel felt he was facing a stranger. He could not understand what could explain this alteration and felt distress at the sight.

"Mrs Harvelle's estate is by no mean less grand than our previous home and while we are but guests here, I would not say that our daily life is anything than utterly comfortable. It is more in terms of prospects that we are limited. I can accept the idea that I will be a singleton, but I have always hoped that Gabriel and Samandriel would have a future and families of their own. Part of my wish has been granted, which brings me great joy and relief."

Dean's face was once again different, his eyes looking softer. He put his hand on Castiel's arm and whispered:

"You are so beautiful and you cannot see it. When we left the room, earlier, there were some alphas who gave me angry looks for they must have been quite envious."

Castiel meant to deny the fact, but he had to admit that he had received some attention during the wedding. Maybe Gabriel was not the only one to have grown and changed during their difficult times. He certainly was less on his guards, although he was still reserved and cautious, and smiled more, as he was in this instant.

The smile must have given Dean back his confidence. He bravely took Castiel's hand in his and said in a shaking but determined voice:

"Since my recovery, my father has been industrious in his desire to see me married to a rich young lady of his acquaintance. I did not agree with his design but did not speak up out of fear and deference for him. A month ago, he told me I was to propose to her the next time we met. At the time I was so sure that my happiness lied in another direction that I told him that I could not follow his orders. He was angry and we had words. When I told him where my affection lies, he said that he would disinherit me if I were to mate with someone without money. I realized that he had no desire to see me happy and that I was of little importance to him. So I accepted my fate and left his protection. I am now a fully independent but very poor alpha. And it is as such that I am asking you, Castiel, will you be my mate?"

At first, Castiel could not respond. He was oppressed, overcome by his own felicity. Any hope he had nurtured about Dean was now rewarded, making his mind restless and his body numb. It was

the sight of Dean's anxiety that prompted him to vocalize his approval.

The kiss that united them was as passionate as their reserved natures could allow but it was filled with ecstasy. They now had to walk, hand in hand, and had to talk about their happiness and their future, for how else would they not burst from the intensity of their reciprocated feelings.

It was after his second kiss that Dean brought up a new subject:

"While I am cut off from my inheritance, I do have professional prospects that will allow me to support you. We will have to wait, unfortunately, for me to afford the expense of the wedding you deserve."

"And what kind is that" Castiel asked, laughing.

"The one we just attended seems a good comparison."

Castiel shook his head and sighed in contentment when he realized he could now freely kiss Dean's cheek.

"This was a present from Sam to Gabriel, and in keeping with their income. I do not aspire to such grandeur for just one day, especially if economy would keep us apart until then."

"Really?" Dean was smiling more and more as the conversation progressed, "And how long are you prepared to wait for us to unite our lives?"

"Well," Castiel said with the utmost honesty, "if Sam agrees to let us stay in his home during his honeymoon, I'd say a few minutes."

Dean stopped and frowned:

"I am certain the priest has already left the premise. A new wedding will take some time to prepare, even if it is not an expensive affair."

"True, but a mating is immediate and as acceptable when it comes to starting matrimony, is it not?"

After some stammering, Dean had to concede the point, although he asked many times if Castiel was serious in his decision and to tell him if he were to change his mind. But Cas was now feeling his body getting ready for the mating and barely listened as he looked for a secluded place that would offer some intimacy.