First of all, I would like to apologize for the delay but as I promised here is the rest of this story. Thank you for your patience and thank you to Elyrian.
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I would like to thank you to follow this family.
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Love you
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Chapter 25: Being afraid of the Unknown
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They gathered for breakfast the morning after. They were in a happy mood, all tension was gone, as they had said what they had to say, nothing more to hide. In the end, nothing seemed to have changed in the children's perspective. Now that they had spoken the words, routine was back as it was, as if nothing had happened.
Dean had never been the extrovert kind of guy, particularly when his deep feelings were concerned, as it was the case during his years with Tessa. So nothing changed between him and Castiel, except what had led to a deeper bond, long looks exchange, silences more eloquent than words.
The children had always known them to behave like this; but today, there were able to grasp the meaning of it all.
The only thing that had changed was where their place at the table. Dean was now sitting at Castiel's right, where Balty used to be.
Jewel in front, Chadwick facing Castiel... like an unspoken recognition.
That morning, they were savoring cereals and yogurt, while planning their activities for the following Sunday. Snow had fallen hard over the last few days and the young ones wanted to go sledging and share a family stroll. All in all, they wanted Sunday to be more than a day spent with their father, they wanted it to be a true family day. Dean didn't take long to understand that.
All of a sudden, everything was a lot easier and he regretted to have kept it secret for so long. But then he thought about what to say to their relatives and friends. How could he announce he was in a relationship with a man ? Especially Castiel...
A relationship ? Were they really a couple ?
Was it enough to have shared kisses, to love him in secret, to talk about them as a couple?
Dean was aware it wouldn't be enough. After a brief silence, only disturbed with the cutlery jingle, he finally spoke.
« Kids, I'd like to ask a favor » he started, putting down his empty coffee cup on the table.
All eyes turned to him.
« I'd prefer this remain between us, for the time being.»
« You mean, you and Castiel ? » Chadwick elaborated.
Dean nodded.
« Why ? » Jewel truly seemed surprised by her father's request.
« Can't I tell Marissa that Castiel is your lover then ? » Needless to say she seemed disappointed.
« No... This will remain between the four of us. »
« Why ? » she asked again.
Dean turned to Castiel who played the silent type.
« Because I need some more time, Pumpkin » he replied with a smile.
« And because the both of us still have a lot to talk about.»
Castiel smiled in turn.
« It's hard not to say anything » Jewel complained, swallowing a spoon full of cereals.
« I know, but you're a big girl now, you'll manage, I'm sure. You will be able to tell her soon, I promise »
She straightened with pride.
« Promise ?»
Her father winked at her.
Chadwick exchanged a complicit gaze with Castiel while sipping his hot chocolate.
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Dean found it rather difficult to explain the reason for his silence to his children. How could he explain that, as long as he couldn't cope with the fact he was physically attracted to Castiel, they wouldn't be able to become a real couple and display their relationship to the world.
What they were sharing was some kind of an ambiguous love friendship that they had a hard time putting a name on, something between love and a profound bond.
How could he explain he was so difficult to admit that part of his feelings?
He hoped Balty could guide him sorting out his feelings and felt quite perplexed to have to call for help in order to confirm what he already knew...
He wanted Castiel, he was dreaming of him, yet he felt unable to admit this first step because he knew, once they had gone beyond a certain point, nothing would ever be the same.
He knew this ultimate experience would be the last, the one he had to acknowledge if he was to love someone again… totally, completely.
The one experience that would push him to say the words he hadn't spoken since Tessa had gone.
So here he was, that morning, torn apart between fear and desire : yet at that particular moment, he felt no more denial, just a sense of apprehension.
He looked at his reflection in the mirror, wearing a simple short, and imagined Castiel's silhouette looking back at him.
He imagined his hands covering his own and closed his eyes.
He needed to find the courage within himself. He looked down at the obvious sign of his desire and lowered a hand on the bump that could have been the other's.
When the reflections joined, he shouted out of frustration and hit the mirror with the flat of his hand.
« SHIT » he sounded so desperate, his forehead leaning on the mirror.
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Dean called Frank and asked him if he was willing to work on his day off and promised him an extra day off in return for the following week.
The latter accepted at once, although he refused the extra day in compensation. A beer would do. Dean smiled and apologized for the last minute warning.
Franck reminded him the many occasions he had notified Dean of his late arrival at the last minute too. After he divorced, he'd been forced to deal with a hectic schedule to meet the lawyer and go to court. It had been so important for him to be able to be there for his kids, the apple of his eyes.
Dean had always supported him through the whole procedure and Franck would never forget that.
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Castiel drove the kids to school before going to work, leaving Dean alone, dealing with anxiety.
He peeked at his watch… 9h30… He heaved a profound sigh… He needed to clear his mind… He turned to Apache.
« Ready for a little winter walk ? » The dog jumped on his feet at once.
He sat on a bench and casually watched Apache playing with a German shepherd within the paddock. He pulled his hat down as it was freezing cold. Suddenly, he realized that the cold was within him and not due to the outside temperatures.
A cold sensation linked to fear...
He knew Balty well enough to know the guy wouldn't beat around the bush that was actually the reason why he had called him in the first place.
He might as well say the things loud and clear even if their past conversations on gay sexuality had left some traces, as he had felt trapped between his love for Tessa and Castiel.
The main reason – or at least one of the reasons - why he had called Balty was that the man was bi and as far as he could remember, Balty had first been straight, and besides, he knew Castiel rather intimately.
Dean sensed he was blushing, as a kid caught watching a porn. That image made him laugh.
He felt so lost and at the same time so sure of what he wanted...
Yet, he had to overcome that irrational fear, making him embrace the unknown… the body of another man close to his own.
The German shepherd master left with his dog and Apache seemed to have lost all interest for the walk. He notified Dean by barking out loud.
« I got it, let's go » he stood up, shivering all over.
The die was cast.
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Castiel had left a message to apologize for having tactlessly cancelled their lunch the day before and to ask whether they were still OK to meet that day.
« Yes… your treat this time » she had replied, adding a smiley.
« This one and the next ones » Castiel replied.
« You're forgiven »
« See you later » He locked his phone and pulled out of the car.
He now felt so happy that a smile spread on his face. His colleagues smiled back as he joined them at the office. Happiness seemed to be contagious.
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He arrived early at their lunch meeting point and sat down at the table reserved, next to the window, took his hat and coat off and ruffled through his hair.
« Hot chocolate ? » the young waiter proposed.
« Thanks, Inias » he nodded with a smile.
Two cold hands covered his eyes.
« Hi there » she said before walking on the other side of the table, her cheeks reddened by the harsh wind. « Have you been waiting long ? » she took off her coat.
« No... » he replied casually, staring at his half-empty cup.
« Sorry, I had a last minute class meeting, I had to fight tooth and nail to prevent them from expelling one of my students » she finally sat down.
« Considering your happy face, I guess you won the fight.»
« You're damn right, honey. This kid is living with a depressed mother and an alcoholic father, you could say he has mitigating circumstances. »
« What did he do to risk suspension ?»
« Nothing that serious. He slapped one of his teachers » she waved at the waiter.
« Is that what you call nothing serious ?» he raised an eyebrow, feeling perplexed.
« If you knew M. Wyart, you wouldn't ask this guy is a total jerk, owing his post to his longevity in the school. He's got a disciplinary history as long as my arm.»
Castiel smiled at that.
« So, what are you gonna take today ? » she asked, looking at him in the eyes.
« The soup of the day and a piece of pie »
« That's all? Are you on a diet? Or you wanna lose a rib ? » she asked, reading the menu.
« No, I'm not hungry, that's all » Castiel replied in an amused tone.
« Yeah, sure ! I'm sure you had another argument with Dean, right ? » she went on, looking up to him.
« It's a long story »
« I'm all ears » she said, sharing a brief smile with Inias.
« I'll have a club sandwich and a coffee ... And on top of that, a Mikado pancake » she closed the menu.
« The soup of the day, a piece of pie … and another hot chocolate » Castiel ordered.
« I'll be right back with all that » the waiter took the empty cup.
« So, tell me ? » Madison seemed eager to hear more, chin resting on her hands, leaning forward.
« So what ? » he folded his arms as if to put an end to the conversation.
« Don't be such a jerk, I wanna hear all the details… especially the kiss of reconciliation »
« How can you tell there was one ? »
« That stupid smile on your face since I arrived » she pointed a finger at him, without moving an inch.
Castiel couldn't help but laugh. Madison was indeed a fresh breath of air in his life, she was the neutral outsider who made him see things from a different perspective.
She knew all about him and Dean. He suddenly thought about Balty who didn't know anything yet, and this filled him with a sense of guilt, as the man had been his companion for a long time. More than once, he had hesitated to call him, but he had promised Dean not to disclose their relation to their inner circle friends, yet...
Madison was a different matter, although he intended to take measures for the rest of them in a short while. She has been a part of his life since their very first encounter.
Some sort of friendship at first sight, a special one he hadn't known since Tessa. He smiled.
« What's that smile about ? » she asked in a suspicious tone.
« I was telling myself how lucky I was to have met you and that I should introduce you... »
« To whom ? Them ? » Madison snapped, with her eyes open wide and a bright expression on her face. « You mean, I get to meet your Dean, flesh and blood?»
« Him and the kids ...but don't feel obliged to accept. »
« Obliged ?...Are you kidding ? I'm dying to meet him, you've been talking about him for ages. » she rubbed her hands in happy anticipation.
« What about Saturday next week ?» Castiel proposed.
« I'll cancel everything else on my agenda »
« So you had plans ? » he said, leaning back so that Inias could serve him.
« Thanks »
« I'm not sure. I gotta check it out but I'll cancel whatever is planned in any case »
« Jared is welcome to join... That would be a good occasion to meet him. »
« He's gonna love this… I've been babbling about this uptight gay couple. »
« Madi ? » Castiel sighed in desperation.
« Isn't taht true ? You too should have moved on for a while now, you know, and engage in the physical chapter. What is Dean waiting for, for his balls to get ripe maybe? »
« Madi » Castiel tried to get her to lower her tone with a smile.
« So what ?» she let Inias serve her too.
« Thanks, honey. » she said, looking at the waiter as he walked away.
« If I wasn't married, I wouldn't say no to that » she added, staring at his butt.
« You should definitely meet Balty...You and him are so alike » Castiel started to eat.
« Why don't you invite him too ? I'm dying to meet the guy »
« He doesn't know for Dean and I » he said, looking down at his plate.
« Oh ! »Madison's expression turned serious. « You haven't told him yet ? Don't tell me you haven't. He should have been the first to know. He'll be mad at you, that's for sure. I know I would be. » she added with a sulky face.
« I know but Dean... » he seemed lost in his thoughts.
« What about Dean ? He's playing chicken, is that it ? »
« NO... The children already know » Castiel snapped back, as he wanted to defend Dean at all costs, even if he knew Madison was right.
« And ? » she went on, with her sandwich hanging half way between her plate and her mouth.
« They reacted astonishingly well »
« Astonishingly ? Honey, they've been watching Balty ogling you ass for eight years gay relationship has become quite commonplace for them »
« Yeah, but this time, we're talking about their own father… and me.»
« Splendid ! Nowadays kids seem to be less stupid than yesterday's adults. Where there's life, there's hope. Now, it will perhaps seem weird at first. I don't know how I would have reacted if my father had started to polish his pal Jeffrey's tonsils, but anyway…» she took a big bite of her sandwich, facing an alarmed Castiel.
He had known her for ages, yet she often managed to surprise him more than once.
«...I would have accepted if his happiness was at stake. Even if I didn't have two gay friends explaining how it works» she went on.
« I guess it's helped »
« I'm not sure it'll help seeing you two hungrily kissing each other, but in any case, they got prepared to the possibility» she said with a big laugh.
« Oh my God » Castiel heaved a heavy sigh, thinking about his next encounter with Dean and most of all, Balty. That would surely lead to very special moments to remember.
« So… I'm glad we stopped beating around the bush... » she said, biting in her sandwich « ...tell me what happened last night? » she couldn't help spluttering. « And I want all the details... » she added, indicating she wanted to hear about that kiss of reconciliation.
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She patiently waited until Inias finished cleaning up their table and sighed.
« Holy Christ, this guy is really gifted making things difficult» raising his eyes.
« Whatever, he'll end up getting laid, one way or another, so what's that hesitation about ? »
« He's not ready »
« Nonsense. Don't tell me he's doesn't feel like taking the dive, I won't believe you » she smiled when she saw the pancake appear in front of her.
« Inias, sweet angel, would you please answer this simple question... »
Castiel's face went pale.
« If a handsome guy like this one kissed you and left you breathless, how much time would you wait to drag him in your bed » she asked casually, her chin resting in her palm, the other hand holding the fork planted in the pancake.
Inias blushed and looked down.
« If … if a woman… » he insisted on the last word.
« No, I'm talking about the guy here, look at him » Castiel's complexion went from pale to bloodless.
« Just imagine you're turning gay, or that you're facing a really gorgeous chick… » she corrected as she watched the waiter losing his grip.
Inias blushed and stared at Castiel.
« If... If... If I were attracted to a man… such as him… I wouldn't wait another minute » he said quickly before litterally running away from them.
« Are you out of your mind ? » Castiel almost shouted, as his face turned back to a normal skin color.
« I just wanted to prove that it's not purely physical... Your Dean is afraid to commit himself, it's as simple as that »
« He's straight, Madi. »
« Not anymore, not entirely, since he's set his heart on you, right ? Sorry, Honey, but he was the one who kissed you in the first place… and the second one, for that matter» she said, before swallowing a piece of dessert.
They finished the meal without another word.
« So… What time do we need to show up next Saturday? » Madison finally asked.
« Around noon. I'll call you to confirm. I still need to speak with Dean about it» he replied in a casual tone.
« Are you mad at me ? » she asked, a bit worried.
« No, I'm not... If I wasn't interested in your opinion, I wouldn't have talked about it » he said, pushing away his empty plate. « It's just that it's… » he took a deep breath in « ...complicated »
« That's what they call Love, honey. And it's only the beginning » she sipped her coffee.
« I really gotta go now, and so do you » she stood up.
« See you on Monday ? »
« Yeah, until Monday » he returned her smile.
She leaned forward and kissed him on the forehead.
« Do you know that they sell a little miracle blue pill ? Oops, there it goes down his drink and… ...» she couldn't help but offer him a wry smile.
« Madi » Castiel nodded, feeling embarrassed.
« I'm only telling you this to help you out… To prevent you from suffering from wrist tendonitis » she laughed out loud.
« Madi » Castiel was now furious as he looked at her leaving.
« See ya on Monday » she waved before going out.
He waved at the waiter to get the bill.
« My apologies, Inias »
« Don't worry » the young man said, taking the money Castiel gave him. « However, she's right, you know... » he blushed.
« As always. Keep the change » Castiel said as the waiter was rumbling in his fanny pack.
« Thanks » he was all smiles.
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Dean had prepared the meal and had been waiting for half an hour now. As usual, Balty was late. He stroke Apache's head and sighed.
Toasts were now waiting for the guest's good will. Dean felt a twitch in his stomach. How would Balty welcome the news and more particularly, the fact that he had asked Castiel not to say anything ?
Would he accept to help him anyway ? Besides, what was he supposed to tell him ?
He just hoped Balty would follow his intuition and talk first.
He smiled... Or else this moron would leave him to marinate in his own doubts. That would only be fair, Dean said to himself as he stood up… someone had rang the bell.
Balty had his own spare keys but he only used them when nobody was coming at the door. He'd actually rarely used them.
« Hi » Dean invited him in.
« Hi, Deanie, sweetheart » he tapped his shoulder, still wearing his winter gloves.
« It'ts freezing out there » he said, stamping on the entrance mat.
Dean watched him as he took off his coat, gloves and hat.
« It's been quite a while, huh ?» Dean finally said. « We missed you, you know » Dean displayed a genuine happiness to see him again.
« I missed you too » Balty smiled back.
« C'mon… I made your favorite French toasts » he said, patting him on the shoulder. « How do you get along with Bryan ? » he asked as he entered the kitchen.
« I think I hit the jackpot… He fucks like a god, seems to cope with me and love me. What more could I ask for? » he smiled, rubbing his hands, more to hide he was feeling somewhat uncomfortable than to get warm.
Dean extended a tender look at him.
« What? »
« Balty in love, who'd have thought ? » with his arms folded on his chest.
« Not me, if you ask » Balty replied, looking down.
« It's high time you introduced the man who managed to tame you. »
« Yes, I should» he smiled, blushing a little. « We'll think of it… He wants to meet you all as well ».
« We need to plan something… because it's not the same without you around… we don't want to lose you… we can't lose sight of each other, you know what I mean? »
« We won't, I promise... You know how much you mean to me, right? » Balty said, raising his eyes and meeting Dean's.
« C'mon here. I just made some coffee. Help yourself. »
« Thanks » he stepped closer to Dean.
« So, when are you gonna spill it? »
« What do you mean? »
« Don't you dare telling me you interrupted a perfect hard-on moment to invite me for breakfast? » he casually said, pouring himself a cup of coffee.
Dean got tensed.
« Do you need me to help you crossing the T's? »
« I... » Dean tried to concentrate on his bread, putting it in the milk, then the eggs.
« You what, Deanie? »
The silence was only filled with the bread cooking in the pan.
«I have... » He raised his head and stared at the ceiling, wiping his hands on a paper towel.
« Me and Cass » he heaved a profound sigh.
« Goddammit ! » he put his coffee on the counter before he even touched it. « What ? Finally ? You… » he stared at Dean who refused to look at him.
« Since when ? »
« Since he's back »
Balty's expression went cold. He took his cup and sat down without another word.
« Don't be mad at him. He wanted to tell you. It's…I'm the one responsible. »
« Why ? » Dean could hear the bitterness in his tone. « You don't trust me enough, is that what you mean ? » he obviously felt hurt.
« This had nothing to do with you... » Dean said, turning the bread on the pan. « It's me… I wasn't sure of anything… I'm still not sure of anything, for that matter » he went on, looking down.
« OH NO...Deanie, don't you dare...Not with him » Balty claimed in a desperate voice. « That would kill him » he jumped from his chair and forced Dean to turn around and look at him.
« I forbid you to do this to him. Don't you play with him ! » he stared at Dean. « He loves you, Dean. He's always loved you. Don't give him false hopes, it would destroy him, I swear. It would kill him. » he grabbed Dean's arms, his eyes were begging.
« That's why I need you. I'm lost, Balty » Dean said, trying to free himself from Balty's grabbing hands.
« I'm so mad about him but I can't take the leap » he turned back to his cooking.
« You're standing next to the hottest guy in the world… besides me… » Balty made an attempt at humor and failed. « And you still hesitate ? »
« He's a man»
« So what ? »
« So… » Dean raised the tone of his voice, litterally throwing the bread on Balty's plate.
« I can't » he threw the pan in the sink. « I just can't » he whispered, stroking his hair.
Balty poured himself another cup and put it down on the table.
« Sit down… We need to talk »
Dean sat down without a word.
« It's burnt » he said, pouting.
Dean looked up, a bit surprised.
« The bread… it's burnt »
« I... » he tried to stand up.
« Sit !...I don't give a damn about your fucking bread... Now speak. »
« I don't where to begin… I don't even know whether I feel like talking… I'm tired of talking, I've been doing nothing else for weeks. It's killing me»
« Where do you stand right now ? »
« Good question » he let out a perplexed laughter.
« First, stop thinking. Asking yourself too many questions will only make you forget the most important one » Balty suggested.
Their eyes met.
« Do you love him ? »
Dean didn't reply at once.
« Is it so hard to say ?» Balty smiled a sad smile. « Because I'd like to point out that your silence is more eloquent than words. »
« How do they do that? How did you do it ? »
« What do you mean ? »
« You were straight, weren't you ? » he avoided to look at him.
« Yes, I was» he folded his arms and straightened his legs.
« And I still am, as well as I'm gay. This is what « bi » means. Don't worry. It's not a disease. It means you're able to love without limitation »
« But, you know, a man's body, it's quite different » Dean said in a faint whisper.
« Is that what's scaring you? Forget it. You should know that having sex with someone of your gender is a lot more exciting than with the other sex, especially with men, because we have a HUGE extra asset » he said with a smirk.
Dean felt a violent blush pumping on his cheeks.
« I know what you're thinking of... » Balty smiled. « ...Sodomy – which I love for that matter – isn't the most frequent one between men, despite what most people think, but it's quite an advantage compared to our gay sisters. We can do everything: blow job, masturbation, penetrate and being penetrated, and sometimes all of these at the same time… Nice panoply, and don't forget the touch that sometimes is enough to make you climb to the wall »
"I…" Dean blushed violently and wanted to leave.
« Deanie...Sit down, dammit... You wanted to know, I'm gonna tell ya »
« I just… can't » he said, almost out of breath.
« What ? »
« ALL THAT ! » he waved his arms in despair.
« I can't do it » he stared at Balty, completely at a lost.
« Have you already fantasized about him ? » Balty asked, suddenly serious.
Dean sighed.
« Yes, I have »
« And have you satisfied your fantasies all by yourself ? »
« Dammit, Balty ! » Dean shouted.
« I'd call that a big Yes » Balty smiled.
« It's not the same »
« Maybe, but the fact that you did satisfy yourself means that the act in itself isn't repulsive to you »
« When… When you… » he rubbed the back of his neck, feeling nervous. « When it goes too far, when I think I could… I'm so scared » he turned around and leaned on the counter.
He heard Balty take a deep breath then heave a profound sigh.
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« I was 25 when I first made love with a man. I knew the women bodies in all the details and I had never been attracted to a man before. I actually never asked myself that kind of question, my sex life was blooming and more than satisfactory. .Then one day, our eyes met, his name was Richard, he was 10 years older than me and 100% gay. I found it hard to cope with the fact I was attracted to him but I finally gave in. It was a real shock to discover I was actually enjoying it. And when the time had come to go a bit further, I let him guide me. He knew he was my first male lover. »
He saw Dean's shoulders drop.
« Castiel will never cross that limit, he knows you too well… He will be your Richard, but you need to let yourself go to him »
He stood up and walked towards Dean.
« Let me be blunt about all this, Dean. You should know that a blow job isn't that much different than making a pussy, and masturbate a woman or a man either; what count is the pleasure you take and the one you give. As for penetration, that's something that will happen later on, when trust has become solid ground; the only occurence you hear about penetration on the very first night between gay virgins is in erotic novels »
« SHIT, BALTY! » Dean shouted as he moved away from him.
« Sorry » Balty started to laugh. « Dean » he tried to regain his composure, facing him. « Deanie » he forced the man to look at him.
« Do you know what is the hottest thing between two men who love each other ? »
« Shut up, please » Dean was now begging as he also tried to escape his grip.
« The fingers touch on the other's skin, arousing electric sensations on the skin and awakening desire… Kisses softly planted along your chest and pausing at the right places » he said, pointing at Dean's nipples.
«...until they travel further south and capture the object of desire, engulfing its warmth… »
« THAT'S ENOUGH » Dean shouted, pushing him away.
« Caresses that take the other's hand down to your hard-on and masturbate you until you lose control» Balty went on, following Dean around the kitchen.
« SHUT UP !» Dean shouted again, as he tried to run out of the room, furious and lost all at once.
Balty blocked the exit.
« Get out of my way » Dean's eyes were full of threat.
« He loves you… Don't ruin this just because of your macho prejudice. There's nothing dirty in loving a man...There's nothing wrong to love someone, whatever the gender… To yield your body is the most beautiful token of trust... Giving yourself to the other is the purest act of love »
« I wish I could do I t» Dean clenched its fists.
« Give yourself to him… For once, Dean, for a change, try to be the passive one. Let go… Trust my long experience » he managed to make him smile. « You found the best of all, don't lose him, because letting him go away would mean you'd lose the most beautiful love story you could ever have » he finally said, putting a hand on his arm. « You loved Tessa… Now love Castiel...The three of you were meant to meet »
Dean looked down and remained silent for a while.
« Do you still want breakfast? » he finally asked.
« Yep, and try not to burn it this time... In the meantime, I'll go and reward myself with a little hand job… This has opened my appetite » he said as he walked out of the kitchen.
« Dammit, Balty! » he mumbled, looking at the ceiling.
« Just kidding » he heard the man laugh in the living room.
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They talked some more for a while. Dean felt more comfortable. Speaking about sexuality between men still made him feel out of place but Balty had resolved to use a softer language, avoiding details, mentioning only the emotions.
« I don't have to tell you how to proceed… It'll come in time, even if at first, you feel clumsy and not as performant as you thought you'd be. It isn't that different than a first relation with a girl… It's rarely heaven on the very first time »
Dean smiled.
« But Castiel is pretty gifted, I think you're gonna be all right » he added with a wicked smile.
« Talk to each other. Tell him what you like, or what you don't like… Each partner has preferences »
Balty saw the silent question in Dean's eyes.
« He likes preliminaries, intimate caresses and a good blow job to close the debate » he laughed. « But don't tell him I told you that or he's gonna kill me » he went on laughing even harder as he saw Dean's face completely distraught.
« Don't worry, I'll kill you myself first » he said, sipping his coffee to hide a growing discomfort.
« The advantage with Castiel is you don't need condoms. I was his only regular partner » he added with a big stupid smile on his face.
« Balty...Can we change the subject now ? » Dean begged, obviously enduring more than he could cope with.
« Did you make the tests ? »
« What tests ? »
« You know, HIV...STD...all that stuff » he sighed.
« Lisa wanted us to go through with them. She wanted a relation without any obstacle»
« And ? »
« Balty » he sighed some more.
« That's the answer to a crucial point »
« Oh yeah ? »
« I don't have anything against nightcaps… but it's so much better without 'em » he winked.
Dean suddenly felt tired beyond limit. He stared at his fingers playing with his cup while Balty was devoring his fifth piece of bread.
« You're gonna be OK » the latter assured.
« If anyone had told me that one day something like this would fall on my lap, I'd have laughed out loud. I was married, I was happy… I've got two wonderful kids with the most extraordinary woman in the world and all of a sudden, everything falls apart, and now I end up in a man's arms... My best friend, one of the pillars of my family, a part of my past. This is totally insane, it scares me» he rubbed the top of his head.
« I find this kinda magical. I've always found there was something magical between you…This never was an ordinary family to me »
« It now depends on me to make it ordinary. »
« Er… A gay couple raising two kids? » Balty started to laugh, doubting Dean's assertion.
« Family ties don't end with blood »
« No, you're right » he replied with tenderness.
« Don't forget you're a part of it, Balty...That you'll always be a part of it. We owe you so much »
« Yes, that's true… I will remind you some day » he leaned back on his chair.
« I don't doubt it » he said with a rictus.
« I don't wanna be rude and push you out, Deanie, but if my memory's correct, you're supposed to fetch the kids, according to what you told me »
« Shit! Is it time already? »
« Yep. Talking about sex makes time fly quicker » Balty stood up.
« Can I count on you and Brian for dinner soon ? »
« You bet ! I wanna celebrate your gay deflowering» he laughed.
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www
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Castiel came home late afternoon, the children were waiting for him on the couch.
He had been forced to do extra hours and do double shift as Greg was sick.
« Evening, angels » he kissed Jewel and smiled to Chadwick.
« Is your father home ? »
« In the kitchen we were waiting for you. »
They all talked about what they'd been doing all day, Dean informed them that Balty has visited and, as no one was there today, he would come back for dinner and would introduce them to Brian. The children were excited about the news, as they also missed Balty a lot. Castiel gave him a side glance, Dean winked back.
So, Balty finally knew about them. He couldn't hide he was relieved.
Throughout the meal, Jewel kept humming the lullaby she's learned at school. Chadwick talked between two bites about the Egyptian gods they had studied during History class.
« We should go to the Science Museum, there's an exhibition on Ramses II » he eventually suggested.
« I think it's a great idea » Castiel approved. He could easily guess, looking at his face, that Dean was not too happy about the idea.
« Stop whining… You're such a fan of old mummies movies with strips, you're gonna love it »
« Grmpff... » was all Dean replied as he took the last bite of his fish.
« Great… Could Ty join us? And Lindsay ? »
« Lyndsay ...Well well, seems you two get along quite well ? » Dean felt surprised.
« Yep » his son nodded.
« Ok, then. Let's have a look at the dates and we'll plan the visit all together. »
« Thanks, Dad »
« Can I come with Marissa ? » Jewel begged, swallowing her mashed potatoes.
« The more, the merrier ! »
« Great... » she smiled at her father.
Friday. Indiana Jones special evening, as Castiel had insisted. The children were delighted.
They were lying on the floor, leaning against their father's and Castiel's legs, the adults sitting next to each other. Shoulder to shoulder. Sometimes, their hands would touch, but actually never entwine.
The children gave up at the end of the second movie.
Castiel yawned quite openly during the third one. His head slowly fell aside and rested on Dean's shoulder.
« I'm dog-tired. I'm going to bed. »
« You sure? » Dean leaned forward and kissed him.
« Dean » Castiel gently pushed him away.
« What ? » he said, surprised at the reaction.
« Nothing » he smiled and rushed back to his lips. They finally parted, breathless.
« Wow » Dean laughed.
« Fatigue has the strangest effect on me » Castiel was all smiles.
« I can see that »
« Good night » he gave him one last quick kiss.
« Don't stay up too late, we gotta drive the kids to dance and swimming tomorrow»
« I'll take care of it » Dean replied, kissing him back, taking his time, softly brushing his cheek with his hand.
« Good night, Cass »
He stared at him, following each and every movement Castiel made.
« Stop staring at my ass » Castiel laughed.
He went upstairs and Dean started to put things away in the room. He let the dog take a quick walk in the garden.
A final glance at the living room.
He halted in front of his bedroom, opened the door, yet looked at the stairs leading to Castiel's room.
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End of chapter
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Note from Elyrian:
Dear Readers, I truly aologize for the long delay providing the last chapters of this wonderful adventure. A shoulder surgery is a serious thing and it took me several months to cope with the pain and the rehab. Thank you so much for your patience. I hope you'll enjoy the remaing chapters of this story. A million thanks to my wonderful Barjy who gave me one of the most thrilling challenges ever. I'm in love with "Family" for sure.
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I hope you have enjoyed this chapter, see you soon
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