Castiel and Dean spent a few minutes holding one another as they tried to compose themselves, arms wound tight and hands gripping onto clothes. It was chilly outside, but Castiel felt incredibly warm in Dean's arms. He felt more alive than he had been in months.

"Stay the night," Dean eventually spoke, breaking the silence. He pulled away slightly from Castiel, although he kept his grip on his sweater, their bodies still close. Dean's eyes were hesitant yet hopeful as he raised a hand to place it on Castiel's cheek, cradling it softly as he looked him up and down, almost as if he couldn't believe he was real.

Castiel gave a light laugh, resting his forehead against Dean's as he looked down. Their noses brushed, and Castiel could feel Dean's breath ghost against his cheek. Dean's hand moved to the back of Cas's head, burying into the hair there. His fingers were warm and gentle, and Castiel's body heated up happily at the touch. "I don't have any of my things," Castiel protested weakly, although he knew that he'd end up saying yes.

Dean kissed his nose hesitantly- just a slight flutter of lips that made Castiel's heart skip. "I've got things," he responded simply.

A smile found its way to Castiel's face. "I can't just keep borrowing your clothes, Dean," Cas protested, moving his hands to warm themselves inside of Dean's jacket, right on his back and under the warm material. He could feel Dean's muscles underneath the thin cloth of his henley, hard underneath Castiel's palms. Dean pressed closer.

"I don't mind," he replied, giving Castiel a quick kiss. The light press of Dean's lips against Castiel's left him breathless and tingling. This was real. Castiel finally had Dean. "Please, Cas?" Dean tried, pulling away to look into Castiel's eyes, green meeting blue.

Castiel gave in, nodding as he smiled. "Alright."

Dean's smile was breathtaking, his eyes practically shining as he took Castiel's hand, leading him to his house. Dean's grip was strong yet warm, his thumb rubbing circles on the top of Castiel's hand- an action Castiel was pretty sure Dean didn't even realize he was doing. When they got to the front door, Dean let go of Castiel's hand gently, although his fingers brushed against Castiel's wrist to catch his attention. Dean looked into his eyes apologetically.

"Sam doesn't really know about everything, yet," he explained, shyly. "Don't think now's the right time…."

Castiel nodded in understanding. "We don't have to tell him, yet," Castiel reassured, earning a grateful smile from the blond.

They both walked inside, and Castiel was instantly met with Sam's voice.

"Cas!" he exclaimed from his spot at the dining table. He got up, but didn't go towards him. The younger Winchester seemed hesitant.

Castiel offered a smile. "Hello, Sam," he greeted, earning a bright smile from boy as he finally stepped over to them.

After observing both Dean and Cas, Sam gave Castiel a hug. The dark-haired teen was shocked, at first, but he hugged Sam back. When the boy pulled away, he gave Castiel a smile. "I'm glad you're back," he said honestly, taking a step back now. He gave the two friends a nod and a bigger smile, now. "I'm gonna go eat in my room, Dean," Sam informed him, picking up his bowl of spaghetti before walking off, looking back at the two with a strange look on his face.

Dean chuckled when his brother's door closed. "I have a feeling he already knows," he murmured, fiddling with the zipper of his jacket as he avoided Castiel's eyes.

Cas took Dean's hand, removing it from his jacket. Dean looked up, meeting his eyes now. Castiel gave him a smile, urging Dean close, gently. "Probably," Castiel replied with a shrug, looking down at their interlocked hands as Dean twined their fingers together. Their hands looked nice together, with Dean's sturdy fingers and Castiel's long, thin ones. It was a suitable contrast, and Castiel ran a thumb along Dean's, reaching to the tip of it then tracing back down.

It was silent for a moment. "We still need to talk," Dean whispered, staring at their hands.

Castiel nodded in response. "Yes. We do," he agreed.

"Okay… you want to go to my room?" Dean suggested.

Castiel nodded again, following the blond to his bedroom. It felt strange to be back in the Winchesters' home. After months of being away and living off memories, it seemed almost surreal to actually be there. Castiel tried not to remember what his last visit here had been like… and the one before that.

Things were different, now. Cas and Dean would fix this.

They both sat down on Dean's bed, facing one another with crossed legs. Dean's room was pretty much the same- messy yet comforting. Dean hadn't let go of Castiel's hand, and now he was holding both of them, playing with Castiel's fingers as he gazed at them, seeming deep in thought. Castiel looked down at their locked hands, trying to contain his blush at the feel of Dean's fingers on his own. This was all so new. Had Castiel ever held hands with somebody like this, before? How many times had he imagined doing this with Dean? It felt proper, having their fingers touch. It just felt so warm. And Dean's hands were so nice, Castiel observed.

"There's so much I need to tell you," Dean murmured, not looking up. Castiel didn't speak, using his silence to urge Dean on. "But the most important thing, I guess… is that I'm sorry," Dean told him, looking up, now. "I'm so sorry, Cas," Dean spoke, gazing deeply into Castiel's eyes.

Castiel only looked back, searching Dean's eyes for confirmation in his statement. He still felt the wariness of caution tug in his chest. Dean swallowed before talking, again.

"The thing is…" Dean laughed, looking embarrassed now. "You know I only went out with Lisa and Pamela because I liked you so much?" Dean asked, looking back down at their hands. "That sounds stupid now that I've said it out loud. I've never… y'know, felt this way about a guy. It was strange to me… I didn't know how to interpret it. At first I just kinda figured it was because you're so nice, y'know? Like, everyone that knows you likes you. I figured that I was more… infatuated rather than getting a crush on you. So I tried to distract myself… I didn't wanna tell you the truth and scare you off. I didn't want to lose you and I guess I was just freaking out too much to realize that my feelings were mutual," Dean explained with a shrug.

It was silent for a bit. Then Dean continued. "When I found you and Meg… well, I know it may seem insane, but that was the night I was gonna tell you. I, uh, encouraged Sammy to go out. I wanted us to be alone so that if I was right and you weren't interested you could reject me without worrying about other people being around to think badly or whatever…. Hell, I had been scared all day. I'd been wound up so tight and when I saw you kissing Meg, I guess I just snapped," Dean revealed, seeming small. He traced along Castiel's hands continuously as he spoke, nervously fiddling with his fingers and palms."I never should've taken it out on you, Cas," Dean spoke honestly, looking up to meet Castiel's eyes. Dean's eyes were glassy and truthful, not one hint of betrayal within them. Castiel just stared back at him until Dean looked back down. "I… uh, when you kissed me… I thought you only did it because you felt bad… because I was such an emotional wreck and because you're so nice and you didn't want me to feel hurt or whatever… I thought you were taking pity on me," Dean recalled, blushing. "I guess I was just scared that I could be so close to having you, just to have it all end up being fake."

Silence once again consumed them. But, this time, Dean didn't talk, again. Castiel took back his right hand, startling Dean who looked up just in time for Castiel to reach out and cup his cheek. Castiel observed Dean's face, frozen still in his movements before he realized he was allowed to do this, now. So, relaxing, Castiel ran his thumb smoothly over Dean's cheekbone, staring at Dean's wary features. His skin was no longer sunkissed, and instead held a pale complexion. There were bags under Dean's eyes, but the green orbs still shone brightly with Castiel's touch and presence. Castiel would bring back the Dean he once knew. He'd heal him and make up for any hardships he had brought forth.

Leaning forward, Castiel kissed Dean softly, deciding to start, now. Dean kissed him back, pressing into Castiel's lips just slightly, letting go of Castiel's hand and moving both of his to settle on Cas's thighs. When they parted their lips, Dean kissed at Cas's chin.

"I missed you," he breathed out, and Castiel felt a shiver travel underneath his skin.

Castiel moved his hands to Dean's arms, holding onto them as he kissed Dean, again, his skin tingling as their chins and noses and lips touched. This felt right. It felt like the world was in balance. "I missed you, too," he spoke truthfully, resting his forehead against Dean's.

It was silent, again. Castiel ran fingers up and down Dean's arms, tracing lightly over the thick material of his cargo jacket. Dean seemed to watch Castiel's ministrations, staying still in his hands. "Now what?" Castiel asked after some time, pulling away slightly to look into Dean's eyes.

Dean removed his hands from Castiel's legs, taking his hands gently off his arms as he held them. "Now… I want you to be mine," he determined, kissing Castiel once before pulling away. "If you want to," he added, looking carefully at Castiel.

Castiel smiled. "As in your boyfriend?" he teased, making Dean roll his eyes.

"I guess you could call it that, yeah," he agreed, meeting Castiel's gaze. "So, what do you think?"

Castiel's smile settled before he nodded. "I'd like that," he replied. "I'd like that a lot."

Dean grinned. "Good," he spoke before giving Castiel another kiss, prolonging it this time. Castiel hummed into Dean's mouth, reaching back for another one when Dean pulled away. Dean seemed shocked, but he happily obliged, putting a hand on the back of Castiel's head as he fisted his hair, pulling Castiel nearer.

When they separated, Dean's gaze went from Castiel's lips up, settling on Castiel's eyes. For a moment, Castiel could only gaze back, drawn into a complete trance. A chuckle escaped from Dean's lips, and Castiel let out the breath he realized he'd been holding.

"I could get used to this," Dean murmured, their noses brushing. Castiel smiled.

Suddenly, he remembered something.

Castiel pulled away, his eyes wide. "I have work," he spoke frantically, looking over at Dean's alarm clock. "In ten minutes, too," he added, jumping off the bed.

"Woah, wait a second," Dean spoke, stopping Castiel from his movement as he grabbed his hand. "It's okay, I'll take you. Let's get you to your house so you can get changed," Dean calmed him, giving him a smile.

Castiel searched Dean's eyes for a moment. The diner wasn't too far from Dean's house. And Jo might have an extra black shirt and apron he could borrow. He didn't need to bother Dean unnecessarily… but, then again, Dean had offered and Castiel did want to spend some more time with him. Castiel smiled hesitantly before he nodded. "Alright," he agreed. Dean's shoulders seemed to drop with relief as he smiled back.

So they walked out Dean's room, Dean calling to Sam to tell him where they were headed before they made their way out the front door. They climbed into the Impala, and Castiel looked around the interior of the car, feeling a calming warmth spread about him. This was where he belonged, right by Dean in the Impala. And to think he had gone so long without this… Castiel didn't know how he made it. Dean was the most important thing to Castiel, and he realized that, now. There was no way he'd let this go, again- pride and hurt be damned.

They drove silently for a few minutes, and then stopped at a red light. Castiel could feel Dean gazing at him, and he looked over at the blond teen. Dean seemed to be observing Castiel, looking at him almost as if he couldn't believe it was actually Cas sitting right there in the Impala.

When Dean's eyes roamed further up, Castiel caught Dean's gaze and tilted his head in a confused manner. "What is it?" he asked, intrigued with Dean's expression.

Dean smiled in response. "Just… glad you're here," he murmured, driving when the light suddenly went green.

Dean glanced back at Castiel to see him smiling back, his hand in between them, palm up in invitation. Feeling butterflies flutter in him, Castiel resisted the urge to smile wider when Dean took his hand, using his left one to drive, now. Castiel squeezed Dean's hand slightly in response, making Dean smile as he drove.

When they got to Cas's house, the dark-haired teen instructed Dean to wait in the car before sprinting into the brick home, stripping off his clothes as he ran up the stairs and changing right when he reached his room. While he was at it, Castiel grabbed some pajamas, his contacts case, and his toothbrush, placing those items on his desk while he quickly covered up his scars. After that, he tucked his things under his arm and made his way out the room. He was in the process of tying his apron as he ran out the front door, closing and locking it behind him.

Dean raised an impressed eyebrow when Castiel slid into the Impala, out of breath. "You only took four minutes," he noted, pulling out of the driveway and speeding to the diner.

Castiel nodded, laughing slightly as he calmed his breathing and placed his sleepover items on the floor of the passenger seat. Dean smiled at that. "Looks like you're prepared," he observed.

Castiel suddenly froze. Did Dean still want him to spend the night? "I'm still staying over, right?" he asked, making sure and sort of feeling embarrassed, now.

Dean took Castiel's hand. "Yes," he replied, giving it a squeeze before removing his hand and putting it on the wheel. Castiel resisted the urge to request for Dean to give it back as he sat on his hands to prevent them from itching towards him.

They pulled into the parking lot outside the diner only ten minutes late. Dean turned to give Castiel a smile. "I'll pick you up after?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Castiel smiled, nodding. "Okay," he confirmed.

"Cool," Dean replied, leaning in to give Castiel a quick kiss that Castiel may or may not have pressed closer into so he could prolong it. "I'll see you later," Dean promised as he pulled away. "You still off at eleven?"

"Yes," Castiel responded. "See you, Dean," he spoke before climbing out of the Impala and closing the door behind him, slightly wobbly on his feet. The events that had taken place suddenly rushed at Castiel, and he was overwhelmed. Things were finally looking up. Things were going to be better. Castiel turned around to wave at Dean before walking into the diner, a giant smile plastered onto his face.

"There you are!" Jo exclaimed. "You're-"

But before she could finish, Castiel pulled her in for a big hug, his smile still stretching his lips. "I'm late, I know," he finished for her as he pulled away. "Sorry, Jo," he apologized, trying to calm the excitement that ran through his veins.

Jo raised her eyebrow. "What's up with you?" she asked, although a smirk played at the corner of her lips.

Castiel shrugged, giving her a smile. "I guess I'm just happy," he replied before heading off to check himself in, ignoring Jo's incredulous stare boring into the back of his head.

When work was beginning to end, Castiel found himself on edge, checking the door every few minutes. He'd contain his smile as he worked, and a few customers gave him confused looks in response to his cheery attitude, but they smiled back, nonetheless. By the time Castiel was wiping down tables a little too enthusiastically five minutes before closing, Jo came over to him.

"Okay, spill," she demanded, grabbing the rag from his hands, a smile on her face. "What's got you so up and about?" she asked, waving the rag around in time with her hand gestures.

Castiel looked around the diner. The last of the customers had just left and both Ash and Meg were off doing dishes, so he suspected it was safe to tell her.

He locked eyes with Jo, smiling freely, now. "It's Dean," he admitted, feeling his heart flutter with delight at the way the name rolled off his tongue when only a day ago it would have weighed down in his chest with dread.

Jo's eyes went wide. "Woah, wait, back up. What did he do? What happened?" she asked, although it seemed she had a good feeling.

"He apologized," Castiel explained, fingers twiddling with his apron as he looked down, smiling. "He means it, too," Castiel added. "I was hesitant at first, but… he made it very clear."

A smile found its way back to Jo's face. "Made it clear, huh?" she teased. When Castiel blushed, both her eyebrows nearly disappeared into her hairline. "Wait one second, did you two-"

"No- no, we just kissed," Castiel clarified, embarrassed.

Jo smiled at that, and pulled Castiel in for a sudden hug. "I'm glad things have worked out," she replied, her eyes brighter than he's seen them in a while when she pulled away. She held onto Castiel's arms as she looked at him. "Hell, it took long enough, but I'm glad everything is better."

Castiel smiled, about to respond when he noticed the Impala pull up in front of the diner.

"He's here," Castiel informed, his heart skipping a beat. "I have to go," he spoke fast, heading to the back where he put away the cleaning supplies he'd been using. Jo followed him there, and Castiel took the rag from her and put it away.

"Is he not gonna come in?" she asked, looking confused as Castiel turned to face her.

Castiel blushed. "Uhm, I may not have spoken to him about returning to the group, yet," the blue-eyed teen informed, looking anywhere but at Jo's shocked expression.

"Why not?" she persisted, hands on her hips. Castiel felt his phone buzz with a message in his pocket.

"We only just started talking, Jo," Castiel defended, resisting the urge to pull out his phone. "I was going to bring it up, but I was late to work. I'll talk to him, I swear," Castiel reassured, looking into Jo's brown eyes.

Jo sighed, arms falling to her sides. "Alright. Well, hey, I'm happy for you," she told him, placing a hand on Castiel's arm and giving a squeeze. Castiel smiled, thankfully.

"I'll talk to him, tonight," Castiel repeated after pulling away, giving Jo a reassuring look.

Jo raised an eyebrow. "You spending the night?" she asked, smiling when Castiel rolled his eyes.

"Goodnight, Jo," he called out to her as he walked away, ignoring her laughs.

"Tell him we miss him!" Jo replied once Castiel had made it to the door. He gave her a smile before walking out.

Dean was leaning against the front of the car, and he gave Castiel a once over when he spotted him.

"Hey," Dean greeted, giving a nervous smile. "I-uh, I was gonna walk in, but… I didn't know if now's the right time," he explained, unlocking the Impala and gesturing for Castiel to climb in.

"Do not worry about it," Castiel replied as he sat in the passenger seat, closing the door behind him. "Jo says hi," Castiel informed him, observing the way Dean suddenly frowned as he started up the car.

"I've been pretty shitty to her... and everyone else, for that matter," Dean murmured as he pulled out of the parking lot and headed home. "Don't know why they'd still bother with me."

Castiel's eyebrows furrowed as he gazed at Dean's profile. "You're their friend, Dean. No matter what happens, they still care about you."

Dean sighed. "I don't really wanna talk about this right now," he admitted, hands tightening on the wheel.

So Castiel fell silent, looking at Dean for a moment longer before he averted his stare out the window. Castiel watched the streetlights pass as he thought to himself. Even though Cas and Dean may have made up, things still weren't back to normal. Would Dean even come back to the group?

When they pulled into the driveway of Dean's home, Castiel checked the passenger seat floor for his things, confused when he couldn't find them.

"I brought them in," Dean informed him, startling the teen.

Castiel looked up, and Dean suddenly seemed shy. "Uh, I didn't wanna leave it in the car. It's in my room," he explained, and Castiel smiled, leaning forward to kiss Dean on the cheek.

"Thank-" Castiel began, but was interrupted by Dean's lips pressing against his own. Castiel let out a surprised noise, but kissed Dean back, smiling into the kiss.

When Dean pulled away, he opened his eyes and met Castiel's. He seemed entranced. "Sorry, I-"

But Castiel just continued their kiss, silencing the blond teen. A warm hand settled on Castiel's side, another one sitting on his shoulder. This kiss was more intense than their previous ones, the air now filled with electric need rather than calming warmth. They fought to touch one another, hands settling on arms and legs and torsos. Castiel had missed Dean terribly, and he could tell that the other felt the same way. It was as if they were making up for lost time- making up for all the touches and kisses that hadn't happened.

Castiel's hands went to Dean's sides, grasping onto his jacket and pulling Dean close, making Dean let out a growl that Castiel muffled as he pressed nearer. Castiel licked at Dean's bottom lip, driving a moan out of the teen who returned the favor, licking into Castiel's mouth in an amazing mess of heat and rushed need. Castiel easily opened up, repeating Dean's actions and learning quickly. It seemed he was doing the right thing, because Dean was letting out satisfactory noises in response to the licks and presses that Castiel granted him. Castiel's breath was shallow and his mind was buzzing, completely drunk off of Dean's kisses. His whole body felt like it was thrumming- warmth pooled in his gut, and butterflies accompanied it. It was like nothing Castiel had ever felt, before.

Eventually Dean separated them, out of breath as he gazed at Castiel's lips. Their faces were only an inch apart, and every couple of seconds one of them would press closer, lessening the space between them as if to continue their kissing. Dean's face was flushed and his lips were red and swollen, and it made something stir within Castiel. He figured that Dean was probably looking at the same sight, and he wondered what the blond's thoughts were on that.

Castiel's hands slid from Dean's sides up, trailing up to his shoulders and then to his back- yearning to explore every inch of Dean. He let his fingers slide under Dean's jacket, trailing them up and down on his sides. Castiel could feel Dean shiver beneath his roaming fingers, and that brought a happy feeling within him. Castiel wanted to continue- he wanted to go further. But he wasn't quite sure how.

Dean leaned forward and gave Castiel one more kiss, making warmth pool in Castiel's belly as the intensity calmed. His lips were slick with spit, soft against Castiel's. Their lips molded perfectly, sliding right into place before Dean pulled away. "We should head inside," Dean whispered. "Sam'll probably be wondering why we've been out here so long."

Castiel nodded, moving away, reluctantly. It was cold outside, and upon further observation Castiel noticed the lights to the condo were on in the living room and kitchen windows. All the lights upstairs were off, from what he could see. Sammy must be downstairs. Castiel wasn't sure how long he and Dean had been parked in the driveway, but it was bound to bring up some suspicions.

So the two teens composed themselves before climbing out of the Impala, and making their way to the front door. When they got inside, they saw Sammy seated in the living room. The television was on, but the teen seemed completely uninterested in the program flashing on the screens. Instead, he turned to give his attention to Castiel and Dean.

"Hey," Sammy greeted, seeming sleepy. "You staying the night, Cas?" the younger Winchester asked.

Castiel nodded. "Yes, I am," he replied. Sammy seemed happy about that, his smile bright.

"We're gonna head off to bed," Dean informed his younger brother. "Goodnight, Sammy. Don't stay up too late."

"Night," Sam replied before returning his attention to the television.

When they reached Dean's bedroom, Castiel stood in the entrance.

"I think I should sleep in the guest bed," Castiel spoke, looking over his shoulder in case Sammy decided to show up. "Best not to raise questions just yet," he clarified. Dean looked upset, but he nodded.

"Yeah, you're right… okay," Dean agreed, retrieving Castiel's things and giving it to him with a nod. "You got everything you need?" Dean asked as Castiel took his belongings from Dean's hands.

"I believe so," he responded, looking at the items in his hands. "Thank you."

Dean smiled and checked the halls before leaning forward and giving Castiel a quick peck. "Goodnight, Cas."

Castiel smiled, trying to tame the blush that spread to his cheeks. "Goodnight," he replied.

So Castiel went into the guest room and changed into his pajamas, folding his clothes and putting them away before heading to the bathroom to brush his teeth. When he had done all he needed in the bathroom, he headed towards the guest room with a sense of regret, staring at the door to Dean's room, longingly. Castiel realized with a pang of annoyance that he wished he hadn't said anything. Sleeping next to Dean sounded better than amazing, at the moment.

Sighing, Castiel went into the spare bedroom, closing the door behind him and turning off the lights before climbing into his bed. He found that he could not fall asleep, though. Thoughts of everything that had occurred today flitted through Castiel's mind, keeping the weary boy preoccupied with smiles and sighs of relief. Castiel didn't know how long he laid in bed, staring at the ceiling and trying to let sleep calm his thoughts. It must have been an hour, at least, because eventually he heard the dull noise of the television die down as Sam's footsteps retreated towards his bedroom. A while after that, the door to Castiel's room opened.

"Cas? You awake?" Dean's voice called softly.

Castiel sat up right away, taking in Dean's form. He was lightly bathed in the hallway light, and Castiel could just barely see the hesitance on Dean's face. "Yes," Castiel replied automatically, tilting his head to the side. "Is everything alright?" he asked.

Dean looked at the floor, seeming shy. "Uh, I couldn't sleep. I was, uhm… wondering if…" Dean trailed off before glancing back up.

Castiel suddenly smiled wide, reaching out an arm in invitation. "Come here," he ordered, drawing a smile from the blond.

Dean nodded before coming in and closing the door quietly behind him. The room was suddenly bathed in darkness, and Castiel leaned forward as he stretched his arm out, searching for Dean.

A thud sounded, and Dean cursed in a low hiss.

"What happened?" Castiel whispered, eyebrows furrowed as his eyes squinted in his attempt to see through the dark. It made little progress.

"Stubbed my toe," Dean murmured. "Can't see a damn thing."

Castiel chuckled, trying to contain his laughter so as not to wake up Sammy. "You're ever the graceful being," Castiel commented.

"Oh, shut up, Cas," Dean grumbled, the sounds of his stumbling making their way to Castiel's ears. Castiel fought back a grin.

"Would you like me to turn on the lamp?" he offered.

"Nah-no, I think I got it. Yeah, I feel the bed," Dean reported before the brush of fingers suddenly made contact with Castiel's hand. He gripped Dean tight, easing him onto the bed and scooting over to the side to make room for him as he laid the blond down next to him.

"Better?" Castiel asked with a smile, lacing his fingers with Dean's as he moved closer to him.

He could hear the smile in Dean's voice as he spoke. "Much better," he agreed before placing a kiss on Castiel's nose. "I'm not sure what I just kissed but I was aiming for your lips," Dean murmured before laughing. Castiel joined his laughter as Dean's hand trailed to the back of Castiel's head, fingers digging through the hair there. He suppressed the urge to shiver in delight.

"I believe that was my nose."

"Try again?"

"Definitely."

Dean kissed his chin this time.

"Close but no cigar," Castiel whispered, laughing at Dean's groan of annoyance.

"I can't see a freaking thing in here, it's so dark," Dean complained before reaching forward and kissing the bridge of Castiel's nose. "Wait- did you move?"

"I'm not sure- I think so?"

"Damnit, Cas, I had that calculated perfectly."

"Did you, now?"

"Yeah, I did math and everything."

Castiel smiled. "I'm sorry," he apologized, leaning forward to find Dean's lips.

Little did he know, Dean was doing the same.

They bumped noses, and the two teens pulled back with moans of pain, hands flying up to cradle their injuries as they struggled not to laugh too hard.

"This is so not working," Dean noted, voice nasally from pinching his nose.

Castiel nodded in agreement, rubbing his bruise. "You're right. I'm turning on the lamp," Castiel decided as he rolled to his side to reach the night dresser. His hand fumbled clumsily on top of the wooden table until he found the lamp, switching it on.

"Much better," Dean whispered, squinting against the dull light as his eyes adjusted. He suddenly smiled as Castiel faced him, again. Then he chuckled, removing Castiel's hand from his nose as he gave it a gentle kiss. "I'm sorry," he apologized before placing a kiss on Castiel's lips.

Castiel smiled into the kiss, feeling his heart race and pure delight rush through his veins. "It's alright," he replied before placing a kiss on Dean's injured nose, as well. Dean laughed, putting an arm around Castiel and pulling him so that they were chest to chest, warmth emanating and mingling from their bodies. His hand ran up and down Castiel's arm, palm settling on the curve of Castiel's shoulder, and his fingers making small ministrations there.

"Sorry if I woke you up," Dean whispered, moving his hand to trace up and down Castiel's back. The blue-eyed boy felt goosebumps rise on his skin.

"You didn't. I was already up," Castiel assured. "I'm actually glad you came here. I was fairly close to going to your room, myself."

Dean smiled, and Castiel held his breath as he observed Dean's features. His skin looked golden in the yellowed light- his green eyes suddenly gleaming with a carefree aura. Light touched at his hair- making it resemble a halo that highlighted his already angelic features. For that moment, Dean looked just like he had when they had first met- healthy and happy and glowing. It was as if all the difficulties he had gone through never happened. Castiel found himself smiling back. That was until Dean's smile swiftly fell.

"I'm sorry for everything," Dean whispered, gazing into Castiel's eyes. It took Castiel a moment to realize what he meant.

"Dean, it's fine-"

"No, it's really not. I mean, I know we've made up, but… I don't know, I still feel guilty as hell," Dean admitted. "I promise I'll make it up to you, though."

Castiel's eyebrows furrowed as he gazed back at Dean. He reached out a hand and ran it along Dean's cheek, resting it there. "You already have," he told him. "Honestly. You already have," Castiel added when Dean looked unsure.

The blond was silent for a few minutes. They both just held each other for a while, observing one another with sleepy eyes.

Suddenly, Dean laughed. "Did you actually run here, earlier?" he asked, making Castiel blush.

"Yes," he replied, ducking away from Dean's adoring look. "I felt it was… urgent."

Dean snorted with disbelief, his expression one of awe. "Jesus, Cas, you could put all the track team to shame," Dean complimented.

Castiel smiled at the comment, nestling closer. "Only if they put you at the finish line."

Dean smiled at that. "That was so cheesy."

"I know you liked it."

"I did."

They were silent, again. Then Castiel spoke.

"You should come back to the lunch table," he suggested, looking up into Dean's eyes. The blond suddenly seemed troubled.

"I don't know," Dean responded, frowning. "I don't think that's a good idea."

"Dean, we all want you to come back. Jo said so herself," Castiel protested.

Dean's eyebrows furrowed. "She did?"

Castiel nodded. "She asked me if you were going to be sitting with us at lunch, again. Then she told me to tell you that everyone misses you."

"When did she say that?" Dean asked.

"Uh- today. I, uh, told her about making up with you," Castiel informed the blond, a blush coloring his cheeks.

Dean smiled slightly, reaching forward to plant a kiss on Castiel's lips, fingers reaching to run down Castiel's cheek. "I'll think about it, okay?"

Castiel drew his lips into a worried line as he searched Dean's eyes. "Alright. We do want you back, though," he persisted.

Dean sighed. "Yeah- I know. I wanna come back, too. I just… have a lot of apologies to make," he murmured.

Castiel observed the guilt that suddenly weighed down Dean's features. He didn't like it, not one bit. Giving the blond an encouraging smile, Castiel kissed Dean gently. "It will be alright. I'll help you through it," Castiel promised. "You don't have to do this alone."

Dean's smile was genuine, now, and Castiel's words seemed to ease his tensions. "Thanks, Cas… could you turn off the lamp? 'Think it's time for us to sleep," Dean murmured.

Castiel nodded, feeling weariness weigh down in his bones, and warm his fuzzy mind. "Yes," he agreed, rolling over to turn off the lamp before rolling back into Dean's arms. "Goodnight," he whispered, for real this time.

Dean's arms squeezed Castiel lightly in response. "Goodnight."

It was the easiest Castiel had ever slept.

Sorry this took so long for me to upload, especially after leaving you guys hanging with the kissing scene. That was real shitty of me :c

I've been very ill, recently, and I'm still not feeling too great... honestly, this chapter wouldn't be up if it hadn't been for the amazingly supportive and... erm, enthusiastic comments you guys had left me.

Thankyou so much for being patient. :) In return, I gift you immense destiel fluff. Enjoy, darlings.

(Gonna fix errors later but now i wanna sleep please dont hurt me)

Goodbye, lovelies!~