A/N: Thanks so much for feedback. I didn't get around to replying but I appreciate it so very much and it keeps me going and always puts a smile on my face.
So, this chapter was kind of ready for over a week, but then Asylum happened and I died! Glad to say I'm back to somewhat functioning now, and finally able to post this.


Cas grumbled as he turned, burying his head deeper into the pillow. This annoying streak of sunlight coming through a gap in the curtains had been bothering him for at least the last ten minutes, but he was not awake enough, or willing for that matter, to leave the confines of his bed. Plus, even if he would be prepared to actually move, he didn't want to wake Dean, who was draped around his back like an extra blanket. He felt the teenager's body heat radiating into his in a most delicious way, adding to the sleepy comfortable drowsiness that surrounded him while simultaneously making his chest ache with affection and desire, even in his at most half-conscious state.

"You know, just getting up might be easier." Dean chuckled, voice raspy with sleep, breath ghosting over the top of Cas' spine, making the man's hair stand on edge. "You're not as stealthy as you think you are."

"Apologies. I did not want to wake you." Castiel shuffled, turned onto his stomach and lifted his head just enough to make out Dean's face. Dean couldn't help another chortle at the bleary eyed look and the way the left side of Cas' face was imprinted with creases from the pillow. He shifted so he was able to bring up one of his hands, gently tracing them with his thumb, smiling when Cas leaned into the touch.

"You look kind of cute first thing in the morning." Dean said with an easy tease. His heart started to speed up at the sight and feel of the man, here with him, in bed- naked. The accompanying elated grin was in danger of splitting his face. Dean was under no misconception that to him Cas would always look good, always would get his heart racing and his stomach flip, but also it was so much more than that, and after months apart it was a bit overwhelming, in a good way. Especially now with Cas looking so delectable, rumpled from sleep, hair askew and that slightly confused 'not quite awake' expression on his face, which Dean just wanted to kiss off.

"And you're far too awake for my liking." Castiel muttered in reply, peeking at him with one eye open.

"Not a morning person? How did I never notice this?" Dean chortled fondly, pressing closer.

"And there I was under the impression that it was teenagers who generally despise this early hour." The older man grunted.

"Yeah, well. Having to drag Sammy out of bed for school every morning, I kind of didn't have a choice but to be a morning person." Dean said while placing a peck on the back of Cas' shoulder.

The man humphed in reply before pressing his face back into the pillow, a mumble suspiciously sounding like "damn sun" escaping him.

"Would it help if I closed the curtain?" Dean asked, allowing one of his fingers to trace lazily along Castiel's bare shoulders, earning him a shudder.

"Yes."

Dean huffed, feigning annoyance, as he placed another peck on the back of Cas' neck before climbing out of bed. He just about managed to keep in the wince that was about to escape him, as his body reminded him valiantly of last night's activities, of muscles and parts of his body used in a way never before experienced. He brought his arms up for a quick stretch, then padded over the few steps to the window and pulled the curtains shut tight.

"There, better?" He glanced back over his shoulder at the lump in the bed.

"Mhhh." Came the mumbled reply, like Cas was already half asleep again.

"Ok, sleepy-head. Back in a sec." The teenager said with a smirk and quickly made his way to the bathroom to relieve himself. He ached pretty much all over, muscles in his legs and torso were protesting at being used and he felt more than a little bit sore in other places, which no doubt would make sitting an interesting experience. Still he loved the feeling, wiggling his hips as memories of last night made Dean smile at his reflection in the mirror while he washed his hands. Damn, he was still high or something, because he couldn't remember feeling this good in a very long time, unable to wipe that stupid grin off his face.

He made his way back to Cas' bedroom, a gooey feeling of fondness paired with a pang of arousal spreading in his chest and down to his groin at the sight of the man, half draped in blankets, just enough to give hints of legs and skin and bum while leaving the rest to the imagination. And oh, did Dean imagine, had been imagining scenarios just like this for a long time, only now he had a visual of the real deal and he had the sudden overwhelming urge to be close, to touch and map out every inch of Cas he could get his hands and tongue on.

Cas' face was still firmly pressed into the pillow and Dean was not sure whether he actually had gone back to sleep for real. He climbed back into bed and immediately had his answer to his question when Cas shuffled to make space for him, turning just enough to be able to pull him against his side, slinging one arm over Dean's torso.

"Missed you." Cas smiled up from where his face peeked out from the pillow. It was silly, really. Dean had hardly been gone more than a few minutes, yet he had already bemoaned the loss of the warm and comforting presence of the young man. He just wanted Dean close, to wrap his arms around him. Castiel's brain was slowly starting to come online and with it the thoughts about the expiration date on current affairs but he chose not to dwell on it. The situation was what it was, and it was so much more than he had thought possible a mere 24 hours ago. Just for now he was happy. They would still have to talk about how to proceed from here but right now Dean was back in his bed, those green eyes trained on him, and that was all that mattered.

Dean chuckled contentedly as Cas' arms tightened around him. He placed a playful kiss on the man's temple, then continued a trail down the cheek to the chin, and finally to the edge of his lips, which was all he could reach with the way Cas was still mainly hogging the pillow with his face.

"Mhh," Castiel sighed turning his face just enough to fully catch Dean's lips with his own, hoping the teenager would not care about his morning breath as he deepened the kiss, eagerly opening up to Dean's probing tongue at the seam of his lips, while pulling him in further.

Dean moaned, relishing the intensity with which Cas claimed his mouth. His hands were stroking down Cas' side, making the man's muscles jump as Dean hit a ticklish spot. The touch was feather light and teasing as he roamed down towards his hips. Cas seemed to be more alert all of a sudden, tugging at Dean, a silent plea for more, one hand carding through his hair, the other hand stroking up and down the teenager's back.

Dean pulled back just enough to be able to speak, lips still brushing against Cas', as they breathed in each other's air." You know I didn't really get to touch you last night." Cas groaned needily as one of Dean's fingers tentatively brushed against the head of his cock, as if to prove the point.

"You like that?" Dean licked the lobe of Cas' ear as he repeated the action, a visceral want pulling at his insides at the way the man's erection twitched in response, making him feel bold despite a definite undeniable amount of uncertainty. This being with another man, with Cas, despite having wanted it for so long was still new, and he didn't want to screw this up. Talking about stuff while doing this felt weird but like a necessity, like he wanted confirmation that what he was doing was ok.

"God, yes." Cas voice was rough and edgy, accompanied by a thrust of his hips and it gave Dean the final push to properly take hold of the hard flesh, and experimentally move his closed fist over it a few times.

Cas was grappling at the boy next to him, bringing their lips back together, whispering words of encouragement and endearment between kisses. Dean's hands on him had his synapses fire on all cylinders and now that he had allowed himself to feel this, he couldn't get enough of it.

Dean greedily soaked up the reactions he pulled from the man and started to jerk Cas off more resolutely, trying to find out what movements got the best reactions, flicking his wrist and letting his thumb trace along the ridge of the head.

"Ugh- right there- That's good." Cas panted, pushing himself up into Dean's hand, chasing the contact, urging Dean on. Dean repeated the action, focusing the pad of his thumb on the small area just below the head as he moved his fist loosely up and down Cas' shaft.

Castiel could feel himself getting close, but he wanted more, wanted Dean along for the ride with him, feel him. He tugged at Dean's arm to get his attention, and then with an "Up", he pulled him right on top of him. Dean followed willingly, eyes fixed on Cas. The gaze set Castiel's body on fire and he quickly reached between them and aligned their erections. Dean bucked desperately into the contact.

"Keep moving. Like this." Cas wheezed as he brought his hands up to Dean's ass, gripping tight and helping Dean to find a rhythm for his thrusts.

Dean clutched Cas shoulders tight, burying his head against he man's chest, letting the sensation of the friction, and the gasps and noises and sound of flesh against flesh fill his senses as he kept grinding down. Dean took in a big gulp of air before smashing his lips against Cas, needing to feel as much connection and contact as possible as their bodies kept moving against each other, driving them closer to the finish. Soon the kiss was nothing more than frantic moans and pants into each other's mouths, Dean desperately trying to hang in there just for that little bit longer, to not have this moment end yet.

"Dean-" Cas growled, gripping Dean's butt-cheeks even tighter, probably tight enough to bruise as he urged him to move faster. "So good-" he whimpered bringing up his own hips in a matching rhythm.

It was all getting too much for Dean. "Cas, I-" Was all the warning Dean was able to stammer before he pressed his face into Cas' shoulder, biting down on it as he came, spilling between them.

Cas hissed half in pleasure, half in pain at the sting of Dean's teeth against his skin. It was a new but not altogether unpleasant sensation. Dean all but stopped moving as he rode out the aftershocks of his orgasm and Cas deftly worked his hand between them, giving himself a few tugs, quickly following Dean over the edge, the teenager's name on his lips as he added to the mess between them.

Cas kept his arms tight around Dean as they both caught their breaths. Dean nuzzled against Cas' neck, kissing an nipping his way up towards the man's jaw, reveling in the slight salty taste where, a small sheen of sweat covered his neck and face. Cas carded his fingers through Dean's hair, humming contentedly. Soon his lips found Dean's again and he pulled him down into a deep kiss, leaving them both breathless again.

They were on the verge of falling asleep, mess be damned, when Cas remembered that they actually had no idea exactly what time Jody would be back to collect Dean and they couldn't afford her to find them like this. If there ever had been a thought similar to an ice bucket over his head, this had to be it. It was like reality was hurtling itself at them at a hundred miles an hour, an inevitable crash they would be unable to escape. He did not want to face this reality, wanted to stay here and be an irresponsible human being, wanted to keep Dean here with him, but if anything he had to think about Dean in all this.

He stroked Dean's neck as he pulled him in and kissed the teenager deeply, almost desperately, wanting to savor every last moment of this. Dean clung to him, clearly not wanting to get up either. But after another ten minutes, Cas felt that nervous energy under his skin increase to the point that he could no longer ignore it. They had to get up. He held out his hand, pulling Dean up an out of bed after him, ushering him into the bathroom for a much needed shower.

Dean had gone awfully quiet, all the earlier ease and happiness wiped off his face. Castiel could only assume that Dean's thoughts were along similar lines than his judging by the sudden somber mood between them. They clung to each other almost comically all the way through the shower, Cas washing Dean's hair, gently massaging the scalp, trying his best to redirect the boy's thoughts for just a little while longer. Dean returned the favor and they stayed in the shower until the water started to run cold and they were forced to leave what felt like the last stronghold between them and the real world.

Cas was towel drying his hair, trying to make out his reflection in the fogged up mirror. He ran a hand over its smooth surface, leaving a clear path behind, then examined his face, trailing his fingers though his scruff. He jumped when he felt Dean molding himself against his back, chin on his shoulder, green eyes meeting blue in the mirror.

"You gonna keep it?" The teenager asked as his fingers brushed over the ever growing stubble on the man's face.

"Not sure. Why? Do you like it?" Cas asked taking hold of Dean's hand and bringing it to rest on his chest, pulling Dean flush against him.

"Mmmh, I haven't made up my mind quite yet." Dean said as he kissed the side of Cas' face, feeling said stubble scratch against his lips, then proceeded to rub his chin against it.

"And?" Cas enquired with a smirk once Dean looked back at him via the mirror.

"Keep it, for now." Dean hummed as he continued his assault on the man's chin and down to his jaw, ending on his neck where he sucked the skin into his mouth until Cas turned and pulled Dean against him, bringing their lips together in a brief kiss.

"How about you?" Castiel questioned, letting his thumb trail along the fine hairs along Dean's upper lip. "Gonna grow a moustache?" He said with an accompanying eyebrow raise.

"Shuddup." Dean chuckled, even as his eyes wandered to his image in the mirror. There was definitely some stubble there but nothing to write home about, definitely not when compared with Castiel's own impressive growth. Still, maybe he should attempt a shave, new day, new start and all that. Maybe it would make him feel like he was taking control, at least in charge of some aspects of his life. And he definitely did not like his hair, the way it flopped over his eyes, he would have to get that seen to once he would be back-

Dean gulped, a led weight dropping into his stomach at the thought. He would have to leave, and soon. As much as he just would love to say 'Fuck it' to everything and stay, he knew that this was not an option. It would only confound the current mess he found himself in, and most of all, even if there was a way, he couldn't abandon Sammy like that. Not after all the recent crap he pulled. For all he knew, Sammy didn't even want to have anything to do with him any longer. Why would he? Dean hadn't been exactly a good brother these last few months. Cas must have sensed his sudden shift further down that particular rabbit hole of self-loathing and engulfed Dean in his arms.

"Hey, come here. How about you shave and then we get dressed and I make us some breakfast."

Dean nodded into the crook of Cas' neck, and with one last peck stepped away focusing on the tasks and hand. This he could do. Just focus on the moment.

#

Cas was halfway through frying a stack of bacon when Dean entered the kitchen and gratefully accepted the mug of coffee that was waiting for him. He leaned casually against the worktop as he watched the dark haired man work, hair still slightly moist from the earlier shower. His stomach clenched uneasily Dean had no idea whether he could actually eat much. That earlier heaviness had taken up residence in every part of his body again, the maddening uncertainty of what would happen next, knowing that now would have to be the time to address it while already mourning the inevitable loss of Cas and their new found intimacy. Part of him wanted to get angry again, feeling the first stirrings of that alto familiar feeling, welcoming it for an instant before his eyes met with Cas', the man giving him an almost shy smile and he deflated. He had been down that road and had left nothing but mess in his wake. Staying angry at the world, at his dad, at the universe and its unfairness wouldn't get him anywhere. He returned the smile, although it didn't quite reach his eyes.

Cas served them a generous helping of bacon and eggs and a few slices of toast. Dean really didn't feel like eating, pushing the food around on his plate and glaring at it like it was to blame for his current predicament.

Castiel in turned stared at his plate, nibbling half-heartedly at a slice of bacon, already regretting having prepared that much food as it appeared like most of it would go to waste. He thought he would be doing Dean a favor, providing a generous helping of food but clearly, the boys' stomach was in no better condition than his own. He sighed, pushing his plate away.

"Dean-" He started, then stopped, taking in another big gulp of air instead. "You know, this is- it's not the end, right? You know I will be here for you." He reached across the table, wrapping his fingers across Dean's where he clutched his mug tightly.

Dean swallowed through a lump in his throat, bringing his gaze up to meet Castiel's. "I know, just-" He didn't get to finish whatever he wanted to say as he was interrupted by the ringing of the doorbell.

"Shit." Dean cursed, body tensing, eyes trained on Cas, like he could somehow prevent the inevitable. He felt the blood drain from his face, and Cas inhaled sharply before he got up. He gave Dean a comforting squeeze on the shoulder before making his way to the front door.

Dean felt like he was going to be sick. Was it really that late already? Would Jody just grab him and leave? He was not ready, they hadn't even talked properly yet and- he could feel himself start to hyperventilate and forced himself to take a few steadying breathes as mumbled voices drifted in from the hallway.

"Hello Jody." Castiel greeted the woman at the door. She was dressed in casual attire much to his relief.

"Castiel." She said with a small nod of her head.

"Would you- do you want to come in? We are just finishing up with our food, and - there is some coffee, if you would like."

Jody nodded. "Some coffee before the long drive would be appreciated." She followed Castiel into the kitchen, where she was met with Dean's worried glare. She looked the boy over. In a way he looked better, more rested and cleaned up than he did before, but at the same time he still had that haunted appearance about him, looked like he wanted to bolt, whether just from her or from the situation in general she could not tell, and it broke her heart.

She joined them at the table as they finished, or tried to finish, their food, before eventually giving up and staring at their mugs instead, silence stretching between them.

Jody was beginning to worry that something had gone wrong here. She had observed these two closely these last few minutes, and their non-verbal communication and eye-contact hadn't gone unnoticed. Only thing was she couldn't quite decipher what those looks implied, which made her start to seriously second-guess her decision to have facilitated this, to have allowed this meeting to happen in the first place. Maybe it wasn't all as clean-cut as Dean had had her believe. What did she really know about this Castiel? An exasperated huff escaped her as she rubbed her chin, trying to ease some of the strain.

"Dean, did something- did I- did this make it worse? I only wanted-"

"No." Dean protested so fast and with such fervor that Jody shut her mouth mid-sentence, startled.

"In that case- Someone gonna fill me in? Where do we stand?" She didn't address anyone in particular although her eyes were focused on Dean. She needed to hear his opinion. That was the one that mattered to her.

"I don't want to leave, ok." Dean snapped.

Some of the tension Jody had felt left her at those words, even while she couldn't help but feel for the young man sitting opposite her. Taking into account the events of these last few months, and Dean's complete meltdown when he had been cut off from any contact with Castiel, she should have expected this. She could only hope that leaving here wouldn't send Dean on another downward spiral because that would be the polar opposite of what she had hoped to achieve.

Before she could open her mouth to reply, her attention got diverted by the scrape of a chair against tiles as Castiel swiftly made his way over to the teenager with an "We are going to work this out. This would only be temporary", while making eye-contact with Jody. She was relieved that at least Castiel seemed to be on the same page to a degree, understood that Dean staying here, at least for now, really wasn't an option. The older man stood behind Dean, wrapping his arms around his shoulders and placing a kiss on his sandy hair in an open display of affection that left Jody speechless. But what got to her even more was the expression of open adoration that flitted across Dean's face. She quickly turned her gaze away, feeling suddenly like she was intruding and wanting to give them, more precisely Dean, a moment to collect himself.

After a swig of her coffee her gaze traveled over to the two men again. Dean's hands were holding on tightly to Cas' arms and he had his head turned, pressed against Cas' chest.

"You must understand Dean, staying's not an option." Jody sighed, bringing their attention back to her, and Dean reluctantly let go of Cas' arms. Cas let go as well and worked his hand nervously through his hair, feeling like this was his moment to speak. Jody looked at them expectantly; gaze unreadable.

"Dean and I-" Cas started even as Dean said. "Then I wanna stay in contact with Cas at least." No point beating around the bush. That was the thing he was afraid of. That somehow all of this would all be taken away from him, again.

Jody sipped at her coffee with a calmness that had Dean's skin crawl.

"Why is that, Dean?" She prodded, ignoring Castiel for the moment.

"Because-" Den gulped, gaze briefly flashing to Cas for silent confirmation that it was ok to say what he was about to say. "I love him and he loves me. I know I can't just stay and I know I've made a stupid fucking mess of things lately but don't take this away from me. You brought me here to figure things out, and I have- I want to be with Cas and for some reason he wants to be with me, and no one can tell me that's wrong." Dean shook with emotions, fear and dread and a willingness to fight for this. After all Jody had brought him here, there must be a way to get her to understand.

Jody's stare traveled from Dean to Cas and back again.

"So does that mean you two are what- a couple?" She let that word sit in her mouth, mulling it over, tasting it in relation to the two people in front of her. Dean looked at Cas and the man took a step closer to the boy, taking his hands and entwining their fingers, giving Jody a tight nod before speaking.

"It's-" Cas searched for the right words to convey what they were without giving too much away. "We have mutually decided this is what we want. We want to try. I know it is not conventional and that because of current circumstances we cannot be a couple in the traditional sense of the word. I am well aware that I have made myself vulnerable to you by admitting as much, and I leave the final judgment up to you, any consequences that this might involve- as much as I hope you might consider leaving the final word up to Dean and trusting his decision on this, because I know you do not have any reason to trust in mine."

The woman buried her head in her hands for a moment before looking up again, letting that image sink in. The older man holding Dean's hand, and the way Dean's whole face just lit up at that simple touch. She had no idea if a relationship like this could ever be a healthy one, whether Dean was almost too attached to the man. There was probably so much more to consider than she could think off, the age gap of all things. But at the same time, sometimes things could be and should be taken in good faith. She had said she would trust Dean, and that boy definitely deserved something good in his life, and she did not want a repeat of the last four months. All she really would have to agree to at this point was for them to stay in contact, and if that was something that would help Dean back on his feet, could it really be a bad thing? Maybe it would fizzle out naturally over time, as first loves have a tendency to do. In a way all she could do was let this run its course, because keeping them apart at all costs was what had caused all this in the first place.

Jody let out a long-suffering sigh, feeling two sets of eyes on her, waiting for her verdict. "To be honest, I won't lie and say that all of a sudden I'm comfortable with this." Her hand waving between the two men. "And it's not the guy thing, Dean you have to believe me. But my job- I can't just turn off that part of me that says that this is wrong, even if you're skirting around the edge of being of age in the eyes of the law in this state."

Dean pulled himself up taking in a gulp of air, protest ready on his lips.

"BUT- I also can see the change in you, I know you and- and whether I like it or not, I believe myself to be a good enough reader of people to see that there are some real emotions going on here, that you two care for one another. And I want to be the last person to take that away from you. Still I need to see some efforts on your side that you can keep it together, need to see that I can indeed trust your judgment. That you can be mature enough on your own, because it's the right thing to do not because of Castiel or Sammy or some other person you might or might not want to please. "

Dean huffed in a mix of indignation and embarrassment.

"No Dean, you have to face the facts, you made a big mess back in Sioux Falls, hurt people who care about you. Even if this thing with Castiel continues, you have to go back and face the consequences, are you prepared to do that?"

Dean gulped but nodded. He had already decided that that was what he had to do. He had wanted to do it for Sammy and Cas, and to a lesser degree for Jody and Bobby, even his dad, but maybe she was right, he had to do this for himself first and foremost.

"Good, I'm proud of you for that." She gave him a genuine smile, while knowing full well that some of the consequences might spell nothing good. "And Castiel, let me ask you this." Castiel snapped to attention at his name.

"Are you genuine? Are you really prepared to wait for this kid to grow up, wait while he sorts out the mess he made, while he, I hope, finishes high-school. And even if so, what then? You could build a life here with someone your own age now, not live for the future. Does it have to be Dean or is it just some infatuation that you will get over in a few months, or when Dean's all- grown up?" The look of indignation and hurt on Castiel's face almost made her regret her words, but she needed to address this. Dean had his own protest on his lips but was cut off by Castiel.

"It's ok, Dean." He switched his attention to the woman in front of him. "I understand why you're being so harsh. It shows how much you care for Dean and I respect that. And I can only repeat myself. It was never about some kind of weird kink for me. I had not planned on falling for Dean, but I did, and now we just need for figure out a way to make this work." He held Jody's gaze, trying to convey the truth of those words with his eyes.

Jody stared back, maybe a last ditch attempt to see if she could rattle Castiel. Whether he would be phased by her no-nonsense demeanor. After a tense few seconds of silence, she sighed, addressing both men. "Look, I know no relationship is ever written in stone, but this one on paper looks like it's doomed from the start. You're really prepared for the possible repercussions? Please think about Dean before you answer." She implored.

"Yes." Cas said without hesitation. It had taken him long enough to get to this point, he had more than his fair share of examining this from every angle. Inevitably, all his actions have led him here, just like his brother had always predicted. Gabriel would probably laugh his head off if he knew, or slap him around the head, most likely both. It was simple really, he was in love with Dean, and he couldn't stop even if he wanted to. The last four months had been the worst of his life. And just knowing there might be a future for them, even if they couldn't see each other for a while, was enough.

Dean visually sagged in relief clutching the man's hand.

Jody sighed but nodded her head. This was what she had been scared of but she would stand by her promise to trust Dean which meant by proxy Castiel. An amused huff passed her perched lips. "I have no idea how you or me or anyone is going to break this to your father."

Dean and Cas both shared a look of equal dread. Clearly this was something no one was particularly keen on addressing.

"But- maybe it's best to not worry about that until the charges for theft are dealt with." No point adding fuel to an already burning fire, Jody decided, hoping it wouldn't come to bite her in the proverbial. She generally was the last person to advocate going behind a parent's back, but this was not your average situation and John was already tip-toeing close to the edge with all the recent events.

Dean looked nervously up at Cas, the situation regarding his dad temporarily pushed to the back of his mind. Had Cas been aware of the full extend of his recent exploits, that he might actually soon be a convicted criminal? They hadn't really addressed his misdemeanors in great detail.

"So what can Dean expect for that?" The man simply asked, sound calm and squeezing Dean's hand in support.

"Anything from being let off to juvie, although I think community service is most likely, keeping in mind his age." Turning to Dean, she added, "Especially if you show that you have changed your ways. Like attending school regularly, maybe getting a Saturday job, and definitely staying out of trouble. You get the idea."

Dean nodded meekly.

"Well, we better be going, if we want to make it back before midnight." Jody said, breaking the silence that had settled between them, as she got up from her chair. She handed over her phone to Castiel. "Here put your number in. For now this will probably be the only way you can contact each other, until everything is sorted back home. Then we can think of what to do next."

Castiel quickly typed in his number, home and cell, before handing the device back to Jody.

"Well, I guess- I'll be in the car. Castiel-" She said holding out her hand which the man took, giving it a firm shake. "Dean, two minutes." She added before letting herself out.

"God, I hate good-byes." Dean said through a fake smile. He had no idea why he even tried, it wasn't like Cas couldn't see right through him.

"Hey. This is not good-bye, ok?" Cas pulled Dean in and placed a gentle kiss on the teenager's lips. "It's like a small detour on the way to our destination."

Dean chuckled despite not really feeling it. "You suck at metaphors."

"I know." Castiel smiled at the young man in his arms. "Call me when you get a chance, let me know you got back safe."

"Will do." Dean said pulling Cas in for one last kiss. Cas took his hand and together they walked to the front door where Dean reluctantly let go. He made his way over to Jody's car and with one last wave of his hands got in, watching Cas through the side-mirror until they turned at the end of the road.

#

The drive was uneventful and mainly quiet. Dean was all talked out. He already missed Cas like mad and with every mile they got closer to home, his unease grew. He assumed he had to attempt to go back to school tomorrow, pick up the shards of his life and try to piece them back together again, while he waited for the consequences of his actions to catch up with him. It was all he could do for now.

It had gotten past eleven when Jody pulled the car up front of their new home. Light was still on in the kitchen. Which meant John was home. Jody was about to get out of the car when Dean grabbed her wrist, making her turn to face him.

"Just, you know-" He gulped. "Thanks." Dean said after another beat of silence. "It- "

Jody smiled and nodded in reply, patting Dean on the leg, before getting out and escorting him inside. Dean was grateful he didn't have to face his father alone, and the woman expertly diverted John's instant questions about where they had been, allowing Dean to slip upstairs quietly.

He tip-toed into his room, not turning on the light as he didn't want to wake Sammy. His eyes slowly adjusted to the dark and he rested his gaze on the moving lump on the bed in the corner. He would have a lot of explaining and making up to do, if Sammy let him.

Finding some pyjamas and getting changed in the dark was always a challenge and of course Dean' had to stub his toe on the stupid bed-frame, accompanied by an 'Ah fuck'.

"Dean?" Came the small-tired sounding voice.

"Sorry, go back to sleep." Dean whispered.

"You're back!" Sam turned on his bed, blindly reaching for the button on his bedside lamp.

"Stating the obvious, genius." Dean teased, for a moment forgetting that they hadn't been like this for a while.

His brother sat up on the bed, blinking away the sleep. "Where have you been? I was so worried. You got arrested and then you just disappeared and I just-" Sam broke off with a sob. Dean was next to him in a second.

"Hey, I'm ok. I mean, I will be. I know I've been a real jerk lately, and I'm sorry."

"Ok. Is just- I missed you, you were just so different, and I- you just- you had me worried sick." Another sob escaped him.

"I know, but I'm back now. No more stupid shit from me, I promise." Dean said pulling his baby brother to his side. "Remember, you and me against the world." Sam understood the meaning behind those words. They had said them to each other too many times to count when things had gotten really tough.

"So where did you go?" The younger Winchester asked after a moment, curiosity getting the better of him.

Dean couldn't help the smile that worked its way across his face at the memories of the last two days. He leaned closer to his brother conspiratorially. "I need you to promise not to tell a soul, not for now at least."

Sammy nodded enthusiastically, almost like he was proud being a confidante, an accomplice to one of Dean's secrets. That Dean would trust him again with those.

"I went to see Cas." Dean's face was a full on grin now. An astounded gasp escaped Sammy.

"For real? I mean- How-" He said too loud to be a whisper, making Dean shush him.

"Jody took me, and we're- things are good. Me and Cas- We're going to work it out."

"That's- great! But Jody, why did she, why would she- they all said we could never see him again? And does dad know? I guess, obviously not, or it wouldn't be a secret- just-" His little brother's mind was clearly going at a hundred miles an hour. Dean chuckled, ruffling the boy's long hair affectionately. "How about I tell you everything tomorrow? Dad's probably going to kill us if he knew we're still awake on a school night."

"Ok." Sam said as he climbed back under the covers, then as an afterthought he added, "you think she might let me go and see him?"

And Dean was painfully reminded that he hadn't been the only one who had to suffer through these last few months that he had been blinded by his own grief too much to care about Sam. He had lost a good friend too, although the nature of their relationships was very different, of course.

"I don't know. I hope so." He evaded what he knew the likely answer to be, but then again a few days ago he had never thought it possible that he would be allowed to see Cas again. Maybe with time they could work it all out for the better.

"Now get some sleep, pipsqueak."

"Hey, 'm twelve and a half." Came the mumbled protest.

"Sure you are." Dean teased, before climbing into bed; the events of the last few days catching up with him, having him out like a light within minutes.


As always, I hope I manage to keep all their interactions and motives believable. I don't for one second think Jody would be in favor of a full-blown sexual relationship between Dean and Cas, but she's kind of working on the premise of the smaller of two evils here, at least that's how she is acting in my head. Also she doesn't know the full extend and she's not asking some questions on purpose. Sometimes you just have to go with your gut instinct, despite what your head might tell you.

I'm slowly heading towards the home stretch, just a few more situations and road-blocks that need to be cleared up.