Author's Notes: Here it is. The final addition to one of my favorite stories to write. Thank you all who've followed me through this journey. I couldn't have done it without you 3 :) Enjoy!

~ quinnarrow

Epilogue

Light footfalls echoed throughout the stone halls breaking the eerie silence of night. Dim torches chased away the shadow yet did nothing for the chill. But it wasn't the crisp autumn air nor darkness causing shivers to run down the young man's spine. Instead, his heart hung heavy with sorrow and grief. Day by day, as the weight of it all increased, he found difficulty in focusing on anything else. And when the inevitable message came, he abandoned all hope of doing so. He knew, as most did, the day would come. But tears still threatened to spill at any moment.

The simple wooden door loomed ahead inviting the young man close. Steady steps faltered. A lump lodged in his throat as breaths became shaky at the mere thought of opening the door. He swallowed hard in a desperate attempt to calm his frantic mind. Gently placing a hand on the smooth wood, he paused taking one last moment to believe things were alright. Metal hinges creaked as the door slowly swung open and the young man stepped inside.

It was a simple room; clean and organized. Same gray walls as everywhere else yet the feel was different. Warmth and love filled the air. It was a homey, lived-in space; well-worn furniture, a blazing hearth, an unknown pleasant smell offering nothing but comfort. To the young man, the room was a familiar one. Even after many years of adventures and travel, this was the only place to be called home.

The clearing of someone's throat pulled his attention to the right. Pushed against the wall sat a large bed. Mounds of blankets and furs draped across in a sea of warmth. Lack of movement from beneath caused a halt of feet and a shot of panic to race through his heart. Wide frantic eyes looked to the figure sitting beside the bed.

He looked exactly the same from when the young man was a child. Wild black hair, pale complexion, bright blue eyes. Even with exhaustion written all over his face, Cas still managed a small smile. "Hello Jack."

Jack swallowed trying to turn thoughts into words. "Is he… Am I…"

The angel shook his head. "No, you're not."

Finally, the man felt like he could breathe again. He wasn't too late after all. Forcing himself forward, Jack's gaze locked on the bed once more. The closer he got the more threatening tears became. But when he reached the bed, his body won and traces of water fell down his cheeks.

The hand lightly clasped in Cas's grip was as wrinkled and withered as the man it belonged to. Pure white hair clung to his head sticking out at odd angles. Closed eyes and peaceful expression almost had Jack dismissing the angel's reassurance the man was still with them if not for the barely noticeable rise and fall of his chest. Jack wasn't so sure he wanted to see his adoptive father in such a state.

"He held on for you," the angel breathed softly. "Stubborn bastard never does anything he doesn't want."

The young man chuckled wiping away his tears. "And you wonder where I got it from."

The corners of Cas's mouth pulled upwards. He stood and hauled Jack into a tight embrace. "It's good to see you."

"You too."

For a moment, the pair just stood there holding one another neither willing to let go. Although angels could never claim a child of their own, none disputed the bond the two shared. Some might even say it was nearly as strong as the one between the angel and the hunter.

Finally, Cas pulled away and Jack saw the deep sorrow etched in the blue eyes. Yet acceptance was there as well and the young man found it oddly comforting.

The angel sighed. "It's time."

He stepped back to the bed leaning over the old man's face. Stroking the snowy locks back, the angel pressed his lips to his hunter's forehead. A single tear raced down his cheek as he tugged away and spoke into the man's ear. "Dean. Dean it's time to wake up now."

The old man's struggle into consciousness took much longer than it should've. Cas continued to coax Dean awake with soft whispers of encouragement. A low chuckle passed the angel's lips as the man mumbled something about five more minutes. Finally, green peeked through long lashes, the color as brilliant as ever.

A smile spread across the angel's face. "Hello Dean."

"Hey Cas."

"There's someone here to see you." He moved back allowing Jack to take the chair himself. Dean's gaze snapped towards him instantly with a sigh of content.

"Hey kid."

"Hi Dad." He latched onto the hand being held earlier. There was so much, too much, he wanted to say. Too many tales to tell and confessions to make. But the words refused to form. A broken sob burst from his throat as the flood of emotions overwhelmed him. "I'm s…sorry. I… I'm so sorry I wasn't here."

With surprising strength, Dean squeezed his son's hand forcing their eyes to meet. "Jack, listen to me. You have absolutely nothing to apologize for. Nothing." He took a straining breath. "I gave up my claim to the lordship of the Eastlands to Sam and his family so you could live a life of your own. That's all Cas and I ever wanted for you."

Violent coughs rippled throughout the fragile body. Panic began to take hold once more in Jack, but Cas calmly placed a glowing hand on Dean's forehead. Immediately the coughs subsided and the hunter relaxed into the pillows. Breathing now under control, old eyes recognized fear and worry in wide young ones. As much as he was able, the hunter spread his arms open as an invitation. Without hesitation, Jack placed himself on the side of the bed and gently laid on his father's chest. Warm arms snaked across his back, one hand cupping the back of his head. The hunter softly shushed the crying man offering as much comfort as possible.

"It'll be alright," he whispered into his hair. "It may not seem like it now, but you're strong. And I am so proud of you."

Jack cracked his eyes open to see Cas step forward again and link hands with Dean.

"We are so proud of you."

There they stayed; their odd little family. After what seemed like hours, tears long dry, Jack rose from his place already missing the warmth of his father. Long ago the young man decided he would not be there for the very end and, to his relief, Dean didn't want him there either to witness his death.

Dean looked on understanding his son's intentions. "I'll see you around kid." I love you.

Jack smiled. "I guess you will." I love you too.

"But not too soon," the hunter warned. "Or I'll kick your ass."

Some things never change. "Say hi to Sam for me."

"Will do kid."

Reluctantly, Jack turned and walked away. He wasn't sure why he glanced back. But as the cool metal of the door handle seeped into his hand, he couldn't help but smile at the sight. Cas had reclaimed his chair beside the bed. Dean's hand rested in his as both were brought to Cas's lips. They smiled longingly at each other and in that moment, Jack believed his father's words things would be alright.

Many have heard the story. The story of a time when armies of demons stormed across the world. The story of a time when chaos and death threatened all life. The story of a time when green met blue. Children would ask their parents if they lived happily ever after and the parents would just smile and say of course they did.

But it went deeper than that. Much deeper. The bond between them stronger than iron, unbreaking and unyielding. Forged when a heart fearful of love and a heart convinced of its doomed fate collided. Little could compare to the vigor and beauty of when an angel and a hunter fell together.