CHAPTER 22: A Very Merry Winchester Christmas
So much has happened in the last few months for Dean and Castiel. The two have decided to settle down in Easton Pennsylvania and purchased a pretty decent home in a quiet neighborhood. They both acquired jobs as well. Hanging up his career of hunting, as promised to his brother, Dean became a construction worker. Aside from his knowledge of cars, Dean is also good as a handyman. And as for Castiel? well, during his time becoming human, he grew a strong passion for food, and with everything he's learned, he landed himself a chef's position at their local diner.
Yes, their lives were going on well. Their beginning steps to a normal life was good, and happy.
But only one thing was missing to complete this picture-perfect scenario... and that was Sam. Dean and Castiel truly missed him, missed all the fun times they had. Without Sam, it never really felt right.
However, Dean missed Sam the most. The former hunter ached to have his brother back, wishing everything had ended differently, with Sam still around to enjoy this sweet, peaceful life. There were times Dean would think about what Gabriel had said that night, and his promise to get Sam out of the cage. Dean was thrilled at first to hear those words, but they hadn't heard a word from the Archangel since.
During the first month after locking Lucifer away, Dean had tried everything to find a way to get Sam out. Yes, Dean had went against what he had sworn not to do, but this was his brother, and Dean wasn't about to let him rot in that pit, because who knew what Lucifer and Michael were doing to him.
By the second month, Dean spent most of his spare time up to his neck in books, looking for anything that could help. Though, of course, his hopes were crushed every time. But roughly in the middle of the third month, Dean dropped his efforts, as much as it pained him, Dean knew that Sam would've wanted him to move on. Because all the time spent searching, Dean had finally realized he was only putting himself in a lot more pain than trying to save his brother. And from then on, Dean mainly focused on Castiel and himself.
December 24th…
This was the time of the year that the streets were at their most gaudy. Christmas songs poured out from the open doors of shops, and the illustrations brightly lit the streets.
The year was drawing to a close. Walking through the crowded streets brought with it that end of the year feeling. Dean's mind was at ease as he made his way out of the construction site.
" Enjoy your Christmas, Dean!" One of the co-workers hollered cheerfully.
" You too, Jeff." Dean replied as he clocks out, then packed his tools and hops into his truck.
Dean waved goodbye to his fellow co-workers as he leaves the lot. It's about a fifteen-minute drive home, so Dean turned on the radio to enjoy some holiday tunes during the ride. He ganders out his window, passing homes of families out playing in the snow. Groups of children having a snowball fight or building snowmen. Friendly faces waved to him as he drove by. Six months living in this town, and they practically knew everyone.
Dean arrives home, and just in time for dinner too. He parks the truck in the garage right next to his Impala, cuts the engine and heads inside. As soon as he passes through that threshold, an amazing aroma filled his senses. ' Something smells good. ' He thought.
Dean follows the scent towards the kitchen, and Castiel comes into view, he was in the process of preparing the table. Dean smiled, watching his lover hum in a pleasant Christmassy tune as he set down the plates and utensils.
Castiel finally notices Dean beaming at him. " Oh good, you're home... sit, dinner is almost ready."
Dean hangs up his coat before going over to his lover, giving Castiel a quick peck on the cheek and asks, " Damn, Cas, it smells good. What are we having tonight?" He wraps his arms around Cas's waist.
" Baked salmon with pesto and broccoli… and for dessert we're having some homemade crunchy berry mousse." Cas answered with a smile. Dean hummed in delight, it sounded delicious.
Months ago, Dean would never have seen himself eating anything remotely healthy, Hell, he used to tease Sam all the time about it. Dean preferred greasy, fatty foods, but he never pestered Cas about it, because Dean knew that his meals were made with love.
" How was work?" Cas asks.
Dean grabs himself a beer from the fridge, then sits at the table, " Eh, the usual... Although, one of the new guys, Eddie I believe his name is, accidentally shot himself in the foot with the nail-gun while goofing around. Damn kid would've been in the hospital if it weren't for those steel-toed boots." He shrugged. Castiel soon comes by, setting Dean's plate of grub before him. He then sits opposite of Dean, " How was it at the restaurant?"
" Completely packed." The former Angel chuckled, " I've never cooked so much like that since Thanksgiving. I'd probably would've been there all night if Theresa hadn't let me come home early."
" That's Christmas eve for you... but, I bet you got a lot of satisfied customers."
" I guess." Cas shrugged.
Later...
After dinner, Dean and Cas had settled themselves onto the couch and are watching A Christmas Story while Castiel enjoyed some crunchy berry mousse. Both are wrapped up in a warm blanket. the brunette is snuggled against his lover. Dean drapes his arm across Castiel's shoulder, holding him close. But Dean wasn't really focusing on the movie, he was too busy watching the other man with a smile. Castiel immediately noticed this and looked at him.
" What?" Castiel whispers.
" I love you." Dean says. He chuckles as Castiel's face goes red with bashfulness and looks away to hide a smile. Dean loved the brunette's responses when he randomly spoke those words, and it always took Cas by surprise. Castiel quickly sets his finished dessert onto the coffee table before swinging his leg across Dean's waist, straddling his lap.
Castiel grabbed his chin and pulled Dean towards him. Their gazes locked. Suddenly, he leans in and kissed him violently. Taken aback by the sudden touch of Castiel's lips, Dean was powerless to stop the man from pushing his tongue into his mouth.
" Wow…" As soon as Dean opened his mouth to try and get a word out, Castiel changed angle and pushed his tongue in even deeper. He started to lose sense of everything that was happening as his lover's thick tongue pushed so violently into his mouth that he could barely breathe.
Dean grabs Castiel's waist and rolls his hips forward, getting a throaty moan in response.
The kiss continued. It tasted so rich and sweet. His tongue being massaged by the former Angel's tongue, Dean couldn't help but be turned on. And by God, as Castiel's tongue licked the roof of Dean's mouth, his whole body shivers with arousal.
Finally, parting lips, Castiel whispered sweetly in his ear, " I love you too, Dean."
Dean tried to catch his racing breath and come to his senses. " Boy… I should say I love you more often." He adds.
Just as things were beginning to get good, the power suddenly goes out.
" Ahh, crap..." Dean murmured, peeking over his shoulder to look out the window behind them.
Outside, he can see snow falling, thick and heavy. The winds were starting to pick up, forcing everyone to head indoors. Dean also noticed the other houses had no lights either. A blackout a day before Christmas. Both sighed and get up.
As Dean was about to go fetch some matches and firewood, Castiel wrapped both his arms around Dean's waist and whispered, " Forget the firewood. Let's head upstairs." He then places soft kisses against Dean's neck and shoulder.
Dean shivers as Cas's scruff brushed his skin, then bites his lower lip while Cas sucked and nipped at his earlobe. Dean's jeans began to tighten, his cock twitched with every touch Castiel laid on him. The brunette was trying to work Dean up as much as possible, and Dean knew right then and there, that it was going to be a long night. Castiel knew exactly where Dean liked to be touched, and every part that would get him excited. From rubbing at his inner left thigh, or playfully nipping the nape of his neck, to whispering sweet nothing's into his ear.
Dean holds his lover tightly, grabbing Cas's ass and pulls him towards his rolling hips, creating friction between them. Castiel threw his head back, a sound escapes his lips, it was something between a grunt and a gasp. His neck is now exposed to its full glory, and Dean took the opportunity to attack his beautifully tanned skin with his mouth, sucking and biting hungrily.
" Dean… Stop- Ah!… let's go up- Mm!... upstairs." Castiel is barely able to get a word out because Dean was busy assaulting his buttocks with his strong hands, squeezing and rubbing vigorously, all while tugging him into his thrusts.
Dean chuckled into the brunette's neck and replies, " Tell me, Cas. Whenever we get like this, how many times have we ever made it to the bedroom?"
Castiel pulled away, looking Dean dead in the eyes. And although his expression was very serious, his pupils were blown wide, nearly canceling out the blue. He then adds, " The last time, I ended up with rug burn on my face, went to work the next day and got questioned about it by my co-workers."
Dean couldn't help but laugh at that. " You got to admit, that night was crazy. Plus, you get horny when you're drunk- Ah!" He gasps at the last part because Castiel pressed his thigh up against his crotch.
The brunette grips at the man's shirt collar and yanks forward. Mouths clashed into another kiss, though this one was shorter, it still held the same level of passion as the last. Parting away once more, Castiel practically growls into Dean's ear, " I want you to take me upstairs right now and fuck me."
Those words were enough for Dean to jump into gear. Taking Castiel's hand, Dean started leading him quickly up the stairs and towards their bedroom. Dean kicks open the door, swings the brunette around and pushed him down onto the king-sized bed. The springs gave back a little and Castiel sunk into the covers.
" You know just how to rile me up, Cas." Pushing himself down on top of Cas, Dean stroked Castiel's hair.
Castiel put both arms around Dean's neck and says, " I know."
Teasingly, Castiel ran his finger over Dean's lips. He then replaced that finger with his own lips. Before they knew it, the kiss had grown passionate. Dean's hand rubbed at his cheek over and over. Dean licked and nipped gently until the brunette's lips parted, allowing him full access to the interior of his mouth. With his lover's tongue deep in his mouth, Cas's body started reacting. He feels the ex-hunter's hand pull the tucked-in shirt from Cas's pants and push his hand in. When the warm hand touched Cas's skin, he broke out in goose bumps.
" Dean, it tickles… stop… Nh."
He tried to plead between kisses, but the words didn't seem to reach Dean. The man is insatiable. Dean began rubbing his chest. He started out softly, but then moved on to pinching. Castiel's breathing just got more and more erratic. The brunette's body was burning with arousal, clenching at the sheets in desperation, not knowing how much longer he can wait. He needed Dean, he wanted him buried inside him, to feel that closer connection their bond emitted through sex.
The anticipation is driving Castiel crazy. Then something in him clicked, and the next thing he knew, he was now on top of Dean. He didn't care to question how he managed that, being that he was too busy straddling Dean's waist. Through half-lidded eyes, Cas saw the surprise on Dean's face.
Dean looked up at the other man, trying to sum up the words for what just happened a few seconds ago. One moment he was smothering Cas's body with his, playing with his nipples, and the next he was on his back with Cas dry humping his crotch.
" Fuck… Cas…" Dean managed to say.
The former Angel moved to lick at Dean's earlobe. When Castiel's warm breath hit the moist skin on his ear, little waves of electricity passed down his spine.
" Too many clothes," Castiel growled through gritted teeth as he undid Dean's belt buckle. Undoing the zipper, he pushed his hand in, and Dean twitched at the touch.
The brunette scoots down, then lowered his head towards Dean's cock. Dean felt his warm breath on it, and the warm saliva which was starting to cover his member. Not being able to contain it, Dean let out a small groan.
When Cas took the whole cock in his mouth, as if that was what it had hoped for, Dean's cock hardened immediately. When the brunette's lips closed down on it, a shock wave of titillation ran through Dean's body. The former Angel quickly finds his rhythm, his head bobbing up and down, sucking hard on him. He caressed it with his tongue and lips. He wraps his fingers around the base of his lover's shaft, stroking and sucking in unison, amplifying Dean's arousal. Castiel then slides his free hand up Dean's torso, feeling every muscle he touched taut against his palm, then sliding back down, until his palm settled on Dean's upper thigh for support.
Dean didn't say anything. He just let Castiel do what he wanted. He places his hand on the back of Cas's head. The brunette knew exactly what he was about to do, quickly bracing himself as Dean dipped his head down. Castiel can feel the man's cock slide further down his throat, which he takes with ease, right down to the base.
" Mph… Fuck, baby, that feels so good." Dean made a low groan, his head falls against the pillow, and his eyes rolled back.
Dean eased his hold on Cas's head for moment, allowing Cas to come up for air. While catching his breath, the brunette resulted to licking the sweltering head of Dean's cock, the tang taste of precum hitting his taste buds. Moments later, Castiel returns to deep throating his lover.
Dean leans up carefully, not wanting to disrupt the man's movements. Dean reaches over and pushed his hand behind Castiel's back and, finding the crack of Cas's ass, he started to finger the sensitive part. Castiel reflexively thrusts his hips into Dean's finger.
" Mmh…" He moaned but didn't pull his attention away from Dean's cock. The finger had made its way into his hole and was starting to wriggle inside.
Castiel released Dean's cock with an auditable pop, then pushed the man's shoulders. Dean fell with a thud back on the bed. While holding him down, Cas took off his own shirt. The ex-hunter leant a hand, undoing Castiel's belt and pants. Sliding down the hem of his boxers, finally freeing his weeping cock from its fabric prison. Castiel continues to roll his hips, his cock now rubbing against Dean's.
Dean immediately reached between the brunette's legs and with rhythmic movements, started to urge Castiel on. Cas wasted no time and began thrusting to match Dean's hand. He observed closely as the man above him submitted to his desires, admiring how Castiel moved his body so fluently as he thrusts into Dean's pumping hand.
Glancing up, his eyes met with Castiel's who was now looking down at him. The last remnant of daylight that beamed into their room really brought out his beauty. The way his sweat glistened in the light, his neck and chest flush with heat, and those baby blues staring so lovingly at him. Dean's breath is taken away just by staring at him.
" You're so beautiful, Cas." Dean says. He seductively ran his hands over Castiel's body, his fingers working their way over every curve and muscle, rising towards Cas's chest and then started gently pinching Cas's hard nipples.
" Stop." Castiel gasps, but when he felt Dean pinch the hard stubs between his fingers, his whole body quivers. The shivers coursed over every muscle in his body, he even trembled deep inside.
Suddenly, Dean pulled Castiel close to him, until he was bent over. Dean lifted himself up and started nibbling on Cas's earlobe. His voice was almost a whisper as he spoke, " Lube?"
Castiel couldn't handle it, all he could do at this point was pant his response. " Bathroom... Basket under the sink."
The former hunter swiftly rolls over, until he had Castiel pinned beneath him. He lays a quick peck onto Cas's lips and says, " Don't move." He then rushes off to the bathroom suite.
A few moments later, Dean returns to the bedroom, the bottle of lube in hand. Upon re-entering the room, Dean suddenly froze in his tracks. His eyes glistened with sexual excitement at the sight before him. Castiel is fully naked and on his stomach, with a pillow stuffed underneath him, presenting his behind.
" What are you waiting for?" Castiel's voice breaks Dean from his trance. Quick as a flash, Dean was behind the brunette. He caressed the two buttocks. " Hurry..." Castiel pleads.
" Patience, baby." Dean replied.
The former Angel was still lying face down, but he angles his body in a way so that he could look back at Dean. He watched as his lover popped open the bottle of lube, coating his fingers, then adding some just above Cas's hole. The lubricant felt cold on his hot skin and Castiel shivered.
With the brunette's eyes still on him, Dean reached his arm out to Castiel's ass then pushed his finger deep inside. Castiel felt the foreign body being pushed up inside of him. His body, by natural reflex, tried pushing Dean out, but Dean only pushed it back in. One finger quickly became two, then three, followed by scissor motions and Castiel was practically losing his mind.
" Ah, Mmh…"
There was a squishing sound as Dean's fingers kept fucking his small hole. The lube had moistened Castiel's insides. It was going to make Castiel crazy. He couldn't hold back, thrusting his hips back to meet Dean's fingers.
" Say it," Dean growled. Castiel peeked at Dean. The man was serious. Castiel's breathing was becoming irregular as he stared into those green pools. " Say it, Cas." He repeated. The brunette knew exactly what he meant. Dean wanted him to beg for it.
Castiel had to hold back a smirk. Whenever the man was in this state of arousal, he would become forceful, and would make love to Castiel until he was nearly unconscious. And to be honest, the brunette secretly loved it.
He suddenly felt Dean press his fingers down against his prostate, Castiel arched his back. It wasn't enough to make him come, but still heightened the brunette's state of arousal. The pleasure was building inside him like a whirlpool, which tormented him even more.
Dean decided to add to the torment by removing his fingers, smirking as Castiel whimpered in protest. Dean leans closer and Cas could feel Dean's cock brush at his buttocks. Dean began thrusting slowly, rubbing his cock between the cleft of his lover's ass.
" Do you want me inside you?" Hearing Dean whisper only made the brunette more turned on. He wanted it. He needed it.
" Yes…"
" Then say it." Dean ordered.
Castiel quivered with excitement, he couldn't handle it, and finally gives in. " Dean... Please." He begged.
" Good boy." Dean applies lube on his cock before grabbing Castiel's hips, and in one swift motion, he bottoms out into Castiel's hole.
" AH!" The sudden intrusion caught Cas off guard, yet he takes it in stride. He arched his back, pushing his ass higher up and accepting the other man deeper. " Mmmh… Nh!"
Dean starts to move, his thrusts are aggressive, penetrating deeper into his lover, hitting his prostate with every thrust. Castiel threw his head back in ecstasy, moaning wantonly with every hit to his spot. Reaching back, Castiel pulls Dean into a passionate kiss. It was as if having their bodies connected in only one place wasn't enough. Castiel was consumed by the desire to have Dean inside every single part of him.
Dean pounded inside the brunette brutally. Castiel slumped into the man's arms, feeling like his chest was going to burst from the overpowering titillation he was receiving.
" Ah!" Castiel tried to move his head to get some air, but Dean didn't let him go. The man's kisses moved across his cheek and down his neck. The former Angel gulped when Dean planted kisses at the base of his neck. The caress of lips was light, teasing- but he was also possessive and would bite down at Cas's flesh. It wasn't hard enough to break skin, but it'll most definitely leave behind marks for a few days.
" Fuck, Cas…. Feel. So. Good." Dean huffed into Cas's ear. His thrusts became even more passionate, all the while sucking and biting at Castiel's neck.
The brunette felt enormous pleasure. Dean's large cock was filling him up, pounding at his sensitive spot over and over. Castiel started to move his own hips, meeting every single one of the ex-hunter's thrusts, which in turn, intensified the pleasure for both men.
Dean abruptly stops. The former Angel, at the height of pleasure, had almost been released. He whimpered in irritation. Castiel was then turned around so he was now facing up. The change of position was so quick that the brunette became dizzy.
Dean props the brunette's legs over his shoulders and repositioned himself. Castiel winced as Dean pushed the tip of his cock into his puckered entrance. There's a hint of pain in Castiel's face, but it was instantly replaced with pleasure as Dean started moving.
Dean stroked a finger down Castiel's sweaty forehead. " Oh, there is a little drool coming from your mouth," Dean said.
" Shut up." Cas growled.
Smiling, Dean wipes away the dribble with his thumb. He didn't look away from Castiel for a single second, though. The brunette's eyes were clamped shut; his head leaned far back as shouts of ecstasy escaped those kiss swollen lips. But what Dean really enjoyed seeing, was Castiel's eyes. To witness every single emotion that would emit through those beautiful blue orbs.
" Look at me, Cas." Dean murmured.
Castiel does as he's told, looking up at his lover. The former hunter then resumed his rough movements from earlier, only this time, Dean gets to see all of Castiel's reactions in this position.
" Nnh!… ah!…" Castiel threw his head back and bit down on his lip. The friction and heat created by his lover's thick cock sent wave upon wave of titillation throughout his body with every lunge.
" Don't look away… Keep your eyes on me." Dean grabbed his chin and pulled Castiel towards him.
Their gazes locked together. Dean's eyes were filled with lustful hunger- but also expressed such adoration that Castiel's breathing suddenly became difficult. He didn't know why, but the emotions he was feeling were beginning to overwhelm him, feeling a knot form in his chest.
" I love you, Castiel." Dean said earnestly.
That did it for the former Angel. Dean's words reverberated through his mind, unleashing waves of emotions that only Dean was capable of bringing out of him. Human emotions that the brunette has still yet to become accustomed to. Castiel couldn't take it and had to look away. Tears started to form in his eyes, perhaps due to the intensity of his emotions.
Dean noticed this, halting his movements and reached his hands up, cradling Castiel's cheek in his hand. That was one of the reasons Castiel loved him. He was so sweet. He noticed the small things.
The former Angel couldn't shake off the intense feelings. They'd taken over his body. He couldn't even breathe. It was as if his heart was welling up, blocking his windpipe. He buried his face in the crook of Dean's neck and took a shaky breath, but the tears wouldn't stop coming.
The former hunter knew exactly what to do as he slides his arms up and around his lover, holding him close. He would do this whenever Castiel became too overwhelmed by his own emotions. And it wasn't long until the brunette relaxed in Dean's arms.
They remained like this for a few more minutes, until Castiel felt that he was ready to continue. Without saying a word, the brunette nudged his hips against Dean's. That was the man's cue to start moving again. While still holding his lover in his comforting embrace, Dean then started pulling out and pushing back in, thrusting carefully.
" More…" Castiel gasped.
" Are you sure?" Dean asked.
" Yes, I'm sure, Dean... Please…" He pleads.
The man was hesitant, but he obliged, and started to thrust in with more force. Dean rests his forehead against Cas's shoulder, exhaling hot air at his chest. He grips at his lover's hips tightly and tugged Castiel harder into his lunges. He can feel his climax closing in fast, but Dean holds out, wanting to come together with his lover. Dean reaches out and takes Castiel's untouched cock in hand, stroking in time with his thrusts.
Castiel was now overcome with alarm, he was so close to the edge now that Dean was touching him there. He dug his nails at the back of Dean's thighs, trying to pull the man even deeper. " Don't stop!… oh, Dean!… Don't stop!" He urged, desperate for Dean to keep going.
Castiel's movements became more frantic. Dean smiled wickedly, giving into Castiel's wishes, his thrusts becoming faster, stronger.
" Dean! Ahh! I'm gonna-!…" His body was reaching the climax.
" Me too."
A couple of thrusts later and Castiel reaches his breaking point. Warm, white cum erupted out of his cock, trickling down Dean's pumping hand. His stomach muscles convulsed with each wave of gratification that coursed through him.
Dean winced as Castiel's muscles tightened around his cock, and it wasn't long until he was coming as well, pumping his hot load far up inside his lover. They rode out their orgasm together, right to the very end, until Dean finally collapses on top of Castiel.
The two remained as they were for a while longer, their breaths reverberating in their chests, both slowly coming down from their high. Dean plants his shaking forearms on the mattress at either side of Castiel's head, then weakly rose his head up. When he looked into Castiel's eyes, he noticed newly formed tears in them.
Confused, Dean stroked Castiel's damp hair. " Hey now… what's wrong?" He muttered.
Castiel smiled, reaching his hands up and caressing Dean's cheeks, he answered, " I'm very lucky, you know… I walked away from everything I knew, everything I had… for you. In return, you have given me so much more." He adds, " You have shown me the true value of friendship, have accepted me as part of your family… and above all else, you have given me more love than I ever could've hoped for… you, Dean Winchester, you did this to me. I love you so much."
Dean stared silently into Castiel's blue orbs. Castiel's words had struck him deep in the feelers. Dean felt he might lose his composure at any moment and turn into a blubbering mess himself. He closed his eyes and tried to slow down his chaotic heartbeat.
" Dean?"
Dean still didn't move. His chest felt tight. All the feelings he was trying to hold in threatened to burst out. He felt like Castiel had reached into his chest and caressed his beating heart with all his love. ' To Hell with it.' Dean thought, suddenly pulling Castiel into a loving embrace, his tears finally flowing freely down his cheeks.
" Dammit, Cas… you know I hate chick flick moments… but fuck, I love you for saying it." He murmured.
The brunette chuckled lightly, closing his eyes and kissed Dean's head lying on his chest.
Afterwards…
Dean took a shower and dried himself off. He wrapped a towel around his waist and entered the bedroom, where he found Castiel relaxing under the covers.
Castiel was laying on his side, completely worn out. He wanted to take a shower too, but he really couldn't move. He glanced over his shoulder towards his lover, who stood beside the bed, smiling down at him.
" I'm cold," Castiel complained.
" Hm? Do you want me to grab some firewood?" Dean asked.
" No. I'm telling you to come here," Castiel said throwing off the covers.
Dean snorted. " Want to go for another round?"
" No. I'm just cold."
Dean slipped his body next to the brunette's. The touch of his skin and his warmth was better than what any blanket could do. Pushing him over, Dean hugged Castiel from behind. He then places a kiss at the back of Cas's neck. Castiel shut his eyes, sighing as he felt the warm pulse of their bond course through him. Castiel always found it so comforting.
" Much better." Castiel murmured.
" Sleep now. We've got a long day tomorrow." Dean whispered as he pulled the covers up and over them carefully.
Feeling the warmth of Dean behind him, Castiel relaxed and drifted into a deep sleep.
That Morning...
Dean wakes as daylight beamed throughout the bedroom, he sat up with a yawn. Then gazed out of the window, snow was still falling, but not as heavily as it was last night. Dean turns his eyes to his still sleeping lover, and he smiled. Dean strung his fingers through Castiel's hair.
Afterwards, Dean stood up and stretched his body with a groan, his aching joints popped to release the tension they retained overnight. He then heads downstairs to the kitchen and starts off with a cup of coffee, staring out the window. Dean thought to himself that last night's storm wasn't so bad, a bit of shoveling to clear the driveway will be no problem. He downs the rest of the warm beverage before heading for the door. Dean swings on his coat and gloves, grabs the shovel then steps outside.
Roughly an hour of shoveling, Dean finished clearing the driveway. He wipes his feet as he goes in the house and hangs up his coat. As he exits the mudroom, he can hear White Christmas reverberating from the living area. Dean enters the room, noticing that it was empty. Dean suddenly jolts as an arm wraps around his waist, warm breath touched his still cold cheek, and Dean shivered.
" Jumpy, aren't we?" Castiel chuckled, resting his head against Dean's shoulder, " Merry Christmas, Dean." Cas kisses Dean's neck.
Dean turns around while still being in Castiel's embrace, now facing the former Angel. Dean smiles warmly as he grazed his fingers down Castiel's cheek. " Merry Christmas." Dean then gives him a peck on the lips. Suddenly Dean noticed Cas's other arm is hidden behind him. " What do you got hiding back there?" He teased by lightly poking Castiel's side, erupting a series of chortles from him.
" No! stop... no tickling!" Cas laughed. Hopping to one side, trying to avoid Dean's hand. Castiel quickly runs off to escape the ticklish onslaught, but Dean pursues him into the kitchen. " No!" Cas bolts down the hall and up the stairs, but Dean is right behind him. Both laughing their way towards their bedroom.
Castiel is now trapped. Dean runs up behind the former Angel and grabs him, then resumed his assault of tickles. Castiel laughs breathlessly, kicking his feet as Dean lifts him up. " Dean... I can't breathe! stop!" They both fall onto the mattress.
Dean finally ceases his tickles, they laid there laughing for a bit longer. Castiel rolls over to face Dean. " So... what were you hiding?" Dean asked.
Castiel pulls out a small black box. " A little something I picked up after work." Cas answers as he hands over the gift.
Dean opens it, and out of the box he lifts an antique, pure silver pocket watch. Clicking the button on top and the cover flips open, inside held a custom fitted picture of himself and Castiel. Dean remembered this; it was taking during their trip to Coney Island. It was one of the happiest days he had ever experienced in a long time.
" I love it... Thank you." Dean pulls Cas into a hug, " Oh!" Dean then realized something important, and climbs off the bed, " I got something for you too." He goes into the closet. Dean searches the pocket of his old hand-me-down leather jacket. " Close your eyes and hold out your hand..." He says when he found what he was looking for. Castiel shuts his eyes as told. " Are they closed?"
" Yes..." Cas answered.
Dean sits beside Cas, then placed his present onto his open hand. " Okay, you can open them." Castiel does, and he glances down to a sterling silver necklace. " I saw it in the jewelry shop next door to the apartments me and the crew were refurbishing..."
" It's beautiful..." Castiel commented.
" Open it." Dean tells him.
Castiel looks to his lover curiously. There was more? He thought. Finding the small switch beside the pendant, it clicks open, and there was a small piece of paper folded neatly inside. Cas narrows his brows, taking the paper and opens it. He suddenly froze, because what was written on that paper took him by surprise. Castiel quickly glanced up at Dean, who smiled as he reached into his pocket to retrieve a small black box.
The former Angel feels his heart pounding against his chest as Dean opened that box, revealing a ring.
" Well, Cas?... What do you say?" Dean asked. " Will you?"
Castiel stared at that ring for a very long moment, then at the note in his hand that read 'Will you marry me?' on it. Castiel was at a loss of words. He didn't know what to say. So many emotions flooded his mind all at once, overwhelming him. Cas's mouth opened and closed, resembling that of a fish. " I... I..." He never would've thought he'd be this speechless.
His heart was pounding so fast that he could hear it in his ears. These feelings were overflowing and was ready to burst out of him like a geyser. And Cas suddenly grabbed Dean into a tight hug, almost knocking the man backwards.
" Yes." He finally answered. His voice was muffled because he had buried his face in Dean's chest.
The former hunter pulls at his lover's chin, wanting to look into his eyes. Dean can see that Cas's cheeks were pink, then he noticed the tears flooding in those baby blues.
Dean smiled softly and asked, " Why are you crying?"
" I'm just so happy..." He replied.
Dean presses his forehead against Castiel's, staring into his eyes for a moment or two, stroking the back of his hand down his cheek. Castiel slowly shut his eyes, leaning into Dean's touch. As much as they wanted to remain in this tender moment, it is short lived when the doorbell rings.
Dean peers towards the window and says, " Bobby's a bit early..." The couple head downstairs to greet the elder hunter to their home. Dean opens the door.
" Hey boys." Is the first thing Bobby says.
" Hey, Bobby... we weren't expecting you until around 1 o'clock." Dean replies.
Bobby chuckled, " Damn car broke down on the freeway... I got picked up by an old friend." The elder hunter then steps aside to let the other guest step forward. The look of surprise appears in Dean and Castiel's eyes as their new guest comes into view.
" Hey... did you miss me?"
" Gabriel? But... we thought... weren't you-... when did you get back?" Dean stammered.
" Last night."
Dean cuts him off, " Hold up... you come back, you don't bother coming by and-... wait… did you get Sam out?"
A smile spread across the Archangel's lips; his eyes glanced to his left before taking a step back. Dean's brows narrowed with confusion at first, but then Sam came into view and Dean was in disbelief. A tight knot formed in his throat; he couldn't believe his eyes. Was this a dream? Was this real? Dean had to pinch at his thigh to make sure of that. His eyes began to water, it wasn't a dream, Sam was really here.
" Sammy..."
" Good to see that you took my advice, Dean… for once." Sam says. Stepping forward Sam tugs his big brother into a tight hug. " It's good to see you again..." Sam pulls away, then looks over to Castiel, he chuckled lightly before hugging him too. " How are you doing, Cas?" He releases him, then Sam looks them both over, " You both look great... How is everything?"
Dean smiled, wrapping an arm around Cas's waist and pulls him close, "Perfect..." Dean answered. He then gestures them inside, " Come on in, we were just about to start breakfast."
" Before we do that, there's something else." Sam announced. Dean and Castiel stop in their tracks and look to the taller man. " I wasn't the only one Gabriel brought back."
Dean furrowed his brows, confused. " What do you mean?" He asked.
" I did tell you I'd do whatever I can to make it up to you guys… You both went through so much your whole lives. You and Sam deserve this." Gabriel explains.
Sam suddenly walks off, making his way down the cemented pathway towards a small black car parked at the curb. All the while, Dean watched his every move. Sam opens the passenger side door and leans over. It appears he was speaking with someone inside.
Without moving his gaze, Dean asked, " Who else exactly did you bring back?" That question was directed towards Gabriel.
The answer to Dean's question was revealed as the newcomer finally steps out of the car. And the moment Dean caught a glimpse of their face, his heart gave a thump. Castiel was surprisingly shocked as well.
Dean couldn't breathe, like he had lost the ability to. All he could mutter was, " Mom?" Under his breath.
Dean watched in disbelief as Mary walks up. She stops halfway once she locks eyes with Dean. Mary couldn't take another step, as if she were unsure what to do, or what to say. Dean was frozen in place as well. Castiel looked between the both of them, and he understood that this was a special moment for them, but neither of them had the courage to speak. But Castiel knew exactly what to do. By laying a hand on his lover's shoulder, Dean immediately looked his way. Castiel then gave a slight nod to reassure the other man that everything is alright.
" Go on." Castiel insists.
Dean stares into Cas's baby blues for a long moment, then smiled softly, placing his hand over Castiel's. Dean just couldn't believe this man, the way he can bring ease to his mind with just a touch, no matter the situation. Whether he was scared, angry or sad about something, Castiel always finds a way to comfort him. Dean takes a deep breath, then starts moving towards Mary. He stops just a few feet from her, and he stares. Strange, Dean thought, she looks exactly like she did years ago before she died. Either way, Dean was happy to see her again.
" Hey, mom."
There's a long moment of stillness, Mary and Dean looking to one another in silence while the others stood by and observe. Mary is the one to make the first move, sauntering up to her eldest son until she was at arm's reach. She remains still, looking deep into those green pools, as if searching for something. Tears suddenly welled in her eyes and she smiled, then pulls Dean into her strong embrace.
" Dean… my sweet little Dean." She whispers, burying her face into his shoulder.
Dean returns the gesture, holding her just as tight, his eyes stinging as tears of happiness began to flow. For so long Dean had always wanted one thing, to be able to see his mother again, hear her voice, and feel her comforting touch. And now here she is. At first, Dean couldn't believe that all of this was happening, that it was all just a dream. But from the very moment Mary put her arms around him, Dean realized it wasn't some made up fantasy in his head. This is as real as it gets. And Dean was so happy. Her touch, her smell, her voice, exactly as Dean remembers her.
The former hunter felt her hands on his cheeks, pulling him away so that she can look into his eyes once more.
Mary smiles warmly, then turns her attention towards the house, spotting Castiel on the porch. " So… are you going to introduce me or what?"
Dean chuckled at that. He gestures his head for her to follow, then turned on his heels and walks towards the porch with his mother in toe. Dean takes a quick gander at Sam who was now opening the back-passenger door. Curious, Dean halts, wanting to know who it is. And to his surprise, it was Jessica, Sam's girlfriend who died in a fire years ago. Dean turns to the Archangel, curious to how he pulled it off.
" How'd you do it?" Dean asked.
" It wasn't easy, I'll tell you that... Pulled some strings, did some favors." Gabriel replied.
" How about we continue this inside? Not only is it cold, but I would love to have some of whatever Cas is cooking, I can smell it from here. And it smells good." Sam interrupts.
" Well, then it's a good thing I made extra. Come on in, make yourselves at home while I set the table." Castiel adds as he gestures everyone to the door.
" Don't mind if I do." Gabriel says gleefully and saunters inside. Bobby greets Castiel properly with a hug before following behind the Archangel. Gabriel gave an impressed whistle as he checked out the nice furniture. " Cool place you got here." He says.
" Well, we wouldn't have gotten it without some help from Bobby." Castiel adds.
" It was the least I could do." Bobby says with a shrug before disappearing into the living room.
The others approaching footsteps grabs Castiel's attention, now turning his eyes in their direction with a smile.
" Cas, I'd like you to meet my mother." Dean starts off. There's a hint of bashfulness in his voice to which Castiel couldn't help but chuckle at. For Dean, who never would have imagined he'd be introducing his lover to his mother, which must feel weird for Dean. And Castiel understood the man's nervousness.
" It's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance, Mary Campbell." Castiel says politely and reaches out to shake her hand.
Mary happily accepted the gesture as she replies, " And you're Castiel. Sam has told me a lot about you. You're the Angel who helped my boys stop the Apocalypse."
" I had a hand in it, but most of the credit go to your sons." Castiel says in complete honesty, then turns his gaze to Jessica. A warm smile spread across his lips as he recalled how Sam talked about the woman he loved; she really is as beautiful as he described her. " Sam had spoken to me about you, Jessica. It's nice to meet you." They shake hands. A loud ding from the kitchen quickly gets the former Angel's attention. " Well, the cinnamon rolls are done." Cas says aloud. The moment those words left his lips, Gabriel suddenly popped into view.
" Did someone say cinnamon rolls?" Gabriel didn't bother waiting for an answer as he practically danced his way into the kitchen. " Yay cinnamon rolls!"
Everyone's reaction to the Archangel's behavior was almost hilarious. Sam sighed while he pinched the bridge of his nose, Dean just rolled his eyes in annoyance, the girls were completely confused and Castiel just smirked.
" We should go in, I have to stop my brother before he eats everything." Castiel points out and the brothers laughed.
And with that, they join the others inside.
Afterwards…
Everyone sat together in the kitchen, enjoying the holiday as a family. For the first time in months, the house was filled with more laughter than ever. The family was whole once again.
During their time catching up, Dean had discovered a few things. One being that Sam has been top side for little over a month, and of course Dean was upset with Gabriel about not telling him, but Sam explained the Archangel's reasons. Apparently, after Gabriel rescued Sam from the cage, the young hunter wasn't himself. Sam's soul had been broken and tormented, his mind had been completely warped with fear. Of course, being trapped alongside two very pissed off Angels, why wouldn't they take their frustrations out on Sam. And after being freed, Gabriel looked out for him until he recovered.
The same went for Mary and Jessica, but their story was a bit different. To suddenly come back to life with only their last memories being their deaths, they were mostly confused. Gabriel took the time to ease their minds, answering whatever questions they asked and catching them up with everything that's happened in the years of their absence. During that time, Sam spent it reconnecting with Jessica.
That pretty much sums up everything that's happened with them.
" So, Dean, what have you and Cas been up to these past few months?" Sam asked, deciding it was time to change the subject.
" Well, aside from having a roof over our heads, Cas and I are in the nine to five life. I work construction, and Cas is a cook at the local restaurant." Dean answered.
" That explains why these cinnamon rolls are so damn good." Gabriel mumbled through a mouthful of the sugary treat.
" Don't talk with your mouth full." Castiel says.
Gabriel playfully rolled his eyes and replied, " Okay, mom."
" I'm sorry, but is he always like this?" Mary asked, being very serious about it. She was surprised because the time Gabriel was caring for her, Sam and Jessica, he was so normal. And now, his personality was completely different.
Castiel chuckled to that and says, " Pretty much."
Gabriel stuck out his tongue teasingly at his little brother, and everyone laughed cheerfully.
Dean ganders around at everyone as they chat to one another, listening to their indistinct conversations and laughter. Dean smiled. This picture before him, this very scenario he's dreamed of since his childhood, has finally come true. Dean always thought that the only ending he and Sam had waiting for them was death, that there was no happy ending for them. But here they are, reunited with lost loved ones, enjoying an amazing Christmas morning together.
At last, the endless road of battling evil has reached its end for the Winchesters, they found their peace, they won the war and stopped the Apocalypse. And now they can live as they always dreamed.
Their Apple Pie Life...
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Thank you all for reading this re-write and thank you to all who supported me through it. I will be working on Hellbent next, but I want re-work all of the chapters before replacing the existing ones, so it might take a while. bye for now.