Castiel wasn't one to risk something as important as his wings for frivolous reasons as that of wanting to feel the first rays of sunlight bathing his feathers.
He had been taught better than that.
But it had beensolong since he allowed himself something that nice and his wings had finally finished healing after months of having gotten his grace back and dealing with Lucifer possessing him.
He needed to release some of the stress that had accumulated and what better way than feeling the warmth of the sun seeping through his newly grown feathers?
The bunker was the safest place on Earth and considering Heaven wasn't an option this was his safe spot for this.
And the brothers were sleeping.
It was a cold night and therefore would be a cold morning.
Humans didn't seem to like getting up when the morning was cold.
So he got to the top of the bunker and got rid of his trench coat, tie, shirt and suit jacket.
And with one single shrug of his shoulders he brought his wings out of the ethereal plane.
Stretching them out and sighing out of pure relief and delight as the cold made his feathers loosen their sharpness for a more fluffier aspect. Locking out most of the cold.
As he glanced up at the night and felt the chilling breeze dance through his feathers and ruffle them with its soft touch he found himself walking up to the edge.
He knew he shouldn't fly.
Not like this.
Because humans had developed thousand of things able to catch the smallest of strange things.
And neither Sam nor Dean would like him to end up bringing that kind of attention to the world.
But this place was safe.
He had heard the brothers talk about some kind of perimeter that protected the bunker's location, phones and stuff...
Maybe he was safe too.
If not... well he could apologize later.
So with that last thought he took a deep breath and stretched his wings out as he bent his knees.
A strong flap and Castiel found himself taking off. For a moment he closed his eyes, just letting his wings get used to a feeling they haven't experienced in a while. Beating up and down, taking him up higher and higher as the cold of the night enveloped him.
Opening his eyes, he sighed in relief and delight as he soared through the clouds. The air cold and humid hitting his skin. Seeping through his feathers and making him feel as free and untouchable as he hadn't felt in centuries.
And this time there was no one else to watch him. No need to watch his back.
Because as depressing as it sounded he was the last angel out there who still had his wings intact.
As he rounded the perimeter he looked down and relished on the sight. Flapping as his gaze roamed across the entire world below him. The bunker stood like a fortress protected with thousand of powerful wards. The forest behind it beautiful and untouched. And if he focused enough he could hear the nocturnal animals singing, hunting.
The stars above him shimmered with an incandescent brightness and warmness no human would ever be able to feel nor see. He wanted to go higher and higher until all he could feel was the heat of Earth's atmosphere. The line where the ethereal plane became thicker.
But he knew he couldn't.
Humans as much as he praised how far their kind has gone seemed to have claimed the entire solar system as their own.
Castiel couldn't go glide through Saturn's rings to his heart content unless he wanted to end up in trouble.
So rather than that after being so high he took a dive. The cold wind ruffling his feathers and hair with wild intent and right before his face met the ground he opened his wings. Catching himself in the last moment and swooping up. Ascending higher and higher with a smile he never thought flying would get from him.
He flew for a while, diving, gliding, spinning, ascending. All until the sky began preparing for the sun's grand entrance. Orange and pink bathing the sky with streaks of yellow.
That was Castiel's clue to go back to what he had first intended. He was quick to land back on the roof, wings aching and heart racing as he did so. But he didn't mind for this was the best thing he had given himself the luxury to do for a while.
Using his wings not for his duties nor for helping someone but just for the sake of indulging himself.
He plopped down at the edge and with a long sigh of content he relaxed his entire being and welcomed the warmness of the first rays of sunlight.
~~~~~~~~
Sam and Dean would sell their souls over having to go out at 6 friggin' in the morning.
But Jody called them and you don't just ignore Jody.
So dragging their duffel bags and feets the brothers got out of the bunker. The impala was outside for Dean's half asleep ass hadn't had the strenght to get her in without risking an accident and over his dead body would Dean allow that to happen.
Yet.
The last thing either of them ever expected was for the sight that met Sam who was the first one to catch it considering he was facing the bunker now as he attempted to open the impala.
He froze.
-Dude what-
Sam half threw himself at Dean and smacked a hand to cover his brother's mouth before pointing at the roof.
Dean who had a good mind about licking his brother's hand followed his brother's wild look and all thoughts crashed inside he still half awake mind.
Because Castiel was sitting at the edge of the bunker's roof.
With wings.
Wings.
Like real actual friggin' wings.
One thing was seeing the shadows but this.
This.
Dean didn't even knew making them visible was a thing.
They were folded against his back, almost limp and even so looking massive.
And the colors.
God the colors.
Those weren't white like the ones Sam and Dean had for spells.
Castiel's were a breathtaking explosion of shimmering rainbows. As if each feather had been carved out of multicolored crystals. Smooth and fluffed at the edges and the sunlight reflected on them with such a striking beauty that threatened to never give their breaths back-Lord even his skin was glowing.
Almost translucent with flows of white and blueish energy that could be a trick of the light but weren't.
And there was something about this sight that just felt too divine and pure to be staring at.
For the first time in their time of knowing the angel Sam and Dean felt like as human beings they had no right at all to be staring at the angel right now.
Because he looked more like an angel than he had ever done and the sight was too stunning and overhelming for their human souls to stand.
He looked at total peace with the world itself with no sign at all of the tension he never seemed to get rid off.
And then because Dean is Dean the sacred moment was tainted.
-Son of a bitch.
-I'm not the son of a bitch.- Came the immediate reply as the wings twitched, the glow of his skin fading into nothingness almost instantly as piercing blue orbs settled upon their souls.
-Dude you got wings.-Breathed out Dean still having troubles with the sight. Sam at his side looking like the definition of awestruck and child-like joy.
-I'm an angel.- Frowns Castiel feeling a bit exposed. It wasn't like he didn't want Sam nor Dean to see his wings but angels hid their wings from other angels and humans for a reason. The shadows weren't a problem but the actual sight of them was...
Wings weren't like the rest of their bodies.
Their mood was reflected in them. During fights or in a hostile environment the feathers grew sharp and impenetrable while being relaxed and not on guard gave the feathers the same fragile state as that of a common bird. As an angel his wings were stronger than a bird's but still...
-I thought angels were suppose to have white feathers.
-No. Wings come in different colors and shapes. Like a human fingerprint no angel has the same color or shape of wings.- Tells Castiel matter of fact as he gets up, wings shifting behind him with a perfect synchrony to each movement. Even as he stood the wings seemed to drag.
And because Castiel seemed eager to take ownership of their souls he spread his wings out to their fullest.
And sweet Jesus if folded both Winchesters had almost had a stroke spread out in their magnificent glory of fifteen ft each felt like their knees would give in and they would start praying to the angel. Because the sunlight hitting him in that angle made it seem as if he was being enveloped in ethereal light and those rainbow feathers shimmering with unforgiving beauty as the light reflected on them did nothing for their jelly-like knees.
With a graceful step off of the roof the angel glided down, just like a bird descending, his wings catching the wind currents and lifting him into the air with ease. After a few swift beats of his wings his shoes touched the ground and he landed right infront of the dumbstruck brothers.
Part of Castiel pondered for a moment if he broke them for neither of them was even blinking.
-Are you okay?- Asked the angel tilting his head to the side and staring into their souls to make sure his little display hadn't somehow harmed their souls.
But no.
Sam's was still as bright as the sun despite its tainted cracks and Dean's was the same star-like brightness of warm flames.
-You can fly?!- Dean's question got him Castiel staring at him with a look that called him stupid in all the possible languages the angel knew.
Sam gave his brother a bitch face before turning to look at the angel with an excited look.
Or more like at his wings.
From up close the feathers did look fluffier at the edges but a few seemed to shift between fluffy and smooth to frizzy and sharp and back to fluffy and smooth. Shimmering like multicolored crystals without the actual translucent part.
-You can't touch them.- For a moment Sam thought those words were directed at him for staring until he realized Dean was the one who attempted to reach for the other wing.
Castiel seemed almost sorry for his own words.
-Why not?- Sam gave his brother bitch face #23. Was Dean seriously complaining about the why couldn't he touch an angel's wings?
-Angel feathers are dangerous to human touch while still connected to the wing. You are gonna get burnt for touching them.- Explained the angel before growing a bit hesitant.- I can give you a ride instead? Humans like flying right?
-Hell no!- Dean realized he should have chosen his words better when Cas gave him a kicked puppy look and his wings seemed to almost drop to the ground. As if Dean just insulted him in the worst way possible.
And maybe rejecting that kind of offer was an insult in angel terms.
-No, I didn't meant it like that Cas. I just don't like heights okay?- That at least got Castiel loosening the kicked puppy look before turning to look at Sam with an expectant look.
-Can you really carry me?- Asked Sam not that convinced considering the height difference between him and the angel.
-I won't drop you.- Dictated Castiel with the security of a hundred soldiers.
-I know that.- Told Sam matter of fact. He trusted Cas and he knew the last thing the angel would do was offer something that could end with him splattering on the ground like a pancake.- I meant our height difference.
-That's no problem at all.- Informed Castiel before taking a few steps forward and rounding the younger Winchester. Throwing Dean a look that sworn to not drop his brother no matter what.
That at least seemed to calm a bit of the anxiety in the eldest hunter's body language.
Sam's height at least wasn't troublesome enough to not allow Castiel to reach what he needed. One arm around his waist and another one around his chest. Feeling the rapid thrumb of his heartbeat. He couldn't detect fear but nerves. He guessed that was normal.
And so Castiel secured his arms around Sam and with that he took off.
~~~~~~~~~~
Dean watched in awe as Cas took off, he looked so majestic in the air, his strong wings flapping to send them higher and higher. The sunlight hitting those multicolored feathers with a stronger might and making it look even more beautiful.
An angel gliding through the air with those magnetic wings. Soaring across the fading oranges and pinks of the sky with his little brother.
Sam who he had protected with his life since he had use of reason.
And it was at that moment that Dean realized just how much trust he put on the angel.
How far had he come from slaughtering whatever wasn't human without asking a single question to trusting a non-human being with his brother's life.
Same non-human being who had become more than just a friend to him through the years.
A brother.
~~~~~~~
Sam had been excited but nervous for this. He trusted Cas with his life of course but flying on a plane and flying with an angel were two completely different things.
He had seen Castiel's wings spread. Had felt the unyielding grip around his chest and waist.
And then the gush of wind was felt along with the disappearance of the ground beneath his feets. His heart skipped a beat and he held onto Castiel's arm like a lifesaver as he watched Dean grow more and more small. Cold wind hitting his face and making his hair go all wild.
Sam Winchester then felt the most amazing thing he had ever felt in his entire life.
Freedom.
Castiel kept going higher and higher in the air until the clouds were below them. The air felt thinner for Sam but he wasn't suffocating so he didn't paid it mind.
Because the sight he had was too stunning to care about breathing correctly.
-Are you okay?- Came the gruff voice from behind him. Concerned but wielding an odd sense of calm. The sound of flapping breaking through the silence.
-I'm... fine. This is amazing.- Whispered Sam staring awestruck at the world below them. Through the clouds the bunker looked so small and so did the closest town. He never thought he would get to see this kind of angle from the world.
Seeing the vast sky, the clouds, the ground, all without walls around him nor anything at all to put his feets on. Feeling the cold breeze and the heat from the sun. Hearing the echo of the wind and the sound of soft flapping. Smelling the rain and feeling his nose grow cold due the temperature.
It was both breathtaking and mind blowing.
And turning his head to spare the wings a glance felt as mesmerizing. Strong and gorgeous against the soft background of light blue and clouds. Their movement enticing and amazing.
This was without a doubt something he would remember for a lifetime. The fact that he was probably the only human being to ever wield this kind of memory of an angel.
Of the world.
Because skydiving was about making sure of the timing and falling.
This.
This.
This was another level.
Castiel for his side was happy to let Sam gawk at the world below them. Happy to be able to share this kind of experience with one of his best friends and favorite humans.
He held him tight against him. Making sure to not loosen his grip. He had never carried someone before with this intent but he liked it.
His wings felt sore for his previous flight but the breeze was too comforting to care plus he had wanted to make up for not being able to let them touch his feathers.
Gliding was fun but Castiel was an angel.
As an angel there was so much he could do before he began growing bored.
-Straighten your legs.- He told as he secured his grip for a second time just to make sure.
Sam did as told without question and next thing he knows he was now facing the world below them. Flat on the air and moving. And the feeling was so overwhelmingly amazing Sam's breath caught in his throat.
Because God this was so beautiful.
Soaring through the sky like an eagle. Rounding the perimeter of the bunker with such freedom he found himself smiling like an idiot. Reaching out for the clouds like a child despite knowing he wouldn't be able to touch what was not solid. His hand went through it like a cold and humid fog that made him chuckle.
Castiel seemed to be growing comfortable with carrying a passenger because the speed was less calm and more excited as he swooped right through clouds and switched altitude from time to time with perfect precision.
Sam was sure that after this he wouldn't be able to have nightmares for a long long time.
He felt weightless and free on a level he never thought possible.
-Sam, do you trust me?- Castiel's voice was calm but even so Sam could almostseethe smile the angel had. The almost child-like hope as he asked that. Like a kid asking for permission to show off something they loved.
And even though Sam should ask what was it part of him found himself growing excited to what that could be. Adrenaline pumping in as a small corner of his mind whispered potential ideas of what the angel wanted.
-Of course I do.
With those single words he felt Cas' arms around him tighten to a steel-like grip without actually hurting.
And then they were falling.
Sam's heart jumped to his throat but the adrenaline that rushed through his veins overcame the terror and he found himself actually loving the cold wind whipping at his face and the weightless feeling as they both fell. Ground growing closer and closer and was that Dean screaming?
The second the ground grew mid close the second the fall broke as Castiel's wings snapped open. Catching them midair as a strong gush of wind hit them as they glide up through the air with amazing speed. The angel spinned in the air like a torpedo with the momentum, wings so close Sam almost felt the fluffed ones tickle his face.
But it didn't last long for the wings snapped back to catch them in the air. Doing a flip in the air that made Sam laugh out loud.
Sam's heartbeat was wild with adrenaline but he was feeling happier than ever. Because this was the most amazing thing he had ever experienced in his entire life and now he could see why Castiel had wanted to show him.
Eventually they slowed down on speed.
-We should go down. Dean is using more blasphemous words against my father than someone who met God should.
-You can hear him? Of course you can hear him.- Chuckled Sam feeling too refreshed and good to feel actual disappointment at his brother's attitude.
And thus with that being said Castiel began descending until Sam himself could hear his brother cussing at Chuck and stupid angels and Chuck again for giving wings to stupid angels.
Sam rolled his eyes at his brother's drama.
Feeling ground beneath his feet felt a bit odd for a moment and as Castiel released him he found himself feeling a bit heavier than usual due the persistent weightless feeling he had earlier.
-Dude! You want to give me a heart attack?! I thought you were gonna splatter like fucking pancakes on the ground!- Shouted Dean as he grabbed the angel's shoulders and shock him out of still feeling his heartbeat racing. Castiel frowned.
-You need to not worry Dean. I have had wings since the moment I was created billions of years ago. I wouldn't commit such mistake as falling midair. And I would never put Sam's life in danger.- Assured Castiel firmly.
-I know that. Just... don't do that. Ever again or I swear to God I will punch you.
-You can't hurt me without hurting yourself.
-Shut up.