Dean leaned on his crutches and looked down. The cast was too big to put dress pants over, so he was wearing black sweatpants with a suit jacket and tie. Benny would have given him so much shit for this. He hobbled over to the door and nudged it open with a crutch. Sam was waiting in the living room. He was still pissy from the day before, and freshly pissy from Dean refusing any help getting dressed and thereby making them late, but he was trying to hide it out of respect for Benny. Something about Sam pretending not to be mad made Dean mad. His reflex was to wrest it out of him by being obnoxious like when they were kids, but he decided to take Sam's lead and reign it in today. He could always start a prank war tomorrow.

Sam stood when he came in. "Hey, you ready?"

"As I'll ever be."

Sam grabbed the keys and opened the door.

Dean had always wanted a front porch he could chill on and drink beer, but today he was grateful that the front door opened straight out onto the driveway; no stairs. He was still annoyed that he had to let Sammy drive.

Sam didn't approve of the Classic rock stations programmed into the Impala's radio, so the ride to the funeral home was quiet. He looked like he was going to say something a couple times, then thought the better of it. Good. It was probably some chick-flick line about feelings and Dean was not in the mood.

Everyone from the station was already at the funeral when they arrived. They made a big fuss when Dean came in, teasing him about his 15 minutes of fame and asking when he was going to stop playing up his injury and come back to work. He played along with some self-deprecating comments and made his way over to the picture display. There were pictures from back when Benny was in diapers all the way up to the one taken last week of him and Dean, arm-in-arm and soaking wet after washing the firetruck had turned competitive. Dean smiled. Man, he was going to miss that guy.

"Hey, sugar, long time no see!"

Dean turned to see Benny's mom, Loretta.

"Mrs. L!" He stooped down to give the rotund southern lady a hug with his free arm.

"How are ya, honey?" she asked, eyeing his crutches.

"Oh, I'll be alright. How are you doing? Do you need anything?"

"Oh, you know me. As long as there's folks to feed I'm happy. Everyone's been so kind. Benny would be touched." Her eyes brimmed with tears and she squeezed his arm. She looked at the pictures and asked, "Dean, baby, do you think he's… still here?"

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know, just a feeling I get. I'm worried he hasn't, you know, moved on. That boy could be so stubborn. If he thought someone here still needed him, my Benny would turn down the Lord himself to aid them."

Dean smiled to himself. "Yeah, that sounds like Benny. Don't worry, Mrs. L, if I see him I'll kick his ass up to heaven for you."

"That's my boy." Loretta patted Dean's cheek fondly and walked off to greet some other guests.

Dean turned back to the photos. Benny was smiling in almost every one. He was one of those people who always tried to take care of and entertain those around him, even when he was unhappy. As much as he liked to play the crotchety middle-aged man, Benny was one of the kindest, most generous people Dean had ever known. Dean didn't know Benny's whole life story, but he'd hinted several times about growing up with an abusive dad and getting caught up with a bad crowd in his 20s. Benny's decision to become a firefighter was a testament to his remarkable strength of character. Most people with a history like that were more likely to be the ones starting fires.

Dean found a seat on the far left row of chairs so he could stretch out his leg during the service. It ached terribly from standing for just a few minutes. Sam sat on his right, still uncharacteristically quiet.

The pastor from Loretta's church in New Orleans was doing the service. He'd known Benny growing up and had a few stories to share about the antics of a kid with more daring than sense. He then read a few passages of scripture, then asked if anyone wanted to share their own stories. A few of Dean's colleagues went up, as well as some of Benny's family and hometown friends. Most of the stories were on the theme of Benny's many stunts and pranks, some racier than others. Dean had never laughed so much at a funeral before. It felt good. It felt like what Benny would've wanted.

He decided to share the story of how they'd met. Dean was the new guy at the station and Benny hazed him with ridiculous rules and duties until Dean was about ready to start throwing punches. Benny bought him a drink afterward for being a good sport and they'd been friends ever since.

Dean stood and made his way to the podium. From up there he could see how many people had turned out - the room was full.

"Hi everyone, I'm Dean Wichester and I'm a friend of Benny's from work. I want to start by saying-" as he looked through the rows of faces, familiar and unfamiliar, he noticed someone standing in the doorway. Dean froze. It was Benny.

Without thinking, he stepped down from the platform and nearly tripped, jarring his leg as he fought for footing. Several people in the front row shot up to catch him. He pushed past them and hobbled toward the door. It was definitely Benny this time. He had turned and was walking down the hall. Sam caught Dean just as he reached the door.

"Dean, are you alright? What's wrong?"

"It's him!" Dean muscled out the door and into the empty hallway. "No." He turned and looked down the other way. There's no way Benny could have disappeared that fast. "He was right here."

"Who was here?"

"Benny! I saw him, Sammy. Twice now."

"Dean, I think you should sit back down."

One of the guys from work followed them into the hall. "You guys all right?"

"Yeah," Sam said. "We just need a minute."

Sam turned to see that Dean had continued down the hall and was looking into rooms, searching for Benny. One of the funeral directors came over to see what the fuss was about.

Dean grabbed his arm. "Hey, did you see a guy come out here just now? About 6 feet, scruffy beard, built like a linebacker?"

"Uh, no… are you ok, sir?"

"I'm fine."

Sam caught up to them. "Are you sure you didn't see anything?" He asked the director. "My brother seems pretty sure."

"I was facing the door you came out of and no one exited before you. Now I have to ask you not to open any more doors, sir, there are other services being conducted."

"Yes of course, sorry about that," Sam said as the man walked away. "Dean, I think we should go back in."

"I'm not crazy."

"I didn't say you were. You're upset, it's ok. But Benny's not out here, so we should go rejoin the service."

"I saw him, Sammy. Here and back at the hospital. Benny is trying to tell me something."

"Ok, then why did he disappear when you went after him?"

"I don't know, because he's Benny? Probably got a big laugh making me chase his damn ghost." Dean looked back at the door to the funeral. "I can't go back in there, man. I'll call Loretta later and apologize."

Sam sighed. "Ok. Where do you want to go?"

"Anywhere with booze. And stop being so understanding, it's freaking me out."

**000**

Castiel sipped halfheartedly at his Old Fashioned. It was some time since he'd had hard alcohol and he couldn't seem to down it fast enough to get a buzz. Just a bitter aftertaste and a headache. Lily was happily munching peanuts, sitting in his lap and drawing on a band flier. This was a great start to his prospective parenthood - bringing a toddler to a bar.

He was glad he came, though. Luke's friends were surprisingly open and friendly toward him. He enjoyed listening to their stories and inside jokes; it was nice to learn more about who his brother was outside of their awkward family gatherings and semi-annual phone calls. He was glad his brother had found a family like them. Glad and maybe a little jealous.

Cas glanced toward the door and recognized the two tall, good looking men that walked in as the Winchester brothers. Normally he would avoid public encounters with patients at all costs, but the gin must have been getting to him a little after all because he wanted to go say hi. He handed Lily to Hannah and walked over. The boys had just ordered and were waiting on their drinks at the bar.

"You shouldn't mix alcohol with your medication," he said to Dean's back. Dean spun around rather comically on his crutches.

"Doctor Cas! Just what I needed," he said sarcastically.

"Hello Dean, Sam." He was struck by Dean's features up close. He had shaved for the first time since they'd met, showing off a movie-star jawline to match his soulful eyes and cupid's bow lips. He stood a couple inches taller than Cas and looked gorgeous in a suit. Half of one, anyway. "It's just Castiel outside of the office."

"Why are you giving out medical advice in bars, Cas?"

"It was meant as a joke. Well, it is good medical advice also, but I wasn't trying to be a stick in the mud. People have said I can be a stick in the mud."

"Why would they say that?" Dean rolled his eyes and turned back toward the bar.

"It's good to see you up and about, Dean," Castiel continued. "How does your leg feel?" Dean opened his mouth, but Cas quickly interjected, "And don't give me a sarcastic answer."

Sam laughed, then covered it with a cough at Dean's glare.

"It's livable. I've had worse." He was lying, but this guy was getting on his nerves.

"Good. Glad to hear it." Cas pointed to the corner booth where Hannah and Lily were sitting with four of Luke's friends. "Come and join us when you get your drinks, we're over there." He waved and Hannah waved back. "I'm glad to see you, Dean," he said, flashed a toothy smile and left.

"Wow," Sam said as he walked away. "That guy is-"

"A dick who's already harshing the buzz I don't have?"

"Into you."

"What?" Dean stuttered. "That guy? He's a eunuch if ever I saw one. Totally junkless."

Sam laughed. "Come on, man, he kept touching your arm and saying your name - classic flirting. Plus he never even looked at me."

"Sure he did."

"Nope, not once. Come on, you really didn't notice?"

"Guess I was too busy trying to will him away from me using telepathy."

Sam picked up their beers and gestured with his elbow. "C'mon, let's go over for a minute."

"No way."

"If you go over there with me I promise not to bring up what happened at the funeral all night."

"Make it all eternity."

"One week, final offer."

"Fine, but I'm not hooking up with Dr. Dork."

"Deal. Let's go."

They walked to the corner and pulled up chairs in front of the booth. Sam made sure Dean ended up next to Castiel.

Cas greeted them happily and introduced them to the table, ending with Hannah and Lily.

"Oh I know Lily," Dean said, and smiled at her. "Hey, kiddo."

Lily stared back with an uneasy expression.

"What, you don't remember me?"

"I think it's the beard," Castiel whispered loudly. "She doesn't recognize you without it."

"Oh." Dean covered his lower face with his hand and mussed up his hair. "How about now?"

Lily pointed at him and laughed.

"Yeah, that's Dean!" Castiel told her, "The grumpy man from Uncle J's work!"

Lily stabbed at her drawing, then held it out to Dean.

"For me?"

She smiled and babbled at him.

He took it and gazed fondly at the meaningless scribbles.

"So," said Luke's friend Anna, "Are you two doctors, too?"

"Oh no," said Dean. "Sam's visiting me from Penn and I know Cas on account of this." He held up his crutches.

"Aah." She smiled and twirled her red hair.

Dean smiled back. Kind of cute, he thought, then glanced at Castiel, who quickly looked away. Dammit, I think Sammy was right.

"So," Cas said conversationally, "What brings you gentlemen to this fine establishment?"

Sam looked at Dean, who answered, "We came from Benny's funeral. You?"

"From Luke's."

"Your brother?"

"Yeah."

"Sorry, man."

Castiel bobbed his head and fingered his glass idly.

Dean lifted his beer and held it out.

"To our fallen brothers," he said. "Luke and Benny."

The rest of the table lifted their glasses and toasted. "To Luke and Benny."

They all drank and then sat quietly for a moment, eyes down.

"Well," Dean said, breaking the silence, "Do I know how to liven up a conversation or what?" Everyone chuckled.

Mike looked around the table. "So, anyone watching the game tomorrow?"

"What game is that?" Sam asked.

Everyone on the other side of the table laughed.

"Uh, UofM versus Ohio State, what else?"

Everyone erupted into excited chatter about who was playing and how the season was going, filling Sam and Dean in on exactly why the Buckeyes were the best and the Wolverines could kiss their asses. Castiel looked to Hannah helplessly, but she was just as engrossed.

"I guess it's you and me against football, Lily." He said to her little blonde head. She had started a new drawing and the shape being carved out was looking rather football-ish. "Or not."

"How's she doing?" Dean asked him while the others continued their conversation.

"Oh, uh, good. A few tantrums when she gets frustrated, but I'm learning chocolate milk usually smooths those out."

"Nice parenting hack."

"It was Hannah's idea. She taught preschool for a while and has been helping me out."

Dean nodded. "So are you two…?" He wagged a finger between Cas and Hannah.

Cas narrowed his eyes, trying to intuit the question. "Oh, we're divorced."

"Oh." Dean took a long draw of beer to drown the slew of follow up questions that arose.

"She's giving me a crash course in child-rearing tomorrow, then she has to get back to work and we're on our own." Cas smiled down at Lily, trying not to look as terrified at that prospect as he felt.

"Learning it all in one day? Wow."

Cas raised his shoulders in acknowledgement of how ridiculous that sounded. "I'm… also reading some blogs. Planning to take a CPR course."

Dean nodded, stifling a laugh. Cas smiled at him sheepishly.

Lily abruptly stood up and started to climb into Dean's lap.

"Oh, no no, sweetheart," Cas said and reached to pull her back.

"It's ok, there's room on my good leg." Dean scooted further back from the table to settle Lily on his right thigh. He reached across the table and dragged her drawing supplies over. "Whatcha drawing there?"

"Ba," She stated.

"Lily's a big Ohio State fan," Luke explained. "She came to a game with us last season and had a blast, didn't you, Lil?"

She started humming as she drew and Dean bounced her on his knee in time with it.

"You're really good with her," Hannah commented, "Do you have kids, Dean?"

He looked up, a little self-conscious. "No, they just get me. Same intelligence level, similar interests..."

Anna giggled loudly and Cas all but glared at her.

"Dean practically raised me growing up," Sam interjected. "After our mom passed."

"Ah, so sad!" Anna exclaimed.

Dean shrugged. "Uh, yeah, well our Dad was a cop and worked crazy hours, so it was usually just us and I was older."

Cas could see that the subject made Dean uncomfortable, so he tried to think of something else to talk about.

"Sam, what are you studying at Penn?"

"Psychology. It's my last semester."

"Wow, interesting field. What practice do you want to go into?

"I have a job lined up with an organization that counsels people recovering from substance addiction. They do really good work and I'm excited to start."

"I didn't know that," said Dean. "That's great, Sammy!"

"Congratulations," said Cas, "That sounds very rewarding."

Across the table Anna tried to take a drink of her cocktail and ended up spilling it down her front.

"Whoops! I think that's our cue," said Mike, who was sitting next to her and caught a little of the splashback. "C'mon sis, I'll get you an Uber."

The other two friends of Luke's whose names Cas could not remember got up to let them out of the booth and decided they would head out, too. Cas rose and shook their hands.

"Thanks for inviting me, it was wonderful to meet all of you."

"Anytime, man," Mike said. "You've got my number if you wanna hang sometime."

Cas watched them leave and then sank back into the booth, feeling suddenly exhausted. Whatever buzz he'd had was all the way gone and the day's emotional toil fell heavy on him in its absence.

Sam excused himself to get another beer. Dean started humming a Kansas song to Lily.

Castiel watched them for a few moments. Why did Lily seem to bond with everyone besides him so easily? He felt so awkward around children. Maybe she picked up on his nervousness and that's why she preferred Hannah and Dean, who were so at ease with her. He pushed his neuroses down, eager to keep the conversation going.

"So Dean, have you given more thought to how you want to approach therapy for your leg?"

"Yeah, well I want to get back to my job as quickly as possible, so I guess I should come in, right? The exercises they give you to do at home are for like, little old ladies who fell and just need to take it easy for a while. I wanna power through this thing."

"Well, healing a broken femur isn't something you can really power through, but I take your meaning. Our facility has equipment and professionals that will certainly aid in the process. Call my office Monday and we'll set something up."

"Sounds good, doc."

Lily started to get a little fussy and Castiel realized it was well past her bedtime. He and Hannah got up to leave.

"It was nice meeting you boys, "Hannah said. "Sorry for your loss."

"You too," said Dean. He passed Lily off to her.

Castiel said goodnight to the Winchesters and followed Hannah out of the bar. Not a bad end to such a shitty day, he thought.