Cas

As their carriage pulled up in front of the quaint little church, the ringing of the church bells broke the silence and the clouds parted for the first time in days.

Cas looked up and squinted at the sudden, wonderful brightness.

"It's about fucking time." A gruff voice muttered beside him.

Cas looked over at his husband who sat next to him, legs splayed out in a most unprincely fashion.

"A prince doesn't use such language, Dean."

Dean smirked and shook his head as though Cas was a prude.

Which, Cas knew he was. He was also socially inept and always seemed to say the wrong thing.

But he just wasn't sure how to take Dean.

Dean was nothing like he'd expected. Dean was brash, coarse and arrogant. He was also disconcertingly attractive. All of which, was very upsetting to Cas' usual quiet solitude. And when Dean had stood there naked before him, Cas had been shocked and even a little frightened. It was all too much.

But he also couldn't deny the surge of want that went through him.

It had been years since Cas had dared be with anyone. Not that anyone would want him.

Cas wasn't ugly. He knew that. But he was an omega, neither appealing to a man or to a woman. Just a freak of nature. Or so his family had always implied. Which was why they'd hidden him out here in the countryside since he was a small child, raised by the staff and only seeing his parents and his brother on special occasions or holidays.

But now his brother James was dead and everything that he'd been shielded from was suddenly at his doorstep.

Everything including this young man who had clearly been forced into this marriage.

And Dean was young and vibrant. He had his whole life in front of him. He didn't deserve this…didn't deserve him.

"You look sad, Cas. What are you thinking about?"

Cas focused on the pair of concerned green eyes watching him. He suddenly felt self-conscious at being caught with his guard down. He quickly put on his best scowl and looked back at the church, ignoring the question.

Instead he explained, "When the bells ring, it means the vows are complete. Everyone should be coming out soon and we can give the newlyweds their gift. And then we can be on our way."

Dean had been holding the small leather satchel of gold coins. He lifted it up and shook it. "It doesn't sound like a lot of coins. I hope they don't think we're stingy."

"It's actually more than is usually offered, Dean."

"Yeah? How come?"

"I've known the bride since she was born. Her mother Jody, works in the estate kitchen. And I believe her sister was recently hired to work in the stables."

"So they're your employees." Dean said.

"No. They're not just employees." Cas answered. "They're more than that. Jody and I grew up together. She's very important to me."

Dean nodded as though he'd reached some conclusion. "Oh. I see."

"What do you see?" Cas asked.

Dean shrugged doing his best to look indifferent. And for some reason Cas rushed to explain.

"Jody's a good friend. Just a friend Dean. Nothing more than that."

"I didn't say she was."

"No. But you were thinking it."

"Maybe. Anyway, I'm glad she isn't."

"Why would you care?"

Dean looked away indifferently. But Cas hadn't missed the small glint of worry in those green eyes.

"It might have been awkward, that's all." Dean answered.

Cas nodded. "I see. Well, in case you are concerned, you don't need to worry. I haven't been with anyone for a long time."

That caught Dean's interest and he raised his brow curiously. "How long's a long time?"

Cas felt himself tense. He'd only had one lover in his life. And he never spoke about him with anyone. The memory of him still brought a feeling of shame. It had much too easy for his family to buy him off.

"Let's just leave it at 'a long time.' He answered.

"Yeah okay."

"Thank you."

"So was it less than five years?"

Cas scowled and shook his head. "Longer than that."

"Ten?"

"Longer."

Dean grinned. "Jeese Cas, twenty? That's longer than I've been alive."

"Dean…"

"Okay. I'm sorry. It's none of my business."

Cas sighed because really, Dean had every right to know.

"Actually, under the circumstances, I suppose it is your business. Plus as your omega, I am legally bound to obey you. Which means if you really want to know about my personal life, I'm obliged to tell you."

"So you have to tell me anything I ask?"

"Yes." Cas snapped.

"And do I have to tell you anything you ask?"

"No."

Dean smirked and Cas again glared at him.

"Do you find this amusing?" he asked.

"No. It's just…interesting."

"Interesting?"

"Yeah. I mean, you're the prince. And yet, I seem to get all the benefits of this arrangement."

"Yes Dean. That about sums it up." Cas grumbled.

"I don't get it though. Why?"

Cas sighed. Could Dean really be this naïve?

"Because I'm an omega, Dean."

"Yeah, I know that."

"Haven't you ever known an omega?"

"Just one. His name was Garth. He grew up just a few houses down from me."

"What happened to him?" Cas asked.

"When he turned sixteen he married Mr. Hanson, the butcher. I didn't see him much after that."

"And was that his choice? To marry the butcher – was that what he wanted?"

Dean frowned. "I don't know. It just happened. The wedding was small - just family I guess. Anyway, Garth wouldn't talk about it. But Mr. Hanson was old…like fifty. And he made Garth wear a collar. And Garth changed after that. He didn't want to be friends any longer."

Dean smiled bitterly. "You know I always went out of my way to say hey to Garth's parents. I thought they were nice people. But after that, I never spoke to them again."

Cas nodded. "So you see how it is."

"I thought it was just Garth. But I guess all omegas go through shit like that." Dean said softly.

"Yes. Even a prince."

For a moment they sat quietly, the sun warming their faces.

"I'm sorry you were forced into marrying me, Cas." Dean said earnestly.

"Well I guess if I had to marry someone, I could have done worst."

"Gee thanks Cas. That's the nicest thing you've ever said to me."

Cas smirked. "You're welcome Dean."

They waited in companionable silence for several more minutes, basking in the sunshine.

And Cas realized with some surprise, that he was feeling quite relaxed – even happy. Which was odd, because normally he felt uncomfortable coming to events like this. Not that he didn't like Jody or her girls. Or any of the townsfolk really. It was just that he knew that he was different - that people thought of him as the strange omega prince who was always alone.

He glanced at his husband and wondered if it could possibly be because of him.

But that hardly seemed likely.

Not that Dean wasn't beautiful. Actually, he was much too beautiful for someone like him. And he was also far too young.

No, Dean was totally wrong for him.

And besides, Cas preferred to be alone anyway.

Still…

"Hey Cas." Dean mumbled.

Cas started, and realized he'd been staring with some fascination at Dean's perfect profile. He quickly looked away hoping that he hadn't noticed.

"What?" Cas responded, possibly a little more harshly then he intended.

"I promise I won't ever ask you to wear a collar." Dean said earnestly.

Cas smirked in amusement. "I appreciate that, Dean."

"Unless you want to."

"I don't."

"You'd look sexy in one though." Dean added.

"Actually, I think you'd look even sexier in one." Cas countered.

Dean looked over at him and quirked an eyebrow at the comment. "Are you flirting with me, Cas?"

"I…no, of course not." Cas answered gruffly, his scowl returning.

Which for some reason, Dean found amusing.

"Yeah, you were. It's okay, Cas. You can flirt with me anytime."

"I was not…" Cas began, but then stopped himself.

Really it was too foolish a subject and not worth discussing further.

Besides, Prince Castiel Angelous certainly did not flirt.

It was not long after that, that the doors to the church finally swung opened and the guests came spilling out. They were all dressed in their Sunday best and lined up along the steps and walkway leading up to the doors.

And then the young couple came out.

Alex looked radiant, her cheeks flushed and her eyes filled with adoration for her handsome young husband.

A flutter of white rose petals rained over their heads as they walked through the gathering and approached the royal carriage.

Alex curtsied and Samandriel bowed deeply.

And then it was quiet as all waited for the prince to speak.

As the ruling prince, Dean should have made the presentation. But Cas didn't want to put him through that. He had a feeling that despite his bravado, Dean was actually a little shy.

So he addressed the couple, his eyes focussed mostly on Alex whom he'd held as an infant, watched as a toddler playing around the courtyard with her big sister and watched grow up into a beautiful young woman.

"Mr. and Mrs. Colins, on behalf of the royal family of the kingdom of Angelous, let me offer my heartfelt congratulations." He said formally.

Alex smirked. "Why thank you, Prince Castiel."

"Yes, thank you your majesty." Samandriel said nervously. "We're honored you came."

"The honor's mine." Cas continued. "I hope you will accept this small gift that my husband and I have brought for you."

He looked over at Dean expectantly and Dean reached over and handed the bag of coins to Samandriel.

And then Castiel's eyes moved to Jody who stood behind her daughter, her other daughter Claire at her side. He forced himself not to smirk seeing Claire in her lace dress. It was the first time he'd seen her in a dress in many years. He knew she hated it. He also noticed, she was carefully studying Dean.

Cas glanced at Dean who was looking back at Claire, his own eyes narrowed.

Cas couldn't help but smile as he realized the two of them were very much alike. Both presented themselves as brash and full of confidence. But both hid a caring and insecure side.

"Are you going to introduce us to your handsome young husband, Castiel?" Jody asked.

Cas turned his attention to Jody. Jody had a bold familiarity that was inappropriate. It was why Cas liked her so much. And why his mother would have hated her if she'd ever bothered to meet with the village people.

"My apologies. This is Prince Dean." Cas said fondly.

Jody tilted her head and looked at Dean with the same appraising eye as her daughter.

"It's nice to meet you Prince Dean."

Dean nodded. "It's nice to meet you maam. And, it's just Dean"

"These are my daughters, Alex and Claire. And this is my son-in-law, Samandriel."

"Hey." Dean muttered, his eyes returning to Claire who continued to glare.

"I work in the estate kitchen." Jody continued. "And Claire works in the stables. She's mentioned you have a friend who works there as well."

Dean nodded. "Yeah. Chris. He came here with me. He was to be my valet, but that didn't work out."

Claire snorted softly and Dean turned his eyes back to her.

"Is something funny?"

Claire shook her head. "No. I just don't see Chris as a valet. Or you having one, for that matter."

"Claire!" Jody gave a warning glare to her daughter.

Claire smirked. "I'm terribly sorry, Prince Dean. I didn't mean to be disrespectful."

"Well you were being disrespectful." Jody said cooly.

"It's alright ma'am." Dean said. "She's not wrong. I might have come by the title, but Cas here is the prince. Not me."

"Dean is just getting used to his position." Cas added.

"Well he certainly looks the part. " Jody said. "I'm sure you'll do fine Dean."

"Thank you maam."

"You make me feel so old. Please call me Jody."

"Alright...Jody."

"Well," Cas continued. "I think we should be off and let you get to your celebration."

"We would be honored if you'd both attend." Jody said. "We could celebrate not only Alex's happy day, but yours as well."

"Ours was not so happy." Cas answered trying not to notice the smile fading from Dean's face. "Besides, we wouldn't want to intrude."

"It would not be an intrusion." Alex jumped in. "Please come Prince Castiel. The whole town will be there. Everyone would love to see you."

"I don't think…" Cas began.

"We'd love to." Dean interrupted.

Cas looked at him in surprise. "Dean, I don't think that would be appropriate."

Dean shook his head. "You know, you use that word a lot, Cas."

"Well, there are protocols…"

"Screw protocols. I've been locked up in that gloomy house for weeks. I need this. And besides, can't you ever just let yourself have some fun?"

"Of course I can."

Dean sighed. "Yeah, I know. Bees…and gardening.

Cas frowned in puzzlement. He didn't garden.

"Come on Cas. Let's go."
"Yes, Castiel. Do come." Jody added.

Cas could see it was pointless to argue. Besides, the decision was Dean's anyway.

He sighed in resignation.

"Fine." He said even though he just knew he was going to regret it.

((((

There was a reason that royalty didn't attend such a private event. It took away from the joy and brought awkwardness to the party goers.

At least that's what Cas expected.

But to his surprise, he and Dean were greeted warmly by everyone as they made their way into the small townhall.

The place was cheerfully decorated with white ribbons and pink and white flowers.

Long tables were set with simple but delectable foods and a couple of the local farmers sat in the cornier playing piano and banjo.

"You and Dean must sit at the head table with the wedding party." Jody said.

Cas looked at the table set with white china and silver goblets. And in the middle was a tall wedding cake decorated with pink roses. There were twelve chairs each decorated with white ribbons.

"We don't want to put anyone out." Cas said awkwardly.

"it's fine. We'll just place two more chairs at the ends."

Cas sighed because as far as he was concerned a small table in the corner would be fine for him and Dean.

Thinking of which, he glanced around.

He spotted Dean across the room, grinning and chatting with a couple of pretty young girls who were listening to his every word with rapt attention. Noticing Cas watching, Dean nodded and winked.

Cas rolled his eyes.

So Dean was a flirt. Somehow that didn't surprise him.

"Everyone, please take your seats." Jody called out. "Come Castiel. You and Dean will sit next to me."

Cas was used to eating in silent solitude at the end of his long dining table where he would nibble at his food, sip his drink - coffee in the morning – wine in the evening – and read from one of his hundreds of books of either classic stories or poetry.

He was not used to having to converse with people. Especially people who were drinking wine and laughing and joking and who didn't care about which was the proper salad fork or that reaching across the table for a second scoop of potato salad was bad manners.

And people who kept refilling his wine glass without even being asked.

Which was why he realized, he was feeling a little drunk.

His parents would be horrified.

And yet somehow, the food tasted a little better and the wine a little richer.

"Are you alright, Cas?"

Cas looked to his right where his young husband was smiling warmly, his green eyes sparkling and his cheeks flushed from wine.

"Of course. Why wouldn't I be?" Cas asked.

Dean shook his head. "No reason. You're quiet, that's all."

"I'm afraid my social skills are somewhat lacking, Dean. I don't get out much."

Dean reached over and patted his hand reassuringly. "You're doing fine."

To Cas' surprise, Dean didn't pull his hand away. Instead he gently caressed Cas' hand with his thumb. It was a simple gesture and yet somehow it seemed to calm him.

"It's obvious everyone likes you, Cas." Dean commented. "They seem like nice people too."

"They are nice people."

Cas smiled affectionately at a middle aged man who kept pulling at his collar and looked decidedly uncomfortable in his grey suit. "That's Bobby Singer. He's our town doctor. He took care of me when I was a child. He also helps out at the omega orphanage."

"And over there is widow Sheppard." He nodded at an elderly woman who was dressed entirely in black. "Her husband was killed in a skirmish when they were only newlyweds. She's worn black ever since."

"That's a long time to be in mourning."

"About fifty years or so."

"She must have loved him very much."

"I suppose." Cas agreed. "It's sad that she gave up her whole life for something that she could never have though."

"Maybe she didn't want anyone else." Dean said, his eyes locked on Cas'. "Maybe they were soulmates."

Cas smiled doubtfully. "There's no such thing as soulmates, Dean."

Dean shook his head. "I don't agree. My mom says she and my dad are soulmates."

"And you believe her?" Cas asked doubtfully.

"Yeah, I do. You know she was a member of the royal family, Cas. She could have lived in a big house and had servants and gone to fancy balls. But she gave all that up to be with my dad."

Cas smiled bitterly. "Well I'd give all that up just to have a normal life."

"And what's normal, Cas?" Dean asked.

"I don't know…A loving mate, a couple of kids, a nice little house of our own…just normal."

"Maybe if you gave us a chance you could have all that." Dean said shyly.

Cas scoffed. "What? With you?"

Even as he said the words, Cas heard how cruel they sounded. He would have taken them back if he could. But it was too late.

Dean's eyes grew hard and he pulled his hand away.

"Dean, I'm sorry. I didn't mean…"

"It's okay Cas. It's not like either of us wanted this." Dean said coldly.

Cas began to apologize again but before he could speak, Dean cut him off.

"You know what? I think it's time to go."

With that, he pushed back his chair and stood up.

Cas remained quiet as Dean thanked Jody and once again congratulated the bride and groom. And then he watched as Dean walked away without glancing back.

"Castiel, is Dean alright?" Jody asked, looking at him with concern.

Cas sighed. No. Dean wasn't alright. As usual, he'd said the wrong thing and messed everything up.

Regardless, he wasn't going to put a damper on Jody's happy day.

He forced himself to smile.

"He's fine." He answered.

It was obvious Jody didn't believe him

But Cas didn't have time to explain further.

He quickly said his goodbyes and made his way out of the hall.