Dean waved to his dad as he ran past to room he shared with Castiel. Once safe inside he tossed his backpack in the corner and sat for a moment to gather his thoughts.

"Just be honest…he can't do anything here. Maybe it will be ok since he's leaving soon. Dad doesn't want to have to worry about us. Be tough Dean, you can do this. A pussy doesn't mean you're a pussy…shit that's like putting myself down."

He'd try to remember that. There was nothing wrong with having a pussy and having one didn't make him weak. In fact it took someone strong to get through life as an Omega.

Dean wouldn't be one of those Omegas that cut their wrists, took an overdose or took a dirt nap some other gruesome way to escape their fate. He realized he was a lucky Omega even with John Winchester as his dad.

…..

Spencer and John had an amicable conversation over a drink. John asked about the man's work and when Spencer asked John exactly how he earned money as a hunter John turned to Dean and grinned, "Go on Dean, tell him all about hunting."

"No thanks." He had told Castiel about it before and Dean still wasn't sure his lover believed him. There was no way he wanted Spencer Novak to think he was nuts.

John winked at his son, "You know hides and furs. The pay sucks but I like the outdoors."

Cas looked from father to son then back again. One of them was lying and he was beginning to think Dean was telling the truth and the boy wasn't delusional at all. Maybe there were unseen things, monsters, demons and ghosts out there. He took Dean's hand beneath the table and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

Dean couldn't take it anymore. John wouldn't ask the question and it was torture for the teen. Dean felt he would go mad if he had to keep it secret from his dad one more minute.

"Dad I presented as Omega. It happened back at the motel and it was hell." He tried hard to stay tough and not shed a tear but the bright green eyes shone with them ready to spill at any moment.

John now had one hundred percent confirmation not that he needed it. "Dean I want to talk to you in private. I'm taking my kid out to eat and we can get this figured out."

Castiel wrapped his arm around his Omega's shoulders and pulled him in, "You can discuss it here. There's something else you should know, I love Dean."

It took every bit of strength for John not to strike out and beat the teacher senseless. "Who the fuck does he think he is? College educated pretty boy prick. I eat bitches like you for breakfast...a disgrace to Alphas everywhere."

Dean knew that look on John's face. It was the look he got right before exploding, the look that meant he was going to lash out, harm someone. This time that someone wasn't Dean it was Castiel and that was even worse to the Omega. He bravely stood up, "It's ok, I wanna talk to dad."

Dean put on his jacket and followed John out the Impala. Castiel ran after him grabbing Dean in his arms, "Don't go Dean, you don't have to. In fact I won't allow it."

John drummed his fingers impatiently on the roof watching them as they whispered to each other, "I'm not getting any younger. I'll bring him back in a couple hours. I'm only taking him to Pudgy's Diner right on Main. It's where I brought Sam when we went out to eat."

He scribbled down something on a note pad and slid it over the roof, "Here, my cell number. You know what Novak; I don't think you're very secure in your role as an Alpha. Maybe it's your age or your lack of experience." He winked at Castiel, "If you ever want some pointers on being an Alpha just ask me."

The teacher's nostrils flared and his jaw clenched. He bit his words out, "Have Dean back in two hours Mr. Winchester."

"Call me John; it sounds like we just might become family."

….

Dean couldn't help but smile when the waitress put the double cheeseburger platter in front of him followed with a chocolate shake. He loved having three squares a day at the Novak home but Dean enjoyed his greasy food and Cas didn't have the same tastes.

"Oh wow, thanks dad. This is the good stuff!" It was amazing how little of a kindness a bad parent could show a neglected child and receive heaps of praise in return.

Dean clung to every little moment of good he had with his dad like listening to rock on the radio, sharing a joke or getting a pat on the back for not fucking anything up on a hunt and following orders.

John wagged a fry at his son, "Tell me more about Castiel. He's your English teacher right?"

Dean nodded and took a big bite of burger. He wasn't sure how John knew Cas was his English teacher but then it was difficult to hide things from his dad. The man always found out.

John knew Dean would never admit he had sex. The only way was to provoke a response.

"I found your bloody pads in the garbage back at the motel. I saw the blood on the sheets. I've known you were Omega since I got back. That's why you took Sam and ran crying to that teacher. Did he give shelter in exchange for sex?"

Dean kept his head down and devoured his meal.

John leaned forward and spoke in a low voice, "Did he rape you?"

The Omega snapped his head up, "No! No Cas loves me and I love him. I wanted…" he caught himself and shut his mouth.

"Wanted what, your cherry popped? You can tell me Dean, all Omegas are wanton until they get someone to take them in hand. Maybe this teacher decided to fuck you into submission."

Face flushed with embarrassment and anger, Dean shoved the platter away. I knew you didn't change. I hoped you did but you hate what I am. I can't help it dad! I didn't ask to be Omega." Anger turned to desperation, "But I can still be a Hunter. I'm not going to be a burden to anyone. Me and Cas are gonna get hitched up and then you won't have to worry about me anymore."

John grabbed him by the wrist squeezing tight, "Do you know what it's like now that everyone knows about you? You ran Dean, you ran away from me. I had to hunt you down like a thing…a creature. I had to find your disgusting blood all over."

He jabbed a finger in Dean's face, "You let that broke ass teacher slide right in there." Then John said something that shocked Dean. "He can have you. Less I have to worry about."

Dean's whole body relaxed after John let go of his wrist, "What about Sammy?"

John shrugged, "He can stay. I'll touch base once in awhile, check up on you boys."

The Omega traced his finger over the sticky table in an unseen pattern as he weighed his next words.

"Dad do you hate me?"

"I hate what you are."

"I'm disappointed. What a letdown to find all your training was for nothing. Basically Dean you are useless. At least I'm hopeful about Sam. The way that kid trails him around I think Sam is a potential Alpha."

His words ripped Dean to the core. The boy's voice shook with emotion as he tried to stay strong. He wouldn't give his dad the satisfaction of breaking down. Dean once again had to be deferential to John. Allowing the man to say what he wanted and taking it. Anything to get this all over with and have his dad give Dean to Castiel.

"I'm sorry you're disappointed."

John expected an argument or protesting and really had no way to answer Dean. He finished his coffee in silence. That was until he noticed a lime green Fiesta parked right across the street.

"Looks like you have an escort. The teacher is here watching us." He grabbed his leather coat and stood, "You might as well ride home with him. I'm heading back to the motel and I'll be leaving tomorrow." With that John walked out leaving Dean alone.

…..

Castiel hurried inside as soon as he saw the Impala pull out with just John inside. The Alpha slide in the booth across from Dean and took his hand, "I just couldn't let him go with you and not follow. Sorry Dean but I don't trust your dad."

Dean was still stinging from his dad's words. He clung to Castiel's hand for dear life grateful his mate was there. "Dad said he's leaving tomorrow. It sounds like he's just letting me go. Even if he didn't sign those papers in thirty days I'm yours."

The boy rubbed his red eyes, "Dad said I was useless anyway…that all my training was a waste of time. He hates me I can feel it."

Castiel closed his eyes and took a deep breath exhaling slowly. "Honey your dad doesn't hate you. He hates himself and he doesn't understand a thing about Omegas. Your dad sees them as weak, needy, baby makers; he sees them as prostitutes, whores, walking sex organs."

Dean felt worse than ever, it meant there was no hope.

"Kitten, your dad is not unique. It's the way many Alphas see Omegas but there are some like me that see things a little differently. Every round of Alphas that come of age will change for the better. Someday the scales will tip in your favor. I can't promise you when but slowly the laws will change to reflect society's fresh perspectives of Omegas."

He leaned down and kissed Dean's hand, "It might be years from now when we have a have our own house full of children and I have a better paying job."

Dean raised a brow, "House full of children. I can't picture that."

Castiel chuckled at the look on Dean's face, "Well not a houseful, maybe a couple of them. I want you to finish high school Dean. I also want to give you the opportunity to go to a trade school or college."

"I don't know, I want to graduate high school but no college for me. I don't even know what I'd want to do. Maybe a mechanic or something but you know I wouldn't be allowed. Mechanics, builders and stuff like that are only done by Alphas and some Betas."

"Fine, you graduate high school and be a house wife and raise the kids. I'd be really happy with that. I know this hunting thing sounds important to you. I'm still not sure about it but maybe you can show me. Someday when you're old enough maybe you could hunt if it doesn't interfere much with family."

Dean smiled for the first time since Castiel came in the diner, "I'll show you. Maybe you'll feel a calling for it. Still, I don't want you getting hurt. I think you should stick to teaching."

Castiel stroked his stubble thoughtfully, "I do love to teach. In guess that was my calling. Well all of that is awhile from now. Let's stay focused on getting from point A to point B." He looked at Dean's half eaten meal, "How about we get some of that pie in the display case?"

The teen brightened up, "I love pie."

"I know."

Dean had cherry with a scoop of ice cream but not before finishing his double cheeseburger platter and shake. His appetite had been restored.

The couple talked about Christmas on the way home. Scotty did it up right, big tree, lots of colored lights and plenty of gifts and parties all the way to New Years. Dean couldn't hide his excitement at having a regular Christmas and was happy Sam would get to finally have one with all the trimmings.

…

John, back the motel had Felix over to discuss Dean. He told the broker that Dean was not a virgin. Felix's good news was it didn't matter to either client and he accepted the highest offer.

As soon as he could pick up Dean, John would receive three quarters of the money. He assured Felix he would have Dean in hand as soon as possible.

….

Dean ran circles around the other boys in gym class. He kept up his conditioning daily spurred on by Castiel who was very physically active. During basketball one of the Alphas decided to show Dean what happened to Omegas that made too many baskets.

One elbow to the gut and Dean was down. The nonexistent coach, flirting with one of the senior Beta cheerleaders didn't bother to look or intervene. Dean handled it himself by kicking the knee backwards on the asshole that elbowed him. The kid fell right next to him howling in pain and holding his knee.

A fist fight ensued with Dean ending up with a black eye and split lip and the other kid with a bloody nose and dislocated kneecap. This time when Castiel went to the principal's office with Dean in tow it didn't go as well as last time.

Both boys were suspended a week for fighting with it going on their permanent record. It didn't matter to Dean; after high school he had no drive to go on to school even if he had been allowed to do it.

Afterward Castiel took Dean home and addressed his wounds. The teacher lost a half day of work and wasn't happy about it but knew his Omega was only defending himself.

Dean held an icepack over his eye as Cas dabbed ointment on his swollen lip. Dean tried to lighten the dour mood his lover was in, "Now how am I gonna kiss you?"

Castiel rolled his eyes and a smile played on his lips, "I suppose I'm going to have to do the kissing and everywhere but your lips…at least the ones on your face."

Dean burst out laughing reopening the wound and blood trickled down his chin. "When did you get such a dirty sense of humor?"

"Since I met you."

The Alpha carefully kissed the corner of Dean's mouth, "There, is that better?"

"Yeah…you know what?"

"What?"

"I remember Mom being real gentle like this. I mean the memory is sorta fuzzy because I was little but I remember her eyes looked so kind and her hands were gentle.

Melancholy took over, "I bet Mom would have loved you."

"Thank you Dean, you saying that means a lot to me." Castiel glanced at the clock on the nightstand, "I have to go back and pick up your homework assignments for the week. By the way, your poetry assignment still needs to be done."

"Crap…I'm messing around with the English teacher and I don't get a pass?!"

The teacher put his parka back on and waved as he headed toward the door, "Sorry baby, even my angel doesn't get a pass."

…

Dean sat next to Scotty on the couch watching the cooking channel where a chef was preparing pork tenderloin. The older Omega looked over at Dean, "Nice shiner."

"Thanks, you should see the other guy." The teen watched as Scotty rubbed a slow circle over his slight belly pooch, "How did you know you were pregnant?"

"I felt like a fluttering feeling and then the morning sickness started. For Omegas symptoms start very early. We still go the nine months but our bodies have an early warning system in place so an Omega knows when to start caring for the fetus. It's unique to us." Curious now he turned to Dean, "Why do you ask?"

The teen shrugged, "Just wondering is all. I'm trying to learn all this stuff and you seem to know it all."

Scotty shut off the TV and turned his attention to Dean, "Did Castiel use condoms during your first heat cycle?"

His green eyes glazed over as he recalled that weekend at the cabin and all the pleasurable pain and unshakable bonding.

"Earth to Dean."

"Huh…no he didn't, I don't care though because I could feel him. I could feel when he…you know. It was the best thing ever."

Scotty frowned, "Your next heat Castiel needs to take the back entrance or get you on a suppressant during that time or at the least use a condom."

Uncomfortable with the older Omega's tone and the direction of the conversation Dean shrugged again, "Yeah sure. I have to write something for English class so I better get on it."

"What are you going to write?"

"I don't know yet."

Scotty watched the boy walk away. He thought how foolish Castiel was to not bother using protection. Cas was like a lot of young men; caution seemed to fly right out the window when it came to sex. The older Omega hoped that wouldn't come back to bite both of them in the ass.

…

Dean sat with pen and notebook in hand as he thought about something to write. Writing was more Sam's thing. Dean was more about action than words.

Then the answer came to him.

…..

The next few days were uneventful. Dean stayed home and Cas went to work. The Alpha had taken Friday off so he could take Dean with him to get the custody papers going.

It was the government's way of tying up loose ends quickly. If a parent abandoned an Omega for a month and someone else was willing to take the child in they could apply for ownership. It sounded good on paper but the reality was abandoned Omegas often didn't go to good homes and for some their lives were worse off than before.

For abandoned Alpha children they were free at eighteen to live their lives. Alphas were more desirable than Omega kids unless the Omega was used for marriage, sex or breeding.

…..

That night before supper Scotty prompted Sam to be extra cute. He asked why and the Omega said cryptically, "Trust me."

Spencer was happy to see a steak on his plate covered in mushrooms and onions. "Are you trying to get me fat? I do love steak though."

Scotty folded his hands and waited as his husband took a bite, "Well?"

"Mmm…if we weren't already married I'd marry you all over again." He eyed his wife's clothing. Scotty wore a thin white crop top to show off his little baby pudge and his pronounced nipples, "Damn you look good."

Later when Spencer was working in his study Scotty walked in naked which was Spencer's favorite look on him. He sat very businesslike across the desk from Spencer and slid papers over to him.

"What are these?"

"Custody papers for Sam. Fill them out."

"What?!"

"I've been thinking…Castiel is filing papers for Dean on Friday and John Winchester seems to be leaving them so in thirty days Sam can be ours."

"No, no, no, no…damn it , Stop looking at me like that! I'm the boss I make the decisions. I rule the roost and wear the pants around here and I say NO!"

Scotty grabbed the wastebasket and let loose a torrent of slightly digested supper. He held his hand out when Spencer went to help him, when it was over the Omega burst out crying. He was on a hormonal rollercoaster that only another pregnant Omega could understand.

Spencer sighed as he picked up the papers and started going through them, "I'll have my lawyer look these over tomorrow. Are you sure this is what you want? We are having a baby you know. I thought it would be just you, me and the kid eventually."

Scotty gave him the biggest, saddest eyes, "Don't you like Sam? He's sweet, smart and very helpful. He could even help with the baby. I just want the kid to have a stable place until he's eighteen. Sam has potential; if he has a father figure like you maybe he can achieve his goals."

The Alpha snorted, "I'm no father figure." He marveled at his wife, "How are you only nineteen and so damn smart?"

"I'm not book smart but I'm people smart I suppose. You know where you found me."

Spencer softened immediately, "I found a diamond in a pile of gravel, that's what I found."

…..

Dean snuggled into Castiel feeling loved. They spent their time before dreams beckoned touching and kissing gently. So much of the coupling was heated and frantic but now both felt secure.

John was most likely gone already. They hadn't asked him to sign any papers worried it would throw him into a fit. It was better to let the man go in peace and not provoke him.

Castiel pressed the palm of his hand against Dean's measuring fingers. He rubbed the toy ring with a thumb, "Maybe Friday we can look at rings. It'll be awhile before I can get you something good though."

"That's ok, I'm not a fancy guy, I don't need gold or gems. I think a silver band is perfect and we can wait on that. Silver protects against the supernatural, at least most things. You get one too…we can match. All I care about is being yours."

"Did you do your homework?"

"What a buzzkill, yeah I did it. I think you'll like my assignment for English."

Curious, Castiel tilted Dean's pretty face up, "Really, what is it about?"

"You have to wait."

….

The next morning after Sam and Spencer left Dean helped Scotty with the laundry then got ready for a run. He passed through the living room in his sweats, hat and gloves but the Omega stopped him.

"Where do you think you're going?"

"Jogging, I can't sit around getting out of shape." Dean winked, "Your cooking is too good now, I'll get fat."

Scotty blushed from the compliment, "Flatterer. You can go but only if it's right around the neighborhood."

Dean saluted him and headed out the door.

…

It was December but so far mild. After the initial snowstorm things had melted considerably and the sidewalks were clear. It felt good to run feeling that burn in his muscles and taking in the cold air. Dean felt free and normal as he passed by the rows of nice houses with manicured yards all decorated for Christmas.

He figured this is how it would be with Castiel. They could run together and maybe get a routine going. Dean added a shower together afterward and then some bed aerobics. The Omega was hooked on his Alpha like the best drug possible and the side effects were wonderful.

Dean turned the corner running past a row of evergreen trees. Someone tackled him to the ground. A hand clamped over his mouth and a needle sunk into his arm. Dean wasn't able to get a look at the attacker before everything went black. He was gone in the blink of an eye.

TBC