The realization that he could be pregnant was too much for Dean to think about at that moment. It seemed easier to crawl under the covers and sleep the day away and worry about something so life altering later. The Omega was exhausted, upset, sick and hungry.

Dean also didn't feel like explaining himself to Castiel, especially now that the Alpha had acted controlling and dismissive.

Dean's Cas was a listener who took in what his mate had to say and weighed his answers. This version dragged Dean from the car and barked an order at him was not the Cas he knew, or maybe it was and Dean was just seeing this side of him for the first time.

"I'll think about it later…too tired now."

Dean drifted off in minutes, comforted by the feel and scent of their marriage bed.

…

Castiel violently yanked a weed from his tomato patch and flung it into the surrounding meadow grass then growled, "Damn weeds."

Grace dropped the handful of grass she had, pointed to it and said, "Damn."

"Gracie, don't swear."

"No."

Cas gave a heavy sigh, the gardening wasn't improving his mood at all. What he needed was a good, long run but Dean needed his sleep and Grace needed watching. He sat down and pulled his daughter onto his lap then plucked a tomato, polished it on his shorts and took a big bite. Cas held it up so Grace could suck out the juice.

"Maybe I was too hard on your mother."

The tot nodded, agreeing with whatever it was her dad said.

"See, even you think so."

A car pulled up the driveway, coming to a stop next to Baby. A young man got out and he was carrying something in his hand. Cas, with Grace following behind like a duckling, went to see who it was.

Tony gave his former teacher a cheery wave, "Hi Mr. N. I just came to return Dean's shirt. It was pretty sweaty so I washed it for him."

Castiel took the shirt from the teen. He frowned first as his former student then down at Dean's shirt, "Thank you, but you didn't need to go to all that trouble for a t-shirt." The teacher noticed his former student had a swollen lip, "What happened to you?"

The Omega looked toward the house, narrowing his eyes, "Do you really want to know, because it involves Dean."

"Just tell me what happened."

The strained smile faded from the young Omega's face, "Dean was dancing on a picnic table and did a little strip show for everyone and I believe there were dollar bills involved. He seemed quite pleased with himself. Later, I tried to stop him from drinking because by this time he was pretty drunk. Dean tried to," Tony acted shy, "never mind, I don't want to cause trouble."

"Go on."

"He tried to kiss me and when I rejected him, he hit me. Don't blame him, Mr. N, there was booze involved and people do strange things when they're drunk."

With that, he turned and walked back to his car, smiling the whole way, leaving the Alpha upset and confused.

…

When Dean slept he looked like an angel and watching him was one of Castiel's secret pleasures. Taking time to study the sweep of his thick lashes resting against pale, freckled skin and his generous lips in a pout that begged for a kiss, was Cas' idea of heaven, but this time Dean was soaked with sweat and his expression less than peaceful.

It worried Castiel and he wondered if his mate might be sick.

As carefully as possible, the Alpha positioned his head between the prone teen's spread legs and pressed his tongue lightly against the exposed slit, running it gently upward ,over the taint and to Dean's asshole.

Even though the Omega had just showered, he was sweating so profusely that the fresh, soapy smell had faded.

While still asleep, Dean let out a little moan and slid one knee toward the headboard, opening himself further. Castiel dipped his tongue inside Dean's pussy but instead of continuing to lick him, Cas crawled off the bed, leaving Dean to his dreams.

The Alpha ran his tongue across his lips to capture the last of Dean's essence. There was something in the scent and taste of his Omega's fluids that Castiel recognized.

"Oh, Kitten, are you pregnant?"

….

For lunch, Castiel made a huge salad with chopped eggs, shredded cheese and plenty of "I'm sorry" bacon for Dean. When they were done eating, the Alpha cleaned the table and came back with strawberry shortcake for dessert.

The sight of the cake piled high with whipped cream brought a smile to Dean's face, "Looks great, babe." Dean felt he was forgiven for whatever Cas thought he'd done wrong.

Cas placed the folded tee on the table, "Tony stopped by to return your shirt."

Dean snatched it off the table and flung it on the counter, "Great."

"We need to clear the air, do you agree?"

Dean shrugged, "I guess."

Castiel tried a neutral tone with his wife so as not to upset him. Cas needed answers before he brought up making an appointment for Dean with Doctor Saito.

"Be gentle…be gentle."

"Tony said you did a little tabletop strip show for everyone and people actually tossed dollars to you. Is this true? If it is, I forgive you. I understand you were drunk and having fun and that's ok…"

Dean locked eyes with Cas, "You forgive me? Fuck you and your forgiveness."

"Dean…"

The angry Omega interrupted, "Sure, I was drunk and having fun and so was everyone else. It was hotter than the devil's asshole outside that night and yeah, I took off my shirt and tossed it out there and yeah, people tossed dollars. If you wanna know what happened after that, I collected the money; you got a problem with that? You'd want me to just leave it there?"

"Dean, please…"

"These were all friends, not strangers."

Castiel held up his hands in surrender, "I understand, I worded things wrong. I'm the one who's sorry. I just have one more question, Tony said you tried to kiss him and when he rebuffed your advances you hit him. I just need to know what happened because the Omega did have a busted lip."

"God, you are a piece of work, the fact you even have to ask means you don't trust me at all. He is the one who tried to kiss me so I socked him and Tony deserved it. I'd never, ever cheat on you."

"I didn't say that."

Dean pushed the shortcake toward his husband, "You can take this bribe and shove it right up your ass you distrustful douche." He stood, knocking over the kitchen chair.

Then Castiel said something that pushed the teen right over the edge, "I didn't want you to go anyway. I just knew there would be some sort of trouble."

Grace burst out crying. Her parents rarely raised their voices like this and this made her feel scared.

Dean gestured to their daughter, "I'm taking Gracie and going to your dad's house. I can't be around you right now.

"No, you're not driving when you're upset, especially with our daughter."

"Stop telling me what to do!" Dean stormed out.

…..

Spencer peeked out the window to see his son-in-law stomping towards the door with his hands balled into fists and tears streaming down hisface. The elder Alpha gave his wife a push toward the door, "You answer it."

Scotty opened the door and before he could say a word, Dean brushed past him and headed straight for Cas' old room, slamming the door behind him.

….

When Dean heard a knock on the bedroom door he yelled, "Go away". Scotty had no intention of doing any such thing. He walked in and sat right on the bed next to the teary eyed Omega.

"What happened?"

Dean rubbed his runny nose on one of the pillows, "Cas is an asshole."

Scotty smacked the teen hard on the ass, "Hey, I do the laundry around here, don't be disgusting."

"Sorry."

The bigger Omega pulled Dean into a sort of headlock hug and patted him on the back, "Alright, tell big sister all about it."

"I went to a party and got drunk, danced on a picnic table and took off my shirt and made sixty dollars and then my friend kissed me so I slapped him and…"

"Whoa, slow your roll, you're babbling." Scotty had Dean start from the beginning.

"I take it, Castiel didn't react well?"

"Cas asked if it was true I that tried to kiss Tony when it was the other way around. If he trusted me why would he even worry about that?"

"Did you explain it to him?"

"Fuck that, he should know better."

Scotty, who was usually there for Dean with his sage wisdom, gave none. After some comforting nuzzling and a quick lick of Dean's neck, Scotty got up and left without a word.

…..

The elder Alpha paced across the master bedroom, "I don't want to talk about their marital problems, that crap should be reserved for Omegas and women." Spencer stopped in front of his wife, arms folded; just to show how resolved he was not to get involved.

Scotty bent down and kissed his husband on the forehead, "How cute that you think you have a choice. Just go in there, be a dad and listen to him then try to offer some guidance that only an elder Alpha can give."

"I said, no."

Scotty whispered softly in his husband's ear, "Come on Spence, be the strong Alpha I know you are and use your knowledge and experience to advise Dean."

Scotty knew how to stroke his man's ego and Spencer caved immediately.

"Fine, what are you going to do?"

"I'm going to talk to Castiel."

…..

Spencer knocked on the door, secretly hoping Dean would tell him to get lost. When the Omega said, "come in", the elder Alpha cringed. He poked his head in the door, "It's Spencer, not Scotty." Dean waved him in.

"Just offer some of your wisdom and try to explain the ways of a younger Alpha to Dean…for the umpteenth time."

The Omega fixed his apple green eyes on Spencer, "What do you want?"

"Scotty explained things to me."

"So much for privacy."

"God, Dean, sometimes you're all vinegar. It's a good thing God made you pretty because your personality needs some work. Can I talk without your smart mouth commentary?"

"I guess."

Spencer pulled a chair next to the bed, "Castiel's jealousy got the better of him. We are all prone to jealousy, women, Apha, Omega, Beta, everyone. We Alphas, especially the younger ones, have a harder time controlling it. I've been guilty many times of saying and doing things I regretted later. There isn't a couple in the world that hasn't fought or had misunderstandings or said the wrong things to each other at one time or another. Why should you two be any different?"

Dean was in a full blown out, "He should trust me. How could Cas even question me about trying to kiss someone?"

"Put yourself in his position, let's say the same events happened but instead it's Castiel in your shoes and you're the one waiting at home. Some punk comes over with his shirt, telling tales about him. How do you feel?"

"Pissed off."

"Would you ask him about it?"

Dean had twisted the bedding into his fists and the anger on his face was unmistakable, "Damn right I would."

"That wouldn't mean you didn't trust him, you just want to clear the air…right?"

When the Omega started to cry, Spencer stayed strong even though he felt like bolting for the door. He pulled the young Omega into a semi-hug and patted him on the head, "There, there, everything will work out."

"I don't know what's wrong with me, Spencer, I can't stop bawling."

"I don't even want to know what that means. How do I get him to stop crying?"

"Hey, Dean, how about you help me change the oil in my car and then I'll grill us up some burgers, what do yah say?"

The Omega dried his eyes with the bottom of his shirt before answering, "Yes and yes but make sure you do extra cheese and onions."

"Absolutely."

Dean went from tiger to kitten at the mention of cars and burgers, "Can I have ice cream after?"

"Sure buddy, as much as you can eat."

…..

Once Grace saw Scotty get out of his SUV, she took off running, falling several times in the process but nothing would stop her from getting to her grandma. Scotty scooped her up in his big, strong arms and peppered his granddaughters face with kisses.

"Wuv you, Gammy."

"I love you too, Princess."

Scotty carried her over to Castiel, who was still violently weeding the garden.

"Hello Castiel. You have a lovely tan and your ass looks great in those shorts."

He got a grunt in reply.

"I had a talk with Dean."

"If you're here to lecture me, don't bother."

"I'm not going to lecture you at all."

Castiel eyed the blonde with suspicion, "But you always lecture people." He wiped a dirt covered hand across his forehead, leaving a streak behind. "How is Dean?"

"Dean is very upset so I'd give him a little space. Tomorrow morning bring him a nice gift to show you're sorry and when you speak to him, be humble. Would you be opposed to my taking Gracie overnight? I think it will help calm Dean down."

Castiel agreed.

"Another thing, Castiel, I believe Dean should have a pregnancy test." Scotty placed a hand just below his own belly button, "I believe we're in sync again."

…..

The next morning Sam went into Cas' childhood bedroom to talk to his brother but Dean was still asleep.

Sam took advantage of his brothers' slumber to take in his essence. The young Alpha leaned down and ran his nose over his brother's cheek. Dean's scent always brought back good memories of childhood comfort, love and safety. For all intents and purposes, Dean had been Sam's mommy and Sam would never forget it.

Dean's eyes fluttered open to find Sam's face right above him.

"What the hell, Sam."

"I was only sniffing. I used to do it all the time when I was a kid." Sam straightened up and gave his cranky brother the dimples, "You smell like warm chocolate chip cookies, vanilla and mommy."

The Omega lifted his leg and rudely cut a fart, "How's that smell?" Dean snickered when his brother went into full on bitch face.

"You are such a jerk!"

After a bit of brotherly back and forth snark, Dean spilled the story of what had brought him to Spencer's home. He needed his brother's advice delivered in Sammy's gentle tone.

Sam always made Dean feel better.

….

Castiel waited until after breakfast to go to Dean. His wife was always in a better mood on a full stomach.

Scotty opened the door to find a well groomed young man in his good suit and favorite blue tie, holding a bouquet of daisies and a box of candy the size of a breadbox. It all seemed very formal as if Castiel was there to ask Dean on a first date and wanted to make his best impression.

"I've come to reclaim my mate."

Scotty yawned and leisurely scratched his junk before answering. "Well, he's not here, Dean left early and don't ask me where he went because I haven't a clue."

….

"I can't believe I'm here."

Dean read the back of every pregnancy test in the Omega Health aisle at Finnegan's Pharmacy.

"Fresh Start, First Choice, Omega Mommy, New Life, Assure You, what stupid names for baby tests."

"Do you need help, Sir?" The employee took a closer look, "Dean, how yah doing?"

"Crap, its big mouth Jeremy."

Jeremy, a senior member of Brothers of the Sisterhood, had a grin from ear to ear when he spied the box Dean was holding, "I guess you and Mr. N have been busy."

"I'm warning you, Jeremy, keep your pie hole shut or you're uninvited from my graduation party next weekend."

No one wanted to miss out on Dean's graduation party. All the elder Brothers were invited including a plus one. It was going to be catered and if you showed ID there was an open beer bar and free rides home afterward. The invitation said to bring swimwear and a towel and Jeremy hoped that meant there was more than just a sprinkler involved, he knew the Novak family had a big hot tub.

"I swear, I won't say a word."

Dean grabbed four different tests; all claiming to be the best, paid and drove back to the farm house.

…

Dean covered all his bases by doing the tests one by one, alternating between urine from his vagina and penis.

"Come on, come on, no whammys!"

"Fuck! Ok, next…"

"Crap! Next…"

"Oh, man…next…"

"Well, no beer for me next weekend."

Dean had known in his heart he was pregnant. The morning sickness started much earlier than it did when he was carrying Grace and he felt moodier, even the amount of food he was consuming was more at this point than with their daughter but the Omega hadn't a clue what that all meant. He hoped the pregnancy would go smoothly.

All four tests grasped in one hand, Dean slowly slid down the door until his ass hit the tile. He needed Castiel badly.

…

Castiel took the stairs two at a time until he reached their bedroom. He found Dean stilling on the bathroom floor and knelt in front of him. He held out a bouquet of wilted daisies and a giant box of chocolates.

Dean held out the tests.

TBC