"Sam and Benny are gonna meet us there."
Castiel glanced up at Dean over the top of his journal, who was tapping out a reply text while glaring at his phone screen. Gabriel, who was sitting beside Cas, made an affirmative sound and went back to - well, whatever he was doing on the laptop. He glanced up at the time - twenty minutes past three - and sighed softly to himself, as he added 'Benny' to the note in his journal regarding their meeting.
"You still do that, huh?" Gabriel asked quietly, motioning to the list he was altering in his journal.
"Yes. It helps organise my day, and it makes me feel safe, I suppose." Cas replied, leaning back in the chair so that Gabriel could see the list better.
Gabriel was silent for a few beats as he read the schedule. When his eyes flicked back up, Cas noted a tinge of concern in them. He pursed his lips, ready to defend his choice to continue something that had been forced on them throughout their childhood. His brother's next words, however, drew him up short.
"Cas, have you ever thought about talking to someone?" The tone Gabriel used was quiet and careful.
"I talk to people." Castiel answered shortly, avoiding what he knew Gabe was getting at.
"I meant a professional."
"I know what you meant." He answered, then sighed and rubbed his face with his hands.
"Cas. Little bro. You know I love you. But honestly, with the amount of crap you've dealt with, I'm surprised you're not in a mental hospital." Gabriel paused, realising that he wasn't getting through. He weighed his next words carefully. "You know... I'm seeing one."
His brow furrowed, surprise written on his face as he stared at his brother. Of all the people he expected to hear that from, Gabriel was the last. The shorter man always seemed so together, confident and carefree with a happy go lucky attitude. If he was seeing a therapist, maybe it wasn't such a bad idea.
"Just think about it." Gabriel patted his knee and, with a wry smile, turned back to the laptop screen.
He nodded slightly, mulling it over in his head. In his peripheral vision, he caught Dean watching him - when he looked up, however, Dean was busy looking elsewhere as he stood and stowed the phone away. He stretched his arms up over his head, and Cas couldn't help noticing the strip of bare skin that showed as his shirt rode up. The grin Dean shot him moments later confirmed that he'd been caught.
"See something you like?" Dean asked innocently.
"Okay, ew. You two can make lusty eyes at each other when I'm far, far away." Gabriel grimaced before Cas had a chance to reply. "I refuse to be subjected to another audio rendition of my baby brother's love life."
That comment shut them both up, though Castiel couldn't help a soft laugh at the flush that spread across Dean's cheeks. Dean coughed to cover his spluttering, grabbing his duffel.
"Ready to go then, Gabe?"
"Sure thing, I'll just finish up." Gabriel was quiet as he typed a few more lines, then shut the laptop and dragged it's case over to begin packing it away.
"I'm coming with you."
Castiel stood from his seat, glancing first at Gabriel, then Dean, judging their reactions to his rash statement. Neither of them looked happy.
"Cas, no." Dean started first, coming close to him. "I don't want you any closer to this guy than you have to be. You're still healing, besides."
"Dean." He took a deep breath to calm and center himself, then straightened and stood tall. His hands caught Dean's cheeks, cradling his face as he stared into his eyes. "My injuries will heal, regardless of what I do. I needed extra help yesterday, because of the hospital medication. I can face Michael without him even knowing there is anything wrong with me, besides the facial bruising. I know you are trying to protect me, but I- Dean, I need to do this. I have never stood up to him. For me to be truly free of him, I have to do this. Do you understand?"
Dean just stared at him, green orbs swimming with both despair and understanding. It was obvious by the tension in his body, Dean wanted to argue, but he knew he had nothing. He knew Castiel was right, and it wasn't sitting well with him. Trying to soothe him, Cas leaned in and gently pressed their lips together in a sweet, chaste kiss.
"He's right, Dean-o. He's gotta be there. It will shock Michael enough that we'll have the upper hand from the get-go." Gabriel spoke quietly.
"Don't mean I gotta like it." Dean huffed, dropping his eyes momentarily as he dropped his hands to Cas' waist and pulled him closer. When he glanced back up, it was with a determined expression. "Okay. But you stay near me, Capisce?"
"Dean-"
"I said, Capisce?"
"...Okay."
"Hey, brother." Benny drawled, grinning as he caught Dean with a one armed hug. "Been awhile."
"Yeah man, sorry bout that. Been a bit messed up, you know." Dean shrugged after he let go, grinning a little to hide the tension. "How you been getting on? Keeping your nose clean?"
"'Course. Was close, though, when I heard what your daddy done." Benny frowned, "You right now though?"
"Yeah. Yeah man, I'm alright." Dean breathed, running his hand through his hair to rest on the back of his neck. "How'd you find out?"
"Your brother. Kinda made him tell me why he was callin' me back to work, instead of you or your daddy."
Dean nodded in understanding - he could barely recall Sam telling him about hiring Benny back, or anything to do with the business. The whole thing had slipped his mind, truthfully - but Sam had taken over and handled it himself during the search for Cas. Later, when they were at the hospital, he'd caught Dean up on everything. The most urgent thing was the apartment Dean had been tasked with, which Sam had informed him was now finished and paid for, thanks to Benny. Thinking of Sam, he glanced around, only to find him in the process of being pounced on.
"Samsquatch!" Gabriel crowed, throwing his arms around the taller man with glee. "Oh, what a pleasure to see you!"
"Oof. Yeah, okay, settle down Gabe. I know you're only happy because I bought you something sweet." Sam answered with a chuckle, pulling himself out of the shorter man's arms.
Once he got free, he picked up a box that had been sitting on the table before he was attacked, and opened it to reveal several eclairs. Gabriel's face lit up as he took one from the box and stared at it with awe before taking a ridiculously large mouth full.
"Marry me." He mumbled around a mouth full of pastry and cream.
What was very interesting, Dean noted, was not the words themselves - rather how Sam reacted to them. He watched in interest as a flush spread over the tall man's cheeks and he mumbled something before turning away to hide his face. He filed the thoughts away for later. That would most definately be coming up in conversation.
"So, what's the plan here?" Castiel asked quietly, coming to Dean's side. "Michael won't be happy with new faces."
"We've talked about that." Dean answered, landing a kiss on his temple. "Us four will sit together, Sam and I will be your 'friends'. Gabe didn't tell him who would be here, so he'll only be expecting to see one person, which is Gabe himself. Benny is gonna sit at a different table, with Jo-"
Castiel turned to see where Dean was pointing, slightly surprised to see Jo Harvelle sitting at a semi hidden table in the coffee shop, wearing plain clothes. She waved to him with a little grin, and he smiled before turning his attention back to Dean, ready to listen to the rest of his briefing.
"Bobby and Charlie are coming in later, and they'll sit in the corner over there. We figured it would be better for everyone to blend in as couples. They all have their parts to play, and they know them well. We'll lead the conversation as much as we can."
"I'm going to stay near the door, so I meet him first." Gabriel took over. "Then I'll bring him over to our booth. Cas, I need you to sit near the wall, and Dean you can sit on the outside, so Michael can't forcibly take him."
"Would he do that?" Sam asked with a frown.
"Yes." Gabriel and Castiel replied at the same time.
"Right. Well, we haven't got much time, so let's go." Sam nodded.
The group agreed, and split to head to their respective places. Cas sighed as he slipped into the booth, pressing himself against the wall. He picked up a menu, but he could barely read the words. His hands shook, and he felt light headed.
"Breathe." Dean told him quietly as he slid into the seat beside him.
He took a sudden breath, not realising he had been holding it. His hands tightened where he gripped the menu, showing his fear and nervousness. Dean's hand gently cupped over the top of his own, making him relax somewhat.
"It's gonna be okay, Cas. We won't let him take you."
"I know. I know. I just..." He cut off with a sigh, shaking his head. "I'll be fine."
Dean's hand slid into his, lacing their fingers together. He smiled slightly, shooting him a grateful smile as he put the menu down. There was no way he was going to be able to eat, anyway, so there was no point ordering. He was just about to ask Sam for the time, when he spotted a familiar face.
"Michael." He muttered, the colour draining from his face.
There was no mistaking him - the man wore an expensive suit and was having a heated conversation with Gabriel. When Gabriel gestured to their table, the man turned, and Castiel found himself unable to breathe again as the man's eyes located his, and shot him a nasty grin.
"Breathe, Cas." Dean repeated, squeezing his hand again before dropping their joined hands below the table, out of sight.
Cas nodded slightly, focusing on counting out his breathing as he watched Michael and Gabriel draw closer to the table. Gabriel slid into the booth beside Sam, shooting Castiel a supportive glance.
"Castiel. Surprised to see me?" Michael chuckled as he pulled a spare chair around and sat down. "I must admit the feeling is mutual. Had I known you were here, of course, I could have saved myself a trip."
Michael levelled a cold glare at Gabriel, who shrunk nervously under the gaze. That seemed to please him, given the cruel smirk that crept back onto his lips, before his attention was drawn back to Castiel.
"Since I am, however, I suppose I should have a beverage and meet your.. friends, before we leave."
"Leave?" Castiel faltered, his grip on Dean's hand tightening. He felt a light tapping on his hand - Dean's finger, tapping his heart beat to keep him grounded. "I can't leave, I have a life, my job-"
"Oh, Castiel. You should have thought of that before. You know the rules of this engagement." Michael pulled his face into a sympathetic look, which came out as more of a grimace. This time, Castiel wasn't buying his fake sympathy. "Had you only checked in with me, this wouldn't have to happen. But I can't trust you now, you see? This isn't my ideal solution, of course, but I must protect you and our family. So you both will need to return home with me, immediately. Of course, I will arrange the sale of your apartment, along with transport of your personal effects."
"No." Castiel took a deep breath, hiding his fear beneath determination.
"No? Castiel, you know the-"
"I said no, Michael. I will not leave. And I don't believe you have a right to take me anywhere."
The statement, along with the mere fact that Castiel was refusing, shocked Michael into a momentary silence that Sam took complete advantage of.
"Cas, hey, I know you don't want to go, but if he has a legal right," Sam implored with a sad smile, leaning across the table to pat his hand gently, pretending to play along. His eyes begged Cas to understand and follow his lead. "I'm sure Michael can show you the will, and of course the legal paperwork that appoints him your guardian into adulthood, if it would make you feel better?"
"I- Yes, that would make me feel better..." Castiel answered, keeping the confusion out of his voice as much as possible.
"Then we should do that now," Gabriel interrupted, noticing the change in Michael's demeanour, the telltale shifting in his seat that showed his discomfort. "Michael, you'd have that on hand, wouldn't you? You're always so prepared. Just show Cas, then we can go."
"I, well I don't have it on hand here, but I'm sure I can find the documents you need when we get home." Michael was definately flustered, judging by the uncertainty in his voice.
With perfect timing, the door to the coffee shop swung open and Charlie entered with Bobby. Her eyes scanned the room until they found the group, and she feigned excitement as she bounced over to the booth.
"Cas! What are you doing here?" She threw herself over Dean to give Castiel a hug, taking him by surprise. "Oh, I'm glad I caught you. This is Bobby, my boyfriend. We were just grabbing a coffee on our way to the movies, but I have what you asked for! I kept it in my bag just in case I ran into you. And here we are, what a coincidence!"
"Oh.. Uh, thanks, Charlie." Castiel was seriously starting to doubt his acting skills as he tried to keep his surprise off his face, taking the envelope that Charlie handed over.
"No worries! Well we'll leave you alone now, have fun!" She giggled and bounced back over to Bobby, slipping her hand into his and kissing his cheek. Judging by the look on Bobby's face, he wasn't totally on board with that level of acting.
Michael simply sat there looking bewildered, not paying attention to the interactions of the others at the table. Dean took the chance to shoot him a look, flicking his eyes to the envelope before back to Cas', his head nodding slightly. He understood the message, and let go of Dean's hand so he could open the envelope and pull out the contents.
"Oh, yes, I forgot I asked her to retrieve this for me," Castiel noted as he laid his parents' will on the table.
"Wow, Cas, she has perfect timing. Now you can see that Michael's telling the truth." Sam grinned slightly, then quickly schooled his expression into a neutral one.
"Castiel, this is ridiculous. You have known the rules for years, now stop procrastinating and let's go." Michael was showing signs of anger now and had made a grab for the will. Gabriel snagged it away before he could get it.
"Oh come on, Mike. It can't hurt for him to see it in black and white. Now, let's see..." Gabriel made a show of searching the will, frowning as he read through it. "Oh... That's odd. This clause here, about the inheritance, it says-"
"It doesn't matter what is in that worthless document." Michael growled as he stood, knocking his chair back. "Castiel, you made an agreement. You are coming with me, now."
He reached across the table to grab Castiel, but Dean was faster. He stood and turned to face the taller man, using his body to block Castiel from the man's grabbing hand. Michael reached forward to push him aside, but his arm was suddenly stopped, held by Benny, who had appeared almost instantly to twist the limb away from Dean.
"There a problem here, brother?" Benny drawled, directing his words to Dean.
"No problem, just a dude that doesn't know when to back off." Dean smiled. "Why don't you take a seat there, Michael?"
"I will not-" Michael began, but his words were cut off as Benny twisted his arm further, using the momentary pain to push him back down in the chair. Benny let his arm go, then dropped his hands on Michael's shoulders, effectively holding him down. "Unhand me immediately. You have no idea who you're dealing with."
"Oh, we've got a fair idea." Jo had sidled up beside benny, and she brushed her coat aside to reveal the hilt of her weapon. She shot him the sweetest, fakest smile she could muster. "And we've dealt with worse. Now we're gonna have a nice little chat, okay?"
"I don't have time for this ridiculousness." Michael growled, still struggling against Benny. "Regardless of what that will says Castiel is still under my authority."
"Actually, he's not." Jo grinned slightly. "You've been taking advantage of Cas for a long time, denying him his rights and taking money you are not entitled to. So let's tell you how this will go."
"First, you're going to sign our legal document-" Sam produced a set of papers from a briefcase he had sitting beside him. "You're free to inspect it, but it basically says that you will not contact Castiel or come within speaking distance of him ever again. You will also repay all the money you took from him, along with recompense for his trauma. You're also signing a confession to everything you've done to Castiel, which-"
"We'll have you arrested for if you come near this boy again." Bobby finished Sam's sentence with a growl, having appeared on Michael's other side, showing his police badge with a grin.
"Oh, and if you send anyone after us, you'll regret it." Dean added with a sadistic grin. "I'll enjoy making you pay for everything you've done, Michael."
"You can't do this." Michael stated, looking fit to burst with rage. "I am the head of this family, you cannot do this!"
"Actually, we already have. And by the way?" Charlie had come to the table too, and she placed her laptop down in front of Michael. "If you don't sign? I'll release all of this."
Michael scowled at her before he turned his attention to the laptop screen. As his eyes took in all the evidence of his illegal dealings, his face lost all colour. Charlie had been extensive in her hacking and research, and she had enough to destroy him and the whole family business if it was released.
"You can't-"
"Yeah, yeah, we can't do this. But we just did. Now sign, and you can be on your merry way." Gabriel handed over a pen, which Michael took with a murderous glare.
Gabriel grinned and produced a lollipop from - somewhere - and popped it into his mouth. Michael glared at each one of them in turn, then winced as Benny's hold on his shoulders tightened. Finally, after what seemed an eternity, he put pen to paper and signed the document. It seemed he had decided that losing his little empire wasn't worth holding onto control of Castiel.
"Very good." Benny released his shoulders and gave him a patronising pat on the head. "Now Charlie, if you will?"
"Of course." Charlie took the documents and tucked them away in her bag, before leaning over Michael to take control of the laptop. As she typed, Michael's face paled. "Just in case you had any ideas to not return Cas' money, I'll just sort that out for you. Okay? Okay."
"But- But that's-"
"Not nearly enough compensation for what you've put him through." Bobby growled from beside him. "Shut your mouth before I put you in cuffs just for the fun of it."
Through most of this, Castiel had sat quietly in his seat, shocked into silence. He had hoped that they would win, of course, but he hadn't imagined it was possible. It seemed so easy, too good to be true - he almost couldn't believe it.
Finally, Charlie announced that she was done, and Castiel would have the money in his account within twenty four hours. She also explained that she had booked Michael's flight home and locked him out of all his accounts for a week, just to make sure he couldn't get the money back. Michael looked livid - but he didn't speak a single word, not even when Bobby and Jo escorted him to his ride.
When he was gone, the group was quiet. And suddenly Castiel felt overwhelmed.
"I don't.. I don't know what to say. Thank you... all of you." He turned his face to Dean, searching for... something. He didn't know what, but apparently Dean did.
"Cas." Dean cradled his face, gently kissed him, then pulled back to rest their foreheads together. "You're free."
Castiel lost his composure. His face crumpled, his heart jumped, and he dissolved into tears. Dean pulled him close, cradling him in a warm embrace. He was somewhat aware of the others congratulating him, comforting him, giving him supportive shoulder claps and hugs. But he was mostly aware of Dean, holding him close and safe, whispering soft assurances in his ear.
He pulled his head back slightly, enough to gaze into Dean's beautiful, worried eyes. This was what they had won - his freedom to be with Dean, to love him openly, with no restrictions. To build a future with this man that he had fallen head over heels for in no time at all.
"Dean-" He started, his voice breaking for a moment, overwhelmed by what he wanted to say.
"I know. I know. It's gonna be okay." Dean's hands rested on his cheeks, and he smiled, tears slowly glazing over green eyes. "I love you too, Cas."
More tears spilled from his eyes at the declaration, at how easily Dean seemed to read his thoughts and know exactly what he was trying to say. He pressed forward, capturing Dean's lips in a deep, affectionate kiss. Dean groaned softly into his mouth, prompting a chorus of catcalls and a few comments of 'ew' and 'gross' from Gabe and Charlie respectively. They broke apart and laughed softly together, as Dean brushed tears off his cheeks.
"Let's go home." Dean told him softly, then turned to the group. "You're all coming to celebrate with us, by the way."
"Oh - wait," Castiel paused, realising something that he had barely had time to consider. He slid out of the booth after Dean, before turning to Charlie. "What about work? When do I need to come back?"
Suddenly Dean started laughing, to which Castiel shot him a confused look. That only made the man laugh harder and turn away. Cas shook his head and looked back at Charlie, who appeared slightly sheepish. He began to suspect there was something going on, and narrowed his eyes slightly at the red head.
"Um, about that..." She started. "Remember that stuff I got you to sign at the hospital?"
"...yes?" Cas answered slowly, with a frown.
"Well... I might have messed with some employment records, that now say you've been permanent full time for the past twelve months. I also might have put in your request for annual leave, and approved it. I also may have rewritten some company policies that allow you three months paid leave due to work related trauma... Sooo..."
Castiel was stunned. From what Charlie was saying, and from the calculations in his head...
"Wait. You're saying I have four months off work... paid?"
"Yup, that's what she's saying." Dean answered for her, still laughing quietly. "Go on, Charlie, tell him the rest."
"There's more?" Castiel asked incredulously, his eyes widening at Charlie.
"Um. Well the rest is more about me... I might have quit, told them to shove their job up their asses, and given your notice too, so you've already been paid for the full four months. But!" She held a finger up to stop him, knowing he was about to go on a tirade. "We have new jobs!"
"Charlie..." He grumbled slightly, shaking his head. "What new job?"
"Allow me." Dean grinned, and held out his hand to shake Castiel's. "Welcome to Winchester restorations."
"I- what - I don't understand..."
"We wanted to keep it a surprise." Sam interjected, beaming at Cas. "I had a clause in the original business agreement that if Dad died or was imprisoned, all rights to the business passed completely to us. The paperwork has gone through, so it's ours now. We got rid of the corrupt staff, and we had a few spots to fill - so Charlie is going to be the general manager. Dean says you're pretty good with detail work, so you'll be working with him. If, of course, you want to."
"Yes, yes of course I want to!" Cas laughed, shaking his head. "I can't believe how much you've all done for me. But yes, I would love that."
"Great! Now that that's settled, let's get this party happening!" Charlie grinned and led the way out of the coffee shop.
As Dean drove home - god, it was amazing that he had someone to call his place home with - Castiel couldn't help thinking how lucky he was. For the first time in a long while, he was looking forward to the days ahead. He had an amazing boyfriend, his brother was back for good this time, and he had a family of his own making. Things couldn't get much better.