A/N: Thanks anonymous requester on Tumblr, asking for Cas to get his wings back and show the guys his favorite places. I want Cas to have his wings back, too, so this was a joy to write! ^_^

Setting: Bunker era any time after Gabriel's been found alive, but AU because Gabriel lives, darn it.

Summary: Restoring Cas's wings means the angel can fly once again. But while Sam and Dean accompany him to his favorite places on Earth, they begin to understand that it's his family and not his wings that truly make him whole.

No Place Like Home

Sam has to catch his breath when they land, pointedly not looking at Dean—who hates flying even more than he does. In the moment, though, Sam can't even care. For the elation in Cas's eyes and the tears that they pretend not to see, it's worth it. It's all worth it.

"So the wings work," Dean grunts, thrilled in spite of whatever discomfort he may feel. Like Sam, Dean can't help but know what this means for Cas, who they never believed would fly again. "Whatever Gabriel did, looks like you're good as new."

"Yes," Cas whispers. He can't say any more than that. It's too overwhelming.

"So where are we?" Sam wonders. He looks around, then thinks with chagrin that he should have warned Cas about flying into busy areas. They're surrounded by people. Fortunately, no one seems to have noticed their sudden appearance, and the general din has masked the sound of his restored wings.

Dean turns a circle. "Wait, is this an airport? I thought you were gonna show us some of your favorite places."

"It is," Cas replies. He walks away with purpose, like he knows where he's going. After a hastily exchanged look, Sam and Dean hurry after him, following the angel past a small indoor garden to a fish pond, of all things. He picks up a packet of fish food and begins tossing it into the water.

"I guess I was expecting more like… Niagara Falls," Sam admits. "Or the Alps."

"Natural wonders never fail to lift my heart," agrees Cas. "But humanity is one of the greatest wonders of all. The Beijing International airport is the second busiest in the world. People coming and going… watch how they greet each other."

Sam sees what he means. All around, disembarking passengers are reuniting with loved ones, each with cries of joy and warm embraces. His face softens. He can see the appeal in sitting in the nearby sunlit chairs in this gentle oasis and watching the love all around. Especially when the angel doesn't get this reaction nearly enough for his own homecomings.

Sam vows to do better.

"Let me show you some more," Cas exclaims, full of an eagerness they rarely hear in the stoic angel. Before they can reply (or warn him to find a secluded corner to disappear from), he's already gripped their arms and taken flight.

They visit a playground next, warm and sunny and full of the pure laughter of children. Then a breezy square in Italy smelling of coffee and garlic, ringing with chatter and distant church bells. So many places he counts among his favorites. Each has one thing in common, and it's not the physical beauty… it's people.

Until one.

"Whoa, change of pace," Dean remarks as they arrive at an empty beach, grey water and greyer skies casting a monochromatic gloom over the scene. "I don't get it, what's so great about this place?"

Cas's eyes have gone distant. He steps to the surf despite the water now filling his shoes.

"Cas?" Sam asks. "Where are we?"

After a moment in which they wonder if he's still in there, Cas speaks.

"We call it the cradle of life."

Sam and Dean fall silent. There's a power in the air at his words, an electric tingle that makes Sam feel things he can't describe. His heart pounds but he doesn't know why.

"Once… too long ago for you to comprehend… I stood on this beach and watched a fish crawl out of the sea." Cas crouches and dips two fingers into the water. "I didn't know then, what might happen next. But I knew that nothing would ever be the same."

Sam finds himself holding his breath, captured by the moment and Cas's stillness.

Finally, the angel rises. "This is where it all began," he says, turning back towards them. "When I found myself doubting, I would come back here. To remind myself just how unperceivably magnificent something so small can become."

Cas's eyes crinkle and the moment is broken. "Now for my most favorite place of all."

He wraps his arms around the pair and suddenly they're right back where they started. Sam can hear the faint rustle as the newly restored wings fold themselves back down, unseen.

"The Bunker?" he can't help but laugh. "The whole world to choose from, and that's your favorite?"

Cas tilts his head. "The best place of all is wherever my family is. The best place is home."

Sam has to swallow back the lump in his throat, so Dean steps forward instead.

"And we're glad you're here." They all pretend not to notice the break in his voice. There's a second of hesitation, but only a second, then Dean is mirroring the people they watched at the airport. Firm arms enfold the angel in a tight embrace.

Sam smiles. "Home," he says softly. Charlie would have appreciated it, the mantra of Oz… Because Cas was right:

Home means family, and there truly is no place like home.