The evening was awkward.
No need to sugarcoat the obvious. Dean and Castiel had an awkward night in together, eating strawberry pie. But it was the small spark that started the flame.
Castiel would be running into Dean all the time in the apartment building. They happened to live in a very nice place with an indoor and outdoor pool and hot tub, and also a patio on the roof where Castiel liked to go to read. Dean, by coincidence, also liked to go up there to do some accounting for the bar he owned, balancing the check book and whatnot, so sometimes they found themselves sitting together on the roof, not speaking, just enjoying one another's company.
Another time, was when Castiel's brother had come over to visit and insisted on going to the pool. Castiel was self conscious and tired, so he laid by the pool on one of the chairs in shorts and a t-shirt. Dean came in with his half brother Adam, who was about ten, to let him play in the water. He hung out next to Castiel for a bit, amused how his older brother and Dean's younger brother came here for the same purpose - to play. The conversation was cut short, however, when Dean was roped into playing in the water with his brother. A rousing game of "marco polo" to really entertain Castiel.
One time, they went out to get coffee together by accident. They left their apartment at the same time, got in separate cars, took separate routes and showed up to the same coffee place and sat together in the only empty table.
Castiel learned that Dean owns a bar, has one fully related brother, Sam and his half brother Adam, His father John was an alcoholic for a long time before he met Adam's mom, while he grieved for Sam and Dean's mother who was murdered walking home from work one night. He also learned that Dean loves pie the most, loves classic rock, and classic cars, and that Metallica calms him down.
Castiel told Dean about his more privileged upbringing, how he grew up in France, but moved to America at age ten, losing his accent. He moved back for college, then moved back here to pursue a job as an author. He worked part time at a library, as well, for more of a steady income. He talked about how even if his family was rich, his parents worked hard, so he never saw them since they were always away, therefore being raised by his numerous siblings.
Dean listened and so did Castiel. And boy, did they talk. They soon became best friends.
And then, there was tragedy.
Castiel stood hollowly in his kitchen, staring at his bowl of cereal, knowing by now that it was mushy and disgusting. He didn't have the motivation to throw it away. He faintly heard the door open. It was probably Dean, seeing as he was the only other one with a key.
Dean sat down opposite of Castiel and Castiel looked up "Hey, Dean." He mumbled. Dean looked down "I heard about your brother." Castiel heard him say. He nodded a little. "Yeah...Yeah, he's...he's really sick." He looked to the side. Dean scooted his chair over to Castiel and put his arms around him. "He can get better, Cas." He said soothingly. Castiel looked up, tears welling up.
"He's my only little brother, Dean. He...and he has cancer." He choked out. "They're saying there's only a 20% chance of his survival. I...He's a good kid, Dean." He whispered. He leaned his head on Dean's shoulder. Dean kissed Castiel's hair and held him close as Castiel silently started crying and Dean let him. They didn't talk about it.
They didn't talk about how Dean stayed the night for the first time, either. It was almost unspoken that Castiel needed him to stay. Castiel's little brother Samandriel had stomach cancer, and it didn't look too good. Dean helped Cas with his clothes (to a certain point) and they crawled in bed together and Castiel curled up against Dean, and Dean held him.
They didn't know this would only be the beginning of their little sleepovers.
Samandriel was doing better these days, and so was Castiel. His survival went up to 50% chance.
this was also the month Dean would ask Castiel on a date - a year after the strawberry pie. To the day.
Castel opened the door and smiled "Happy friend-a-versary- oh." He paused, seeing Dean holding white roses. "What's this?" He asked, tilting his head a little, the way he always did when he was trying to process something.
Dean smiled "Castiel, I've known you for a year, and I knew I wanted to ask you this for a whole year. I think you're beautiful inside and out - so will you please go on a date with me?" He asked cheekily. Castiel smiled brightly. He pulled red roses from the counter "Only if you'll take the flowers I was going to ask you with." He laughed. They laughed together and just ended up going out for burgers and milkshakes, then a movie. Dean walked Castiel to the door. Castiel felt his hear fluttering in his chest as they both leaned in.
There was a bang down the hallways from Dean's room and Sam popped his head out of Dean's door. He blinked "Oh. I'm totally interrupting aren't I?" He said awkwardly. Gabriel poked his head out next "Oh they're back! I knew they'd smooch at the end of the night, moose, you owe me ten bucks." He smirked. Sam shoved Gabriel's head back in. "Excuse us."
Castiel sighed and held Dean's hand "You should stay the night at my place again. Sam and Gabe don't have keys and I don't want either of them interrupting again." He rolled his eyes. Dean smiled "Alright." He leaned forward and kissed the corner of Cas' mouth. Castiel laughed and leaned forward and kissed Dean square on the mouth. "You missed, you dork." He laughed. Dean huffed "Fine, then." He pouted teasingly. Castiel kissed him again. It felt right to be with Dean like this. Natural. Like it was supposed to be that way.