Autumn melted into winter, the leaves decaying and falling, no longer the beautiful oranges and reds that Castiel loved. It had taken a lot to help Dean and Sam, but soon they weren't so down, weren't so sad. They had their moments, but they had been staying at Castiel's house a lot and it had been really helping them, having Castiel's mom around. They only stayed when his father wasn't home. That was how it went. Castiel didn't want them meeting his father. So he made sure they didn't. He made sure all the empty beer and vodka bottles were cleaned up before either of them arrived. He made sure the house was clean and his father's door was always closed.
That was the best and worst winter of his life.
The best because that was the first time Dean and him kissed.
The worst because his father told him they'd be moving two states over.
He rode his bike to Dean's house- he didn't have a car and he wasn't walking, it was damn near eight miles- and knocked on the door. It was Sam who answered the door, which surprised him. But he understood when the door opened. He heard shouting from inside, one voice he recognized as Dean's, the other as John's. Sam had red rimmed eyes and a red nose, showing he'd been crying.
"Are you okay?" Castiel asked, his own problem momentarily forgotten.
"Yeah, I-I'm fine," Sam said with a sniff. Castiel frowned.
"What're they arguing about?" he asked. Sam looked down, another tear trailing down his cheek.
"Dean's trying to kick dad out, but dad won't go. I can't figure out why he won't go. He never pays attention to us anyways…" Sam sighed and sat on the front porch step. Castiel frowned and sat down beside him, wrapping an arm around the boy.
"Don't worry, Sam. Dean will handle it. He always does. That's what he does. He takes care of the bullies." He smiled lightly, and ruffled Sam's already messy hair. Sam nodded and rested his head on Castiel's shoulder. A moment later, the door flew open, and John came stomping out, a messily thrown together suitcase in his hand. He stormed out to his truck, threw everything inside, and glowered at Dean.
"Good luck doin' anything without me here!" John yelled, before getting in his truck, and speeding away. Dean glared after him and then let out a long breath, running a shaky hand over his face.
"Thanks, Dean!" Sam cried, jumping out of Castiel's embrace and into Dean's. Dean smiled a light smile and kissed his brothers forehead.
"I believe you have homework to finish," Dean said. Sam nodded and bolted inside. "Finish it before you go to Jakes!" Dean called after him.
"I will!" Sam yelled back. Dean smiled and closed the door, turning to Castiel.
"Hey, man, what's up?" Dean asked.
"Uh…Dean…." Castiel took a breath and looked down, tears filling his eyes. "Were moving in a couple of weeks….couple states over…." He looked up at Dean and saw him slack jawed, those beautiful green eyes tear filled.
"No…no you can't…." Dean whispered.
"I'm sorry," Cas mumbled. Dean's arms wrapped around him.
"No, don't be sorry. It's not your fault….hey…I know something that would make you feel better. You up for it?" Dean said.
"I dunno…."
"Please?" Dean asked. Castiel sighed but nodded. Sam came bolting outside then, backpack in hand.
"I'm going to stay the night at Jakes!" With that the boy took off across the street, not even bothering to knock once he got inside. Dean grabbed his leather jacket, and took Cas' mitten covered hand, leading him to the car and pushing him inside.
"Let's go," Dean said, before starting up his Impala and taking off.