Dean grinned, pulling up in front of the hotel he'd rented for them.
"You grab the bags and I'll check us in?" Dean asked, already getting out of the car. Cas nodded, a smile on his face, and grabbed the bags from the car. Dean hurried in and got them their reserved room, and then went back with the key cards, taking his bag from Cas.
"Dean, this is nowhere near the beach," Cas whined. Dean chuckled, leaning over and kissing him softly.
"Don't worry, hun, you'll still get to see the beach," he murmured, unlocking the door. It was a nice, one bed one bath room, with nice gray carpets and blue painted walls. The room smelled like lemon cleaner and air freshener, and Dean smiled softly. It smelled like home, before Mary had passed. Cas was looking around in astonishment, a smile on his face, wide eyes sparkling. Dean knew this was so much more than he'd ever done before, so much more than he'd ever had.
"You like it, Cas?" Dean asked, looking at the other boy. Cas nodded, dropping his bag on the floor and turning to kiss him again. Dean's smile widened as he pulled the other boy close, kicking the door closed and running his fingers through Cas' hair. Cas chuckled, and pulled back a bit so their noses were touching.
"Can we go to the beach now?" Cas asked. Dean looked at the clock- it was four thirty and would be sundown soon.
"Of course we can now, Cas. But bundle up. It's gonna be cold," he said, and then pulled off his tee shirt, changing into a long sleeve and his warm leather jacket. He sifted through Cas' bag until he found a long sleeve and a scarf, and through them to Cas to change into. He found the pea coat next, and handed that to Cas as well.
Soon, they were on their way to the beach. Dean had tied one of his few ties around Cas' eyes. He wanted this to be perfect. Dean put his hands on Cas' shoulders and lead him from behind.
"Can I take this off now?" Cas whined, hearing the waves crashing against the wet sand. Dean looked around to make sure they were alone, and waited one more minute for the sun to begin to set.
"Okay, now you can," Dean said with a smile as he pulled the tie off Cas' eyes. He heard Cas gasp at the sight that awaited him. The wind blew softly through the air, bringing with it the sharp smell of salt. The waves moved across the sand, snaking towards their feet. Splashes of pinks, reds and oranges reflected off the water as the sun reflected off it, creating a breath taking view.
"So, uh, Cas?" Dean said, fiddling with his hands. It took a moment, but Cas turned to him.
"Dean….?" Cas said with a raised brow.
"Just…just don't talk for a minute, okay?" He waited for Cas to nod before continuing.
"I wanted to…Uh….God, this is hard…Ah, screw it. I dunno what it is about you, but I'm drawn to you. I dunno if it's your perfect hair or your beautiful eyes or just…you….when I first saw you, somethin' just kinda clicked. I know it sounds cliché, but it was like I'd just gotten something back I didn't know I was missing. The more time we spend together, the more I realize I can't think of a life without you, how….imperfect it would be. I mean, I know our lives are shot to hell, and I know we were screwed from the beginning, but being with you makes that seem….not as bad. What I'm trying to say is…." Dean took a deep breath, swallowing as he locked eyes with Cas. "I love you. I always have and I always will. I love you with all your scars and your problems and all the mistakes you make and I just…God, I love you with my entire heart and soul. I've always loved you, I've just never been able to put it into words. You, all your…..perfect imperfections….I love them all and I love you and….dammit. Castiel Novak, will you marry me?" Dean took out the silver rings he'd gotten. He heard Cas' intake of breath, and saw the tears sparkling in his eyes.
Dean held his breath, eyes locked on Cas' eyes- muddy green on midnight blue- until he finally got his answer.