The sounds of the smooth voiced reporter from NPR filled the car. As much as Castiel and Sam both liked Dean's music, it was nice to get a chance to listen to things they liked. If anything Castiel had added a little too much political spirit to Sam Winchester's mended soul.

"Did I ever riot in protest? I think I did. I think I remember the Rodney King riots?"

"No, you weren't there. I promise. It's a residual memory."

"Oh."

They both went back to listening to the radio for a few minutes, the story ended and Sam reached to turn down the commercials, but didn't say anything.

"Sam?"

"Yeah, Cas?"

"Thanks for helping me study in that teaching book."

"No problem, buddy. Thanks for helping me bathe, move, do anything, for dragging Dean and I out of hell, playing on my team on Halo. How did you get so good at that game anyways?" Sam laughed.

"I'm not sure," he laughed too, "but as for the rest, we're family. That's what families do, correct? Help each other?"

"Yeah, but still," Sam paused while he tried to figure out what to say, "You've been really good for both of us. Dean and I, I mean."

"I'm glad."

"It's really nice just hanging out with you. I mean I never really had friends besides Dean until I went to college. I miss just kicking back and playing games and discussing politics and history. Dean doesn't like that kind of stuff."

"I'm honored you consider me a friend, Sam." He smiled a sincere, heart melting smile at Sam. He could see why Dean fell for him. "I feel much the same way; I didn't have many close friends in Heaven. Just fellow soldiers. I would die for them, but I don't think I actually liked any of them. You're my best friend, besides Dean."

"You're probably my best friend too, man."

"I think we're what they call 'bro-mantic.'"

They both laughed, "I'd have to agree," Sam replied. They laughed some more.

"I know it's none of my business, but how're things going with Dean?"

"Well, I'm still pretty angry about his whole 'escort' thing. But better. I know he was just trying to do what he thought was best, and I'm sure he's made it up two fold with all the breakfast in bed and whathaveyou. Jealousy is a very odd emotion. I'm still trying to get used to it, and get over it, honestly." His brow furrowed as he focused on the road, a mixture of confusion and pain on his face.

"He really loves you, you know."

"I love him too."

"You know what he said to me the other night?"

"What, when?"

"The night he stayed late at the garage fixing that old lady's car. He came home and sat with me, hanging out for a while. He told me about the months I was in Hell, after he left you. He said he didn't want to live anymore, that he would have killed himself if you hadn't have come back. Even if I somehow came back on my own, he just felt so empty without you that he could probably never be happy again."

Castiel looked at him with eyes wide in surprise and heavy with sadness.

"He said that every day, even though he thinks it's not possible, he loves you more. It was the most chick-flick I have ever seen him in my entire life. It would have been funny if it wasn't so touching. You two are like vomitiously cute."

"He should be telling me those things, not you."

"You know Dean. His way of showing affection is farting on your head and stealing your beer."

"Point taken."

"If he fucks up again, are you going to leave him?" Suddenly Sam felt like he was a kid again, asking Dean what he did to make dad so angry.

"I don't think I could, I love him too much. And really, that last one shouldn't count because I know he was just trying to help in his own way."

"Good. We've lost enough family. You're like my brother-in-law or something like that. Do you think you guys will ever make it official?" He mocked batting his eyes and held out his hand like a bride holding out her ring to show off. Castiel laughed.

"I'm not sure Dean would be up for that. You know how much he cherishes his 'ladie's man' thing; I think the ring would feel like an anchor to him."

"I don't think that would stop him from hitting on women. I don't think he'd ever cheat, again that is. Frankly I'm surprised Marya didn't just stab him in the throat when he tried hitting on her. Have you seen that girl? She's nuts!"

"I'll take your word for it. Do you see an open parking spot?"

Sam pointed to the handicap space and pulled out his temporary handicap pass as Cas pulled the car in.

In the next town over Dean took his lunch break early and walked downtown. He walked along the row of shops displaying toys and sweets and clothes. He walked into someplace he never thought he would, a jewelry store.

The pretty redheaded clerk rushed to help the handsome man whose hands were splayed on the glass displays as he looked at the sparkling contents.

"Getting married, are we?"

"Something like that," he eyed the pretty girl, and smiled at her. She gave him a mischievous smirk.

"Who's the lucky girl?"

"Actually, it's a guy. My boyfriend." He delighted in people's reactions; they could never stop their jaw from dropping. As if on cue the painted mouth dropped open and the head tried to shake off the disbelief. She caught herself and straightened up and tried not to sound surprised.

"Oh, wonderful! What were you looking for?"

"I was actually wondering if I could get two silver wedding bands made." He smiled as they set to work getting the details down.