AN: Firstly; oh my God guys I'm so sorry! Time got away from me, next thing I know it's been over a month since I've updated. So I tried to make this a little longer for you... If anyone actually cares about what I've been doing whilst keeping you waiting, I've been writing some oneshots and things, getting rid of any unhelpful plot bunnies and trying to get my writing and grammar a little better. Big thank you to VynnBeverly for the grammar lesson, it was quite helpful! So, I've taken on board what people have said, pointers and things, and hopefully, I'm a lot less comma-happy like my previous chapters were, and that you all like this chapter!
I'm trying to wrap this up A.S.A.P., so there may be one or two more chapters? I don't want this to be chapter-long, I'm setting 20 as my cut-off point. But fear not! I have MANY ideas for sequels and things - in fact I have desktop post-its with all my ideas and you actually can't see my background - there's nine so far if you're interested...
Anyway: TL;DR - I'm a douche but I hope to make things up to you guys. NOW ONWARDS!
As practice exams loomed over the students of Kripke High, Castiel became harder and harder to see. He skipped lunch, instead spending his time in the library with his textbooks; his evenings and weekends were spent cooped up in his room studying. Dean found himself spending more time with Gabriel or Chuck.
One Sunday, he turned up at the Novak household, only to be declined entry to his boyfriend's room, instead playing X-box with Michael - as Gabriel had work.
"You know what we should do?" Michael mused. Dean smirked, pressing the "x" button furiously.
"What?"
"Stage an intervention. Tell Cas what he's doing isn't healthy and he needs to take a break or he'll frazzle his brain."
"And how do we do that exactly?"
"With force."
"Michael-"
"-Don't worry. I actually have a cunning plan... Hold on, let me text Crowley..."
Michael paused the game and pulled his phone out; Dean thought about how Cas would react to being forcibly removed from his books.
Ten minutes later, Crowley and Alastair were over, and prepping one of the guest rooms - emptying it of anything remotely educational, bringing up some DVDs and food, before putting their plan to action. Dean, Michael, and Crowley stood besides Cas' door, motioning for Anna to knock.
"Cas? I brought you something to eat!"
The was a muffled scuffling sound behind the door before it was pulled open. Castiel barely had a chance to react when Michael and Crowley pounced on him, wrestling him out of his room and down the hallway.
"What are you doing? Dean! Stop this!"
Dean frowned; "come on, Cas. You need to take a break, we're worried."
"I'm fine! I just have studying to do!"
"No, Cas. I never see you any more. You're hardly eating or sleeping... You're going to collapse again at the rate you're going!"
Cas let out a long sigh and looked in to Dean's pleading eyes; "Dean?"
"Please Cas. Just take a break with me?"
Castiel stopped struggling and let himself be led in to the guest room; "okay... Only for a few hours though."
Dean grinned; "excellent! Thanks guys!"
Michael gave Dean a salute and left with his cousins - Dean locked the door behind him so Cas couldn't make a break for it and sat on the bed, patting the empty space next to him. Castiel smiled meekly and slumped down next to his boyfriend.
"I'm sorry I've been unavailable, Dean, but the tests are soon and-"
"-I understand, Cas. But they're not the real exams, and you're naturally brainy! You have nothing to worry about! And you need to take a break occasionally or you're going to kill yourself. And then all your work will be wasted."
"I suppose you're right... What shall we do then?"
"Just chill. Watch some films, eat some food... I've missed hugging you."
Castiel smiled and crawled in to Dean's lap, wrapping his arms around his neck; "I'm sorry. I've missed this too."
Dean smiled too, snaking his arms around Cas' waist, hiding his face in his neck, pressing a few kisses to the warm skin; "don't stay away too long next time. If I'm honest, I don't know how you managed to keep away as long as you did."
Castiel chuckled; "it was hard."
"Good."
They sat holding each other for a long while, pressing the occasional kiss to each others' faces and necks. Cas carded his fingers through Dean's hair; Dean rubbed soothing circles in to Cas' back.
"Promise me you won't work yourself in to the ground."
Castiel nodded, pulling away just enough to be able to look in to Dean's eyes; "I promise. I just want to do so well!"
Dean smiled meekly; "well, apply yourself on the real exams, these are just practice ones! And stop worrying, you're the smartest kid I know. If you get anything less than an A then I haven't a cat in Hell's chance at passing!"
"Ok... And Dean, you're very capable. I have no doubt you'll do well."
"Well, even if I don't, it's a good job I've already got a job lined up, huh?"
"I still can't believe in just under five months we'll be moving to Cambridge together!"
Dean grinned, pulling Castiel in for a quick kiss; "well, you'd better believe it! We've got a nice little two-bedroomed apartment picked out, I've got a job... It'll be perfect."
Castiel sighed blissfully; "I can't wait."
"Me neither."
They both gave each other loving smiles, gazing in to each others' eyes. Cas threaded his fingers through Dean's cropped hair, resting his palm against his cheek, and tipping his head to the side.
"I love you... Dean Winchester."
Dean grinned; "I love you too, Castiel Novak... You weirdo!"
Chuckling, Castiel rest his forehead against Dean's; "well, you've sure perfected the art of ruining the moment."
"You'd better get used to it... Can I kiss you now?"
"I was wondering what took you so long..."
Smirking, Dean gripped Cas' waist and pulled their bodies flush together. Castiel snaked his arms around Dean's waist as their lips crushed together. Kissing Dean had easily become one of his favourite things to do - he loved the way Dean's plush lips felt against his own, he loved the way Dean's hands would softly stroke his sides, and he loved the way he could feel Dean's pulse quicken underneath him. Dean quickly pulled away and maneuvered Cas so he was straddling him as opposed to sitting on his knee side-ways.
"More comfortable," he mumbled before pulling Cas' lips back to his in a passionate kiss, a slight moan was muffled in his boyfriend's mouth. Castiel gripped on to Dean's shoulders, as if holding on, letting his mouth be invaded by Dean's tongue. Making out wasn't a very common exploit for the couple, but Dean took what he could get, and right now Cas was going crazy - or crazy for Cas. He was pushed down on to his back, Castiel covering his body with his own as their tongues tangled together. After a short while, Castiel pulled away slightly, panting. Dean smirked.
"Wow, Cas... You all right?"
Smirking, Cas nuzzled his face in to Dean's neck, kissing occasionally; "I appear to have missed you more than I thought... Is there a problem?"
"Hell no! Bring it on!"
The smaller boy grinned, before forcing himself back on to his boyfriend, pinning him down by his shoulders, attacking his mouth with lascivious kisses. Dean groaned in response, digging his fingers in to Cas' sides as he held his body against his own - he however kept in mind that the most he could do was to just respond to whatever Castiel was doing, not wanting to push him further than he was willing to go. Castiel didn't appear to be retreating, however, breathing heavily through his nose as he licked at the roof of Dean's mouth, taking mental notes of all the places that drove Dean crazy. Dean carded his fingers through Cas' messy hair, loving the small gasps that escaped his boyfriend's mouth when he tugged on it lightly. Castiel suddenly felt something hard rubbing against the inside of his thigh, and pulled away with a large gasp, sitting up on his heels, blushing down at Dean.
"...Cas?"
Castiel's face reddened further; "you've um... Dean... Your... Your uh... You know..."
Dean frowned before looking down at his crotch, beginning to go red himself; "crap. Sorry."
He struggled out from underneath Cas, crossing one leg over the other to hide his arousal. Castiel frowned.
"You needn't apologise, it's my fault."
"Well, in a way, but no Cas, it's not your fault!"
"But, if I had just-"
"-No! Cas! Stop it! It's no one's fault, all right! It's not like I can control it, and well... You're all... You! So, yeah... It's going to happen."
Castiel crossed his legs, looking down at his hands; "what do you... Do? ...About it?"
Dean managed a small smirk; "think unsexy thoughts until it goes away... Usually works. Sometimes I uh... Sort myself out later or something..."
"Oh."
Dean looked over Cas' face, not liking the frown he saw; "Cas? What are you thinking?"
"Nothing! Just... I feel like... I'm teasing you, in a bad way. I get you all riled up and then... Leave you to deal with yourself."
Dean quickly shuffled closer to Castiel, wrapping his arms around him and pulling him in to his chest; "don't, Cas. I knew what I was getting in to when I asked you out. And I can deal with it, seriously. I have been doing since we got together, it's no problem."
Castiel let out a long sigh; "I still feel bad."
"Well stop it. I mean it. I don't know what I'll do, but I'll damn well do something! ...How about for now, we watch some films? And eat junk food?"
"That sounds affable."
"Good. Your choice."
Castiel chose 'Gone in 60 Seconds', and curled up next to Dean under the covers, listening to him babble about how beautiful some of the cars are, and how certain stunts are impossible, or how Nick Cage is an A-grade douchebag. In the middle of the film he could feel his exhaustion from lack of sleep creeping over him, falling asleep with his head on Dean's chest. Dean smiled down at Cas, carding his fingers through the soft dark hair, thinking about how things will be when they move out. Sam had teased him about the fact he'd become some creepy house-wife, which had quickly earned him a sharp slap to the back of the head. Dean was looking forward to starting a life with Castiel, Cas having found a place in Dean's life already, coming only second to Sam.
That evening, after Dean had gone home, Gabriel barged in to Cas' room, waving his phone around. Castiel glared, gripping his pen tightly.
"Gabriel, I'm trying to study!"
Gabriel shrugged; "yeah... You're driving Samuel up the damn wall, y'know."
Cas frowned; "what?"
"He's been texting me... About Dean... Taking a lot of long hot showers... You know what boys do in long hot showers? And it's usually after he's been over, so... Stop it."
"...Stop what?"
"Getting Dean all hot and bothered. Today, Sam came home from playing soccer in the park with some friends, needed a shower, and Dean was in there! For a long time... If you get me!"
Castiel sighed, dropping his pen on to the desk; "Gabriel, what are you-"
"-Dean is painfully horny!"
"Um-"
"-I mean, he used to just be horny, but now he's not getting any it's kind of unbearable! He can't just jack off all the time!"
"What do-"
"-I mean, I'm not saying you have to let him stick it in you, but you can't leave him hanging all the time! ...You should play with him!"
Castiel looked down at his lap, his cheeks beginning to burn; "I wouldn't know what to do."
"You really are a super-virgin, aren't you! Well... Let him jack off to you!"
"...That sounds... Awkward."
"Nah! It's normal! Like say when a girl is on, if she doesn't want to blow him she may let him wank over her tits!"
Castiel looked up at his cousin, eyes wide and mouth agape, horrified at what Gabriel had just said; "you actually speak about women like that?"
Gabriel sighed; "sometimes when a girl is menstruating, and she doesn't want to give her lover oral sex, she may pertain him to masturbate over her ample bosom!"
"...Not better. If anything, worse."
"Whatever! Point is, Dean needs seeing to!"
"Well what am I supposed to do about it exactly?"
"Figure it out! Read that book Balthy gave you!"
Castiel let out a long sigh, eyeing the bottom drawer of his bedside table where one of Balthazar's Christmas presents to him was. Gabriel gave him a painful clap on the shoulder before marching out of his room. A few moments later, his phone buzzed on the desk next to him.
"Why's Gabe just text me to say he's sorted everything out? What's he sorted?"
Cas huffed out an unimpressed sigh, texting his reply; "I'll tell you tomorrow. Over the phone isn't ideal."
"Very well. Remember to go to bed! I love you."
Despite the uneasy feeling rolling around the pit of his stomach, Castiel couldn't help but smile; "I shall, and I love you too."
Dean waited at his locker for Castiel, his arms folded across his chest as he watched people pass by.
"Hey Dean."
Dean looked around, before being met with a large pair of brown eyes; "oh hey, um... Le-"
"-Leah," the girl smiled; "I'm in your art class. And Maths."
Dean smiled; "oh yeah, hi."
"So um... What are you doing?"
"Waiting... For Cas."
Leah flashed him a toothy smile, crowding up against him slightly; "Castiel Novak, yeah? He's a nice guy."
"He's great."
"Little quiet though, huh?"
"Only with certain people."
"Well, I'm sure he's open with you... You've got that vibe. People would do anything for you."
Dean's brow furrowed; "what?"
"I'm sure it's not news to you, but you know you're gorgeous, right?"
"Um..."
"Dean?"
Dean and Leah looked up, Castiel was slowly walking over, clutching on to his bag strap, looking between the two. Dean frowned and looked between both Leah and Cas before holding his hands up in defense.
"Cas-"
"-I'll see you in Maths," Leah smirked, stroking Dean's bicep before walking away. Castiel frowned and stepped closer to Dean.
"Dean-"
"-Cas I promise I wasn't-"
Castiel held up his hand to interrupt Dean; "it's all right, Dean. I know you weren't doing anything with her... But actually, it ties in to what I want to talk to you about."
Dean frowned; "what?"
"...I was talking to Gabriel last night-"
"-Oh boy..."
"He told me it wasn't ideal for you to be, um... Seeing to yourself... And well... I just wanted to tell you that... I don't mind if you... Seek gratification elsewhere... With other people."
Dean took a few moments to process what Cas had just said; "...You're kidding, right?"
Castiel looked down at his shoes; "no. I'm not."
"You're seriously okay with me sleeping with other people? You really won't be bothered by it? Seriously, Cas? What the-"
"-Please just, accept it, Dean. I know there are plenty of people here who'd like to sleep with you. Leah for example. And I know you're getting frustrated, and there's nothing I can do to help you. Apart from this, so... I promise you, I don't mind if you sleep with other people."
Dean scowled; "you're crazy, Cas. I mean, you're actually insane!"
"I've had a lot of time to think about this, Dean. I must ask, however, that you don't talk about your... Sexual conquests with me... Anyway, I'm sorry but I have to go speak to my AP Algebra teacher."
He gave Dean and small peck on the cheek before hurrying off down the corridor, leaving Dean with his jaw hanging open. He had ten minutes before having to go to home room, so he hurried in the opposite direction Castiel had gone in, to Sam's locker. Luckily, he hadn't gone to his own home room, and was leaning against his locker with Jess in his arms.
"Jess! Sorry, hi, can I talk to Sam?"
Jess smiled and nodded; "sure... See you in home room."
Sam smiled back and turned to Dean; "you all right? You look like you've been told you have five days left to live."
Dean scrubbed a hand over his face; "Cas just came and told me, that he's fine with me sleeping with other people. Seeing as he won't... Well... Y'know."
Sam nodded slowly; "all right? ...Isn't that a good thing? Kind of? I mean, now you can quit jerkin' off in the shower all the time."
"Did you listen to me? My boyfriend just gave me permission to sleep with whoever I want!"
"I heard Dean! I'm not quite sure I'm seeing the problem! You like sex, he's giving you permission to have as much as you want... And besides, since when were you monogamous? Here he's giving you a chance to 'cheat' without it actually being cheating!"
"I don't want to! I want to be with him, and only him!"
"So don't sleep with people, jeez! Seriously, Dean, what is the problem?"
"The fact he feels the need to give me the permission in the first place!"
"Talk to him then."
"I tried!"
Sam sighed and pulled his bag on to his shoulder; "whatever, Dean. I think you're making a big deal over nothing. If you don't want to sleep with other people, then don't. It's simple."
Dean frowned and watched his brother walk off to his classroom, leaving him to have a minor breakdown in the corridor. For the rest of the day it was all he could think about. He tried to discuss it with Becky and Chuck over dinner, but that only ended up in one-sided conversation by Becky on possible threesomes. He also tried to talk to Gabriel about it who just gave him a friendly hug and a "well done".
After school he hung around trying to catch Castiel before he went home, and instead got propositioned by Leah again.
"I heard Becky Rosen talking about how Cas gave you permission to sleep with other people."
Dean sighed and rubbed his forehead; "what do you want, Leah?"
"You. Please."
"I have a boyfriend."
"Oh I don't want a relationship! Ew! I just want some mindless sex."
"Yeah, I don't think so."
"Why not? I mean, it's no secret you're not getting any - Castiel being as prudish as he is. And now you're allowed to screw whoever you like without consequences!"
Dean rolled his eyes and gripped Leah's shoulders; "please, please get it through your thick skull. I'm not sleeping with you! Or anyone else! I'm with Cas, 100%, whether we're having sex or not. Okay?"
Leah rolled her eyes and pulled herself out of Dean's grip; "whatever. Let me know if you change your mind."
Dean watched her walk away again, before pulling his phone out; "where are you? I want to talk to you."
The reply came five minutes later; "I'm staying behind, I've got a lot of work to do. I'll speak to you later."
Dean sighed and shoved his phone down in to his jeans pocket, beginning to slow walk home, mulling over what he was going to do. He knew he wasn't going to sleep with anyone, but the fact Castiel had given him the permission still bothered him, and no one else seemed to understand why it bothered him. He began tracing the edge of his phone through his jeans before quickly pulling it out, scrolling through his numbers for someone who might be willing to help. He quickly pressed 'call' and held the phone up to his ear. It only rang a couple of times before it was picked up.
"Hello?"
"Ellen? It's Dean."
"Oh hey, sweetie, what's up?"
"It's uh... It's about Cas."
"Oh? ...Is something wrong?"
"Well..." Dean walked over to a bench and slumped down on to it, dropping his bag at his feet; "Cas isn't... Well... He's kind of awkward, and pretty frigid... And... Basically, we don't do anything... Remotely sexual."
"Oh right... Okay?"
"And today he gave me permission to sleep with other people and... It's really bothering me! No one understands why and keep telling me to just get over it, but..."
Ellen hummed in understanding; "you don't want to sleep with other people?"
"No! I'm dedicated to Cas. This is the most serious relationship I've ever been in. And the longest... I love him, Ellen!"
"I understand, hun. You think sleeping with other people will cheapen what you've got... And it upsets you Cas doesn't see that."
"...Yeah! He said he won't care if I do."
"Of course it will, he's just doing what he thinks you want."
"But I told him I don't want it!"
"You said yourself, Dean, he's not very smart when it comes to human relationships... You need to sit him down."
"But... I don't know. He's been beating himself up about the fact he's not ready... I don't care, but he really does... I don't know what to do, Ellen. I mean, I'm not going to go sleep around, but... I don't have a damn clue. I've tried talking to people... Sam told me to get over it, Becky was just creepy, Gabe congratulated me! And I'm sure Cas is avoiding me now..."
Ellen sighed; "try talking to him, honey. I'm sure everything can be resolved. But if you do need someone to talk to, I'm always here. It'll work out, I promise you. That boy thinks the world of you, and I know you think the world of him..."
Dean sighed too; "I really do... Ok... I'll ring him tonight. Thanks Ellen, really. I know this was out of the blue and very, very random, but..."
"Don't worry about it. You and Sam are the boys I never had. You know I'm always here for you."
"Anyway, I've still got to get home yet, and I've got homework... I'll ring you soon, I promise."
"See that you, Dean. Bye."
"Bye Ellen."
Dean hurried home and kept to himself as he did his homework and chores, not saying a word over dinner. Sam frowned at him from his computer as he watched Dean actually do the extra homework given in English. Dean hadn't said a word to him since the morning, and Sam was beginning to worry. He quickly put his phone on silent and sent a text to Gabriel.
"Dean's beat up, dude. That thing with Cas has really affected him."
"What is wrong with him? I'd love it if I was given free reign to screw who I like!"
"Well you're not Dean. I have no idea why he's upset though."
"He's just being a pussy. I bet in a week he'll be screwing some chick in the back of his car."
"I don't know. He's held off this long, I think he's gotten used to it... Maybe he thinks he's betraying Cas?"
"That's stupid. Cas gave him permission!"
"So? If I'm honest, I wouldn't be too thrilled if Jess said I could be with other people."
"Oh God... Maybe it's a Winchester thing? Do you want me to talk to Cas?"
"Wasn't it you talking to Cas that started this whole mess in the first place?"
"Not exactly! Fine! I'll try and fix it!"
Dean let out a loud sigh; "I know you're texting about me."
Sam looked out, a look of bewilderment on his face; "what?"
"If it was Jess, you wouldn't have put it on silent. And if it were about anything mundane, you wouldn't have put it on silent... I can hear you texting and tutting! Stop talking about me, dude."
Sam sighed; "I'm just worried, Dean. You haven't said a damn word since you came home!"
"I've just got a lot on my mind, okay?"
"Why don't you talk to me about it?"
Dean turned around, scowling at his younger brother; "I tried! You told me to get over it!"
"I didn't mean it like that, Dean. It's just..."
"Just what? The guy I love doesn't think he's good enough for me, or doesn't trust me, or... I don't even know why, but 'it's not fair on you' is not a good enough reason to give me permission to sleep around! He knows I'm not bothered by the lack of sex, he's not bothered by it. This came out of nowhere! Oh no, wait. He spoke to Gabriel last night-"
"-Gabe said he just told Cas that you can't see to yourself all the time, and that you've got needs."
"And Cas interpreted that as 'Dean needs to have sex with other people because you don't put out'?"
Sam sighed loudly; "look Dean. I have no idea. Why don't you ring Cas?"
"He's busy! He's always busy! ...And I spoke to Ellen earlier, she gave me some good advice, I'm just thinking... So, leave me alone. Please."
After a while of sitting in an awkward silence, Sam went downstairs to watch TV with Bobby, leaving Dean to sit and be angtsy by himself. He'd just crawled in to bed, planning on having an early night when his phone rang. Sighing loudly, he didn't bother looking at the call I.D. and simply accepted the call.
"Hello?"
"Hello Dean... How are you?"
"Hi Cas... I'm all right..."
"I was talking to Gabriel. Again. He says you're unhappy..."
Dean frowned and settled against his pillows; "huh."
"Namely about our, uh, arrangement..."
"Yeah, Cas... It's stupid. Sorry but... I don't want to sleep with other people! I want you, and only you."
Cas sighed; "but you're not getting me."
"Maybe not all of you... But damnit, Cas. I just don't like this arrangement..."
"...Maybe over time-"
"-No. Cas. Please. I understand your limits and things, can you please just, understand mine?"
"Dean, I'm not forcing you to sleep with other people. If you don't want to you don't have to. I'd just feel better knowing you're not being restricted to self-gratification when you'd rather copulate with a person..."
"Cas please listen-"
"-No, Dean. If you don't want to you don't have to. I'm just giving you the option. If there comes a person you wish to have sex with, you can... I love you, Dean. And I don't like to see you in any kind of discomfort, or pain-"
"-I'm hurting now, Cas."
"For now. You'll soon forget about all of this, you might take advantage of it one day but... Please don't take this the wrong way."
"I'm not understanding how else I'm supposed to take it."
"Not as me not trusting you, or not thinking you can handle... I've read enough material about people not being able to handle a no-sex relationship. I'd rather you relieve your urges elsewhere if it means I can have you at the end of the day."
"You're really fine with sharing me with however many people I could potentially have sex with?"
"I actually plan to just not think about it."
"Cas..."
"Please don't let this come between us... Put it out of mind if you don't like it, but I'm not taking it back. I love you. I'll see you tomorrow..."
"Yeah, sure Cas... I love you too."
Dean managed to forget about his arrangement with Castiel - it wasn't difficult to focus all his love and attention on his boyfriend, and anyone who tried to proposition him just got the cold shoulder or a lengthy explanation about why Cas was Dean's universe. He also managed to coax Castiel out of his bedroom to do things as a couple instead of spending all of his time studying. The two would spend the majority of their time at the bottom of Cas' garden, enjoying the solitude and the days becoming progressively warmer. One particularly warm Sunday the two boys went up to the lake for a picnic - Dean preferred the term man-date, but it was clearly a picnic. They lay side-by-side in the grass, their hands clasped firmly together in between their bodies as they stared up at the clouds. Dean sighed happily and glanced over at his boyfriend, smiling at the content look on Cas' face. Castiel could feel Dean looking at him and turned to look at him in return.
"Are you okay, Dean?"
Dean's smile widened; "I'm fantastic. How're you?"
Castiel chuckled; "I've never been happier... And I've just remembered: for Easter break, Balthazar, Gabriel and I are going to the cabin, would-"
"-You have a cabin?"
Cas smiled; "are you surprised?"
"Honestly? No."
"Anyway, would you like to come? Sam and Jess are welcome too."
Letting go of Cas' hand, Dean shuffled closer, propping himself up on his side and stroked Cas' cheek; "a week in a cabin with you and all those other crazy bastards? I'd love to!"
"I promise I'll leave all the books at home, too. You'll have me all to yourself."
"Well, this just gets better and better... You're sure you won't get bored of me and need some algebra for some fun?"
Castiel laughed and draped an arm around Dean's shoulders; "how could I ever get bored with you? You're Dean Winchester!"
Dean smirked, tangling his fingers in Cas' unruly hair; "that I am. And I'm all yours."
"That's good to know... In case you were wondering. I'm all yours."
"Awesome..."
They gazed in to each others eyes, both with soft smiles on their faces before Dean lent down, gently capturing Cas' lips with his own. Castiel hummed appreciatively and wrapped his arms around Dean's neck, pulling him closer.
Dean pulled the Impala up besides Balthazar's Hummer and watched Gabriel jump out. Balthazar quickly followed, Castiel not far behind. He, Sam, and Jess climbed out of the black car, looking over the two large wooden cabins that stood before them.
"Welcome to Camp Novak! I'm Gabe and I'll be your counsiller! You there, Mooseling! You and Moosette are in that cabin with me! It'll be awesome! We'll stay up late telling ghost stories and eating junk food, doing all kinds of fun camping things!"
"Guess that means I'm with you two," Dean smirked, draping his arm over Castiel's shoulder. Balthazar smirked back.
"Indeed you are, love."
"Good times. Let's get unloading then!"
"Camp Novak" was a very picturesque place; the two wooden cabins fit in to the scenery nicely, there was a large lake and dock just a few yards from the cabins, and a large fire-pit in between the two buildings with logs circling for seating. There didn't appear to be any form of civilisation for miles, which was probably a good thing for a group of unruly teenagers and their responsible adult - who was probably the worst of the lot.
The inside of the cabins were also quite cliché; a large open-plan kitchen and living room, with a large fireplace in front of the sofa. Everything that could be was made out of wood, there was no TV, just a small old-style radio. Balthazar claimed his usual bedroom closest to the front door, and Castiel led Dean to theirs which was only separated from Balthazar's by a bathroom. Dean gave an impressed whistle as he looked around his room for the week.
"Nice... Double bed, huh Cas?"
Castiel smiled sheepishly and unzipped his bag; "yes... Unless you'd prefer a single?"
"No! It'll be nice to not have to cling to you so we don't fall off... Instead I get to cling to you just because I want to."
He dropped his bag on the bed and turned to Cas, wrapping his arms loosely around his neck. Castiel smiled and nuzzled the side of his face in to Dean's stomach.
"Do you like it so far?"
"It's great, Cas... What are we going to do?"
"Well, you can go hiking, swimming in the lake, just sit and enjoy the nature and solitude?"
"What do you do?"
"I usually sit by the lake and read."
"No books, nerd."
Cas chuckled and stood up in Dean's arms, sliding his arms around his waist; "I promise nothing educational. Any reading material I brought is purely for enjoyment."
"You'd better not be lying to me! If you have one book in that case that you can learn things from I'm going to be very upset."
"I cross my heart. It's all fiction."
"Good."
Dean kissed the tip of Cas' nose, grinning at his boyfriend. Cas smiled back and pulled Dean in to a warm hug, burying his face in the crook of Dean's neck.
After everyone had unpacked, they met outside by the fire-pit, discussing general safety - more for Dean, Sam, and Jess' benefit - and Balthazar explained what there was to do. After the impromptu meeting, Gabriel and Dean decided swimming in the lake was the best idea for the rest of the day.
"I think I'll get the fire started," Balthazar said, burying his hands in his jeans pockets.
"I don't like swimming, I'll sit by the fire and read," Cas chipped in, looking up at Dean. Dean smiled and nodded.
"Have fun then, geek."
Cas smiled back affectionately and stood with Balthazar whilst everyone scattered to get changed in to their bathing suits. Dean hurried out in black shorts and an old greying t-shirt, which he eagerly pulled off by the dock. Gabriel was already in the water, lazing around when Dean dove in. Castiel couldn't help but stare at Dean's well-built - and now wet - body. Balthazar smirked and poked his brother's cheek.
"Fine specimen you've got there, Cassie."
Cas managed a slight smile; "he is."
"Well done, Cas. Really. He's a keeper."
"Again, he is... I um, brought that book with me. The one you got me for Christmas?"
Balthazar's eyes lit up; "you did? Are you going to share it with Dean?"
"...I was thinking about it... It could help our relationship, couldn't it?"
"Definitely! Seriously Cas, talk to him about it. If I know Dean - which I don't really - he'll be very understanding. And very on board!"
"Although I did promise Dean I wouldn't bring any educational books with me."
Balthazar laughed; "by that you meant History text books, sexual psychology is in a completely different category! What other text books do you own which give you tips on being intimate with someone?"
"I suppose..."
"Good! Now you go do your research, I have a fire to build."
Castiel shot his brother a quick smile before hurrying in to his cabin, pulling out his school-bag from his case and a towel and going back outside to sit and read by a tree. From where he was sat he could see Balthazar carefully constructing the fire, and Dean splashing about with everyone in the lake. Ensuring everyone was occupied, Castiel pulled his book from his bag - Psychology of Human Sexuality - and turned to the last page he'd read, making sure to keep the cover hidden behind his knees. Balthazar had given him the book in an attempt to help Castiel perhaps overcome him inhibitions, or at least understand them. Cas particularly appreciated the chapter on sexual identities, finally managing to put a name to his orientation - now identifying as a panromantic asexual. Quickly skimming over the last page he'd read, he turned to the following chapter on sexual surrogacy and began reading, keeping an eye out for anyone approaching. He was a little terrified of broaching the subject with Dean, more afraid of him reacting negatively than anything else, but was very eager at the same time. The book advised seeking out a legal specialist if there was no trusting significant other, but Cas had Dean, whom he trusted more than anyone else. Castiel focused on the words; learning how to bring up the subject of surrogacy, what to do, how to find a comfortable pace... He quickly shoved the book in to his bag when he heard approaching footsteps. He looked up to see Dean grinning as he walked over, water dripping down his face and chest. Cas was instantly captivated, watching the droplets journey from his collar bone, down the grooves and valleys of Dean's torso before being soaked in to the black shorts. He grabbed the towel beside his and stood up, gingerly reaching forward. Dean smirked and took Cas' hand in his, pushing it and the towel against his wet skin.
"What were you reading? You seemed pretty eager to hide it."
Castiel blushed; "nothing important."
"If it's a textbook-"
"-It's not. Well... I'll tell you later. Right now I think you should get dry."
Dean nodded and smiled whilst Castiel swallowed his reticence and began dragging the towel over Dean's exposed skin, unafraid of softly stroking his fingers over the newly-dried skin. Dean's skin tingled where Castiel touched him; he stared wantonly at his boyfriend, refusing to look away, even after Castiel's eyes finally met his. He couldn't help but smile when Cas threw the towel over Dean's head and scrubbed his hair dry. Laughing, he wrapped his arms around Castiel's waist, pulling him closer. Cas initially stiffened at the feel of Dean's bare skin against his body, but quickly almost melted in to the touch, liking the feel of warm skin against his hands as he pressed them in to Dean's back. Resting his chin on Dean's shoulder, he closed his eyes, soaking in the moment before brushing his nose against Dean's ear-lobe, getting a slight shiver from the larger boy.
"Dean?"
"Hmm?"
"Can I talk to you?"
"Sure."
Castiel pulled away, his hands falling in to Dean's, their fingers lacing together; "inside?"
Dean frowned, a little apprehensive; "of course... Is something wrong?"
"No..."
Cas quickly shouldered his bag, checking his book was safely concealed, and began leading Dean back to the cabin. Balthazar caught his eye as they walked past, shooting him a small smirk and wink. Cas could feel his cheeks burn but tried to keep calm.
"I'm just going to change in to some dry clothes, then we'll talk, yeah?"
Castiel nodded and watched Dean quickly grab a pair of dry jeans and boxers before leaving for the bathroom. Whilst he was gone, Castiel drew the curtains and switched on the lamp, sitting on the bed awaiting Dean's return.
"Right, all dry... Shoot."
Dean slumped down on the bed besides Cas, playing with the t-shirt he had yet to put on. Castiel stared in to his eyes for a few moments before taking the shirt from Dean and throwing it on the floor.
"I want to try something," he mumbled, just loud enough for Dean to hear. He nodded.
"Ok?"
Cas nervously played with the buttons of his shirt, looking at his lap, swallowing down a dry gulp and beginning to slowly undo the buttons. Dean watched in a mixture of amazement and want. The white shirt was finally peeled from Cas' skin and dropped to the floor. Castiel looked up at Dean almost expectantly, waiting for something to be said. Dean took Cas' hands in his and smiled affectionately.
"Cas?"
Castiel said nothing, instead shuffling closer, slowly crawling on to Dean's lap and winding his arms around his neck. Dean smiled and snaked his arms around Cas' waist, pulling their bodies together, letting out a quiet gasp when he felt the heat of Cas' skin against his own. Castiel closed his eyes, resting his head on Dean's shoulder, enjoying the skin-on-skin contact. The book had described it as simple yet intimate; Cas decided it was so much more. Dean pressed a soft kiss to Cas' bare shoulder, stroking his fingers up and down his spine.
"Is this what you wanted to try?"
Castiel nodded, fingering the tips of Dean's hair. Dean smiled and pressed several more kisses along Cas' collar bone.
"Your thoughts?"
"...It's nice," Cas finally said; "very nice, actually."
"So um... What brought this on exactly? I'd like to think it was the sight of me half-naked and wet, but..."
Castiel chuckled and finally pulled away; "not exactly - although your body is amazing Dean. Actually... Well, I'll just show you."
He slid off Dean's knee and pulled his bag up on to the bed next to him, pulling out the book and pushing it in to Dean's hands.
"Psychology of Human Sexuality? What?"
"Balthazar gave me that for Christmas - amongst other things, obviously. It's extremely informative, and helpful. I know you're not really interested in the psychology behind anything but... There's something that I want to share with you if... Well... You're ok with that?"
Dean nodded, looking over the cover of the book; "yeah, anything, Cas. What is it, exactly?"
Castiel took the book and flipped through to the chapter he'd been reading, before pushing it back in to Dean's hands.
"...Sexual surrogacy?"
"It's a way for me to overcome my sexual inhibitions. Most people like me go to a therapist, who's a trained surrogate., but this books says I could do it with someone I love and trust."
Dean nodded again, quickly skimming over the words; "right. So um... What would we be doing, exactly?"
Castiel shrugged; "it gives suggestions, but really... Anything I'm comfortable with doing... I'd like it tonight if we slept, topless."
"Yeah, anything you're comfortable with..."
"...How are you so understanding?"
Dean smiled and put the book down, pulling Castiel back in to his arms; "because I love you! And I'd never do anything to hurt you? Oh, and I just want you to be happy, so, anything I can do to help, really."
Castiel chuckled; "thank you."
"Hey! I've warned you about thanking me! I mean it, I'm not adverse to kicking your ass!"
"Would you though?"
Dean grinned and pressed a more-wet-than-necessary kiss to Cas' neck; "of course not... But then if I did, I'd have to look after you..."
"You think I'd let you near me?"
"Oh come on, Cas. You can't resist! I saw you eyeing me up when I got out of the lake."
Cas smiled and closed his eyes again, wanting the moment to last forever; "I think you have me confused with somebody else."
"You sure? I could have sworn it was you. They were about 5'11? Dark-brown sex-hair? They've got these blue eyes that make me just melt when I see them..."
Castiel pulled away, smiling up at Dean; "I'm sure you get cheesier every day."
"At least I make you smile."
"Always."
"Good... Now let's go back outside before people think we're up to something."
AN2: I am going to leave the "you can sleep with other people" story line there for the time being, because it will be relevant later. Also, I'm thinking maybe next chapter I boost the rating up to M? Yes? Yes? Excited? Please do review!