A/N: My apologies for chapter 1. It was a loading error on my part. This is not a long story. Just a blip on a list of awesome reads in fanfic universe! I hope you enjoy! Review or comment! Love to hear from others out there reading!
Just to ease anyone nervous out there, there will be no animals hurt in this story. This is fluffy, furry fun. Okay...the fun gets me an M rating...but hey, that's not my fault. It's Cas and Dean's fault ;)
I do not own supernatural or their characters.
Castiel made his way back to the office, stomping snow on the rug as he and Dean stepped inside again. "Do you need to call anyone?"
"No," Dean answered gruffly. "I'll just text my dad."
Castiel finished the form for the new dog. He went into the back room and clipped it to the kennel door. When he came back out, Dean looked troubled. "Everything okay?"
Dean sighed. "Sure. Homeless. But ya know. That kinda shit just builds character." He grinned, but his eyes were hard. The guy was obviously having a really bad day.
"Your dad...kicked you out?" Castiel could not help but ask.
"Yeah. Can't make the delivery. 'Don't bother coming home'" he said, looking at his phone screen.
"Sorry," Castiel murmured. "Dads. They..uh...can really...suck."
Dean laughed shortly. Nodded and plastered on a grin.
Castiel looked down at the counter nervously. The man in front of him was a mess and yet so in charge of it. Castiel wished he were half as strong.
"Your dad an asshole too?" Dean asked, leaning on the counter.
"Not anymore," Castiel grinned. "He died two years ago." He attempted to school the grin of relief off his face, but doubted it was effective.
"Damn!" Dean laughed. A true laugh that did reach his marvelous eyes.
"He was quite a tyrant," Castiel offered in way of explanation of his lack of sympathy for his own father's passing.
"Mine too. And a drunk." They exchanged glances of understanding.
Castiel cleared his throat. "The..uh...the house is just over there. I have to feed the horses for the night. Do you want to come with me or I can take you over to the house."
Dean smiled wide. "Yeah! I can help feed some horses!"
Castiel knew he was grinning ridiculously. He tried to stifle it. "Follow me," he waved. Dean followed him through the back room past three cages with animals in and ten empty ones. Dean stopped and petted the dog he brought in, then followed.
"Why are there only three animals in here?" Dean asked.
Castiel grinned. It seemed obvious the guy really liked the dog he had brought in. "These are holding kennels. The vet will be in tomorrow to make sure he is safe to be around the others. The others stay in our other building. It has a dog floor and a cat floor. That is where I spend most of my time."
Castiel opened the back door and the two waded their way through knee high snow, side by side toward a barn. Castiel slid the door to the side allowing them both inside the dark, chilly barn.
"Man, I love that smell," Dean murmured.
"Mmmmm, me too."
Castiel flipped the lights on and two whinnies greeted him and a sounding thump on a stall door. "Hey, ladies," he called, receiving more whinnies. Dean followed him curiously, looking at everything like a kid in a candy store.
"Two of these mares are from a farm where there was a nasty case of neglect happening. The police brought them in."
"Wow, that's awesome that you saved them," Dean grinned.
"Yeah. We saved two out of six. It was...horrible."
Castiel turned to Dean when he felt the man's hand grip his shoulder gently. "Sorry."
Castiel shrugged. "Animal rescue is...difficult."
Dean's hand dropped. Castiel went into the feed room to gather the oats he needed, returning to the isle with a bucket and a coffee can. He scooped the feed and butte mixture, putting it in the first horse's feed bucket. He kept glancing at Dean, who stood at the stall door to Sunny's stall. Sunny was a palomino. "Watch her," Castiel warned, "she nips." Dean nodded.
He fed the next mare and moved next to Dean. "Here," he said, handing Dean the coffee can three-quarters full of oats. "Dump it in there."
Dean grinned, taking the can and pouring it in the bucket. He grinned as the horse chewed steadily.
Castiel took the coffee can and bucket back. When he returned, he grabbed a pitchfork from the wall and went into one of the stalls. "I just need a few more minutes. This water keeps freezing."
He stabbed steadily at the thick coat of ice over the water's surface. Dean came to the stall door, watching him work. "I think working with animals would be better than working with people."
"Yes. Much." Castiel grinned, looking back at Dean. He missed his stab into the trough, and the handle fell, Castiel lost his grip and balance, staggered a step forward, his hand plunging into the water and slicing open on a sharp edge of ice. "Mm," he groaned, pulling his hand back out. "Damnit."
Dean leaned into the stall. "You okay?"
"Yeah," Castiel said through gritted teeth. He finished stabbing the remaining ice and came out of the stall. He hung the pitchfork up and went into the feed room to grab some paper towels. He pressed them on the side of his hand and came back out.
"Ready?"
"Hey!" Dean closed the distance between them, gripping his wrist. "You're bleeding?"
"I cut it on the ice. It'll, be okay."
Dean lifted the red paper. "That's pretty deep, Cas."
Cas blushed. He could feel his cheeks warming. Cas. Why does he call me that? Why hasn't that been my name all along? Cas. So simple and familiar. The fact that someone as handsome and self-assured as this Dean Winchester was familiar with his name made his blood pump harder and his blush never-ending.
"You got a first aid kit?" Dean interrupted his thoughts.
"In the office," Castiel said, more gruffly than he meant to.
Dean helped him close and lock the outer door and they waded back to the office. The dog Dean brought in whined and pressed against his door. "No worries," Dean said to it. "I'll patch him up good as new."
Castiel got the first aid kit and handed it to Dean. They sat side by side in two chairs in the lobby.
Dean unwrapped the wad of paper towels and dropped them on the tile floor. "Damn, Cas, you really know how ta fight that ice!"
"Yeah," Castiel winced as Dean's steady hands cleaned the cut.
"You might need stitches."
"No, I heal very quickly. I'm sure it will be fine, Dean."
Dean looked up, their eyes meeting. Castiel's breath hitched. God, you are gorgeous.
"Okay, if you think so. I will check it again in the morning to be sure." Castiel nodded and Dean proceeded to bandage and tape. They cleaned up the bloody mess of paper towels and several drips Castiel had not noticed earlier. They headed toward the back door. "Hey, my guy needs a name," Dean said from behind him.
Castiel stopped, turning toward the pair. "Yeah, my sister usually names them. She says my names have no imagination."
"Huh." Dean watched the perky shepherd mix thoughtfully. "He likes burritos. And I found him at a gas station."
Cas looked at the honey colored eyes. "Winchester is such a cool name. Maybe a gun name."
"Gunner, Shooter, Colt, Six-shooter, Gunman, Pistol Packing Puppy," Dean rambled, making them both laugh.
"Gunner," Castiel laughed, grabbing Dean's arm to stop the onslaught of names.
"Gunner?" Dean grinned. They both considered the dog a moment. "Gunner, it is." Dean smiled.
Castiel retrieved a pen from the desk and wrote the name on his little information sheet. "See you in the morning, Gunner," Castiel grinned.
They trudged through the snow to the brick house forty feet away. Once through the side door, they de-snowed all over the mud room floor. They pulled their boots off and lumbered into the kitchen where Anna stood, stirring a large pot at the stove.
"Castiel? We have company?" she asked with an uneasy tone.
"Yes, this is Dean," he said, not meeting his sister's eyes. "He brought in a dog and his car is stuck in our lane. He is staying for the night."
"Oh, hello, Dean," she nodded politely.
"Dean, this is my sister, Anna," Castiel introduced.
"Hey, Anna," Dean said, stepping forward and shaking her hand with a big grin. "Thanks for letting me stay. I will be gone first thing tomorrow, I promise."
"Oh, no rush," Anna countered with required politeness. "I have a pot of chicken noodle soup ready. And fresh bread."
Castiel noticed Dean's raised eyebrows. Castiel began to feel nervous about his home. People had often told him how 'stuffy' his family was. Dean, named after 'a bad-ass', must come from a very different type of home. They probably eat burgers and take out. Pizza. And they probably drink beer.
"It smells delicious," Dean smiled slightly more tightly than before.
"I already ate. I will make a place for you both in the dining room."
"No thanks, Anna," Castiel said. "We can eat here at the island."
Anna gave him a look. She wanted to argue with him. She wanted to seat them in the dining room with China and wait on them like her father had demanded of guest treatment. He rolled his eyes. His sister needed to let things go. Relax. Maybe not as much as their brother Gabriel, but still.
"I got it, Anna," Castiel repeated.
"The horses?" She asked.
"Fed."
She nodded. "I will make up the guest bed for Dean."
"Oh, hey, I can just crash on a couch, if ya want," Dean offered.
"No, no," Anna smiled. "We rarely get to use our guest room. You will sleep much better there." She turned and was gone, but not before giving him a slightly worried look. She did not trust him around other men. Like he was some kind of sexual deviant. He had confessed to his family that he was gay when he was twelve. Three summers of 'special camps' had 'cured' him of that. Once his father was dead and his mother re-married only a few months ago, he had allowed the feelings to finally see the light of day again. Gabriel had been a big contributor to that. The brothers had gotten quite drunk and confessed all sorts of things they had done or thought about doing all their lives, under the thumb of their father. Turns out Gabriel was gay as well. He had kept it quite secret, after seeing what his big brother had gone through. Anna, however, always worried over him. Watched him for 'signs' he suspected. And there had been plenty lately. But to act like he would screw every penis that wandered by was absurd. He glanced back at Dean, who stood patiently by the counter. Okay, maybe she had good reason for her concerns for the first time.
Just the tiniest admission to himself made a shiver run through him and his penis gave a twitch. He cleared his throat.
"My pants are...soaked," Castiel stumbled as Dean's eyes trailed down him. "Yours are too. I have some sweatpants you can borrow if you need them?"
"Naw, thanks, though," Dean grinned. I got a change of clothes in my bag. And pajamas. I came prepared."
Castiel felt the blood drain from his face and then just as rapidly flood his cheeks hotly. "Oh."
"I could really use a bathroom though."
"Of course," Castiel shook himself from his awkwardness. "This way, Dean.'
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Dean sat at a stool at the island in the big country style kitchen. He felt human again, warm and dry in pajama pants, a t-shirt and socks. He grinned, seeing Cas wearing similar clothes. His t-shirt was plain white where Dean's was a black AC/DC. His hair was still a mess and he had an easy grin as he ladled soup into two bowls.
"Want to slice some bread?" Cas asked, his blue eyes flicking toward him.
"Sure," Dean laughed.
Cas put a bread board with a loaf of bread with one end cut off already and handed him a knife. Cas put the two bowls on the island. He pulled out ingredients that looked suspiciously like salad parts. "No salad for me, thanks," Dean said, looking back at the giant piece of bread in front of him. He missed the sly smirk from Castiel.
"Something against eating healthy?" Cas asked, an unlaughed laugh fighting to get through his lips. Dean licked his lips and proceeded to saw the bread, but it began to squish.
"Whoa, there, he-man," and the laugh slipped out.
Dean looked at Castiel guiltily. "I have never sliced bread before. And now I know where that saying comes from, 'nothing better than sliced bread' cuz this is..."
"Here," Cas laughed, putting his hands over top of Dean's, stretching across the counter.
"This hand stabilizes, like this, firm, but gentle. The knife saws back and forth softly. No pressing down. Like this," their eyes met and Dean laughed. Castiel pulled his hands away quickly, going back to the salad. "I had no idea there were so many rules," Dean laughed. He sawed gently, seeing with surprise that the bread did indeed cut without pressing it down into a biscuit. "Ha!" Dean grinned, holding up his prized, uneven slice of bread. Castiel grinned, a bit of nervousness leaving him. "For you, my friend," Dean teased, handing the misshaped slice to Cas. "Enjoy the fruits of my labor!" Cas giggled, taking the slice and putting it on his salad bowl. He sat the bowl next to his soup bowl.
"Can I get you a drink? Water? Milk?" Dean thought the choice was odd. But considering they made their own bread, why would they have soda or beer. "Water is great."
Cas joined him, the two sitting at stools side by side at the island. "Nice house," Dean commented. "Your parents?"
"It was. It was left to me when my father died. He left me the house and 5 acres of land with it and I put a sanctuary on it."
Dean nodded. The soup was heavenly. He had never eaten a more fulfilling bowl of soup in his life. And the bread was so thick and the butter was just...I must be starving. But this is all so good.
"Your sister is a good cook."
"Yes," Cas nodded but did not grin or elaborate.
Dean felt it necessary to make the man grin as often as possible. "She seems very...polite."
Cas finished chewing a bite of rabbit food and side-eyed him slightly. "Sorry about her. She is a direct product of our childhood. She thinks I will..."
His cheeks blushed and it dawned on Dean that Castiel's childhood may have been more similar to his than he had thought.
"Sleep with every guy that walks past you?" Dean supplied.
Cas turned a startled look on him. "Yes."
Dean nodded and smiled. "Yeah, my dad acts the same way."
Their eyes met. An understanding of possibilities exchanged and Dean smiled gently, Cas returning it. Eyes back on their food, they finished their meal quietly.
"Want some desert?" Cas asked, putting his rabbit food away.
Dean stifled an ornery grin. Yeah! You!
"No, thanks. That was delicious."
"I have two pieces of pie.." Cas turned, holding out a plate.
"Oh man...now you know my true weakness! Apple pie! Yeah, I'll take a piece!"
Cas grinned. God, what is he thinking? Because that was an ornery grin if ever I saw one!
He pulled the plate out of the microwave and carried it over to their spot at the counter with two forks. "Two slices of Kryptonite, Superman."
Dean laughed, taking a fork. He cut an end off the tip of one slice and took a bite. "Mmmmm!" he could not stifle the moan. He opened his eyes from his apparent moment of ecstasy and looked at Cas guiltily. He stood next to him with two small plates. Dean glanced down at the plate. Oh...shit. I was supposed to wait for little plates. Not eat off the serving plate. These people are so proper! He gave Cas a guilty smile. The look on Castiel's face was priceless. It was pure lust. His eyes were dilated, his skin flushed, his mouth parted slightly.
Dean licked a crumb off his lip and grinned in satisfaction as the man nearly lost his shit just standing there.
He braved another move. He took the plates from Cas and sat them an arms length away down the counter. He handed Cas a fork. "Dig in."
Cas grinned, unfreezing from his spot and sat with an almost giddy grin as he ate his piece small bite by small bite. Dean watched as he speared a bite, lost it and just had it scooped when Dean swiped it off with his own fork and it darted straight to his mouth. "Hey!" Cas laughed.
"Too slow, Joe!" Dean laughed.
His jaw dropped when Cas reached over and stole a slice of bite with crust.
"That is uncalled for!" Dean laughed.
Cas laughed hard, bending away from the shared plate. When he sat up again, Dean reached over, picked up Castiel's piece and took a large bite with an ornery grin of his own. "Oh, I see!" Cas laughed, "You are an escalator!"
"I'm a what?" Dean laughed, nearly choking on his pie. Cas was on his feet, stealing Dean's piece and eating the rest of it, grinning like a Cheshire Cat.
"You bastard!" Dean laughed. "What the hell? I'm an elevator?"
Cas laughed, choking down his mouthful of pie, wiping his mouth on his wrist. "I said," he laughed, taking a quick drink, "you are an escalator. It's what I used to call my little brother. You know, he didn't just get even, he escalated."
Dean grinned, "I am. My brother says I always have to go bigger." Dean glanced at Castiel's few bites of pie. He licked his lips, turned back and saw the intense look Castiel wore, waiting to see what Dean would do. Yeah, he had the ingrained need to go step bigger. And the pie just was not gonna cut it. He leaned up quickly, lightly pulling Cas' head down to his mouth, kissing him.
Cas had not seen it coming for sure. He grunted at the shock, his lips opened initially and closed almost immediately. But he caught on quickly. His lips softened quickly, and he stepped slightly closer to him, leaning down to deepen the kiss.
Dean was vaguely aware of dropping his fork and putting his hand on Cas's surprisingly muscular arm. The kiss was hot, in a chaste way. Dean released the back of Cas' head and the two pulled apart, exchanging a heavy-lidded look. They were both breathing heavy. Dean wanted more, but he hardly knew this guy. Maybe he would throw him out. Maybe he would run off to bed, locking his door to protect himself.
Cas pursed his lips, wetting them slightly, never taking his eyes off Dean's until they flicked down to his mouth. Dean started to apologize for his forwardness, but took a breath instead, watching as Cas' hand, still with a fork in it, rested on his shoulder and he turned facing him more. He leaned down and Dean closed his eyes, letting their mouths meet more gracefully this time. Warm and firmer, he parted his lips, running the tiniest line on his lower lip with his tongue and Cas opened to him, their tongues meeting tenderly. Oh God, he tastes like apple pie.
He moaned softly and Cas leaned in harder, tongue pushing back into his mouth. Both his hands were on him and Dean rested his on the guy's hips. A ripple of muscle tension pulsed beneath his hands and Cas moaned back. Oh shit..this guy is hot.
Cas pulled back suddenly and looked toward the kitchen door. He touched his wrist to his wet mouth and looked at the fork in his hand as if he had never seen one before. Dean glanced to the door, following his gaze. Cas stepped away and gave Dean a quick look before walking around the counter to put the two small plates into the sink. Not that they were dirty. Dean looked down at his fork on the floor and picked it up. He looked at it a second and put it on the counter. He looked up at Cas, who was blushing and smiling shyly down at the sink. The kitchen door opened and Anna walked in.
"Your room is all ready," she said politely. Dean smiled and thanked her. She gave her brother a look and he gave her a blank look back. "I'm off to bed, Castiel. The snow has stopped."
"Alright, Anna."
"Did you make the pie?" Dean asked the wisp of a red-head that was this guy's sister.
"Yes," she smiled.
"It is the best pie I have ever had," Dean grinned. "Especially that last bite I had," he said glancing at Cas. "It was...amazing."
"Why, thank you, Dean, that is so kind," she grinned. He nodded and smiled broadly, watching her tiny frame leave the kitchen.
He turned back to Cas who was giving him quite a grin.
"What?" he asked, reaching over and snagging the fork from Cas' hand and eating the few bites that were left. "It pays to be an escalator."
Cas chuckled low and deep. Dean stilled the chew he was in the midst of and swallowed thickly. This guy had him acting like quite the flirt. Dean handed him the plate and fork. Cas sat them in the sink and leaned against the counter. A silence stretched between them and Dean fidgeted with his hands.
"So, now what?" Dean asked, risking a look at Cas.
"Well," Cas cleared his throat, "it's late. Would you like to watch tv? Or, your room is ready."
Dean wanted to take this guy to his room and get to know him all kinds of better. But he hesitated. "TV works for me. You?"
"Sure," Cas nodded. He crossed his arms over his chest and walked out of the kitchen. Dean followed. He passed through a very formal dining room and sitting room. A set of stairs indicated the bedrooms must be upstairs. A more relaxed living room was beyond the stairs. Two couches sat in an L formation with a large flat screen that looked pretty new.
"I'm afraid I do not have cable or internet. But I have a lot of movies."
Dean walked over to a bookshelf of DVDs and VHS tapes. "You still have a VCR?"
"Yes," Cas said with a trace of embarrassment.
"Cool," Dean grinned. His eyes scanned the titles. "What do you want to watch?"
"I have seen them all, so whatever peaks your interest. Sorry, not a lot of choices. We have only had a tv for the last few years."
Dean glanced back at the guy, wondering at the mysteries that surrounded him. He wanted to know so many things. Eyes back on the titles, he pulled one out. How the States Got Their Shapes, Vol. 1.
"This looks good."
Cas grinned. He put in the disc while Dean took a corner of one couch. Cas took the other corner, close to him at the joint of the L formation.
The show started to play. Route 66 was mentioned and Dean looked back at Cas. "Have you seen much of Route 66?"
"Just what's here in Pontiac. I..have not had much opportunity to travel."
"I've done plenty of highway driving. Nothing too fun, ya know. Drive here, pick up parts, back home. My brother lives in California. He's in college. I drove out to see him the last four years, twice a year. Had some fun there."
"My brother, Gabriel, lives in California as well. He is in culinary school to be a pastry chef."
"Wow! That sounds fun! Sam is going to be a lawyer."
Cas nodded. "Gabriel works at a bakery. I should go see him sometime."
Dean grinned, "Sounds like a road trip!"
Cas grinned slowly and nodded. "I have never been out of Illinois. But I would really like to travel."
Dean nodded, noticing he had said that twice. He must really want out of here. "How old are you?" Dean asked.
"Twenty three. You?"
"Twenty five." Another look was exchanged. "You been to college?"
"Two years away, then the rest on line. I had to move home when my dad died to take care of Anna. And the house. So, I have a degree in sociology that I'm not using, but I sure am paying for."
Dean nodded. "I got a couple mechanic certifications. Community college stuff. Trying to help Sammy so he isn't crushed with loans when he graduates."
They watched again in companionable silence, sharing thoughts frequently.
The show ended and Cas got up to put the disc away. "Something a little scarier?" Cas grinned.
"I'm game!" Dean said.
Cas put in another disc and sat next to Dean this time, pulling an ottoman over so they could put their feet up. "Panic Room. Have you ever seen it?"
"No," Dean said, the word coming out gritty.
Cas pushed play. "It's a home invasion gone wrong. Makes you jump a little."
Cas sat back, their shoulders almost touching.
The tiny bit of absent space felt like a ravine. Dean moved slightly and Cas sighed softly as their warm shoulders met.
The wind howled outside and Cas reached around for a blanket. He handed Dean a corner and they shared the insanely soft fabric, snuggling down together. As the movie progressed they jumped together, they laughed, they found their arms wound together and their hands moving from holding onto each other tight, to slow, tentative wandering. The movie ended and Dean worried about standing up. His pajama pants were going to give away just how turned on the guy's hands were making him. Cas did not make a move to get up as the tv went dark. "I should go to bed," Dean said quietly.
Cas turned to him, nodding. Dean took a deep breath, sensing how close Castiel's lips were to his. Dean was disappointed when the man stood up. "I'll show you to your room."
Dean stood and followed him. He wondered if he had just missed an opportunity to kiss that delicious mouth again. He did not want to come across as a creep. He was an unknown guest here. But Cas' signals definitely pointed toward 'interested'. He followed him up the stairs. The hall was dim.
"Bathroom," Cas whispered, pointing to the room he passed. He stopped in the next room and stepped inside, walking over to a small bedside lamp and turned it on.
Dean looked around. Glass cases held butterflies and bees. Pictures were stuck into the frame of a mirror on the dresser. The room looked very homey for a guest room. "Is this?"
"My room," came the low rumble of the voice that had him keeping his back to the guy.
"Your?"
"The guest room is the next room down," Cas pointed.
"Oh," Dean caught on. Apparently the apple pie kiss had been as good for him as it had been for himself. Dean stepped away from the dresser, glancing at the blue-black eyes that saw right into his soul. Man, those eyes...
Dean stepped over to the door, shutting it softly and locking it. He turned back to the man, standing next to his bed, waiting.
"Cas," Dean said nervously, "you know I'm leaving tomorrow right?"
"I really don't want to think about tomorrow."
Dean grinned slightly, nearing Castiel. He reached past him and turned the light off. Cas grabbed Dean by the head, kissing him hot and senseless. Dean wrapped his arms around Cas, fisting one hand into his hair and wrapping one hand around his waist.
"Dean," Cas breathed out between kisses.
"Mm," Dean mumbled against his insanely hot lips. "You are...so...hot," Dean panted, pressing their chests and torsos together.
Cas gasped at the feel of Dean pressing against him and Dean choked out a moan, feeling Cas hard and long against himself. Cas turned Dean, backing him onto the side of the bed and pushed him back with his mouth and hips. Dean broke the kiss, flopping back onto the bed and pulling Cas along with him. Cas crashed down on top of him, their mouths drawn together magnetically.
A knock on the door froze them in place. "Castiel?" Came a whisper from the other side.
Cas pulled his mouth away and sighed painfully. Dean waited, wanting to holler to the waif that ' Cas can't come to the door right now!' But he bit his tongue.
The knock was louder. "Castiel," the knob jiggled and Cas jumped. Dean ran a hand up his side and bit softly along the side of Castiel's neck, making him moan and pull away.
Again the knob jiggled. "Castiel!" Anna called louder, pounding on the door.
Cas' head dropped and he rolled off Dean. "Go away, Anna," Cas called.
"Oh, Castiel! Please! Don't-"
Cas rolled his eyes angrily and stood. Dean sat up.
Cas opened the door abruptly. "Go to bed, Anna."
"But?" She cried.
Dean shook his head. This is exactly why I don't eat fresh bread and salads. Messes people up. This family obviously still needs to deal with some issues.
He stood, Cas looking at him in embarrassment. "I'm gonna go to my room, Cas." Cas nodded.
Dean pulled the door open, Anna stepping back quickly and avoiding his eye. Dean smirked and stalked to the next room, shutting the door. Biggest cock block EVER!
Dean fisted both hands in his own hair. Either he needed Cas or he needed out of here right now. He collapsed on top of the bed and threw an arm over his eyes.
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Dean was gone. Castiel fumed angrily. Angry at his family. Anna. The animals holding him to this spot. The world.
The moment he had woken up, Castiel had wanted to knock on the closed door to the guest room. He waited. He made coffee. He went outside to feed the horses. Half way to the barn, he looked down the lane and noticed the big, black Chevy was gone. He ran back inside, up the stairs and threw open the door. He sat on the guest bed holding a note in his shaking hands.
He stared out the window.
"Castiel?" Anna's voice called gently.
"Go away, Anna. Leave me alone," he snapped.
"Is he gone?" She asked timidly.
"YES! Now go!" Cas roared, making Anna flee.
His hands shook as he unfolded the paper.
Cas,
I wanted you to know that I get it. I don't like it, but I get it. Your family has taught you to hate a part of yourself. I know, because mine tries to cram that bullshit down my throat too. Well, fuck them. Gay people get married now. They can adopt. Gay people are people too. I am not going to lie. Your fear makes me angry. I can not get tangled up with someone who can't be who they want to be. I'd rather be angry than fake. I'm gonna take my anger and make use of it. Make changes to my own life. Im going to get brave and deal with my dad. Then I am going to California to live near Sam.
I know I hardly know you. But man, what I know...I like. You can be who you want to be, Castiel Novak. Be brave. Learn to accept who you are and maybe if life isn't quite the bitch I believe her to be, we will meet again.
Take care, Cas.
Dean
Cas crumpled the letter. Who was this asshole to come into his home, rattle old skeletons and be mad at him?! How dare he? Castiel left the room and headed back out to the barn. Horses fed and turned out, stalls cleaned, and barn cats fed, he headed into the office.
He grimaced at Gunner's door. The dog tipped his head and stepped back a step. Castiel immediately felt guilty for intimidating the dog. "Sorry, Gunner," he mumbled, opening the cage. The dog stayed at his heel all day. Anna was surprised when the dog came inside the house with him. She did not say a word.
At dinner that night, Anna was very quiet. She seemed like she wanted to apologize, or maybe that was Castiel's wishful thinking. He shoveled his food around, but ate little.
A lot was twisting and turning in his mind. The letter, Dean, Gunner, Anna, the house...
Anna cleared the dishes away. Belatedly, Cas got up and brought the last of the dishes into the kitchen. Anna was standing at the sink crying.
"Anna," Cas sighed, sitting on the stool he had sat on the night before. The night that may have changed his life.
"Castiel," Anna said timidly, "I think maybe I did something very wrong last night."
"You?" Cas laughed bitterly.
"Yes! I should have just...minded my own business. If Dean and you wanted to...have time alone...I should have just let it happen."
Cas grinned at her wording. "You mean you should have let me have sex with him?"
"Cas!" She gasped, then quickly schooled the shock away. "Yes."
Cas shook his head in disbelief. "Yes, you should have. I have been...beaten down enough for being gay."
Her eyes widened at his use of the word. "Get over it already, Anna. I only wish father were here to beat it into him that being gay is who I am. I refuse to hide it anymore, Anna. Dean was...I had a chance at something that may never come again. I lost him."
Tears slid down Anna's cheeks again. "I'm so sorry, Castiel. I...panicked. And you are so right. Our father was wrong." She came around the island and took his hand gently. "I love you, Castiel. Just the way you are. I was trying to help...but, I was wrong. I support you for who you are."
Cas smiled sadly. "Thank you, Anna. That means a lot to me."
Cas sighed, squeezing Anna's hand. He waited until she looked him in the eyes. "I need a big favor."
"Anything!" She grinned.
"I need to take a trip. Alone. Will you stay here and take care of the animals while I'm away?"
"Sure..." She said sadly. "Any way I can help."
Cas nodded and headed to his room. He needed a plan. Every step of the way, Gunner followed and watched him with great interest.