You guys are epic, seriously. Thank you to everyone who is reading this and especially those who have favourited, followed and reviewed, you guys make my day! I'm so happy people are enjoying this. I hope you like this chapter, I really love the ending :) Enjoy!

P.S. Un-edited once again but I'll get around to it later when I'm feeling more loquacious.

Over the weekend, Dean planned. In fact he even tore pages out of his notebook to jot down ideas under the heading 'Make Cas Forgive Me'. He was sitting at the bar in the Roadhouse on Sunday night without a single dot point beneath the heading when Ellen leant on the bar opposite him and fixed him with one of her patented 'don't you dare lie to me' looks.

"What's eatin' you hon?" she wondered.

Dean frowned, wondering how much he should explain.

"I have this friend," he began. Good, this much was true. Dean had once lied to Ellen and she had cuffed him around the ear. He wasn't letting that happen again. The woman could hit.

"Go on."

"And I did something... bad to him. Nothing that would make you or Bobby or Dad disappointed I swear, but just bad enough that I broke his trust and now... now he wants nothing to do with me," Dean explained.

"Would this friend happen to be the autistic boy you, Sam and Jo now sit with at lunchtimes?" Ellen questioned. Dean blinked and stared at her. "Now come on, Dean, you don't think my daughter tells me things? Apparently, you're pretty good with him. What could you have done?"

"I touched him." Dean sighed and rubbed his forehead. "It was an accident. Crowley tripped him so I reached out to catch him without thinking and now... now I'm pretty sure he'll never look at me again."

"Hon, nothing's broken forever." Ellen smiled sympathetically. "He may be hurt now but... he'll soon move past it. You didn't do anything terrible, it was an accident. Okay, so what I understand about autistic people is that they don't feel the same way the rest of us do. Or if they do, then they have trouble expressing it. This boy's just hurt that you did something he didn't like, the same way you or I would be. Just say sorry, properly, he'll soon forgive you."

Dean mulled those words over. "Something tells me that Cas's idea of an apology isn't just the words 'I'm sorry'."

"You're right. It's probably an action. Find some way to gain his trust. How did you do it the first time?"

Dean gave a half-hearted smile. "I acted like an idiot. I talked to him as if he was going to answer back. For some reason he liked it."

"He likes being treated like everybody else," Ellen nodded. Dean chewed his bottom lip and noted that on his page. There, at least he had something written now.

The next week, Dean apologised to Anna who forgave him, apologising in return for the way she'd spoken to him. However Castiel wouldn't even glance at him. Dean allowed him to be angry for a little longer and then on Wednesday when Anna was sick and Gabriel had the duty of looking after Castiel all day on his own, Dean couldn't help but volunteer his help.

"Dean, that's great and all but Cassie won't acknowledge you. What makes you think he'll walk from class with you?" Gabriel asked, rubbing his eyes as he scanned the textbook on his pencil case. God he hated Trig.

"What if he has no choice?" Dean wondered.

"Dean," Gabriel groaned, a little too loud.

"Mr Novak!" their teacher snapped. They both jumped and looked up at him. He was glaring at Gabriel fiercely who sunk down in his seat. "That is the third time this week you've interrupted my class. Not to mention not handing in your weekend homework assignment."

Gabriel rolled his eyes.

"I think, you would benefit from an afternoon of detention."

"What? That is so unfair!" Gabriel burst out.

"Shall I make it two?"

The rest of the class snickered as Gabriel sank further in his seat and shook his head.

"See me at the end of class."

"But-"

"No, buts, Mr Novak."

Dean grinned triumphantly. Now Gabriel had no choice but to let him collect Castiel. And maybe he'd even have to look after him this afternoon while Gabriel was in detention and Castiel had nobody else. Gabriel nodded reluctantly to Dean when the bell rang and he made his way to the desk to collect his detention slip.

Dean practically skipped – in a totally manly fashion – down to Castiel's classroom, bouncing eagerly as the kids exited the room. Finally the last one left and he slipped inside, smiling at Castiel. Castiel wasn't looking, preparing to leave as soon as he had heard footsteps coming into the room instead of out.

"Hey Cas, lunchtime!" Dean chimed. The boy jumped and his head snapped up to stare at Dean. When he took in who had come to collect him he dropped back in his seat and looked resolutely out the windows. Dean stared at him dumbfounded and Castiel's teacher looked between them worriedly.

"Perhaps you should just wait for Gabriel," she suggested.

Dean grumbled and leant in the doorway. Gabriel soon walked down the corridor, his face falling slightly when he saw Dean waiting. He shrugged as if to say 'I told you' and gestured to Castiel who still refused to move.

"Cassie, come on, I'm hungry," Gabriel said wearily.

"It's me," Dean muttered darkly. "Fine, I'll just go."

With that he stormed off and Gabriel watched him leave sadly.

"I think you hurt his feelings," he said to Castiel who had decided to stand now and follow his brother to the cafeteria. Either the younger boy didn't hear or simply didn't care as he made no acknowledgement of Gabriel's words.

They joined Sam, Jo and her brother Ash at the table. Ash was Monday's new acquisition and Gabriel found he like the laidback boy who was a completely contrast to his fiery, abrasive sister.

"Where's Dean?" Jo asked.

"Is he sulking since Cas won't talk to him? Or... well..." Sam blushed, fumbling for the right word and Gabriel laughed, reaching over the table to ruffle the kid's hair fondly.

"Don't worry, kiddo. And yeah, he's sulking," Gabriel shrugged. "You know it's a shame Cassie. This means you'll have to wait alone in the library this afternoon."

Castiel finally paid attention at this, cocking his head curiously.

"Yeah. I have detention. I texted Luci and he said he's not making two trips so you've got to hang out here while I serve my unjust punishment. If you were still friends with Dean he could wait with you but since you're being stubborn – a trait I didn't even know you possessed – you'll just have to be alone. I mean... are you okay with that? If it really worries you, Luci can come get you."

Castiel shook his head minutely.

"Right then. After your last class – gym right?" Gabriel waited and glanced at Sam who nodded. He and Castiel practically had opposite timetables, something that had annoyed the younger Winchester who would have liked to have some classes with Castiel so he could look after him. "You wait until everyone's gone from the parking lot and then you walk back over and wait in the library for me or Luci. Understand?"

Castiel gave a tiny nod before returning full attention to his lunch.

"Is that a good idea?" Jo wondered softly, eyes trained over Gabriel's shoulder. The older boy glanced around to see Crowley, Gordon and their two friends Azazel and Alistair all looking much too innocent, staring anywhere but at their table.

"Sure. Cassie knows how to wait until nobody's around. He prefers less people anyway." Gabriel smiled at his younger brother. "Besides, I'm sure Luci was only joking. He won't be too long after school – not with Anna home sick anyway."

"Hey, tell her to get better," Jo said. "My morning classes were so boring."

Gabriel grinned. "I'll be sure to let her know."

He was so glad they'd moved to Lawrence. He and Anna had never had a single friend before and here they were with a whole group of them. And not only that but these people accepted Castiel too. None more so than Dean though so Gabriel really hoped his baby brother could find it in himself to forgive Dean but he was doubtful. He didn't know how Castiel's mind worked on matters like this – he forgave his siblings for accidental touches, but Dean had been a stranger not too long ago, the first and only Castiel had trusted and Dean had broken that trust. Gabriel wondered if something like that was unforgivable in Castiel's mind?

After ditching his last class due to his bad mood, Dean traipsed from the bleachers around to the car park. Almost everyone was already gone – including Sam who had gotten a lift with Jo and Ash due to Dean's absence – so the parking lot was quiet. He started making his way over to Baby when he heard three very familiar laughs that made his blood run cold.

Dean turned around slowly and spotted the three people he did not want to see, lurking at the edge of the car park, staring at the gym doors. Dean frowned, wondering what they were up to.

"Sh, guys, shut the fuck up, here he comes," Gordon hissed.

Dean's heart almost stopped when he spotted the flash of impossible-to-miss oversized, tan trench coat wrapped around a small, very vulnerable boy.

Just what did those assholes think they were doing?

Dean frowned further when he realised that Azazel wasn't there. Alistair hardly went anywhere without his little sidekick but he wasn't anywhere in sight.

"Come on," Crowley sneered.

Dean darted around in front of the group as they started moving towards Castiel.

"Do not even think about it," Dean snarled, eyes narrowed at Gordon.

"Shut up Winchester," Alistair sneered taking advantage of Dean's eyes being on Gordon and swinging an uppercut into his gut. Dean's breath huffed out of him and he doubled over, to catch it. He grabbed Gordon's arm as he passed but the boy threw him off, sending Dean sprawling. He quickly leapt to his feet, yelling Castiel's name.

"Run!" he shouted. The boy stopped walking however which was probably the worst thing and then he was surrounded by the three much, much bigger guys. "Get the fuck away from him!"

Dean took another step when a pair of arms grabbed him – so that's where Azazel was, keeping watch. He swung his elbow back and caught Azazel's eye. His attacker grunted and arms loosened enough for Dean to break free but not before Crowley had put his hands on the boy, causing him to cry out and try to escape but Alistair just shoved him into Gordon who knocked him back.

Dean's heart ached as Castiel cried out, wordlessly begging for them to leave him alone, putting his arms over his face to protect himself.

Crowley spotted Dean's murderous expression as he came over and they gave one last shove, causing Castiel to flop into one of the puddles left by the day's rainfall where he curled up, sobbing and keening, not even bothering to move out of the water.

The guys scattered except Gordon who dodged the punch Dean threw at his face and laughed at him.

"It was just a bit of fun, Winchester," he chuckled. "The kid needs to learn a thing or two."

Dean grabbed Gordon's jumper and yanked him close, glaring in his face.

"If you ever touch him again, I'll fucking kill you," Dean snarled, throwing the boy so he fell on his ass in another puddle. Dean kicked gravel in his face as he walked past towards Castiel, hands starting to shake because he had no idea what to do now.

"You're going to regret this!" Gordon shouted.

Dean turned and saw the four boys all staring at him, varying expressions on their faces. Dean would almost be scared of the glare on Gordon's if he hadn't just knocked the guy to the ground.

"Bring it," Dean called back.

He looked between Gordon and the shivering huddle that was the youngest Novak sibling, threw a dark glare towards Gordon and his posse then swung around to Castiel, crouching down a few feet in front of him, ashamed at how frightened and upset he appeared all soaked and wrapped in his overlarge trench coat. But he had stopped his keening, glancing slightly at Dean as he moved his arms.

"Hey, Cas?" Dean said softly. "I'm so sorry about what those guys did and also that I couldn't stop them – I swear I'll kick their asses. Why don't you get up and we'll go somewhere so you can get dry?"

Castiel didn't respond for a while until finally he clambered to his feet, arms wrapped tightly around himself, staring at Dean's feet and waiting for him to lead the way. Dean took him into the school, to a bathroom first where he encouraged Castiel to dry his hair and take off his sopping coat. They went into the library afterward and sat in front of one of the heaters so Castiel could dry.

"I don't think this is going to get better and it's kind of cold out there," Dean mused, prodding the coat where it was lying in front of the heater. Then he smiled. "Here." He held out his leather jacket.

Castiel looked up in surprise, eyeing the garment with suspicion.

"Hey, relax, it won't bite," Dean teased. "It's big and warm... I mean it smells like me which might put you off a little but it's better than being cold."

Castiel glanced at him briefly before accepting the jacket and holding it up to look at it properly. When he hugged it to his chest Dean took it as acceptance and gratitude for the gesture. He shifted forward slightly and Castiel hunched in further on himself in response.

"I just want you to know... I promise I won't let anybody hurt you anymore," Dean murmured. "I know I'm not one of your brothers but I have a little brother of my own and he doesn't really need me to look out for him anymore. I kind of need someone to look after so I'm gonna look after you. How does that sound?"

He didn't really expect Castiel to respond but the slight relaxation of his shoulders made Dean hopeful that he'd understood and maybe even welcomed Dean's protection.

Dean looked up at the bookshelves where they were and spotted the several copies of each Harry Potter book that their library carried.

"Man I haven't read these in ages," Dean laughed, pulling down the first one. He glanced at Castiel who was still clutching his jacket, practically ignoring Dean. "Don't tell anyone I've read them, okay? It'll totally ruin my image. Hey... have you read them?"

Castiel hesitated before turning to look. Dean held up the cover and Castiel tilted his head before shaking it slightly. Dean stared at him.

"Something's wrong here if even I've read them," Dean chuckled. He looked down and opened to the first page, feeling nostalgic. "Would it bother you if I read it to you? I'm not the best reader but I read them to Sam when he was younger and he didn't seem to think I was terrible."

Dean looked up and found Castiel watching him expectantly, like had that first lunch when Dean was telling him jokes that he didn't laugh at. Dean's heart leapt. Maybe this was Castiel forgiving him. He settled down a little closer to the boy who didn't flinch away, and started to read.

"Mr and Mrs Dursley, of number four Privet Drive, were proud to say they were perfectly normal, thank you very much..."

By the time a man strode into the library calling out for Castiel, they'd just gotten to the third chapter and Castiel was sitting facing Dean's profile, eyes wide and captivated as he listened to the story pouring forth from Dean's lips. He looked around at the sound of his nickname and stood when he spotted the speaker.

Dean looked up and noted the tall, blonde male who must be Lucifer. That was odd... he looked nothing like Michael. They must be the other kind of twins that aren't identical... fratical? Fractional? Fraternity? Fraternal! That was it.

"Cassie, there you are!" Lucifer said, grinning, pleased. He frowned when Castiel put on Dean's jacket and folded his still wet coat in his arms. "What happened to your clothes?"

Castiel ducked his head, cheeks flaming and Dean jumped to his feet.

"I'll tell you when he's in the car," he whispered. Lucifer eyed Dean suspiciously.

"And you are?"

"Dean Winchester. I'm a friend of Gabe, Anna and Cas's," Dean explained, picking up his bag and putting the book back on the shelf. Castiel noticed with a sad expression. Dean glanced at him sideways. "It's cool Cas. I'll steal Sam's copy and we can keep reading."

Castiel nodded once, relaxing and Dean noticed Lucifer's eyebrows shoot up in surprise. But he took it in his stride and gestured for both boys to follow him. Gabriel was already in the car, looking moody and irritated. But his eyes lit up when he saw Dean walking with Castiel.

Lucifer opened the back door and Castiel climbed in obediently. Dean caught the door before Lucifer shut it and he leant a little closer until Castiel looked up at him with wide blue, blue eyes.

"So... are we friends again?" Dean asked softly, glad that the older Novak was examining his nails, trying not to listen in. Gabriel had headphones in and made a show of turning up the volume on his iPod despite that he was watching the goings on through the rear-view mirror.

Castiel seemed to consider him for a moment before nodding once, plucking at the collar of Dean's jacket. Dean smiled and nodded back before straightening up and shutting the car door. Castiel looked out at him, eyes unwavering as Dean turned back to Lucifer.

"He uh... he had some trouble today... nothing major – just some assholes who decided to touch him – but he was kind of upset about it," Dean explained. Lucifer's eyebrows shot up again. "I took care of it but he might still be..."

"Yeah, yeah," Lucifer agreed, eyes on Castiel who was still watching Dean with that indecipherable stare. "I'll keep an eye on him. Thank you, Dean."

Dean nodded and waved goodbye to Castiel as Lucifer got into the car and started pulling out of the parking lot. Castiel raised his hand and pressed his fingers to the window for a few moments before dropping them. Dean guessed it was his return of the wave.

He waited until the car was out of sight before jumping up and doing a victory fist-pump. He vowed to buy Ellen chocolates or flowers or something. Her advice was perfect.

And now he needed to steal Sammy Harry Potter series without him asking too many questions.