Over the next few days, Castiel found himself at Dean's side at every opportunity; which was often since he didn't have much else to occupy his time. He also found himself wrapped around the other man, their bodies pressed close together and their lips attached at every opportunity, as well. He took to either meeting Dean at his cabin or in the Dining Hall for dinner.

He even got along with Jo now that he knew she was just a friend. (He gave Dean a solid punch in the arm when the man laughed with delight at his 'jealousy'; the bastard.) The woman was very amusing, if a bit crude at times. He took her excuse of it being her 'southern charm' as truth, even if he thought southern ladies were supposed to be more demure, not that he was any expert, though.

He often found himself helping Dean with his chores, happily taking breaks to kiss and (lightly) fondle each other whenever they could. They'd only been caught once. Unfortunately it was by Jo, who apparently found the image of them kissing very arousing and they had to physically chase the gawking woman from the area after the fifth time she begged them to continue 'as if I'm not here'. Freakin' woman...

His solo rides became trail rides since he no longer needed instruction. And for the privacy. It was nice; just him and Dean. They would wander the ranch's wooded area, going as deep as they could in their time allotted and stealing a few moments alone. He hadn't ever enjoyed nature or quiet trail rides before and he blamed Dean.

Even when they were just riding along side each other quietly, it was enjoyable.

"Are all of these trees native to the area?" Castiel asked, looking up into the rather dense canopy. He hadn't any real knowledge of plants, knowing only enough to avoid poison ivy after a very painful, embarrassing, run in with it when he was 10.

They were laying atop their saddle blankets, comfortably leaning against a large tree trunk as his hand trailed lazily through Dean's hair. He enjoyed feeling the silky softness going through his fingers and Dean, apparently, loved the attention as he would drape himself across his body and nuzzle against him like a cat whenever his hand paused too long.

Dean opened an eye and looked around. "Yeah, but we adde some, too. Sam helped me with some of the planting—guy's a freakin' machine with a shovel."

He pointed to a large tree across the clearing, its dark broad leaves nearly touching the ground and fragrant white flowers dotting the large tree. "That's my favorite. It's a magnolia, reminds me of summer and..." he trailed off, unsure if he should continue. It made no sense, but the smell reminded him of his mother and he never knew why.

Dean shifted, closing his eyes again with a contented hum when Cas' long, agile, fingers went back to sliding through his hair. He grunted softly when blunt nails scrapped across his scalp. That was the stuff, right there.

"I can see why," Castiel finally said, inhaling deeply and letting the heavy aroma of the flowers tickle his nose. He didn't know why Dean trailed off but he was pretty sure it had to do with his mother. Dean really only avoided speaking about the people he cared about. Well, the dead people he cared about—Dean's parents, especially. He spoke of his brother frequently, though. Dean didn't always avoid talking about the others, and the times Dean did, he listened intently and tried to reciprocate as best he could.

(Dean had laughed until he cried when Castiel told him about his brother, Gabriel. Apparently, Dean's sense of humor rivaled that of a 12-year-old's, like Gabriel, and Dean thought his brother was a comic genius. He didn't know whether to laugh or cry about that.)

He didn't know how to console Dean and just continued in his ministrations, content to feel the man shift and get comfortable as he reclined against his chest. They didn't have long before Dean had to focus on other groups and lessons, but the small moments never failed to be the highlight of his day.

"We should head back," Castiel said regretfully. He didn't make any moves to get up though, leaving that for Dean as usual.

Dean turned, shifting one leg up and over so he was straddling Cas. "I'm sorry," he said softly, looking down and fiddling with one of the pearly buttons on the shirt Cas was wearing. It was one of his; he didn't know why he kept it when it shrunk the first time he washed it, but he's glad he did. It looked good on Cas and fit him perfectly.

"What for?" Castiel asked, surprised. As if on their own, his hands moved up to slide up and down Dean's sides before sweeping down to lightly cup his ass. He tried to think back the past few minutes and figure out what Dean would apologize for but came up with nothing.

Dean sighed and looked up, shyly meeting Cas' curious gaze. He wanted to slap himself when both dark eyebrows rose, Cas immediately noticing his demeanor. Of course he would, the guy was scarily tuned into him these days. "I guess for not giving in. It seems stupid now that I say it out loud... I just don't want you to think I don't want to screw you silly, but— Oh god," he groaned and covered his eyes, flopping forward to press his face into Cas' chest. He really couldn't look to see Cas' expression, unwilling to see his reaction to him being such a freakin' girl. This was so not how he normally approached this sort of thing but it was harder than usual. He couldn't just wham bam or ignore it and it was driving him crazy. "I just can't seem to let myself get that close to you, like that, knowing..."

"I know, and don't apologize," Castiel said quietly. It took a moment of struggling, but he finally got Dean to lift his face and he slid his hands up, cupping Dean's face. He gave the other man a small smile when green eyes peeked up at him through dark lashes and had to really force himself not to just push Dean over and start humping his leg like a horny dog.

Goddammit, he should get some sort of award for his restraint.

"Look, I'm not sure what to do about it either, but I don't think I can keep up the cold showers and alone time. I'm going to do myself a serious injury!" he said, in mock horror. Well... Mostly mock horror. He was quite serious but it was manageable if that was just how it was going to be.

Dean snorted, amused probably more than he should be since he really did share Cas' situation. He deliberately did not think about Cas jerking off in the shower. Nope.

"Well," he said and slowly crawled off of Cas' lap and got to his feet. He offered the other man a hand up, sliding it around his waist once Cas was on his feet, and kissed him once he was standing again. He kept it short with an effort. He leaned back and patted Cas on the butt. "Let's head back."

"Alright," Castiel just nodded and smiled his thanks when Dean gave him a leg-up, settling himself in his saddle as he watched Dean do his sexy hop-slash-slide maneuver into his own saddle. Fucking showoff. "How on earth do you do that?" he asked once Dean was settled and leading Impala back towards 'home'.

Dean shrugged. "I dunno. I just do. I've had to climb up without assistance a few times and it's just how I do it now." It had taken awhile to get it down right right, but it was very handy when he had to hop up quickly. "Why?" he asked, looking over at Castiel and blinking at the damn near feral look of lust on the other man's face. He felt himself reel a little and gripped the saddle horn tightly.

"'Cause, it's sexy as fuck," Castiel said lowly. He wasn't exactly sorry for the rash words but he probably could've been a bit more... subtle. Or eloquent. "I wish I could do it. I probably wouldn't look half as good as you doing it, though."

Dean flushed, mostly from that naked look of heat from Cas, and looked away. "No one's ever said it was sexy before." Or even hinted as such. He didn't see how Cas thought it was sexy but he wasn't going to argue. Sam always said he looked like a midget hopping over a pony, but maybe Sasquatch was just jealous of his super-sexy cowboyness.

"Well, either they were too shy to say or they're blind," Castiel said with a haughty sniff, as if offended on Dean's behalf. "I mean, it's really just..." He trailed off and shuddered pleasantly, the image of Dean's taut, jean covered ass and rippling thigh muscles very clear in his mind. He smirked when Dean kept staring at him, willing him to continue. "It's just sexy, okay?"

Dean nodded blankly, still reeling from surprise. He'd probably never again lever himself up and into a saddle again without getting a mental flash of Cas saying it was 'sexy as fuck' with that boner-inducing, fuckhot look in his eyes. He squirmed in his saddle, only a little put out the other man had him half-hard. Again. He'd been calming down from their heated make-out session and it was back with just one heated look and Cas' words.

Thankfully, by the time they saw the barn, he was calmed down enough that when Impala took off in a gallop in his excitement to be back, he didn't smash himself painfully in the saddle.

Castiel enjoyed Dean's delighted whoop as Impala took off and just held on as Pickles picked up his pace to follow. He tried to remember his lessons and felt a lot more confident flying across the field on the back of a running beast, no longer fearing he'd fall or get horribly mangled in some way. It was almost fun. He found more enjoyment, as expected, in watching Dean as he rode and grinning stupidly with the simple pleasure.

...

"Is there anything better than peach cobbler with whipped cream?" Jo asked, moaning around her spoon.

Castiel shrugged, spooning his own dessert into his mouth. It was good, sure. He did find himself growing quite fond of peaches and idly wondered how he'd get them back home without resorting to extreme methods. He looked up and saw Dean watching him and barely suppressed the urge to wink or lick his lips in a lascivious manner. He knew Dean wouldn't mind but he refused to encourage Jo, The Pervert.

"I'm partial to Black Forest Torte, but this is quite good as well."

"My favorite is pie," Dean said absently, scraping his spoon along his dish to get the very last bite of dessert. They didn't serve pie nearly enough for his liking but when the pecan pie was on the menu, he could eat nearly a whole one himself (which never went over well with Missouri, the older woman usually smacking his hand away if he went for a third helping).

Jo paused in her shoveling and gave Dean a curious look. She knew that but Castiel didn't and she figured someone had to ask since Castiel was too busy staring at Dean's mouth as he licked his spoon and did all sorts of inappropriate things with his tongue and fingers.

"What kind?" she asked, very aware that her and Castiel were both watching with interest as Dean practically made out with his bowl, getting all the sticky remnants of the peachy-whipped cream out. God, it was like freakin' food porn.

Dean shrugged. "Pie." He got two unimpressed looks and huffed, rolling his eyes. "I dunno. Pecan, I guess," he said after taking a moment to think, shrugging helplessly, completely at a loss of how to explain he didn't really care; pie was pie and he was very equal opportunity. He didn't know nearly enough desserts to be able to say every damn variety; but he hadn't met one yet that he didn't like. "But I ain't all that picky—pie is pie."

Jo nodded, grinning knowingly. "Ah, so you're just a pie whore," she said, pointing her spoon at him.

"Connoisseur," Dean corrected, sniffing and lifting his chin haughtily. "And yes. I haven't met one I didn't like. Love at first bite," he said grinning. "Sammy tries to slip me cake," he said, scowling darkly as he remembered his brother's lame excuses and the nerve of asking what the difference was. For a genius, Sam could be really freakin' stupid when it came to the good things in life.

Castiel hummed thoughtfully. He'd never attempted baking before but it might be worth a shot. He idly wondered if there was any pie filling around; what he wouldn't give for enough to smear all over his body for Dean's enjoyment... He shook his head, scattering those thoughts away. He really didn't want to get himself worked up in the middle of the damn Dining Hall. Or in front of Jo.

"So, tomorrow is Saturday," he said, hoping to change the subject. Mostly for himself; another few moments of thinking about Dean and pie filling and he wouldn't be able to leave the table without embarrassment for awhile. And he wasn't sure what Dean had planned. He didn't want to assume the other man would be free to spend the entire day together, even if it was his day off.

"Well, no lessons all day so we're completely free." Dean glanced at Castiel with a pointed look and nearly beamed when the Cas' cheeks pinked delicately and he nodded before looking away. Excellent.

Jo made a gushy, cooing noise and clapped her hands excitedly, bouncing a little in her seat. "Oh! That's so freakin' adorable! You should—"

"Jo!" Dean interrupted, trying not to smile. "We'll figure something out, don't you worry."

Jo wolf-whistled this time, waggling her eyebrows in a ridiculously perverted way and making a very rude, very obscene hand gesture under the table. She laughed when Dean's eyes bugged out a little. How adorable. "Ooh! Well, there's always nookie!" she said wisely.

"Nookie?"

Jo grinned, miming the gesture again, above the table so Castiel could see it, and making it clear what she meant. Who didn't know what nookie meant, anyway?

"Oh," Castiel said, snorting with amusement even while he was reeling with shock and a healthy bit of desire. And maybe a little embarrassment to see Jo doing something so vulgar. He did not want to look at Dean and see the idea confirmed or denied. He just couldn't handle it at the moment; he did need to leave the table at some point this evening... He focused back on his dessert, trying not to frown when he realized Dean was doing the same thing. Damn.

...

Castiel walked next to Dean, his stride matching Dean's. It was almost awkward until he got used to the ambling gait. "So..."

"I knew you'd ask," Dean said, amusement heavy in his voice.

"What?" Castiel tried to sound confused or at least annoyed. He still wasn't very fond of Dean knowing him so well as to think he could read his mind or anticipate his thoughts. Even if he usually could, the self-assured dick.

Dean turned enough to give Cas a pointed look. "Nookie. You're still thinking about it."

"So?" Castiel finally asked after a long pause. He didn't see the point in denying it; it wasn't like he hadn't been thinking of it before Jo started flailing her hands around, wiggling her fingers and stuffing them into her closed fist and making rude facial expressions. He'd probably prefer a less ridiculous word for it, but he wasn't going to argue when it made Dean look so bright and open with amusement.

Dean laughed and paused in his steps, turning to look at Cas fully and moved close enough to drape his arms over the his shoulders. "So, I already said I wanted to." He moved his hands so they were cupping the back of Cas' neck, his fingers toying with short hair brushing along the stiff collar.

"But you didn't say anything earlier," Castiel said, head cocked slightly with confusion. He'd known Dean long enough to know the man had very little in the way of a verbal filter or all that hesitant about... anything, really. He figured if Dean had wanted anything from him, he'd have said in no uncertain terms. He admired that, actually, relieved he didn't have to guess and decode what someone was saying from what they meant.

Dean snorted softly and pulled Cas into a brief kiss, before walking again, grinning to himself at Cas' stunned expression as he turned away. "In front of Jo? Seriously? After the way she's been completely ogling us? No thank you. I really don't need her pressed up against my windows, panting and drooling like some pervert and hoping for a peek."

"Your windows?" Castiel asked, catching up to Dean and matching his stride. "Why not my windows? And why not just—I don't know—draw the curtains and foil the little peeping tom?"

Dean paused again, mouth pulled to the side as he considered. "It really doesn't matter whose windows," he said, chuckling and rolling his eyes before walking again. They were headed towards his cabin and he really didn't know if Cas was that oblivious or just being difficult. Probably a little bit of both, really. Cas was weird like that. "And of course I got curtains, but that doesn't mean she won't try. She's a very determined woman, Cas."

"Hmm," Castiel hummed thoughtfully, nodding his agreement. He paused, noticing they were climbing the porch steps of Dean's cabin. He narrowed his eyes. "Are we engaging in 'nookie' now? Is that why you said your windows?" he finally asked, smirking both at the question and the silly word. He followed Dean inside and closed the door behind himself. He leaned in a little when Dean reached around him and he heard the lock snick quietly.

Dean laughed, the quotes practically audible, and shook his head, not exactly in answer but in bemusement. "Is there ever a time you aren't thinking with your dick?" he asked, toeing off his boots and tossing his hat onto the closest flat surface. Like he was one to talk, but it was doing things to him to realize Cas wasn't all that much different than any other guy, once you past his weirdness and got down to it.

"Not recently," Castiel said with a snicker. "Especially around you," he added honestly, pulling Dean close and kissing him thoroughly. He pulled back, panting softly and enjoying the light flush on Dean's cheeks; it made his freckles stand out and he wondered if Dean would think it weird if he kissed them. "If you don't tell me you're the same, I'm going to be terribly insulted."

Dean slowly nodded, licking his bottom lip. He was distracted by Cas even when he wasn't around. He spent too many moments of each class wishing he was with Cas instead of the assorted group of flirting housewives and horse-crazy tweens. He just was glad his jeans were tight enough that he didn't immediately broadcast the semi he tended to be rockin' practically every damn day.

"Well, yeah, of course," he finally said, grinning. He ran his hands down Cas' back and nearly purred. Cas was firm and warm under the soft cotton, muscles flexing under his fingertips when Cas moved or breathed. "I often have to force myself to concentrate in my other groups," he admitted, angling his head to kiss along Cas' neck, gently pushing his index finger against Cas' jaw to give himself more room when the other man just stood there, stunned and didn't angle his head on his own.

Dean ran his nose along the for-once smooth skin and sighed. He almost missed Cas' usual scruffy face; it would probably make really erotic sounds when he rubbed himself on it. So worth the whisker burn. "Son of a bitch," he muttered against Cas' neck, kissing and licking the area with renewed fervor when Cas finally got with the program and tilted his head for better access, hands coming up to fist in Dean's shirt. "God, you're fucking hot," he moaned, his own hands wandering wherever they could reach. Cas arched into him, huffing softly with a pleased sound.

"I knew it—" Cas said, words cutting off as he sucked in a sharp breath when Dean's hand dove under his shirt. Firm, lightly calloused hands swept over his stomach and ribs. Pleasure, warm and sweet, spreading and pooling in a lazy way that made his toes curl in his boots and his fingers dig into Dean's hips for a moment. Strong, agile fingers slid upwards to pinch and fondle his nipples. His way-too-sensitive nipples. His head dropped back a little as he sucked another breath in, hissing it through his teeth as the pleasure turned sharp and hot. "—you're only interested in my body."

Dean shook his head with a chuckle and slowly pulled his hands out from under Cas' shirt, fingertips dragging along soft, warm skin until he hit stiff, heavy cotton and let his hands drop. He looked down and couldn't help dragging his thumbs across the now hardened nubs through Cas' shirt before leaning down to mouth the area, exhaling hotly against breath-moist cotton when Cas arched against him with a breathy little moan and a hand fluttered at the back of his head before settling on his shoulder. Cas was only a little bit shorter than him and it was a pretty damn good match at the moment.

"Not true. You're the whole package," he said, sliding his hand down and cupping the very nice, very warm, very hard bulge in Cas' jeans. He grinned when Cas' hips twitched forward and wiggled a little, a subtle rub into his palm.

"I am," Castiel agreed, pleased when Dean laughed softly with warm amusement. He pressed closer, walking Dean backwards enough to have them tumble onto the closest sofa. He settled his knees on either side of the other man and looked down, delighting in the flushed and eager expression on Dean's face. "But, seriously; if you don't want to go further, we should stop now."

He glanced down pointedly to where they were pressed close, their still-clothed hips nearly touching. It was obvious they were both heavily aroused and one roll of his hips would be all it took to have him give into the hotwarm friction. Of course, he knew he'd stop whenever Dean felt uncomfortable, no matter how much he'd like to continue, but this was the turning point.

Dean gnawed his bottom lip, in serious thought.

Fuck it—he really didn't want to stop. He slowly shook his head and pulled Cas down by his shirt. "No, keep going." He kissed Cas hard, nipping his full bottom lip before drawing it between his own and sucking on it. There was an amusing squeak as his ass slid across the leather of the sofa and he snorted. "But not here," he said, pushing gently at Cas' shoulders. He quickly stood as soon as he was able to slide out from under the brunette and hurried towards his room. He sent a smirk over his shoulder at a dazed Cas.

Cas was standing there wide-eyed, lips wet and a little puffy, his tented jeans, shirt open and his dark hair a complete mess from Dean's fingers. Jesus, what the fuck was he thinking to even consider saying no to that?

"You comin'?" Dean asked, already working his jeans open and down over his hips. He did a little shimmy until they pooled at his feet and he kicked them free.

Castiel stared, blinking a few times as he took in the fact there was a lot more skin on display. "Fuck yeah!" he breathed, nodding enthusiastically.

He practically ran over and slapped Dean's hands away when the other man reached for his shirt. He'd been itching to strip the man himself and he didn't want to waste the opportunity. "Let me," he said, sliding his palms over Dean's shoulders, fingers dipping between cotton and Dean's skin, brushing and stroking the soft, warm skin. He stared openly as he pushed the material over Dean's muscled shoulders. He followed the line of Dean's collarbone with fingertips, smiling a little at the smattering of freckles there too. He pressed closer, kissing all over with lips and teeth, chuckling softly when Dean made a strangled sound of pleasure and fingers dug into his hips.

Castiel looked down and saw the tiny, tight, bright red briefs Dean was wearing. "How... why are those sexy?" He ran a finger over the elastic waistband and snapped it lightly before sliding a hand around Dean's hip and cupping the man's ass through the thin fabric.

Dean looked down and then shrugged. He wasn't exactly sure what Cas was asking. He hadn't exactly planned on anyone seeing his underwear and even if he had, it wasn't like he had any classified as 'sexy'. It wasn't like he was wearing panties or anything like that.

"Because they are," Cas elaborated, seeing Dean's confusion. "On you."

Dean grinned and set to work getting Cas in a similar state, longing to see him naked. He'd only been able to see peeks and slivers of skin, his fingers only grazing the soft warmth before and he was practically drooling at the chance to see. He fumbled with an elaborate belt buckle and sucked his teeth. "Get it off before I use my knife," he muttered.

"Yes, sir," Castiel intoned and worked the buckle off and pulled his belt free with a snap of leather. He stared when he realized Dean had used that time to shimmy out of his underwear, kicking them towards the general direction of the bedroom. He nearly pouted; he'd wanted to do that. He stood back and eyed the man from head to toe, pausing long enough to appreciate the very nice cock practically waving at him. He hummed with pleasure. He let Dean finish getting him naked, shivering and arching against the man with each brush of those hands and fingers. Fuck, they were amazing.

"Wait..."

Dean looked up, unsure why he was being stopped but obeying nonetheless. He blinked when he realized Cas was blushing. Or maybe that was just a lusty flush... Still—he had to lick his lips and clear his throat before he could speak. "What?"

"Can you... Uhm..." Castiel blew out a breath and pointed across the room. "Get the boots and hat," he finally said, his nerves making his words come out sharp and terse, more like a demand. He nearly apologized for his curtness until he saw Dean hurrying over to get the requested items. Hmm. Interesting. He leaned against the bedroom door jamb and watched eagerly as Dean put the items on without being asked.

And he just... stared.

Alright, Jo had a very good point: Dean in only his hat and boots was drool worthy. It didn't look ridiculous as he'd originally thought it might. Just to be on the safe side, Castiel wiped at his chin with the back of his hand just in case he was drooling like an idiot.

He again eyed Dean, looking him up and down, taking in the roughed up leather boats leading to the sexy bow legs, flushed erection and everything topped off with the hat. He slowly smiling at the erotic image, palming himself and licking at his dry lips. Dean tipped his hat and winked at him, giving him all sorts of dirty ideas of what to do with a naked cowboy. Giddy up.

"Alright," Castiel drawled, crooking a finger at Dean in a beckoning motion that had the cowboy sauntering towards him. Cas was happy to watch, unabashedly staring and rubbing a hand across his stomach as he eyed Dean appreciatively as he came to a stop in front of him, tipping his hat again. He nearly laughed at the absurdity and shook his head a little, most definitely doomed to forever have a (naked) cowboy kink.

He reached up and slid the hat off Dean's head, running a hand through the slightly tamped down hair and smiling with fond affection when the hair sprung up and went back to its usual state of casually-but-carefully-styled disarray. "Now the boots," he said, having no interest in having them on the bed. They were pointy and he didn't want to be jabbed somewhere sensitive. He stepped back enough to give Dean room to toe them off again.

"Well?" Dean asked, biting the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing. He'd felt rather silly standing in just his hat and boots but he'd do it again, able to ignore it by the heated look Cas sent him—like he wanted to freakin' eat him. The look Cas was still sending him. He nudged his boots out of the way before looking at Cas again. "Was it as weird as you thought?"

Castiel slowly shook his head. "No, it was sexy as hell," he assured, crowding the other man and kissing him, moaning softly as their naked bodies rubbed and pressed against each other. He cupped the side of Dean's neck with one hand while the other slowly slid down Dean's back and groped his ass, finger grazing between Dean's cheeks. He kissed Dean again and edged him towards the bed. He pulled away, unsure how to ask how the other man wanted to continue. He didn't have to when a small bottle of lube was handed to him and Dean settled himself against the bed and opened his thighs in invitation.

He stared, incredibly turned on just by the offer and was fully hard before he could blink. He hadn't honestly expected that, even with the enthusiastic reaction Dean gave when he'd gotten bolder with his fingers and Dean's ass earlier, and there was no way he was looking a gift cowboy in the mouth. He stretched out between Dean's spread legs and got comfortable.

Castiel watched Dean, enjoying the other man's pleasure and enthusiasm as his fingers aroused and relaxed the other man. Dean made it known he was enjoying Cas' touch. The soft little pants, moans and gasps of pleasure as he writhed on the bed, hands clutching at his head and shoulders, was at once endearing and arousing as hell.

By the time it was obvious he could move on, he slipped Dean's hat back on with a roguish grin. They ended up having to track it down and put it back on numerous times.

Not that either of them minded.

(A/N: Edited August 2015.)