"So..."

Dean rolled his eyes and gave Jo a pointed 'get on with it' look before going back to cutting into his stack of pancakes. "What?"

"Castiel's leaving in two days," Jo said slowly. She bit her lip when Dean looked down at his plate, gaze intense on the puddle of maple syrup, and nodded once. "Have you— Are you..." she trailed off and hugged him around the shoulders with one arm. "What are you going to do?"

Dean shrugged. They hadn't really discussed it. He didn't bring it up, foolishly hoping Cas would. He had a feeling Cas hadn't because he either hadn't considered it (which would suck but was understandable) or was trying to ignore the fact as well. "I dunno," he mumbled, pushing food around on his plate.

He looked up occasionally, hoping to see Cas for breakfast, but the lazy ass rarely woke early if he didn't have to anymore—he had decided to enjoy his vacation. That and he was probably still recovering from last night, Dean thought with a grin. He'd found a bottle of whiskey and they barely got through a quarter of it before they were giggling like idiots and groping at each other like horny teenagers at prom. Cas really couldn't hold his liquor, either. He'd left the other man sprawled out on his bed (unleashing a super-manly giggle when Cas had whined and tried to grab him with sleepy arms when he had leaned in for a quick 'see you later' kiss) and he didn't expect to see him until lunch.

"What do you want to do?" Jo pressed, leaning closer to look at Dean intently. She felt terrible for him, feeling pretty sure he'd managed to get quite attached to the sexy-nerdy Castiel in the short time they'd spent together. It was obviously a bit deeper than just a mutual attraction... not that anyone asked her.

Dean shrugged again, feeling the urge to mope now. "I dunno," he mumbled again. He wanted to make Cas stay but he had serious doubts that would go over well. He couldn't move away, so that was out. He hoped they could call and stuff, and he was pretty sure traveling back and forth wouldn't be that big of a hassle; but it just didn't seem like it would be enough.

He heard how long distance things tended to work out and he felt something clench to think that might happen. Son of a bitch—he was confused and now he was headed for a world-class sulk. Goddammit.

"You should probably figure something out," Jo urged, her voice soft with concern. "I mean, it's not everyday you meet a guy like that."

Dean nodded and sighed. It was a complex sigh, somewhere between wistful, blissful and annoyed. He was well aware how lucky he was, even if only for a few weeks. Maybe he should just quit his moping and just be happy with what he'd already had instead of wanting more. He startled when someone flopped into the chair next to him, shoulder bumping his and staying there, resting heavily against him. "Cas," he greeted, his voice full of surprise as his eyes lit up with happiness.

"Hello, Dean," Castiel grunted back, sitting upright and blearily reaching for the coffee. He ignored Jo's girly giggling and Dean's questioning expression, focusing on fixing his coffee with lots of cream and sugar and taking a few deep sips, nearly burning his mouth. He cradled the mug close, sipping from it as he tried to get his eyes to blink in sync again. He sighed happily when he felt the caffeine kick in after he'd downed over half of the mug. "Ah..." he sighed again, slumping down in his seat slightly. It had been so tempting to stay in bed, but he missed Dean and he knew waiting until lunch would only mean a cold bed and burnt coffee.

Dean rolled his lips together, trying not to laugh or smile adoringly at a grumpy (and probably hung over) Cas. Even with the coffee, it would be at least 10 minutes before Cas would be in the mood to talk. He just leaned against him subtly, his hand resting on his jean-covered thigh, and went back to his breakfast in slightly higher spirits.

It didn't take long for Cas to clear his throat pointedly and Dean looked over, pausing mid-chew of a mouth full of bacon. "Hmm?"

"I want to speak with you... Privately," Castiel murmured, his eyes flicking to an interested Jo briefly, "When you have a moment." He had Dean's schedule memorized by now but wasn't sure how interested the other man was to speak with him. He knew the moment he'd shuffled in, Dean would want to talk and he was insanely pleased the other man knew him well enough to stay quiet until he awoke fully (and downed at least two cups of coffee).

By the serious expression now on Dean's face, he probably had a clue what was on his mind. Castiel rubbed his damp palms on his pants and waited for Dean's response. He wasn't honestly expecting a no, but Dean had a habit of surprising him at times and now could likely be one of those times. He watched intently as Dean finished chewing and swallowed, the sound audible.

"Yeah," Dean nodded slowly. Cas knew his schedule, so it wasn't like he didn't know when he'd be free. "Yeah, sure. I have a free spot right before you, actually," he said with a smile, enjoying the fact they'd have even more time together that morning. He had been convinced Cas would've slept through his morning lessons. They weren't mandatory, after all and Cas didn't really need them any more.

He watched Cas for a few moments, smiling softly as the other man went back to making out with his coffee and pouring another mug as soon as he'd drained it. Dean stared as nimble fingers doctored the coffee just how Cas liked, all graceful, quick movements. He looked up and nearly frowned, "Should I be... worried?" he finally blurted out, unsure how to take the oddly blank expression that was now on Cas' face. He hadn't seen the Cas' stoic mask for weeks. He hadn't missed it.

"No, Dean," Castiel said softly, running a hand down Dean's arm and giving it a gentle squeeze. At least, he didn't think so... but he'd find out soon enough how Dean reacted. He pecked a quick kiss on the corner of Dean's mouth, smiling softly at the dazed look that flitted across Dean's face. He was pleased to notice no one was staring or even paying them any mind (except Jo, trying not to ogle them like a rabid fan-girl and failing). He felt a bit silly for refraining himself for so long. "I'll see you in a few hours?"

Dean nodded and watched Castiel gracefully leave the Dining Hall, his hands wrapped around a fresh, steaming mug of coffee. He sighed like a lovesick fool, his chin propped up on his palm and his eyes didn't leave the doorway until he no longer saw the back of Cas, his bed head and jean-clad ass as he shuffled away.

"Shut up," he muttered without turning around, feeling Jo's amused gaze burning into the side of his head. "It could be about anything," he said when he finally turned and saw Jo eyeing him with cheerful optimism.

Jo nodded, waving a hand at Dean dismissively. "Maybe," she said, pulling apart a biscuit and dribbling honey on it. "I don't know him nearly as well as you do; was that a good thing or a bad thing?" she asked, tucking the biscuit in her mouth and chewing quickly without taking her eyes off Dean. She was trying very hard not to giggle like a lunatic from the little kiss, but she'd never seen Cas be so affectionate before. It was adorable and sexy. Mostly adorable, though.

Dean shrugged, eating the last piece of sausage before pushing his plate away. "I'm not sure," he admitted. "But I guess I'll find out," he said and squared his shoulders. He could take anything Cas had to say and he'd deal with it. He slowly stood, kissing Jo on the top of the head. "I'll see you later," he said and hurried off to the barn for his first lesson.

He was distracted and jumpy, but thankfully his body knew the motions and his brain was free to wander the rest of the time he didn't need to talk to anyone. What could Cas want to talk about? He really couldn't figure out if the other man's expression meant good news or bad. He absently chewed on the inside of his cheek and forced himself to pay attention during his lessons. He couldn't afford to space out and risk someone's safety.

By the time he was due to meet Cas, he was quietly freaking out, his hands twisting up in Impala's reins almost constantly. Dean met him at the barn and grabbed him around the upper arm, dragging him towards his already saddled horse. "C'mon," he said, stooping and offering a leg up.

Castiel stared for a moment before taking the offered hand and mounting Impala, raising an eyebrow when Dean slid on behind him. "Is this alright?" he asked, turning around enough to see Dean. He did enjoy the way they pressed together, Dean's arms coming around him and holding the reins in one hand while the other settled loosely around his waist. He was just concerned they were too much for Impala.

"Yeah, 'course," Dean said, already leading Impala towards the wooded trail. "Impala can handle it," he said, patting the horse affectionately. The horse made a snorting sound and Cas chuckled, patting along a muscled flank in silent apology for doubting the horse's abilities.

Dean leaned forward a little, peeking over Cas' shoulder, and tried to read the other man's expression. But he couldn't. He tightened the arm around Cas' waist, thrilled when the other man leaned back and settled against him. They were deep in the wooded area and Cas hadn't said anything yet. "I'm dyin' here, man," he muttered, unable to take the silence anymore. "What did you want to talk about?"

Castiel cleared his throat. "As soon as we stop, we'll talk." He wasn't exactly stalling, he just wanted to be able to see Dean as he spoke. He was ready to fidget and he needed the reassurance of seeing Dean face to sooth his nerves. He chuckled when Dean immediately lead Impala towards a shadowy spot and hopped off.

He accepted Dean's hand with a good-natured eye roll, allowing the help down since he was pretty sure Dean just wanted an excuse to fondle him as he 'helped' him. As soon as his feet were on the ground, he wrapped his arms around Dean with near panicky tightness. He was probably freaking Dean out a little, but he couldn't help it.

"I've had the best time here," he murmured softly, a hand sliding up Dean's back into Dean's hair.

Dean nodded his agreement. "Best coupla weeks I've had in a long time... possibly ever," he admitted quietly, relieved he wasn't able to see Cas' face. He just didn't know what the hell was going to be said next but he felt something relax with the confession, nonetheless. He squinted his eyes closed when he felt Cas quickly pull away and could feel him staring.

Castiel paused for a moment, elated and just contented to look at Dean. "I'm glad to hear that," he said softly. He cupped Dean's cheeks in both hands and smiled when green eyes slowly opened and looked back with curiosity. "I've been thinking..." he trailed off, sighing. He ignored Dean's burning gaze as best he could and let go. He looked around and found somewhere to sit. His knees were already feeling wobbly, he didn't trust himself to remain standing for long.

He patted the soft grass beside him and laughed when Dean rushed over and plopped down eagerly.

"What've you been thinking about?" Dean prompted when Cas only continued to fiddle with blades of grass and occasionally run a hand down his leg. The silence was killing him and he needed to know as much as he didn't want to know.

Castiel sighed and turned towards Dean again. "I've been thinking about staying," he admitted. He blinked when Dean's face broke into a painful looking grin. "But it's not as easy as that. It's... complicated," he said softly, hating the thought of wiping that bright smile from Dean's face. He swallowed thickly when the smile slowly dropped off and he wanted to smack himself.

"Oh." Dean's smile faltered and he tried not to think the worst. 'Complicated' rarely meant it was actually complicated, just a nice way to get out of something. Was this when Cas gave him a list of why they couldn't stay together? Why they'd never work out? He only had a vague idea of what Cas did for a living, the suit and all seemed like something he wore because he had to, and he had a feeling some cowpoke wouldn't blend in well with all that. He tried to regulate his breathing and pay attention, realizing Cas wasn't done speaking. He took a deep breath and forced himself to look up at the other man and pay attention.

Castiel nodded and slowly drew Dean against his side, pleased there was no hesitation and enjoying the feeling of his solid warmth pressed against him. "I have a few obligations back home. Most I can handle. Some... I don't know," he finished with a soft sigh.

"Like what?" Dean asked quietly, afraid to hear of a fiancée or betrothed bride or something equally terrible that meant Cas was off limits once he was off the rolling property. (He didn't know if people still did that kinda shit anymore but he was also pretty sure rich people didn't give a shit about love when they married their kids off. Who knew. He just realized it was a very real, very depressing possibility.)

Or worse; a wife.

Dean swallowed thickly when he realized he never bothered to ask if Cas was single; he just took the absence of a ring (or indication of one) as sign enough. He wanted to cringe at the very idea he'd gotten involved with someone else's man. He really didn't think Cas was that kinda guy, but he didn't know what to think and his imagination went a little... stupid.

Castiel cleared his throat. "I teach. College," he added as an after thought. "But that's not a big deal, I'm sure I can teach anywhere. My family—" He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He wasn't beholden to his family for much since he was well set in his own career but he knew they'd have an opinion and try to interfere. His mother especially. She might want him to be happy but that generally meant on her terms.

It definitely wouldn't be easy.

"Oh!" Dean said, relief shooting through him and making him feel dizzy and almost feverish. He heard enough about Cas' family that he wasn't that worried. Sure his parents were assholes (well, that was his take on how Cas described them) but most of his siblings were OK; distant but not the melding sort. It wasn't like they'd disown him or something... Hopefully. "Is that it?"

Castiel nodded, eyeing Dean warily. He wasn't sure what the other man was thinking. "Pretty much. But... that's the main issue. My family are... involved in many things and it's unlikely they'll be happy with me," he ended softly. He turned, looking at Dean fully and grabbed his hands in a tight grip. "If I were to go home, just for a few weeks to arrange things, what would you do?"

"Wait for you," Dean immediately answered. "I mean—" He could feel his face heat up but he didn't look away. "If you said you'd come back. I would. Wait, I mean," he said softly when Cas' eyes widened. He felt his cheeks heat even more, completely embarrassed but knowing he needed to say it; "I haven't felt this before so... I don't want to just let it slip away, you know?"

Castiel nodded and took a deep breath, smiling a little despite his nerves and the still-present feeling of despair. "I do know."

"What if..." Dean cleared his throat and forced himself to ask. "What if you decide it was just a... fling and—?" He cut himself off, unable to finish, staring down at the grass scattered on his jeans and boots.

Castiel stared for a long moment. "I doubt that will be the case." He paused and thought about it, though. "I suppose, if it doesn't work out, I go back," he said quietly, shrugging one shoulder. He hated to say it, but he had to realistic. He didn't want to uproot his entire life on a whim, for something that wouldn't amount to more than a 'vacation fling'. He really didn't feel that was the case, but he had to be more rational than he had been the past few weeks. Dean had a way of short-circuiting his better judgement... but that was probably not exactly a bad thing.

"Okay," Dean said slowly, nodding. He could understand that but he was still stupidly thrilled, even if Cas already worked in a 'Plan B'. He couldn't blame him. It was a big change and he would've planned the same. Probably... OK—he really wouldn't've; he usually rushed into things with both feet, without a second thought. But it usually worked out for him.

And this—This felt like the right thing; the kind that would work out.

"You can't stay on the property, 'cause you're not gonna be a guest anymore," Dean said. He paused, lips pursed as he thought, "But I have a house near-by... I can give you a key?"

Castiel raised an eyebrow. "You have a house? I thought you lived here?" he asked, intrigued. He tried to imagine what Dean's house looked like and could only envision a larger version of his cabin; something homey and simple. And probably a really big TV and huge speakers.

"Its easier to just stay here most days," Dean said with a shrug. His house wasn't far, maybe a 15 minute drive, but it was really just easier to stay at the ranch, even when he wasn't working. "I haven't really been there since Sammy last visited."

Castiel nodded, smiling a little. He kind of hoped he'd get the chance to meet Sam but didn't dwell on it. "Are you... alright with this? Me possibly coming back? Staying? I don't want to intrude..."

"Of course!" Dean nearly yelled and flung himself into Cas' lap. He hooked an arm behind Cas' neck and kissed him soundly, pulling back with a smile. "This is totally the shit." He looked down and focused on fiddling with the buttons on Cas' shirt. "I was so scared I'd never see you again," he admitted quietly. He looked up and gave Cas a crooked smile, reaching up and gently rubbing a thumb over one rapidly pinking cheekbone. He grinned, he loved making Cas blush (even if he had to say girly, embarrassing shit). It went everywhere and it was really fucking sexy.

Castiel grinned back and pulled Dean into another heated kiss, groaning softly when Dean arched against him eagerly, fingers threading through his hair. "I couldn't bear the thought either," he admitted, pleased to have said it when Dean's eyes brightened and a dazzling, if not a bit dazed, smile broke across his face. He nuzzled against Dean's neck, nipping and gently trailing kisses across the warm skin. "Now that we've sorted that, I've always wanted to do it outdoors."

Dean laughed and scrambled off Cas' lap enough to shimmy out of his pants. He helped Cas out of his and straddled his lap, sucking on his bottom lip until Cas was making those fantastic sounds and shifting his hips up. He blinked and then laughed when Cas pulled back and pushed a small bottle of lube in his hands.

"Confident little shit, ain't ya?"

Castiel grinned and shrugged; he was pretty confident, yeah. It wasn't likely Dean would say no. He flopped onto his back and stretched his arms over his head and wiggled his hips at Dean in invitation. His laugh at Dean's expression quickly turned into a moan when Dean pounced, his hands everywhere.

They probably freaked out Pickles and Impala with the all the noises they made but he didn't care.

...

Dean stood, feeling awkward and lost, outside the airport. He hated that he could only go so far with Cas; he kinda liked the idea of being a complete sap and waving at the gate thing as Cas boarded the plane. But he couldn't do that and he had to stand outside the airport, hoping the rent-a-cops ignored his illegally parked truck and staring at Cas as he tried to stamp down the ridiculous urge to start bawling and clutching at Cas so he couldn't leave.

Cas' sad little smile actually made him feel a little better; he didn't want to leave either and he looked just as ready to chuck his luggage back in the truck and say 'fuck it!' as Dean was. He sighed and inched closer, grabbing Cas' hand and squeezing it. He gasped softly with surprise when he was pulled into a tight embrace, but he didn't waste the chance and wrapped his arms just as tightly around Cas, tucking his face in Cas' neck for a moment until his breathing was back under control.

"That's my cell number," Dean murmured, pulling away and slipping a notepad page into Castiel's pocket. He lingered, allowing himself a brief moment to fondle, grinning when Cas' face flushed and he gave a half-hearted wiggle to try to dance away from his fingers. "I expect to hear from you, like the minute you land." He nodded expectantly, wishing Cas' phone wasn't dead (and the goober didn't think to bring his charger) so he could program the number in himself.

Castiel nodded and pulled Dean close again, his face pressing into his neck. "I will. I'll try not to call too early or late," he whispered, fighting against a lump in his throat. He would almost positive he'd be seeing Dean again but it didn't make it any easier to leave. If only briefly. He ran his hands down Dean's sides, trying to get his fill before he left. It was impossible, really; he could never touch the other man enough. "I'll call as soon as I can, okay?" He felt Dean nod, a choked sound muffled against his hair and closed his eyes.

"Yeah. Yeah, I know," Dean mumbled, not pulling his face away from Cas' neck. "I'm sorry," he whispered, pulling away reluctantly. "I must be embarrassing you," he said, clearing his throat and swiping at his wet eyes. He felt like such a girl. On the verge of tears because his man was leaving. He was going to see Cas again, dammit! He smiled gratefully when Cas shook his head and cupped his cheek, he leaned into the touch and smiled a little when he felt Cas' thumb moving along his bottom lip and chin.

He really could stand there for ever, but he knew Cas' time running out. It was tempting to keep quiet so the flight would leave without Cas... "You only have a few minutes," he said, checking the time. Cas had less than a half hour to get through security and board the plane. Even though the airport was small and practically deserted, it would be cutting it close.

Castiel nodded sadly and leaned in for one more quick kiss. He closed his eyes and slowly pulled away. "I'll call as soon as I land." Dean nodded and he smiled, and forced himself to walk away. He paused, only to blow a kiss over his shoulder at the stunned cowboy just as the doors closed behind him and cut of their view from each other.

He sighed, and went through the process of getting back home. It was a longer trip this time, mostly because he was dreading going home and facing his family. He really hoped they'd be understanding and didn't forget he was an adult that could do what he wanted.

...

Dean went about his chores and morning classes, trying like hell to ignore the (silent) heavy weight of his cell phone in his pocket. Impala had finally gotten used to the damn thing whether it buzzed, chimed or screeched out the horrible Robyn song Cas eventually picked for his ringtone. (Even though he had a Pavlovian response whenever he heard 'Who's That Girl', it didn't mean he liked the song.)

Not that it's made any of those distracting sounds in the past few hours. It was starting to grate on his patience; Cas never went this long without responding to his texts or calls. It was almost disgusting how often he felt the urge to speak with Cas, in any form, but it never failed to make him feel gooey and stupid when Cas immediately responded—like he was just as eager.

Especially when Dean sent him interesting pictures or provocative thoughts. Cas was really fucking good at responding to those quickly, too.

Of course, Jo was still a nosy little busybody and stole his phone often so he learned to lock and secure the really good stuff. And the super fluffy stuff that made him go 'holy shit, that's my man!' and feel all mushy inside when Cas sent him something particularly sweet or romantic. Jo, the helpful nosy busybody, said that Cas sending him boring or sweet shit was just as good as the dick pics or dirty thoughts.

He could see her point, but he really preferred the latter.

Dean was checking the last few feet of fencing before the property ended at the driveway when the sound of tires on the gravel had him looking up and turning a little in his saddle to see who was driving down their driveway. His brows slowly drew together; he wasn't expecting anyone and they were too far out for 'I got lost!' kinda bullshit.

He stood in his saddle, patting Impala when the horse didn't even blink at the sudden move and he nearly fell out of his saddle when he saw Sam's car.

Well. His car that he let Sam drive because he couldn't stand the idea of his Baby stuck under a tarp or sitting idle in a garage. He didn't have much use for a car and Bobby's old pick-up suited him fine whenever he needed to drive somewhere.

He felt his pulse puck up and his hands sweat when he realized there was another person in the car with his brother. He knew that silhouette...

"Cas?" he whispered, leaning down in his saddle for a better look when his shiny black Impala came to a stop in front of him. He returned Sam's dopey grin, waving briefly, before his eyes settled on the person in the passenger seat.

He slowly straightened when Cas hurried to open the door. He dismounted Impala in that smooth way that had Cas laughing and running around the front of the Impala's hood and nearly tackling him with his body and mouth. "Fuck," he whispered, barely able to make any sounds because Cas' mouth wouldn't leave his. Which was totally cool with him, he could breath later.

"Hello Dean," Castiel murmured when he finally pulled away, sliding both hands up Dean's shoulders, knocking his hat off so he could run his fingers through Dean's hair and just enjoying texture against his palms. He was brought into another bone-crushing hug and a tooth-rattling kiss and he laughed, short of breath in no time and having to pull back.

Dean slowly let his grip on Cas loosen, but didn't drop his arms, and looked at Cas incredulously. "Holy shit," he breathed, stunned stupid by the complete shock of having Cas in his arms again. "What the fuck, man?"

"Aren't you pleased to see me?" Castiel asked, raising an eyebrow and trying not to grin.

"Yes," Dean said through a sigh and placed a kiss on Cas' nose. Yeah, he felt like a dork but it was so worth it to see Cas' eyes light up and his face go all soft and gooey. The big ol' sap. "But... what? How?"

Castiel shrugged, unable to really give many details. He went home, told his family what he wanted to do, put his notice in at the university and here he was. It had taken longer than he liked to get everything settled, but it was so worth it to see that look of naked shock and joy on Dean's face. "I couldn't stay away."

"Damn right," Dean said with a smirk. He looked over his shoulder and rolled his eyes at his brother. "Feel proud of yourself?" he asked, noticing Sam was leaning against Baby looking mighty pleased with himself. He couldn't even be annoyed at the fact that Sammy hadn't told him about sneaking around, making secret plans with his Cas.

Sam just nodded, grinning widely. He hadn't known what to make of Castiel when the guy first called, but he hadn't been able to say no, either. The few phone calls and the car ride here was enough to have him liking the guy. Plus, he made Dean make that stupid face that he always laughed at whenever he saw it all over some dude's face in a sappy rom-com flick Jo made him watch.

He was just as pleased Dean hadn't heard the pictures being taken.

(A/N: Edited August 2015.)