Author's Note: Get ready for some more feels, guys! The song enclosed in this chapter is an original and may not be used with out my express written consent.
to Jude: Thank you so much for your review! It totally made my day! I completely agree with you about the sexualized aspects of infantilism giving you the creeps. I see these types of relationships as ones that should be completely innocent. Some people may make it sexual, and that's their prerogative. Me, I keep things innocent and they'll stay that way. I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Castiel sat down in the rocking chair, oblivious to the six spectators watching them as he was interlocked with his son. Dean's head was buried in his shoulder, arms wrapped tightly around his neck, and legs around his waist. By the look of things, he wasn't going to be moving any time soon. Castiel didn't mind. He needed the reassurance the physical contact gave just as much as Dean did. Thankfully, Azrael's magic had reversed itself when he passed, and the brain damage was gone once more. Dean was sobbing desperately into his shoulder, terrified to let go of him. If he was being honest with himself, Castiel was scared to let him go too. He was rubbing Dean's back gently, trying to help him calm down, while desperately searching for the right words to say. How could he possibly explain the tidal wave of emotions that had flooded his chest? He pulled away from Dean (much to his protest), lifted his head up, and pressed a kiss to his forehead.
"I love you so much, baby boy." He whispered. It was the first time he'd said it out loud when Dean could hear him. Dean automatically wrapped his arms tighter around his neck. He had never been able to say the words to anyone but his mother, but now, after all Daddy has gone through to protect him, it seemed only right to finally say the words- even if they did terrify him.
"I love you too, Daddy." He whimpered. Castiel held him even tighter if that was possible. He held him for the entirety of the time he cried. When he finally calmed down enough to stop, Castiel waited for his breathing to even out before even considering moving. But before he could do anything, Gabriel came over to the two of them. Dean lifted his head at the sound of his Uncle coming. Gabriel got down to his level and stage whispered in his ear:
"Hey Dean-o, maybe you oughta give your Daddy his present now."
Dean's eyes lit up, his mood instantly changing. "Yeah!" He hopped off of his Daddy's lap and ran over to the closet. Castiel eyed his brother suspiciously.
"Gabriel, what did you do?" He asked.
"Nothing!" He exclaimed, looking offended. Castiel gave him a look. "I mean it, Cassie. This was all his idea. He just showed it to me to see what you'd think."
Castiel nodded. That he could believe.
Dean pulled out the folded up piece of paper from his jacket and then ran back over to his Daddy and jumped into his lap.
"I wrote you a song, Daddy!"
Castiel smiled. "You did?"
Dean's head bobbed up and down excitedly. "Uh huh! I wrote it for you for Daddy's day, but I wanna give it to you now. Is that okay?"
Castiel nodded. Dean unfolded the piece of paper and handed it to him excitedly. Castiel scanned the paper and broke out into a bright smile.
"Did you write this all by yourself?"
Dean nodded proudly. "Yup!"
"Can I hear what it's supposed to sound like?"
Dean nodded again, took the piece of paper, and started singing quietly.
"You gave me a second chance
For the childhood of my dreams
Now I look back and take a glance
To tell you how much it means
You picked me up when I was down
You dried my every tear
You turned my world around
And it's never been so clear
All that I am I owe to you
For taking the time to see me through
The hardest of times in life I've ever had
And all I can say is thank you for being my dad
You gave me a place that I could call home
You gave me more joy than I've ever known
You helped me to grow
More than you'll ever know
And I hope you understand
All that I am I owe to you
For taking the time to see me through
The hardest of times in life I've ever had
And all I can say is thank you for being my dad
You showed me the love I never knew
You never gave up on me when things looked blue
You showed me the way
To find joy in today
And I'm glad
Because I get the chance to call you my Dad
All that I am I owe to you
For taking the time to see me through
The hardest of times in life I've ever had
And all I can say is thank you for being my dad
Thank you so much for being my Dad."
Castiel felt tears welling up in his eyes. This was what he'd fought so hard to protect. This boy had put all of his love and trust in him, and it meant absolutely everything to him. He pressed Dean to his chest and kissed the crown of his head as a few tears streamed down his cheeks.
"That was beautiful, baby. Thank you."
Dean smiled, then turned to his little brother who was watching in the doorway. He gave him a look, and Sam nodded, disappearing into the hallway. Gabriel eyed his nephew curiously. Dean gave the littlest smirk that made Gabriel incredibly proud. Then, Sam reentered the room, holding a piece of paper of his own. Gabriel raised an eyebrow.
"I made you something for Father's Day, too." Sam said. Gabriel perked up. He hadn't been expecting that. "Uncle Cas helped me." He added. Gabriel gave his little brother a vaguely proud glance. Castiel looked a little smug at the idea of his brother's reaction. Sam handed him the paper, and Gabriel smiled at him before opening it. When he saw it, he could have sworn his heart got caught in his throat. It was a picture of the four of them standing together right outside the cabin. Sam had even drew wings and halos for Gabriel and Castiel. The smile on Gabriel's face was matched by none.
"Sam, it's a masterpiece. I love it!" He gushed. Sam's face brightened.
"Really?"
"Really." He promised. "This is going on the fridge." He added. Sam looked satisfied with his work. Gabriel looked over at his brother, and didn't have to look into his mind to know that they were thinking the same thing. "We have some pretty great boys, don't we, Cassie?"
"That we do, brother. That we do."