Author's Note: Sorry for the delayed update folks! But I just got the very exciting news that I got my first job and have been busy preparing for that and celebrating! Here's another chapter. I hope you like it!

Claire looked over at Castiel and smiled slightly.

"So I take it you don't share this with many people."

"No. Not even Gabriel and Sam were supposed to know. But this kind of secret doesn't stay secret for long. It was bound to come out sometime. So I suppose it's alright that you know. We're used to it."

"How did this even happen, anyways?"

Castiel patiently explained the dream that had started it all and the events that followed. Claire seemed indifferent, other than a nod. She would never be able to tell him that seeing him like that with Dean made her miss her own father more than ever. However, the Angel paid more attention than she realized. Now that he was a parent he understood subtext so much better. He was silent for a moment, grappling with the words inside his head.

"Did you know that I have access to all of your fathers memories?"

Claire looked up at him. "Really? You do?"

Castiel nodded. "Yes I do. As a matter of fact, he helped me the most out of anyone when it came to being a father because I got to watch him with you."

"Are you serious?"

Again, he nodded. "He had a lot of good memories with you. There were a few in particular he loved the most. Like holding you for the first time, having you walk to him, taking you to your first pony ride when you were four, baking a cake with you at five, going and sticking white flowers in your hair when you went to a meadow at six, and playing wedding with you when you were seven. Seeing his love, compassion, patience, and joy have helped me to become a better parent, and he wouldn't have been that way if it weren't for you. I owe you just as much of a thank you as I do him. So thank you. You helped to save my son, and I will never be able to repay you for that."

Claire stared at him in complete shock. How was she supposed to respond to that?

"I don't know what to say." She admitted. Cas smiled.

"Just say you'll come and visit every once in a while."

Claire grinned. "You got it."

They sat there and talked with one another for a while. Castiel explained more of what their lives entailed now that this lifestyle had begun, and Claire told him about her latest hunting expeditions. When she felt that she overstayed her welcome, Claire gave Castiel a hug before he took her back home. When Castiel got back he went and checked on Sam and Gabriel, both of whom were fine, before he went back to the nursery. Thankfully, Dean was still sleeping peacefully. He sat in the rocking chair and got out the book he'd been reading. Mouthing the words as he read the enochian text, he quietly rocked back and forth in the chair until Dean stirred to life. Castiel shut his book and set it down before lowering the side of the crib.

"Hey there baby boy." He said, picking Dean up and cradling him to his chest. Dean rubbed at his eyes sleepily and yawned before he considered himself to be truly awake. He smiled up at his Daddy and snuggled into his chest.

"How are you feeling, buddy?" He asked. Dean took a minute to take a physical inventory. He wasn't hurting anymore. He smiled, and Castiel smiled back. "Good. Are you ready to see what Sammy and Uncle Gabe are up to?

Dean nodded, and Castiel went over to sam's room. He opened up the door to see Sam sitting on the floor playing with some toy trucks, Gabriel observing him. When he saw his little brother and nephew outside the door, he grinned and waved them in. He stood up and went over to Dean.

"Hey Dean-o. How are you doing?" He asked, ruffling his hair.

Dean smiled and reached out to give his uncle a hug. Gabriel was more than happy to return the favor. When Sam finally looked up, he smiled.

"Uncle Cas!" He cheered. Castiel chuckled.

"What are you up to, Sammy?"

"Playing with fire trucks!"

"That sounds fun."

"There's a doggy on the truck, see?" He said, pointing to the Dalmatian. That gave him an idea. "Daddy?" He asked, turning to Gabriel, who was now holding Dean.

"Yes, Sammy?"

"Can we get a dog?" He asked with pleading eyes. Castiel chuckled when he saw the grimace that crossed Dean's face. Dean shook his head no and clung to his uncle, whose mind was at a standstill. He couldn't bear to tell Sam no, but he couldn't stand the idea of a dog in the house for some reason. Gabriel looked over at his little brother, desperate for support. Maybe if Cassie said no he wouldn't be the bad guy here. Castiel raised his hands up, respectfully bowing out of the discussion. Gabriel looked to Dean next, but he had buried his face in his Uncle's shirt, not wanting to be a part of the debate either. Sammy already knew how he felt about dogs. For once it wouldn't be his fault if someone said no. Gabriel was working up his nerve to tell him no. He turned and looked at Sam, only to be met with the most heart-melting pair of puppy dog eyes in the boy's Arsenal. His steel resolve crumbled in an instant. He opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out yet. The look had disarmed even his strongest argument against a dog In the house. Damn. It should be illegal to be that adorable. When something finally did come out of his mouth, it wasn't nearly as stern as he wanted it to be.

"We'll see." Said Gabriel, obviously trying to be stern and failing. Sammy gave him his brightest little boy smile in hopes of swaying him.

The four of them laughed at the expressions on their faces.