You guys are beautiful. Thanks for encouraging me to continue! Also, I should note that this has not been beta-ed. I realized there is a continuity error w/ the previous chapter and the one that follows this one. I am editing it, since I noticed it, but much of this was written at 3 in the morning while on some kind of crazy manic writing episode, so there have probably been other issues like this. I know I should find a beta, but IDK, I don't have that kind of time. Thank you for reading. Much love!

The next morning, Dean awoke early, not exactly sure where he was. Then he rolled on his side to check the time and saw Castiel.

It was 8:00am and for Dean, that was early, especially considering it was a Saturday. Dean stared at Castiel, realizing they had never fallen asleep and woken up together until now. It was these details that defined relationships and these details made him feel like he and Castiel could move forward, despite all of the obstacles.

Castiel slept with his knees curled up to his chest, in almost a fetal position, spooning a pillow. Dean chuckled, because that was exactly how thought Castiel would sleep. It was strange, but it made sense. His brow was even furrowed in his sleep, something that only someone as tightly wound Castiel was would do. He chuckled and bent over and kissed him on the forehead.

Dean ambled out to the kitchen and made himself a pot of coffee and pulled out his laptop to catch up on football scores and maybe less important things, like the news. Castiel padded out of his room an hour later, looking absolutely miserable.

When he saw Dean, his eyes lit up and a huge smile crossed his face.

"You're still here?" He asked.

Dean stared at him. "Yeah, I'm still here. Where else would I be?" He said, raising an eyebrow.

Castiel just shook his head. "When I woke up, you were gone, I just thought…"

"I just woke up before you, Cas. Chill. Also, I made you some breakfast. It wasn't much, since all you have in your fridge is fruit, yogurt, and granola. Despite the challenges that presented, I whipped something up for you." Dean motioned to the fridge, his eyes not leaving his laptop screen. He really needed to start making time for his beloved 49ers again.

"You made me breakfast?" Castiel said, his voice rising. Once again, he was in disbelief.

"Well, I didn't cook. I just threw a bunch of shit in a bowel and mixed it together. Don't be too gracious." Dean said. "There's fresh coffee too." He added.

Castiel came into the tiny kitchen and pulled the bowl of yogurt and granola from the fridge. He poured himself some coffee, and then just stood there for a minute looking emotional.

"Cas, what is it?" Dean said, shutting his laptop.

"It's just… well, it's just this. No one has ever stayed the night and made me breakfast before." Castiel whispered, his lip quivering, tears threatening to spill over.

"Oh, Cas. Don't… don't cry. Don't cry again" Dean said. He couldn't stand that right now.

"It's not bad crying." He said, wiping his eyes. He smiled feebly.

Dean stood up and took the bowl of yogurt from him and set it on the table. He gave Castiel a little hug.

"I love making breakfast for you, Cas. You don't need to be so surprised. These are the little things people do for each other, you know?" He murmured, rocking him a little bit.

In Dean's mind, Castiel's reaction was ludicrous. He never imagined that he could make someone weep just by making them breakfast and coffee. He didn't say it out loud, but it made him like Castiel more.

"I just… well, thanks. Thank you for staying and doing it. You might think it's a little thing, but it's not. To me, it's a great big thing. So thank you." Castiel said.

"You're welcome. Now eat you breakfast. You're already too damn skinny."

Castiel laughed a little and sat down. Dean slid him the newspaper and reopened his laptop. They sat there in comfortable silence for awhile, reading the news, drinking coffee and eating breakfast. Castiel disappeared for awhile, showering and getting ready. Dean thought to himself about how domestic the entire scene was, and he didn't mind it at all.

He came back out and sat down at the table. "So, last night you said there was something you needed to do this morning?"

Dean smiled softly. "Yeah, it is Sam's birthday today, you know. He's turning 22."

Castiel nodded. "Okay, well, are you going home?"

Dean chuckled. "No, Cas. I'm not going home. Home is 2000 miles away and I haven't been there in two years. I'd never make it in time for Sam's birthday. I just thought I could get him a present this year, you know? I know it's shitty that I waited until his birthday to do this, but I don't know… I talked to my mom yesterday and she made me think that I should at least send him something little."

"How often do you talk to Sam these days?"

"Well, more than I used to. Maybe once or twice a week. Mom said that they just got a new laptop, so I was thinking I could maybe 'Skype' him today, or whatever you call it. It'd be nice to see his face, you know? It's been so long."

"Do you want me to come with you?" Castiel asked slowly "I mean, I don't know him, but maybe I could help you pick something out?"

"I'd like that."

They drove into the main part of town, where there were actually some decent shops, despite Plainville's small size. Dean didn't admit this to Castiel, but he had no idea what to get Sam for his birthday. That was one reason he had asked him to join. Castiel and Sam actually had a lot in common, and Dean wasn't referring to their collective batch of mental problems. Dean thought they were both weird and wonderful, and he was sure he'd think that even if Sam wasn't schizophrenic and Castiel didn't have enough baggage to bring down an airplane.

"What is Sam like?" Castiel asked. as Dean parked the Impala.

"Sam, well, Sam is fucking crazy, Cas." Dean said gravely, shaking his head. "Dude thinks that demons talk to him."

"That's not what I mean." Castiel said impatiently. "I mean, what does he like to do? What's his personality like? What was he like before he got sick?"

"Sam is an oaf." Dean said simply. "He's 6'4", with the grace of a moose. Everyone always thought he'd play basketball because he's so fucking tall, but he couldn't. Nope. Sam can't run to save his life because he always trips and loses a shoe or a sock. He swam in high school. He was fucking good at it too. He was varsity captain his junior and senior year."

"And?"

"Sammy is smart. Much smarter than me. Hell, he's probably as smart as you. Unlike me, his brains aren't limited to one area. He's good at everything. He can tell you about the GDP in some random country one moment, master calculus the next, and then he'll write a poem that'll make you whimper like a baby."

"So he likes to write? And he's well rounded? Athletic and smart?" Castiel emphasized the second part, actually sounding a little eager.

"Don't get too excited about him, Cas. Like I said, he's fruit loops. Plus he likes girls." Dean said, jabbing him in the ribs. "Oh man, Sammy might be well rounded, but he failed with chicks. Don't get me wrong, a lot of girls wanted to date him, 'cuz like you said, he's 'well rounded,' but he didn't know how their minds worked and couldn't talk to them without stuttering like a damn fool."

"So he is bad with women?"

"He gave his first serious girlfriend an aquarium for Valentine's Day. She cried for hours." Dean said, smiling fondly at the memory.

"But who would be upset by that? I would love to receive an aquarium, especially if it came already outfitted with fish." Castiel said, looking genuinely confused.

Dean burst out laughing and bent down and kissed him quickly on the lips. "You would like an aquarium, wouldn't you? So would Sam. I knew you two had stuff in common."

"He likes horror movies? The Halloween ones?" Castiel said.

"Unfortunately. He's also a huge fan of John Hughes movies. I swear, sometimes I think he has a vagina."

"What's wrong with John Hughes?" Castiel demanded.

"What, Cas, do you fancy yourself a Molly Ringwald?" Dean teased.

Castiel seemed to absorb Dean's description of Sam like a sponge and after that it was easier for them to find something befitting of Sam's personality. In the end, Dean ended up purchasing Sam a bundle of the first thee Halloween movies, a leather notebook that was purchased from the same place where Castiel got his sketchbooks, and a cheesy souvenir snow globe that advertised Portland. Back at Castiel's apartment, Dean realized he had forgotten to buy him a card.

"Shit. I forgot a card. I guess I can go back into town." Dean said. "Ugh, I'm a moron."

Castiel cleared his throat. "I know this might sound a little ridiculous, but maybe I could draw him something? Something small, light-hearted, like a cartoon that reminds you of him? That way it'd be personalized." Castiel looked embarrassed at his suggestion.

"Why do you look so embarrassed? That's a great idea." Dean said.

"I just don't want to overstep my bounds."

Dean just rolled his eyes. "You are such a weirdo, Cas. Offering to draw something goofy for my brother is not overstepping your bounds. What do you think would be good?"

"I have no idea, Dean. He's your brother."

"A moose." Dean said suddenly. "A moose swimming in a pool."

He had almost always pictured Sam exactly like that whenever he was forced to attend his brother's swim meets. It was easier than seeing his brother in a speedo.

Castiel just looked confused again and then started laughing. "Because he's awkward like a moose and a moose swimming is hilarious to you?"

"Yes. Make sure to put a speedo and swimcap on the moose. Just because I used to always give Sam hell for wearing that shit. He'd get a kick out of it."

Ten minutes later, Dean had Sam's card. Castiel drew a Chibi version of a moose struggling to swim through a kiddy pool, reaching for a birthday cake topped with a "22" candle at the end of the pool. Dean wrote Sam a note on the inside and they wrapped up the package.

"Cas, could you do me one more favor?" Dean asked.

"Of course." Castiel said automatically.

"So, to top off my 'celebration' of Sam's birthday, I figured I'd try to 'Skype' with him, you know? Would you like to meet him?" Dean asked. "If that makes you uncomfortable, I can go into your bedroom."

Castiel looked terrified, which was commonplace for him about 80% of the time. "Are you sure?"

"Why not? I mean, I'm in your house, you helped me with Sam's birthday package, and I've certainly mentioned you enough times. Might as well. It's just a webcam chat. You're not asking them for my hand in marriage."

Castiel's face turned bright red. "Um. Okay."

Dean called his mother to assure that Sam was up for it and to go through instructions about how to chat on Skype and 10 minutes later, Dean saw his mother's face up close and almost in person for the first time in 2 years.

Mary Winchester looked the same as Dean remembered, but older and more tired since she had started caring for Sam mostly on her own. Her face was bare of makeup and there were wrinkles around her eyes that Dean didn't remember being there the last time he saw her. Her blond hair was streaked with grey and cut into a sensible bob-style, something that was totally new for Dean. As soon as Dean saw this face pop up on the screen, he felt his throat close up. He reached for Castiel, who was standing out of the view of the camera. Castiel grabbed his hand and Dean squeezed tight.

"Mom." He choked.

"Dean!" She cried, an enormous smile lighting up her face. "Oh, honey, you look so good! How are you?"

"I'm great, mom. How are you?"

"We are doing really well! Oh, I feel like it's been so long since I've seen that face. I miss you so much, honey."

"I miss you guys too. How's Sam doing?"

"He's doing great today. The Singers are taking him out for lunch today. Ash is so excited. He even came back from college for the weekend for it!"

Dean swallowed. Ash had come home, but he hadn't.

"Has dad…?"

His mom just shook her head, looking grave. "And thank God for that. You know what happened last year when he came home…"

Last year, John Winchester had reappeared after weeks missing for Sam's 21st birthday. He had been drunk and had tried to take Sam out for his "first legal beer" even though Sam was expressly forbidden to consume alcohol because of his medication. The night had ended with Sam in the hospital for yet another 72-hour hold.

"Yeah, it's probably for the best. Have you heard from him?"

She closed her eyes and shook her head. "Not in a few weeks. Have you?"

Dean shook his head too. He hadn't spoken to his father in 8 months.

"Oh, well. For the best, like I said…" She said, her voice trailing off. She shook her head. "Let me get your brother."

When his mother left to go find Sam, Dean let out a strangled breath that he had been holding in.

"Oh God." He muttered to Cas. "This is horrible."

Castiel squeezed his hand again. "Do you want me to…?"

"No, absolutely not. You are staying right here." Dean said.

A minute later, Dean heard some rustling, and Sam's face appeared on the screen. Dean almost passed out when he saw him. Sure, he had pictures from the last two years, but it didn't compare to seeing Sam's face live and in motion. Seeing his face, Dean immediately got the urge to buy a plane ticket and fly home to Kansas, just so he could see that face in person. Just like his mom, Sam looked the same, but the subtle differences stood out. His hair was long, too long in Dean's opinion, and he had gained a noticeable amount of weight. His face bore stubble and the tired eyes of someone who had seen too much during a short life.

"Dean!" Sam cried. "Oh man, it is good to see you. What's up, man?"

"Sammy." Dean said quietly. "Happy birthday, Sammy."

"Thanks, Dean! It is so good to see you, even if it's just over a webcam. I don't know why we haven't done this before."

"How are things, Sammy?"

A smile bloomed on Sam's face. "I'm doing really good, Dean. Things have been really great for the last 4 months. I love school. Today I get to see Ash, Bobby and Ellen. Now I get to see you."

"Things are quiet up here?" Dean asked, tapping the side of his head.

Sam got serious. "Yeah, things have been quiet for awhile now. I haven't been seeing things, haven't even been hearing too much."

Dean nodded. "Good. That's what I like to hear, little brother."

"How are you, though? I know we just talked, but wow, Dean, it's so strange to see your face. You look good, man. How were midterms?"

"Midterms are good. They're over, thank God."

"Are you coming home for Christmas? I know it's far and you work during the break, but it'd be really good to see you."

Sam asked him that every time they talked. This time, Dean couldn't make up an excuse for why he hadn't make it back, mostly because of the hopeful look on his brother's face. Dean couldn't believe it had been two years since he'd seen it in person.

"Yeah, Sammy. I think I can make it back this year." Dean said, nodding.

"Awesome!"

Cas slipped away, to give Dean time to talk to his family. When Dean told his mother he was coming home, she actually started crying. A few anecdotes were exchanged about Sam's past birthdays and Dean updated them on what Jo was doing. Overall, although it was strange to talk to them this way at first, it became easier quickly. About twenty minutes into the conversation, he saw Castiel crossing the living room, arms filled with charcoal pencils. Dean motioned to him.

"Hey guys, there's someone I'd like you to meet, if that's cool."

"Is it that dude you always talk about?" Sam said sarcastically. "The one whose name you've mentioned 5 times in the last 20 minutes?"

Dean felt his face heat up, even though Sam was 2000 miles away and probably couldn't catch the scarlet on his face over the webcam.

"Uh. Yeah." He said.

Castiel set the art supplies on the table next to his easel and came over to where Dean was sitting. Dean grabbed the chair to the left of him and slid it over. He glanced up at him. Unsurprisingly, Cas looked like he was about to puke.

"Cas, buddy, it's cool. They aren't going to bite." He said, smiling at him.

Castiel sat down in the chair, body stiff. He cleared his throat and gave the Winchesters an uneasy smile.

"Sammy, mom, this is my friend, Cas." Dean said.

"Hi, Cas!" Sam said, waving at him. He put a lot of extra effort into it and Dean knew he was doing it on purpose.

"Hello there." Castiel said, his voice more gravelly than usual. "It's Castiel, actually. So nice to, um, meet you."

"Dean tells me you're the one who convinced him to start calling us on a regular basis again?" Mary Winchester said.

"Um. Yes." Castiel said, fiddling with his collar. "I guess you could put it that way."

"Castiel, you don't have to be so nervous. Dean has already told us all about you, whether he wants to admit it or not. Relax, you're among friends." Sam interjected.

Castiel looked shocked. Dean burst out laughing. Sam might not be the same person he was before the disease, but he still spoke plainly and could read people.

"Well, Castiel, thank you for convincing our Dean not to be so stoic." Mary said, smiling warmly at him.

"You're… you're welcome?" Castiel said.

Dean reached under the table and squeezed his hand. "Cas here is the reason I'm not failing political science right now." He said. "He's a close friend too. I just wanted you guys to say 'hey' to him."

"A close friend?" Sam said, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes. Sammy. A close friend." He said, giving him a look of warning that Sam was able to read, even over a webcam.

They talked for another 10 minutes, and then Sam had to leave to meet up with the Singers. Mary made him promise to "Skype" with them again on Sunday, so they could make plans for Dean's now-decided trip home. Dean closed the laptop and sighed.

"That wasn't so bad, actually. Much better than talking on the phone." He said to Castiel.

"Your brother seems like he's doing remarkably well." Castiel observed. "I couldn't see it, you know."

"Yeah, when he's lucid… well, he's almost like he's the same as he was. He's not as sharp as he used to be, you know, but he's still got it. He caught your awkwardness immediately."

"That's not exactly difficult for people to see, Dean." Castiel said, raising an eyebrow at him and smiling.

"He talks slower though. You could see him drifting just a little bit. Most people wouldn't notice these things, but I did. I don't know, Cas. It's fucking heartbreaking."

"Yes, but he's there. It's him and he was only seeing us, only hearing us. It was evident his reality was fully intact." Castiel said. "I know that I didn't know Sam before, nor do I know him now, but I have been around people like him before."

"When have you…? Were some of your foster brothers and sisters schizophrenic?" Dean asked, knowing immediately it was a stupid question, sure the confusion was etched on his face now.

Castiel chuckled. "Believe it or not, I've spent some time in the psychiatric ward."

"Oh." Dean said. That hadn't exactly sunk in, even though Castiel had referenced it in past conversations.

"I was younger, of course. I was 12 the first time… after…" Castiel shook his head. "I was in and out of state-mandated therapy for awhile, and then a couple of years ago, while I was getting my master's, well, let's just say I had a bad period. I was in and out a few times that year. That's when I saw people like Sam."

When he said that, Castiel's eyes were far away, back to a time when Dean hadn't known him and things had been much worse.

"I'm much better now." Castiel said finally.

"Do you… have to take anything?" Dean asked. He'd been wondering if Castiel was in any kind of treatment since that day at the park. That day, he'd desperately wanted to suggest it, but it almost seemed ridiculous considering everything Castiel had told him.

"Well, yes." Castiel said, looking uncomfortable. "I take a combination of anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications and I see a therapist once a month."

Dean hadn't known that either. He decided not to say anything else about it. Just like Cas hadn't known Sam before he was sick, Dean hadn't known Castiel when he was at his worst. He was secretly relieved that Castiel was getting some kind of help. It was clear that he was doing well for the most part, and Dean had no idea what Castiel's version of "rock bottom" was. He'd only seen a glimpse of it during the last few months.

He reached over and took Castiel's hand. "One more thing before we get to the Halloween festivities, whatever they may be. I wanted to ask you something."

"Yes?"

"What are your plans for the holidays?"

Castiel shrugged. "I don't really have many plans. I used to go home and spend them with my last set of foster parents, the ones I told you about, but they're older now. They go to Michigan to be with their grandchildren. I mean, real blood is thicker than state-sponsored blood, I guess."

"Were you planning on staying here?" Dean asked.

"Probably. Nowhere else to go." Castiel said, a look of misery dancing across his features as he said that. "I was thinking about asking Charlie… if maybe… since she lives here and all."

"Nonsense. That settles it. You are coming home with me." Dean said.

"What? Why?" Castiel said. His voice was bewildered.

"Because, Cas, everyone deserves to be around loved ones during this time of year. I'm staying here for Thanksgiving and Jo and I are going to make dinner, like we usually do, and of course you're invited to eat with us. But even more, if you would accept, I'd love it if you came home with me for Christmas."

"To Kansas?"

"Yes, to Kansas, you goof. If you didn't hear it, during that chat with my family, Sammy convinced me to come home. I need back up for something like that and you need a place to spend the holidays. It's a perfect fit." Dean said.

"You're asking me to spend Christmas with you? Isn't that a little fast? I mean, last night was the first time…" Castiel started. Dean knew he was trying to be logical, but he could the smile tugging at his mouth.

"I'm not leaving until around the 18th. That gives us a month and a half to prepare for it. I know you want to say yes, Cas, so just say it." Dean said.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes!" Dean cried.

"Okay then. I suppose I could do that. I mean, I've never…"

"Cas, if you say 'I never' again, I am going to force you to cross-dress tonight." Dean said, reaching over and tousling his hair.