AN: More review replies!

FTWeepingbell: Thank you very much. I have a couple other stories already, a one shot and a full length one. The one shot is called "A Summer's Breeze" and the story is called "Olallieberry Pie".

Ale: I'm sorry I made you cry. Don't worry, it's not over yet.

Now, onwards! I don't really know where this chapter's going yet, so bear with me. It may be the end, there may be one more chapter. We'll see when we get there.

Chapter 10

Weeks had passed since the boys got together. Every weekend, Castiel would go to Dean's house for a date of some sort. Occasionally, he would catch glimpses of Dean's younger brother, Sam, or his father, John, but these instances were very rare.

Sometimes, on these dates, they would eat dinner. Sometimes, they would watch a movie. Sometimes, even Meg would join them. Sometimes, they'd just sit for hours on end, asking questions about each other.

Castiel was always hesitant on these nights. He was anxious to learn more about Dean, but afraid of pushing too much. Although he was more and more comfortable around Cas every day, Dean still had a lot of boundaries and barriers.

On one of the days where they would sit and talk- er, sign- they got on the subject of childhood.

I have plenty three brothers and a sister, Castiel told Dean. I only have one younger sibling, Anna. Above me are Michael, Balthazar, and Gabriel. Balthazar and Gabriel were always my favorites.

Why's that? Dean asked.

Michael was always very prim and proper. Gabe and Balthazar at least know how to have fun. They would always play with me when I was younger, even though Michael wouldn't. What about you? Castiel shifter forward eagerly, excited to learn more about Dean. What was it like being deaf as a child?

I couldn't tell you.

Cas smacked Dean's shoulder in response to his cryptic answer. Would you care to elaborate?

I wasn't born deaf, you know. Dean looked down at his lap. Eventually, Castiel placed a hand on Dean's cheek, raising Dean's head so he could see Dean's eyes.

I'm sorry. I had no idea. I understand if you don't want to talk about it.

It's fine. You're allowed to be curious. Again, Dean's eyes darted tucked a finger under Dean's chin, making him looking up again.

It's not fine if you're not comfortable.

Dean took a deep breath. No. This is something I want to share with you.

Castiel's heart practically burst in his chest as he read the sincerity in Dean's green eyes. Cas pulled Dean forward with a hand on the back of his neck, kissing him lightly. As he moved back, Dean leaned forward, not ready to break the kiss. Cas granted him one last kiss before pushing him back with a smile.

What was that for? Dean asked, trying not to smirk.

You want to share your past with me. That's not something small or unimportant. It means a lot to me.

Dean stilled Castiel's hands with his own. He sat in silence, playing with Cas's fingers, watching their hands the whole time. After a few minutes, Cas slipped his hands away.

Are you alright?

Dean's lip quirked in the semblance of a smile as he nodded slightly. Just thinking about where to start.

Cas quirked his head to the side, waiting patiently as Dean gathered his thoughts.

You remember my mom died when I was 4? Dean began. Cas nodded in response, his eyes staying trained on Dean's.

Well, she died in a car crash, Dean continued. I was in the car with her at the time. It was so long ago, but I can still remember everything so clearly. I remember we had just gone to the store. I was complaining that I had wanted ice cream while we were there. She promised to bake me a fresh apple pie, my favorite, when we got home.

Cas noticed Dean's fingers began to tremble.

Right as we crossed into the intersection, she turned to me and smiled. She said 'Anything for my little angel.' All I remember after that is a bright flash of light, and a really loud, high-pitched noise. When I woke up in the hospital later, the doctors explained to me that the sound was caused by a combination of glass hitting my eardrums and the force of the air bag hitting me. At first, I was so confused. I didn't understand why everyone was writing everything down for me, instead of just telling me.

Castiel swallowed around the lump in his throat as he watched Dean's tear-filled eyes. They were looking past Castiel, no doubt rewatching what had to be the worst moment in Dean's life.

They explained how the damage done to my ears meant I wouldn't be able to hear anymore. I looked to my dad, hoping he would tell me they were lying to me, but he didn't. After all, there was nothing he could do. I remember looking around for my mom next. She would tell me everything was ok. She would kiss me, and tell me the angels were watching over me, and then she would sing Hey Jude to me until I fell asleep.

I remember trying to call out for her. I suppose I must have actually said something out loud, because my father broke down into tears and the doctors began to write a new note to me.

I didn't believe them, at first. I sat there for three weeks, waiting for my mother to come in and make everything better. Finally, I had to accept the truth.

Castiel didn't know what to say. He could hardly imagine the pain Dean had just relived.

I've never told anyone this story before. Dean somehow managed to quirk his lips in a smile. I feel… better, almost. It was hard, but I feel good.

Thank you for sharing this with me, Dean. Castiel tried to show just how much he valued the story into his signing, but found the feeling hard to convey without his voice.

If it had to be anyone, I'm glad it was you.

Castiel smiled and kissed Dean's fingertips before moving to kiss away his tears.

AN: So I lied. There's more chapters. I thought of more plot to add, so yay.