AN: Time for more responses to my reviews.

Ishouldbesleepingitslike4am: Did you know that if you get 9 more people to bow down to me and proclaim me as their holy one, it would be a legitimate religion? Get cracking on that. I wouldn't mind being a god.

SuperWhoLockedsince'12: Thanks! Sorry for the tears, but they happen to sustain me and bring me great joy.

So this chapter is going to be told differently. There's going to be some italicized words. Those are a sort of narration. Their signing to each other will be bolded AND italicized. Also, this may be the second to last chapter. Sorry.

Chapter 11

A few years passed peacefully for the boys. After sharing their first kiss, they continued to share many firsts with each other.

There was the time of their first real graduation:

Castiel gripped Dean's hand tightly as they stood in the long line of seniors waiting to be announced and receive their diplomas. After much arguing with the office administration, Castiel had convinced them to let him stand by Dean to ensure he would receive his diploma at the right time. Honestly, though, they just wanted to stand next to each other.

"Cassandra Wallace," the principal called. Cas squeezed Dean's hand excitedly- they were next.

"Castiel Novak," the principal said into his microphone. Castiel gave Dean a quick kiss before walking forward. Dean counted in his head to 10 as they had practiced before following Cas up the steps to the podium. He shook the principal's hand as he accepted the diploma, sending a smile into the crowd where he knew Sam would be taking pictures. Sure enough, there he was, standing an extra 2 heads over everyone else in the crowd, waving his arms, clearly cheering at the top of his lungs.

After everyone had been called and the caps had been thrown, Castiel turned to Dean, only to be swept up into the largest hug imaginable.

Congratulations, Dean signed with a grin.

You too. I'm very proud of you. Castiel beamed widely at Dean, until, suddenly, his lips were otherwise occupied.

Sammy's been dying to meet you! Dean signed quickly as pulled back from the kiss. Come on!

Castiel just rolled his eyes fondly as he grabbed Dean's hand, allowing himself to be dragged into the crowd.

There was the time of their first 'I love you':

Cas pushed his reading glasses further up his nose as he bent in closer to his computer screen. He was working on a paper for Economics 101 class; it was due in a week and he was still needed five more pages.

Cas gave up with a sigh, moving his laptop from his lap to his bedside table. He slid his hands under his glasses as he rubbed his eyes roughly. Suddenly, his dorm room door burst open. Castiel glanced up just in time for Dean to jump on top of him.

The next thing Cas knew, Dean was kissing him soundly. Surprised, but by no means complaining, Castiel let his eyes flutter shut as he responded enthusiastically. When Dean finally pulled away, there was a spark in his green eyes.

Not that I'm upset or anything, but what was that for? Cas asked with a smile.

I go the job at the art studio down the street!

Congratulations! Cas beamed. I knew you'd get it.

Thank you so much. Dean was suddenly serious. Without you, I never would've even applied. Truly, this is all because of you. My first real job, and I get to do what I love. Thanks to you. Dean began to ramble as the excitement took over again. It's just so exciting and it's really close to the college campus which means I can still take a few classes and I'll still be able to see you during the day and I'm just really ready for this job and I just love you so much and-

Castiel stopped Dean's rapid fingers with his hand.

Did you just say you love me?

Dean turned bright red. Did I sign that, too?

Cas nodded.

Well, I do. After all, you've done so much for me, and I just always love being with you and we've been going out for a yea-

Castiel stilled Dean's hands and grabbed his face, pulling him forward for a kiss.

Stop rambling, you dolt, Castiel smiled, reaching out to stroke Dean's stubbled cheek. I love you, too.

Of course, they shared many more firsts. First time having sex, first time living together, first time Castiel published a book, first time Dean sold an art piece. Life was better than either of them could ever imagine. Until one afternoon in late July, when the sky was blue, the sun warm, and the breeze cool, when Castiel discovered something on his computer.

Cas burst into their living room to find Dean napping on the couch. He grabbed Dean's shoulder, shaking him awake roughly. Dean startled awake, rubbing an eye blearily when he saw it was Castiel.

Is everything alright? Dean asked, trying to hold back a yawn.

Dr. Kofax just e-mailed me.

Dean tilted his head in confusion. What did his doctor have to do with anything?

He sent back some really interesting information about your check up from a few days ago, Castiel continued.

Dean began to panic slightly. Is there something wrong with me?

No, not at all, Cas assured him quickly. Dean slouched back on the couch, relieved. In fact, he sent me some really great news.

Well don't keep it to yourself, Dean prompted. What's going on?

As you know, the debris from the glass left a lot of scar tissue in your ear, Castiel began. Dean nodded, encouraging Cas to go on. Well, he says that some new technology has come out, making all the scar tissue easily removable.

Dean tried to ignore the swelling in his heart, afraid of getting his hopes up.

So what you're saying is… Dean stopped, waiting for Castiel to finish explaining.

All they'll need to do is a really simple surgery.

And? Dean was unable to believe it until Cas said it himself.

And you'll be able to hear again.

Dean gripped Castiel's hand tightly as some nurses wheeled his hospital bed through the hallways to the operating room. They stopped outside a set of double doors, alerting Castiel that he wasn't allowed beyond that point.

See you in a few hours, Dean. Castiel leaned over the bed's railing to kiss Dean. I love you.

I love you, too.

Cas stepped back, getting out of the way of the nurses. He ran a hand through his hair with a weary sigh, resigned to wait through the next few torturously slow hours.

About four hours later, they wheeled Dean's bed back into his room. There was a set of stitches along the inside of each ear. He was sleeping peacefully, still knocked out from the anesthesia. Castiel jumped out of his chair when Dr. Kofax walked in.

"The surgery went just as planned," Dr. Kofax said. "There were no complications whatsoever."

"He'll be able to hear?" Cas asked shakily.

"Yes. And because he was four when he lost his hearing, he'll be able to speak a little. It won't be much, and the vocabulary will be very limited. He'll only know how to pronounce words he knew when he was four, but he should be able to learn very quickly."

Cas gave out a relieved sigh. "Thank you so much."

"It's my pleasure," Dr. Kofax smiled. He glanced down at his watch. "The anesthesia should wear off in about half an hour or so. He'll be groggy, but it should wear off very quickly. I'll let you two be alone for a while. Let a nurse know when he's awake so we can do some routine checks."

Dr. Kofax did a quick last check on Dean's ears before leaving the room to tend to other patients. With in minutes, Dean was stirring sleepily.

Dean rubbed his eye with the hand Cas wasn't holding. Suddenly, he sat straight up in his bed, eyes wide open and alert. The green eyes, always lively, lit up with a spark. Dean's jaw dropped slowly, but no sound came out of his mouth.

"Hello, Dean."

Dean's head whipped around quickly to look at Castiel with awe.

"Again," Dean said hoarsely, his face breaking into a grin when he heard his own voice. He signed along with what he said, both out of habit and to make sure Castiel understood. "My name. Again."

Castiel smiled. "Dean."

Dean grabbed Cas's face roughly, yanking him forward for a kiss. Castiel could feel Dean laugh against his lips.

"Your name," Dean demanded, leaving his hands on the sides of Cas's face.

"Castiel."

"Castiel," Dean repeated with a softer smile. He leaned forward to kiss Cas again. "Castiel. I-" Dean paused with a slight frown, searching for words he hadn't said in years.

"I love you, Dean."

Dean practically glowed. "I love you, Castiel."

AN: OK I LIED THERE'S MORE CHAPTERS I JUST CAN'T HELP IT.