A/N: Hello there! First of all I just need to say THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! I'm sooo glad people are still reading this story. It makes me happy that you all have such a good attitude about it. It's a male pregnancy but it's a much better turn out than I ever expected. I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate the feedback and how much I enjoy writing it. Every word you say shapes this story, so consider yourselves all editors of mine. :D Anyways some important notes: Starting from this chapter and lasting at least a few chapters, most of this story will be written from Castiel's POV. How better to watch Dean's pregnancy than through the eyes of the baby daddy/socially crippled/sexy motherfucking angel? Hope you enjoy this.

I did some research about pregnancy, the length, and stages and I've figured out mathematically when and how Dean should progress as a perfect 3 month ratio as opposed to 9. If it seems like things are happening too fast, it's because they're supposed to! I've done my homework! XD

Chapter warnings: EXPLICIT SEX OF THE SLASHY KIND! And swearing. . . and cuddling. So yeah. . .

Disclaimer: I DON"T OWN SUPERNATURAL

Dean woke up warm and very comfortable, and in pitch black. It was an improvement from waking up with the sun blinding him, but concerning nonetheless. He checked the display on his phone, finding that it was 12:30 in the morning. He'd wasted the whole day sleeping. He felt guilty since he'd already wasted two days freaking out about being knocked up (which was still the weirdest fucking concept ever, mind you). He still had to think of how to deal with this whole situation. He rubbed his belly, still not feeling anything different about it. It was hard to believe he was really pregnant.

Before the whole ordeal with Raguel, Cas had been trying to convince him that they could deal with it. That they didn't have to end it before it had a chance. Dean had to at least think about what Cas said. This was big to ignore. With a lump in his throat, he remembered clear as day what had transpired with Emma. . .

He couldn't do it. He had her at gun point but he couldn't kill her. Sam knew it too. Sam was the one who pulled the trigger. If he had to make the decision again, Dean knew he couldn't do it.

He felt suddenly very panicky at the thought of Sam. His brother had shot Emma without a second thought. Recalling this, Dean had this overwhelming urge to just get up and leave. Leave before Sam did anything hasty. He would hide, undetected, away from Sam and anybody who knew him. He wouldn't let anybody hurt it. Angel or not, It was his child. It was a part of him. Anybody who tried to take that away would be fucking sorry.

Dean balked at this realization. Was he really thinking about keeping it? The way his thoughts were running, it appeared he'd already made up his mind. He made to sit up, only to be halted by a barrier of some kind.

A warm barrier. . . Cas.

His arm was slung over Dean's chest, feeling like a cement brick— a warm cement brick. He thought back to how all of this happened, that rainy night and he realized; That's right. This kid didn't just belong to him.

He looked to his left and saw Cas's face, relaxed and content. It was a little weird that he was spooning Dean, but the hunter found he didn't mind as much as he probably should have. The angel's chest was rising and falling evenly, even though he didn't need to do things so menial as breathing. He was sleeping. That was good news. It was becoming easier for him. They didn't even have to have an exhausting fuck session to achieve it, either.

Dean blushed at the thought. It'd been almost a week since then. He wondered if Cas ever thought about it. Did he remember so vividly what it felt like, as Dean did?

Did he remember the intense, carnal nature of it? Did he remember the urgency, how all they both wanted was to feel. They threw all caution to the wind and just did what they wanted. Cas had been so angry, so fucking passionate and insanely aroused. Dean could still remember the rough fucking he'd received. There was no preparation at all, but he didn't care at the time. He was just as far gone as Cas had been. He'd welcomed it. He'd even asked for it. . . As much as he hated to admit it, it was the best he'd ever had.

And now he was definitely hard. Shit. There was no getting up with Cas's arm on him. No hope of removing it either. He would probably have to wake him. He made to do just that, moving his arm to poke the angel in the face. Castiel merely shifted, throwing his leg over Dean's, wrapping around it tightly. It was then that he could feel it. There was something very hard—very hot between Cas's legs.

Cas currently had his morning wood pressed tight in-between Dean's ass. This shouldn't have turned Dean on as much as it did.

"Cas!" He hissed, trying to get the angel's attention.

"Mmm. . . Dean," Cas moved closer, making Dean's breath hitch. The angel started grinding his dick hard against Dean's ass, the movement causing Dean some serious problems. He must have been wearing boxers, 'cause Dean could feel so much of him. He could feel how hot, how thick and how big it was. He could even feel how slick it was getting. He groaned, feeling his own cock twitch. It definitely shouldn't have been that sexy.

"Cas you need to wake up. . ." Cas was moaning deeply now, his face buried into Dean's neck as he rutted shamelessly between Dean's cheeks. Dean blushed, his dick straining against his boxers. It seemed like Cas was on a mission to get off. Dean was getting hotter too. It would be over once he came, right? Maybe they both could take care of their. . . problems. Cas wouldn't even know it.

He slowly pulled his boxers down to his thighs, freeing his sad erection. He wrapped his hand around it gently as it was sensitive since he hadn't gotten off in a few days. It wasn't enough though. . . And that bulge behind him was just begging to be freed. He bit his lip, knowing he was gonna regret this, before reaching behind him. It took a few failed attempts before finding the hole in Cas's underwear and reaching in. He found the offending erection inside, hot and weeping. He groaned, feeling any control he had before slipping away. He brought his hand back to the front and it wasn't long before Cas was back on his quest, pressing his now naked dick against Dean's ass. Dean ground back onto it. He could feel it pressed tight against his sensitive hole, moving up and down against it, getting it slick with precome.

"Mmmm Dean. . ." Cas moaned, his breath hot and labored against Dean's ear, thrusting his dick clumsily against Dean. Dean pressed hard back, his hand working his cock. God that felt fucking good. He didn't realize just how sensitive he was back there. It wouldn't be long until he finished at this rate.

"That's right baby. Come on. . ." He whispered, stroking himself fast and hard. "Just a little more. . ." Suddenly Cas stopped, body stilled like he'd just woken up.

Which yeah. . .he woke up. Fuck.

"Dean what's. . . why is. . .?" His hand felt around, taking in the situation and Dean's cheeks were on fire. It was like a twelve year old being caught with a porno mag.

"Cas. . . I can explain–" Dean turned to look, but he could feel that Cas was still just as aroused now as he was before. He thought back to that night. The night when that thick dick was inside of him; How hot it made him. "Cas. . ." How was he supposed to tell Cas that he wanted to do it again? He wasn't that open about the whole thing yet. He was still holding onto the dregs of denial.

Cas whispered into Dean's ear. "According to the situation, and the level of arousal we're both in, intercourse would be easily accomplishable, however, with Sam being present . . ." Dean's eyes flew open, lifting up to see that, surely enough, Sam was sleeping soundly on the other bed. His cheeks grew impossibly redder, the sudden threat of getting caught filling him with adrenaline. Cas spoke quietly again. "If you don't want Sam to know, you need to be quiet. Now don't be alarmed. . ." Dean jumped as he felt something warm and slick coating the inside of his hole. Well, If that wasn't the weirdest fucking feeling ever. . .

"What the fuck is that?" Dean whispered, harshly.

"This will make it easier. . ." Suddenly he felt the blunt tip of Cas's cock pop inside of him, it was definitely tight but he didn't feel any pain, which was weird since it'd been a week since he'd had anything in there. He wasn't about to ask questions though. He was quickly being filled to the brim with cock and his mind wasn't working right anymore.

Cas held Dean tight from behind, lifting his leg to get better access. He was kissing and sucking on his neck, making Dean make the most embarrassing sounds.

"Shhh. . ." Cas covered Dean's mouth as he thrust slowly in and out of Dean's ass. Dean couldn't get over the feeling of how hot it was, how thick and long and how it stretched him. It felt so fucking good. How was Dean expected to be quiet about it?

Dean yelped, feeling Castiel hit his prostate. He would never get over how good that felt. It would always take him by surprise.

"Dean. . ." Cas whispered, going faster now, pounding that spot. Dean's breath was coming out in gasps now. "I'm already. . ."

"M-Me too. . ." Dean felt Castiel's hand on his cock, grabbing it tightly and stroking fast in time with his thrusts that hit that spot every time. Dean was coming. He bit his lip to stop himself from making too much noise about it but he might have been unsuccessful. His vision filled white and it was like every barrier he had up was torn down for a moment. For one second he was completely vulnerable. Everything he didn't want people to know about him was visible and at Cas's mercy. He melted into the angel behind him. There was nobody else who could hold him together.

Cas's thrusts were jerky and uncontained; Desperate. Dean could feel his cock twitching inside, getting harder by the second. Cas was about to come. God, he wanted Cas to feel good. He wanted to be the one to bring him there. He reached back and kissed him as he did. Cas went ridged, breathing harshly against Dean's lips. Dean could feel the hot spurts filling him up inside until there wasn't any room left.

It was a moment before the angel relaxed, slumping against Dean, still wrapped around him. Still inside. Dean shivered at the contact, the sweet moment of bliss afterward. That moment was a moment Dean would never get tired of; The way that Cas clung to him like he was all the angel had to keep him together. He loved it. Nobody else ever did that.

"Sex with you is. . . mind blowing," Cas said in a normal volume. Dean raised his eyebrows, looking pointedly at Sam. Sam. . . who was still snoozing. "Right. I raised a sound barrier around us at the end. . . You were making too much noise. Sam can't hear a word we say," Dean looked at him incredulously, pretending he didn't hear the part about him making noise.

"Why didn't you just do that when we started?" Cas scratched his brow, looking all but sheepish.

"I'm not sure why, but the threat of detection was. . . arousing." Dean shrugged.

"True enough. . ." He turned around in Castiel's arms, feeling himself becoming crusty in various places but he didn't really care at the moment. He looked into Cas's eyes and saw complete contentment, almost smugness there. He smirked. "You look mighty pleased with yourself,"

"You initiated it by violating me in my sleep. I only finished it," Dean poked Cas's nose, causing him to scrunch up his face.

"Nuh-uh, Mr. angel-pants. You were the one getting a free wet dream. I woke up with you humping my leg like a flippin' dog," Cas furrowed his brow, looking offended at the accusation.

"I am in no way similar to a dog, Dean. You're making it up." Dean snorted.

"Don't try to deny it!" Dean bit his lip. "It was hot, though," Cas was silent for a moment before he spoke again.

"Dean, I think I've figured it out"

"What?"

"If what you said was true, then I know now how to initiate sexual relations with you," Dean lifted his brow, looking amused.

"Oh yeah? How does it work?"

"It involves me having an erection," Dean gaped at Cas, not really seeing him. He wasn't sure if what he heard is what was actually said, but Cas looked completely serious. "Every sexual encounter we've had together was initiated by me being visibly aroused. It took some time, but I've realized that your sexuality towards me stems from seeing me in such a state,"

"Is that so?"

"Precisely." Dean chuckled nervously. Patting Cas on the shoulder.

"Well glad you've got it figured out. Tell me how that works out for you." He shook his head and went back to basking in his post-sex euphoria. Some of the shit Cas said. . .

"You like seeing me aroused, Dean. You especially like. . . feeling it," Dean smacked his shoulder, laughing now.

"Y-You've been reading dirty magazines again, haven't you?" Dean said, nervously. "L-Look, you're a good looking guy, and if I really am gay or bi-sexual or whatever then, yeah, I'm gonna wanna fuck you,"

"You like my penis," Dean blushed furiously, suddenly sent into a coughing fit. He tried to look away but there was no escaping Cas's eyes. "Sometimes I catch you staring at my groin when I'm sitting, or if I'm changing you always look at least for a few seconds. And. . ." Cas paused, cheeks turning pink "You really liked it just a few minutes ago," Dean decided that now was a very good change in subject.

"Cas, I've been meaning to ask. Who was that Raguel bitch?"

"She's an archangel. She's the Archangel of Judgment. If Father was going to gauge the progression of our. . . situation, he would choose her to do it." Dean nodded.

"Makes sense, I guess. So hey. . . umm. . . About our situation," Dean didn't have to say it, because there was only one situation that he and Cas both shared. "I don't think it's. . . really a problem," Cas looked confused and Dean scrambled to find the words he wanted to say. "Umm I mean. . . I want to do what you said. I mean. . . I wanna do this. I want to. . ." Dean struggled, trying to find the words he wanted to say without saying it directly. It was still so new.

"You want to keep the baby," Cas was smiling now. It was like all of Dean's uncertainties were washed away upon the sight of the angel smiling so brightly. He couldn't deny that he really loved seeing it.

"Y-Yeah," Dean blushed, feeling Cas's eyes on him. "It's still fucking weird as hell, and I don't know if I'll make a good p-parent or anything, but I w-want it to be with you, okay? I want to do it with you. You're it's dad, after all. . . If I had to choose anyone to do this with, it'd be you," And there it was. The first time Dean had outwardly admitted that yes, he was having a baby. Yes, Castiel was the dad, and yes Dean was kind of happy about all of that. Cas was just beaming now. He leaned in and kissed Dean softly on the lips, making the Winchester melt.

"I'm really not used to having all of these feelings, Dean. I don't know what it's like to be a father. Angels don't usually do that so I've never had anybody to compare it to. I have no idea whether or not I'll be adequate." Cas gently touched Dean's stomach and a gentle smile played on his face. Dean shivered at the touch. "All I know is that I feel the same Dean. I wouldn't want it to be with anybody else. I really do love you," Dean's heart started fucking dancing. He gripped Cas's shoulders tightly. Dean was so happy he didn't know what to do with himself. There were so many different feelings inside of him right now. It was like his chest would explode, but he didn't have time to sort it all out.

Now came the hard part.

"We have to leave, Cas,"

"But, we just got back. . ."

"There's no time, we have to leave now," Dean paused, pressing his forehead against Castiel's. "I'll explain later. But Sam can't know. Nobody can," Cas froze the area. Sam wouldn't be waking up now until they'd gone.

"Dean," Dean was hastily packing his things in a red duffel. He didn't really have time for chit chat. "Dean, the leviathans are still at large.

"Then we're going to have to travel invisibly, aren't we?" Cas's eyes widened, he must have forgotten.

"We can now, can't we. . ."

"Yep," Dean said, stuffing shirts in his bag.

"You can fly with me, undetected,"

"That's right,"

"Dean if we go into hiding, we will never be able to be in contact with anybody who knows us, lest we be discovered," Cas shifted uncomfortably. "We won't return here. Nobody can find us until the child. . . our child," Cas said, as though testing the words on his tongue. "is old enough to mask it's Grace. We won't be able to fight the leviathans. We would be withdrawing from this war," Dean paused, swallowing. He knew that. Dean wasn't one to back away from the fight but the feeling he had, this feeling that started ever since it all became real. . . It was just something he had to do. He couldn't let any harm fall upon this kid.

"Y-Yeah I know. Now are you gonna help me out here, or not?"

Dean could understand Cas's concern. He knew that two key players disappearing in the middle of a war was the worst idea possible. But things had changed. Whether he liked it or not, he was pregnant now. There were forces that wanted to manipulate, harm the life growing inside of him. Not only did he have God and Sam to worry about, but there was something else; Something that didn't sit quite right with him. It was this persistent, niggling feeling in the back of his mind that he couldn't ignore. All he knew is that it was worse than anything God could cook up. Much worse.

::

Dean stood at the hearth of the hotel room, red duffel in hand. Castiel was packing lightly as always—Bringing absolutely nothing but the clothes on his back. It was time to try invisibility. Dean had to admit he'd been looking forward to this. It wasn't every day when you got to be invisible.

"Take my hand. This is probably going to be tiring for you the first time. If you collapse, I will be there to catch you," Cas looked meaningfully at Dean. Dean looked away blushing, lifting his head.

"Let's do this," Suddenly, they were surrounded by Grace. The light was bright but it didn't hurt. He could feel the gentle flapping of wings behind him and he looked. There, spread out behind Cas, were the wings that he'd seen on that rainy night, the beautiful, black wings that he'd never forget. They were glowing in the light, colors shone off of them that no language had a word for. It was insane. It was fucking beautiful.

"Cas I can see them. . ." He looked at the face of the man next to him. "They're amazing, man," Cas looked back, grinning wide from ear to ear, showing each of his perfect teeth. Dean might have imagined a hint of a smirk, if he didn't know any better.

And they left. It was nothing like the times when Cas would mojo him hither and thither. Usually the sensation lasted only a second, but it was like they were flying in real time. Dean could see everything. He could feel the wind from Castiel's wings, the towns as they flew by. The colors were a mingled blur but it was still fricken awesome.

And Cas. Well, Cas was fucking amazing.

He was shining brightly, his eyes glowing white and his wings strong and powerful as he flew. It was like the air was suspended in time as they passed, not fast enough to keep up with Castiel. It was brilliant. It was Cas. Dean felt just a little smug that this awesome creature chose Dean, of all people, to fall in love with.

But damn was he getting dizzy. The mojo must have been going to his head. It wasn't as bad as Cas made it out to be. He was fine. It was kind of like vertigo, only he had a weird flavor of Brussels sprouts going on in his mouth.

"We're here," Dean found himself in front of a small house. It was nestled in a dense forest, it's doors were a bit lopsided, and the white paint was chipping, but it seemed to be pretty sturdy, if not eons old. There was a stone walkway leading up to the porch. There were trees that were growing too close and various growth and vines wrapped around the columns. It must not have been inhabited for years.

"How are you feeling?" Cas asked, concern on his face.

"I'm fine," Dean said. He was getting a lot dizzier right now just standing there, but he was okay.

"We still have a lot of work to do before we can become visible again. We should hurry. I don't know how long you can hold up," It's like he wasn't even listening. Cas could always see right through him. He didn't even need to read Dean's mind.

::

The boys were silent as they put up wards in the empty house. They'd spent the whole day cleaning and making symbols all over. Cas had explained that it was a one story, foreclosed home, written off the grid and forgotten about. It was out in the middle of nowhere. Nobody would be remembering it any time soon. It was still set up for showing, so there was furniture and appliances. With a bit of Grace they would have electricity and running water.

The cleaning took forever. It was done the old fashioned way because Cas said that excessive use of Grace would draw attention. The wards would only mask so much of it.

"Are you going to tell me why we're doing this, now?" Cas said, breaking the monotony.

"It's. . . It's Sam," Dean said, dropping onto the 60's styled couch in the living room. The hunter was extremely worn out now. His wards were done. It was just Cas that needed to finish. "I don't. . . I can't trust him,"

"Why not?"

"Remember when I told you I had to. . . do something like this before?" Cas nodded. "Well I had a kid, Cas. I had a one night stand with a supernatural that was part of this Amazon tribe or whatever. Anyways, I guess she made it so I would get her pregnant." A pained look spread across the hunter's face before he continued. "The baby grew way too fast Cas. After we had sex, she was pregnant and ended up having the baby overnight. Her name was Emma. She was grown up in two days. It wasn't right. She tried to kill me as part of this ritual and I was supposed to kill her, Cas. I couldn't do it," Dean bit his fist, trying not to lose it.

"But somebody did. . ."

"Sam was there. . . He did it without even hesitating," He sat up and put his elbows on his knees, looking at the shabby carpet. There was a stinging in his eyes, but it must have been the dust. "He saved my life, but at what cost?"

"Dean. . . It's in the past. It shall lie there now. I understand why you mourn the child. It was yours, whether you asked for it or not. My only solace for you is that you didn't know it better than a few days," Dean snorted.

"It was like I watched her entire life in fast forward. . . It was unreal. She was my daughter. . . She wanted to kill me." There was a lump in his throat that Dean couldn't swallow. He felt a strong hand on his own.

"And now, in her memory, you are going to live on. We will not forget her Dean. All the love and protection you didn't get to give to her, we will bestow upon our child. We will do it together,"

"Yeah that's good. . . I just. . . Wish I didn't have to go through that. I'm too young to go through that."

"I'm sorry you did," Dean sighed.

"It is what it is. I'm still here. I'm fucking pregnant, but I'm here. And I have you. I feel. . . safe. I can't really say I've been able to say that before,"

"I will do everything in my power to give you a normal life again, Dean." Dean laughed at that. Pure comedy right there.

"Cas, I've never had a normal life and it will never be normal," He kept smiling, looking off at nothing in particular. "I don't even want it to be normal, really. . . But I don't think it's too much to ask for some peace every now and then," Suddenly Dean felt a literal load off as he realized that the invisibility was lifted.

"I'm not really familiar with peace either, but there's no harm in trying." Dean smiled.

"You're right. A little peace never hurt anybody,"

::

"BLARGH—"

"Dean, why is it called morning sickness if it happens at 11 at night?"

"SHUT U—BLAAAAARGH" Castiel winced as he held Dean steady by the toilet. He felt almost guilty that Dean was the only one experiencing this. Cas had tried to sooth Dean's furious stomach with his Grace, but it was like the Grace present inside Dean was repelling it. He wouldn't be able to assist Dean in getting through the more physical aspects of this pregnancy. For that, he felt increasingly useless.

It seemed, after ten more minutes of vomiting, Dean was in the clear. The man stood up wearily, stumbling to the mirror. He looked very cranky indeed. He rinsed his mouth.

"This shit is gonna get old," He said, putting paste on his toothbrush.

"Maybe we should find a pregnancy book when we go shopping tomorrow. It might have tips on how to make it easier." Dean didn't look very impressed at this idea. He paused, looking confused, toothbrush immobile in his mouth.

"We're going shopping?"

"Well, Dean, even though I do not require it, you need food or you'll die. That would be unfavorable," Dean shook his head.

"I mean, we can't be detected. How will we pay for stuff?"

"Dean, God will know where you are no matter how many wards you put up. There is no ward against Him. Sam, on the other hand. The only way he could find us is with the help of another archangel. I can make myself invisible to them if I please, but you will not be found with that tattoo on your chest. If there is a real danger in Sam, Father will know it and will allow us to remain hidden. The child is almost as important to Him as it is to us.

Dean snorted, twirling around and heading back to the little bedroom that was currently plastered in wards. Across from the warped, hand-crafted dresser, there was a queen-sized bed. The sheets were moth-bitten accompanied with dusty pillows and the red blanket was thin and scratchy, but it would do the job at least until they went "Shopping".

"Yeah, well he better keep his fucking distance. Come on, it's time for bed. I'll even let you have the other side. See how generous I am?" Cas stayed back in the doorway, watching as Dean took off his shirt and pants, now only in his boxers before lifting the covers to lay in bed. It was a moment before Dean sat back up, looking annoyed.

"What's the issue? Get in already."

"Dean, I won't be sleeping."

"Why the hell not?"

"I can't monitor the wards and sleep at the same time. I will remain awake. I do not require sleep anyways." Dean sighed.

"Fine. Have it your way. You can at least lay here while you're 'monitoring,' right?"

"There's no reason why I cannot, but, in the past you've expressed aversion to the idea of sleeping in the same bed with me in it. I don't want to bother you," Dean clenched the sheets, not looking up as he spoke.

"It's. . . it's different now, though. Last night when I woke up with you, it was. . . Look, just get in the damn bed!" Dean lifted the covers and Cas complied. He paused before entering, remembering Dean did not approve of trench coats in bed. He undid his belt and his pants. He was down to only his tee shirt and boxers before he crawled into bed with Dean. "You better be there when I wake up too!" Then, the weirdest thing happened to Castiel.

Dean threw both a leg and an arm over his form, fitting his body as close as he could (if he got any closer he would be inside of his skin). His face was buried in the crook of the angel's neck. Cas thought this action to be the most peculiar thing.

"Dean?"

"Mm?" Cas opened his mouth wordlessly before speaking.

"What are you doing?"

"Snuggling. You got a problem with that?"

"Not. . . at all. "

"Then shut up and lemme sleep,"

"Okay, Dean. Good night,"

"'Night."

::

Sam Winchester woke up that day, certain he'd just heard Dean yelling about something, but the bed next to his was empty and Dean was nowhere to be found. Cas was gone too. He'd assumed that they'd just went out or something. There wasn't a note or anything, though. It was kind of their rule to leave notes when leaving.

They were gone all day and it was almost 7 at night when the younger Winchester started to worry.

He tried their cell phones, only to find that they were shut off. Now he was really suspicious. Were they captured? Was it the leviathans?

Or could it be. . .

Lucifer chuckled next to him. "You don't actually believe that they've been captured, do you? It's obvious Dean has run away with Castiel. Obviously they intend to have the child with or without your opinion on the matter."

"But why would they leave?" Sam said, sure that consorting with Lucifer was a bad idea, but he couldn't be bothered to worry about it right now.

"Because what did you do to his last child, Sam?" Sam bit his lip, trying not to remember the look on Dean's face when he realized that Emma had been shot.

"It was necessary and he knew that. She was about to kill him and he couldn't shoot. I had to do it for him. I took that burden away from him," Sam recalled that they hadn't spoken of that time. Dean carefully avoided the topic.

"A favor you'll never be thanked for. Surely you knew that. And now, with this pregnancy, Dean has turned his back on you. He has betrayed you, the only family he has." Sam stood up angrily.

"You don't know what you're talking about! Dean will call!" He stormed away. From Lucifer or himself, he still didn't know.

::

Cas noticed Dean stirring in his sleep. He wondered if it was a Nightmare. He thought this word with a capital letter in his mind, for they weren't just any nightmares. Dean didn't seem to be aware of it, but, from time to time, he'd have violent nightmares since he'd been resurrected from Hell. Dean would thrash about, crying unintelligible words. Cas knew that Dean would not want Sam to be aware of it, so he kept it quiet for the most part. In the time that he had spent with Dean and Sam, Cas would use his Grace to calm the nightmares and give Dean a dreamless, peaceful sleep. In his absence, he was sure that Sam would know about them by now.

It seemed to be going down that path. Dean started tossing and turning, letting a whimper every now and then. Cas was about to intervene before it got too out of hand, but he stopped when he noticed a faint glow manifest around Dean as he lay in bed. It got brighter and warmer. Noticing the gentle rise and fall of his chest, Cas knew it was over. Dean stopped moving and drifted back into a peaceful slumber.

It was the child. Their child was soothing Dean with its Grace as he slept. It was chasing away the nightmare.

Cas smiled, stroking Dean's hair softly, so as not to wake him. Their child was already so amazing, protecting Dean and not even born. Cas felt a swell of pride at the thought. His child.

Cas didn't often have time to think of his sudden fatherhood. It was still the newest concept of him. The only father he had to reference the process on was his own but that was hardly the type of parenting he wanted to give to his child.

His upbringing was that of a warrior. Born for battle and servitude. The kind of love his Father bestowed upon them was not the same as human love. It was the love that promised devotion from his children. It was the love that told angels that their Father would always be there and that His will was always right.

But Castiel knew now that that kind of love wasn't the right kind. He'd already learned that his Father's will wasn't always the right way. Dean had showed him that. Dean showed him what it was like to have independent thoughts and feelings. What it was like to want something for himself. Freedom. True freedom to make his own decisions—To create his own destiny.

The love that he would give to this child was the kind that Dean had taught him. He would teach his child to be independent, to be righteous and to love unconditionally. This child would be the first angel to have a mind of their own. He beamed at the prospect.

He gently pulled down the covers as Dean slept. He could see the slightest swell in his belly and his breath involuntarily hitched at the sight. He again made sure that the roundness in his belly just wasn't the byproduct of one too many cheeseburgers by sensing the growing Grace within. It really was happening, then. It wasn't just some dream or concoction of his growing imagination. Dean was pregnant and with his child. Cas almost hummed in delight.

He wasn't sure why the knowledge made him so happy. He'd lived for a few thousand years now, seen much death and destruction, so there were few things that could spark such unprecedented glee in him.

One of these things was Dean. It was established now his feelings for the man. It was easier to comprehend love between two people as it wasn't unheard of for angels to feel this way about each other.

But what he couldn't understand was the unnamed feeling he got when reminded of the fact that Dean was pregnant now because of him. Dean was now vomiting, moody and certainly much more bloated all the time now. Why should his uncomfort make him feel so so. . .

"Smug?" Suddenly the atmosphere went cold and Cas looked up to see Gabriel standing in the corner of the room, arms crossed and smirk on his face. Time was suspended so Dean wouldn't wake up.

"Gabriel. . ."

"Daddy's told me where you're at and gave me a free pass through your angel barriers."

"Why?" Castiel inquired, wondering if this meant trouble.

"Oh, we have a situation on our hands. Sam is being a bad puppy again." Gabriel shook his head. "That boy seems to always be causing us trouble,"

"So Dean was right to worry. . ."

"More than you know." There was no more humor in Gabriel's voice as he spoke, his expression turning dark. "It seems like we've underestimated Lucy by a hair. Sam's visions of him might not all just be in his head. He's actually in contact with Lucifer's consciousness." Castiel jumped out of bed and onto his feet.

"Then we have to do something—!"

"Now if only it were that simple. Lucifer is conscious in Sam's mind, but he's subdued by it. Sam has been denying Lucifer and that's the only thing keeping him at bay. If we were to kill Sam then Lucifer would have free reign in Sam's head and then we'd have a real problem on our hands,"

"But. . ." Castiel sensed a definite 'but' in Gabriel's statement.

"That's not all, Cassie. Sam is hurt by Dean leaving so abruptly and he's not thinking straight. His head is so distracted that he's listening to Lucifer more and more. He's actually started to take his advice," Castiel felt his stomach fill with dread because this was definitely the last thing they needed happening.

"Sam's going to be manipulated. . ."

"He's already being so. . . It's not long until he starts doing Lucifer's bidding whether he knows it or not. And if it's one thing we know, baby brother—"

"Lucifer is the master manipulator,"

"Yes. He can take any sinister plan and make it seem like you're solving world hunger if your mental defenses are weak enough. Sam's mental defenses have never been particularly strong. The worst of it all, Castiel, is that Lucifer will know about the child and want it for himself," Castiel balled his fist, rage bubbling up in his chest.

"He won't have it if it's the last thing I do,"

"Well, Dean is pregnant so he can't defend himself from it. Going into hiding was the best decision, but it won't last forever. Lucifer will find you once he is strong enough in Sam's mind. The only thing we can do is make it harder for him. Dean must have this baby and you must protect him. This is priority level red. Sam Winchester is now considered enemy of heaven number one and no angel will be kind to him. I know you think you're above the law now but this is bigger than you and Dean whether you like it or not."

"I'm not taking orders from you Gabriel. I have no allegiance to heaven anymore. I will do what I have to to protect Dean and our child. Of that, you have my word."

"Well you better make sure of that. I'll be checking in every few weeks to see how things are progressing and checking your security. I'd advise you to keep this information from Dean while he's pregnant. You're safe for now so there's no need to cause unnecessary stress on the pregnancy. Besides, I know Dean can get hella pissy, so imagine what he's like with a bunch of preggo 'mones!"

"It would be unfavorable. . ."

"Yep, best keep it under wraps for now! I'll leave you two back to your honeymoon. Toodles!" And with a 'POP', Gabriel was gone and time unfroze itself. He sighed and crawled carefully back into bed, trying not to wake Dean. He was unsuccessful though. Dean stretched and turned to face him, greeting the angel with the purest, most sincere smile.

"Hey you,"

"Dean," Cas felt the weight of the world on his shoulders lift as he looked into Dean's face. The man, unaware of the trouble unfurling around him, was there looking more content than Cas had ever seen him. He leaned his forehead against Dean's and breathed in his scent. Cedar and apples. So very Dean. . .

"What's up?" Cas drew his arms around the hunter and pulled him in tight. Dean patted him on the back, sounding a bit worried. "Cas?"

Why couldn't they just stay like this? In Dean's arms, he was at peace as the morning sun greeted them with it's warm glow. No worries or sadness to put a damper on their spirits. They had each other and that seemed to be enough. For now, Castiel decided, he would enjoy the harmony until the oncoming storm that was just around the corner. He would spend every moment with Dean as though it were his final. He would give Dean all the happiness he could until it all came to an end and they had to fight for their lives, for their child. . . Before his inevitable reunion with his brother that fell farther than any angel.

He kissed Dean then, the hunter protesting a little before relaxing into the kiss. He kissed him chastely but meaningfully, hoping Dean would feel his love for him in the gesture. He felt Dean's pulse speed up and he let go, looking deeply in those forest green eyes. Dean was red-faced and looked a little taken aback. He bit his lip and looked away.

"You're acting weird. . ." Dean said, his voice just a little breathless.

He stroked the side of Dean's face, feeling his heart break at the thought of losing him or their child to Lucifer. He wouldn't let it happen. He just couldn't.

He would protect them no matter what.

a/n: The situation is getting a little more fiery now huh? I'm borrowing a term from Doctor Who that I feel describes the situation perfectly. Hope any whovians out there don't mind. If there are mistakes, point them out and I'll go back and fix them. I just want to get this out because I owe it to you all for being fantastic reviewers! ::hint hint hint hint:: Apparently cookies are the virtual currency if one wants reviews, so I give them to you! Virtual cookies for all!