Fall is Coming.
Chapter two
He is seated on the side of the bed, swaying every so slightly, as if a soft summer breeze is blowing on him but of course it isn't. Their room is still and quiet, the windowless darkness lit only by the gentle glow of the small bedside lamp.
It feels comforting and intimate, private and special like the treasured haven it has become for both of them and Cas is secretly delighted that his hunter has defied him to make it home a day ahead of schedule. Still, he frowns in mock annoyance at Dean's stubborn willfulness.
"You should have stopped to rest, or let Sam drive a while whilst you got some sleep. Driving for nearly 24 hours solid is not conducive to good health, Dean."
The once-angel chastises as Dean blinks slowly, a small frown turning down the corners of his full lips.
"I didn't want to sleep in some crappy motel, Cas, I've done too much of that."
He mumbles around a less-than-successfully stifled yawn, a slight look of confusion on his face at Cas's seeming irritation. The once-angel retains his position and Dean shifts uncomfortably on the deep mattress, fatigue and worry showing in his body and face.
His posture is less upright than it usually is and on close inspection, he's a little pale. The freckles stand out more clearly across the bridge of his nose and his long eyelashes sweep at his high cheekbones as he blinks again sleepily.
He looks very young, somehow suddenly terribly vulnerable, and Castiel is shocked by the primal urge to protect that tugs at his heart. He sighs softly and closing the door to their room, moves quietly over to the bed.
"You are exhausted."
He says gently and Dean tilts his head back on his slumping shoulders so he can look up into his lover's face.
"I'm okay, really, I am."
The hunter smiles, eager to assuage the barely disguised emotion he hears in his companions voice but try as he might, he can't hide the weariness he feels.
"No, you are not, Dean. You have pushed yourself too hard and you need to sleep."
Cas's bright blue eyes hold the hunter's fuzzy gaze and after a moment Dean acquiesces and nods. He lowers his gaze, moving slowly, making to unlace his tattered old boots and the slight sway intensifies a little as his centre of gravity shifts.
"No, wait..."
Castiel's hand is firm and strong on Dean's shoulder as the slighter man drops to his knees by the side of the bed.
"Be still. Let me..."
He unlaces Dean's boots and pulls them off, placing them out of the way before following them with the hunter's less-than-snowy-white socks.
"Shirt next."
Cas suggests as he goes to rise only to be stopped by Dean's hand on his arm.
"You don't have to undress me, I can do it."
Cas shushes him with a quick shake of his head, his eyes soft with affection.
"Please..."
He leans his hand toward Dean's face, his finger's sweeping softly down a stubbly cheek until it cups the hunter's chin.
"Let me help you. You have looked after me for so long, let me do this for you."
Cas's azure eyes implore for permission, knowing how virtually impossible it is for this man to accept help and it is testament to the wealth of feeling that there is between them that Dean smiles and pliantly raises his arms.
The once-angel strips the thin t-shirt and drops it to the side of the bed as his hand goes to the spiky brown hair the movement has mussed-up. He cards his fingers through the soft hair as Dean's languid green eyes blink in slow affection at him.
Cas leans in closer and shifts his hands to buckle of the belt holding up Dean's jeans.
"Stand up and we'll get your pants off."
The newly-human deadpans and, sleepy as he is, Dean can't help but tease.
"Gonna get me naked and have your way with me, Castiel?"
The hunter questions, his face warmed with a smile and maybe the barest hint of a blush. Cas shakes his head, his face ever as serious as it always is.
"I am merely readying you for sleep..."
He pulls Dean to his feet and absorbs the sway that engenders in the taller man.
"But maybe, after you've slept some..."
Cas smiles meaningfully as he looks into Dean's slightly dilated eyes and the hunter's face lights up with promise.
Together they get him out of his tattered old jeans and under the soft, comfy blankets and Cas watches happily as the look of relaxation, belonging, of being home, warms Dean's sleepy face.
He leans down and brushes his hand gently across his lover's cheek, feeling the sweet graze of rough stubble on his fingers.
"Sleep now."
He turns the light off and goes to rise and leave only to have Dean grab his hand urgently.
"Stay?"
The exhausted man's voice is slightly slurry, sleep is claiming him as he settles against the soft covers and Cas smiles, his heart pounding with the love he feels for this rough, flawed, wonderful man.
He sheds his clothes quickly and slides into bed, reaching for Dean, pulling him to his chest so the spoon comfortably together as they were always meant to be.
Chapter ends.
