Cas awoke the next morning with a dull throbbing behind his eyes and slightly disoriented. He sat up slowly and yawned, his tail stretching languidly behind him as he blearily took in his surroundings. He'd apparently taken to falling asleep on the couch after the Winchesters left, and he briefly remembered his brother draping a blanket over his shoulders.
However Castiel was shortly torn from his hangover reprieve and hissed slightly in pain as the noise of banging pained his over sensitized ears.
He strained to flatten his ears to his head and stomped into the kitchen.
"Could you be any louder Gabriel?!" He seethed, tail scruffy to match his grumpy demeanor.
"Morning Cassie!" Gabriel sang unnecessarily loud. "How's the hangover?"
I hate you…" Was Castiel's response as he put on a pot of coffee.
"You love me!" Gabriel cheered slapping Castiel's tail with his own.
"What are you even doing up?"
Gabriel stilled briefly before continuing "Sam wanted a ride to school so…"
Cas raised an eyebrow in mild surprise at the domesticity Gabriel had when courting the younger Winchester, but said nothing as the pair moved around each other in a familiar morning routine.
A shower, some breakfast and 2 cups of coffee later, Cas was stepping out of Gabriel's truck in front of the prep school. He yawned and stretched lazily, tail sneaking out from under his trenchcoat to enjoy the early light.
The nostalgic sound of a rumbling motor pulled him from his thoughts as he turned to see familiar muscle car pulling into the parking space nearest to him. He found himself grinning like a loon as Dean exited the car, ears and tail glistening with water from the earlier shower.
"Mornin Cas!" He grinned.
"Hello Dean." He smiled softly "it's uh… Good to see you…" He added, before kicking himself 'what did I say that for?!' He internally yelled.
Dean only smiled, the tops of his cheeks slightly pink "It's great to see you to Cas… How are you?"
"Well... My morning didn't start the best but it is getting better."
Dean's face transformed into a sly grin as he slid closer, "Oh yeah? And why would that be?" He grumbled, now standing right in front of the kit.
"W-well.. Coffee helps.." Cas offered weakly.
"Yeah Cas? What else helps?"
Deans scent was now enveloping Castiel, and the omega was getting dizzy by how close Deans face was in proximity to his own. "Dean."
"Dean!"
The alpha jumped away from Cass at the sound of his name in this sudden rush of fresh air nearly made the kt keel over.
After regaining his breath he turned to see Jo, Ash, Garth and Charlie all walking towards them, with Gabriel trailing close behind.
"It can't be a coincidence that you're all here together." Dean snapped light heartedly.
"We carpool." Garth cheered, way to happily for how early it was.
"Conserve gas." Ash added, flipping his hair off his shoulders.
Dean gave Charlie and Jo a look when they had nothing to add. Jo just shrugged well Charlie yawned and said "I'm too lazy to drive myself."
Dean rolled his eyes but the smile on his lips was genuine. "Well it's good you're all here. I need to talk to you all. He smiled excitedly, ears twitching as he bounced on the balls of his feet. "So… Since we are all probably going to be doing different stuff and going to see our families for Christmas, I'm planning a Christmas in October party."
Jo cut in with a smirk "Aw Dean. Are you taking us trick-or-treating?"
Dean laughed "Better. Halloween Christmas party. Christmas costumes, on Halloween night. Unless you guys are actually going trick-or-treating."
Garth made a small noise at that "Dean, are you suggesting we're childish?"
"Hell yeah I am!"
That earned a laugh from everyone gathered and even Gabriel cracked a smile.
"So you guys in or what?"
Everyone made assorted noises of agreement as they nodded.
"Sweet. "
"Sorry to break up the reunion party but can we move this train into the tunnel?" Gabriel piped up, who somehow teleported behind Dean and was holding the door open.
Everyone laughed and walked inside the school, discussing costume ideas and the food they could have.
Dean was currently in the middle of an internal panic. If it wasn't for the timely arrival of his friends he wasn't sure what he might've done to Cas. He didn't even know what he was thinking getting so close to him in the first place. And the flirting… Where the hell had that come from?!
Dean whined softly as his ears swiveled discomfort, he didn't even try hiding his inner monologue as his classmates turn to stare at him. He was in such turmoil that he didn't even recognize Cas's tantalizing scent before his voice ripped him from his thoughts.
"Dean? Are you alright?"
Dean ears and head snapped around so fast it was a wonder he didn't get whiplash.
"Cas." He wins at the undignified octave his voice had roast to include store before trying again "No, yeah, I'm good Cas, what's up?"
"You seem troubled.. But I am doing well, thank you."
The smile was slow to form but genuine none the less, "That's great Cas."
Dean slumped as the tension he wasn't even aware of drained from his shoulders. His ears were flattened and he let out a long breath as he smiled at Cas, his panic suddenly forgotten. Something about the kit calmed him, Cas seemed pleased by his change in attitude and his tail flipped from under his coat as his heart stuttered at Dean's smile.
"So uh... What's up Cas?" Dean finally stuttered, before hurriedly adding "Not that just your company is unwelcome! It's just, if you wanted to ask, or... Don't mind me I'm just an idiot."
Cas barked out a laugh and the sound was beautiful, it made Dean want to curl up and blanket himself in it forever.
"Far from it Dean, and I appreciate your concern." The smug motherfucker smirked as Dean felt his ears redden. "But your original assumption is correct, I wanted to ask you something.."
Dean grinned "Shoot Cas."
When the response only got Dean ridiculous head tilt he laughed and said "Ask away Cas."
"Oh! My apologies. I was just wondering about earlier today. You were discussing a party and addressing all your childhood friends and family. I hope you do not find it presumptuous of me to wonder if the invitation was extended myself..." By the end of Castiel's question he was red faced and looking almost... Ashamed.
Dean was on his feet in a panic over the dejected expression the kit was making, his ears were flattened and his tail curled slightly and worry "Oh Cas… Of course you're invited. You're my friend, he'll bring Gabriel even." Dean whined unhappily.
'Just.. Don't make me have to kiss that sad look off your face.' Part of his brain thought unhelpfully.
But the smile on the guys face was worth it, as he brightened up like the freaking sun. His tail was literally vibrating with joy and his ears were swiveling pure delight. "Thank you Dean!"
Oh God his voice was an octave higher than usual. He exaggerated 'e' in his name to sound like Deeean and it's way more cute than it should be allowed to be.
Before his brain had an opportunity to tell him to stop before he did something stupid, he did something stupid.
His arms were around you kits slim shoulders before he could blink and he let go once he was sure his face was no longer on fire.
He found Cas just standing, staring at him with a look of wonder.
"S-sorry you looked happy and it reminded me of-oof!"
Dean couldn't even finish his babbled apologies before the kit literally launched himself at Dean, swinging from his neck and laughing all the way.
His happiness was infections in Dean himself laughing along as he spun Cas in a happy circle before setting him back down. His hands lingering on his hips for longer than strictly necessary.
"You happy there Cas?"
The kit nodded and beamed, his bangs were flopping into his eyes and ears were pinned down by the dark hair. Dean snorted and brushed the locks from his eyes, he allowed his fingertips to brush down the kits cheeks as he watched him silently.
Suddenly the kiss from the other night was at the forefront of Dean's mind and he considered doing something stupid again, but before he could act on anything the bell rang, ripping the two apart.
"Lunch is over already? Time really flies." Dean managed, somehow sounding slightly calm.
Cas seemed otherwise unaffected by what just happened, he just glanced around the solace of the library and suggested that the return to class.
Dean could only nod, not trusting himself to speak. They cleaned up in silence and after Dean calmed down he offered to walk Cas to class but he denied it, saying he didn't want Naomi to bother him. Dean could agree with that, so they said their goodbyes at the door, and turned to walk in their opposite directions. Dean was feeling a little calmer but Castiel was sure his face was about to combust as he hid his frazzled tail and scurried down the hall.
The weeks flew by in before everyone knew it the Christmas in October party was drawing near. That and "Sabriel" according to Charlie and Jo was officially "Canon", whatever the hell that means. As well as everyone was officially boarding project "Destiel", whatever the hell thatwas to.
The group in question was currently sitting around the lunch table discussing secret plans will dean and Cas were off in the library.
"So," Gabriel began from where he was glued to Sam's side, since Gabe had managed to talk him into coming over for lunch, "The parties tomorrow so what are we planning to do about Captain Oblivious and Major doe eyes?"
"Well has anyone even tried talking to them?" Charlie piped up.
"We've tried." Sam whined. "Every time you say Cas's name around Dean he becomes a blushing mess and just grunts out a 'he's just a friend Sam!' You guys don't see the way he lights up like someone just sent him a fruit basket of pi and sci-fi movies whenever Cas texts him."
Jo rolled her eyes "You don't have to see them around each other here. It's like they live in their own little world. And they have almost no personal space boundaries, they're constantly in each other's faces. I'm waiting for the day someone bumps into one one of them and knocks them into each other."
"Like in a cartoon!" Garth laughed.
The rest of the university students nodded in their agreement, turning to give each other knowing smiles.
"Well," Sam stood, clapping his big hands together and drawing the groups attention "for some reason I feel like Cupid will make an appearance at out Christmas party." Sam was grinning, his tailing wagging enthusiastically as his eyes twinkled like stars.
Gabriel hopped up beside him, giving a quick firm grab of the wolfs ass, and winking at Sam's red face "I'm up for it if you are hot stuff." Then with the wide flourish he turned to address the rest of the group "After all, I got this hot piece of ass thanks to little Cassie. Why not help him get his own."
Everyone laughed openly as Sam's face only grew redder, but his smile remained bright as he gave Gabe an affectionate kiss atop his head, tail wagging happily.
"Alright then!" Charlie cried "Operation 'Destiel' is a go!"
Everyone was excited as they glanced around each other with sky, calculating grins.
The door bell at Bobby's rang and Dean eagerly opened the door to find his brother standing on the porch with full arms. Dean quickly grabbed him by the caller of his shirt and pulled him inside.
"Hello to you too." The younger Winchester snorted, whacking his brother playfully with his tail as he passed him to get the kitchen.
"Bite me."
"I'd save that for Cas."
Sam laughed as his brother had the decency to turn red at the comment while he shot Sam a glare.
Sam just rolled his eyes again and drop the paper bags in his arms onto the counter.
Suddenly Dean appeared next to him, rustling through the bags "You find eggnog?"
"Yeah."
"Rum?"
Sam smirked and held up a bottle "Check."
Dean grinned and his tail thumped the counter once, obviously pleased.
"Sweet. Check out our tree."
Sam glanced up and noticed a small, homely looking tree in the corner of Bobby's living room. "Cute. We gunna decorate it?"
"Nah, thought we could all do it together."
"Mm, sounds like fun."
"I'm gunna go get Bobby's shot glasses, you hang these streamers and whatever else you can find in "Bobby's decorations."
"On it."
Once Dean left Sam pulled out the mistletoe he and the others bought, and he knew exactly how to get his brother under it.
The place was looking pretty damn Christmassy by the time people started arriving. Charlie was the first to appear on their doorstep.
"Nice digs." She whistled, letting herself in. She was wearing a "Nightmare Before Christmas" Coldplay with a Santa hat sitting slanted atop her head.
Dean huffed a laugh and poked the smiling Jack pin on the collar. "Seriously?"
"You know I had to. What are you even supposed to be?" She laughed, shaking her floppy ears and giving him a once over.
"A candy cane." He answered shorty. "Dean was wearing red pants, Sam's idea not his, and a white shirt with thick, sloppy red stripes that were obviously painted last minute.
"Oh come on, you gotta try harder than that!" Charlie complained.
"Can it, or hit the road Jack."
"Fine." She perked up and sniffed the air once or twice. Dean turned to watch her cross to the nearly empty decoration box and pick something up from inside. She returned to him and hooked a candy cane in his front most belt loop.
"At least now Cas'll know where to lick."
Charlie cackled as Dean became as red as the streaks in his shirt, just in one for the doorbell to ring.
"Go to the kitchen Charlie, Sam's baking some gingerbread."
"Roger that!"
"Sam!" Dean called "I'm sending Charlie into you while I answer the door! Don't tell her where the booze is!"
After receiving a faint 'got it' Dean moved to open the door, and outside stood Garth and Ash.
"What are you supposed to be?" Dean laughed, swatting the bell that was dangling in front of Garth's face.
"I'm and elf! Duh!"
Garth was wearing green pants with white sneakers. He had a white undershirt and green and red overcoat with a ridiculous belt buckle, that was too large for him. Complete with a frilly green and red hat. There was even a white bell the end of it and a chain of bells around his tail.
Dena chuckled again as Garth jingled his bells, as if trying to prove some sort of point.
Dean then turned his attention to Ash, who stood looking as scruffy and normal as ever. He was wearing a sleeveless brown muscle shirt and torn jeans. The only festive thing about him was a loosely tied red bow, draped from his shoulder to the opposite hip like a sash.
"Really?"
"I'm gods gift to humanity, might as well act like it."
Dean rolled his eyes.
"What are you?" Ash huffed.
"Candy cane." Garth supplied like it was obvious "Cas got a sweet tooth?"
Dean flushed for what felt like the hundredth time "How the hell should I know?" He stammered.
The two howled with laughter, earning them both a growl. But Dean did lighten up and smiled, stepping back, allowing the pair to shuffle by him just as he caught a glimpse of Ellen's truck.
He jogged out to the salvage yard just as Jo hopped out of the truck. She was wearing one of those red velvet Christmas dresses with a Santa hat and heeled boots.
"Nice Jo." Dean whistled.
"Yeah, yeah save it for Cas."
Dean scowled as he caught the familiar feeling of blood surging to his cheeks.
"Hey Ellen!" He called to distract himself "You wanna join us?"
"Not tonight kiddos. Bobby and I gotta watch the bar for the late night parties tonight. We'll be busy until closing."
"Kay. Thanks for bringing Jo! Should I take her home?"
"I'll get a ride from Charlie."
Dean rose an eyebrow but said nothing as Ellen drove away and they started back toward the house.
The party was just getting into full swing when the final guests arrived.
Charlie and Ash were sitting on the couch with their laptops, nerding out about something having to do with math and layering the Christmas lights to create shapes and pictures. Sam and Jo were at the table making paper chains and digging through Christmas decorations and chatting about school and every now and again, Dean. Who was in the kitchen pouring Jell-O shots before they got to the good stuff.
"Dean! Doorbell!" Sam called from the living room.
"Yeah, alright."
Dean wiped his hands on a towel and walked down the hallway moving forward to open the door, nearly jumping in excitement to see what Cas was wearing. When he found a short and scrawny on the stoop alone, he felt his heart drop.
"Don't look so excited Dean-o!" He sang. "I'm only here for the booze and your brother."
Dean rolled his eyes and forced a small smile as he moved to let Gabriel pass.
"Cas is in the way Dean. He had something to grab in the car."
Deans mood was instantly better as he grinned, allowing his tail to sway ever so slightly.
"By the way," the kit smirked, ears twitching in mischief "nice costume, make sure you give Cas a taste."
Dean blushed wildly as Gabe skipped into the house.
"What's with you all and the Cas jokes!" He shouted after him, resulting in resounding laughter from all those inside.
"Have I done something amusing?"
Dean turned to find Cas a few inches from his face.
"Hey there Cas..." Dean grinned, making no move to back away.
The smile that stretched across the kits face almost made Dean want to close the gap. Almost.
"Hello Dean."
"What'd you forget in the car Cas?"
"Oh! I'd brought a uh..."
Dean heard the rustling of a plastic bag and Bent forward to see what Cas was holding but apparently the kit had the same idea. The pair was standing so close together they ended up knocking foreheads and blushing as they stumbled over hasty apologies.
Meanwhile, at the end of the hallway our six stooges stood leaning into the hall as they stared at the two in the doorway.
"God, I can see what you guys mean." Same whined, making a face.
Once they retreated back into the kitchen, Joe snorted, "You two aren't much better."
"What can I say?" Gabriel purred "I'm a romantic."
"And at least we're not painfully oblivious."
"S'why somethings gotta be done about it. What's the plan bitches?"
Sam grinned mischievously "I've got an idea."
"Oh I love it when you get all sinister." Gabe beamed.
"Well let's get to it then." Ash chimed in.
"What do you need us to do?" Garth jingled.
"Okay, so here's what's gunna happen."
Dude... You brought pie?"
"Y-yes, I baked it myself. I hope it is not unwelcome... I wasn't sure if it would be okay but-"
Dean wrapped the kit in his arms before he could say anymore.
"...it's awesome Cas!" Dean finally said, stepping back "You're awesome.."
Cas's cheeks reddened as he examined the floor boards with sharp scrutiny "Thank you Dean... You are quite 'awesome' yourself."
His hands were full but Dean could hear the air quotes in his words, and it was something the wolf would never cease to find adorable.
But when Cas had looked downwards, he noticed the candycane hanging on Dean's belt. He reached down and gingerly unhooked the candy from the loop.
"Peppermint? My favorite." He purred in coy delight, pulling off the wrapper.
Dean blushed as he watched the way Cas licked the candy, and though his intention was innocent. It was still positively obscene.
"Cas..."
"Yes Dean?" Cas slowly raised his eyes, seeming to notice Dean's costume for the first time since he arrived.
"Oh! Did I eat part of your costume Dean?" He asked looking like he'd done something wrong.
"No Cas! No not at all, it was more of a joke from the other..." Dean rubbed his neck sheepishly as he looked Cas up and down. "What are you anyway?"
Cas was wearing all white except for his black sneakers. His shirt was a light blue and white tie dye. He looked up to his head and noticed a time head band on his head with a small golden loop barely attached that was barely hovering above the crown of his head.
"Oh...well.. It was Gabriel's idea but." Cas turned slightly to the side and for the first time, Dean noticed two, large black wings strapped to the kits back. His tail was squirrelly as he shift the wings.
Least that explains the halo.
Cas blushed under Dean's gaze. "I'm a seraph.."
Dean blinked once, "Cas you're an angel."
It wasn't a question and Dean looked at him with a furrowed brow "Is that a flirtation?"
"It can be if you want it to be." Dean winked. "But why are you wings black?"
"Oh, well Gabriel is studying to be and mythology major and he insisted I have black wings like the soldier and fallen angels. Though I'm not sure which I am to be.."
Dean laughed and tugged on one of Cas's wings "Seriously Cas, that's freakin adorable."
Dean then suddenly flushed after realizing what he said.
Cas cheeks reddened and he opened his mouth to say something but a distant call of 'Dean' stole the wolfs attention.
"We should uhh... I should get back.."
"Yes.. Of course Dean."
Dean opened the door to allow Cas to pass through, smirking and tugging on the fluffy wings again as he did so.
They walked deeper into the house, still chatting, until the loud shouting voices of their friends drowned out their conversation.
"Yo! Dean! Poor us some more Jell-O shots!" Charlie's cheerful call rang through the house.
The two walked into the living room to find Charlie and Jo hogging all the shots, and Garth apparently keeping score.
The other three were scattered about the living room in front and around the Christmas tree, which was now half decorated. Garth was on his feet, placing a bauble Sam painted in 6th grade on a high branch. Gabriel was on the couch sifting through an almost empty box of decorations. Sam was sitting on the floor in front of him, stringing together a chain of popcorn with big clumsy fingers. At some point someone had stuck a headband with antlers on his kid brothers head, which only made him look more like a moose, as he sat sprawled out on the floor, taking up all the space with his dangly moose limbs.
He looked up and grinned "Heya Cas. Thought you'd gotten locked in the trunk."
Ca smiled softly and his tail twitched in mild amusement "I don't know if it'd be possible to do such a thing on my own, but I appreciate the concern."
Cas turned to look at Dean when he barked out to laugh and discovered when Dean laughed he did so with his whole body. His head was thrown back as his laugh carried throughout the whole room, drawing ever want attention.
Charlie turned to grin at them "Castiel, top of the Christmas tree Castiel. Who thought you'd be a fallen angel?"
"It was Gabriel's idea I assure you."
"Yeah yeah. Did you fall for Dean or what?"
Both blushed furiously and Dean laughed awkwardly, "No ones drunk enough for this yet. I'll be back."
Dean left to go grab the eggnog and rum, leaving Cas to fend for himself.
"So Cas" Sam began "what do you think of Dean's costume? Gabe tells me you've got a soft spot for peppermint."
"I uh... Yes?" The kits ears swiveled in discomfort as he fiddled nervously with his tail.
Dean arrived a moment later, with a tray of tan colored shots and a mug of something steaming. "Who wants rum and eggnog shots?!"
Everyone got up excitedly and grabbed a few glasses. Dean set the rest down in the kitchen before picking up the steaming mug and crossing back to Cas. "You don't seem like the shots kinda guy so... I made you some tea just in case.."
Cas started at him again with a look of awe and wonder "T-thank you Dean." He breathed, taking the cup carefully, "That's very kind if you... You didn't have to-"
"I wanted to... Cas."
The staring contest (eyesex, eyesex, eyesex!) would've continues if Gabriel hadn't suddenly started whining about lacking in decorations.
"Hey Dean!" Ash called "You got any other Christmas stuff? We're outta decorations."
"I think there are some in the basement" Sam supplied "Dean could you go grab them?"
"Yeah, whatever bitch."
"Jerk!" Sam shouted after Dean, as the elder Winchester descended the basement steps. After sorting through a few boxes labeled 'x-mas' Dean finally stumbled across the rest of the ornaments. He grabbed the box and quickly hopped up the steps, nearly knocking Cas over, who was oddly enough, standing in the freakin doorway.
"Cas?! What are you doing here?" Dean asked once Cas had helped him steady the box, since he's almost dropped it when running Into the kit.
"I'm not quite sure. Sam told me to stand here and it'd be fun.."
Dean turned to find everyone gathered standing by the kitchen just watching them. Dean tried to catch his brothers gaze, but Sam was pointedly avoiding his eyes. Instead he was looking above them.
"Oh no…" Dean growled, looking upwards. "Mistletoe? Really?!"
"You have to kiss him Dean!" Charlie squealed.
"Yeah! Kiss him! Or else you have to admit you're a tasteless Scrooge with no love for holiday season and tradition!" Jo added.
Dean flushed involuntarily and glanced down at Cas who was staring up at him almost… Expectantly.
"Cas... We don't have to if you don't-"
Suddenly there was a hand fisted in his shirt and a tail around his hip.
"Dean Winchester, shut up and kiss me."
And who was he to deny such a heart felt request.
Dean surged forward and captured Cas's lips with his own, making a noise of immediate relief. Those plush chapped lips had been tormenting him for far too long. Cas whined slightly below him as Dean's hands settled on his hips, they never even registered the sound of the box falling to the floor. Dean was far too busy pushing Cas back until his back thumped the wood of the door frame, reveling in the feeling of soft lips moving with his own.
It wasn't until the loud whistles did Dean register the cat calls and groans directed his way, and remember he was making out with Cas in front of literally everyone he cared about. With some effort (a lot of effort) and some self control (a stupid amount of self control) Dean managed to pry himself off of Cas. The kit looked absolutely wrecked and it took everything Dean had not to plaster himself to the guys front.
A cough from the left alerted him again of the presence of everyone he holds dear.
"So uh... You guys gunna admit you're head over heels for each other yet or?"
"Well," Dean mused. "That was me kissing Cas because of the mistletoe."
A series of groans erupted from the group and a flash of disappointment crossed Cas's face.
"And this is me kissing Cas 'cause I want to."
Dean leaned forward again but kept the kiss much more sweet and chaste, earring him a chorus of cheers.
When he pulled away Cas was smiling up at him with a rather dazed smile. His ears were shaking and wiggling with excitement. He threw his arms around the wolfs neck and Dean grinned widely, spinning the kit around before placing his feet back on the ground.
Suddenly a loud thumping sound filled the air, and Cas turned to stare at Dean in shock.
"Dean Winchester, are you wagging your tail?"
Dean reddened slightly, his ear swiveling in nervousness. "Shuddap, this thing has a mind of its own.."
Cas only laughed and gave Dean a peck on the nose before turning back to where their friends were now gathered in the living room, obviously giving them some privacy.
"You know," Dean started "does this make you my own guardian angel now?"
Castiel laughed freely and grinned "I suppose, I've fallen but... I'll watch over you.."
Dean beamed himself, snaking an arm around Cas's waist he kissed him lightly on the head before saying "Well I'd rather have you.. Cursed or not."
FIN~