Author's Note:

I just gotta say again that I really appreciate all the support you guys have been giving me. I hope my 'author notes' and stuff aren't annoying or anything, but I love to try and talk to you all a little bit at least.

I've gotten some great criticism and critiques from you guys and I'm so pumped to have such amazing folks reading my work. Love you guys, and please please let me know if there's anything I can improve on, if the 'Cas in the city' is dragging on or if you're enjoying it and so on. Thanks again, hope you have a great day

The shop wasn't all that big and Dean noticed immediately that Cas would knock more than his fair share of things over if he wasn't paying attention. In fact he expected it to happen pretty soon as Cas hurried past a few displays to look at the wall covered in random shit. But it didn't. Cas maneuvered through and barely brushed past a few items, Dean had to make a face about that, not bad. He was impressed and decided that it was alright to let Cas roam without constant supervision.

There were only a few people inside, the cashier and someone that seemed to be their friend. They were totally preoccupied and didn't even look over at the new people in the store; since Cas didn't look totally normal Dean decided that he preferred the lack of attention.

Dean watched Castiel as he inspected different shirts and read the mostly crass phrases printed on them. There were mugs with similar things and of course reference items. There were so many that even Dean felt he needed to just generalize the whole store with the label 'pop culture shop.' It was basically any gag gift place you walked into; all the basics were there, including the poop emoji pillow. Dean stared at it for a bit, knowing that if he'd never watched Digimon as a kid he'd never know that that specific shape meant shit.

"Dee," Cas hurried up to him and lifted a box with hay sticking out of it and the words 'Pet Rock' written on the side, "Can I have it?"

"You want a pet rock?" Dean asked with a raised eyebrow and Cas nodded quickly. He clearly wasn't joking around; he really did want the most useless thing in the store. Though Dean would've recommended getting a real pet, it was probably a better idea not to give Cas a living animal just yet. "Alright, but you gotta take care of it."

"It's a rock, Dee." Cas rolled his eyes, surprising Dean a little more than either Sam or Charlie. Apparently Dean was the only one who didn't combine his idea of Castiel with the idea of a sass-master.

"Alright, alright, so it doesn't get a name then? Since it's just a rock?" He smirked and raised his eyebrows in a playfully snarky way. Cas sighed dramatically and lifted up the box so Dean could see it.

"It is a rock but it's a pet rock, Dee. Of course it gets a name." Cas held it up close to inspect it and furrowed his brow as he considered several ideas. Dean waited patiently but his patience wasn't notoriously high.

"Rocky?"

"No,"

"Paul."

"No."

Dean shrugged, "Okay, then what do you think it should be named?"

"Rockington." Cas decided and nodded determinedly. "Dee, meet Rockington."

Dean opened his mouth to speak but stopped and just accepted it, "Hey Rockington."

"You know, these are kinda fun," Sam said after a moment and Dean had to look to see what his brother was playing with. Sam wasn't the type to enjoy most things in a gag store but if he found something fun Dean absolutely had to see it. The thing in question was a pair of slippers in the shape of bread, or 'Loafers' as the label said.

"You're the biggest dork." He said deadpan and Sam just smiled at him. "It's more of a pun shop," Dean chuckled at his own joke and walked over to the mugs with funny and not-so-funny print on them. The mugs were pretty cool, good quality and he could see himself drinking out of one but he had to have the right witty saying on it. Something he could manage to read every day without groaning at his own terrible choices.

Then he saw it, a fairly large mug with the handle in the shape of metal knuckles. They had a few colours; black with a silver handle, white with gold, and some other brightly shaded ones that defeated the purpose of its existence. Dean picked up the black and silver one with bright eyes, "I know what I'm getting," he whispered as he fit his fingers through the holes. It looked so cool.

"I'd make fun of you but I'm the one with loafers on my feet," Sam admitted, his toes wiggling enough to move the front part of his footwear. "Though I believe you should take back what you said about me now."

"You're still a complete dork,"

"Oh my god, look!" Charlie cheered as she hurried to a glass case, "They've got those ultra-realistic lightsabers!"

"For real?" Dean popped up beside her and stared at them, his eyes just as wide as hers, "Ohhhh mannn that's so cool…"

Sam leaned up behind them; Dean could see his disapproving look through his reflection. "They're a couple hundred bucks, guys."

"You think Jet would mind?" Dean looked at Sam pleadingly, as if Sam were in charge of Jet's money now.

Sam paused and stared down at the expensive toys, his mouth pursed as he considered what his boyfriend might say. "I think he'd be pissed if you only bought one."

"One for everyone?"

"That'd be fine by him," Sam nodded but his expression didn't change that much, "though I think you should think about spending the money more wisely. Just because we can afford it doesn't mean we should actually buy it, you know what I mean?"

"Yeah, yeah," Dean waved him off; he'd gotten the answer he really wanted anyway. "I get it but how often do we have the chance to have lightsaber battles?"

Charlie had joined him in his pleading expression, just as hopeful as he was that Sam would give them the go ahead. Sam raised his hands in defeat and stepped back, "Okay, do what you want."

During the last week or two Jet had set up a few accounts for everyone at Sam's request. It was basically a way to regulate how much money they were each spending per month. Each account was filled with an amount they agreed on and would be refilled after the month was over. As well, there was MacLeod's main account – now Jet's – which they all had access to if they absolutely needed it. Or if a group purchase was made, like the possibilities of group lightsaber battles.

The cashier was watching Castiel now as the hunchback wandered about the shop, their expression was mostly neutral though Dean could tell they didn't know what to do or how to react. Cas on the other hand didn't seem to notice all that much. He was excited to be looking at little trinkets and items that weren't clothes. Everything passed through his hands at one point or another; he had to inspect it all pretty closely until his curiosity was sated.

The cashier looked at his friend and motioned to Cas as he mouthed 'what' in a fairly dramatic way that Dean thought could've used a little subtlety. He whistled sharply and caught the attention of the two strangers, "Wanna say something?" Dean asked with his best 'pissy Jet' impression, it was usually the most threatening look he could muster. Of course, Jet had told him he was too pretty to really look menacing but Dean tried to ignore that.

"No," the cashier shook his head; he sounded like he didn't really want to start anything.

"Sorry," the other added for her friend with a 'you're an idiot' kick to the boy's shin.

"All good," Dean smiled at them again and turned back to the merchandise.

Castiel paused as he looked at a shoulder bag that appeared to have been there for a while. When he picked it up Dean saw that it had the design of the first PlayStation console on it. Cas stared at it, turned it over in his hands and furrowed his brow. He was thinking, more than just 'this is cool' but like the stupid bag meant something. Dean looked over at Charlie who had noticed the same behaviour change in her friend.

"You used to have one like that," Charlie walked up to Cas' side and looked at the item with fondness, "I mean, Michael's got all your old stuff at his place so I could go get it for you if you wanted."

"What does it mean?" Cas looked at her, his expression holding a more than just the regular curiosity. It was deeper, nostalgic and painfully questioning. "Why do I connect to this thing?"

"It was the first gift you gave to yourself, something you really wanted and decided to get without thinking what anyone else would say." Charlie reached over and gently took the bag from Cas' hands and slung it over his shoulder for him. "Does that feel familiar?"

He adjusted his arm and nodded, "Yeah," his nose crinkled as he discovered that it did. "I like it, can we get mine later?"

"Of course,"

Dean was glad that Cas could find things he liked, like that pet rock thing, but it was even more uplifting to know that Cas could find things that brought something back. It gave Dean a feeling of hope; hope that Cas was still improving mentally beyond just speech, and that Dean would soon get to talk to Castiel when he was fully aware of himself. Maybe Dean would finally be able to say 'I love you' without Cas doubting him.

There was a bit more goofing off before the four decided it was time to move out. They ended up leaving the store with a few things; Sam's loafers, Rockington, Dean's knuckle-mug, a bag of balloons with offensive/crude things written on them, and a bunch of lightsabers for later. Dean couldn't help himself when it came to the balloons, he was sure Jet would love them too. Who didn't like a balloon floating around saying 'Happy Fucking Whatever'?

"So we're gonna carry a bunch of expensive items and some crap around?" Dean asked as they strolled onto the street again. Mostly it was an issue with the fact that they would have to juggle several lightsabers through a crowded market place.

"It's not that bad," Sam looked at him with one of those smiles that Dean wished he could slap off, "I mean, if it's too heavy for you I can carry it-"

"Shut up that's not what I said," Dean grumpily continued down the street, "I can carry my own shit, don't patronize me." He grumbled to himself, the others caught up eventually. Cas leaned close and nuzzled his cheek as they walked, it was a bit awkward but too cute to not smile. "Hey," Dean looked at him affectionately, he was happy to see how pleasant Cas' expression was. It felt warm, like he could trust Cas with just about anything.

Dean noticed that Castiel's expressions had changed along with some of his behaviours as he grew out of the animalistic mindset. They were still emotional though far more complex, Dean couldn't just look at his face and know what he was thinking or what he needed. Cas' cues were more complicated too, his hints at what he wanted were harder to decipher and Dean needed to rely a little more on Cas just saying what he was thinking.

It wasn't a bad thing, though. It meant that more and more of Cas was coming through, that Dean could learn more about who Castiel Novak was. He was excited but also a little scared, like maybe he wouldn't be good enough for the person that Cas was meant to be.

"Are you okay, Dee?" Cas' tone suggested he knew that Dean was alright, that no real harm was being done. "We can go back to the car if you wanted."

"No it's fine," Dean couldn't be negative or upset when Cas was so excited about seeing what little of the world the city had to offer. "I just want to make sure your experience is as good as it can be."

"It'll be authentic," Charlie elbowed him in the ribs, lightly but still enough to make him move. "Don't worry so much, he's already having a hell of an experience as it is."

"You're here with me," Cas leaned closer and kissed Dean's cheek, "It's perfect."

"Awww," Sam piped in just as Dean was starting to feel a little emotional about it. "You guys are so cute, when's the wedding?"

"Shut up," Dean said with a laugh, Sam was a pest but that was his way of showing exactly what he thought of the two dating. Dean was tiptoeing around the idea that Sam would be furious about him and Cas, that he'd be in for a serious talking to about whether or not Cas could consent and all of that. But with a single question Dean realized that wasn't the case at all; Sam was well aware of it, probably even expected it.

Sam accepted him being with Cas; it felt like such a weight was lifted off his chest with just knowing that little bit of information. It meant he could depend on Sam to back him up if Charlie or Michael got mad at him, though he was pretty sure Charlie would understand. Michael was a totally different story.

Regardless, Dean decided to ask Sam about all of it later, he was pretty sure that Sam wanted him to chill out and have a little fun. Dean smiled and tapped his fist against Sam's arm, "Thanks."

Sam didn't respond with words, he just smirked and nudged Dean right back.

Sooner than Dean had expected, the farmer's market was just up ahead and there was a bustle of people around it. He didn't think there'd be that many, but still enough gathered to make it easy to lose people for a few minutes in the crowd. Considering the time and the fact that it was a weekday was more than enough information to tell him what kind of crowd it'd be. Older folks and parents with young kids were the majority, and Dean was pretty damn sure he was about to hate his entire experience.

Cas stared with wide eyes again, so many times in one day Dean was losing track of all those moments. The scene was brand new, as were most of them for Castiel so far. A bunch of colourful tents stretched wide across what Dean figured might be about a block long, and from what he could tell there were several rows lined up. It was quite a cool display, still early summer so there weren't as many stands as there could be but still very nice to look at.

Some kids ran by screaming, playing around in the grass and doing whatever kids do. Dean reached over and took Cas' hand just in case someone would run into him or something, he wasn't sure. Maybe he was more afraid that he, himself, would get lost and not Castiel. Regardless he was sticking to his boyfriend as best he could, that seemed like a good plan to get through everything.

"There are so many people," Charlie groaned.

"But it's so cool," Cas hopped up and down a little, his eyes sparkly with what Dean could only assume was excitement and joy. "What are they doing? Is all that food? There's so much!" Dean wasn't sure what would happen at that market but he was sure that he couldn't be prouder of Castiel. And though he loved seeing Cas so excited and willing to try new things, he wasn't so sure it was his scene. Dean wanted Cas to have a good time and while Cas thought Dean being around would be the best option, Dean wasn't so sure. He glanced over at Sam who was also admiring the view about as pleasantly as Cas was.

"You wanna show Cas around the market?" Dean asked and Cas looked at him with confusion riddling his features.

"You don't want to go with me?"

"That's not what I'm getting at," Dean waved his hands defensively, "I'm saying I hate these things and you'd probably have more fun with Sam."

"Why do you hate it?" Cas looked at the sight again, light reflecting in his eyes in just the right way that made Dean smile. "I think it looks amazing."

"You would," Charlie huffed a laugh, "You used to love doing stupid shit like this, your way of trying to get in touch with nature even though that's not really the purpose of these sorts of things."

"Huh," Cas rubbed the back of his head like he'd seen Dean do on several occasions, "Well I guess it's okay, you're not going to be upset if I go away from you?" He looked at Dean who wasn't quite sure how to answer that.

On the one hand he could say 'no not at all' but what if Cas took that as 'I don't get upset when you're not around me because I don't really care'? If he pretended like he'd really miss Cas' company to spare Cas' feelings then he might end up being dragged through the market anyway. Dean did his best to smile confidently and knew it didn't look as good as he imagined it did, "It's alright, don't worry about me." He decided to keep it simple.

"So do you want to come?" Cas tilted his head in that confused little way he tended to do.

Sam smiled, a merciful look aimed at Dean, "I haven't gotten much alone time with you lately," he placed a firm hand on Cas' shoulder, "Come on, let's go check some stuff out."

Cas looked at Dean for a second, a moment of thought was all he seemed to need to really recognize that Dean wasn't comfortable in that place. "Sure," he nodded understandingly and kissed Dean's cheek, "I'll see you soon, Dee!"

"Have fun," Dean waved them off and watched as Sam led Cas into the crowd of people. He trusted Sam; he trusted that Cas wouldn't do anything crazy, at least not any more crazy than some of the other people at those markets. But mostly he was glad that Cas could understand that they didn't have to do everything together.

Dean looked at Charlie who had her arms crossed and shoulders hunched, her expression was so vividly clear on what she thought of going in there. "Want to skulk around the perimeter and avoid vegetable-crazy parents and their unsupervised kids?"

"Please." Charlie laughed anxiously and followed Dean's lead around the chaos that had already swallowed up Sam and Cas.