So this chapter isn't so much a week as it is the beginning of that week. You'll get a lot more in the next chapter, I promise.

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Week 7

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As the black SUV drove away from their former lodging, Dean began wondering where exactly he and Cas were going. No one really knew what happened after people left the show. Maybe they'd be send straight home. Or maybe they'd be detained a few days.

Suddenly, it occurred to him that he and Cas might be separated. He frowned and looked over at their entwined fingers, trying to take comfort in the fact that, at least right now, they were together.

The car slowed to a stop and parked at a collection of condos.

There was a knock on the car door, and Dean turned to see Chris Harrison there, motioning for them to come out. Cas squeezed Dean's hand reassuringly, and then let go so he could get out of the car. Dean followed suit.

"Hey guys," Chris said gently. "I heard a little about what happened from the crew. It took a lot of courage to do what you two just did."

"It was the right thing to do," Cas said.

Chris smiled at them.

"Well, as you may have guessed, I'm here to talk to you about where you're going next. But before I do that, I want to make sure you both remember the terms of the confidentiality agreement you signed before the show."

"We've got to lay low and not give out spoilers," Dean said.

"We're only permitted to contact family members and close friends until filming is complete," Cas added.

Chris nodded. "Good. And, to clarify, you are allowed to tell the people closest to you that you didn't end up with Atara, but not what week you stayed until or who was left."

"What about us?" Dean asked. "Are we allowed to tell out families about us? I mean, I'd rather my brother hear all of this from me."

"Yes, of course you can tell your families," Chris replied. "And the 'Week Six' episode won't air for another two months so you have plenty of time."

Dean smiled, relieved.

"Now that that's settled, I can show you to your rooms. You'll be staying at this resort for the next three weeks in one-bedroom condos. All expenses have been paid for. After the three weeks are up, you'll be flown back to your homes."

"Could we…" Cas asked quietly, "Would it be possible for us to stay together?"

He looked over at Dean, searching for approval, and Dean nodded agreeably.

Chris laughed. "I have never been asked that before. But I suppose the answer is yes, you can stay together if you want. And you will be allowed to stay in contact when you return home as well."

Dean grinned at Cas, who smiled back at him.

"I'll need a few minutes to alter the arrangements so you'll have one condo with two rooms instead of two condos with one room each."

"Great," Dean said. "That's perfect."

"If you'll both take a seat over here," Chris continued, gesturing to a stone bench, "I'll go work things out in the office. Or you can come inside, if you prefer."

"Here is fine," Dean said. Then he sat with Cas on the bench, watching Chris walk off. He felt Cas's hand settle over his and he sighed happily.

They sat quietly until Chris came back to show them to their living quarters.

The place was bordering on lavish with its fabrics and gorgeous antiques, and the rooms were quite large. The kitchen was large and modern, and Dean couldn't help but imagine cooking in there with Cas, maybe having a food fight and getting covered in four and sugar. He could see Cas's dark hair turned gray by the powder, and the man trying desperately to get it out.

"What are you smiling about?" Cas asked curiously, snapping Dean back to reality.

"Cooking," Dean said simply.

Cas gave him that squinty-eyed look he got when he knew he was missing something, but Dean didn't elaborate.

Chris gave the two men his phone number in case they had any questions, as well as a gift card to a nearby grocery store so they could buy whatever food they'd need during the week. Then he bid them good luck and was gone.

When the door shut, it occurred to Dean that they were alone together, with no risk of being interrupted, and no more ties to Atara. He looked over at Cas, whose blue eyes glittered with playful delight.

Dean took a step toward the man and leaned down just slightly, capturing Cas's lips with his own. His hands found Cas's waist and he felt Cas throw his arms lazily around Dean's neck. Dean supposed it was nice to not feel rushed, and to not have some reason he couldn't kiss Cas.

The next two weeks were going to be great.

…

Five bachelors attended the Rose Ceremony that week, and one of them left at the end of it, leaving four men to try and win Atara Kemmiam's heart.

Those remaining were:

Benji Columbus

Dustin Total

Edmund Jonathan

Paul Sanders

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