Jack waved goodbye to the two brothers as he left for the store for the next week's food. He, Sam, and a reluctant Dean created a menu that catered toward pregnancy health. It was a bit different than they're usual meals but not by much. They mostly just had to cut out going to diners and bars. Dean was never going to be happy with these changes but he went along with it.
Looking at the prices of kale, something Dean said he refused to eat, Jack realized he might not have enough cash for this new diet. Going down the list he made the decision to cut a few optional items. Good thing he did because after checking out he only had a nickel and two pennies left. He would have to work the budget over with Sam. They wouldn't be buying any new guns or weapons for a while so that would eventually free up some cash. He wasn't paying enough attention to where he was going when he bumped into someone.
"Oh," he backed up, "I'm sorry,".
"No- it's no problem! I wasn't paying attention," the man laughed it off. Jack looked at what was in the mans cart. It was a box with a picture of a stroller on it. Jack tilted his head.
"Ah, sorry to bother you, but where did you get that?" The man smiled and gave Jack directions to the back of the store.
Jack made his way back to a nice sized infant specialty area. He walked up and down, looking at all the different brightly colored objects for sale. He got to the bigger items like jumpers and strollers and bassinets. He looked at the prices for the cribs. The cheapest one was still over 200$. He pushed his lips together and frowned. The nephilim wouldn't need it for long. They would probably grow too big for it before they got their money's worth. Besides, would it be full grown like he was?
He pulled out his phone and started typing. As it loaded he looked up to the exit. There was a sign on the door. It was a help wanted sign.
"Hummm," his gaze lingered on it. But he continued to leave.
Jack looked on his phone on Craigslist for used cribs. They were cheaper, but very used. He eventually got to a park that was between the store and the bunker. He sat on a bench and set his groceries on the ground. He scrolled through his phone looking for cheap but usable items for the pup. Again, he wasn't sure how long they would need the infant items if they needed them at all. He watched the young children play on the playground.
They were laughing and screaming. Playing pretend and living life to the fullest. Jack was a little jealous. He never got that. If he didn't have to take care of these groceries, he would have maybe gone down a slide.
"Hummm," he hummed. He thought for a moment. He pulled out his phone and texted Dean.
Jack K. When the pups old enough I want to take it to a park and play with them.
He messaged. It didn't take too long before Dean replied.
Dean W. Fine by me.
Jack smiled. He wouldn't have to wait too long to fulfill his wish.
He pursed his lips again and went back to thinking about just how fast the pup was going to grow. Suddenly he remembered. Cas. He would know.
"What is it?" In a blink, Castiel was there, sitting on the bench next to Jack. The boy smiled.
"You always know when I need you," Jack called to him without even trying. The angel smiled.
"Of course,".
Jack leaned forward and stretched.
"I was just wondering how long it took me to grow up?" Cas looked to the sky thinking.
"I was...dead, but Sam told me he found you quote unquote 18 years old and buck naked on the floor," Jack smiled, his memory of those first few days was hazy at best, "But I think the nephilim that's being carried right now will take much longer,".
"Why do you say that?"
"Your mother told you to grow up. If the new nephilims mother doesn't do that then maybe it will age normally,". Jack nodded.
They sat quietly as the children played. They watched the kids run around, chasing each other and goofing off.
"Have you found the mother yet?" Castiel asked without turning his gaze from the children.
"Yes," Jack answered.
"Is she living with you now?"
Jack didn't want to lie. Not to Castiel. But what was he going to say? Yes, it's Dean and it's your pup? No he couldn't do that. He had to think.
"Dean... Dean has been diagnosed with... a condition. We're waiting for him to get over it. He's not going on hunts or leaving the bunker. It's like we're at a stand still,". Cas's' eyes opened wide.
"Should I come and heal him?" He tightened his fist.
"No, no... I doubt he wants to see you right now," Jack shook his head quickly. Cas frowned but nodded.
"I understand," Cas leaned forward. Jack looked at his father figure.
"I overheard your fight with them," he admitted, "the one you had before you left... Are you really going to try to kill the nephilim?" Cas looked down at his feet.
"It's one of our oldest rules, Jack,".
"But you didn't with me," Jack pointed out. Cas sighed.
"That's why I'm conflicted. You have been one of the best things to happen to me. But you are a nephilim and I'm going against everything to protect and raise you. Why should this new nephilim be any different," he rationalized.
"Then why don't you just come back? Believe me. You'll love this nephilim," Jack smiled.
"I don't doubt that. I just need some time," Cas spoke flatly. Jack wasn't done with him.
"When you come back... I think you should talk to Dean about... that," Cas shook his head.
"He's already upset with me. I don't want to ruin our friendship,"
"Cas," Jack turned to him, "you should really express how you feel about him. I think he'll surprise you,".
"Angels and humans are not supposed to be together. It would be a disaster,".
"But you love him! And he... cares about you," Cas didn't say anything, but it was clear he wasn't going to talk about it anymore.
Jack took in a deep breath and sharply let it out. He stood up, grabbing his groceries.
"Well, you're always welcome back. Nephilim or not," He smiled at Cas. He returned a smile and was gone. Returning back to the bunker he explained the budget to Sam. Of course he wasn't happy, but it would eventually work out. Walking back to his room he looked into Deans room. He was laying against his headboard, on his phone. Jack knocked on the open door as he entered. Dean looked up and nodded at him.
"I talked to Cas today," he watched Deans face. The older man became uncomfortable. "I told him you were sick. He's worried about you Dean," Jack walked in and sat on his desk chair. Deans face changed with a very small frown. He didn't say anything. He had to think about what he was going to say.
"What did you tell him,"
"I told him that you're not going on hunts and aren't leaving the bunker. I didn't tell him much,". Dean nodded. Jack was quiet. But he needed to tell him. "You need to tell him,".
"He's already decided that he's going to kill my pup. I'm not telling him,".
"I mean tell him that you love him," Jack explained. Dean laughed.
"Hell no,"
"Why not? You never know how he'll react,".
"I know exactly how he'll react. He'll be stone faced and say that I'm wrong and that we're just friends. He probably won't even know what I mean," Dean shook his head and rolled his eyes. "Besides. Humans and angels," he pointed to his belly, "not supposed to be together," his hand fell to caress his stomach. Jack pursed his lips and glared at his friend.
"I think you should. Nephilim or not. It's not good keeping secrets," Jack stood up.
"I'll take it to my grave if I have to," Dean joked.
Jack left, entering his own room and shutting the door behind him. It was now on his shoulders to get Dean and Cas together.