I am so sorry for how long this took. I would blame it on college but that's a common excuse yet I'm gonna blame it on that anyway. I know. I make no sense. It's all the Dr Pepper talking. ANYWAYS on with the story! Thanks for the reviews and stuff…warms the cockles of my heart it does.

Deans breath stuttered as he gazed at the impossible man in front of him. His fingers clenched tightly around the ones holding his, just feeling and hoping that this was real, that the heat wasn't giving him hallucinations or anything, because this one hurt. He reached up his free hand to touch the side of the face that had aged in the 16 years of absence. No not just absence, his subconscious told him. Death. He was dead Dean. Come on. Ask him how he did it. Dean swallowed and whispered. "Cas. Is this really you?"

The angel in question smiled brightly and leaned into Deans touch. "Yes Dean. It is really me." Hope burst through the hunters chest at these words and he lunged forward, pressing his lips to Castiel's. They both moaned in unison at the touch as they had missed the familiarity of it. The comfort and warmth that hadn't been felt for many years by either of them came flooding back and Dean wrapped his arms around Castiel, pulling him tighter and deepening the kiss. Castiel had no objections to this. He clutched at Deans jacket and smiled a little into the kiss. Eventually, Dean had to break for air. He pulled back and looked at Cas' face. So close, so rugged and handsome and yet still so familiar to him. He grabbed the lapels of his trenchcoat and laughs wetly as tears began to flow more freely, never taking his eyes off the brilliant blue in front of him. Cas leant forward and pressed their foreheads together, wiping Deans tears away.

"How?" Dean breathed, shaking his head a little. Surely it must have been impossible for Cas to come back from the dead. No one is given a second chance in life unless they were using it for evil. Dumbass demons. But then the important question must be asked. How has he been given another chance at life after being sent to hell?

"How did you come back? How did you bring me back? Just…how?"

Cas brought Dean to his chest and held him close as they sat down and Cas began to tell him everything. About God. About his mission. About why he had to save Dean. Dean listened to him intently, occasionally bringing Cas' knuckles to his lips to brush a small kiss on them. However one question just kept bugging him.

"But…what happened when you…died?" It was still difficult for Dean to talk about even though his partner was with him again. But the memory has always stayed with him and it will never go away. But then a flood of anger rushed through him and he shoved Cas away and getting up on his feet. "Please, for the love of God, tell me you haven't been alive and well up there when you could've come down and told me that you were okay or at least answered my prayers. Because I swear to God I will punch the crap out of you."

Cas got up quickly and raised his hands as if surrendering. "Dean no. I promise you that I just woke up straight after I died. Seeing your face is my last memory. When I woke, I never realised how much time had passed, but somehow, God aged my vessel to the same age as you so it would not be "awkward" when we reunited." He walked forward and took both of Dean's hands and held them tightly. He looked at them for a second, smiling at the familiarity, then locked eyes with Dean again. He pressed their foreheads together for the second time tonight and breathed out slowly. "You must know that I would've come back as soon as I knew I could. I hate being away from you. And I am so sorry its been years for you. I had no control over this and I want to make it up to you in any way I can." Cas brought a hand to the back of Deans head and stroked the fine hairs there. "Tell me Dean. How can I make it up to you?"

Dean wrapped his arms around Cas' waist and pecked him lightly on the lips. "Just stay Cas. Don't die on me again. Please. I don't think I could handle it a second time," he whispered brokenly, his tough exterior he'd been building up over the years, crumbling before his angel. Cas nodded and hugged him close, each-others heads on each-other's shoulders… content.

They stayed there for many minutes before Dean let out a small sigh and parted from Cas. He stretched his arms and back before rolling his neck and holding out his hand for Cas to take. They walked slowly towards the edge of the forest they had awoken in. "Come on Cas. Time to get reacquainted with the land of the living. I'll bet Bobby will be pissed…and Sam…well…there's no knowing how Sammy will react." He gave Cas a thoughtful glance. "He's missed you too you know. So much. It really hit hard after Dad died, because I was distant and he had no one to turn to. I often heard him praying for you to come back and fix me, so he could have his family back."

Cas looked up in surprise after he heard that John had died but decided not to question this just yet as it seemed all Dean wanted to focus on was his brother. He saw Dean look at him. "I'll bet Sam would want to give you a good knock when he sees you. You should see him now man. A giant. Like frickin' seven feet tall, I tell ya. If he even looks like he wants to punch you, run…just run," Dean smiled, rubbing his thumb along Cas' knuckle as they walked.

"I do not think I am looking forward to this Dean. May we see Bobby first?" Dean chuckled at the obvious fear in Cas' voice and answered with, "sure man. Although there is no telling if Sam will be there already." Cas gulped and tightened his hand around Deans. "Stop being a baby Cas. Let's get this over with." Dean stopped walking and turned to face his angel. "You remember Bobby's house? From my 17th birthday?" Cas squinted as he tried to remember but eventually it came back to him so he nodded. Dean nodded and asked, "Can you zap us there? I really wanna see them now."

Cas just smirked, kissed Dean passionately for a second before focusing his energy on moving from one place to another as their lips stayed connected. Damn, Dean thinks. I have missed this so much.