Beta: InThePalmOfMyHand

A/N: Okay, so I've never been super-comfortable with 'leaps' in stories (which is why this story is novel-length. I micro-manage the shit out of everything.) So, I'm not sure if this chapter turned out great or reads smoothly because I 'leapt' like mother-fucker through months and years to cram in everything. Bear with me...? And DEFINITELY bring anything that seems wrong or off to my attention I SWEAR I'M NICE AND WONT GET UPSET! Pinky promise. (That goes for the entire story BTW-point those naughty little errors out, please.)

Enjoy.

…-^o^-…

CHARLIE: NEED EMERGENCY PICK-UP ASAP! Corner of Woodward and Third Street!

Castiel stared down at his bright phone in shock for just a moment, before throwing the covers off himself and rolling out of bed hurriedly.

"Cas-? What-" Dean rolled over, blinking in confusion.

"Charlie's in trouble!"

Dean was out of bed fast, joining Castiel as they threw on clothes in the dim light of their bedroom. "What's happened? Is she in the hospital?"

"She gave me an address- it's a corner in downtown-! I don't-"

"Hey-calm down, Cas," Dean tried to soothe him as they slipped their shoes on and ran for the front door. "It's- It's probably nothing too serious- she would've called an ambulance if she was hurt, okay?" He reached out grabbing Castiel's shaking hands as the man fumbled with his keys. "Let me drive. We'll take the Impala."

Castiel nodded, heart pounding in his chest.

As soon as they were in the car and driving fast to the address, Castiel began texting Charlie back.

CAS: On our way. Are you hurt? What's wrong?

There was no response.

CAS: !?

Castiel cursed frantically under his breath, waiting for a reply.

"Cas, come on, man. Calm down." Dean reached over, keeping his eyes on the dark, empty road as they sped into town.

Castiel held his hand tightly, staring hard at his phone, praying for Charlie to respond.

By the time they rolled up to the corner that Charlie had texted to them twenty minutes later, Castiel was a bag of raw nerves.

"Where is she!? Do you see her?" His eyes were searching the sidewalk and shadows along the buildings, terrified of seeing the young woman's body laying somewhere.

The Impala rolled to a stop at the empty intersection, both men scanning the streets for any signs of life.

"I don't see her-" Dean began, putting the car in park, just as Castiel grabbed the door handle to jump out.

There was a loud metallic noise and movement from the side of the road. A manhole cover was shoved aside as both men's eyes turned sharply towards the sound.

Gabriel's head poked out, turning in their direction.

"Bout time!" He shouted, scrambling up and out of the sewer onto the road. He turned back to the hole, hand outstretched. A second hand gripped his and suddenly Ruby was clambering out, followed by Charlie, then-

"A-Anton-?!" Castiel stuttered, disbelieving. Dean's face was also contorted in a mask of shock as they watched the group sprint for the Impala. The back door was thrown open and all four people dived gracelessly into the backseat. It took five tries to get the door shut after Anton's bulky form was finally crammed inside.

"GO-GO-GO!" Gabriel was shouting around Charlie's elbow.

"Gabriel- what the-!?" Castiel began furiously.

"DRIVE-!" The passengers all shouted in unison.

"Fuck-!" Dean murmured, throwing the vehicle into drive and burning out as they shot down the road.

"NOT THIS WAY! OUT OF THE CITY-FAST! WE GOTTA LAY LOW!" Gabriel was nearly shrieking.

Dean switched gears abruptly, yanking the steering wheel completely around. The Impala drifted nearly twenty-five feet as they did a one-eighty.

Castiel had a leg and both arms thrown up, bracing himself while the car spun dangerously around.

He shot a glare at Dean, who was grinning brightly, focused intently on the road as they began barreling back out of the city. Dean looked over, noticed Castiel's disapproving eyes on him and immediately bit back his excited smile.

Turning to the group crammed awkwardly in the back seat, Castiel demanded, "What did you DO, Gabriel?!" He paused at the faint sound of sirens in the distance behind them. "GABRIEL-!"

"It's kind of a long story, Cassie-"

"GABRIEL!"

"Alright! Sheesh!" Gabriel's muffled voice groaned. "We may have just busted Crowley in a set-up to trick him into admitting he's been doing insider contracting. But DON'T WORRY-! The police are hunting HIM, not US!"

"What-!? WHAT!?" Castiel's hands shot back, trying to grab his brother's neck past the various limbs tangled between them. "You did WHAT!?"

The car swerved between lanes as Dean tried to reach over and pull Castiel away while the man leaned over the passenger seat to grapple with his older brother. "Cas! Hey, I'm drivin' here! Kill him later!"

Castiel slid back into his seat, face a mask of fury.

"Boss, it's not his fault!" Charlie's strained voice chimed in, "Crowley's totally dark side! We've been tracking his shady deals for months!"

"She's right," Ruby's voice supplied, "The bastard had it coming. He's going to be locked up for the next century for all the shit we dug up on him."

Castiel rolled his head back against the headrest, exhaling a groan. "I can't believe this…"

"Yeah- me neither!" Dean's voice sounded affronted. Castiel turned to stare at his frowning fiance, who was looking into the rearview mirror. "You've been working on taking the dude down for months and didn't invite us!? The fuck-?"

"Dean…" Castiel shook his head, rubbing his hand over his tired eyes.

"Ooh! Take a left! Head to Bard Road," Charlie called out suddenly. Dean followed her instructions, making a sharp left that had everyone in the car rolling heavily to the side.

"What now-?!" Ruby demanded, shoving Anton's elbow away from her neck.

"I got a ride! Stop here-"

Dean hit the brake, tires squealing.

In the back seat, Charlie ungracefully climbed over Gabriel, tumbling out of the car into a heap. She recovered fast, jumping up and straightening her wild red hair as she glanced excitedly up and down the empty street.

Before Castiel could question her, several motorcycles suddenly turned the far corner, roaring loudly down the street. They slid to stops by the Impala.

The riders were dressed head-to-toe in black leather and dark helmets.

"Uh…Charlie…?" Dean hissed worriedly, eyeing the intimidating gang.

One of the riders, smaller than the rest, pulled off his-HER-helmet. "Hi honey! Did you have fun busting your bad guy?" The softly smiling face of Gilda beamed at their group under the dull orange glow of the street lights.

"Heck yeah!" Charlie chirped, skipping over and hopping quickly onto the back of the bike. She turned to the others with a wave. "Night losers! I'm heading home for some hero sex! Whoooh-!"

Without another word, the motorcycle gang departed in a deafening roar from the bikes.

"…we need normal friends," Dean muttered shaking his head as he put the car in gear and peeled away towards the city limits.

"And normal family." Castiel added with annoyance. He frowned at the silence following his statement. "Gabriel-? Hey, what are you doing back there-!"

"They are engaging in the 'hero sexy-times' early," Anton answered happily.

"NO-!" Castiel shouted furiously, just as Dean shrieked, "Not in my Baby you horny sickos-!" The car swerved dangerously Castiel fully dove into the back seat with Dean encouraging him to strangle his brother.

…

Later that week….

Dean sat stiffly on the living room sofa, waiting and thinking.

This was bullshit.

He rubbed his hands through his hair for the umpteenth time in the last thirty minutes.

Why was Castiel doing this? They were happy. They sure as fuck didn't need the extra money…

The front door opened, and Dean jumped up fast.

"Dean…? Have you been waiting for me?" Castiel blinked at him, confused.

Dean shifted awkwardly where he stood. "Uh, yeah…sorta. How-how'd the meeting go? They give you the thumbs up…?"

"Yes, Dean," Castiel smiled gently, moving to wrap his arms around the other man. "I know you're not happy about my decision, but, Dean-" Castiel leaned back, meeting the Winchester's eye, "Nothing is going to change, I promise."

"I just-" Dean sighed heavily, pulling Castiel back in for hug and trailing unhappy kisses along his neck, "Why'd it have to be you that took over as President? There's gotta be dozens of other people who could do that job…"

"Dean, I want this position. I want to be able to fix the mess Crowley made. The people at the ADA office need someone they can count on. I can be that person." He rubbed Dean's back as he spoke.

"You'll have to travel more…"

"Not that much."

"And work later hours…"

"Not really. I won't be doing 'Think Tanks' anymore, so I should have a more stable schedule."

"You're gonna be a big deal around town. Bigger deal…"

Castiel voice was laced with humor, "Afraid someone's going to steal me away from you, Dean?"

"Stop joking, jerk…"

Castiel breathed in the motor oil/sweat scent of Dean hungrily, loving the familiarity of it. "I promise, you'll always be my number one priority, Dean. Being the President isn't going to change anything that we have."

"What about-" Dean cut himself off, burying his face into the crook of Castiel's neck.

"Dean? It's okay- ask," he prompted softly.

Dean was silent.

Castiel moved back, forcing Dean's head up. His face was red, eyes not meeting Castiel's.

"Dean…?"

Dean took a deep breath and reluctantly locked eyes on Castiel's. "What about if- if we have…kids?"

Castiel's eyes grew so wide, Dean worried that he had broken the man.

He watched as Castiel's mouth opened and closed uselessly for several seconds. "What-real kids…? Of our own?"

Dean nodded, "Ben's growing up fast, so I just figured-"

Dean was suddenly shoved backward onto the sofa, pinned underneath a crazed Castiel as the man ripped -ACTUALLY RIPPED- his clothes off his body like a madman.

-^o^-

…three hours later…

-^o^-

Dean crawled gingerly into sitting position, holding onto the upturned kitchen chair for balance as his head spun. The movement pulled Castiel with him, the man refusing to release his death grip on Dean's waist.

"Cas, I-" Dean rasped, then cleared his sore throat and tried again, "Cas, I think you may have a 'Daddy-kink'…"

"Put it on the list." Castiel grunted tiredly against Dean's naval.

Dean slid off the chair, shaking with laughter as he pulled Castiel in for another deep kiss.

…-^o^-…

Two years after 'The Rescue'…

"He's going to hate me."

"He's not going to hate you, Dean." Sam comforted his brother while Lisa smiled softly in front of him. "He can't hate you. I seriously think it's physically impossible for him."

"He's been so excited. I'm going to crush him. Fuck-!"

"Dean," Lisa soothed, "You can do this. He'll understand."

The sound of the front door opening made Dean jump. "Oh, shit. Oh, fuck. FuckFuckFuck-"

"That's our cue," Sam muttered, giving his brother a firm back on the back. "Ben? Time to go!"

The toddler dashed excitedly into the room, hopping into his mom's waiting arms just as Castiel turned the corner and saw them. "Oh, Sam. Good afternoon. I wasn't expecting you."

"I was just heading out, actually. I'm taking Lisa and Ben to the movies. The new Avenger's is out." He pointed to Ben's Captain America T-shirt as Lisa walked past.

"Oh…I-I thought we were all going to see that together?" He knelt down to Ben's level, "Am I not cool enough?" He smirked, tickling Ben's side as he shrieked with laughter.

"I wan' Cas to go too, Mommy-!"

Lisa shushed him quickly, "Cas and Dean can't come this time, sweety. But, Uncle Sam is gonna buy us popcorn and guess what he has-? Lots of quarters!"

"CLAW MACHINE!" Ben shouted excitedly, suddenly less concerned about who was coming with them.

"Bye you two! We'll be back later tonight!" Lisa called over her shoulder as they disappeared out the front door quickly.

Castiel heard the front door shut and turned with a confused smile towards Dean, "Are you alright with that? I thought you were more excited than Ben about the new movie?" He came up short at the sight of Dean's stricken face. "Dean…?"

"I-I wanted to talk. That's why I asked them to go today."

"Oh. Okay…" Castiel tensed, watching Dean with a growing sense of dread. "We can talk. What, uh, what about?" He sat nervously on the edge of the sofa across from Dean.

"It's- it's about the adoption plan."

Castiel's sharp intake of breath was loud in the silence. He swallowed, eyes suddenly interested in the rug pattern, "Okay."

"I don't… want to adopt, Cas. I mean- not right now!"

"Oh…oh."

Castiel's body was frozen, face somber, and Dean rushed to speak, "I mean, I want a kid, Cas! Really, really bad! And, I think adopting is-is awesome. But, I- well, just hear me out, and promise not to freak out too bad, okay…?"

His voice was pleading. Castiel gave a small nod for Dean to continue.

Dean took a deep breath, raising his hands, gesturing for Castiel to wait until he finished, "I-I want your kid, Cas. Your baby…"

Castiel couldn't stop the surprised gasp, "What-?"

"I know- but, listen! I've really thought about this, and I promise, I'm totally serious. Lisa's agreed already- like, totally all for it. She gets it, so, now it's just up to you. No pressure-!"

Castiel felt light-headed. "I- what?" He asked again. "Lisa agreed to…what?"

Dean's face was all wide-green eyes as he whispered quietly, "To have the baby."

"To…to have MY baby?!"

"Yeah."

Castiel jumped up abruptly and walked halfway across the room before spinning and gaping at Dean, "I-I…you asked Lisa if she would have a BABY for us?"

"And she said 'yes'. Like, VERY 'yes'. She'd love to… She, uh, she thinks we'd be awesome parents."

"Dean…" Castiel breathed out, "That's- that's a really big deal. We can't- I can't-"

"Cas," Dean interrupted, standing up to cross over to the man. For a moment, it seemed like Castiel might make a run for it. Dean spoke gently, like calming a wild animal, "I want to raise YOUR baby. I want a kid that I can- that I can see YOU when I look at it. I need to have a little you that I can love and spoil and-" Dean ran out of breath, eyes holding Castiel's, "Cas, please understand. I know it's a lot, but I'd love the kid to death- I swear it."

There was a silence that seemed to last years as Dean held Castiel's eye.

"I-I need to think about this, Dean."

"Yeah, no- I know!" Dean answered hurriedly. "It's-it's a big decision. Take as much time as you need, Cas. I-I'm not going to rush you. Just- yeah…"

…

"You'd really be willing to have my baby?"

Lisa smiled softly at him over her coffee, "You really have to ask me that? After you pretty much raised Ben with me?"

They were sitting in the bleachers watching Ben play soccer with his team mates, kicking the ball around the field with no real goal. One kid passed the ball directly to a member of the opposing team. The little girl stared down at it thoughtfully before beaming brightly at her mother, who was desperately calling for her daughter to 'kick it, honey- kick it into the GOAL!' The little girl waved happily, before kicking the ball back to the first boy. He thanked her with a shy smile and wave.

"It's not the same," Castiel responded, frowning as another child walked over to pick up the ball in his hands and carry it half-way across the field, both coaches face-palming from the sidelines.

"I know that, Cas. You think I just agreed without giving it some thought? Honestly, when Dean first brought up that he was thinking of a surrogate, I thought he was crazy. Have some random woman agree to have a baby for money? I've never really thought understood that, you know. I mean, I get it- definitely. Everyone deserves a child. But, a stranger? Then, it just kind of hit me. I want, like, a million babies. Really, just a hoard of them. But it's hard enough to find a guy willing to even date me after they know about Ben." Lisa shrugged, "I mention having another baby and that pretty much sends the rest of them running for the hills."

"Lisa, it's still not the same. With Ben, it's simple. His father is completely out of the picture. Dean wants- he's talking about having a child for the two of us. I don't…I don't know what that would make you…"

"A mother, Cas." Lisa laughed, "I'd still be the baby's mother. And you and Dean would still be the baby's daddies. It's not as if I'm going to decide to bail one day and force you into a tough position. We're a family, Cas. We're always going to be together, even if we're not. I won't ever try to take you and Dean's baby away. I understand what Dean is asking. It would be you two's baby. And I'll be the mother. Don't complicate it, silly."

Castiel's eyes followed the small bodies running aimlessly around the field.

"You understand why Dean wants this, don't you?" Lisa asked gently.

"…yes."

"Do you want a baby? I mean, one of your own? Have you ever thought about it?"

"…yes."

"So, what's holding you back, babe?" Her voice was soft, not prying.

"I- I think I hadn't really considered that it would be possible. That I would have an option to-" He sighed, "Dean just constantly amazes me. He's almost too perfect to be real…"

Lisa grinned widely beside him, nudging him with her shoulder. "Yeah, I think he feels the same way about you."

"…Lisa?"

"Yeah, Cas?"

"…"

"Spit it out, will you? What's on your mind?"

"I-I want to do it."

"Hell, yes!" She shouted excitedly, pulling Castiel into a tight hug. Several parents hissed 'language!' at them. She ignored them, "You're going to be the sweetest daddy in the world, Cas! And Dean is going to be at the kid's beck and call- just wait! Oh, and I didn't mention this to Dean, because you know him. I didn't want to get his hopes up. But…" She leaned in to whisper conspiratorially into his ear, "Most of my family has blue eyes. Both sides."

Castiel couldn't stop the small smile that crept across his face. He murmured thoughtfully, "Dean would lose it if the baby has blue eyes."

"I KNOW! I can't wait to find out!"

"Lisa," Castiel was back to watching the children on the field again, his face somber, "Do you think- would you…" Castiel ran his hands nervously through his messy dark hair in a movement that was so much like Dean that Lisa laughed.

"You want a 'baby-Dean' to go along with the 'baby-Cas'? A matching set?"

Castiel's wide-blue eyes turned towards her, stunned, "How did you-"

Lisa shook her head, beaming as she looked out at the field, "I swear, you two are so obnoxiously cute…and predictable."

"Lisa…"

"You better break the news to Dean. He's going to be a mess when he hears what you're planning."

"Thank you, Lisa. Really. This is-"

"Don't you tear up on me, Novak. I already had to deal with Dean sobbing and thanking me the first time around. I want none of it. You just get ready for Dean to go into super-baby-prep-mode. You remember how he was with Ben."

She didn't look away from the field as Castiel tugged her closer, into a tight hug. And she definitely didn't notice if he made a few subtle sniffling sounds.

…

Ten months later…

"Come on. You've got this. Breath in, breath out. Do you need water? Are you feeling light-headed?"

"Hey, maybe I'd like some- ugh!- some water over here, Cas!"

Castiel looked apologetically over to Lisa from where he was crouched next to Dean, coaching him through his panic attack. "Sorry, Lis. I'll be right with you," He turned back to Dean, squeezing his shoulder, "You can do this, Dean. Remember, we practiced. You swore you'd be conscious when the baby was born. Don't go back on that now."

Dean made a low strangled sound, taking deep breaths. He nodded finally, "I'm good. I've got this."

Castiel moved cautiously away, watching Dean's pale face. When he felt confident that Dean wasn't going to pass out, he turned to join Lisa.

"Is he going to make it?" She asked dazedly.

"Yeah, I think he's fine. It's easier this time, without you shouting and in pain, I think."

Lisa nodded, "Yeah, I'm liking it more, too. That epidural was legit…" She grinned up at him.

"Good. I-I'm glad. I don't think- if you were in pain because of me-"

"Oh, shut up with that," Lisa groaned, smiling. "All you did was donate some baby-making material to the cause." She paused to take several breaths, before continuing, "You've been apologizing way too much. Stop feeling guilty and get happy, dummy." She lowered her voice, so Dean couldn't hear, "You're about have a baby girl. Get excited."

Castiel glanced over at Dean, who was trying to collect himself, hands shaking nervously as he watched the medical staff busily moving around. In a small voice, Castiel replied, "Jo and Ellen are already at the house, moving all the girl-decor in."

They grinned at each other as Dean finally staggered his way over. "Geez, this is happening. It's actually happening. A baby. We're going to have a baby."

"Alright, let's begin pushing, okay," the doctor was encouraging.

"Ohholyfuck-!" Several nurses and Castiel all rushed to collectively catch Dean before he could drop to the floor.

"Well…" Lisa gasped between tight-teeth, "He lasted- umph- longer this time- umph! He should have it down by next time-UMPH-!"

A few short moments later, the small sound of wet grunts filled the room.

"Oh, look Cas! She's- OHH- SHIT!"

The nurses who had dragged Dean to the extra bed, sprinted across the room just in time to catch Castiel as he crumpled to the floor.

Lisa tried to crane her head to watch as the nurses pulled Castiel up. He rallied, reaching for side railing of Lisa's bed, gulping down deep breaths as the staff buzzed back and forth with his daughter. He watched the movements like the baby was a tiny anchor, keeping him conscious. After a full minute, he pulled his eyes away, to smile weakly at Lisa, "We-we don't need to tell Dean about that, okay?"

"Our secret, tough guy." Lisa grinned smugly.

…-^o^-…

One year, ten months later…

A/N: [Dee-Ann-Dree-Uh]

"Cu-ky, Da-dy?"

Deep blue eyes peered into Dean's very soul from under a mess of wild black hair.

"Unh-uh, pumkinhead," Dean managed, watching the eyes blink sadly up at him, "Papa says no more cookies for us before dinner." Deandria made a small choking sound as Dean shifted her to his other hip, and away from the cookie jar. "I know, princess. I'm sorry. We'll get one later- promise."

The toddler's tiny little brow knit in an exact replica of Castiel's frown. She nodded, bobbing her head as she looked up at her daddy. "S'kay, Da-dy." Her voice was pathetically small, and she pressed her head sadly against Dean's chest.

Dean muffled a whimper.

…

"I'm home," Castiel called out as he stepped in through the front door. He was greeted warmly by Lucifer and Impala, both weaving happily under his feet. He stepped carefully over them. "Where's my pretty lady?"

Inside the kitchen, Dean stood Deandria up on the floor, and whispered hurriedly, "Okay-finish that quickly, princess." He held up the soggy, half-eaten chocolate chip cookie for her to take. "I'll distract Papa."

"'kay Da-dy," She answered while chewing happily on her bite of mashed cookie.

Dean moved quickly to intercept Castiel.

"Oh, there you are. Where's Deedee?" Castiel asked as he placed his things down on the hallway table.

"Just hanging out in the kitchen," Dean reached out, tugging Castiel in for a warm kiss. "How was work?"

"Mmm…okay…" Castiel gave him a strange look, "Why do you taste like cookie?"

Dean stepped back quickly, "What? Cookie? Before dinner? No-!" He scoffed nervously as Castiel eyed him skeptically.

"Pa-pa!" Deandria waddled happily into the room, arms already up for a hug.

Castiel bent to pick her, pausing at the sight of melted chocolate on her cheeks and mouth. He kissed her anyway, then turned to look at Dean's guilty face. "DeeDee, you and Daddy haven't been eating cookies before dinner, have you?"

The little girl's eyes turned into wide, blue saucers, mirroring her father's familiar guilty face comically. "N-n-no-UHH-HNN!" She barely managed to get the lie out before her face crumpled into a tearful sob. "I sor-ry papa! I sor-ry-y-y!" Her choking wails rang loudly in the living room.

Castiel turned to Dean with a disappointed shake of his head.

Dean winced at the look, moving forward to pluck the crying girl from Castiel's arms. He bounced her soothingly, "It's okay, honey. It was Daddy's fault. Not DeeDee's. DeeDee is a good girl. Daddy was being naughty-"

It took both of them a whole ten minutes to calm the guilty little girl down.

…-^o^-…

Five years, eleven months after 'The Rescue'…

'Dean,' Castiel's voice was quiet on the other end of the phone, 'The pre-school says Deandria hasn't shown up yet for her first day.'

Dean grimaced, watching as his daughter tore a piece of pancake apart across from him. They were sitting in the bright corner of the diner on the square. "Th-that's…weird. Could've sworn I-"

'Dean,' Castiel sighed, 'Where are you?'

"Coffee?" Christine asked Dean, grinning as the little girl chirped up, 'yes, please, thank you!'

Dean nodded silently, speaking into the phone again, "I-uh, I think you're breaking up, Cas! I'll-try-call-can you-hear-Cas?-call-later-!" Dean hung up hurriedly.

He took a deep breath, then let his head fall forward onto the table.

"Daddy-? You sleeping, Daddy?" Dean felt Deandria's tiny hand patting his hair. "You can't sleep here, Daddy! S'not okay! Daddy-! Wake up!"

Dean grinned, face hidden. he suddenly popped his head up with a 'BOO!'.

Deandria jumped, then giggled madly. "You're silly, Daddy!" When she finally settled down several minutes later, and their plates were picked up, she looked at her new book bag thoughtfully. "I'm going to school now, Daddy?"

"Actually, princess, I was thinking maybe we could-" Dean glanced up as the diner's front door opened, and he froze.

Castiel spotted him immediately, walking over and sliding into the booth beside Deandria.

"Papa!" The little girl jumped into his arms, planting a wet kiss on his cheek.

"How..how did you-?" Dean mumbled quietly,

"Background noise," Castiel answered easily, shifting the toddler in his lap. "Dean…"

"I know-I know! But- Cas, that place is a nightmare. Have you seen the playground? It's not safe! And I scoped out some of the kids that were being dropped off- they're all twice DeeDee's size. And, uh, mean looking. And don't get me started on the teachers-!"

"Dean," Castiel's face was calm, not revealing anything, "We are taking DeeDee to school- now. She'll be fine. Won't you, DeeDee?" He turned to smile at the little girl.

"Un-huh, Papa! I'm gonna color and Bubba says they have a slide that's this tall-!" She hopped up on the seat raising her hand in the air.

Castiel held her waist and warned, "Careful, DeeDee, no jumping."

Across from them, Dean sighed miserably. "Fine…"

…

Castiel had to drag Dean reluctantly from the classroom while over a dozen pairs of wide little eyes stared. The teacher was handling it very gracefully, he thought, reassuring Dean that the little girl was in the very best of hands.

Once they finally made it outside, Castiel caught Dean before he could climb into the Impala.

"Dean…" The green-eyed man flinched, turning, "The house. Now."

Without another word, Castiel turned to his own car and left.

Dean followed, chest squeezing painfully as they left the city.

He really fucked up this time. Was it possible to 'kidnap' your own kid? Damn it- Cas was going to really tear into him for this one….

When they arrived home, Dean sat in the car, too worried to face going inside and dealing with Cas's lecture about 'over-coddling' as he liked to put it.

It WASN'T over-coddling, though. Dean had SEEN that infamous slide out in the playground area. It was, like, TEN FUCKING FEET HIGH-! No way that was safe! And HE was a bad parent for trying to keep his baby-girl safe-? Fuck that-

A sharp rapping at the window startled Dean. He jumped, glancing guilty over at Castiel, who mouthed 'Out. Now.' and pointed to the house.

Dean took a deep breath, hesitantly climbing out of the car.

He shut the front door behind him, pausing to stare worriedly at Castiel's stiff back.

"Cas, listen, I-"

Castiel continued walking, heading for the stairs.

His coat hit the floor.

Followed by his blazer.

He was undoing his belt as he hit the first step at the stairwell, and dropping his slacks by the time he was half-way up.

Dean blinked up, watching the man disappear around the corner at the top.

The sound of the bedroom door opening jarred Dean from his stunned thoughts.

"Huh…" Dean muttered, before moving quickly up the stairs, hopping excitedly around the scattered articles of clothing.

Castiel was already spread out on the bed, handling himself. "Hey! That's mine-!" Dean growled, diving onto the bed.

Castiel smacked his hand away, shaking his head, "No. You're being punished. Sit there and watch. NO TOUCHING."

Dean's jaw dropped, eyes bulging, "Excuse me-!?"

Castiel sent him a hard look, clearly not joking.

Dean made a small, hurt sound. "Cas, c'mon-"

Castiel burrowed himself deeper into the pillows by the headboard, watching Dean with half-closed eyes. "No talking, either."

Dean pursed his lips, glaring.

On the bed beside him, Castiel stretched out his legs and trailed his hand slowly down his chest, over his happy trail and-

Dean made a pathetic sound.

Castiel smirked, hand stopping just above his cock. "Could you pass me the lube, Dean?" He asked sweetly, smiling over at his fiancé.

"A-are you shitting me right now!? No. No, I'm not going to-to enable your torturing me. Fuck that."

"Oh…well." Castiel removed his hand completely, making to stand up. "I should get back to work anyway-"

Dean's hand caught his, jerking back on the bed. "You damn tease!" He tossed a leg over Castiel's hips, straddling him and holding down to plant furious kisses down his chest.

Castiel erupted into breathy laughter. "Get the lube, Dean. If you behave, I might let you participate after I've had my fun watching you squirm."

"Mmm…promise?" Dean murmured against Castiel's warm neck.

"Do you promise not to interfere with our daughter's education in the future?"

Dean sighed dramatically, "I guess…"

"Good. We need to start working on baby number two now, anyway."

Dean pulled back slowly, eyes wide. "Y-yeah-? You're ready?" His voice was tinged with a glimmer of hope and excitement.

"Yeah, I think so," Castiel whispered, grinning. Suddenly, his hand shot out, smacking loudly against Dean's bare ass and making the man yip. "If you think you're up to it."

"Wha-" Dean snickered. "You wanna try and 'knock me up' Cas?"

"Yes."

Dean stared blankly at his serious face below him. "Holy shit, I love you, you kinky bastard."

"Talking doesn't make babies, Dean." Castiel replied sternly.

Dean agreed. Enthusiastically.

With his mouth.

And shortly after, with his body.

…-^o^-…

"So, you managed to make it through the entire birth this time, huh?" Jo teased Dean as he rocked his son, Lucas, gently. Dean stuck his tongue out at her jab while everyone else laughed.

It was Christmas, and the entire extended Winchester family had gathered at Bobby's house to celebrate. Almost everyone was crammed together in the warm living room. Only Castiel, Jess, Ellen and Mary were missing, having taken Deandria, as well as Sam and Jess's baby girl, Leah (that's three foster kids-all girls-now if anyone's counting), into one of the back bedrooms for a mini-fashion show of all the new clothes the girl's had received as presents.

Occasionally Castiel would appear with the five year old hiding behind him, and urge her to 'show daddy you pretty new dress'. In vain, though, as Deandria would hide shyly against Castiel's legs, refusing to raise her head in front of the crowd.

It didn't stop Dean from calling happily, 'ooohh, so pretty!' and 'who's this princess? Is that my Deedee?' The little girl made small grunting sounds, and grasped Castiel tighter each time.

Dean smiled at the display of shyness, as Castiel sighed wearily and walked back out again.

"He's got Lisa's pretty brown eyes," Jo stated, crouching close to baby Lucas in Dean's arms.

"Aww, stop." Lisa laughed, blushing from her seat on the sofa a few feet away.

Dean shifted the baby proudly for everyone to see as he nodded in agreement. Lucas sucked on his toy keychain, staring back at the faces watching him.

"Doesn't look much like you, does he? Lucky little fellow," Sam cooed, smirking at Dean.

"Hey- we're practically twins, loser," Dean returned.

"Uhhh…" The entire crowded room seemed to shuffle awkwardly in their seats.

Dean snorted. "Seriously- watch this!"

He turned Lucas towards them, then tugged the toy keys gently away from the baby.

Lucas' eyes followed the keys and his chubby little hands reached helplessly for them. Dean held them just out of reach. The baby made a wet, strangled sound, then-

His face collapsed into a look pure betrayal and misery. His brown eyes widened, faint blonde eyebrows raising into a mask of hopelessness. He looked every bit like he had faced down demons and monsters for decades with no end in sight. Like the world had thrown him one too many bad turns and this…this was the one that broke him.

There was a moment of thoughtful silence from the entire room as everyone stared at the baby.

Lucas made a hapless strangled sob in the back of his throat- and the entire room burst into laughter and squeals. Dean beamed proudly, "See! Told you- kid looks just like me!"

Lucas erupted into confused tears, eyes searching the faces of the room.

"Dean-!"

Dean's smile dropped fast and he quickly handed his son the keys back. "Oh, uh, hey, Cas."

Castiel was already lifting the sobbing Lucas from Dean's arms and rocking him gently. "What on earth were you doing? Why is he upset?"

"Ahh…" Dean started hesitantly.

"Dean says Lucas looks just like him when he's about to start crying, and he wanted to prove it." Bobby supplied helpfully. "Turns out, he was right. Spitting image." The room erupted into barely contained laughter again.

Castiel spared Dean an annoyed glance before pulling Lucas closer and muttering soothingly, "Come on, handsome, you can join Papa and Sissy since Daddy wants to be a stupid-head."

"C-Cas-!" Dean moaned dejectedly as Cas left with his son.

"There's the face-!" Sam squawked, pointing at Dean.

The room shook with laughter as Dean flipped his brother off.

…

Later that evening….

"Alright, Lucas. Time for beddy-bye." Castiel lay his son down in his crib. The boys shook his pookie-bear tiredly, grinning at his papa. "Yes, Santa is gonna bring you some presents, so you have to sleep like a good boy tonight and not wake Daddy and Papa, okay?"

The baby gurgled an affirmative.

Castiel stepped back, taking a moment to really look at his son. The boy was just beginning to show real facial features instead of the usual 'baby' face. He had Dean's lightish brown/blonde hair and Lisa's chocolate brown eyes. The nose could maybe be Dean's…and there just wasn't any telling whether he's end up with his dad's jawline….

Castiel checked the open nursery door. Dean was taking a shower in the bathroom attached to their bedroom down the hall.

Taking a deep breath, Castiel reached down and plucked pookie-bear from Lucas' tiny hands.

The baby blinked at the bear dangling above him, then turned his wide-eyes to meet Castiel's. His little face crumpled, as if to say, "Ah, Fates- thou hast cast me another blow, and so soon after the last…"

He looked exactly like a mini-Dean.

Castiel felt laughter bubble out of him before he could stop it.

Lucas let out an indignant sob.

"Oh-no-no-no! No, my poor baby! Papa's sorry! Papa's so so sorry! It's okay!" Castiel scooped the sobbing baby up and rocking him soothingly.

"Why'd you take pookie from him, Papa?"

Castiel froze, turning to see his daughter peeking around the nursery door.

"W-why aren't you in bed waiting for Santa, DeeDee?"

"Were you trying to make Lucas cry, Papa…?"

They stared at each other for several tense seconds as Lucas wiggled unhappily in Castiel's arms.

"…I'll sneak a bowl of ice cream to you in your room if you promise not to tell Daddy."

Deandria eyed her papa with shrewd blue eyes. "…and cookies?"

"Deal."

...-^o^-...

Okay. So, that's all I've got...for now. There are three more extras that I am DETERMINED to write to officially end this story: a Halloween chapter, Charlie's LARP Wedding, and the Big Wedding. BUT- you folks have been so awesome, I just hate the idea of dragging the story out any longer. So, I'm going to close the story out and mark it as 'Complete' for now. Once I have the other chapters written, I'll re-open the story and toss them in, then re-close it.

But, for now, that's the end. If you have any questions about the characters or how the story would have continued (if I wasn't so exhausted and felt like writing out another 250,000+ words) then you are totally welcome to ask. I wish I could fit all the side-characters stories into here, but it's just not possible. Ash and Meg are living happily with Clarence and a second child (another boy) in Australia, and they pop in every year to visit their friends in Lawrence. Gabe and Ruby have an army of mischievous tots that get into every kind of trouble possible. Bobby proposed to Ellen. She said 'yes'. Mary was the only person surprised, ironically. And, of course, Balthazar cornered Dick in the elevator (again) and proposed to him. I'll let you guess Dick's answer...

If you enjoyed the story and haven't had a chance to click that fancy button below to let me know, now's your chance! Nothing makes me happier than getting those email alerts saying that someone actually took the time to read this monstrosity of a story and actually got a kick out of it! I hope to continuing getting them in the future, months and maybe years from now as people find this story and give it a shot. Big thanks to everyone who shared this story on their blogs and profiles and social medias and stuff, too! You all rock my socks off!

Stay Awesome.