A/N: So here we are, on the last page. I know you're all very sad to see this story end, but please hold your applause. I've very much enjoyed writing this, and I hope you guys enjoyed reading it, and I hope the ending does it justice. So I present to you the conclusion of this fine tale. *tear*

Oh, and as a little fun fact, the game they play, baggo, is a game that my family plays at every family gathering. It's really hard, and much funner when you're drunk.

Well, it's been real. Peace out bitches, I'll see you on the other side.

Thanks for reading.

I own nothing, all rights and characters belong to Kripke and the CW.

Chapter 16

"And when the day arrives I'll become the sky and I'll become the sea and the sea will come to kiss meh for I am going home. Nothing can stop me now."

-Trent Reznor

Castiel was pulling into the driveway, when his phone rang. Dean had insisted he get a cell phone so that they could keep in touch and Castiel told him that he worried too much. He answered the phone.

"Hello?"

"Hey Cas." It was Dean.

"Are you calling me from inside the house?" he asked bemused.

"Nope, I'm calling from the yard." Dean said. "Meet me out back would you?"

"What's this about?"

"It's a surprise, you'll find out when you get back here, now hurry."

Castiel got out of the car and walked around the back of the building. Dean was standing in the small patch of grass that was their yard. At his feet were several potted plants and a watering can. Castiel looked at the scene before him puzzled.

"What's all this?" he asked.

"This," Dean said taking a step forward and wrapping his arms around Castiel's waist. "Is your new garden."

"My new garden?"

"Yup, I know how much you loved having one before and I know there's not a whole lot of space here, but I figured we could make it work."

"Don't we always?" said Castiel smiling.

"Yes, we do."

Dean leaned down to kiss him before turning and picking up one of the pots. "This one's for you." he said.

Castiel took the plant from him. They were flowers and Castiel recognized them immediately, they were magnolias. Castiel looked at the flowers fondly.

"These are lovely Dean, thank you." he said.

"I'm glad you like them, what do you say we get a little dirty?" Dean asked.

"I like the sound of that."

An hour later they stood looking down on their little garden. In the end they'd only had room for the flowers and a few vegetables, but Dean said it was still awesome. Dean took Castiel's hand with a mischievous grin.

"I don't know what's more fun, getting you dirty, or getting to clean you up after." he said.

"Let's find out." Castiel said pulling Dean towards the door.

Once they'd finished their unnecessarily long shower, they curled up on the sofa together and put a movie on. Castiel rested his head on Dean's shoulder and started to doze off. He knew there was something he wanted to talk to Dean about and he knew should probably say it before he ended up falling asleep. He blinked the sleepiness from his eyes and shifted a little in Dean's arm to get a better look at his face.

"Dean?" he said.

"Yeah Cas?"

"There's something I've been meaning to ask you." said Castiel.

"Ask away then." replied Dean.

"I've been thinking, since everything with Alistair is over now, will you go home?"

"What do you mean? I am home." Dean said confused.

"No, I mean back to see your family. It's safe for you to see them now and I know how much you miss them, especially your brother. I just thought you might like to go back."

"I don't think I can go back. It's been too long."

"Don't say that, they're your family, I'm sure they miss you." Castiel said.

"It's been over ten years; they probably think I'm dead."

"How would you feel if you had to live your life thinking Sam was dead when he wasn't?"

"That's different." Dean said.

"How's that?"

"I don't know it just is." Dean said huffily. "Besides he's probably married by now, he's probably forgotten all about me."

"You know that's not true."

"What do you want me to say here, Cas?"

"I want you to say you'll think about it."

"Alright, I'll think about it." Dean said. "Now can we drop it, please?"

Castiel conceded for the moment, but he knew the discussion wasn't at an end. Later that evening when they were getting ready for bed Dean grew fidgety and uncomfortable looking. When Castiel asked him what was wrong he avoided his gaze and sat on the bed with his back facing Castiel.

"What if he hates me?" Dean asked quietly.

Castiel knew at once who he was talking about. He climbed onto the bed and sat behind Dean, placing a hand gently on his back. "He may be angry with you Dean, but he's your brother and I know he doesn't hate you."

"You think so?"

"Yes I do."

"What'll I even tell him, about why I left."

"The truth, more or less, you can leave out some things, I think." said Castiel.

"How could I tell him what I did?"

"Don't tell him what you did; just tell him why you did it. He'll understand."

"How do you know?"

"Because he's you family and he has to."

"I don't even know where he is, I lost track of him when he left school." Dean said.

"Is there anyone who might know where he is?" Castiel asked.

"My Dad's friend Bobby might know."

"Then you'll just have to call your Dad's friend Bobby then, won't you?" Castiel said. "You can have your brother and you father meet you at Bobby's."

"My Dad too?"

"Yes, it will be easier for you if you only have to tell your story once."

"It's not going to be easy, period." Dean said.

"I know," replied Castiel, rubbing small circles into Dean's back. "It'll be hard, but worth it."

"Isn't everything?"

"I suppose it is."

"You'll come with me, right?" Dean asked.

Castiel was taken aback by the question. "Of course I will, only if you want me to."

"I want you to, I really do. This will be kind of an unorthodox way of introducing you to my family." Dean said with a laugh.

"Yeah well, when has anything with us ever been normal?"

"Never," Dean said turning to face Castiel. "And I like it that way."

"Speak for yourself." replied Castiel with a grin.

"Hey, you're lucky I'm so damn exciting, I could be boring like you."

"You are so boring; your idea of an exciting night is watching crappy horror movies." Castiel said.

"That is not true." said Dean affronted.

"I'm afraid it is." said Castiel. "You have to admit that we're not a very exciting crowd."

"Fine, we can be boring together."

"I like the sound of that."

"Me too." Dean said kissing Castiel gently.

Dean called Bobby the following morning, relieved that his number hadn't changed after so many years. Castiel heard Dean's end of the conversation and it was clear that Bobby was more than a little surprised to be hearing from him. Dean refused to explain anything over the phone and asked Bobby if he could maybe get his father and Sam to come over. Bobby was hesitant at first, wanting to warn Sam beforehand to save him the shock, but in the end he agreed to not tell him anything. Bobby said that he would call back once he'd found out whether or not Sam could make it. Needless to say it was a very tense two hours for the both of them. Castiel tried in vain to get Dean to relax. When the phone finally rang again Dean nearly leapt out of his skin. There was a moment of tense silence, then Dean broke into a massive grin and started babbling his agreement and thanks. He hung up the phone and turned to Castiel happily.

"He can make it." he said.

"That's wonderful." replies Castiel smiling.

"Yeah, he's got some time off this weekend so we'll have to drive most of the day tomorrow if we want to get there in time"

"Where are we going exactly?" asked Castiel.

"Bobby lives in South Dakota, it's about a six hour drive from here."

"Well, the way you drive, we'll get there in four." Castiel said.

"Yeah we will." Dean said. "This is awesome Cas, thank you. I wouldn't be doing this if it weren't for you."

"I'm glad you're happy." said Castiel.

"I am, I am so happy." Dean said grinning. He took a step forward and wrapped his arms around Castiel's waist. "I love you." he said.

"And I love you." Castiel replied. "We should really start packing, you know."

"I know, but this is much better than packing." Dean said with a sly grin, walking Castiel towards the bed.

"We'll be very rushed tomorrow." Castiel said as Dean kissed his way down Castiel's neck.

"I'm sure we will. "Dean said lips pressed to Castiel's throat.

"We may get a late start and who knows the traffic we'll hit." said Castiel, trying to ignore the way that Dean's hands were roaming over his body.

"Then I'll have to drive really fast, won't I?" Dean said starting to undo the buttons of Castiel's shirt.

Castiel knew a losing battle when he saw one. "I give up." he said, letting Dean lower him gently down onto the bed.

"Finally." Dean said exasperated. "I thought I was losing my master seduction skills."

"You have to have something before you can lose it." Castiel said.

"You are so going to pay for that." Dean said playfully pinning Castiel's arms above his head.

"Am I?" asked Castiel raising an eyebrow in challenge.

"Oh yeah." Dean said gleefully, as he pulled Castiel's shirt off and threw it across the room. He popped the button on Castiel's jeans and slowly pulled them down his hips.

Castiel sighed as Dean continued to undress him; soon his jeans and socks had joined the growing pile of clothes on the floor. Dean kissed his way up Castiel's abdomen, until their lips finally met. Castiel, realizing that Dean still wore too many clothes, began pulling his shirt off. They broke off their kiss long enough for Castiel to get Dean's shirt over his head, and then they were back on each on each other in a second. Castiel quickly rolled them over, so that he lay sprawled on top of Dean.

Castiel pulled away from Dean and trailed kisses down his neck as he worked at the button of his jeans. Castiel sank his teeth into Dean's collar bone as he roughly yanked his jeans over his hips. Dean moaned and thrust up into Castiel's thigh, which was planted firmly between his legs. Castiel smiled into Dean's skin at the feel of his hard cock against his leg. Castiel quickly removed Dean's jeans and moved up to catch his mouth in a rough kiss. Castiel thrust his thigh more firmly between Dean's legs and buried his face in the crook of his neck as he thrust into his thigh, relishing at the friction on his aching cock. Dean gasped and bucked upwards desperately.

"Too many clothes," Dean said breathlessly. "Need to feel you."

They rid themselves of their boxers and Dean once more lay on top of Castiel, covering his body with his own. Castiel thrust up into Dean's hip, his leaking cock sliding deliciously against Dean's sweat-slicked skin. He moaned as Dean ground his hips down onto Castiel's, causing their cocks to drag along one another.

Dean set a rapid pace, thrusting into Castiel, their cocks sliding against each other between their bodies. Precome slicked the way and it was wet and hot and perfect. Dean caught Castiel's mouth in a wet kiss that was all teeth and tongue, as he continued to rut into the other man. Castiel moaned and thrust upwards in time with Dean's movements. Castiel wrapped his legs around Dean's waist, bringing their bodies closer together.

Dean's thrusting lost its rhythm, and became erratic, as he reached between them and took their slick cocks in one hand. Castiel groaned as Dean's hand wrapped around his over-heated flesh. Dean's hand stroked their cocks together, rough and hot, and Castiel knew he wouldn't last. Dean twisted his wrist at the end of every stroke, and Castiel felt his orgasm building. Dean leaned forward and kissed him as he stripped their cocks, squeezing ever so slightly. It was too much for Castiel and he came hard in Dean's fist, a second before Dean's own orgasm ripped through him. They came together, covering themselves in come and breathing heavily. Dean rolled off Castiel and lay next to him a moment before pulling him into his arms.

"Is that's what punishment is like with you, I should get on your bad side more often." Castiel said snuggling into Dean's side.

"If you think that's all I have planned, then you're very much mistaken. And I am so going to make you pay for earlier, just you wait." Dean replied, smirking.

"I look forward to it." said Castiel, returning Dean's smile.

Needless to say, nothing was packed that night and there was a mad dash in the morning to get everything ready. Several things were probably forgotten, but in hindsight it was most definitely worth it. Dean insisted that they would make up for lost time once they were on the road. It wasn't long after they left that Castiel realized Dean was in no way joking about driving really fast. More than half of the time he drove, he was speeding and it did nothing to calm Castiel's nerves. They made decent time and arrived in Sioux Falls, South Dakota at around seven that night. Dean drove down a long dirt driveway and stopped in front of a big, old house. There was a large salvage yard and from his seat in the Impala Castiel could see a rusted sign that read "Singer Salvage." It looked a little worse for wear, but there was something comforting about the peeling paint and the overgrown weeds in the yard.

Once Dean had cut the engine he stayed put, hands still clasped tightly to the steering wheel. Castiel couldn't imagine what he was feeling and wished there was a way to ease the anxiety he was undoubtedly feeling. For lack of anything else to do, he reached out and rested his hand gently on Dean's shoulder. Dean jumped, he'd been so lost in thought he'd forgotten Castiel was there. The panicked look he turned on Castiel made it clear that he was not ready to do this, but Castiel knew if they waited any longer then Dean would end up leaving before he'd even gone inside. Castiel climbed out of the car and walked around to the driver's side, he opened Dean's door and held his hand out to him, offering him a reassuring smile as he did so. Dean took his hand silently and together, they made their way up to the house, where Castiel promptly knocked on the door, before Dean lost his nerve. A minute later an older man with graying hair, a scruffy beard, and wearing a baseball hat and a good deal of flannel, opened the door. He stood for a moment regarding Dean before he stepped forward and trapped Dean in a crushing hug.

"Goddammit kid, I didn't think you'd actually come." he said standing back.

"Yeah well, I did." Dean said awkwardly. "Hey, Bobby."

"Hey Dean." Bobby said with a smile. "Why don't you boys come in and make yourselves comfortable."

Dean walked into the house and Castiel followed a step behind. They entered into a large living room containing several bookshelves and several pieces of mismatched furniture.

"Have a seat." Bobby said. "Can I get you boys anything to drink, must have been a hell of a drive."

"Waters fine." Dean said taking a seat on the sofa and Castiel sat beside him.

Bobby left the room and Castiel sat staring at the threadbare carpet on the floor, while Dean fidgeted uneasily. A few minutes later Bobby came back into the room with two glasses of water and a grin on his face.

"You sure I couldn't get you anything stronger?" Bobby asked.

"Nah, we're good." Dean said.

"So, are you going to introduce me to your friend?" asked Bobby looking pointedly at Castiel.

"Right sorry, I didn't mention on the phone. Bobby, this is my boyfriend, Castiel." Dean said.

Castiel felt as shocked as Bobby looked; he had not expected Dean to tell his family who exactly he was to Dean. There was silence for a beat.

"It's good to meet you, Castiel." Bobby said extending his hand.

"Thank you for having us." Castiel replied taking Bobby's hand in a firm handshake.

"So," Bobby said sitting down in the worn armchair across from them. "How long you two been together?"

"Well, we've known each other about two years now. We've been together for about a year and a half." Dean said easily.

"You living together?"

"Yeah."

"Good, I'm glad to see you've settled down." Bobby said a warm smile on his face. "This one was crazy when he was a teenager; I hope you're keeping him in line, out of trouble."

"I do my best." Castiel said with a relieved smile. "How crazy was he exactly?"

"You should have seen him, my God, like he had a fire lit under his ass, never in one place more than a minute. I remember this one time at Christmas-"

"Alright," Dean said quickly. "There will be no embarrassing childhood stories."

"Fine killjoy." Bobby said winking at Castiel. "I'll tell you later."

"Great." Dean said grumpily.

"So," Bobby began. "You gonna tell me where you been for the last ten years?"

"I will, but not right now. I'm only saying it once, so I'd rather do it when everyone is here." Dean said.

"Okay, fair enough." Bobby said. "Your brother will be here early tomorrow morning, he's flying in from Tulsa at eight."

"Tulsa?" Dean asked.

"That's where he's living now, has been for a few years now."

"How has he been?" Dean asked.

"He's been alright; he's getting married next year."

"Married?"

"Yeah, her name's Jessica, they got engaged last year."

"Damn," Dean said. "I guess I missed a lot, huh?"

"You think?"

"I know I screwed up." Dean said. "But, I want to make it right, by you and by Sam."

"It's not me you got to worry about, that boy worshipped you, you were the most important thing in the world to him."

"I know, I'm not proud of it, but I did what I had to do. You gotta understand that."

"I understand just fine, I know life can be a bitch, you better hope he understands it too."

"Yeah." Dean said.

"Well, it's getting late, you must be tired. You know where the spare bedroom is." Bobby said standing.

"Yeah, I do." Dean said standing as well.

Bobby clapped Dean on the shoulder. "It's good to see you again, son." he said.

"Yeah, you too."

"Well, goodnight, I'll see you boys in the morning." said Bobby as he walked out of the room.

Dean sighed as he turned to Castiel.

"C'mon," he said. "I'll show you the room, then I'll get our bags."

He led Castiel up a flight of stairs and down a narrow hallway, stopping in front of a door and opening it to let Castiel inside. Once Castiel had stepped into the room he turned around and walked back down the hallway. Castiel would have offered to help with the bags, but he knew that Dean needed a moment to himself. So he took a look around the room. It was on the small side and the only furniture in it was a rickety looking bed that he knew would be a tight squeeze for the two of them and an old wooden armoire. Castiel sat on the bed and waited for Dean. Several minutes later, longer than was needed to carry a few bags from the car, Dean stepped through the door again. He dropped the bags onto the floor and sat beside Castiel on the bed.

"Do you think it was right, coming here?" he asked after a minute.

"Yes, I do. I don't think it's going to be easy for you and for that I'm sorry, but it is right. And when it's all over, you'll be glad that you did."

"Thanks Cas, I'm glad you're here, I don't know what I'd do without you."

Castiel rested his head on Dean's shoulder and Dean's arm snaked around to circle his waist. They sat like that for a while, until Dean sighed and said it was getting late. They undressed and climbed into the bed. Castiel was right, it was a very tight fit, but he didn't mind. He pressed himself closer to Dean, burying his face in his neck, while Dean wrapped his arms around him.

"I love you." Dean murmured pressing a gentle kiss to his temple.

"I love you, too." Castiel whispered.

Castiel fell asleep almost immediately, exhausted from the long drive. Dean lay awake for a long time, anxious and nervous, going over all the ways that tomorrow could go wrong in his head. He held Castiel tighter and tried not to think. When sleep finally found him, he slept fitfully, his exhausted mind plaguing him with nightmares. Castiel was up and dressed when Dean awoke feeling sluggish and unrested. Dean dragged himself out of bed and got dressed. They made their way downstairs to find Bobby in the kitchen cooking breakfast. He looked up when they walked in.

"I hope you're hungry." he said, laying plates and silverware out on the table.

"We are." Dean said as he and Castiel sat at the table.

"Good." Bobby said piling eggs and bacon onto their plates before sitting down. "After we eat, I got to go and pick your brother up from the airport; I'm guessing you don't want to come with me."

"No, we'll wait here." Dean said.

"Suit yourselves." said Bobby. "Do you even have any idea what you're going to say to him?"

"No not really." Dean admitted.

"Well, you better figure it out."

They ate in silence and after they'd thanked him for breakfast he was out the door. Dean sat at the table looking as if he were going to be sick. Castiel walked up behind him and rubbed his shoulders soothingly.

"It'll be alright." he said. "Trust me."

"Bobby's right." Dean said. "What am I gonna to say to him?"

"Just tell him the truth, or as much of it as you can. You can't make him like what you did, but you can make him understand it."

Dean reached up and took the hand that was resting on his shoulder, gripping it tightly.

"And what if he doesn't forgive me?" Dean asked fearfully.

"Well, we'll have to cross that bridge when we come to it, won't we?"

Dean kissed Castiel's palm softly. They waited together for what seemed like hours and when they heard a car in the driveway Dean shot out of his seat. The semblance of calm he found a moment ago was gone and he paced nervously as he waited. They heard voices approaching the door and at the sound of a voice that was not Bobby's, Dean froze stock still. A moment later the door opened and Bobby and a younger man, who could only have been Sam, stepped into the house. Sam looked to be about five years younger than Dean and was a bit taller. His hair was longer and he had distinct hazel eyes, which were now widened in surprise. Sam looked up and caught sight of Dean. He looked from Bobby to Dean seemingly oblivious to Castiel's presence.

"What?" he said shocked.

"Hey Sam." Dean said.

"Dean?" Sam asked, as if he couldn't believe what he was seeing.

"Yeah, it's me." Dean said.

Sam dropped his bags and took a step forward. He was about a foot away from Dean when he stopped, cocked his arm back and punched him in the face. Castiel was sure that with Dean's reflexes, he could have blocked it, but he supposed that Dean thought he deserved it. Dean staggered back a step and when Sam cocked his arm back again Bobby stepped in and stopped him.

"It's ok," Dean said. "Let him go."

Bobby let go of Sam's arm with a look of concern and stepped back. Sam didn't hit him again, he stood looking at Dean, fury radiating off him in waves.

"Why?" Sam said through clenched teeth.

"I'm sorry, Sam." Dean said. "I am so sorry."

"Shut up, I don't want to hear your fucking apologies." he said angrily.

"Then what do you want to hear?"

"Maybe, a goddamn explanation."

"Yeah okay." Dean said heaving a sigh. "I left, and yeah it was a dick thing to do, but I had to."

"Oh, you had to." mocked Sam.

"Yes!" Dean said fiercely. "If you remember I was trying to pay your way through school. I was hustling, trying to make a little extra, I met a guy in a bar. He said if I helped him out, he'd pay. I didn't know what he wanted at the time, but I found out."

"Yeah, and what's that?"

"He wanted me to tune some guy up, so I did, I'm not proud of it, but I needed the money. He paid me and I was gonna be on my way, then this guy tells me he needs a guy like me around. I told him to screw himself, then he gets a lot less friendly. He says that if I don't work for him, then he kills my family. I didn't believe him obviously, but he knew about you Sam, had pictures of you. He'd had someone watching you, in case I didn't agree. So, I did, I had no choice, they were gonna kill you."

"Why didn't you tell me?" Sam asked horrified.

"I wasn't allowed any contact with you, the bastards didn't even let me say goodbye. I worked for them and they paid me, that's how I was able to send you the money for school. I know you're probably disgusted with how I got it, but it was the only thing I could do for you."

"So, that's where you've been this whole time?"

"Until about a month ago, yeah." Dean said.

"How'd you get out?"

"The guy who held my contract died, the new boss didn't need me around, so he let me go."

"Jesus Dean, you should have told me, we could have figured a way out."

"I know, but I was so scared that they'd hurt you. I couldn't let anything happen to you, Sammy"

Sam nodded and walked to the table to sit down. He looked like he was having a hard time accepting what was happening. Dean joined him at the table, while Bobby and Castiel looked on anxiously.

"So," Dean said. "Where's Dad, I thought he'd turn up."

Bobby fidgeted uncomfortably and Sam looked at him in surprise.

"You didn't tell him?" Sam asked.

"I figured that was your place, not mine." Bobby said.

"Tell me what?" asked Dean.

"Dad's dead." Sam said.

"What?"

"He died five years ago."

"How?" asked Dean still reeling.

"He was in an accident. He was drunk, wrapped his car around a tree. Cops said they didn't know if it was an accident or a suicide and I'm not sure either. He was never the same after mom died and when you left, I don't know, I guess he couldn't handle it. I tried to help him, but he was so far gone, he didn't want to be helped. I hadn't seen him for years before he died, I lost you both."

"I'm sorry Sam; you shouldn't have had to deal with that on your own. I should have been there." Dean said.

"Yeah, you should have, but you're here now."

"Yeah, I am."

"So, are you gonna introduce us?" Sam asked looking at Castiel.

"Right, uh, this is Castiel." Dean said.

"Friend of yours?" asked Sam, an eyebrow raised.

"My boyfriend, actually." Dean said.

Castiel experienced a moment of anxiety before Sam rose from his seat with a smile on his face and crossed the kitchen to shake Castiel's hand.

"It's nice to meet you." he said kindly.

"It's wonderful to meet you as well; Dean has told me about you, I'm glad to finally meet you in person." Castiel replied.

"You told him about me?" Sam asked looking at Dean questioningly.

"Yeah, a bit, it was actually his idea to come out here."

"Was it?"

"Yes," Castiel admitted. "I knew he wanted to, but he needed a little push."

"I know how stubborn he can be." Sam said.

"You have no idea the things I have to put up with." Castiel said smiling good-naturedly at Dean.

"Hey, I'm not that bad." Dean protested.

"Yes, you are. You're just lucky you have me to keep you in line." said Castiel.

"That's why I love you, always looking out for me." Dean said grinning at Castiel sappily.

"Get a room." Sam said in mock disgust.

"Speaking of, what's this I hear about you getting married?" Dean asked.

"Yeah, her name is Jess. She's great; I think you'd really like her."

"Yeah well, maybe I'll meet her someday, if you want me too."

"Is that what you want?" asked Sam. "I mean is this you just dropping in once and then leaving again, or is this you coming back for good?"

"This is me coming back." Dean said earnestly. "I don't have to run anymore, Sam and I want to be a part of your life, I want you to be a part of mine. I just hope that I haven't screwed up that chance for good."

"I don't know." Sam said. "We'll see how this weekend goes and I'll let you know."

"I can deal with that." Dean said gratefully. "Thanks for giving me a chance."

"Yeah well, you're my brother." Sam said as if that were reason enough and maybe it was.

Bobby realizing that the risk of an all-out brawl had passed, sat at the table and Castiel joined them. They sat and talked for a while, caught up on all that had happened in the last ten years. Sam heard all about how Castiel and Dean met and Dean heard about Jess and their plans for the wedding. It wasn't perfect, but it was a start.

They spent the rest of the day at Bobby's. So much thought had been put into the actual meeting itself that once it had happened, they didn't really know what to do. They had a whole weekend to pass and had nothing to pass it with. That night after they'd eaten they talked about what they could possibly do. Bobby suggested that they could go to a community picnic that the town held every year. There would be food, games and an all-around good time. They agreed easily; glad to have something they could all agree on. They parted ways that evening, Sam taking the sofa, while Castiel and Dean took the guest room again. Dean and Sam exchanged a smile and a nod of the head before Dean turned and made his way up the stairs. Once back in their room, Dean plopped down on the bed with a contented smile on his face.

"That went pretty good, right?"

"That went very well." Castiel agreed. "I told you he didn't hate you."

"Yeah well, I should listen to you, then shouldn't I?"

"Yes you should." Castiel said joining Dean on the bed. "So, are you excited for tomorrow?"

"Definitely, it's gonna be awesome, Sam used to love stuff like that when he was a kid."

"Good."

"Yeah it is. I'm glad we did this, thank you." Dean said taking Castiel's hand gently in his own.

"It wasn't just me, you know." Castiel said.

"Yeah, but I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you." Dean said giving Castiel's hand a squeeze. "So, thank you."

"Well, if you insist on thanking me, then you're welcome." Castiel said.

"I have other ways of thanking you, you know." Dean said mischievously, his hand letting go of Castiel's and lingering on his thigh.

Castiel put his hand on Dean' to stop its migration. "Not with your family two doors down." he said sternly.

"You're no fun." Dean said leaning in close.

"That may be, but I am saving our dignity."

"You and your dignity." Dean said with an exaggerated sigh.

Castiel laughed and kissed him.

"What was that for?" asked Dean surprised.

"Because you're impossible and I love you."

"You love me because I'm impossible."

"Yes I do."

"And I love you because you're no fun." Dean said.

Castiel kissed him again, smiling. "Let's go to bed."

"Okay." Dean agreed.

They rose early the next morning and Bobby cooked them all breakfast. They all got ready to go and piled into their cars. Castiel and Dean took the Impala and Sam went with Bobby in his truck. Dean followed Bobby to the park where the picnic was being held. It wasn't a long drive and they were pulling up to the park a few minutes later. They parked and got out of the car. Looking around Castiel saw a beautifully manicured lawn covered with picnic tables, grills and various lawn games. There was already a large crowd gathered in the park, families mostly, the children shouting and chasing one another through the small copse of trees by the picnic tables.

The group moved away from the cars, Bobby wandered off immediately and began talking with several other men. The others stuck close together, not knowing anyone else and feeling a bit uncomfortable. It wasn't until about an hour later that they began to relax a little. Dean and Sam ended up in an intense game of Baggo, which involved throwing bean bags at a propped up piece of plywood with a hole cut into it. Dean's aim was much better, but as Castiel watched the game with interest, he noticed that Dean was clearly letting his little brother win. It was sweet really, seeing them together, getting to know each other all over again. It warmed Castiel's heart to see them getting a second chance like this and it made him miss his sister dearly.

They spent the day eating and talking, Bobby introduced them to a few of his friends, but mostly they just spent time together, time that had been denied them for so many years. When the sun began to set they agreed that it was time to go. On the drive back Castiel rode with Bobby and Sam rode with Dean. Castiel thought it was good for them to have this time alone and Bobby agreed with him. When they arrived back at Bobby's, Dean and Sam got out of the car laughing and smiling. Castiel and Bobby shared a private look of gratitude.

Dean couldn't stop talking about how well the day had gone. He kept saying that things were really starting to turn around. He was disappointed that they had so little time left, Sam's flight left the following afternoon. Despite his slight disappointment nothing could dampen his spirit and he went to sleep that night with a smile on his face. Dean rose earlier than Castiel the next morning, determined to get as much time with his brother as he could. Castiel made his way downstairs to find Dean and Sam sitting on the sofa, deep in conversation. Castiel smiled to himself as he stepped into the room.

"What are you two up to?" asked Castiel approaching them.

"Guess what?" Dean asked Castiel, grinning.

"What?" Castiel asked.

"Sam's just invited us to his wedding." Dean said and Castiel had never seen him so excited before.

"Yeah, I'd love for you guys to be there. I know Jess would love to meet you." Sam said, looking as happy as Dean did.

"That's wonderful." Castiel said happily. "We'd love to go."

"Yeah, we would, this is gonna be great." Dean said. "And it's not even that long of a drive, we can come and visit all the time."

"I'd really like that." Sam said and Castiel knew that he meant it.

The rest of the morning was happily spent in conversation and when it came time for Sam to go, Dean hugged him warmly, looking a little sad. Once Sam and Bobby were gone and the house was empty, Castiel and Dean returned to the living room and sat on the sofa.

"I wish he could have stayed longer." Dean said wistfully.

"I'm sure he does too, but you'll see him soon." Castiel said.

"You think so?"

"Of course, why wouldn't you?"

"I just didn't know if he said all that to be nice, you know." replied Dean uncertainly.

"He meant it." Castiel told him.

"How do you know?" Dean asked.

"I was a priest for many years; I know when someone is lying."

"Right and he wasn't?"

"No." Castiel said smiling.

"Good." replied Dean returning his smile.

They waited until Bobby got back from the airport and when he did they spent their last afternoon with him playing poker, well Castiel tried. They planned on heading out early the next morning; they had a long drive ahead of them, so they decided to call it a night early. They bid their goodnights to Bobby and made their way up to the bedroom they'd been sharing for the past few days. They made sure that everything was packed so that the next morning would run smoother than their departure. When they were certain nothing had been forgotten, they climbed into bed together. It was early still and they weren't all that tired. They'd been lying in silence for a while when Dean spoke.

"Hey Cas." he said.

"Yes Dean?" replied Castiel.

"What are you thinking about?"

Castiel hesitated for a moment. "I was thinking of how nice it would be for us to have a home of our own." he admitted.

"And you'd like that?" asked Dean tentatively.

"Yes, very much so."

"This house, where would you like it to be?"

"Lawrence, I suppose, why do you ask, it was just a thought." said Castiel.

"Well, it's a thought I've had too, for a while now." said Dean.

"Really?" asked Castiel. "You've thought about us moving into a house together?"

"Yeah, in Lawrence actually."

"I thought you wanted to get as far away from that town as you could." said Castiel confused.

"I did before, but now, I mean it's where I met you, you know. It means something to me and it's different now, we can be together now, we don't have to worry about people anymore. And I'd hate for you to have to leave Gabriel."

"Wow, you really have given this some thought." said Castiel fondly.

"Yeah well, it wasn't just thought." Dean said.

"What do you mean?" asked Castiel.

"I was going to surprise you when we got home," said Dean placing a hand on Castiel's chin and tilting his face up so he could look in his eyes. "But I guess I can tell you now."

"Tell me what?"

"I kinda bought us a house." Dean admitted.

"You what?" Castiel almost shouted.

"This is why I wanted to wait. I hope you're not upset, I wanted to surprise you." Dean said.

"I can't believe this." Castiel said dumbfounded.

"Please don't be mad." Dean begged.

Castiel looked surprised. "Of course I'm not mad." he said. "This is amazing Dean, thank you."

"So, this was a good idea?" Dean asked.

"It was a very good idea." replied Castiel before leaning in and kissing Dean deeply.

"I'm glad I did it then."

"So, are you going to tell me about it?" asked Castiel.

"Nope, I'm keeping that a surprise."

"What, you can't do that."

"Oh yes I can, you're gonna have to wait till tomorrow." Dean said.

Castiel heaved a sigh. "Fine." he agreed, but you're going to have to break land speed records to get us home sooner."

"I can do that."

"Good."

It was even more difficult for Castiel to fall asleep now. He lay awake long after Dean in anticipation for the next day, finally after several hours he drifted off. They woke early the next morning and got their things packed into the car. They said goodbye to Bobby, promising to visit again and got into the Impala. Although Dean didn't break any land speed records, he did make the journey home in less time than he'd thought he would. Once back in Lawrence Dean drove right past their street and further on one of the smaller neighborhoods of the town. He drove for several more minutes before stopping in front of a two-story house. There was a "for sale" sign in the yard.

"Is it ours?" asked Castiel excitedly.

"It's ours." replied Dean with a grin.

It was a colonial style home, white with brown shutters and a two car garage. Dean walked up the cobblestone path and unlocked the door with a set of keys that Castiel had never seen before. They walked through the empty house, hand in hand. It was beautiful really; all hard wood floors and granite counter tops.

"How did you afford this?" Castiel asked.

"Alistair paid well and I never really had a reason to spend the money, so it just kind of added up." Dean said. "Do you like it?"

"I love it." Castiel said. "It's beautiful."

"When are we moving?"

As soon as you'd like, I was going to show you before I finalized everything, in case you didn't like it. I can drop the paperwork off tomorrow and we can start moving."

Castiel turned to Dean." There is no one I'd rather spend my life with than you. Thank you Dean, for everything."

"I am very lucky to get to spend my life with you Cas, I love you."

"I love you so much." replied Castiel wrapping his arms around Dean and kissing him right in the middle of an empty house.

It didn't stay empty for long. It took them two days to move everything, with Gabriel's help. He was overjoyed to hear about the move and promised that he'd be over every day; Dean looked less than thrilled at this prospect. Not that he had a problem with Gabriel, they had sorted everything out a while ago and were now friends, no Dean just liked having Castiel to himself and if Castiel was honest with himself, he didn't mind. It was a few weeks after they'd moved in, Castiel and Dean were curled up on the sofa watching something or other on TV. Castiel rested his head on Dean's shoulder, sighing contentedly. Nothing in life is ever perfect, but sometimes, very rarely you get something so close you can't tell the difference and Castiel was sure they'd gotten pretty damn close and that was good enough for him.

The End