a/n In reference to something Castiel said in the Season 7 finale. AU of a much happier world following the return of Dean and Cas from Purgatory.

Because He Wanted a Cat

Dean held out his hands, offering the purring, miniature ball of grey fluff to the angel.

Castiel's brow scrunched together. "I don't understand, Dean. Why are you giving me an infant creature?"

The self-satisfied grin on the hunter's face dropped, awkward embarrassment taking its place. He started to pull his hands back, but Cas caught him before he could move the kitten away.

Scooping the quietly meowing baby animal out of his friend's cupped grip, Castiel held it up to his face, staring with his usual, absurd intensity into the curious amber eyes.

Haltingly, Dean tried to explain. "You, uh… Back, just before that whole thing with SucroCorp and blowing up Dick, you know, when you were still all Kumbaya-ya? You said we needed a cat. So- So, here. Have a cat."

The angel glanced away from the kitten and gifted on of his rare, gentle smiles on the hunter. "Thank you, Dean. She will be a good companion. However, as I have no real place of residence, may I leave her here when I am called away?"

Dean snorted. "Dude, you're a moron. You have a home. This place, as long as the Bunker is ours, it's yours too."

The way Cas unconsciously cuddled the kitten against his chest, blue eyes shining with his friend's assertion, was -frankly- adorable. Even Dean had to admit it, before he shook his head, and the thought, away.

"So, what're you gonna name her?" he asked.

Cas seemed to light up even further. "I can name her?"

Dean hid a smile. "Yeah, Cas. It's part of the whole getting-a-pet thing."

"I think…" The angel paused to ponder on the choice. "I think I will call her Faith."

"Oh…kay. Why?" the hunter questioned, an eyebrow raised.

Castiel smiled. "Because you have finally found something to believe in - a home for you and Sam."

Dean shook his head. No, Cas. I've got faith in you.

Luckily, Castiel was caught up in his kitten and didn't catch the hunter's musings.

end.