Chapter Text
Dean climbed out of the car and immediately fell into a coughing fit. Castiel had already jumped out of his own car and rushed to Dean’s side, rubbing his back in calming circles.
“We need to get you inside. The night air isn’t doing you any good, little one.”
“Castiel, will you bring Dean in before he coughs his lungs up?”
Castiel muttered something in Enochian that Dean didn’t quite catch, but he bit his tongue as Castiel plastered on a polite smile and turned to his mother.
“Mom, I was just about to do that when you stopped me.”
Naomi reached them and slipped a motherly arm around Dean’s shoulders with a soft tut. “Let’s get you a drink and something to eat, darling. Those exams have made you lose weight, dear.”
Castiel was left locking his car, grabbing his bag, locking Dean’s Baby, and hurrying to the door. “At least this was a better start than April,” he muttered to himself. “She disliked her at first sight.”
He headed to the downstairs bedroom where Dean would be staying; they’d all agreed he would feel more comfortable sleeping there. Then Castiel ran upstairs to his own room once his childhood bedroom, now converted into a space fit for an alpha his size, complete with its own bathroom. They’d knocked a few walls through when he, Gabriel, and Michael had grown; it had been necessary, and better for a growing family.
When Castiel came back downstairs, he found Dean telling his mom all about school. Despite his shyness, he’d taken to Naomi’s sweet, gentle nurturing far more easily than Castiel expected. She’d never got on with April, but with Dean… she could see he needed that motherly tenderness. He was young, and though Dean was getting too old for fussing, she still tried.
“Ah, Castiel,” Naomi said warmly. “Dean was telling me about his work. He said next time he comes, he’ll bring some of his portraits. He’s shown me a few pieces he’s done in class. I must say, he’s got an eye much like Grandpa Novak.”
“Ah, yes, that’s why he encouraged Gabriel to pursue his artistic side. Much like Dad, he was creative. Not like Michael and me, I think we take after you, Mom.”
Dean looked between them. “Did your grandfather and dad do art then?”
“My dad, Charles, wrote nature books. He was a biologist, and unless you’re in that field, I doubt you would’ve heard of him. But he illustrated his own work. I’ll show you them; they’re masterpieces. And Granddad, Cain, we have some of his art hanging in the house. They fetch a small amount of money.”
Dean frowned. “Cain Novak? Oh, heck, he’s an amazing painter. My teacher is hot about him. We’ve seen some of his pictures. The Novak Building… the paintings… I guess I never put it all together.”
Castiel chuckled. “Yet the last time I tried to draw a horse, Gabriel nearly died laughing. I think he framed it.”
“Knowing your brother, he did, Cassie. I have no idea where he gets his impishness from. Now, I have dinner ready. Dean, will you please wash up? Castiel, are those your hands? Really, honestly, we have a guest, and your hands look like they’re caked in mud.”
Dean tried to stifle the blooming laugh behind Naomi’s back when Castiel turned and winked at him.
Naomi had made baked chicken with potatoes and buttered vegetables. For dessert, because Castiel had insisted there was apple pie.
“That was amazing, thank you,” Dean said. “Why don’t you rest, ma’am? Castiel and I will wash and dry.”
“Thank you, that’s kind of you, Dean. I’ll take my wine and listen to a book. Come join me when you’ve finished.”
“Michael and Rayner, my brother’s mate, will be here later tonight,” Castiel explained. “Gabriel will be here after closing. He wanted to give us time to get to know Mom first.”
“That was kind of him,” Dean said.
“Hmm, yes, it was.” Castiel dried the last plate and handed it to Dean. “Thank you for helping tidy, Dean. I like how you tell me what to do.”
Dean sniggered. “You have your own free will, alpha.”
Castiel stepped in and boxed Dean against the counter, one arm braced beside his head, the other lifting with a mischievous glint in his blue eyes. He placed a single bubble on the tip of Dean’s nose.
“Dean’s eyes narrowed, and he let out a quick puff of air. The bubble drifted up between them, catching the light as it floated away. They both laughed, like they were old friends.
Then Castiel leaned in. He moved with purpose, but the kiss was not rushed. It was a deliberate sweetness from someone in control, who knew how long to linger.
Dean went still for a moment, like his whole body forgot what to do. He looked up at Castiel, as if trying to memorise him. His fingers slid to the back of Castiel’s neck, pulling him close.
There was a moment of stillness, the world shrinking down to the two of them. Then their lips met again.
Dean broke first, lips still parted, his lashes brushing his cheeks. “That was amazing.”
“Hmm, I concur with that statement.” Castiel pressed a quick kiss to the corner of his mouth. "Shall we join Mom in the living room?”
“Yes, I'd like that.”
“Did you want to take a drink with you?”
“Yes… water, please.”
Castiel kissed the corner of his mouth again. He let out a soft, regretful sigh. Then, they both turned back to the last of the dishes. As they put everything away, they grabbed water bottles. Castiel held Dean’s hand while they walked into the living room. He guided Dean down beside him on the couch, keeping him close.
They watched a film together, settling in for the evening, until Naomi called it a night around ten.
A little while later, Gabriel arrived and poked his head around the living room door. Dean could barely keep his eyes open, so Castiel suggested he head to bed and promised he’d introduce him to Rayner and Michael in the morning.
“Night, Cas. See you in the morning.”
“Night, sweet boy. Set your alarm for eight o'clock for breakfast.”
Dean nodded at that and headed to bed. He took a quick shower, grabbed his nightwear, and slipped into the warm sheets. Sleep claimed him easily, pulling him under with thoughts of blue eyes and the memory of that kiss.
-0-
The next morning, Dean was up before his alarm. Castiel was already at the table reading a paper; he leaned over, kissed Dean’s cheek, and pulled a chair out for him.
“Good morning, sweetheart. Did you sleep well?”
“Yes, I did, Cas. The mattress is to die for. I think the one back at home is made out of rocks.”
“Hmm, student accommodation. Like I said, I’m glad I did mine, but never again.”
“Good morning, big bro, Deano, Mother,” Gabriel called as he came into the room.
“Gabriel, come help me with the food this morning,” Naomi said. Gabriel kissed her cheek.
“You know I will. I put a ton of food in the fridge.”
“I know. Thank you, son.”
Rayner and Michael came down a few minutes later, and everyone exchanged greetings. Rayner had a short pixie cut dyed lilac, and Dean adored it. She was a little shorter than he was, with olive skin and a warm, easy smile. Michael, with his neat black hair, was more reserved and quiet, but not unfriendly.
“I love your hair, Rayner,” Dean told her.
“It matches my wings, but we’re trying for a baby soon, and my doctor says the spell they used isn’t good for conceiving. So back to chestnut it is for me,” Rayner said.
“Oh, but you’ll get a sweet baby at the end of it,” Dean added with a nod, and Castiel raised an eyebrow at the comment.
April had never wanted children. Castiel had only learned that during their final argument right before she’d told him he was infertile, and who would ever want him. He was unusual among angels, born with black wings. Not many carried that colour, so April suggested it meant something was wrong with him, that he must be infertile with “death wings” like that.
“Cas?” Dean’s voice tapered off as he tried to garner his attention.
“Sorry, sweet one. I drifted off for a moment. Are you finished? Would you take a walk with me around the lake?”
“Yes… that would be lovely.”
They walked around the lake hand in hand, the morning sun dancing on the water. Castiel’s thumb traced slow circles over Dean’s knuckles as they strolled.
“I have a younger brother, Sam,” Dean said after a moment, glancing sideways with a fond smile. “He’s four years younger than me. When we were kids, we used to play this superhero game. Capes made out of old towels… You know the deal.”
Castiel watched Dean from the corner of his eye. Dean rarely spoke about his family, if at all, and Castiel soaked up every piece of information he offered.
“One time,” Dean continued, “Sam decided his superhero power was ‘mind control,’ which basically meant he’d stare at me really intensely and tell me to clean his room. Said if I didn’t do it, my brain would melt.” Dean snorted. “I was like eight, he was four, and I swear he nearly had me convinced. I cleaned half his room before I realised, he was sitting there eating crackers, watching me like a little king on his throne.”
Castiel laughed, really laughed, and the sound made something flicker through Dean’s chest. It was deep and warm, spilling out like music he didn’t know he needed.
Dean grinned. “He tried it on Dad once. Big mistake. Got grounded, but not before he made this dramatic speech about justice and freedom for all superheroes. Wore sunglasses indoors for a week after, said it was to ‘hide his identity.’”
Castiel chuckled again, eyes crinkling. “Your brother sounds… remarkable.”
“Oh, he is,” Dean said. “A pain in my ass, but yeah. Always had big ideas. Still does.” His voice edged with sadness. “I miss him the most.”
They walked on, their hands still twined. Dean’s smile lingered even as the ache of missing Sam settled behind it. Talking about him made him sad, but sharing it… eased something inside him.
Castiel leaned a little closer and murmured, “If I stare long enough, will you clean my room too?”
Dean elbowed him gently. “Try it, sunshine. See what happens.”
They both laughed, the sound carrying over the water.
They were walking back toward the house when Castiel stopped him. “Sweet boy, I know you find it hard to talk about your family… the past. Thank you for sharing that with me. It was special.”
“You’re welcome. I wanted you to know more about me, not let people think I’m after something.” Dean hesitated, then added quietly, “Cas… you understand I have my own money. I don’t need yours.”
“You know who I am now?” Castiel asked, a guarded edge tinting his voice.
Dean shook his head and laughed. “I asked Charlie to look you up. Charlie can search for anyone. She wanted to know who I was with this weekend, so she knew I was safe. She went quiet, then said, ‘Do you know who this man is?’ I told her not to tell me unless you were an axe murderer.”
“How would she know if I was?”
Dean squeezed Castiel’s hand. “She would, in a heartbeat. Cas… she knows you’re something big in business. You’ll tell me when you’re ready. And I figure Ellen knew too — no way would she sit me with someone she didn’t approve of.”
“Gabriel asked me if you were living under a rock. But you’re not from around here… and you were trying to survive. Still are, I imagine.”
“Cas, I want to get to know you,” Dean replied. “Not what the world wants me to know. Maybe one day I’ll see something, and it’ll all click, but for now… I want to stay in this little bubble we’re building.”
Castiel lifted Dean’s hand and pressed a kiss to his knuckles. “Will you come back to The Code? Please?”
“Yes, I will.”
They walked the rest of the way back to the house, happy and content in each other’s company.
-0-
Rayner and Dean were sitting outside on the back porch, the alphas talking in the den. Naomi was in her sewing room.
“So, are you from California at all?” Rayner asked.
“No, not at all. I was born in Kansas.”
“Your accent is so I can’t quite place it.”
“Oh, we moved around a lot. My dad’s job. My parents split when I was younger, and I spent most of my childhood with my grandfather in New England.”
“My dad gave me more leeway than most,” Rayner said, swirling her drink. “But I was expected to marry, have children.”
Rayner accidentally knocked her glass over. She stood quickly and went inside for a cloth, and Dean headed off to use the bathroom.
When he came back, passing the den, he heard voices, Naomi speaking to Gabriel, Michael, and Castiel in Enochian, the language of angels.
Dean froze in place, sticking to the shadows like invisible glue, and listened.
“Are you sure he’s not after your money? The kid’s young,” Michael said.
“Dean told me he has money. I believe him,” Gabriel replied.
“That could be a hundred bucks for all you know. You recall what April did, Castiel,” Michael scolded.
“Dean is not April, and you will have respect for him.” Castiel’s voice was laced with irritation. “I know he’s young… or is it the fact he’s human that you have a problem with?”
“Castiel, don’t,” Michael pleaded. “I’m not prejudiced. I’m scared for you, that’s all. Deans at college — he could change his mind. Think about it, that’s all I’m saying.”
“I think Dean’s delightful. Maybe give him a chance,” Naomi said warmly.
“I like him. A lot. Do not scare him away.”
Dean stepped back from the doorway, blood draining from his face. He forced himself to move, silent on the floorboards, before anyone noticed him.
When he reached the back porch again, Rayner was still mopping up the spilled drink. She looked up — and nearly dropped the cloth when she saw him.
He was pale, shaken, like something had knocked the wind out of him.
“Maybe I should go home… or for a walk.”
“Dean, what’s wrong? Did something happen?” Rayner asked, stepping toward him.
His eyes flicked toward the den door before he shook his head. “No. Tell them I went for a walk.”
“I don’t know if Castiel would want you walking by yourself.”
But Dean didn’t hear her. He was miles away in his own head, already turning toward the path that led to the lake. Rayner watched him leave. Whatever he’d heard from the den, it had shaken him.
Then it hit her.
Dean must have understood them. He must know Enochian. There was no other explanation.
Rayner wrung out the rag, dropped it on the table, and rushed inside. She kicked off her shoes in the hall and sprinted to the den. The door was ajar; she knocked once and stepped in. All eyes turned to her.
“Castiel, Dean’s upset. I spilled my drink, he went to the bathroom, and he was fine before that. We were talking. But when he came back, he was pale and shaking, saying maybe he should go home.”
“What?” Castiel shot upright.
Rayner carried on with the story. “I told him you wouldn’t want him to walk alone, but he left before I could stop him. And… look, whatever you were saying in here? I think he understood every word. I don’t know many humans who know Enochian, but Dean does.”
Castiel ran a hand through his hair, frustration and worry flickering across his face. “I had no idea. I need to find out more.” His eyes settled on Michael, hurt flashing across his face. “You see what talk like this does? It harms people I care about.”
“Go find him, Cassie,” Gabriel urged. “Talk to him.”
“Don’t leave him alone. Could you find out more about his life? I’m sorry, brother,” Michael apologised, stumbling over his words when he realised the damage he’d caused.
Castiel didn’t waste another second. He grabbed his running shoes, shoved them on, flung the front door open, and sprinted down the path, eyes searching for any sign of Dean.
He found him halfway around the lake, sitting on a bench. The weather was warm, and Dean had tucked himself into the shade, trying to disappear from the heat of the day.
“Dean, sweetheart… I came as soon as Rayner told me you were upset.”
Dean didn’t look up. He stared at the ground like it might give him answers he desperately needed. “I overheard what you were saying in the den. If your family feels that strongly about me… maybe I should leave.”
Castiel sat beside him immediately, close but careful, and held out his hand. Dean hesitated… then took it, leaning into his side.
“Talk to me, baby boy. How do you know our language? That was unexpected, but incredible all the same.”
“I’d have to give all my secrets away,” Dean said, sniffing and trying to fight off his emotions. Castiel handed him his pocket hanky without a word.
“My name is Dean Winchester… and my grandfather was Henry Winchester. My mother is Mary Campbell.”
Castiel stilled. He knew those names; anyone would. They were huge in human society, as old and established as the Novak line. Old money, old families, old influence. But he stayed quiet, letting Dean speak.
“Mom and Dad were an arranged marriage a power move by my grandparents. Grandpa Henry regretted it in the end. He thought the Campbells were greedy, and he said they didn’t share his values. They hid behind a false front, and Grandpa never forgave them.”
Dean took a shaky breath.
“Mom and Dad split up when I was about twelve, but I spent most of my life with my grandpa. Dad was in the military, and they said they didn’t want to move us around… so Sam and I stayed with Grandpa Henry. He had different values than they did.”
He paused; eyes fixed on the lake.
“Then everything changed. We moved in with Mom after she found a new man. I don’t like Dave — he’s not a nice man at all. I presented at fourteen, and they sent me back to Grandpa because they had no idea how to deal with a male omega. Sebastian, my stepbrother, was an entitled brat, and he wasn’t nice to me. I got in trouble a lot. So, I was glad to leave.”
“The Campbells hate omegas, Cas… and a male omega is an abomination in their eyes.”
Castiel slid his arm around him, and Dean leaned in at once, snuggling close, searching for comfort.
“I lived with my grandpa in Maine,” Dean continued. “Went to high school there. Had the best childhood. Sam sometimes came to stay with us, but otherwise… I never really saw my parents.”
He paused, fingers curling slightly against Castiel’s palm.
“When Grandpa got older, he wanted to move to California. Before he did, he wanted to sort out the will. He went to see John, and John agreed I could have the house in Maine because I’m omega, I’d need a nest, a place of my own, especially if I ever found a mate. And… I’d been taking care of Grandpa for a long time anyway.”
“John didn’t realise what he was signing. Grandpa spelt it out: if he didn’t spend time with us or help care for him, he wouldn’t get much of anything. John agreed, but he never followed through.”
Dean looked down at their joined hands.
“Sam got money in a trust fund, and I got the rest. John can’t touch it or contest the will. Well, he can try. He never has, though. I half expected him to.”
“Cas… I don’t need your money. I have my own. I know my family’s a mess. If you don’t want me because of it, I’d understand.”
“Listen to me, my sweet omega. I know I’m not getting the full picture, and you’re hurt. You have every right to be. I can’t imagine not being in contact with my child because of how they presented. Dean… your grandpa was the one who taught you our language, right?”
Dean felt frustration rising in his chest. It wasn’t the alpha’s fault; this was his family’s mess, and maybe he hadn’t explained things properly. But would Cas run for the hills when he heard it all? He braced for it. Guess he’d be back to living out of Baby again.
“Cas… you don’t get it. Not yet. The Campbells aren’t human. They’re angels. I’m a Nephilim Sam too. The only issue with me is… I presented, but I’ve only had my presenting heat. Grandpa taught me about angels and the language because of my heritage. My family never would have.”
Castiel stared in stunned silence.
“You’re telling me they’re hiding their angelic nature?”
“Grandpa thinks it’s a spell. They have money, Cas they can do anything. Mom never had heats, not that I ever saw. I think they tried something with me, but I presented, so they sent me to live with Grandpa. They wanted nothing to do with me. I’m not a Winchester or a Campbell to them. They kicked me out of the family.
“John gets money from them, despite the divorce. He won’t lift a finger to help me. He never helped Grandpa either.”
Castiel was trembling with anger, barely keeping it contained.
“I had no idea. I can’t smell you or see any trace of light inside you… Yet you must have grace.”
“I’m broken.” Dean stood up, ready to bolt, but Castiel caught his wrist gently.
“No. Stay, please.”
“What about your family?” Dean whispered.
“My family isn’t dating you,” Castiel assured him. “I am. Dean, you’re beautiful. You’re the sweetest boy, and I want to know you all of you. You aren’t broken. You need someone who loves you. Let me try. I’ll give you the world if you’ll let me.”
Dean looked at him…, and for the first time, he started to believe it.
They walked back toward the house hand in hand, ready to face Castiel’s family together.