Chapter Text
Chapter 19: Mending Porches
Sam exited out of his account, having submitted the last of his paperwork for the school year. May was over and his summer vacation started tomorrow. He packed his book bag with the last few things he wanted to have over the summer. It had been an unbelievable school year. The students were gone, today only being for staff.
A knock on his door startled him more than it should. His head jerked up as his heart kick-started into a patter as he saw Castiel stroll into his room.
“Sorry,” he said sheepishly, recognizing his reaction.
Sam grinned, taking a deep breath. “Hey! You all wrapped up for the year?”
Castiel sat on the corner of the student desk in front of his large wooden desk. “Yes. I must say, I’m ready for this year to be over.”
Sam nodded, pushing a mug into his bag. “Yeah. It certainly had its moments.”
Castiel looked down at his hands. A few ticks of the clock passed before he spoke. “How is Gabriel?”
Sam sat down in his chair. “Pretty good. He’s been baking experimentally again. That’s a good sign.”
Castiel looked up, grinning. “Yes, it is. He used to do that a lot. One time, when we were in high school, he chopped up candy canes and baked them into cookies. Mom broke a tooth on one of them.” He huffed a laugh at the memory. “He lost oven privileges for a month.”
Sam chuckled. Only Gabe could get grounded because of an oven.
“And you?” Castiel’s grin settled into an open, patient look.
Like a changing breeze, Sam’s grin slid away. “Yeah. I’m good, Cas.”
Castiel’s chin lowered a fraction, his eyes drilling into Sam.
He sighed. “I’m good. Good enough.”
Castiel nodded sadly.
“How ‘bout you?” Sam pushed back, digging as his friend did all too well.
“Good.” He grinned, glancing out the window then back to him. “Dean finished the last of his re-writes. The wendigo book should be going to press within the month. He’s relieved. I’m relieved.”
Sam nodded.
Castiel stood up. “Shall we go?”
Sam stood, closing his bag and throwing it over his shoulder. He took one last look at his classroom, flipping the light off as they left. They went down the stairs, stopping in Castiel’s room to pick up his things. He grabbed his bag. Castiel hesitated a step, sitting on the corner of his desk. He looked full of thought and Sam knew he was about to hear it.
He widened his stance, watching his friend. He waited, time ticking steadily by.
“Have you...considered getting married?”
Sam choked a laugh, stepping back in shock. “What? Why?”
Castiel chuckled, crossing his arms over his chest. “You and Gabe seem to be doing well. As well as Dean and I.”
Sam’s thoughts shifted gear. “Wait...are you thinking about getting married?”
“Every day since Dean broke into my house,” Castiel answered easily.
Sam guffawed.
“With your blessing, that is.”
“Oh wow,” Sam pushed his hair back. His dad should be having this conversation. He rubbed his hand down over his mouth. “You...”. He grinned. There was no one he would rather his brother married. “Yeah, Cas. I think that would be...wonderful.”
Castiel broke into a brilliant smile. “And you have my blessing as well. When you’re ready.”
Sam stepped back again, pacing a small circle before coming to stand in front of him again. “Your blessing.”
Castiel shrugged. “There is no one I would be more proud to call family than you.”
Sam clapped a hand over his mouth, feeling tears prickle his eyes. “I...I would...but...”. His heart broke, like it did every time he thought about such a thing. “I wasn’t there when he needed me most,” he admitted in a broken rush.
Castiel was on his feet now, grin gone. “You cannot believe that. Truly. We aren’t with them right now.”
Sam nodded, his hand feeling for his phone in his pocket, knowing Gabe’s tracking location would tell him exactly where he was. He had checked it less than half an hour ago.
“And I was right beside Dean when he was stabbed, Sam. Sometimes.” He cleared the tremor from his voice. “Sometimes things happen that are out of our control. You have been there for him every day. Do not let punishing yourself punish my brother.”
Sam frowned hard. Is that what he was doing? Punishing himself? We’ve only been dating for...it’ll be a year next month. It’s not like I’m...”. What was he doing? What was he waiting for? A date? A number? Permission? Forgiveness? He had the last two.
Castiel relaxed, his stern demeanor easing. “I guess I’ll just beat you to the punch.”
Sam laughed short. “Again.”
Castiel gave him a questioning look. “You two moved in first. You were throwing around the L word within days of knowing each other.” It was his turn to grin. “I’m surprised it has taken you so long to ask him to marry you.”
“Well,” Castiel gave him a mischievous grin. “I bought the ring in November.”
Sam laughed. “Of course you did!”
“But I feel the time has come. He is, we are, much happier and healthier than we were.”
Sam shook his head. “So, what’s the plan? You gonna ask him tonight?”
“It’s funny you should mention that. I was thinking about a little game. Dean and Gabe are always the clever ones, pulling pranks and tricking the two of us. I say we give them a taste of their own medicine.”
Sam grinned. “We?”
Castiel shrugged, putting his bag on his shoulder and getting to his feet. “You can help me. Or...we can help each other.”
Sam bit his lip. “Gabe does love surprises.”
********************************************************
Dean, freshly showered and dressed, sat his suitcase by the door. He stepped out to the front porch with two glasses of iced tea. It was warm. He grinned at the porch. It looked brand new, being recently sanded and painted, a few problem spots replaced. He had torn out the overgrown bushes that crowded and clawed the edges of it. He replaced the trim around the bottom, cleaning out some frightening nests from underneath.
A wrought iron table and two chairs had been buried in the basement under a bunch of junk and debris. He had sanded and painted that as well. It sat to the left of the front door with a potted plant that was alive and blooming. He sat Cas’ tea on the table and sat down to sip his. The yard looked so much better. He and Benny had spent three days trimming back hedges. They were a bit on the stumpy side right now, but they were already blooming. The lawn looked patchy with freshly seeded spots covered with straw. He eyed the gate, stuck, frozen in time. He wondered who the last person was that swung it freely. What family had run through it, swinging it wide, never thinking a thing of it. His world refocused at the sight of Cas standing in it.
He side-stepped the rusted gate, coming up the sidewalk, waving goodbye to Sam. Dean looked over, waving to his brother.
Cas came up the steps, sighing as he sat his case down. “Hello, Dean.”
Dean sat back in his chair, adjusting himself in his jeans. “Were you a good boy at school today?”
Castiel leaned down, kissing him. He pulled back with a smirk. “I was. Were you a good boy at home today?”
Dean smirked back. Snatching Cas’ tie, pulling him down for another kiss. They parted with a grin, Cas taking the other seat. He took a long drink of tea, looking over the front yard with a prideful grin.
“This place is looking beautiful. Thank you, Dean.”
Dean grinned, staring at the gate again. “Of course. I told you it would look good. And when my wendigo book money starts rolling in, I’m replacing the rest of the windows.”
That earned him a grin.
The pair sighed in relaxation, enjoying the neighborhood for a few moments while they sipped tea.
“Are you packed?”
“Yep,” Dean answered.
Cas sighed again, giving Dean a penetrative look. They were taking a trip with Chuck, Gabe, and Sam. They were in talks about writing a book. The agreement so far, was that Chuck would write the book, so Dean didn’t have to spend so much time thinking about it. This trip was to go see the house where they had been held.
It was, as Castiel would put it, unpleasant.
They loaded the car, picked up the other three and headed out of town. They stayed at a cheap motel and ate dinner food. Dr. Duma thought the trip would be cathartic, so they all were willing to give it a try.
When Dean pulled up in front of the house, all five sat there staring at it for a few moments. It was built in the 80’s and looked quite nondescript. There were neighbors. It was a typical suburban home.
Dean licked his lips, staring at the basic, square windows and plain front yard. It looked exactly like most of its neighbors.
“Isn’t it weird how the typical looking house is the one hiding horrors, when a house as creepy looking as Cas’ was, was just a house getting old.” Dean blew a breath out, realizing just how ironic it was.
Chuck, crammed in the back seat, started taking notes.
Cas stared at the house in disgust. “And all the training I had done, didn’t really help. Gabe saved us all with a text.”
Dean gave his boyfriend a firm look. “No one was getting past those guns, Cas. Martial arts or not, they would have killed you. Or me.”
Cas nodded, having heard this many times. “I can’t believe how close we were to the neighbors.”
Gabe stared, not showing much in way of emotion, but Dean noticed how he clung to Sam’s hand.
“This is it?” Sam asked, never having seen the place. “It’s so...ordinary.”
Henriksen pulled up in an unmarked police car behind them.
Dean blew out a breath. This was the plan. A quick walk through. Then Chuck was interviewing Henriksen.
“You don’t have to go in,” he heard Sam say quietly to Gabe.
Gabe nodded, staying silent.
Dean gave Cas a look, conveying the same message. Cas’ mouth tipped up a touch, saying he understood, but he was going.
Cas turned around, looking at his brother. “I think you should come in with us. We won’t stay long. And remember, it’s just a house.”
Gabe nodded.
Dean got out, coming around the front of the car to shake Henriksen’s hand as the others, including Gabe, got out.
“Thanks for meeting us here,” he said solemnly.
“No problem. This isn’t too far from where I work. And it gives me a chance to wrap things up with the local police,” he answered.
Dean didn’t ask how the other investigation was going. The one time he asked Jody if they were any closer to figuring out who had killed Nick, Lu, and Teddy, she simply stated that they had no idea who did it. The whole country had villainized the men who had abducted them. It was just too hard to narrow down and there just wasn’t any evidence of who may have been involved. Dean took the cops looking the other way for the gift it was and never asked again. When the body of Jack’s mother had been found, it only added another nail to the coffin of the abductors. She had said, “Sometimes these things just go unsolved,” with a dismissive shrug. Whatever part Crowley, Michael, and Raphael had played, they had done their parts to give the police nothing to go on.
Agent Henriksen greeted the others.
None of them had seen the house before as they were in the trunk of a car or blindfolded. Anna, who had not been conscious when she was brought in, had no wish to see the place again. Since she was progressing well with therapy, Dr. Duma said she needed the closure least of all of them. At this point, Dean didn’t feel he needed it much as well. But Gabe did. So they were all here to support him more than anyone.
Henriksen led them to the front door, cutting the paper taped over the door marking the house as ‘Do Not Enter’ and ‘Crime Scene’, and unlocked it. He had gotten permission (and keys) from the local police. The investigation was now closed.
“The sheriff said the place has been cleaned out already. It was put on the market just a few days ago.” He opened the door and they slowly filed inside.
There was no trash or furniture. Just stained carpet and walls, half broken blinds on the windows and a smell of stale trash lingering in the air.
Dean’s stomach rolled.
“Do any of you remember this room?” Chuck asked gently, phone recording.
“No,” he and Cas murmured.
Gabe didn’t say anything. He just stared around with a haunted expression, clinging to Sam’s hand and looking a little pale.
“I passed out as soon as the medics got here,” Cas said faintly, staring around. “All I ever saw was the basement.”
Dean put his arm around Cas.
Henriksen stepped past them, into a short hallway. The group followed him, looking around at the kitchen, bedrooms, and bathroom with mild detachment. It just looked dirty. They could only guess how Jack, his mother, then Nick, Teddy, and Lu lived and slept here.
As they came back into the hall, Henriksen opened the door to the basement. He flipped the light on, and Gabe jerked. Dean swallowed hard, remembering that sound very clearly.
“The basement was cleaned out as well, but I will warn you, there are still stains on the floor. So, if that’s going to bother you, you might not want to go down.”
They all nodded.
Gabe let go of Sam’s hand and marched down the steps. Sam, Dean, and Cas exchanged surprised looks, following him.
It was so much smaller than what Dean had remembered. Cinderblock walls, cement floor, exposed subfloor and footers making the ceiling.
Gabe went to the corner where his cage had been, walking around in a small circle. He stared at the wall where all the papers had been.
“That Jack kid...” Gabe began, staring all around, “I thought he might kill me. He looked like someone forgot to issue him a soul.”
Dean nodded. He found himself standing where his chair had been, easily marked by bloodstains on the floor. “When you got out, I hoped you got all the way out. Ran. When you came back down those steps, I thought for sure we were all dead. Like there was nowhere to run to.”
Gabe nodded. “I was afraid to leave. Had I known there were neighbors all around, I would have run for help. But the windows were all blocked. I just...couldn’t leave. I couldn’t survive if the rest of you were killed because I ran.” He shook his head, glaring at the walls.
“It was a wonder any of you survived,” Sam said bitterly, staring around with a glare of pure hatred. “Those fuckers.”
Dean looked up as Cas looked at him from where his chair had been. It was strange that they all went back to the places they had been.
Chuck asked a few questions, clarifying how they had been sitting and where Gabe’s cage had been.
Gabe stared up the steps. “The house was gross. Like it had been okay when Jack and his mom lived here but when the other three came, they just left trash everywhere. I crawled into the living room and found mail with the address.”
They all knew the story by now but recalling their memories as they stood in the very spot they had been, made Dean’s skin crawl.
He looked up as Cas went to Gabe, hugging him. Gabe sighed, slumping onto his brother’s shoulder. Sam hugged him from the other side, sandwiching him for a moment.
Gabe opened his eyes, looking at Dean.
Well, shit.
Dean crossed the tiny space, and joined in. Gabe grinned as Dean closed in on the group, laying his head right on Gabe’s. He only stayed for a few seconds and backed out, the other three parting as well.
Gabe stood with his hands on his hips. “Let’s blow this taco stand.”
And that was that. They left, leaving the plain house in the dust.
*************************************************
July was hot. The air was stifling with little breeze.
Dean came downstairs, sitting on the new couch he and Cas had purchased. Their living room was finally a living room. He put his shoes on, looking toward the front door as Crowley strode in like he owned the place.
“Squirrel!”
Dean smirked. “What are you doing here?”
“It’s delivery day!” He sat a box on the large ottoman.
Dean stood up with a grin. “Already? Damn. They really pushed the printing on this one!”
“On the shelves mid-summer!” Crowley opened the box with a flourish, handing Dean a copy.
Dean took it, his grin sliding to a look of awe. His eyes raised to Crowley. “This isn’t the cover you showed me.”
Crowley shrugged with a smirk. “I may have had another thought in mind for it.”
Dean ran his hand over the cover. The title, ‘Blackwater Ridge’, and his name, Dean Smith, were the font and look he recalled. What shocked him was the group of characters on the cover. The main characters, a guy and his girlfriend looking into the woods with worried faces, were supposed to be the only two on the cover. Beside the pair was none other than Meg. And next to her, her savior, a hunter who showed up late in the game to save her. He looked exactly like Bobby, right down to his trucker hat and that damn vest he always wore.
He looked up at Crowley. “That’s Bobby!”
Crowley grinned.
“You...” his eyes were drawn back to the two side characters who outlived them all in the end. His eyes watered, threatening to let loose a torrent of emotions. He flipped the book over, choking back a sob. His regular black and white author pic had been reprised to a photo Jo had taken of Dean and Bobby deep in lore in Bobby’s study. He wiped the stream of tears away, nodding. “Fuck, Crowley. This is...perfect.”
“I’m glad you approve.”
Dean took a shaky, deep breath, studying the cover again. “It’s perfect.”
He opened the cover to the dedication page. His first book had been dedicated to his mom. The second to his dad. The third to Sam. This one read, ‘For Bobby’.
He closed the book, Dean touching it to his forehead. “We finished it, Bobby.”
Crowley pulled out a bottle of scotch and two glasses from the box. It was their tradition. Dean took another steadying breath as he laid the book on the table. “Thank you, Crowley.”
Crowley handed him a glass, clinking the two together. “My pleasure.”
Dean swallowed the amber liquid with a wince, handing the glass back. “Apple juice? Really?”
Crowley packed the glasses and bottle away in his own bag. “I like you sober, Dean. Coupled with your angel-boy, you are downright respectable.”
Dean shook his head with a grin. He couldn’t care less if he had liquor again.
Crowley shoved his hands in his suit pockets, giving Dean a measuring look. “I don’t think I’ve ever really told you just how proud of you I am.”
Dean huffed a breath. “You out ta make me cry today?”
“It’s true,” Crowley went on. “My friends are few, Dean. My heroes even fewer.”
“Come on,” Dean shook his head, stepping back.
“Dean,” Crowley stopped him with a hand to his shoulder. “I meant what I told you. You have a gift. This book is great. YOU are great.”
Dean was overloaded. Cas had been up and out the door early this morning, almost seeming like he needed space to himself today. It was unusual and had left him feeling unsettled. Crowley showing up a week early with his book and all the surprises with it, had him completely frazzled.
“I’m not great,” Dean managed, not meeting Crowley’s eyes. “I’m surrounded by great people. Guess I’m a product of my environment.”
Crowley grinned, nodding. “Good enough, I suppose.”
“The cover is...awesome.”
“What’ll be awesome is when I make the cover of one!” He struck a menacing, yet smug pose. “What do you think? Vampire?”
Dean laughed. “King of something rotten!”
They both laughed, hugging. “Couldn’t have done it without you. Thanks.”
“Anytime and every time,” Crowley promised.
Crowley stepped back, pulling an envelope out of his pocket, checking his watch. “Here. This is for you.”
He gave Dean one last look, then strolled out the door, leaving him standing there. Dean looked down at the blank, white envelope.
What a weird day.
He opened it, pulling out a paper. Cas’ familiar and beautiful handwriting met his eyes, making him smile immediately.
I sent you something.
That was all it said. He turned the paper over, completely confused.
Gabe walked in the door, sitting a box on the floor in the foyer. “Hey.”
Dean looked down at the paper again. Huh. He looked up at Gabe. “Hey.”
“So...Sam asked me to bring this in and give it to you.”
Dean walked over to the large brown box. “Well, that’s not suspicious.” He handed the note to Gabe. “Crowley just gave me this.”
Gabe took the note, frowning at it. He looked out the door, stepping out onto the porch. “He just took off!”
Dean looked over his shoulder, seeing Sam’s taillights headed down the street. Crowley was gone as well.
“What the hell?” They both muttered.
They stepped into the foyer, staring down at the box.
“What’s in the box?!” Dean quoted from the movie ‘Seven’.
“No idea. Sam’s been acting really weird though.”
Dean studied his friend. “Cas too.”
Gabe shrugged. “Open it.”
Dean pulled a pocket knife out of his pocket and cut the tape, opening the box. Inside were two boxes. One labeled ‘food drive’ and the other labeled ‘clothing drive’.
Dean stood up. “This is stuff for Cas’ donation drive. But it’s supposed to go to the shelter, not here.”
Dean and Gabe gave each other a confused look. They both pulled their phones out, calling their boyfriends. Neither answered. Cas responded with a group text to Gabe and Dean.
Cas - Sam and I are out collecting for the summer shelter-drive. Could you and Gabe stop a few places for us?
A list of names was sent next. Followed with a ‘thanks!’
“Are you kidding me?” Dean groused.
He grabbed a few books from the box on the table and his keys.
“Are we doing this?” Gabe asked, looking down at the box that was big enough to fit a microwave in.
“Why not? You got better plans today?”
Gabe frowned down at the box. “No fair. I can’t complain about charity work.”
Dean picked up one box. It was slightly heavy. “Oh come on, Gabe. Might as well get this done.”
Gabe blew a breath out. “Alright.” He grabbed his box, following Dean out the door. “Why are we dating such do-gooders?”
Dean chuckled. “Balances out our shitty attitudes.”
Gabe nodded in consent. “Ah. All makes sense now.”
All Dean was banking on was that Cas owed him tonight for all his good work. That was enough to put a spring in his step and half a grin on his face.
Loaded into Baby, Dean stopped at Jim Murphy’s house first. The retired teacher was sitting on his porch with his wife, enjoying the morning. He took the copy of his new book, telling him again how proud he was and how he always knew he’d do great things. Dean took the compliment the best he could. He had made it a point to visit the guy several times over the spring, touching base with the mentor who had given him a great foundation to start writing. His wife brought out two boxes, one labeled food and the other labeled clothes.
They thanked the couple and went to several other houses, including Kevin’s, Claire’s, Chuck’s, Anna’s, and finally they went to the bakery, where a donation box had been collecting odds and ends for the past month.
And to grab a cup of coffee.
“You’ve been busy,” Balthazar noted, earning a grin from Dean when he slid him a piece of pie.
“My car is full of boxes,” Dean said irritably in response.
“And I’m at work on my day off,” Gabe added, annoyed.
“Come on, you always have time for a cup of joe with little ole me,” Balthazar grinned.
The pair shrugged. Dean devoured his pie in four ridiculous bites. “Come on. Let’s drop this stuff off at the shelter and find our boyfriends.”
Gabe followed along, waving goodbye to his cousin.
“Don’t suppose you and Cassie can fit a nice pool into your manicured yard, could ya?” Gabe said, getting in the passenger seat. “Or spring for some air conditioning in this penis-wagon.”
Dean scowled at him, putting his hands over the dash board as if he were covering Baby’s ears. “This beauty is a she, thank you very much.”
“She needs a fucking air conditioner,” Gabe griped.
“Ignore the little man, Baby. He’s rude and ignorant.”
Gabe laughed, wiping off his brow.
They pulled into the shelter’s side door, Cas’ friend Inias coming to greet them.
“Afternoon!”
“Hi,” they both greeted him back. “We have donations for you,” Dean added, opening his back door.
“Sorry guys,” the man smiled apologetically. “We got so many donations, we’re sending these over to your place for storage.”
Dean stifled an irritated sigh. “I don’t think so.”
“No, really. Castiel said you wouldn’t mind storing them.”
The pair eyed each other. Dean tamped down his irritation.
The shit he did for Cas.
Dean closed the door a bit more harshly than necessary. “Nice.”
They drove back to the house, Dean inching along the curb to a stop. Both men stared at the house.
Cas and Sam stood on the front porch in suits. Anna sat next to them, Benny by her side.
“What’s going on?” Gabe demanded, his head whipping around to stare at Dean.
“No fucking clue.”
Gabe stared back at the house.
“Are you in on this?” Dean demanded back.
“I don’t know what THIS is!” Gabe raised a shaky hand to his mouth. “Is he...”
Dean was wondering the same damn thing. Only one thing would draw a crowd like this. On the steps stood Crowley, Jody, Donna, and Balthazar. And...
“Oh shit!”
Jo and Ellen were sitting on the chairs on the porch.
Gabe grabbed Dean’s forearm, still staring at the awaiting crowd. “Somebody is getting engaged!”
“Yeah, that’s what I’m thinkin’!” Dean sucked in a breath.
Gabe turned to him, his eyes wide. “Me? You? What the hell’s going on?”
Dean stifled a laugh of nervous shock. “I don’t know, man! Let’s go find out!”
“Is it me? Or you?” Gabe gasped.
“It could be me! Or you! I don’t fucking know!” Dean laughed.
They got out of the car, eyes locked on their boyfriends. There were others standing in the yard, neighbors, all the ones they had collected donations from, more students of Sam and Cas.
Dean was sure this was for him. Cas looked excited and nervous. And there is no way in hell Sam would propose to Gabe without telling him first.
He pushed against the gate, automatically stepping around its stubborn hold, but it swung open easily. Dean looked down at it in shock. It squeaked but swung open. He looked up at the pair in suits, his mouth hanging open at the simple marvel and odd welcome the house itself seemed to give him.
Sam grinned wide, pulling a screwdriver and can of WD40 out of his pocket.
Dean laughed. Of all the things for Sam to pitch in with, it would be the one that tugged at his heartstrings.
He bit his lip, fighting the tremor that threatened his jaw.
As if a rope drew him forward, he found himself climbing the steps, stopping at the top step in front of Cas.
“Hey Cas,” he stammered.
“Hello, Dean.”
Gabe stepped up next to him, eyes wide and pinned to Sam.
“Sam, baby, what’s going on?”
Sam grinned, his chin wobbling slightly as he licked his lips. “Gabe, we...”
Gabe and Dean exchanged a look. So, the proposal was for Gabe.
Dean turned to watch, fighting the disappointment that squeezed his heart.
“We have,” Sam fought back tears, trying to continue, “been through a lot. And I can’t imagine having anyone else by my side.”
A tear ran down Gabe’s cheek.
Sam knelt down on one knee, pulling out a ring box.
Gabe stifled a cry, both hands covering his mouth.
Dean bit his lip, shocked at how the sight of the box made what he had guessed a shocking reality. Holy shit. His baby brother was getting married!
“I promise to be all you need and more,” Sam said tenderly. “To always taste your experiments, even when I’m pretty sure I’ll regret it.” The pair chuckled and Dean could hear a few chuckles from around them. “I promise to hold you tight through the good times and the bad times. To love you forever. Just the way you are.”
Sam opened the box.
Gabe was already nodding yes, making Sam laugh through his tears as he went on. “Gabe, will you marry me?”
“Yes,” he managed, hugging Sam, burying his face in Sam’s neck until he could pull back and kiss him.
Sam stood, pulling Gabe right off his feet, kissing him. The crowd around them clapped and cheered. Dean looked up at Cas, who was grinning so brilliantly that it made his heart ache. Cas glanced down at him with a wink, hugging Gabe as he plowed into him with all the excitement of a wild puppy.
Dean huffed when he got the same hug next, squeezing Gabe tight, feeling him damn near vibrating in excitement. He pulled back. “It was me! Were you in on this?”
Dean’s brows shot up. “No! I was just as shocked as you were, man!”
“Oh!” Gabe stepped back suddenly as he looked at his brother.
Dean followed the look, realizing Cas was on one knee with a ring box in his hand.
“Oh no!” Dean gasped. He had just talked himself into being good with this all being for Gabe! He backed down two steps, both his hands going to his own head in shock.
Cas. On one knee. His eyes brimming and his hands shaking.
Dean had the notion to run from all the attention and shock. But he froze, his hands coming back down, clasping together in front of his mouth.
Silence reigned for a few seconds as they stared into each other’s eyes.
“Dean.”
Dean jolted with attention. The way he did so many times when Cas said his name.
“From the moment I met you, I knew you were something more than special. In a matter of minutes I only wanted more of you. In a matter of hours, I knew you were the one. Mine. My soulmate.”
Dean could only stare, frozen on the edge of a moment that would transform his life from what he was, to what he would be.
“I love you more every day. Your beautiful mind. Your messy clothes on the floor,” he winked, making Dean bite his lip and grin, “all your smiles. Dean.”
The very air between them paused. Dean lowered his hands to his sides, stepping up one step.
Cas looked down at the box, opening it. He looked up at him through his lashes, his bravery faltering slightly, showing how vulnerable he was. “Dean Winchester, will you marry me?”
“Yeah, Cas. Yes.” He kissed him hard, gasping and kissing him again, having him in his arms again after going through a lifetime of not having him by his side. “You’re mine,” he whispered, just as desperate as Cas, kissing him again. “I love you!”
Cas hugged him tight, a long, slow breath deflating his stressed body.
Dean pulled back, staring at him again. Castiel. His. Forever.
“Do you want the ring too?” Cas chuckled, still holding the box.
Dean laughed, taking the ring out and sliding it on his finger. “Yeah I want the ring! I want it all!” He kissed Cas and stepped back throwing both arms in the air in victory. “Yeah!” He yelled, realizing everyone was clapping and cheering them on. He thought loud and proud, take that universe! No matter what was thrown at him, he had ended up here. Right here.
He hugged Cas again, kissing him one more time before turning to Gabe, hugging him. They both laughed, swearing neither of them knew this was coming.
Dean finally made it to the porch, hugging Sam and only mildly giving him hell for not warning him.
After hugging the whole freaking neighborhood and half the state, they finally settled into a huddle on the porch. Everyone was milling around the front yard with glasses of lemonade or champagne.
“What was with all the damn charity drive collections?” Gabe asked, still securely attached to Sam’s side.
“Oh,” Sam grinned. “That was to keep you busy.”
“And to prepare you for your second surprise,” Cas added.
“I can’t take any more!” Dean groaned, seriously wondering how he could steal Cas and disappear inside.
Jo laughed, nudging Anna’s arm. “This’ll be good.”
“So, the boxes are actually all our luggage,” Sam explained, barely containing a huge grin.
“Luggage?” Gabe asked. “For?”
“We’re leaving,” Cas announced, adorable grin and sparkling eyes.
“For where?” Dean asked suspiciously.
“For what?” Gabe asked, just as thrown as Dean.
“For the beach,” Sam and Cas answered together.
“What?” Dean and Gabe chimed back.
Dean turned to look at his car. Mrs. Tran was directing people to open boxes. Dean was shocked to see his own luggage being packed into the trunk of his own car by students.
“The beach?” Dean asked in shock.
“Yes, Dean. It’s called vacation,” Sam said, being the smart-ass he was.
Dean threw his hands up. “I’m going to the beach?”
“Yes, you are,” Cas grinned, kissing him firmly then directing him toward the car. “Right now. The four of us are driving to the beach for a week so we can plan our weddings and have very separate rooms to do very fiancé-like things.”
“Goodbye!” His friends and family started saying, waving him down the sidewalk.
“Today? Now?” Gabe could hardly believe what was happening.
“Right now,” Sam laughed, directing him to the car. Sam turned to the crowd. “Thank you everyone!”
Their friends waved goodbye, Anna waiting at the car for them to get the last hug before they pulled away.
Dean swung the gate open with the biggest grin he might ever have had.
Every town has one. That house that everyone wants to stop in and say hello. The porch that the neighbors wave to. The walls that bear the memories of love and adventure. Of lives filled to the brim with joy. Every town has one.
Dean just couldn’t believe it was his.
A very fluffy THE END!