Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Rocking, slowly rocking. 

A deep feeling of safety and love combatting the rolling waves of pain. 

An angelic humming, lulling him back to sleep. 

But, not before he makes sure to whisper, “Love you, Mommy.” 

The declaration earns him the brightest of smiles and a peck on the cheek. “Mommy loves you too, honey.” 

The pain recedes just enough for sleep to reclaim him as those treasured words wrap him securely in a warm blanket. 

Dean wakes slowly, blinking until his vision comes back into focus. The omega’s momentarily confused to find he isn’t in his childhood bedroom being rocked to sleep by his mother. The glaring fact he hasn’t quite mastered time travel reminds him he must have been dreaming, vividly but still dreaming. His second clue being he’s still in his apartment in Austin. It makes him miss home, but not enough to ditch the rest of his summer plans. Though they may be the most overprotective, edging very close to overbearing, people he’s ever had the pleasure of calling family, he knows they mean well. 

He’s distracted from that line of thought by the buzz of his phone vibrating on the nightstand. It takes some maneuvering out of the tangle of sheets but once he’s free Dean’s immediately rewarded. The sight of his boyfriends name brings a pleased smile to the omega’s face as he opens the text. 

Benny: We still on for tonight? Not getting homesick on me again, are you?

Dean rolls his eyes, it’s like the alpha’s somehow attuned to his feelings from across town. They haven’t quite reached the cohabitation stage of the relationship but, maybe soon. Still, the omega wonders if all this time together has bonded them in some way he’s unaware of. Shaking off the strange thought with a small laugh he returns focus to the text awaiting an answer.

Dean: Definitely but I just woke up. Don’t put it that way :P missing everyone back home isn’t bad. I’d still rather be right here with you, babe.

He watches the dots appear and disappear as he stands to finally get the day going. Dean fully extracts himself from his bed with a groan, scrubbing a hand through his messy bedhead as goosebumps erupt on his naked skin. The blackout curtains do their job keeping the blaring morning light from invading the space, though the omega throws them wide open before heading to his first stop, the bathroom. By the time Dean’s finished taking care of business he still hasn’t gotten a response from Benny. Not abnormal, the man has the tendency to get distracted but he can rely on a response at some point. 

Dean’s feelings of homesickness intensify and linger as he showers and dresses for the day but he makes a valiant attempt at pushing it all away. It’s been four years since he’s lived at home full time, having graduated in the spring from the University of Texas here in Austin. One would think by now he’d be used to the separation, but most people don’t have a close knit family like he does. Their absence grew louder over the years, almost stifling. Of course, his first inclination after graduation was to move right back home but Benny begged him to stay. 

“You’ll never know if we can really do this together if you leave, Dean. They’ll still be there waiting, but I don’t wanna lose you…” The alpha pleads, damn near close to begging as his blue eyes search Dean’s for understanding.

Dean tries to reassure his boyfriend, attempting a promise, “You won’t , Benny I…”

Benny shakes his head, pulling the omega close, both hands gripping Dean’s biceps as he emphatically states, “I will , Dean. The moment you step on that plane. You always have the best intentions but I know who truly comes first. But…Texas could be home, with me, if you let it.”

The memory brings a smile to his lips, curving them up ever so slightly as he finishes brewing his morning coffee. At the time, the realization of what Benny meant almost made his knees buckle, threatening to drop the omega to the floor right then and there. Having made his intentions clear, this summer’s been dedicated to finding their rhythm as a, hopefully, soon to be mated pair. 

Benny’s all he could ever dream of in an alpha and more. He’s strong but doesn’t need to flaunt it or hold it over Dean to control him, like some alpha scum out there. Benny’s caring, compassionate, and faithful to a fault unlike a few alphas in his past. The omega doesn’t linger on that thought, better to let them rot away in the furthest corners of his mind, forgotten more and more with every passing second.

All of this to say, Benny checks every single one of Dean’s ‘perfect mate’ boxes, yet they still haven’t made that leap. A fact that smacks the omega in the face every time he wakes alone in this half empty apartment. The original plan to move Benny in once their friend Meg moved back home has yet to be executed, and it isn’t Dean dragging his feet this time. The buzz of his phone pulls him away from that dangerous train of thought before he can reach any meaningful level of annoyance. 

They’ll work it out, one way or another. 

Benny: Sorry, Ma called and you know what happened last time I didn’t pick up.

Dean snorts a laugh, Mrs. Lafitte invented some new curse words that day, he’s sure of it. The omega can’t wait to meet her in person at the end of the summer, they just missed each other after graduation. Some emergency came up at the diner back in Louisiana so she couldn’t make their shared graduation dinner. Dean’s sure she has plenty of embarrassing stories to share from Benny’s childhood, he can’t wait to record every single one to memory. 

Sweet blackmail material.  

Before he can text back to tease him, Benny sends another text.

Benny: Let’s meet in front of my building around 6. 

Dean’s about to agree when Benny changes his mind.

Benny: Make that 6:30, forgot I get off of work a little later today.

Dean: Okay, see you then babe.

With nothing else to do for the remainder of his day, Dean closes himself up in his temporary studio, Meg’s former room, finding peace with every brushstroke he places on canvas. The passage of time doesn’t quite break him from the trance, too engrossed in making the images he sees in his mind come to life in reality. Eventually, the waning evening light signals the hour. After a quick cleanup and change of clothes the omega’s on his way. The drivers pulling away from the curb in front of Benny’s apartment when Dean remembers they changed the meetup time. He’s early, about thirty minutes too early.

“Damnit, I forgot,” Dean grumbles to himself, deciding the only thing he can do is wait in Benny’s apartment until he gets off of work. “Hope he has some of those cookies left…”

Trudging up the stairs, Dean digs through his pocket for his keys to make sure Benny’s spare is still there. Thankfully it is, right next to his own apartment key fob. Without it, he’d either be stuck in the hall until his boyfriend got home or at the coffee shop around the corner. He’s just about to use the key to unlock the door when he hears it. 

Afternoon delight…or late evening.

He smirks, shaking his head as a female voice moans ‘harder, love’. It’s a bit over the top and obnoxious, but he doesn't live here so it isn’t his problem. Dean decides he’ll just turn the tv up super loud when he gets inside the apartment. That should drown out the overeager lovers.

“You’d think with neighbors this loud Benny’d be clamoring to move in, but no,” Dean mumbles to himself, astonished anyone can possibly ignore the racket that must be coming from next door by the sound of it. 

Dread hits him like a cold bucket of ice water when he finally gets the door unlocked only to find the sounds a lot closer than he thought. 

“Working, huh?” Dean finally spits out, the other two inhabitants of the room too distracted to notice his presence. 

The scents of alpha and omega arousal are soon joined with rotten apples and burnt caramel. The stench almost gags Dean but not enough to tear his eyes away, immobilized from the shock. 

Benny and Andrea’s eyes snap up to meet his own. Andrea’s widen almost comically before she scrambles away from the alpha, grabbing her clothing as she rushes out of the door with a stream of sorry’s following behind her. Dean spares her a passing glance before training his heated glare back on Benny. 

“You weren’t supposed to find out like this…” Benny mutters, eyes downcast as he frantically attempts to cover himself with the throw blanket on the couch. 

The couch that probably reeks of their combined scents and Andrea’s slick. The couch where they cuddled up just two nights ago, with the same blanket. The disgust roiling deep inside of him spikes, briefly threatening to cause Dean’s lunch to make a reappearance. His scent sours further with anger though he tries to keep his emotions in check. 

It’s a losing battle.

The only words he manages to spit out in the growing silence, “How exactly was I ‘supposed to find out’, Benny?”

Because that statement alone speaks volumes. Just how long has he been in this alone? How long has Benny been planning this betrayal?

Benny’s still speechless, staring everywhere but Dean until he whispers, “I thought…I thought knew what I wanted. Who I wanted, but I was wrong. Please don’t hate me, cher.”

“No! You don’t get to ask that of me, Benny.” Dean shouts, rage boiling just below the surface waiting to be unleashed on the pitiful alpha cowering in front of him. “You could’ve come to me, we could’ve talked this out like two adults but instead you fucking cheated. Fuck you,” Dean whispers brokenly, putting to words what he’s been holding back from the moment he opened that door to find someone he considered a friend on top of his boyfriend.

Fuck this.

Benny pleads, unshed tears glistening in his ice blue eyes as he begs, “Dean, please…I…”

Dean stares back blankly, baffled he could have been fooled again so easily. The omega can’t help but speak his thoughts aloud, “You begged me to stay…I don’t…why??”

The answer never comes. Apparently having run out of words, Benny begins to awkwardly redress without making another attempt to explain himself. Eventually, the silence grows too thick and heavy for the omega. Dean walks away from Benny for the last time, his heart breaking a little more with every stomp of his boots leading him out of the building. 

*****

It only takes about 48 hours to pack up his belongings. Dean schedules to have everything he can’t fit in his luggage shipped home, though he makes certain it will arrive after he has. He’d rather not have to explain how things ended with Benny until he absolutely has to. This was supposed to be it. Brand spankin’ new art degree, devoted boyfriend and soon to be mate, making a name for himself here in Austin’s art community. 

Benny killed that dream.

Objectively, Dean knows he could stay despite the burn of betrayal that’s invaded his veins, his every breath. But, it wouldn’t be smart to remain in a place he has no one. His family and friends are back home. 

Maybe that’s where the omega belongs, too. 

Rethinking his prior plans, Dean sends off one text before boarding his flight and turning off his phone. Better to have at least one person know where he is in case something happens.

Dean: Wish I didn’t have to tell anyone but you can run interference with everyone else so, here we are. The ‘Summer of Love’ is over. Benny cheated, I’m on my way home and should get in early in the morning. I don’t need a ride, I’ll just Uber. See you soon, bitch.

Knowing his brother will just blast his phone with questions, Dean quickly shuts the damn thing off while simultaneously flagging the flight attendant down for one of those tiny bottles of liquor. He’ll need the liquid courage if he’s gonna survive the flight home. Humans are meant to stay on the ground, not in the air. As the captain comes over the intercom, the omega takes a few long swigs, clenching onto the armrests and tuning out the sounds around him.

*****

About halfway through the flight the alcohol finally kicks in enough for Dean to unclench and relax a bit. Unfortunately that relaxation lowers his inhibitions enough for his mind to wander. The path it takes is well worn, wandering through every failed relationship Dean’s ever had. With such a fresh wound it’s not unusual for the omega, but it is unwelcome. 

Benny wasn’t the first alpha to cheat on Dean, just the most recent. No, that distinguished title was earned by Arthur freshman year. Apparently he tripped and fell into Lilith’s hole one night at a party and never looked back. Then there was Max and his aversion to commitment. Lee ended up being one of those alphas who always feels the need to prove he’s a ‘big bad’ alpha. The list goes on and frankly the omega’s about ready to call it quits. Buy a house out in the countryside of Kansas and live out the rest of his days in solitude. 

Well, as much solitude as he can get with his family.

But, after the week he’s had that doesn’t sound so bad.

Chapter Text

Dean tries to hold on to the alcohol induced relaxation, tries to rid his mind of those wayward thoughts. Ruminating isn’t going to change the facts. Benny made his choice and Dean may be leaving without all the answers but he knows he’s doing the right thing. He’s just not completely sure on how to break things to his parents. They loved Benny, had given the alpha their mating approval the last time they visited. Dean wonders bitterly if he was sleeping with Andrea back then too. It’s unfortunately possible, they’ve known the other omega since Freshman year. 

Gods, they could’ve been…

He’d kept himself from digging too deep for this exact reason, not wanting to consider the depth this betrayal might have. Months instead of days, years instead of months.

How long?

Benny’s blocked, deleted, removed completely from his life in all the ways that matter so that question will have to go unanswered. In an attempt to distract himself completely, Dean pulls out one of the books he shoved into his backpack for reading on the plane. He gets lost in the familiar words, battling sleep as his eyelids begin to droop. Eventually, around the third reread of the last paragraph, the omega accepts it’s a losing battle. Marking his section in the book, Dean finally allows himself to drift off into what he hopes will be peaceful dreams.

“Mom?” Dean pipes up through sniffles, legs tucked under his chin as he fights through the pain. “Why does this happen to me?”

His mom pushes his dirty blonde hair back off of his sweaty forehead. He can tell she’s thinking of the best way to answer his question. Dean doesn’t quite understand why grownups do that, the truth is always better even if it’s ugly. 

“We…we don’t really know Dean. That’s why you go to the clinic, remember? So the doctors can try to help you, honey,” his mom repeats the now too familiar explanation. 

He’d been hoping for something different this time, that they’d finally pinned down why he’s so…broken. Why…

The room shifts before his eyes, dream thoughts drifting as the scene changes to an empty classroom, his best friend standing in front of him with anger blazing in his eyes.

“You’re not invited anymore, Dean,” the boy repeats, fists clenching at his sides.

Dean doesn’t understand, so he asks again, “Why? We always go to the arcade for your birthday, dude…”

“That was before…” the alpha means to continue but his lips clamp shut in a thin line.

Still, Dean gets it now.

Before he presented, before Matt knew everything, before Dean was dumb enough to think his best friend would understand. 

“We can’t be friends anymore, Dean. I’m sorry,” Matt insists, small frown twisting his lips before he turns his back on the omega, swiftly exiting the classroom to follow everyone else outside. 

Mrs. Williams maintains the act, as though she wasn’t listening, while urging Dean to come out as well. He’d rather go back to the dorms for the day and pretend none of this ever happened. 

Dean reluctantly follows, pointedly ignoring the blatant pity in her eyes and the tear drops darkening the light blue of his uniform shirt.

The newly presented omega doesn’t make it past the classroom door, the loss hits him immediately. All he can do is grunt through the pain, begging, “Please, call my mom. She knows what to do.”

Moments later, he succumbs, drifting off into the blackness.

Dean’s shaken awake by a passing flight attendant. Honestly, he could kiss her for breaking him out of that awful nightmare. Being back there, after everything that just happened. The omega shudders involuntarily, he tries not to think of…any of that. This time will be different. 

It has to be.

It appears the plane has landed safely to Dean’s immense pleasure. He can’t wait to get off and feel the solid ground under his feet again. His inner omega’s whining about things he’d rather ignore, hopefully a continuation of his nap will shut them up completely. But, he can’t take that nap until he gets off of this plane, through the airport to baggage claim, and into his hopefully already waiting Uber. His abrupt arrival may shock everyone but he doesn’t think he can stomach trying to make it to his brothers job today. 

Maybe tomorrow.  

While he waits for his turn to exit, Dean turns his phone back on and immediately regrets it once he’s bombarded with notifications. As he scrolls to find all of them from his brother, the omega can’t help but snort a laugh.

Predictable.

Dean shuts the phone back off, determined to ignore the alpha for now. He begins to regret drinking that tiny bottle of whiskey on an empty stomach as it gurgles in protest the longer he waits. By the time he’s dragging himself and his duffle bag off of the plane Dean’s feeling shaky and weak. 

Shit, not this again.

The omega needs to get home. Now. Dean walks as quickly as he can to baggage claim feeling unsteady as he goes, mind going fuzzier by the second as the hollow pain in his chest threatens to spread. He manages to grab his luggage through the haze, making it as far as the sidewalk where he spots a familiar face with a homemade sign reading ‘Dean!’ in bright marker and glitter.

Typical.

His brother’s eyes widen in fear once the alpha spots Dean walking towards him. The omega only has a second to react before his vision fills with black spots and he crumples inelegantly to the sidewalk. 

Dean’s back in that hallway but this time he knows the origins of those dainty moans and guttural growls. 

Benny.

In dreams, it all comes together with perfect clarity even though it burns his heart to ash to admit it. 

A highlight reel of their doomed relationship that he never asked for.

Dean looks around, he’s sitting in Art History, freshman year to be exact. 

He notices the alpha right away, muscles bulging in his tight blue tee, jeans that hug his figure in a way that’s hard to ignore. The scruff he seems to keep makes him all the more appealing as the omega wonders how it would feel when they kiss. If they kiss, not when . It’s not like he’s a foregone conclusion or anything. 

Dean thinks his name is Benedict but he’s sure he’s heard friends call him Benny. All the omega knows for sure is he wants to get to know him, but he doesn’t really know how to make that happen. Yet. So, instead he’s taken to staring at the man an inordinate amount when he should be paying attention. He needs this class to graduate unlike most of the students here, probably taking it as a filler class. It doesn’t help that his professor is one of those types that will wax poetic about the negative space and carving of greek statues then tell them none of that will be on the upcoming midterm. Dean gets being passionate about sculpture, he’s the same with painting, but for the love of all that’s holy stay on topic woman!

It’s during all of this internal pondering that he misses his… the alpha approaching him with a wide grin plastered on his handsome face.

“Noticed you…and you seem to be noticin’ me back if I’m not gettin’ my signals backwards,” Benny reveals, plopping into the empty seat next to Dean. “And I really hope I’m not. You are…gorgeous…”

Dean can’t help the flush overtaking his cheeks at the compliment and sudden closeness of his crush.

Fuck.

Eventually he’s able to come up with somewhat of a flirtatious response, “Me? Have you seen yourself?” His lips twist into a smirk, “No, your signals aren’t wrong. I just wasn’t sure if you would be…”

Benny cuts him off, eagerly announcing, “I definitely am. Have dinner with me?”

Dean finds himself nodding on autopilot, handing his phone over after Benny requests it, and feeling like he just went through a hurricane once the alpha walks away shooting a wink over his shoulder.

He doesn’t quite miss a brunette omega and a man he thinks is named Danny glaring at him from opposite sides of the room. Dean doesn’t have long to ponder their behavior before the professor walks in, immediately going off topic.

Well, this is gonna be fun.

The dream shifts once again, two years after they met, as the classroom melts away into Benny’s living room. 

Dean sits on Benny’s couch, making plans for the weekend but the omega can’t quite get comfortable until he pulls out the item poking him in the back. The black lace bra doesn’t quite fit here, too small to be Dean’s. Besides, he can count on one hand the times he’s bothered to wear anything like that for Benny. The alpha claims it isn’t his thing considering it's all gonna end up on the floor anyway.

Huh.

“Benny, come here a sec?,” Dean calls out, curiously.

The alpha pops his head back into the living room from the kitchen, asking, “Yeah, babe?”

Dean wordlessly holds the bra up between two pinched fingers, not wanting to come into contact with the garment more than he has to for fear of what he could catch. Yes, he’s being overdramatic as usual but his inner omega’s cheering him on so he won’t be stopping now. 

Benny stutters, mouth clamping shut as his eyes roam the room for an answer.

Suspicious, but Dean will give him a chance to answer.

“I uh, I wasn’t gonna say anything because I know how much you love that couch but the other day after the party at Lisa’s place,” Benny pauses, hands wringing the dish towel he’s clutching for dear life. “Ty drank way too much so I let him crash on the couch. What I didn’t know was after I went to bed he called for some…company.”

The alpha’s sheepish, downcast gaze doesn’t soften Dean’s spike of anger in the least. The omega tosses the bra as far as it will go, jumping up in disgust at the same time.

“You mean to tell me you let your boyfriend, the supposed love of your life, sit on a couch Ty fucked an unknown woman on? Benny what the actual fuck…” Dean edges further away from the couch with each word spoken.

Benny’s done some shit over the years they’ve been together but this tops all of it. The lack of regard for him is astounding.

The alpha still has yet to explain himself, a look of confused wonder taking over his features. Ice blue eyes bouncing from Dean to the offensive garment and back. Maybe the alpha’s picturing him in the bra… 

Focus.

The dreamscape shifts again, away from the memory and back to the hallway with Dean standing outside Benny’s door. No longer two years in the past. Dean approaches cautiously this time, aware of the sight that awaits him on the other side. But, when he finally gathers the courage to open the door, Benny’s nowhere to be found. Instead, the room is filled with omegas. 

Dean enters slowly, trying to understand. It doesn’t take long after spotting Andrea that he sees another familiar face, Bela from the student bookstore and there’s Grace from the coffee shop around the corner. Steve from the auto shop near campus and their favorite bartender, Leslie. Each face sparks a memory, a suspicion, a feeling he brushed under the rug. 

A blatant red flag trumped by his rosy view once again. 

The real nightmare comes for him like an old friend, what could possibly be scarier than ending up alone?

When the omega wakes up this time, his family’s crowded around the bed looking worried and deeply afraid. This wasn’t exactly the reunion he was hoping for but, it’s par for the course at this point. The heartbreak of his nightmare is quickly replaced by growing unease as his gaze pings from one ghostly pale face to the next. 

Finally he gathers the courage to ask, “How bad is it this time?”

His brother braves what everyone else can’t seem to say, “You’re gonna be okay, mild case considering what that asshole pulled on you. But…the doc caught something during testing that the clinic missed…”

Dean’s worst fears grip hold of his heart, clogging his airway as he gasps, “Shit, how long do I have?”

His mom moves to soothe him, “Oh, honey you’re not going to die. Stop being so dramatic.”

“Son…it appears we’ve had a bit of a mixup…” his father loses speed, sentence drifting off into nothing before his mom interjects fiercely, “…and it doesn’t mean we love you any less!”

She’s always been Dean’s biggest cheerleader and he couldn’t love her more, but right now the lack of answers is grating on his last nerve.

Finally, his dad pulls himself together, shouting enthusiastically, “Exactly! Thank you, took the words right out of my mouth, love.” Turning back to Dean he shares, “But…the doctors here don’t have your records from the clinic so it was almost like starting over from the beginning. Testing required recent blood samples from all of us and…”

At this fresh hesitation Dean huffs, “Dad, will you spit it out already!”

A shocked silence follows the outburst before his sister timidly speaks the unfortunate truth as her grip on his hand tightens, “Your DNA doesn’t match mom and dad, Dean. It doesn’t match any of us…”

Chapter Text

Finally, his dad pulls himself together, shouting enthusiastically, “Exactly! Thank you, took the words right out of my mouth, love.” Turning back to Dean he shares, “But…the doctors here don’t have your records from the clinic so it was almost like starting over from the beginning. Testing required recent blood samples from all of us and…”

At this fresh hesitation Dean huffs, “Dad, will you spit it out already!”

A shocked silence follows the outburst before his sister timidly speaks the unfortunate truth as her grip on his hand tightens, “Your DNA doesn’t match mom and dad, Dean. It doesn’t match any of us…”

Dean feels like he’s hearing everything from underwater, the words slam into him but he can’t make sense of what Anna’s saying.

The omega speaks the only word he can manage at the moment, “Wha?” 

Anna’s strength never wavers, even in the face of his growing confusion. There’s no way she just said what he thought he heard.

“Dr. Barlow came in about an hour ago while you were still out…it’s true, Dean. He’s not sure how or why but we’re not biologically related,” his little sister sags as the last words are spoken, spirit deflating in a way that stabs at is heart.

Dean doesn’t want to be the reason for that bright smile to dim, so he tries not to panic for her sake. 

“Biological, smiological,” Gabriel helpfully supplies from his other side. “You're ours, no take backs. I dare ‘em to try.” His older brother gets into a fighting stance, punching the air vigorously and making the room erupt in laughter. 

Always the comic relief. 

But he needs it in the face of the unknown. 

His mom gets her breath back eventually, nodding in emphatic agreement and mirrored by his dad as she insists, “You will always be a part of this family, Dean. Shurley blood or not. But…”

This pause raises his hackles right after being sufficiently soothed by his siblings. 

Fuck, what else could there be?

His dad finishes her sentence, something he’s sure they’ll do until the day they leave this earthly plane but right now it’s irking his nerves. 

“…we’d like the chance to get to know the pup we apparently misplaced…or was stolen? Honestly we have no fucking clue, Dean…but I hope you don’t hold it against us that we’d like to find out, just like we won’t hold it against you if…” his father trails off once again failed by his words.

Comical considering the man’s written more books than Dean can count at this point.

Dude, focus!

His inner omega adds a firm growl to punctuate the thought effectively bringing his internal ramblings to a screeching halt.

“You’re in shock, aren’t you? He’s in shock, Dad…” Anna incorrectly surmises, snapping her fingers obnoxiously in front of his face.

“Hey! Quit it beanpole,” Dean grumbles, reaching out to tickle her sides on autopilot. 

And just like that the mood shifts, ever so slightly. Dean’s still internally panicked from the revelation and he has no clue what’s going to happen next, but this is still his family. 

“I uh…I could never hold that against you,” the omega answers honestly. “I don’t know if I want to find them, but I guess it’s inevitable once you…”

The words get stuck, unable to claw their way past the burn in his chest. His increasing heart rate makes the monitor go nuts, so much so that a nurse and the aforementioned doctor come barreling into the room.

Surveying the scene with a thin lipped grimace, the nurse comes to check his vitals. Used to the process, Dean lies still while she checks him over and waits for the doctor to speak. 

Dr. Barlow, a middle aged alpha with the look of a man severely in need of rest, does not look pleased in the slightest.

Uh oh.

“You told him, didn’t you?” He asks, exasperation not even beginning to cover the scent coming off of him. Mixing with fear and all the others emanating from himself and his family in a noxious fog. Dean’s about to ask his mom to see about cracking a window when the doctor cuts off his thought. “I asked you not to and this is why. While this is a mild case of Dean’s chronic rejection sickness, it could easily become worse if not treated properly. Unless you want to prolong his stay, I suggest you discuss this topic at a later date.” Barlow punctuates the statement with a glare from one sheepish face to the next.

“Sorry, Doctor,” Anna begins to apologize. “It was m…”

Dean cuts her off, not willing to let his sister take the blame for something that shouldn’t be kept from him under any circumstance. He may be a little fragile right now but he isn’t a wilting flower. 

“I asked, Doc. You try coming to in a room filled with the scent of fear with your family looking like someone died,” He offers something close to the truth and Barlow seems to accept. 

“Don’t get me wrong, you deserve to know where you come from, Mr. Shurley. But not at the expense of your health, I’m sure you don’t want to be here longer than you have to be.”

Now that’s something Dean can agree with. He’s always hated hospitals, having been in and out of them so often throughout his childhood.

“And how long will I be here if they leave me alone?” Dean asks, garnering a light smack on his arm from his mom and a playful eye roll from his dad. 

Barlow chuckles lightly, responding, “Your brother informed me the trigger was an unexpected breakup this time?” At Dean’s nod, the alpha continues, “Do you plan to remain in contact with this individual?”

The omega can’t help but snort a derisive laugh, easily answering, “No, it wasn’t exactly amicable considering I walked in on him cheating…”

Not exactly how he wanted to share that little tidbit, and the way his mother’s face falls damn near kills him. Meanwhile, variations of anger and murderous rage form on the rest of their faces. It’s a different flavor of overprotective than he usually gets and Dean’s sort of here for it. 

“…he’s blocked on everything he can be blocked on, Doc. Why?” He asks, sure he knows the answer but wanting to be certain.

“Continued contact could prolong recovery from this flare up. It’s better that you have a clean break,” Barlow explains, writing notes on Dean’s chart as he speaks. “Are you in contact with the person he cheated with, if you don’t mind me asking?”

Dean hesitates, still unsure of whether his dream was a manifestation of his anger towards Benny or if the alpha really got around that much while they were together. The thought intensifies the burn so he pushes it away for now. Luckily, he doesn’t have Andrea on any of his social accounts…or any of the others from the dream.

Keeping his response simple, Dean finally answers, “No, and I don’t plan to be.”

Barlow nods, small smile pulling at the sides of his lips, “Good, good.” After scribbling a few more notes on his chart, the doctor turns his gaze back to Dean and his family, “Well in that case I don’t plan on keeping you overnight. As long as your family promises to keep conversation light you should be released in about an hour or so.”

Thank the gods!

The only thing he hates more than being admitted to the hospital is having to stay overnight. Being woken up at odd hours while the nurses check his vitals, the cold chill that persists even with warmed blankets, odd noises and even stranger people. 

Yeah, no thanks.

The doctor leaves after the rest of his family swears not to get him riled up for the rest of the time he’s admitted. Of course as soon as the doctor’s out the door, Gabe can’t help himself.

“That asshole cheated on you?!” He demands, golden hazel eyes gone bright with fury. 

“Gabriel!” His mother admonishes, reminding him to shut it to Dean’s relief. 

He meant it, he doesn’t want to talk about any of that right now. Dean only told the doctor out of self preservation but he can feel it building again, if they keep pushing he won’t be leaving this hospital tonight. 

“Did you finish the cover for the book yet?” His dad asks, clearly trying to change the subject.

Dean turns grateful eyes to him, ignoring the silent argument going on between his mother and Gabe. 

“Almost. I sent it ahead with my things, you can see how it looks when everything arrives,” Dean responds through a genuine smile. “I’m really excited about this one.”

Call it nepotism but Dean’s glad his father…the words stop him short for the first time in his life. There’s a short list of sureties in Dean Shurley’s life, the most important being that Chuck and Becky Shurley are his parents. Anna and Gabriel Shurley are his siblings. Their family is wealthy but not blind to the plight of others. And he’s always been comfortable with the fact his father gave him his first paying gig painting the artwork, by hand, for each Supernatural novel he’s written. Now there’s a little voice in his head running down a growing list of gifts, jobs, love that he’s received meant for their real pup. 

“No offense Deano but you smell like ass,” Gabriel barrels through his wall of toxic thoughts like the kool aid man. “What’s wrong kiddo?”

Knowing Gabe has nefarious means cultivated just to make Dean talk, he offers up a half truth, “Just worried, man. What if we find them and they’re awful people? Or your rea…biological brother wants me out of your lives or…”

Anna cuts him off, “I was right, you’re panicking. We could ‘what if' all day, Dean. Don’t assume the worst.”

Dean’s genius of a younger sister saves him once again. He squeezes her hand a few times in thanks, too busy fighting off tears to manage a verbal response. This is his family and they’re his people.

No matter what.

*****

True to his word, about an hour later Dr. Barlow comes by to hand Dean his release paperwork. His parents fuss over him all the way to the car and on the short ride home. Usually, the sight of their impressive house would bring a certain warmth to Dean’s heart but tonight its slightly dulled. Even with Anna’s assurance, that little voice can’t help but supply reminders it isn’t really his house. As Gabe and his dad help him up to his room with Anna and his mom trailing behind he tries shutting it up as it whispers this isn’t his bed. They’re tiptoeing around him, trying not to set him off again but he needs to ask. Maybe this will shut up the gremlin taunting him in his mind. 

Trying to sound casual and failing by about a mile, Dean asks, “So, uh…what do we do next?”

Clearly everyone else was thinking it because his dad doesn’t ask ‘about what?’, just answers him quietly, “Your mother and I will need to contact the hospital and get to the bottom of what happened but you don’t need to worry about this…”

“No, I need to know. I’m fine, I promise,” Dean swears, turning in a circle with his arms out like an idiot. But, he is okay for the most part, the only lingering pain now caused by this mystery they’ve accidentally uncovered. 

His parents scan him up and down in consideration before they nod almost in unison.

Creepy.

“Fine, you can come with us when we go up there,” his mother agrees but cautions him, “If you feel even a twinge of something I’m bringing you right back here, understood?”

Dean hates being treated like a pup, but at the same time his heart leaps. Nothing better to help him feel at home than his mother treating him just the same as she always has. It chases the discordant feelings that followed him home from the hospital away, for now. As Gabe helps him locate clean pajamas from his suitcase his sister starts to whine.

“Still don’t see why I can’t go, too,” She pouts, swiping her bright red hair out of her face angrily. “He’s my brother and this involves me just as much as any of you. I’m not a child…”

Their dad cuts her off before she can get too worked up, stating the facts simply, “No, you’re not a child. You’re almost eighteen and we understand that, believe me. But, this is something your mother and I need to do alone first. Dean has the right to be there but…”

Sadness overtakes his dad’s usual comforting scent bringing Dean’s nausea back. Thankfully, his mother wraps him in a supportive hug, continuing for him. 

That, that’s what Dean wants. A healthy relationship where there’s a balance between both designations, not based on archaic stereotypes, and space for them to be themselves. A faithful, dependable partner at his side for whatever life throws their way. His inner omega purrs at the thought, helpfully supplying the alpha needs to be strong and capable of breeding his omega. Dean rolls his eyes internally, reminding his little inner beast that isn’t exactly the goal right now. They turn their nose up at the thought, plopping down indignantly and turning away. 

Well that’s just…fine then!

Dean doesn’t have to worry about what his inner omega wants at the moment considering there’s no alpha in sight fitting that criteria. He needs time to heal, get himself regulated so he doesn’t get thrown back into a flare up so easily. Thoughts of mating and hopes for pups will have to wait for quite some time so he jams them in a box labeled ‘for consideration a long time from now’ and shoves it to the back of his mind. 

No use fighting literally with himself over another ‘what if’, as Anna would put it. His internal monologue’s gone on long enough to miss his mother’s response to Anna, but the teen seems at peace so it must have been helpful.

“You’re sure you’re okay?” His mom asks one more time, blue eyes searching as her hands card through his hair. “I could stay until you fall asleep…”

He’s tempted, reminded of how nice that felt from his recent dreams, but he can’t make himself ask. It feels like this is something he should process alone and he’s sure his parents need to talk as well. So, Dean tells her no, replying, “I’m fine, Mom. You can come check on me and make sure but I’ll be okay, I promise.”

Though her soft smile remains affixed to her face, the light in her eyes dims a little, he’s not sure if he said something wrong but she stands before he can analyze further. It’s only when she’s walking towards the door with a ‘goodnight' just passing her lips that he gets it. The offer was her attempt at maintaining their bond, solidifying the fact that nothing has to change, though it feels as though everything has. 

Still, that doesn’t shift the facts. They have to do the hard thing this time even if it feels wrong. She stops at the door, turning back to look at him wordlessly before exiting and closing it behind her. 

“I love you, mom,” he whispers into the empty room. 

Dean’s a little freaked out when his mom actually answers from the other side of the door, “Love you too, baby boy.”

“Go find Dad ya creeper,” he chokes out through a laugh, not having expected her to answer him in the first place.

Lingering at his door like a stalker, definitely something Becky Shurley would do. 

Plans to sit up all night and ruminate about everything that’s happened are derailed once his head hits the plush softness of his pillows and the clean sheets wrapped neatly around his memory foam. 

Ahhhhhhh.

Between one blink and the next, the omega’s out, floating away into sleep. 

*****

The omega wakes, praising the gods for ridding him of those vivid nightmares that have haunted the past few days. Dean’s not sure he dreamed at all, a preference he’d go with every night if he could make requests. The room no longer feels alien to him, like someone else should be in his bed. This is Dean’s room, from the smell of it Gabe’s started breakfast in their kitchen where he’s planning to sit down with his family. 

Whoever they find at the end of this rainbow will have to understand and accept that. 

Dean cracks himself up at the thought, hoping the person isn’t some psycho. Meg’s favorite pastime, marathoning true crime shows, so he knows what kind of people lurk out there. Speaking of Meg, he realizes he hasn’t spoken to his best friend since he left Texas. The last she heard he and Benny were over but he couldn’t muster up the strength to tell her the what’s and why’s of that situation. Considering his issues have ballooned since, a call is probably in order. 

Dean sits down heavily on the bed, grabbing his phone off of the nightstand. Not recalling having seen the device since he passed out outside of the airport, he’s assuming Gabe picked it up for him and plugged it in last night. Older brothers are a treasure…sometimes. His screen is cracked all to hell but he’s sure someone’s already set up an appointment to have it repaired. Usually, Dean would complain and grumble about it. But he’s been through a lot in the last week and a half, he’ll allow being treated like a pup, for now. 

After seeing several unanswered texts from the other omega, Dean opts for calling instead of texting back. There’s just too much to divulge for a text.

Meg answers almost immediately, shouting into the phone, “Where the hell have you been, Shurley?!”

Dean pulls the phone away from his ear slightly as she continues shouting, once he’s sure it’s over he puts the phone on speaker, answering, “A shit ton has happened since we last spoke. If you promise not to interrupt I’ll tell you everything.”

With the promise from her in place, he spills all the details from the minute after they last spoke to now. Suffice to say his friend is stunned once he finishes.

“So…okay, wait a minute. You’re…and he’s…and Benny, he better pray I don’t…” Meg goes on, not finishing a thought before jumping to another trying to figure out how this all happened. Dean would like to know where she lands on that thought because he’s still lost honestly. Finally, she gets her words in order, “What are your parents going to do now?”

Dean sighs heavily, once again the gremlin in his mind tries to take over whispering ‘they’re not your parents’ only quieted when he begins to speak, “Contact the hospital so we can find out how this happened and who…who my biological parents are. We figure once we get that straight they’ll find their pup. Obviously not a pup anymore but…” he trails off unsure where that sentence was going.

“Yeah but, is this person your brother or…Gods this is crazy, only some shit that would happen to you,” Meg snorts, probably shaking her head in disbelief. 

Dean already knows his answer before the words are out of her mouth, “Gabe’s my brother, any kid that came out of my bio mom will be related to me but…I decided whoever this person is, we shouldn’t complicate things like that. Besides, they may hate me anyway.”

Meg scoffs, “No one could hate you, Dean. I mean it is annoying when you leave your dirty laundry everywhere except the hamper and you chew kinda loud plus your morning breath is fucking awful but…nothing to hate. You’re practically perfect and it’s fucking annoying honestly.”

Dean barks a laugh, leave it to Meg to both insult him and show how much she loves him at the same time. 

Considering her words, she may be right, but he still wants to be cautious, “Friends, we can be friends. That brotherly bond kinda has to be earned, right? Even if these people have other kids, it won’t be like the bond me and Gabe or Anna have. And I’m not sure I want it to be…”

It’s the truth, one he probably won’t tell anyone else. But he knows Meg will understand. 

“There’s nothing wrong with protecting yourself first, Dean,” she assures him, getting his underlying meaning right away. “Send me a pic when you find them, I wanna meet him if he’s hot.”

“Oh my god, Meg. Calm down, devil woman,” he chuckles, not taking any real offense at all. 

He spends the next fifteen minutes catching up on Meg’s arrival back home before his stomach begins to make his hunger a little more obvious. After the third growl even Meg takes notice, forcing him off the phone promising to come by later for dinner with his family. 

When Dean finally makes it downstairs after ending the call, it’s to find somber faces. Definitely not what he expected.

“What’s wrong now?” He asks, sitting down next to Anna as he fills his plate. Whatever it is doesn’t change the fact his stomach’s begging to be filled. “Good food, I’m home, and we have a mystery to solve those are always fun…”

His words are cut off by Gabe, answering, “Mom and Dad called the hospital this morning to schedule an appointment.”

Dean thinks that should be a good thing so, once again, he asks, “Then what’s wrong? What time are we going over? I have plans with Meg, so…”

“They aren’t allowing us to come in, Dean,” his mom answers, eyes downcast and quickly filling with unshed tears. His father wraps his arm around her in comfort but she still begins to silently cry. 

Shit.

“Well…can’t we make them? Isn’t this their fault in the first place?” He asks, fork in his hand but no food has passed his lips. His appetite fled for the hills as soon as she started to cry. 

Straightening up, his father explains, “I have a call in to a friend of mine. He’s a P.I., he may be able to find the families that had pups that night but…without the hospitals help it could be a long shot without getting our lawyers involved.”

His mother tries to reassure him through tears, “Please don’t take my reaction to mean we aren’t happy your back, honey. It’s just…ever since we found out, my inner omega’s been inconsolable wailing for her pup,” she says, sobs deepening as she hides her tear streaked face in her mate’s embrace. 

Dean understands, he does. He’d never fault either of them for wanting a connection with the pup they spent nine months waiting for. He could never imagine going through anything like this. He has to do something. There has to be a way to make sure they all get what they desire in the end. When he catches that same promise in both Gabe and Anna’s eyes he knows they’re all on the same page. 

Chapter Text

As promised, his father’s P.I. contact gets back to them the next morning, ironically during another mostly silent breakfast. He prays their family dynamic isn’t permanently fucked, the past few days aren’t giving Dean much hope. But, the depressive fog hanging around his parents seems to clear slightly once the call comes through. 

“It’s Mick,” the man says as his father picks up, “I don’t have long but I think I found them.”

Dean can hear papers shuffling in the background before the unfamiliar mans voice continues, “John and Mary Winchester, they were new to town at the time but she was in labor right around when Mrs. Shurley was. Stats of the pups were almost identical, a nurse could have easily switched them by mistake.”

His father nods before realizing Mick can’t see him, “Right, the hospital’s clearly liable in some way that’s why they shut us out. But, have you been able to speak to either of the Winchesters? Discuss a meeting?”

His mother clings to her mate, hope gleaming in her eyes as she waits along with the rest of them. Dean feels like he has a belly full of snakes from the anticipation. Now he has names, the names of his biological parents. It feels real in a way that he’s unsure of so he distances himself from the feeling, listening to the facts as Mick recites them instead.

Mick sighs heavily, replying, “Unfortunately no. It doesn’t seem like they reside at the same home as when Michael…sorry, Dean, was born and Mary filed for a dissolution of mating a few years back…”

It’s not uncommon but usually only honored in extreme cases like abuse. Gabe and Anna subtly look to Dean to see how he’s taking it all in. Outwardly he’s the picture of calm, inwardly those snakes have grown into mile long anacondas squeezing the life out of his insides. Meanwhile, the fear emanating from his parents for their biological child permeates the room coalescing with everyone else’s jumbled emotions. 

“…John ditched the court date but it was honored based on the information Mary’s lawyer submitted with the filing. With the number of DUI’s the man has he was probably sleeping one off in a jail cell.”

Everyone’s eyes widen at that little tidbit of information, but Mick keeps talking barely giving them time to react.

“I’m still trying to pin down a current address for Mary but she has custody of all three of their pups so she’s probably your best bet. I’ll let you know once I have more.” 

With that, Mick disconnects the call without waiting to hear any of their thoughts on the matter.

Not that Dean’s capable of coherent speech at the moment. His mind ignores all the facts, the good and the ugly, stuck on one very specific piece of information. Mary and John Winchester. It’s stupid, he has no clue what they planned to name him, ‘Dean’ having come from his dad’s books, but he can’t help himself. Dropping his despised first name, he tries it out in his head to see how it would sound.

Dean Winchester.

Sorta has a ring to it.

*****

“And that’s pretty much it, my bio dad may be an abusive fucker, he’s definitely an alcoholic, barring DNA tests I have at least two more brothers, and I don’t really know anything else about my bio mom other than her name,” Dean summarizes as he and Meg stroll down the sidewalk. 

He’s been dragging her around town all morning trying to keep his mind off of Mick’s call. Although, the omega’s failing his own objective spectacularly since he can’t shut up about it. 

“Dean Winchester,” Meg says for the millionth time, rolling the words around her mouth and trying to make them fit. She shakes her head once again, brunette curls bouncing as she decides, “Nah, I don’t like it. No offense…”

“None taken,” Dean says with a shrug, subtly leading them towards the bakery. He’s worked up an appetite for a snack and he’s sure Meg won’t mind the pit stop before heading to home.

Once she notices their trajectory all he gets is a cheeky grin, head nodding in agreement as they approach Heavenly Treats.

Dean walks through the doors of the bakery in search of his brother. But, the only person in sight as he passes the threshold into sweet smelling bliss is Jo. 

Great.

He loves the girl like family but she’s nosy as hell. It takes the other omega a moment to spot him but when she does Dean knows he’s in for it. 

Jo pins him with a playful glare, asking in lieu of a proper greeting, “Lemme guess, you’re here to see your brother?”

The fact she doesn’t bother to ask why he’s back early tells him all he needs to know. Rolling his eyes internally, Dean scoffs teasingly, “Missed you too, Jo.”

Dean can tell by the dark glitter in her eyes, Meg’s right on the verge of serving up some snark of her own. Fortunately, or unfortunately depending, Gabe comes barreling out from the back, covered in flour and mystery smears of fruit filling. Of course the little asshole grabs hold of Dean, attempting to squeeze the life out of him in a hug.

The child in a grown man’s body constricts further as he dramatically declares, “Missed you baby bro!”

Dean shakes his head, pushing halfheartedly at the alpha, cheeks lighting up with embarrassment the longer he goes on. “You just saw me this morning, get off me ya fucking weirdo!”

Gabe shakes his head, murmuring, “Never, my precious…”

Dean successfully pushes him away with a cackle, turning to grab a seat next to Meg at the counter.

Gabe finally tones down his theatrics enough, sitting down next to Dean as he asks, “Heard anything else from the parental units?”

Dean groans, still feeling conflicted about this whole thing, “No, not yet…”

He grumbles, but it’s quickly silenced by the slices of pie Jo slides in front of them per Gabe’s silent request.

Without a word, Meg digs into her own slice with a groan of delight, “Almost better than sex…”

Dean’s eyes are pinned to the vision of deliciousness in front of him. Pie could probably save the fucking world and Gabe’s is like heaven. 

"I love you, man,” Dean mumbles sincerely through his first bite.

Mmmmmm.

Gabe scoffs, rolling his eyes as he complains, “If you love me so much let me enact my revenge on that asshat…”

Of course they can’t have this conversation in private. Using the pie to butter him up was a nice touch. 

Dean fixes Gabe with a heated glare, practically growling, “I just wanna let it go, Gabe. Stop with the overprotective bullshit.”

Gabe ignores most of the statement, motioning for a slice of pie for himself. “Get over it lil bro, it’s my job.”

Dean rolls his eyes and digs into his pie knowing he won’t be winning this argument. Instead he focuses all his attention on his older brothers delicious apple pie. 

It’s good to be home.

All three ignore the jingling of the bell as a new customer enters the bakery until Jo speaks, “Hey Winchester, how’s it going?”

If their heads shoot up like a pack of prairie dogs he’s sure they can’t be blamed. That’s not exactly a common last name.

Dean sneaks a second glance over at the gangly teen standing at the register wearing a bright blue Gas ’N Sip vest. Shaggy brown hair hangs in his face where he clearly needs a haircut but they can’t ignore the slight resemblance in his smile as he greets Jo.

Shit.

“You think…?” Meg asks, whispering as she ducks her head to hide. 

It’s stupid considering the kid has no clue who they even are. He’s about to ask Gabe how to proceed when the fucker leaps up, running behind the counter in a flash.

This can’t be good.

______________________________________

“Hey Nora, is it okay if I clock out a little early? I have a pile of homework at home,” Sam begs, practically pleading with his eyes. 

It’s already August but the alpha hasn’t stopped kicking himself all summer for listening to his guidance counselor last year. The benefit of lessening his load in the fall isn’t quite worth all this extra work.

Nora smirks, crossing her arms over her chest as she asks, “Mary on your case again?”

Sam shakes his head, “Nope, Cas this time…”

“I tried to warn you, work and babysitting don’t come before your actual homework, Sam,” Nora flicks him lightly in the forehead, laughing as she gives him the go ahead to clock out. “If you keep it up I’m taking you off of the schedule mister.”

With that very real threat on the table, Sam promises a change, “I’ll get all of it done tonight, I swear.”

Nora taps her foot waiting impatiently for the rest with one raised eyebrow. She can be such a mom sometimes. Besides, It’s not like he’d be failing out of his senior year, he’d just miss out on the credits for both the courses he signed up for. 

Rolling his eyes, Sam scrubs a hand through his long brown hair realizing he needs Cas to cut it again. Finally he responds, “And I won’t let it pile up again.”

“Thank you. I know you think you’re helping Sam, but I doubt your brother or mother want you failing your classes, either,” Nora says, following up the admonishment with a side hug as he heads for the door with his backpack.

He knows she’s right, but when Cas comes back from a long day at the shop with a hungry Jack in tow or his mom needs help cleaning the house or either of them need anything really, it makes more sense to push his own needs aside and help. Maybe its residual from…back then…but Nora’s right. Besides, Cas is downright scary when he’s angry anyway, better to do the right thing and catch up on his homework. 

He can play hero another day. 

Sam’s just passing his favorite bakery, Heavenly Treats, when the urge for one of their cinnamon rolls and an iced caramel latte overcomes him. Not something he indulges in often but there’s a tiny sliver of wiggle room in his check this week. Unable to resist, the teen heads inside to grab one to go for the walk home. But, it has to be gone and all evidence disposed of before he gets there lest he hear the complaints of Adam all night about how Sam never gets him anything or whatever the imagined issue is today. He’d defend the omega against anyone and anything but sometimes his little brother can be a whiny brat. 

The alpha’s so lost in his thoughts he doesn’t realize he’s the only one in line until Jo’s voice cuts through the fog. There was a time his friend harbored a deep crush on him, thankfully that’s long dead but there’s a twinkle of…something…in her eye today. 

Huh.

“Hey, Winchester. How’s it going?” She greets him from behind the counter, ready to take his order.

“Hey, Jo, been better. I have an assload of homework to do and not enough time to do it in. Basically I need caffeine and a sugar shock,” he explains, smiling as she laughs at his plight. 

“You mean Mr. Straight A’s isn’t ahead for once? The world must be ending,” Jo cracks up, starting on his latte while they talk. 

Oddly enough, a man he thinks is the owner darts behind her and into the back before returning with a pad of paper and pen. 

Weird.

He’s about to rebut Jo’s thinly veiled barb when the man interrupts, offering the pad as he says, “We have a new rewards program but I’m still coding the uh…the app…” his eyes dart over to a freckle faced man and brunette woman sitting at the counter, both duck down and hide their faces behind their hands. 

What the fuck?

The older alpha pulls Sam’s attention back as he continues to speak, “Would you like to join? I’ll input your information in manually, all I need is your email, name, and phone number.”

Jo’s staring a hole into the side of the guy’s head, probably for interrupting them. But, Sam has homework to do and he can’t let this guys weirdness hold him up so he quickly jots down his info, thanking Jo as he exchanges money for his food and leaves. 

Maybe he’ll find a new bakery to frequent, but he won’t turn down a free coffee every now and then.

*****

Sam gets home in less than fifteen minutes, trash tossed into their bin on the way into the house, to find Adam napping on the couch with the tv on. 

The alpha nudges his brother awake, “You have a bed upstairs for that, you know.”

Adam rubs at his eyes, trying to wake himself up before replying, “When did you get home?”

“Just now. Have you finished that last summer reading book?” At the omega’s guilty look Sam wordlessly gestures for him to go upstairs. 

He knows he’s being a tad hypocritical but Sam at least has good study habits, he’s just been ignoring them. His younger brother on the other hand doesn’t and needs the extra guidance. With Adam out of the way, Sam heads for the kitchen so he can spread all of his work out and finally get it done. The alpha plants himself at the kitchen table until his phone pings with an email about an hour later. 

Huh, that was fast.

Figuring it's for that program the freaky old alpha signed him up for, he opens it. But it’s not…and the contents don’t quite fit. 

Sam rushes upstairs to read it again, on his computer this time. After three rereads it still says the same thing. Apparently, they have another brother out there, someone named Dean Shurley.

Holy shit.

Figures John would have more than one mystery kid, besides Adam. Sam cringes at the thought of having to tell his mom once again that her ex-mate was a lying cheater. He needs to check this out for himself first, but not without backup. 

The front door slams, followed moments later by an annoyed shout up the stairs, “Samuel! You left your books all over the kitchen table again!”

Sam hears Jack ask, “Daddy, can I have a juicebox?”

Jack gets an almost sugary sweet, “Go to the bathroom first, bud,” while Sam braces himself against his brother’s next shout, “Samuel! I know you can hear me…” 

Speak of the devil.

Sam finally serves up a snarky response, “Heard you loud and clear, Cas! I’m sure the entire neighborhood can hear you.”

Sam takes a few deep breaths, remembering they have far bigger issues right now than petty sibling squabbling. Namely the possible existence of a new sibling. 

Pivoting with the reminder, he yells, “Cas! Can you come up here for a second?”

He’d rather talk about this alone before Adam gets involved. The subject matter isn’t really appropriate for a pup his age.

Begrudgingly, Cas agrees, “Only if you come down and clean this up right after. There’s nowhere for Jack to sit and eat.”

Sam reluctantly acquiesces, “Fine, just get your feathery ass up here!”

Cas grumbles at the insult all the way up the stairs as the sounds of tiny feet trail behind him. 

“Uncle Sam!” Jack squeals as he comes running into the room. 

“Hey little man," Sam braces himself as a tiny body slams into his outstretched arms.

Sam hands the pup one of the numerous toys he’s left scattered around the house hoping to keep him occupied so he can have a very important discussion with his dad. Lucky for him, three year olds are easily distracted.

The alpha gestures to the computer, “Take a look…”

Cas leans over the desk as he peers at Sam’s open computer, reading over the email on the screen. 

Turning with a questioning glare, he asks, “What exactly am I looking at?”

Sam doesn’t hesitate, blurting out, “Possible evidence dad cheated on mom wayyyy before Kate…”

He watches the information hit his brother full force, “Fuck…”

Sam nods, mind already working to form a plan. “Exactly, we need to check this guy out…”

Cas nods rapidly, “I agree. Uhm…how do we do that?”

Sam snorts a laugh at his dork of an older brother. “I’ll send him a message confirming the meetup, he already told us where. It’s that bakery over…oh…OH it’s him!’

“Him who?” Cas asks, signature head tilt and furrowed brow included. “Sorry it’s been a long day. Fuck, a long week actually. And Jack still needs his snack and a bath and then dinner and…”

“Don’t worry about it the guy was just…never mind.” Sam decides to keep it to himself until he’s sure, but he hopes that weirdo isn’t their brother. Pile of homework quickly forgotten, Sam insists, “I’ve got this Cas, you go take a hot shower. Relax, you deserve it.” 

Between Balthazar turning out to be the exact type of alpha Sam thought he was, leaving his brother a heartbroken mess and the hectic schedule he keeps, Cas needs the break. The alpha practically pushes his brother towards the door, gaining the height advantage a few years back definitely helps.

“But, what about dinner? Mom’s working late tonight…” Cas’ eyes start to get that panicked glaze again as he goes on so Sam cuts him off before he can get going again.

“Me and Adam can manage. Don’t worry about it, go…” Sam urges, giving the other alpha a pointed glare.

With a final push, Sam’s able to get his disgruntled brother out of his room as a chorus of ‘Takis! Takis! Takis!’ begins behind him.

Cas may go for that toxic shit on occasion but not Sam. Turning, the alpha puts an end to the chant with a simple yet emphatic no. “Let’s go find you a healthy snack instead, munchkin.”

Suddenly Jack seems a little less enthused to be spending the afternoon with his ‘favorite’ uncle.

Chapter Text

Castiel can’t stop the name from worming its way into his thoughts as he gathers a change of clothes in his bedroom. 

Dean Shurley. 

Jack’s chant seems to have ended as he and Sam’s voices grow quieter, stomping their way downstairs. The alpha rolls his eyes, just barely stopping himself from shouting not to stomp in the house. He’s not sure when it happened the first time, but at least he’s able to save himself from sounding exactly like their mom this time. Chuckling lightly, Castiel moves quickly across the hall to the empty bathroom, intent on taking Sam up on his suggestion immediately. 

A hot shower sounds like just what he needs after the day he’s had.

The alpha’s aware of his appearance, that he still looks around Sam’s age not his actual age closer to 22 but that isn’t an excuse for how some of their customers write him off at first glance. He’s been working there long enough, they should show him some fucking respect. Castiel knows Bobby will always have his back, but it gets tiresome to be questioned constantly on whether he knows what he’s doing. The latest, a puffed up asshole of an alpha who swore up and down he knew more about how to fix the brake lines on his car than Castiel did because he watched a video on Youtube. He’d like to see how that knowledge holds up when the knothead has to slam on brakes and pray they actually function the way they’re meant to. Of course he may not have said it as nicely as that. The words burst past his lips more to the tune of ‘Well, if you insist on being a fucking idiot and getting yourself killed that’s on you!’ To which Bobby grumbled maybe it was time for his lunch break. 

Castiel may have been just a tad hangry. But, instead of going to his favorite taco place, Castiel hopped in Baby to take a short ride and clear his head. 

Always works wonders.

Of course when he returned, Mr. Youtube was gone having driven off into the sunset with brakes that should keep him alive, for now. Bobby’d sweet talked him into not demanding a refund after demonstrating Castiel’s work is good. Of course it was, he doesn’t do shoddy work, but unfortunately the Winchester name doesn’t lend him any favors at this point either. John’s long track record of scamming every friend he’s ever made and cheating on women, and in pool, follows him like an unwelcome shadow. It’s not who Castiel is, not who he and his mom raised Sam and Adam to be either. But, the name will drag them down into the dirt where John’s learned to thrive, whether they want it or not. 

He’s like a disease, spreading further the longer it’s left untreated.

The alpha checks the water, turning the shower on once it's at the desired temperature before stripping down to bare skin and stepping under the warm spray. Instant euphoria blooms in his chest, Castiel finds himself silently thanking his little brother yet again for knowing exactly what he needed. His mind travels back to the prior topic, dropping any reminders of his earlier annoyance. There’s no point in taking a ‘relaxing shower’ if he keeps himself in that place of anger the entire time. He wonders what their ‘brother’ is like as he lathers up his hair, choosing to temper his expectations until they have definitive proof the man really is related to them. 

Uncle Bobby’s famous words echo in his mind, ‘family don’t end in blood’, and that’s all well and good when it isn’t a complete stranger claiming in a rather odd way to be related to you. No, he needs to be vetted before they take any of this seriously, before they speak a word of it to his mom or Adam. She was shattered after finding out about the circumstances that brought Adam into this world, the alpha has no clue how she’ll react this time. He’s not so much worried about his ‘brother’, after Kate died his mother embraced Adam without a second thought but, Dean’s further proof of how flaky John’s love and support have been. The only thing they could ever rely on the alpha for was trouble. It calls to mind a few questions Castiel plans to get answers for as soon as they meetup with this mystery man. He would like to know how this Dean person found them, how his mother met John, what kind of person he is, the list keeps growing by the minute. 

Dean Shurley.

Castiel can’t quite put his finger on it, but it sounds familiar. He runs quickly through his memories from before he left school but he can’t recall anyone by that name attending Lawrence High. Still, Dean could have showed up after Castiel left sophomore year, the alpha wouldn’t have met him during school hours but possibly around town or at the shop. He contemplates calling Charlie to ask her but remembers last minute she’s out of town until tomorrow with Dorothy. 

Of course, the couple invited Castiel to come along camping with them but, who really wants to be a third wheel out in the woods for an entire weekend? Or worse, having to bring Jack with him out into the woods, because there’s no way he’d ask his family to take responsibility of his pup for an entire weekend just so he can go off with his friends. Unlike John, he takes responsibility for his own child. Not that Jack’s ever given him any trouble, he’s the sweetest he just isn’t quite old enough for camping. With Castiel’s luck, Jack would see a pretty bird and wander off to who knows where. 

It would’ve been different if Bal was still…

Forcing himself not to even think about finishing that sentence, Castiel begins the process of rinsing off his body before the water turns cold. The light mood that began to grow the longer he stood under the hot spray dissipates just as quickly as it arrived. He tries to ignore his inner alpha’s plaintive whines, still not pleased with the turn of events. But, he can’t allow himself to get pulled back into that toxic headspace again. With that thought in mind, he shuts off the water and exits the shower, drying off in record speed and putting on clean clothes. Once he’s done, Castiel’s not quite sure what to do with himself. This isn’t the first time his family’s offered to take Jack for a few hours so he can recalibrate but he’s always unsure of what to do with that time. So, he goes with a tried and true option he knows he needs right now like water in a desert. 

A good old fashioned nap.

Castiel settles in under his covers, blue eyes falling shut just as soon as his head hits the pillow. In sleep, his defenses fall, that’s where he comes to find him.

“…just seems like settling to me, that’s all,” Bal goes on as they walk around the park with Jack holding both their hands. 

Castiel can’t help but think of how domestic this must look to the strangers walking amongst them, smiling in turn at him, then Bal, and finally the giggling Jack having the time of his life between them. Sure there are a few obvious bigots in the mix but they can’t dull the glow he’s sporting, wide smile, and the scent of happy alpha times two.

Could it be this easy?

He responds to Bal’s thought as they continue walking, replying, “I don’t feel that way, Bal. You know why I went this route. It’s good enough for now…maybe in a few years when Jack’s a little older…” Castiel doesn’t get to finish his sentence.

Cutting him off, Bal groans in annoyance, mimicking him as he repeats, “Maybe in a few years…come on Castiel,” the alpha scoffs, scent going stormy, “I told you when we first started seeing each other what I expected of you. I can’t stay with you if your ambition stops at being a grease monkey with no education.”

Castiel’s lips begin to form his usual rebuttal, he has his GED that counts for something, but Bal sees it coming a mile away as usual.

“No, it doesn’t, love,” he says, tone going sugary sweet as he drops Jack’s hand to tighten it around Castiel’s bicep instead. 

Blue eyes go to the sidewalk as his breathing increases, thankfully Jack has obliviously wandered off to watch the geese eating in the grass a few steps away. The pup’s plopped down on the ground, he’ll have a damp butt to complain about on the ride home, but that’s the least of the alpha’s concerns right now. The dark look in Bal’s eyes as he uses Castiel’s impending panic attack against him should be enough for him to grab Jack and walk away with not a single glance back. But every time he finds himself stuck, spiraling closer and closer to full on panic all because of what John Winchester did and now what Castiel’s allowing Bal to do.

He fought back against John, what makes him so weak with Balthazar.

As his hand tightens enough to leave a bruise, he succumbs to that feeling of dread for what comes next. It leaves him paralyzed as the alpha calls for Jack to follow them back to the car. Tears up his insides on the ride back to the man’s house. By the time Jack’s out for the count on the sofa he knows the window to run has come and gone.

Bal leads him to the bedroom, watching him like a tiger, keeping his gaze firmly on his prey before he pounces. The alpha’s fists connect with accuracy over and over as he ignores Castiel’s cries to stop.

Maybe John was right after all…maybe this is all he deserves.

The alpha surges up out of the bed, waking suddenly, but he’s thankful the abrupt wakeup tore him out of that nightmare. Glancing around trying to determine what did it in the first place he notices Jack’s snuggled up to his side, the pup kicks like Pele so he’s not surprised it woke him up. Castiel lays back down, staring at Jack’s face in wonder. His hair, a fair mix of Castiel’s and Kelly’s, has gone a little wild and sweaty as he sleeps. Blue eyes just like his own hide behind closed eyelids as Jack dreams. The alpha had a huge part in helping to make this little being, his whole heart in one tiny body. 

Never gonna let anyone hurt you…

Castiel will keep that promise until his last breath leaves his body, and even still after, because Jack deserves the world.

__________________________________________

Dean rereads the message again, just as he’s been doing for the last twenty four hours. 

Dean,

My older brother and I would like to meet you. No offense, but we need to make sure you’re not some lying psycho before we tell our mom about any of this. Our younger brother won’t be coming either, he’s only fourteen…but if everything checks out I guess you’ll meet everyone then. We have so many questions but I’ll save them for in person. All I ask is that you don’t bring up John…at least not right away, it’s a sore subject for my brother.

Gotta admit this is so weird, anyway let me know a time and we’ll be there.

- Sam Winchester

He and Gabe replied right away asking if today at noon worked for everyone but, now that it’s inching closer, Dean’s starting to get nervous. What if they don’t believe him, it’s not like he as DNA evidence to back up his claim, yet. Sam seems to already have suspicions he’s lying and he’s not sure about how the nameless ‘older brother’ feels about the whole thing. Especially after they drop the bombshell on him that he was switched too. And what exactly did John do that just saying his name is an issue.

This is going to be an epic clusterfuck, he can already tell. 

“Are we doing the right thing, Gabe?” Dean asks for the millionth time. “We’re about to blow up this guys life just so we can have peace of mind…”

But he means it, he’s gone almost 22 years blissfully unaware that he wasn’t being raised by his biological parents. Dean feels like he’s well rounded for the most part, his parents paid for the best education making sure he went to private schools and even though U of T Austin isn’t technically Ivy League its as close as you can get with a public university. The omega’s never wanted for a thing in his life, some of his needs even being met before he had to say a word to anyone. Maybe…maybe he can go on not knowing about this Winchester side of his family tree. 

Of course his inner omega growls at him, reminding him how selfish that would be. His ‘not brother’ should get the chance to know the Shurley’s as well. And if they remain silent, they’d be taking that chance away without even giving him the option. That’s not right and it isn’t his decision to make. 

Gabe’s response supports his final thought, “Yeah, kiddo. It’s gonna be fine, and if it isn’t we’ll bribe them with free pie.”

Dean shakes his head, begrudgingly acknowledging, “Pretty sure that only works on me.”

He and Gabe crack up in laughter and the knots in Dean’s stomach slowly begin to loosen. The omega’s glad to have Gabe here by his side, especially since they’re doing this behind their parents, and technically Anna’s, back. 

“I still get dibs if he’s pretty though, right?” Meg asks, mischievous smirk on ten as she leans across the table to snatch Dean’s coffee.

The omega drains the last drops as Dean glares at his friend for her blatant coffee theft. 

Gabe snorts, “Sure, if he thinks you’re pretty, troll.”

“See, Gabe, that would work if I gave a shit, plus have you seen me? Troll my ass,” the smirk grows as she adds, “which I’ve been told is quite sexy.”

She loves a good round of playful insults, it’s practically her love language. Dean lets them go on, waiting in nervous anticipation for the bell over the door to announce his brothers arrival. He could care less whether his ‘not brother’ is pretty, Meg can have him. Dean’s focus is on Sam, the little brother he never knew he had but now he wants to know everything he can find out about him. So far, he knows the kids about as tall as a Sasquatch, wears his hair hippie long, and works at the Gas ’N Sip. He also apparently loves Gabe’s cinnamon rolls and iced caramel lattes. 

That’s not exactly enough information for him to know who Sam is though. What makes him tick, his hobbies, everything that made him who he is today.

Dial it back, Shurley…Winchester?

The jury’s still out on that.

Before he can dissect his internal back and forth over his last name, the bell finally trills through the air stopping all discussion at the table.

It’s time.  

The same teen he spotted the day before wanders in searching around until he spots them over in the corner. Gabe chose this table for the privacy but honestly the bakery’s pretty dead after the breakfast rush. He doesn’t notice his ‘not brother’ until Sam’s reached the table having assumed the drop dead fucking gorgeous guy behind his brother was just another customer. 

Holy shit.

His ‘not brother’ has to be the sexiest alpha he’s ever set eyes on which is a huge fucking problem for many reasons. Many, many reasons that he tries to remind himself of as sparkling ocean eyes land on his. The deliciously tight worn tee wrapped around the man isn’t any band he’s heard of, but the omega could care less as his eyes travel down to form fitting light wash jeans. The leather jacket the alpha’s pulling off briefly exposes the sharp line of his hips, damn near derailing Dean’s focus entirely. 

Now that Sam’s closer he can catch a hint of family coming through his scent but the alpha’s another story entirely. His strong scent of green tea and lavender hits him full force in the nose, Dean has to fight to keep his own scent under control as it threatens to bloom with the beginnings of…something, he can’t quite pin down what yet. 

It surprises him, he’s never really been one of those omegas that goes crazy for an alpha’s scent. Dean never even had this reaction to Benny and they were together for years. Of course, the thought of Benny pours a vat of ice cold water over him, breaking him free of his delusions. There’s no way the alpha standing in front of him would want a broken omega and honestly Dean’s not sure he could manage it, not after what he just went through. Another rejection could put him in the hospital for much longer than a day, he can’t risk it.

With that reality check in mind, he offers his hand to Sam then Castiel, introducing himself, “Dean Shurley, nice to finally meet you both.”

He counts it as a win that his voice and hand don’t shake one bit when he makes contact with Castiel for the first time. The alpha’s touch lingers for a beat, cerulean eyes sparking curiously, before retreating as he and Sam take their seats at the other side of the table.

__________________________________________

He’s your brother he’s your brother and not to mention he’s your fucking brother . 

His inner alpha chooses that moment to join in, growling in appreciation of Dean’s mouthwatering scent of crisp apples and sweet caramel as it drifts his way on what feels like a mile long walk to the back of the bakery.

Gods, what is wrong with him, as soon as he passed the threshold his eyes zeroed in on the breathtakingly beautiful omega sitting next to a brunette he thinks he’s seen around town and an unknown older alpha. Castiel’s finding it hard to keep his eyes from bouncing back to the man next to her with his scattered freckles and forest green eyes, artfully styled brown hair and pouty lips. That last thought sends him reeling when the omega stands to introduce himself as the Dean Shurley they’ve come to meet. 

That’s when his inner mantra started on repeat as Castiel made a valiant attempt to stop his mind from wandering back to those strong hands and the bow legs he couldn’t help but notice when the omega stood. Biceps straining invitingly against his white button down, sleeves pushed up to expose lightly freckled forearms, he’ll ignore the ridiculous sweater tied around his neck, for now. Or he would have if not for Dean’s Sperry’s and khaki short combo reminding him of being out on Bal’s boat, the few times he bothered to take Castiel of course. 

This time the ‘he’s your brothers’ work with the reminder he can’t trust anyone with his body, or heart, and his attraction is more than inappropriate anyway. 

Fuck love.

Sincerely, Castiel Winchester.

Gabriel introduces himself as Dean’s older brother and the owner of the bakery. The brunette turns out to be exactly who he thought, Meg Masters. She may be Dean’s best friend but he recalls her hanging out with a few kids at his school when he still attended, he thought she went there as well but apparently not. 

Huh.

It clicks as he takes his seat across from Dean, he’s come into the shop before to have work done on a few of his families cars. The rich preppy omega from across town, the omega he harbored a huge crush on sophomore year before he…that part isn’t important but this is why Dean’s name sounded so familiar. Though, apparently he didn’t make enough of an impression on the man for Dean to remember him. Back then all he could do was daydream, there was no way he could truly date a guy, omega or not, with John still on his back about his sexuality. Now Castiel feels even more disgusting, he used to imagine them…he feels like he may be sick right there on the table.

Thankfully, the alpha’s broken out of his spiral by Sam’s gasp, sharing in awe, “Wow, you look a little like our dad and a lot like our mom. Shit.”

Castiel’s still speechless as is Dean, though probably for very different reasons. 

He’s your brother, he’s your brother, he’s your brother…

Still, he’s not so far gone that he can’t reprimand Sam, cutting in warningly, “Samuel, language…”

Sam rolls his eyes exasperatedly and he can hear it coming before he even opens his mouth, “You curse more than I do, James…” he glares pointedly as Castiel smirks. 

The familiar banter helps to settle something in him. No need to be weird, he can do this.

Dean looks between the two in confusion, “Who the hell is James…?”

“Middle name,” Sam explains, “If he’s gonna be a jerk and call me Samuel then…” he shrugs, smirking as he trails off.

Castiel’s warming up even more by the second, explaining drily, “James sounds like a boring accountant with no sex life and five cats.”

Sam scoffs, “And Samuel is an old man name. Literally.”

Dean snorts a laugh before agreeing, “Nah, I get it. Our parents named me after our…” something seems to stall the omega’s next words before he pulls it together and completes his thought, “Our uncle, Michael, but he’s a dick so I go by my middle name.”

Meg snorts a laugh, almost choking on a cookie in the process, she smacks Dean in the chest as retribution. 

Gabriel cuts in through his own laughter, “I wish he was lying but he really is terrible. Only one worse than him is cousin Lucifer.”

Castiel does a triple take if that’s possible, stuttering out, “Y-you have a relative named Lucifer? Your family’s very…strange.”

“Cas!” Sam admonishes, nudging him in the ribs. Castiel shoves him back playfully, now fully back in control of himself. 

It’ll be easy, just treat Dean exactly as he does Sam and Adam. 

Eventually, the alpha rolls his eyes, mumbling an apology, “Sorry, I’ve been told my bluntness can come across as rude more often than not. I didn’t mean to offend, promise.”

Dean and Gabriel wave him off as the omega explains, “I mean, our immediate family’s okay but the extended fam…big bag of dicks.”

Castiel’s just beginning to lean fully into this new dynamic, strange family names aside, when Gabriel nudges Dean and Meg. They give each other a look before turning to face he and Sam. The energy shifts, a feeling of cold fear crawls up his spine causing a sheen of sweat to develop on his skin. He can’t stop the cloud of nerves infiltrating his scent as a shiver runs through him, even though the air in the bakery is comfortably warm.

Something’s off.

It hits him a moment before his realization is made manifest, Dean can’t be just a pup that John had with with some random woman he met in a bar and abandoned. He’s got a family, history from what seems like birth to adulthood with both of his parents, no hints of a scandal between Dean’s mother and John…

Gabriel opens his mouth, the words that tumble loose don’t make things any clearer.

“So, we contacted you because Dean here had a scare about a week ago. Landed in the ER and his usual doctor wasn’t available so the ER doc ended up running some tests that…” he trails off, sentence left unfinished as he glances between Meg and Dean. Not finding any help there, the alpha continues cautiously, “Dean’s not our biological brother, technically…” 

Meg finally cuts his rambling off with a glare while holding onto Dean’s hand tightly. “But we think…we think you are, Castiel.”

“I’m sorry what???” He asks breathlessly as Sam’s eyes go wide in shock. 

Chapter Text

Meg finally cuts Gabe’s rambling off with a glare while holding onto Dean’s hand tightly. “But we think…we think you are, Castiel.”

“I’m sorry what???” Cas asks breathlessly, eyes widening in shock. 

Sam can understand the feeling, because they can’t have heard that correctly. Dean’s just another throwaway kid John abandoned…right?

“But…that would mean,” Sam begins to process what he thinks they’re saying but it’s still too far fetched to believe without solid evidence. 

Meanwhile, Cas is either in shock or completely oblivious to what Meg and Gabe are trying to tell them. 

Deans sitting quietly watching both of their reactions, scent slowly edging towards discomfort and sadness with a tiny hint of abandonment.

“It’s not that I don’t believe you, Dean. This is just a lot to take in at once,” he explains, hopefully competently enough to soothe Dean’s nerves. “I mean, no offense, but we came here thinking John had just cheated on mom again.”

“Again?” Gabe chimes in, blatant curiosity brimming behind his hazel eyes. 

Meg punches him hard enough to make him yelp in pain, rubbing his arm as he grimaces and turns aggravated eyes her way. 

“You’re being nosy, quit it,” she mutters, eyes still darting between the brothers as her hand runs soothingly up and down Dean’s back. 

The action visibly calms the omega as Sam takes note. He’s sure there’ll be years ahead of them before he’s that close to Dean, but if they get there he’d like to know what helps his brother if he’s panicked, much like he’s learned Cas over the years. Oddly enough, the thought puts him back in his own comfort zone where things feel more familiar. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have the same effect on Cas. 

“I feel as though I’m missing something…” the alpha murmurs with a slight edge of panic, blue eyes bouncing wildly around the table as they grow silent.

Sam knows this is important but he can’t help teasing his brother, mumbling lowly, “Wouldn’t be the first time…”

Cas sighs exasperatedly at the dig, “You try working a full time job on four hours of sleep a night because your toddler kicks like a budding soccer star and refuses to sleep in his own bed. Use your words, please.”

Sam sees Dean mouth ‘he has a kid?’ to Gabe who shrugs confusedly as Meg glares at the both of them with a firm ‘shut it’. 

Feeling like an asshole for joking at a time like this, and with everything he knows Cas deals with, Sam makes an effort to explain what’s going on to the alpha. Proceeding slowly, he spells it out as plainly as he can, “If what they’re saying is true, then I think you and Dean were switched at the hospital the day you were born, Cas. Dean’s my biological brother, and you’re Gabe’s.”

“And Anna’s,” Gabe chimes in, “Our sister. Mom and dad wouldn’t let her have any involvement for now, which is stupid since she’s your age, Sam. Kinda wish we’d double gone behind their backs and brought her along anyway…”

Cas’ mouth keeps forming words but nothings making it past his lips making him look like a goldfish. Sam wonders if they broke him but eventually he speaks, “That…that actually makes more sense.” Continuing on, the alpha mumbles to himself as shock seems to set in, ”So…so I might be a Shurley. I…how?”

That’s the million dollar question at the top of Sam’s list, but of course that’s going to require more research and investigation on their part he’s sure. Well, the Shurley’s are definitely in a different tax bracket than the Winchester’s so who knows what they’ve already done to look into this. 

Dean answers his silent question, sharing, “That’s what we’ve been trying to figure out but the hospital won’t answer any of our questions, my parents already tried. Our dad contacted a friend of his, a private investigator, but all he’s been able to find so far is…well, you guys.”

Sam hates being right sometimes. 

If what Dean’s saying is true, the hospital won’t be of any further assistance to them but he had a feeling that may be the case. The alpha can smell the coverup from a mile away. Situations like this always end up in court and usually with the hospital being found liable and a big payday for the affected families. For a split second he wishes he was about ten years older with a law degree that could actually help them, but he’s still just a high school kid with no idea what to do next. 

But, before they get swept away, he wants to make something clear, “You’re still a Winchester, Cas. Whatever comes next, that never changes…”

Sam’s the only one who knows him well enough to notice but while Cas seems to brighten with Sam’s declaration, the storm clouds don’t fully disperse from behind his eyes. 

Echoes of John at his finest blare to life and he wonders if they’re the cause of that haunted look pointed his way. 

"No son of mine…” John slurs, tossing the mostly empty bottle across the room. The glass shatters when it makes impact with the wall but not one of them dares to flinch. “Long as my blood runs in those veins you will fall in line, boy…”

Sam’s torn from the painful memory and thrown back into the moment just as Gabe grabs his phone and pulls up a family photo from what looks like a Christmas party. 

"…probably should just to be sure, but look at this! It’s fucking uncanny…” Gabe turns his phone around showing a photo of an older dark haired man sharing an astonishing resemblance with his brother. 

Without thinking, Sam mutters, “Mom always said Cas got his hair from John’s side of the family. Guess that theory’s been disproven…”

Cas thankfully doesn’t react to the slight comparison, reaching out a hand towards the phone and pulling it back at the last moment before asking determinedly, “What’s next?”

Gabe calls the family doctor right then and there to request an appointment the next day. In less than a week they’ll know definitively but Sam’s almost sure of it already. This meeting may not have gone quite the way he assumed it would but the information wasn’t any less life changing. 

“Uhm…how do we tell mom?” Sam asks, not wanting to ruin the vibe of the moment with reality. 

Cas hesitates, seeming unsure suddenly about taking that huge step. But they have to, she deserves to know. “Can we at least wait until the test results come back?”

Dean looks to Sam as he peers at Gabe while Meg’s gaze is locked onto Cas. Slowly each head nods in agreement, willing to give the alpha time to acclimate to this new world view. This morning, Cas woke up knowing down to his bones who he was and where he came from. Sam can’t imagine how he could be feeling now, like the rug was pulled from under him more than likely. The alpha signs to his brother using their secret language, a necessity when John was in a bad mood. Sam’s a little rusty, not having done this in years, but he manages a simple ‘got your back’. The effort brings a true smile to his older brothers face, almost immediately mirrored on Sam’s own as Cas signs back ‘thank you'.  

Dean looks on curiously but doesn’t intrude and Sam’s grateful for that. He may be his biological brother but there are some things the omega hasn’t yet earned the right to know, some things he’d only understand if he’d been there. Sam finds himself thanking the gods he wasn’t. 

__________________________________________

Dean checks his phone for what may be the millionth time in the last hour but still, nothing. He’s not sure why he thought Cas would reach out before the results came back. Though, if he’s being honest he hoped maybe they could be friends, at least. They’re going through a mutually traumatic experience, although the omega’s not even sure that’s the right word to use. Shit’s hitting the fan and they’re riding the wave together, hopefully. The silence of his phone seems to say otherwise. The omega reminds himself that, for Cas, Dean’s still a stranger so he can’t really fault the alpha for choosing to protect himself. 

Much like he should be doing, getting too attached is about the worst thing for the omega right now.

The only silver lining of Cas’ silence so far is Sam’s insistence on not keeping his distance. It’s not like they’re having deep discussions about the meaning of life but they’ve shared a few photos and funny memes since yesterday. Sam even added him on all his socials, giving Dean more of a glimpse into his younger brothers life. 

The omega’s not sure when he should dive in with all of his questions that’ve been building up since they revealed the truth to Cas, but he has a feeling he should wait a little bit longer. Dean didn’t push but Cas seems to have some level of anxiety, possibly tied to John and that worries him. Neither alpha shared the man’s current whereabouts and Dean finds himself more than concerned for both of them as Sam’s texts remain vague and Cas’ silence lengthens. 

What if John came back and found out the truth? He’s a drunk, but is he the violent type? The questions lead to even more questions with no answers in sight. It’s a special brand of torture, not knowing the type of person his biological dad truly is, not knowing if his brother’s safe in his own home or if Cas is okay. 

And then there’s Jack.

Sam was kind enough to share the basics, really he could have deduced as much himself though, a teen pregnancy resulting in the cutest little pup Dean’s ever seen, Jack. He made no mention of where Jack’s other parent is, just saying the rest ‘isn’t his story to tell’. But, if the lack of communication from the alpha is any indication, Cas won’t be filling in the blanks anytime soon. Not that it really matters, they barely know each other. Dean has no right to any of his personal stories about his life. With that reminder, he taps out a reply to Sam’s latest text.

Sam: So glad this summer job is over in two weeks. I love Nora and not having to rely on mom or Cas for money but these customers are something else sometimes. 

Dean’s never had to work that type of job, his ‘9-5’ work experience mainly in helping Gabe around the bakery. But that’s vastly different from a gas station so he’s instantly intrigued.

Dean: What happened?

The alpha doesn’t respond right away so Dean goes back to getting ready, he has a few errands to run before meeting Gabe for some free labor. Jo had to call out sick and there’s no one else available to man the register while Gabe bakes.

Sam: Guy came in, bought a scratch off and went out to his car. He’s a regular does this at least once a day. So get this, he comes back in, right? It’s one of those ones where if you scratch off three in a row you win whatever that amount is. He had two $500 boxes scratched but the third was for $50. Obviously it wasn’t a winner but he kept asking if I could just ‘let it slide’. 

Dean: Yeahhh that’s not how that works lol.

Sam: Exactly lol. Anyway, Cas just left to take Jack to the park and mom’s out school shopping with Adam which means I have an empty house. Talk later, I’m taking a nap. 

Thanks to Sam’s Instagram Dean’s seen photos of mostly everyone, putting names to faces. The alpha was right, he does in fact look like Mary but there weren’t any photos of John. Sam had plenty of Cas, both alone and with Jack as well as Adam. The omega can’t wait to meet them all, anticipation rising with every hour that passes waiting on these damn results. 

Now that Sam’s otherwise occupied Dean decides it’s probably time to get ready to go. He’d rather not be late and have to hear Gabe’s grumbling and he still needs to make the post office before they close. After unpacking he found a few of Benny’s things that apparently didn’t make their way into the box he’d left for the alpha back in Texas. Toiletries weren’t a huge deal but some items had sentimental value for Benny and he didn’t feel right throwing them out, even if he’s still beyond pissed with the man. He plans to drop the small box off at the post office on his way to the bakery. 

The last reminders of Benny will be gone so he can move forward, he’s got more important issues to focus on now anyway. 

Throwing on a navy blue button up, Dean pushes the sleeves up his forearms the way he likes it before pulling on his favorite white jeans. The omega gets caught up trying to choose a pair of shoes. 

“Navy shirt, white pants…Meg would know…” Dean mutters aloud to the empty room, only stopping himself from actually calling her when he realizes she’s still at the country club with her tennis coach. Finally he decides, “Can’t go wrong with my Chelsea boots.”

Dean’s carefully organized ascots catch his attention before he decides that’s a bit much for working at the bakery all day. It doesn’t take long to pull the brown boots on and head downstairs. The omega stops in the kitchen to grab something he can eat on the way, not realizing how hungry he is until his stomach starts growling loudly demanding food. 

Dean's barely over the threshold when a banana’s shoved into his hand with one of Gabe’s muffins following behind it.

He smiles broadly at the culprit before greeting her, “Didn’t know you were back, El.”

Ellen winks at him conspiratorially, “Who says I am?”

Dean chuckles lightly, accepting the food without complaint as he wanders behind the beta and further into the kitchen. 

“Well, if you aren’t then what are you doing here?” He asks curiously, finally deciding to eat sitting at the island instead of in the car. He can afford to take his time and catch up with Ellen for a little bit.

“Did you really think I was gonna stay in Florida after hearing you were in the hospital again?” Ellen asks, turning a stern eye his way but he can see the fear she’s trying to hide. Further evidence clouds around her as it infiltrates her scent.

Dean shakes his head, insisting, “I’m fine El, you didn’t have to do that.”

“And you can’t tell me what to do,” she cracks back childishly, crossing her arms over her chest with a small smirk tugging at her lips. Concern still lingers in her eyes and scent but the playfulness eases the tightness in his chest. 

Dean knows how much she was looking forward to that vacation and it hurts to know it was cut short because of him. 

“Did you at least have some fun while you were away?” He asks, needing to know it wasn’t all for nothing.

Ellen’s smile broadens as her eyes truly sparkle, “Definitely, but it ain’t all PG-13 so that’s all you need to know.”

Dean grimaces, whining, “Ewwww, you’re practically my aunt. Now I need brain bleach, thanks.” He may be grossed out but he’s glad she had a good time. 

Ellen barks a laugh, gaining enjoyment from his discomfort most likely. 

“I know you’re covering for Jo so you should get a move on. Dinners at 6, don’t be late,” she warns, giving the usual command as he exits the room. 

She’s been on staff almost as long as Dean’s been alive, he knows the consequences all too well for being late to a meal Ellen worked hard on. 

No thanks.

Dean walks out the door, shouting back, “I’ll be here, promise!” 

__________________________________________

Castiel watches Jack slide down the ‘big boy slide’ again and again. The joy on his little pups face does little to shrink the pit that’s been growing inside him since he and Sam left Dr. Perumal’s office yesterday. Even the promise of a quick turnaround with the results did nothing to change how he’s feeling. 

Cheated.

Castiel suffered through John’s rage and…torture, while Dean sat comfortably taken care of by loving parents and siblings in a practical mansion across town. It angers the alpha, still he can’t take it out on Dean, he’s not ‘that' type of rich boy, he could see it from a mile away minus the unfortunate fashion choices. No, even that’s a lie, Dean makes preppy look damn good but Castiel can’t find it in himself not to be slightly standoffish with the man. The alpha was never supposed to be a Winchester and he feels like Dean stole his life, even unintentionally. It’s not fair to either of them for Castiel to bring his bullshit whining to the omega’s ‘front door’ for lack of a better term. His issues are his own to work through, or stew in as he’s doing now. 

It’s a choice, he knows. 

But the alpha wasn’t exactly given the option not to be in this situation in the first place. The least he can do is acknowledge the reality of the hurt, grief, occasional numbness, and slight jealousy he’s feeling from the news. Yesterday Castiel may not have been entirely happy with his life but he knew who he was at the very least. Today, he’s adrift, not knowing enough about the Shurley’s to have any idea of where he comes from and feeling too lost to try and find out through Dean or Gabe. It’s getting harder to ignore the burning feeling to text both of them, to ask some of the questions rolling around his mind. 

Tracking his sons progress around the park, it seems Jack may have made a friend in a little girl in a pink dress. They’re taking turns sliding down one after the other and giggling madly. The simplicity of it somehow makes the burning in his chest worse, not better. Because there were times he wished for exactly this, his dad caring enough just to bring him to the park or spend some meaningful amount of time showing he cared. Instead more often than not he got an order, and a swift smack if it wasn’t followed right away.

Castiel shifts on the uncomfortable wooden park bench, finally trying to shake himself from these thoughts. He promised Jack a day of fun and he can’t do that in this mood. They spend another hour or so at the park before the alpha has to practically drag Jack away from his new friend, promising to come back another day. It soothes the pup enough to get him in the Impala with little protest.

He’s barely in the driveway when the door opens to reveal Mary covered in dirt with her soil encrusted gardening gloves in hand. The omega’s blonde hair is up in a messy bun and her face is covered in sweat. It hits him then, he can see it now as clear as day. She is Dean’s mom, the resemblance is nothing short of astonishing. Castiel wonders who he looks like, other than Michael of course, before pushing the thought away. He’s not ready to contemplate any of that, the results need to come back then he can…he’s not sure what he’ll do but for now the alpha shoves it to the back of his mind. Focusing instead on Jack running into his mom’s arms, now kneeling on the porch waiting for her grandpup to slam into her. 

“Grammy!” Jack shouts, unaware of the slight ‘oof’ she squeezes out as he makes impact. 

“Did you have fun at the park,” she asks, planting kisses all over his face making Jack giggle as he nods fiercely. “Good, Grammy made you a snack. Let’s go inside.” His mom gestures for the alpha to follow, giving him a searching look in the process.

Castiel doesn’t have any answers for her, not yet, so he distracts her with a hug and a kiss to her temple, eventually following her into the house that doesn’t feel quite like home anymore. 

Chapter Text

Sam hears it first, gesturing to Castiel’s phone off to his side on the kitchen counter. The alpha dries off his hands so he can quickly grab it, his gut telling him exactly who’s calling. 

“Hello?” The greeting comes out in a slight whisper as nervous anticipation begins to brew in his chest.

Dr. Perumal seems oblivious, greeting Castiel warmly, “Mr. Winchester? I have your results as promised. Did you want to come back in or should I tell you now?”

Castiel can’t help blurting out, “Now!” Belatedly adding an apologetic please to the end of his sentence.

Again, the doctor seems unaffected, immediately answering him, “Alright then. I hope this is good news for you, you’re technically the real Mr. Shurley, Castiel. Dean’s already been made aware of his results as well proving he’s biologically related to Samuel…”

The doctor could have gone on to reveal he’d also discovered Castiel could fly and he wouldn’t have heard a word of it. Sam helpfully takes the phone, listening to whatever the doctor has to say before politely disconnecting the call with his thanks. The alpha’s not so sure what his broth…his mind stutters to a stop on the word. This unbreakable bond he and Sam formed through the worst of trials should be unshakeable. He hates the uncertainty now harbored in his heart because of that damned meeting, now worsening after the call. 

Sam pins him with a sorrowful glance, probably already having deduced where his mind’s gone. It’s no wonder the next words out of his mouth mirror those spoken at the bakery, “No, Cas, I already told you. You’re a part of this family, have been since you were born and I’m sure mom will agree…once we tell her.” 

Those last words cause them both to groan, neither wanting to give her news that will surely bring her pain they can’t soothe with just a hug. Still, it has to be done, but Castiel responds to Sam first not wanting him to worry. 

“I’m not…this isn’t like with Da…John,” he promises, firmly. “It’ll probably take some time, but I’ll be fine, Sam. Besides Bobby’d kick my ass if I tried to say any different, but I can’t pretend like everything’s the same either. We know what can happen if…”

His brother nods, almost identical to a bobble head making a low chuckle break free as the knot in his chest loosens ever so slightly. A small smile twists up at the corner of Sam’s lips, further breaking the somber mood in the room. 

One way or another, they’re going to be okay.

“We should call them, see if they already told Chuck and Becky,” Sam says, picking up his phone and dialing Dean without a response from Castiel. 

The omega picks up seconds after the first ring, clearly anticipating their call as his first question is, “Did he take it well, are you okay? Should we come over?”

Castiel’s sure the parade of rapid fire questions would have continued if not for Sam cutting in to answer, “He’s in shock, I’m fine…you can come over if you want but we were just wondering if you told your parents yet.”

Dean sucks in a deep breath before answering, “Yeah, they weren’t very happy to find out we’d already met up with you but…they’re really excited to meet you, Cas.”

Completely shocked Dean knew he was there without him speaking a word, he asks timidly, “Really?”

Dean’s answer comes easily as the omega responds through an audible smile, “Yeah, of course they are.” Slight trepidation comes through his voice as he continues, “I uh…I was just about to call actually, if you’re not busy could you come over and bring Mary with you? Obviously we have a few things to discuss…”

The brothers lock eyes, neither quite over the news enough yet to try and explain it to their mom. But, she needs to know, sooner rather than later if the Shirley’s are serious about possible legal action against the hospital. 

Castiel answers just as Sam’s opening his mouth, “Sure, we’ll be over soon.”

“O-okay…see you then,” the omega responds in a breathy tone, most likely still in shock from the results. 

Plans made, they disconnect the call. Leaving the breakfast dishes forgotten in the sink, they begin the seemingly long journey from the kitchen to the bathroom where Mary’s just finishing cleaning the toilet. It’s a typical Saturday morning sight but for some reason it affects him deeply this time. How can they tear up her now peaceful existence, after everything she’s gone through? 

He realizes they’ve been staring in silence for too long when she begins to pull off her yellow cleaning gloves, setting the toilet brush back in its holder. Turning a questioning glare their way, she asks, “What is it? Did one of you break something?”

Castiel hopes not, he would get down on his knees right now praying to the gods that this news won’t rip her apart if he thought it would save her the pain. The alpha’s spent most of his life trying to shield her in one way or another, this is a blow he can’t block. 

Sam has no such hesitation but thankfully he has the tact not to blurt out specifics, this conversation should be had with everyone involved just in case she has questions they can’t answer.

“Nothings broken, Mom. But, if you aren’t too busy could you come with us to our friends house? His parents want to meet you…” he says, tone smooth as velvet, not revealing a hint of distress. 

They don’t have many friends so the invitation brings a wide smile to Mary’s face, completely oblivious to the real reason behind the offer. Still, Sam’s words edge close enough to the truth so he doesn’t feel as guilty, a little subterfuge seems more than necessary in these uncharted waters. 

“Sure, just let me get cleaned up,” Mary says, gesturing to her ratty ‘clean the house’ clothes. “Not exactly dressed for the occasion. I’m assuming Jack’s coming along?”

The question throws him for a moment, the swift turn in events having made him forget his son napping on the living room couch. Adam’s at a friends house for the weekend so that isn’t an option, though Castiel’s never left him alone to babysit anyway, so the answer is, “Yeah, he’ll have to tag along.”

Might as well meet his new grandparents.

It doesn’t take long to change, meeting back downstairs before carefully picking up a sleeping Jack to transfer him into his carseat in Baby. The pup snuffles slightly as Castiel buckles him in, remaining blissfully unaware to his fathers inner turmoil as he continues to nap. On the other hand, Sam’s all too observant, watching his brothers every move as Castiel slides into the drivers seat, waiting for Mary to close the passenger door so he can pull off.  

The drive over to the affluent side of town seems longer than usual, although Castiel doesn’t often find himself on this side of town. It’s a stark difference from weedy overgrown grass and the occasional hubcap on the side of the road, filth and questionable people hanging around all hours, to manicured lawns and cheery smiles on every face they pass. 

Make it stop.

The alpha’s too anti…all of this…to return any of those smiles, continuing down the street until they arrive at the address Dean texted Sam earlier. Castiel can’t help his jaw from dropping, seeing the sentiment reflected in almost every face in the car. Well, everyone except a still sleeping Jack. 

“Where exactly did you meet this new friend?” His mother asks, peering up at the mansion sitting in front of them with curiosity written across her features.

The house is definitely larger than advertised with a long drive behind an honest to the gods gate. Pulling forward cautiously, the alpha looks for a button to press only to find there isn’t one. On one side there’s some sort of scanner, probably for the Shurley’s to quickly gain access, and on the other there’s a camera. He realizes it must be motion detected when Gabe’s voice comes over the intercom before the gate begins to slowly open, allowing them entry.

“Come on in, doors unlocked. We’ll be in the living room,” the alpha explains, tone sounding less cheerful than their previous encounter.

Castiel can understand the feeling, everything about today feels off in a way he wouldn’t have expected. 

Without any further directions, the alpha pulls in and parks in front of the open garage, already familiar with most of the cars parked inside. After two deep breaths, he exits Baby with everyone else, allowing Sam to grab Jack this time but it leaves him feeling awkward with nothing to fill his arms. Being here at all is awkward, the home that isn’t his yet should have been. 

Like a bandaid.

The mantra’s on repeat in his mind as he trails behind Sam and his mom as they head for the front door. It’s unlocked just like Gabe promised, but once inside he damn near walks into Mary’s back as she looks around the entryway in awe. 

“Seriously, where’d you meet…you never told me their name, actually,” she realizes, green eyes bouncing from one son to the other as suspicion brews in her scent. “You’re not in any kind of trouble are you?”

A silly question but he can understand her confusion. 

Sam answers thinking fast on his feet, “You know that bakery I love downtown?”

Mary nods, eyes brightening as she answers, “Yeah, I tried their pie last week on my break. It was divine…”

Sam smiles brightly, “Great! The guy that let us in is the owner and last time we were there his brother came by, now we’re all friends.”

Mary accepts the new information, following them in the direction Castiel hopes will lead to the living room, he knows he’s close when he catches hints of Dean’s straight from the source scent. The alpha forgot how mouthwateringly good the omega smells, coming dangerously close to breaking off from the group to get to the room faster. As it is, his pace quickens considerably before he catches it, forcing himself to deliberately take shorter strides. 

What would Dean want with him when he has all this ?

The thought knocks sense back into Castiel, slowing him back down completely to meet his families pace just as they reach the living room. Conversation dies down as soon as they’re spotted, the only faces he recognizes being Dean and Gabe. A young redheaded omega sits next to Dean on the couch with an older alpha and omega closer to Mary's age seated across from them on a matching sofa. 

“You made it!, Have a seat,” the older man gestures to a set of armchairs sitting slightly cat-a-corner to the sofa. As Castiel takes the armchair next to his mom, Sam opts to plop down on the floor in front of them laying Jack down with his head on the pillow Gabe hands him. “Does he need a blanket?” The older alpha asks, clearly in awe of his grandpup if this man is Chuck Shurley. 

“No thank you, he runs hot it’ll just make him sweat,” Castiel answers, ignoring the twinge of…something…speaking to his bio father gives him. 

The woman finally speaks, “I…I remember you,” turning to Chuck, “I remember her from that night…”

Mary squints, brow furrowing in confusion, “I’m sorry, who are you?”

“Sorry, our manners seem to have disappeared today. I’m Chuck Shurley, this is my wife Becky and our children Gabriel, Dean, and Anna,” Chuck introduces them, gesturing to each person in turn. His voice catches slightly on Dean’s name but no one seems to notice. Or they pretend not to, he’s not sure. “We wanted to…”

“…have you over, to get to know you a bit better.” Becky shares, eerily finishing her mate’s sentence. “But Mary and I have already met…”

Recognition eventually grows, a slight smile twisting his mom’s lips, “I remember now, it was so long ago and your hair was much shorter then.”

Now everyone’s looking at both omega’s, plan to inform his mom of the swap temporarily placed on hold in favor of uncovering this new mystery.

Mary finally reveals the piece of the puzzle they’re all seemingly missing, “We were briefly placed in the same room to wait out the beginnings of labor. This was back when alpha’s weren’t allowed in the room, too many incidents of alpha rage, so all we had was each other until it was time.”

____________________________________

Dean’s mesmerized, and not just by Cas, has been since she walked in the living room and sat down. It’s mostly the eyes. They’re so much closer to his own in person than in the photos of her on Sam’s Instagram. Brighter, more vibrant. Apparently they also share the same ‘wtf is going on’ face as well, his mom never mentioned any of this to them. 

“We didn’t exchange names and eventually they placed us in separate rooms to deliver our pups, obviously that went well, I’m assuming that was Dean in there,” Mary chuckles, looking his way for the first time. 

There it is, the perfect opening, he can see the hesitation on everyones faces but it needs to be done. 

The omega surprises himself, opening his mouth as the words come out almost on autopilot, “Actually, not quite…”

Mary’s smile turns down into a frown but, like everyone else in the room, she doesn’t interrupt. 

“We didn’t exactly call you here to to ‘meet the parents’,” he starts, then realizes they actually sort of did. So, editing his statement, “Well, we did just not in the way you think.”

Realizing he’s rambling like his brother and his father before him, Dean pulls himself together only to be beat to the finish line by none other than Cas. Though, when he thinks about it, the news should probably come from him anyway. So, Dean sits back and listens as the alpha divulges the messy truth.

“Mom,” Cas takes her hand in his, an action that seems to heighten her anxiety, not soothe it. The alpha forges on, “Something happened that night, something that affects everyone in this room but especially you as well as Mr. and Mrs. Shurley.”

Mary opens her mouth to speak but Cas shakes his head no, continuing, “I’m sorry to have to tell you this but I’m…I’m not your biological son, mom. And Dean isn’t theirs, we think the hospital made a mistake that night and switched us.”

In the silence that follows the big reveal all you can hear is Jack’s light breathing. The pups even more adorable in person but Dean’s glad he’s not awake for any of this. 

Mary’s gaping like a goldfish, finally responding much like they did at first, “What? That’s not…wouldn’t we have known?”

His dad finally cuts in with the answers they have so far, “The hospital’s still refusing to speak with us on the matter but our private investigator told us from what he could find it was extremely possible if someone dropped the ball. Unfortunately, this was long before the safety protocols they put in place to avoid situations like what we've found ourselves in. Still, we wouldn’t have brought you here without proof and apparently the boys took DNA tests last week. It’s all true…”

A cloud of confusion mixed with a little anger settles around Mary as she tries to process what’s being said. Her gaze lands on him, searching for several long minutes before her hand flies up to her mouth covering an audible gasp. 

“I…I see it,” she admits, “In the eyes, the hair.” She explains, green eyes shifting to Cas at her side. “But, no offense, Cas doesn’t look anything like you all.”

Chuck laughs nervously, responding, “If you notice, none of them look like us. It used to be a family joke before…well, before we realized how true it is in Dean’s case.”

Anna silently checks on him and he gives her a nod, it’s rough to be reminded but he’s handling it well, all things considered. 

“Castiel does bear a striking resemblance to my brother,” his mom explains, pulling up another photo of Michael on her phone from when they were younger. The creep looks exactly like the alpha sitting in front of them right now.

Suddenly his father's oft repeated joke 'Dean came into this world bald and blue eyed until his eyes shifted to golden green...' hits a little different. 

They don’t need photos and anecdotes, the hard evidence came this morning. Dean’s a Winchester and Cas is a Shurley, the big question is what the fuck to do about all this now. 

“It’s only fair we decide how to move forward, together,” Becky explains, almost pulling the thought right out of his head as she puts her phone away. 

Mary goes silent as Sam continues to pretend to fuss over Jack even though the pup hasn’t moved an inch since they arrived. Dean’s not sure if its nerves or something else but he can check in with him later. 

“If the hospital won’t acknowledge what they did that only leaves us one choice, but I don’t have money for a lawyer,” Mary explains, scent going rancid as she adds. “And John hasn’t been in the picture in years so he won’t be of much help.”

Gabe tries to put her fears to rest, “We already have our own lawyer, if we sue he’d just add your name to the case as an affected party. Don’t worry.”

Dean’s not sure Mary heard a word Gabe said, eyes gone glazed as she stares off into the distance. The omega wonders if her minds brought her back to that night, wondering if she missed something she could have changed. He’s caught that same look on his moms face ever since the swap first came to light. 

“I just…I still don’t understand how I didn’t know,” Mary finally speaks her thoughts aloud after several minutes of silence. "Granted, Cas' hair took a few weeks to fully come in...I'm assuming they had to of looked fairly similar at the time..." Hesitating as she considers her words, she turns to Cas, swearing, “You’ll always be my son, that’s not...not what I mean at all. But, isn’t a mother supposed to know her own child?”

Dean’s sure if he was on the other end of that question he’d be on the floor on his way back to the ER, assuming his mom didn’t want him anymore. But, Cas doesn’t seem to have the issues Dean’s grown up dealing with as he silently nods in understanding, pulling Mary into a firm side hug and supporting her as she finally breaks. He feels like a voyeur watching this private moment as Sam joins the embrace from the other side. Even Jack finally wakes up, almost as though he sensed Mary’s sadness, climbing easily into her lap as she wraps her arms around his tiny frame. 

Dean can’t lie, a part of him yearns to have that closeness with his bio mom, some day, but for now he has his own concerned parents clutching to each other on the sofa. It’s good they all have each other, they’re going to need strong bonds if they intend to go up against the hospital with full force. 

Chapter Text

Castiel holds tight, at first to keep his mother from collapsing onto the floor, having taken on most of her weight as she sobs into his shoulder. The longer the embrace goes on the harder he finds it to hold in the turmoil he’s felt since finding out about the switch. Soon, his silent tears drip down his face in twin streams, worsening when Jack wakes up and crawls into Mary’s lap. Sam’s no better on her other side, not full on crying but very misty eyed as he tries his best to wrap his arms around both Mary and Castiel. 

They’re not quite long enough but he can appreciate the effort. 

The alpha sneakily wipes the moisture from his face as he calms, thankfully having kept his own display of emotion quieter than Mary managed. Opening his eyes, the first thing he notices is Dean, evergreens glued to him worriedly from across the room. Figuring the concern is for Mary, he mouths ‘she’ll be fine’ as he continues to clean himself up. Castiel’s only slightly embarrassed to have made a spectacle of himself in front of his ‘former’ crush. Though, that’s the least of his concern right now as he relocates a still groggy Jack to his lap allowing his mom space to calm down as well. 

“Daddy, why’s Grammy cryin’” Jack asks, innocently tracing the lines on one of Cas’ tattoos as he waits for an answer.

All eyes pop up when the toddlers voice enters the mix. Becky and Chuck’s tear streaked faces brighten a bit though their eyes hold that telltale watery sheen. Castiel hates it and finds himself wishing he could snap his fingers to make things better, for all of them. 

Realizing he still has Jack’s big blue eyes pinned to him, waiting for an answer. Castiel tries his best to muster a Jack appropriate response, replying, “She’s gonna be fine, bud. Grammy’s just a little upset but I think your hug helped her so much.”

Jack’s cobalt eyes widen almost impossibly as a crooked grin replaces his tiny frown, “I helped?”

Mary chimes in, voice thick with a mixture of lingering emotion and amusement, “You sure did, honey. Grammy feels so much better, thank you.”

His pup’s beaming smile could probably soothe just about any hurt but it twists back into a confused frown as he surveys the room and its inhabitants, finally asking, “Where are we?”

Not as easy to answer.

Struggling for another Jack appropriate answer, the alpha finally lands on the truth. Jack may be young, but this is his family too and Castiel would feel wrong lying to him. 

“Grammy, Uncle Sam, and Daddy made some new friends,” Castiel begins, watching as Jack’s eyes dart around the room from one ‘stranger’ to the next. “And we just found out they’re part of our family too.”

Jack seems to consider his words before asking, “Like Uncle Bobby?”

An astute conclusion for the three year old to have come to and it warms his heart to see he’s taking on some of their simpler ‘family values’. 

A brief flash of pride goes through him. The alpha’s not fucking this parenting thing up, yet.

He easily answers, “Exactly, but…”

Mary surprisingly cuts in, explaining the rest for him just as a mom would. He’s grateful for her and the assist.

“I’ll always be your Grammy, baby boy. But, now you have two new grandparents right over there,” she says, gesturing to Becky and Chuck, tears threatening to fall once again as Jack studies them with interest. “And over there’s your Aunt Anna, Uncle Dean and Uncle Gabe.”

Happiness overtakes the scent of sadness in the room as Mary introduces Jack to their new family members. The shift is welcome, melancholy chased away as sunny smiles timidly come forth. 

Of course, Jack’s attention span is limited, moving on just as quickly to ask, “Can we go to the park?”

Laughter erupts around the room as Castiel replies, “Maybe later.”

The frown returns but Jack doesn’t throw a tantrum, thankfully.

“Actually, Sam and I could take him,” his mom offers, eyes moving from Jack over to Dean and back. “Give you some time to get to know your…your…Becky and Chuck.”

Castiel can’t fault her for not being able to say those words. Sharing Jack’s love and time is different than admitting out loud your son ‘belongs’ to someone else. He’s torn, worried about her state of mind but also wanting to find out more about the Shurley’s. Dean comes to the rescue, timidly asking, “Can I come?”

Guess we’re doing this.

Mary readily agrees, nervous tremble in her voice as she says, “Of course you can.”

The alpha can see a hint of disappointment on Becky and Chuck’s faces, probably wishing Jack would stay so they could get to know him as well. But, Castiel’s actually happy he’ll get one on one time, he has questions Jack doesn’t need to be present for. His inner alpha briefly whines over Dean’s departure, quieting down as he makes a valiant effort to ignore it. 

Not gonna happen.

Castiel hands the keys to the Impala over to his mom, growling jokingly, “Not a scratch.”

She returns a cheeky smile, rolling her eyes as she says, “I’ll take good care of her, promise.”

Neither of them acknowledge the absence of their usual banter, too much of a spotlight on current circumstances to be funny. The truth is, John lost his ’67 Impala to Mary in the mating dissolution. The judge decided she would need transportation for her and the kids John so easily abandoned. The car mysteriously showed up in front of the house the next day even though John conveniently missed their court date. His mom almost immediately handed the keys over to Castiel not wanting the ‘monstrosity’, or the memories, as she put it. Meanwhile, the alpha had been practically drooling over Baby since birth. It feels wrong not to have Mary's familiar comeback, ‘I’ve been driving longer than you’ve been alive’, thrown his way. 

Everything’s changing, too fast for Castiel to stop it, though he’s not sure he really could if he tried.

Jack hops quickly down from his lap once he realizes he’s getting his wish, grabbing hold of Mary’s hand as she and Sam go around the room exchanging contact information and saying their goodbyes. He doesn’t realize in the absence of anything else to focus on his eyes travel right back to Dean as though magnetized. The omega’s stunning, as usual, but now Castiel feels as though he’s been painted into a corner. Even if he were to change his mind, how would a relationship work with all this mess between them? 

This isn’t some Disney movie where two opposites manage to work it out and fall in love. Dean’s squeaky clean, not a hair out of place, toothpaste ad bright smile firmly affixed to his beautifully freckled face. Castiel’s ratty band tee and hole ridden oil stained jeans, worn boots and gloomy outlook just don’t mesh. 

He’d only bring the omega down. 

“Swings!” Jack’s enthusiastic shout pulls his focus back to where it should be and away from silly daydreams.

Castiel’s wanted what he can’t have for years, this longing needs to be squashed before it gets out of control. Besides, with his mom’s ‘helpful’ labeling, the omega’s now his pups pseudo uncle. 

Thank’s for making it weird, mom.

Well, weirder then it already is.

Stuck in his own ruminating, the alpha misses his family making their exit. He’s only alerted to their absence when Chuck nervously clears his throat. 

Shit.

There’s no avoiding this, his biological father and mother wait with clear anticipation. The alpha’s sister, and isn’t that trippy having grown up in a house with all boys, stares at him peculiarly as though she’s trying to dissect him with her eyes. 

Chuck speaks up first, “D-did you have anything you wanted to ask us, Castiel?”

“Please, call me Cas. Or James, but I’d prefer Cas,” he explains, wishing he’d never offered anything but Cas as an option. 

Sam wasn’t lying, he despises his middle name with a passion. 

“Cas,” Chuck repeats, “We can do that. Was there anything you wanted to ask us?”

That’s the thing, every question he’d stored up over the last few days fled as soon as the room emptied out leaving just him and the Shurley’s behind. It helps that Gabe’s still present, at least they’ve spoken before. But, the alpha finds himself clamming up and he hates it. 

Thankfully, Gabe speaks up, doing something Castiel’s done for Sam and Adam many times. It feels good not to have to be the ‘strong older brother’ in this moment. 

“It’d probably be easier if we just talk, see what comes up. Don’t try to force it, Dad,” Gabe says, easily saving Cas from having to come up with questions on his own. 

Becky nods, understanding dawning in her blue eyes, about the only feature they seem to have in common between both of his parents. 

“Alright, we can do that,” she agrees, though she skips the questions, making a statement instead. “Jack’s the sweetest, you’re doing a great job with him.”

The compliment knocks down a few blocks in his wall, hitting close to one of his constant worries. Castiel never wants to end up anything like John, never wants Jack to have the childhood he did and while he knows his pup is loved the alpha still can’t help but worry he’s not doing all he could. 

“Th-thank you,” he mutters, cheeks warming slightly from her words. Mary praises him often enough but it's slightly different considering the circumstances. “I’m not always sure, but I do the best I can.”

Anna speaks for the first time, drawing his attention back to the couch where she and Gabe sit. “He’s a cutie. I’ll babysit anytime you want,” she declares, clearly excited to be an instant aunt.

Castiel appreciates the offer, though he probably won’t take her up on it until he knows them better. 

Gabriel chimes in with a bluntness Castiel can actually appreciate, “So…where’s his other parent?”

The question used to send a stab of pain through his chest, though not for the reason most would think, but after the rollercoaster of emotions the last few weeks have brought, he’s experiencing an unexpected numbness that dulls the pain. It helps as he tells a partial truth, “She was a good friend,” the words choke him up anyway, feeling inadequate to describe Jack’s mother, but he forges ahead, “Kelly died in childbirth from a hidden heart condition. I’ve been raising Jack alone ever since.”

Everyone attempts to hide their surprise and shocked gasps, he’s used to the reaction. Becoming a teen parent is one thing, it’s a whole other story to have to do it alone at nineteen. Still, single omega parents do it all the time and he refuses to take anyones pity over it just because he’s an alpha. 

“That must have been hard, going to college and raising a pup,” Becky responds innocently. 

The alpha hates to burst their bubble, but “I didn’t go to college, I didn’t even finish high school. Not in the traditional way at least. Dropped out around the time John fu- uhm left, so I could help mom keep things afloat.”

He expects judging stares and scoffs, instead he receives easy acceptance. 

Huh.

“Understandable, college isn’t for everyone,” Chuck replies with a slow nod of his head. “Please don’t take this the wrong way, but if you ever change your mind in the future…we’re here to support you in any way you need.”

Anticipating his refusal, Becky adds, “And that doesn’t have to be financially. It could be just watching Jack while you attend classes.”

It still feels like too much too soon so he just grunts, not agreeing or disagreeing. The alpha doesn’t even have the first clue of what he would study so its no reason to start an argument with Becky and Chuck just as he’s getting to know them. 

The offer does bring one of his questions bubbling back to the surface, not caring if its ‘wrong’ to ask, “So…what pays for all this anyway?”

The alpha gestures to the house around them, having noticed an older woman come in a few times with refreshments as they spoke so they have a staff, and he’s worked on their cars so he knows there are a few expensive ones in the mix. 

Chuck laughs heartily at the question, answering, “I was wondering when you’d ask. I’m a writer, you may have heard of my series, Supernatural. It’s very popular, meanwhile Becky’s an artist like Dean and she also manages my public appearances.”

Castiel can’t help but blurt, “Heard of it? I fucking love it! You’re Carver Edlund? Holy shit!”

It’s only after he’s done acting like a crazed fan that he realizes his potty mouth has made its first appearance.

“Sorry, I should watch my language,” Castiel immediately apologizes, eyes pinned to the floor expecting a reprimand that never comes.

“Mom and Dad don’t care, Cas. Tits, ass, fuck, shitfuck, motherfuck, see they’re not even flinching,” Gabriel explains, ignoring Chuck’s astonished glare as he plods on. 

“He’s half right,” Anna says. “They don’t care if it isn’t excessive and used properly.”

“You were just expressing your excitement meanwhile Gabriel’s crossing a line,” Chuck clarifies while reprimanding his oldest. “You may be a ‘grown man’ but I’m still your father, watch it.”

Becky snorts a giggle, “Lay off, Chuck he’s right. We’re all adults here and clearly Anna knows better.”

Castiel can see it, when necessary Chuck’s the disciplinarian and Becky’s the ‘fun parent’.

Duly noted.

The alphas walls are crumbling faster than anticipated, leaving him in an odd space of enjoying the company of his new family while still feeling like an outsider. He knows the longer they talk the closer he’ll feel, it’s inevitable. The Grinch in him doesn’t want it to be that easy. 

But, his father, his true father, is his favorite author. The writer of a series of books that he leaned on heavily during his toughest times to get him through each day. Quite frankly, the man saved his life and he doesn’t even know it. Meanwhile Becky, his other mother, seems like the sweetest most good natured soul and he finds himself in the impossible situation of both wanting to get closer to her and despising that she’s nice, making it harder to push her away. Pair that with the new experience of not being the oldest anymore, and having a sister for the first time, leaving the alpha in a mess of confusion with no idea what to do about it.

Castiel’s only sure of one thing, he’s not aiming this inner turmoil and anger at these innocent people. They’ve been affected as much as he is. No, that honor is for the person who fucked up in the first place. In this moment, the alpha vows to get justice, not only for himself but for his entire family, new and old. 

____________________________________

Dean didn’t want to leave Cas behind after witnessing how upset he was. The urge to wrap him in a hug still hasn’t dissipated but he needs to get to know Mary just as much as the alpha needs to get to know his parents. Their parents? It’s getting a little confusing, in his head at least. And apparently now he’s Jack’s ‘uncle’? All signs point to Dean being right to let his new infatuation with Cas go, there’re just too many variables he can’t account for. Sure, Cas isn’t his blood brother, but like it or not they now share both sets of parents even if John’s a ghost at the moment. He considers asking Mary about the missing alpha as they head towards the coolest car Dean’s ever seen.

“Like the BatMobile,” he whispers to himself in awe as they approach. Apparently not low enough, Sam and Mary snort identical laughs with Jack joining in probably oblivious to the reason why. “Sorry…”

The omega doesn’t even know what he’s apologizing for, getting annoyed with himself for being a dork he piles into the back with Jack, helping the pup to buckle himself in. 

“Don’t worry, Cas’ the same way. He gets it from his Da…” Mary stops speaking abruptly as Sam’s mouth twists into a grimace. “The park’s near the house, shouldn’t take long to get there.” Mary points the car in that direction, not speaking another word on the previous topic. 

Dean wonders if that was another John related anecdote but doesn’t feel like its his place to ask, not so soon. As they leave his neighborhood and head towards the other side of town Dean witnesses the stark differences outside the window.  

Large houses and neatly trimmed lawns swiftly give way to dilapidated homes and abandoned buildings. The homeless shelter they volunteer at during the holidays is right around the corner from the house Mary stops in front of, something he can’t stop thinking about as Mary parks in the cracked driveway. His parents have brought them over to volunteer and give back to the less fortunate, every year since he was old enough. Looking at the area, and paying close attention to his new families clothing as well as the state of their home, it seems he was almost one of those ‘less fortunate’ people. 

“Come on Jack, let’s get you changed and then head to the park,” Mary says, climbing out of the car and walking towards the front door. “Can’t have you messing up your good clothes.”

Dean’s glad he kept those thoughts internal, unaware these were the pups ‘good clothes’. The omega prays part of this ‘getting to know you’ phase includes his parents offering Cas a little bit of help, the alpha clearly needs it but Dean’s not sure if he’ll be willing to accept it. 

Dean helps the little guy back out of his carseat and accepts Jack’s offered hand as they walk up to the house. Dean’s sure at one point it was a beautiful home but time and inattention have taken much of that beauty away. Paint peeling off the siding, warped wood on the front porch and steps, a railing that looks like it could fall off any minute, and an overgrown lawn in need of tending. The omega can see a cleared space out back with a thriving garden but the rest…leaves something to be desired. 

Maybe the inside looks better.

When he crosses the threshold the overwhelming scent of family is what hits him first. Something he didn’t realize he had been missing until this exact moment. The omega recognizes that warmth for what it is now, having felt it first with Sam at the bakery. Another piece slid into place with Mary this morning. Now, he can feel a hole he’d never noticed in his heart beginning to heal almost completely. It threatens to send him into a crying fit about as bad as Cas, Mary, and Sam earlier but he blinks rapidly, pushing the feeling away. Sam and Mary don’t know him well enough to catch the vague emotion on his face but his brother does give him a sidelong glance when he smells the hint of it in his scent. Dean shakes his head hoping Sam gets the message, ‘not now’, thankfully the alpha understands and drops it. 

“I’ll be right back I just need to help Jack get changed,” Mary says, picking the pup up and heading upstairs. 

Dean’s left with nothing to do in an unfamiliar place. 

“So…this is the house,” Sam narrates, obviously deciding a tour is the best way to go. “Kitchen’s through here…”

Dean can see inside is where all the ‘maintenance’ seems to have taken place, no peeling paint or dirty walls here. The Winchester’s seem to take pride in their home, maybe they just don’t have the money for external upkeep. As they walk from the kitchen to the living room it’s clear this is a house full of love, pictures of smiling faces on almost every wall punctuate that point. He’s curious about the spaces where he can see outlines of pictures once hung but he doesn’t pry.

The photos are a reminder to ask, “Where’s Adam?”

“At a friends for the weekend,” Sam answers, leading him upstairs after finishing with the first floor walk through. “You’ll probably meet him next time you come over.”

Next time, as in he can come see them whenever he wants. He won’t admit how much that helps to make him feel welcome, less like an intruder popping into their lives and disrupting things. The tour continues through Sam and Adam’s rooms, only separated by the second floor bathroom. He can tell which room is Sam’s, unnaturally neat for a kid his age, while Adam’s is as messy as you’d expect from a fourteen year old. 

It's weird, being here, like unconsciously saying ‘and over here is the bathroom you would’ve used had you not been sent home with the wrong fucking family…’ but in Dean’s case, is that the issue here? He can’t say he would’ve chosen the life Cas ended up chained to, and he feels so bad saying it but it's true. It’s still a mind fuck seeing it in person, everything he may have been had he grown up here instead of on the other side of town in a mini mansion. 

Sam moves past the master bedroom where Mary’s helping Jack change and down the hall to their final stop, Cas’ room. 

The omega’s feet move without his say so into the alpha’s space, noting Jack’s toddler bed pushed into the corner as he advances further inside. Sam follows, rambling on about the house while Dean tries to pretend not to subtly sniff the air trying to catch more of Cas’ amazing scent. He ignores the dirty clothes strewn about the floor, the toys scattered around the room, eyes zeroing in on the stack of well worn Supernatural novels placed neatly on Cas’ desk. 

Figures.  

The omega can’t help but giggle at his find. Eventually he reminds himself this isn’t the time and he’s being a bit of a creeper. 

Thankfully, Sam chooses that moment to begin his ‘interrogation’, bringing Dean out of Cas’ room and back downstairs. “Gabe said you left Texas because something bad happened…”

For the love of…

Once again, Gabe’s sticking his nose where it doesn’t belong and bringing Sam along for the ride. Hesitantly, he answers, “I uh, had a bad breakup. My RS flared up and that’s what sent me to the ER, but I’m good now.”

Sam’s hazel eyes peer at him from under his furrowed brow in confusion, asking, “RS? What’s that…you’re okay right?”

Needing to soothe the alpha’s worry, Dean explains, “Chronic Rejection Syndrome, I’ve had it all my life so it’s not like I’m gonna die or anything but, it’s not really safe for me to feel…any kind of abandonment is a trigger, really.”

“Ohhh, so the breakup…that makes sense.” Sam nods, his mouth opens to say more but Mary’s hushed whisper causes them to turn. Neither heard the omega come back downstairs.

“Is…is that because of me?” Mary asks brokenly, pain evident in her tone and scent. “It’s my fault, isn’t it?”

Chapter Text

“Is…is that because of me?” Mary asks, pain evident in her tone and scent. “It’s my fault, isn’t it?”

Dean’s at a loss for words, not expecting her to overhear their conversation. Of course the omega knew his condition would come up at some point, but never in a way that would make Mary feel at fault.

“No,” he responds adamantly. Standing to face her he insists, “How could it possibly be your fault when y-you…it wasn’t a choice, you didn’t abandon me, Mary.”

“He’s right, Ma,” Sam chimes in from behind him. “You left that hospital thinking you were bringing the pup you gave birth to home. This isn’t any more your fault than it is Becky, or Chuck, or John’s.”

“Truth is, they’ve never been able to figure out why…why I’m the way I am,” Dean admits, wishing he had better news as Mary’s eyes glisten with unshed tears. “But, I’ve learned to live with it, and even if it somehow links back to all this, I could never blame you.”

Dean waits as his words filter through Mary’s wall of grief and doubt, watches the light slowly return to her peridot eyes without a single tear actually escaping. The omega’s willing to call that a win. 

She seems to be studying him, taking one step forward before asking, “Ca-can I hug you?”

Dean can’t force the words past his lips, a mixture of nerves and trepidation leaving him locked in place, only able to give a slight nod. It’s not that he doesn’t want to hug his own mother, Becky hugs him all the time after all. But this is…different. Momentous, important in a way he doesn’t want to fuck up. 

As Mary closes in, approaching him like he’s a scared cat, Dean realizes he’s gone stiff, fists clenched tightly, basically screaming ‘don’t touch me’ with his body language alone.

Shit.

He’s already fucking it up. 

Slowly, the omega takes a few deep breaths and holds his arms open wide. Thankfully, she takes it for what it is, permission to wrap him in her warm embrace as he in turn envelopes her small frame. Dean breathes in deeply, family and hope surrounding him in a bubble of cinnamon and vanilla. Mary doesn’t linger, pulling away before he’s really ready for her to let go but he takes a step back as well, respecting her boundaries. 

“Thank you,” she murmurs, reaching up with a hand to brush through his hair. 

It’s a simple gesture, one he’s only used to from close family and friends but it feels so natural he almost leans into it instead of pulling away. 

Almost.

“Are we still going?” Jack asks questioningly from behind Mary. The pup has his tiny arms crossed with a sternly raised eyebrow as he pouts in their direction. 

Dean barks a laugh, the action breaking the tension in the room and chasing away the morose mood that had begun to settle over their afternoon. “Sure, ready when you are, kid.”

The omega raises his hand for a high five which Jack quickly slaps before running off to wait by the door. 

“Mini Cas has spoken,” Mary jokes, leading them back out to the car like a group of ducklings.

*****

Jack runs off almost as soon as they exit the car…no, Baby, apparently she has a name and gendered pronouns. 

Go figure.

Dean can’t relate to this deep fascination with a car. Sure, there are a few at home that he loves to take out on the back roads and really let loose. But at the end of the day, they’re still just cars. Obviously, he’d never say any of this anywhere near Cas, the alpha’s clearly devoted to both the Impala and his job. Dean wouldn’t want to disrespect his passions. Not if it means getting that raised eyebrow of death Jack demonstrated earlier.

Like father, like son.

The thought sends him chuckling internally, only broken from the moment when they reach the park bench closest to where Jack’s set up shop in the sandbox. Sam conveniently follows pretending to have an intense interest in helping the pup build a sandcastle. They both know he’s trying to give them space and he appreciates the alpha immensely for it. Sam’s had a head start in getting to know Dean, now it’s Mary’s turn.

She makes it easy for him, opening up as soon as they settle down comfortably. 

“So…Sam tells me you just graduated from college? Congratulations,” Mary offers, sunlight setting her blonde hair aglow, beaming smile sending shocks of happiness through him. “What are your plans now?”

“My original plan was to stay in Austin, I’d made some inroads down there with a few friends of the family and had some of my art in their galleries a couple of times, but…things changed,” Dean answers, purposely glossing over the reason why his plans shifted. “Everything’s been so hectic since I got back. I haven’t really decided what I’m going to do next, honestly.”

The omega can tell Mary wants to ask more about why he left, about the tidbit she must have heard while he and Sam were talking. But he’d rather not dig that deep right now. Instead she practically gushes, “You can’t imagine how proud I am of you, even though we technically just met. I’d love to see some of your work…”

Dean snorts a laugh, asking, “Ever read any Supernatural novels?”

“That series Cas is obsessed with? Not really, it’s not my favorite book genre. I’m more of a romance kinda girl,” she explains, a slight blush overtaking her delicate features.

“Well, there is a build up for a relationship between my namesake and an angel the brothers in the series hunt monsters with, but that won’t come to fruition until the next book comes out,” Dean says, hoping Chuck won’t mind the slight spoilers for his next book. Besides, If he shows Mary his artwork for the cover, the men locked in a pretty racy kiss, she’d figure it out anyway. When Mary stares at him, eyes squinted in confusion and brow furrowed, he explains further, “Dad’s a pretty famous writer under his pen name, Carver Edlund, check out any book of his and my art’s on the cover.”

Mary gasps, “Really? You’re talented, Dean and I’m not saying that just because I’m your…” the words get stuck for a moment, finally breaking loose in a broken whisper, “…your mother.”

Yeah…she is. The omega’s still not used to the concept and it seems neither is Mary. But, his mind won’t let this one thing go, so he finally asks, “You don’t have to answer if it…” he’s not sure how to qualify it, landing on, “…if it makes you uncomfortable but, where’s John?”

Mary’s mouth thins out into a severe line as her scent flips from happy curiosity to tempered anger. The omega quickly moves to soothe Dean’s immediate concern, “It’s not you…that’s just a very…complicated question. I knew you’d ask eventually but…” the end of the sentence trails off, never to be finished as Dean begins to wish he hadn’t opened his big mouth.

“You don’t have to answer, we can change the subject. I’m sorry…” Dean begins to apologize for overstepping but Mary cuts him off.

“No, it’s not wrong for you to be curious about him. But, I’m sorry to say you’ll probably never meet the man,” Mary explains, cinnamon and vanilla leveling out to a more muted discomfort as she goes on. “We haven’t seen John in about three or four years at this point. Maybe around six months before Jack was born, if I’m remembering correctly.”

Wow.

Mary goes on, oblivious to his own internal battle of confusion over this news. The omega guessed John wasn’t around but to hear he’ll probably never meet the alpha responsible for him being in this world, it’s a little heartbreaking. That’s an entire side of his family he’ll never know, a permanent question mark. 

“Did Sam tell you anything at all?” She asks, explaining further as he shakes his head. “We hadn’t been happy in years, truthfully from the moment I found out about he and Kate, Adam’s biological mother, our bond was never the same. He…” 

Dean watches her struggle to go on. 

“John always had issues with drinking but it got worse after Adam was born, he became…” a flash of panic crosses her features, peridot eyes darting to Sam and Jack playing happily in the sandbox. Jack seems to be showing him the ‘right’ way to build the castle, proclaiming that Sam is doing it incorrectly. Mary’s hushed whisper brings his focus back to her, green meeting green as she explains, “…intolerable to live with. Once I realized years later that Kate wasn’t the only one, I’d had it. We haven’t heard from him since I filed the papers. Trust me, you’re not missing out on knowing some wonderful father. You’ve already got that in Chuck.”

The moment is bittersweet. Of course Dean knows he’s got an amazing dad back at home, but to find out his biological father is a cheating drunk…it hurts. Logically, it shouldn't affect Dean at all, he got the better end of the deal, but the knowledge Mary, Sam, and Cas had to deal with the man for all that time cuts him to his core. 

If only…

If only what? Dean can’t go back and change a thing that led them to this moment, the best he can do is be there for them now…and forget about John Winchester entirely. He’s not worth the time or effort apparently. 

“Let’s continue this over dinner,” Mary offers with a gentle smile. “Only, if you’d like to stay, of course.”

It’s not hard to reply, “Sure, I’d love to.” 

Mary calls a reluctant Jack and a relieved Sam over to pile back into the car and head home. It doesn’t escape his notice that none of what was discussed involved Cas’ issues with John. The omega sees if he wants those questions answered, he’ll have to go straight to the source. With how concerned Sam was, Dean’s not sure he could ever muster up the courage to ask. In fact, he’s beginning to realize maybe he shouldn’t poke that particular beehive at all. 

____________________________________

Castiel stays for dinner, a ‘simple’ meal of lobster risotto with a goat cheese and strawberry side salad the alpha barely touches. He contemplates seeing if he can bring it home for Sam but then Adam would whine, if he’s home yet that is. Rather than risk it he just pushes the gross green leaves around his plate making it appear as though he’s picked at it. Ellen pours celebratory champagne for everyone but Anna, who’s still underage, she gets sparkling cider to her extremely vocal displeasure. 

The alpha’s heart damn near skips a beat when a slice of decadent chocolate cake is placed in front of him for dessert.

“He’s practically got heart eyes,” Gabriel jokes, digging into his own slice as he speaks. “No one can resist my baking, it’s a fact.”

Castiel’s loathe to admit it but the alpha’s right.

Mmmmm.

When the meal eventually comes to its inevitable end he’s unsure of what to do next. An invitation hasn’t yet been extended to come back but he’d like the opportunity to spend more time with the Shurley’s. It’s not all that surprising, he knew he’d come to this conclusion the longer he spent time in their company. This is the family he always dreamed of having…now that its within his reach Castiel finds himself at a loss to convey those emotions coherently. 

Still, he tries his best, “Is it…is it okay if Jack and I come back to visit?”

Becky and Chuck brighten at the question, Becky answering first with an enthusiastic, “Of course, anytime you’d like, sweetie. Oh…is it okay if I call you that? I don’t want to make you uncomfortable…”

Meanwhile, Castiel’s heart is doing jumping jacks, an unexpected reaction. He can feel his cheeks heating up with what he’s sure they’ll perceive as embarrassment but only he knows the truth. Hearing those words from the omega that gave birth to him could never feel wrong, he easily answers, “It’s fine, you’re my…mom…of course it’s fine.”

They all ignore the slight hesitation, it’s going to take some time to get used to the concept. Castiel’s not replacing Mary, he’s gaining another person who gives a shit what happens to him. How could that ever make him feel anything but loved and cared for?

Becky’s cobalt eyes go misty, followed swiftly by Chuck’s and soon there’s not a dry eye around the table. 

When the evening comes to its inevitable end, with promises to bring Jack back in a few days, Castiel feels emotionally drained. But, surprisingly, the alpha’s happier than he expected to be when he arrived that morning. Charlie’s look of confusion as she pulls up in her yellow Gremlin says it all.

“Soooo, why am I picking you up from a literal mansion on the rich side of town?” The petite redhead demands as soon as he’s piled into the passenger seat on their way to his house. “They had to buzz me in, dude. You’ve got some explaining to do.”

Castiel hesitates, retelling the events of the past few days feeling a little daunting as the seconds tick by and Charlie pins him with a glare. Finally he responds, “It’s a long story…”

“And we have time, we’re nowhere near your house,” she quickly responds, having easily outmaneuvered him.

With a deep sigh, Castiel opens his mouth and spills the entire tale almost in one breath. 

At its end, Charlie’s mouth seems to be stuck in a shocked ‘o’ with her eyes as wide as dinner plates. The alpha doesn’t mention the fact she drove him to her house, not his. He knows he just shocked the hell out of his friend so he’ll give the beta some grace. 

It takes her a moment to come back online but when she does, she’s firing on all cylinders, asking, “Do you need me to do some recon on the hospital?”

Castiel’s tempted, but if they’re already discussing getting lawyers involved it could ruin everything if they find out he had Charlie hack the hospitals system. 

Shaking his head no vehemently, he says, “I love you and appreciate the offer but the Shurley’s are going to contact their lawyer, if that doesn’t work I’ll let you know. It’s all just…”

“Crazier than a Lifetime movie?” She chimes in, finally realizing they’re at her house but apparently not caring as she climbs out of the car.

Guess they’re having a sleepover.

Shooting off a text to Mary asking her to put Jack to bed and letting her know where he’ll be for tonight, Castiel chuckles softly, “Yeah…exactly.”

*****

“No, I’m not calling him,” Castiel growls, attempting to ignore his annoying best friend and failing spectacularly. 

Charlie begs, practically pleading with her puppy dog eyes, “Come on, I wanna meet him. Well, technically I’ve seen him around but…” 

The alpha cuts her rambling off before she finishes, repeating adamantly, “No.”

Which is why he’s so very confused to find himself dialing Dean’s contact in his phone no more than five minutes later. Charlie’s some kind of witch or something, he’s convinced. Dorothy does often joke that she’s really from Oz, she could have easily found Charlie there and brought her home like a stray cat. 

Then again, he’s known them both since high school so it’s highly improbable. This has to be a new development. Charlie’s mom, Rowena, comes to mind but that woman’s as sweet as honey and couldn’t hurt a fly.

Then again…

His questioning of Charlie’s secret witch powers halts abruptly when Dean answers the phone, a mixture of shock and…glee? accompanying his, “Hey, Cas!”

“H-hello, Dean,” Castiel stutters out, not expecting the omega to answer let alone be happy to hear from him.

Ignoring the slight twinge in his belly from his stupid ill advised crush, he listens as Dean speaks, “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

The alpha wonders what Dean’s pouty lips look like forming the word ‘pleasure’, he’d like to see that one day.

Nope, absolutely not. Dragging his mind straight out of the gutter and back to the present, where omegas like Dean want nothing to do with alpha’s like Cas, he makes Charlie’s idiotic request.

“My uh…my friend Charlie and I were wondering if you were busy today?” He knows he could just ask outright, but he’s being a ‘scaredy cat’ as Jack would put it and he isn’t ashamed to admit it. 

Dean pauses, silence making Castiel antsy the longer it goes on before the omega answers, “No, no firm plans at least. Meg’s busy and I have no clue where everyone went but the house is empty for once. Maybe mom and dad went to see the lawyer…”

Charlie mouths ‘ask him if we can come over’, poking him in the side when he shakes his head no. He edits his statement from a few days ago, he hasn’t had a biological sister until Anna. Charlie’s been pissing him off in ways only a sister could do since they were fourteen years old.

Eventually he gives in, asking, “Do you mind if we come over…to hang out?”

In light of recent developments, Bobby gave the alpha a few days off, he never planned on using one of those days to torture himself. Because that’s exactly what this will be, torture. Being close for hours on end to the omega he can’t possibly have.

Good times.

“Uh…sure. That’s cool, is Sam coming?” Dean asks, clearing his throat as fabric rustles on the other end of the line.

The question pulls him up short, should he bring Sam? Does Dean only want to see him if Sam’s coming along, too? 

His mind spins into panic so Charlie helps him out by taking the phone, answering with a clear, “No, he’s at work today. Just me and Cas, is that okay?”

He’s sure if he could smell Dean right now the omega would be dripping in joy, as it is he’s unable to keep it out of his voice as he responds, “Definitely, come by whenever you want.”

After Dean disconnects the call Charlie folds her arms over her chest, smirk twisting her lips with a look that screams ‘told you so’ without needing to say a word. 

Uggghhh.

Still, “You’re wrong. He’s not interested and we have more important things to worry about, don’t you think?”

“Keep thinking that, buddy…” Charlie mutters, slapping him firmly on the back as she stands to get ready. “We’ve got a date with an omega to get to.”

“It’s not a…whatever,” Castiel groans, wandering off to use the bathroom.

Chapter Text

Mom: Enjoy yourself for once, honey. We’ve got Jack.

Castiel: Are you sure?

Adam: Just means more pizza for me, jerk.

Mom: Ignore your brother, have fun!

Castiel rolls his eyes, partially hating he’s missing out on pizza and movies with his family but he can’t deny the excitement building inside him as Charlie’s hideous Gremlin eats up the miles to Dean’s house. The alpha wasn’t kidding, he works all the time. The few hours he’s not working are spent raising Jack to be a fine upstanding citizen, unfortunately it doesn’t leave much time in his schedule for socializing.

“Are you sure you don’t wanna stop home and change?” Charlie asks for the millionth time as they get closer, glancing at him incredulously from the drivers seat.

“No, why?” He finally asks, insecurities beginning to seep in. “Seriously, what’s wrong with what I have on?”

The alpha glances down and back at the beta, still highly confused by her obvious disdain.

Charlie gives him a once-over, seemingly trying to determine how best to put her thoughts to words before blurting out, “Oil stained jeans and a shirt with a hole in the armpit doesn’t really scream ‘eligible bachelor’ if you catch my drift, Cas.”

The alpha sighs deeply, head connecting with the headrest as his eyes slide shut in annoyance. Reminding him of how filthy he probably looks from an outside perspective isn’t exactly a confidence boost. As it is, he owns maybe one pair of jeans without oil stains and he didn’t realize his shirt had a hole in the armpit. Now he can’t stop poking at it self consciously. 

Thanks, Charlie.

Castiel attempts to remind his friend of the facts, “That would matter if I were trying to date Dean, but we both know I’m not. We’re…acquaintances, at best, who share a common fucked up origin story. Hopefully we can be friends but…he’s way outta my league and you know it,” Castiel finishes lamely, thanking the gods when they arrive at the gates of the Shurley mansion. 

Charlie deflates visibly, the chance to rebut his claims stolen by Dean’s warm greeting through the intercom, “Took you long enough,” the omega chuckles. “Door’s open…”

Castiel pins Charlie with a glare, silently demanding she let it go. Thankfully his friend must recognize how not in the mood he currently is, easily letting the topic drop as she pulls through the gates to park in front of the garage. 

The alpha quickly exits, making a beeline for the front door to distance himself from Charlie. Too late, Castiel realizes that means he’s speeding right towards Dean, as he enters the house to find the omega nervously waiting at the bottom of the stairs. Those same nerves weave through his fresh scent of apples and caramel. 

Simply, mouthwatering.  

The alpha’s beginning to realize Dean may not have a ‘dress down’ mode as he surveys the omega’s attire today. Castiel recognizes the omega’s tan pullover as Ralph Lauren, only because Bal owned the same one in a different color. His eyes scan down to cream pants, cuffed at the ankle and tan suede sneakers. 

Who wears shoes in their own house…

“Hey, Cas,” Dean greets him, breaking straight through his meandering thoughts regarding footwear. It all seems so…pointless…when the omega has his evergreen stare on him.

Castiel would like to say he returns the greeting coherently, without drooling or fumbling his words but this isn’t exactly a perfect world. After a prolonged stare off, he manages an unintelligible grunt, followed by, “Hello, Dean.” If the last was prompted by Charlie’s elbow making direct contact with his ribs, that’s his business. 

“This your friend?” Dean asks, red flush overtaking his freckled cheeks as he shoots his gaze Charlie’s way. Without further prompting he puts out a hand in greeting for Charlie to take, “Nice to meet you…”

Charlie immediately fills in the blank, “Charlie Bradbury, Cas’ best friend. Nice house, dude.”

Dean gives the beta a warm smile, easily accepting the compliment while correcting her, “Thanks but this is all my parents, I just live here. Well…I guess our parents? Is everything still super fucking confusing for you too, Cas?”

Castiel lets out a sigh of relief, finally feeling like he’s on firm ground once again as he admits, “YES! Home doesn’t feel right but here still feels strange and I’ve got two moms now…”

The alpha’s words trail off as he catches twin smirks growing on his friends faces. 

“Meltdown much, Winchester?” Charlie asks jokingly, walking off without another word to explore the house.

Dean watches her walk away, following behind as he admits, “No, he’s right, a tad hysterical but still right. It’s going to take some time, I guess? Your house doesn’t feel like home to me yet, either. But…Sam, Mary, Jack, and Adam are starting to…and you…”

The last comes out in a nervous whisper, almost too low for Castiel to hear. The words fan the flames in his gut as that pesky crush digs in deeper. As it is he’s ecstatic to hear the omega include Jack in that list. Castiel’s treading dangerous waters, one wrong move could end terribly for the both of them, but if Dean keeps including his pup he may be sold on the possibility of…something growing between them.

If only…

Back to reality, Castiel watches as Dean gives Charlie a short tour of the house. Now that he’s been over a few times it’s nothing new to Castiel, but it’s fun to watch Charlie react to it all for the first time. 

“Down that hall is the theater room and…” The omega doesn’t get any further as Charlie darts past him and into the fully decked out theater room. 

“You think your parents would wanna adopt me, too?” Charlie asks in an awed whisper as she surveys the setup.

Dean snorts a laugh, responding, “Technically they haven’t adopted anyone but I’ll be sure to ask.”

Castiel shakes his head, getting more relaxed the longer the attention’s off of him and on his friends antics. 

Keep it cool, Winchester.

“I think Row would miss you, half pint,” Castiel jokes, earning a glare at the old nickname. Raising his hands in surrender before she can aim a punch his way, he says, “You’re already family, you know that…”

Charlie rolls her slightly misty eyes, trying to bulldoze over the moment, returning her attentions to Dean as she asks, “So, what other cool stuff are you hiding?”

Somehow, offering to show Charlie his studio space upstairs leads to the one place Castiel hasn’t been yet, the omega’s bedroom. Trying to play it cool, he takes the offered spot on the couch in Dean’s mini seating area while Charlie paws through his personal belongings like the mannerless beast she can sometimes be. 

He loves her anyway, of course. 

“Charles, come sit. You’re being entirely too nosy,” Castiel admonishes, patting the couch to his right as Dean seems torn between taking the seat on his left or his desk chair next to the couch. 

Charlie zeroes in on the omega, taking the decision out of his hands when she plops down at his desk picking up a stress ball shaped like a brain and squeezing it. The space he’d saved for the beta’s immediately filled by Dean. In the short time he’s known the omega they’ve never sat this close, it’s making Castiel more than nervous. Rubbing his sweaty hands on his jeans, he attempts to keep up that mantra to remain calm in his head but the alpha’s failing miserably. 

As his heartbeat skyrockets, Charlie begins to subtly turn the screws on the both of them. 

Flipping through the records the omega has neatly organized next to his desk, Charlie huffs a laugh, “You both have the exact same taste in music…”

He can’t help but roll his eyes internally, immediately picking up on what she’s doing. Random commonalities don’t equal long term compatibility, not to mention this entire situation is fucked. Like Dean mentioned, they’re sharing parents at this point. That makes this tiny spark he’s feeling wrong…doesn’t it?

Seemingly oblivious to his inner turmoil, Dean perks up, turning those emeralds on Castiel and eagerly asking, “Really?” At the alpha’s nod Dean gushes, “That’s awesome, man. Mom and Dad love that classical crap, Gabriel and Anna might as well be in the Taylor Swift fan club. It’ll be nice to have someone around that loves the oldies as much as I do.”

Charlie doesn’t give them time to adjust to this slight shift, moving on, “I noticed more than a few horror movies in the theater, whose are those?”

Dean brightens further, answering without hesitation, “Mine, but Gabriel and Anna sometimes watch them too. Why?”

Charlie slowly pans her gaze his way, answering smugly, “My dreamboat of a bestie over here loves them.”

Castiel knows what she’s trying to do but it won’t work. Having a few things in common won’t fix the very large gap between them in the ways that count. The alpha’s been through this before, why would he try again?

____________________________________

Dean’s not a complete idiot, he can tell Cas’ friend might be trying to push them together, romantically. But, the alpha couldn’t be more disinterested if he tried. He thought he’d test things out by sitting next to Cas once Charlie took the chair he’d been eyeing but all that accomplished was making the alpha even more tense. 

As usual, the omega’s fucking this up. 

And really, maybe that’s for the best with all this unresolved family drama still unfolding around them. While he waited for them to arrive, Dean called and his parents did have an appointment with their lawyers today. From the sounds of it, Crowley thinks they have a case and the alpha will be filing with the court as soon as he meets with Mary this afternoon. 

Dean shifts in his seat on the couch, resisting the urge to scrub his hand through his neatly styled hair. He didn’t spend all that time getting ready to mess it up with his nervous tics. This close, he’s treated to Cas’ lavender and green tea straight from the source. 

Mmmmm.

Great, now he’s being a straight up creeper. 

About the third time Dean finds himself getting turned around staring into those sapphire eyes, Charlie clears her throat excusing herself to the bathroom. The omega’s too focused to remind her he has an ensuite as she leaves the room to wander down the hall. The silence stretches between them, neither looking away as the seconds tick by feeling more like hours. It’s unexpectedly comfortable even though not a word has passed between them since Charlie left the room. 

In the spirit of attempting to establish a friendship, not an ill fated relationship, with the alpha, he asks, “What’s your favorite scary movie?”

The callback does what he hoped it would, Cas bursting into laughter from the reference. He’s even more gorgeous this way, eyes crinkling at the corners, almost squeezed shut as his mirth is displayed full force with his continued chuckles. Dean wants for the alpha to always look this happy and relaxed, though he knows that’s not possible. Theres a long road ahead of them, with potholes they won’t be able to see before they run right over them. The omega wonders where his uncharacteristic car reference came from, not willing to attribute it to Cas’ presence in his life. 

Can’t lie to yourself…

The alpha’s reply breaks into his tornado of thoughts, “If I had to choose, Nightmare on Elm St. What about you?”

Dean easily answers, “Halloween, the original not that awful attempt at a requel.”

The response earns him another one of Cas’ beautiful smiles, he’d never admit it out loud but Dean’s already hooked. They’re so caught up in conversation, neither of them notice Charlie never comes back from the bathroom.

____________________________________

Sam leans against the counter after wiping it clean of crumbs and spilled coffee. This job isn’t as boring as the Gas ’N Sip could be at times, but there’s still a lull right after he gets out of school and starts his shift. 

It’s better when Jo’s here…

The thought makes the alpha screech to a halt in his movements. It’s not the words themselves that are the issue, work always flies by with good company including some of their regulars and even Gabe on occasion. Well, when the older alpha isn’t being completely obnoxious. 

No, he’s stopped short because of the warmth in his chest, steadily growing from the mere thought of his friend. 

Friend.

That’s the thing, Joanna Beth’s always been his friend, nothing more. Even when she revealed her crush on him years ago, he let her down gently and they moved forward without issue. But now that he’s in close proximity to the omega almost on a daily basis after school, Sam’s not so sure he made the right decision back then. 

The alpha’s starting to have…feelings…ginormous butterflies threatening to take him down and make him almost as sappy as Cas is for Dean.

“Gods no,” he mutters to himself, never wanting to reach those levels of ick. You’d think the two would have realized at some point during the last month there’s something more between them than friendship, but no his brothers are idiots. 

Sam smiles at how easy that thought came to him, no longer hitching on the idea of calling Dean his brother. As they’ve gotten to know one another it's something he could never deny, Dean’s a Winchester he was just raised by a different family. Now, Cas is just as prone to have the older brother treatment from Gabe as soon as he walks through the bakery doors. 

They’re a family, no matter who is and isn’t blood related. 

None of which has a damn thing to do with his growing attraction to Jo. The omega in question comes breezing through the door, backpack slung over her shoulder as her smile brightens when she spots Sam behind the counter. The alpha feels a familiar flush spreading over his face, not willing to admit how flustered he feels around her at times. 

“Hey, Sammy,” Jo greets him, coming around the counter to throw her backpack in the back. 

She literally throws it, the heavy thunk of books hitting the floor preceding Gabe’s surprised yelp, just missing the alpha coming out front covered in smears of chocolate and flour. 

“Hey! Watch it, woman!” He shouts in a playful warning. “You’re late, what gives?”

“I missed a quiz, had to make it up,” she responds, pulling her apron on and tying the back closed. “Unlike boy wonder over here, I’m not exactly pulling straight A’s…”

Sam rolls his eyes, the dig would hurt more if she meant it. “I’ve offered to tutor you, not my fault if you won’t accept the help.”

Jo looks up, sweeping her blonde curls into a ponytail as her brown eyes search him in a slight squint before she asks, “You free after work?”

Sam’s taken aback, not expecting her to finally agree. Eventually he manages to stutter out, “S-sure, we can stay here or go to my house.”

“Here’s fine,” Jo responds, lips twisting into a coy smirk. “Gabe can provide the snacks, you let me use that beautiful brain of yours so I can actually graduate.”

Sam gets stuck on ‘beautiful brain’ long enough for Jo to move on to serving a customer, though she keeps shooting glances back at him. The alpha’s not completely sure, but maybe Jo’s crush isn’t dead after all. Maybe Sam has a shot here.

Holy shit.

____________________________________

Castiel checks Jack’s temperature again, still finding it to be a little high even though it’s lower than it was this morning. The pup woke up lethargic and hotter than usual. That’s saying something since he’s always approaching a temperature of lava hot. But pair that with his unwillingness to even talk about pancakes for breakfast, his favorite, and Castiel knew his baby boy wasn’t feeling well. 

Jack opens his eyes briefly, asking in a weary tone, “‘m I better yet?”

The alpha shakes his head no, frowning in commiseration with him as he explains, “Your fevers still a little high, bud. You stay here while I get you some more ginger ale and crackers.”

Castiel hustles into the kitchen to snag the same snack Mary used to give to him when he wasn’t feeling well. Perfect for an upset stomach which Jack’s also been complaining of for most of the day. He’s just pouring the can of flat soda into one of Jack’s sippy cups when his phone dings. Seeing its from Dean, he grabs the sleeve of crackers along with the cup, walking back into the living room to hand the drink over to Jack. While the boy takes a few grateful gulps. Castiel plops down next to him to respond to his friend. Jack curls into his side and focuses his attention back on his cartoons as the alpha reads.

Dean: Jack feeling any better? Offer still stands, I could be there in less than an hour. 

Castiel sighs deeply, he’d love nothing more than for Dean to come and keep them company but it feels like…more. He’d rather not blur the lines of their friendship, taking care of Jack is his responsibility and he has it handled. 

Castiel: No, we’re fine. I’m sorry I had to cancel on you, though. 

Dean: It’s okay, we can go another time.

The alpha’s just about to propose meeting tomorrow instead when the doorbell unexpectedly rings. Praying it isn’t another reporter, he makes sure Jack’s comfortable before walking towards the door. The bell rings impatiently two more times. The alpha begins taking his sweet time, anticipating having to run yet another snoop off of their porch.

It’s been like this ever since Crowley filed the case with the courts a month ago. The hospital refused to be of any assistance and it left them no choice, of course the news got ahold of the public filing days later and all eyes have been on both families ever since. It’s not everyday they get a story like this, two pups switched at birth only to find out in adulthood they were raised by the wrong family. The alpha can understand the desire to try and get them to talk about it on camera, but they have an agreement. No interviews, it’s best for everyone to let this play out in court as it should.

Castiel’s plans to scare whoever’s found their way onto the property fall short when he opens the door to find John Winchester staring back at him.

Chapter Text

Castiel’s plans to scare whoever’s found their way onto the property fall short when he opens the door to find John Winchester staring back at him.

The alpha looks astonishingly well compared to the last time he bothered to show his face. A little older and grayer, but his eyes are sharper, missing the constant alcohol induced haze they used to hold. His clothing neater, free of rips and stains of unknown origin. Castiel’s torn from his internal inventory by the clearing of John’s throat.

Castiel’s spine goes ramrod straight, immediately in defense mode not trusting what his eyes see in front of him. John may be cleaner in appearance but there’s no way he’s changed that much, not where it counts.

“What are you doing here?” He demands, not even trying to hide the derision in his voice. He only just manages not to shout, not wanting to startle Jack in the other room.

The alpha stares down at his boots, mumbling, “Guess I deserve that…” hesitating, he continues, brown eyes now staring back at Castiel. “…I saw the news, figured I should come home so we could deal with this as a family.”

Castiel sneers in disgust, “Last I checked you haven’t been a part of this family in years, John.”

He watches the other alpha’s fists clench momentarily before dropping limply back to his sides. “That wasn’t by choice, son. Me and your mother had our issues but I never wanted to leave.”

Castiel can barely contain his rage, could John really reduce the years of torment under him to simple marital issues? And for someone who ‘didn’t want to leave’ he sure found ways to be in every omegas bed but his own and at any bar he hadn’t been banned from at all hours of the night. No, this is a level of delusion Castiel’s not prepared to deal with right now. 

“Yet, we all seem to be thriving without you so I don’t see any reason to change that.” He throws back, getting deep satisfaction from the astonished glare growing on John’s face. “Why are you really here, John?” Castiel asks, aware of the suspicion practically dripping from his pores at this point.

“Clearly…” the alpha looks away and Castiel can’t quite tell if the pained look on his face is an act this time. 

What the fuck?

John stutters, “C-clearly I’ve surprised you and I’m sorry. I’ll…” he stops, wide eyes staring at a point behind Castiel. 

The reason becomes clear when Jack’s voice rings out, asking, “Who’s that, Daddy?"

“Is that your boy?” John mutters, surprisingly showing interest as Jack wanders forward.

Castiel can see he’s still a little wobbly on his feet so he picks him up resisting the urge to shield him from John’s view as the alpha continues to stare. 

It’s unnerving. 

He avoids both questions by softly reminding Jack, “You’re supposed to be resting, bud.”

“You left me…” Jack answers morosely, sounding about as miserable as any sick pup would. Castiel laughs internally, wondering if Jack will always be this clingy when he’s sick. 

“I was coming right back. Do you think you can go wait for me in the living room?” He asks, waiting for Jack’s reluctant nod before setting him back on the ground. He walks back towards the living room, only looking back once before turning the corner. 

Castiel only gets a moment to sigh in relief at having avoided introducing his son to his deadbeat ‘grandpa’. 

The peace is broken by John’s insistence on continuing this unwelcome reunion, “Looks just like you, when you were that age…”

Castiel can’t help himself, “Surprised you can remember, they say alcoholism rots the brain so much you start to experience memory loss. How’s that going, John?”

The alpha’s scent turns stormy, now this is the John he remembers. 

“I’ve been clean and sober for years if you must know,” John spits out through clenched teeth. “Do you know when your mother will be home?”

“No, and even if I did I wouldn’t tell you. She doesn’t want to speak with you, none of us do.” Castiel growls back with an air of finality, of course John doesn’t get the hint. 

Digging his heels in, “That’s not your decision to make, boy…”

Before Castiel can tell him to fuck off the alpha takes care of it for him, “You know what? I didn’t come here to fight. I’ll be back when your mom’s home, this is between the two of us anyway.”

John walks off before Castiel can think of a fitting comeback, climbing into a wreck of a car that he’s surprised even runs. Honestly, it doesn’t matter as long as he’s gone, he can decide how to handle the threat of his return once Mary gets home from work. 

For now, he walks back into the living room to cuddle his sick pup.

*****

The rational mind would think an abused omega wouldn’t welcome her abuser back into her home with open arms, but apparently rational thought is on a vacation for one Mary Winchester.

“He deserves a chance, Castiel,” Mary groans exasperatedly. “He’s been sober for a year and a half, he’s not the same man. You’d know that if you’d given him a chance to speak,” She explains her reasoning while setting the table.

Setting the table for the dinner she just invited John fucking Winchester to. 

“A chance to what, exactly?” He asks, resisting the urge to add more onto that sentence. He doesn’t need to elaborate, they both know what he’s capable of. “This isn’t healthy, Mom…for any of us.”

The alpha’s eyes dart over to Adam and Sam, still in complete shock to hear John’s back in town and apparently coming to dinner. 

He can practically see all their progress slipping through his fingers like sand. It’s his job to protect them even if that means having it out with his mom over this stupid fucking decision she’s dead set on.

Mary stops, placing the last fork next to her plate, eyes sliding shut as she whooshes out a heavy sigh. Castiel wonders if she even realizes she’s placed John’s favorite mug at the head of the table, he’s back for less than twenty four hours and already old patterns have emerged. 

He fucking hates it.

“A chance to know Dean, like we’ve gotten to know him. To see this trial through, we all deserve justice for what was done to us, Castiel. That includes John, whether we like it or not. This discussion is over, you’re free to eat elsewhere if it bothers you that much,” Mary orders, turning back to her task and ignoring any further complaints. 

Sam stares off into space, jaw clenched as tightly as his fists as Adam’s scent wilts into sadness. How can she not see how this is affecting them all? Still, he won’t leave any of them alone with that monster, not for one second. He’ll stay, even if it hurts, even if its ripping away every wall he put in place to shield him from the past. 

Castiel will stay…for them.

*****

“How’ve you been, Sammy?” John asks as he takes a seat at the table, taking a sip of the water in his mug. 

Sam’s eyes remain pinned to the table as he mutters, “Good.”

John waits, probably expecting more but Sam doesn't elaborate so he moves on, “And you, Adam?”

The omega boldly rolls his eyes, responding, “Just fine, where do you even live now?”

The blunt question is met with smirks and giggles between the brothers until Mary clears her throat loudly. The message is clear, ‘mind your manners'. 

John’s hand clenches tightly on the mug but his scent remains oddly even, finally answering, “Not too far from here…”

Castiel glances over at him quizzically, catching the non response in that answer. 

Weird.

The longer he stays in the mans presence the more his skin feels tight, itchy. Mary isn’t the only one with good reason not to be in reaching distance of John, but so far he’s playing the perfect guest. 

“Where’s uh…Jack…?” John asks, stumbling for the right name. Something he wouldn't have to do if he’d been a half decent human being. Then again, if John had been a good person Jack wouldn’t exist. Castiel doesn’t like that thought so he tunes back into the conversation.

“He’s not feeling well, Cas put him to bed early,” Mary says, poking at her own meal though she has yet to finish a bite of her lasagna. 

Maybe this dinner isn’t as easy for her as she made it seem. Suddenly he feels like an ass for taking his frustrations out on her. Whether out of a sense of duty or truly feeling like the man is owed a chance, she’s forcing herself to be in this room with John. That isn’t a small feat speaking from current personal experience. 

The rest of dinner slogs on slowly as they try and work through pointless small talk and polite conversation. The alpha couldn’t be happier once John claims fatigue and leaves before dessert, with an agreement in place to meet with the Shurley’s the next day. A need grows in Castiel as soon as John’s ugly sedan pulls out of the driveway, he can’t let Dean go into that meeting blind. 

It’s time for him to know who John Winchester really is.

____________________________________

Dean’s just about to hop in the shower after working out in the basement gym when his phone rings. He’ll deny to his dying day the backflips his heart does in his chest when he sees Cas’ name lit up on the screen. The omega’s tried his damndest to squash these feelings building inside him for the alpha but it’s useless. He can proclaim it loudly from the rooftops as much as he wants that they’re ‘just friends', but the heart doesn’t lie. 

Lately it’s been murmuring matematemate along with home and trust when it comes to the alpha, Dean just hopes he isn’t making a huge mistake like last time. Considering Cas doesn’t know about any of this, the omega figures he’s safe, for now. 

Pushing all of it down, he answers, still breathing pretty heavily from running up the stairs, “Hey, Cas. What’s up?”

Cas seems to stutter for a moment, asking, “D-did I interrupt you?”

Dean shakes his head before remembering Cas can’t see him, laughing as he answers, “Nah, just finished my workout.”

“Oh, I can call you later…” he says, but there’s something…off.

“Is everything okay, Cas?” Dean asks, zeroing in on his strange tone filtering through the phone.

The alpha sighs deeply, the whoosh of air distorting the audio for a moment before he says, “John’s back…we need to talk. Can I pick you up?”

The omega lands indelicately at the edge of his bed, only just avoiding hitting the floor instead. On the one hand, his biological father is in town, this should be good news. But, Cas doesn’t sound happy so it probably isn’t a good thing considering the mans track record. 

Fuck.

Shakily, he agrees, “Sure, how long til you get here?”

Cas chuckles nervously, revealing, “I’m actually…already outside.”

Oh.

Dean snorts a laugh, equilibrium slowly coming back, “Okay, let me change and I’ll be right down.”

“Take your time,” Cas offers, lightness having returned to his tone but he still doesn’t sound quite like himself. 

After disconnecting the call, the omega mourns not having time to make himself look halfway presentable as he tosses on a random Heavenly Treats shirt and an old pair of jeans. His hair is still a sweaty mess and he probably smells ripe but Cas seems like he needs someone to talk to and Dean can’t lie, he has a million questions brewing in his head. The omega stops to jam his feet into an old pair of converse before jogging down the stairs and out the door to meet Cas.

The alpha’s standing sheepishly outside of the garage, leaning up against the Impala waiting for Dean to come down.

“You could’ve just come up, you know,” Dean says, waiting for Cas to walk around to the other side of the car as he slides into the passenger seat. 

Cas nods, neatly maneuvering the car back out through the gate and onto the main road, “I figured using my entry code for the gate was intrusion enough, besides you could have been sleeping…”

The omega shakes his head, “You’re not an intruder, you’re family.”

Cas looks away, carefully avoiding Dean’s stare.

Something is seriously wrong.

Dean doesn’t push, instead falling into the now familiar comfort of the roar of Baby’s engine, lavender and green tea practically wrapping him in a blanket of home, and the road whipping by them as Cas drives to their favorite spot to talk. 

The alpha’s scent worsens the closer they get to the clearing, hopefully not an indication that he isn’t enjoying Dean’s company. No, something happened today after they spoke and it has Cas on edge in a way Dean’s never seen him before. When they finally pull into the clearing, with the stars blinking in the night sky above them, Cas slumps in the drivers seat like a stringless puppet. 

Dean’s had enough of this internal guessing game, “What’s wrong, Cas?”

The ocean eyes Cas turns on him, filled with unshed tears, send a jolt of fear and anger ripping through him. The omega both wants to comfort and hold Cas until whatever ails him is gone and tear out the throat of whoever caused this hurt in the first place. 

“D-did John do something?” Dean asks, worry filling him with the multitude of unknowns attached to that name. 

Cas snorts a broken laugh void of an ounce of humor, “Not…not today he didn’t. Today he was Mr. Perfect Alpha, showed up claiming to be clean and sober. Mary fucking invited him to dinner…we…it felt too much like…”

Dean can feel his brow furrowing, confusion plain on his face as much as his scent as he asks, “Isn’t that a good thing, Cas? I’m sure…”

“No, Dean. It’s not a ‘good’ thing because John Winchester’s only ever cared about himself. He shows up and we all fall in line, just like he wants…I can’t do this again…” the alpha trails off in a broken sob, face falling into his hands as the tears flow freely. 

Dean’s never seen Cas this emotional and he finds himself at a loss for what to do, so he does the only thing he can, pulling the the alpha close and soothing him while he falls apart in his arms. 

Cas’ face ends up awkwardly smooshed into his neck, moisture from his tears dripping down and wetting his shirt, but Dean keeps hold of the alpha. Eventually, words begin to trickle through, shocking the omega with what’s revealed, “John was a good father in the beginning, according to Mary. I only remember him being cold, distant…like we were an inconvenience he had to put up with.”

____________________________________

“…Mom was…she used to cower in fear the moment he came through the door,” Castiel shares, unable to stop the stream of consciousness now fighting to break free from his lips. 

If he’s sharing, he may as well tell Dean most of the ugly truth. 

“I was forced to watch, the first time he hit her in front of us,” Castiel croaks out, throat gone impossibly dry. 

“You’re here all day, Mary. All fucking day, yet I still come home to half cooked dinner and a filthy house…” he shouts, towering over Mary as he berates her.

“Dad, it’s my fault, I…” Castiel begins to speak, hushed by Mary’s warning look but not quickly enough.

“Did I ask you, boy?” John growls menacingly, turning his dangerous glare onto Castiel.

He shakes his head, shielding Sam and Adam with his body as he walks backwards into the corner away from John. 

“I got distracted. It won’t happen again, I…” Mary’s words are cut short by the sharp slap that rings through the air. 

“See that it doesn’t, bitch. I’m goin’ out,” John mutters, snatching Baby’s keys off of the counter and stomping out of the house. 

Castiel continues, shivering from the memory, “It became…my job almost to make sure we stayed out of the way when he got like that. To keep Sam and Adam safe, I guess. But, when things got worse…”

Castiel’s woken from his nightmares into a living horror show once again for the third night this week. When he hears the distinct sound of glass smashing he knows John’s home from the bar. Not long after, Sam and Adam find their way into his room, locking the door and crawling up into his bed. 

“Daddy’s scaring us,” Adam whispers into his side, clutching tight as he can.

“It’s gonna be okay,” Castiel promises, praying he won’t be made a liar. 

Sam’s silent on Castiel’s other side, holding on just as tightly but afraid to make a sound. 

Mary’s distant whimpers make them all jump, followed by pained screams that echo throughout the night. 

It’s no wonder he’s falling asleep at his desk in math class the next day. The teacher doesn’t care to know why when she gives him detention.

Castiel uses Dean’s scent, stronger than usual tonight, to ground himself as he shares, “I always swore when I was ‘big enough’ I’d take him down, my chance came one night…”

John had Mary backed into the corner, hands over her head in a feeble attempt at protection. The alpha’s hand is raised, ready to strike but he doesn’t get the chance.

“Get away from her,” Castiel growls, advancing on John as the startled man turns to face him.

Shock transforms into an evil smirk, “So, you finally present and think you’re gonna save mommy? Be the ‘big bad alpha' for a change? That right, boy?”

Castiel doesn’t waiver, creeping closer until he’s got all of John’s attention and Mary has a chance to escape. 

She doesn’t take it.

John shrugs nonchalantly, “Well, if you’re man enough to play hero…”

The alpha doesn’t bother finishing his sentence with words, instead launching himself at Castiel with the full force of a grown man behind each and every punch and kick.

Castiel realizes Dean’s silently crying along with him as the story of his tragic childhood settles between them. 

“We fought constantly after that. The physical blows did nothing but fuel the fire in me to put that fucker in the ground, one way or another…” Castiel trails off, energy to go on depleting now that the worst of its been told. 

He can’t find it in himself to burden Dean with anymore, not tonight.

Reluctantly pulling himself from the omega’s embrace, Castiel swipes at the tears on his cheeks, murmuring, “So, no, John being back isn’t a ‘good’ thing, this nice act is just that, an act. He’s up to something and I don’t want you to be the next one hurt because of it.”

____________________________________

Dean’s shocked into silence, unable to do more than shakily wipe his own tears away, after hearing what John put his family through. 

“Why would Mary invite a monster like that over for dinner?” Dean asks, for lack of anything else to offer at the moment. 

It’s not as though ‘sorry that happened to you’ or ‘that sucks’ covers the deep well of sadness that’s opened within him. Those words, the abuse, the terror, none of that was meant for Cas to begin with. He took on Dean’s life, at a deep cost. It’s something the omega could never repay but he can at least make sure John doesn’t get the chance to inflict more harm on the alpha, or anyone else for that matter. 

“To give him a chance to get to know you and because of the trial,” Castiel answers, still visibly shaken after reliving his past in such a visceral way. 

“Fuck that, I don’t want that asshole anywhere near me,” Dean promises vehemently, not having to give it a second thought. “If Mom and Dad knew they’d say the same…”

“You can’t tell them, Dean. Promise me, this stays between us,” Cas practically begs.

Dean can’t resist those baby blue puppy dog eyes, nodding reluctantly in agreement. 

“So what do we do?” He asks, assuming Cas has some sort of plan if he can’t tell his parents.

Cas thinks for a moment before responding, a dangerous glint invading his sapphires, “The only reason someone like John would return to the ‘scene of the crime’ is if he’s up to something. We have to find out what that is…”

Ignoring the urge to kiss the alpha stupid because this is so not the time, Dean rapidly nods, on board with anything to help keep them safe. 

Anything for you…

Chapter Text

“Breakfast is ready, boys!” Mary yells up the stairs, startling a still fatigued Castiel. 

The alpha wishes this…fog could be attributed to lack of sleep but part of him knows its mostly due to the hard conversation he had with Dean last night. The subject matter followed him long after he bid the omega goodnight and on the long drive home ending in a night filled with disturbing dreams. Suffice to say, the court won’t be getting the best version of Castiel Winchester today. 

Fuck it. 

But, before he can grace a room full of strangers with his pale countenance, the alpha must first make it through another awkward forced interaction with John. Checking the time, Castiel realizes Dean and company should be arriving shortly.

Let’s get this shit show on the road. 

“Come on sleepyhead,” Castiel murmurs into Jack’s hair, for once not complaining at having to carry his half asleep pup down to breakfast. 

If holding his son brings the alpha comfort in this moment, he’ll take it. The thought sparks a memory from last night of being held in Dean’s arms. John would probably mock him for it but the omega felt warm, safe in the exact way he needed. Castiel mourned the loss of connection as soon as he pulled away, still too stubborn to admit he may have been exactly where he belongs. 

When did Dean become his person?

Probably around the time his inner alpha decided the omega smells a little like mate, something he’d never tell Dean, especially at a time like this. Everything’s too fucked up and twisted around, with far too many ways he could end up ruining it all. 

“Where are your brothers?” Mary asks, turning away from the skillet of eggs in front of her to press good morning kisses to both of their cheeks. 

Jack mumbles sweetly, “Mornin’ Gramma.”

Castiel rolls his eyes playfully, discarding his tortured thoughts as he turns back to yell up the stairs, “Adam! Sam! Breakfast!”

“I could have done that myself,” Mary shakes her head, smirking as she finishes up the eggs. 

The drama of the day before has passed. It’s far more important that they show up in full support of each other now. They can hash out her unhealthy response to John’s return once the dust settles.

A stampede of feet approach as the teens in question finally make their disheveled appearance. 

“For the record, I heard you the first time,” Sam explains in a huff, swiping his hair out of his face. “I was in the bathroom.”

Turning to Adam, Castiel asks, “And what’s your excuse?”

The omega shrugs his shoulders, mumbling through a mouthful of toast, “Didn’t wanna get up…”

Castiel can relate but it’s not like they have a choice in the matter. 

Breakfast passes with few words spoken between them beyond ‘pass the syrup’ and ‘can I have more juice?’, not surprising considering the day ahead. The plan is to meet here then head over as a family to the courthouse. Just as Castiel’s wiping up the last of the mess Jack managed to make at the table, the doorbell rings. 

“Got it!” Adam shouts from the living room, running to open the front door. “Oh, it’s you…”

Mary’s belated request of, “Stop running in the house!” mostly goes ignored as usual. 

Charlie saunters into the kitchen with an annoyed Adam trailing behind her. 

“How’s my broke bestie?” Charlie asks, sweeping Jack up into a hug and tickling his tummy. 

“Auntie Charlie!” Jack shouts excitedly through his giggles. 

“I don’t need a babysitter,” Adam whines once again, crossing his arms defiantly over his chest.

“Charlie’s not here to watch you, she’s here for Jack,” Castiel explains, it’s a lie but he’s not about to have this conversation again.

Mary chimes in from the other room, “Don’t fight us on this, please Adam.”

Thankfully, the omega doesn’t argue his position further, wandering upstairs probably to complain to his friends instead. Oh, to be a know it all fourteen year old again. 

On second thought, no thank you.

“So, when does everyone else get here?” Charlie asks, plopping down into a chair with Jack doing his best spider monkey impression climbing onto her shoulders. 

Castiel checks his watch just as the doorbell rings again, laughing nervously he answers, “Now, apparently.”

This time, Mary stands to open the door for Dean and the rest of the Shurley’s. Greetings go quickly with everyone having grown more comfortable with one another over the last month. Castiel’s sure the meetup would have more of the familial vibe they’ve gotten used to lately if it weren’t for current circumstances.

Gabriel embraces him tightly, something he’s still getting used to as he whispers, “It’s gonna be okay, Cassie.”

The alpha can’t muster his usual indignation at the obnoxious nickname, instead enjoying the welcome feeling of being surrounded by people who love and care for him. He’ll need something to hold on to once John arrives, even if they’re completely unaware of that fact. 

Instead, he murmurs a grateful, “Thank you.”

The other alpha pins him with a knowing glance before moving back so he can repeat the process with Becky, Chuck, and Anna. Each give a variation of the same sentiment until he’s left standing in front of Dean. 

“Hey, Cas,” Dean says, giving an awkward half wave as he shuffles his feet. 

The alpha notices the scuffed converse of last night have been replaced with those fancy looking boots the omega prefers. The worn t-shirt and jeans tossed away in favor of a fitted blazer, button up, and khakis. Now that he’s gotten a glimpse of the more laid back Dean, the alpha can’t deny his hunger for more. It’s all consuming, in a way he’s only been made aware of in this moment with ‘fashion model’ Dean back in the saddle. 

But, Castiel can understand wanting to look halfway decent for court and all the cameras sure to be there. With that thought in mind the alpha glances down at his too baggy suit pants, ill fitting button up, and borrowed blue tie. Maybe he should have put a little more thought into his appearance as well. Hopefully he can cover up with his old trench coat and call it a day.  

Charlie clears her throat, cluing the alpha in that he has yet to respond, only blatantly staring at the omega with his head awkwardly tilting. 

Pull it together, Winchester.

“Hello, Dean,” Castiel finally greets his friend with an awkward half hand shake half back pat.

Yes! Friend, just friends. 

Briefly he wonders if he should have gone ahead and hugged Dean like everyone else but…somehow that level of contact seems different than it did before last night. More intimate. Something he’d rather not try to unpack right now, as the doorbell rings for the third and final time announcing John’s arrival.

Everyone freezes, completely unprepared for what comes next. 

Surprisingly, Chuck offers in the absence of any other takers, “I’ll…I guess I’ll get it.”

The alpha wanders off, awkwardly glancing back to see if anyone will take his place. No such luck. Castiel wonders if Dean spilled any of what they spoke about last night, but he knows he can trust the omega. Honestly, Mary’s grown just as close to Becky and Chuck so it’s just as likely she told them her own traumatic history with the man.

The way Becky’s taken a tight hold on his mom’s hand points all signs to yes. Still, it doesn’t change he and Dean’s secret objective for the day, find out what the fuck John’s really up to. 

“Charles Shurley, nice to meet you,” Chuck greets the other alpha, leading him back to the living room where they all wait in anticipation. 

“You too,” John says, eyes scanning the room of unknown and known faces. Probably trying to pick out which one is Dean. Castiel’s inner alpha growls and he only just manages to control his physical body from reacting. Much like Dean, he wants John nowhere near his omega. 

Huh?

Of course, he isn’t given the chance to explore that little slip up any further with the ‘man of the hour’ passing out greetings. 

“Hey, Sammy,” he nods in Sam’s general direction before moving on, “Cas, Mary.”

Castiel musters up a friendly nod along with his mom. John continues looking around as he takes a seat. Spotting Charlie and Jack sitting on the sofa across from him, he waves at them both, “Charlie, haven’t seen you in awhile. How’ve you been?”

His very best friend until the end of time openly grimaces at the man before spitting out a barely friendly, “Just peachy, Mr. Winchester.”

Jack waves, enthusiastically, “Hi! Who are you?”

There goes that question again. 

Gabriel saves the day this time, introducing himself, “I’m Gabriel. Cas, Anna, and Dean’s older brother. Well I guess everyones older brother? Sam and Adam kinda adopted me…”

“We didn’t adopt you, you forced yourself on us,” Sam jokes, poking the alpha in his side and making him squeak. 

It breaks the tension enough for Anna to introduce herself as well, “Anna, Cas and Dean’s younger sister.”

“Becky, Castiel’s ‘other mother’ and Dean’s mom,” the omega giggles slightly at the title she chose for herself.

John nods, not hiding his perplexing frown as the intros go on but keeping silent. 

“So, that must make you Dean,” John determines, eyes landing right on the omega in question. 

So far, Dean’s been sitting pretty silent next to Castiel but as soon as the words leave John’s mouth he can feel the omega tense up next to him. 

“You look just like your mother,” John goes on, completely unaware of the rising tension in the room. “And maybe a little like me when I was younger…”

“Grampa, can I have a cookie?” Jack interrupts, wiggling down from Charlie’s lap to make his way over to Chuck. 

Chuck accepts the pup without hesitation, steadying him on his lap, reminding him, “Uncle Gabe’s cookies are back at the house, little guy. I’ll bring you some next time, okay?”

Jack looks like he’s going to have a fit and Castiel’s about to handle it in the gentle way he’s cultivated with his son when John jumps in.

“Haven’t you taught the boy not to interrupt when adults are speaking?” He asks, tone chock full of disappointment. Shaking his head, he adds, “Like father, like son, I guess.”

It’s a small dig in comparison to the real pain John’s feet and fists have dealt him over the years. Still, he’s not going to pretend it doesn’t sting to have his own parenting attacked. 

Mary speaks up for him, "Jack’s a good pup with a short attention span like most kids his age…”

Charlie breaks in before a real fight can get going, used to what the beginnings of one can look like in this household, “Come check on Uncle Adam with me, Jack.”

The two make a swift exit but the tension remains in their absence and doesn’t dissipate when they eventually decide to depart earlier than planned for the courthouse. 

It should be no surprise when none of them elect to ride with John.

____________________________________

Dean’s never been the type to use the word hate towards another human being, but the omega can’t pin down any other way to describe his feelings for John Winchester. He was doing okay at first, observing but not interacting like he and Cas discussed but when it came time to actually speak to the man, all Dean felt was blinding rage. This insignificant waste of space of an alpha tormented the people he calls family for years and has the unmitigated gall to walk in like everything’s fine and dandy? To try and reprimand Cas on his parenting? 

“If Mary hadn’t spoken up when she did…” Dean repeats, well aware everyone in the car already knows. 

‘Everyone' being just he and Cas. 

Now, Gabe insisting on driving the Bronco makes so much more sense.

Nosy brothers.

Thanks to Gabe’s foresight, the rest of the family conveniently fit into one car. Everyone except he and Cas, neither of them was riding with John so they have Baby all to themselves. 

Cas sighs tiredly, responding, “I appreciate it Dean, more than you probably know. But, I can handle myself…”

“You shouldn’t have to! Not anymore,” Dean can’t help but shout, eventually reigning in his emotions and taking a few deep breaths. Calmly, he continues, “Not after all he’s done, all you were forced to do. Someone should be there for you for a change.”

Cas’ eyes remain pinned to the road but his scent speaks volumes without a word passing his lips. Finally, he musters a small, “Thank you.”

“I’ll always have your back, Cas. We’re in this together,” Dean promises, meaning it with his entire being. Even if he never has Cas in every way he wants, they’re bonded for life. He’ll never turn his back on the alpha. 

This time, Cas risks an accident to show his full gratitude, turning his cobalt gaze on the omega as he affirms, “Together.”

Dean’s damn near knocked breathless once again by something as simple as a glance from the alpha. 

Not the time.

“S-so, what’s the plan?” He asks, redirecting the conversation to avoid being caught out openly longing for the man. 

Cas nods, turning his attention back to the road as he answers, “Same as before, keep an eye on him. Everything he says, does. John can be sneaky when he wants to be but he has tells, we just have to look and listen out for them.”

“Okay, I can do that,” Dean readily agrees, hands going shaky again but for a different reason this time as Cas smoothly pulls the Impala into a space outside the courthouse.

It’s time.

*****

“In short, our case will demonstrate the culpability of the defendant, Lawrence General Hospital, in failing to ensure proper protocol was in place to prevent Michael Dean Shurley and Castiel James Winchester from being sent home with a family that wasn’t their own. The evidence will show that on the date in question the staff on call was negligent of the pups in their care, you will hear testimony from key witnesses proving as much, proving these families deserve the justice they’ve been denied thus far. Thank you,” Crowley nods to the judge and jury as he finishes up his opening statement, sitting back down at the table across from the hospital’s lawyers with a smug smirk. 

Judge Hanscum bangs her gavel, “On that note, we’ll be taking a recess for the day. I expect all of you back here bright and early tomorrow.”

The judge punctuates her point by staring first at Crowley until he nods then at the hospital’s team of lawyers. Once she has agreement from them all, the alpha stands to leave with her robes billowing and her blonde ponytail swinging behind her. Dean’s got a good feeling about her, he just hopes he isn’t wrong. 

As the family reconvenes outside of the courtroom John’s the first to greet Crowley with an overenthusiastic handshake. 

“Real good work in there,” he pats the other alpha on the back to Crowley’s clear disdain. “Real good.” Pausing, John asks in a lowered tone, “Say, how much do you think the hospital’ll be on the hook for, when they lose? We’ve definitely got the best lawyer in town on our side.”

The uncharacteristic ass kissing is what pings his interest, looking over to Cas he sees the same flicker of awareness in his sapphires. Could it be as simple as that?

Mary shakes her head, whispering something to his parents but he’s too far to hear. The three of them glance over at John and walk further away, heads huddled together in discussion. 

Huh.

Crowley answers quickly before departing, “A case like this? Probably millions to be honest. They fucked up, badly, and they know it. Don’t worry, Winchester, leave it to me and I’ll make you a millionaire overnight.”

John’s eyes gleam with hunger, walking off after Crowley like the rest of them don’t exist. He’s gone without even a goodbye in seconds. 

Cas stands shoulder to shoulder with the omega as they observe this recent development.

“Money,” Cas mutters. “It’s always about alcohol, sex, or money with him in the end.”

Dean snorts a bitter laugh, “Guess we have our answer…”

He’s not sure what to do with this unexpected pang of disappointment, a blink and then its gone flash of hurt in his gut. So he buries it, focusing instead on the ongoing discussion between his siblings on where to go for lunch. 

____________________________________

“Hey! Dirty feet off the couch ya heathen,” Dean snorts a laugh at his own joke, shoving Sam’s shoulder lightly as he walks past. 

Sam rolls his eyes, on the one hand it’s nice having somewhere else to be now that John keeps showing up unexpectedly at the house, but he could do without all the extra rules to remember. Kicking off his sneakers, the alpha repositions himself on the couch in the omega’s room, before returning to his search. 

Dean walks by again with a hamper full of clothes, disappearing to who knows where in this labyrinth of a house before retuning a few minutes later sans hamper. More than likely he handed it off to whoever does the laundry around here. 

House Shurley still holds some secrets yet to be discovered.

Curiosity seemingly peaked, Dean finally asks, “What are you working on anyway?”

Sam looks over at his brother, realizing he has the fount of knowledge he needs sitting right in front of him. 

“I…” Sam stutters, still unsure of sharing his impossible dream. “I think I want to apply to Stanford for early admission but it's crazy expensive. I wanna be sure an ivy league school makes sense before I bother looking into it any further…”

The omega’s eyes light up in excitement, “That’s a great school, man. You’re smart enough, you’ve got the grades, what’s the problem?”

Sam stares at Dean, dumbfounded he skipped right over his main concern, “Money, Dean. It’s not like Mom’s been saving for college or anything and Cas has Jack to worry about…”

“I’m sure Mom and Dad could…” Dean starts but Sam cuts him off at the pass.

“I appreciate everything Chuck and Becky offer to do but I can’t let them pay for my education, Dean. They aren’t really my parents,” Sam says, ignoring the small part of him that sometimes wishes they were. 

Dean seems to be a pro at hiding his true feelings, the crestfallen look at Sam’s statement disappearing in favor of naked optimism as he suggests, “What about scholarships? We just agreed you’ve got the grades…”

“Yeah, but I still have to apply for one and get it, isn’t that super rare?” He asks, hope slowly beginning to grow. 

But when has anything ever gone right for him or his family? It’s like the Winchester name is cursed. Probably John’s fault, maybe he pissed off a witch in a past life, or this life.

“You’ll get it, Sam. You’re one of the smartest people I know, besides me of course,” Dean smirks, dodging the smack Sam almost lands on the back of his head. “Seriously, apply. You never know what could happen.”

The more he considers the idea the more attainable it begins to appear, maybe he can really do this.

“Dream school, check. Dream girl?” Dean teases, wandering around straightening up things that don’t need straightening. 

It’s almost funny how awkward he can still be with this brotherly banter thing. Almost like the omega thinks if he says the wrong thing Sam will shun him forever, the alpha knows where the precaution comes from, it doesn’t mean he likes it. 

Outwardly, Sam ducks his head, mumbling, “Still working on that part…”

“Jo giving you a hard time,” Dean asks, familiar with how stubborn the girl in question can be. 

“No more than Cas gives you,” Sam jokes, getting Dean back for his teasing. 

Dean splutters, trying to formulate a response as his cheeks flame red, finally landing on, “Cas is my best friend, that’s it, and don’t you have an application to submit?”

The omega has him there.

Still doesn’t change the fact that Dean and Cas are falling in love with each other and in complete denial about it. 

Idjits.

Chapter Text

“State your name for the record please,” Crowley asks the witness, pacing back and forth with his hands clasped loosely behind him. 

“Jody Mills,” the beta says clear enough for the jury and stenographer to catch, eyes darting between Crowley and the hospitals lawyers. 

Dean doesn’t have all of the information but this particular witness has had them in a silent uproar since she took the stand. Whispering between themselves and shuffling through stacks of paper. Going so far as to approach the judge in the hopes of having her removed, though Judge Hanscum shut them down fairly quickly to Crowley’s apparent joy. 

The omega has the feeling she has something to share that the hospital would rather keep buried. 

“And your former profession?” The lawyer goes on to ask, pausing his pacing to look the woman straight in the eyes. 

Ms. Mills responds without hesitation, “Pediatric nurse at Lawrence General, specifically in the maternity ward, for over twenty five years.”

“Thank you, Ms. Mills,” Crowley purrs, approaching the witness stand to begin his questioning. “Were you working at the hospital on the night in question?”

Jody nods haltingly, answering, “Yes, myself and two other nurses were in charge of the pups in the nursery.”

Crowley nods, scratching his temple before moving on, “Can you tell me in your own words what you witnessed that night, Ms. Mills?”

Jody throws one last glance to the flustered lawyers before speaking, “We’d had a busy night, there were several pups born within just a few hours of each other. Not entirely rare but we were short staffed so there was a lot to be done and not as many nurses to handle it all….”

Pausing to take a sip of water, the beta continues, “…I had just come back from my break to find the nursery left unattended. Something that’s never supposed to happen, but we just didn’t have the ability to be in three places at once. The other two nurses were needed elsewhere, but no one paged me to come back from break early…”

Crowley interrupts, redirecting her rambling and bringing her back to the point, “Yes, I see. And what did you discover in the nursery when you returned?”

“A man, holding two screaming pups,” She says, hands twisting in her lap as she goes on. “I immediately asked him what his business was, wanted to be sure he wasn’t some weirdo who’d wandered in off the street but he said one pup was his newborn son and his ID checked out. He claimed the other pup was set off when his son began to cry and he was trying, unsuccessfully, to calm them both.”

Jody’s eyes move to a spot behind him but Dean can’t be bothered to turn away from her riveting testimony, this could be the key to what started it all. 

Ms. Mills’ eyes gain a far away look, sharing, “I remember smiling to myself, the scene was very reminiscent of my husband with our twins when they were born so I took pity on the alpha. He handed both pups to me, thanking me profusely for saving him the trouble, and left. I soothed the pups and put them back…back where I thought they belonged but…”

The beta’s voice breaks as her eyes fill with tears. 

“But, I made a terrible mistake…” She whispers, barely audible to the rest of the courtroom as everyone falls silent. “As soon as I saw the video, I knew.”

The echoing, “Objection!” breaks up that loaded silence within seconds. 

“To what?” Judge Hanscum asks, brow furrowing with a puzzling stare aimed at the hospital’s lead lawyer, Mr. Walker. 

“Leading the witness?” He answers, coming out as more of a question with the alpha’s inflection going whiny at the end. 

Predictably, Judge Hanscum bangs her gavel with a prompt “Overruled.” As she has been for almost every objection Walker’s called out during the trial.

Dean doesn’t know much about how this all works but according to Sam, Walker has no business in a courtroom let alone leading a team of lawyers on a high stakes case. His little brother’s got a bright future in law, he can see it now. It’s clear Walker's just trying to avoid the evidence proving the hospital was at least partially at fault.

Crowley’s eyes light up at the mention of a video, signaling to his assistant Gavin to make note of it. The alpha turns back to Ms. Mills, redirecting her testimony, “Ms. Mills, do you see the man you spoke with that night in this courtroom today?”

She nods yes, eyes darting again to the space behind Dean’s head as she shakily points. This time he turns, only to be struck still by the panicked dark brown eyes of John Winchester.

Their section erupts in reactions ranging from Dean’s cry of ‘what the fuck?!’ To Mary’s shocked gasp and his dad’s shout of ‘you did this?!’ Until Judge Hanscum has to bang her gavel, demanding, “Order in the court!”

It takes some time for order to return and several threats of being thrown out before everyone reaches a somewhat respectful silence. Dean can see all three of his parents shooting daggers at the alpha from their seats in the row in front of him. The omega’s too busy spiraling internally not comprehending why John would have been holding both he and Cas, for any reason. Even if Cas started crying because Dean was upset, why would the alpha not call a nurse instead of picking up someone else’s pup. 

Something’s not adding up here and it only takes a glance at Cas, Sam, and Gabe to see matching looks of suspicion on their faces as well.

“For the record, Ms. Mills pointed out John Winchester as the alpha in question,” Crowley states aloud. A puzzled look forms replacing his usual smug smirk, turning back to the witness he asks, “Can you think of any reason Mr. Winchester would have had to orchestrate this scenario on purpose?”

An odd question for a lawyer to ask a witness regarding his own client, but it’s been a strange day in court.

Ms. Mills’ eyebrows furrow in confusion, stating adamantly, “No, not at all. I wanted to come forward as soon as I heard about the lawsuit, but the hospital refused to allow it. They fired me to silence me, but I’m here anyway to accept whatever punishment I deserve. What happened to those boys is my fault, not Mr. Winchester’s.”

Crowley’s frown deepens, responding after a beat, “Thank you, Ms. Mills. Nothing further.”

Of course, Mr. Walker declines to ask any questions and Ms. Mills is released, taking the long walk out of the courtroom with sagging shoulders and a sullen countenance. Dean feels for the woman, he can’t find it in himself to be angry with her even if she did play a part in the mix up. Ms. Mills was trying to do her job under less than ideal circumstances, their fight isn’t with her.

“I think a short recess is well deserved,” Judge Hanscum says, heavy sigh revealing her own feelings on what just transpired. “We’ll reconvene here in an hour.”

With a bang of her gavel, everyone’s dismissed. The family files out together in silence, speaking briefly to plan where to go for lunch as they come to terms with what was just shared. The drive to Heavenly Treats is silent and awkward, even more so as they take seats to wait for Gabe to shut the place down so they can have privacy. 

Finally, in the heavy silence of the empty bakery, Mary speaks up, “John…”

“Why on earth would you pick up a pup that wasn’t yours?” Chuck demands, anger lining his features in a way Dean’s never witnessed. 

His parents are pissed, damn near ready to tear the alpha limb from limb.

John glares at the both of them, sniping back, “Not my fault your son was so easily triggered. Pups cry, I was just tryin’ to help.”

Dean would believe that if the alpha’s scent didn’t hold an underlying hint of guilt. 

Mary tries again, speaking louder this time, “John, I get that, but…”

“Will you shut the fuck up?!” John snarls, standing and taking a step towards Mary. 

He doesn’t get far.

“Don’t you dare!” Cas growls, immediately moving to block the older alpha’s path. Cas is backed up by Gabe and Sam, while his parents lead a tearful Mary to another table and out of the line of fire. 

“Not this bullshit again,” John groans, pointing his eyes heavenward and dropping the act entirely. “If I’da known you’d turn out to be such an annoying little shit…”

And that’s about where Dean loses his fucking patience. 

“Leave, now,” Dean orders, standing arms crossed over his chest as he rises to his full height. 

Dean may be an omega but he’s definitely not meek or fucking dainty. He towers menacingly over the alpha as the man takes a full step back, not expecting his omega ‘son’ to get in his face. 

John may have had years to torment his family somewhat into submission but Dean’s not afraid of him, not one bit. The alpha wavers, weight shifting from one foot to the other as his fists clench. His eyes bounce from Cas barely being held back by Gabe and Sam over to Mary sobbing into her hands as his parents soothe her and back to Dean standing tall in front of him. Not one person in this room is on his side and he seems to understand that, quickly turning and walking out of the bakery without another word. 

Dean spins on his feet, walking past a wild eyed Cas and making a beeline right for Mary.  Dropping to his knees in front of her, the omega pulls her into a bear hug, murmuring, “It’s okay, Ma…”

It’s not, but it’s all he has to offer in this moment, only sparing a second of wonder at the shift in title for the shivering woman in his arms. How right it feels even in the growing wrongness of what just transpired.

____________________________________

Castiel would like to say his body goes lax in his brother’s arms because the threat has left the building, but watching Dean in all his badass glory just…does things to him. 

Sure, the alpha was more than ready and very capable of tossing John out on his ass, he’s done it before. But, true to his word, Dean stood up for him, for all of them. The omega doesn’t spout empty platitudes, he backed up his words with actions, leaving Castiel stunned into awe filled silence. 

The alpha watches Dean walk swiftly to his mother, enveloping her in a strong hold as he attempts to calm her. Something, Castiel’s had to do more times than he’d like to count and it rips his heart apart watching her in this state once again because of John. 

He was right all along but it doesn’t bring Castiel any sort of satisfaction.

John’s words just before Dean asked him to leave run on a loop in his head, only interrupted by Chuck’s phone ringing loudly in the silent bakery. 

Chuck manages to shake himself free from his own daze in enough time to catch the call after its fifth ring with a ragged, “H-hello?”

The alpha listens for a moment, ice blue eyes squinting as his brow scrunches together until finally he puts the call on speaker. 

“Repeat that for me, Crowley?” He asks, placing the phone on the table so they all can listen.

Castiel can practically hear the alpha rolling his eyes over the phone. He’d categorize Crowley as the type of sleaze you want on your side but highly obnoxious over all. Pushing his wandering thoughts to the side, he tunes back in to the lawyers words.

“I said, I’ve asked the judge for some extra time to try and track down that video Jody mentioned. From her testimony and my own growing suspicions, I believe John may be at least partially responsible for what happened that night,” Crowley explains, the sound of keys jangling and a car starting in the background. “I’ll keep you updated but I need that friend of Castiel’s help…”

His eyes shoot up at that, knowing exactly who Crowley means and wondering how the fuck he knows about Charlie. 

The answer comes as Chuck shrugs apologetically, “We…had to do a rudimentary background check on all of you. Only for our own protection, of course, not anything weird…”

“We told you about Mick, remember? Crowley has the file he put together, that’s all. He’s not stalking you, we promise,” Becky assures, attempting to wash away the unease filtering into his scent. 

“…so I know all about your hacker friend, Castiel.” The alpha interrupts, adding, “Please put her in contact with me, I’ll keep trying to do what I can from this end but the hospital’s claiming Jody lied on the stand, that there’s no video to be found. Bunch of….” Crowley devolves into some very creative cursing, most of which the alpha’s unable to decipher and some of which may not be in English. 

Odd little man.  

Though Castiel feels slightly violated, he can understand wanting to make sure they weren’t a bunch of murderers or scammers, especially considering the Shurley’s wealth. Still, he can’t shake that lingering feeling like someone went through his private things without permission. 

Realizing the rooms waiting for a response, the alpha mutters, “I’ll…I’ll let her know.”

Considering Charlie’s already asked once to hack Lawrence General he’s sure it won’t be a hard sell. With the conversation moving on to a recap of John’s most recent ‘performance’, Castiel wanders into the back to make the call, not realizing he’s got a Dean shaped shadow until he’s in Gabriel’s office. 

“You okay?” the omega asks, feet shuffling nervously as he scrubs the back of his neck with one hand. 

Castiel easily turns the question back on him, considering all the omega’s ‘not okay’ tells are in full effect. “Are you okay?”

“No, but I will be,” He answers easily, bottle greens remaining fixed on him. “That wasn’t really the question though, Cas…”

“It’s not about me,” Castiel snipes, pulling his phone out of his pocket in an attempt to call Charlie and avoid this discussion. 

His ‘feelings’ aren’t relevant right now.

Dean’s warm freckled hand takes up residence over Castiel’s, staying his movements. The action causes the alpha to sag, dropping into the empty desk chair behind Gabe’s desk. Apparently they’re going to have an impromptu therapy session.

Fanfuckingtastic.  

“Do you even realize you’re shaking, Cas?” Dean asks timidly, approaching the alpha like he may bolt for the door.

It’s a possibility, he’s not a fan of this shit and everyone else in his life knows it. But lately, Dean seems to be the exception to that rule. 

Forcing himself to take a few deep breaths, calming the tremors in his hands and the shivers in his body, the alpha squeezes his eyes shut trying to focus on being here while his mind tries to push him into the past. 

Haltingly, Castiel explains, “John knows just the right words to use to get under my skin. That’s all this is Dean, fucked up childhood trauma. Call it PTSD if you need a label but I’m fine, really.”

He opens his eyes to find Dean much closer than he started, practically kneeling in front of him like he did Mary. Though, this feels much more…charged…in a way Castiel’s not sure he knows how to deal with. Especially right now. He can’t allow himself to get lost in those evergreens, in sweet apples and rich caramel, as much as his inner alpha demands it. 

This isn’t the time.  

Hating himself for it, Castiel turns away from Dean’s open gaze, focusing back on pulling up Charlie’s number and making the call. He’ll blame his inner alpha for the hand that reaches out on its own, sliding down the back of Dean’s neck, across his shoulder, ending in a squeeze to his bicep. Paired with as much of a grateful smile as he can manage, he hopes Dean gets the message that he isn’t rejecting him, just this ‘heart to heart’ he’s trying to have at the wrong fucking time. 

Castiel doesn’t know what to make of the purr that contact elicits from the omega, and Dean's strangled attempt to silence himself doesn’t make him eager to ask. 

Luckily, Charlie picks up after about three rings, asking in lieu of a greeting, “How’d it go?”

Castiel can hear Jack in the background singing along to the SpongeBob theme song and it helps to calm him further, answering steadily, “Good but then very bad. We need your help.”

Giving Charlie the shortest version possible, he explains what happened in court, at the bakery, and Crowley’s strange request.

The silence that follows is telling, “Let me guess, you’ve already been in their systems?”

Dean snorts a laugh, having migrated to one of the chairs on the other side of the desk. Castiel’s glad for the distance, his prior proximity had the alpha’s mind completely muddled. 

Charlie gives up the game pretty easily, “Yup, and lucky for you I did. Right before you called they started purging almost everything from the system, on that date. Thank the gods, I downloaded it all. But, out of respect for your request, I haven’t looked at any of it.”

Castiel sighs, wondering how he thought he could tell the Queen what to do in the first place. “Well, permission granted or whatever. Have at it, but send anything you find directly to Crowley, they’re clearly trying to cover their asses…”

“On it!” Charlie agrees, ending the call so she can begin her search. 

With Charlie gone and no other pressing tasks, Castiel tries his best to relax. Charlie’s search could take awhile and he’d rather not end up with a stress migraine to go along with his less than optimistic mood. 

Thankfully, Dean clues in to exactly what he needs. Besides the omega, of course, but that’s not common knowledge at the moment. 

“Wanna raid the pie while everyone else is distracted?” He asks, mischief gleaming in his peridot eyes. 

Castiel chuckles, swiping a hand tiredly over his face but unable to hide his smirk, “Thought you’d never ask.”

Charlie’s text comes in when they’re halfway through a shared slice of Gabe’s famous cherry pie. 

Charlie: Found something major!

____________________________________

“State your name for the record please,” Crowley asks, a perfect mirror to yesterday’s court session. Though the gleam in his eye is sharper than with Jody. 

He’s out for blood.

The alpha shifts nervously in his seat, lips set in a grim line. Finally, he responds after Judge Hanscum gives him a pointed look from her perch.

“John Winchester,” he replies gruffly. 

“And your relation to both Dean Shurley and Castiel Winchester?” The alpha asks, clarifying for the record.

“Castiel’s the son I raised, Dean’s my biological son,” John answers easily, leaning back in his seat.

“Thank you, Mr. Winchester,” Crowley responds, the tone used projecting anything but thanks for the man in front of him. Pacing once again, he asks, “Do you love your children, Mr. Winchester?”

John rears back in disgust, “What kinda fucked up question is that?!”

Judge Hanscum bangs her gavel, “Please try to watch your language, Mr. Winchester. Just answer the question.”

John nods stiffly, responding, “‘Course I do, they’re my boys.”

Crowley nods, deep in thought as he asks, “And you’d never do anything to hurt them, correct? You’d protect those boys at all costs?”

Dean almost wants to laugh aloud at the gotcha moment as John realizes what he’s truly being asked and the trap he just walked right into. 

Serves him right after what he did. 

Still, the alpha answers honestly which surprises the hell out of him. Voice taking on a contrite tone, John admits, “Well, we’ve had our moments in the past. I wasn’t the best father and alpha I could have been to my family, my boys. But, I do love them and they know that…”

John searches out both Sam and Cas in the room but neither give him any sort of acknowledgement. Dean squeezes Cas’ hand, reminding him no matter what’s about to happen he’s on his side. The alpha squeezes back, sapphires briefly landing on him before returning his attention back to the proceedings. 

Crowley goes for the jugular, “Are you referring to your past history of abuse and alcoholism, Mr. Winchester?”

John growls angrily, “Last I checked I wasn’t the one on trial here, Crowley.”

“Please answer the question asked of you or I’ll hold you in contempt, Mr. Winchester. This is your final warning,” the judge advises, motioning for Crowley to continue. 

John spits out, “That’s in the past and they’ve forgiven me.”

The pain scrawled across Mary’s features paired with the scent of fury rolling off of Cas and Sam tell a different story. But if John wants to attempt to rewrite history Crowley can smack him in the face with the facts. 

It’s his funeral, after all. 

“Oh, I don’t believe they’ll have much forgiveness in their hearts for you after today, Mr. Winchester,” Crowley murmurs ominously before approaching the bench. “I’d like to submit a video file into evidence, a file Lawrence General tried their best to hide from us. Luckily, a good samaritan submitted the file anonymously…”

Walker shouts, “Objection” as predicted and he and Crowley have a whisper shouting match until Judge Hanscum bangs her gavel once again. 

“I’ll allow it. This better not be something you got under illegal means Crowley or you’ll be the one in cuffs, got me?” Judge Hanscum threatens.

“I swear it was sent to me in an envelope with no return address, Ma’m,” Crowley promises. 

Defeated, Walker stomps back to his side of the courtroom, head hanging low. A tech comes in to set up the video to be played and within minutes Dean’s watching the security feed that Charlie showed them last night, in full screen. 

At first, the scene shows a black and white video of the pups in the nursery the night he and Cas were born. Minutes later, someone else enters the frame.

John wanders into the nursery, almost 22 years younger and a lot less haggard but with a deep frown on his face. Not the visage of a proud dad, that’s for sure. He stands over Dean’s still body for a moment and slowly a slight twist turns his frown into a timid smile as he reaches out one finger brushing over his forehead. The sweet moment’s broken by a nurse walking in, a cheery redhead, not Jody. 

“He’s the cutest, congrats on a healthy pup,” the nurse offers, wandering to the pup next to Dean, Cas, and checking his vitals. “Not all hospitals have it yet, but we’re one of the first to offer secondary gender testing at birth. If you look at that tag on the front of his crib it should tell you, if you’re curious.” She explains, continuing to fuss over Cas. “It’s about 50% accurate, but I think its still pretty cool…”

The nurse smiles warmly at John in his continued silence before wandering off to check the next pup. Eventually he’s left alone in the nursery once again, though the frown is back and its deepened. 

This time, Cas squeezes his hand, almost as a reminder that John’s opinion back then means shit now. The alpha’s sweet for it but it’s not necessary, Dean gained the father he was meant to have that day. John’s actions just prove that point further as they watch him pick up the small pup, Dean, holding him at arms length as though he’s contaminated in some way. 

“Mary couldn’t even do this right, damnit,” he growls, ignoring the discomfort Dean begins to show on his face as it screws up in preparation for a wail. “That other pup’s daddy got damn lucky, he’s gonna have a strong alpha son. Not some bitch. Told her I didn’t want pups but she didn’t listen…”

Cas’ hand leaves his own only to wrap a protective arm around Dean’s shoulders, he’s not exactly in tears but hearing this again, in public where everyone can see is rough. Dean feels it and he doesn’t want to embarrass himself further, thankful as green tea and lavender fill his nose helping to calm him. The last thing the omega wants is to give John the satisfaction of knowing the extent of what those words did to him all those years ago. The hurt and pain he’s endured since birth because of a small minded alpha who couldn’t deal. 

On screen, Dean begins to wail and, just like Jody described, a flustered John picks up both pups trying to calm them down. The moment before she makes her appearance, John whispers to Cas, “I wish you were my son…”

Crowley cuts the video off, having shown the relevant parts of what transpired that night. 

“That hardly looks like an alpha who loves his children, who would do anything to protect his children. On the night your oldest pup was born, you go on a tirade about not wanting him due to his secondary gender and go so far as to covet another alpha’s pup. Do I have that right, Mr. Winchester or have I missed something?” Crowley asks, toying with John as the alpha’s face goes red with barely contained rage.

“I…I…” John stutters but no further words come out. Eventually, what he does manage to say is no less painful to hear, shouting, “So what if I didn’t want him? I never wanted Adam either, but it’s not like I knew we left with the wrong pup. I was just relieved they were wrong, but with my bad fucking luck, here we are.” John snipes, pinning his dangerous gaze on them. “You act like you haven’t had a good fucking life, Dean. And you, Cas,” the alpha turns on him next, “I see what you’re doing. He’s not like you, I thought we handled this with Kelly when you had Jack but apparently not. I see the way you look at him boy, it ain’t right!”

“Mr. Winchester!” Judge Hanscum shouts, putting an end to his tirade but Crowley saves her the trouble.

Crowley stops his pacing, walking right into John’s face on the stand as he growls, “No further questions, your honor.”

Walker declines as well considering John’s complicity takes some of the burden off of the hospital. Though the rest of the video does show Jody placing Dean and Cas into the incorrect cribs, it wouldn’t have happened if John hadn’t been in the nursery unattended in the first place. John steps down from the stand, stomping out in a rage. 

If he thinks that’s the last he’ll be seeing of the inside of a courtroom, he’s dead wrong.

“Sorry,” Cas whispers to him, clutching even tighter as John passes where they’re seated. “I never wanted you to…hear how he can get…”

“It’s not a far stretch of the imagination that a man who’s got fucked up ideas about male omegas might also have fucked up ideas about people’s sexuality, Cas. It’s not on you,” Dean promises, not willing to let John turn whatever the fuck they have into something dirty. 

“Plus side to all this drama,” Sam chimes in from his other side, “That asshole gets fuck all of the money we’re bound to be awarded by the end of all this.”

And that’s something worth celebrating.

Chapter Text

Castiel watches the courtroom door swing shut behind John, a fog of his noxious scent following behind him threaded with rage the older alpha should be turning inward. 

All of this is John’s own doing, after all.

The irony isn't lost on Castiel, mouth moving on autopilot as he murmurs, “All he wanted was an alpha son…he had two and treated us like shit on the bottom of his boots. John said it right the first time, he never wanted pups and it showed.”

John despised Castiel for his sexuality, hated that Sam was more likely to have his head in a book instead of being the poster boy of an alpha stereotype John expected of him, and left Adam ignored more often than not like some sick punishment for daring to exist. 

Father of the fucking year.

If it weren’t for Mary, who knows what would have become of them. Probably abandoned by the side of the road, or left to fend for themselves for weeks on end while John ran off on another bender. 

Dean startles him, leaning in to whisper almost directly in his ear so the others won’t hear, “Don’t let him get to you…”

Castiel huffs a bitter laugh, it’s an easy suggestion to make but hard to put into practice after years of hardwiring to do the opposite. John ripped him open, took everything that was beautiful and good, trying to twist it into this filthy image he had in his mind of who Castiel is. Even when he finally broke free from John, Bal came in to tear apart what remained. He’s still clawing back pieces of himself from the clutches of that living nightmare and now John’s come in attempting to drag him back to that place. 

The alpha closes his eyes tightly, battling the growing whispers of fear, self loathing, rejection, hurt, and pure hatred swirling inside of him. 

Dean leans in closer, concern flooding his apples and caramel as he asks, “Do you need a break? We can step outside…”

The alpha glances up, the omega’s golden greens halting the whispers in his tortured mind. He’d love to run away from this place with Dean this second and never come back, but that wouldn’t be fair to everyone else. 

Castiel shakes his head, “I…I’ll be okay…”

Dean searches his gaze, eyes drifting across his features as he tries to sniff out a lie but the alpha’s certain he’s fine. He won’t admit how much having Dean right next to him is helping, not yet. 

The moment’s interrupted by a haggard voice. “May I approach the bench, your honor?” Gordon asks, surprising everyone in the room. So far all they’ve heard from the alpha is one fruitless objection after the other. 

Castiel tosses his worries out an imaginary window for now, leaning forward to try and listen in though it’s impossible from this far back in the courtroom. His inner alpha rumbles in approval when Dean's hand finds its way to his back, rubbing a soothing pattern that puts him further at ease.

Mmmmm.

Crowley’s called over as well and after a few moments of hushed conversation both lawyers return to their designated tables. 

Judge Hanscum clears her throat, an unexpected smile splitting her lips as she explains, “Council for both parties will be meeting with their clients privately for a few minutes, court will be in recess until they return.”

With a bang of her gavel, the judge releases everyone in the room with Crowley giving them a pointed nod to follow him outside. 

Huh.

Once they’ve all gathered in the hall, the lawyer explains, “Considering the amount of damning evidence we have against the hospital, disregarding John’s role, the’ve agreed to begin mediation so we can work towards a settlement for both families. Essentially, they’re admitting they fucked up and want to pay you to go away.”

Castiel’s stunned, assuming they’d have to wait for the jury to decide, he’s not sure if this is good or bad news.

Mary hesitantly asks the obvious, “If we take the money does that mean we can’t go after John in a civil case? And are we going to have to sign an NDA or something?”

Crowley shakes his head, “I don’t know about an NDA, that’s what we’ll discuss during the mediation but we have John by the balls. Gavin’s already working on having him served as we speak.”

Castiel can tell he’s not the only one still hesitant about taking any settlement money from the hospital if it has invisible strings attached, but he’s open to seeing what they have to say. Once it’s clear they’re on the same page, Crowley leads them down the hall and to the right where the courts mediation rooms are housed. 

Crowley stops Sam, Gabe, and Anna from entering, gesturing instead to a row of seats outside of the room.

“I’ll need you three to wait out here,” he says, waiting until they take their seats before ushering the rest into the mediation room.

Knowing he’ll be forced to rehash whatever happens behind these doors to his siblings later, the alpha follows behind Dean into the room and silently takes a seat. The other half of the table consists of the hospitals lawyers including Walker while a court appointed mediator sits at the end of the table waiting to begin. 

“I’m Ms. Meadows, assigned by the court to ensure this process runs smoothly. Just pretend I’m not here for now,” the beta advises, pulling out a pad of paper and a pen to take notes. 

Crowley takes her statement as his opening, “Alright, what are you prepared to offer my clients Walker? We’ve already proven the hospitals role in this awful ordeal…”

Gordon jumps in, cutting the alpha off, “Hold on, you also exposed the fact that one of your clients was equally responsible. Technically we don’t owe the Winchesters anything, but we’re willing to give them something for their trouble as a show of good faith…how does $50,000 sound?”

Crowley scoffs, “Absolutely not, they had no control over John being a deplorable excuse for an alpha. Besides, ultimately he didn’t switch Dean and Castiel, your employee however…”

“Former employee,” Walker corrects. “We’ve cut ties with Ms. Mills for obvious reasons, any legal action your clients would like to take against her should be considered separate from this case.”

“I beg to differ,” Crowley growls, beginning to lose his cool demeanor in the face of Walker’s obstinance. “We don’t hold Ms. Mills responsible for your hospitals inability to properly staff their own maternity ward. Give us a real offer or we’re going back to the courtroom to let the jury decide.”

The alpha crosses his arms over his chest, leaning back in his seat waiting for Gordon’s answer. The man stutters in his movements, flipping through a few papers in front of him and leaning over as one of his colleagues whispers something to him. Eventually, Walker sighs heavily, responding, “Lawrence General is prepared to offer your clients $1,000,000 with the understanding that they forfeit their right to further legal action against the hospital in the future. That’s our final offer.”

Crowley leans in, going for the kill with a glint of glee in his eyes, “$1,000,000 for the Shurley’s and the Winchester’s and we’ll call it settled, pending a discussion with my clients of course.”

Walker’s fists clench around the paper in his hands, crumpling the pages though he tries to keep his scent level. Ms. Meadows looks ready to step in when the alpha finally mutters through clenched teeth, “Fine.”

Crowley’s smug smirk returns full force, gesturing to Ms. Meadows as he asks, “Can we have the room?”

The woman nods, walking out with Walker and his team on her heels. As soon as the door shuts behind them a cacophony of noise reverberates around the room as they react to what just happened.

“$1,000,000?” Castiel whispers in disbelief, gaze shooting between Mary and Dean’s shocked faces. “That’s…that’s…” the alpha can’t quite get his words together.

That’s more money than they’ve ever had, more than he imagined they ever would have. Mary won’t have to work two jobs anymore, Sam and Adam will have money for college, they can get the house fixed up, hell they can buy a new one if they want. 

“Wow,” Mary murmurs, dazed by the news. “But…and not that I would ever turn down an offer like that, but what exactly are we signing away by accepting this money?”

Crowley explains, “Only the ability to have your case heard in front of a judge. If we go back in there now, and the jury for some reason finds the case in the hospital’s favor, you’d have the right to have the case retried in front of another judge with a different jury. If you accept this settlement you forfeit that right and there will be no record stating the hospital did anything wrong, officially.” Crowley’s smile widens, assuring, “But, the court of public opinion is forever and this trial’s being covered by the media so it really doesn’t matter. You lose nothing in the end, they’ve already lost their reputation.”

“So,” Crowley pivots, slapping his hands together for emphasis. “I’m assuming you’re all on board? The jury most definitely will find the case in your favor. But, I’m not sure Judge Hanscum will award the same amount of compensation we’ve negotiated once the verdict comes in. This will most likely be the best offer possible.”

Castiel watches as Becky and Chuck slowly nod in agreement, Dean following their lead. What matters most to him is Mary’s opinion, they’ve gone through so much over the years and he doesn’t want her to feel pressured into this. Making deals with demons can have disastrous consequences, after all. 

Mary answers honestly, “I’m not thrilled about letting them off the hook like this, but…yes I’m okay, if Castiel is.” Turning to him, she explains, "This happened to you just as much as me, honey. I’m not going to accept anything if you’re not all in.”

The alpha doesn’t need to think about it, the words passing his lips easily, “Yes, I’m more than fine with it, Mom. I promise.”

Concerned peridot eyes shift to warm acceptance, and with their agreement Crowley calls the mediator and Walker’s team back into the room.

“My clients are pleased with the offer and accept. We’ll hammer out the details after informing Judge Hanscum,” Crowley advises smoothly. 

“Alright,” Gordon grumbles, looking every inch the failure that he’s turned out to be. Castiel wonders if the hospital will be looking for new legal representation by the end of this. “I’ll have the papers drawn up this afternoon and sent over to you for their signature.”

And just like that, it’s over.

Almost.

They still have a civil case to file against John, after all.

*****

With court ending much earlier than expected, Castiel decides to take some time for himself instead of rushing home to get back to Jack. Being handed millions of dollars doesn’t just wipe everything clean, as much as he wishes it did. Too many jumbled emotions lie close to the surface, he needs to find a way to dispel what he’s feeling before going anywhere near his pup. Dean doesn’t seem to have any objections when he passes the street leading to the omega’s house, instead heading towards the clearing. 

The ride takes on a tense silence but the alpha isn’t sure what to do about it so he lets it simmer, figuring they can discuss the cause once he parks. Without the cover of darkness and the stars above, the clearing looks different, but no less comforting as he pulls in and shuts the Impala off. 

The silence draws on, growing thicker between them until finally Dean breaks it.

“Why doesn’t it feel like we won?” He asks softly, glancing over in the alpha’s direction before quickly shifting his emerald gaze elsewhere. 

It’s one of many feelings Castiel hadn’t put a name to yet, but yes there’s a hint of disappointment in there. They’ll be a million dollars richer come tomorrow, but is that enough? 

“Honestly, I don’t know Dean,” he finally responds, wishing he had a better answer. “Sure, money doesn’t fix what happened to us but it’s all we would’ve gotten at the end of the trial anyway, right?”

Dean nods, not completely convinced, “Maybe I went into this with the wrong expectations, I don’t know. Or maybe I’ll feel better once we get John, too.”

The alpha hums noncommittally, not willing to give the man that much credit though he knows deep down that gut wrenching feeling of unfinished business is tied to John whether Castiel likes it or not. 

Dean snorts a bitter laugh, “I ended up dating my father, more than once, and I didn’t even know it.”

Castiel turns a puzzled stare on the omega wondering what exactly he’s going on about now.

Realizing he must have spoken half a thought out loud, Dean explains, “You know, that saying about dating people like your parents. Fuck if I can remember it now, point is,” the omega swipes his hand down his face, leaning forward slightly. “My dating history’s full of alphas more than a little like John. Cheating, drinking, lying, all of it. Makes you wonder, that’s all.”

When he puts it that way, “Fuck, me too.” The alpha groans, banging his head lightly against the steering wheel as it drops forward. 

This time, it’s Dean’s turn as the omega’s brow furrows and he pins the alpha with a look of pure confusion. 

Castiel realizes too late that’s a part of his story he hasn’t shared with Dean yet, too afraid the omega would judge him or find him weak. An illogical thought in hindsight. 

Taking a few measured breaths, Castiel opens his mouth to let the truth fly free. Maybe unburdening himself will calm the worms wiggling in his stomach. 

“John wasn’t the only one that…hurt me,” the alpha explains, haltingly. “Last year, this alpha kept coming into the shop to have work done on his sports car, small things like topping off his windshield wiper fluid or checking his oil. It was only after Bobby pointed it out that I realized he kept coming back to see me, not just because of his car…”

Dean turns on the bench seat, giving Castiel his full attention so the alpha continues his sordid tale.

“Maybe the tenth time he came by, Balthazar finally asked me out on a date. I wasn’t sure, still programmed to ignore that part of myself because of John, so I turned him down,” He admits, wishing not for the first time he’d left it at that. Chosen someone else, anyone else to explore that part of himself with. “But, Mom found out and insisted I accept. I think she thought she was helping in her own way, so I called him and we began dating. It was…amazing honestly, being able to be myself for once. No more pretending just to gain John’s approval, or at least avoid his rage.”

“The shift was subtle at first, Bal would choose where we went to eat or what we did on our dates. I thought it was romantic, having someone willing to plan everything like that made me feel special but…it was just the beginning of a long spiral into Balthazar becoming the same controlling and violent type of alpha as John. It took…” Castiel pauses, deep breaths calming his racing heart. “It took longer than I’d like to admit to break things off with Bal, and I still have nightmares about the things he did to me…”

The alpha huffs an unamused laugh, “Guess I got it backwards, I should’ve been dating someone more like Chuck if your theory holds…”

Dean doesn’t laugh nor does he make any attempt to agree with Castiel’s statement.

“You deserve so much better than that, Cas,” he murmurs, glass green eyes swimming in unshed tears. “We both do.”

Before the alpha can form the words to disagree, Dean continues, “You know I remember now, right?”

Castiel’s beginning to think his face is going to get stuck this way, catching on to his ever present befuddlement, Dean explains, “You, I remember you. From back then…”

The fog drifts away as the omega’s meaning becomes clear, “Oh…”

Dean’s blushing, red flush highlighting the freckles scattered across his cheeks as his eyes dart down to his hands, nervously twisting in his lap. 

“Yeah, oh.” The omega laughs this time, a tinkle of chimes breaking up the seriousness of the moment. It brings a little levity back to the conversation, something they’re in dire need of. “You uh…you look different without the coveralls and all the grease, but I remember.”

“What…what else do you remember?” He asks, wondering if he’d been more obvious with his crush than he recalls. 

Maybe Dean knew all along.

The omega takes a deep inhale, whoosh of air releasing in a sharp spurt as he goes silent once again.

Castiel leans into Dean’s space, unsure of what’s causing him to clam up like this when it’s never been an issue any other time they came out here. It’s an unspoken rule, they can be as honest as they need to be with each other without judgement or fear. 

The alpha brushes his hand over Dean’s arm, “What’s wrong, De-“

His words get cut off mid sentence but Castiel can’t find a reason to complain as his brain short circuits, assumptions warring with truths as Dean’s soft lips press against his own. 

Oh.

Chapter Text

Dean listens attentively as Cas divulges what happened between him and his ex, Balthazar. Hearing the man took advantage of the alpha at a time when he needed someone he could trust devastates Dean. It’s all too relatable for the omega, having endured countless hours of pain behind false love and wishful thinking. But, there’s a part of Cas’ story that keeps poking him in the brain, pulling up a memory long forgotten.

“My oil light came on, again,” Gabe groans, walking into the living room with a pronounced pout. 

His older brother shakes the keys to his Hummer in Dean’s face, obnoxiously obstructing his view of the television.

“Hey!” Dean yells out, swatting the keyring out of the way. “Meg and I are busy, do it yourself.”

“Watching reruns of Everybody Loves Raymond isn’t ‘busy', little bro,” Gabe snorts, pushing the keys back towards the omega. “Come on, I’ve got one last class and you know I can’t fit everyone in Mom’s car. Either you do it, or none of us are going to that bonfire later.”

Dean rolls his eyes, swiping his hand over his face as he audibly groans. Finally, he snatches the keys from his brother gesturing for Meg to follow him to the garage. Gabe can only pull the college card so many times but he’ll give him this one. The entire point of being back home for spring break is seeing all his friends, Dean can’t miss tonights bonfire.

“You owe me one, turd!” The omega calls behind him, snorting a laugh at Gabe’s affronted gasp. 

The alpha’s eventual comeback, “Takes one to know one!” fades into the background with the rumble of the Hummer as Dean backs out of the garage. 

“I don’t know why I put up with you two,” Meg shakes her head, small smirk gracing her lips as he drives towards their mechanic. 

“Come on, you know you love me,” Dean schmoozes, turning his best puppy dog eyes on the other omega. 

He’ll take the middle finger he gets in response as her signed and sealed love letter, to be cherished until his last breath. 

The sixteen year old turns up the tunes and they enjoy the short ride over to Singer Auto, thankfully without the beast of a car imploding on them. It’s not like Dean has the first idea about what can happen if they’re low on oil. Thankfully, he won’t have to find out as Mr. Singer’s apprentice comes out to inspect the new arrival. 

“There he is,” Meg singsongs, nudging Dean to get out. “Please tell me you’ll refrain from drooling this time?”

Dean snaps, “I didn’t drool last time, shut it!”

“The omega doth protest too much,” Meg jokes, opening her door before he can think of a good comeback.

The alpha, Steve if the name on his coveralls is correct, hasn’t been working for Mr. Singer long but he caught Dean’s attention right away. A gorgeous face tends to stand out, having been stuck with the same hundred or so bozos at boarding school all year. He’s not stupid, he knows Gabe keeps sending him over here on purpose, but it's not like he’s free to just ask the guy out. Still, there’s something about him…

Shaking himself from his internal monologue, Dean finally hops out of the Hummer to join Meg.

“Hello,” the alpha greets him, as usual. “How can I help you?”

“My brother said his oil light is on, could you check it?” He asks, avoiding the bubbling feeling of a brand new crush in his belly. 

So not the time.

Steve nods, wringing an oil stained rag in his hands as he gestures towards the office. 

“You can have a seat in there while you wait,” he offers, putting a hand out for the keys. 

Dean steps forward into his space, hand outstretched as the simple exchange takes place. Cold metal slides between his fingers as they brush warm flesh. For a moment, he finds himself lost in crystal blue eyes, pinning him with a curious stare. 

The spells broken when Meg clears her throat loudly with a look of mischief plastered to her otherwise angelic features. 

Nope, not doing this.

“Thanks, man,” Dean says, emphasizing the point with a slap to the other teens back as he walks off. 

The omega resists the urge to look back as he escorts Meg into the office to wait.

Cas is about six years older and clearly not named Steve but, he’s definitely the alpha Dean used to literally dream about in high school. He can’t believe it took him this long to notice.

Holy shit…

The alpha huffs an unamused laugh, breaking Dean from his surprising revelation as he mutters morosely, “Guess I got it backwards, I should’ve been dating someone more like Chuck if your theory holds…”

Dean doesn’t laugh nor does he make any attempt to agree with Cas’ statement, too shellshocked at the moment to react beyond basic assurances. 

“You deserve so much better than that, Cas,” he murmurs, feeling tears building in his eyes. “We both do.”

Dean can see Cas gearing up to disagree, so he reveals, “You know I remember now, right?”

Cas’ face screws up in confusion with that adorable signature head tilt. Realizing the alpha still doesn’t understand, Dean explains, “You, I remember you. From back then…”

I remember how crazy stupid obsessed I was with those sparkling blue eyes, that mess of sex hair, whatever my imagination conjured up was hiding under those coveralls, just…you.

Of course none of those thoughts make it out of his mouth, thank the gods. But Dean’s resolve is beginning to crack, ever so slightly. 

Maybe he could…

Cas’ confusion seems to clear up as understanding dawns across his flawless features, “Oh…”

Dean can feel a flush blooming, averting his eyes to a safer place as he watches his hands twist nervously in his lap. 

“Yeah, oh.” The omega laughs this time, happy to see it bring a small upward twist of the alpha’s lips in return. The tension lightens in the air to his relief. “You uh…you look different without the coveralls and all the grease, but I remember.”

“What…what else do you remember?” Cas asks, a hint of nerves in his green tea and lavender. 

The slight shift gives him pause, makes him wonder if his crush wasn’t as one sided as he imagined all those years ago. Dean takes a deep inhale, the idea throwing him for a complete fucking loop, because if that’s the case…then what does that mean for them now? The silence between them thickens the longer he remains mute.

Cas leans into Dean’s space, brushing his hand over the omega’s arm, “What’s wrong, De-“

In hindsight, the omega probably could get away with blaming his inner omega’s cheers of mateminematemine causing him to cross his wires. Instead of leaning away as he intended, Dean moves closer until his lips find Cas’, effectively cutting off the alpha’s question before it can even be asked. 

Nothing’s wrong, he’s just been wanting to do that for what feels like forever. 

It takes a second, long enough for a slight flutter of fear to wiggle into his gut until finally the alpha responds, sliding his softening grip on his bicep up to cup Dean’s jaw as he firmly returns the kiss. Euphoria blooms, spreading like wildfire in his apples and caramel. Each brush of lips brings the omega closer to floating on a happy cloud, making Dean wonder why he ever let fears and concerns stop this from happening so many times before. Eventually, Cas pulls back with a confused chuckle, resting his forehead against Dean’s, taking a moment as the universe realigns around them. 

“Whoa,” Cas murmurs in the space between them, thumb still rubbing a soothing pattern over Dean’s cheek. “Not that I’m complaining, but…”

“I had a crush on you, Cas. Even then,” Dean finally admits, moving back far enough to get a glimpse of those ocean eyes.

Cas shakes his head in wonder, “Why didn’t you…? Then again I guess you could ask me the same question…”

“I had a boyfriend back at school and you never seemed all that interested,” Dean answers honestly. He’s never been unfaithful, even in high school. “What was with the coveralls? Bobby couldn’t bother to get a set with your name on them?”

Cas barks a laugh, full bodied and beautiful to witness, explaining, “Steve was the guy Bobby fired right before he tentatively hired me. He was pissed that he’d wasted the money getting Steve’s done so he told me if I made it longer than Steve did then I could get my own, until then I was the new Steve.”

Dean snorts a laugh, reminding himself not to tell Cas the number of times he imagined them together, calling the alpha the wrong name. 

Not sexy.

“For the record, I was, and still am, very interested Dean,” Cas says, tone dripping with sincerity and a hint of something else Dean can’t quite name yet. 

“G-good to know,” he murmurs, feeling slightly lightheaded from the whirlwind of the last few minutes. Adding, “You’re safe with me, Cas. Promise.”

After all he’s been through, he has to make sure the alpha knows Dean would never hurt him like Balthazar or John. 

Cas’ sapphires take on a misty glow in the dissipating light of the clearing. He looks away, visibly trying to regain control of his emotions as he whispers, “Thank you, Dean.”

Silence prevails after his declaration, though this time it’s more comfortable and contemplative. He’s sure Cas’ thoughts are racing just as much as his, wondering what changes may come about from this slight shift in their relationship. 

Is that what they’re in now? A relationship?

Dean’s inner omega purrs, obviously in love with that idea. 

Cas adds, in a hushed tone, “I’ll never treat you the way they did, Dean. You can trust me…that’s my promise to you.” 

And Dean believes him with his whole heart.

____________________________________

Castiel runs his hands through his perpetually messy hair one last time, going out of his mind with nerves but trying to keep it cool. 

“Calm down or you’ll have sweat stains,” Charlie gripes, smoothing her hands down the front of his new deep red button up and moving on to roll the cuffs up a bit. “What’s the point of all this ink if you constantly hide it.”

“Dean’s already seen them,” Castiel grumbles, allowing the beta to continue her fussing over his appearance. “His favorite is the little bee,” he muses before reality claws its way back in, “It won’t matter whether they’re visible or not if I manage to ruin the date…”

The alpha anticipates her attempted smack to the back of his head, dodging just in time to avoid Charlie’s outstretched hand.

“I’m not doing all this hard work to make you look dreamy for you to self sabotage, mister,” She reprimands, moving on to fix the mess he's made of his hair.

It’s a losing battle she eventually gives up. 

The sounds of multiple sets of feet precedes the appearance of the rest of his family, gathering around the bathroom door to observe the proceedings. 

“You look so handsome,” Mary gushes, clearly holding herself back from taking Charlie’s place. 

“Really?” He asks, unable to keep his insecurity from his voice or scent. Charlie silently hands him his leather jacket to shrug on, giving him something to do with his twitchy hands. 

Tonight is a big deal, he can’t fuck this up. There’s no redo for a first date and all the pressure’s firmly on Castiel since he planned it. If Dean could work up the courage to kiss him first, the alpha figures its only right he plan their first official date. Still, he’s keeping it simple and old school with dinner and a movie.

“Yeah, you look like less of an assbutt, I’ll give you that,” Adam snarks, the best back handed compliment he’s ever gotten from the kid. 

“Ignore him,” Sam insists, sending a death glare Adam’s way before continuing, “Dean’s gonna love it.”

Castiel’s not so sure, but then again the alpha was the only one surprised by this fundamental change in relationship between he and Dean. They’ve gotten their fair share of ribbing from both families for not seeing what was right in front of them sooner. It does nothing to assuage Castiel’s fears he’ll drive Dean away eventually, one way or another.

Jack pushes in between Mary and Sam’s legs to get into the bathroom. Peering up with big blue eyes, he asks, “Can I come?”

Castiel resists the urge to pick him up or kneel down to his height, wanting to avoid sticky hands messing up Charlie’s handiwork. “No, you’re gonna stay here with Grammy and your uncles, okay?”

Jack looks crestfallen but he nods anyway, face brightening when Mary scoops him up into her arms and tickles his tummy until he breaks out into giggles. He’s already forgotten his request by the time they wander out with a chorus of ‘have fun’ and ‘don’t do anything I wouldn’t do’ echoing down the hall. 

“Done,” Charlie murmurs after checking him over one last time. “You’ve got this, don’t worry.”

Easier said than done. 

The drive over to the house is nerve wracking, feelings of worry only intensifying as the miles grow shorter. The alpha has to steady his trembling hand as he inputs his gate code, parking in his space in front of the garage once it slides open. At this very moment, his body betrays him, locking up right when he should be getting out to greet his omega. 

His omega.

Castiel’s inner alpha rumbles in approval at the change in title, mineminemine on repeat as he finally regains control of his shaking limbs and approaches the unlocked door. He’s held up for a moment on whether to knock or just walk in as usual when the door swings open to reveal Gabe and his knowing smirk. 

“Hey, Cassie,” the diminutive alpha greets him, yanking him inside by the arm and patting his back a little too enthusiastically. “Deanie Weenie’s still upstairs getting ready but you can hang in the living room until he comes down.”

His older brother neglects to inform him everyone else in the house is also in the living room.

“Ohhhh,” Becky yelps, covering her gaping mouth as she watches him walk in and take a seat. “You look so nice, sweetie. Doesn’t he look amazing, Chuck?”

Chuck nods, mumbling, “I’m sure Dean will agree, if he ever makes it down here…”

The alpha glances towards the door in exasperation, checking his watch. Castiel wonders just how long they’ve been in here waiting for Dean to make an appearance. 

“I think he’s still doing his hair,” Anna chimes in from the couch, scrolling through something on her phone. “You know how he can get…”

His sister’s words are cut off by the timely thump of footsteps approaching. Castiel can’t help but snort a laugh when the omega walks in wearing a sweater almost the exact same color as the alpha’s button up.

“Did you…plan this?” Gabe asks, squinted eyes darting between the two as he holds back his own laugh. 

“You two are just…adorable,” Becky sighs, hands clasped over her heart in her usual over the top but slightly endearing way. 

“I suggest you make your exit quickly before she goes for her phone,” Chuck advises, playfully blocking his mates attempts to take photos once she catches on. 

All the attention makes them both blush furiously, almost enough to match their accidentally coordinated outfits. 

Dean’s absolutely breathtaking, wearing a light blue button up under a deep red sweater paired with light tan fitted slacks and black loafers. As the omega’s eyes scan Castiel up and down, he’s suddenly appreciative of Charlie’s suggestion to leave a few buttons undone along with pushing his sleeves up. Emerald eyes trail over his body before meeting the alpha’s gaze with clear interest mapped out plainly for anyone to see.

Yup, time to go.

“Wanna get outta here?” Dean asks, grass green eyes twinkling as he gestures towards the door. 

Castiel stands, taking Chuck’s advice as he follows Dean swiftly out of the room, though he’s sure Becky got a few quick shots on their way out. Sure enough, before they make it to the Impala, she’s blowing up the family group chat with Mary joining right in. 

Without hesitation, and only because he knows Jack’s in good hands, the alpha puts his phone on silent. 

“I’d rather not get distracted by their gossiping all night,” he huffs a laugh, noticing Dean’s doing the same from the passenger seat.

The alpha turns, ready to greet his date properly when once again he’s surprised by warm lips connecting with his own. The kiss is short but sweet, the perfect start to what he hopes will be the perfect date.

Dean pulls back slowly, chuckling softly, “Sorry, I’ve been waiting to get my hands on you all day…”

“I’d say kiss me as much as you want but we kinda have somewhere else to be,” the alpha teases, pulling Dean close for one last press of lips.

This time when he pulls away, the omega’s sporting a shy smile with ‘full on heart eyes’ as Charlie would put it. 

Mission accomplished.  

It’s only fair he turn the tables since Dean keeps insisting on catching him off guard. 

“So, where’re you taking me?” Dean asks, settling in for the ride as he drives back out to the main road. 

Castiel’s nerves return, hoping Dean won’t hate the idea as he explains, “I thought we could go to that new Italian place downtown then see a movie. I figured we could decide what to see when we get there but if you have a preference we can…”

The omega snakes his hand over, taking Castiel’s clammy one in his own and squeezing lightly.

“I think you forgot to breathe,” Dean says, apples and caramel taking on a hint of worry despite his teasing tone. “Doesn’t matter what we do, Cas. I just like spending time with you.”

The words seem to do their intended job, lightening the anxiety that had begun to creep in while he was unaware. The omega’s right, that’s all that matters. The snakes in his belly shrink down to tadpoles the closer they get to the restaurant with Dean rubbing a soothing pattern into his hand.

From that point on, Castiel decides to force himself to loosen up and it works. Conversation comes easily between them, like always. Nothing has to change just because they’re suddenly…more…than they were before. 

“You’re staring again, Cas,” Dean murmurs, flush almost permanent on his cheeks at this point. 

Castiel rolls his eyes before averting them to his plate of mushroom ravioli, “Not my fault my date looks like he just walked off of a runway. You’re unfairly attractive, Dean.”

Dean takes a bite of his chicken piccata, humming in delight as he chews. “Did I ever tell you Meg wanted to ask you out, at first?” He asks, eyes darting up to catch Castiel’s startled reaction.

The omega barks a laugh, wiping his mouth with his napkin before explaining, “When we found out about you and Sam, she asked if she could have you if you were ‘pretty’. This was before I remembered everything, of course. I was so focused on how anxious I was about meeting Sam I just told her I didn’t care. But, well, we see how that went…”

Castiel considers the possibility for a split second before a full body shudder takes over, “No, I could never want Meg the same way.” Putting on a fake pout, he adds, “I can’t believe you almost pawned me off to your friend, Dean. Classy.”

The omega laughs, “To be fair, I was dealing with some pretty epic shit. All that matters is we’re here now, right?”

The answer comes just as easily as everything else has thus far, “Right.”

Two hours and one mediocre action movie later, Castiel stands back at Dean’s front door, hopefully without Gabe waiting on the other side. The alpha wouldn’t put it past their brother to be that nosy, even on a night like tonight. The man doesn’t really have an off switch, something Castiel’s had to learn the hard way over the last few months. 

Focus.

Right, the date isn’t over quite yet.

Castiel pulls Dean closer by the hand until he’s right in his space, just a breath away.

Dean murmurs in the space between them, “I had a great time, Cas.” The omega shakes his head in wonder, “It’s weird, any other time we’d hang I’d invite you up but…I can’t promise I’d keep my hands to myself this time around…” Dean admits, a hint of arousal weaving through his apples and caramel. 

It sets off a chain reaction in the alpha, only just managing to keep his scent somewhat level while his omega’s words drive him crazy. 

“Well, we can’t have that,” Castiel answers breathlessly, silently cursing the fact neither of them have a place of their own. Still, he wants to take things slow with Dean like they discussed, and mauling each other in bed on the first date isn’t exactly slow. “How about a kiss and a raincheck?”

Dean’s beaming grin is all the answer he needs as Castiel closes the last few inches to find his plush pout once again. The alpha leans into it, bodies pressed flush together as he wraps his arms around his omega. A muffled moan breaks free, captured easily by his dates lips as Dean winds his fingers through Castiel’s messy strands. Kissing Dean’s like riding a rollercoaster with no brakes or biting into a sweet slice of freshly baked apple pie. 

It’s fucking perfect.

And over entirely too soon, although with the fog of arousal wrapped around them both and the clear evidence straining against his pants, it almost wasn’t soon enough. 

Still, he can’t help but go in for one last peck, then another, before Dean finally puts an end to it.

“Alright, already,” he chuckles, gently prying free from Castiel’s grasp. “I see I’ve created a monster. But, uh…we should really say goodnight before I break my own rule.”

Reluctantly, Castiel agrees, “Goodnight, Dean.”

“Night, Cas…” the omega responds, finally walking inside and leaving a very aroused alpha behind him.

If Castiel takes the long way home in order to calm down that’s between him and Baby.

Chapter Text

Dean lets the heavy door swing shut behind him, leaning his back against it as he contemplates pulling the alpha inside anyway. Luckily, right before he’s about to give in, the rumble of Baby’s engine signals Cas’ departure. 

That was close…

But, the omega meant what he said that night in the clearing. Taking things slow is best for the both of them, considering both of their messed up dating history and recently unearthed childhood trauma. The last thing Dean wants is to move too fast and end up heartbroken. Dean hasn’t had an inkling of an episode since meeting his bio family and Cas, but he doesn’t want to risk upsetting his winning streak.

Finally, after the sounds of the Impala have faded into the distance, Dean takes careful steps away from the door in hopes of making it to his room unnoticed. His nosy family can dig for details about the date in the morning, after he’s had some sleep. Dean’s memory foam looks just as inviting as always, though his inner omega whines about the absence of their alpha. He makes a valiant effort at ignoring the wails, removing his clothes and climbing into the empty bed. It doesn’t take long for Dean to fall into an easy sleep, wondering how he can possibly top the best first date he’s ever had. 

*****

The next morning, as predicted, the omega finds himself bombarded by question after question as soon as he walks into the dining room.

“Sooo, where did he take you?” Anna asks, patting the seat next to her so she can continue her interrogation.

Dean sits, but only because he’s always sat in that seat, ignoring her question entirely as he grabs a few pancakes from the plate at the center of the table. 

“Let him eat his breakfast, Anna,” Becky admonishes from across the table. “He can tell us all about the date after.”

Gabe and his dad have the decency to remain silent, smiling softly but otherwise keeping their attention on their plates. Dean appreciates it, but if this is how Anna and his mom are going to be he’d rather get it over with now.

With a deep inhale and exhale, he shares a short synopsis of his night, “We went to that new Italian place downtown and to the movies. Nothing crazy.” Pointing a pancake loaded fork between the two of them, he adds, “And yes, I had a good time, okay?”

“That’s not everything that happened,” Anna pouts, silently begging for more information.

Thankfully, the conversation’s interrupted by Chuck’s phone going off. The alpha excuses himself from the table, wandering off to the kitchen to take the call in private. Dean maintains his focus on breakfast, where it should be, not on his demanding little sister at his side. Their father’s return to the dining room, glowing smile fixed to his face, distracts them all from yesterdays date.

“What’s up,” Gabe asks, brow pinched in curiosity as they all take in the abrupt change in Chuck’s demeanor.

“Oh nothing,” Chuck insists, though that smile doesn’t drop. “I just got off the phone with the book publishers who just got off a call with Netflix, that’s all…”

Becky shoots up from her chair as Dean almost chokes on a piece of pancake. Anna has to smack his back pretty hard to dislodge the food. Gabe’s mouth hangs open in surprise, opening and closing like a fish with every sentence he fails to complete.

“I’ll take your silence as shock,” Chuck rightly guesses, smile shrinking down into a pleased smirk. “I didn’t want to say anything until it was a done deal but, they want to turn my books into a series.”

“Shut up!” Becky gasps, slapping Chuck in the chest as her eyes widen in shock.

Chuck exhales a pained whine, “That actually hurt…”

“That’s awesome, Dad!” Anna shouts, jumping up to hug him over enthusiastically. 

Chuck’s feigned pain fades away as he accepts the open affection from his daughter while Dean and Gabe continue to process the news.

Taking advantage of their silence, his father explains further, “There were some points I wasn’t budging on and you know this is hardly the first offer to do this. But, I like what they have planned and can’t wait to see it all come together. Which brings me to my next point…”

Leave it to Chuck Shurley to hit them with a ‘but wait, there’s more!’ at a time like this.

“Dean,” Chuck says, smirk shifting into a soft smile as he looks his way. “They sort of want me to write a few graphic novels based off of some of the episodes…and I told them I wouldn't do it without you…”

Wait…what?

His father keeps going, completely unaware of the tangle of confusion he’s causing in his son’s mind. 

“Turns out, they were going to ask for you anyway. It’s like I’ve always told you, son,” Chuck states, punctuating his words with a pat to Dean’s shoulder. “You’re going places, with or without me. Your natural talent speaks for itself,” the alpha finishes his sickeningly sweet speech with a firm hug.

The contact restarts the omega’s brain, finally murmuring, “This is for real?”

Chuck pulls back, nodding as he confirms, “I wouldn’t have mentioned it if it weren’t. Looks like someone has their first big client…”

Sure, Dean knew this day would come but not this soon and not fucking Netflix. This is huge. He can’t wait to tell everyone, especially Cas. 

But, “this isn’t one of those top secret until it comes out things, right?” He asks, just to be sure.

Chuck wavers for a moment, brow furrowing as he considers the question before responding, “Nah, I think you’re good to tell Cas. He’s my son too, and I would’ve told him anyway. Just don’t post it anywhere or talk about it with anyone you don’t trust to keep it to themselves.”

Gabe chimes in from his seat, asking, “Did you happen to mention your equally gifted son and his bakery? Your son who’s not opposed to baking themed treats for a premiere….hint hint….nudge nudge…”

“And his lovely assistant,” Anna adds, leaning over to rest an arm around Gabe’s shoulders. 

Chuck rolls his eyes, barking a laugh at their obvious request, “I’ll be sure to bring that up during our next meeting.”

Dean begins to ask the important questions, even though he’s still in shock, “You made sure they're okay with…the direction you’re taking things in this next one?”

The omega’s not sure why he’s speaking in fucking code, everyone in this house has read the final draft Chuck submitted to his publishers. Dean doesn’t think his dad would take a deal that would erase what he’s been building towards between the hunter and the angel, but he needs to be sure. Especially if it’s gonna have his name on it, too. 

Chuck nods, immediately understanding the question, “Honestly, they had some ideas that were uh…a tad racier than what I wrote.” Chuck pauses, flushing slightly from the memory of whatever they’d suggested. Eventually he continues, “Either way, they’re one thousand percent on board, nothing to worry about.”

Well, the only way to get…ohhhhh.

Dean’s lips twist in a surprised smirk, completely okay with Netflix taking things as x rated as they want to. Just as he begins to wonder about casting and how he and his father will approach this new level of working together, he’s interrupted by a ding from his phone. 

Cas: I really don’t want to do this but I can’t find anyone to watch Jack tonight and I know everyone over there is unavailable so…reschedule or bring the kid?

Dean doesn’t even have to think, immediately texting back the only appropriate answer.

Dean: Bring the kid, of course. I’ll pick you both up around 5.

Cas: I didn’t just make you have to rearrange the entire date, did I?

Dean: No, you didn’t. Jack’s a welcome addition to our plans, not a disturbance. 

Cas: Alright, what should we both wear?

Dean: Whatever Jack will be most comfortable in, and for you…whatever will encourage me to keep my hands to myself…

Cas: Tonight will be a great exercise in self control then, won’t it? ;)

Dean: You’re gonna wear something to torture me now, aren’t you?

Cas: You’ll just have to wait and see lol. See you at 5.

Dean leans his head back, releasing an overdramatic groan into the dining room and abruptly stopping the chatter around him.

Great.

“What’s wrong, sweetie?” Becky asks, forkful of eggs half raised towards her mouth. It seems the others have returned to their seats while he was distracted. “Bad news?”

Dean shakes his head, “No, Cas has to bring Jack tonight but that’s not uh…” he loses steam, unsure where he was going with that sentence considering the audience. "You know what, don’t worry about it. It’s nothing.”

Dean’s not about to explain to his mom that her son just managed to give the omega blue balls through a text that wasn’t even all that sexually explicit to begin with. 

How???  

Magic Cas powers, that’s how.

Well…two can play that game, buddy.

*****

Dean opts for plain jeans and one of the Heavenly Treats shirts Gabe just had made. He’ll ignore the fact they’re bright orange and covered in pumpkin pie and bats in the shape of a smiling jack o lantern. The omega wasn’t planning on working on Halloween anyway so he’s sure his brother won’t mind him breaking the shirt in early. As he’s pulling on the same pair of ratty converse he wore the night Cas came to tell him John was back, he realizes something important. Snatching his phone off of the nightstand, he shoots the alpha a quick courtesy text, better safe than sorry.

Dean: Still not saying where we’re going but definitely not a ‘wear your nice clothes’ kinda place, just a heads up.

A few minutes later, he gets a reply as he’s finishing up with his hair.

Cas: Thank the Gods you said something…I’m curious but I won’t ruin the surprise.

Dean can’t help the small smile that grows as he gets sucked into their mini text conversation.

Dean: I appreciate it, see you soon.  

Cas doesn’t bother to respond other than hearting Dean’s words, probably too busy choosing clothes for himself and Jack that follow the omega’s new instructions. 

Dean checks himself over a few more times in the mirror. Even in ‘old’ jeans and a t-shirt he can’t help wanting to look his best and there’s nothing wrong with that. After he’s satisfied with his reflection, the omega heads down to the garage to choose what to drive over to Cas’ house. It has to be something that’s easy to get a booster seat in and out of so that nixes all of the sports cars from the list, including the one he’d originally planned to drive for the night. 

Dean recalls Becky and Chuck took their car to the gala, as he counts off what vehicles are left, and Gabe drove Anna with her friends a few towns over to find ‘better’ Halloween costumes. 

Whatever that means. 

With both those options gone as well it leaves him with the Rivian, they can fit Jack’s booster seat in the back no problem and it’ll be easy to clean up any mess that could find it’s way into the SUV. 

Rivian it is.

Dean snatches the keys from the hook hanging on the wall in the garage and presses the button to raise the door so he can pull out. Within minutes, he’s driving past their gate and onto the main road, on his way to pick up Cas and Jack. Sure, he didn’t exactly envision their second date including Jack. But, Cas is a single dad and Dean would be kidding himself if he thought there wouldn’t be a time the alpha would have to bring him along. To be honest, Dean would be okay including the pup more often, like they did when they were still ‘just friends’ and he was ‘Uncle Dean'. Although, a title change is probably in order now.

Maybe today will be what the alpha needs to push past whatever fear is causing him to try and distance Dean from Jack. 

It’s not as though it’s a great mystery, the omega’s sure he’s just as worried that something will happen to break them up. It’s his way of making sure Jack doesn’t get hurt in whatever imagined fallout he has in his mind, but it’s unnecessary. Dean would never harm Jack, even if things ended badly for he and Cas, but he can’t fault the alpha for wanting to protect his pup. It’s up to Dean to prove he’s safe for both of them, just like he promised. It’s only fair, Cas has been showing him everyday it’s okay to trust him, it’s the omega’s turn to do the same for him.

By the time Dean’s done overanalyzing their fledgling relationship, he’s made it to the now familiar driveway of his families house. He can’t lie, it’s still difficult to look at the place and consider it home and Cas feels the same for Dean’s house. But like he told Cas, the people inside make him feel welcome, they’re family and that’s all that matters. The words help calm his second date jitters as he pulls up behind Baby and turns off the SUV, climbing out and walking up to the front door to announce his arrival. 

It turns out, Dean didn’t have to knock at all as the door swings open just as his sneakers hit the first step to reveal his date and the alpha’s plus one. The omega’s first thought, relief to see Cas chose well in having Jack wear his play clothes and dressing himself similarly to Dean. Although, this accidental matching thing is a little insane as his eyes scan down to find Jack’s tiny black converse identical to his own and Cas’. 

Huh.

Cas seems equally amused once he realizes, though he doesn’t say it verbally, thank the Gods. Instead, the alpha leans in for a ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ peck on Dean’s lips. The brief contact still warms Dean down to his toes, leaving him with a dopey smile as Cas pulls away. Normally, he’d push for more but not with Jack waiting expectantly between them. The omega crouches down to greet the pup before he starts complaining about being ignored. 

“Miss me, Jack?” Dean asks, opening his arms for the expected biggest bear hug the pup can muster for him, tiny arms not even close to reaching around his torso. 

It’s the thought that counts. Jack nods as the omega scrubs his hand through his hair, not as messy as his Dad’s usually is but extremely close today. Probably the product of their quick outfit change. Once the pup releases him he stands to find warm cerulean eyes pinning him in place.

Dean chuckles nervously, asking, “What?”

Cas seems to shake himself loose from whatever spell he fell under, though his words give him away, “Nothing…just…maybe I missed you, too.”

Dean mirrors the alpha’s goofy smile, flush growing down his neck, “Well, good thing I’m here now, I guess. Let’s uh…let’s get his booster seat so we can head out.”

Avoiding any pondering of what he’d do if Jack weren’t watching their every move, Dean helps Cas retrieve the pups booster seat from the back of Baby and transfer it into his car for the night. At some point, if they get serious enough, he should probably just invest in another seat to keep at his house…

Record fucking scratch…

That’s a very longterm thought for a second date, Shurley.

Dean fights to keep his momentary panic internal, waiting for Cas to get Jack situated in the back before settling into the passenger seat. The omega does such a good job, he’s sure the alpha has no clue Dean’s about two seconds away from a panic attack. Though his scent remains fairly level, despite the lingering nerves he had in his apples and caramel when he showed up. Sure, his parents have a booster seat in their car, but they’re Jack’s grandparents so that makes sense. Unbidden images flash through his mind of Jack growing out of the seat, going to his first day of kindergarten, Dean picking him up from school and listening to all the stories of what he learned that day. Granted, all of that could still happen whether he and Cas are together or not, but the omega wants…wants it to mean more than that. 

So not the time…

Dean pushes all of it away to be dealt with when he’s not trying to keep his cool right in front of Cas. 

Instead, he focuses on driving the short way to their destination and ignoring them both as they try to guess where he’s taking them.

“An apiary,” Cas guesses, more than likely because they talked extensively about his love for bees the other day. 

Dean thought his bee tattoo was cute, he had no clue the alpha knew so much about them. It was revealing and attractive but not enough to force himself to get that close to something that can, and will, sting him. 

No thanks.

“Lego Store,” Jack mumbles, randomly throwing things out whether they’re possible or not. The closest Lego Store is hours away, a drive his parents may have been willing to make but not at all something Dean wants to do on a date with Cas. “Candy store, Uncle Gabe’s bakery…”

“Those are all places you like, Jack,” Cas finally points out. “I think Dean’s taking us someplace I’d like, sorry bud.”

Jack scrunches his face up in thought before suggesting, “The library…”

They both break out into giggles because yes, the alpha does love going to the library but the pup doesn’t seem to understand yet that isn’t a place you’d normally take a date. Apparently it is according to three year old logic.

They’re both wrong, it isn’t a place only Cas will like, that’s why it was so easy to okay Jack coming along. Dean wants to share his passion with the alpha but in a way that’s accessible for him, not everyone's as advanced as Dean is with most mediums. It’ll be fun to watch how Cas and Jack interact and enjoy themselves in Dean’s world. Or, as close as either of them will get, every artist is different after all. 

Dean pulls up and parks the SUV outside of a nondescript wooden building with a sign overhead reading ‘Splatter’. 

“Where are we?” Jack asks, bright blue eyes searching for a clue as he kicks his legs excitedly in his seat.

Instead of responding, Cas looks to Dean, obviously expecting an explanation at this point so he gives it.

“Splatter is a place where we can all paint, no expectations of perfection, he- heck…” The omega just saves himself from cursing in front of Jack, though he’s heard worse over at the Winchester house he doesn’t need to add to it. “I’m not even going in there intending on making something amazing…its just us, an excessive amount of paint, and a canvas,” Dean shares, hoping Cas will be on board with his idea.

“Ohhhh, that’s what the old clothes are for.” Cas looks from Dean to himself and back to Jack before asking, “But, we’re going to get covered in paint, I’m sure. It’s going to ruin the car…”

Dean places a hand over Cas’, reassuring him, “They provide all the protective gear, even for Jack. And if we miss a spot these seats are easy to clean, it’s okay.”

Cas sits, peering at the building with his ocean eyes for a moment longer before he nods in agreement, finally getting out of the SUV and helping Jack out as well. Dean does a happy dance internally, glad he was able to get Cas to agree, he didn’t have a backup plan other than an early dinner and stargazing but he’s sure Jack would have gotten bored or too tired for that. 

From there, things move a little faster, as they check in for the reservation Dean made earlier that day. One of the employees moves them into an industrial looking room with two large size blank canvases and a smaller Jack sized one. 

The employee, Ashley, explains the process before leaving to turn on the music Dean requested, he and Cas’ favorites of course. Jack immediately begins, picking up a squeeze bottle of neon green and squirting drips of paint all down his canvas. 

Cas spends a few minutes just watching Jack as Dean’s canvas remains blank as well, eyes pinned to his date hoping he’ll loosen up. 

“He can be as messy as he wants to be here, Cas. Come on, I’ll show you how to do a paint pour,” Dean offers, pulling the alpha’s attention back to his own yet to be completed work of art. 

The omega squeezes a few different colors of his own into one of the provided cups, laying his canvas flat before dumping the cup out over the white base he’d covered it with first. Cas watches as he picks up the canvas, turning it in a few different directions until the paint’s distributed how he wants it. The colors swirl together in a psychedelic pattern Dean's pretty proud of, it’s not his preferred method with paint but it’s fun. It’s equally enjoyable to witness Cas’ shoulders inch away from his ears as the date wears on. Dean watches the alpha try the same technique on his own canvas, with stunning results worthy of being framed. 

“Oooo, I like that, Daddy,” Jack chimes in, leaning over to take a look at his fathers finished canvas. 

The pup’s canvas is a mishmash of almost every color made available to him but he enjoyed himself and that’s all that matters. 

“I like yours too, bud,” Cas says, crouching down to accept Jack’s hug even though it causes a paint transfer to his still mostly white coveralls from his son’s paint covered jumpsuit. “We should do this again…”

The alpha turns his burning sapphire gaze on Dean, a question lingering in his eyes that only Dean can answer. “Of course, anytime you want.”

The omega hopes Cas knows he isn’t just paying lip service, he’d take the both of them out anytime. Jack’s no burden to him, unbeknownst to the alpha, and himself before today. Dean sees the pup as family, even more than he did before. There’s no turning back now, not unless Cas decides to put the brakes on what they’re building together. 

Cas can come across like a skittish colt at times, but Dean’s all in. Unless they’re kissing of course, then he becomes a whole other animal entirely. The omega shakes his mind loose from those wandering thoughts, instead focusing on the date ending as perfectly as it began. He’ll count it as a win that he easily takes the alpha’s hand as they leave Splatter without Cas flinching slightly, that he allows Dean to strap Jack in while he goes back inside to ask when the paintings will be ready for pickup. 

Baby steps…

It’s on the car ride home that things begin to go downhill. Jack predictably fell asleep, tired out from all the activity of the evening, so they turn their attention elsewhere but mostly on each other. Maybe Dean should have just turned the radio up.

“Where’re you gonna hang yours?” Dean asks, eyes on the road but he can’t help shooting an appreciate glance over to his boyfriend every now and then. Cas returns it every time, making the omega aware he’s being watched just as closely. 

If only…

The sounds of a snoring pup in the backseat remind him now is definitely not the time, once again. 

“I’m not sure,” the alpha finally answers. “Probably my room…”

Dean’s trying to answer his own question and is just about to open his mouth when Cas continues, this time his tone has gone slightly morose.

“Thank you, for bringing Jack along,” he says, sincerity woven through his scent. “It’s not like John ever did anything like that with us growing up and Mary never had the money so…thank you.”

Dean gets the feeling it’s for the both of them, not just Jack, but he accepts the thanks anyway with a silent nod, glad he was able to make them happy. Though, Cas’ words just serve to make the omega sad. A deep sadness he thought he’d been rid of, that unwelcome feeling he stole parts of Cas’ childhood returns. Dean has so many memories of being taken to one place or another, similar to his parents whisking Jack away to The Lego Store. Cas doesn’t have that, thanks to John Winchester. The omega’s done blaming himself outright for someone else’s mixup. But it still manages to dampen the joy he’s built up over the last few days, pretending he and Cas are just like any other alpha and omega embarking on a new relationship. 

Except they aren’t, and he’s worried the minor cracks he sees will soon grow to cavernous gullies keeping them apart.

In an attempt to lighten the mood, Dean decides to share his news, “I uh…I got some good news this morning…”

Cas brightens immediately, eagerly asking, “What is it?”

Without hesitation, he shares, “Dad got a call from his publisher about a deal they’ve been working on…with Netflix.” The excitement causes his apples to sweeten and his caramel to deepen as he rambles on, “They want to turn his books into a series, and they want him to write a few graphic novels that I’ll be doing the artwork for…” the omega’s words trail off as he notices Cas isn’t nearly as excited as he thought he would be.

In fact, the alpha seems to be holding back a hint of…anger? It’s gone before he can pin down exactly what’s going on but Cas is closed off to him once again.

“What?” He asks, unable to hide the sharp twist to his words. There’s no reasonable excuse for Cas to be angry with him, he can’t help immediately going on the defensive. 

“Dean, there’s no possible way you could…” Cas huffs in annoyance, letting his sentence trail off incomplete, though Dean’s fairly certain where he was going and it pisses him off even further.

Thank the Gods, they’ve made it back to the house so he can park and have this out with the alpha without worry of getting into an accident.

Groaning, the omega leans forward to rest his head against the cold steering wheel. After quickly turning to make sure they’re not disturbing Jack, he fixes his gaze back on the alpha, asking, “If that were the case would I have bothered taking you anywhere today? We’re family, Cas. I don’t know how many ways I need to put it for you to understand…”

Cas cuts him off before he can get to the best part, what he realized more than a few times today. Maybe telling the alpha, out loud with words, what he means to him will help him calm down. Help him understand the permanence of his role in Dean’s life. 

But, no, Cas is insisting on being an idiot, whisper yelling, “I’m a mechanic with nothing but a GED, Dean. You’re cultured, college educated, you come from money and you’re about to make even more of it…”

“At this point, you have just as much money as me, Cas. This isn’t about money,” Dean groans, scrubbing his hands over his face and replaying the moment he fucked up by opening his big fat mouth. 

“No, it’s not about the money, Dean. You’re right…I just…when I think about our…” Cas clamps his mouth shut, back going ramrod straight in his seat as his cobalt eyes go slightly unfocused. 

All Dean can scent from the alpha is a well of confusion and a hint of…tempered happiness? But why won’t the alpha just let himself be happy…maybe they’d be better off sitting down with a therapist before trying to take this relationship any further. 

It’s the last thing Dean wants, but as Cas exits the SUV with little more than a ‘we’ll discuss this later’, holding a sleepy Jack in his arms, he wonders if that’s exactly what they need.

Chapter Text

“Where’re you gonna hang yours?” Dean asks, evergreen eyes shifting between Castiel and the road. 

The omega keeps shooting appreciative glances his way as Castiel returns them every time, making sure Dean’s aware he’s being watched just as closely. If the flush growing on his boyfriend’s cheeks is any indication, it’s working.

Maybe…

The sounds of Jack’s quiet snores in the backseat remind Castiel they aren’t as alone as he'd prefer for what he had in mind. 

“I’m not sure,” he answers after several seconds of silence. “Probably my room…”

As he tries to think of any other place in the house he and Jack’s newly created artwork could go, he comes up at a loss. The majority of the house has family photographs on the walls, minus some empty spaces where John was removed. Just the thought of the older alpha manages to sour his mood slightly. They never did things like this as children, not with John being drunk and belligerent most of the time. Once he was gone from their lives, there wasn’t enough time or money to go on fun excursions.

Jack wasn’t far off with his point earlier, Castiel’s favorite place quickly became the library during that time in his life. It was free and he could escape into any world other than his own just by picking up a book. Those were the good old days, it was so simple to become someone else, anyone other than the beaten down, chronically poor, depressed pup that he was. 

The thought causes him to open his mouth before the words have fully formed in his mind, whispering gratefully, “Thank you…for bringing Jack along. It’s not like John ever did anything like that with us growing up and Mary never had the money so…thank you.”

Castiel hopes Dean gets the underlying meaning, he’s thankful to the omega for creating space so that Jack could enjoy the date with them, sure. But, he’s just as grateful to Dean for recognizing that the alpha needed the experience as well. The fact it was through art, something that the omega’s passionate about, was icing on the cake and the perfect thing to bring them closer together. It’s not often Castiel allows himself to unwind and live in the moment. 

Pouring paint haphazardly all over a canvas isn’t a radical change, but it’s a start.

The omega nods, accepting his thanks with an unfamiliar glint in his viridescent gaze as he turns his attention back to the road. There’s something off, Castiel can’t quite put a pin on it only having access to Dean’s outward expression, his scent isn’t giving anything away. The alpha hopes he hasn’t done something wrong, watching his boyfriends face for anything that may give away what the problem is. 

Nothing moves or shifts, instead he pops out with a suspicious subject change, fidgeting slightly as he mumbles, “I uh…I got some good news this morning…”

Castiel’s mood brightens immediately, eagerly asking, “What is it?”

Dean’s apples sweeten and his caramel deepens as he shares with dizzying excitement, “Dad got a call from his publisher about a deal they’ve been working on…with Netflix.” The omega’s eyes bounce his way before turning back to the road as he rambles on, “They want to turn his books into a series, and they want him to write a few graphic novels that I’ll be doing the artwork for…” The omega’s words trail off into nothing. 

It’s only when Castiel’s joined in his silence that the alpha attunes to the hint of anger surfing along the edges of his scent. The last thing he wants is for Dean to think it’s directed towards him so he shoves the feeling away, extinguishing it as best as he can. 

Before Castiel can even begin to wrap his mind around why that was his first reaction to the news, Dean goes rigid, asking “What?” with a sharpness the alpha has yet to hear directed towards him. 

Castiel’s hackles raise immediately, attention darting to Jack in the backseat to make sure he’s not witnessing any of it. This could be their first argument, this could be the end before it even began. Either way, it’s not for little ears and he’d like to keep it that way. 

Castiel tries to point out the glaring fact Dean seems to be missing, “Dean, there’s no possible way you could…” Cas huffs in annoyance, letting his sentence trail off incomplete, belatedly coming to the understanding the omega won’t agree.

Chuck Shurley is Castiel’s biological father and Becky is his mother. Gabriel and Anna are his siblings, these are facts. They all have an unbreakable bond through blood and, unless they do something unforgivable, that will never change. 

Dean is biologically a Winchester. Mary is his mother, Sam and Adam are his brothers. Winchester blood runs through his veins and again, unless they do something harmful to the omega, these are facts that will never change.

It’s completely different between he and Dean. 

Dean is choosing Castiel now, but will he continue to do so…with all that’s being offered to him and the opportunities the alpha’s sure working with Netflix will lead to? Will Dean continue to choose a lowly mechanic over just about anyone else he could have? 

Out of the many doors this could open for his omega, he’s sure the one leading to an alpha with a GED and ‘can do attitude’ isn’t really going to be endgame. His panicking mind throws out another roadblock as he silently spirals. Castiel doesn’t doubt Dean’s commitment to being in Jack’s life in one way or another, but he also didn't sign up to be someones instant Papa.

Such a fucking mess…

Dean’s pulled into their driveway by now, thank the Gods. At least they can have the important part of this discussion without the pressure of a possible car accident. If all he walks away from this car with is Jack, he’d prefer him in one piece.

Groaning, the omega leans forward to rest his head against the steering wheel. Turning to do exactly as Castiel did moments before, making sure they’re not disturbing Jack, before letting the alpha have it, growling out in a strained whisper, “If that were the case would I have bothered taking you anywhere today? We’re family, Cas. I don’t know how many ways I need to put it for you to understand…”

Castiel cuts him off, unwilling to hear that word once again. Family can hurt you and family can most definitely leave. That’s not a sign of permanence for him, it’s not a sign that he’s not about to fuck himself up, once again, loving someone who…

Wait…

Huh?

His mouth seems to be on a roll even with his brain on blue screen, ignoring the shocking revelation as he whisper yells, “I’m a mechanic with nothing but a GED, Dean. You’re cultured, college educated, you come from money and you’re about to make even more of it…”

“At this point, you have just as much money as me, Cas. This isn’t about money,” Dean groans, scrubbing his hands over his face as the smell of pissed off omega fills the car.

No…this isn’t how this is supposed to go. He’s supposed to tell Dean how he feels, how he literally just realized he feels. This should be his big love confession ‘standing outside in the rain under his omega’s window’ kind of moment. Instead, Castiel’s ruining it. Apparently the universe has chosen this very moment to return to the natural order of things. 

“No, it’s not about the money, Dean. You’re right…I just…when I think about our…” Castiel clamps his mouth shut again, back going ramrod straight in his seat as his mind fights his body to set the words free.

When I think about our future, I don’t want to look back and wish I’d tried harder…you and Jack deserve better than an alpha who gave up before he even got started. An alpha who was forced to take responsibility for his family far too early, who lost parts of himself to people that swore they’d protect him. Bal and John don’t get to win, not ever but especially not like this. Not with me laying down and just accepting the fate I was forced into. I don’t wanna end up hating who I’ve become years from now when I could do something to change it in the present. To be worthy of loving you now, not after I lose you. Because I don’t wanna lose you, Dean.

 I…I love you, Dean.

Castiel’s gone silent again, mind running a mile a minute but no sounds making it past the barricade he’s created with his teeth and tongue against his lips. The alpha’s riding waves of confusion mixed with unexpected happiness at the shimmer of an idea forming…but he can’t force himself past the final step. The alpha can’t find the strength to share all he’s feeling in the moment, so he remains frozen.

Coward.

Deciding it would be better to just end the night, even if it’s on a sour note, the alpha makes a move to get out. He quietly opens the door to his side of the car, eyes darting down to the ground as he catches Dean’s widening seafoam greens tracking his every movement. The alpha gently closes the door to the SUV before moving to the backseat to retrieve a groggy Jack. Standing awkwardly outside of the vehicle, Castiel wonders if Dean even wants a goodnight kiss.

Probably not…

Instead, Castiel leans over through the open window, careful not to jostle Jack, “We’ll discuss this later…”

The alpha searches Dean’s eyes for a moment for a hint of any desire for him to stay, a demand to discuss this now instead of letting it fester. The omega just looks tired. So, Castiel adjusts his son in his arms, taking the few steps up to the porch and past the front door without daring to look back for fear of what he may find. 

It’s only once he’s inside that Castiel asks himself a very important question, “What the fuck just happened?”

A few seconds later he realizes he forgot Jack’s booster seat in the back.

Just fucking great…

Once Jack’s in bed for the night, the alpha’s left with nothing but time to ruminate on how he managed to fuck up the end to a damn near perfect second date. One Dean clearly put thought into. Castiel had an amazing time with his two favorite people, and maybe that was part of the problem. Dean’s been engaged with Jack from the very first day they met, granted that was as ‘Uncle Dean’ but today was the first day he had to stop himself more than once from thinking of Dean as Jack’s potential Papa. 

It’s a dangerous thought, considering what happened the last time he allowed Jack this close to someone he’s dating. Bal never deserved that level of access to his son and he can’t help but be cautious about it, even now. On one hand, he knows without a doubt in his mind that Jack is safe with the omega. But part of him still wants to be sure he’s not making another mistake. Letting someone into their lives in a way that will end up coming back to bite him later. 

Dean was unknown to him just a few short months ago, other than a minor crush and stolen glances during high school. Now, they’re in a seemingly committed relationship steamrolling towards the first utterance of the L word he’s come to fear. Castiel can’t love Dean, it’s too soon…

What happened to taking things slow? 

“That was for everything, not just sex ya little weirdo,” Castiel mumbles petulantly, poking at his chest where he recalls learning the heart is in school. “You abhor the word, the very idea of romantic love is a thorn in your side…you’re supposed to be…”

The alpha hangs his head in his hands from his seat on the otherwise vacant couch. Thankfully, everyone else in the house is either asleep at this point or out so he can stew in peace. There’s no use trying to convince himself not to love Dean, it’s too late. His love for the omega grew without his permission, it stretched its vines around his heart, gripping it tightly as those same tendrils threaded through his limbs making itself inextricable from his very being. His love for Dean is soul deep, there’s no turning back now. 

Fuck….

Even now, in his annoyance, Castiel feels bursts of outright adoration spring forth in his chest at the mere thought of the omega. The way Dean looks when sunlight hits his peridot eyes, making them glow golden green. How the alpha may complain about the ‘preppy look’ but he secretly loves it on Dean, along with the occasional t-shirt and jeans like tonight. Wonders what it would be like to peel all those layers off one by one. Hell, his omega could show up in a ratty sweater and dirt stained pants and it would probably still drive Castiel crazy. 

The alpha’s memory chooses this moment to move on to replaying every sweet moment Dean’s had with Jack, almost melting him from the inside with the wave of tenderness that threatens to pull him under. 

Every touch shared between the couple, word spoken both hushed and aloud, secret shared in complete confidence, hands outstretched in care not with the intention to harm has built to this moment.

Castiel loves Dean, irrevocably. 

But, he’s not so sure Dean loves him in return, especially not after that display tonight.

The way the alpha sees it, he has two options. Break up with Dean now before he makes things worse, though that could put the omega at risk…and he can’t do that, he won’t. That leaves him with the harder of the two.

In the past, Castiel allowed this feeling of love to sweep him away. He’d close his eyes completely in bliss, ignoring every red flag that showed up on the shores of his river of ignorance. He thought it was a different kind of love when he took John’s advice, turning to Kelly praying she’d be the one to help him ‘rid himself’ of the ‘unnatural’ feelings he has for men. But, John was wrong yet again, platonic love isn’t the same as romantic and he lost his friend in the process of trying to satisfy a man who’s never known unconditional love a day in his life. The fallout left him with a blessing while dealing him the worst blow. 

The damage within Castiel led him to accept any form of love given, even if Balthazar hurt him almost every day of their relationship. The alpha trusted Balthazar to protect him and that trust was broken the moment he laid a hand on Castiel, using his trauma against him. Castiel made a choice after escaping the older man and closed himself off to love in any form that wasn’t familial. 

Dean’s the first to break past that barrier and it’s fucking terrifying. He trusts Dean, with both he and Jack’s lives. Can he trust the omega with his heart?

His inner alpha whines, lying down in defeat but still crying for his omega, his chosen mate. 

A part of him has already decided but, how can he possibly open up and shove all of this in Dean’s lap without holding him back. Just the thought of it all caused the alpha to lash out in a way he already regrets. 

Eventually, Castiel comes to terms with the fact answers won’t be coming tonight so he drags himself upstairs for a lightning fast shower, rolling into his bed for what he’s sure will be a restless night of sleep. 

*****

Castiel’s about to throw out his trash in the break room when he hears Bobby call him back to his office. Tossing out his garbage, the alpha takes the short walk down the hall to find the older man hunched over his desk with papers stacked all around him. To the outside eye it would appear to be a cluttered mess but if you ask Bobby he has a system, one not to be messed with as he’s learned over the years. 

“You rang?” He asks, the first smile of the day spreading his lips as his surrogate uncle peers up from his seat behind the desk. 

“Sit down, boy,” Bobby gestures to the chair opposite his own, waiting for Castiel to take a seat. “Care to tell me what’s goin’ on?”

Castiel shakes his head in confusion, answering with what he hopes isn’t an obvious lie, “Nothing’s wrong…”

It didn’t work on Mary, Sam, or Adam so he’s not sure why he even made an attempt with Bobby. 

The alpha glares, countenance saying it all without another word though he does speak, “I may have been born at night but it wasn’t last night, son.” 

Castiel stares down at his grimy hands wishing Bobby would dismiss him. He’s got a mess waiting for him under the hood of the Toyota he’s been working on since this morning. Instead, Castiel’s in for a lecture, he can already tell. 

Bobby doesn’t waste any time, counting off on his fingers as he says, “You’re walking around here smelling like death, cursing under your breath at every little thing, and that look on your face…” The older alpha shakes his head tiredly, “I’m only gonna ask one more time. What’s wrong?”

Castiel sighs heavily, leaning his head back so his eyes are trained on the dusty ceiling, not on Bobby’s determined face. Finally, he shares a partial truth, “I…I don’t think I want to do this anymore, working on cars. I thought I did…but the more I really consider what I want and what’s best for Jack, this isn’t it Bobby. The last thing I wanna do is disappoint you, but…”

Bobby cuts him off with a scoff, “You’re not disappointing me, Castiel. Far from it. Hell, I knew this day would come eventually.”

Castiel’s head shoots up so fast he feels something crack in his neck. The alpha rubs a hand on the newly tender spot as he stares at Bobby in shock. “What do you mean you ‘knew this day would come’,” He asks incredulously, hoping to keep his tone level and failing miserably. 

Bobby doubles down, leaning forward, elbows on his desk as a knowing smirk twists his lips, “Son, from the day you asked me to give you a shot I knew you weren’t a lifer. Honestly, I hoped you’d figure that out well before now but you’re a determined son of a gun when you wanna be. Learned that from your Ma, I guess. There was no telling you different, back then. You had to come to it on your own.”

Castiel feels like his world’s been flipped upside down for the second time in less than twenty four hours. He knows his mouth’s fallen open in an inaudible gasp but he doesn’t have words to convey what he’s feeling. He’ll always be grateful to Bobby for giving him the chance, but he’s right, this was just a stopping point. Something he was good at at a time when he knew they needed the money, but he’s evolved tremendously since then. Castiel wants more for himself…for his family…and for the life he hopes to have with Dean.

The alpha would rather focus on doing something he loves, although he’s not quite sure what that is yet. Well, he has a few ideas…nothing firm enough to share today with his uncle, though.

Bobby’s eyes soften, smirk melting into a warm smile as he continues, “You’ve made me prouder than you know, Castiel. I’ll support you in anything you choose to do next, even if that means losing my best mechanic.”

Castiel snorts a laugh at the compliment, otherwise a tear or two may form. It’s not often he and Bobby have conversations edging close to this level of emotional praise. 

“Maybe it’ll force these other guys to actually try for once,” the alpha jokes, blinking back the moisture threatening to form against his wishes. “Thanks Bobby, it means a lot…”

This shop will always hold a nostalgic place in his heart for many reasons, but it’s time for Castiel to move on. 

“Now, unless that was your notice…” the alpha pauses until Castiel shakes his head no. “Then, breaks over. Get back to work,” Bobby grumbles, back to business as usual.

*****

It’s been three whole days, the longest he and Dean have gone without some form of communication since…the alpha gets caught up trying to remember. Plopping down at the end of his bed he realizes they’ve spoken everyday in one form or another almost since the day they met. Sure, in the beginning he purposely put space between them. But, since the day they brought Mary over to break the news about the switch, they’ve kept consistent contact. 

Castiel doesn’t like it, but he still hasn’t decided the best way to work an apology, a love confession, and admitting Chuck and Becky were right after all into one conversation. One that could end with Dean telling him none of that matters, that they’re over due to his own fucked up way of dealing with things. 

Or not dealing with them in this case. 

The ding of his phone reminds him of the reason he’s in here in the first place.

Chuck (Father): On my way, Anna decided to tag along instead of going back to school early. I’m beginning to think she was right about needing to transfer to a local school with everything going on…

The alpha can understand his sister’s side of things, even if Gabriel and Dean thrived being away she doesn’t seem to be. Castiel’s been secretly rooting for Anna to get her way and be allowed to go to Lawrence High for this last year with Sam and Jo.

Castiel: She just wants to be close to us and her friends here, not stuck at boarding school hours away. I get it, but it’s up to you and mom. See you both when you get here.

The alpha hopes his father takes the advice, it’s not fair they all get the time to get to know one another while Anna’s relegated to phone calls and FaceTime for the majority of the year. His parents allowed her a break during the trial but that wasn’t very long. According to her, fall break is far too short but he doesn’t make the decisions.

Chuck (Father): Your mother and I will discuss it but I think you may be right. Talk soon.

Castiel wonders if he’ll become Anna’s favorite brother if he just managed to help her win the campaign she’s been practically shouting from the rooftops for months. The alpha shakes himself from his distraction to focus on his task, finding his old notebook. Getting down on his hands and knees, he begins the search anew under his bed amongst dust bunnies and forgotten dirty socks. It’s back behind a broken hockey stick, shoved under a half smashed shoebox full of old photos, that he finds it. The alpha extracts himself from under the bed so he can flip through the pages to be sure. 

Yup, this is the one.

Castiel checks the time, realizing he needs to make sure they’re both washed up and ready to go. He tosses the notebook on the bed in favor of tracking down his wayward toddler. Once he’s located Jack and carried the wiggling pup back to the bedroom he starts searching for something he can wear to the park. Now that they both have a more extensive wardrobe, he has to fight the toddler almost every time he gets ready. Jack doesn’t quite get what is and isn’t appropriate for going to the park versus going to bed or to a restaurant.

“Can I wear that?” Jack asks, pointing to his dinosaur onesie pajamas. Dean bought them for him and ever since he asks for the onesie, every time. He most enjoys building a city with his blocks and then whacking it down with his stuffed tail. It makes the pup look like a mini Reptar which is cute, but maybe not for the park. “Is Dean coming?”

The alpha sighs internally for an entirely different reason, so close to giving Jack his way to avoid answering that second question. Instead, he responds firmly, “No Dino onesie, you’ll get covered in sand and it’ll get inside where it’s uncomfortable and prickly, understand?”

Jack’s head drops forlornly as he nods, quickly shifting back to his second question, “Dean’s coming?”

Castiel shakes his head no, finally pulling the shirt and jeans Jack points to out of the drawer, “Dean has something else to do today, we’ll see him soon.”

He hopes he didn’t just lie to his son.

Jack accepts the answer, acquiescing to being helped out of his pajamas and into his play clothes. The pup starts playing with his mega blocks while Castiel gets himself dressed and ready to go, finishing just as Chuck honks from the driveway. 

Perfect timing.

Walking out onto the porch together and pausing to lock the front door, Castiel’s exceedingly grateful Chuck thought to get a second booster seat for Jack that stays in his car. Dean hasn’t returned the one he left in his SUV yet, he’s been using Mary’s second seat in Baby for now. The alpha doesn’t know whether it’s a good or bad sign that the omega hasn’t just left it at the front door for Castiel to find. 

Hopefully good.

Shutting his worries off for now, the alpha focuses on greeting his family and allowing Anna to buckle Jack’s bouncing body into his seat next to her. 

“Auntie Anna!” Jack shouts enthusiastically, loving the surprise. “Can you push me on the swings?”

Anna smiles brightly, nodding at the simple request, “For as long as you want, kid.”

Chuck watches in the rearview briefly before returning his focus to backing out of the driveway and heading for the park. Jack loves spending time with his newly found aunt and grandfather. Becky usually joins but she’s helping Gabe at the bakery today while Jo and Sam are on a class trip to DC. The plan is to end the day visiting the bakery as a family, with Jack’s favorite cookies for dessert. Castiel has come to enjoy this time as well, though he’s nervous today as he tucks his beat up composition book further under his leg. Chuck notices but doesn’t say a word about his strange behavior. He’s grateful, but well aware he’ll have to speak up at some point if he wants to ask for his father’s advice. 

It takes him until Anna’s dragged Jack away to the swings for his throat to unblock enough to speak, mumbling, “I…I think you and mother were right. About school,” he clarifies as Chuck’s confusion becomes evident.

The older alpha nods in understanding so Castiel continues, avoiding the fight entirely he shares, “I used to write, back in high school. Spending as much time as I did in the library and reading your books specifically, it opened a door for me when I felt trapped. Your writing inspired me to borrow your characters and write a little of my own…fan fiction if we have to give it a name…”

He’d scoffed at Charlie when she’d skimmed through what he’d been brave enough to put on paper, calling it one of the best Supernatural fics she’d ever read. She’d insisted there were others who would read the little bit he’d committed to page, that there was an entire community in love with the yet to be made canon ship of the angel and the hunter. Castiel hadn’t been convinced then, and he’s not sure he is now just seconds away from handing those pages over to the man who wrote the fucking source material himself. The alpha’s nerves ratchet up times a million at just the thought. John threatened to burn the book when he found it, told him it was sick to imagine two men together in that way, no matter the designation, or lack thereof in the angel’s case. Charlie’d insisted he was onto something, but just like everything else that could garner John’s ire, he’d locked it away for his own safety. 

Chuck’s not John, he’s safe and warm and loving. 

Castiel willingly hands his notebook over to his father, awaiting what he knows will be an opinion based in truth and love not hatred.

Jack’s giggled shouts of ‘Higher! Higher!’ ring through the air as he watches Chuck read through a few of the shorter stories, only slightly embarrassed when he remembers more than a few contain rather detailed smut. Fair considering what he’s read between the pages of his father’s books, unaware at the time that the words came from the man who helped to create him. After a few delighted hums and nods, the older alpha finally speaks, “You’ve got a real talent here, Cas. And I’m not just saying that because you’re my son.”

His heart warms but he keeps himself cautiously optimistic, asking, “Really? Because…” he pauses, eyes shooting over to Jack and back. “…I was thinking of going to college, maybe majoring in some form of writing. Is it good enough for that?”

Chuck readily nods in agreement, “Yes, it is Cas. I’m glad to hear you’ve reconsidered. Education isn’t for everyone but you…” He pauses, dragging a hand over his mouth in thought. “When you said no the first time it didn’t seem like that’s what you wanted, it seemed like something someone told you, you should want…” the alpha allows the sentence to trail off into nothing.

Neither of them have to speak the name aloud, aware of the ways John twisted Castiel’s view of what held value according to the older alpha versus what Castiel inherently enjoyed. 

“Major in writing if it’s what you truly desire, but make sure you explore all the other options open to you first. I have a friend, Pam Barnes, she’s a therapist but she may be able to help you talk through this process, if you’d like,” Chuck offers, the perfect mix of dad advice and reality. 

Castiel isn’t sure he’ll ever get used to this level of support from anyone but Mary, though it’s nice to have after years of being tortured then neglected by John. He decides to keep Pam in mind though he’s not sure he needs therapy to choose a major. Riding on a cloud of joy from their conversation, he wonders if it could be just as easy to have ‘the talk’ with Dean. Maybe he’s making it out to be more than it is. 

Castiel needs to contact his boyfriend and resolve this minor issue between them before it becomes a major one.

Chapter Text

Dean doesn’t notice Jack’s forgotten booster seat until he’s pulling the SUV into the garage. Deciding it’s too late to go all the way back, and a little unsure Cas will actually answer the door, he decides to leave it for now. If anything the seat being in his possession gives the alpha a reason to call, leaving the door open for them to smooth all this over. 

Hopefully. 

The omega’s choosing to be optimistic. It’s better than assuming the worst and moping himself into a flare up. He’ll probably wake up to a text apologizing, at which point he can make Cas sweat a little before accepting, though he still wants to look into therapy. Dean can think of more than a few ways they can celebrate making it through their first fight. The thought buoys his spirits just enough to shuffle inside and up to his bedroom, thankfully unseen by anyone in the house. While he’s not feeling quite as doomed, Dean’s not exactly smelling rosy fresh at the moment. A mixture of apprehension and regret trails behind him up the stairs and down the hall, following as he showers and dresses for bed. The omega can’t shake it, even as his eyelids grow heavy, eventually falling into a restless sleep. 

When Dean wakes to six nonsense texts from Gabe, one from Target, and none from Cas, he begins to worry. 

Suffice to say he’s not exactly talkative at the breakfast table, mostly stuck in his thoughts as his family leaves him be, seemingly getting the hint. The omega would rather not give them a blow by blow of how he and Cas’ second date completely fell apart last night. His parents are weirdly invested in their relationship and he’d prefer to avoid their disappointed gazes and sympathetic smiles for now. 

The alpha still has time to come to his senses.

Even now, at just the thought of Cas, his heartbeat quickens as an unintended smile pulls at his lips. Dean tries to hide his change in expression from curious eyes by shoving a spoonful of Lucky Charms into his mouth. The alpha may be acting like a complete idiot at the moment, but he’s all Dean wants. 

Stubborn, snarky, compassionate, sexy, and all his. 

It became clear as day almost as though a veil had been lifted from his eyes the very second he was smacked in the face with the obvious. Of course Dean would realize he’s in love with his boyfriend in the middle of an argument. Frustratingly, Cas didn’t give him the chance to share the joyful news, steamrolling into a storm of self deprecation. There isn’t another alpha out there he’d want, his heart belongs to Cas now for better or worse. But, the alpha’s gone through hell and Dean understands, in a way, why it’s not as easy for his boyfriend to believe Dean would choose him in the end.

Maybe there’s a way to show him…

Dean finishes up his cereal, only realizing he’s been abandoned in the dining room when he glances up from his bowl. 

Huh.

Dean could hang around the house all day stinking up his room or the gym with his ping ponging emotions, or he could talk it through with someone he trusts. Sam’s preparing for a trip with Jo and the rest of the senior class to DC so he’s out. Adam’s not quite at that age for solid advice yet which leaves Mary since everyone here at Casa de Shurley seems to have disappeared. Shrugging his shoulders, the omega gathers his breakfast dishes to deposit in the sink before jogging upstairs to get ready to visit his mom.

The ride over to the florist Mary works for is short. Dean’s parking his car next to hers in the small lot behind the building less than fifteen minutes later. The omega strolls through the doors of the shop, small bell jingling to announce his arrival. Mary’s helping a customer behind the counter but her smile widens, warmth creeping into her identical green eyes as she notices Dean standing by the door. She waves, attention turning back to her customer as he stands awkwardly off to the side. 

Once they’ve paid and left Mary walks around the counter to greet him properly, wrapping him in a brief embrace as she says, “I was just about to go on lunch, join me?”

Dean accepts the offer, waiting while she locks up and turns the out for lunch sign. In silent agreement on where to eat, the pair make their way down the street to the diner. It’s close, the food’s amazing, and most importantly, it’s devoid of Gabe. 

Mary doesn’t speak again until they’ve placed their orders, turning curious eyes on the omega, asking, “Not that I don’t love you popping up, but what’s going on? Cas is acting weirder than usual and you smell…off. Is everything okay?”

A twinge lances through his heart hearing Cas is taking the fight hard. Granted, none of this would be happening if he hadn’t started an unnecessary argument but it doesn’t bring him joy to hear the alpha’s hurting too. 

Dean decides to be honest, it’s the reason he sought his mom out in the first place, after all. 

Sighing heavily, Dean opens up, “No, actually, it isn’t. I’m not hurt physically or anything,” he clarifies when her mouth turns down in a frown, “But, Cas and I did have a fight last night. He didn’t tell you?”

Mary shakes her head no, sadness etched around her eyes, “Sam, Adam, and I asked but he hasn’t said a word. He claims nothing’s wrong…I can see that’s not the case.”

Dean gives his mother the short version of what transpired last night, feeling the rollercoaster of emotions return uninvited. By the end, the omega’s forcing himself to breathe deeply, thrown back into the feeling of hopelessness that threatened to consume him. Before he convinced himself they could work past this, that Cas would call or text him today. The continued silence of his phone taunts him with how incorrect he was. 

Mary’s soft words break through his ruminating thoughts, “I’m sorry, honey. Relationships are hard, harder in this case with all you’ve both gone through. Honestly, it’s actually worse,” she explains, huffing out an unamused chuckle. “Count yourself lucky you didn’t inherit the infamous Winchester trait of self sabotage…”

Mary confirming his concerns doesn’t give Dean the relief he’d been hoping for. If this is Cas essentially trying to run away before Dean hypothetically leaves him, the omega has to be sure this won’t be a continuing pattern before he truly commits himself to the alpha. He can’t risk confessing his love to Cas only to be abandoned and in the hospital once again. Cas knows this, should know better, which is why Dean’s here to speak with Mary. 

“It’s great knowing it’s not me personally, but he’s gotta know this is dangerous for me,” Dean murmurs, poking at the food on his plate after the waiter places his burger and fries in front of him. “It’s almost been a full 24 hours and if I didn’t suspect…”

Dean’s not sure how much he’s ready to reveal to his mom before he tells Cas how deep his feelings run. He’s praying he’s not completely wrong in thinking Cas may be just as gone for him too. 

Fingers crossed.

Mary pins him with a knowing smirk, choosing to ignore his almost slip up and address his unspoken question, “Give him another day. I know Cas and he’s unsettled by whatever happened but not enough to do anything stupid…”

Dean didn’t know how much he needed to hear those words until the cavernous pit in his gut shrinks down to a pothole, the chill eases in his chest, and the shivers in his bones all but disappear.

The omega’s pulled back into the conversation by Mary’s warm hand covering his own. He offers her a genuine smile, picking up his burger and taking a huge bite.

“So good, but not better than Ellen’s,” Dean murmurs, words garbled by his chewing. 

Mary hums in agreement, mouth full of her own bite of burger. 

At first, Dean spent an inordinate amount of time cataloguing all the differences and similarities between himself and his mother, now he just enjoys the time they spend together. It doesn’t matter if they both adore burgers and share a secret love for daytime soaps. He’s enjoyed getting to know her on a deeper level, understanding what and who made his mom who she is today.

Determined, loving, and fiercely protective.

Lunch comes to an end and Dean walks his mom back to work at a job she really doesn’t have to keep, but does to 'avoid boredom' during the day. The omega secretly wonders if she also doesn’t want the elderly florist left without reliable help. Knowing the woman he’s gotten familiar with over the past few months, it’s probably more the latter than the former. 

“We should do this more often,” Mary says, smiling as she leans in for a goodbye hug, going up on her tiptoes to stamp a peck on his cheek. 

Dean nods in agreement, “Sounds like a plan.”

Tentative future mother/son lunch date in place, Dean heads back to the parking lot with his phone still burning a hole in his pocket. He tries to listen to the mantra in his head reminding himself this isn’t about him. The omega knew Cas was scared, he could sense it though he never guessed it would end up with them not speaking for days. With an unresolved argument carving out a stress hole in his gut. All Dean wants to do is go to the alpha and wrap him in his love, show him he’s safe to let it all go and really be with Dean. 

But, he can’t intrude on the space the alpha’s clearly asking for nor will he force their relationship only for it to fall apart around him.

Cas just needs more time…

****

Three days.

It’s been three full days and he hasn’t heard a peep from Cas, no texts no phone calls, nothing.

Dean’s trying to keep himself occupied, keep busy to avoid tracking the alpha down and demanding an answer. Insisting they deal with this problem like two adults, but he isn’t the one who fucked up so he shouldn’t have to be the one to initiate the conversation.

The omega’s phone goes off, Sam’s contact information filling the screen as a bloom of disappointment grows in his stomach, reflecting in his scent. Dean has grown to love his little brother just as much as Anna and Gabe, the same goes for Adam, but he needs to talk to Cas. Still, whether the alpha’s called or not isn’t Sam’s problem so he answers.

“What’s up?” He asks, trying to keep the wave of hurt out of his voice.

Sam hesitates for a few breaths before speaking, “I wanted to see if you were free to hang out this afternoon? I’m leaving for DC later today so…”

There’s a scuffle on the other end of the phone, whispered shouts of ‘No, asshole!’ followed by  ‘Do it or I’ll….’ then a grunt of indignation before Sam’s voice returns.

“Sorry,” the alpha apologizes, correcting his statement, “Adam and I wanted to know if you were free this afternoon…”

Dean shakes his head, unable to resist the small smile chasing away the frown that had settled on his face, “Sure, what did you have in mind?”

“Can you take us to the Fall Carnival?” Adam cuts in, having taken the phone from Sam. His annoyed grumbles can be heard loud and clear in the background. “We never go…”

Dean’s only slightly freaked out by the way he and Sam both sigh in exasperation in a way only an older brother would understand. 

“Sure, kid,” Dean answers, wanting to spend time with the both of them just as much as he wants to allow Adam a chance to go if they’ve never been. “I’ll be over in ten, does that work?”

Sam seems to have wrestled back control of his phone, breathlessly answering, “Yeah, we’ll be ready.”

The omega hangs up, mood lighter as he chuckles to himself over his younger brothers antics. This is good, getting out of the house for a bit and forcing himself to focus on something other than Cas’ sudden absence from his life. If his families stares are anything to go by, they’re about ready to chain him to a chair and interrogate him about what’s going on. Dean appreciates them allowing him some space for once, but he knows its coming one way or another. The omega can think of what he’ll tell them while he’s out with Sam and Adam. 

Of course, it would be wonderful if Cas would say something, anything, in that time so he can avoid an awkward conversation but his hopes dwindle lower and lower the longer it takes the alpha to apologize. Dean ignores the fact that anger’s beginning to replace his annoyance, the leeway he’d been giving Cas dissipating like smoke the longer he sits in silence awaiting his call. Dean’s not a pushover, a distressed omega awaiting his alpha, and he won’t allow Cas to treat him badly just because Mary suggested he give Cas time. 

That time is almost up.

The omega dresses quickly, yelling out to anyone in his general vicinity that he’s leaving as he jogs down the stairs and into the garage. Avoiding the scene of the argument, Dean chooses his car for the day, pulling off just as quickly and out to the main road. The drive passes in no time and the omega finds himself in the, thankfully, Impala free driveway less than twenty minutes later. He’s not sure what he would say to Cas if he were home, or if the alpha would even allow him the chance. 

Dean beeps his horn twice signaling for Sam and Adam to move it.

Sam comes barreling out of the door first, heading straight for the passenger side before Adam can fight him on it. The omega reluctantly moves to slide into the backseat, mumbling about the unfairness of being the youngest as they both strap in. 

Dean flicks his eyes up to the rearview mirror, catching Adams forlorn stare, pointing out, “I’m not the youngest and Gabe still gets the passenger seat if we’re all in the car, quit complaining.”

Adam smirks, obviously getting some form of joy from Dean’s admission. Even at almost twenty two he’s still got the older brother blues, it’s just a fact of life he and the younger omega can bond over. 

“So, where’s this carnival at anyway?” He asks, pulling out of the driveway and awaiting their directions. 

Sam stares at him, wide eyed and shocked, asking, “You’ve never been, either?”

Dean rolls his eyes, “No, boarding school and I chose an out of state college, remember? There wasn’t a carnival during fall break when I was your age…not that I remember, anyway…”

Sam’s expression softens slightly, explaining, “Oh, well it’s at Lawrence High so that makes sense. The middle school and high school run it every year right before Thanksgiving, guess it’ll be a first for all of us.”

Dean shrugs, following Sam’s directions to the empty field the schools transformed into a fall themed carnival, complete with rides and games. The sign as they walk in states the cost, $10 per person to get in and $5 extra to play the games. With his knowledge of their limited budget, the omega’s starting to see why Sam and Adam weren’t able to come in the past.

Sam tries to pay for himself and Adam but Dean insists, “Let me get this, you can pay for snacks or whatever.” 

Satisfied with the compromise, the alpha backs off, waiting for their wristbands before entering the carnival. Of course, Dean’s eyes are drawn to the snack carts right away, offering access to the type of food you can only get at a carnival. Funnel cake, fried Oreos and Twinkies, foot long hot dogs, turkey legs, and the list goes on and on. 

“Quit drooling, Dean. It’s embarrassing,” Adam jokes, nudging him in the side so they can move along. “I wanna try a fried Oreo, later.”

Dean guesses he can wait until later, allowing his brothers to drag him to the first of many rickety rides. The omega spends half the time praying the rides won’t fall apart and the other smiling like a madman. As they exit the pirate ship ride on unsteady legs Sam asks for a break, finally directing them back towards the picnic tables near the concession stands. 

“What do you both want,” Sam asks, typing their responses into a note on his phone like a nerd. 

Dean tells him as much along with his order, “Funnel cake and fried apple pie, nerd.”

Sam rolls his eyes, heaving a faux sigh, “It helps me remember, jerk. Adam?” He asks, waiting for their younger brother’s order.

“Fried oreos and a root beer, bitch,” Adam responds, snorting a laugh as Sam’s brow scrunches in annoyance. 

The alpha mumbles ‘watch your language’ before stalking off without another word, though his shoulders ease down from his ears the further he gets. Dean’s not worried, if Sam was actually pissed he wouldn’t have walked away without telling them off.

Still, “Don’t give Sam a hard time, he’s buying your food.” He whispers to Adam, ignoring the fact he started it. 

Dean never claimed to be a good role model. 

Adam shakes his head, “Sam’s just in a mood because he wants…” the omega clamps his mouth shut on his words, sentence left unfinished.

Huh.

Sam returns faster than Dean can decipher what the hell’s going on with Adam, placing Dean’s sugary sweet funnel cake and fried apple pie in front of him. He’s gotten himself another funnel cake and pink lemonade. Weird combination, but okay. Adam descends on his fried Oreos, demolishing them in what feels like less than ten seconds, proceeding to suck down his root beer just as quickly. 

“I’m done, can I go play some games by myself?” He asks, eyes darting over to the games and back to his brothers.

Shifty…why?

All the answers come to light as Dean’s attentions drawn by a nervous looking blonde standing next to the fish bowl game. Her eyes keep bouncing between Adam and the sky, clearly trying not to look obvious and failing as most middle schoolers would. 

Dean barks a laugh, nudging Adam in the side, easily agreeing, “Go on but stay where we can see you.”

Maybe Adam will have more luck in the love department than he’s having. 

Before he can be pulled back into the dark place he’d been in prior to coming out, Sam speaks up nervously. It pulls all of his attention, wondering why his brother’s voice has gone shaky, demeanor shifting as his scent changes.

“I uh…I got in Dean…” he murmurs, hazel eyes filling with what he hopes are happy tears.

It takes him a second to catch up but when he does the omega struggles against the urge to stand up and grab Sam in a hug. 

This is big.

“Stanford?” He asks, confirming Sam’s news. When the alpha rapidly nods, Dean does stand, unable to stop himself as he grabs the alpha up into a warm embrace. “I’m proud of you, man. I told you you’d get in. What about the scholarship?”

Sam sits back down after Dean releases him, sharing, “Full ride, the only thing I’d be responsible for is books and personal stuff. Obviously that won’t be a problem…I just…I never thought I’d make it so Mom and Cas don’t even know I applied…”

Sam’s admission has him floored, “You…what? You never told them? Does Adam know?” He asks, whispering to avoid the possibility of being overheard. 

Adam’s too busy staring deeply into the eyes of his ‘friend’ several feet away but still, he wouldn’t want to ruin things for Sam.

“I told you, that was supposed to be it. But, Adam was in my room and saw the acceptance letter,” Sam groans, leaning forward on his crossed arms and resting his head in defeat. “I just…I wanted to tell you because you helped me get here, just as much as I did and don’t deny it. I’ll tell Mom and Cas, they’ve been there every step of the way, but I had to tell you first.”

The words are on the tip of his tongue because Sam got himself here, not Dean. He can’t take credit for coming in at the tail end of his brother’s high school career, giving advice that led to a win but it’s Sam’s win, not Dean’s. A suggestion shouldn’t earn him that level of thanks. No, that honor should only go to Mary, Cas, and even Adam to some degree.

“This is all you Sam,” Dean insists, an uncomfortable prickly feeling dancing across his skin. “I’m proud of you but you got in because of your intelligence, all I did was suggest you apply.”

Sam nods though Dean can tell he’s not listening to a word he says, smiling brightly, “Dream college, dream girl, right?”

Dean nods at the callback, “Right.”

All must be well with Jo, though the omega can’t help but wonder if they’ll be okay once Sam moves halfway across the country to California next fall.

“Just don’t do anything stupid,” Dean emphasizes, realizing Sam’s about to go on a semi unsupervised trip with that same girl in less than twenty four hours. 

Sam rolls his eyes, “Mom and Ellen will be there, how much trouble could we possible get in?”

A lot, but Dean doesn’t want to give Sam any ideas he doesn’t already have so he shrugs, “Point still stands…”

“Quit trying to parent me,” Sam complains, playfully. “You’re better as an older brother…”

A high compliment Dean will cherish for the rest of his life, maybe even longer.

*****

After an afternoon filled with laughter and gentle ribbing, Dean drives home having made lasting memories with his younger brothers that he can hold onto. He chuckles to himself remembering how nervous he was just a few short months ago, only having had a younger sister all his life but, it’s not much different with Sam and Adam.

As he pulls into a garage void of his father’s car, along with his mother’s and Gabe’s, he recalls everyone’s out for the day at least until dinner. Chuck is at the park with Anna, Cas, and Jack. Normally, Dean would be there too, but with things the way they are…it was better that he spent the day with Sam and Adam. Becky’s over at the bakery helping Gabe while Jo prepares to leave for the DC trip. The omega sighs, not really wanting to be alone but realizing he’ll have to suffer through it unless he wants to go over to the bakery. 

Hard pass.

Gabe will spend the entire time trying to wiggle past his barriers to get to the true issue between he and Cas. Something Dean’s sure he can’t handle right now, everything’s still too surface level and the last thing he wants is to break down in public. No, it’s probably better he stays home tonight whether he’s alone or not. 

Dean’s half way up the stairs when his inner omega begins it’s plaintive wailing for his alpha, not getting the memo they haven’t been abandoned. Well…when he really considers it, isn’t that what Cas has done? The last they spoke he was angry and wouldn’t tell Dean the entire truth. He left without kissing Dean goodnight, promising they’d talk later but it’s been three days. 

Three days…

Long enough for the alpha to begin the process of moving on, erasing Dean from his life like he was never there. Sure, they have 'shared custody’ of their parents…but that doesn’t mean Cas has to interact with Dean in any way. A pain grips his heart, squeezing tightly the longer he thinks about it. Mary was sure Cas would have called by now but he hasn’t, maybe that’s an answer in and of itself. 

Maybe it’s over, just like that…

The pain worsens, black dots begin to zip and swirl in his vision as the omega struggles to make it up the last steps, praying he can at least get to his room. His fingers fumble for his phone, dropping it down the stairs before he can make a call. Dean’s lost consciousness by the time he loses his balance completely, falling backwards to join his phone at the bottom of the stairs.