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[chocolatecakecas]

Rockin' the Suburbs: Chapter 4

chp1 chp2 chp3 or read on ao3

After an afternoon of failed research attempts, Dean found himself carrying an excited Jack in his arms, walking up the sidewalk, hand in hand with Cas. Which didn't immediately send Dean's mind running wild because it honestly was starting to feel natural. Which of course is what sent Dean's mind running, but at least the act of Cas grabbing his hand wasn't the real source of the freak out anymore.

Dean's fine by the way. Totally cool and normal and under control.

"You ready?" Dean asks as they come to a stop at the back gate.

"As I'll ever be" Cas quips, giving Dean's hand a squeeze, which he gratefully returns.

"Holy shit" Dean gasps, jaw-dropping, head quickly snapping towards Cas.

"I agree completely...." Cas trails off, as he drags Dean further into the backyard.

There were people, food, drinks, tents, music blasting, and lights strung up everywhere. And a giant fire pit in the center, with crowds of people hovering around it, roasting marshmallows and hotdogs.

How many people lived in this damn neighborhood?

"So see any fugly faces?"

"If you're talking about demons, then no-"

"Well, what about that lad-"

"No she's no-"

"What about that group, those guys seem kinda-"

"No Dea-"

"Okay well, what about th-"

"Dean if I see a demon I'll be sure to let you know, promptly" Cas sighs, clearly exasperated, which only causes Dean to smile wider.

(read the rest under the cut)

"Okay.....but what abo-"

"Hi guys! Oh my god, we're so glad you decided to come!"

Their heads snap over to see Molly and Jason making their way towards them.

"Time to schmooze with the capitalists" Dean whispers to Cas, earning an elbow jack to the rib, but when he looks over, he sees amusement in Cas' eyes.

"Your home is lovely" Cas gushes when they're within earshot.

"Yeah, this is quite the rager you've got going on back here" Dean muses, earning bright smiles from the pair.

"Thank you! But Amanda's already managed to find at least ten things wrong with the decor, or the lights, or the food" Molly grumbles, as Jason gently rests his arm around her waist.

"Seriously, and Bill picked up every bottle of wine and inspected the year. As if these people aren't drunk enough to even care about the aged taste" Jason continues with an eye roll.

"Oh! Speaking of drinks what can we get you? We've got beer, wine from the wrong years, whiskey, scotch? You name it we've got it"

Shit. Dean hasn't had to talk about this with anyone outside of his family, but his dumbass should have thought about it. He is a party after all.

"Oh um..." Dean starts, but trails off realizing he didn't actually think through what he was going to say. His mouth has been doing that a lot lately.

"Oh we actually don-"Cas rushes in, giving Dean's hand a squeeze, which makes Dean's breath hitch.

Dean was floundering like an idiot and Cas cut in to help. That stupid, undiscussed swirling feeling dancing in his stomach, and he also can't help the dopey grin that spreads across his lips.

"I actually don't drink anymore, not since this little bug came around. But Cas here will definitely take a beer" Dean smiles, giving Jack a little bounce in his arms.

"Dean are you sur-"

"Yeah babe, it's good. I promise. Have a beer, you dork" Dean says turning to fully look at Cas so he gets that he means it. And he must because Cas gives a small smile back, which definitely doesn't make his stomach flip.

They turn back to the pair, praying they get the memo so Dean doesn't have to explain any further.

"Oh! So we have water, seltzer soda. We've got sprite, rootbeer-" Molly quickly moves to offer.

"A coke is good if you have it" Dean interrupts before Molly lists every single brand of soda they've got. And with a nod, Jason jogs off to get their drinks.

"Oh! Jack's probably itching to play with the rest of the kids. There's a whole section set up on the far side of a yard, keeping them far away from that fire pit! But don't worry, a handful of the parents are taking shifts" Molly rushes to add, as she points them in the right direction.

The two turn to follow her finger, Dean's eyes blowing wide at the sight. Four different size bounce houses, two jungle gyms, a huge sandbox, and pretty much every toy you can imagine. And yeah there's things definitely for toddlers, but Dean can only focus on the height of the slides and the amount of kids jumping inside that inflatable nightmare.

His hold only tightens around Jack, as he glances down hurriedly at Cas. But to his surprise Cas isn't gazing horrified at kid-sized deathtraps, he's smiling brightly, eyes shining.

Dean's gotta put his foot down. There's no way, it's too dangerous

"I don't know Jack's neve-"

"Exactly, why he should. There is more than enough equipment his size, and looks like there's plenty of kids around his age. And we both agreed it would be good for him to play with more children his own age, remember?" Cas supplies calmly, resting a hand over his shoulder. The heat radiating through Dean's jacket is doing nothing to put him at ease.

"Yeah but that fire-"

"Is perfectly safe. See, there's at least six parents over there right now. We can even take a shift watching the kids soon if you'd like?" Cas offers in the same tone, eyes shining with sincerity. And Dean manages to pull his gaze away long enough to glance over at the kids' party zone again.

There's a sort of gate squared off in the corner of the yard, with a large and small bouncy house, and what looks like a group of parents watching every move intently.

Cas is right. Jack will be fine. Of course, he will be. And if he's not, they'll just kill whoever's responsible. Stupid angels and their stupid sound logic.

"Alright, you're right" Dean sighs in defeat, as he gears up to walk across the yard. Besides Dean can probably use this as a chance to talk to some of the other paren-

And it happens so fast Dean almost misses it.

But he sure as hell feels it.

There's a heat on his cheek that quickly comes and goes, but there's a lingering warmth that blossoms in its place, spreading across his entire face and down his neck. Lighting shooting through his veins with a jolt, and of course that swirling feeling is back.

What the hell?

Dean's slowly turns towards the source and sees Cas smiling up at him. There's a nervousness dancing behind his features, the kind that's only visible to the trained eye. His hand his still on his shoulder, but he's closer now-wait.

Dean's entire brain short circuits as it works to catch up with the rest of his body, most importantly with his face and that whole lightning thing going on.

Then his brain finally snaps back into action, sending his stomach flipping, that swirling thing looping right along with it.

Because Cas kissed him.

Cas kissed him. On the cheek. Like it was nothing.

And the culprit refocuses in his vision, still smiling up at him anxiously, blue eyes searching his features. And Dean without even thinking, smiles back, which seems to settle Cas.

"I'm very proud of you for making the mature fatherly decision, now go! I'm sure Jack's dying for a turn on that bouncy thing" Cas teases, shoving Dean away, and he vaguely hears Molly giggling behind him. Dean doesn't even have time to process what he said before he's walking across the grass.

Actually, Dean isn't processing anything at the moment.

Because Cas just kissed him on the cheek like it was nothing, and Dean's face is on fire while his heart does its damnedest to pound its way out of his chest. Because now Dean Winchester is having a flustered meltdown over a friggin kiss on the cheek like he's thirteen again?

But it was more than that. Because he sure as hell didn't think Cas would go for it first so what i-

Dean almost stalls, but quickly forces his feet to keep moving as his stomach twists.

Because that feeling, the feeling Dean doesn't talk about is swirling in his stomach, bubbling upwards, trying t-nope.

Dean clenches the hand, that isn't currently supporting Jack, into a fist, nails digging into his palm. It was just a peck on the cheek it didn't mean shit. They had talked all about PDA, and both agreed to it, so that's all it was. It was a kiss for the sake of the case, all for the act.

So Dean tries to shove it from his mind, but failing to get rid of the warmth still radiating through his body and the tingling on his cheek. But hey, he isn't perfect.

He thankfully makes it over to the kid's section in one piece, but unfortunately, an over-excited mom immediately spots him.

"Hi I'm Maria, I don't recognize you, so must be one of our new neighbors!" Maria practically cheers, and Dean doesn't buy her false enthusiasm for a second, but he plasters a smile on his face ready to play the part.

"Yeah I'm-"

"I spotted you and your husband carrying boxes in yesterday! Didn't look like you had very much hmm?" Maria continues as if she hadn't heard him. And Dean didn't miss that little dig and he definitely didn't miss the way she emphasized husband.

"Yup that's me, Dean Richardson, and this is my son Jack" Dean says before she has a chance to cut him off again.

"Pleasure to meet you two! Now I assure you Jack is in good hands, you've got some of the best parents on duty right now!" Maria jokes and Dean has a feeling she's a little tipsy, which only increases his nerves. At least there's some other capable-looking parents standing around.

Maria continues to chatter loudly about god knows what, so he ignores her opting to carefully stand Jack on the ground, crouching to his level.

"Alright Squish, you're gonna hang out over here and have some fun with the rest of the kids! Me and your Dad are going to be right over there" Dean says excitedly, which only makes Jack even more excited.

"So if you need us, you tell one of the other grown-ups, and we'll come right over. And remember the rules kiddo? No mojo, capiche?" Dean reminds, whispering the last part.

"Capeesh!" Jack promises and Dean can't help but smile. So reluctantly, he presses a kiss to Jack's hair, and gently nudges him towards the other kids, watching as he runs away laughing.

"He's such a little cutie! Oh look he's playing with my Ella" Maria gushes while Dean silently prays Jack will drop that kid so he doesn't have to Maria and her false sweetness, ever again.

"Yeah, adorable. Anyway, my husband and I will gladly take a shift watching the little rugrats a-"Dean starts trying his best to sound like he doesn't want to strangle her.

"Oh no I wouldn't dream of it! It's your first party in the neighborhood, we have more than enough capable parents on duty tonight! Get back to your husband, drink, mingle!" Maria interrupts shoving him away, and Dean has no choice but to obey, unless he wanted to cause a scene. Which he did want to, because he was practically fuming from that subtle dig at capabilities at a parent, but he couldn't he had the damn case to think about.

And with a final glance to assure Jack was okay, Dean quickly surveys the crowd, easily spotting Cas' leather. He begins to make his way over, but suddenly the memories from five minutes ago come rushing back leaving him frozen.

Cas had kissed him-yeah it was on the cheek, but it was a kiss nonetheless. And that stupid swirling feeling began to bubble up in his stomach, unable to move as the-

"Dean, over here man!" Jason calls from across the yard, effectively kicking Dean's back into gear, as he made his way over to them.

Stuff it Winchester, focus on the case. It's all for the case.

So Dean jogs, over stopping next to Cas, who was lightly laughing along with Jason and Molly. Jason hands him a bottle, an honest-to-god glass bottle of Coke. They probably had to buy hundreds of these, must have cost a fortune.

"Is Jack all settled?" Cas asks, the slight worry on his face. And so without thinking, Dean takes his hand giving it a gentle squeeze.

"Yeah babe, kiddo is having the time of his life over there," Dean says with a sweet smile, pet name rolling off his tongue like nothing as he meets his eyes. Cas only responds with a smug smirk that says "I told you so", which definitely didn't make Dean's stomach flip.

"So, new neighbors let's get the good gossip out of the way before the bitch squad corners us. Tell us about yourselves! What do you guys do for a living?" Molly teases, effectively snapping them out of their staring contest.

Showtime

"Well I'm a mechanic, still looking for a good space in the area to set up shop, but Cas here is all set with a position at Amherst College in the sprin-" Dean begins, gushing about Cas like a proud husband.

"Dean, of course, is wildly underselling himself. He specializes in classic car restoration" Cas cuts in also like a proud husband, but there's a hint of sincerity in his voice that twists Dean's heart.

"Wow! So that gorgeous Impala really is your's after all?" Molly asks in awe.

"Yeah that's my Baby, rebuilt her after a crash a while back, she's been in the family for years" Dean shrugs, hand instinctively reaching for the back of his neck, but he can't help the little sense of pride that swells in his chest. He feels Cas squeeze his hand, but before he can glance over Jason starts talking.

"And Cas, Amherst that's impressive! What course do you teach?"

"English literature, and global history" Cas answers. They decided to tack on the history on account of Cas knowing pretty much all of history, and that it might be an in seeing as weirdo rich people are often weirdo history buffs.

"Oh I actually teach history over at the high school" Jason reveals, and Dean has to hold back a laugh.

Weirdo rich people, weirdo history buffs. Score.

"Well looks like we're surrounded by academics! Amherst, an incredible school, but that's a bit of a commute from here, isn't it?

"Oh it's not too bad, and the drive is all worth it if we get to live in this beautiful neighborhood. But what about you, Molly?" Cas deflects smoothly shooting them a charming smile-that Dean definitely didn't find charming.

"Oh, I'm a real estate lawyer. That's how we're in this gorgeous neighborhood" Molly jokes, Jason laughing along.

Real estate law, Dean tucks away that info for later because maybe that's how they got their house on the market and sold so quickly.

"Hey everyone, sorry to interrupt but we just wanted to introduce ourselves to the new neighbors," A shorter man says as he appears on the other side of Cas, with another man in tow.

"Oh come join the real party, anything to stay away from those vultures" Molly snorts with an eye roll, earning a laugh from everyone.

"I'm Tom, and this is my husband Stephen" The man, Tom, supplies as they each stretch out a hand. Dean reluctantly lets go of Cas' hand, and as they each shake their's, exchanging greetings.

Turns out Tom and Stephen live right across the street from them. Great, they're gonna have to get in extra good with them, because they might have seen something the night of the murders.

"So, we were giving these two the rundown on our lives, before Amanda and Bill start circling" Molly groans, and Tom and Stephen launch into discussing what they do for a living. Dean, of course, listens very intently, as he tries not to think about the sudden loss of warmth in his hand.

But he really doesn't have to think too long because he finds Cas' arm is curling around friggin waist.

Dean's eyes instantly snap up, as he tries to keep his expressions in check, but he can feel the heat creeping over his cheeks. Cas only gives him a nervous look, which makes Dean's chest tighten at the sight. Damnit.

Because yeah Cas keeps taking the lead, but he's never actually done this before, he's just doing what he thinks he should do. Cas must be anxious as fuck. And Dean's general "lets never talk about emotion or affection" attitude, probably isn't helping. He's the one who knows what to do, he should be helping ease Cas into this more, not having breakdowns every time they make eye contact.

So without really thinking, Dean slightly leans into Cas, causing him to wrap his arm around him tighter. It clearly settles Cas' nerves, because that worried look is gone, replaced with a smile, before he turns his head back to the conversation.

And Dean figures since Cas is listening, it's okay to tap out for a moment. Because excuse him, but Cas' arm is around his fucking waist, not even 20 minutes after he kissed him. Dean's just surprised he isn't passed out on the ground yet.

And that feeling-the feeling Dean of course doesn't talk-about is back and swirling around his stomach, threatening to bubble up his throat. It's making him feel nauseous, as his heart thumps against his chest.

But he can't exactly bring himself to care because there's a warmth washing over his body in waves. The heat of Cas' arm around his waist and shoulder resting against his own, radiates through his jacket. Dean can smell the worn leather mixing with Cas' cologne as he tries to focus back in on the conversation-what is he doing.

He's supposed to be getting info about the neighbors, and all he can think about is Cas' arm around his waist. Which is only there to keep up the act, and it doesn't matter that it fee-nope not even gonna go there.

Focus Winchester.

"-but enough about work, how did you two meet?" Dean catches Molly asking, and thank god he chose that moment to pull it together.

So Dean quickly meets Cas' eye. Both knowing they have to nail this part if they plan to gain anyone's trust. They hadn't exactly rehearsed it, but they are best friends who've spent over a decade lying for a living. They've got this.

Dean takes a steadying breath, ignoring the swirling and the warmth and the heart rate.

"Well, it was back in 2008. I was sort of going through a bit of a rough patch at work and was frequenting the local bar a bit too much. But maybe the hangovers were worth it, because one night this guy with wild hair and baby blues strolled in and happened to sit at the other end of the bar. And just my luck he looked about just as much of a mess as I did-no offense babe" Dean began putting on a show, and Cas rolled his eyes.

"Oh please, you didn't look half the mess that I did" Cas teases dramatically. Cas then gave him a look, leveling Dean with an arched eyebrow, causing laughter to bubble around them.

"Yeah yeah Casanova, we both looked a wreck okay? So much of a wreck that we apparently felt so sorry for each other, that we unknowingly bought one another a drink"

"After the bartender pointed out who bought me the beer, I looked up to see it was the person I had just bought a drink. So I figured he was worth a little conversation, and I moved to sit on the stool next to him" Cas continues, throwing a wink at Dean.

Damn they were good at this.

"And it turned out we were both walking disasters. I was out of a job, and Cas here had just gone through the world's worst breakup-"

"We had been together for years, and I had decided I'd had it. It was a mess, his whole family got involved. But I guess it was a good thing it was such a disaster, or I never would have gotten a drink from the gorgeous man at the end of the bar" Cas cuts back in, which definitely didn't make Dean's cheeks flare.

"Anyway, we got to talking, probably overshared way too much with a complete stranger, and called it a night. But I thought I'd be crazy to let him get away, so I practically chased him down on the street to get his number. And god was I lucky he didn't think I was a creep-"

"Actually I thought it was very romantic. Like a movie, too bad it wasn't raining. But honestly, I was just lucky he didn't think I was a creep when I called to ask him on a date the next morning" Cas jokes, earning another laugh from the group. Dean quickly surveys their faces to see that they're hooked. Time for the grande finale.

"And really the rest is history, we just sorta clicked. It sounds like bullshit, but it was like we were made for each other ya know? Cas just always knew what to say, always knew what to do to, understands me better than anyone else, helps me through every obstacle. I guess you could say he basically pulled me out of hell. And he still does, every day. There's no one else in the world I'd rather have by my side" Dean gushes, tacking on the hell line as a joke, but it didn't exactly sound like one. No, it sounded like the most sincere thing Dean's ever said, and he quickly realizes that it's not part of the act. He really means it.

He glances back over at Cas to see him slightly slack-jawed, gazing at him in soft wonder. Dean's heart picks up again, stomach swirling as he makes a little fist to ground himself.

Because of course, he means it Cas is his best friend, he's family that's nothing new. But it's more than that and yo-nope. Focus. Cas is only looking at him like that as part of the act, he's playing up.

Dean quickly tries to wrack his brain for something to say, but thankfully Molly cuts in.

"God aren't you two just the cutest, sappiest couple in the entire world! Oh my god, you're like a romcom. The perfect couple" Molly practically shouts earning a laugh from everyone and nods of agreement.

"Trust me, it wasn't as simple as a romcom. We fight, and we scream, but we always come back to each other" Cas says earnestly, looking right into Dean's eyes.

And Dean's pretty sure his heart is gonna burst through his chest because Cas' heart eyes look pretty damn convincing and it's sending his thoughts running. But thankfully, Tom and Stephen start telling the story of how they met, so Dean can thankfully push those thoughts aside. For now.

And after an hour of small talk, Dean and Cas have got a pretty good grasp on the people they're dealing with.

They learn that Stephen and Tom are both doctors at the same hospital, they have three-year-old daughter named Elizabeth. And with a glance over at the kids' section, they see that she and Jack are playing together. Another couple, Emma and Rachel come and join them all about halfway through. Emma is a cardiologist, and Rachel is a biomedical engineer, and they're in the process of adopting. They also learn that this entire week is the "Annual Autumn Festival", and there's a different event hosted by a different family each night, ending with a huge block party on Saturday night. Apparently, the school in town gives the kids a whole week off for some "district convention" with the higher ups, so they've been doing this for years.

And honestly, despite everything, Dean's actually having a good time. Yeah, these people's careers are insane, but Dean thinks they're pretty normal, and he's genuinely enjoying talking to them. And they seem to have warmed up to them, so with a slight nod from Cas, Dean goes in for the kill.

"So, we have to ask. We saw some crazy stuff in the news about this neighborhood, of course, it was after we bought the place. But we couldn't find much info about it" Dean begins gently to ease them into the conversation.

"Oh you must be talking about Carol and Mike" Rachel supplies with a frown, and a silence settles over the group.

"We're sorry, we didn't mean to pry. We were just curious sin-"Cas begins to apologize

"No, it's okay. You've got a right to know since it is about your house and all. Not your fault someone paid to keep it out of the news" Ton sighs heavily, and Stephen comfortingly presses his kiss to his temple.

"Carol and Mike were our best friends before they we-before everything" Stephen chokes out.

"We're so sorry for your loss" Dean offers, Cas nodding along.

"The night it happened, we were actually all supposed to go out to dinner. The four of us and the kids, it's a monthy tradition. But when we walked across the street to meet them, Carol answered. We should have known something was off bu-"

"Hello! I'm seeing frowns which is never a sign of a good party!" A shrill voice calls, which earns a groan from the group.

Damnit. They were so close.

Suddenly there's a shorter woman with platinum blonde hair, and a man with enough goop in his hair to grease a pan, who've both clearly had some work done.

"Hi I'm Amanda, and this is my husband Bill. You two must be our new neighbors" Amanda smiles with her too-white teeth, extending a hand with perfectly manicured nails. Of course, they are.

Dean resists the urge to roll his eyes, but with a squeeze on his side from Cas, he's reaching out his hand to shake theirs'.

"Bill, a pleasure to meet you! Nice to see you've already found your people. I know how you guys like to group up" Bill laughs with an equally blinding, white smile.

A pit drops in Dean's stomach. "Your people", who does this guy think he is? And these aren't Dean's people he's stra-

Give it a rest Winchester, you can only lie to yourself about so many things at once.

Fine so maybe they are "Dean's people", but this homophobic assclown has no right to say it, especially not like that.

"Well, not as much as your people lik-"Dean starts, only to be cut off by a pinch to his side and he whips his head towards Cas.

"Just let it go, he isn't worth it" Cas softly whispers in his ear, while he gently pulls him closer. With a huff, Dean begrudgingly lets it go.

He turns back to the conversation to see Bill and Amanda completely ignoring them, as they ramble on about nonsense. Dean quickly locks eyes with each couple, they throw him an eye roll, or a face when Amanda and Bill aren't looking.

"Oh Amanda and Bill, looks like you found the new neighbors" Molly calls slightly strained as she and Jason practically run back over.

"Yes, but sadly we don't have much time to chat with them tonight. There are still some people we must say hello to" Amanda informs, and honestly, Dean could cheer from relief.

"But you two must stop by sometime this week so we can get you properly acquainted with the neighborhood. Maybe widen the variety of your social groups" Bill snarks and Dean opens his mouth to retort but is silenced by a sharp tug from Cas.

"Thank you for the offer, bu-" Cas answers cooly before Dean even thinks about reopening his mouth.

"Perfect! Stop by Tuesday around two, we'll have lunch! But like I said we must be going, try to have a pleasant evening. Oh and Molly, that chicken looked a bit dry, might want to check on that" Amanda proclaims, and then she and Bill are disappearing into the crowd.

Dean turns to glare at Cas, who only gives him a look that reads "we'll talk about it later".

"I'm so sorry you got trapped by them. God, they're the fucking worst" Molly groans in apology

"Yeah can't argue with that" Dean grits out, still fuming from Bill's words and Amanda's stupid smirk.

"And Bill's such a homophobic bastard, thinks he's so subtle. God, what I'd give to shove a-" Emma rants, only to be cut off by a gentle shove from her wife.

"We can try to get you out of the lunch with them, we can sa-"Jason offers, but Cas of all people shuts him down.

"It's okay, if we go once and make them hate us, maybe they'll never bother us again. Oh and I'm sorry, but we really better get going. It's almost Jack's bedtime. Thank you for everything" Cas explains with a smile, shooting a look at Dean.

"Yeah, this was a killer party. So great to meet you guys, hope we see you all soon!" Dean says plastering on a smile despite his bubbling anger.

And with quick goodbyes, Cas' arm unsnakes itself from around Dean's waist. But before he can mourn the loss, he feels his hand in his dragging him silently towards the kids' section. They scoop up an exhausted, but ecstatic Jack, and carefully avoid running into Maria, as they make their way through the gate.

Now that they're alone, walking down the cold, dark sidewalk, Dean can hold it in anymore.

"God we were so damn close then, Barbie and Ken had to show up and shut the whole thing down! And now you want us to have lunch with them?" Dean rages, pointedly ignoring the way Cas' hand that isn't holding a sleeping Jack, squeezes his own. And of course, the fact that they're still holding hands.

"I know they were dicks, but I noticed them circling us for at least ten minutes, and they only rushed over as soon as we started asking about the murders. Isn't that suspicious?" Cas questions.

"Yeah I guess, but wh-"

"So I think they might be the thing we're hunting. I only agreed to lunch so we could check them out, and scope out their house" Cas continues, amusement dancing in his voice

Of course. God, it's so obvious how could Dean miss it? This whole thing is really fucking with his head.

"Alright, no need to be smug about it. But I still don't understand why you wouldn't let me tear that assclown a new one" Dean grumbles, anger quickly returning as they climb their porch steps.

Cas sighs dropping his hand, turning to look at Dean fully. Dean's heart starts up, as Cas levels him with an intense, unreadable stare.

"Because he's just some rich, homophobic asshole, who believes he's better than everyone. But he's not, because he isn't even worth your energy or thought. He doesn't know anything about us" Cas speaks, softly, as he rests a hand on Dean's shoulder. Dean suddenly realizes they're standing almost nose to nose.

"And I certainly don't care what he thinks of me or you, and I certainly don't care what he thinks of us. Because all that matters is how we think about ourselves." Cas continues purposefully, and Dean's throat constricts at the words. Dean of course knows Cas is "indifferent to sexual orientation", but he doesn't know that he-wait is Cas-

"And besides, if he's the monster. We'll get to kill him, slowly" Cas says in a mock-serious tone, which startles a laugh from Dean's throat. He's so close he can feel Cas's breath on his face, and Cas can probably hear Dean's heart racing.

But thankfully the logical part of Dean's brain is still somewhat running because it reminds him that it's all for the act. "He doesn't know anything about us", Cas was talking about the act. These people don't know they're pretending.

Because none of this is rea-

And it happens so fast that Dean almost misses it, again. But now he's watching Cas' retreating form walk through the doorway, and up the stairs. Leaving Dean, standing alone in the cold night air, his hand moving to his cheek without consent.

Cas kissed him on the cheek, again.

But this time. Nobody was around. They were completely alone, nobody to put on an act for.

That swirling feeling his back and wreaking havoc on his stomach again, while that lightning thing courses through his veins, and his mind races a mile a minute.

Dean lets out a breath, aggressively running his hands through his hair, as he stares out onto the empty street.

Because what the fuck is happening.

tag list:

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[captcas]

Screwed (Destiel AU)

Screwed by capthamm (Part 3 of 3) Dean inherits the old family inn and has to move home to fix it up for selling. When the work proves to be too much, he enlists in the town’s only contractor’s help– his neighbor, Castiel. Dean is short on time, stuck in a hometown riddled with old flames, and falling for the man who lives next door. He’s screwed. notes: My first ever attempt in the Supernatural/Destiel fanfiction world… and into smut. please be kind. Thank to my lovely beta, Luke <3 (@bawley_bug) and to Meg on her help with the smutty portion read on ao3

In the weeks following going public , not much changes— the little touches and flirtatious glances were apparently always part of their routine no matter how blind Dean may have been to their significance— but the line between what’s his and what’s Cas’s is slowly but surely beginning to blur.

And Dean can kiss Cas whenever he wants.

Besides that, they move on with their days a lot like they always did. Saying goodnight lasts a bit longer and sometimes Cas spends the night. They wake up and make coffee and toast and talk about their renovations for the day and get to work.

It’s domestic, it’s nice, and Dean is pretty sure he’s never been more in love.

Dean is also dying for something more than PG-13.

Cas’s confession the night they kissed rings in Dean’s head every time things get a little more hot and heavy. He’s a bit more… experienced… and wants Cas to be ready.

But fuck if he hasn’t needed to carve out time for his own release each day. He’s positive Cas has noticed so he tries to keep his distance when riled up.

It’s nearly impossible and today in particular is proving to be excruciating. Cas is weeding the garden while Dean puts in new edging. Everytime he looks over he can’t help but notice the way the sweat trails down Cas’s features before disappearing below the hem of his shirt. Every once and awhile he uses his toned forearm to wipe the sweat away and Dean feels his resolve weakening.

Then Cas stretches– the bottom of his shirt rising enough to reveal his perfectly toned skin and a line of hair that disappears beneath the button of his jeans.

Fuck.

Frustrated beyond belief with his dick’s inability to keep to itself, Dean tells Cas he’s going to grab something from the garage. Cas hums in acknowledgement and gives him a small, naive smile as he walks away.

Dean can’t help but melt at the smile Cas reserves for him.

But then again he’s hot and bothered and needs some time away from his infuriatingly attractive boyfriend who won’t seem to let him in his pants.

Dean knows it’s not anything personal, Cas and him have talked about labels in the dark of the evening and Cas explained that while he’s definitely gay, he actually feels more at home on the ace spectrum. He’ll be honest and say he stayed up long past Cas that night researching demisexuality.

It just made him fall even harder for the man asleep beside him.

Dean busies himself with some unimportant organization in the garage in order to calm down before walking into the house to grab some water for the two of them. He closes the fridge and looks out the sliding glass door, dropping the water bottle at what he sees.

Apparently , the heat was too much for Cas who is now very shirtless while continuing to pull the weeds. Dean can’t help but watch him work. The way his muscles move with each pull and the sweat dripping down his back and off his brow is just too much.

Dean remembers what he learned about demisexuality and while they haven’t said the “L word”, he knows his feelings for Cas are anything but one-sided.

Fuck it.

Dean opens the sliding glass door and Cas turns around at the sound. He smiles brightly before he realizes just how determined Dean is to cross the lawn. At first he looks concerned, but then his gaze flickers down and Dean watches his boyfriend’s eyes go dark.

Cas meets him halfway.

This kiss is unlike any that they’ve shared before. The heat of the day mixed with the pent up sexual tension is surging through every inch of their touch. Cas’s hands explore Dean in ways Dean only dreamed about before. Not wanting to break apart, Dean feels the tightness in his chest from the lack of airflow. Cas pulls away first, breathing in the small amount of air between their lips. Dean gasps.

“Inside.” Cas whispers, but with his deep voice it sounds like a command and if Dean isn’t careful he’ll come right here in the backyard. He’s positive he looks totally wrecked when he nods in response before allowing Cas to grab his hand and lead him into the downstairs bedroom.

As soon as they’re indoors, clothing flies off. Dean isn’t sure who is removing what but it’s only a matter of seconds before they’re both down to their boxers and he’s pushing Cas backwards towards the bed.

The look in Cas’s eyes is one he hopes never to forget.

Then he’s on top of him and their lips are connecting before Cas trails down his neck and bites hard . Dean ruts his hips in response and Cas gasps.

It’s the most beautiful sound Dean has ever heard.

He searches blindly for Cas’s lips in the tangle of their bodies and when they connect again Dean is positive it creates a bolt of lightning down his spine.

Lost in his thoughts the kissing slows. Cas rests his forehead on Dean’s and they each open their eyes. Dean pauses to lose himself in the blown out blue of Cas’s eyes and only catches the end of Cas’s question, “...you?”

He can’t speak, not really, so he grunts in response and Cas chuckles against his lips, “I’d like to blow you.” It wasn’t a question this time. Dean can’t believe this is about to happen but he’s torn between wanting to feel Cas’s lips around him and wanting to do the same for Cas.

His brain only allows him to articulate one word of that, “You?”

Cas smiles softly before leaning in for another kiss. “Later, Dean.” Dean can’t begin to argue with the sound of his name mixed with Cas’s intense want so he nods.

Cas trails kisses down Dean’s chest before tracing a finger underneath the band of his boxers. He’s careful to help Dean remove them completely and his eyes light up when Dean’s hard-on springs from beneath the fabric.

This must be heaven.

“Are you…?” Dean knows what Cas is asking before he gets the words out. “All clean… I– uh– got tested... after our first date.” Dean diverts his gaze, but still sees the smile and blush that creep along Cas’s features.

Dean is surprised when Cas descends immediately once given the all clear. His tongue rakes the length of Dean’s cock before the warmth of his mouth envelopes the whole of it. Cas starts slow, moving up and down in a steady motion and Dean knows he won’t last long.

What Cas lacks in experience he is certainly making up for with enthusiasm.

As he glances down towards Cas, he is struck with how stunning he looks in this position. Every time he’s gotten head it’s been dirty and quick and secretive…but with Cas, he wants to take his time but knows the beauty and anticipation of it all won’t let him.

Someday he’ll draw this out so he can watch Cas work for as long as he wants.

Once he finds his rhythm, Cas speeds up and at the same time takes Dean’s balls in hand and begins massaging. Dean reaches for the top of Cas’s head, combing his hand through the dark locks and tugging gently. Cas gags a bit before coming up for air– Dean was quick to forget Cas’s inexperience. Cas rests his head against Dean’s thigh wordlessly and Dean wishes he could take a picture. Instead, he reaches forward, massaging the length of Cas’s jaw gently to help ease the soft pain he’s sure Cas is feeling. After a minute or so, Cas kisses the palm of Dean’s hand and looks up at him readily.

It doesn’t take long before Cas finds himself again and is moaning into Dean’s cock. Dean just about loses it when Cas’s cheeks hollow out. He whispers, “That’s it, Cas. Right– there–”

Dean thrusts hard. One– two– three times before he feels himself about to explode. “Cas, I’m close… I–” He feels his partner shift and suddenly Cas’s calloused hand is wrapped along the full length of Dean and he knows it’ll be any second now.

“Cas…” His moan comes out like a plea and a promise all wrapped into one and he feels himself come.

He swears he sees the cosmos as Cas brings him over the finish line and into the cooldown, the whole time whispering to Dean. “You’re perfect. You’re beautiful. I’ve wanted this for so long. Thank you.”

Dean opens his eyes and the world feels like it’s in hyper-saturation. Every nerve is on end and his soul feels like it’s on fire. He turns to Cas and immediately goes in for a kiss. Cas smiles into the movement and Dean grasps the back of his neck in an attempt to never let go of this moment.

Suddenly something feral courses through him and his hand moves quickly down to Cas’s boxers, he palms the length of his boyfriend and looks deep into his eyes, “Your turn.”

Cas’s dick twitches at the sound of Dean’s voice and if he hadn’t just been put on empty he could’ve come just from that movement. He starts to move down, ready to give Cas the same treatment he just got but Cas grabs his shoulder to stop him. Dean panics for a moment, worried they’ve gone too far and Cas is regretting the moment they connected in the garden but then he speaks.

“I want to kiss you when I come.”

Dean gulps, sex never being something intimate for him. A simple scratch of an itch, not something that means much of anything. But with Cas it does. He nods and begins adjusting their positions so they are laying side by side and facing one another. Cas shimmies out of his boxers before grabbing Dean’s hand and bringing it to his cock.

Dean stops him, pulling his hand back up to his mouth and licking his palm, all while keeping close eye contact with Cas– it makes them both shudder.

Cas hisses when Dean’s hand finally wraps itself around him and Dean wishes he could record that sound to listen to over and over again. Slowly, Dean starts to pump his fist. Cas’s eyes close, pleasure washing over his features in a look Dean could never have created in his mind. Soon they’re leaning in for a kiss. Cas urges it deepers, tongues moving in unison and teeth clacking together. It’s messy and perfect all in one. They smile into the kiss and share the same breath and all the while Cas is thrusting into Dean’s hand like it was always meant to be there.

And with that thought Dean hears the final gasp and feels the undeniable drip of come down his hands. He eases Cas through the aftershocks, reiterating everything Cas said to Dean during his come down. Dean almost doesn’t realize when he says it, but it comes out all the same. “I love you, Castiel.”

It settles in and Dean’s eyes shoot open. He searches to see any sort of acknowledgement in Cas but his eyes are closed in pleasure. Dean sighs in relief, assuming he’s dodged the bullet of scaring a man off by saying “I love you” the first time they sleep together.

He’s not a teenager.

But then Cas is speaking and Dean, once again absorbed in his own thoughts, catches the end, “... and I love you, too, Dean.”

He waits for the fear but it never comes. He doesn’t want to run or leave town and he certainly doesn’t think about just how mortified his homophobic father would be. He’s just is. Happiness and satisfaction coursing through him in a way he didn’t realize was real.

His past is filled with a lot of sex with a lot of people, but this… this must be what people mean by making love.

. . .

“Just ask him, Dean.” Sam sounds frustrated on their third phone call today. Dean has been pacing back and forth in the kitchen all day. They finished the inn a week ago and have essentially been playing house, neither of them making the move to either sell it or live there permanently. He knows Cas would live here if he asked, but he wasn’t sure how the financials all worked out. So he called Sam who assured him that if he kept the inn an actual operating inn he would be more than ok.

So why is he so damn nervous?

Up until now every “big decision” in the relationship he’s been able to pawn off on Cas– inadvertently or otherwise. Cas called himself Dean’s boyfriend, Cas met him halfway on the lawn, Cas was the first one to bring up lube…

It’s Dean’s turn to take a step.

And he wants to so it shouldn’t be this damn hard. He knows Cas is waiting for the conversation, but he also feels zero pressure from his partner. Cas has always been good at letting Dean do things on his terms, even if he’s seven steps behind and wasting their time (Cas was right about the dark blue siding from the start and won’t let it go).

He doesn’t want to waste another minute.

Dean realizes he’s been silent for too long. It’s the sound of Sam unloading the dishwasher on the other end of the phone which reminds him to speak, “You’re sure?” Dean hesitates and he knows he’s shucking the decision making off on someone else yet again, but this time it’s genuine. This inn is all they’ve got left of their dad. As shitty as he was at times, he was still family.

“I’m sure. Dad’s probably rolling in his grave knowing he practically set you two up, but he’d want you to be happy Dean. Whoever that’s with.”

Dean fights back tears. Sam may be the younger brother but he’s always been better when it comes to this emotional crap. That’s why they always made a good team.

“Thanks, Sammy.” His voice cracks at the nickname. He misses his brother, but fuck if he ain’t proud of him.

“Of course. And now Jess, the kids, and I have somewhere to stay when we visit.” Dean smiles widely at the thought of the inn full of excitement and family and kids around the holidays or during the summer. He pictures it so clearly... and in every moment Cas is there, too.

That’s all the encouragement he needs.

Hanging up the phone, he heads downstairs to the living room where Cas is curled up on the couch watching some documentary on the History channel. His blue eyes find Dean’s at the sound of the steps creaking and he smiles that smile again.

Dean’s never been more sure of anything in his life.

He crosses the living room and sits down next to Cas who has turned his attention back to the tv. Dean instinctively reaches for the back of Cas’s neck, playing with the small tuft of hair at the nape. Pondering the show for a moment, Dean waits for a commercial to speak. He likes when they do this, the comfort of the silence is new to him. There are a million ways to ask what he’s about to and he’s running through them all in his head when a commercial for some medication blasts on the screen and Cas closes his eyes to lean into Dean’s touch.

He wants this. Forever.

“Move in with me. Here.”

Cas’s eyes open and Dean can tell he’s trying to hide a smile. Dean feigns interest in the commercial while the knowledge of Cas studying the side of his face burns blush into his cheeks.

“Did I forget to do that?”

Dean laughs and all the nerves he felt disappear. He never thought something like this was in the cards for him– secretly always wanting for the comfort and ease that comes so naturally with Cas.

It’s better than he could’ve wished for.

Cas turns his head to kiss Dean’s wrist (now resting on the couch) and Dean smiles. They’ve got a lot to work out– Dean doesn’t know the first thing about running an inn– but the nervous fear that would usually accompany Dean on a step like this is nowhere to be found.

All there is is Cas and Dean couldn’t ask for more.

[chocolatecakecas]

Rockin' the Suburbs: Chapter 3

Chp1   Chp2   Chp4 or read on ao3

They were finally done after midnight.

As soon as Sam showed up they spent an hour tearing through the house looking for hex bags, sigils, EMF, sulfur, on top of Cas' mojo, which didn't sense anything. So they've got nothing. At least they can rule out witch, ghost, or demon, for now anyway.

Then they, unfortunately, spent the rest of the afternoon unpacking, trying to put on a show for the neighbors, and whatever thing was out there. Dean had sent Sam back to the motel after they finished the pizza they ordered, and he left with a smile and promise to call in the morning.

And Jack was already tucked into his new space bed, that he's absolutely over the moon about, hours ago. He thankfully conked out quickly, exhausted from all of the excitement of the day.

Now Dean was alone, leaning on the kitchen island. Cas had disappeared upstairs a while ago, so he only can assume he went to bed.

But it's not like Dean's gonna go upstairs to check that theory, even though every inch of his body was screaming at him to go to sleep. Because upstairs was their bedroom. With their bed, and the comforter Cas picked out.

For them.

(Read the rest under the cut)

And in a flash he pushes off the island, deciding to clean the kitchen instead. First night in a new house, can't start leaving a mess already, right?

But the only problem was, there wasn't really anything to actually clean. They ate pizza off of paper plates, (even though Dean bought brand new circle plates that afternoon), and drank soda and beer from cans and bottles.

So he settles for wiping off the dining room table, three times, until realizing he couldn't justify wiping it off a fourth. And Dean does what any logical, extremely exhausted, person in this situation would do.

He restlessly paces around the foyer instead.

Not because he's avoiding the bedroom, of course, he's just got a lot to think about, and besides he thinks better when he's moving. It also serves as an excellent explanation for his ever-increasing heart rate.

But it's fine because it's just a stupid room.

Dean pauses, staring at the stairs for a moment, ignoring the pounding in his chest.

It's not like he and Cas haven't shared a room with a bed before, they do it all the time on solo hunts. But this is different.

Cas wasn't sleeping before. And now Cas eats a little, sleeps a little, takes showers, wears normal clothes. And Dean doesn't know if he just does it to do it, to fit in, or if his grace is fading, or what. It's not like they've talked about it, things are awkward enough between them, but it's not exactly an unwelcomed change. A change that makes everything about a billion times more confusing for Dean sure, but it's jus-nope too tired to go down that road.

So with a shaky breathe he lets his eyes wander up the white carpeted steps.

He can do this. It's just a room, with a bed, that Cas is currently laying in. And he'll have to lay next to h-

Dean snaps his head towards the living room, ripping his eyes away from the staircase and stopping on the wall clock.

Quarter to two.

"Fuck" Dean whispers to himself in the empty room.

The exhaustion washes over Dean, instantly weighing down his limbs. His eyes subconsciously trail down to the couch.

It looks comfortable enough he could just sleep there, and it would be fi-no it would be pathetic. And he'd probably wake up in pain, he's not exactly twenty-five anymore, plus he-

This is pathetic. Dean's ready to pass out on the floor, and he's definitely gonna need his four hours if he's gonna make it through the trials of meeting the neighbors and pretending to be marri-

And it's just a stupid room.

Then suddenly, he's climbing the stairs, and finds himself standing in the bedroom doorway before he even realizes it.

Dean's eyes immediately land on Cas, who stares right back, head tilted in question.

And Dean continues to silently hover in the doorway. Like an idiot.

His mouth goes dry when he really registers the sight before him, the swirling feeling is back, creeping around in his stomach. Because Cas is sitting up against the headboard, on top of that blue comforter, reading a book and looking so-

"Dean?"

Cas' voice snaps him from his thoughts and successfully gets his heart rate going again. Wonderful.

"I'm uh...I was gonna sleep on the couch" Dean manages to choke out.

Cas' face falls, and Dean immediately feels like shit.

"It's not becau-"

"I can take the cou-"

They both start at the same time, effectively cutting each other off.

Dean sighs, clenching his hands at his sides to stop his shaking hands.

He knew he'd have to sleep in the bed with Cas, they bought the comforter and everything, so of course, he knew. But actually doing it, is a different story and he ju-

"Dean, I don't mind. I waited because I wasn't sure what you wanted t-I can take the couch. I don't want to make you uncomfortable" Cas continues before Dean's brain even has a chance to reboot.

Cas quickly pushes off the bed, grabbing his book as he goes.

"No wait" Dean half-shouts, mouth moving without permission.

Cas stalls, clearly surprised, and hell Dean can concur with that.

What is wrong wi-

"Dean, I promise I don't mind, I barely sleep. You shouldn't have to sleep on the couc-"

"Cas, no that's not fair to you, we can-"Dean starts, cutting himself off.

They can what? Is Dean actually going to say they can-

 He's too tired for this shit. It's just a stupid bed in a stupid room, with Cas. He can stow his crap.

Dean unclenches his fists, taking an unsteady breath.

"Cas it's cool, we can both-it's a big bed, it'd be a waste" Dean finishes weakly.

Cas hesitates for a moment, looking unsure as he fiddles with the string of his sweatpants. And Dean's heart twists at the sight.

God, he's such an ass.

So he's gonna fix it.

"Of course it's fine Cas. It's a big bed, I'm not uncomfortable I swear. Just lay your ass down-and actually get under the covers this time you, weirdo" Dean says, trying for a joke. And whether it was for his own sake or Cas', he'll never tell.

Cas worries his lip between his teeth for a moment with a frown, then a small smile replaces it. Which Dean finds himself easily returning.

And before he can freak out again, he snatches a pair of sweatpants, and a tshirt from the drawer designated for his clothes, which he tries very hard not to think about, and hurries into the bathroom to change.

  After a brief staring contest with himself in the mirror, where he tried to regain control of his lungs, Dean finds himself slowly pulling back the covers of the bed.

Cas is rolled onto his side, buried under the blankets, and Dean can only see the mop of his hair peeking out. So assumes he's asleep. Dean lies on his back, afraid to move while he tries to not think about the warmth radiating next to him under the covers.

He squeezes his eyes shut, trying to will away the panic crawling up his throat, as the day's events flash behind his eyes.

He's in a house in the suburbs, with a ring on his finger pretending to be married to Cas, while he lays in a bed less than a foot away from him.

The swirling feeling, that Dean is now refusing to identify due to self-embarrassment, is twisting in his stomach again.

What was he thinking? How is he going to do this? They haven't even done anything yet and he's alre-

"Goodnight Dean" Cas murmurs, breaking the silence. And Dean whips his head to the side is met with a soft smile, and wide blue eyes shining in the dark.

The panic quickly melts away, and he gives a weak smile back. And with that, Cas turns away again, leaving Dean to stare through the dark.

He releases a breath he didn't realize was holding, as he watches Cas' shoulders slowly rise and fall under the comforter.

And then, that feeling makes an appearance. The feeling that Dean's had for years and refuses to talk about, but he definitely thinks about a lot more lately. It bubbles deep in his stomach, trying to rise to the surface to consume him.

So he physically swallows, shoving everything back down where they belong.

Then Dean forces himself to roll over, willing away the feeling, and letting his exhaustion consume him instead.

  Warmth. That's the first thing Dean registers as he begins to wake up. Then, he notices the light streaming on his face, and quickly squeezes his eyes shut tighter.

Weird, he must have left the light on his room since the bunker doesn't have windows after all, but he can't be bothered with that, as he's far too comfortable at the moment.

Which is also weird, because usually, he wakes up freezing. The bunker is great, but the heating system is old as shit and h-

Dean feels a hot puff of air against his shoulder.

Case. House. Married. Bed. Cas.

Dean's eyes fly open as memories from yesterday come flooding back to him. Dean slowly tries to get up, only to realize he can't.

Because he's stuck.

In Cas' arms.

A million thoughts rush into his mind, and he ignores every one of them because now is definitely not the time. Fighting the urge to launch out of the bed, Dean freezes, trying to wrack his brain about how he can get out of this without waking Cas.

But that's a little hard to do when all he can think about is Cas' arms wrapped tightly around his waist.

Fuck

Dean experimentally begins his legs, only to realize they're tangled with Cas'. He slowly shifts his leg toward the end of the bed and suddenly his boxers pull agains-

Oh

Oh shit.

And with that new revelation, Dean quickly, but carefully, frees himself from Cas' grasp, and stands shivering from the loss of warmth. He stares down at the bed, watching the sunlight stream over Cas' sleeping form, hair an absolute wreck, arms stretched out in front of him.

Arms Dean was just in.

He glances down at himself, breath catching in his throat, and practically sprints into the bathroom.

  And an hour later Dean's in the kitchen, cooking pancakes on the little griddle they bought yesterday, as if nothing happened.

Because nothing did happen.

And yeah, maybe Dean spent a little longer under an ice-cold shower, since the freezing cold room clearly wasn't enough-but the extra time definitely went toward fixing his hair. And definitely not towards anything else.

Dean starts flipping the pancakes onto a plate, trying to shove the thoughts from his mind, to no avail of course. Which is dumb because it was nothing, right? It didn't matter and it definitely didn't have anything to do with Cas and his arms an-

"De!" Jack shouts as he comes barreling into the kitchen, and into the back of Dean's legs. Which rips Dean faster from his thoughts than anything else could, and if Dean knew God gave a shit, he would thank him for that.

"Morning Squish, remember inside voices. Your Dad is still sleeping" Dean shushes half-heartedly, and Jack of course raises his finger to his lips, shushing very seriously.

So Dean scoops him, placing him in the little booster seat at the kitchen table, sitting Bun on top of the table of course. He makes quick work of cutting up pancakes for Jack, and placing them, and his Pooh cup in front of him.

"Thank De" Jack whispers, which makes Dean grin uncontrollably as turns back to the griddle.

He listens to Jack babble to Bun, and starts plating the rest of the pancakes. 

"Da!" Jack shouts from behind him. All rules of inside voices and Dean's momentary calm, thrown out the window, since clearly Cas is awake now.

Dean doesn't turn around, staring very intently at the pancakes he's flipping, he can't let them burn after all. He hears Cas tiredly greet Jack, as he unplugs the griddle. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees Cas shuffle towards the coffee pot.

"Your's is on the stove" Dean says, pointing with his spatula, refus-without turning around. Cas just hums as a thanks. He may still be an angel, but whenever he does sleep, he is not a morning person.

Dean busies himself making plates for him and Cas, waiting until he hears the scrape of a chair before daring to turn around.

Dean quietly takes a deep breath. He's pretending to be married to the man, he's obviously going to have to look at him at some point.

But it's little hard to make eye contact, when you thought about those blue eyes in the show-

Something drops low in the pit of Dean's stomach and he puts both plates down, Cas isn't even awake enough to eat yet anyway so it's fine, and quickly starts wiping off the griddle with a wet paper towel instead.

Heart hammering in his chest, he squeezes his eyes shut for a second, trying to halt the panic currently clawing up his throat. He puffs out a breath.

This is ridiculous. Cas probably doesn't even know he turned into an octopus in the middle of the night, and he definitely doesn't know about Dean's-other thing.

So it's fine, because it's not like Dean's gonna tell him, any of it. Cas would probably be embarrassed about hanging on Dean in his sleep, and Dean wouldn't dare to make anything even more awkward.

So it's fine. It's good.

And with that revelation, he tosses the paper towel, grabbing their plates, and spins around before he can stop himself again.

And he's met with a very tired Cas leaning on one hand, clutching the mug close to his chest with the other, while he talks to Jack about nonsense. His hair is sticking up in every direction, and there's that smile on his lips that's reserved just for Jack.

This isn't a new sight by any means, he pretty much sees this every day now. But this is different.

Because technically he's seeing it in their kitchen. Sam and Eileen won't come stumbling in, it's just them. Alone.

And that swirling feeling, that Dean is realizing might be butterflies-but they definitely aren't because he's a grown man, and that would be ridiculous, is back with a vengeance.

Cas looks up, meeting his eyes giving him a smile that's reserved only for Dean. And those blue eyes that he-nope.

Dean shoves everything away, even the butte-swirling feeling, and moves, placing down Cas' plate, and sits across from him with his own.

"Thank you, good morning" Cas says after another sip of his coffee, his voice still thick with sleep.

This is just like any regular morning at the Bunker, if he ignores the details, so Dean can do this.

"Morning, finally join the land of the living?" Dean qups, taking a bite. Cas just squints, and points his fork at him accusingly

"Dean it's eight am, I distinctly remember you once saying that the land of the living doesn't begin until at least after nine" Cas smiles, proud of his little joke.

"Yeah but we're in the burbs now, didn't you hear the new rules? Tell him Jack" Dean smirks pointing his fork right back.

"Yeah, Da!" Jack shouts, and hey at least the kid is on his side.

Cas just rolls his eyes fondly and goes back to his food. And Dean definitely doesn't stare at him, especially not since he realizes Cas is wearing one of his old shirts.

Which again, isn't new, Cas does it all the time and Dean definitely doesn't care. But like everything else, this is different.

Because they're in a white marble kitchen, with the sunlight shining through the windows, eating pancakes that Dean cooked, with a child sitting in between them.

It's domestic, too domestic. Because now that feeling (the one Dean doesn't talk about) is bubbling up, joining with the butterfl-swirling feeling an-

"So, I saw a park on our way in yesterday. I thought we should take Jack today, it's much bigger than the park in Lebanon. And it would allow us to talk to some of the parents, to see if any of them were friends with Carol and Mike Stanton, or any of the other vics?" Cas suggested placing his fork on his plate.

The feeling immediately deflates, which Dean definitely doesn't care about. He's definitely glad it's gone.

Right, case, they're working a case. This Dean can handle.

"Sounds like a good idea as any, us pushing Jack on the swings, will put on a good show for whatever's out there. Plus, I bet these stay-at-home parents love will love to gossip about the murders of their neighbors" Dean points out which earns a huffed laugh from Cas.

Good thing they're both on the same page about these suburban bureaucrats. They're gonna be a nightmare, Dean can feel it.

"We can also definitely try to narrow down who the next vic could be, in case whatever it is we're hunting, decides it's tired of targeting just this house." Cas tacks on

"Yeah, but hopefully it'll just stick with us, make everything a hell of a lot simpler" Dean sighs, easily shifting into "hunter mode".

"And I think it'll be good for Jack to play with children his age. Oh, which reminds me. Jack, we need to have a serious conversation" Cas says calmly, folding his hands on the table, looking to Dean to make sure he understands.

"Yeah kiddo, we gotta talk about your angel mojo" Dean says, matching Cas' tone.

And with that, they have Jack's full attention. He may not even be two, but he's always been able to understand everything they say, which doesn't mean he always listens, but he knows what they're saying. They've all chalked it up to the half-angel.

"So I know we're in a different place, but the rules are still the same. No using your powers outside of our house, or this new house. Understand?" Cas stated simply but seriously.

"Yes Da, understand," Jack nods, trying to match Cas' serious face to the point where Dean had to hide a laugh behind his hand.

"Alright! Why don't you and your Dad go get dressed, and then we can go to the park" Dean said ramping up the excitement for Jack's sake.

"Park? Yay!" Jack cheers from his little booster seat.

"Dean, you made breakfast, I can clean up-"

"Cas we have this argument like every day at home, go get dressed I've got it. Plus I'm already dressed, see" Dean smiles gesturing to his flannel and jeans for effect.

Cas hesitates for a moment like he always does, but then he scoops up Jack and makes his way up the stairs.

As soon as Dean's sure they're out of sight, he slumps down against the counter, putting his head in his hands. After he collects himself to the best of his ability, he shoves off and starts cleaning up from breakfast. Which serves as a great distraction until he hears footsteps on the stairs again.

Dean grips the counter he's wiping off and stares up at the ceiling.

"Get it together Winchester. You're working a case, so act like it" Dean whispers to himself

And it hits him. This is all an act, so Dean just has to act like he doesn't care, like he isn't always one step away from a breakdown whenever Cas looks at him.

A foolproof plan, what could go wrong?

So with a deep breath, he turns around like a very professional hunter who's ready to pretend to be married to his best friend, which he definitely does not care about it at all because it's all an act.

But then he sees Cas standing in a gray sweater, jeans, and a long, deep blue peacoat that Dean has definitely never seen. And he loo-

"Ready to go?" Cas asks with a smile as he bounces an excited Jack on his hip. And Dean swallows, managing a nod.

Right, Dean doesn't care. He's fine.

So he quickly grabs his new brown coat, Sam told him to get some nicer clothes so they could "blend", and they're out the door, squinting in the sunlight.

Then he feels warmth in his hand, and meets Cas' slightly worried eyes. So Dean just squeezes back, and pulls Cas along down the porch steps.

Because Dean is fine, because he doesn't care. He's just holding Cas' hand, nothing weird about that, it's for the case.

But the more they walk, the more Dean realizes that there are a lot of people outside. Walking dogs, pushing kids in strollers, jogging,

God it's 9:30am on Monday, don't these people have jobs?

Apparently not, because they're all out here, and they can all see Dean. Holding Cas' hand.

And yeah okay maybe Dean does care, a little, it's all for an act, but he-

Cas' squeezes his hand tightly, and that electricity from yesterday shoots through Dean again. He glances over at Cas, who gives him a smile, and finds himself unable to turn away.

Cas can always sense when Dean was on the verge of a freakout, it was probably the angel mojo, but that didn't mean Cas always had to hel-

"Hi! You must be the new neighbors!" A voice calls, causing Dean and Cas to stall in their tracks, ending their staring contest.

Standing in front of them on the sidewalk was a couple, probably around their ag-well Dean's age. A shorter woman with a messy bun, and a guy around Cas' height, both wearing what looked like workout clothes. How pretentious.

But they didn't look like the rest of these rich asshats, especially since their clothes weren't full of designer logos.

"Sorry we just saw you moving in yesterday, we live a few houses up from you guys" The woman continued with a smile.

"That's was us, I'm Dean Richardson, this is my husband Cas. Oh and this is Jack" Dean said putting on a fake smile and holding out a hand, trying to ignore the way husband rolled so easily off his tongue.

"Oh sorry, where are our manners! I'm Jason Davidson, and this is my wife Molly. It's great to meet you, and this little guy too" Jason said as they shook their hands, giving a little wave to Jack.

"Can you say hi baby?" Cas said bouncing Jack a little

"Hi! I'm Jack I'm gonna be two" Jack said giving his award-winning smile and earning a laugh from Molly and Jason.

"We were just out on a run, and figured you'd want to meet some friendly faces first. Ya know, before you run into the bitches of the neighborhood since you guys seemed like normal, sane people" Molly laughed, which pulled a surprised laugh from Dean and Cas.

Yeah, definitely not like the rest of the rich asshats.

"Shoot! I'm so sorry for the language, little ears. But I just got off a forty-minute phonecall with Amanda, where she-"

"What Molly is failing to subtlely ask is, have you met Amanda and Bill yet?" Jason said quickly cutting off Molly's rant.

"No, I can't say that we have? Right, sweetheart?" Cas asked, amusement hinting in his voice. And the butterfl-swirling thing definitely didn't make an appearance at how naturally Cas tacked on the term of endearment. Because It's an act and Dean definitely doesn't care.

"They practically run the entire neighborhood. Amanda is the head of neighborhood watch, and the party planning committee. And her husband Bill is her right-hand man" Molly explained, and Dean and Cas exchanged a look.

"She's been all over us since it's our turn to host the annual-" Jason starts.

"Oh speaking of, you're both invited! It's a giant barbeque at our house, the entire neighborhood is attending" Molly smiles cutting in.

"A barbeque? In November" Dean asks, playing along.

"It's actually called 'Pleasant Acres' Annual Autumn Banquet' but we call it 'Barbeque Bonfire Night', to piss off Amanda, Bill, and their groupies. You're lucky you moved in the year we got stuck hosting, or else you'd be sipping wine to Chopin in Amanda's backyard" Jason winks.

"We've got booze, burger, wings, ribs you name it! It starts tonight at five, we know you just moved in, but it would be a great way to meet the rest of the neighborhood" Molly suggests. Dean turns to Cas to see a raised eyebrow and a look that says, "yes we have to go".

Well, maybe they'll be other "normal" people like Molly and Jason. Dean's starting to like them anyway.

"Thank you for the invitation, we'll definitely be there" Cas smiles turning back to them.

"What should we brin-"Dean starts, knowing it's polite to offer.

"Nope none of that, just bring yourselves! You just moved in, we've got everything covered, just com-"Jason began only to be cut off by a ringtone.

"Great, it's Amanda. I've gotta take it our she'll keep calling. Party starts at five, our house is number 2241, can't miss it! See you tonight!" Molly shouts, and with a wave, they're both making their way down the sidewalk.

"Well, that worked out nicely. All of the neighborhood in one place" Cas chuckled beside him.

"Yeah, now we've gotta spend the night schmoozing rich douc-not nice people, for info" Dean grumbled, catching himself. Little ears after all.

Cas just huffed a laugh, and began dragging Dean down the rest of the sidewalk.

Wait was Cas holding his hand the entire time? And he didn't even notice? Dean feels the heat creep up his neck, but it's fine because Dean definitely doesn't care.

"Well, we're definitely going to have to talk to Amanda and Bill, since they're the head of neighborhood watch" Dean groans ignoring the flush rising to his cheeks.

"I know, but apparently they aren't very good at their job, since three couples were murdered under their watch. So maybe the conversation won't be long" Cas supplies, which startles a laugh out of Dean.

"And at least Molly and Jason seem nice. So maybe they have some non-not nice people, friends" Cas continues and Dean barks a laugh.

"Wow two jokes in a row, when's your standup tour start?" Dean teases. 

He doesn't have to look over to know Cas is smiling. So he knocks him with his shoulder, and then pointedly ignores the lightning that runs through his veins at the touch. And thankfully he doesn't have much time to pointedly ignore anything, since they arrive at the park, and immediately steer Jack towards the smaller, toddler equipment.

Because Dean is far too focused on continuously placing Jack on the top of the tiny slide, so he can slide down in Cas' waiting arms, to care about how the sight makes his heart twist.

And he's far too focused on Jack laughing in the baby swing, to care about how looking at how happy Cas is pushing him, causes that swirling feeling to swim around his stomach.

And he far too focused on Jack in his arms, to even care about the way Cas seems to be slightly leaning into him, as they walk hand and hand back to the house.

And he'd far too focused on going over the facts of the case with Cas at the kitchen table, during Jack's nap, to even care about how Cas' hair is still wildly windblown.

And he's too focused during their phone call with Sam, to care about how Cas' is sitting across from him, cheeks still tinged pink from the wind.

 And he's too focused on everything, to even care about how they're gonna have to pretend to be a loving couple tonight, in front of hundreds of people. And how he might have to even kiss Cas.

 Nope, Dean definitely doesn't care at all.

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