Chapter Text
Six Years Later
Castiel rolled onto his side, staring at the golden light streaming through the window. He grinned calmly, watching the glittering rays reflect off his boyfriend’s skin like diamonds. Dean was always so beautiful when he was asleep.
“Dean.” Cas whispered, his voice like chocolate and sex, rich in the early morning. “Dean, wake up. The big day is here.”
Dean opened his eyes slowly, as if he was savoring every second. He dragged his eyes across the room slowly, till they swept over Castiel’s face. Dean smiled groggily. “Good morning, beautiful.”
Despite having been together for six years, Cas still blushed under his jade green stare and savory compliments. Even though he had been exhausted; having had a late call from a young client last night that stretched well past their allotted time, the pair managed to stay up later then usual, laying and talking on the soft white sheets so unlike the pale blue ones in their apartment. Charlie had claimed Dean’s smaller apartment as her own about four years ago, allowing Dean to move in with Castiel. It had worked out better then they could ever imagine.
The past six years had been full of happiness for the two boys. After they began to date again, they saw each other constantly. Dean got a record deal soon after his sold-out show, and, thanks to Jimmy Collins, he was now working on his own album, while still producing on the side. His album, titled The King Is Dead was supposed to be a smash hit, but Dean was happy either way. He was doing what he loved with who he loved. He had found a home worth keeping.
Castiel, on he other hand, had graduated college in just four years and promptly opened up his own therapy practice in the vacant building next to the café. Business had been slow at first, but his clients were dedicated and the hours weren’t so bad, they gave him time to keep his romance alive.
And keep it they did. They traveled once, taking a ten day vacation to New Zealand, and although their trip mostly consisted of Dean talking about the Lord of the Rings, they had had a wonderful time. They went out on dates, sometimes with Charlie and sometimes alone. Sometimes they wouldn’t go at all; spending their time on the couch or the bed, reacting to each other’s familiar bodies as if it were the first time all over again.
They were in love and nothing had ever tasted sweeter. No drugs, no money, no driving force could tear them apart. They had found everything that they had been missing in their lives and they found it in each other.
If it had been a normal day, Dean would’ve gotten up before Castiel, showered, and made breakfast before work. They would eat together then Dean would leave, after kissing Cas goodbye, and they would spend some hours at their respective jobs. Some weeks were harder then others. Sometimes Castiel would have to wait up at night while Dean was in the studio, and Cas hated being in the apartment alone. But they always ended up in the same bed, even if they had been fighting minutes before. Dean found he just couldn’t rest without Castiel next to him.
Cas stretched and looked around. Through his sleepy eyes he could tell that this was not an ordinary day. They weren’t even in their apartment. The hotel room was painted beige instead of their bedroom’s pale blue. Cas grinned lazily and looked up at Dean.
Dean, on the other hand, was worrying his lip. He slipped out of bed and went to the closet, pulling down the two matching black suits, clean and pressed, from their separate hangers.
‘C’mon, angel. I don’t think this is something we can be late for.” Cas rolled his eyes and reluctantly rolled out of bed.
He smoothed his hands down the front of Dean’s chest and back up again, wrapping his fingers around his neck and massaging his scalp.
“Don’t worry, Dean. Nothing’s going to go wrong.” Dean gave him a pained look. “Have you got your speech all written out?”
Dean sighed. “Yes. Yes. Seriously, Cas, what would I do without you?” Dean dipped his head low to kiss at Cas’ neck. Cas let out a low, appreciative sound, but the moment was short lived.
“Ah-Dean, it’s almost eight o’clock. And you’re right; the best man can’t be late for his father’s wedding.”
****
Castiel sat with Bobby, Ellen, Jo, and Adam, Jo’s new official boyfriend, during the ceremony. Dean and John stood, tall and proud, by the altar, both Winchesters wearing matching grins as Amy walked down the aisle. Dean had escorted his little sister to the front of the church where she stood as the maid of honor. The ramshackle family all held their breath as vows were recited and promises made. Finally, almost too quickly, John was dipping Amy in her dazzling gown and kissing her breathless, as husband and wife.
The reception was held in a small ballroom outside of Lawrence. There was champagne and dancing, and Rose even tried some of Dean’s beer. Dean introduced Castiel to the few family members he hadn’t yet met and they all smiled warmly at the pair, their fingers interlaced. A few fast songs played and the couple sat them out, smiling at each other over pristine silverware and gourmet food.
A slow song came over the speakers and Dean felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned and Rose stood there, her young face lit up with a touch of makeup and excitement.
“Dean, can we dance?” Dean looked at Castiel who nodded enthusiastically, gesturing for them to take the floor. Dean stood and bowed to Rose, who giggled girlishly, before taking her hand and leading her to the middle of the floor, amidst the older couples, including John and Mary.
Cas sipped his drink and watched his boyfriend sway with his younger sister. For some reason, he thought about Anna and Charlie and wondered if the twin sister’s had remained close after the concert. Anna had gotten engaged shortly after to a boy she had fallen madly in love with on campus. They had a small wedding in a garden and she had been stunning. Charlie as her bridesmaid, they had made quite an entrance. After the ceremony, the three of them had snuck out to the backyard and passed a joint between them. Cas grinned at the memory. Some things never change.
****
Rose gripped Dean’s shoulder tightly as they danced. The song was sweet and melodic, an old man’s voice soothing everyone in attendance. Rose was undaunted by the somber music. Now eleven, she was growing into a fine, exuberant young woman. Dean was proud of her.
“…the book of love is long and boring, no-one can lift the damn thing…it’s full of charts and facts and figures…and instructions for dancing…”
“Have you done it yet?” Rose whispered excitedly. Dean felt his palms start to sweat on her waist. He shook his head slowly and she squeaked. “Dean!”
He shrugged his face panicky. “I just haven’t found the right way to say it yet. What if I mess it all up and he gets the wrong idea?”
“…the book of love has music in it…in fact that’s where music comes from…some of its just transcendental…some of its just really dumb…”
Rose rolled her eyes and squeezed his hand. “It’s Castiel, Dean; you know exactly what’ll happen. You’re just psyching yourself out! I swear to god, if you don’t tell him, I WILL.”
Dean laughed as the song continued. He was always shocked by the wisdom that Rose possessed. She must’ve gotten it from Amy.
****
Cas opened the door to their apartment and dropped the bags on the couch, groaning loudly and cracking his back.
Dean walked in, pale and shaky, and gripped the doorframe, taking a few deep breaths. Cas hurried to him and helped him into one of the chairs at their two person table. Dean grinned sheepishly.
“Sorry, babe.”
Cas handed him a glass of water and kissed his forehead. “Nothing to be sorry for. I know how much you can’t stand flying, and we just did two pretty long flights in one weekend. Do you need anything else?”
Dean looked up at him for a long moment, the color starting to come back into his cheeks, coaxed by Castiel’s sweetness. Dean nodded and beckoned Cas closer. When he obliged, Dean pulled him in for a long, deep kiss, running his fingers through his messy hair while Cas pushed against him.
When they finally broke apart Castiel grinned, his eyes fixed on Dean. He blushed under that blue-eyed scrutiny.
“What?”
Cas shook his head, turning to switch on the radio, cranking the volume up so that it echoed through the whole house.
“I just never get tired of that.” Cas leaned in and kissed Dean again, ravishing his lips slowly as a familiar guitar riff blared out of the speakers. Castiel sucked in a breath. “Oh, I love this song.” He smiled deviously and ran his hand through Dean’s hair. “Come to bed soon, okay? I had to hold out all weekend and seeing you in that suit…” Cas trialed off, his lips brushing over Dean’s slowly.
“I love you.” Dean said softly, his breath fell on Castiel’s lips.
Cas pulled back, his eyes warm. He walked down the hallway, walking almost to the beat of the old rock song playing. “I love you too!” He called over his shoulder, walking into the bedroom with a look behind, promising all the different kinds of fun that was to be had in there.
Dean stood and felt himself grin naturally; it spread over his face like second nature. He was so happy.
“…Carry on my wayward son…”
They had made it to the finish line, against all odds. Against pain, liars, demons, and everything in-between they were still together. Castiel Novak and Dean Winchester.
Dean reached into his pocket and pulled out the small black box he had kept in his pocket for weeks. His hands were shaking, but not from fear.
“…There’ll be peace when you are done…”
Nestled inside was a small white-gold engagement band. Dean had bought it with Rose a month and a half ago. He had it picked out for three years. He traced the small etchings on the side carefully, his eyes following the intricate design as it rounded the ring. It was perfect. Cas was perfect.
“…Lay your weary head to rest…”
He took two small steps towards the bedroom where Cas was waiting. A smile played out across Dean’s lips and his green eyes were lit with anticipation. It finally hit him. It didn’t matter what happened in the years to come because here he was with the love of his life…he made it. He beat the demons inside him, he had overcome the voices, the darkness, it was the moment he had been waiting for his whole life. He did it. He won.
Dean walked towards the bedroom, the box clasped between his fingers, but his hands weren’t shaking from fear. The next chapter of his life was beginning so smoothly and that was alright with him.
“…Don’t you cry no more…”