Chapter Text
Hearing Gabriel's question, Sam made a rough swerve of the car, scaring the wits out of Bobby and the two angels sitting in the back, but giving Dean the enjoyment of the thrilling action. The toddler giggled madly and chanted "Do it again! Again, Sammy!"
Sam politely told Dean it was an accident and will not be doing it again, earning a small pout from the child, but nothing more. The legally younger Winchester looked in the review mirror to see Castiel was staring at Gabriel with shocked eyes and a small agape mouth, looking at his older brother like he just witnessed Lucifer hopping in the car with them.
Sam wished at the moment that he had no clue what Gabriel was trying to explain with that question. But dear God, he had probably the same idea as Bobby, who looked beyond horrified as himself. Sam noticed he was ignoring the road to long and regained his focus, only glancing once or twice.
"Cas? You okay?" Sam asked.
Castiel played no mind to him. His mouth opened and closed as he tried finding the words, but he was still staring at Gabriel who was grinning like a goof. Finally, Castiel was able to form a word or two. "A... A D-daddy?" he sputtered slowly, automatically holding Dean closer to him. Dean happily snuggled into his Guardian Angel's chest, twiddling the tie in his tiny palms, pretending it was a snake; Dean made a growl and actually pressed the tip of the fabric in Castiel's face as if "the tie snake" was biting the angel's cheek. But Castiel hardly flinched for he was still in his speechless gaze.
If the situation would have been different, Sam would howled a laugh at the bewildered angel.
He quickly intervened. "Oh, please tell me your kidding, Gabe," Sam groaned.
"Yeah, you angel dick, you're bluffing right?" Bobby joined. One thing Bobby knew, is that he didn't like mixing"Daddy" and "Dean" in the same sentence for unquestionable reasons such as John Winchester. Clearly, the man was becoming aggravated by his own thoughts.
Finally, Gabriel began to explain. He chuckled.
"Okay, well... It is pretty a hell of a fantasy in my clever head- but it could work!..."
...
For some reason he paused?
Sam furrowed his eyebrows and wavered a hand in the air. "Gabe!" he called. Gabriel grinned. "Sorry, 's just one of those moments when you all lean in and go 'tell us! Oh please let us know!' You Winchesters are adorable when you beg," he teased. Bobby groaned, rubbing his temples.
"Sam, I'm gonna kill'im, you need to hold me back or I'm gonna kill'im ," he whispered under his breath, loud enough for Sam to hear. Sam couldn't help but agree. Gabriel was growing like an itch that needed to be scratched, being a trickster and all. Being just Gabriel was just as aggravating as being a guy who does tricks. But he knew it was just Gabriel's nature and must learn to cope with it. One wrong thing and Gabe could just... snap.
"Yeah, yeah Gabe, now tell us what you're trying to get at," Sam pushed.
Gabriel clasped his hands together and made a rubbing motion. "Oh! Since you asked so nicely, Sam-bo..." With that, Gabriel snapped his fingers. Being the trickster, the noise of his snaps had became known for twisted schemes and became something to be aware of when you heard it. And before anyone knew it, the were all standing on rich grass, on a hill....
And the impala was gone.
Everyone except Gabriel- who had a shit grin- looked around frantically with alert. Dean giggled. "Dat was so cool!" He didn't notice his lollipop was gone, for the green rich scene made him bubbly inside. The boy looked up at the younger angel who stood next to him. "Caswiel did you see dat?" Dean asked, tugging at Castiel's coat. Castiel shot his eyes around the green area. Apparently no one saw it coming, which he could tell it was aggravating Sam, and Bobby looked as if he were ready to shoot Gabriel.
If he had a weapon.
Everything of their defense had been in the trunk of the Impala which was nonexistent at the moment. If Dean was... Dean... Then he would have been trying to strangle Gabriel to get the answers where his Baby was. Never mess with Dean's Baby, Castiel knew it well. But now, the little Dean only looked around confusingly for a bit, then gazed up at Gabriel and asked, "Where did pwetty car go?"
Castiel couldn't help but give a small smile. The de-aged Winchester looked so harmless and sounded so innocent as if all bitterness and grouchy attitude had been stripped from him. It was like Dean had not inch of sorrow or anger left in him. But Castiel had to remind himself that their Dean was somewhere being kept in his own sins and nightmares and memories.
Same turned and glared at Gabriel. "What the heck, Gabe?! Where are we?!" he demanded, making Gabriel grin wider in amusement. Bobby cracked his knuckles and began stepping toward the older angel. "Alright, I've had just about enough of you bullshit!" he growled, only to be held back by Sam.
Dean gasped and whispered up at Castiel. "Bobby said a bad word." Castiel looked at the child blankly and shrugged. "You used to call everyone an offspring specifically male offspring of a female dog, so I believe Bobby comparing my brother's antics to animal waste is, what you call inappropriate language..."
Dean only blinked up at his Guardian Angel. "So, it's a bad word?"
Castiel smiled. "Yes and for safe reasoning, I think you should stick to proper language."
Dean nodded in understanding and watched back at his Uncle Bee-bee trying to persuade Sam in letting him do something bad to Gabriel. As if it were instinct, Dean quickly reached up and grabbed onto Castiel's hand; his little hand was just big enough to hold only Castiel's pinky, his ring finger, and his middle finger.
Castiel gazed down at the child's hand on his own and felt a warmness feeling flood his chest, but concern grow in his mind. He had once studied human affection when coming to earth, but never got far nor understood clearly. Farther out onto the long road with the Winchesters, he had come to learn that affection was to be felt at first hand in order to understand the affects and what it can do to you.
Now, he was getting the clear example of it as this child held his hand. Maybe, he could get more deeper with this, so Castiel enclosed his hand with Dean's, reading the good emotions, and the bad emotions.
Okay it was a good grip, but for a bad cause. Dean was becoming a little more frightened and needed comfort or something to tell him it was safe- he was safe, which made Castiel feel over joy that Dean wanted him of all people. Giving the child what he needed, Castiel made a ball of neon blue to glow where their hands connected. Dean noticed it and gasped in amazement, but said nothing even though he did not need to to show his awe. Instead he held the angel's hand tighter. It was like a small star landed in their hands.Castiel could read the light- a brighter light than the one he had created, on the child's face.
So beautiful, he thought to himself.
"Cas... Hey Cas!" Gabriel shouted, gaining the dazed younger angel's attention. The situation had calmed a bit between Bobby, Sam, and Gabriel, not that Castiel had realized for he was too much focused on Dean. Gabriel pouted. "Here I am, little brother, trying to calm these two single ladies, and there you are getting all wishy-washie with Deannie Weenie!"
"My apologies..."
Castiel made his hand stop glowing, causing Dean to silently pout, but he still did not let go. Gabriel gave a small "thank you" before beginning what he wanted to stay. "Okay! Now that I have you're attention, gentlemen, and brat! Allow me to say that it is my honor, and my pleasure to introduce you tooooo...."
Gabriel pranced to the rounded to the further part of the hill, giving no one the decision but to follow him. Gabriel threw his hands in air and showed them the tiniest town- village they had EVER saw.
"Alltoon!"
Silence filled the group, for no one knew what to say. Or why the hell they were there. What was this place they had never heard about?
Castiel- for some reason- had the need to lift Dean into his arms, so he did so and gazed quizzical at his older brother. "Brother, why are we here?" He held back a smile as he felt Dean grip his tie once more and twiddle with it.
Sam rubbed the back of his neck, "yeah, Um, same thing I will like to know, Gabe. I mean, is this like a ghost town? I never even heard of this place."
Gabriel gave Sam a "tut" and shook his head. "I am disappointed, Sam-Bo. And Dean was supposed to be the stupid one," he sighed, "the reason for that is because Alltoon no longer even exists." Sam glared at the older angel. Bobby stared at the town and spoke, "Why are we here?"
Gabriel- for once- began to FULLY explain. "Well, Alltoon is a town with a population under 100; plus, hardly anyone could find this place since it fell off the brig for nearly three or so decades ago. Ever since that... Poof! No visitors and no intentions of placing themselves back on the grid any time soon."
"And?"
"And? Do you even know what this means?..."
Sam pieced together what Gabriel was saying and his eyes widened with realization. "... It would be harder for Raphael and Hell to track."
Gabriel gave the taller male a prideful smile. "Atta go, Sam. I knew you were smart!"
Bobby folded his arms. "So now what, and what did you mean about what you were telling Young Feathers over here?" he questioned, nudging his head towards Castiel. Gabriel almost forgot about his brother.
And look at the wonderful sight him and the Winchester were giving!
Gabriel strolled over to Castiel, who nearly stiffened by his brother's gaze... his too much gentle gazegaze. A gaze that gave Castiel the warning that Gabriel had something on his mind. Dean hardly noticed Gabriel and only looked up at the older angel when Gabriel placed his hands firmly on Castiel's shoulders, giving them a soothing rub. Castiel eyes his older brother cautiously.
"And they grow up so fast," the older angel crooned lovingly, "... don't you and Dean make such a cute little sight!"
Sam furrowed his eyebrows. Okay, Gabe was acting a bit off.
Gabriel gazed down at Dean and ruffled the boy's hair. "Aww, kiddo, do you like Cassy here?" he asked the tyke. Dean gave a bubbly smile and nodded. "Uh huh! Cassy's my Guawdian Angel!" he said. Gabriel chuckled. "I bet he is! And does he remind of anyone special... like I donno, you're daddy?"
Bobby, Sam, and Castiel perked up. Bobby flared and began taking a threatening step towards the older angel. "Listen here, ya prick! Don't you dare go- mmph!" Before Bobby could complete his sentence, a band of iron came upon his lips. Sam gasped and tried to help his uncle out, when steel came over his own mouth. The taller Winchester tried clawing at it, shouting wordless curses towards Gabriel. He was becoming disappointed that Gabriel was bringing up John.
Dean didn't know he was DEAD. It was too soon to even tell a child this! What if Dean asks about John, what was Sam was supposed to do? He couldn't lie... Or maybe he could, but it would be just a matter of time before even Dean in his child form would ask again... And again... And again...
Gabriel sighed and gazed down at Dean. "Now does he, Dean?"
Castiel glared at Gabriel. "What do you think you are doing, brother?" he demanded. Gabriel shushed him by snapping his fingers. Castiel's mouth as forced closed. He tried to open it, but it was held shut by an invisble force. Castiel knew how losing John broke Dean and Sam... Since Dean had bottled those emotions in, he was like a ticking time bomb. He couldn't bare how this child form Dean would react... So innocent, so pure... Castiel did not want to ruin that!
Now, with no further interruptions, Gabriel looked back down at Dean.
"Well kid?..."
Dean dropped his gaze in thought. He loved his daddy- John... but he was never home. Ever since mommy died... Daddy stopped loving him and Sammy.
Dean's lips trembled. Of coarse he remembered the fire. His mommy dying... but where was Daddy?
"You're daddy is DEAD, Child..."
Dean pushed away the dark voice in disbelief. NO. Daddy was NOT Dead....
Dean gazed up at Castiel. His Guardian Angel. Now Dean liked his Guardian Angel. The one mommy always told him about and the one he would always pray to when he went to bed; not that Dean knew his name until this day. But now that he had finally met his angel, he felt something he should only feel for his daddy... He felt love and he felt like he belonged in Cassy's possession.... And as wrong as Dean would admit it...
He loved his Guardian Angel more than he loved Daddy. Daddy was mean, harsh, and careless to everyone but himself, but Castiel was strong, loving, and cared to what happened to him and Sammy.
Dean rubbed his nose with a sniffle and snuggled into Castiel's shoulder, forgetting Gabriel's question and began to murmur "Hey Jude" near the angel's ear. Castiel felt his heart melt by the tiny voice softly making a weak tune and he hesitantly rubbed the child's back, feeling relieved.
Gabriel smiled, seeing Castiel's face heat with affection. "I guess that answers it," he whispered and snapped his fingers again.
Everyone was free to talk once more and they were once again warped to somewhere else; this time, it looked to be a... living room?
They gazed around. There were two long couches sitting across from each other, and there was a glass coffee table in the center of the room. The floor was covered in fuzzy white carpet as well. There was a fire place and several paintings hanging on each wall. There were also plants and vases of flowers settled in random spots. The place looked more... comfy than any other motel or hotel room they have encountered so far. Gabriel strolled away from the group with a flat face. "You smell that? Different from a motel ehh?"
Sam glared at Gabriel. He has had enough; right damn now, he needed answers. "Alright, Gabe, either you tell us what you're up to now, or so help me I'll..."
Gabe swisher around and opened his arms wide. "Welcome home, Novaks!"
Everyone paused.
Novak(s)?
As in Jimmy NOVAK? Castiel's vessel's last name? Was Gabriel referring to THEM?
They weren't Novaks!
But then Welcome home? What did he mean?
Castiel frowned at the familiar name of his vessel. Why did Gabriel...
Oh...
Gabriel stood in front of the group with a small smirk, but it then dropped to a disapproving frown as he studied their complexion. "This will not do." Stepping forward to Sam, he started poking at the taller Winchester's ragged clothing and pinching his heavy brown jacket. Sam tried pushing the angel's hands away, feeling contempt. "Gabe!- stop touching me! What the hell!? What are you..."
Gabriel snapped his fingers with a "Ah ha!"
Before Sam knew it, he felt the weight of his jacket disappear and looked down at himself. He was not wearing his previous clothes, a collar shirt, blue jeans, and heavy steel-toe boots, but instead he was wearing a black shirt with ripped denim jeans and black sneakers. He looked at his new appearance with a frown. He had not worn stuff like this since he was in his teens.
He shot a glare at Gabriel, who had a shit eating grin. "Gabe!"
The older angel ignored him and walked towards Bobby next. The old man looked as he was going to bite the angel's finger. "Yer giving me that damn look an I don't like it, ya prick."
Gabriel did what he did to Sam, which was study Bobby's dress wear until his face enlighten with an idea. Bobby growled. "I swear if you snap your damn..."
Snap!
Gabriel walked from Bobby, and Bobby-taking the older angel's leaving as a sign, looked down at himself. He was wearing a casual white collar shirt that was tucked in his... khaki pants... The man groaned in disgust. He patted his head suddenly, feeling a cold breeze. His cap was gone. That damn Angel took his cap! No wonder Dean hated them! But also, Bobby could feel that his hair was neatly combed back like he would do so himself when he was in FBI mode. But this... felt different. Felt... He felt out of place.
Gabriel studied Castiel who was still holding Dean and for once, the older angel spoke. "Now baby bro, I know how much you and everyone else likes your choice of one dress wear..." Gabriel gave Castiel a tired look, "but this whole banker crap needs to go... so..."
Snap!
Castiel didn't bother looking at his new outfit, he didn't quite care, but from Sam's and Bobby's view, they were looking at... a different Castiel.
Their angel was not wearing his trench coat or his suit anymore, but was now wearing a light blue collar shirt and blue jeans, along with small accessories, such as a small phone holder hanging from his pocket and what looked to be sunglasses in his back pocket. When will he use those?
Castiel looked... Like a normal guy. Plus, his hair was combed from its messy way, giving him the 'I am not some freak' lable.
Dean had been changed as well; the child was now wearing a small Batman shirt, cute blue and red shows, and blue pants, and was holding a small stuffed zebra in his arms. The child, seeing the new toy, giggled with delight and squeezed it close to his chest. A new friend!
Gabriel chuckled and took a step back to admire his work. He gave himself an applause. "Now, much better! You all now look like..."
He pointed to Sam, "A Sam Novak..."
Sam's eyes widened, but he said nothing.
Gabriel pointed to Bobby. "A Grandpa Bobby Novak."
"What?-" Bobby gasped. He was used to being 'Uncle' Bobby. But Grandpa? He had no children. Sam and Dean were the closest to children he would ever get, but despite Dean's situation, they were no longer children. Yet still they were like Bobby's sons.
Gabriel pointed to Dean. "A adorable Dean Novak."
Dean perked up at his name being called and looked at Gabriel. "Hm?" He got no response and Gabriel continued to his little brother, and gave a sigh of awe. "And last but certainly not least... a Daddy Castiel Novak."
Everyone could just see how Castiel reacted to such. The angel's droopy blue eyes widened, his chest stiffened, and his throat strained a bit like it was difficult for Castiel to swallow. Gabriel laughed at that, then pointed to himself. "And now it is I: Gabriel Novak! The creator of this new family!"
Silence filled the room. Utter silence... Dean blinked a few times, before asking, "Who am I? Can I pway too?"
Followed by Dean's question, Bobby growled, "I don't know what you're getting at here, Gabriel, but so far I ain't liking it.'"
Gabriel rolled his eyes, "Geez, pops, I do this to protect Deannie brat, and yet you still question my genius plans- I mean come on! Have you not yet figured what I am doing?"
Sam frowned. "So far, I got a pretty good idea... we're the Novaks... So called 'Fake related family'?"
Gabriel nodded. "Yes! Thank you Sam!"
"But why?" Castiel asked.
Gabriel gazed at his brother who seemed to be out of his... "Daddytized" phase. "Little brother, if Raphael is out there and has a whole legion of other angels and whatsoever- demons?- looking for that kid in your arms, then..."
Castiel looked down at Dean with a protective gaze, holding the child closer. Dean, as always, didn't seem to mind. The child snuggled against Castiel's shoulder with his new zebra friend at his small chest. "I won't let them take him," Castiel retorted bravely.
Gabriel sighed. "Castiel, you are just one angel against Raphael and an army. And sure I can probably kick some A. S. S. too, but Just..." He wavered to everyone, "'us' without at least a fool-proof plan probably won't be enough. Dean is now a child and more vulnerable, you said it yourself. What we bring to us can make it very much difficult to stop it from getting to him. We have to be more cautious than ever on this one, little brother."
Sam looked at Castiel who still looked confident in his strength. "Cas. He's right. We need to lay low for a while... for Dean's sake."
Castiel looked at the younger Winchester for a moment, taking his words through his stubborn head, and nodded with a sigh. He was right. Dean was another occupation, a much harder one. Their hands were somewhat full and the last thing they needed right now was a demon or angel on their tail.
Sam looked back at Gabriel.
"So. What do you have in mind so far, Gabe?" he asked. Gabriel smiled.
"Well, let's go meet our new neighbors!"
"Hurry up! You are all like the slowest people!"
Gabriel had rushed them outside where they were met with a pretty sappy scene like the ones seen in movies. It was just like a normal town, only... there was only only one house spaced far away from their own fairly big grey house that was a structure with a white picket fence surrounding their perimeter. There was a dirt road and based upon the awfully humid air, all knew that underneath was rich soil. There were nothing but hills of grass and a small forest they could see at a distance. Other than that, there was absolutely nothing but nature. No cars ever came by or could be seen.
Which would explain why Gabriel canceled taking along the Impala.
Dean now held Sam's hand as they hurried to follow Gabriel; Bobby and Sam where right behind Castiel. It took a minimum of five minutes to get to their first and only "neighbors'" house; a green structure with a nice flower bed settled at the front porch and a small vegetable garden on the front lawn.
Before walking into the premises, Gabriel turned to the family with a stern glare. "Now, let's not forget who we now are: Sam, you and Dean are no longer Winchesters, and Bobby you are now to forget the talk of supernatural creatures. We are all just the Novaks, okay? We came from Oregon to start fresh. No talk about the Wayward Sons, or Heaven or Hell- to these people, Heaven is only a happy place where they could sit and play harps all day. Let's not give them the real talk... and Cassy... try to act human for Father's sake."
Everyone and Castiel gave Gabriel nods in understanding, and Gabriel sighed. "Show time."
They walked to the front porch and Gabriel stepped up to knock on the door.
Moments later, the door opened and a beautiful woman with brown hair and black eyes revealed herself to them." She smiled brightly at the newcomers. "Oh, hello! New faces I see, may I help you?"
Gabriel smiled gently and spoke, "Hello. Umm... We are the Novaks..." He gestured to the others behind him. Sam waved nearvously and Bobby smiled in an odd way and Dean waved with a cheeky smile. Castiel still had his assertive serious look.
"And we just moved from Oregon to start 'small'. So as a start... We are your new neighbors!" Gabriel finished. The woman supressed an excited squeal and swished around. "Herald! Herald come quick, we have new neighbors!"
Her sparkling eyes caught the awfully cute sight of Dean and his zebra, and she became ten times joyous. "Oh, and they have a baby!" she added.
Not to long after her desperate cries, a man about the hight as Sam with shabby brown hair, a bulky chest, and grey eyes, and a bearded face came stalking to the door, next to his 'wife' Sam assumed by their matching bands on their fingers. Despite the man's- Herald's- intimadating complexion, he beamed brightly at the "family."
"No, well I'll be damned," he chuckled, "been nearly a decade since anyone has came around these parts. We've been off the grid for Lord knows how long. Surprised you bought that house over there."
Gabriel smiled cheekily. "Eh, we all need to visit new places, we happened to discover this one. And the house was lovely."
Herald held out a hand, "Herald J. Hollindale. And this is my wife Julie."
Gabriel gladly shook it and turned to those behind him. "Gabriel Novak. And this is my family; Bobby Novak- our dad..." He ignored the glare Bobby have him, "Castiel Novak- my little brother, and his two wonderful children Dean Novak and Sam Novak."
Sam nearly choked on his air. Great, now he had to pretend Castiel was his dad too? He hardly liked his own dad till death came. He did not wish to go through the daddy issues again. He was surprised when Castiel didn't stiffen, but instead... Gave a small smile at Julie and Herald.
He must be getting used to the "daddy" reference.
Julie squealed at the sight of Dean and lowered down to pinch the tyke's cheeks. Dean giggled at the touch. "Oh! It's been a while since we seen a baby in our parts. The women here have a hard time getting a baby of their own." She sighed sadly, pursing her lips. "Me and Herald have been trying to get lucky, but nothing seemed to work, but we keep trying. But you, cutie, are going to be famous," she giggled, tickling Dean's tummy. Castiel smiled at the little squeals coming from the child. T
Bobby quirked his eyebrows in suspicion. No reproduction in this town? Hm, no wonder the population was so small, maybe there could be some sort of species or witch that is causing the prevention... Hm, he'll have to look deep into this one to-... Bobby felt a small kick at his back leg and turned to glare at Sam, who was giving him a look; a look that said, 'you can stop, I know what you are thinking.' Bobby sighed. Right. They were pretending to be a biological family. But this felt like a case!!! It must be solved, if not, checked in!
His fingers twitched with anxious desire to look into this problem... For the sake of the people, could be his excuse.
Julie noticed the zebra in Dean's arms and cooed with awe. "Who's your friend there, cutie?" she asked. Dean looked down at the zebra and held it to her face. "Benny!" he chirped. Everyone raised an eyebrow by the familiar name. The man that helped Dean through purgatory. But would Dean remember that?
Sam felt hope rise up in him. Maybe Dean could remember a few small parts. But then there was that fear of Dean remembering too much. John's death. Ruby. Castiel's bargain with Crowley. Castiel becoming God. Purgatory.
Hell...
Sam knew that if Dean could hardly handle any of those situations as a grown man... He could barely imagine how he would handle it as a mere child. Hopefully thinking of Benny's name was just a minor thought in Dean's mind.
Julie drowned in awe and gazed up a Castiel. Her face turned into something suspicious, immediately making Sam skitter in his sneakers. She stood and leaned close to Castiel with pursed lips. Castiel tried to remain unaffected. "Hm. You know... You're children don't really look like you?"
Castiel gaped his mouth open, then shut it, then opened it again, stammering over his words with "Uhhs" and "Umms". He looked practically helpless under the woman's gaze. What was he supposed to say?
Julie squinted her eyes and squenched her face tighter, second guessing the " family".
Finally, Gabriel spoke up with a quick excuse, blocking the space between Julie and his little brother. "Uh, he-he, um... Yeah, his wife died from a terrible disease a few years ago," he said; his expression grew sad and he slapped a hand on Castiel's shoulder, causing the younger angel to tilt a bit, "poor kid. It still hurts to talk about it. We will all miss her. The children carried her beautiful traits, which makes us glad that there is something to remember her."
Castiel looked down, playing along with his brother. He surprised Sam and Bobby.
Julie's gaze immediately went to sorrow. "Oh, I am so sorry for being so nosy! And for second guessing you lovely people! Here, I'll make it up, come by tomorrow night and join me and Herald for dinner," she offered.
Dean perked up at her words. "Can you make pie?!" he chirped excitedly, jumping on his tip toes. Julie and Herald laughed, but nodded. "Already growing a sweet tooth, little man?" Herald chuckled. Julie held her hands to her chest. "Oh, I cannot say no to those puppy eyes. Of coarse we will sweety. You like apple?"
Dean nodded. "Uh-huh!"
Julie beamed and looked back up at the family. "Okay, so will you accept?"
They all nodded simultaneously. "Yes."
"Great. See you then, by cutie," Julie waved at Dean. Herald ruffled the tykes hair. "Good bye little man. It was nice meeting you." They then shut the door.
The group stepped off the porch and once they were a safe distance from ears, Bobby blurted out, 'Whew. I thought she had us there!"
Sam chuckled. "Me too. Now..." He glared at Gabriel for the hundredth time today, "Really?! Now Cas has to be my dad?!"
Gabriel rolled his eyes. "Uh Yeah? Why else do you think I placed you in some raggedy clothes and made you look like a minor?"
"So what now? We are going to play house together?"
"Yes."
"For how long?" Bobby asked. Gabriel looked down at Dean, who suddenly yawned and rubbed his eyes. The ex-archangel smiled and he lifted Dean into his arms. "How ever long it takes," he replied, moving to Castiel. He held out the child that willingly stretched his arms towards Castiel with a sleepy face. "Cas*yawn*... Caswiel," he murmured tiredly. Castiel immediately pulled the child into his arms, his heart turning to mush when Dean snuggled close into his chest, yawning again. Castiel could feel the ruffles of hair brush under his chin and craned his head to the Dean's crown.
Sam smiled sweetly at the sight and Bobby chuckled a bit, thinking how would their Dean ever settle to the fact he snuggles to freggin Castiel, an angel of the Lord. Gabriel pursed his lips. "Well, I think someone needs a long nap. We should head back."
They agreed and walked back to the house.
When they made it to the front door of their 'home', one by one they walked in, but before Castiel could make it in, Bobby tugged him back by the arm. Castle gazed down eye to eye with the man the Winchesters knew as their father-figure uncle. Reading the grip on his arm, Castiel could sense frustration, anger, and stress in Bobby. He could not blame the man. With Dean's change and this whole idea of pretending to be a legal family, it had caused a great amount of complications.
He could just feel Bobby's back breaking under pressure.
But still, the man had a fierce look in his eyes as he glared up at the angel. "Just so we are clear, Feathers," the old man growled, "just because I'm going' with this bullshit idea, I don't wanna hear you or the other angel prick calling' me Dad, understand?"
Castiel was not afraid of the man, he was an angel of God... but he could not hurt Bobby without hurting the boys or the objective- not that he would want to hurt Bobby.
Still. he nodded. "I can agree to that," he simply said. Bobby stared at him for a bit, then let Castiel walk inside, him in pursuit. Gabriel and Sam were standing in the living room center, talking to each other about the house, but once they saw the remainder of their group walk in, Gabriel stepped away from Sam. "Alright, now that we are all present. Cassy, you can take Dean to his room upstairs to the right; your room is to the left. Bobby and Sam, you rooms are down here, Bobby yours is to the right and Sam-bo yours is to the left."
"Where's your room?," Sam asked.
Gabriel shrugged. "Ah, I don't really sleep, but when I do its in the attic. Thanks for caring about me, Sammy dear," he joked, ignoring the glare Sam gave him. "Okay... you may now enter your rooms! let the family feud begin!"
(Sam's Room)
When Sam entered his room, he did not know what to expect. Gabriel had picked it out for him, and if Sam did not like the clothes he was wearing, God knows what he would die from in his room. But to his surprise, he was met by a regular room with one bed in the corner, a night stand next to it, a shoe box on the other wall, and a fresh set of sheets on the bed. The walls were a regular tan color with not a single stain or hole through it. He remember the residents saying that someone- which was them of coarse- finally buying the house so what he expected to see were terrible conditioned walls and other things. Not this. Gabriel must have fixed this.
Sam walked to is closet and opened the door. There were a few shirts and jeans, none of them bad for wear like the ones he had on now, but they did look out of his style. There were a few- about two or four- light sweaters and based on the temperature outside, Sam did not see why he would need those. Other than this, he still felt comfortable about this. What, now was he supposed to act like he was still eighteen. Fat chance, he was a grown man! But a little voice in his head kept telling him, do it for Dean. Sam could not argue. If him acting young again protected his brother from Heaven and Hell.. well he be damned to refuse.
Sighing, Sam walked to his bed and saw a note on the bed. He picked it up and read,
Dear Sam-Bo,
I understand that this must be very complicated and weird, but don't worry. It's not forever and maybe this is a better idea than on the road, fighting ever damn turn. When this all over, we can just sweep this under the rug and act like nothing happened. Just remember that until we can change Dean back, you are no longer the "little" brother anymore. You can probably finally get the chance to see firsthand how Dean felt when raising you.
Sincerely, your "Uncle" Gabe <3
Sam sat on his bed, staring at the not. Dear Chuck, here we go.
(Bobby's Room)
"Damn angel dick," Bobby grumbled to himself as he fumbled with his door, "if he thinks that twinkle toes can care for Dean better than I could, he must be stuck..."
He pushed open his door and was immediately surprised by what he saw. "Stu... My room?" It looked like his type of room. Besides the neat space that weren't covered in news clippings, or the supernatural facts, and tragic photos. There was a desk against the wall and a fridge in the corner. And there was also a good size bed and a nightdrawer with a red lamp. The walls were a tan painted color. (Bobby was surprised he didn't see 'Crusty Bastard' written on the walls. Well, based on what he was wearing, Bobby doubted the clothes in this room were any different. So, he walked to the small fridge in the corner.
When he opened the door, he was relieved to see that there was a pack of beer. "At least he understands one thing," he muttered and snatched one in his palm, opened it and took three big gulps.
(Castiel's room)
Castiel walked inside his bedroom, which was probably the master bedroom- unless Gabriel decided to make the attic into a pent house- and took a second to explore his surroundings. He had notice Dean had fallen to slumber and was now snoring softly.
The child felt perfectly fit in the angel's arms. Castiel wondered if Dean was made to sleep in his arms...
This Dean was so unlike their more hardcore and devious Dean. So innocent... so peacful... so adorable.
It made Castiel want to...
The angel bit his lip and looked around him, making sure if anyone was around. Was anyone looking? Would anyone- especially Gabriel- see? Did he really care?
Seeing no one in particular, Castiel casted his eyes back to the sleeping form in his arms. Hmmmm....
"So... aren't you a wittle ball of exhilerating fuel of energy?" Castiel's voice changed to something you could relate to.. baby talk. The angel found a freedom of talking to children in such a way, that he just could not skip an opportunity with Dean... freggin Dean Winchester.
It made Castiel want to laugh a bit. He could picture how Dean would look like if Castiel were to do if he were to actually do this in front of THE Dean.... Well, he'll set that frightening picture aside for now.
"Aww tiwed and bugging poor Gabwiel with your wittle antics?"
Castiel began to pace athe room as he bounced the sleeping child gently in his arms. Dean stirred a bit, but would surrender to slumber almost instantly after doing so. The cute yawns that came from the Winchester's mouth, followed by small murmers had Castiel turn to mush. Ever since he became the rebellious angel and decided to stick next to the Winchesters, Castiel picked off their brother fluff galore... when ever it was possible to see. But long ago when he met Dean as a five year old...
It was love in an instant.
"Poor Dean. Nobody understands dat you're tiwed of this dawk cold world. My cold hearted brother Rapheal just doesn't know when to quit, now does he?"
He recieved no answer of coarse, but he could somehow feel Dean's pain. Every part of Dean was running dry. Such a horrible destiny chosen for someone so young. Castiel sighed down at his child and leaned down. He hesitated at first, but then planted a gentle kiss on the top of the child's head before holding the boy closer. It allowed Dean to snuggle more under the angel's neck.
"Ca.. Cassy," the de-aged Winchester murmered in his sleep.
Castiel thinned his lips. Poor Dean... Poor innocent Dean.
"It's all right, Dean... Cas gots you... I got you..."