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Deck the halls with boughs of holly… Falalalala… Lalalala.
“What the fuuuu…” Dean groans, as he is pulled out of the awesome dream he was having. First he notices the empty space beside him, and pouts. Then he peaks over at the alarm clock. 8:00am. “Seriously!?”
Tis the season to be jolly… Falalalala… Lalalala…
He flips onto his stomach and pulls his pillow over his head, trying to block out the much too cheerful for this time of morning singing. Squeezing his eyes closed, he urges his brain to go back to sleep.
Don we now our gay apparel… Falala… Lalala…
“La la la.” Jack sings out with accompanying knocks to Dean’s door, before easing it open. “You’re still asleep?”
“I was. M’Not anymore.” Dean grumbles as he sits up, and rubs at his eyes.
“Oh, sorry — I’ll just go…”
“Nah, it’s fine Kid.” Dean says with a smile and wave of his hand. He grabs his robe off the nightstand and slips it on, stretching as he stands and joins Jack at the door. “So what’s got you all in the Christmas spirit already?”
Jack tilts his head, just like Cas, and squints. “It’s December Dean.”
“It is?” Dean asks, actually shocked. He thinks for a moment, and yeah, his and Cas’ anniversary was almost a month ago. A whole year since Cas confessed his love and was taken by the empty. A year since he was rescued immediately after Jack defeated Chuck. A year since Dean finally got his head out of his ass and admitted he loved the Angel, too. That all happened in November. So yeah, it was December.
“You said we would go all out this year, since last Christmas I was busy getting everything back in order.” Jack says quietly, disappointment lingering in his voice. “Like Mrs. Butters did.” He toes at the floor and avoids Dean’s eyes, making the guilt stab at Dean that much harder.
“That’s what I said…” Dean says, grabbing Jack's shoulder and squeezing gently. “…and that’s what I meant.” He smiles and nudges Jack into the hallway.
Cas, Sam and Eileen are all gathered in the kitchen, carrying on a conversation over coffee. Cas smiles at them both as they enter and quickly leans in to press his lips to Dean’s cheek once he is close enough. “Did you sleep well, my love?” He asks, like he does every morning. And like every time he asks, a blush begins to creep up Dean’s neck, and over his face.
“I did.” Dean replies. “But, Jack has reminded me we have a busy day ahead of us!”
“We do?” Sam says, confused.
“Yep! Hopefully you remember how that tree went together, because I don’t.” Dean smiles at his brother as he pours his cup of coffee, and heads out of the kitchen towards the storage room.
~✶~
“Finally…” Sam sighs. He climbs off the ladder, after placing the top on the massive tree.
Jack and Cas are wrapping lights around the railing of the stairs and the crows nest, while Dean and Eileen bring out all the boxes of ornaments. “This is gonna take forever…” Dean groans almost regretfully looking at the tree and then at the many boxes. Jack notices it and hits him with those puppy dog eyes he has learned from Sam. “…b-but I’m sure it’s gonna be so much fun!” He adds.
Dean watches Jack go back to helping Cas hang up a wreath. He owes that kid a lot more than spending the day decorating. Cas catches him staring and smiles. Dean feels his heart swell, so glad he gets to see that beautiful smile everyday, instead of it being a heartbreaking memory of the last thing he saw of the Angel.
“Alright!” Dean calls out to everyone, suddenly feeling the Christmas spirit. “This tree isn’t gonna decorate itself!”
Everyone grabs a box and begins filling the tree with the colorful balls and red ribbons and gold bells. They layer it with tinsel and glittering garlands. It took hours, and they enjoyed every minute. Reminiscing and laughing. Dean isn’t sure when he began humming, but as soon as Jack hears he joins in.
Deck the halls with boughs of holly! Falalalala Lalalala!
Tis the season to be jolly! Falalalala Lalalala!
Don we now our gay apparel! Falala Lalala La La La!
Troll the ancient Yuletide carol! Falalalala Lalalala!
“Hey I think this is the topper!” Dean says opening the last box and pulling out a large white and gold star. “Jack, would you do the honors?” He smiles and holds the topper out to Jack.
“Really?” Jack asks, teary eyed from the request.
“Without a doubt. None of us would be here if it wasn’t for you, kid.” Jack sniffles and takes the star from Dean, holding a death grip on it as he makes his way up the ladder. Cas wraps an arm around Dean and quickly kisses his cheek. They watch Jack place the star atop the tree, as the tune continues to plays on repeat in Dean’s head.
He has a feeling this is going to be a Christmas to remember.