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“C’mon Cas, where are we going?” Dean asked. Whined was a better description, but Cas knew better than to call it that.
“We will be there in a few minutes, Dean. Be patient.” Cas smiled and reached across the Impala’s bench seat grabbing the hunter’s hand and intertwining their fingers. He continued giving directions, finally having Dean pull into a fairly crowded parking lot.
“Um… Cas?” Dean said softly as the angel took his hand and pulled him towards the counter. “What exactly are we doing?” Cas handed the money to the vendor, and was handed back his change with two pairs of ice skates. Dean eyed them, confused. Then he remembered…
~✶~
Two days Earlier
“Oh look at them go!” Jack exclaimed, watching the families skate happily around the ice rink. “Dean, have you ever done it?”
The hunter watched and sighed. There was a time, a lifetime ago, when he could have skated circles around anyone out there. Back when he was still young enough to have dreams of being something more than a hunter. Back when The Mighty Ducks had every kid dreaming of playing hockey.
They were in Michigan, hunting a Wendigo, but Dean had his sights set on the local ice rink. So after he had completed his normal duties, and Sam was fast asleep, he would sneak out, break in, and skate. It only took him a few days to figure it out and then he would zoom around the ice whacking invisible pucks into the nets and winning the make believe games.
He was almost caught one night by a couple, and he barely got off the ice unseen. Lingering for a moment until he knew they hadn’t heard him, he watched them take the ice. They must have been figure skaters, he thought, laughing to himself about the ridiculous costumes they wore. But something about how they moved around the rink captivated him. So graceful, so… free.
He walked back towards the motel, taking a shortcut through the woods, and came across a small frozen pond. Slipping the skates he had run out with back on, he glided out onto the ice, attempting to mimic the movements of the couple. Suddenly a branch snapped somewhere in the trees. “Dean?” He heard his father’s voice call out in a voice to calm and kind to be his father.
Dean instantly put himself on high alert. Looking around in all directions, he reached in his jacket grabbing the small handgun his dad gave him, loaded with silver bullets. Then it appeared, tall and lanky and terrifying. Shit… Dean thought as it took another step towards him, and lunged.
He skated out of the way just in time, and the two played a little game of bob and weave around the pond. The wendigo lunged one final time and John appeared out of the trees unloading three bullets into the creature's back. “Now, Dean!” He boomed and Dean grabbed his lighter, flicking it on and tossing it, instantly igniting the monster.
Once the fire and screams settled John made his way over to Dean.
“What the hell were you doing out here, Dean?!” The elder Winchester snapped, annoyed. He looked down at the skates. “Did you steal those?”
Dean knew better than to tell the real reason he was on the pond. “No…” he finally said. “I found them. I was just messing around… seeing if I could do it. But I can’t.” He quickly pulled the skates off and tossed them to the snowy bank, and put his boots back on.
Of course, that wasn't a fun Christmas family memory. So like with his stories of taking Sammy to see Christmas lights, their family tradition of decorating the Christmas tree, and going on sleigh rides, he altered the truth to make it happier.
“Yeah, Jack, I used to take Sammy all the time. We would get bundled up, wear our matching Santa hats, grab a cup of cocoa, and hit the ice. Spent all night on it, until the rink closed, and they kicked us out.”
“Really?” Jack said, almost mystified.
“Yeah… but like I said before… Sam was so little back then, and he doesn’t like talking about his childhood. So maybe don't mention it to him?”
~✶~
Cas again took Dean’s hand and led him to a secluded area of the park, out of sight from the other people. “Cas, what are you…?” Then in the blink of an eye they were no longer at the ice rink, but at the lake from their sleigh ride, only now it was completely frozen over. Freshly fallen snow rested upon the ground around them. “Oh…” Dean whispered, noticing a blanket nearby with a thermos, a couple mugs, and two Santa hats waiting for them.
“Don’t worry, I went along with your little story when Jack suggested taking you skating for our date.” Cas smiled, and held out Dean’s pair of skates.
“Thank you…”
Once they were both laced up Cas led Dean out onto the ice. Dean’s face was hot enough to reliquify the lake as Cas began to perfectly imitate one half of the dancers from that night's moves. Could he really take the jab at his masculinity and twirl himself into the angels arms the way the dance called for. Yeah. He could, and he did. And he never felt more graceful… and free.
“Thank you…” Dean repeated, more emotional and sentimental this time. “Both of you.” He added. Cas smiled and pulled the hunter into his arms, tenderly kissing his lips before leading him to the blanket.
Dean picked up one of the hats, and a quick pang of sadness hit him. He wished the stories he told Jack was how their childhood had gone. Looking up to blink back tears he took in the beauty of the clear sky. Cas joined his gaze and they just sat quietly for a moment, until a shooting star flew by.
“Better make a wish!” Dean laughed.
“Hmm…” Cas thought for a moment then smiled. “May those close to me be safe and happy.” Dean looked over at the angel and began to laugh. “What?” Cas asked, confused.
“You're not supposed to tell it, Cas, or it won't come true. Plus, the wish is just... Well, it's very... conventionally angelic. Very you. A tad cliche, though."
“It’s not cliche. I felt it was very thoughtful.” Cas argued.
“If you say so.” Dean shrugged, continuing to chuckle. He took the thermos and poured them both some cocoa.
“Well, what did you wish for?”
“I told you; if I tell, it won’t come true!” Dean said with a smirk. Cas narrowed his eyes, and almost looked offended. “What? They’re supposed to stay secret, babe. Can’t help that you went and blurted yours out.”
Cas rolled his eyes and looked back up to the many stars speckled across the sky. “It’s a meteor burning up as it enters the atmosphere, Dean. It’s not even really a star, and it’s certainly not magic.” He crossed his arms, seeing Dean was still not budging. “You’re sitting next to an Angel, and our son is God; you of all people should know that being secretive about a wish you made on a hunk of rock is not going to make it come true, no matter how fast it’s falling.” He sniffed for effect, and glanced over to Dean. “So it’s only fair if you tell me yours…”
“Well, maybe I’m putting my faith in something other than the hunk of rock .” Dean said softly, staring deep into Cas’ bright blue eyes. “Besides… I planned to tell you what it was later, anyway…” He inched closer to Cas, his mind drifting to the ring stored safely back home. “And when I do… hopefully you’ll make my wish come true.”
Cas furrowed his brows, trying to read Dean’s face, but finally just smiled and leaned in for another kiss. “Alright, love. I understand.” He settled against Dean's side and they both looked back up to the sky. “Though, I still maintain silence won’t help.”
Dean rolled his eyes and wrapped an arm around his angel. “Guess we just have to wait and see.” He whispered before pressing his lips back into Cas’.