Chapter Text
The first time they see each other, it’s by complete chance. Caused by an impulsive decision and a sandy-haired little boy.
Dean isn’t sure what draws him to the farmer’s market. He’s never been before, and he certainly doesn’t need any fresh produce since Sam’s not visiting from California until Thanksgiving (not that they’ve ever celebrated it, they just use it as an opportunity to spend time together while they’re both not otherwise occupied).
Maybe it’s the golds and reds of autumn leaves blanketing the ground. Maybe it’s the live music setting a warm atmosphere. Maybe it’s the families spending time with their kids, making necklaces from beads and play-dough from scratch. Whatever it is, Dean can’t help but pull into a parking space and let himself be guided by this invisible force.
He’s just finished paying for a small, wooden keychain he definitely doesn’t need when he spots a young boy, maybe five or six, dangling his legs off a picnic table and looking at him with his head tilted. The boy smiles and waves at him, climbing down off the table and walking over to Dean, before saying, “Your necklace is very pretty,” and wandering off. He’s reminded of when Sammy was that age and didn’t have a care in the world. He’s reminded of himself at that age, which is a much different story.
His search around the market continues, and he buys a few Halloween decorations and a clay bracelet that goes immediately on his wrist after it’s paid for. As he thanks the vendor, turning to wander around the market some more, a child barrels right into his legs and bounces back onto the ground.
Dean sets his things down and kneels so that he’s level with the kid. “Are you okay?” he asks, getting a nod in return. The kid then points at Dean’s t-shirt, where his necklace rests just below the neckline.
“Your necklace is very pretty,” he says, seemingly forgetting he said it before. “Daddy has one too!” Good, he has a parent with him. “Come see.” He takes hold of Dean’s jacket sleeve and starts pulling him, giving him just enough time to grab his purchases before they’re abandoned.
The boy drags him over to a stall selling honey and other bee-related products, where a man with dark hair and a trench coat is restocking the tables. “Daddy!” He exclaims, and the man immediately stops what he’s doing, giving his son his full attention. “He has a necklace,” he drops Dean’s sleeve and points at him. “Like you.”
“I’m sure he does, Bumblebee, but did you ask if he was busy?” the dark-haired man asks softly, lifting his son and resting him on his hip.
“I’m sorry for stopping you while you were busy, mister.”
“That’s okay, kiddo, I wasn’t busy. But thank you for apologising,” he says. “You can call me Dean.” The boy just nods, suddenly shy.
The kid’s dad introduces himself, “My name is Castiel. This is Jack, he’s not usually as sociable as he was with you.” Castiel seems wary of Dean, which is understandable, considering he’s a complete stranger his son walked up to. Said son is now sitting at a small table drawing with a meticulously stacked bunch of crayons.
“Kids like me, I guess. My brother says it’s because we have the same IQ but–” He cuts himself off before he overshares. “Do you sell those little honey and lavender soap bars? I run an auto repair shop, and, no matter what anyone tells you, smelling like motor oil is not attractive.” Castiel laughs at that.
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Cas ducks behind the counter and hoists a box with him as he stands. “Ah, just your luck, Dean. The last bar in stock for today. Would you like to use cash or credit?” Shit. His wallet’s still in Baby’s glovebox.
“Cash,” he replies, handing over a 10 dollar bill—definitely more than he should pay, but it’s all he’s got. Cas starts to tally up how much change is owed. “Keep it, man. You have a kid to worry about.” Their fingers brush against each other as Cas hands over the brown paper bag and Dean short circuits for a moment.
“Thank you, Dean. If we cross paths again in the future, I’ll make sure to pay you back in one way or another.” They share a look—what that look means, who knows?—and Dean turns on his heel, his heart pounding as he makes his way back to Baby.
The first time they bid each other farewell, it’s with a silent promise to meet again. Bound by honey and lavender.