Work Text:
Sam is sitting on a bed in a motel room. He's reading a book with the TV on in the background. He feels his back twinge in pain from being in the same position for a few hours and puts his book down so he can stand up and stretch. His arms go above his head and his back pops with a resounding crack.
Sam makes his way over to the window by the door. He pulls the curtains back and peeks out the window. Its drizzling. His eyes scan the dark landscape beyond the glass, searching for familiar headlights. Dean was bound to be back any minute now, maybe. His brother had gone out for a beer run. Dean had said he would be quick, but it's been at least two hours by now. Sam wasn't too worried at the moment-- he just had to hope the rain didn't pick up. A rustle of feathers startles Sam out of his thoughts. Sam turns his head to look at where he heard the noise. Castiel stands near the bed closest to the door. The hunter smiles at the angel.
"Hey, Cas." Sam greets. A smile tugs at his lips.
"Hello, Sam," Castiel responds.
"Is there something wrong?"
"No, but I wish to tell you something."
"Oh?" Sam's expression is inquisitive, but he says nothing and motions for Castiel to sit down. The angel shakes his head. Castiel walks up to the window and stares at something in the distance. A comfortable silence blankets them for a moment. Castiel breaks the silence, "I am unsure how to put this into words, so forgive me if what I say sounds... weird?" He frowns but continues, "When I first met you, I had abhorrent views of you. I said things that I deeply regret saying to you." He pauses. "I acknowledge how my words affected you. I want to apologize."
"I forgave you a long time ago," Sam assures. He smiles reassuringly at Castiel, and the angel returns the gesture.
Castiel exhales softly, "Thank you." Sam's eyebrows raise, and his smile shifts in amusement.
"No need to. Sometimes, people make assumptions before they get to know someone. Humans do it all the time," Sam says. "As much as I appreciate your apology, is that all you wanted to say?"
"I am afraid this is a part I am unsure how to express without it sounding... how did Dean put it? Oh yes, strange." Castiel's gaze falls away from Sam. "I have been alive for eons. When my Father created humans, I wondered how he could love them so fiercely. But then I got to know you, Sam. When I took on your pain, I understood entirely how my Father could feel what he felt. Sam, you changed my view on humanity." Castiel pauses. The angel grabs Sam's right hand, and Castiel gently cradles it between both of his, just as he did when they first met. They look Sam in his eyes before speaking, "What I am trying to express is that I am in love with you." Castiel falls quiet. Sam stares at him with wide eyes. For a minute the only sound audible is the soft sound of rain falling.
"You don't have to say anything if you would like," Castiel says in an uncharacteristically soft tone. Sam inhales sharply. Instead of speaking, Sam leans down and kisses Castiel. The angel doesn't reciprocate at first as the sudden action causes them to freeze momentarily. Before he even realizes it, Castiel is kissing Sam back. Sam clutches the angel's trenchcoat, yanking them closer. Castiel breaks away first, allowing Sam to catch his breath. He breathes heavily for a moment before leaning his forehead against Castiel's.
"I love you too," Sam murmurs.
"Well, isn't this a cute sight?"
Sam and Castiel jump apart. They both look over at the door where Dean stands.
"How long have you been here?" Sam demands. His face is bright red in embarrassment. "Long enough," Dean replies. He shivers in disgust, and Sam rolls his eyes with a scoff
"Dean, where's the beer you want to get?" Sam asks, noting the lack of anything in Dean's hands but the motel key. Dean looks down at his empty hands, too.
"Oh yeah, I lied to give Cas his chance." Dean smoothly replies. "I see that my pep talk resonated."
"Do I even wanna know what he said to you?" Sam questions. Castiel makes a face, so Sam drops it.
Dean shifts from foot to foot. "So, are you guys together now?" He waggles his eyebrows, and Sam turns away from his brother, grimacing.
"I think you should leave." Castiel butts in.
"What? I just got here." Dean groans.
"Goodbye, Dean," Castiel replies. He motions with his hand for Dean to scram. Dean sighs begrudgingly and leaves the motel room again.
"Are we together now?" Sam asks with a smirk. Castiel rolls their eyes.
"Should I have you to leave, too?"
Sam chuckles, "No."
Castiel ponders Sam's question for a moment, "I believe that our relationship status is up to you," he says.
"Well, then I declare us partners," Sam replies. He leans down and kisses Castiel on the forehead. The angel smiles softly and pulls Sam in for another kiss.