Chapter Text
Jully 9th
Cas opened the door of his house and walked in pulling his suitcase behind him; he entered the password for the alarm system and then closed the door. Right at that moment, he could hear the sound of little paws running towards him; Nik barked and jumped in excitement when he saw Castiel.
“Hello, Nikola Tesla… did you miss me?” asked Cas. He walked toward the laundry room and placed the clothes that were in his suitcase into the washing machine. After starting the washer he walked to the kitchen and chugged a bottle of water,
“Christ, I was thirsty,” he said almost out of breath. He grabbed a couple of cookies from the cookie jar (shaped like a TARDIS of course) and then he walked straight to the backyard.
Dean was still at work, he was expecting Cas to arrive the next morning and Cas didn’t want to bother him so he didn’t tell him that they had changed his flight.
Castiel took off his clothes (except for his boxer briefs) and he jumped into their Jacuzzi; it was pretty relaxing, especially because he was really tired after 4 days out of town. The convention had been great; he had enjoyed a lot talking to kids on the Autism Spectrum to let them know that they could be successful and happy just like him; it had been different from comic conventions or book tours; people at the autism convention were just like him and they listened to his stories without judging him or feeling pity.
“Cas? Fuck, babe… you scared the crap out of me!” Said Dean walking towards the Jacuzzi.
“Oh, sorry… I forgot to set the alarm again; I was a little tired when I came home… I think I fell asleep, this thing is very relaxing, what time is it?” Asked Cas.
“1 pm… I’m supposed to be in my lunchtime but I forgot my phone here and I didn’t want you to worry in case you called and I didn’t answer,” said Dean; he was holding his phone in his hands.
“I'm sorry I scared you… they changed my flight and I didn’t want to bother you so I just took a cab… do you want to join me?” asked Cas.
“Hell yeah!” said Dean with a smirk; he placed his phone in his pocket. He took off his clothes as fast as he could; he was about to jump into the Jacuzzi when he remembered he was supposed to be working, “oh shit, wait,” he said. He grabbed his jeans from the floor and took his phone from the pocket then proceeded to text Bobby.
“What are you doing?” asked Cas,
“Just letting the guys at the garage know that I’m taking the rest of the day off,” said Dean. He threw his phone into the pile of clothes and then got into the Jacuzzi with Cas.
“Hi,” said Cas smiling. Dean leaned against him and pressed his lips to Cas’s; they kissed for a few seconds, tenderly and showing each other how much they’d missed being together.
“Hi,” said Dean when they finally stopped to take some air, “I missed you,”
“I missed you too,” said Cas.
“Cas?” asked Dean staring at his husband,
“Yes?” Asked Cas,
“Did you just get into the Jacuzzi in your underwear?” asked Dean.
“Umm… yes,” answered Cas.
“We need to change that ASAP,” said Dean smirking, “here, let me help you,” he got on his knees and helped Cas take off his boxers; Cas stood up and placed his left hand on Dean’s shoulder to have better support; they never stopped looking into each other’s eyes. Once Dean had gotten rid of Cas’s underwear he threw them away; the boxers landed a couple of feet away from Dean’s clothes.
“Better?” asked Cas,
“Hell yeah,” whispered Dean. Cas sat down again and pulled Dean into a passionate kiss. This time the kiss lasted more and soon Dean was leaning against his husband, rocking his hips against Cas’s,
“Dean…” said Cas out of breath,
“Yes, babe?” asked Dean while placing little kisses on Cas’s neck.
“We should go upstairs if we’re going to have sex,” said Cas,
“Why?” asked Dean,
“I don’t want the neighbors to hear,” said Cas pushing Dean a little. Dean took a couple of deep breaths and then looked Cas in the eye,
“Cas, you need to get over it… it was only once, and it wasn’t my fault man, that thing you can do with your tongue… Jesus,” said Dean.
“While I do appreciate the fact that you enjoy all my attempts to pleasure you… I don’t appreciate the fact that the neighbors can hear while that happens,” said Cas.
“If by neighbors you mean Bobby… he’s not home, remember? He’s at the garage… believe me, I don’t want my uncle/dad/boss to listen to me while I’m doing it… and Marcy is still on vacation… so we can be as loud as we want, no neighbors around,” said Dean.
“Well… in that case,” said Cas; he placed his arms around Dean’s neck and closed the distance between them with a kiss.
They were starting to get in the mood again; Cas ended up leaning on Dean this time. Dean opened his eyes to look at his husband but then he noticed something behind Cas,
“Wait… wait,” said Dean out of breath; he pushed Cas and sat up straight,
“What is it?” asked Cas a little confused,
“Nik is looking at us,” said Dean pointing behind Cas. Cas turned around to find his little dog standing by the edge of the Jacuzzi staring at them,
“Well, this is awkward,” said Cas laughing,
“Go away, Nik… we’re kinda in the middle of something,” said Dean; he lifted his arm and pointed to the house; the movement made him splash some water but the little dog didn’t move,
“He’s not going anywhere Dean, he missed me apparently,” said Cas; he changed his position and sat down next to Dean,
“Okay… he can watch then, I don’t care… where were we?” asked Dean,
“Dean, I don’t feel comfortable doing it in front of Nik,” said Cas,
“Oh, for fuck sake… Nik, man… I’m asking this as your friend… go away, go inside… man, you can even sleep on the nice couch, I don’t care… just, we need some alone time,” said Dean trying to sound upset. The little dog just barked and kept staring at Dean; Cas just laughed.
“That’s it… you want to stay outside… be my guest… Cas, c’mon man… let's take this to the room,” said Dean; he stood up and helped Cas to stand up as well. Cas just snorted at Nik’s face of confusion and then helped Dean pick up their stuff from the ground,
“You’ve got to admit that was funny,” said Cas following Dean into the house,
“Oh, hilarious…” said Dean rolling his eyes. They walked into their room and Dean jumped right into their huge bed, he didn’t even care that he was still wet from the water in the Jacuzzi, “please close the door, there’s only so many times I can get interrupted before killing the mood,” he said.
“Oh, are you upset?” asked Cas,
“No, sorry,” said Dean trying to relax.
“That’s okay… I think I know a way to help you get rid of all that stress,” whispered Cas climbing into bed.
“Oh, really?” asked Dean with a smirk.
“Yes… do you want me to show you?” asked Cas placing a kiss on Dean’s chest.
“Man, if I ever say no to that…” said Dean,
“What?” asked Cas playfully,
“Crap, I can’t even think of a decent answer,” replied Dean,
“And we haven’t even started yet,” said Cas.
“I love you,” said Dean,
“I love you too,” answered Cas.
Cas woke up a little after 5 pm feeling hungry. He stood up careful not to wake his husband up and after putting on a pair of green pajama pants he walked downstairs.
¿Castiel was staring at the refrigerator contents when he heard Dean walking into the kitchen,
"There are some leftovers from dinner… lasagna in the red Tupperware,” said Dean leaning against the kitchen island.
“Great! I’ve been craving lasagna since Wednesday,” said Cas; he grabbed the red container from the fridge and then walked towards the microwave, “I’m starving,”
“Well after what we did a few hours ago, I don’t blame you… I feel like I could eat a freaking horse,” said Dean.
“Do you think the lasagna is enough for both of us?” asked Cas opening the fridge again after setting the microwave.
“There’s half a pie on the middle shelf and enough vegetables to make a decent salad.
“Okay,” said Cas opening the vegetable drawer, “we need to get some groceries tomorrow.”
They sat in comfortable silence in the TV room sharing their food and watching old episodes of Adventure Time.
“Jill called me this morning, they’re changing the birthday party for tomorrow instead of next week,” said Dean.
“Why?” asked Cas.
“Michael has a job interview in LA next weekend,” explained Dean.
“Wow… that’s great,” answered Cas.
“Yeah, I know… so I was thinking… tomorrow after breakfast at your dad’s we can go buy the presents for the twins, that okay?” asked Dean.
“Yes,” answered Cas after taking a swig from his juice, “does Jill need help with anything?” asked Cas.
“I don’t know, let me ask her,” said Dean; he grabbed his phone from the coffee table and texted Jill.
“I can’t believe the twins are already a year old,” said Cas.
“I know, they’re so big… I still remember when they were born, Jesus, they were so tiny… especially Alan,” said Dean.
“They look a lot like Mike,” said Cas.
“Except for the nose, they have Jill’s nose… and the eyes, they have your eyes,” said Dean smiling. Dean’s phone alerted him in that moment of an incoming text,
“Jill?” Asked Cas,
“Yeah, she says it would help a lot if we could take care of Tegan for a few hours tomorrow,” said Dean.
“She could help us pick the presents for the twins,” said Cas smiling.
“Yeah, she’ll love that,” answered Dean; he texted Jill back to let her know that they would help her.
“We should go to bed early, then,” said Cas after finishing his juice,
“Yeah, you’re right,” said Dean looking at his phone;
“Okay, I’ll just put these in the dishwasher,” said Cas picking up their dishes and standing up.
“I’ll help you,” said Dean. They finished cleaning the TV room and then headed to the kitchen.
Jully 10th
“C’mon Cas, you can sleep in the car,” said Dean chuckling. Cas was sitting at the table with a cup of tea in front of him and he had his eyes closed.
“I miss my bed already,” said Cas.
“It’s the same thing every Saturday,” said Dean smiling, “c’mon, your family’s waiting for us,”
“It’s not the same every Saturday, when we have breakfast at Bobby’s I get to sleep until 8:30,” said Cas standing up.
“Yeah, but Bobby lives next door so that doesn’t count,” said Dean stretching his arm. Cas took Dean’s hand and followed him to the garage. Castiel climbed in the front seat as soon as he saw the Impala and he was asleep again before Dean had even started the car.
“We’re here,” said Dean opening the front door of Chuck’s house. Cas was standing next to him and apparently, the 15 minutes he managed to sleep in the car had helped to improve his mood.
Dean and Cas walked towards the kitchen following the noise of a group of people talking and the smell of bacon.
“Hi, guys,” said Chuck, he was helping Tegan mix the batter for the pancakes; Gabe was next to the frying bacon and giving instructions to Chuck.
“Hello, Family,” said Dean smiling. Jill and Michael were both sitting at the table trying to feed the twins. Alan was sitting on Michael’s lap and Leonard was sitting on a high chair next to Jill.
“Good morning,” said Michael,
“Morning,” said Dean. Alan kept shaking his head and pushing Mike’s arm every time he tried to give him a piece of cantaloupe,
“How’s that going?” asked Dean,
“I’m about to offer him 5 dollars if he eats the freaking fruit,” said Mike, “please, Al, eat the fruit… it’s good for you and it’s yummy… see? Len has already finished his,” Alan looked at his twin for a few seconds and then looked at Michael and shook his head again.
“Try with the grapes,” said Jill handing Mike a plate with grapes. Dean walked towards the coffeemaker, poured himself a cup, and then prepared tea for Cas. When he returned to the table Cas was sitting in front of Michael so Dean sat in front of Jill.
“So, ready for the party?” asked Dean handing his tea to Castiel.
“Yeah, we still have a lot to do … everything’s going to be perfect for this evening, it’s my boys’ first birthday,” said Jill smiling at Leonard who was now messily eating a small slice of apple.
In the middle of the table, there was a plate with fruit, Cas wasn’t a big fan of fruits but he liked watermelon and strawberries so he grabbed a strawberry and ate it happily while chatting with Jill.
“Who’s coming to the party?” Asked Cas,
“A few kids from the neighborhood, Charlie, Missouri, Bobby and Jody, Garth and his family, Benny and his son,” said Jill,
“Did you invite Naomi? Please tell me you didn’t,” said Gabe while pouring some batter into a pan.
“No, we didn’t … Jill hates mom too, remember?” said Michael.
“I don’t hate her… I just don’t like the way she thinks or how she always tries to tell me how to raise my kids or the fact that she keeps calling me Janice… it doesn’t even sound close to Jill,” said Jill.
“Oh, c’mon Jill, that’s what mothers-in-law do, they tease their daughters-in-law a little,” said Michael,
“Mike, she literally said that I had forced you to marry me by getting pregnant and that you deserved better… at our wedding,” said Jill rolling her eyes.
“Oh, good times,” said Gabe.
Mike kept trying to justify his mother’s behavior and since Cas wasn’t in the mood to listen to Michael’s poor attempt to redeem Naomi, he started to zone out and somehow he ended up remembering the day of Mike and Jill’s wedding.
Dean and Cas walked toward the table that had been assigned to the family of the groom; Bobby was already there, sitting between Jody and Charlie; Gabe and Chuck were sitting next to Charlie, and next to Jody they saw Sam and Jess.
“Hi guys,” said Dean. Everybody waved at them and Cas sat between Dean and his father.
They talked about how beautiful everything was and took a lot of pictures. Gabe told them every single detail about the cake and Charlie talked about Tegan’s beautiful dress; they were having a great time until they heard a voice that broke their moment of happiness…
“Good afternoon,” said Naomi standing behind Dean,
“Naomi,” said Chuck giving a small nod. She sat down at the only empty place, next to Dean; she observed every person sitting at the table, a few of them were total strangers to her,
“I thought this table was assigned only to the family of the groom,” she said,
“Well, after you left, Bobby helped me a lot with the kids, he’s like an uncle to them… if Michael assigned him this place it is because he wanted to,” answered Chuck with a serious expression.
“Bobby Singer… oh, I remember you, you were our neighbor,” answered Naomi casually as if she hadn’t been rude to Bobby a few seconds before.
“That’s right… it’s been a while, Naomi,” answered Bobby trying to sound polite,
“Is this your wife?” asked Naomi looking at Jody,
“No, This is Jody Mills, my girlfriend,” said Bobby. Naomi nodded and smiled at Jody,
“Gabriel, is this young lady your girlfriend?” asked Naomi when she noticed Charlie sitting next to her son,
“No, She’s Bobby’s daughter… he knocked up a stripper and he got to keep the baby once she was born,” answered Gabriel casually,
“Oh,” said Naomi; everybody at the table kept a serious expression so she didn’t know if Gabriel was joking, she kept looking at the people at the table, she ignored Chuck and Cas, but then she noticed the presence of a tall blond man with green eyes sitting next to her,
“And who are you?” she asked,
“Dean Winchester,” said Dean,
" Your name sounds familiar,” she said,
“I used to be your neighbor, Bobby is my uncle… that’s my brother, Sam, he was your neighbor too…oh and his girlfriend Jess,” said Dean a little awkwardly,
“Oh right, I remember you… wow apparently this table is more for Bobby’s family than for the family of the groom,” she said laughing sarcastically while she looked around the table,
“Umm… actually, I’m here with Cas,” said Dean. Naomi gave Dean a big fake smile,
“Oh, you’re his friend too,” said Naomi rolling her eyes,
“Not really, I am …”
“Wait, wait…” said Gabe grabbing his phone and spotting a huge smile, “I need evidence of this moment,”
“Gabriel,” said Chuck and Cas at the same time. Naomi turned her attention to her ex-husband and her youngest son,
“Naomi, I don’t think this is the right time to talk about…” started Chuck, but Cas interrupted him,
“I’m gay,” said Cas, “Dean and I …” Naomi placed her hands together and started to pray out loud ignoring Castiel’s words,
“I’m trying to tell you something here,” said Cas,
“Naomi, you’re making a scene,” said Gabe,
“I’m making a scene? Your brother just said to everyone at this table that he thinks he likes men, and I’m the one making a scene?” she asked,
“I didn’t say that I think I like men, I’m pretty sure about it, I’m gay… I’ve been gay my whole life, and the only time I told you about it was when I was a kid and you hit me,” said Cas upset,
“Can we please leave this for another occasion? It’s Michael’s wedding,” said Bobby,
" Excuse me, but even if Michael sees you as his uncle you’re not part of this family, this isn’t your business,” said Naomi.
Everyone at the table stared at her with disgust on their faces, of course, Bobby was part of their family, she was the stranger there. The whole table went silent for a few seconds; they could only hear the music playing at the party and the distant chatter of the rest of the attendants. Finally, Cas took a deep breath and decided to talk,
“Dean is my husband,” he said.
“What?” asked Naomi,
“We are married, it’s been almost a year, actually; we’re in love and we are very happy; now, as Bobby said, this isn’t the place nor the time to talk about this because today is Mike and Jill’s day… besides you’re not my mother, you’re not part of my life so I don’t need to talk about this with you, I’m not interested in sharing my life with you,” said Cas trying not to raise his voice.
“Are you okay?” whispered Dean so only Cas could hear him, he had noticed that Cas’s mind was somewhere else; Cas nodded and held Dean’s hand under the table; Dean smiled and turned his attention back to the rest of the family.
“Let’s change the subject please,” said Chuck, “Thank you very much Jill for not inviting her and I’m sorry Michael but you already know that your mother isn’t welcome in this house,” he walked towards the table and placed a plate with bacon next to the fruit. Gabe placed a plate with pancakes (and mini pancakes for Tegan) and a pan with scrambled eggs on the table a minute later.
“Okay, breakfast is ready,” announced Gabe. Everyone sat at the table and Jill handed plates with a small portion of eggs to Tegan and Leonard. Alan started to cry when he saw the action,
“C’mon Al, eat your fruit, and then you can have your eggs like your siblings… they already had their fruit and they liked it,” said Michael. Alan grabbed the slice of cantaloupe from the plate and threw it to the floor. Michael closed his eyes and took a deep breath, Alan kept crying and everyone was looking at them waiting for Mike’s reaction,
“Let me help you,” said Jill,
“No… I can handle this,” said Michael, “Alan, I need you to eat your fruit, if you don’t eat it you can’t have your eggs… please, you need to learn to eat more stuff now that you’re a big boy,” he was trying hard not to raise his voice.
“NO!” yelled Alan and he started to cry even harder. Cas was beginning to feel anxious with all the noise and Dean noticed right away so he stood up and took Alan from Mike.
“Hey, Al… Don’t cry, okay? You’re scaring your uncle Cas,” said Dean wiping the tears from Alan’s face with his shirt. Alan looked at Cas and stopped crying, “That’s better,” whispered Dean, “why don’t you want to eat the cantaloupe, little man? You like your weird porridge and your cereals… You like apples and bananas, right? Well, it’s the same stuff, but now that you’re older you get to eat more fruit as adults do.” Dean sat in his chair and placed Al on his lap.
“Perhaps you would like to try something else?” asked Cas staring at his nephew, “what about strawberries? Watermelon?” he grabbed a small slice of watermelon and handed it to Al. The little boy grabbed it and stared at it for a few seconds,
“Try it, Al, Watermelon’s my favorite,” said Tegan. Alan stared at his sister and then back at the slice of fruit he was holding… he waited for a few seconds and then he finally tried it. He smiled and gave it another bite.
“Oh, thank God,” said Michael, “I was starting to think he would spend the rest of his life eating only bananas, apples, and eggs,”
“See? It’s delicious isn’t it?” asked Cas, “I don’t like most fruits either but I love watermelon… you don’t have to be like your siblings, Al, but you need to eat healthily,” said Cas to the kid; Alan didn’t look at Cas directly in the eye, he was busy staring at the fruit on the table but he listened to his uncle and after a few seconds he nodded and then pointed at the plate with fruit; Cas handed him another slice of watermelon. Everyone looked in silence at the interaction. Dean was mesmerized by the way his husband was talking to their nephew; the moment made him realize that maybe something was missing in their little family.
“Jesus, Cas, you’re like the kid whisperer,” said Gabe breaking the silence.
“I just know what it’s like to have a father who worries a lot,” said Cas smiling. Chuck smiled awkwardly and nodded.
“Thanks a lot for taking Tegan with you today,” said Jill. She was in the living room with Dean and Cas waiting for Michael to come downstairs with Tegan.
“No problem,” said Dean.
“Those three can be a handful and Mike gets stressed pretty fast, especially with the boys,” said Jill.
“Hey, it’s okay, really… we know kids can be a pain in the ass sometimes, we’ll take care of Tegan for the rest of the day and you can get everything ready for the party; just call us if you need anything,” said Dean.
“Thanks, guys,” said Jill.
“I’m ready,” said Tegan running toward her uncles at that moment, she was carrying a small purple backpack.
“No running inside the house Teg,” said Michael.
“Sorry, Dad,” said Tegan.
“C’mon princess, let's go… you can help us pick presents for your brothers,” said Dean.
“Can I take Bert with me?” asked Tegan walking toward a little pug walking into the living room at that moment; she grabbed him and hugged him,
“No, sweetheart, Bert’s got to stay here,” said Jill,
“But mommy, I bet Nik misses him,” said Tegan trying to put on a sad face,
“Honey, Bert is a baby and he’s still in training, if you take him with you, your uncles are going to have to take care of you and the puppy; besides Bert isn’t ours, it’s Gabe’s and he would miss him if you take him,” explained Jill.
Bert was Gabe’s new puppy, he was a couple of months old and was the son of Nikola Tesla and Coco, his full name of course was Albert Einstein but everybody called him Bert.
“Okay,” said Tegan in defeat, “Can we get ice cream?” She asked looking at Cas. Cas looked at Michael who nodded in response.
“Sure,” said Cas. Tegan jumped and clapped in excitement.
“You’re like a weird mix between Charlie and your mom,” said Dean.
“Thank you,” said Tegan. Dean took her hand and after saying goodbye to everyone they left the house and headed to the mall.
“Everything okay back there?” asked Dean looking at Tegan’s reflection through the rearview. She was sitting in her special car seat on the back of the Impala.
“Yes,” she answered.
“Okay, so we’re gonna get the presents, and then we’re stopping at Target, and then we’re going to our home,” said Dean.
“Can I play with Nik?” asked Tegan.
“Yes, as soon as we get home; he needs a bath so you can help us with that,” said Cas.
“Cool,” whispered Tegan.
“So, Teg, what should we buy for the twins?” asked Dean.
“Umm… toys?” she answered.
“Toys? But you kids have a shitload of toys,” said Dean.
“Dean! Language,” said Cas,
“Oops, sorry… what I meant is that you guys have a lot of toys already… do you have anything else in mind?” asked Dean.
“Ummm,” answered Tegan, “Leonard likes dragons and Alan likes whales,” she said.
“Okay,” said Cas,
“What about clothes? Those two are growing up pretty fast, I bet we can find them some cool outfits, what do you say?” Asked Dean,
“Yes!” said Tegan clapping.
“Okay, let's go to the mall, then!” said Dean.
“What about this one?” Asked Dean showing Cas a little black shirt, it had Metallica’s logo on it.
“Are we buying clothes for you or our nephews?” asked Cas chuckling,
“Oh, c’mon man… this is awesome,” Cas rolled his eyes and kept looking through the shirts,
“Okay, what about this? Three shirts, a couple of jeans, and a pair of shoes for each kid,” said Cas.
“Sounds great,” said Dean; he made sure that the shirt was the right size and then he kept looking between the racks, “okay, Metallica for Leonard and The Beatles for Alan,” he said lifting another shirt. Cas nodded and smiled at his husband.
“Jesus, baby clothing can be expensive,” said Dean placing the bags in the trunk of the car.
“Yes, but it’s pretty cute too,” admitted Cas while he helped Tegan to get in her seat.
“You’re right,” said Dean. They finished getting everything in the car and then they drove to their next destination.
“Wanna walk or sit in the cart?” asked Dean when they walked into Target.
“Umm… the cart!” she said with excitement.
“Okay,” said Dean; he lifted her and placed her inside the cart, “just hold on tight, okay?” Tegan nodded and sat cross-legged.
Cas led the way looking for everything in his list and Dean followed him pushing the cart. It only took them 15 minutes to get everything they needed,
“Okay, I have everything… we only need to get Tegan’s ice cream, and then we can go,” said Cas ruffling his niece’s hair.
“Uncle Cas, can I swim in your pool?” asked Tegan.
“I don’t see why not, but I need to ask your mom first,” said Cas, he grabbed his phone and texted Jill. While they waited for her answer they walked to the ice cream aisle,
“What flavor do you want?” asked Dean,
“Umm… I don’t know… can we get two flavors?” asked Tegan. She had mastered the art of the ‘puppy eyes’ thanks to Sam since she was two so Dean knew he was lost as soon as he asked,
“Okay… but we’re having a healthy meal first, lots of vegetables and no soda, deal?” asked Dean.
“Okay, but no tomatoes!” she said.
“Deal,” said Dean, “pick your flavors then,” she stared at the huge freezers containing all the ice cream.
“Uncle Dean…” she whispered,
“Yeah?”
“I can’t read,” she said.
“Oh, right… sorry kiddo… I’ll read you the flavors and you tell me which ones you want, okay?” said Dean.
“Jill Says you can swim in the pool but you need to use sunscreen and take a shower after the pool, okay?” said Cas.
“Yes… oh, but I didn’t bring my swimsuit,” said Tegan.
“Don’t worry, we’ll get you one… first your ice cream,” answered Cas.
Dean read a lot of flavors to Tegan and at the end, she picked spumoni and vanilla. After picking up the ice cream they headed to the clothes section to find Tegan’s swimsuit. Cas carried her out of the cart so she could look at the swimsuits.
“What about this?” asked Cas picking a pink ‘hello kitty’ one,
“Nope,” said Tegan shaking her head.
“This?” asked Dean showing her a Barbie swimsuit,
“No,” she said.
“Okay, what are you looking for?” asked Cas.
“Stars or hearts,” she said smiling.
“Okay, let's find one, then.” They browsed through the racks looking for the perfect swimsuit.
“I want this one,” said Tegan pulling a yellow swimsuit with purple stars from a rack,
“Let's find your size and then we’re good to go,” said Dean smiling. Right at that moment an old lady walked behind them and shook her head,
“Disgusting… just, disgusting,” she said. Dean stood between her and Tegan; Cas took Tegan’s hand,
“Come on, Teg, we should get some sunscreen too, Dean can find your swimsuit and then meet with us,” said Cas. Tegan walked with him toward the pharmacy section.
“We’re not bothering you, lady, I would appreciate it if you could leave us alone,” said Dean, and then he turned around to look for Tegan’s swimsuit.
“It should be illegal for people like you to have kids,” said the woman.
“Well, it isn’t… sucks to be you… now if you excuse me,” he found the size he was looking for, “my husband and kid are waiting for me,” he turned around, threw the swimsuit in his cart, and left the old lady standing there alone.
Tegan wasn’t his kid, but he didn’t feel like explaining that to the lady, and besides, for some reason, that phrase ‘my husband and kid,’ felt perfect when he said it.
After the uncomfortable incident with the lady and paying for their stuff they headed back to their house. Tegan helped the guys put all the groceries in the right place and then she helped Cas wrapping the presents.
“Your uncle Cas is an expert in wrapping presents,” said Dean sitting next to Cas and Tegan at the kitchen table.
“Really?” asked Tegan,
“Yeah, he loves giving presents to people so he’s kinda become an expert,” answered Dean smiling,
“Is that why you love him?” asked Tegan,
“Because of the wrapping?” asked Dean laughing,
“No, the presents,” she corrected,
“Oh… no, I mean, the presents are nice but I would love Cas even if he stopped giving me presents,” said Dean.
“Then why do you love him?” she asked,
“Well… he takes care of me, he’s a good listener, he always knows what to say, he loves me, he gives the best hugs in the world and he is an incredible cook,” said Dean.
“Uncle Dean is right,” said Tegan,
“Why sweetheart?” asked Cas,
“You give the bestest hugs in the world,” said Tegan. Cas smiled and hugged her,
“I only hug the people I love, Teg, that’s why my hugs are so special,” said Cas, and then he kissed the top of her head. Tegan giggled and then pushed Cas a little,
“Pool?” she asked,
“First you need to have a healthy snack, then we need to give Nik a bath and then the pool, okay?” said Dean. Tegan nodded and helped Dean clean the table while Cas prepared the snacks.
“That was yummy,” said Tegan rubbing her tummy after her chicken salad; she was now finishing her ice cream.
“Told you, he’s an incredible cook,” said Dean, “now, c’mon, we should go and give Nik a bath,” he stood up and carried Tegan to the backyard, she kept laughing and screaming every time Dean lifted her in the air.
“I’m flying, Uncle Cas!” she kept repeating; Cas followed them carrying Nik and his shampoo bottle.
“Dean, she just ate… stop it,” said Cas concerned and trying to hide his laughter.
“Okay, supergirl, time to clean the stinky dog,” said Dean while placing Tegan back on the ground. Cas connected the hose while Dean grabbed Nik.
Bathing Nik was pretty easy, the little dog loved the water so after 10 minutes he was clean, and Cas, Tegan (especially her), and Dean were soaked. They went upstairs to change into their swimsuits; Tegan insisted she could do it herself, so she met with the guys in the backyard a few minutes later wearing her brand-new swimsuit.
“Looking good Teg,” said Dean,
“You know what would go perfectly with that outfit?” asked Cas,
“What?” asked Tegan.
“Sunscreen, come here,” he lifted the bottle and poured some of it into his hand. Tegan rolled her eyes but allowed Cas to smear the sticky cream on her arms and face, “you help me with the legs,” said Cas.
Once the three of them had applied enough sunscreen they jumped into the pool (Tegan wearing floaties).
“Mom is gonna learn me how to swim next summer,” declared Tegan.
“She’s going to teach you,” corrected Cas.
“Umm... yeah, she’s gonna teach me how to swim… next summer,” said Tegan.
“That’s cool, if you’re a little like your uncle Cas you’re gonna be great at it,” said Dean placing a kiss on Cas’s cheek, “I think he’s secretly a merman… mermaid, what’s the correct term?” asked Dean laughing,
“Are you a merman, Uncle Cas?” asked Tegan with wide eyes.
“I don’t know… maybe,” answered Cas winking at her.
“Cool,” she whispered, “I can’t wait to tell all my friends in school!” she said with excitement but then she seemed to remember something and started to look sad,
“What is it princess?” asked Dean,
“Mommy said maybe we’re going to another city… if that happens I’m going to a different school!” she answered,
“Oh, come here…” Dean and Cas hugged her, “don’t be sad… you’re not even sure yet, besides, if you move you get to make new friends, and you’ll have more friends,” said Dean.
“And a new room, you’ll go to new places… it’s going to be like an adventure,” said Cas.
“But I don’t wanna… what if I don’t like the new city?” she asked,
“Kiddo… when I was 8, I moved out of my city… I used to live in Kansas but then we moved here… at first, I was upset, I missed my house and my friends… but then I met the boy next door and I was so thankful that we had moved… I missed my old life but I met my best friend in the whole world thanks to that,” said Dean.
“Isn’t Uncle Cas your best friend in the whole world?” she asked curiously,
“Yeah, and we’ve been best friends since we were 8… he used to live in this house and I used to live at your grandpa Bobby’s house,” said Dean.
“Wow,” she said with wide eyes.
“Yeah… see? Sammy and I got to meet amazing friends because we moved to another city… and I got to meet Cas,” said Dean.
“Okay, I think I need a new best friend anyway… ‘cuz Carly Simmons is mean to me and she pulled my hair on the swings so she’s not my best friend anymore and I like Lizzie Clark but she eats glue, and sand and she calls me Megan all the time,” explained Tegan.
“See? Moving to another city is a great chance to meet new friends,” said Cas.
“Okay… if we go to another city, I’m telling my new friends about my merman uncle,” she said smiling. Cas placed a kiss on her cheek.
They played for a while in the pool; Tegan kept jumping to the water and splashing everywhere, and at some point, she decided that since Cas was a mermaid he could swim with her on his back the whole time, she had a blast.
“Teg, I know we’re having an amazing time but we need to get ready for the party, c’mon,” said Dean.
“But, Uncle Dean,” said Tegan.
“C’mon kiddo, your mom’s gonna kill us if we don’t make it there on time,” said Dean getting out of the pool.
“Okay,” said Tegan in defeat.
“Hey, hey… someone told me there was a party going on in here but all I see are long faces… what’s this about?” said Charlie suddenly walking toward them.
“Aunt Charlie!” yelled Tegan in excitement.
“Hello, Charlie,” said Cas from the pool.
“What’s going on?” asked Dean.
“I was at Chuck’s helping Jill when we noticed that a certain little lady had forgotten an important part of her outfit for today,” said Charlie lifting a pair of purple jeans.
“Oops,” said Jill.
“Didn’t your dad help you put everything you needed in the backpack?” asked Dean.
"He was dis… si… dist…” she was still having trouble with long words.
“Distant? Distracted?” Asked Cas.
“Yes… dis... tracted,” she said. Charlie walked towards the pool and helped Tegan out; she wrapped her goddaughter with a towel. Cas got out of the pool next,
“Wow, Cas… been going to the gym?” asked Charlie looking at Cas’s toned body.
“I’ve been engaging in a lot of physical activities lately…” answered Cas and Dean chuckled, “anyway, why was your father distracted?” asked Cas while grabbing a towel.
“Cuz I was asking lots of questions and daddy says he can’t focus when I ask lots of questions,” said Tegan.
“That sounds like Michael,” said Charlie, “but hey, that’s part of our job as responsible adults, answering all of your questions,”
“No, he said I shouldn’t ask you that 'cuz it would be weird,” she said. Charlie lifted her from the floor,
“Want me to help you take a shower?” asked Charlie,
“Yes, please,” said Tegan smiling.
“Wait,” said Dean, “what did you want to ask that your dad said would be weird,”
“Oh umm… I wanted to know how you have babies,” she said.
“What?” asked Cas.
“When a mommy and a daddy want to have a baby, the daddy puts a little seed inside the mommy, and then a baby grows in her belly, and then, she has a baby,” said Tegan while mimicking her words.
“Okay,” said Dean.
“But you are two boys… so you would be a daddy and a daddy and I wanted to know who puts the seed and who has the baby but my dad said I should never ask you 'cuz it’s weird… and he said that maybe uncle Dean puts the seed and uncle Cas would have the baby because he’s like the girl and then I said ‘you're silly daddy because uncle Cas is a boy, not a girl ’ and then he said ‘ forget what I said, you’ll get it when you’re older,’ and then he gave me five dollars,” explained Tegan.
“Oh,” was all Cas could answer.
“I should probably take you inside, we need to get you ready for the party,” said Charlie still a little shocked; she turned around and then walked into the house to help Tegan get ready.
“I thought he had changed,” said Cas once Tegan and Charlie were inside the house.
“I’m sorry, Cas… I thought so too, you know? I thought having kids helped you see the world from a different perspective… but, man, what the fuck was that?” said Dean.
“Well, at least he stopped being disrespectful in front of us, that’s something,” said Cas walking towards the house.
“Yeah, but he’s telling shit to the kids, Tegan is too young to understand what he said, but that was mean… maybe we should talk to him… we would be doing him a favor… I mean, there’s a big chance that they end up moving to LA, what does he expect to find there? ‘Perfect’ families and people burning rainbow flags?”
“Yes, you’re right… at this point, I’m not doing this for him… I’m doing it for the kids… I don’t want them to be raised thinking like that, he’s my brother and I love him but I don’t like the way he expresses about us…. It is like listening to my mother,” said Cas. They walked into their room and closed the door behind them. Dean hugged Cas from the back and started placing little kisses on his neck,
“Relax, babe, today’s supposed to be a great day… a celebration, we’ll talk to your brother tomorrow, okay? Let's take a shower now,” said Dean.
“Do you want to share?” asked Cas trying to relax.
“Only if you want,” said Dean.
“What I want,” said Cas turning around, “is to make love to my husband… unfortunately, our best friend and our niece are two doors down the hallway and I would hate to scar them for life,”
“Jesus…we could be quiet,” said Dean smirking,
“Oh, Winchester, we both know pretty well you’re not able to do that,” said Cas, he placed a soft kiss on Deans's lips, and then he turned around and walked to the bathroom.
“Fuck,” whispered Dean, “the things you do to me Cas,” he said.
“Are you joining me, or what?” asked Cas from inside the bathroom.
“Coming,” answered Dean with excitement.
“You guys decent?” asked Charlie from behind their door. Cas was putting on a t-shirt and Dean was still inside their huge walk-in closet trying to find something to wear.
“Yes,” answered Cas when he heard Charlie,
“Hey, Tegan is almost ready, I’m gonna go to my house to get ready for the party, see you in a while?” she said,
“Yes, thank you for helping us with Tegan,” said Cas.
“No problem… oh, by the way, I put your wet clothes in the dryer, make sure you take care of that,” she answered,
“Oh, right… thanks a lot, Charlie,”
“You’re welcome, see you guys at the party,”
“Bye!” yelled Dean from inside the dressing room.
“Don’t take too long, Dean!” answered Charlie before leaving the room.
Tegan came running into the room a couple of minutes later with a comb in her hand,
“Uncle Cas, can you help me with my hair?” she asked. She was wearing her purple jeans and a gray blouse with purple stars.
“Sure, let's go downstairs, I have to take the clothes out of the dryer,” Tegan followed him to the laundry room. Cas carried her and sat her on the washing machine while he took care of the dryer.
“Okay, your clothes are ready… now your hair,” said Cas. Tegan was sitting cross-legged on the washing machine so she just turned around so Cas could have better access to her hair.
"So… what are we doing?” asked Cas grabbing the comb.
“I want a braid… no, wait… two braids!” said Tegan while lifting two fingers of her right hand, “no, no … wait! French braid!” she corrected herself again.
“Okay, French braid then,” said Cas smiling. Charlie had taught Cas how to make braids a year back after Tegan had begged them to play beauty salon with her.
Cas braided expertly his niece’s long brown hair,
“Done, do you have a hairband?” asked Cas. Tegan grabbed a pink hairband from her pocket and handed it to Cas, “Perfect,” said Cas after finishing the braid.
“Thanks, Uncle Cas,” said Tegan while turning around to face Castiel, “I love you,” Cas hugged her and placed a soft kiss on the top of her head.
“I love you too Teg,” whispered Cas. A white light coming from the door distracted them,
“Stupid flash,” said Dean staring at his phone, he had taken a picture of Cas and Tegan hugging.
“Hi Mr. Paparazzi… are you ready to go?” asked Cas laughing.
“Yeah, just… can I take another picture?” answered Dean. Cas rolled his eyes and leaned against the washing machine, next to Tegan.
“Say cheese,” said Dean.
“Cheese!” repeated Tegan laughing. Cas got distracted by her laughter and turned his head to one side to look at her; Dean took the picture at that precise moment; it was perfect, Tegan laughing out loud and Cas smiling and staring at her kindly.
“This is totally my new wallpaper,” said Dean. Cas smiled and carried Tegan to place her back on the ground. Dean handed Tegan the phone so she could see the picture, Cas grabbed the presents from the kitchen, and then they walked to the garage and got in the car.