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Cas loved December when everyone started to put out Christmas decorations. It didn’t matter where the alpha was, the towns always put something up. There were houses decked out for the holidays no matter where Cas drove. To him, December was a time when magic spread everywhere and it brought him joy. In past years, Cas had been alone, and while the alpha was used to it, it was always bittersweet. He was nothing but a stranger in the background enjoying the seasons with people he would never talk to. This year, the alpha was excited more than he ever had been before. This year, Cas had Dean, the omega who stayed.
Only, as soon as December hit, Dean became quieter and more distant. As Christmas crept closer, Dean seemed to get more depressed. It hit Cas then, that it had been easy for him to leave his parents behind, but Dean’s story was different. Dean’s parents wanted to sell him, that much Cas knew, so the alpha thought the omega would be delighted to be away from them. Cas was wrong, this was hitting Dean much harder than the alpha thought it would. Cas couldn’t imagine what it was like being an omega and having his parents turn on him. That, on its own, was hard enough, but Dean was still grieving and now he was spending his first Christmas without his family.
Something Cas noticed was Dean holding onto his amulet more often. Cas always wondered what it meant, why it was so important to Dean, but he never asked. If Dean wanted him to know, he’d tell him. Still, Cas knew it had to be more than some necklace, that someone very special gave it to Dean and the omega was missing them more now than ever.
Cas didn’t have the answers, but he didn’t need to have them to help his best friend. Cas might not be able to give Dean the Christmas he was used to, but the alpha would give the omega the best Christmas he could provide. Cas just had to come up with a great plan to make Christmas special for Dean.
🎄🌟🎁
Admittedly, there wasn’t a lot Cas could do for Dean when they lived in a car. However, the one thing Cas learned Dean loved was to be treated to a motel room from time to time. Where Dean could stretch out in his own bed and watch all the TV he wanted. Cas learned to make it sweeter for the omega, to order burgers and pie. So, that was where Cas would start, he would rent a motel room, but he had to make sure it was a town that would have a lot of activities around the holidays. The closest town he could think of was Shelby so there they went. Cas had some money saved up from not buying pot and to make sure he had a little extra spending money, well… Cas found someone to buy the rest of his stash.
There was still a lot Cas had to do, but, the motel was a great start. When he opened the door, Dean shuffled to the second bed and fell down, letting out a happy sigh. “Oh man, I can’t believe we can afford to do this. No sleeping in a cold car for Christmas!”
Cas frowned, he didn’t realize Dean had been cold. He wished the omega would have told him, Cas could easily have gotten more blankets. It didn’t matter, Cas would grab more later, but for now, it was the day before Christmas and Cas had to make it perfect for his best friend.
“So, how about we hit the town, man? I’ve been here before and they like, have so many activities here. There’s a parade that will be happening in about an hour and a half. Totally awesome man, one of the few towns that will still throw candy at you. Wanna go?” Cas asked with a big smile on his face. It started to slip when he saw the look on Dean’s face.
“You should go. I think I’m gonna hang back here, maybe see if any channel is playing Die Hard.”
Cas bit the inside of his cheek, the last thing he wanted to do was leave Dean alone today. Then again, he did need to buy a present for the omega. “I think I’m gonna run to the store right fast, pick us up some food, and I’ll come right back, okay?”
Dean shook his head. “No, dude, go to the parade, you looked so excited about it.”
“I have like, a whole hour. We have plenty of time to eat.”
“Do… Do you think you could get some of those little sliders?” Dean asked hopefully and Cas would get Dean a burger, but he was going to give Dean the best burger in town. “I think I can work something out.” Cas winked and it earned the alpha a small smile from Dean.
Cas stepped outside the motel room and now, he just had to think about what to get Dean. Cas knew Dean loved classic rock music, but there weren’t a lot of options here. It wasn’t like music stores were a thing anymore, but maybe Cas would get lucky with a thrift store.
He did not, all the CD selections were either Christmas music sung by people he had never heard of or country bands so obscure, that the alpha doubted they ever played on the radio. The cassette tapes weren’t all that great either, there was nothing Dean would like in there. Not like Cas could play cassettes in his car, but he knew Dean talked about how much he missed his Walkman and his tapes. Cas thought that maybe if he could find a band Dean loved on cassette, he could use most of his money buying a Walkman from Roses. If Roses still sold them anymore, but Cas saw they were making them again a few years back.
No luck though and the alpha was wasting a lot of time. Dean thought he was just going to the store and it shouldn’t take him this long to go to the store. Cas still had to pick up the burgers he wanted to give to Dean. So the alpha gave up the idea and started to look through the T-shirts. He did find an AC/DC shirt as well as a Star Wars shirt. He thought that they looked about Dean’s size and so he bought them. Cas just hoped Dean liked them, it didn’t feel like enough, the alpha should have gotten Dean more, but he didn’t have the money. Not if Cas wanted to buy burgers and a piece of pie.
🎄🌟🎁
Dean’s presents were safe in Cas’s trunk, wrapped up in the free sales papers they had in the store. Might not look the best, but he hoped he could make Dean happy. When he finally opened the door, Dean was lying back against the headboard, watching some guy shoot people on TV. When he saw Cas, Dean’s eyes went wide. “Oh! I thought you went ahead to the parade.”
Cas cringed, he really did take much longer than he realized but he held up the paper bag and the slice of pie, both of which caught Dean’s attention. “Sorry, it took longer than I thought it would. Kind of crazy on the streets right now. Buuuut I got the best burgers in town! It’s from Bulldog Cafe and man, you won’t live until you try them.”
Dean grinned, scooted over, and patted the space next to him. Cas took a seat next to the omega and divided out the food. Cas ate happily while he tried to watch Die Hard with Dean. He couldn’t focus though, the sadness in his friend’s scent had dimmed a bit and the scent of maple, bourbon, and smoked woods spiked up. Especially when Dean started on the pie after the burgers and fries. Cas happily ate the one or two bites he was offered, but he refused anymore Dean tried to give him. That pecan pie was just for Dean and the omega happily ate every last bite.
When the food was gone, Cas checked the time and saw they still had ten minutes before the parade started. “It’s not too late for that parade, man. I think you’ll really like it.”
Dean’s head dropped and he started to twiddle his thumbs. Cas was sure that Dean would say no so the alpha was about to pitch his next idea when Dean looked at him, giving him a small smile. “Sure, why not?”
They decided to just walk to the main street, by this point, it would be quicker. Somehow, they managed to make it there before the beginning of the parade hit the far end of the street they were on. It was crowded with all kinds of people. Lots of families with their children, but there were a ton of college kids there too, all dressed in their Bulldog sweaters and hats. Teenagers were gathered around, forming a circle and chatting away as they wanted for the parade to hit this side of the street.
Cas smiled, loving to see all the people gathered here to share in the same simple joy. There were snowflake lights on the top of the streetlamps and green garlands going down the pole. Cas always loved watching the parades, but this one would be the best. Cas got to share this joy with his best friend. He turned to ask Dean if he was excited but the omega looked defeated.
Cas felt like he had been punched in the gut. He couldn’t pick up any sadness in Dean’s scent, the omega was doing his best to hide what he was feeling. “Dean, what’s wrong?”
Dean looked up at Cas, shocked the alpha had asked him that. But then Dean flashed Cas that smile he always wore whenever he didn’t want the alpha worrying about him. “Nothing! I’m great! Thanks for taking me out.”
Crap, Cas had been so focused on his plan on what he could do to make Dean happy, he didn’t stop to think about what the omega wanted. Maybe Dean wasn’t a fan of parades and he was just going because he felt like he had to. “We can go if you want. Like, this was just—we can go back to the motel if you want.”
Dean shook his head. “Nah, I’m having fun with you. I really am.” Cas frowned, he didn’t believe the omega at all, but he didn’t know what to do. He didn’t want to disagree with Dean and make things worse, but before he could come up with any suggestion they heard kids gasp. Everyone was looking down the street and Dean grabbed Cas’s hand. “Come on, it’s starting!”
Dean pulled Cas’s hand and tugged the alpha until they found an opening. They stared down the road as a black jeep pulled a train. The train was white and decorated with blue and as creepy off-brand Cat in the Hat waved at them. Cas watched Dean watch the floats go by, the omega was smiling, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. Cas would smile whenever Dean glanced at him, but the alpha felt like a failure.
Why did he think that a simple parade would make Dean feel better? Maybe the next activity would work out. Cas could only hope so and who knew, maybe when they start throwing candy, Dean might smile for real. Who didn’t like candy? They watched floats with different businesses pass by. A fire truck with garland and bells and the local police drove by, waving at the town. Then the college float was next, and almost everyone cheered for the waving Bulldog mascot. Cas got excited, he had been to this parade a couple of times and this float was the one that always threw out candy.
Cas’s wide grin flattered when the float came and went with no candy.
“I… I don’t understand… They always throw candy…” Cas grumbled and Dean patted his shoulder.
“Don’t worry, Cas, I’ll buy you some candy.”
Cas couldn’t care less about the candy for himself, he just wanted Dean to have a sweet little treat. Then it hit him, the next place they would go would have a sweet surprise for Dean. The alpha grabbed Dean’s wrist and tugged him back to the motel. “There’s this place I just gotta take you. We’re gonna like, need the car to get there.”
“Oh! O-okay!”
🎄🌟🎁
Downtown Shelby really went out for Christmas. Lights were everywhere, and live singing was happening, and there was this place that gave out free apple cider. It was a big fancy building with huge windows, orangy walls, and dark carpet. It had fancy furniture and a fireplace. Cas wasn’t sure what the building was used for on a daily basis but during this time, they opened it to the public and handed out free apple cider and gingerbread cookies.
Dean looked uncomfortable, but Cas promised once they got their treats, they could walk around town, look at the lights, and listen to the live music. The older beta woman in a colorful Christmas sweater smiled at them, gave them their treats, and wished them a merry Christmas.
“Ready to check out the lights, man?” Cas asked and Dean nodded.
“It’s stuffy in here.”
Cas hummed. “It’s like, a good place to come when you get chilly.”
Dean flashed him a smile. “I prefer the cold. Can always bundle up when it gets cold. There’s only so much you can take off when it gets hot without being arrested for public indecency.”
“I like the heat.” Cas said as they walked back out into the chilly winter air. “I totally love swimming.”
“Oh! Maybe in the summer, we can go to the beach. I haven’t been to the beach in years.” Dean said before taking a sip out of his cider.
“Bet, I’ll totally take you to the beach, man.” Cas loved the beach, he could live there. Maybe, one day, if he ever settled down, he’d live somewhere that had a beach.
“I can’t wait to feel the sand between my t—”
“Ben!” Someone shouted and it happened in a flash.
One moment, Cas and Dean had been walking down the street, and the next, Dean was stumbling backwards. Hissing in pain as hot cider spilled all over his shirt and a young pup with big brown eyes stared up at him. “Uh-oh…” The pup whispered.
“Are you okay?” Cas asked.
“Yeah, I’m—”
“Shit!” An omega as she ran towards them. She had long wavey dark hair, the same brown eyes, and had to be around their age. The pup couldn’t have been more than three or four. She came to a halt in front of them, grabbed the pup by the shoulders, and yanked him away from Dean. “I am so sorry! I turned my head for just a second and when I looked back he was taking off down the street!”
“It’s okay.” Dean smiled at her.
“He’s just so excited about the lights and he’s been hyped up on sugar.” The other omega kept explaining.
“Nah, I get it.” Dean chuckled.
“Are you okay?” She asked.
“Seriously, I’m fine. No harm done. We needed to do laundry anyway.”
“I’m, so, so, so, so sorry.” She babbled on as she turned, leading the young pup back down the street.
“Like, for real, are you okay, man?” Cas asked once she was out of earshot.
“Yeah but… Can we go back now?”
Cas felt defeated as he nodded his head. He and Dean quickly made their way to the car because the alpha didn’t want his friend to get cold from the now-wet clothes. Cas tried to offer Dean his cider but the omega only shook his head. As he drove back to the motel, Cas couldn’t help but feel like a failure. Tonight had been a total flop and he didn’t make Dean feel any better, he only made it worse.
The second they returned, Dean grabbed some fresh clothes and headed for the shower. While Dean was washing up, Cas grabbed the presents from the trunk and brought them inside. He sat them on Dean’s bed before going over to his own bed. The alpha sat there, hanging his head. Cas doubted the presents would make Dean feel any better. He didn’t get what he wanted to for the omega so he had to settle for secondhand clothing.
This was going to be Dean’s worst Christmas Eve and it was all Cas’s fault.
Cas heard the shower turn off and he waited for the dissatisfaction to continue. Cas didn’t think he could look at Dean when he opened the gifts, he didn’t want to see how disappointed the omega was when he opened them.
“What’s that?” Dean asked once he stepped out of the bathroom.
“It’s um… I got you gifts.”
“You got me presents?” Dean asked, sounding surprised.
“Yeah… I uh… I like, totally had this plan. I couldn’t give you a Christmas tree, so tomorrow, I was like, gonna take you the Christmas tree they had downtown, but… I ruined today, I made this your worst Christmas Eve so like, I wanted to at least try to make things better.”
“Oh Cas…” Dean sighed and the bed dipped as he took a seat next to Cas. “This wasn’t the worst Christmas Eve. You made it special for me.”
Cas’s head snapped up then and he stared at Dean with disbelief. “B-but you seemed so sad and nothing I had planned worked.”
Dean chuckled as he shook his head. “Dude, you rented a room so we had something like a mini vacation for Christmas. You got me a kickass burger and a pie that I will dream about for ages. You helped distract me from my funk by taking me out tonight. If you…” Now Dean ducked his head. “If you didn’t… I would have spent all day sulking, so, thank you.”
Cas didn’t need to ask why Dean was down, the alpha could take a good guess how Christmas changed once he presented as an omega. Cas licked his lips. “Would you like to open your presents?”
Dean gasped and shot off the bed, but instead of grabbing the presents Cas left for him, the omega went to his backpack. Cas tilted his head as he watched Dean dig through it, tossing out clothing and snacks. Cas couldn’t see what Dean grabbed before standing up, but when the omega turned around, he had a big smile on his face. In his arms were a few things wrapped up in newspapers. Dean rushed over to Cas and sat them on his lap.
“Whoa! Did you, like, get me presents?” Cas asked, feeling stunned. When did Dean have the time to do this?
“Of course I did, you silly alpha!” Dean laughed as he grabbed his presents off the his bed and returned to the alpha’s bed. “You go first.”
Cas ripped open the first gift and he beamed. “No way, man! Like, you got me S’mores flavor Poptarts?!”
Dean chuckled. “You act like those are crack, so a box just for you.”
Cas grinned as Dean bumped their shoulders together. “I love it, man, thank you.”
Cas opened the box and ripped open a pack as Dean opened his first gift. Dean unfolded the shirt and his smile was so wide, Cas figured it had to hurt. “Dude! AC/DC is one of my favorite bands!” Dean put the shirt on his lap and started to pull off the shirt he had on.
“You just got changed.” Cas chuckled.
“I don’t care.” Dean said with a shirt over his head. He tugged it off and tossed it to the floor before putting on his new shirt. Once it was on, Dean grinned at Cas. “How does it look?”
“Awesome!” Cas said with a mouth full of Poptart.
“Sweet! Now open your next one!”
Cas shoved the rest of the Poptarts back into the box and looked down at the two remaining gifts. They were small, so since Cas opened the biggest one first, he went for the middle one. Cas carefully opened this one because it didn’t look like it was in a box. A brown leather bracelet with a peace sign started back up at him. Cas grinned. “Dude, I totally love it!”
“I thought it was you.” Dean smirked.
“It totally is!” Cas replied as he tried to put the bracelet on. Dean ended up having to tie it for him, but once it was on, Cas stared at it, loving it. If he didn’t have to take it off, he wouldn’t. “I’m sorry that like, I only got you two gifts.”
Dean rolled his eyes. “Dude, you got me a burger and pie. That’s four gifts in my opinion.”
Cas smiled, ducking his head. “Open up your next one.”
Dean didn’t need to be told twice, he ripped into his next present and Cas heard him gasp. “Dude! This is one of my favorite movies!”
Cas was pulled into a tight hug and the alpha hummed as he took in Dean’s scent of bourbon, smoked woods, and maple. Loving how much sweeter the maple smelled at this moment. “You’re very welcome, Dean.”
Cas wasn’t sure why he felt a little lonelier when Dean pulled away. The omega was still sitting next to him “Okay, open up your last one.”
Cas did and he almost screamed when he saw it. He held up the little baggy and smiled at Dean. “Dude, like, you got me weed!”
“Of course I did! I figured it’d go great with your Poptarts.” Dean winked. “Good thing I did score some! I’ve never seen you go without pot for so long!”
Cas chuckled, tonight was going to be an awesome night. “Would you like to see if Die Hard is still—”
Dean threw his arm over Cas’s shoulder, pulled the alpha close, and pressed a kiss against his cheek. “Thank you for making today so special.”
Cas smiled like an idiot, even when Dean pulled away and started to flip through the channels. Cas was happy he didn’t ruin today for Dean, that he had helped make it special. What Cas couldn’t tell Dean was the omega made it special for Cas too. This had been the best night before Christmas the alpha ever had. Cas knew, beyond a doubt, that tomorrow would be the best Christmas he ever had because Dean would be there with him.