Bouquet

Chapter Seventeen

At six o'clock on the dot, the Impala pulled up in front of the flower shop.

Cas left Gabriel with their last customer and rushed outside. Dean had barely stepped onto the sidewalk when Cas embraced him.

Dean's arms took a moment to wrap themselves around Cas.

In Dean's arms, it hit Cas.

He could have lost him. If things hadn't worked out the way they did, he could have lost him.

Cas wasn't sure what he would have done without him, if Dean had-

Dean seemed to read his thoughts. "I'm fine, Cas," he said, voice muffled against Cas' shoulder.

"Dean-"

He should say it. He should go ahead and say it, three short words, then and there.

"-I'm glad you're okay," Cas said instead.

Dean held him almost imperceptibly tighter. "Me too."

The above the shop door rang behind Cas as the last customer left.

Gabriel poked his head out. "Cassie, grab your stuff and you can head out, I'll close up today."

Cas didn't make any move to let go of Dean.

Gabriel sighed. "Fine, I'll get it." He disappeared back into the shop.

It wasn't until he reappeared that Cas let go.

Gabriel passed Cas his things. "Alright. Get out of here, lovebirds. And Dean-o, make sure to give Sam my best!"

Dean rolled his eyes. "Will do, Gabriel. C'mon, Cas."

They got into the Impala and began the short drive to Cas' apartment.

Dean seemed almost unbothered by the fact that his home had burned down. Cas could tell something was upsetting him, though. Normally, Dean would turn on the radio or pick some music. Now, it was quiet in the car.

Cas didn't mention it. He wouldn't force Dean to talk unless he was comfortable with it.

"Meg said she would make some frozen pizza," Cas said. "I hope that's alright."

"Sounds great," Dean said. "Normal pizza, right? Not any of Sammy or Kevin's crap?"

"No vegetables," Cas confirmed.

"A man after my own heart." The corners of Dean's lips turned up briefly in the ghost of a smile.

When they had parked the Impala and made their way up to Cas' apartment, Meg was waiting for them.

"So, freckles is here. I take it you had a good time last night if you're here again," she said, looking between Cas and Dean.

"You know why Dean is here, Meg," Cas said.

"His place started on fire, I heard. So the sex has nothing to do with it?" Meg raised her eyebrows at Dean.

"It's a bonus," Dean said.

Cas went slightly pink.

Dean grinned. "You know, Cas, you're really cute when you blush."

That made Cas go even more pink. He smiled and met Dean's eyes.

"It's disgusting how sweet on each other you are," Meg commented. "Pizza's going to be done in a few minutes."