Until the End | A Supernatural~Destiel Fic

Chapter 16

The pair spent the rest of the time talking the night away. As the sun set below the water and the stars began to shine brighter, Dean and Castiel, if it was even possible, became even closer than they were before.

Dean shared stories of what life was like on the road as a kid. There weren't many happy ones, but the few that were shared made up for it.

And seeing the way Dean's face lit up when he talked about how proud he was of Sam made Castiel wish with all he had that life for the Winchesters had been different.

Living the life of hunters was one thing, but growing up as them was a completely different story.

Even before tonight, all it took was one look at either of the Winchester brothers for Castiel's heart to ache.

These boys had grown up doing everything they did for the well-being and benefit of someone else.

And when something bad happened, there was no grief. There was simply the packing of bags and a new town within the week to call home. And they didn't even get to be sad about that.

And from that moment, under the stars with Dean, Castiel swore on his own grave that he would do whatever he could to give Dean his best chance.

~

When it became too dark to see each other's faces, Cas and Dean decided to return to the bunker. They both had multitudes of questions swirling about in their minds. Questions like What are we gonna do now? and Do we tell Sam? and some along the lines of What does this make us?

But none of these questions made it past the barriers of teeth.

Both Dean and Castiel were content with the evening, and neither planned on spoiling it for the sake of concerned curiosity.

They made their way back to the Impala and drove off, both only having thoughts of the other.

When they returned, they exchanged words before entering. Both knew why, and were slightly embarassed that they couldn't face Sam up front with something like this...yet.

"I had a very nice time, Dean," Cas said, grinning from ear to ear. A gesture which Dean gladly returned. "Me too, Cas."

And then something miraculous happened. Dean and Castiel realized something.

They realized that by simply looking into each other's eyes, they'd be able to face anything. One reassuring glance would make all the difference in what either would do ever again.

Just by looking into the eyes of the other would the two be able to overcome whatever life may throw their way.

And they didn't know how, but they were both thinking the exact same thing. And that was this: Don't you ever let him go. Don't you dare let him slip through you're fingers. Your life is bad and the world is bad and people are...bad. But he...he is good. And you will make sure he's here to stay.

Dean kissed Castiel's cheek, and Cas smiled slightly and looked at the ground. "After you," Dean said, holding the bunker door open for Cas.
Cas walked in and made his way to his room. Dean watched him contently, wonder filling his eyes. And in that moment, he hoped for nothing else than to be able to call Castiel his.

~

Dean woke up the next morning with a smile on his face. As the events of the night before flooded his mind, he made his way to the kitcken, still radiating with joy.

"What are you smiling about?" Sam asked when he saw his brother.

Dean simply glanced over at Sam, the smile widening even further, and said, "I just had the greatest sleep of my life, and I have a feeling today is gonna be a great day."

Dean's smile was contagious, and Sam soon found himself smiling as well.

Dean waited for Sam to leave the kitchen before pouring two glasses of orange juice and making his way to Castiel's room.

He did his best to knock on the door while trying to balance both cups.

There was no answer.

"Hey, Cas. You in there?"

There was no answer.

He's probably just sleeping, Dean thought. He sighed and was halfway down the hallway when he realized: Castiel doesn't sleep.

Everything after that was fuzzy. The sound of glass on wood floor echoed off the walls of the bunker as Dean sprinted back to Castiel's room. He didn't knock this time.

"CAS!" He shouted, running into the room, but to no avail.

No one responded, and no one was in the room. Dean looked around while panting, trying to figure out what to do and keep himself level-headed at the same time. He was in mid-thought when he heard
drip
        drip
                drip
Dean tensed. He looked down slowly at the tiny pool of blood forming on the ground. "No..." he said, before turning his head upwards to face the ceiling.

"CASTIEL!" He shouted as the ceiling burst into flames.

~

Dean woke up screaming, with someone shaking his shoulders.

"Dean! Wake up!" Sam yelled.

Dean frantically looked up and down and all around to make sure that he was only dreaming. His eyes ceased their searching when they found Castiel, who was standing by the doorway with a very worried look on his face.

"Are you alright, Dean?" Cas asked.

Dean got up unsteadily and made his way over to the door. He nearly fell over, but Castiel caught him, and wrapped him into a hug.

He could feel tears staining Dean's face and soaking through his t-shirt to his skin. "What's the matter, Dean?" Cas asked as calmly as he could, rubbing Dean's back gently.

Dean held on to Cas as if this was the last time he would ever see him, and said, "Y-you...I watched y-you die...again. It was so real, Cas."

"Shh...it's alright. You're okay now. I'm right here, you're okay." Both were so enveloped in each other that they didn't even notice Sam leave. He knew he was no longer needed, so he went back to his room and tried to fall back asleep.

When Dean finally pulled away from Castiel, Cas gave him a small grin and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I'm down the hall if you need me, Dean," Cas said, turning to leave the room.

But before he was out of reach, Dean grabbed his wrist. "Will you stay with me?" he asked, looking down at the ground.

Castiel smiled and shut the door. He nodded and brought Dean to his bed.

Cas thought about telling Dean that he would be the only one sleeping, but quickly decided against it. What Dean needed right now was comfort, and that's what Castiel was going to deliver.

The two climbed into bed together and situated themselves under the blankets.

They were, admittedly, awkward next to each other.

And Dean was still shaking slightly, shooken up from his nightmare. Castiel reached and intertwined his fingers with Dean's, doing what he could to make Dean feel comfortable.

The touch gave Dean a sense of security and warmth, knowing that someone was there. He smiled into the darkness and squeezed Cas' hand before drifting off into a peaceful, well-deserved rest.