Uncle Cas

Dean-o

It's me who they want

Are you staying here tonight too? Mary asked and Castiel sighed and carded his hands through his unruly hair.

No, I don't think so.

Mary frowned a little as she stirred the pot, clearly confused as he had been staying with them up until now. Castiel sat on the other side of the kitchen island and avoided her gaze by busing himself with chopping the bell peppers for the casserole.

Did something happen?

Of course he couldn't tell her. He and John making out on the couch with her upstairs and him waking up from a wet dream, profusely wet. Of course he couldn't tell herthat. He had been avoiding being alone with John ever since but of course it would become noticeable very soon with the amount of time he actually spent with the Winchesters. John had thankfully gotten the message and stayed away too, probably feeling as guilty as Castiel but after almost a week of avoiding each other Castiel thought enough was enough. He needed to get away from John and he needed to get laid, just enough to take the edge off. Hell, he was even skittish around the boys and somehow he thought Dean had noticed it because he had seemed a little distant and yet very clingy at the same time. It was unnerving.

I have a date. He told her and wasn't completely lying. He didn't actually have adate-date but he was a good-looking guy and he was certain he could find something if he put his mind to it. And he needed to, tonight.

Really? Mary beamed and Castiel smiled back at her. Of course she would interpret it as him having someone special in mind.

He didn't know if it was because she was happy in her marriage and wanted him to have the same or if she felt uncomfortable with him being so available around her husband. Sometimes it was hard to think about the times they had shared together but he believed she was painfully aware of the fact that he only ever had shared her bed if John had been in it too.

And now... Now she really had a reason to worry.

No! Castiel mentally shook himself. She had nothing to worry about because they had decided how it would be. The three of them had been best friends and still were, Castiel was not about to ruin that with the fact that he had been — was? — in love with John and John had chosen Mary over him. Castiel had been a part of that decision-making and he stood for it. He only wished he hadn't gotten to know what John thought now. He had wondered briefly if John remembered exactly what he had said and if he was avoiding Castiel because he regretted his words or if he wanted to act on them. The thoughts made Castiel uncomfortable and were one of the main reasons he knew he had to get out of the house. That and John's presence making Castiel's throat clench as much as his dick twitched.

Yes. He answered her question with a wink and let her think what she wanted for reasons he didn't need to know.

She seemed happy though and didn't press the matter, for which he was thankful.

John arrived with the boys just as Castiel and Mary were finishing up dinner. Sammy ran upstairs, probably to put his books away but Dean joined Castiel in the den.

Help me plate? Castiel asked and held out the dishes for Dean.

Dean nodded and looked shyly at Castiel before accepting the plates. Their fingers slid together and Dean pulled his hands back so fast he almost dropped the plates.

Careful. Castiel reached forward but Dean drew back.

I got them. He mumbled and looked down at his hands.

Did I shock you? Castiel asked and smiled at the boy. I'm electrifying, I know.

Dean only nodded and started setting the table and his manner confused Castiel. Dean was usually so very spirited and quick to engage with Castiel.

Dean? Castiel came to stand beside the boy and he leaned down a bit, surprised when Dean tensed. Is everything alright?

Dean visibly gulped but turned and looked Castiel straight in the eye. Sure. He answered but Castiel cocked his head to the side and considered the boy's impossibly green eyes. There was definitely something there but he couldn't say what.

Okay. He nodded, deciding to let the boy have his space this time. But you know you can always tell me everything, right?

Right. Dean looked down at his feet and seemed to be making up his mind about something so Castiel waited patiently. Uncle Cas? he looked up and Castiel smiled encouragingly.

Yes Dean?

I—

Is it true?!

They were interrupted by Sam bouncing in from the kitchen, Mary and John in tow with the food. Castiel looked to Dean but the boy had already shunned away. He frowned at the sight but when Dean only seated himself and refused to meet Castiel's eye he turned to the younger brother instead, letting it slide for now.

Is what true? he asked and sat down with the rest of the family.

Mom said you're gonna leave again. Sam said and Castiel saw in the corner of his eye how Dean's head jerked up at the news.

Leave? he chuckled a little just as Mary shook her head with a smile. I just have to tend to my apartment Sammy. He said and handed John his plate when he offered to plate up.

But then you'll come back?

Sam. Mary chastised mildly. Uncle Cas has a life outside our family too.

Bet it's boring. Sam stated with his cheeks stuffed with food.

Sam. Mary said warningly but it was undermined but her light laugh and Castiel smiled too.

Don't talk with your mouth full son. John sighed and Sam swallowed audibly.

You're right though. Castiel admitted. It's terribly boring without you but I—

Then don't leave!

The four of them quieted immediately and they all turned to Dean who sat staring angrily at Castiel, his plate still empty and his hands in fists on the table.

I have to Dean. Castiel answered carefully. I have things I need to do, work and people I need to meet.

No you don't. Dean bit out and Castiel closed his mouth curiously. He cocked his head to the side and tried to discern what Dean really meant to go with this. Dean met his searching eyes with a defiant stare but they were interrupted by John sighing loudly.

Dean, John started. Cas is not a pet, if he has to go he has to and—

No, he doesn't! Dean yelled and rose so abruptly his chair almost fell to the floor. He doesn't have to leave, he could live here but he doesn't want to. He leaves because he doesn't like it here!

Castiel was horrified. How could Dean think something like that? He was never happy anywhere but here, even with the recent awkwardness he still felt more at home here than anywhere else.

Dean... he started and reached for the boy but Dean danced out of reach and raced up the stairs before anyone could stop him, slamming his bedroom door.

Well... Mary started but didn't continue. They all looked at each other but when Mary made to follow her son John stopped her with a gentle hand on her arm.

Let it be. John advised. He'll cool down.

Sammy was just nodding and had already started eating again so Mary sat down, still confused but obviously not quite as upset as Castiel was feeling.

Somehow his behavior this last week had come across to Dean as Castiel hating it here. He was sure that must be what had upset the boy. He had let his thoughts about the events show more clearly than he had thought and he felt horrible about letting it consume him so much that he had neglected his nephews. He looked with sad eyes at the stairs Dean had fled up but decided to take John's advice and try to talk to Dean after dinner.