Sheva's living room
9 PM
May 4th
The door to the bedroom creaked open as Dean stepped out, the cool air hitting him like a splash of cold water, pulling him back to reality. He ran a hand through his hair, trying to shake off the primal haze that had engulfed him just moments before.
He wandered down the hallway, to the kitchen, in search of some water. He was parched.
In the living room, he found Cas sitting on the couch, a design manual for the baby changing stand spread out before him. The Angel looked up, his brow furrowed in concentration. "Hello Dean." He greeted, his voice steady and calm.
"Hey, Cas." Dean leaned against the doorframe, his heart still racing. "Can I talk to you for a sec?"
"Of course," Cas replied, his eyes searching Dean's face for any signs of distress.
Dean took a deep breath, stepping further into the room. "I just wanted to apologize for earlier. I didn't mean to... well, you know."
Cas tilted his head, a quizzical expression crossing his face. "You were just expressing your feelings for Sheva. It's natural."
"Yeah, but I got a little carried away." Dean admitted, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "I was embarrassed, and joked about you joining us in bed."
"I understand." Cas said, his tone thoughtful. "Sexual energy can be powerful. Especially when it comes to succubi." He joked.
Dean chuckled, the tension easing slightly. "Right? Anyway, I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable."
Cas shook his head, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "You didn't make me uncomfortable, Dean. I just—"
"Want a beer?" Dean interrupted, moving toward the fridge. He pulled out two bottles, popping the caps off with a satisfying thunk. I think we could both use one. Especially me because I'm sure Sheva is going to wake up and want me again. " Dean held out the beer bottle to Cas.
Cas accepted the beer, and they settled onto the couch, the weight of the earlier conversation lifting as they shared a comfortable silence. The only sound was the gentle hum of the fridge and the distant rustle of leaves outside.
"So." Dean said, taking a long drag from his bottle. "How's the changing station coming along?"
Cas sighed, glancing at the scattered pieces on the floor. "It's a bit more complicated than I anticipated. I believe I may have to consult the instructions after all."
Dean laughed, the sound warm and genuine. "Welcome to the world of assembling furniture. It's like a twisted puzzle designed to test your patience."
"Indeed." Cas agreed, his brow furrowing in concentration. "But I find it... enjoyable. This is a new experience for me."
"Yeah, well, let's just hope it doesn't end up being a crooked like the dresser." Dean joked, taking another sip of his beer.
Cas looked at him, his expression serious yet warm. "As long as it serves its purpose, I believe it will be acceptable."
They shared a laugh, the camaraderie between them restoring the balance that had been felt moments before.
"Thanks for being here, Cas." Dean said, his voice sincere. "It means a lot."
"Of course, Dean. I will always be here for you." Cas replied, his gaze steady.
"Have you seen Sam?" Dean asked.
"I think he went to bed. He was tired."
"Ah. I'll apologize to him in the morning."
Dean took a long sip of his beer, the cool liquid refreshing against the warmth of his skin. He glanced over at Cas, who was still poring over the assembly instructions for the changing station, furrowing his brow in concentration.
"Alright, let's tackle this thing." Dean said, setting his bottle down on the coffee table with a soft thud. He stood up and moved to Cas's side, leaning over to get a better look at the chaotic array of parts scattered across the floor.
"Thank you, Dean." Cas replied, his voice serious. "I believe I've identified the main components, but the instructions are quite confusing."
Dean chuckled, grabbing a couple of the larger pieces. "Seriously, who designs this stuff?"
"I believe they aim to challenge the assembler." Cas said, his expression earnest. "It seems to be working."
"Okay, let's just start with the legs." Dean suggested, sorting through the pieces. "If we can get this thing standing, the rest will be easy."
Cas nodded, and together they began to piece the station together. As they worked, Dean couldn't help but admire Cas's focus. The Angel approached tasks with a meticulousness that was both impressive and amusing.
"Do you ever take breaks, Cas?" Dean asked, tightening screws as he fit one leg into place. "You're like a machine."
"I do not require breaks as you do." Cas replied, looking up at Dean with a hint of confusion. "But I appreciate the sentiment."
Dean laughed, shaking his head. "You'll figure it out one day. Just remember: even machines need to recharge."
With their banter lightening the mood, they continued assembling the station. Dean held a piece steady while Cas attached it, their movements fluid and coordinated.
"Almost there." Dean said, wiping sweat from his brow. "Just a couple more screws, and we'll have a fully functional changing station."
"Excellent." Cas replied, his voice filled with satisfaction. "It is important for the baby to have a safe space."
Dean paused for a moment, looking at Cas with a newfound respect. "You care deeply about this stuff."
Cas looked at him, a soft smile breaking through his usual seriousness. "Thank you, Dean. I want to ensure that Dean Jr, has everything necessary."
"Just remember, it's not all about the furniture and safe spaces." Dean said, a teasing lilt in his voice. "You've got to have fun too. Kids need laughter and adventure as well.
"I will keep that in mind." Cas replied, his brow furrowing slightly.
Dean rolled his eyes, smirking. "Just wait until he is old enough to go on hunts with us. That'll be an adventure."
"Are you certain that is advisable?" Cas asked, his tone serious again. "Hunting can be dangerous."
"Hey, I'll teach him the ropes. Just like Bobby did with Sam and I." Dean insisted, his voice filled with conviction. But truthfully Dean would be lying. He really didn't want his son to become a hunter. He really just wanted to leave this life behind. But he could never admit that.
Cas nodded, the weight of Dean's words settling between them. "Very well. I trust your judgment."
With one final turn of a screw, Dean stepped back, surveying their handiwork. "There! Not bad for a couple of clowns." Dean celebrated.
"What is it like?" Cas asked.
"What is what like?"
"Having sex with a pregnant woman. I always thought it would injure the baby."
"It doesn't... but if it's too late in her third trimester, you can cause early labour. Sheva is only heading into her second trimester. So we're fine doing it."
"Are you sure? She seems much farther along."
"I think every woman shows at different points in pregnancy. I saw the paper work and ultrasounds."
"Yeah but she isn't... human." Cas pointed out.
