The Story of US

Chapter 27

Castiel must have changed his clothes 50 times. It got so bad Meg told him she was done with him and he was only allowed to call her again when he could explain the difference between black and a mild black. He had finally settled on jeans and a blue button down shirt that matched his eyes. Castiel was pacing the living room floor when he heard the knock at the door. The Civil Wars was playing from his iPod dock when he pulled the door open to see Dean standing there. At some point he had to know he looked like a rebel God with his neutral colors and layers over it all. As engrossed in Dean as he could be, Castiel didn't notice the slight tremor in Deans hand as he reached out to him.

" You ready?" Dean asked him as Castiel held up his trench coat to signal that he was. Dean started chuckling and Castiel stopped.

"What's so funny?" He asked. He had been nervous all afternoon that he wasn't going to show up enough for the green eyed boy.

"Nothing really, its just that something that you used to do every time I asked you that. In the before time" Dean explained.

Hearing things like that were relieving and frustrating at the same time. Apparently the only thing about him that had changed was his affection for Dean, and that was the only thing he wanted back. He couldn't get over the feeling that Dean wouldn't be completely happy with him if he never remembered. Shaking off what was sure to be a nice long pep talk to depression, Castiel placed his hand in Deans and felt a shudder run through his body.

"You cold?" Dean asked as he opened to door to baby so Castiel could climb in.

"Yes" he lied, not wanting to admit that Dean gave him goosebumps.

Castiel spent the car ride sneaking glances at Dean as he drove. He really was a beautiful man. When they arrived the party was in full swing. Dean introduced him to Charlie, the petite redhead who winked at him, reminding him of a female Dean, only perkier. The place was so packed that Castiel didn't object when Dean grabbed his hand and laced their fingers together. He did it so simply, without thinking, as if it was a reflex to having Castiel next to him. The sweet gesture caused it heart to swell and crack. Would it be okay? To fall for this man who was already there with him? Would he be enough with this black hole in his brain? Would he love him as well now as he apparently did before? These questions plagued him throughout the evening.

The night was winding down and most of the guests were either gone or in the process of leaving. The remaining bodies seem to be permanent fixtures in the apartment. Castiel was talking to Charlie, Jess, Meg and Sammy while Dean and Benny were tinkering with Dean's guitar. Garth and Ash were playing video games on the floor and arguing over console preferences. It all had melted down into a relaxed feeling. This was a family as sure as anything and Castiel felt apart of it for the first time since he'd woken up with a broken brain. He felt like he was home.