The Year of Redemption

Chapter 51: Home To Me

Dean was up before noon this time. "Good morning," he heard from beside him before he'd even opened his eyes. Cas had recognized the rhythm that Dean's breathing and heartbeat assumed once he woke up. The angel could tell that the hunter was shaking off sleep even before Dean knew it himself.

Dean turned his head towards Castiel's voice. His lips curled into a smile. "Good morning," he whispered cheerily. Something soft and familiar pressed against his lips. "Mmmm," Dean murmured against Cas's mouth. He swore he could have just stayed in bed like that all day long. Dean opened his eyes directly into Castiel's face. The angel's own eyes were blue and happy, his mouth set in a gentle grin.

Dean didn't understand the joy that welled up inside of him upon seeing Cas. He still didn't quite comprehend how he could feel this way about the angel – about anyone, for that matter. Somewhere deep inside he was still hesitant and unsure, constantly questioning himself – constantly questioning this, whatever it was – but at least he wasn't fighting it anymore, and that felt nice.

"How is your head?" Cas asked. He reached up to touch Dean's forehead gently with two fingers. The hunter's eyes closed. There was still a dull ache in the back of his skull, but for the most part he felt alright.

"It's better," he replied, opening his eyes and throwing Cas a reassuring grin.

The angel removed his fingers from Dean's skin. "Let's find you some sustenance," he proposed. He rolled out from under the covers and stood beside the bed.

Dean stretched dramatically before getting up. "I'm gonna change, I'll be right out," he said.

Dean met Cas in the kitchen a few minutes later. "Pancakes?" he suggested brightly.

The angel shrugged. "Sure. Teach me your ways," he said lightheartedly.

They started to get ingredients out and mix up the batter when Dean realized they needed flour. "I'll be right back," Cas said, then vanished. A minute later, he appeared in the kitchen again, holding a bag of flour in one hand.

"Cas, where did you...?" Dean started, looking between him and the flour.

"I believe you call them... supermarkets," Cas replied, emphasizing the last word, which was unfamiliar to him.

"You stole it?" Dean inquired reproachfully.

Castiel narrowed his eyes. "You purchase items with fraudulent credit cards..." he pointed out.

Dean sighed. "Point taken," he admitted, grabbing the flour from Cas's hands. "Well your angel innocence has quickly gone down the crapper."

"What did you expect to happen after spending so much time with humans?"

"Hey, we're not all dirty, lying thieves," Dean offered.

"Apparently I have been consorting with the wrong humans then." Cas stepped forwards so he was right in front of Dean.

"You got that right," Dean affirmed, rolling his eyes. "I don't know why you even put up with me."

"Perhaps because you're such a talented kisser," Cas joked, tapping Dean's lips.

The hunter chuckled. "You're catching on to this whole sarcasm thing," he stated proudly.

Cas cocked his head to the side. "I was being serious," he said, then leaned his face forwards and started breathing provocatively into Dean's.

"Really?" Dean asked, unconvinced, but going along with Cas's game anyways. "You only hang around because I kiss good?"

"Mmmm," Cas mumbled in response. He made to grab Dean's lips, but the hunter turned around and walked back to the counter before he had the chance.