The Year of Redemption

Chapter 69: Cradled In Love

Sal Teh jumped on the bed just before Dean threw the clean sheets over it. "Teal!" he exclaimed, reaching over to pluck the puppy off the mattress.

Dean was able to put the mattress sheet on, but Teal jumped back into the bed before he had a chance to spread the top sheet and blankets over it. Ignoring the puppy, Dean threw the covers onto the bed anyways. They surrounded the puppy, who started whimpering and flailing about, trying to escape his sudden prison.

"Are you two playing or fighting?" a voice asked behind them.

Dean scooped the puppy up into the blankets and spun around, grinning innocently. "A little of both?" he said.

Cas wrapped them both in a hug, laughing to himself. "What am I going to do with you guys?"

Dean suddenly had an idea. "I know!" He handed the swaddled puppy to Cas, then ran out of the room, coming back a few minutes later with more sheets. "Sammy and I used to do this all the time. Here." He handed the pile of sheets to Cas and climbed up onto the bed. "Toss me one," he ordered, and Cas handed a sheet up to him.

Dean tied the sheet around two of the bedposts on the far side of the bed, then fastened the other end to the fan above the bed. "Another," he said, reaching his hand out to Cas, who handed him up another sheet. He fastened this one to the fan as well, and tied one end around the bedpost at the bottom end of the bed, letting the other corner hang loosely down the side of the mattress.

Cas tilted his head, considering Dean's construction. "What is the purpose of such a canopy?" he asked.

Dean hopped off the bed and playfully wrapped Cas in an extra blanket he was still holding. "It's called a fort!" Dean exclaimed. "They're fun and mysterious, like a whole other magical land..." the hunter explained enthusiastically. "Sammy and I would make them at home or once we got bored of our motel rooms, just so it seemed like someplace new and cool to stay."

"What do you have against traditional locations for resting?"

"Oh, it's just more fun this way! Here, come on, you'll see." Dean dragged the angel towards the bed, helping him to remove his clothes and slip on one of Dean's T-shirts and pairs of sweatpants. "You'll be much more comfy that way too." He said, smoothing down the angel's new clothes. He kissed Cas on the nose, then pulled him under the hanging corner of the sheet and into his "fort."

Sal Teh jumped in after them, licking their faces. He finally calmed down and spun in circles at their feet, then curled into a ball on the mattress. Dean rolled to his side and smiled at Cas. "Isn't it magical?"

His eyes twinkled, making Cas smile back at him. "A sheet thrown over a fan. Definitely magic."

Dean pouted. "You don't understand..." he mumbled.

Castiel took his hand. "I love it," he said, scooting closer and kissing Dean's forehead. "Besides... anywhere with you is magical."

Dean giggled. "Cas, you're such a sap, you know that?"

"I know," Cas admitted, tapping Dean's nose. "But you still loveeeee me," he taunted.

Dean shrugged. "I guess so."

Cas leaned forwards, locking their lips together. He moved his mouth powerfully against Dean's for nearly a minute, letting his tongue wander the inside of Dean's mouth recklessly.