Clipped Wings

[EIGHTEEN] What Pie?

"Sam told me Dean was staying with 'Castile', but I thought that was a girl's name— I'm so sorry. I'm pretty sure there are gift receipts for the clothes," Jess explained, watching Cas hold up a purple blouse with a jeweled necklace.

Cas still smiled. "Thank you, Jess. It's very pretty even if it's not for me. I see you have good taste."

Jess nodded thankfully at the compliment and glanced over at Sam. He sat in a wooden kitchen chair with his arms crossed, carefully watching Cas's every move. Dean kept a heavy glare on his brother because of it, but Cas didn't seem fazed by Sam's judgmental stares.

"Your turn, Sam," Jo pipped up, tossing him a small wrapped box.

Sam chuckled, breaking his scowl away from Cas to open the gift. He unwrapped a white box and pulled out a black tie with neon green Christmas trees printed on it.

"Now you can have that lawyer apparel and be festive too," Jo explained, a clever smile on her lips.

Sam laughed, holding the tie up to his shirt. "Thanks, Jo. I'll definitely be using this for sure."

"Sam, I'm just letting you know that it looks horribly gaudy," Dean commented, a teasing smirk on his face.

Cas playfully slapped his arm. "Dean, don't be rude."

Dean's mouth fell open in betrayal. "I was joking!" He pointed an accusing finger at Cas, "and no hitting!"

Cas quickly stuck out his tongue and leaned back into the couch.

"He learns from me," Ellen said to Sam, nodding approvingly. Sam couldn't help but smile in agreement. Cas isn't turning out too bad after all.

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"All this food looks delicious, Ellen," Jess gushed, scooping mashed potatoes on her plate.

Jo, Sam, Jess, Ellen, Dean, and Cas all sat around Dean's small dinner table and served up helpings of turkey, baked beans, green beans, corn, gravy, dinner rolls, stuffing, and of course: pie. It wasn't anything spectacular. You didn't really need a grand meal when you're already surrounded by grand people.

"I helped too," Dean added, smiling brightly.

"Good for you," Jo scoffed, rolling her eyes.

Cas smiled at Dean and dragged his fingers across Dean's back before sitting down between him and Jess. "You did a good job."

"Who's saying grace?" Sam asked, smiling.

Dean pursed his lips but decided to stay quiet. Sam always suggested being faithful and praying before meals. Dean? Not so much. 

"I can," Cas offered. Sam looked reluctant, but nodded for him to start anyways. He waited for everyone to bow their heads and clasp their hands together before beginning.

"Uh... our Almighty Father, bless the people I've met on Earth and the food that sits before us," Cas began, reminding himself to speak in English. He felt Dean grasp his hand under the table, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"I haven't spent much time getting to know the people gathered at this table, but I already consider them more of a family than I've ever had before. I pray for everyone to have safe travels and warm welcomes wherever they go. Bless the Lord, Amen."

Sam was the first to look up from his bow and say Amen. The rest followed, giving Cas a thoughtful glance or small smile.

They enjoyed their meal with warm conversation. Talking about a little bit of everything, even bringing up where Cas was before he found Dean.

"Uh, my family kicked me out," Cas tried to explain. Dean warned him not to tell people he was an Angel of the Lord, or it might get awkward.

"So you lived at home before? Did you work?" Sam asked, skeptical.

"Yes... I worked from home," Cas said, glancing at Dean for support.

"What did you do, Castiel?" Jess asked, curiously raising an eyebrow.

Cas sorted through his knowledge of human occupations that could be done at home. Doctor? Shoe repair? Police officer? Barber? Computer technician?

"His... family ran a daycare, actually. They watched over the neighborhood kids down the block," Dean answered for Cas.

"Oh! That's cool, you must be good with kids, then?" Ellen asked, surprised.

"Yes...?" Cas said, feeling uncertain.

"Well, I'm going to get some pie. Would you like some too, Cas?" Dean asked, standing up from the table and looking down at him.

"Yes, I'll come with," Cas responded, standing up with Dean and walking towards the back of the kitchen.

"Dean," Cas whispered, glancing over his shoulder. "I never worked at a daycare. I've never even been around kids before."

Dean smiled, scooping a thick slice of blueberry pie onto his plate. "I'm practically a big child. You take care of me well, so what's the difference?"

"I think there is a big difference. You're a grown man," Cas whispered, not catching Dean's joke.

He hummed in response, checking back to make sure nobody at the table was watching. Dean set his plate on the counter and slipped his arms around Cas's waist. He pressed his torso tight against the angel's, hiding him from view.

"Maybe you're right. But I can be pretty naughty sometimes— grown man or not."

Cas tilted his head and dragged his soft hands from Dean's shoulders to his elbows. "Are you trying to seduce me?"

Dean's lips twitched into a smirk. "Is it working?"

The angel hesitated before leaning gently into Dean. "I'll let you know tonight," Cas whispered, his lips brushing Dean's ear. He shivered in response, pulling away to look into those blue eyes.

"Oh, man," Dean breathed. "I can't wait."

Dean followed Cas back to the table like a love sick puppy, heart eyes and all. They seated themselves back in their chairs, Dean's heartfelt eyes still trailing over Cas.

"Like the pie, Dean?" Ellen asked, breaking the sudden silence that filled the room.

Dean glanced away from Cas, furrowing his eyebrows. Unfortunately, as Dean felt up his boyfriend and followed him back to the table, his pie sat alone on the kitchen counter.

"He must be a keeper if you forgot your own pie," Sam commented, offering a sly smile to anyone who noticed.

Jo leaned over Cas and whispered loud enough for everyone to hear, "next time, get a room. Less people will see."

Dean chuckled, his face blushing a deep red. "Thanks for the tip, Jo."

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Getting those nice and warm Christmas vibes in the middle of August :)