A Unique Proposal

Our Branches Grew Intertwined (I Liked It, So I Put A Ring On It)

Dean resumed maintaining the burgers, and laughed in surprise as Cas leaned against him from behind.

Even without angelic mojo, he could still sneak up on Dean.

Cas nosed Dean's jawline, and Dean leaned his head to the side to allow him more access.

Cas pressed a kiss to Dean's neck, and asked him, "Are the burgers done yet? I'm starving."

Dean chuckled. "Patience. You don't get perfection instantaneously, it takes work... And time."

Cas laid his head on Dean's shoulder. "I should know. We've had four years."

Dean turned around, wiping his hands on his apron, and kissed Cas, wrapping his arms around his amazing boyfriend.

Cas pulled away, squirming out of Dean's hold. "Oh no, you don't," He teased. "You're covered in hamburger grease and you have to finish those burgers before I die of starvation."

Dean chuckled, and reluctantly resumed his post in front of the grill, armed with a spatula and tongs.

Finally, after another five minutes of cooking, the burgers were ready. Dean carried them on a platter to the table of food he had set out, and placed them next to the buns.

"Finally!" Cas approached Dean, Sam and Sarah not far behind.

"Where's Krissy and her boyfriend? I would have thought they'd be the first to come for the food." Dean commented, pulling off his apron and folding it before placing it on the table.

"Probably playing with Bones." Cas nodded towards the hill at the edge of their property.

"Sam better not have let his dog into the house. Fur everywhere." Dean grumbled.

"That's why he can't have nice things," Cas smirked. "We're fortunate in that way."

Dean smiled, kissing Cas chastely, sweetly.

Then, Cas began to load his plate. Dean did the same, and followed behind him, as they made their way to their spot on the edge of the hill.

"How much longer?" Cas asked him.

"Fifteen minutes at least." Dean estimated, taking a seat next to his ex-angel.

Cas leaned his head against Dean's shoulder and took his hand. "I'm happy, Dean. We have a good life. I'm glad I met you. Heaven doesn't compare."

Dean smiled slowly. "I love you, too."

Then, Cas took a big bite of his burger.

They ate quietly, both appreciating their good fortune.

Then, the fireworks show started, lighting up the darkening sky.

As soon as Cas' attention was diverted, Dean's hand moved to his pocket, where he could feel a little velvet box.

As he pulled the ring out of the box, he could see, by the dim light of the fireworks, the box was light gray and the ring was a simple gold band, engraved with the words "You'll always be my angel." and a tiny, delicate wing.

Okay, Dean was a huge sap, but he thought if Cas had dealt with it for four years now, then he could deal with it a little longer.

Dean put the box back into his pocket and lifted his other hand, that was in Cas' hand, to slip the ring into Cas' finger.

Then, the unthinkable happened.

He dropped the ring.

Desperately, he studied the grass, running his hands over the ground to try and find it.