Chapter Text
Dean sucks in a deep breath before he hits the ground, hard, and rolls with an arm outstretched; already reaching for his sword. His breath is punched from his lungs with the impact, but the air helps cushion his landing. His ribs are already bruised enough. The cold of the rock beneath him bites through his thin shirt, the sheen of sweat over his body making the light blanket of snow feel that much harsher against his skin. His palm is wet from pushing himself over, the white fluff surrounding him obscuring the view on the hilt of his weapon even as he feels the smooth steel against his fingertips. His hand slips, so he grips tighter. He raises the sword in tandem with his rise to his feet, graceful and well-practiced. He keeps low to the snow dusted ground, scanning what little he can see through the haze of white.
A loud roar shatters the silence of the mountain side, helping him pinpoint his target through the swirling haze around him. He crouches, eyes skyward as he waits with his heart beating wildly in his chest. Fierce green eyes squint through the flurry of white, seeking the flash of blue that he knows is approaching. The flap of wings gives Benny away and Dean’s muscles tense as he spins to face the great blue dragon lowering from the sky.
Dean sees the spark of flame before its loosed and he rolls out of the way. He may be immune to Castiel's fire, but the same cannot be said for that belonging to any other dragon. The blast singes the hem of his shirt, narrowly missing Dean as he resets himself; scowling at Benny for getting so close.
Benny lands with enough force to make the earth tremble, straightening his neck to put Dean in his line of fire once again. Dean sees the edge of his shield sticking out of the snow and he dives for it, raising the sigiled barrier just as hot flame washes over him. "You're getting too close Benny!" Dean shouts, wishing for a reprieve. His muscles scream in protest but he pushes forward still. Giving up is not an option.
Benny obliges by swiping a claw across the shield, tearing it from Dean's grasp. He runs, attempting to flank Benny and get behind the massive dragon before more fire can be breathed in his direction. He needs to get in the blind spot. His boots slip in the ankle-deep snow and his fingers grow numb from the cold despite his exertion. Dean sees Benny's tail swinging through the air and ducks, sliding onto his side before the spikes can connect with his tender, human, flesh.
Dean reaches his target just as Benny begins to spin, he lays flat to the ground on his stomach, pressing himself into the snow to stay away from the tail swinging wildly above him. Benny takes a step back, now standing directly over Dean and the human grins. He can't believe Benny fell for it. He readies his sword, silently pushing onto his hands and knees and Benny spins, searching for him.
Dean waits, letting Benny search. Benny is standing over him, breathing heavily. Dean hears the low rumble building in Benny's chest, the sign he's been waiting for. Dean creeps forward, towards Benny's front legs. The snow muffles any sound he might make and his target is nearly in reach when Benny suddenly rears back, lifting onto his rear legs and flapping his wings hard enough to clear the ground around Dean of snow. Dean doesn't have time to react before Benny slams back down, pinning Dean beneath his giant claws and sending his sword skittering across the hard rock.
"Ugh" Dean flops back, letting the fight bleed out of him as he relaxes against the hard granite of the mountain. "You got me. Again" He shakes his head. He and Benny have been sparring for weeks and Dean still can't get close enough to hit the soft flesh of a dragon's underarm.
The air shimmers and suddenly a very human looking Benny is reaching a hand down to help Dean up. "You're getting closer, brother" He laughs, shaking his head in amusement with Dean's scowl.
"You knew exactly where I was" Dean shakes his head, still breathing heavily, reaching a hand up to brush the snow out of his hair.
"Every dragon will assume their heart is what you're trying for" Benny gestures to his own underarm.
Dean nods, "I need to create a distraction". He wanders towards his sword, groaning at the stiffness in his muscles as he bends to reach for it.
"Exactly" Benny grins, nodding. "How about we call it a day, brother. While you can still walk" Benny claps a hand down on Dean's shoulder with a taunting laugh.
"Screw you" Dean gripes playfully, swatting his friend's hand away.
"Fly or walk?" Benny asks despite knowing Dean's answer.
Dean raises a brow, giving Benny a pointed stare. "What do you think" He slides his sword back into his scabbard and crosses his arms over his chest.
Benny rolls his eyes dramatically and gestures for Dean to follow. "You know we'd be back so much faster if you'd just fly with me"
Dean scowls, falling into step next to the other man. "But that would involve flying. In the air. Where humans don't belong"
Benny huffs a small laugh, shaking his head. "You're mated to a dragon, brother. Flying comes with the territory"
Dean's scowl refuses to fade despite his blush. He tries not to think of Cas as his mate. That sounds so permanent and not human. Boyfriend sounds better. He certainly isn't ready for the word husband even though he can't imagine ever not having Castiel by his side. Being attached at the hip with a dragon has not eased Dean's discomfort of having his feet off the ground. He's tried flying with Cas, more than once, and the thought of being high in the air terrifies him more than facing Michael by himself would. "I will if I have to" Dean gripes, shaking his head. "And what was with you trying to torch me?! You saw I didn't have my shield" He feigns insult, changing the subject.
"Your enemies aren't gonna care if you're protected or not. In fact, they'd prefer it if you weren't" Benny explains, gesturing with his hands to emphasise his point. "I can't hold back with ya and then have you get torched in your first battle. Castiel would have my head if you got hurt"
"Still, you got a little close there" Dean holds the hem of his shirt up to prove his point. The edge is singed and frayed, Benny doesn't look the least bit remorseful.
A pair of loud roars sound above them, causing both Benny and Dean to look to the sky. Immediately they see a blur of tarnished gold being chased by a larger black dragon. Gabriel twists and dives, coaxing Castiel to try and outmanoeuvre him. Dean can feel Cas' frustration through their bond and he can't help but laugh at the silent names Castiel is calling his brother. Both Benny and Gabriel are surely hearing his litany of creative curses as the two dragons fly higher and higher in the sky, circling the mountains surrounding them.
The morning after they had met with the Resistance, Gabriel took Cas and Dean north; towards the kingdom of Alahai. He has control over another system of caves, in yet another mountain where they would be safer to train. Benny came with them, of course, as did a select handful of Gabriel's most trusted.
"Dean Winchester! You get in here and out of that cold right this second!" Ellen shouts to him from the opening of the cave as he and Benny make their approach. Castiel is still flying high above them, chasing Gabriel in circles. Dean's eyes snap to where the woman is standing with her hands firmly squared on her hips, kitchen towel thrown over her shoulder.
Dean learned quickly not to disobey the stern older woman. Gabriel may be officially in charge, but nothing happens without Ellen's approval. He sees Jo slinking back from the cave entrance at the sight of her mother's imposing figure and Dean shakes his head. He's spent quite a bit of time training with Joanna, he was right when he guessed that she was just a little younger than himself. Her father had trained her to fight before he was killed by Oiad soldiers. She and her mom joined Gabriel's ragtag group not long after. She is a formidable force, despite her age, and he struggles to hold his own against her. He's steadily improving though, thanks to everyone who has been routinely kicking his ass for the past month.
He picks up his pace at the sight of Ellen's foot beginning to tap. He's learned better than to keep the motherly woman waiting. He's greeted by a cuff to the back of his head and the snap of Ellen's towel to his ass. "Move it mister. You go get out of those wet clothes right now. You will not catch cold on my watch!" She gripes, glaring at both Dean and Benny.
"An don't you go laughing LaFitte" She points a finger into Benny's chest and the man's laughter dies instantly. "You are not above getting a whooping if this 'un gets sick"
"Yes Ma'am" Benny nods, sidestepping Ellen and quickly joining Dean in his rush to escape. "Want a bath?" Benny offers. Dean quickly discovered that hot baths for dragons are so much easier than what he's accustomed to. They've developed a system of channels through the rocks of the caves that funnel water to where they require it. No hauling buckets from the nearest stream. Even Dean can fill a tub in only a few minutes with just a pull of a stopper.
They've also forged large wash tubs out of iron, and a quick dousing with their dragon fire has the water hot and ready almost instantly. Dean can't heat the water for himself, being human; but someone is always willing to stumble all over themselves in their haste to help him.
"I think I'll wait for Cas" Dean smiles, hoping that maybe he and Cas can finally take advantage of the two tubs side by side in the main wash room. Alone time is scarce in their cramped quarters, and in the three weeks they've been here they've hardly had time to themselves except for when they're too exhausted to do anything more than sleep.
The dragons insist on attempting to pamper Castiel to the point where they won't even let him heat his own bath. Castiel is irritated by the coddling but is too polite to voice his complaints to anyone other than Dean. Castiel's instincts drive him to take care of Dean, and not being permitted to heat their own baths has become a bit of a sore spot with the dragon. They've been too busy training and meeting with messengers coming and going with information to spend much time together at all, and that has become a sore spot with Dean.
Benny gives him a knowing look before his expression devolves into a lewd wiggle of his brows and smirk. Dean balks, playfully punching Benny in the arm. "Pervert" Dean gripes, shaking his head and turning off towards the room he shares with Castiel. Their room is directly across from Benny's and the two part ways at their doors.
Dean quickly strips down, tossing his wet clothes to the basket next to the ornately carved dresser. Washing his own clothing is yet another privilege the dragons insist on taking from him, but it is one that he really doesn't mind. He throws on some clean clothes, the finest he's ever had. Gabriel had snatched away the threadbare clothing he and Castiel had arrived in as quickly as he could get away with, replacing them with fine fabric that was freshly made. His new trousers were stiff in the beginning, and he had tried to resist Gabriel's charity; but the older dragon refused to budge. Castiel shrugged and took the clothes while Dean nursed his pride. After a few weeks of wear, the fabric is much softer, a tightly woven cotton that Gabriel had called denim. Dean will readily admit; the material is much stronger than the linen he was accustomed to and a lot more comfortable than leather.
The shirt Dean shrugs over his shoulders is a deep burgundy that never fails to have Cas biting his lip when he sees Dean wearing it. The sleeves are tailored closer than any shirt Dean has ever owned, and the buttons lining the front are so small that he fumbled with them at first. He rolls the sleeves up to his elbows, baring his forearms and leaves the buttons open, letting his black undershirt show through. He blends in with the dragons dressed like this, and he can't help but admit that he's fond of the look.
Castiel is still training with Gabriel, and Benny's absence outside his door makes Dean think the dragon has joined them. He wanders towards the kitchen Ellen had built near the outside of the mountain. He can smell the delicious aroma of fresh baked bread and meats drifting through the wide tunnel as he walks, following that tantalizing scent.
This system of caves is much the same as the first, the largest difference is temperature. They're a few hundred leagues further north than Dean has ever been, and even though the dragon caves are nothing like one would think caves ought to be; he still feels the bite of the cold in the air whenever he wanders to the main tunnel. The smaller branches stemming from that main tunnel all have heavy doors to ward away the chill, but flakes of white still swirl through the area he finds himself in now.
He ducks into the warmth of Ellen's kitchen, opening the door just enough to slide though and he's quickly met by a set of raised brows that threaten disembowelment if he lets too much cold in air in to ruin Ellen's bread dough. "Sorry" He mutters. "How can I help?" Offering help is the easiest way to avoid getting snapped by Ellen's towel.
"That still needs kneading" She points towards a large lump of dough on the worn wooden table. Everything in these caves seem well aged and equally well cared for. He has no doubt the grain of this table has been worn smooth by decades of dragons working dough across the surface, slowly smoothing and polishing the light toned wood.
He quickly sets to work, not minding the bits of flour clinging to his clean clothes and working its way up his arms. He enjoys helping Ellen, the older woman is sharp and brusque but he has no doubt she would do anything to protect those she considers to be hers. This kitchen is a place where he can just be himself, where no one expects him to be all noble and princely.
Ellen wipes her hands clean and slings her ever present towel over her shoulder. "That’s the last of it for the day" She pats Dean's shoulder as thanks for the help. "I gotta go check the schedule. Give the stew a stir in a few minutes would ya?" She claps her hands down twice on his shoulder and Dean smiles.
"Yes ma'am" He nods, continuing with kneading the dough. Ellen slips out, leaving Dean alone in the small kitchen. This is easily his favorite place in the caves, it nearly feels like home with the wooden benches and workspaces. The large kettle swung over the fireplace and the delicious smells wafting from rich stew within give him a sense of peace and belonging. Working the smooth, tender dough beneath his hands reminds him of the simple life he once had. Not that he misses scraping and working himself to exhaustion just to keep Sam fed and clothed, but in the myriad of changes he's endured, the comforting reminder helps to keep him grounded. He's half thought of asking Ellen if they could make pie, but he doesn't want to impose on her space. For now, he's thankful to be allowed in.
He looks up when he hears the door open. Jo slides in sneakily but Dean barely pays her any attention. She's always running errands for either her mom or Gabriel. He watches her with minimal interest as she approaches, running her hand along the work bench and through the dusty flour scattered there. His suspicions begin to raise when she refuses to meet his eyes, her expression a careful mask of neutrality. He considers greeting her but decides against it. He doesn't want to encourage whatever scheme is forming in her mind.
She steps closer, her steps falling silently as her hips sway with the motion. Dean glances through his lashes towards her, not missing the smirk playing across her lips as she approaches.
"Hey!" Dean feigns indignation when Jo pats him firmly on his back, leaving a large floury handprint on his favorite shirt.
"Aw, sorry Dean" She smirks, voice drawn out in imitation of remorse. "I didn't see you there" She swipes again with her flour coated hand, this time right across the tip of his nose.
Dean sneezes at the dusty contact, managing to turn his back on his work just in time to avoid ruining Ellen's dough. "Why you little...." He huffs and Jo squeals, running away from the cloud of flour he throws at her. His laughter comes easily as he chases her around one work bench to another, trying to mark her with the white flour cupped in his hands.
"Joanna Beth and Dean Winchester!" Ellen snaps, hands square on her hips and the two to freeze mid step from chasing each other around the small space.
Dean gulps, thankful for at least the dozenth time that Ellen does not know his middle name. To be three named by Ellen would mean he is in for a world of hurt. "She started it!" He grins his most boyish, devil may care smile while pointing at Jo.
A smirk flutters across Ellen's face before she regains her ire, shooting her daughter a firm glare before turning back to Dean. "If you're not going to help, then leave" She glares and Dean stares back, fighting the smile threatening to overtake him. Ellen's lip quirks upwards, the first sign that Dean may have a chance at victory.
Suddenly, a mass of flour explodes against the side of Dean's head and he turns, sputtering against the cloud of white. "JOANNA!" Ellen shrieks, turning to take her laughing daughter to task while Dean runs for his life.
He can't help his deep belly laugh as he takes his chance to flee. "Good luck Jo!" He calls over his shoulder as he ducks out of the kitchen. The solid thud against the door at his back may or may not be one of Ellen's many wooden spoons missing its intended target. Jo may have won that round, but Dean feels like the real winner. He's the one who escaped. He laughs to himself, grinning like a fool as he leans against the cool wall trying to catch his breath.
"Dean?" A gravel rough voice questions from behind him and Dean spins, smile growing wider when he takes in the tousled dark hair and bright blue eyes staring at him in bewilderment.
Castiel looks exhausted and the beginnings of a large bruise are beginning to show across his cheek. "Come on Cas" Dean laughs, holding out his hand to the other man. Cas reaches hesitantly towards Dean but the green-eyed man lacks patience. He quickly grips Cas tightly and tugs him down the tunnel towards their room.
Castiel laughs, the sound deep and rich as Dean pulls him along at a jog. "Dean, why are you covered in flour?" He questions as he grins, his bright blue eyes crinkling at the corners.
"The battle of the bread Cas! I narrowly escaped, poor Jo was trapped; I had to leave her behind to face Ellen alone" He tells the tale as if it were a dire situation and Castiel's grin grows wider despite his exhaustion.
"Mmm. Sounds serious. How ever did you manage to escape?" Castiel humors him, his voice dipping lower as he whispers in Dean's ear; pressing him against the door of their room. Cas raises his arms, bracketing Dean in place as he invades the other man's space.
Dean's smile fades, losing himself in those too blue depths. "I uh...ran after Jo pelted me with a flour bomb" He swallows thickly, gaze dropping to Castiel's lips. "She sacrificed herself so that I might escape".
"Uh huh" Castiel smirks back, clearly enjoying Dean's reaction to his closeness. "Remind me to thank her for her selfless act" Castiel's voice dips low as he nips at Dean's earlobe. "And now you need a bath" Cas nods, pulling back with his jaw set firm.
Dean nods as he struggles to breath. Cas knows exactly what he does to Dean. "I was hoping...maybe we could..." He swallows hard.
Cas frowns, making a show of studying the man in front of him. "Hmmm. I don't know...." Castiel turns his head, pinching a frown to keep his expression serious.
Dean licks his lips, reaching his hands forward to rest his hands on Castiel's hips. Cas turns back to look at him and Dean takes the opportunity to flash him his most confident grin.
Cas sighs, shaking his head. "You are impossible, Dean Winchester" He takes a half step closer, so they're nearly touching chest to chest.
Dean's grin turns into a smirk. "I think I'm adorable" He is so focused on losing himself in Castiel's deep blue eyes, that he fails to notice Castiel's hand drop from the space it had claimed on the door until Dean is falling through the suddenly open space. Cas narrowly catches his arm, keeping Dean from stumbling backwards and falling onto the floor as he barks out a laugh.
"You're lucky that you are, Dean" Castiel shakes his head, spinning the man around and giving him a playful shove towards the dresser. He misses how red Dean turns at the open compliment and Dean is glad he does.
No matter how comfortable they've gotten with each other, Dean still can't handle Castiel complimenting his looks without embarrassment. "Do we have any meetings tonight?" Dean coughs the question, trying to change the subject at hand as gracefully as he can muster.
Cas steps up behind Dean, plastering himself to the man's back as he reaches his arms to clasp over Dean's stomach. His chin rests on Dean's shoulder and the green-eyed man leans into him. "Want me to heat up your bath?" Cas mutters, ignoring Dean's question with his chin pressing gently into Dean's shoulder with each syllable.
Dean nods, hearing the trace of tempered excitement in his soft whisper and he takes Castiel's clasped hands in his own to keep his dragon close. "Only if you take one too. There's the bath with the two tubs, I thought maybe we could get some time to ourselves" Dean voice comes out as unsure, the veneer of his confidence falling away. He still struggles with accepting that Castiel is his, and he is Castiel's. He needs Castiel, and that makes him even more terrified or losing him.
Cas squeezes him tighter. "I think we can manage that" He pulls back and Dean suddenly feels cold without Castiel's touch. "We're expecting a messenger sometime after supper, we have a few hours until then" Cas turns to the dresser, pulling out some fresh clothes for the both of them while Dean grabs the large swaths of fabric he's come to know as towels.
Dean had never had the luxury of special, thicker pieces of fabric solely for the purpose of drying himself. With every new luxury, Dean feels another pang of regret for not having been able to do better for Sam. He hadn't even known all of this could exist! All these things the dragons have given him, the things Castiel had once been accustomed to; remind Dean of how pitiful his existence was. How horrible Cas must have thought of him when they met and all Dean had to offer was rags?
"Stop it" Castiel pulls Dean close once again, somehow sensing Dean's tumbling emotions. "You know whatever you're telling yourself isn't true" Cas runs a hand through Dean's hair and his eyes slide closed at the touch.
"How do you know?" Dean rasps, his voice hitching as he fights down the emotions he knows Castiel hates so much.
Cas runs a finger under Dean's chin, drawing his eyes up until their gazes meet. "Because, you are strong" Cas kisses the tip of his nose. "Loyal" Dean's left cheek is kissed next. "Kind" A gentle peck to his right cheek. "Generous" Dean's eyes slide closed as Cas lifts onto his toes to kiss his forehead. "Even when you had nothing, you gave me everything" Cas runs a thumb across Dean's cheek bone and Dean's head tilts into the touch. "You worked yourself to exhaustion, sacrificed your childhood and gave everything you could to raise your brother. You didn't once complain" Cas presses a gentle kiss to Dean's lips and the human can't help the whimper that escapes. "You never gave up." Wonder colors Castiel's tone and Dean's eyes slide open to see the pure adoration on his dragon's face. "You are a wonderful man, and I'm proud to call you mine"
Dean's heart flutters at the words that he never tires of hearing. The words he needs to hear to keep his mind from spiralling out of control. He swallows hard and all he can do is nod in response.
Cas gives Dean a sad smile as he takes a step back and Dean can’t help but hate that his insecurities bleed over into Castiel. Their bond picks up on every hint of emotion, projecting the feeling directly to the other’s heart. There is no privacy, no hiding.
Dean turns away from those knowing blue eyes and rummages through the drawer yet again for something to wear., forgetting that Castiel already has fresh clothes in his hands. “Dean” Cas stops him with a hand on his shoulder. “Talk to me” His voice is quiet and unsure, Dean can feel the hesitation and he kicks himself for making Cas feel this way.
Dean shakes his head, turning and burying his face in Cas’ shoulder. “M’sorry Cas”
Cas hums, gently prying the clean clothes from Dean’s grip. “We were having fun and then you dropped on me” He cards his fingers through Dean’s hair absently. “What happened?”
Dean groans, not wanting to explain but knowing that Cas won’t let it go. Castiel has stubborn down to an art form. “You’re right Cas. I had nothing. And now I have all this. You” He pulls away, shakings his head and gesturing all around them. He’s certain that a Prince would never understand. “I…it’s just hard to adjust” He huffs, shoulders slumping.
Cas nods, closing the distance between them once again. “After everything I’d been though, everything we’ve been through together; I never thought I would have any of this. I thought I would die a prisoner, Dean. I thought I would never meet my mirror, I thought Michael had killed you and I mourned losing you before we even met.” He shakes his head, dropping his gaze to the floor. “When we did meet, I was terrified that it was all a trap. That Michael or Lucifer was going to swoop in any moment and take you away. I knew who you were to me the moment our eyes met in the woods and you had no idea who I was. What we were” Cas raises his gaze to meet Dean’s, keeping a full step away from Dean. Dean’s heart clenches at the pain in his boyfriend’s voice and the sadness in his eyes. "And yet you still took so much time and care to help me. A complete stranger who could do nothing for you except wear your clothes and eat your food" Castiel shakes his head with a small smile.
Dean shakes his head and tries to take Cas into his arms, but the other man holds him back with a raised palm. “Cas” Dean mutters. “I felt drawn to you even then. Sure, I didn’t know; but I felt something” He hates seeing Castiel hurting, especially when it’s his fault.
Cas gives him a half smile. “You know what Pamela said to me? She was the first dragon to touch my mind and allow me to touch hers in years, Dean. You have no idea how good it felt to be able to talk to someone, even just through a link in our minds. She told me to be patient and not wait too long to tell you what I am” He huffs a laugh. “I thought she was crazy, I thought you would push me away as soon as you knew that I wasn’t human”
Dean hates himself just a little bit more. “I almost killed you”
“And you could have" Castiel's sad eyes lift to meet Dean's. "Being my mirror, you could have killed me with that knife as easily as you did that pig" He gives Dean a strained smile. "But you didn’t” Cas finally steps forward and reaches for Dean’s hand. “I was so happy that you let me stay, let me come with you; that I was terrified to tell you the rest. Even when Crowley has us cornered and he blurted it out I played dumb. Like I didn’t know you were my soulmate. I was so afraid of losing you”
“Baby you’ll never lose me” Dean pulls Cas close and wraps his arms tightly around the other man. “I’m going to struggle sometimes, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want you. I will always want you” Cas is so good to him, Dean can hardly stand it sometimes. He feels like he has nothing to give in return but he tries to find something anyways. “Are we ok?” Dean mutters against Cas’ hair, needing to move on from this conversation.
Cas nods. “We are. Just talk to me when you’re feeling overwhelmed, ok. It feels too much like you’re running from me when you keep it to yourself”
“Promise” Dean agrees, resolving to do better. “Baths?” He forces a ridiculous grin and Cas laughs. Not the full body laugh that Dean loves so much, but the laughter that results of tension snapping.
Castiel’s expression suddenly goes serious. “We need to sneak down there. A covert mission” He glances from side to side as if looking for spies. “No one can know our plans” His voice drops into the register that sends tingles down Dean’s spine and Dean coughs to cover his reaction.
“Right. So, how are we going to avoid detection” Dean forces himself to take this issue as seriously as if they were discussing how best to infiltrate Gabriel’s chambers and raid his candy stash. Which is to say, this could be a matter of life or death.
“Very very quietly. I’ll gather the towels. You take our clothes and go first. Meet me there in five minutes. Don’t let anyone see you” Cas whispers, leaning close to Dean. Their tension of only moments ago still dances in the front of their minds, but they both make serious effort to move beyond it.
“You’re the boss” Dean winks and a deep blush rises in Castiel’s cheeks. Dean knows exactly what he’s doing. He grabs their clothes from where Cas had dropped them and holds them tight to his chest. “If I’m intercepted, tell Sam I was lost for a good cause” He gives Cas a firm nod and slips out the door without waiting for a response.
Dean tiptoes down the tunnel as quietly as his boots will allow, glancing side to side frantically. He may be twenty years old, preparing to fight in a war; but the time he’s spent here with Castiel has been the only time in his life since his Mom died that he’s been able to act like a child. He and Cas take full advantage of that freedom between training, sparring and meetings.
He sneaks as quiet as a mouse, wide green eyes darting to every corner and ears finely tuned to any possible intruder. He skirts close to the wall, stepping lightly. He hears the sharp click of hard soles on rock and narrowly manages avoid Ash, hunching down and turning down the next tunnel just as the man comes into view. He breathes a deep sigh of relief at the near miss. His mission continues. Honestly, he’s pretty sure that Ash saw him sneaking and ducking around the corner like some sort of lunatic; if the snort of laughter from the dragon is anything to go by. Thankfully, Ash is just as amused by their antics as Dean is and is more than willing to let them play while they can. Gabriel or Ellen would not be so forgiving.
Dean hurries, the door he’s seeking clearly in sight down the softly lit tunnel. This far off the main branch, the tunnel is only wide enough for two people to pass side by side. An adult in dragon form would have no chance of squeezing this far in, except maybe for Lilith whose dragon is barely larger than Charlie.
Dean’s ears perk up at a new echo bouncing down the halls, someone’s coming, and the jaunty whistle easily warns Dean that the lurker is Gabriel. Dean hastens his steps, the door is in sight. He’s almost there, reaching for the handle…
“Dean-o! What do I owe this honor of running into you without my baby bro by your side?” Gabriel calls far too playfully to signal anything good for Dean.
Dean’s hand drops as his shoulders sag. Gabe leans against the door to the wash room, twirling a lollipop around his tongue as he smirks at Dean. “Just goin to get cleaned up” He shrugs, gesturing the flour covered shirts he’s still wearing.
The glint in Gabriel’s eye sets Dean’s teeth on edge as the dragon rakes his gaze up and down Dean’s body with amusement. “Ellen get mad at you?” He tugs the sucker from his mouth and points it to Dean’s chest with a flourish.
Dean huffs a laugh. “Me and Jo both” He purposefully uses his free hand to smack some of the flour from his lose outer shirt.
“Hmmmm” Gabe hums as if lost in deep thought. Dean knows better than to believe that.
“I’d like to wash up now” Dean urges, trying to step around Gabe to get to the door.
The dragon pushes off the door to let Dean pass. “Need a hand?” He asks. Dean knows he’s offering to heat the water for him and nothing more. Dean would almost be touched by Gabe’s apparently sympathy, but he knows better.
Dean would trust Gabriel with his life. He has no doubt that the dragon would do anything he possibly could to keep both Dean and Castiel from harm if the need came for it. But. And it’s a big but. Dean does not trust Gabriel in day to day life. The man takes too much joy in tormenting others with his jokes. Dean especially. “No. Thank you Gabriel” Dean forces a smile and reaches for the door handle. Cas will be following any moment and Gabe needs to go. Now. He quickly pushes the door open and ducks inside without another word, plastering himself to the back of the cool wood to calm his pounding heart. He’s not afraid of Gabriel per say, but he would prefer to keep direct contact to a minimum.
Dean presses his ear to the door, listening to Gabriel’s renewed whistle fade as the dragon wanders away. He knows Cas will be along any minute, so he wanders towards the two, side by side, iron tubs in the large cavern. A fireplace keeps the space warm, and the room is large enough for a dragon to shift. He watched Cas preen his scales once, and his laughter at the dragon’s contortion was quickly silenced by a haughty glare from two saucer sized blue eyes and huff of steam. He had offered to help, but when Cas turned onto his back and wiggled along the floor like a dog; he had ended up getting doused with freezing cold water by a very annoyed dragon and then swept off his feet by the swipe of a perfectly placed tail. He learned then, that laughing at Castiel was an intolerable offense. He hasn’t been invited to watch again since.
The channels in the mountain have been bored out to empty from the walls right behind the tubs and Dean makes short work of sliding the heavy iron door that holds the water back. Dean hears the door open and thud closed as he’s closing the second door. He hears the lock slide into place and he turns with a large smile on his face as he watches Castiel cross the room towards him.
Cas quickly sets the towels on the small changing table and starts stripping off his own clothes. Dean watches with rapt attention as Cas shrugs out of his over shirt and then tugs his white undershirt over his head. His hands drop to the waist of his trousers when he stops, arching a brow at Dean. “Are you going to undress or just watch the show?”
Dean shrugs his deep red shirt off his shoulders without taking his eyes off Castiel’s bare chest. He wants to close the distance between them and run his hands up and down the smooth expanse of Castiel’s sides and squeeze his fingers into those hip bones, but he resists. “I, uh, was gonna wait till after you shift back” He feels a blush creeping up his cheeks. He loves Castiel and is awed by his dragon form; but that doesn’t mean he wants to be naked next to a giant, fire breathing, creature.
Sadness flits across Castiel’s expression before he nods his understanding. “You know I’ll never hurt you, right? My fire can’t even burn you” His mouth presses to a flat line and he looks anywhere but at Dean.
Dean is quick to close the space between them, half tempted to strip down to nothing just to prove to Cas that he knows he’ll never hurt him. “I know baby” He take Castiel’s hands in his own briefly before releasing them to run his palms up Cas’ arms and down his shoulders. Dean takes a deep breath, trying to keep his promise of just a few minutes ago and tell Castiel what the problem really is. He feels redness creeping into his cheeks before a single word leaves his mouth. “It’s just….I dunno. Never mind. It’s stupid” He shakes his head and tries to turn away.
Cas stops Dean’s progress with a firm grip on the man’s wrist. “Dean” One word serves as both a plea and warning.
“I’m….shy” Dean looks at the floor, hoping that Cas will understand. Castiel barks a laugh.
“Really? That’s it?” Castiel’s eyes light up with mirth as he tugs Dean’s wrist and draws the man closer. “That’s OK Dean” He lifts a hand to cup Dean’s cheek. “Just, stand by the door so I can shift without hitting you with my tail” He doesn’t say another word about Dean’s discomfort and Dean is glad for it.
He already feels ridiculous for feeling shy to be naked before the giant black dragon, even though he knows that it’s Castiel. Somehow, the forms are just different, and he can’t quite get past it. He tells himself that he just needs time.
Castiel’s shifting has come easier since he’s been able to practice, but the transition still isn’t as smooth or as fast as the other dragons. He tries to avoid shifting in front of Gabriel, his brother’s pained and pity filled looks cut deep into his feeble self confidence and make Castiel feel guilty about his own abuse. Benny and Ellen are much easier to practice with. Benny for his support and Ellen for her good-natured ribbing. He turns his back towards Dean, so he can focus without those perfectly green eyes threatening to steal his composure.
Dean watches as the air shimmers once again and human Castiel is quickly replaced by dragon Castiel. Dean’s breath still stills at the sight those black scales blinking into existence and he marvels at how any of this is possible. Dean had never believed in magic until he met Castiel and was introduced to the world of dragons.
Castiel crouches down, folding his four legs underneath him as he lowers his head. He blinks at Dean once or twice and the man can feel a pulse of inquiry come from the dragon. He gives Cas a smile and nod, trying his hardest to send a stroke of affection towards the dragon in front of him. Communicating across forms has been something they have been working hard at since they discovered that they could share that sort of bond. Secretly, they’ve been trying the same thing when Cas is in human form, knowing that being able to hold a silent conversation could prove to be useful.
The message must come across, because Castiel turns back towards the wash basins and shimmies into position. He lowers his head, aiming, and Dean can feel the excitement pouring off Castiel. Dean manages to hold back the laugh building in his chest at the feeling coursing through him. The sense of usefulness emanating from Castiel as his fire builds shoots through Dean like the rush he feels when Castiel is taking him apart piece by piece in the quiet darkness of their bedroom. He has quickly discovered that Castiel loves taking care of him in all aspects of their lives, and Dean has endeavoured to allow himself to be cared for as much as he cares for Castiel.
Cas lets loose his bright blue flame. His fire burns so hot that it turns white at the center; invisible if not for the strain and distortion the heat causes in the air.
Dean watches as the iron tubs are washed in flame. A few seconds pass and the iron begins to glow. Dean edges closer to Castiel as his eyes widen at the edges of the tubs beginning to slump. Water runs rapidly over the tops as the iron sinks further and Dean’s heart threatens to seize. “Cas!” Dean jumps onto Castiel’s spiked tail before he takes the time to consider his actions. He scrambles up, using the wide spines as a ladder to reach the dragon’s back. Castiel stops his fire and scrambles backwards, but he’s too late. The damage is done.
Boiling water flows freely over the floor and molten iron puddles underneath what is left of the wash basins. Castiel rears onto his hind legs, narrowly avoiding the scalding water and Dean clings tightly to the dragon’s back spewing a litany of curses interspersed with demands to know if Castiel is ok.
Cas whines, high in his throat and embarrassment crashed through him. Dean immediately stokes those smooth and glossy scales. “It’s ok. We’re ok. Just an accident” Dean mutters but Castiel’s whine doesn’t stop. His tail thumps against the lock of the door, effectively smashing it and he mentally nudges Dean into climbing down and getting out danger.
The somber and mournful sound coming from Castiel is heartbreaking and Dean can’t make it stop. No amount of reassurance is helping, and the cry is so loud that the others have undoubtedly heard. “Are you hurt?” Dean climbs further up Castiel’s back, reaching the base of his dragon’s neck. He lays himself flat, hugging Cas as best he can.
“Dean!” A voice calls from the now open door. Dean hadn’t even noticed the door being flung open. “Come this way Dean. He can’t shift with you up there” Dean turns his head to see Benny standing with his hand outstretched, his wide eyes darting between man, dragon and the mess on the floor. “Come on brother” Benny urges, and Dean feels Cas prodding him to go.
Reluctantly, Dean follows their directions and scoots himself backwards. Cas crouches as low he can without touching the still steaming water underneath him to make Dean’s journey easier. Benny grabs Dean, lifting him off as soon as he’s in reach. As soon as Dean is off his back, Castiel shifts back to his half naked human form; his complexion as white as the snow outside.
“Dean” He breathes, his blue eyes wide and watering. His hands roam over Dean, searching for injuries and Benny takes a step back.
Ellen comes running down the hall, breathing heavily. She’s quickly followed by Ash, Jo, and Gabriel, each of them looking terrified with worry.
“Cas, I’m fine. None of it came near me” Dean clasps Castiel’s face between his hand, forcing the man to look at him. “Are you ok?” Cas nods dumbly.
“Cassie….?” Gabe questions. “What happened?” He peers around the pair into the wash room and his eyes grow wide at the damage. “Dammit Castiel” He gripes, tossing his arms in the air. “I told you not to heat the water yourself!” He chastises but is quickly silenced by a gasp from Ellen when Castiel turns his back to her to glare at his brother.
Cas hangs his head and Dean hurries to plaster himself to the dragon’s back. Neither need to be told what has caused Ellen’s reaction.
“Oh my god” Jo gasps, bringing her hands to cover her mouth. Dean presses himself tighter to Castiel. No one other than Dean has seen his scars and now they’re in the open for everyone to gawk at. Castiel tenses, stiffening against Dean as they turn to face everyone.
“What? Cassie, are you hurt?” Gabriel’s tone is still angry, but a small twinge of concern colors the edges. “Dean, move. Let me look at him” He roughly pulls Dean away and Cas spins towards his brother angrily.
Dean lashes out, shoving Gabriel back, but not before the dragon gets a glimpse of Castiel’s mutilated back. Gabe ignores Dean’s push in favor of focusing on Castiel. “Cassie” He squeaks, ignoring the flames lighting his little brother’s eyes as he forces him around. His hands clasp Castiel’s shoulders, holding him in place while he scans the damage from their older brothers.
“Jo, come on” Ellen calls softly to her daughter, grabbing her by the elbow and tugging her away to give the brothers some privacy. Ash follows, and Benny hangs back, close but not watching, waiting to be sure that neither Dean or Cas need him.
Castiel breathes heavily, allowing his brother’s inspection. Gabe jerks him back around roughly and drags him into a tight embrace. He doesn’t say a word and Castiel goes limp in his brother’s hold, knowing that it was one thing for Gabriel to hear about what had been done; and another entirely to see the evidence.
Dean hangs back, letting them have their moment despite the anger coursing through him. He doesn’t like Gabe on a good day, and this one has been too back and forth for him to tolerate much more from the older dragon.
“I told you not to heat the water” Gabe mutters, his tone much softer now that his anger has been rattled by the confrontation of Castiel’s scars.
Cas pulls away with a frown and glances back towards Dean. Dean can feel the embarrassment oozing from Castiel and he hates every once of it. “You didn’t tell me why” Cas shakes his head sadly. “I thought it was because of who we are that no one was letting me”
Gabe huffs a laugh at that and shakes his head fondly. “I suppose I should have been clearer, I assumed you would understand” He reaches a hand to ruffle Castiel’s hair. “Your fire is just too hot kiddo” He smiles and Cas blushes. “Seriously though, are you two ok?” Gabe finally look to Dean, half an apology in his eyes.
“Fine” Dean frowns, staring around Gabriel at the melted iron now coating the floor and the now cooled water extending from wall to wall.
Gabriel waves a hand. “We’ll deal with it later. Cassie, no more trying to heat your own baths, ok?” Gabe raises a brow, his joking nature nearly returned. Cas nods his agreement, cheeks reddening once again. “Grab your stuff, I’m sure Benny’s already gotten the other bathing room set up for you” He waves a hand and Dean doesn’t doubt that Gabriel is right. Benny is always one step ahead of them. “We’ve got messenger due back sometime tonight. I’ll send someone to let you know when she gets in, I’m sure you’ll want news from your brother?” Gabe turns his gaze to Dean with a smirk.
Dean’s eyes widen with excitement and he nods vigorously. “Yes!” He had no idea that today’s messenger is from the envoy they had sent to speak with the human Kings and Queens about their plight. He hasn’t heard from Sam in over a week and the lack of contact has slowly been driving him to distraction.
Gabriel turns on his heel and marches back towards the main tunnel, leaving Castiel and Dean to stare after him. Dean notices that the usual bounce to Gabriel’s step is diminished somehow and he can only imagine how he would feel in the man’s place. If Sammy had been hurt like Castiel has been, he would stop at nothing to destroy his brother’s abusers.
Cas pulls Dean from his thoughts with a hand on his shoulder. The other man shrugs his over shirt on, pulling the buttons closed to hide his naked skin as they turn to Benny. “It’s seems like we just can’t win” Dean shakes his head and tries to smile. Cas snorts beside him as if to inform Dean just how much of an understatement that is, but he reaches down to grasp Dean’s hand regardless.
“Let’s go get the other bath chamber ready for you, eh chief?” Benny drawls, keeping his eyes down.
Cas shakes his head and Dean can sense his desire to just return to their room to hide from the world. “Come Cas, lets go get cleaned up” He gives Cas’s hand a squeeze before leaning in closer to whisper “You kinda stink”.
Castiel snorts a laugh despite himself and playfully punches Dean in the shoulder. “Like you have room to talk” He mockingly holds his nose and pushes Dean away with a small grin.
Dean is satisfied with that. Playful Cas is a happy Cas. Benny wanders ahead, preparing their baths before they even arrive. He slips out as they enter, nodding his head and wishing them well.
Their playful mood from earlier is dampened but they still take the time to relax and enjoy each other’s company. Dean tries with all his might to will sexy thoughts into Cas’ mind, but he can’t even get so much as a blush from the other man. All his hard work is for nothing.
----
Twenty three years ago….
He’s so excited! He’s about to be a big brother for the third time and Mom says it will he his job to protect this new little one. Luci sits in his favorite chair and glares at Gabriel while Michael paces in their play room. Gabriel sits in the floor, stacking their wooden blocks and knocking them down over and over again. Lucifer growls at the noise, his irritation with their youngest brother growing to the point that Michael fears they may argue.
“Lucifer, stop it” Michael snips, taking his role as eldest seriously. He’s too old for silly children’s games, and so is Lucifer.
“He’s doing it on purpose Mikey! I don’t know why we even have to put up with him! He’s not like us” Lucifer pouts, leaning forward in his chair to glare at his older brother.
Michael moves to stand in front of Lucifer while Gabriel watches intently, scooting away from his two older brothers. “He’s our brother, Lucifer. What do you think Dad would say if he heard you speaking like that? What would mother say?” Michael challenges, standing taller in front of his brother.
Luci huffs, shaking his head. “Dad is a fool to put up with him”
“Don’t you dare speak of our father like that!” Michael’s blue eyes spark to life, the orange flame flickering in threat towards his brother. Lucifer returns his glare, flame for flame.
Gabriel sets his blocks aside, standing to move against the far wall. The tension in the air is thick and he wants no part of it. Not when Lucifer is this angry. Michael won’t let Luci hurt him though, he trusts his oldest brother to protect him.
“Fine” Lucifer spits, leaning back in his chair. His glare dims just enough for Michael to accept his submission, but he is in no way apologizing.
Michael turns to Gabriel, and the younger boy shrinks back and bows his head. “Be quite Gabe. Don’t provoke Lucifer” He orders with a gentle hand on the boy’s shoulder.
“Yes Michael” Gabe nods and resolves to be still while Michael resumes his pacing.
Mom went into labor hours ago, but they won’t tell any of the brothers anything. Michael lets his mind wander while he paces the room.
Michael is going to be King someday. His Dad told him so years ago, and he’s been training and learning and trying so hard! Now he’s 14, almost fully grown and he can hardly wait to take his new little brother or sister under his wing and teach them everything they need to know.
Lucifer has just turned 12, and Gabriel 10. His parents hadn’t planned on having another baby, but they were so happy when they found out. Michael has tried to pretend that he isn’t excited either, he’s not a little kid anymore and needs to be more serious. He wants to prove that he will be a good King someday, he wants his Dad to be proud of him. He is the first born, he has the right colors. Becoming King and serving Oiad is all he wants. He won’t disappoint his parents. He will be a good King. But first, he gets to be a good big brother!
Lucifer pushes him so hard, tries to get him to break his composure with his open dislike of Gabriel. Gabe is annoying, but he’s their brother and their parents love him. It is not their place to question the King and Queen. Michael would never hurt Gabriel, but he knows Lucifer would. Lucifer has when no one was there to protect their little brother. He doesn’t understand why his brother is so angry all the time!
A door opens and Michael jumps to see who might be coming for them. A serving girl, Pamela is her name, pokes her head in with a smile. “My Princes . Your new baby brother is here. Would you like to come meet him?” Her dark hair frames her face in curls and her smile is so friendly. Michael can’t help but like the young woman. She’s always so warm when she talks to them, not cold and stuffy like the other servants.
Michael notices something odd in her smile though, and she looks at him funny, but he doesn’t care. He gets to meet his new brother! “Come on guys” He whines, annoyed by how slowly Luci is getting up. Gabriel follows Michael closely, lollipop hanging out of his mouth and his brown eyes looking up to his oldest brother with wonder. Michael has never understood how Gabriel has brown eyes when everyone else in their family has blue eyes, but his Dad told him that Gabe’s eyes are fine, and Michael isn’t to argue with the King. He takes his little brother’s hand, like a good big brother is supposed to; and leads them towards their parent’s chambers.
“Mamma!” Gabriel grins with a grin and darts away from Michael as soon as they’re through the doors. Lucifer brushes ahead of Michael towards their father but Michael holds back, stuck in place. He squares his shoulders and raises his chin, fighting down his nervousness. What if his new brother doesn’t like him? What if he isn’t a good big brother? Can he handle taking care of three little brothers? He swallows hard, trying to shove down his fears and he finally succeeds when his Mom reaches a hand towards him, beckoning him closer.
Her soft blond hair hangs around her shoulders and she smells of fresh flowers, Gardenia he thinks it’s called. He smiles as he approaches, eyeing the tiny bundle in her arms. “Michael, sweetie, this is your new baby brother. His name is Castiel” She smiles. Baby Castiel looks up to Michael, a mop of dark hair and bright blue eyes, brighter than his own and the newborn coos and whimpers his greeting. His hair is wrong, it should be blond. He can’t be the royal gold if he has black hair. Michael shifts uncomfortably under those bright blue eyes. Something doesn’t feel right to him, but he doesn’t know why.
“Hello Castiel” Michael greets, brushing a finger over his new brother’s cheek. He notices his Mom glancing to her husband with worry in her eyes, but Michael assumes she’s simply tired from bringing this new baby into the world. He knows that having a baby is hard work, painful to, even though he’s never seen it happen. His mom must be exhausted. He glances to his Dad and Lucifer standing beside him, he wears a soft smile but tension in his eyes that Michael recognizes from when the King must tell someone something they aren’t going to like. “He’s wonderful” Michael smiles despite the unease building in his gut. Something is wrong. Is Castiel ok?
His mom shifts so that Michael can brush his fingers through the fine black hairs on Castiel’s head. “You’ll take good care of him, won’t you sweetie?”
“I promise Mamma”