Chapter Text
Dean lay flat on the bed, eyes closed, the mattress soft beneath him like a cloud. The journey to the main island hadn’t taken long, forty-five minutes at most. The trip back home would take close to nineteen hours.
He had his medication this time. And more importantly, his Alpha to see him through it.
“Come on, you,” Castiel murmured. “Why don’t you unpack and get comfy? We’ve got a week before we fly home.”
Dean yawned, blinking his eyes open. “Yeah, you’re right.” He glanced around the room, something soft in his expression. “It’s strange, y’know? Having a place where you can just come and go. No rules, well, yeah, there are rules, but not the show’s.”
He huffed out a quiet breath. “No cameras. We can walk down the street hand in hand, and no one’s going to care.”
“They might, my love,” Castiel reminded him. “They could recognise us. Though I’d hope they’d show some decorum and not bother us too much.”
Dean pushed himself up, only to be steadied by Castiel, who wore a sly little grin as he reached for the suitcase and flipped it open.
Everything inside had been freshly laundered. Dean set about unpacking, folding his clothes into drawers and hanging the rest with care.
Not a scrap of white in sight, no more being dressed up like some kind of virgin sacrifice on Delete Day.
Dean yawned, knowing full well that if he slept now, he wouldn’t sleep later.
“Do you want to go for a walk?”
He stepped closer, brushing his fingers lightly against Dean’s wrist before lacing their hands together. “And we can talk about mating then, alright, my love?”
Dean nodded without hesitation. “Okay.”
Dean wasn’t sure what there was left to talk about, but he agreed nonetheless.
They went for a walk. A few people glanced their way, but no one approached them.
Back at the hotel, Dean went for a swim while Castiel chose to relax in the sauna. Afterwards, they returned to their room to shower before heading down for dinner.
That night, Dean felt nervous. It was the first time he would be sleeping beside his Alpha. Part of him couldn’t wait… the other part was still scared of what his body might do, of getting something wrong.
Castiel found him standing there, nightwear clutched in his hands.
“Baby, are you alright?”
Dean huffed out a breath, cheeks warming. “What if I… I don’t know, what if I fart or something?” He trailed off, mortified.
“Sweetheart,” Castiel said gently, “when you live with someone, there are shared… realities.” A small smile touched his lips. “Love is messy, and sometimes loud, but it’s also wonderful. We’ll get through it together.”
Dean let out a breath, some of the tension easing from his shoulders. “Okay, I can do this.”
He glanced down, a shy smile creeping in. “I waited for you, you know. To hold me… to do stupid things like brush our teeth together.”
“Come on then, my love. Get undressed and come do your nighttime routine.”
Dean ducked his head, hiding his embarrassment as he changed into his sleepwear before heading off to finish his routine.
When he slipped into bed, Castiel drew him close, settling him against his chest, one hand resting steady at his back. And just like that, Dean forgot why he’d been embarrassed at all.
This- right here -was worth it. Being held in his Alpha’s arms.
-0-
After breakfast the next morning, they drifted back to their room.
They settled on the small couch, facing the open doors of the balcony. The sea air drifted in, carrying with it a calm that Dean didn’t quite feel.
Castiel pressed a soft kiss to his cheek.
Dean stared down at his phone. Sam had tried to call. There were a few messages from his brother, nothing from his parents. A couple from Ash, too.
He’d never really had friends beyond that.
Dean put the call through, and after a few rings, Sam picked up.
“Dean. I was wondering when you’d call.”
“Hey… yeah. We got off the island yesterday, but we were exhausted, to be honest.”
“Yeah, I can understand that. How are you and your new Alpha doing? I watched every episode, Dean.”
He let out a breath. “I feel like strangling that Gordon guy. I’m not sure I’m even glad he’s dead, and that’s a terrible thing to think.”
“Yeah, Gordon was troubled,” Dean said quietly. “It wasn’t easy. I still have nightmares about it.”
“I can imagine. Look, Dean, Mom and Dad are spitting feathers. They had someone lined up for you at the gala, Grandpa Campbell set it up.”
Sam hesitated. “They said you brought shame on them. Going on the show, choosing this.”
“Right,” Dean let out a short, humourless laugh. “Because I didn’t bend to their will. Who’s to say I’d have even liked this person? And what did they say about the fact I like men, not women?”
Sam laughed, though it sounded a little off. “They don’t like it, Dean, I told them, and they blew a gasket, said they don’t want to speak to you anymore. They didn’t watch the show, have no idea you’re mated, I tried to tell them, but they want nothing to do with you.”
“What? Have they got no idea I’m mated to Cas? They’ll, leave us alone?” Dean said, stumbling over his words.
“Yeah. As long as you don’t come back here, you’re fine. I spoke to Ash, and he said he’ll pack your stuff up and ship it to you.”
“Did they forbid you from speaking to me?” Dean’s voice sounded almost fearful.
“Dean, I’m nineteen and away at college; they can’t do much to me. I mean, they could try to stop paying for my education if they take it that far. I can just say I stopped talking to you. They won’t know if I have out here.”
“Cas lives in California, so you can come visit.”
“Great, where?” Sam asked.
“Santa Barbara. That’s where we’re heading, as far as I know.”
“You’re about four-ish hours away from me. Not too far. I could come stay with you for a weekend, at least.”
“Yeah, you’re family, Sammy. Cas won’t mind at all.”
“Dean, I’m so proud of you, man. Really. I can’t wait to meet Castiel and all the friends you made.”
“You will. Sam, thanks for being the best little brother.”
“Hey,” Sam huffed lightly, “you’re not so bad yourself.”
“Are we bonding?” Dean said with a soft laugh.
“Seems like it. Dean, I have to go, I’ve got an early start in the morning.”
“Yeah, okay. Sammy… love you.”
“Love you too. Safe flight home.”
Dean was pleased with how the call had gone. He wasn’t surprised by how his parents had reacted.
“They’ve closed the door, Cas. They don’t want anything to do with me at all. They said I brought shame on the family. For being gay, for not turning up at the ball, for not wanting the match they chose for me.”
Castiel rubbed his back. “How do you feel about that?”
“Sad. Angry. Annoyed. Frustrated. Pissed off… a bit of everything.” Dean shook his head. “But they’re not worth it.”
“Sam said they didn’t even watch the show, so they’ve got no idea I found you. Not that they’d accept a male–male bond anyway. You’re my soulmate, and they think that’s ridiculous. Love is love, no matter the gender. They’re just bigoted idiots.”
“Yes, they are. Your feelings are valid. You loved your parents, Dean. It’s okay to feel sad about them cutting you off like that.”
He brushed his thumb lightly against his back. “Cry, scream and then let it rest. They’re the ones who’ve lost one of the sweetest, most loving men I know. They’ll answer for that in their own way. And I’ll be richer for having you in my life.”
“You always say the right thing, Cas.”
He scrubbed a hand over his face. “Yeah, I need to scream, yell, get it out of my system. I’m not sure the tears will come. Maybe later.”
He glanced up again. “At least I’ve got my brother. They’ll never take that away from me. Sam wants to come stay with us, meet everyone.”
A faint, sad smile tugged at his lips. “I’ve got a feeling they might lose more than one son. It’s their loss, sadly.”
“By alienating one son, they may well lose another, yes.”
“Cas, your turn, babe. Call your folks. I hope your reunion goes better than mine.”
Castiel had seen the missed calls and messages from his family. He intended to call his parents first, then his siblings.
It was about eight at night in California, so Castiel knew his parents would be home.
When the call connected, Dean heard a shrill voice on the other end, and Castiel pulled the phone away for a moment.
“Castiel, I never insisted on your mating- I suggested it. I would never force you.”
Castiel rubbed his temple with his free hand. “I know, Mom. Dean knows that.”
“Good, because I want to meet that sweet Omega, Castiel. I want to thank him for saving you and Michael. We’re all so proud of him, your aunts and uncles, all of us. Your father can’t wait to meet him.”
She didn’t slow down. “Your brother and sister want you to call them, and they’ll come visit when they can.”
“Dean’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me, Mom. I was so scared… with what happened.”
“I can’t even imagine, Castiel. It must have been heart-stopping. I hope you found what you were looking for, son. You sounded so lost.”
“I did, Mom, and Dean was a big part of that. On top of everything, his parents have disowned him. I’m bringing him back to stay with us until I can find a place of our own.”
“That’s fine, Castiel. I know the place you have now is small, one bedroom is hardly appropriate for a mated pair. I can put some feelers out for a property, son, see what’s available.”
“Thanks, Mom. We’ll be here until the end of the week. I’ll send you the flight details. Could you have a car pick us up? It’s a long flight.”
“Yes, send the details. We’ll have a room ready for you. I can speak to Dean about the wedding once you’re back in the land of the living.”
“Dean would love that. Okay, Mom, talk soon.”
“Send our love to Dean. Safe flight home, Castiel.”
Castiel smiled as the call came to a close.
“That went well?” Dean asked.
Castiel nodded. “Yeah. Mom wants to talk about the wedding; you won’t be getting out of that. She wants everyone to meet you, so that’s a good excuse.”
He gave a small, fond smile. “She said she’s proud of you. And, Dean, so am I. She’s opened up the house for you. She didn’t say it outright, but she’s not pleased with your parents.”
“How do you know, if she never said?”
“When Naomi Novak is quiet on a subject, you know she’s not pleased.”
Dean stepped out onto the balcony, leaving Castiel to call his siblings in peace.
Later that evening, he watched the boats drifting by on night trips, their lights glowing against the dark water. Below, people moved along the streets under the soft wash of streetlights. The scent of jasmine lingered in the air.
He was lost in contemplation and jumped slightly when arms slipped around his waist.
“Come to bed, my love. You look lonely out here.”
Dean was gently pulled towards the bedroom. They closed the door behind them. Castiel kissed him and helped him off with his t-shirt, kissing hot, wet kisses down his neck.
“I can’t wait to have you all to myself,” he murmured.
Dean inhaled deeply. “You can’t… tonight?”
Castiel nuzzled into his neck, breathing in his scent.
“No… tomorrow,” he murmured. “We have an appointment with a doctor. The only one I could get at such short notice. We both have to attend.”
His hand settled steadily at Dean’s side. “It’s the rules. The Alpha has to sign for the pill, so you don’t get pregnant. I’ll still get condoms. When we get home, I’ll get tested as well. Though I haven’t been with anyone for years.”
“I guess that’s the safest way,” Dean said as Castiel pressed a kiss to the bold of his jaw, then behind his ear.
“Yes. I won’t put you in danger, my love,” Castiel mumbled. “But it won’t stop me from mating you. We don’t have to rush anything. We need the bond, the mark… your bite on me.”
“That feels like a lot of hassle.”
Castiel sighed and agreed. “I know. The rules are strict here, and Andy couldn’t get the doctor’s appointment any sooner. We can change our minds. We don’t have to do anything now, we can wait until we’re home, if that’s what you want.”
“No, Cas… I think I’ll feel safer once we’re back in the States. I don’t trust my parents.”
He shook his head quickly. “I don’t want to force you, I really don’t. But I don’t want to stay here on my own either, not if you go back.”
Dean’s words were rushing out. “That sounds manipulative, doesn’t it? It’s not, I promise. I could get help from the show if I had to, but… I’m yours. I love you. I’d never try to force you into mating me.”
“Hey, sweetheart, you’re not forcing me into anything, Dean. I want to mate you, I don’t have any doubts at all, so we’ll go see the doctor, get everything sorted, and then we’ll see what tomorrow night brings, because I’m going to make it romantic, you’ll see.”
Dean held onto the man- the angel -he couldn’t fathom being without. They still had so much to learn, but he knew one thing for certain. “I love you so much.”
“And I love you,” Castiel murmured. “Now, go take a shower and come cuddle with me in bed.”
“I’d love that. We can watch a movie?”
A small smile touched Castiel’s lips. “Then I can’t wait.”
-0-
The doctor’s appointment was straightforward; Dean hadn’t needed to worry so much.
He checked him over, took his blood pressure, asked a few routine questions, and gently went through his medical history, including when his heats occurred.
Then he turned to Castiel, asking why he needed the pill. Castiel told him the truth, that while they were on the island, they couldn’t even think about children, especially with the looming threat of Dean’s family.
The doctor agreed it wasn’t the right environment for children and signed the prescription.
The pharmacist gave them a few odd looks but handed over the medication without comment. Castiel had also picked up condoms, which might have explained the glances.
Once they were no longer under scrutiny, they were free to wander the shops and find somewhere for lunch.
Dean spotted a museum he wanted to explore, and Castiel said his goodbyes for the afternoon, needing to take care of a few things.
Dean knew they didn’t have to spend every moment together, so he pressed a quick kiss to his Alpha’s cheek before heading off, enjoying his time learning more about the maritime history of the island.
When Dean got back, Castiel was already there, telling him to get dressed in his suit; they were going out to dinner.
Dean grinned, dimples showing. “Sure, Alpha. Anything for you.”
Castiel took his arm as they walked along the seafront. “So, my love, how was the museum?”
“It was great. I learned a lot.”
Castiel guided Dean to a restaurant with a striking red front. Outside seating sat beneath canopies, shielding diners from the elements. They stepped inside, where a doorman nodded and held the door open for them.
“Novak, for two,” Castiel said to the maître d’, who glanced down at the list before offering them a warm smile.
“Of course, sir. Your server this evening will be Anzaki. If you need anything at all, please let me know.”
“Thank you.”
Anzaki led them to their table, overlooking the ocean. There were small hearts scattered across the table, with flowers arranged neatly in the centre.
Castiel had already made it romantic, and Dean felt his cheeks warm at the thought. It was so sweet of him.
Castiel pulled out Dean’s chair before taking his own seat.
“Here are your menus,” Anzaki said, handing them to Castiel.
Dean found that a little strange, but as he glanced around, he noticed a few Omegas kneeling beside tables.
“Thank you, Anzaki,” Castiel said.
“I’ll bring water to your table, Alpha Novak, and give you time to peruse the menu.”
Dean leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. “Alpha, this place is wonderful.”
“I wanted it to be special. I love you,” Castiel said, squeezing Dean’s hand. “I think we should skip alcohol tonight, my love, keep our minds clear.”
“Yeah, I agree, babe. Water’s fine with me.”
The music in the background was soft, almost like the sound of the ocean, and it soothed Dean.
He wasn’t bothered that Castiel ordered for him, or that the waiter looked to Castiel for direction. He wasn’t ignored, far from it. The waiter smiled, spoke with him about the view, and even suggested a good walk after dinner.
Castiel didn’t take his eyes off Dean all night.
Dean felt a rush of emotions he couldn’t quite pin down, but one thing was clear: he felt wanted by this angel. He knew he was loved.
His family, aside from his brother, might have cast him aside… but Castiel never would.
When they’d finished, they went for a short walk to help digest the lovely food, half of which Dean couldn’t even recall the names of, though it had all been equally delicious.
“I had the best evening with you, Cas. Can we head back now?”
“Yes, my love. I think leaving you without my mark much longer is making my Alpha… restless.”
“My Omega feels much the same,” Dean said, tugging him gently in the direction of the hotel.
Castiel chuckled and let himself be led.
-0-
Castiel unbuttoned his shirt; his jacket already hung neatly on the stand. Warm, tan skin was slowly revealed, and Dean licked his lips without thinking.
Castiel caught the look and smirked, continuing to undress at his own unhurried pace.
“You can touch,” he murmured, voice suggestive, “but it would be much better, my love, if you undressed as well.”
“Oh, yeah, sure.”
Dean immediately got tangled in his jacket, swearing under his breath as he fought with it. When he finally managed to shrug it off, his fingers felt more like thumbs as he fumbled with the buttons of his shirt.
Castiel stepped into his space, those glacial blue eyes full of quiet mirth. He gently brushed Dean’s trembling hands aside and finished unbuttoning the rest with ease.
Dean kissed Castiel's nose in thanks and took off his slacks. Realising the Alpha was down to his boxers.
Castiel held Dean by the hips and buried his head between his neck and hummed, taking lungfuls of his scent. His thumbs made circles on his skin, and Dean relaxed his shoulders.
Castiel pressed their lips together, their hand slipping around to cradle their head. Dean almost gasped into the kiss, and parted his lips as Castiel slipped his tongue in, and he tasted his flavour.
Castiel hummed as he ran his fingers down his cheeks, Dean, wanting more but not chasing him.
“You’re beautiful, I can’t believe I get to have this,”
“You’re pretty hot yourself, Cas, you’re everything I ever dreamed of and more.”
“Will you lie down with me, my love?”
Dean slid onto the bed, kneeling as Castiel mirrored him. Castiel mouthed red-hot kisses down his neck. Dean ran his hand down Castiel's arm, feeling the muscles flex beneath his fingers.
"Lay down for me?"
Dean lay down, and Castiel slotted by his side. Castiel ran fingers down his flank.
“I want to see that pretty hole leaking for me, presenting for me. I need to taste you, Dean. Did you know how hard it was for me to hold back on the island? I wanted to mount you there and then, but no, I had to hold back.”
His Alpha had a mouth on him, and it made him leak slick steadily, thinking how close they had come on the island at times.
Castiel took his boxes off, and Dean did the same. His cock is pooling precum on his taut stomach. Castiel's large Alpha cock is starting to bulge at the base already, red and dripping.
"You smell so fucking good, Omega. I can't keep my hands off you any longer."
Dean opened his legs wider so his Alpha could access him. He felt shy; this was his first time, but that look in his Alpha's eye, like he could eat him, not only petrified him, but turned him on in equal measures.
His passage throbbed with want, slick, soaked the sheets, and he felt for the hotel staff that would have to clean them. Dean was lost for words; he guessed dirty talk wasn't his forte.
"Alpha, please?"
Castiel's eyes blinked red, and he smirked. "I'm taking this slow, sweetheart. Tell me if I do anything you don't like. I mean it, you understand me, Omega?" He raised that eyebrow, the one Dean already knew was trouble, and he nodded.
"Ye-yes, Alpha," he wheezed. He fully understood the order.
"Good, my love," With that, he sucked marks down his neck, and with teeth and tongue. Leaving small red marks, he seemed far too pleased with himself.
He skimmed over his nipples, and Dean gasped. Then his hand snaked down between his thighs. Castiel's hand grazed over his hole; his hands must be soaked with his slick.
Dean saw him suck his fingers, in an almost ecstatic state, on his face. A noise of bliss on his tongue. “You taste divine, my love,”
“I’m not sure.”
“Believe me when I tell you.”
Castiel moved and hovered over him, not putting pressure on him. Slotting their foreheads together. Dean could feel his cock, hard and leaking, his own feeling, close to bursting.
“Let me take you, I need you, Dean.”
“Yes, I want you so much.”
"My love, will you present for me?"
Dean thought it would be more of a command, and maybe later, when they were more confident with each other and knew each other's likes and dislikes. It would be fast, furious and delicious, and Castiel would be more demanding or slow and loving. For now, he scrambled to move and present for his Alpha.
"God, you're glorious, look at you wet for me, wanting me. Nothing is arousing, then this is my love."
Castiel slipped his fingers in then, between his folds, and Dean moaned deeply, letting his Alpha get him ready for that snake that hung between his legs. He added a second finger and a third, not rushing, making sure he was comfortable, not hurting him.
Castiel bent over him, kissing his shoulders.
“I could kiss every freckle, alas, not today, I have no more patience.”
Castiel slowly slipped in; he was long and thick, and Dean gushed more slick.
Castiel slipped his hand into Dean’s. They needed the contact. Dean held tight, as if letting go would make all this a dream. But not in his wildest imagination could he have dreamed this.
Castiel bottomed out and moved, slowly. “My love, are you okay?”
“Fine, move please, Cas,”
He grunted and moved, slowly at first, making sure he was not hurting Dean. But that got too much, and he grew faster with every tug and push. His cock, sliding out and pushing on the slick walls of Dean's passage, sent ripples through the Omega.
"Shit, Dean, I feel so much." Castiel panted.
"I love you, Cas, so fucking much."
Dean felt it in the pit of his stomach, and it moved like a wildfire and burned him inside out.
"I'm not going to last my love,"
Castiel had slid the condom on, his knot now growing, catching on Dean's rim. Though the Alpha wished he could feel this with nothing between them, it was the safest option for now.
"Baby, my knot, that's it, squeeze my knot. You need to bite me, my love, now."
Dean bit down on Castiel's neck, as Castiel grabbed Dean's arm. The Omega felt his arm flare like fire, but held tight as Castiel's knot popped inside, and he screamed as he came, and the Alpha followed behind him.
They came down from their high, and Castiel made sure they were both comfortable, kissing Dean's shoulder, then pulled the blankets over them.
“I love you, my mate,” Castiel told him, with tears in his eyes.
“Love you to Cas,” Dean yawned, snuggling down.
“Sleep, my love. We’ll talk later.”
Dean was fast asleep, safe in his mate's arms.