Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Dean! Castiel!” Jack shouted as he stormed into the kitchen. “Look what I found in the pantry. It’s a Christmas elf!”

“Don’t tell me you found an elf on the shelf,” Dean quipped, not even looking at Jack, yet rolling his eyes.

“More like a fairy in the dairy,” Castiel noted, watching the tiny creature dangling between Jack’s thumb and forefinger. The elf seemed to be soaked in cream which dripped from his body to the floor. Each time another drop fell, the fairy giggled and a bell on his green costume rang, prompting Dean to finally turn around.

“Huh?” Castiel couldn’t contain a little smile at the stunned expression on Dean’s face. “No way! You’re fucking kidding me.”

Jack beamed at them. The pompon of his Christmas hat dangled in front of his face due to his barely contained excitement. He had been wearing it ever since he had successfully beseeched them to celebrate Christmas this year. Even though Castiel hadn’t met her, the wood nymph Mrs. Butters had surely left an impression on Jack. His enthusiasm for the holidays had spiked despite her attempt to kill him. It seemed Jack had long forgiven her and concentrated instead on the happy memories he had made during her stay.

Castiel couldn’t fault him. With Chuck and the destruction of everything looming over their heads, Jack, Sam, and Dean certainly deserved some happiness, whereas he—

His eyes rested on Dean, and he felt a pang in his stomach before quickly looking away.

“It’s an actual elf! It promises to bring us to Santa,” Jack insisted cheerfully, pulling Castiel’s attention back to the here and now.

“Jack—” Dean said sharply and stopped. Unable to look away any longer, Castiel faced his friend. Dean’s mouth opened and closed while uncertainty clouded his face. The tug in Castiel’s stomach became worse, yet, despite Dean’s abrupt hesitation, Castiel’s heart started to beat faster. Whatever had happened in the past, Dean obviously was trying to do better. Castiel knew deep down that Dean loved Jack, even though he had a hard time showing it — to himself and others.

So much that after everything that happened with Mary and Belphegor, Castiel hadn’t been able to bear it anymore. He just… couldn’t.

The anger. The doubts. The—

Castiel fought the sudden onslaught of emotions that threatened to choke him, even now.

The moment he had left the bunker had torn him apart and shattered his heart to pieces, but being with Dean—

Their eyes met, and the sight took the remaining breath out of Castiel’s lungs. Dean looked conflicted. He obviously was searching for help, and Castiel nodded. “Jack?” he said, trying to get their son’s attention.

“Yes, Castiel?” Jack looked at him expectantly, and Castiel hated having to be the bringer of bad news that would dampen his joy.

“Jack, we shouldn’t trust the elf. Fairies… They’re often deceiving creatures.”

“But—” Jack protested. His eyes turned pleading, and Castiel was about to give in when Sam walked into the kitchen.

“Which deceiving creature?” Sam asked, looking around. Squinting, he gazed at the fairy. “Why did you put your fingers in cream? I had no idea—”

Dean huffed. “You serious? Can’t you see it?”

“Whom?” Sam frowned at his brother.

“The elf!” Jack said, lifting his hand and shaking the fairy, causing the bells to ring. More cream dripped to the floor, but Sam still stared into thin air.

“You telling me you’re holding an elf?” he asked. “In your hand?”

“Of course. Look.” Jack stepped nearer, waggling the fairy in front of Sam’s face. Yet, it only seemed to cause Sam’s eyes to cross.

“Dude, we’ve met fairies. You fought them. Why can’t you see this one?” Dean asked. “Oh…” A sheepish grin appeared on his face as his eyes widened. Biting his lips, he quickly looked away. However, Castiel still caught the blush on his face.

“Exactly.” Sam smirked before adding, “I wasn’t the one who serviced Oberon.”

The shade on Dean’s face turned darker, and Dean groaned.

Castiel watched him closely, trying to make sense of the brothers’ squabble. Sam couldn’t mean what Castiel thought it meant because Dean wouldn’t—

Or would he? Castiel’s pulse accelerated.

“Shuddup,” Dean grouched, glaring at his brother.

Sam rolled his eyes when Castiel noticed that Jack had turned away from them. He was vividly talking to the elf, and nodded.

“Jack, no!” Castiel warned, but it was already too late.

A bright flash lit up the entire kitchen. Castiel blinked. When he opened his eyes again, the kitchen had vanished. They were standing in a forest. Snow covered every surface and above them, a strange night sky, lit up by an aurora, offered just enough light to see.

“Son of a bitch!” Dean exclaimed. “You’ve gotta be kidding me. Is this—” He stared at the sky and swallowed before turning to Castiel.

“No.” Even though his Grace barely offered enough power to sustain himself these days, he still could tell where he was. Or rather, where he wasn’t. “This isn’t the North Pole.” His angel blade slid into his hand as Castiel extended his Grace to the lifeforms hiding in the shadows. “This isn’t even Earth.”

“Goddammit!” Dean grumbled and jumped to action. His entire stance changed as he prepared himself for a fight with an unknown enemy.

Castiel knew this haunted look on his friend all too well. Purgatory had left its traces, and now, Dean seemed to be back there.

Although their situation was far from safe, Castiel sensed no active danger. Carefully, not to spook him, he laid his hand on Dean’s shoulder. The tension immediately drained from Dean and his breathing normalised.

Smiling, he turned towards Castiel. “Thanks, man,” he whispered.

“Where are we?” Sam asked at once. Castiel couldn’t tell if his friend willingly ignored them or simply was oblivious.

“Yeah, Cas. What the hell?” Dean’s eyes had turned towards the multicoloured sky from where unknown constellations looked down on them. “What’s this place?”

“Avalon.”

Chapter Text

“No way!” Dean protested. “No… No. I’ve been there. This ain’t nothing like it.”

“I’m sorry, Dean.” Cas sounded far too sympathetically, and Dean’s emotions went on a roller-coaster when Cas moved his hand.

The sensation lit fireworks inside Dean. He wanted to shout at his friend and bathe in his proximity all the same. He didn’t deserve Cas’ compassion. Sure, he had begged him for forgiveness, but after everything he had done—

The grip of Cas’ hand on Dean’s shoulder became firmer, causing shivers to run down Dean’s spine. He couldn’t look at Cas. If he did… If he allowed himself to look now…

Taking a deep breath, he forced a smile on his face, and looked up. “Avalon, huh?” He huffed. “So now what?”

“Santa,” a child cried out.

Baffled, they all turned to the source of the sound.

“Jack?” Cas asked, recovering the fastest from the shock, even though his fingers cut deep into Dean’s shirt.

The little boy nodded, beaming at them. His eyes grew wide as a broad smile covered his face. “We’ve got to find Santa.” Without another word, Jack dashed into the forest.

“Jack!” Castiel shouted, but to no avail. Jack didn’t stop.

“Fuck!” Dean grouched as he started to run. He had no idea who was the first, but they all chased the preschooler that had been a teenager only a minute ago. The elf responsible for this mess seemed long gone, but they would cross that bridge when they got to it. Right now, they weren’t allowed to lose Jack. They had just gotten him back.

Panic threatened to choke Dean. Yet, when he saw Sam running ahead, feeling Cas next to him, determination settled inside him. They would find Jack, and they would return to Earth. And then, they would defeat Chuck — whatever it would take.

No one messed with his family.

No one.

Unless…

They abruptly came to a halt when a cabin appeared in front of them out of thin air. As much as Dean tried to walk around it to get to Jack, the goddamn thing wouldn’t let him. It was pulling him in. And he wasn’t the only one affected.

Without another choice, Dean entered. Sam and Cas were following close behind as he tightened the grip on his Colt, his heart beating in his throat.

Damn, he hated this.

“Dean Winchester,” a voice greeted him before he even got a chance to look around. He winced. “Welcome back to our realm. I thought I’d never see you again.”

Shit! The feeling was mutual. Dean grimaced before pushing a smile on his face. Slowly, he turned towards the source of the voice. “Oberon.”

Looking like the lovechild of Thranduil and David Tennant in Fright Night, the King of the Fairies lounged on a thronelike armchair in front of an impressive fireplace as he was watching them closely. Or rather him because Oberon barely paid attention to the others.

Dean shivered as the king’s eyes trailed along his body, taking him in. He felt Cas’ breath on his neck as his friend stepped closer. So close, their shoulders brushed against each other and Dean shivered anew, this time, for a completely different reason.

“You’re beautiful as ever,” Oberon stated, point-blank. His eyes never left Dean as he smiled, ignoring Cas completely.

“What do you want?” Dean asked coolly. “What did you do to Jack? Where is he?”

“The boy?” Oberon laughed. “Don’t worry, he’s safe. You’ll see him soon. And me.” With a grin on his face, he winked, and vanished.

“Oh, no. You don’t,” Dean shouted.

“Dean, no,” Sam cut in, obviously trying to placate him.

But Dean wasn’t done yet. “Come back, you fucking son of a bitch. Show yourself.”

Oberon’s laughter reverberated inside the cabin before it disintegrated around them. “Oh, darling, don’t fret. We’ll meet again.”

The snow-covered forest almost swallowed his words, but it wasn’t enough to absorb them.

“Darling?” Sam asked, bewildered.

Dean closed his eyes and counted to ten before looking at his brother. Grinning, he shrugged. “So what?”

“Darling?” Sam repeated.

Dean didn’t need to turn around to see Cas glaring at his neck. He could feel the angel’s eyes on him, burning right into him.

“The king calls you darling,” his brother went on.

“Oh, stop it. We all heard him,” Dean grouched.

“Darling… Does that mean.” Shock mingled with Sam’s confusion. “Did he— Did you service him?”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake,” Dean growled. “Shut your face.”

“But—”

“Goddammit, Sam! I didn’t service Oberon,” Dean all but shouted, “he seduced me,” before adding on a quieter note, “sort of.”

“He what?” Sam gaped at him.

“Hey, don’t be so shocked, Sammy. He kinda seduced me,” Dean reiterated and shrugged, nonchalantly. “I welcomed it, okay? Hell, Lis had broken up with me. You were running around soulless, and Cas—” He glanced at his friend, who was watching him blankly. Dean huffed when he finally teared his eyes away. “Cas had gone awol.”

“You know fairly well that I was fighting a war in Heaven,” Cas reminded him, icily.

“Yeah, by working with Crowley behind our backs,” Dean snapped, staring at his friend.

Cas glowered back at him, and Dean sighed.

“Sorry, man,” he backpaddled. “I know... It’s just—” Dean bit his bottom lip and stared everywhere but at his— the angel.

Sam harrumphed. “Guys, can we— can we go back to the part where Oberon seduced you. You! Does… does that mean— Dean, are you bi?”

Dean rolled his eyes. “Gay, bi, pan, whatever— Who cares? Why does it matter?”

“Of course, it matters, dude. It matters to me.”

“Goddammit! Why? You wanna stick a label on me? Well, do it. I’m queer. Happy now?” Dean glared at his brother. “And now what, Sammy? Swing a rainbow flag for me? Fuck you. Dude, I haven’t changed.”

“Dean—” Sam said before stopping himself and sighing. “I’m sorry. I just— I had no idea. Since when have you known?”

Dean laughed. “Baby, I was born this way,” he quipped, wiggling his brows and grinning cockily. When he heard a sharp intake of a breath behind him, he turned around. Shock was written on Cas’ face, but then Sam started anew.

“I mean—” his brother stammered, but Dean interrupted him before he could say more.

“Finn Carlson.”

“Finn Carlson? The quarterback?” Sam sounded completely baffled. “You hated that guy.”

Dean shrugged. “It was complicated,” he admitted.

“Dude.” Sam chortled, but quickly became serious again. “Who else?”

“No way,” Dean protested. “The hell. I ain’t telling you about my sex life.”

“Who else?” Sam pressed.

“Fuck you,” Dean snapped. “This ain’t none of your fucking business.”

But it was too late. Sam’s eyes turned wide. “Of course. Benny. That— Wow— That explains a lot.”

A muffled growl erupted from Cas, and a shiver ran down Dean’s spine. Although Cas’ face turned blank the moment Dean looked at him, he still witnessed Cas’ scowl.

You weren’t there, Dean wanted to shout, but rather bit his tongue. You left. You—

I prayed to you every night. I thought I’d lost you.

“Lee,” he said instead.

“Lee? The guy you—” Sam asked before Dean shut him up.

“Yeah, that guy. He’s dead now, too.”

“Ouch.” Sam grimaced. “I’m sorry.”

“Whatever,” Dean deflected when Cas finally spoke out.

“Crowley.”

Dean winced at the blandness in Cas’ voice. It was worse than anger. Anger was something he could deal with, whereas Cas’ indifference hit him harder than any kind of resentment. His stomach rebelled as a cold gripped him from deep within, reaching every part of his body.

“Crowley? Crowley?” Sam asked, stunned.

“Hey, don’t judge me. I was a demon,” Dean heard himself answer, even though he was miles away.

Cas’ eyes found his, and Dean gasped. For a fraction of a second, Grace flared up inside them, causing goosebumps to rise across Dean’s entire body. Unbidden hope erupted inside him as Cas pulled him into his orbit. Maybe—

A child’s laughter pierced the night and the moment was broken. Cas jumped to action, and before anyone said a word, they were once again chasing after their son.

“Jack,” Cas shouted as the laughter became louder. “Jack!”

Yet, before they could reach him, the laughter changed. Jack’s voice disappeared, replaced by hundreds of others. Everywhere, fae stepped out of the forest.

Looking around, Dean searched for an out, but there was no escape. “Fuck!”

They were surrounded.

Chapter Text

As the fae closed the circle around them, Castiel materialised his blade in his hand and walked on determinedly. Those fairies wouldn’t keep him from finding his son. Jack needed him, especially now that his body mirrored his actual age. He was out there, alone. Castiel couldn’t lose him. Not again. They had lost him too often to give up now.

A hand touched his forearm, slowly pushing it down. Intent on fighting whoever tried to stall him, Castiel turned around, only to find Dean glancing at him with pleading eyes.

Slowly, Dean shook his head, laying his hand on Castiel’s. “Don’t.”

Castiel scowled at him, but, sighing, he gave in and nodded. He lowered his hand, even though he kept his blade ready to fight, before turning towards the obvious leader of the fae. “Where is he?” he growled. “Where’s Jack? What have you done to him?”

“Be assured, angel. He’s safe,” a small dryad said as she stepped onto the clearing. “We’ll never harm him. He’s our last hope.”

Castiel frowned at her, but knew he shouldn’t rush her. If anything, rushing a fairy would never give him the answers they needed.

Sam, however, didn’t seem to share his notion. “Then why—” he asked, but was silenced by a gesture of the dryad’s hand.

“Hush, human,” she told him off, and Sam froze. “We’ve only granted you entrance to our realm because of the Nephil, your brother and his consort.” Nodding at Castiel in acknowledgement, she bowed before Dean. “The king seems to trust you, Dean Winchester. Oberon gives you and your companions free passage through the realm. But beware the haze. Avalon isn’t stable anymore.”

As swiftly as they had appeared, the fae vanished.

Dean’s grasp on Castiel’s arm tightened. “Dude, what the hell was that?”

“I have no idea,” Castiel answered honestly, trying to make sense of the dryad’s words. The fae seemed to be desperate, at least desperate enough to bring them here. The way they had talked about Jack as if he was their saviour had too much resemblance to Billie’s plans. Yet, focusing on those things was difficult when another of the dryad’s words wouldn’t leave his mind. Why had she called him Dean’s consort? She clearly must be mistaken. Because if she wasn’t—

Sam spluttered as he came back to life. Castiel turned to his friend, happy for the temporary distraction, and saw him shaking his limbs. “Seriously?” Sam asked, shuddering.

Dean laughed. “Be thankful that they haven’t banished you, Sammy. You should know better than questioning a fairy in her own realm.”

Sam glowered at him. “Do I need to remind you that you called their king ‘a fucking son of a bitch’?”

“What can I say?” Dean grinned, wiggling his brows. “The guy likes me.”

Castiel barely contained a growl. Anger flared up inside him, but then he remembered the title the fae had given him. Consort. Did they really think he and Dean…?

Confused, he watched his friend. Either Dean hadn’t thought anything strange about it, or he was hiding his feelings fairly well. After they had met Oberon, after Dean’s coming out to them, Castiel had thought that maybe—

Sadly, he shook his head. Even when Dean harboured feelings for him — if he did— Castiel couldn’t do anything about it. He rather forgot all about it than to allow himself to hope. His fate was sealed, and he preferred spending his life by Dean’s side in a state of never-ending longing to an endless suffering in the Empty. And so should Dean because the alternative—

“Hey, buddy. You still with us?” Dean asked, nudging Castiel’s shoulder. Castiel blinked as he was pulled out of his reverie, and Dean smirked at him. “Come on, let’s find the kiddo.”

Castiel nodded, focusing once again on their son.

As if in answer to Dean’s words, a bell rang, and behind a nearby thicket, a red Santa hat appeared. Jack giggled happily, and once again started to run.

This time, Castiel wouldn’t let him out of sight. Cursing his human body and the loss of his wings, he ran through the brush, ignoring the branches tearing at his coat. Dean and Sam followed close behind, cussing non-stop.

Jack may have the advantage of his height that allowed him to wiggle through the undergrowth, but with no one interrupting them, they quickly caught up. Behind an ancient oak tree, they finally cornered him.

Jack’s eyes lit up as he saw them. “Castiel!” he shouted happily, and jumped into Castiel’s arms, pressing his tiny arms around Castiel’s shoulders.

“Don’t do that again,” Castiel whispered as he lifted him up, never wanting to let his son go.

“But it was fun,” Jack pouted, but smiled when Castiel tightened his embrace. “Didn’t you like it?”

“We like it more when we can see you,” Dean said, stepping next to them and tickling Jack’s side.

Jack laughed, pressing his face against Castiel’s shoulder. “You can’t see me now. I’m gone.”

“Yeah,” Dean chuckled. “Now you’re gone. Hey sunshine, have you seen Jack? He seems to have vanished.”

Warmth blossomed inside Castiel at the moniker, and too speechless to answer, he only shook his head.

“Jack?” Sam called, joining in. “Where are you? Where did you go?”

“I’m here,” Jack shouted, sitting up in Castiel’s hold and waving his arms. A weight toppled from Castiel’s shoulders as he realised Jack could have used his powers to vanish for real. Cupping Jack’s neck, he brushed his fingers over the strands of hair that peeked out under his hat and pressed a kiss on his son’s forehead.

“I’m glad you are,” Castiel said.

“Now what?” Dean asked.

“Santa,” Jack answered, leaving no room for debate.

Dean looked at Castiel questioningly, raising one eyebrow. “Your call.”

Yet, it was Sam who answered. “So, get this. We have no idea what the fairies are expecting of us, right? But they expect our help nonetheless. All we know is that they’ve lured Jack here with the promise to meet Santa. So, let’s go look for him.”

“You serious? We’re gonna chase Santa?” Dean stared at Sam, but Castiel had to agree that the idea sounded reasonable.

“Why not? Sam's right. It’s the only lead we have,” he said. “If Jack wants to find Santa, that’s where we’re going.”

“But—” Dean objected.

Castiel glanced at him, and Dean’s mouth closed with a snap. “Trust me,” he said.

Dean nodded, focusing his eyes on Castiel. “Yeah, man… Yeah, I do. Of course, I trust you.” The intensity of his words caught Castiel by surprise and he shivered, feeling them resonate deep down in the remnants of his Grace.

“Any idea where to?” Sam asked, and Jack nodded.

“There,” he shouted, pointing deep into the forest before wriggling out of Castiel’s arms.

Yet, instead of running away, Jack gripped Dean’s hand, staring at him expectantly.

Dean shrugged. “Alright. Lead the way, kiddo.”

As Jack pulled him away, Sam stepped next to Castiel. “Just tell him already. I might have been blind regarding my brother, but I have eyes, dude.”

Castiel turned around to face his friend, shaking his head. “I can’t,” he admitted sadly. “It’s complicated, Sam.”

Sam huffed. “Talk about complicated. Eileen was dead, remember?”

“I’m glad you got her back.” Castiel smiled. He was happy for them, even though he felt a pang in his stomach and couldn’t help but glance at Dean and Jack, who were several yards away.

“Me too. I just— How do I know Chuck won’t fuck with us again?” Sam asked bitterly.

“You don’t. Just enjoy the moments you get.”

“Wise words, Cas.” Sam grinned. “Maybe you should take your own advice. Just tell him. Doesn’t he at least deserve to know your reasons?”

“I—” Castiel watched Dean follow behind Jack. Even if Dean didn’t feel the same for him as he did for Dean, he knew that Dean would do anything to save him. Anything. Castiel couldn’t risk that. Yet, Sam words got to him anyway.

Because Castiel realised one major error in his reasoning. If Dean actually had feelings for him, losing him—

“When I died before—” Castiel said, searching for the right words, but he didn’t need to say more.

Sam’s features immediately turned grim. “It got worse each time. I— Fuck! I’ve been such an idiot. I didn’t see it, didn’t understand. I thought— Shit! But now—” He stared at Castiel with wide eyes. “He can’t lose you. It’ll break him.”

As Dean and Jack’s mingled laughter reached his ears, Castiel’s resolution shattered. “I made a deal,” he admitted.

Chapter Text

Jack led Dean to a path that made their walking finally a lot easier than struggling through the stupid underbrush. Or it would have been, if Jack hadn’t chased a white rabbit into the next best thicket. Of course, with their luck, the animal escaped almost immediately. Jack, however, didn’t give up, until a branch stopped his endeavour prematurely.

Having underestimated Jack’s strength, Dean couldn’t keep him upright, but followed him headfirst into the snow. All he could do was make sure not to crash into the boy when he landed on all fours.

When Dean groaned, cursing his aching joints that didn’t get better with older age, Jack giggled.

“You think that’s funny?” Dean grumbled as he brushed the snow from his face.

“Yes,” Jack deadpanned, grinning proudly.

“Okay, you asked for it. Let me show you what’s funny,” Dean said. Smiking, he ambushed Jack’s belly and started tickling him.

Jack laughed happily. His little feet kicked the air as he wiggled and wound himself under Dean’s ongoing attack.

His glee passed on to Dean and for once, their problems seemed forgotten. He enjoyed the here and now while their complicated history and the bleak future of the world took a backseat. Jack’s joy seemed to be able to heal the state of the universe. It touched something deep inside Dean, something he had thought he had buried for good.

Rays of sunlight fell through the trees and turned the forest into something magical. The snow glowed, bells rang, and peace settled over Dean.

New hope blossomed within him. Hope and determination. Hell, he wanted this. Not just now, but all the time. His first choice wouldn’t have been a snowy forest, but he would take whatever life threw at him.

Goddammit, he wanted a happy life with his family, with Sam and Eileen, with Cas, and with Jack. Was that too much to wish for?

Lost in thought, Jack’s counterattack took him by surprise. Jack climbed on Dean’s belly, sitting down and making himself comfortable. Pinned to the ground by a celestial toddler, Dean could do nothing when Jack started to tickle him back.

He was just glad his reflexes hadn’t kicked in. Otherwise, he might have hauled Jack through the air before realising what befell him. Instead, he let it happen and couldn’t help but laugh.

Hell, even though his dumbass mind tried to convince him that he didn’t deserve any slice of happiness, Dean knew this was what he had secretly dreamt of for years. And right now, it seemed so near, right in his grasp. Closer than ever before.

He just needed to take it. If Cas only—

Dean froze as he remembered the moment after running into Oberon, after coming out to Sam and Cas. For the fraction of a second, everything had seemed possible.

Here, in the fucking middle of nowhere in the forest of goddamn Avalon, their troubles seemed to be miles away. Even though they hadn’t vanished completely, Dean felt as if he could breathe more freely. Freer than in a long time.

Almost like—

Holy fuck! This place was like Purgatory — thankfully not in the sense of immediate danger. But it was pure, and also—

Dean took a deep breath, focusing on his surroundings. The levity that he perceived didn’t vanish. It felt real. It was real.

But beware the haze. Avalon isn’t stable anymore.

Unstable, but still in existence.

All of a sudden, Dean understood.

Jumping to his feet, he pulled Jack into his arms and looked around. He frowned when he saw that Sam and Cas were still standing at the place where he left them, talking vividly.

Yet, whatever they were gossiping about, it would have to wait. “Hey, you’ve grown roots or do you wanna join us?” he hollered.

Sam and Cas startled. Dean wondered if he had caught them conspiring, but with the revelations he had to share, he shrugged it off. Whatever it was, he would burn that bridge later.

Jack pulled at Dean’s hair, calling for his attention, yet apart from teasing him with the occasional tickle, Dean had other things in mind. The future of the universe, of all universes, was at stake, and he might have found a way to save it.

Then again, they needed Jack for that. He was the key to all of this. But not only Jack. There were many players involved. They would have a lot of work to do.

“What is it?” Sam asked as he arrived with Cas.

Dean grinned. His brother knew him too well. “How about a plan to save our sorry asses?”

“You know a way to get back home?” Sam gaped.

“Nope.” Dean chuckled. “Yeah, okay, that too, but no. Think a bit more… universal.”

Castiel stared at him when the corners of his mouth ticked up. “Chuck.”

“Yep.” Dean grinned and Cas’ eyes lit up. Fuck, he wanted to kiss him senseless and be the sole reason for that shine.

“Chuck?” Sam asked, lowering his voice. “How?”

Dean rolled his eyes. “No need to keep your voice down, Sammy. Either he’s eavesdropping on us anyway, or…” He wiggled his brows.

“Or what, Dean? Come on, man. Spill,” Sam urged.

“Or he can’t hear us at all,” Cas finished Dean’s thought.

Dean beamed. “Damn right.”

Sam’s eyes turned wide. “You think—"

“Dude, can’t you feel it?” The more time he spent in this realm, the more obvious it was.

Yet, Sam still seemed unaware. “Feel what?” He frowned as Jack started to hum.

Cheerfulness filled the air as lights started to dance between the trees.

“It’s peaceful,” Cas noted, amazed. “Yet it feels like—” His eyes gleamed in understanding.

Dean nodded, knowing that Cas knew what he was talking about. “The dread. It’s gone. Like a weight lifted from my shoulders. At first, I didn’t pick it up. But now—”

Sam moved his shoulders, and froze. “Shit! You’re right.” A smile appeared on his face. “Why haven’t I noticed—”

“Too much going on,” Dean suggested, grinning.

“So, you think—” Sam stared at him.

Dean shrugged. “It’s worth a try, ain’t it?”

“Fuck, yes… Alright, what do we need?”

“It’s more of a question of who we need,” Dean answered. “And you’re the one to bring them here, Sammy. After all, isn’t it one of those popular Christmas traditions to invite friends and family?”

“Who?” Sam asked, but Dean knew his brother had gotten the gist. “You’re thinking big?”

“Damn big,” Dean confirmed. “The powers that be.”

Sam nodded. “Yeah, I thought so. And family?”

“Oh, you know who to call.” Dean grinned.

“Adam.”

Cas watched them. “You want to bring Michael into this?” he asked icily.

“‘Want’ is a strong word, Cas, but yeah. Don’t you think he should be there?”

“You trust him?” Cas glared at him.

“Fuck no! But we really could need that bastard’s help. If he and Adam are up for it.”

“What about you?” Sam asked.

“Me?” Dean frowned, pointing at himself.

Sam rolled his eyes. “You and Cas, yeah. What will you do?”

Dean glanced at Cas. Smiling at him, he lifted Jack on his shoulders. “We’re gonna pay a courtesy call on a king.”

Cas scowled, and Dean would have sworn he heard a stifled growl. His stomach did a somersault. Fuck, if he had known that he could make his angel jealous, he would have tried to do it more often.

“Hey,” Dean shouted into the forest. “Anyone home? We’ve got a plan to fix this place, but we can’t do this alone. So, Sammy needs a lift to get the cavalry.”

Chapter Text

Dean wasn’t even done talking when the air vibrated and a human-like elf appeared only a few steps away. Sam gaped at the fairy, yet especially at the animal he was riding. The reindeer immediately grubbed up the snow to reach the ground underneath — searching for lichen, if Sam remembered correctly. Several others surrounded the first and mirrored it, ignoring them altogether.

Sam blinked, but the scene in front of him didn’t change.

His amazement only rose when the elf jumped down from his mount and bowed to Dean like the wood nymph had done before.

“Dean Winchester,” the fairy greeted his brother with a broad smile. “You called and I come to serve you and the boy.” He nodded towards Jack.

Dean huffed. “Yeah, sure, Legolas. Whatever. Can you take Sam back to the bunker?”

“Your wish is my command, Dean Winchester,” the elf replied, and bowed again.

As his eyes wandered over Dean, clearly checking him out, Cas glowered at the fairy. For a moment, Sam feared Cas might smite him, but his friend seemed to be in control of his feelings, even though his jealousy gleamed in his eyes.

Sam still had a hard time wrapping his mind around the fact that the fairies seemed to cater to Dean, especially when he remembered the reason. Shaking his head, he tried to clear the image of Oberon.

He had had a suspicion about Cas’ feelings for a long time, but he had never thought that Dean— How could he have been so oblivious to the fact that Dean—

Hell, he was his brother and—

“Sam?... Sammy?... Dude, are you even listening to me?” Dean asked, irritated, as if he had already tried several times before.

“Huh?” Sam blinked. “Yeah. Sorry. I’m here.”

Dean frowned at him. “You’re ready?”

Yeah, sure. As ready as one could be, rousing the powers that be. Nonetheless, Sam nodded.

“You know what to do, dude, right?”

“Yes,” Sam confirmed. This part was easy. They might not have talked about their plan in detail, but he had caught on the moment Dean had explained it.

“Just be careful that the bastard doesn’t get to you before you’ve lured him here.”

Sam rolled his eyes. “Don’t worry. I have absolutely no intention to run into Chuck any time earlier than strictly necessary.”

“I might be able to help you with that,” the elf offered, acknowledging Sam’s presence for the first time. “I’m Ballin, and I’ll be accompanying you on your quest, human.”

“You’ll stay with me the whole time?” Sam asked, perplexed, before adding, “And it’s Sam. Sam Winchester.”

“Yes, Sam Winchester,” Ballin replied mysteriously. “Your ride awaits you.”

One of the other reindeers snorted and walked towards them until it nudged Sam with its nose.

Dean laughed and Jack cooed excitedly. “Come on. Get up, Sammy. You’ll love it.”

Sam glowered at his brother, but walked around the animal anyway. He wasn’t big on riding anything, least of all a freaking reindeer. However, it seemed that he had no other choice.

Letting out a deep breath, he got up on his mount — or whatever you called it when your feet still stuck to the ground without a problem.

Dean’s laughter only turned louder. “Maybe you should try carrying it, instead of the other way around.”

Sam’s eyes met Cas’, but even his friend couldn’t hide his amusement. “Dean isn’t wrong,” Cas deadpanned, and Jack chortled, almost toppling over on Dean’s shoulders.

“Alright,” Sam grumbled, “I should take that as a hint… Ballin, let’s go.”

“Oh, and bring Eileen,” Dean shouted after them when the reindeers turned around. As they started to run into the forest, Dean’s voice echoed and died while the world around Sam dissolved.

Only the reindeers did still move, until a bright light blinded Sam. The animals stopped abruptly, and Sam found himself back in the bunker.

“Sam?”

He almost fell off his mount when Eileen’s voice sounded behind him. Giving the animal a clap, Sam nudged it and waited until it walked along. Since he stayed behind on his own feet, he was free to look for the source of the voice.

Eileen smiled at him. “Hi.”

“Nice ride,” Sam stated, grinning, as he nodded towards the reindeer that carried her. She looked so much more at ease than he had felt while riding the beast.

“She appeared in my kitchen. Before I could do anything about it, I was here,” Eileen said and petted the reindeer’s neck.

“Uh, yeah, sorry.” Sam grimaced, putting a strand of hair behind his ear.

Eileen jumped down from her mount and walked over to him. “Le me guess. Long story.”

“You have no idea how long. But, damn, I’ve missed you.” Sam distorted his arms, stumbling over his signs, but he tried his best to sign as much as he could.

Eileen chuckled and gripped his hands, stopping his hapless endeavours. “You did?” she asked and leaned forwards, brushing her lips over his cheek.

“Hey, that’s not fair,” Sam grouched, even though he knew that she couldn’t hear him.

Eileen laughed, catching on anyway. “I can stop.”

Sam shook his head before cupping her jaw and turning her face around until he reached her lips. She smiled as she intensified their kiss.

Ballin harrumphed. “Aren’t you forgetting something?”

Sam sighed, but pulled away, facing the elf. “Can’t you even let us have this little moment?”

“There will be another time for that, Sam Winchester. We're on a tight schedule. Where do you want to go first?”

Knowing that Eileen was watching the elf and had probably caught his words, Sam turned to her when he spoke. “Can you take us wherever we need to go? No exceptions.”

“Yes, everywhere.” Ballin nodded.

Sam closed his eyes and took a deep breath, before making sure Eileen was looking at him. Grimacing, he signed *sorry* as he said, “Hell.” Her eyes turned wide in shock. “Let’s meet Rowena.”

Slowly, Eileen shook her head. “No.”

“I’m sorry. But you’ll understand,” Sam apologised and cupped her face. “I won’t let anything happen to you. Not again.”

Eileen huffed before lifting an eyebrow, having obviously recovered from the shock. “Rowena?”

Sam shrugged and couldn’t hide his grin. “You’ll like her.”

“Let’s see about that,” she grouched, but nudged him all the same, a teasing smile on her face.

“Hey, did you know that Dean—” Noticing his mistake, Sam swallowed the rest of the sentence.

“What about Dean?” Eileen asked.

Sam shook his head. “Sorry, I can’t. It’s not my place to tell.”

Yet, Eileen’s face lit up. “Finally!” She grinned. “Did they finally get their heads out of their asses?”

“What?” Sam stared at her.

“Dean and Cas, right? I knew it!” She beamed.

Sam blinked. “You did?”

Eileen frowned. “Didn’t you?”

“Cas, yes,” Sam admitted, “but Dean?” He shook his head. “I had no fucking idea. How—”

“He’s your brother. How could you not notice? It was—” Eileen laughed. “They’re technically married. They’re raising a son, Sam.”

“I’m raising Jack, too,” Sam protested, “and I’m not— I’m not—”

Eileen rolled her eyes. “Unbelievable,” she muttered, shaking her head before mounting her reindeer. “Okay, it’s high time you introduce me to the Queen of Hell. Don’t you think?”

Ballin nodded and got up to his own reindeer, and Sam started to wonder if bringing Eileen really was such a good idea after all.

Chapter Text

“Awesome,” Dean exclaimed as the reindeers disappeared. The expression on his face mirrored Jack’s, who was cooing on his shoulders. Grinning, Dean turned to Castiel.

The hopeful question in his eyes took Castiel’s breath away. Sadly, Castiel shook his head. “Dean—”

“Please, Cas. Just let me—” Dean pleaded.

A cold gripped Castiel, touching his Grace and body alike, because he knew what he had to do. “I can’t—”

Dean winced as if Castiel had slapped him. In a way, he had. He could feel the pain resounding in himself.

“Yeah, of course,” Dean mumbled. “I’m— Fuck, I’m sorry, man. I just— whatever. Forget it.” He grinned, but there was no merriment in his eyes.

“Dean—” Castiel tried to reach him, but Dean shook his head.

“I said forget it, Castiel,” he snapped and started to walk away. “There’s a king to meet.”

The use of his angelic name and mention of Oberon hit Castiel hard. Wrath filled him, and if it hadn’t been for Jack, he had pinned Dean against the next best tree.

“I can’t,” Castiel repeated heatedly, and Dean stopped. For a moment, he was standing there as if frozen before slowly turning around.

“What?” Dean stared at him, searching for an answer. “What the fuck are you talking about, man?”

“I didn’t say I— Dean, it’s complicated,” Castiel admitted, hoping that Dean would understand.

But Dean glowered at him. “What the hell? What’s so fucking complicated that I can’t tell you that—”

“Please,” Castiel begged, shaking his head. “Don’t.” Tears pricked his eyes.

“Shh,” Dean whispered as he stepped next to him. A hand cupped Castiel’s face and his resolve broke.

“I’m not allowed to be happy,” he confessed, unable to face Dean.

Dean pulled his hand away as if it had been burned. “What?”

Looking up, Castiel focused on Dean. “When Jack was dying— when he died— I made a deal with the Shadow to save him.”

Dean froze. “No.”

“When I finally give myself permission to be happy, when I let your sun shine on my face, the Shadow will come and—”

“No.” Dean shook his head. “No.” His hands gripped Jack’s feet as tears filled his eyes. “You didn’t… You can’t…” He stumbled back.

“Dean—” Castiel tried anew.

“Don’t, Cas. Don’t tell me. I— Fuck. I’m sorry. You have to get away from me… I’m poison.” Dean laughed hollowly. “How could I ever think—” His attempt of a smile fell flat, and Castiel witnessed the despair underneath.

“I don’t think there is a chance of me being happy right now, seeing you like this,” Castiel stated matter-of-factly, fighting his own tears.

Dean chuckled as he brushed his tears away. “Yeah, me neither. Fuck, we— we’re—” He gasped, and a single tear ran down his face.

Jack patted Dean’s head. “Don’t cry,” he soothed him, and Castiel’s heart clenched at the sight.

He would never have this, unless—

An idea formed in his head that slowly took form. Maybe, if he—

“Will it help you when I flirt with a king?” Dean teased, wiggling his brows.

Thankful for the distraction, Castiel rolled his eyes. “You won’t dare,” he growled, and Dean laughed.

“Try me!” Dean challenged him, and walked on.

As Castiel glowered at him, Dean’s laughter became only louder.

“Come on, buddy. There’s a king to meet and a universe to save.”

Castiel sighed, but followed behind. For a while, neither of them said a word, too absorbed in their own thoughts. Only Jack hummed contently as they walked through the seemingly deserted forest.

Castiel, however, didn’t let the peacefulness fool him. Despite his low fading powers, he could sense the fairies around them, watching them closely and following every single one of their steps.

Not long, and they arrived at another clearing. Dancing lights illuminated a big palace-like tent right in its centre. Fae bowed to them as they passed them on their way towards their destination.

“You ready?” Dean whispered.

“No,” Castiel deadpanned, and Dean chuckled.

“Damn, I lo—” Dean stopped himself abruptly, and grumbled. “Never mind.”

Even though Castiel tried to ignore the blush on Dean’s face and the obvious meaning of his words, he couldn’t. Against his will, hope blossomed inside him, and he felt happier than in a long time.

Panic rose on Dean’s face, and extinguished Castiel’s feelings of happiness like a cold shower.

“Thank you,” he said, and Dean swallowed, letting out a deep breath.

“Cas—” Dean started, when a little winged fairy appeared.

“The king awaits you,” she announced, fluttering in front of them, until they followed her lead.

When they reached the tent, she stopped, looking at them expectantly. Dean shrugged, and together, they entered. Once again, Oberon lounged on his throne. Castiel glared at him, watching him closely.

“This isn’t Santa,” Jack exclaimed, appalled. Crossing his little arms, he pouted. “I wanted to see Santa.” Tears welled up in his eyes, and Castiel stepped next to him and Dean. Carefully, he patted Jack’s thigh.

“It’s okay, Jack. We’ll look for him later,” he promised, hoping to soothe his son for the moment.

Jack’s eyes lit up. “Really? We’ll meet Santa?”

Sighing theatrically, Oberon made a gesture with his hand. Instantly, his dark leather clothes morphed into a red velvet suit while his silk coat changed into white shag, completing his appearance. “Better?” he asked, partially annoyed, even though Castiel couldn’t tell how much of that was show.

Jack, however, beamed. “Santa!” he shouted and kicked his legs, urging Dean to take him down.

Dean raised his brows as he looked questioningly at Castiel. “Your call,” he said.

Castiel nodded in confirmation, and Dean lifted Jack down.

Before anyone could react, Jack was standing in front of Oberon, gazing at him with big eyes. He lifted his right hand and waved. “Hello.”

Oberon chuckled. “So, this is the boy.”

“Yes.” Jack nodded enthusiastically. “I’m Jack.”

“A bit small, aren’t you?” The king huffed, and Jack frowned at him.

“No,” Jack deadpanned, “I’m already three.”

Dean snorted, and Castiel turned around to glare at him. Yet, when their eyes met, Dean winked before facing the king. “Took you some time to notice,” he quipped.

Castiel wondered how far Dean could take it before the king would snap. But once again, the fae surprised him.

Oberon scratched his head and chuckled. “Believe me, I noticed. We’ve watched you some time, Dean Winchester. Your visit to my court left quite the impression.”

“That’s one way to describe it,” Dean quipped.

Jealousy filled Castiel as the king smirked. Oberon let his eyes trail over Dean’s body before turning to Castiel. “It’s a shame, you’re taken these days.” The king’s smile widened as he eyed Castiel boldly. “Though I wouldn’t mind—”

“Forget it,” Dean shut him up.

A young elf behind the king chuckled, but stopped abruptly when Oberon cleared his throat. “If you ever change your mind, you know where to find me.”

“Of course,” Dean said. “We’ll give you a call.”

Oberon grinned. “As I said, we’ve kept tabs on you. On you, your consort” —he nodded to Castiel— “and on your brother. The havoc you’ve caused on Earth and other realms didn’t affect us. Yet, we knew it would be just a matter of time. The nativity of the Nephil created ripples throughout all realms. It heralded the advent of change.

“When the boy — Jack — was sent back to you, a pawn of forces even beyond our power, we knew we finally had to act. The entity you call Chuck threatens the existence of Avalon.”

Dean opened his mouth to speak, but Castiel laid his hand on his, stopping him. As he touched him, his Grace reacted. Fireworks exploded inside him, and Dean gasped. Their eyes met, and Castiel realised there wasn’t much time left. Even now, happiness grasped at him. He needed to act, and soon. Very soon.

“Leading the boy to us wasn’t difficult. The wood nymph you call Mrs. Butters reported to me when she finally returned home. She vowed for the boy’s integrity and pitched a plan,” Oberon continued. “However, I hadn’t taken the effects of this realm into account. The fae’s magic affected his state of nature. It turned him into a human child akin to his age. I apologise.” Stepping down from his throne, he bowed.

Yet, Castiel barely noticed any of it. He couldn’t take his eyes from Dean, who gaped at the king. “Seriously? You apologise? To us?”

“We need your help.” Oberon sounded desperate. “And we can offer you ours. I understand you already have a plan.”

“Yep. We do. Sammy — Sam — is already gathering the cavalry, the forces beyond your power.”

“And it’s time to invite another one,” Castiel announced, having made his decision. He had no idea if his plan would work, but if it didn’t, his fate was sealed anyway. He could feel it.

“What?” Dean asked, when understanding dawned on his face. “Cas, fuck, no.”

“I’m sorry, Dean,” Castiel said, smiling through his tears. “It’s the only way.”

“No.” Dean shook his head.

“Let’s hope this works,” Castiel replied, and leaned forward. When his lips touched Dean’s, an unknown happiness filled him, reaching every part of his being.

The ground behind Dean shook. Slowly, it started to open, making way for nothing but an empty darkness. The Shadow’s tendrils reached through, searching for him.

It was time.

“I love you,” Castiel whispered. Shoving Dean aside, he materialised his blade and slit his neck.

Chapter Text

“No!” Dean shouted as he crashed to the ground. Yet, he couldn’t stop the scene playing out before him.

Blue light erupted from Cas’ neck, but Cas smiled. Smiled as his Grace left his body. Smiled as tendrils of black goo grabbed for it. For him.

The Empty quenched all sounds as it wrapped itself around the glowing stuff — liquid, vapour — whatever. In the end, it didn’t matter because, as the essence of Cas was taken away, it turned into nothingness. Extinguished from existence — forever. The colours were sucked out of Dean’s world, leaving nothing but a vast emptiness behind.

He couldn’t do anything but watch. And then, Cas laughed.

“Take it. Take it and leave me be. You get my Grace. Isn’t that what you want? We’re even. I’ve paid my debt. So, fuck off.”

“No,” the Shadow howled. “You’ve tricked me. You’ve tricked me again. I won’t forget it.”

“And then what?” Cas mocked it. “You can’t harm me. Not anymore.” His eyes lit up one last time, before the blue light died.

As the Shadow snatched the last remnants of his Grace, a dark voice echoed from its centre. “We aren’t done yet, Castiel. I’ll be waiting for you.”

“I’m counting on it,” Cas growled.

“Oh, shut your face, Oily Maniac,” Dean yelled. “He’s given you what you want. You’ve heard him: Fuck off!”

The earth shook beneath them, resembling a gruesome laughter, and the tendrils reluctantly released Cas. As the Shadow vanished, Cas dropped to the ground like an empty hull.

The sound made Dean’s stomach churn. Feeling sick, Dean rushed to Cas’ side. “No,” he whispered, kneeling beside him and cupping his face. “Please, don’t… You fucking idiot. We need you. I need you. You can’t— Goddammit, angel… Open your damn eyes. You can’t go like this. I fucking love you, too, you asshole.”

“Human,” Cas mumbled, slowly opening one eye. “I’m human now, Dean.”

Dean chuckled despite the tears running down his face. “You hate being human.”

“You’re human,” Cas argued weakly, as if that made it any better.

“Yeah. And you know what? It sucks.”

“I don’t believe you. I just never got to enjoy the good bits,” Cas reasoned, and Dean felt a pang of embarrassment and shame.

He brushed his thumb over Cas’ wan cheek. “Shit, I’m sorry. I—”

“Dean.” Cas glowered at him. “Shut up and kiss me.”

Dean blinked, dumbfounded. “Huh?”

Cas sighed. Rolling his eyes, he grabbed Dean’s lapels and pulled him down, crashing his lips on Dean’s.

Dean felt like a drowning man finally allowed to breathe air. Heat shot through his body. Even his little toes tingled when Cas buried his hands in his hair.

He smiled giddily as Cas’ lips trailed over his, tasting and nipping — every peck electrifying. It was intoxicating, and Dean knew he never wanted to let go of this ever again.

When he moved, their noses collided and for a moment, Dean was dazed. Cas chuckled, kissing the tip of Dean’s nose.

Happily, Dean sank down on him, simply enjoying his presence as reality caught up with him. Fuck, he had almost lost him. He had—

Dean gasped, but Cas hummed happily. He brushed his hand over Dean’s back, soothing him. Slowly, Dean’s panic subsided and he closed his eyes, when someone harrumphed behind him.

“It’s a shame having to interrupt you, but—” Oberon chuckled. “May I offer you my chamber? I could join you.”

Dean sat up abruptly, finally remembering where they were. He stared at Oberon before noticing Jack watching them intently. His cocked head reminded so much of Cas, that the sight took his breath away.

“No, thank you,” Cas answered the king, and Dean couldn’t ignore the possessiveness in his words. Touching the cut on his neck, Cas sat up. He swayed, but caught himself as he stood up. “We’re good.”

Dean bit his bottom lip as he noticed Cas adjusting himself. Heat shot southwards, and he closed his eyes for a moment, trying to keep himself together. This wasn’t the time.

“My offer still stands,” Oberon reminded them, ogling them unabashedly, and Dean shivered.

Damn, it was tempting. Not Oberon joining them, even though he couldn’t shake off the thrilling appeal of that scenario. But him and Cas alone— He had so many ideas. So many things he wanted to do to Cas. Too many lonely nights had fuelled his fantasies. And now—

“Maybe later,” Cas came around, and Dean feared he might combust then and there.

Oberon smirked, watching each of them closely. “Just say a word.”

Now. No. Dean shook his head. Not yet. Fuck, he had waited twelve years, he could endure another day or two.

When Cas touched the small of Dean’s back, Dean almost jumped. Yeah, maybe not. Maybe this would turn into the longest day of his life.

“You’re different,” Jack said, and when Dean looked at him, he was standing in front of Cas.

Cas lifted him up. “I’m human, Jack.”

Tears welled up in Jack’s eyes, and Dean’s heart clenched at the sight.

“But that doesn’t change anything,” Cas assured him. “Do you understand?”

Sniffing, Jack nodded and he started to smile. His head tilted, he gazed at Castiel. “Same, but different.”

Cas chuckled. “Yes, Jack. Same, but different.”

“You’re hurt,” Jack noted and reached for Cas’ neck. His fingers brushed over the skin and the cut vanished.

“Thank you, Jack,” Cas said as colour returned to his face. He was smiling, but Dean still caught the flicker of sorrow in his eyes.

Jack seemed to have noticed it as well and threw his arms around Cas. “I love you, Castiel.”

Cas pressed his face in the crook of Jack’s neck. “I love you, too, Jack,” he whispered.

“What a heartbreaking scene,” Oberon sneered, and Dean glowered at him.

“You’re a fucking Grinch, Oberon.”

“I take that as a compliment, Dean,” Oberon said, and winked.

Dean rolled his eyes. “Fuck you!”

Grinning, Oberon bowed. “Happy to oblige.”

Before Dean realised what was happening, Cas had turned him around and pressed his lips on his. Jealousy burned through Cas, and Dean shivered before reciprocating with the same eagerness.

When Cas parted, he left Dean dizzy, so Cas' next words barely registered at first. “We’ll take you up on your offer. Show us to your room. Just the room, though. For now.”

Oberon laughed and Dean blinked. Flabbergasted, he watched Cas setting Jack down and talking to him. A little Tinkerbell appeared out of nowhere and fluttered around Jack’s head before leading him to the other end of the tent.

Cas took Dean’s hand in his, watching him expectantly. “Ready?” he asked, and Dean gasped.

Gaping at Cas, his jaw vibrated, until the lump in his throat vanished and he finally found his voice again. “Yeah,” he rasped. “Fuck, yeah!”

“Yes, indeed,” Cas deadpanned, a twinkle in his eyes, and Dean couldn’t love him any more.

Chapter Text

Although he didn’t know exactly where he would find Oberon’s chamber, Castiel guided Dean past the king’s throne. The king didn’t stop them, so Castiel figured he was right and headed towards the back of the tent, where a curtain concealed the entry to a separate room.

“Cas, wait,” Dean protested just as Castiel pushed the drapes away, stopping in his tracks.

Castiel frowned at him. “Dean?” he asked as he watched him closely. “If you don’t—”

“What?” Dean blinked. “Hell, no! No. You think—” He huffed. “Of course, you’d think that, but— Fuck! That ain’t it. It’s just— What about Jack?”

“What about Jack?” Castiel squinted, tilting his head.

“Can we— You sure we just can leave him…”

Castiel smiled when he finally understood. “You heard them. The fae won’t harm him. He’s safe with them.”

“You trust a Tinkerbell?” Dean gaped.

“Yes,” Castiel said. “They need him. Besides” —he grinned— “if I don’t trust them, I won’t be able to do this.” Pushing the drapes away, he pulled Dean with him. They stumbled into the chamber and when Dean’s back hit a post of the four-poster bed, Castiel crowded him.

The needs of his newly human body urged him to act. Combined with years of pining for his best friend, this was what Castiel had always wanted, even though he never thought he would get it. Happiness rushed through his body as his lips met Dean’s.

Dean shivered and Castiel chuckled giddily. If being human was all it took to be with Dean, he would happily accept it.

“I need you to teach me,” Castiel remarked before kissing his way towards Dean’s ear. His tongue trailed over the conch and Dean hummed.

His arms fastened around Castiel and he pulled him closer. “I don’t think you need my help for that,” Dean mumbled. A shudder ran through his body when Castiel nibbled at his earlap. “Fuck! Do that again.”

Castiel grinned and caught Dean’s earlap between his teeth. “Teach me to be human,” he whispered while opening the first buttons of Dean’s shirt. “More than you already did. I want to taste” —he licked along Dean’s neck and down to his throat— “smell” —he buried his nose in Dean’s skin— “feel” —he pressed his hand against Dean’s crotch until Dean whimpered.

“Cas—” Dean rasped. His eyes rolled back in his head when Castiel started to open Dean’s fly.

Pushing the jeans down, Castiel cupped Dean’s half-hard cock through the cloth. “I want to hear you, Dean,” he continued. “Hear you when you come deep inside me.”

“Shit!” Dean gasped as Castiel let his dick spring free. “You’re fucking killing me.”

“Let’s see about that,” Castiel teased, smiling, and pressed a kiss on the leaking tip before licking along the vein on its underside.

“Fuck!” Dean grasped his shoulders, and froze. His eyes turned wide. “Wait.” He gaped at Castiel, open-mouthed. “You serious? You want me to—”

“Fuck me, Dean,” Castiel demanded, locking his eyes with Dean’s and leaving no room for doubts.

Dean swallowed, biting his lip. “You sure? I mean— Dude, you’ve never…”

“Dean” —Castiel sighed as he glared at his friend— “I might be newly human, but that doesn’t mean I’ve never engaged in sexual intercourse. Besides, there are toys—”

Dean’s eyes crossed and a shudder ran through his body. “Son of a— … Come here,” he said, breathlessly. His hand clasped around Castiel’s tie, and pulled him up. “I need to kiss you, sunshine.”

Castiel chuckled, but obliged happily.

When they finally parted in need of air, Dean looked as dazed as Castiel felt himself. Brushing his fingers along Dean’s temple, he couldn’t believe his luck. “I love you.”

Dean snickered. It sounded like the most beautiful sound in the world. “I know.” Grinning, he pushed Castiel back and with Castiel’s tie still wrapped around his hand, he pulled him towards the bed. “You’re overdressed, sweetheart.”

They took their time to shed their clothes, enjoying every moment of it. Castiel had never unwrapped a gift, but if it was anything like this, he would happily do it all the time. He trailed his fingers over every patch of Dean’s skin he uncovered, mapping the freckles into constellations. Dean, on the other hand, was fascinated by Castiel’s tattoo. Each of his touches caused little shocks inside Castiel’s body that reminded him of his Grace.

“I’m sorry,” Dean whispered as if he knew exactly what was going on in Castiel’s mind. He probably did.

“It was worth it,” Castiel said. “I never thought— All this time, ever since I took that burden, that curse, I wondered what it could be? But I never thought— Because the one thing I wanted, I knew I couldn’t have.”

“You always had me,” Dean stated, and Castiel realised it was the truth. “Ever since you pulled me out of hell, I was yours.”

Castiel’s mouth found Dean’s. As Castiel rolled them around, their dicks touched and they both gasped. “Take me, Dean,” he whispered. “Show me that I’m yours.”

“You sure?” Dean asked once again. “You could—” He wiggled his ass, but Castiel shook his head, even though he cupped Dean’s cheeks and pressed him against himself.

“It’s easier,” Castiel argued. “I’m newly human, Dean. I haven’t eaten in a long time, so my defecation—”

Groaning, Dean cupped his ears and buried his head in the crook of Castiel’s neck. “I don’t want to hear any of it.”

Castiel carefully pulled Dean’s hands back. “As far as I understand, it’s crucial to talk about this,” he reminded his friend. “And I assure you that I can take you.”

“Shuddup!” Dean grumbled while a blush coloured his face.

Castiel blinked. “There’s no shame in talking about any of these things.”

“Oh my god.” Dean groaned. “Help me.”

“I think my father is the last person you want you to help with this,” Castiel deadpanned, and Dean burst into laughter.

He nudged Castiel’s chest as he sat up in his lap. “Asshole.”

Castiel smiled. “I love you, too, Dean… You’re so beautiful.”

As Dean’s blush darked, it highlighted the freckles on his face, adding even more prove to Castiel’s point.

Rolling his eyes, Dean shook his head and leaned over to him. “Alright, let’s see what Oberon has in his drawers.”

“Do you really want to know?” Castiel asked.

Dean glared at him. “Dude, you lost your angelic mojo to some cosmic goo. Of course, I need to ransack the nightstand for lube.”

A Christmas stocking dropped on the bed, and Castiel clapped Dean’s back to get his attention. “I don’t think that is necessary, Dean.”

“Son of a bitch!” Dean grabbed the stocking and stared at it before shouting towards the door. “That’s fucking creepy, dude.”

Oberon’s laugh echoed through the room.

“King or not, fuck off,” Dean yelled.

“I’m just bearing gifts, Dean. But be assured, I honour your wishes. You’re undisturbed.” His voice trailed off, and the air changed.

“Thank you,” Castiel answered.

Dean’s brows shot up. “Dude!”

“He’ll leave us alone,” Castiel assured him.

“But—” Dean protested.

Castiel stole a kiss and smiled. “He’ll honour his word. It’s just you and me.”

Dean nodded, dazed. “Yeah.”

“Beautiful,” Castiel stated as he watched him.

Dean grumbled under his breath, but Castiel laughed and pulled a bottle of lube out of the stocking. Handing it to Dean, he rolled onto his belly and enticed a stifled moan out of Dean when he lifted his ass.

“Dean, please,” he urged, and finally a click sounded.

Castiel winced when cold fingers brushed over his hole.

“Sorry,” Dean mumbled. Leaning down, he placed a kiss on Castiel’s tailbone. “Better?”

Castiel hummed contently and closed his eyes.

For the next few minutes, neither of them said a word, and Castiel’s anticipation rose to new spheres. He still couldn’t believe the reality of this. Yet, the aches in his joints and the fading sting in his ass that slowly turned into pleasure, left no doubt. This was real. He was human and Dean was—

A shudder ran through Castiel’s body, and he moaned as Dean hit his prostate.

“Hell, yes,” Dean exclaimed and repeated the motion of his fingers.

“Dean,” Castiel begged, but Dean showed no mercy. He continued until Castiel was a shivering mess, barely holding himself together. “Please, I can’t—”

“Not yet, sunshine,” Dean appeased him. Yet, when he finally pulled his fingers out, the sudden emptiness felt wrong. “Turn around.” Dean nudged him.

Castiel followed suit almost immediately.

Dean hummed. “That’s better, sweetheart. I need to see you. And I wanna—” His lips crashed on Castiel’s.

Heat shot through Castiel’s body and he spasmed. “Dean,” he whimpered. “Please.”

This time, Castiel caught Dean opening the bottle. He watched mesmerised as Dean lubed his throbbing erection before pushing Castiel’s legs apart. His fingers returned to Castiel’s hole, teasing him when he positioned himself. “You’re good, angel?”

Castiel whimpered. “Please.”

“Tell me if you—”

“Dammit, Dean Winchester,” Castiel growled. “If you don’t fuck me right now, I’ll find a way to smite you even without my Grace.”

Dean laughed. “Damn, you’re even hotter when you’re angry.”

Castiel glared at him. Still laughing, Dean aligned himself and—

They both gasped. Castiel felt as if he witnessed the birth of the universe a second time. He held onto Dean as his human bottomed out.

“I love you,” Dean whispered and slowly started to move.

Tears ran down Castiel’s face, and when he looked at Dean, Dean didn’t fare any better. “I’m happy,” he mumbled. Castiel couldn’t believe it, but here they were.

He knew he wouldn’t last long, but it didn’t matter. This was Dean. Dean. His Dean.

Lips brushed over Castiel’s face, kissing his tears away, but Castiel moved his head until his mouth locked with Dean’s.

It was like this, with Dean thrusting into him and nailing his prostate, that Castiel’s body locked up. Heat gathered in his crotch, as he slowly lost control over his muscles. “Dean,” he warned.

“I have you, Cas,” Dean assured him.

As his hand clasped around Castiel’s neglected dick, Castiel exploded. Dean talked him through it, never ceasing his thrusts, until his own movements stuttered.

Castiel spasmed around him, and Dean screamed as he emptied himself deep inside him.

In all his fantasies, Castiel hadn’t expected the bliss that filled him afterwards with Dean pressed to his side, humming contently.

He had never thought to be allowed a happiness like this. He just hoped with their plan already unfolding, their first time wouldn’t be their last.

“Do you really think we stand a chance?” Castiel asked.

“Dude, after this? I’m never gonna give you up. Not ever again. And if I have to fight Chuck with my bare fists on my fucking own to get there. Capiche? We’re gonna win this, and then we give the kid his stupid Christmas.”

“You love it,” Castiel quipped.

“Shuddup,” Dean grumbled, but he couldn’t hide his smile from Castiel.

Chapter Text

“It is time.”

“Huh?” Dean looked up sleepily, only to find an elf staring at him from inches away. “Goddammit,” he snapped, grabbing a blanket to cover himself and sitting up abruptly, “you ever heard of privacy or personal space?”

“It’s overrated,” Cas mumbled against Dean’s skin before huddling even closer against his waist.

“Don’t listen to him,” Dean said, rolling his eyes. Yet, he lost his fight trying not to smile dopily. He would have chosen a more pleasant way to wake up next to his angel for the first time, but the fact that he was allowed to experience this at all overshadowed even an interruption by a nosy fairy.

The elf’s blank expression didn’t change during all this. Instead, he bowed. “Your privacy is safe with me, Dean Winchester. I am here to serve. In all my years at court, King Oberon has never complained about my services.”

Dean huffed as he watched the elf with new interest. “Serve, huh?” he teased, grinning cheekily.

As the fairy still didn’t show any hint of emotion, Dean shrugged. “Yeah, fine”, he grouched. “What’s so damn important that you have to bother us?”

A flicker of irritation crossed the elf’s face. “Do I need to remind you that the fate of our realm is at stake, Dean Winchester? Not only the fate of Avalon but of all existence. Your universe is the centre of it all. And you are the nexus.”

Dean sighed and let himself fall back on the pillows before nudging Cas awake. “Get up, sunshine. Time’s up. We got work to do.”

Cas grumbled, and grabbed a pillow to hide under it.

Laughing, Dean pulled the pillow away and kissed Cas’ tousled hair. Cas wrinkled his nose, but didn’t bat an eye. With a clap on his angel’s back, Dean jumped up and started to pick up his clothes.

“Let me assist you,” the fairy offered and clapped his hands.

Dean blinked and found himself fully dressed. As he turned around, he felt a pang of regret when he saw that Cas was back in his suit and stupid coat. He needed to get him new clothes as soon as they got this over with.

If they ever did.

And if they didn’t—

Dean shook his head. No need to waste his energy on that.

Obviously admitting defeat, Cas got up. He blinked sleepily, and Dean couldn’t resist stealing a kiss. Damn, why had they waited so long? They could have had this for years.

Cas smiled, and dove in for another round, but Dean held him back.

“Later,” he promised, even though Cas’ pout made it even harder to resist. “Let’s get this over with for good, and then—” He winked.

A shudder ran through Cas. “I hate you,” he grumbled.

Dean blew him a kiss. “Love you too, sunshine.”

The elf harrumphed, and with a roll of his eyes, Dean followed him back into the hall, where Oberon was already awaiting them.

The king smirked knowingly as he watched them approach. “Are you ready?” he asked, standing up from his throne. He walked past Jack, who was playing with some Tinkerbells at his feet.

“As ready as anyone can get for fighting the almighty,” Dean quipped, despite the nauseous feeling in his stomach.

“Good.” Oberon nodded. “Because it’s already starting. We got word from your brother that he and the others are on their way.”

“Sammy called?” Dean asked when Jack jumped up, smiling broadly and running towards them, as fast as his little legs carried him.

“Indeed,” Oberon confirmed while Cas picked up Jack.

Smiling, he ruffled Jack’s air, causing Dean’s heart to skip a beat. Fuck, he had almost given up on this. On them. How could he ever—

Dean swallowed and bit his bottom lip as guilt threatened to overwhelm him. It was high time they got rid of Chuck. Hell, he wanted his life back. He wanted to be free for the first time in his life. He wanted to make his own decisions.

Hope blossomed inside him, when Cas’ eyes met his. The love he felt almost knocked him out. Damn, they had already defied Chuck with it once, so they would be able to manage the rest.

Dean knew this was the right way. Their only way. And if anything went like planned, nobody would have to die.

“Okay, showtime.” Dean clapped his hands. “Let’s go to church, or better, let's bring it here.”

Cas frowned. “Church is primarily a Christian concept. Whereas I am utterly indifferent to any kind of religion.”

Dean gaped, dumbstruck. “You serious? Every kind? So, polytheism—”

“Throughout time, humans have answered celestial occurrences with all kinds of worship. Heaven serves God. At least, we thought so for a long time. Yet, the other, minor gods are Chuck’s creations as well. Some he created especially in the image of angels. Take Gabriel, for example. The messenger is part of many beliefs.”

“Yeah, sure.” Dean chuckled. “I mean, it’s Gabe we’re talking about, sweetheart. The dude’s been hiding in plain sight for millennia.”

Cas rolled his eyes, but Dean didn’t escape the fond look his angel threw him. “I can give you other examples.”

“Nah, I’m good. I got the gist.” Dean grinned before turning to Oberon. “Any idea how to lure Chuck here?”

Smiling knowingly, Oberon stepped towards Cas and Jack. “Do not worry, Castiel. I won’t harm him.”

Cas nodded and Oberon lifted his hand. Jack’s eyes crossed as he tried to watch Oberon pressing two fingers against his forehead. The moment the king touched him, Jack started to glow in a golden light and the entire room lit up.

“Son of a bitch!” Dean exclaimed. Mesmerised by Jack’s light show, he almost missed the figure walking into the tent. Yet, it was impossible to ignore the sudden chill in the air.

“So, this is it?” Chuck asked. “Your big plan? My end? How exciting.” He snickered. “Though I’m disappointed that your last hope is a toddler.”

Cas pressed Jack closer to his chest, even though Jack was watching Chuck intently.

“You’ve already killed him once because you’re afraid of him,” Cas hissed.

“Afraid? Me?” Chuck laughed, shaking his head, amused. “Spare me your contempt, Castiel.” He blinked as if he weighed the name on his tongue. Eventually, he grimaced. “No. Not anymore, now that you’ve given up the godly part. The self-hating angel of Thursday, a mere human. But you’ve always been broken. You know what every other version of you did after ‘gripping him tight and raising him from perdition’? They did what they were told. But not you. Not the ‘one off the line with a crack in his chassis’. Look at you. How pathetic, Cas.”

“Shut your face,” Dean snapped.

Chuck snickered. “Dean Winchester, of course. The sword to his shield. Where’s your brother?”

“What? Don’t you know?” Dean played to be shocked. “Aren’t you omnipotent and omniscient?” He stepped in front of Chuck, hoping desperately he wasn’t wrong.

Surprise lit up in Chuck’s eyes, and he stepped back, but fae had closed in, surrounding them.

Dean took a deep breath, and punched Chuck right in the face.

“Ow!” Chuck said, holding his nose. Blood dripped from his hand when he pulled it back. As he looked at Dean with panic rising on his face, a weight toppled from Dean’s shoulders. Even though he still feared Chuck was simply playing with them, he struck him another blow, and another.

After the third or fourth hit, Chuck staggered back. Bruises and cuts had appeared on his face and he went down. As he crouched on the ground, Jack squeaked. He kicked his legs, struggling against Cas’ hold.

Dean’s eyes met Cas’, and Cas nodded.

“It’s time,” Dean agreed.

Cas smiled in response. Planting a kiss on Jack’s forehead, he sat him down and Jack waddled towards Chuck.

Standing in front of him, he tilted his head and watched him. Chuck squirmed under the scrutiny until Jack took another step towards him. Wide-eyed, Chuck witnessed Jack booping his nose. Jack giggled as his finger lit up before running away.

Cas snatched him up in case Chuck would strike back. But it wasn’t even necessary. Dumbfounded, Chuck gaped at them.

“You still don’t get it, do you?” Dean laughed. “Damn, you might be almighty, but in your hybris you’ve created a universe, a place where you’re almost powerless. A paradox that shouldn’t be possible. A classic design fault, don’t you think? You might have destroyed one universe after the other. I know there ain’t any left. I’ve seen it. Actually, I haven’t because there was nothing left to see in the interdimensional geoscope. You got them all — every little universe, except for this one. You know why? Because the fae realm isn’t a universe. It’s more. It’s unique. Kind of another plane of existence, something like Heaven and Hell. Purgatory.” Dean huffed at his memories of each of those planes. “And yet it isn’t anything like them. Avalon’s magic resisted your destruction.”

“You can’t harm me,” Chuck hissed, brushing away the blood from under his nose with the back of his hand, as he struggled to his feet. “Not forever.”

Dean shot him a shit-eating grin. “You’re right. You got me.” He lifted his hands in defeat as he stepped back. “I’m not that kind of guy… But they are.” His face lit up because the cavalry had arrived — literally.

Chuck frowned before slowly turning around. “No,” he muttered, staggering back, and Dean laughed. There was nowhere Chuck could go.

Sam and Eileen smiled as they dismounted their reindeers. Accompanied by Amara, Adam, and Billie, they joined the circle of fae. Oberon took his place next to them, glowering at Chuck.

Dean gasped when Cas stepped in front of them, carrying Jack, who shimmered in a golden light.

“Give up, brother,” Amara was the first to speak.

“And then what? Do you want to take over, sis?” Chuck mocked her.

“It’s not what I want, but what is necessary.” Amara glared at him. “And I’m willing to help whoever asks for it.” Lifting her eyes, she glanced at Dean and smiled.

“And you, Michael? You betray Heaven? Me?”

Adam’s eyes flickered and his entire expression changed as Michael took over. Dean couldn’t help but shiver at the sight of the archangel, wearing his half-brother.

“Betray you?” Michael huffed with contempt. “You’re the one who betrayed Heaven long ago, father. I’m done with it. With you. With all of it. I’m out. I’m only here because of Adam. He has convinced me we need to help his brothers.”

Dean recognised the smile on Michael’s face when he mentioned Adam. The last time he met them, he hadn’t paid that much attention to his brother’s unique connection to the archangel, but he couldn’t overlook it any longer. His eyes searched for Cas’, and the moment he found them, he knew Cas was seeing it as well. It seemed that he wasn’t the only one in the family who had caused an angel to fall from Heaven. Good for them.

Glancing at the others, Dean frowned as he noticed that one big player was missing. “Where’s Rowena?” he asked, confused.

Eileen chuckled. “Oh, dearie, do you really think I’d miss out on this?” She rolled her eyes. “You should know me better by now.”

Dean gaped at her.

“Oh, come on, Dean. I needed a body to get here, and this sweetheart was so nice to give me a ride.”

“So, Eileen—”

“Don’t worry, Dean. I’m fine,” Eileen reassured him, taking over. “We’re a team.” As she high-fived herself, Dean caught Sam massaging his temples.

“Enough of this charade,” Chuck bellowed, and everyone turned their attention towards him. “Much better.” He grinned, but swayed on his feet. “It was nice meeting you all one last time. So very courteous of you to assemble like this. But now it’s time to end it.”

“Screw you,” Dean snapped.

“No, screw you. You know what you do with broken toys? You throw them out.” Chuck smirked and snapped his fingers.

Chapter Text

Nothing happened.

Chuck tried again. And again.

Panic rose on his face when reality finally caught up with him. He let his gaze glide over everyone before stopping at Castiel, not concealing his hatred as his eyes focused on Jack. “You!”

“Yes, him,” Castiel confirmed.

“And you, Castiel.” Chuck glowered at him. “You’ve destroyed everything. I tried and I tried and I tried, but you're all just too stupid, too stubborn.”

“I didn’t destroy anything,” Castiel noted calmly as he stepped closer. “You’re the only one to blame here, Chuck.”

Chuck lost the rest of his composure. “You’re human, Castiel. Human! You’re broken beyond repair.”

“I might be human, but I’m not broken,” Castiel replied in defiance. “I’m far from it. All these years, you tried and tried to make me believe I was. And I believed you. Believed my brothers and sisters. But you know what? I am not broken. I never was. I can see that now.”

Castiel’s eyes trailed towards Dean. His human beamed at him, and Castiel smiled before turning back to his father. “Do you know how I know that?”

Chuck glowered at him. Contempt dripped from his words as he asked, “Why? Tell me, Castiel. I know you want to. So, enlighten me, and get this over with.”

Castiel huffed. “You’ll never understand.”

“Try me,” Chuck challenged him, and Castiel focused his eyes once again on Dean.

“I know because I met a man who sees himself the same way his enemies see him. Destructive, and angry. Broken. ‘Daddy’s blunt instrument’. But he is not. And everyone who knows him sees it.”

Dean’s eyes widened in shock.

“Everything he has ever done, the good and the bad, he has done for love. He fought for this whole world for love.” Castiel paused and took a deep breath. Swallowing, he struggled to get his overflowing feelings under control. Tears pricked his eyes when he finally continued, “He’s the most caring man on Earth. He’s the most selfless, loving human being I will ever know. Knowing him has changed me.”

Tears welled from Dean’s eyes as he shook his head. “I haven’t changed shit. Listen to yourself, sunshine. Listen, and tell me if any of it sounds familiar.”

“It takes one to know one,” Sam chimed in, deadpan.

Castiel blinked, too stunned to react, while the truth of Dean’s words slowly dawned on him.

“Oh, stop it,” Chuck complained. “I’m sick of all of this. This… this …”

“Love,” Amara offered.

“Love,” Jack echoed happily, and placed a peck on Castiel’s nose.

An electrifying feeling gripped Castiel that reached every part of his human body and beyond. It touched something he had thought to have lost. A little spark of Grace caught fire and exploded. His body lit up as large wings sprouted from his back.

Jack giggled and pressed himself against Castiel as they floated several inches above the ground, turned into a golden light that came from deep within Jack — and himself, Castiel realised in astonishment. His wings glistened golden as a happiness he had never experienced before filled every aspect of his being.

His eyes found Dean’s. The wonder and love that he witnessed there only enhanced his bliss. Holding Jack closely, Castiel spread his wings and focused on his father.

Chuck stared at him with wide eyes. “No,” he whispered, only to cry out in terror when the ground behind him opened up.

Black tendrils reached around him, searching for Castiel. Yet, as they were about to touch him, the Shadow shrieked in agony as if it was burned by the light emanating from him and Jack.

Castiel laughed. “I can offer you something better than myself.”

“What is it?” a distorted image of Meg snarled, glaring at him.

Billie had stepped next to Dean, handing him her scythe. “Your turn.”

“No,” Dean protested, shaking his head. “No way!”

“Oh, I love this. The last act,” Chuck jeered. “Dean Winchester, the ultimate killer.”

“See, that’s where you’re wrong,” Dean defied him. “That’s not who I am.”

“We know,” Billie agreed. “And yet it’s how it is written.” She was still holding her scythe out for Dean to take it.

“Then change it, for fuck’s sake. Change the fucking narrative. He ain’t in control. This is our story, not Chuck’s. Not anymore.”

While Dean still resisted Billie, Adam joined them, stepping next to Dean. “You want to be killed by a Winchester?” he asked Chuck. Taking the scythe, he grinned. “Sorry to disappoint you, but I’m a Milligan,” he stated bluntly, and hauled off.

“No!” Chuck screamed as the scythe slashed through him. Black tendrils of goo wrapped around him, pulling him in. “This is wrong,” he whined before the Empty swallowed him and closed their portal.

“Now, we’re even, Castiel,” the Shadow’s voice echoed through the air, and then it was gone.

Jack chortled, and everyone seemed to release a breath at the same time. At least, everyone who needed to do so.

“It’s over,” Dean whispered. “Fuck! It’s really—” His eyes found Castiel’s and he smiled. “We won.”

Castiel landed on the ground, not taking his eyes from his human. “Yes.”

Dean was by his side almost at once. “Goddammit, angel. We really did it. We—” Their lips met and Castiel’s Grace vibrated as Castiel lost himself in Dean.

Chuckling, Dean brushed his fingers along Castiel’s feathers, causing shivers to run through his entire being.

“I love you, sweetheart. Angel or not — you know, it doesn’t matter, right?”

Castiel nodded, pulling Dean closer. “Yes, I do. I love you too, Dean. Always.”

“Sap,” Dean grouched, and Castiel laughed.

Sam whooped, “Finally!” while Jack pressed his hands against their chests, pushing them apart.

“Enough kissing!” he demanded.

Castiel chuckled as he turned his attention to his son, whereas Dean hollered, “Took you a bit to catch up, Sammy.”

“Huh?”

“We’ll explain later, Samuel,” Rowena teased.

While she was talking, Jack became fretful. He kicked his legs and Castiel changed his hold on him. “Do you want to get down?” he asked, brushing his fingers over Jack’s temple.

Jack shook his head. “No! Rowena.”

“You want me to take you to Rowena?”

Beaming at him, Jack nodded. “Yes.”

Castiel shrugged and stole a kiss from Dean before turning to Eileen.

She smiled when Jack waved at her. However, without a warning, he pressed his hand on her face.

“Jack,” Castiel chided him, but Jack only giggled.

“That’s better,” he announced.

When he pulled his hand back, Eileen glowed in the same golden light as Castiel had before. Golden tendrils wrapped around her, lifting her from the ground. For a moment, her body rotated before landing smoothly back on earth. She blinked, yet when the tendrils disappeared, she wasn’t alone anymore.

Rowena stared down her body in amazement, touching her limbs. “That's pure barry! … Thanks, dearie,” she said as she finally looked up. Smiling, she kissed Jack’s forehead.

“Are you—” Sam asked, but Rowena interrupted him.

“Of course not, Samuel. I’m still pretty much a demon.” She winked at him before facing Eileen. “But, thanks to the lad, I'm a queen in possession of her own body. Which means, I’m finally allowed to do this.” Cupping Eileen’s jaw, she kissed her.

Though, when she was about to pull back, Eileen grabbed her neck and dove back in.

Castiel watched Sam, who was gaping at them.

When they finally parted, Rowena looked up. “Oh, don’t be so shocked, Samuel. Come here.” She pulled at his shirt until Sam followed her lead and leaned down. “You wouldn’t miss out on this, would you, love?” she said and pressed her lips on his.

Turning around, Castiel found Dean wiggling his eyebrows at him and throwing him a kiss. “Good for them,” Dean mouthed before raising his voice. “Thanks, Jack. That makes Christmas photos a lot easier.”

Jack beamed proudly. “I’m not done yet,” he replied, and Castiel understood where they were heading next.

Tilting his head, Jack glared at Adam whose eyes were glowing.

“Michael,” Castiel greeted his brother.

“Don’t worry,” Jack announced. “You’ll like it.”

Michael frowned and pulled back, but Jack was faster. Once again, he pressed his hand flat on Adam’s face. The air flickered and another version of Adam appeared.

The copy blinked and rolled his shoulders. “I still can feel you,” Michael noted, amazed, as he looked at the original Adam.

Jack nodded. “You’re still one. But if you want, you can look at each other now.”

“So, they’re still sharing a vessel?” Castiel asked, astonished by Jack’s judgement.

“Yes,” Jack confirmed. “Michael can’t leave Adam.”

“Michael can’t walk away on his own?” Castiel asked him, and Jack grinned.

“Damn, that’s awesome, kid,” Dean mumbled in awe.

Michael glared at him. Yet, just when his Grace lit up, Adam cupped his jaw, and Michael’s attention was turned somewhere else.

“I like it,” Adam mumbled, smiling. “A lot.” Brushing his finger over Michael’s cheek, he kissed him.

“Son of a bitch! That’s fucking weird,” Dean exclaimed and rubbed his eyes.

“Talk about it,” Castiel agreed as he watched the two making out.

Leaving them be, he returned his attention to Dean, who wasn’t alone any longer. Amara and Billie had joined him.

“So, that’s it?” Billie asked coldly. “He’s the new God?”

Castiel brushed his hand over Jack’s head, feeling in need to protect him. “Isn’t that what you wanted the whole time?”

Billie huffed. “I just want a universe where everything that’s dead stays dead. No more of your constant resurrections, no more—”

“Yeah,” Dean interrupted her. “I get it. Wait—” His eyes widened in horror. “Fuck no. You want us dead, all of us, don’t you?”

“What should be dead, dies,” Billie said. “But you destroyed Chuck. So, I give you another free pass. Just one. Starting now.”

“What about the other universes? The one’s destroyed by Chuck?” Castiel asked.

“What about them?” Billie frowned.

“They’re gone. Can— can we bring them back?” Dean explained, having picked up Castiel’s intention.

“Why not?” Billie shrugged. “They never died. They were extinguished.”

Dean turned to Amara. “So, it’s possible?”

“Yes,” she said.

“Great.” Dean nodded and looked at Castiel before continuing. “So, there’s still a lot to do, right?”

“Yes," Castiel agreed. "Heaven is still in shambles. The Empty is soothed — for now,” he added, not trusting the entity at all. “Right now, Hell is probably the only place that’s currently taken care of with Rowena in charge.”

“So, what do you propose?” Amara asked.

“We? Why us? We ain’t in charge,” Dean protested.

Amara lifted one eyebrow, and Dean sighed. “Honestly, no idea,” he admitted.

Feeling his unease, Castiel grasped Dean’s nape and brushed his thumb through the short hair. Dean immediately relaxed into the touch.

“Jack’s too young to understand any of this,” Castiel said, feeling a cold gripping his Grace, when he imagined Jack having to wield that power forever.

“Maybe I can help,” Oberon offered as he stepped next to them.

“You?” Dean asked and stared at the king. “You want—”

“No, of course not.” The king huffed. “I’m content with ruling this realm. Thank you.”

“Then what—” Castiel started.

“Think about it, Castiel.” Oberon winked at him, and Dean closed the distance to Castiel at once. “Do you really need to decide your next steps immediately? You’re building a new world order. Give it time. Talk about it. All of you. I offer this place as neutral ground.”

“You serious?” Dean asked, but Castiel nodded.

“Yes, I like that,” he said. “Thank you.”

Dean gaped at him. Yet, Castiel finally knew what they had to do.

“Don’t you understand, Dean? For the first time, we have the chance to make our own decisions. To create something new. Something better.”

“I’m in,” Amara declared. “Travelling around the world gets boring over time.”

“Yeah,” Billie grumbled. “Me too.”

“Count us in as well,” Adam said and Michael shrugged. “As long as we don’t need to stay in Heaven.”

“I think you’re good,” Castiel replied, smiling. “Thank you.”

“We should ask Garth to join us as well, don’t you think?” Sam remarked. “Get the ‘monster’ side of it all. Maybe even include Purgatory. Hell, we can create a whole new world.”

“Dream on, Sammy,” Dean teased, but the happy smile on his face betrayed him.

Castiel pulled him in and pressed a kiss on his temple. “I love you,” he said, when Jack sneezed.

A swarm of butterflies appeared out of nowhere and fluttered around them.

“Shit,” Dean mumbled. “We really need to take care of the kid now.”

Chapter Text

Fascinated, Jack watched the butterflies fly away. When he heard Dean speak, he turned around and gazed at him wide-eyed. There was a question in his eyes. Did I do that?

“Yep,” Dean answered gruffly.

Jack winced. “Oops!” he said, a sheepish smile on his face.

Cas smiled at him. “You must be very careful now,” he explained as he ruffled Jack’s hair.

Jack nodded. “I didn’t want to do that,” he stated. “I—” Tears welled up in his eyes and he sniffled.

“Hey, kid, it’s okay. Nobody died,” Dean reassured him.

“Dean,” Cas rumbled, and Dean could feel him glaring at him.

“Sorry,” Dean mumbled guiltily before adding, “You did really good there, Jack.”

Jack’s teary eyes lit up with happy pride, and Dean’s heart threatened to burst at the sight. Damn, he really needed to do better with the kid.

Chuckling, Cas pressed a kiss on Dean’s temple.

“Huh? … What was that for?” Dean asked, squinting at his angel.

“At least you’re trying,” Cas replied, and Dean rolled his eyes.

“Well, thank you,” he huffed, but Cas only laughed.

“Maybe I can help,” Amara offered. “May I?” she asked Cas as she lifted her hands towards Jack.

Dean shrugged. “Go on!”

“Are you sure?” Cas asked, even though he was nodding.

“No,” Amara admitted frankly. “So, let’s hope this works.”

Jack watched her with interest, obviously fascinated by her hands. Glancing at Cas and Dean, he grinned before turning back to her.

“No,” Dean warned, but Jack giggled and slapped Amara’s upraised hands, giving her high fives.

A wave of light erupted from the point of impact, forcing Dean to look away. If it hadn’t been for Cas steadying him, he probably would have crashed to the ground and landed on his ass.

As he blinked, he caught the shock wave morphing through the sides and ceiling of the tent. “Son of a bitch!”

“Awesome!” Jack exclaimed, clapping his hands excitedly.

“What did you do?” Cas asked, shocked.

“It’s Christmas Eve,” Jack explained, beaming. “And I brought gifts. Amara helped,” he added quickly.

“You did what?” Dean asked, not believing his ears. “How the fuck is it Christmas Eve already, anyway?”

“Time runs differently in our realm,” Oberon chimed in.

“Huh?” Dean blinked, confused. “How? Last time I was here, time was slower on Earth, not faster.”

Oberon shrugged. “It differs. It doesn’t really matter, so it just… happens.”

“It happens? Time just happens?” Dean tried to wrap his mind around the concept, but eventually gave up. “Whatever.”

“Time is relative,” Cas explained, and Dean huffed.

“Really, Einstein? Time is relative? That’s your explanation, sunshine?”

Cas smirked. “Better than ‘timey-wimey,’ isn’t it?”

“Does it matter?” Jack asked. “It’s Christmas Eve!”

Dean chuckled. “Alright, kiddo. You win. That’s a good enough reason for me.”

“And you brought gifts?” Cas stared at Jack.

“Yes,” Jack confirmed. “We brought back all the universes.”

“All the universes…” Dean repeated, dumbstruck. He turned to Amara. “You brought them back? All of them?”

Amara nodded. “Yes. He caught me unawares, but it released a lot of his power, so I’m sure it’ll help.”

“Damn, that’s fucking huge,” Dean murmured.

“Gigantic!” Jack bounced in Cas’ arms. “It’s a good present, isn’t it?”

“A very good present,” Cas confirmed, smiling.

“The bestest!” Jack radiated, literally. A golden shine surrounded him, emanating from deep inside himself. “Merry Christmas!”

“Merry Christmas, Jack,” Cas said, kissing Jack’s forehead before turning to Dean. “Merry Christmas, love.” His lips found Dean’s, and for a moment, Dean lost himself in his angel until Oberon spoke again.

“Since today we can celebrate Chuck’s demise, Christmas, and Yule, I’d love for you to join me at our feast,” the king declared and when Dean looked up, a large table had appeared in the hall.

Cas’ stomach growled in response, and to Dean’s utter amazement, his angel declared, “I’m starving.”

“You’re what?” Dean asked, staring at him.

Cas shrugged, smiling sheepishly. “Probably the aftereffects of being human,” he assumed.

But Jack shook his head. “No, I made you like this. You’re an angel. But you can be like a human. You like being human. Sometimes.”

Cas laughed. “Sometimes,” he repeated as if he was weighing the word on his tongue. “That’s one way to describe it, Jack.”

Once again, Jack beamed with pride.

“Gimme five,” Dean said, grinning, and Jack didn’t hesitate.

Thankfully, this time, nothing happened. Neither new worlds were created nor the world ended. And yet, something changed.

Jack reached his arms out for Dean and Dean got the hint. Cas handed him the kid as they walked towards the table, where the others were already filling their plates. Chattering and laughter sounded through the air.

As he placed Jack between them, a feeling of belonging encompassed Dean. Happily, he watched Cas and Jack before letting his gaze wander along the table. Seeing his family and friends like this lifted his heart, and for the first time in years — maybe in forever — Dean was happy — really happy.

His eyes returned to Cas and he knew Cas must feel the same. From now on, the future would be theirs. Whatever the council — or whatever they might call themselves — would decide, no one would tell their story any longer. It was waiting to be written by themselves.

Dean lifted his glass towards Cas. “Merry Christmas, sunshine.” He grinned, wiggling his eyebrows. “Let’s make the Yuletide gay.”

Chapter Text

The feast went by in no time. Castiel still couldn’t believe the happiness he was allowed to feel with Dean and Jack next to him and with Sam, Eileen and Rowena laughing and telling their side of the story.

He even came to terms with Michael’s presence and welcomed Adam as another part of the family. Being able to taste the delicious food that was served by the fae only increased the feeling of belonging — of coming home.

Chuck was gone — for good — and they finally lived in a free world. Although there was still much work to do, right now everything seemed possible. For the first time in years, Castiel had faith. He believed in a better future. In a future he had once seen in a vision Jack had shown him. Yet, it was a future of their own making. A future written of their own accord. A future that was still to be shaped.

Castiel stretched his wings, hidden away on another plane, but a part of himself he had thought long lost. When his eyes met Dean’s, his human was smiling at him. Castiel’s Grace lit up, and he sighed contentedly.

“Damn, it’s good to see you happy,” Dean blurted out.

“I never believed—” As tears filled Castiel’s eyes, his voice gave out.

“Don’t cry, Castiel,” Jack said, patting Castiel’s knee.

Castiel chuckled. “Don’t worry, Jack. I’m happy. I’m very happy,” he said through his tears.

Jack beamed and wiggled on his seat. “I’m very happy, too.”

“That’s great, kid,” Dean chimed in, smiling at Jack before focusing on Castiel. He didn’t need to say anything because Castiel saw his own happiness mirrored in him.

While he was stealing a kiss from Dean, Jack whispered, “I want to stay like this.”

Dean pulled back, and Castiel found Jack staring at him with big eyes.

“You wanna stay a kid?” Dean asked, perplexed.

Jack nodded. “Yes. Like this.”

Castiel’s heart started to beat faster and his Grace vibrated. “Are you sure?” He had never dared to dream of seeing Jack grow up, not after everything that had happened.

Yet, Jack’s determined expression left no room for doubt. “I want to learn and grow.”

“You want to grow up?” Castiel asked because he needed to be sure. He didn’t want for his hopes to be crushed later.

“Yes. I want to grow up. With you,” Jack explained before adding, “Both of you. And Sam. And Eileen. And—” He looked from Castiel to Dean with hope in his eyes. “Please.”

“Hey, it’s your decision, Jack,” Dean said, ruffling Jack’s hair. “If you want—”

“Yes! I want it,” Jack declared, nodding vividly. “I want it very, very much.”

Castiel smiled. “Then I’m…” —he looked at Dean, who gave him a short nod— “We’re very happy.”

“Really?” Jack’s face lit up.

“Sure thing,” Dean muttered, and Jack stood up on his seat, jumping up and down on the bench.

“Really,” Castiel confirmed.

Throwing his arms around Castiel, Jack pulled him close. “Awesome!” he exclaimed and Dean laughed.

“Damn right, kid. That’s awesome.”

Turning around, Jack pulled Dean into the hug as well. Castiel wrapped his arms around them both when Jack announced, “I wanna go home… Santa’s coming tonight.”

Castiel could feel Dean freeze against him. “Santa?” Dean asked hoarsely. He swallowed, and finally, Castiel understood. With the time they had lost in Avalon and the weeks before, when their minds had been set on Chuck, they didn’t have any presents — especially not for an actual boy of Jack’s age.

Apart from a few decorations they had put up in the Bunker, nothing was prepared for the holidays. Dean had planned for them to visit a Christmas tree farm, but so far, they hadn’t managed to go there.

“Yes, tonight. He’s coming,” Jack confirmed, and Castiel wondered how they could save his first actual Christmas when Sam hollered across the table.

“Hey, Dean. Cas. Jody has asked if we wanna Christmas Day with her and the girls. You’re up for that?”

“Huh?” Dean pulled back, staring at Castiel, before they both turned to Sam. “Dude, since when do you have reception here? My phone’s been dead the entire time.”

Sam grinned. “I haven’t. Mine’s as dead as yours. But Jody called when we were talking to Adam. And Michael,” he added hastily, watching the archangel closely.

“Neither of them. You were talking to me,” Amara remarked, a teasing smile on her face.

“You?” Sam frowned. “Damn. You’re right… Sorry.” He grimaced and Eileen chuckled, rolling her eyes at Rowena, who was sitting next to Sam on his other side.

“Get your ladies straight, Samuel,” she teased.

“I’m not a lady,” Michael said coldly, glowering at Rowena.

Adam laid his hand on Michael's and smirked. “You aren’t straight either,” he noted.

To Castiel’s utter surprise, his brother smiled.

“So, Jodes,” Dean joined in, ignoring the friendly banter of the others. “It’s a bit late for that anyway, ain’t it?”

“Yeah, probably,” Sam admitted, but Castiel had to object.

“Not anymore,” he said. “I can—”

Dean’s eyes turned wide. “Fuck, no!” he protested, shaking his head. “I’m not gonna fly with you — wings or not.”

“Dean,” Castiel tried, but Dean wouldn’t listen to him.

“No fucking way.”

“I can offer you an alternative,” Oberon said as he stepped behind them.

“I’m not gonna ride a reindeer,” Dean grumbled.

Oberon chuckled. “No need for that. Although… With your legs, you’re made for riding.”

Dean sputtered. Castiel couldn’t help but grin, especially when the king winked at him.

“My offer still stands, by the way. Avalon's doors are open for you at any time. And with the upcoming meetings, we’re going to see each other soon.”

With Dean still recovering from the shock, Castiel thanked the king.

“The pleasure is all mine, Castiel,” Oberon said, not breaking eye contact. “It’s been a long time since angels walked in our realm.”

“Well, as you said yourself, they’re gonna be here again soon. Thanks, man.”

Oberon bowed his head. “My pleasure, Dean Winchester.”

Dean rolled his eyes. “Dude, seriously?” he grouched and Oberon shrugged, a twinkle in his eyes.

“A king can dream.”

Dean laughed. “Yeah, dream on. But maybe—” He wiggled his eyebrows before turning to Castiel with a sheepish smile.

“Maybe,” Castiel confirmed and Dean swallowed.

“Can we go now?” Jack cut in, pulling at Castiel’s coat.

“Yes, love.” Picking him up, Castiel brushed his finger over Jack’s face. “Let’s go home.”

“No.” Jack shook his head. “Jody.”

“Alright, kiddo. Sioux Falls it is then… Oberon, you’ve heard Jack. Lead the way,” Dean said.

Oberon made a gesture with his hand. Before he had even closed the circle, a portal appeared right in front of them.

“You sure that’s the right door and we don’t end up in some goddamn wardrobe?” Dean asked gruffly.

“I’m very sure,” Oberon replied with a sigh.

Castiel sent an apologising gaze to the king before resting his hand on the small of Dean’s back. Slowly, he led him towards the portal, when Dean stopped and turned around.

“Sammy? You’re coming?”

“Nah, not yet.” Sam shook his head. “Give us a minute or two. There are still several things we need to discuss before we can settle on our next meeting. But don’t wait up for us. Jack looks like he’s dead on his feet and Jody will be over the moon to see you.”

“Thank you, Sam,” Castiel said, thankful for his friend’s mindfulness. When he nudged Dean, his human stopped again.

Grinning, Dean turned towards him to steal a kiss. “Alright, angel. Sioux Falls ain’t exactly a beach with little umbrella drinks. But I know Jodes has booze, so we’re good. What do you say? Let’s start our future by crashing a Christmas party.”

Castiel chuckled, and pulled him in for another kiss. “I don’t need a beach when I have you. You and Jack,” he mumbled against Dean’s lips.

“Damn, you’re sounding like a stupid Hallmark movie,” Dean groaned.

“Is that such a bad thing? I’m finally happy.” Castiel carded his fingers through the short hair on Dean’s neck. “You make me happy, Dean.”

Dean winced. “Fuck! … I’m such an idiot, sunshine.”

“Stop it. It doesn’t matter anymore. It’s over, Dean. And we’re still here. Together. We won. Maybe our future will bring some sort of paradise on Earth. Maybe not. Who knows? Let’s find out.”

Castiel brushed his hand over the back of Jack’s sleeping form. Pressing a kiss on the top of his son’s head, he took Dean’s hand in his. He smiled at Dean as they stepped through the portal and into their future.