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Dean Winchester was just about to board his flight home, when his phone buzzed in his trouser pocket. He stopped to the side of the gate, letting other passengers board while he fished his phone out and looked at the message. It was from his boyfriend, Cas, telling him that he was really sorry but his co-worker Balthazar had called in sick last minute and so he had to work a double shift. Cas also said that he knew it wasn't because Balthazar was sick but because of this new guy he was seeing; Lu. He added at the end of the message that Dean's brother, Sam, would be picking him up from the airport instead.
Dean frowned as he read the message, he was disappointed but he tried to not let it show in his reply, just that he was eager to see his boyfriend when he finished work. Dean hit send on the message then turned his phone off and put it away as he boarded the plane.
He had really been looking forward to seeing Cas as he had been away on a business trip for the past week. But it would be fine; Cas would be there in the morning and they would spend the entire day together.
As soon as his carry-on was in the overhead locker and Dean was settled in his seat, he kicked off his shoes and turned on the little T.V screen on the back of the chair in front of him. He flicked through movies until one caught his eye and he chucked it on, not really paying attention as he thought about how good it would be to hold Cas in his arms again.
Dean and Cas had been dating for a couple of years and had moved in together a few months prior into Dean's spacious apartment. Dean basically ran his dad's car company; he was going to be the CEO when his dad retired in a few years. It was a ton of work, and he was on his phone a lot, not to mention the business trips, and sometimes Dean threw himself into his work a little too much, but he always made sure that he made time for his boyfriend.
Cas worked at a coffee shop called 'Coffee at the Crossroads' that at night turned into a bar called 'Cocktails at the Crossroads.' It was owned by a Winchester family friend, Crowley, which is actually how Dean met Cas. On Castiel's first day, Dean had come in for his morning coffee as usual and had been immediately taken with those bright, piercing blue eyes. Dean got Cas' number and they'd been together ever since. Of course John, Dean's father, wasn't entirely pleased that both of his sons were dating men, but there wasn't a lot he could do about it either. Not to mention that his best friend, and trusted employee, had also been dating a man since his wife had passed away ten years ago.
Bobby and John had been friends since they served together as Marines. John had taken over the family business from his father, and Bobby had come to work for him. It was a big shock to everyone when Bobby's wife suddenly passed away. Bobby wasn't really the same after that, until he met Crowley. Everyone could see that Crowley was good for Bobby, and that was all that mattered, even if it did take John some time to get used to.
Dean sighed, and pulled out his wallet to stare at the photo of him and Cas that he kept in there. It was a small photo, taken in one of those instant photo booths at a carnival a little under a year ago. The photo was a bit rough on the edges from how many times he had taken it in and out of his wallet, but it still showed the scene perfectly. Castiel's face was front on, and you could see and hear the giggle as if it were a video. While Dean's nose was smooshed into Cas' left cheek, kissing it, his eyelashes ghosting the soft skin. Dean's arms were wrapped around him, pulling him in close, as if he'd never let go. After a few long minutes of staring at the photo, recounting that day in his mind, he put it back away with a happy smile on his face.
The movie ended just as the plane began it's decent. Dean put his shoes back on and sat up a little straighter; he was glad to be almost home. It wasn't that he didn't like his job, even though he preferred to be working on cars, rather than selling them, but he knew his job and did it well. He just hated being away from Cas for so long; he could be a bit needy sometimes, so sue him. His job could be really stressful and Cas grounded him; they were perfect for each other and Dean wanted to give him everything. Every time Dean had to go away he always came back with a gift for Cas; whether it was something bee related to add to his collection (don't even ask) or a new piece of lingerie for them to try out. This time was something very special indeed, and Dean was super excited and nervous to give it to Cas.
The plane landed and Dean suddenly felt very impatient, he needed to get home, even though Cas wasn't going to be there for a few more hours. As soon as they were allowed to stand Dean was up and getting his carry-on down. He was one of the first ones to get off of the plane.
He headed straight for the luggage collection bays where he was immediately flagged down by his gigantic brother and Gabriel, said brother's boyfriend.
"Hey guys," Dean greeted as he got closer. He hugged his brother briefly and shook Gabriel's hand.
"How was the flight?" Sam asked as Dean spotted his suitcase come down the conveyor belt.
Dean went after his bag, "Just like any other flight," he shrugged.
Gabriel took Dean's suitcase and wheeled it for him, which was oddly nice of him, Dean figured he must be on his best behaviour for Sam. Gabriel liked to be a bit of a joker, doing harmless pranks, and generally being the class clown. Dean got along with him fairly well, but that didn't mean he was immune to pranks.
They were a bit of an odd couple Dean thought; Sam was a lawyer (and a health nut), he'd never wanted a part in the family business, funnily enough he was the family's company's lawyer now. Gabriel on the other hand was an aspiring musician who worked at a convenience store and lived off of sweets. Somehow they seemed to work, though you could imagine how impressed John was with his son's choice of partner.
Gabriel loaded Dean's bags into Sam's SUV and they all piled in. Gabriel drove, which left Sam free to turn in the passenger seat and talk to (interrogate) Dean.
"So, what did you buy Cas this time?" Sam asked as they turned out of the airport.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Dean was glad that the sun had set so that Sam couldn't see the blush colouring his cheeks.
Dean caught Sam rolling his eyes in the passing street lights, "C'mon Dean, Cas told me that you always bring him back something when you go on business trips. I didn't know you were so cute."
"Shut up. Bitch," Dean immediately got defensive.
"Jerk," Sam responded without skipping a beat, "so, what is it?"
"None of your damn business," Dean tried to end the line of questioning by looking out of the window.
Sam was having none of that, "Is it another porcelain bee? Cas didn't shut up about the last one for like two weeks."
"My bet is on sex toy, that's why Dean-o is so defensive about it," Gabe chimed in.
Dean gritted his teeth as he blushed again, "It's not a sex toy."
"Expensive wine?"
"Chocolate?"
"Shoes?"
"A tie?"
"A snow globe?"
"A bee snow globe?"
The guesses went back and forth between Sam and Gabriel until Dean was certain they were never going to give up.
"It's a ring," Dean quickly blurted out and avoided looking to the front of the car; he wished he'd gotten an uber.
There were two similar gasps, and then Sam pushed a little further, "Like a ring, ring?"
Dean sighed, "Well, it's not a goddamn toe ring; I'm going to ask Cas to marry me, alright?" he bit his lip and waited.
There was silence for a moment from the front, until Sam said sincerely, "That's really awesome man. I'm so happy for you."
"Cassie is gonna freak, we're gonna be hearing about this for months," Gabe only half complained.
"Uh, thanks…hey, how much does Cas tell you guys?" suddenly Dean was concerned that his brother knew way too much.
"None of the nitty gritty stuff, don't worry. Just enough that there is no doubt in my mind that he would ever say no to marrying you," Sam assured him.
Dean dropped some tension he was carrying and smiled, "I hope so."
"How do you reckon dad's going to take it?" Sam queried.
"Eh, about as good as we can hope for from dad I guess," Dean answered, he didn't care what his dad said, he was going to spend the rest of his life with Castiel and that was that.
"Yeah," Sam shrugged and moved on, "when are you going to do it?"
Dean rubbed the back of his neck, "I, uh, I was actually going to do it tonight when Cas picked me up, but that plan kinda got ruined. So, I'm not really sure now, maybe tomorrow. Haven't really decided whether I'm gonna do casual or big effort," he frowned, he hadn't really thought it through, he'd just been passing a jewellery store and a ring in the window had caught his eye. One thought about how nice it would look on Cas' finger turned into knowing that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with the man.
"Not that I think there is a wrong way to propose, but you just gotta make sure that the moment is special Dean-o. You know, like when I propose to Sam, it's gonna be big and elaborate, cause that's just who I am, but at the core it's gotta be a special moment for you both. That's just my input anyway…"
Sam stared at Gabriel, glanced at Dean, and then back at Gabriel, his eyes wide and mouth gaped.
Gabriel noticed the silence and peeked at Sam a moment before looking back at the road, "What?"
"You're going to propose to me?" Sam asked in disbelief.
"Yeah, I've been saving up all year to buy you the perfect ring," Gabriel answered nonchalantly, but there was a little smirk on his face.
"If Dean wasn't in the car, I'd make you pull over right now," Sam told him promisingly, as he leant in to kiss Gabe's cheek.
"Ughh, gross guys," Dean pulled a face.
"You think we like putting up with you and Cas eye fucking your way through family dinners," Sam retorted.
Dean blushed for the third time that night, he didn't think it was that obvious, "Dunno what you're talking about," he muttered.
"Mhmmm, sure you don't Dean-o. Anyway, lucky for you; we've arrived," Gabriel announced as he pulled up to the kerb in front of a large multistorey building.
Dean eagerly unclipped his belt and jumped out of the car, then he stuck his head back inside, "Thanks for the lift guys, really appreciate it. I'll see you Friday night for family dinner."
He shut the door and retrieved his suitcase from the back before stepping onto the quiet sidewalk and waving as Gabriel drove away.
Dean made his way into the building and up the elevator to his floor which was near the top. Finally he unlocked the door to his apartment and flicked the lights on as he entered. Living with Cas was a blessing; everything was neat and tidy and put away in the correct spot.
He brought his bags straight through to the bedroom and flopped down onto the bed. He could smell Cas on the pillows, he buried his nose into one and inhaled deeply; he wished Cas would walk through the front door right now. Dean loosened his tie and laid there cuddling Cas' pillow for a few minutes before heading for a shower.
After the shower, Dean rummaged in the freezer for a microwave meal, which he then heated and sat on the giant couch to eat while he caught up on his favourite show; Doctor Sexy. Cas had teased him more than once about having a crush on Doctor Sexy, so had Sam, but he just loved the easy watching, predictable, shitty drama of it…he swears.
Succumbing to his long week away; Dean fell asleep on the couch in the middle of an important episode, which he'd be annoyed about later.
What felt like hours later, and probably was, Dean awoke to something touching his forehead, he jerked away only to find Cas staring at him lovingly.
"Cas!" his voice was hoarse with sleep, "You're home," he smiled drowsily and wrapped his arms around Castiel's waist, trying to drag him down onto the couch with him.
"Hello Dean," Cas smiled, "shall we go to bed instead of sleeping on the couch?"
"Okay, yeah," Dean stopped trying to pull Cas in and let him go so he could sit up.
Cas stood back up straight and held his hand out for Dean.
Now a bit more awake, Dean bypassed the offered hand and stood up, he curled his hands under Cas' ass and lifted him easily. Castiel's legs wrapped around Dean's waist as he chuckled, his hand clasped behind Dean's neck. Dean wasted no time in claiming Castiel's mouth with his own, they stood there for long moments engulfed in each other, until the need for air was too great.
"I missed you so much Cas. I never want to go on another business trip," Dean told him as he began to walk them towards the bedroom.
"I missed you too Dean, the apartment isn't the same when you're not here," Cas assured him with another kiss.
Dean laid Cas on the bed and crawled up over him, kissing his neck and ear while pulling his coat off of his shoulders.
Cas moaned, "Dean…you know how much I want you, but it's two in the morning and I've had a long day, I would really love to just have a shower and fall asleep in your arms right now. Tomorrow I'm all yours, I promise."
Dean slowed down and pressed one last kiss to Castiel's lips, "Of course babe, I'm pretty tired too, I was just so excited to see you, you know…"
"I know," Cas smiled as he got up, "I am too, tomorrow is all about us."
Dean watched with desire in his eyes as his boyfriend stripped down and went into their ensuite. He couldn't help thinking that he was the luckiest man alive. He undressed, got under the covers and waited for Cas to return from the bathroom.
He was just starting to doze off when Cas came back; his hair slightly damp and tussled, and only wearing Dean's Led Zeppelin shirt, "Mmm, fuck, you are the most gorgeous thing in the universe."
Castiel blushed and got into bed, "I love you Dean."
Dean instantly wrapped his arms around his boyfriend and drew him in against his body. Everything about this moment made him completely happy, "I love you more than I could ever say Cas."
One last kiss and then the lights were turned off and the pair quickly fell asleep in each other's arms, finally content now that the other was there.
XXX
Dean and Cas spent all morning in bed reacquainting their bodies, it had been the perfect morning so far. Dean had been thinking about what Gabriel had said in the car the previous night, and he realised the he and Cas had never been about the big things, but they enjoyed the small things instead; a stolen kiss, a loving glance, sharing their meals, or simply spending the day in bed together.
Once Dean's stomach was rumbling they decided it was time to get food. Cas had a quick shower to clean up while Dean got to work on making them bacon and eggs. He set up the bacon, eggs, toast, orange juice, and a single flower (he pinched it from the vase on the dining table) on a tray and brought it back to the bedroom.
"Breakfast in bed?" Cas grinned as he hopped onto the bed, "You are the absolute best boyfriend, thank you," he gave Dean a lingering kiss as he took the tray and enthusiastically began eating. Dean had brought in his own plate of food and easily devoured it before Cas had finished his.
Dean became fidgety as he waited for Cas to finish his food, and when he was taking his last mouthful Dean spoke, "So, I, uh um, I got you something, you know, while I was away…"
Castiel became visibly excited, he put the empty tray aside and closed his eyes, "I'm ready…"
Dean got off of the bed and went over to his bag, he pulled out a small black leather box and crawled back onto the bed. Cas held out his hands and Dean opened the box to reveal a stunningly intricate silver ring, he placed the box in Castiel's hands and sat back on his knees.
Castiel opened his eyes, which immediately went wide, and he looked at Dean stunned.
"Castiel, from the moment I met you, I was yours, no one could ever compare to you, nor would I want them to try. You're all I want and need, and every moment with you just makes me fall deeper in love with you. I know that I want to spend the rest of my life with you, you're the best thing to ever happen to me. I hope that you feel the same, and will do me the honour of marrying me…" Dean waited on baited breath, he knew his speech wasn't much, but it was true and it was from the heart.
Tears spilled from Castiel's eyes as he surged forward to embrace Dean and kiss him passionately, "Yes! Yes, yes, yes, yes, forever yes Dean."
The grin almost split Dean's face it was so big, he took the ring from the box and slid it over Castiel's finger; it fit perfectly.
They spent the rest of the day in bed too, celebrating, knowing that they had an entire life together to look forward to. Neither of them could've been happier.