Chapter Text
A celebration like there had never been before was brought into being a few days later.
Dean and Castiel didn’t need another wedding ceremony, but another happened anyway, for the show of both of their kingdoms.
Castiel and his father had a tearful reunion after over a year of thinking the other was dead, as well as one with John, Mary, and Sam - all of whom cried at his return. Even John.
Dean introduced him to Anna, whose sadness was a rainfall over the softness of her smile. Castiel hoped against all hope that she would get the happy ending she deserved, one day. For now, her hands pressed gratitude for the time she’d been given into Castiel’s palms as she held them, and wished them both well.
The celebration continued well into the night, every guest abuzz with the story of The Owl Prince and his new husband, and everything they’d gone through to be where they were tonight.
Sometime during the night, Castiel slipped away.
The voices were loud, but the stars were quiet.
***
Castiel had always envied the stars.
Mainly their freedom, hanging aloof and above the world without a single care, their only purpose to shine brightly. He’d made countless wishes to them over the years, hoping for help and guidance he knew they couldn’t provide.
They had sometimes seemed to taunt him during his imprisonment in the forest as his soul reached upwards in longing.
Now, they seemed to only smile down on him as he leaned on the balcony just outside the Winchester’s Grand Ballroom, staring up at them.
“What are you thinking about?”
Castiel hummed as he heard Dean speak up from behind him and wrap strong arms around his waist in a comforting embrace.
“The stars, actually,” he murmured, leaning into the touch. “They’re especially bright tonight, don’t you think?”
He felt Dean chuckle against him as he rested his chin on Castiel’s shoulders.
“It’s your wedding night and you’re thinking about the stars?” He pressed an affectionate kiss against Castiel’s neck. “Should I be jealous?”
Castiel turned in Dean’s grasp until he was facing his new husband, his cloak of pristine black feathers cushioning his back against the stone balcony.
“Of all the stars that have ever existed and all the stars that ever will,” Castiel rested a hand against his chest and patted it once, “you, Dean Winchester, shine the brightest. And I could never look away.”
Dean’s eyes widened as he stared down at Castiel, and if Castiel didn’t know better he’d venture to say that he seemed stunned by the comment. Surely Dean knew how much he meant to him by now?
Ever a man of action over words, Dean closed the distance between them instead of speaking, pulling Castiel close and sliding their lips together as easily as if they were made for each other. Every moment he spent kissing Dean felt like a moment where the world was brought to a pause; where even the stars that he’d been admiring held their breath.
“I’m in this with you,” Dean whispered, once they finally pulled away enough to catch their breath.
“To the stars and back,” Castiel finished, tugging him in for another.
