Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was early autumn when Miracle fell in love at first sight. He just happened to drag Dean along with him.

The walk started out on an average Sunday morning. Crisp 7:30 air, crunchy red and brown leaves scattered across the ground, and a rather hungover Dean Winchester who had not quite recovered from last night’s debacheries. He left his house sporting a faded AC/DC t-shirt paired with his infamous hotdog pants as Miracle happily investigates every smell in his new blue collar. He decided to forgo his usual scent dampeners as he didn’t expect to be in any polite company before 11:00. Dean trudged beside his dog silently as Miracle’s soft paws padded against the cold concrete. The sunlight was gentle but his few thoughts crashed as they sloshed around his head.

Maybe that’s why he was caught so off guard when Miracle suddenly decided to turn their routine walk into a marathon sprint. Dean’s legs could barely keep one foot in front of the other as his right hand clutched Miracle’s leash. Every attempt to halt the leash to get the canine to ease up somehow was interpreted as a signal to accelerate. Miracle ran unbounded as he dragged his poor confused owner who followed as gracefully as a newborn fawn.

“Miracle, heel! Damnit! Slow down!” Unfortunately, Dean’s frantic cries temporarily fell deaf upon his furry companion’s floppy ears.

Desperate to regain control and not face plant into the sidewalk, his brain hadn’t even processed the obstacle in front of him before barreling into it. Dean couldn’t fit in a proper look before calling timber. Said obstacle managed to grasp the front of his t-shirt while Dean extended his arms forward last minute to prevent them both from connecting with the pavement.

Before the pain reached his palms, Dean now had a face full of a very handsome man. Seemingly sex mussed dark hair, tanned skin with a five’o clock shadow, and arctic blue eyes. Suddenly, Dean’s throat felt very parched.

Now crashing into the his new neighbor may not have been ideal but Dean’s not one to look a gift horse in the mouth. And damn, what a mouth it was. Full, pink, slightly chapped from the cold weather, and just begging to be kissed. From Dean ideally.

“Excuse me?.” Woah. That voice. He sounds like he could direct a a damn ford commercial. All low and gravelly.

“Hello?” Fuck. That scent! Like sweet beer and fresh forest rain.

“Uh. You’re still on top on me.” I wish. Wait. Oh shit!

Just like that he snapped his thoughts out of following the x-rated bread crumbs. Dean scrambled out of the stranger’s hold and off of him with a quick apology while avoiding all eye contact. However, he knew he’d feel like an ass leaving the guy stranded on the ground so he got up and extended a hand to lift the stranger onto his feet. The stranger wiped the dirt off his trench coat and jeans before turning to look at Dean. Surprisingly, up close Dean realized the man was only an inch or two shorter than he was. And better yet, his eyes were even bluer up close.

The stranger paused for a second, observing him quietly before taking Dean’s hand. Dean quickly raised him up, mumbling another apology. It was then Miracle had decided to make his presence acknowledged. He shamelessly pranced between the two men, innocently unaware of any awkwardness. He muzzled the man’s left hand gently which broke the ice as those blue eyes started to soften.

He smiled down warmly at the disaster pup who greeted his new friend with a friendly bark. The man got down on one knee and began to gently scratch behind both of Miracle’s ears. Dean began to feel himself become mesmerized by the man’s strong hands running through his dog’s fur.

“What’s his name?” Dean was slightly jolted out of his trance as he realized he was being addressed.

“Miracle. He’s uh a bit of a trouble maker despite his namesake.”

Dean’s eyes widen at the man’s sudden quiet laughter. It shifted something in his chest like he downed just a bottle of liquid sunshine.

“I see. Must get it from his owner.” He teased, smiling.

Dean felt the corner of his mouth quirk a little in response.

“Dean Winchester.” He said while extending his right hand.

“Cas-“ The man stopped in mid-sentence as his eyes widen in horror.

Dean could only helplessly stare back before he remember the fall. He took a peek at his hands and finally saw all the redness and small scratches on his palms. There a slight stinging but nothing too substantial. Before he could brush off Cas’s concern, his wrist was grabbed in a surprisingly firm grip.

“Let me treat you.” Though it sounded like a demand, Dean could see by Cas’s almost apologetic demeanor it was a suggestion.

If Cas had on a doctor’s coat and some cowboy boots, Dean would’ve been in heaven. But since Cas isn’t an angel, Dean’s grateful Cas’s playing nurse on the mortal coil. And what kind of gentlemen would he be turning down such a generous offer?

“You got first aid ready, Mr. Eagel scout?” Dean teased as Cas carefully surveyed the damage on Dean’s palms.

“No but I do have one in my house.”

“Geez. At least take me out to dinner first.”

“I’m afraid any future dinner plans will have to wait until your injury is taken care of.” Castiel answered solemnly, only a slight smile betraying the humor in his eyes.

Dean laughed in surprise.

“Alright. Where’s your house anyways?”

“Dean. We’re standing in my driveway.” Cas deadpanned as he gestured from his car to his home.

Only then did Dean actually survey his surroundings. Taking in the small red two story house with a brown roof and an ugly yellow Lincoln Continental tucked into the driveway. He spotted a medium sized ginger cat lying languidly on their stomach in the living room window, monitoring the commotion outside through the slit of their right eye.

Miracle apprantely took noticed as well then proceeded to bark happily at his hopeful new friend. Unfornately, the poor canine’s hopes were quickly dashed as the cat jumped from the window still. This earned a small whine from Miracle.

“Uh, is it alright if Miracle comes in? Doesn’t seem like your cat is all gung-ho for company.”

“Bob doesn’t like anyone. He’s neutral with any company.”

Feeling a bit bold, Dean decided to take his shot.

“Even if said company is devastatingly handsome?”

“Dean, felines don’t share humans’ appreciation for visual aesthetics. Also, he’s neutered.”

This time unable to tell whether or not he was joking, Dean elected to just follow Cas into his home. Cas offered to have Dean to sit on the couch while he fetched the first aid kit from the upstairs bathroom. Miracle was seemingly unbothered entering a stranger’s home and proceeded to curl on the floor next to Dean’s feet for a nap. Dean took a subtle sniff of the air. Cas’s scent was unexpectedly prominent in the vicinity as from what Dean could deduce, Cas is a Beta.

While Dean sat, he quietly observed Cas’s living room. It was surprisingly cozy with its warm brown and beige tones and a knitted blanket hanging out the back of the couch. Besides the tv, there was a bookshelf chalked with everything from philosophy to Harlequin novels which Dean would never admit to having read once or twice. From his spot he could make out a few of the titles like The Christmas Crisis, A Gladiator’s Sentiment, and……The Fiery Alpha’s Desired Bed-Mate.

Interesting.

Before his thoughts could jump on that particular train, Cas’s footsteps caught his attention as he walked down the steps with the first aid kit in hand. Cas took a seat next to Dean, sitting close enough that their thighs touched.

Suddenly, the room felt a little bit warmer than before as he gently grasped Dean’s injuried palm. He felt almost entranced by the way those firm hands tended to his wounds in silence. The pain hadn’t even registered because Cas’s scent had flooded Dean’s senses. Now he has a chance to really take it in, it reminds him of honey, something kinda malty, and the forest after it rained. Being closer to the source, there was something underlying in his scent. Something tempting.

“Um, Dean?” Cas squeaked out as he let go of Dean’s bandaged hands.

Dean on realizing he was half-way to slobbering on Cas’s neck, he quickly jerked his head back. He scooted a short distance away to provide space just in Cas. His cheeks started to flare as his blunder set in. He knows better. He wasn’t a pup for God’s sake!

“Sorry, it’s just….your scent’s really strong for a Beta, you know?”

Cas looked at him in confusion as if Dean had somehow missed a very obvious fact.

“Dean, it’s September 18th.” Cas told him slowly.

“Why does that…….Oh oh.”

Dean once again is embarrassed into silence. It’s close to the Autumn Equinox, almost fucking Tide. While a small masochistic part of Dean that thinks with knot first wants to know if Cas’s spending it with anyone, the more logical side of his brain is screaming to keep his big mouth shut. It’s like Cas’s presence had completely driven out all knowledge of social etiquette and basic biology from Dean’s mind. Dean’s cheeks heat up so much so that he considers hiding his head in the sand just prevent Cas’s from seeing them.

They sat for in quiet for a moment that seemed to stretch for minutes. Cas let out a small cough before breaking the awkward silence.

“It seems like Miracle isn’t the only one that needs to be more aware of his surroundings.” Cas remarked lightheartedly.

“Hey! He’s the one that went all Forest Grump on me.” Dean jokingly defended himself as he gestured to the sleeping pooch. The suspect in question only gave a loud snore in response.

“Who?”

“You know. Run, Forest run!” Dean tried imitating in his best Jenny voice.

However, this must not have impressed Cas as the man tilted his head to the right again. At this point Dean assumes Cas must be part owl.

“Apologizes but I’m afraid I still don’t get the reference.”

“Dude. We need to fix that like yesterday.”

As they continued speaking, Dean learned that Cas is a really unique guy. To explain his lack of pop cultural knowledge, his family didn’t own a tv or go to the movies growing up, choosing instead to stick to old fashioned radio and books for entertainment. He had three older brothers, one twin brother, and one younger sister. (Dean asked if Cas’s family is Mormon. He jokingly informs Dean that they are from Illinois not Utah.) His full name is Castiel Clarence Novak. He’s going to be the new English teacher at Lawrence High School and that he just got out a relationship before moving here.

While the converstation flowed smoothly, Dean finally decided try to subtly to ask the question that his Alpha’s been howling about since he first scented Cas.

“I’m guessing your type is A, right?”

“My blood type is O negative.”

“No, I meant your type. I was looking at your books earlier, also Vonnegut good choice, and I saw the uh, line of bodice rippers.”

Cas’s eyes widen a little as the meaning of his words clicked into place. His blue eyes shifted to the right as his cheeks turned a light cherry red.

“Oh those were my ex’s.”

Dean’s stomach sank.

“I’m not keeping them around because I miss her, I just think they’re well written is all.”

The weight in Dean was lifted so sharply that he almost missed how Cas was lightly rubbing his neck in a self-conscious manner. Seems Cas wasn’t just thinking of their literary value. He shook his head before establishing proper eye contact once more.

“Anyways, to properly answer your question I would say my type is ABO. I’m pretty indifferent to primary gender and the same with secondary. Both of which are to my parents’s dismay.”

Dean almost laughed at Cas’s bluntness and a little in relief. While he may not have said it outright, at least Dean could be in the running if he played his cards right.

“What about you?” Cas’s words breaking Dean out of his thoughts.

“Um, same on the primary front but I’m a little more picky on secondary. So I guess OB. Never met an Alpha that I thought about like that.”

“I see. Well with your scent I don’t imagine you’re lacking in company. The mix of hickory wood and cinnamon reminds of a nice bourbon. It suits you.”

“Thanks Cas but I’m not exactly drowning in suitors. And uh, your scent really um, suits you too.” Dean got out a bit awkwardly. It’s better than admitting his Alpha wanted to jump the Beta and nose at his scent gland for hours.

From there the conversation shifted naturally. Everything from Dean’s past relationships, how he got Miracle, mutual interests like reading and favorite authors, to even stuff like the time his little brother Sam took his now fiancee Eileen to the circus for her birthday despite being terrified of clowns.

“Wait” Cas catching his breath between chuckles. “He what?!”

“Punched the poor bastard! He heard it was her birthday and wanted to surprise her with a ballon dog. Comes up from behind to greet them then bam! Guy had to get security and everything!”

Dean watches entranced as Cas dissolves into a fit of laughter. He tilted his head back as he laughed with an open mouth showing off his gums and pearly white teeth. Dean could feel his Alpha compelling him to wrap himself around the Beta just to feel that delightful rumble against his chest. Maybe it was because of the upcoming Tide but the sweetness of Cas’s scent seemed to intensify as well.

“And here I was thinking getting tackled on my birthday was bad.” Cas remarked after settling down.

“Wait, it’s your birthday? You should out busy celebrating not playing host to some dumb guy and his dog. We’ll get out of your hair now. Come on Miracle.” Dean gave a light tug on the leash which roused the terrier mix to the present. He groggily got up on all four paws and shook his head to get rid of any clinging sleepiness.

As Dean got up from the couch he felt a hand suddenly clasp around his wrist. He was taken aback by the blush on Cas’s face as he internalized what he had just done. Cas instantly let go in apology as he looked away before clearing his throat.

“It’s fine, really. I didn’t actually have any plans tonight.” Cas kept looking down as his hands fidgeted in his lap like he was confessing something shameful. Dean’s heartstrings were tugged at thought of his (NOT HIS!) Beta being alone on what should be his special day. It didn’t help that lovely scent from earlier now slightly soured with notes of sadness and disappointment. Dean placed a gentle hand on Cas’s shoulder who looked up at him.

“Hey man it’s okay, you just moved here. If you want though, I know a place with real good burgers. And the company’s not so bad either.” Dean joked, punctuating his last sentence with a wink.

He was rewarded with a small gummy smile and soft baby blue eyes. Along with sweetest return of malted honey and fresh forest rain.

——————————————————————-

Dean Winchester is in a situation. Which in of itself is not unusual…..typically speaking.

Dean would like to say he’s well rounded. Has a job as a mechanic at his Uncle Bobby’s shop, owns a classic 1967 Chevy Impala and a small house in the suburbs, has hobbies like watching movies and dnd, and a healthy social life with a mixture of interactions of family and friends. So theoretically this should extend to his dating life.

However, the only constant law the universe obeys is Murphy’s. Everything from long distance, ghosting, getting cheated on, a period of internalized homophobia, and plain incompatibly has kept Dean a lone wolf. However, no longer!

His dating record might be a disaster but his love life is alive and kicking. Except for recently that is. But, but that’s only because Dean’s putting all the effort into courting Cas these last few months. Although, there is the small problem that he never ‘officially’ asked to court the Beta. Surely, the constant dropping off meals at his doorstep during Tide (Good Provider), replacing his flat tire and getting him a discount on a replacement (Kind and Resourceful), introducing him to his friends and family (Part of a Pack), and the thousand little gifts like morning coffee and bookmarks (Thoughtful) must have at least signaled Dean’s interest.

Still, after getting to know Cas, he might not recognize a courtship attempt even if it was subtle as a brick to the face. The idea that he might have interpreted everything to be only friendly neighborly gestures stirred a growing unease in Dean. It’s not he wouldn’t okay with being just Cas’s friend, it was the fact Dean was kinda sorta falling in love with the guy. Sure the attraction and scent compatibility was there from the start (he had eyes and a working nose after all) but it’s grown into so much more than that. He’s funny if even when it’s unintentional, he talks about his students with pride, goes on passionate rants about the environment and the vital role bees play in it, and Cas is always sincere even at the cost of social awkwardness.

Dean’s pretty sure he’s caught Cas trying to scent him once or twice but that might wishful thinking on his part.

As he lied on his bed contemplating how to deal with his ever expanding crush on his baby-blue eyed Beta neighbor, Miracle had apparently had grow frustrated with Dean’s lack of attention. He jumped onto Dean’s stomach with no reservations and a loud squeaky toy in his mouth.

“Damnit, Miracle!” Dean wheezed as he clutched his abdomen.

He turned on his side to face his impatient canine companion in order to scold him when he registered the Christmas themed chew toy hanging from his mouth. Dean gently tugged it from Miracle to examine the small mistletoe motifs decorating it in its entirety. Slowly the cogs in his brain began to turn, setting out the blueprints for his most elaborate attempt yet. Just like that Dean had a plan.

“Miracle, you fucking genius.”

Miracle, clueless, barked happily.

Chapter Text

“Sir, that will be $37.56.” Droned the poor overworked teenaged department store employee who didn’t even blink at the abundance of artificial green leaves and bright berries as she mechanically stuffed them in a paper bag.

Dean on the other hand was buzzing with anticipation. He grabbed his prize from the checkout counter as he rushed out to his car. First, delicately buckling in the mistletoe in shotgun before jumping into the driver’s seat. The keys were already in the ignition as he mulled over his game plan.

It was perfect. He’d hang up the mistletoe everywhere, wait until Cas notices and Dean will ask jokingly for a kiss, then he’ll finally know where Cas’s feelings stand. If Cas gives him a kiss, perfect, mission success. If Cas says no, he’ll say he was kidding and hopefully preserve their friendship. Afterwards, it’ll followup with a solo pity party featuring his good friends Ben and Jerry, starring along Dr.Sexy. His Alpha let out a pathetic whine at the thought which Dean promptly swallowed down. Of course everything would be easier if he brought up the mistletoe thing first but it might put Cas into an awkward position. After all Dean’s the one who hung it up in the first place, if he’s the one who pointed it out that’s basically a desperate thinly veiled attempt of asking for a kiss. And Dean’s not that desperate…..yet.

As he starts up Baby for the ride home, he ponders on the best places to hang up the mistletoe. The rearview mirror would be a good start. He’s been dropping and picking up Cas from work due to a transmission issue in that pimpmobile of his. One in his own doorway might work too. Cas is over often enough. Another could be in the kitchen, at the shop……..

When he arrives home, Dean carefully unbuckled the goods and tucks the bag under his arm. As he walks up to his front door he racks his brain for any other places that could catch the Beta’s attention. Entering the house, he finds Miracle snoring away on the couch with a National Geographic documentary playing quietly in the background. Dean gives his furry friend a quick pet before setting forth and dousing his humble abode in holiday cheer.

His Alpha goes in a frenzy wanting to impress the Beta. It’s not like Cas hasn’t been over before but this was different. Part of him wanted to invite the Beta to help which would have made it feel more like ‘their’ place. But Dean needed to exhibit his den decorating skills if he wanted to stand a chance impressing Cas. So, the next five hours flew by with the untanglement with lines of lights, stringing up rows of tinsel, filling stacks of stocking, and of course a grand tree embellished in the finest vintage ornaments. Everything was so meticulously curated it could’ve starred in a Sear’s catalogue. Finally the grand finale. He took a piece of string and tied up the mistletoe right above the doorway. It swung gently side to side acting as a beacon for impromptu kisses. Dean look around proudly at his accomplishment. Perfect lighting, perfect mood and even if it doesn’t workout with Cas at least there’s the Christmas costume party. He nodded to himself affirmingly.

This is foolproof.

————————————————————

It was indeed not foolproof. For Dean was a fool. A massive one at that.

It all started on Monday. The man of the hour arrived at Dean’s door dressed in his signature trench coat and sensible shoes that reminded Dean of a dorky tax accountant. However, this time he was also donning his gay apparel which consisted of a school appropriate tacky red Christmas sweater featuring a Grinch version of Scrooge with his iconic “Bah! Humbug!” in a bold comic bubble. Cas was sporting his signature bed head look and eye bags deep enough to reach the Mariana trench.

“Been missing out on your beauty sleep, princess?” Dean teased.

“Hello, Dean.” Cas answered with a yawn directed into his palm.

“You sure, you’re up for today? We can always take a raincheck.” Concern creeping into Dean’s tone.

“It’s fine. Just spent last night getting all my grading done before the break.” Cas responded, waving off the matter entirely.

Dean made sure to open the door wide. Highlighting the mistletoe centerpiece delicately perched above their two like a makeshift Christmas cupid. His heart felt like a hummingbird was frantically trying to escape his chest as he hear Cas give a small gasp. Dean soldered the memory of how Cas’s sapphire eyes widen as the Beta took in the decor. Dean could feel his Alpha puff up his chest in pride. Clearly, his den was modeled in holiday expertise.

“Dean, this is beautiful.” Cas said in amazement, a small smile softening his expression from before. The genuine warmness of his tone paired with those adoring blue eyes burned into Dean’s mind like a film reel.

A burst of toasted hickory and cinnamon flooded the air before Dean could blink. Right away, his cheeks were the same shade as the stockings hanging on the fireplace. Internally, Dean was cringing at his dumb Alpha who had decided to tattle-scent their sappy feelings all over the place. By the way Cas’s posture stiffened, it was quite obvious. Cas quickly glanced his way before mercifully looking away.

Dean coughed into his fist, trying to move past the awkwardness before his embarrassment could self-cannibalize him.

“Uh, thanks. So, let’s go?” Dean meekly asked spinning his car keys into his hand.

“Yes, let’s.” Cas nodded politely, sensing the change in conversation.

With that, attempt one was a failure. Along with attempt two and three. As they settled into their seats the mistletoe clearly hung off the left side of rear view mirror, directly in Cas’s field of vision. But either he was too tired to notice or maybe he didn’t care because the Beta didn’t mention a thing about it.

Baby slowly warmed up as Dean began driving. Soon, they slipped into talking about the Christmas costume party Sammy and Eileen were holding.

One day when the two finally had enough of listening to Dean’s romantic Cas-related woes and dropped by to visit him ‘coincidentally’ when he and Cas were hanging out. Subtle interrogation aside, they got along like a house on fire. With him and Sam delving in nerd territory like ancient religious mythos. Then surprising everyone by signing in response to a question Eileen asked. They seized on their prospective brother in law by making him promise to attend their holiday party which leads to now.

“Come on Cas, just a hint?”

“Dean, it’s to my understanding that it’s supposed to be a surprise.” Cas responded sternly.

“That shouldn’t count with your best friend. What if we show up in the same thing?”

“Then there will be two of us, Dean. Keep your eyes on the road.” Cas answered mildly exasperated.

He was a grown man so he wasn’t going to pout, goddamnit. It seems that however curious the cat the bag ain’t opening this time. After an uneventful ten minutes they finally arrived at the school.

With quick thank you and goodbye later, Dean was off to the garage ready to prepare the next part of his ingenious plan. Today, Bobby had errands to run so that meant Dean was left to own devices. Grabbing his stash of Christmas decorations that were hidden the trunk, he set about covering the place in holiday cheer. Unfortunately, the work area was limited to a miniature tree in corner and tinsel taped to the wall but that wasn’t the important part. Feeling around the bag, Dean pulled out his pièce de résistance. Another piece of mistletoe this time with the stem wrapped with a piece of green and blue ribbon Dean scented.

Dean walked to Cas’s car and tied it to the rear view mirror just like in his car. Usually, he places in one of those black ice tree car fresheners but this time smell of Cas’s fresh forest rain and malted honey was accompanied the subtle combination of Dean’s own hickory and cinnamon. Dean heart picked a beat as he imagined the blue-eyed Beta noticing the gift when he picked up his car today.

He shook off the thought for now because he still had a day’s work ahead of him. Shortly, Dean found himself greeting the first of his coworkers which was promptly followed incoming customers. The steady flow of traffic keep him preoccupied until 17:00. Dean wrapped his work then washed his hands so he can pick up Cas and drive him back to the garage to pick up his car.

Approaching the school’s main entrance he spotted Cas talking to some of his students. Rolling down his window, he caught the tail end of the conversation.

“Come on, Mr.Novak you can tell us. That guy is so your boyfriend.” One of the kids playfully teased.

“Yeah, he picks you up and sometimes brings you lunch. That’s like textbook courting.”Another piped up.

Was it that obvious?

Cas’s voice rang out before Dean could think too deeply on it.

“Thank you for your input, everyone.” Cas said sarcastically, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“But I implore you to focus on your book reports instead of my love life.” He remarked sternly.

“Fine.”

One by one the kids said their goodbyes before walking off to catch the bus. Dean wait for Cas to notice him, hoping he didn’t realize Dean had basically been eavesdropping on their entire conversation. Eventually, Cas realized he was there and waved. He walked over and buckled in.

“I’m sorry for that. They’re good kids just a little….shameless.”

“Hey, it’s no problem. At least they think you have good taste.”

Cas gave a small chuckle at that as they drove down to the garage. When they arrived, his Alpha perked up in anticipation. Dean’s nerves began to flare a bit as Cas got out to check out his car. Dean held his breath as Cas open up the front door and…..

Nothing. Nada. Not even a blink.

Just a ‘Thank you. Dean.’ before driving off.

And this was how the next two weeks played out. Despite, placing mistletoe in every possible place he could conceive of (his kitchen, his office at the garage, Cas’s doorway last time he visited, Cas’s windchime, etc) but he…..

Just. Doesn’t. Notice.

Reluctantly passing on the temptation to bang his head against the kitchen table, he gets up and heads to his bedroom to prepare for tonight’s party. He pulls on a white wing tip shirt pairing it with black highland pants along with leather riding boots. Too bad he couldn’t afford the frock coat for a movie accurate look but beggars can’t be choosers he thought as he adjust the black hat. Just in case, he slip a piece of mistletoe into his pocket to hang up if Sam and Eileen hadn’t done so already.

By the time he arrived to the party, it was in full swing. Bobby and Ellen were dressed like Mr and Mrs.Claus chatting up some guests in the living room. Well Ellen was the one talking with Bobby occasionally chiming in from time to time. Some of Sam’s old college buddies were huddled together in the corner nursing some beers looking similar to The Three Stooges. The hosts themselves were decked out in matching torn flannel shirts and worn jeans with fake machetes like the monster hunters from the Supernatural books. And the crown jewel of them all was walking up to him right now.

“Dean!” Cas greeted cheerfully, his drink slightly sloshing in his hand.

Dean’s parched throat was suddenly deserted by any words he could’ve used to smooth out the sitatution. But can you blame him?

He stood stiffly as strong arms wrapped him in a quick hug, encompassing all his senses in sweet beer and fresh forest rain. Yet, all he could think about was the navy scrubs, pristine white lab coat, those damned cowboy boots. Cas was dressed as motherfucking Dr.Sexy and Dean going to die. He had to otherwise the sinful Beta was not leaving without Dean’s mating bite for all the world to see.

“Dean?” Cas’s tone softened with concern.

That just made everything so much worse. Those powder blue eyes and slight chapped pink lips were teasing him. Begging for his Alpha to chase forward in order to claim them all for himself. A hand found his right shoulder and those lips were suddenly so much closer.

“Uh, Cas. I thought you didn’t like Dr.Sexy.” He clumsily squeaked out.

Cas tilted his head then squinted in that adorable way of his.

“I don’t but you do.” He said slowly.

“What?”

Cas gave a playful smile and leaned in to whisper something, his hot breath tickling Dean’s ear.

“I wanted to dress up for my boyfriend. Don’t you like it?” He added coyly. The Beta patted Dean’s collar, pretending to smooth it down before leaning back to take in his expression.

Dean unfortunately had blue screened. The emotional roll coaster of joy, shock, and confusion was just too much at once. Eventually, Cas broke him out of his trance.

“Dean?”

“Cas, can we talk in the kitchen please?”

He gave a small frown at that but nodded following Dean into the kitchen. If the Alpha hadn’t been so wrapped up in his head, he would have notice he lead Cas by the hand.

The kitchen was thankfully empty. Dean turned around, wanting to know everything and anything Cas had thought about their relationship this entire time but the only thing that came out was..

“Why don’t you kiss me?”

“What?”

“If we’re dating, how come we haven’t kissed yet?”

“I thought you wanted to take things slow.”

“Slow? Cas, didn’t find you find it weird that mistletoe was ‘coincidently’ always close by and I ‘coincidently’ was too?” He empathized with the same finger quotes he picked up from Cas.

“Mistletoe? I just assumed you were really enthusiastic about Christmas decorating. And if affection is the issue, how come you didn’t kiss me?” Cas added firmly, poking a finger into Dean’s chest.

“Ididn’tknowwedating.” Dean spewed out quickly, his freckled cheeks bright red.

“I couldn’t understand that Dean.”

He took a deep breath and admitted “I didn’t know we were dating.”

This had the unexpected effect of making Cas laugh. It was like all the ice and snow had melted as Cas warmth laughter rang clearly throughout the small kitchen. He had one hand on the counter to steady him as he clutched his stomach.

“So wait. The reason you were pouty these last two weeks is because I didn’t kiss you under the mistletoe?” He managed to get out after sobering up a bit.

“Hey! I didn’t pout, Cas. Grown men don’t pout.”

“Of course they don’t. You were just grumpy your extremely indirectly courtship attempt wasn’t working.” Cas responded sarcastically as he rolled his eyes. After that (in Dean’s opinion) unnecessary display, his eye began roaming the room for something.

“What cha looking for?”

“Well, since you’ve been a good boy all this time I think you deserve an early Christmas present. But too bad there’s been some oversight on the mistletoe department..”

Dean’s eyes widen at the insinuation.

“Well turns out I’m always prepared for emergencies.” Dean replied slyly, fishing out the mistletoe from his pants pocket. He held it proudly over both their heads. Cas glanced at it for a second before stepping into his space and kissing him fully and deeply.

It was everything he had imagined. Their scents began to crowd and slid against one another. Both of their breaths were intertwined as Cas’s arms wrapped his neck with Dean’s other hand holding a firm clasp on the Beta’s thick hip. He felt a tingle down his spine as they continued. Finally after what felt like an eternity and no time at all, they both had to break away for air. Red and purple eyes met one another paired with a little light-headedness, their foreheads touched as dumb smiles graced both their faces.

“Dean.”

“Hm?”

“That’s holly.”