Dean is staring out into the heavenly night, leaning against the impala as his mind is conflicted. He had been fighting for so long. Now that he had died, there was still work to be done. He had to do anything he could to repair the fraught universe, to ensure that nothing can interfere with Sam's happiness. He wanted Sam to live out the life he always wanted. He wanted to do all the work that needed to be done if he wanted to achieve peace with his family. But deep down, one thing was troubling him, a lingering wish that burned bright in his heart. He would give everything to see Castiel again, the angel who had risked everything for him. He had done everything in his willpower to keep Dean safe, he gave up his blind faith to serve Dean in his cause. Dean had changed Cas for the better. He made him feel like he was human, a feeling he had been longing for ever since he first stepped foot on the holy earth. After so many years of sacrifice and kinship, it was the goodbye that hurt the most. Castiel had gave his life to the darkness to save Dean, the man he loved. The words I Love You were forever engraved on his heart. He wished he could turn back the clock and say everything he needed to say, to unearth the buried feelings he had kept under suppression. He needed to see Cas, no matter what trials he had to accomplish to be under the angel's warm embrace again. Now that Cas was in heaven, maybe Dean could repair the pieces that had crumbled that last night on earth, to address what was left unspoken. It happened so fast that Dean couldn't even save him, he just watched as he slipped away into the dark abyss. Everyone he lost, disappeared from him like a flash of light. Now that he was fighting for peace, he could right every wrong in his past. Cas was one of them and he needed to see him again. He had saved his parents, that was one thing on his list checked out. Saying what he needed to say to Cas was the next thing to mark off.
Dean could feel a presence making its way towards him, like the great powers of heaven were keeping his spirit guarded. Jack was behind him.
Jack: Are you alright Dean, you seem troubled?
Jack was the only source of comfort Dean needed right now. He sighs, unwilling to keep his emotions bottled up anymore.
Dean: You once told me there'll be peace when I'm done. I've been this world's beholden anchor for so long. I won't rest until the sun sets on my hunter's legacy. But there's one thing I need to make up for....and that's for never saying a proper goodbye.
Jack watches Dean with a coy smile, reading the feeling of longing on his face. He knows exactly what he's thinking.
Jack: I know how you feel Dean. Cas misses you with all his heart. He tries his best to stay strong, but he can't help but watch over you in heaven's pale light. He did this all for you.
Dean: Watching from a distance is a pain in the ass. Is there a way....I can speak to him? I need to see him Jack.
Jack: Don't worry Dean, I can arrange that. Just hold tight.
Jack's eyes begin to glow a faint blue as Dean watches in astonishment.
Jack: You will feel nothing. My power will take you to where you most desire to be.
Jack puts a hand on Dean's forehead as the world around him is engulfed in heavenly, blinding light. Dean opens his eyes to find himself in a calming abyss, an ancient tapestry of a restored heaven as there was a majestic garden surrounding him. Everything around him was drenched in phosphorescence as it was like he had been transported to the most purest part of heaven. It wasn't what Dean expected but here he was, waiting for his angel to return.
Castiel: Hello Dean...
Dean turns around to see Castiel standing there in the heavenly light, a worn smile on his face. He looked like he never changed. He was still the same man from the night the darkness swallowed him. The same man who fought by his side for countless decades. The man who professed his love in a time of great desperation. Looking at Cas's brown trench coat and blue eyes was like time had stopped, like nothing had gone by for Castiel since he had sacrificed his life that day in the bunker. Dean had changed, he was a different man now that he was dead. But seeing Cas was enough to remind him that his humanity was still within him.
Dean could feel tears prickle at his eyes as he went in to hug Castiel, something he had been longing for ever since he lost him all those years ago.
Dean: I missed you buddy....
Castiel could sense the sadness in Dean's mind, of how he missed him so desperately. It didn’t matter if separation kept them apart, they would always find one another again.
Castiel: I never thought I'd see you again Dean....
Dean: Well life happens, what can I say.
Dean pulls away from Cas's embrace as he admires the heavenly sight before him.
Dean: So you became all high and mighty? I'm loving the place by the way. Suits you.
Castiel, smiling: Ever since Jack rescued me from the empty, I stood by his side as I helped him rebuild the gates of heaven. I bask in the light and watch as I ensure the the universe is perfectly balanced. There are worlds born anew who still need a protector. This world needed an omniscient being to watch over it. Heaven is a station of peace thanks to Jack's power. I have been helping him keep an eye on things. Especially you Dean. I still have great purpose to carry out before my work is done, but I can assure you, I will be at peace once again.
Dean: I'm doing all of this for Sammy. There is still so much work to be done before I can find peace with him. Until the universe is safe from all evil, I'll get my time to rest.
Castiel: You are a strong man Dean, I have hope your love will conquer this great tide of evil. You always feel like you have to keep fighting. You will carry on fighting. That is who you'll always be. You are a man who uses love as his great power.
Dean bows his head down nervously, pondering what to say. This was probably the only chance he had to speak his mind. To tell Cas how he truly felt.
Dean: Cas, there's a reason I'm here...what I wanted to say....what I needed to say....
Castiel: Dean....
Dean: I never got to say goodbye. You are the one thing I need to find forgiveness for and this is my only chance to say it...I love you Cas, I always have.
Castiel stares at him in shock, it wasn't something he expected to hear. He had often dreamed of this moment, he always wondered what Dean would have said if they had gotten one more minute together. There was no barrier keeping them apart any longer. Time wasn't stopping them. This was Dean's chance to say what he felt, to answer Cas's last prayer.
Dean: There's not one moment of the day where I can't stop thinking about you. I wish things were different. I wish I listened to you and held your hand all the way. I should have faced that darkness with you. You saved my life that day, and a part of me....a part of me wishes I went with you. After that, I never stopped loving you. I kept fighting for you. I may be making the afterlife into my own rodeo for Sammy, but you have always been there. I can't find peace unless you're in it. So I love you Cas. I always will. If I have to stay in this moment with you forever, I will do it. So if there's one thing I'm gonna set right here and now, it'll be with you Cas. I'm with you to the very end.
Castiel: I did this all for you, Dean. I couldn't help but feel distracted from my seraphic duties. But there's one person I look to - and that's you Dean. I have watched the noble things you have done. What you did to save your parents. It just shows how much of a good man you truly are. So when my work is done, I will spend every moment I have with you. I will stand by your side until my name is forever written on your heart.
Castiel felt a lump grow in his throat as his wildest dreams were coming to light. Dean loved him unconditionally and this was the only chance he had to tell him. He couldn't fight with his feelings anymore as Castiel and Dean kiss under the divine light. It was warm and tender, the world around them melting away as it was just them and their passionate love. Cas was left stunned as he didn't expect to experience affection quite like this, especially from a Winchester. This was everything Dean had wanted to do for so long, as each kiss healed his worn scars. He caressed the angel's face, trying to remember how his mellow skin felt in his hands. He couldn't believe the land he was walking on. He had found forgiveness and love in Castiel, something he thought was unattainable. Dean had never felt more happy in his life. He and Castiel were more than friends now. They were everything to each other.
They move away from the kiss, the breath taken out of each of them. Castiel rests his forehead against Dean's as he can't believe his luck. Tears shed down his face as his feelings were finally reciprocated.
Castiel: What happens now?
Dean bows his head down lowly, still leaning against Cas's forehead. He tries to find the words.
Dean: I've got work to do. The universe needs saving, and I can't do it alone. I need you Cas, I need a partner.
Castiel placed a hand on Dean's shoulder, looking him in the eye sincerely.
Castiel: Then I will stand with you until the very end.
Dean is grateful to have Cas on his side, to have the angel's love as his shield. He can't help but feel a pull towards Cas's eyes, lost in their winesome fidelity. He holds Cas in his arms, deep down knowing that he'll always have his back.
Dean: One last hunt
Castiel: One last hunt
Dean holds Cas tight in his arms as he is so relieved to have his lost lover at his side again. He found atonement being in the angel's company and now he needed him more than ever. He nestles his head against Cas's shoulder, burying himself into his embrace as he wished he could stay like this with him, to dance among the heavenly light. As the luminousity engulfed them, Dean knew that he would always carry this memory with him. Dean will always have Castiel by his side...
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