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Published:
2023-10-26
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2025-06-15
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2/2
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The Unsuspecting Sub

Summary:

Prompt: "I think I just topped an unsuspecting sub.. I was out with my 4yo, and he was running, and I wanted him to stop so I said, 'Excuse me, Mister. You need to stop and turn around.' And this gentleman had had his back to me, and he stopped whatever he was doing, put his hands up and turned and looked at me, wide-eyed. And I looked at him, he looked at me, and I said, 'Not you, him.' And he turned and looked at my 4yo. I said, 'But you are well-trained. Good boy.' And he turned bright red. And I walked away."

Notes:

Posting this as a distraction for my Muse.
There was a second prompt and/or meme, and they seemed to work well enough together:
"Ok. So holy hell. I snap my fingers like a lot and I snapped them really good and loud and this lady the next aisle over replied as soon as I snapped 'I'm your good girl' and her husband said 'That wasn't me babe.'
I am dead."

Chapter Text

Castiel was exhausted. He had just finished moving into his new home, closer to the school where he was teaching English and History to middle schoolers. Most people would shudder upon hearing that, but he really enjoyed them, and he had a great poker face, so they mostly seemed intimidated. And, rumor had gotten out that his punishments were… creative, so they mostly stayed in line. If not, well, usually there was a reason, which he made every attempt to get to the bottom of, and help as he could. And if the kids he helped made his punishments sound horrific, well, win/win.
He had several friends in Social Services, knew what to look for, and was, himself, a former foster parent to his newly adopted son, Jack.
Speaking of Jack, he was hoping to order a pizza, and then take a walk around their new neighborhood while they waited. Jack had been really good all day, playing in his new room while Castiel brought in boxes.
So he ordered their dinner, got Jack's shoes on, and they headed outside. As soon as they got to the end of their walkway, Jack slipped his hand out of Castiel's, and started running.
Castiel called after him, not too loudly because he didn't want to disturb the neighbors, and they were on a cul-de-sac anyway. "Jack! Slow down, buddy!"
Jack kept going, not running away, but running for the sheer joy of being outside on a lovely day. Castiel jogged after him, and when he showed no sign of losing steam, Castiel pulled out his teacher voice.
"Excuse me, Mister. You need to stop and turn around." From the corner of his eye, Castiel saw a beautiful shirtless man stop trimming his hedge and turn around. He put his hands up and stared, wide-eyed.
Castiel looked at him, the man looked at Castiel, and Castiel said, "Not you. Him."
The man turned and looked at Jack, who had stopped by now. Castiel said, "But you are well-trained. Good boy."
The man blushed a beautiful red, all down his chest, making his adorable freckles stand out in sharp relief. Jack had come back to Castiel, so they turned and walked away.
"Did you have a good run, buddy?"
"Yeah, Dad! Did you see me go fast?"
"I did, Jackie! But let's be careful and watch for cars, okay? You may have to start jogging with me, would you like that?"
"Yeah! We can run fast! We can race!"
"So we can! Let's get inside, are you ready for some pizza?"
"Yay! Pizza!"

After dinner and a bath, Jack went to bed, and Castiel wasn't long behind him. He was exhausted, but as he laid down to get to sleep, the thought of huge green eyes and freckles had his dick hardening faster and more unrelentingly than he expected, given his state of exhaustion. He knew he shouldn't, he didn't even know the probably-straight-and-happily-married man's name. Fantasizing about a new neighbor was a bad idea, it would give his dick ideas that it didn't need to have every time he saw the man. But those eyes. Dilating at his command. And the blush. The quick lick of his lips. Castiel wanted. He took himself in hand, after swearing to himself that he wouldn't, and came harder and faster than he had in a long time. He barely had time to clean up before sleep claimed him.

The next day was Sunday, and Castiel had a well-deserved lie-in. Jack had gotten up, and was dressed, watching TV with a cup of juice.
"Hey buddy, did you sleep well?"
"Yeah Dad! I wasn't scared at all!"
"That's great, Jack! I'm glad your new room feels right."
"It's just like my old room!"
"That's right! But now we're closer to school!"
"Can we run there?"
Castiel chuckled, "We could, but we don't want to be sweaty at school, do we?"
"I guess not."
"Hey Jack, are you hungry?"
"Yeah! I want French Toast!"
"That sounds good, but the kitchen is still in boxes. Would you like to go to a restaurant, then go to the grocery store?"

"Hello, my name is Dean, and I'll be your server today…"
Castiel looked up to wide green eyes, a delicious blush settling over freckled cheeks, and the lush red lips he had thought of as he pleasured himself last night. His own cheeks pinkened a bit, but he kept his composure.
"Well, hello again, Dean. It's very nice to meet you. I'm Castiel, and this is Jack."
"Heya, Jack! Do you like to run?"
"Hi, Mr. Dean! I love to run! How did you know?"
"I saw you running last night before dinner. I live close by. You gotta be careful out there, ok?"
"Ok, I will!"
"Yes, sir"? Castiel reminded.
"Yes, sir!" Jack responded.
"Yes, Sir," Dean chorused along with Jack.
Castiel's eyebrow shot up as Jack giggled and Dean blushed even redder.
"Uh, what can I get y'all to drink?"
"May I have a coffee, and milk for Jack, please."
"I'll get those right away while you decide on breakfast."
"Thank you, Dean."
Dean smiled, and winked. "My pleasure, Cas."

Castiel was in trouble. That wink was lethal, and should be regulated, if not outlawed. And watching those long bow-legs swaggering away did NOT help his problem, not one bit. Better to focus on HIS SON, and leave flirty waiters/neighbors alone.
"So, Jackie, what looks good?"
"French toast!"
"Alright, let's see what they have."
While Castiel looked over the menu, Jack was doing something weird with his hands.
"What are you doing, Jackie?"
"I'm trying to snap my fingers, but they won't snap."
"Like this?" Castiel snapped his fingers.
"Yeah!"
Dean appeared by their table, his smile forced. "What can I do for you?"
Castiel said, "We're still looking at the menu…"
"But, I thought you snapped your fingers?"
Castiel's jaw dropped. "I did! But Dean, I was playing with Jack! I would never!" He placed his hand over Dean's. "I would NEVER snap at a server. And you should never answer to that! Dean! It's demeaning!"
Dean smiled softly at that, "It's all good, Cas. Part of the job."
Castiel squeezed Dean's hand. "I apologize for making you think I was that sort of person. I'm really not."
"I know, Cas. I've seen you with Jack. Let me get your drinks."
Dean turned away, and Jack looked nervous. "Is Mr. Dean mad?"
"No, baby. It's not polite to snap your fingers at a server, and he thought I had snapped at him. Did you see me tell him I was sorry?"
"Yeah…"
"Did he act mad when he left?"
"No…"
"Okay then. It's fine. But maybe we need to leave our snapping for at home."
"Okay, Daddy!"
Dean brought their drinks, made sure Jack's cup had a lid, and set Castiel's coffee down with a small pitcher of cream.
"What can I get ya?"
"I think Jack would like the Elvis French Toast, right, buddy?"
"Yes please!"
"Such nice manners!" Dean praised him.
"I require nothing less," Castiel replied, arching a brow at Dean.
And, there it was. The blush that had almost disappeared while Dean was getting their drinks was back with a vengeance. As it should be. Dean stammered,
"Um… uh, duly noted. And for you, Sir?"
"Let's see, have you had the 'Cowboy Omelette?"
"Yeah…"
Eyebrow.
"I mean, yes, Sir. It's my recipe."
"Well then. Very good. I'll definitely have that."
"And Jack is OK with peanut butter and banana in his toast? Eggs? Any allergies?"
"No, he practically lives on peanut butter. Thank you for asking. Is this also your recipe?"
"Yeah, I mean, yes, Sir. My aunt Ellen owns the restaurant and I was trying to get her to open for breakfast. She made me come up with the menu and I serve on the weekends, so her bar staff can get some rest."
"So all of these are your recipes?"
"Uh, yes, Sir. And the burgers, too."
"Burgers make me very happy. I can tell we'll be returning."
"Dean! C'mon and quit flirting!" A voice whined from the kitchen.
"Coming, Sammy!"
"I'll get these started for you."
"Thank you, Dean."
"Jackie, let's go to the bathroom and wash our hands before our food comes out."
"Okay Dad!"
As Castiel led Jack toward the restroom, he overheard a hushed argument.
"I'm just saying, Dean, this was your idea, you drag me out of bed every weekend, and now you're out there flirting while I'm covering for you."
"One, Sammy, you are up early to jog anyway. Two, she was going to lose the business. You know we had to help. Three, I wasn't flirting."
"Right," Sam scoffed.
Castiel didn't hear anymore, but his mind was swirling as he helped Jack wash his hands. So, apparently Dean is 'dragging' this Sammy out of bed. Sighhhh. He knew it was too good to be true.
Castiel was just finishing getting Jack in his booster seat when Dean brought their plates.
"Thank you, Dean."
"Thanks, Mr. Dean!"
"No problem, kiddo. Enjoy! Let me know how you like it."
A few moments later, Dean checked in with them. "Everything good over here, guys?"
"Yummy!" Jack exclaimed.
"Everything is delicious, Dean. I stole a bite of Jack's French toast, you've done an excellent job with the menu. I may never unpack my kitchen."
"Awesome! Well, breakfast is over, so I'm gonna grab a burger and head out. Jo will probably bring you your check."
"Dean, why don't you come eat with us?"
"Are you sure, man? I don't wanna intrude."
"Of course I'm sure, Dean, right, Jackie? We came in because we haven't been shopping yet. We'd love to get to know you better. That is, if your partner doesn't mind. He's welcome to join us as well."
"My what, now?"
"Your partner? Sammy? We went to wash our hands and heard him saying that you had dragged him out of bed…"
"Cas. Sam's my brother."
"Is this some Star Wars reference?"
Dean just shook his head. "Let me put my apron up. I'll explain when I get back."
Dean hung up his apron and washed up, and came back and sat beside Jack. While he was waiting on his burger, he gave Castiel a quick summary.
"So. Sammy's my brother. He got a full ride to Stanford a few years ago, but there were still expenses, ya know? So, our Dad's um, not financially stable, so uh, Ellen, she helped raise us, and she borrowed against this place to get enough to send Sammy and refurbish in here a bit. And this place makes money, but not enough to really pay back a loan, and Sam hasn't really gotten a good job with his law degree yet, plus he doesn't know she took the loan out for him…"
Sam had just walked up with Dean's plate, and was standing there with his mouth open.
"She did what?! And you didn't tell me?"
"Uhhh…"
Sam stormed off. Dean excused himself, leaving his plate behind. Castiel wasn't sure what to do, but they were finished with breakfast. A young blonde brought them their check, and Castiel asked for a to-go box for Dean's food. He gave her his card, and when she returned with the card and the box, he packed up Dean's food. He slipped some cash for the tip in the bag, along with his number and a brief note on the receipt, and went toward the kitchen.
The blonde was in there, fussing, "...didn't even leave a tip, Dean."
"No wonder, with all this drama! He'll never be back! And I wouldn't blame him!"
Castiel decided he better speak up before it went any further.
"Dean?"
Dean came out, apologetic, but Castiel cut him off. "Breakfast was delicious, Dean. I took the liberty of boxing up your food. I put your tip in the bag, as I wasn't sure if you'd get it. We need to go get groceries, and then I think someone may need a nap."
Dean's worried expression turned soft, "Thanks, Cas. Y'all have fun. Good to see you again, Jack."
"Bye, Mr. Dean!"

Castiel and Jack finished up, and drove to the grocery store. Castiel placed Jack in the cart, and they resumed their finger-snapping lesson. They wandered through the produce section, with Castiel picking up whatever fruits he thought Jack would eat for a snack, as well as a few extra bananas to try to replicate the French toast they'd had earlier. As they wandered down the coffee aisle, he heard a familiar whiny voice complaining.
"Dean, I just don't get why you didn't tell me."
"Because, Sammy, Stanford was your dream, and you know Dad is useless."
"I didn't have to go, Dean. I could've gone to KU."
"No, you couldn't, Sammy. Dad asked me to take care of you. It's what I do."
"Whatever, Jerk."
"Bitch."
"Dean. I do appreciate it. I didn't realize you did all that."
"You weren't supposed to find out. Parents make sacrifices for their kids."
"Dammit, Dean! I'm not your kid!"
"No, but you wouldn't have had a parent at all if I hadn't. We'll get it paid off."
"Fine. I'm sorry I've been complaining."
"All good."
"But you WERE flirting."
"Dude. I was playing with his kid."
"You don't even like kids, Dean!"
"What the hell, Sammy! I raised you, didn't I?"
"Whatever. Look. Can you finish up here? I need to process all this and put in some more applications. I'm not leaving you to do this on your own. No arguments."
"Alright, Sammy. Yeah, I got this."
Sam's long legs quickly took him out of the store, and as Castiel and Jack turned the corner, he saw Dean slump. Castiel snapped his fingers, partly to play with Jack, but also in part to see Dean's reaction. It was gold. Dean stood up straight immediately, and turned to them. Castiel was taking a rather perverse pleasure in seeing those freckles pop out against Dean's red cheeks, and smirked when Dean caught his eye.
"Jack! Was that you?"
"Mr. Dean! Hi! No, I still can't do it. That was Daddy."
"I see. 'Daddy', huh?" Dean looked up at Castiel through his lashes.
It was Castiel's turn to blush, but he managed to raise that one eyebrow and point a finger at Dean. "Behave," he admonished.
"Yes, Sir," Dean replied cheekily.
Castiel smiled and shook his head as Dean turned to Jack.
"Still haven't figured it out?"
"No, I can't do it."
"Sure ya can. Want me to see if I can help?"
"Yeah! Thank you, Mr. Dean!"
Castiel had a flash of inspiration.
"Dean, would you like to come over this afternoon and help Jack while I unpack the kitchen? If you aren't busy?"
"Yeah, Cas, I'd love to! I need to finish up and put my groceries away first, though."
"Not a problem, Dean. Thank you. That will help more than you know."

They made their way through the store, chatting a bit and entertaining Jack, and after they checked out, Castiel turned to Dean.
"I need to get Jack home for a nap, and get the groceries put away, but I'll see you later?"
"Sure, what time is nap over?"
"Any time after three should be fine, Dean."
"Awesome! See y'all then! Bye, Jack!"
"Bye, Mr. Dean!"
"I'll see you later, Dean."

Castiel got Jack home, and of course he had fallen asleep on the way. Castiel carefully unbuckled him and took him inside, and managed to lay him down without a peep. Breathing a huge sigh of relief, he gathered the bags and went inside to put away the perishables. Everything else went on the counter, and he looked around, trying to visualize where everything needed to go. It shouldn't be this difficult- maybe Dean can give him some perspective. Or, on the other hand, make things worse. He hadn't bothered to try and date since he got Jack as a newborn. His mother had died in childbirth, and Castiel was the first foster parent available to take in a newborn. Honestly the time had flown since getting him settled in, and between work and a newborn, his social life was put on the back burner indefinitely. But, Dean. Dean had awakened the beast. Beautiful, flirty, and if Castiel was reading the situation correctly, interested. Not to mention, he seemed on board for at least some light submissive play. Damn. He needed to calm down before… yep. There was Dean now, coming up the walk. Castiel hurried to the door before Dean could ring the bell and wake Jack up.
"Hello Dean. Come on in. Jack is still asleep."
"Heya, Cas. I'm sorry, do you want me to come later?"
Castiel raised a brow. Dean smirked.
"Unfortunately, it WILL have to be later, Dean, as I don't like interruptions."
Dean blushed, and Castiel had to grin at that lovely shade on his cheeks.
"I was looking around trying to decide where to put everything, would you like to keep me company?"
"Sure, man, no problem."
"In that case, let me give you a brief tour. Living room, kitchen, powder room. The bedrooms are down the hall, but I'd like to enjoy the quiet a few more minutes, if you don't mind. I apologize for all the boxes."
"Not a problem, dude. I'm sorry I didn't see a moving truck, I had to work yesterday, or I would've come over and offered a hand."
"I understand, Dean. Maybe you can give me 'a hand' later, if I'm reading this correctly," Castiel smirked.
That blush, though. Castiel had never seen a grown man blush so much in his entire life. It was intoxicating.
Dean adorably rubbed the back of his neck, willing the blush away.
"I mean, yeah? I'm, uh, bi. I haven't been with many men. And I've never, um, you know…"
"A friend of mine says 'If you can't say it, you shouldn't be doing it.'"
Dean barked out a laugh, "That sounds like Charlie."
"Bradbury?"
"Yeah! You know her?"
"She's the social worker slash computer teacher at my school."
"Awesome! She's one of my best friends. We went to school together."
"She's been a huge help in the adoption process with Jack. As well as with some of my students."
"That's great, man! Charlie is good people. But, uh, getting back to the original topic, um. Yeah. I haven't been in a relationship with a man. And honestly, not many women. My dad kinda went off the deep end when my mom died, and I basically raised Sammy, to keep us from being separated, and to keep him outa the system. So, I haven't had a lot of time for dating. But, uh, he's graduated now, so, uh, I can, um, you know. Have more time to myself."
"Well, Dean, as you know, I have Jack, and we are a 'package deal.' I haven't dated since he was born. I assume I wouldn't introduce him to someone I was dating early on, but the thought of getting 'out there' is rather intimidating, so I haven't bothered. But, as you've already met him, and we seem to be on the same page, I'd like to pursue a relationship with you, if you're amenable."
Dean smiled softly. "Yeah, Cas. I'd like that."
"In that case, will you stay for dinner?"
"I'd love to. Now, let's get this kitchen unpacked!"
"Yes, or I'll have to resort to takeout again."
"Well, I mean, it led you to me, twice, so I'm not complaining."
"I suppose that's true enough. You really are delicious."
"You have no idea, Cas," Dean winked.
Castiel leaned in to speak in Dean's ear.
"I'll find out soon enough."
The shiver, the goosebumps, and never-far-away blush had Castiel smirking. He brushed his lips across Dean's pink cheek, held his hand out, and they went to organize the kitchen.
The kitchen was considerably bigger than his old apartment, but he was at least able to put the pantry together, making sure to leave out ingredients for dinner.
"Dean, is lasagna okay? Any allergies?"
"Lasagna sounds perfect, Cas. Only thing I'm allergic to is vegetables."
Eyebrow. "Is that right?"
"Heck yeah! I'm the Meat Man!" Dean announced proudly.
Try as he could, Castiel couldn't hold his disapproving glare, and he burst into laughter.
"You're a menace, is what you are. I'll be more than happy to test out that statement, as long as you promise me not to influence Jack about eating his veggies."
Dean looked up slyly through his lashes, "I'll behave. For now."
While Castiel was organizing the pantry, Dean started by opening up a box and laying the contents on the island for Cas to put away.
About halfway through, Jack stumbled in, bedhead to rival his Dad's, and his eyes lit up when he saw their guest.
"Mr. Dean!"
"Hey, buddy! Did you rest well?"
"Yeah! Are you gonna teach me to snap?"
"I sure am! Do you want a drink first? Snapping is thirsty work…"
"Yes please!"
Castiel got out a cup and filled it with water. Dean handed it to Jack, who climbed up on the stool at the island to watch.
"Let me scoot these last few boxes closer for Daddy, and then we can practice, okay?"
Dean glanced over to wink at Castiel, and saw pink cheeks and a soft look on Castiel's face. "What?"
"You're so good with him. It's amazing. I'm, um, well, thank you."
"What were you gonna say, Cas?"
Castiel's cheeks flushed even pinker. "Nothing, yet. I'm glad we met you, Dean."
"Me too, Cas."
Dean sat with Jack, and started trying to teach him how to snap, while Castiel unloaded the rest of the boxes and started dinner. Castiel looked on as Dean positioned Jack's fingers. He was quick with a joke or a distraction, when Jack would get frustrated.
"Hey Jack, do you know what I'm doing?"
"Snapping?"
"Yeah, but do you know why?"
"So I can learn?"
"Nah, man! I'm keeping the hippos away."
"That's silly! Hippos don't live here!"
"That's exactly my point! It works, doesn't it? Do you see any hippos?"
Jack giggled so hard he fell out of his chair. Even Castiel was trying to bite back a smile at their antics.
"Hey Jack? Wanna see something cool?"
"Yeah!"
Dean gave his best Three Stooges snapping impersonation, complete with "Woob woob woob!"
Castiel outright guffawed at that. Looking over, Dean saw the long line of his throat as he threw his head back, then, looking down, he saw Jack rolling on the floor, giggling. Dean smiled in satisfaction, the sight of two of his favorite people having fun filled his heart.
Jack finally got back in his seat, and he got it on his next try.
"I did it, Mr. Dean!"
"Awesome, buddy! I knew you could!"
Jack raced over to his dad, "I did it, daddy!"
"Good job, Jackie!"
"Thank you Mr. Dean!"
"Glad to help, kiddo! But you did all the work. Don't forget to practice!"
"Alright, Jackie, do you want to watch TV and practice while I finish dinner? Need a snack?"
"Yes, please."
Castiel got out a few carrot sticks and some grapes, and got Jack situated in the living room. He went back to the kitchen, and cornered Dean against the island.
"How about you, Dean? Do you need a snack?"
Dean's cheeks pinkened, but he moved in to brush his lips against Castiel's.
"This is the only snack I'm interested in."
"What a coincidence, Dean. It's exactly what I had in mind."
Castiel leaned in and captured Dean's soft red lips with his own. Dean opened up beautifully, and Castiel tugged Dean against him as he mapped out that delightful mouth. He only stopped when their swollen erections brushed together, causing Dean to moan enticingly.
"Later, my sweet boy. I promise I'll take care of you later."
They leaned their foreheads together, fighting to get their breathing under control.
Castiel stepped back and got the lasagna put together and in the oven. He made a salad, and went to check on Jack.
"Jackie, I'm going to show Dean the rest of the house. Are you okay in here?"
"Yes, thank you."
Castiel got Jack's snack plate, and then grabbed Dean's hand and led him down the hall.
"Jack's room. Bathroom. Guest room. Master. With en suite. He shut the door, pulled Dean over to the bed, and sat down on it.
"Dean, may I suck you off?"
"Yes, Sir!"
"It will be quick. This time. Just to take the edge off."
Dean actually whimpered, and Castiel lost no time unbuckling Dean's belt, and shoving pants and boxers to his knees.
Dean's long cock stood up proudly, and Castiel immediately took it deep into his throat. Bobbing his head up and down, swirling his tongue, as Dean's knees nearly gave out at the onslaught of sensation.
Castiel kept his hands busy as well, stroking up and down Dean's legs, fondling his balls, kneading that perfect bubble butt. He slipped a finger between Dean's cheeks, and brushed a dry finger over Dean's hole, and smirked when he felt Dean jerk against him.
"Cas, man, I'm so close."
"Come for me, my good boy."
Castiel brushed over Dean's hole again and took him even deeper, and felt Dean's hands grip his hair tight as he moaned through his climax. Castiel guided Dean down beside him on the bed, and pulled him into a kiss. Dean moaned when he tasted his release on Castiel's tongue, the sound going straight to Castiel's cock. He palmed himself, while Dean smirked and said, "My turn."
"Later, sweet boy. I need to check on dinner. And Jack. But you really are delicious."
With a wink, Dean replied, "Toldja."
He tucked himself back in his jeans, and they went back to the kitchen.
Castiel washed his hands and began making garlic cheese bread, while he directed Dean to set the table. After pulling the lasagna out to rest and popping the bread in to toast, Castiel went to get Jack and wash their hands.
"Daddy?"
"Yes, Jackie?"
"I like Mr. Dean."
"Me too, Jackie."
With a hug, they went back to the kitchen, and had dinner. Jack ended up wearing more than he ate, causing Dean to snicker, and offer,
"Hey Cas, need me to take Jack outside and hose him down?"
"No, Mr. Dean! It will be too cold!"
"Nah, it's June. It should feel pretty good."
Jack was giggling while still protesting, "Noooo! I take baths!"
"Well, if you insist…"
"Dean, I'll get him in the tub, do you mind sticking around so he can say goodnight?"
"Will you read me a story, Mr. Dean?"
"I'll be glad to, Jack. I'll wait right here."
Dean wrapped up the leftovers and loaded the dishwasher. He wiped down the table and counters, and had just finished sweeping when he heard the water drain out of the bathtub. He started the dishwasher as Castiel came down the hall.
"Dean? He's ready… Dean! You didn't have to do all that!"
"Maybe I had an ulterior motive, Cas."
"Is that so? In that case, thank you," Castiel leaned over, dropping a kiss on Dean's pink cheek.
Arriving at Jack's door, Dean peeked in to see a warm cosy Jack in Batman pajamas, snuggled down in his bed.
"Hey, Batman, have you seen Jack? I wanted to tell him goodnight."
"Mr. Dean! It's me! These are just my PJs!" Jack chortled.
"So help me, Dean, if you get him wound up again, you'll be very, very sorry," Castiel muttered in his ear. The hot breath ghosting over his neck reminded him to get back on task.
"Ready for a story?" Dean asked, in a much calmer voice.
Jack's eyes were starting to droop, and Castiel handed Dean a well-loved copy of "Good Morning, Good Night," and Mary Oliver's "Owls and Other Fantasies," which Dean opened to the bookmarked page and began reading softly.

"Some goldfinches were having a melodious argument
at the edge of a puddle. The birds wanted to bathe, or
perhaps just to dip their heads and look at themselves,
and they were having trouble with who should be
first, and so on. So they discussed it while I stood in
the distance, listening. Perhaps in Tibet, in the old
holy places, they also have such fragile bells. Or are
these birds really just that, bells come to us--come to
this road in America--let us bow our heads and
remember now how we used to do it, say a prayer.
Meanwhile the birds bathe and splash and have a
good time. Then they fly off, their dark wings opening
from their bright, yellow bodies; their tiny feet,
all washed, clasping the air."

He opened the other book, read the marked passage, and looked down to see Jack, sound asleep. Dean covered him up, and kissed the top of his head.
Castiel came over then, and Dean worried, just for a second, that he shouldn't have, but Castiel merely rested his hand on Dean's shoulder as he leaned over and kissed Jack, almost exactly as Dean had done.
Castiel took Dean's hand, turned out the light, shut the door, and led Dean to his room.
"Do you work tomorrow, Dean?"
"Yeah, gotta be at the garage at 7."
Castiel looked dismayed, "I understand, Dean."
"Hey, hey, no. Nuh-uh. I'm not leaving yet! Unless you want me to."
"Honestly, Dean, at this point I believe I'd prefer it if you never left."
"No way, man. Gotta keep a little mystery."
"Is that right?"
"Yep. Now. I believe I didn't get a turn to play, earlier."
"Well, then, Dean, help yourself."
And Dean didn't need to be asked twice.