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Castiel sits up gasping for breath. His heart jackhammers in his chest, and the sound of rushing blood is the only thing he can hear. He has no idea what woke him up, probably a bad dream, but he reaches his hand out to seek the only thing that helps calm his racing heart. Except for the other side of the bed is empty and cold, as if someone hasn't been there for hours.
“Dean?” he whispers into the quiet early morning, knowing he won't get an answer but hoping for one anyway. Castiel lays back down, his eyes closing for just a moment before a soothing purr sounds from his left. Turning his head towards the sound he comes face to face with a different set of familiar green eyes than the ones he was searching for earlier. With a fond smile, Castiel reaches out and scratches the top of the cat's head causing the putting to increase in volume.
Castiel indulges the gray tabby for a few more minutes before reality sets back in. He has a very very busy day ahead of him and if he wants to see his husband beforehand he has to get moving soon. With one last scratch to Simon’s head, Castiel forces himself into a sitting position, swinging his legs over the edge of his bed. His feet hit the soft faux fur rug Dean insisted on when he moved in, before the cold hardwood floors as he shuffles to the ensuite bathroom.
He takes a quick shower, letting the warm water relax his shoulders, while he thinks about his long list of meetings lined up for him. Yes, if he wants to see Dean today he's going to have to stop by the kitchen before his first appointment with the guards. Maybe he can sweet-talk his husband into making his famous homemade honey buns he knows Castiel loves so much.
After getting dressed in finer clothes than he really wants to wear all day he sees Lola had decided to join her brother on the bed. He gives his two cats good morning head scratches then Castiel walks out of the bed chambers with a small smile on his face. He greets the servants and other staff members that are already out working with a warm good morning as he makes his way down to the kitchens. Unfortunately, when he gets there Dean is nowhere in sight. The rest of the kitchen staff are bustling around getting the first meal of the day prepared.
A plump woman stands at the oven waiting to remove a batch of pastries and smiles brightly at Castiel when she spots him lurking in the doorway. “Good morning your Majesty, to what do we owe the pleasure this morning?”
“Good morning Marion, have you seen Dean this morning?” he asks. A lovely smell floats over from the open oven and Castiel’s mouth starts to water from the delicious scent of freshly made honey buns.
“You just missed him I'm afraid,” Marion wanders over to the tray of treats and places one on a small plate before bringing it over to him. “He was here early working on these then he left. We figured he had gone to wake you up.”
Castiel takes the offered treat with a grateful smile. He thanks Marion and the best of the kitchen staff before he takes his leave. Dean and him must’ve missed each other in the halls. The castle is huge and easy to not see anyone at times. No matter how large the castle is, the cats always seem to find him because not even ten seconds after he leaves the kitchen both Simon and Lola are at his heels begging for a piece of his precious honey bun. The two of them are so spoiled. Dean, of course, blames Castiel, but they both know where the cats first developed their preference for the tasty treat.
Chuckling to himself, Castiel drops a couple of little pieces for the cats before continuing on his way to his office. A couple of hours later he is thanking his captain of the guard and his most trusted officers leading them out of his office. His kingdom is peaceful, the people like and respect him as their king, and he treats them all well. It's the least he could do after the long brutal rule of his father. Castiel follows his guards out of the castle bidding them farewell as he turns for the stables, his next meeting with the animal care staff to make sure everything is still going alright.
Simon and Lola find him and end up chasing each other alone way down to the stables where they disappear into the stalls to terrorize some of the horses. He isn't concerned at all, the two cats know which stalls to stay out of and most of the horses love the two cats. They can often be found snoring away surrounded by giant piles of hay.
Castiel listens to the head caretaker as they wander through the stakes, greeting every horse as he goes. It isn't until they reach the center where Castiel's own horse has his head hanging over the edge stomping at the ground. Instantly Castiel knows something is wrong. He rushes over to his horse to soothe the massive animal when he notices the stall next to him is empty.
“Where is Baby?” Castiel demands turning towards the caretaker.
“Master Dean took her out for a ride early this morning,” he replies easily, not noticing the tension in the air.
Dean always tells him when he's gone for a ride, usually inviting Castiel to go with him if he has the time. Something is wrong. “Did he say where he was going or when he would be back?” The man shakes his head. Castiel thinks back to last night when he last saw Dean everything seemed alright, his husband seemed a little more tired than normal but Castiel chalked that up to the long day the two of them had. Did he miss something bothering his husband? Normally Dean only shuts down when it's…
“What day is it?” he asks, dread settling heavily in his stomach.
“The second of November, your majesty.”
How could he have forgotten? His husband is probably in so much pain and all Castiel could think of that morning were honey buns. Moving on autopilot, Castiel grabs his sadel and gets his chestnut stallion ready to ride.
“Sir?” the caretaker asks even as he helps Castiel.
“I need to go.”
Castiel throws on his old tan riding coat before taking off out the open doors leaving a confused caretaker in his dust.
– – – – – – –
Several Years Earlier…
Castiel wanders the streets of the village taking in all of the storefronts. He watches the people strolling in the early morning lights, surprised by how many are already moving around. None of them give him a second glance with his messy dark hair and the ratty tan coat he has over clothes he borrowed from one of the castle staff members. None of them realize that one of the princes of the kingdom walks among them and Castiel loves it.
It's relatively easy for him to sneak out, no one really pays attention to him at the castle. His older brother, Lucifer, is the one who has all the eyes on him. Not only is he the crown prince, but he tends to get into trouble quite often. His father doesn't do anything about it though, too busy hiding out in his chambers or office to pay attention to his sons. Ellen, the head housekeeper of the castle, was the one to raise Castiel after his mother died giving birth to him. Castiel suspects she knows he sneaks out from time to time but is happy to give the young prince a chance to escape for a little bit.
The delicious smell of freshly baked goods grows as he gets closer to his destination. He discovered the small village bakery on his first trip out and has gone back every time since. The lovely woman always treats him kindly, never questioning who he is, and she has the best pastries he has ever had. Castiel pushes open the wooden door with a smile already on his face ready to greet Mary only to stop in his tracks.
A young boy, probably a few years younger than Castiel himself, is at the counter instead of the beautiful blonde woman Castiel is used to seeing. The boy has slightly darker hair than Mary, but the resemblance is clear. This must be Mary’s son she has mentioned several times. The one that helps with the baking. The one who makes Castiel’s favorite pastries.
“Hi, there! How can I help you?” a cheerful voice brings Castiel out of his musings. He looks up and meets the most stunning pair of green eyes he has ever seen, more beautiful than all the jewels in the castle. They remind him of the warm sunny days Ellen used to take him to the nearby lake by the forest and the sun would shine through the trees highlighting the field of wildflowers surrounding the lake. The greens and golds and the warmth of the gaze. Castiel is mesmerized.
“Hello,” he replies absently, still staring into the young boy's eyes. Castiel tries his hardest to remember the exact shade in the poor lighting of the bakery so he can paint them later. He wonders what they would look like in direct sunlight, or even better, the golden lighting right before sunset. The boy is gorgeous with his strong nose and high cheekbones, full pink lips, soft dark blond hair, and hints of his youthfulness still there. Castiel has never regretted leaving his sketchbook behind more than at that moment.
Eventually, Castiel realizes he's still staring at the boy and curses himself for forgetting how to act like a normal human. His brother always makes fun of Castiel and his weird quirks, like starting. But the boy has been staring right back at him and doesn't seem deterred from the prolonged eye contact. It's because of this that Castiel notices the exact moment the boy's eyes widen in surprise.
“You’re Castiel.”
How did this boy recognize him when no one else has in all the times Castiel has come down to the village over the last few years?
“Um…” Castiel stammers, not sure how to respond. This has never happened before. Is he supposed to deny it? Turn around and never return to the bakery again? That would be a shame, Castiel has grown quite fond of the pastries. The two boys continue to stare at each other, both in shock, and neither knowing what to do next. Luckily the door behind the boy opens and Mary appears.
“Oh hello dear! It's been a while since we’ve seen you around here,” she greets him warmly with her usual welcoming smile.
“Hello, Mary,” Castiel replies, grateful for some familiarity. He just hopes the other boy won't say anything about who he is.
“I see you’ve met Dean, my son,” Mary continues, putting a comforting hand on her son’s shoulder.
Dean. A strong simple name. It suits him, Castiel thinks.
“Mom, it's Castiel,” Dean whispers to his mother and Castiel’s heart sinks. Now that he's been discovered, word will get back to his father and who knows what he will do. He doesn't normally care what Castiel does on his own time, but sneaking down to the village is probably frowned upon.
“I know sweetie, it's okay,” Mary replies with an amused smile.
“You know who I am?”
Mary laughs, not unkindly. “Of course. I recognized you the first time you came into our little bakery.”
“You never said anything,” Castiel muses confused, his head tilting slightly to the side as he ponders if others have recognized him too. “Does everyone know who I am when I come down here?”
“Some do, some don't. We all figured you had your reasons for coming down here and we wanted to respect your privacy,” Mary explains.
“Thank you,” he replies, genuinely touched by the villagers’ kindness.
“You’re welcome dear, now what would you like today? Dean has created several new treats since the last time you were here.”
Both boys stare at her, one in shock and the other still grateful for treating him the same as always.
“What would you recommend?” he asks, smiling at them both.
“Do you like honey buns?” Dean asks shyly, a light pink blush high on his cheeks that Castiel loves instantly.
– – – – – – –
Castiel continues to go to the bakery every time he sneaks down into town. Only now he makes a point of seeing Dean each time and trying his newest creations and leaving with one of his honeybuns which quickly became Castiel’s favorite treat. During Castiel's visits over the months, the two boys get to know each other and develop a quick friendship. Of course, for Castiel, it's much more than just friendship. It didn't take long for Dean to become the center of his universe.
When he is forced to be at the castle he compares every bread and pastry to the ones Dean has made for him and can't help but crave the yummy treats the young boy creates. When he goes for walks among the castle grounds and gardens he compares the green around him to the green of Dean’s eyes finding nothing to come even close. When he is sitting by himself in the library curled up on one of the couches with a good book he wishes Dean was there with him.
There is a little extra bounce to his step as Castiel makes his way down the cobblestone street greeting the villagers as he goes. He takes a few extra minutes to pet the cats wandering the streets as well. His father doesn’t allow animals up at the castle, but Castiel has always wanted a cat or two to curl up with by the fire or at night when he's all alone. The village cats offer him a little bit of companionship so Castiel doesn't mind spending some time giving them his undivided attention.
That is until he hears a familiar chuckle and looks up to see Dean standing a few feet away, a bright smile on his face and fondness in his eyes.
“Hello Dean,” Castiel stands up and takes a step closer to the other boy. The cats protest the end of getting pets and rub against his legs, one even goes over to Dean to see if they can get any attention from him.
“Hiya Cas,” Dean returns before giving the two cats a scratch on the head. Dean takes a step toward Castiel so that they are almost toe to toe. Castiel doesn't mind, in fact, he actually loves the unconscious closeness the two of them have developed over the months. “Figures you would be a cat guy.”
“Father doesn’t allow pets up at the castle, but I would love to have one or two someday,” Castiel admits. He rarely talks badly about his father, but he would trust Dean with his life.
“Maybe when you’re King you’ll fill the whole castle with cats. Cats for everyone. They’ll even have their own room in the castle and it’ll be the biggest room there. People will come from all over to see the famous cat room of King Castiel,” Dean muses gesturing with his hands as he speaks causing Castiel to chuckle.
“As nice as that sounds, I, unfortunately, will never be king since Lucifer is first in line,” Castiel replies.
“Then we will just have to get a couple of cats then,” Dean says determinedly. Castiel stares at him in shock. We ? Does Dean picture a future of the two of them together too? A little cabin on the side of the village with a garden for Castiel and a big kitchen for Dean to experiment in? A couple of cats wandering around getting under their feet but cuddling up with them at night?
“I’d like that Dean,” Castiel smiles and Dean’s face lights up.
“Awesome.” The two boys stare at each other, blind to everything else around them. Dean chuckles quietly before reaching out to grab Castiel’s wrist and pull him in the direction he just came. “Come on, Ma sent me out to get a few things from the market.”
– – – – – – –
Neither one of the boys noticed the two men lurking in the shadows of a nearby building watching the two of them walk down the road nearly holding hands.
“See what I mean?” A gruff voice asks.
“I do indeed,” someone replies with a cruel smile on their lips. “Father won't like this.”
“I don't care for the boy so just tell me what you need me to do.”
“I’ll be in touch.”
– – – – – – –
“Good morning Castiel!”
“Morning Castiel, how are you today?”
“Ah Castiel, I got a couple of new books I think you may like, come take a look later!”
“Have a lovely day today Castiel.”
Castiel smiles as he walks down the center of town. Greeting everyone he passes with a friendly smile and wave. Normally he would stop to talk with them for a few minutes, but he has a date with Dean and doesn’t want to be late. Over the last year or so the village people have gotten used to Castiel’s presence and to his great pleasure, treat him the same as before. He’s accepted among them and he visits more frequently to see them all. And Dean of course.
Dean has promised them a whole day together, keeping his exact plans a secret. Castiel can't wait to see what his partner has planned for them. Their last date was a picnic by the nearby river where they talked and laughed for hours together. Dean somehow talked Castiel into going swimming even though neither one of them had the proper attire for the occasion. It was the most fun Castiel has had in years.
As he makes the familiar trek down to the bakery Castiel takes some time to say hi to the village cats. Dean makes fun of him every time they walk through the town and the cats come running out to greet them. Castiel doesn’t mind the teasing since it's normally accompanied by a fond smile and sparkling green eyes. Sometimes he can't believe how lucky he is to have found Dean and is so grateful for how their relationship has grown over time.
Suddenly a shout breaks through the quiet morning drawing the attention of the villagers and causing the casts to scatter. Castiel looks around confused until he sees the dark plume of smoke making its way above the treeline. It looks like it's coming from the direction of the bakery and dread settles heavily in his stomach at the thought. He prays to whatever higher power there may be that Dean and Mary are okay.
It only takes moments for the village people to be put into motion. Castiel runs ahead with a few to see if they can help in any way. When they clear the final turn Castiel cries out in anguish at the sight of the bakery up in flames. He rushes forward screaming Dean’s name fearing the worst has happened.
“Cas!”
Castiel whips his head around and sees Dean running around the back of the building appearing unharmed. He rushes forward and wraps Dean in his arms not even caring about the tears falling down his face.
“Cas! We need to help mom!” Dean screams into his ear pushing back after a few seconds.
“Where is she?” Castiel asks, already making their way to the back entrance.
“She's trapped inside, the back is blocked and I can't get through the front since that's where the fire started,” Dean explains.
“Blocked? What do you mean?” They come around the corner and Castiel tries to push open the door but it won't budge. “What happened?”
“I don't know,” Dean looks at him, desperation in his eyes.
“Dean?”
“Dad! Quick help! Moms trapped!” Dean runs over to the door and pushes with all his might. Castiel moves to help but someone grabs him from behind.
“Not you brother.”
“Lucifer? What are you doing here? Let me go!” Castiel demands, fighting against his brother’s hold on him.
“Mary!!” John screams as he frantically helps his son and a few of the villagers push the door open. It takes a few minutes but eventually they get through and smoke billows out. John rushes in with Dean right on his heels.
“Dean! No!” Castiel screams himself hoarse, still fighting his brother. He just watched the love of his life run into a burning building and there's nothing he can do to help.
What feels like hours, but is probably only a few minutes Dean comes back out of the bakery coughing and covered in soot. He holds the door open and John appears a moment later, Mary cradled in his arms. Castiel sags in his brother’s hold at the sight. Instantly he knows they are too late.
Mary is gone.
“No,” Castiel sobs watching his love in agony over a woman that means so much to the both of them. Lucifer lets him go and he falls to his knees before he pushes himself up to stumble over to Dean still standing at the open door. Castiel crushes the young baker to his chest, both with tears running down their faces. Dean makes no move to return the hug but sags into Castiel’s chest still staring at his mother lying in his father’s arms.
Suddenly John lays Mary on the ground and stands up rounding on Lucifer. “You. This is all your fault!!”
Lucifer makes no comment, just watches the family with pity in his eyes.
“It is because of you, my wife is now dead!” John screams at the prince.
“No, your wife is dead because of you,” Lucifer says cooly, no emotion in his voice. “Were you or were you not the one that said it was the boy's turn to open the bakery?”
“What are you talking about?” Castiel demands, trying to make sense of what has happened. “Lucifer, what did you do?”
“Nothing more than what dear old John here wanted,” Lucifer explains with a slight smirk on his lips when flips his attention between Castiel and John.
“You promised me this would be done correctly and both of our problems would be solved!” John yells, taking several steps toward Lucifer with a threatening finger. “Instead, you trapped my wife in a burning building and she is now dead!”
“Pity,” Lucifer sneers.
“What problems are you talking about?” Castiel raises his voice to be heard over the still-burning bakery. He forces Dean to move away and closer to his mother. Dean sinks to his knees and pets Mary’s hair, tears still streaming down his face.
“John didn't like his son going off with another boy, prince or not, and wanted it ended,” Lucifer states as if he's talking about the weather.
“So you planned to murder him?” Castiel questions, refusing to believe one’s father would stoop so low because they disapproved of their son's relationship.
“We tried several other things first, but nothing was working so drastic measures had to be taken. John said he didn't care for the boy, Sam was the better son anyways and if it was made to look like an accident then no one is ever the wiser.”
“You barricaded the door and started the fire thinking Dean was the one inside,” Castiel realizes and takes a step closer to Dean. “Why?”
“You think father or I approve of you coming down to the village? We’ve always known, but it was never an issue until you met him. We needed to rid you of your weakness and this was the only way.” Lucifer explains, sneer firmly in place on his face.
“You are a monster, you both are!” Castiel exclaims and can see the rest of the villagers agreeing and moving in towards the two men responsible for the murder of a beloved woman and the attempted murder of the love of his life. “You will pay for this.”
“And what do you think you can do little brother? You have no power.” Lucifer taunts with a laugh.
“I may not have any power, but they do,” Castiel gestures to the villagers. “They all tolerate father because he doesn't really do much to help or harm them, but you just committed an act that will never be forgiven. How do you think you will be able to rule a kingdom if all of your subjects hate you? How do you think the rest of your people will react when they find out you’re a murderer? How will the castle guards treat you after they find out? I promise you, brother, you will never rule this kingdom.”
Lucifer laughs again clutching at his stomach and pretends to wipe a tear from his eye. “Oh Castiel, you can threaten me all you want, but like I said. You. Have. No. Power. No one will ever believe your word over mine. I’m the crowned prince after all.”
Castiel smiles, throwing Lucifer off and causing his smirk to drop. “You’re right. But it's too late anyways.”
“What are you talking about?” Lucifer asks.
“Me.” A voice sounds from behind Lucifer and he turns to find the majority of the castle’s guards standing behind the head knight. “We’ve seen and heard enough. Take them away boys.”
Four guards step forward and take Lucifer and John into custody.
“You can't do this! I am the crowned prince!” Lucifer screams as he is dragged away toward the castle’s prison.
“No! Stop, please! I’m innocent!” John pleads. “Mary!!”
Castiel watches until the two men are far enough out of sight then lets out a breath he didn't even know he was holding. All of a sudden exhaustion hits him and he stumbles forward slightly.
“Easy there, son,” Bobby, the head knight, catches him. “It's over. Those two will be taken care of, but right now you need to go take care of your boy.”
“Right, thank you, Bobby,” Castiel mumbles, getting his legs back underneath him and turns to look back at Dean crumpled over Mary’s body. If it were possible to feel your own heartbreaking Castiel swears he feels his shatter at the sight.
“No need to thank me, son, we’ll talk more when you get back to the castle. Take your time.” With one last nod, Bobby and the rest of the guards leave the village. Most of the villagers have left as well, only a few staying to take care of the smoldering remains of the bakery.
Castiel pays them no mind as he walks slowly back to where Dean and Mary lie. He settles onto the ground next to them offering any support Dean is willing to accept from him. Thankfully Dean leans into him the second Castiel is close enough and clutches at his shirt. Castile wraps his arm around Dean’s shoulders and pulls his love closer to him, kissing the top of his head gently. Time loses all meaning as the two of them sit there holding onto each other, tears in their eyes and sorrow in their hearts.
Only time will make things feel easier.
– – – – – – –
Present Day…
Time does not make everything easier. Some things yes, but not all things.
Castiel pushed his horse hard through the familiar village roads. The villagers jump out of his way, some waving, some giving him a small knowing smile in sympathy. He can't believe he lost track of the days. The both of them have been so busy within the castle that they’ve barely had time for each other. He let Dean down and Castiel really hopes he's not too late.
Coming around the final corner, Castiel rides up to the burnt remains of the bakery and finds his husband sitting next to a pile of rocks. Castiel leaves his horse to graze in the nearby field with Baby and moves slowly toward Dean. He stops a few feet away, not sure if Dean is ready for his company yet.
“Hey Cas,” Dean breaks the silence. He doesn’t move, but Castiel takes the greeting as permission to move closer.
“Hello Dean,” he settles next to his husband on the hard ground and they stare out past the pile of rocks at the old cottage sitting in the peaceful field filled with wildflowers of every color. The two of them sit quietly taking solace in each other’s company. “It wasn’t your fault.”
“I know, it wasn’t yours either,” Dean replies leaning into his side. Castiel wraps his arm around Dean’s shoulders kissing the top of his head enjoying the softness of Dean’s hair on his cheek. It’s taken them a long time to get to the point of not blaming themselves for the fire and the death of Mary.
“I miss her so much,” Castiel whispers. “She would’ve been so proud of you.”
Dean nuzzles closer to him, wrapping his own arm around Castiel’s waist. They lose themselves in each other’s company watching the sun slowly sink lower in the sky. A light chill sets in causing the two of them to shiver lightly. Castiel jostles Dean slightly to get him moving. They should get back to the castle before dark or else the guards will get mad at them for sneaking off again. The two of them never did get out of the habit of sneaking out of the castle to enjoy some time away from everything.
“Love you mom,” Dean breathes out, laying a single rose down on the pile of rocks. He hands another to Castiel who lays his right on top of Dean’s.
“Love you, Mary, thank you for everything.”
Hand in hand the two men walk to their horses to head home. Hearts heavy but feeling lighter all the same. They lost so much but they have each other and because of that they know they will be alright.
“Alright Honeybun, should we head home and get you a honey bun?” Dean asks with his first genuine smile of the day.
“Only if you’re the one making them,” Castiel leans over the space between their two horses and kisses Dean lightly on the lips. Dean deepens the kiss for only a moment before pulling back, smile still firmly in place. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”