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Chapter Text

“Ready?”

Castiel’s innocent question earned him a glare from eyes that looked too old for the face they were set in. “Of course not,” Claire snarked. “But I guess I have to.” She crossed her arms over her chest and her kohl rimmed eyes turned to stare at the world outside. 

With a sigh, Castiel exited the driver's seat, careful to not hinder other traffic. He walked around and opened the door for his niece. “Come on. I’ll take you to the head office.” Claire scowled, but started moving. Heads turned, but the surly teen ignored them and the whispers. Castiel shut the door and locked it. Knowing Claire preferred him a pace or two behind her, he followed her. As they approached the entrance of the school, his heart started beating faster. It looked accommodating and friendly, but…

The front doors slid open automatically and Claire battered through, only to stop and wait for him, without looking back. A red haired young woman gave them a huge smile. “Good morning, you two! Welcome to Kripke High. You must be Claire and her dad…”

Castiel bit his lip and closed his eyes. This would go south in 3, 2, 1… “Ew! He’s my uncle!” Claire cried out. “My parents died, and that’s why I’m in this fancy thing!” She rolled her wheelchair backwards and forwards a few times.

Rubbing his eyes, Castiel sighed. “Claire, be nice,” he admonished. “I’m sorry, miss…” His eye caught the name tag that was pinned to the royal blue blazer. “…Bradbury. The accident happened less than six months ago, and Claire is still… adjusting.”

His careful wording earned him a scoff and the sight of Claire’s tongue sticking out. Ms. Bradbury wasn’t fazed though. “Damn. That sucks, dude,” she said and turned to Claire. “What’s the status? Any chance of recovery?”

Claire blinked at her. “What?” The question got repeated, once again directed at her. For the first time since the moment Claire had opened her eyes and heard her parents were gone, Castiel saw her smile a genuine smile. It lit up her face and he could see Amelia in her. “Wow. Thanks for asking me and not talking over me like I’m a toddler!” she said to Ms. Bradbury. 

A buck-toothed smile graced the redhead’s face. “Hey, your legs are out of commission, but not your ears or brain. So.. what’s the verdict?”

Claire sighed. “Not good. The crash paralysed my legs. The doctors said it is a partial paralysis, but the affected nerves have been severed. I’m so lucky I don’t need a catheter or ostomy bag.” Castiel groaned softly. He had seen Claire do that before. It was her way of trying to repulse people, to avoid getting hurt. 

The redhead smirked and nodded. “Depends on what you call lucky. The bags are an easy way to go to the can. No shuffling from chair to throne and back. But exchanging the bags is a gross job.” As Claire gaped at her, Castiel bit back a laugh. The tactic obviously did not work on this one.

“Alright,” he said, stone faced. “I can see my services are no longer needed. Ms. Bradbury can help you settle in, Claire. Be careful, and be nice. I am not going to be happy if I have to cut my workday short because you can’t behave.”

Claire looked at him, and for once there was no hostility there. “Thanks, uncle Castiel. I’ll try.” And that was all he could ask for.

~~~~~~~

Writing was hard. Since that fateful phone call that had shattered the image of Castiel’s life and rearranged the pieces, jagged and sharp, into a new picture without his twin and sister in-law but with his niece still there and needing him, Castiel had rarely managed to get words out. His brain seemed to be in a permanent state of fogginess. He was staring at the blinking cursor and wanted to punch it. It seemed to mock him and he was not in the mood for it. 

The sound of his phone ringing jolted him from the ill-advised staring competition. He checked the number, but it didn’t look familiar. “Hello? This is Castiel Novak speaking.”

A beat of silence, then a lovely gruff voice said: “Mr. Novak. I’m Dean Winchester. I’m Claire’s homeroom teacher.” Castiel’s heart sank. She had promised… The voice interpreted the silence correctly. “Don’t worry, sir. She’s fine. Not in trouble, not hurt, but I had hoped to speak with you before the school started. I had a family emergency, and was late, so you were gone by the time I got there.” 

The voice soothed Castiel’s fraying nerves and he exhaled. “Thank you so much. I had to run by city hall for some paperwork, and I still had to be home on time to open the door to the contractor that will help me to get this house accessible and wheelchair friendly.”

A soft hum, then: “Yeah, I wanted to talk to you about that. Can you fit me in after school today? Or maybe like half an hour before pick-up?” Heart clenching, Castiel agreed. He had hoped the words on file would be sufficient to avoid such talks. Mr. Winchester rang off and left Castiel staring at his screen, unseeing.

Chapter Text

As he walked up to the front desk, Castiel could taste bile. After the phone call from Mr. Winchester, his phone had rang again, this time a call from the Chenoa City Police Force. It was a courtesy call, letting him know they had arrested a suspect for the hit and run that killed Jimmy and Amelia. Investigation was underway and they would keep him posted. Castiel was grateful, but the memories of having to tell Claire, of how the girl had broken down and shut herself away from him… It made his stomach roll. 

Ms. Bradbury smiled at him and guided him to a room, offering a drink before she left. Not two minutes later the door opened and in walked the most gorgeous specimen of mankind. Big green eyes, plush lips, freckles and a face that seemed made to fit DaVinci’s golden ratio perfectly. His slightly bowed legs did nothing to break the image. On the contrary: they only enhanced his appeal, made him human and approachable. The green eyes crinkled and the plush lips quirked into an easy smile. “Mr. Novak, I’m Dean Winchester, but you can call me Dean. Mr. Winchester is my good for nothing father.” 

Castiel could appreciate that and nodded. “Only if you call me Castiel,” he teased. That made Dean chuckle and Castiel loved the sound. 

“Alright then. So, Casta… Castel… Cas. I read the file saying Claire lost both her parents in the car crash that put her in that chair. And that she lives with you, her uncle. But I’m not sure why you? I mean, surely there are more suitable relatives? Ones with children, and partners. No offence, but you; you’re alone, all by your lonesome. It’s gotta be harder to raise a surly, grieving teen by yourself, especially if you’re not their actual parent.”  

Nodding along, Castiel relived the first few weeks. Claire had been in hospital and every time Castiel had entered there was a brief flicker of joy and hope, only to be quickly doused in sadness and realisation. He wasn’t her dad, no matter how much he wore the same face, and she had told him that too. Bluntly and harshly. He had reacted just as bluntly and told her he wasn’t doing it to hurt her. That looking in the mirror and seeing his twin’s face every time hurt him too. It had ended with them both glaring at each other and then hugging it out, sobbing uncontrollably. 

He sighed and directed his gaze at the man in front of him. “You have no idea. But out of the six of his siblings, I’m the only one Jimmy was close to. Me and Gabriel, but Gabriel is out of the country for an uncertain amount of time. Believe me, I’d rather not have to step up.” The green eyes hardened and Castiel hurried to explain himself. “Not because I don’t want to take care of Claire! It’s… Jimmy was my twin. My identical twin.”

Empathy filled those forest-green orbs and teeth bit down on a plush lower lip. “Holy carp. I can see how that would be hard on both of you,” Dean said. 

Castiel couldn’t help himself. He giggled. At Dean’s confused look, he waved his hand side to side. “I’m not laughing at you… well, I am, but it’s about your creative way of swearing. Holy carp? I’m imagining a huge fish with a halo.” 

Dean started chuckling too. “I’m sorry. It’s a habit I picked up while teaching impressionable kids. Before, my go-to was sonofabitch. I changed that to son of a biscuit. Holy crap became holy carp, and holy shit morphed into holy shrimp.” He shrugged, adorably shy now. 

Castiel was shaking with silent laughter. “I totally get it,” he managed after a while. “As a kid I turned asshole into assbutt, and it has stuck. I find myself unable to swear using asshole.” 

A laugh burst from Dean, rich, full and joyous. “That is awesome!” Dean threw his head back with mirth and Castiel grinned. Once Dean had calmed down a bit, those green eyes darted at the still closed folder emblazoned with Claire’s name. “So, is there a partner at all, or just not in the picture for helping with Claire?”

The familiar feeling of being observed under a microscope crept back in and Castiel hated it. He had moved out of Pontiac to escape the small town scrutiny. His lifestyle had been subject to comments and derogations, his chosen profession ridiculed. He was infinitely grateful that no-one knew exactly what kind of books he was writing. If acceptance for authors was low, acceptance for authors of gay romance novels was almost nonexistent. And he didn’t even write too spicy prose. He sighed. “Single as a Pringle. My last partner turned out to be a horrible person who lied to me and played me for a fool.” 

Dean nodded. “Well, you definitely aren’t a fool: you’re not with them anymore,” he replied, giving Castiel an impish wink. Castiel could feel a blush rising to his cheeks. Damnit! He should wear a rainbow outfit and write ‘gay man’ on his face, with how obvious he was acting. Dean gazed at him and sighed. “Anyway, feel free to contact me if there are any problems. I’m always available to my students. And their family.”

Castiel managed a shy smile and thanked Dean. “The months haven’t been easy, but we are slowly settling in,” he admitted. “We discussed our move here before we went to look for a place to live. Claire might be surly, but as long as I treat her with respect and involve her in big decisions, she isn’t that bad. But I will keep your kind offer in mind.”

They chatted a little more, and once the schoolday ended, Castiel bade Dean goodbye, rueing the fact that their time together was cut short. He was genuinely enjoying the easy talk. Not to mention Dean was nice to look at. He smiled as he made his way to the van. Claire would be expecting him there, and not at the classroom.

Chapter Text

A few months passed and before Castiel knew it, June was around the corner. “Come on, uncle Cas,” Claire pushed, using the nickname Dean had given him ever since she caught the man addressing him as such. “It’s not healthy to stay in the closet like you do.” She pinned the lesbian flag next to the rainbow kitten pin on her backpack. They were in the park, enjoying the calm of an overcast but dry Saturday.

Proud as he was that she felt safe enough around him to be herself, his own throat closed up in panic whenever he thought about telling people he was gay. This town was quiet and friendly, but it was still a small town in the middle of the rural Midwest. “I’m just not that comfortable telling people, Claire. My people skills are rusty.”

Claire scowled at him and shook her head. “You barely leave the house, dude. Besides me and Kaia, you don’t know a single soul!”

Offended, Castiel gasped. “I know people! I know Charlie, and Dean, and Rowe-” His ticking off the list was rudely interrupted by his niece, who laughed aloud. 

It had been a slow progress, but over the months things had started to make her smile, then chortle, but the outright mirthful laughter she let out now was unheard since before the accident. Claire’s eyes twinkled and she threw her head back. “Oh, uncle Cas, you sweet summer child! You have met them, talked a bit, but you do not know them.” She sighed. “Come on, old fart. At least be my chaperone then. You’ll see what I mean. No-one will know your preference for guys from just accompanying me to the parade.”

He couldn’t fault her. He could just be there as support, and not a single person would know he was gay. “Alright then,” he conceded. “I’ll come along.” Claire clapped her hands before reaching for his arm with a grabby motion. 

“C’mere!” she demanded, pulling at him. He bent down a little, allowing her to manhandle him. She gleefully grabbed something from her bag and quick as a flash pinned it to his lapel. He almost went cross-eyed, trying to see what it was. “It’s just a little rainbow flag. Doesn’t necessarily mean anything. Allies also wear the rainbow, to signify that they are safe to be around for members of the LGBTQ+ community.” 

Castiel smiled at her. Smart kid. Strangely, the mere fact that he was wearing the tiny pin, made him feel more proud of being who he was. He’d never thought of Pride as something he needed, but now he was slowly starting to feel curious if it might be a thing he could enjoy. “Alright. Let’s pick up Kaia and go see the parade,” he said cheerfully. “To be frank, I am surprised a small town like this even has a Pride Parade.”

Claire shot him a knowing smirk, but kept quiet. They got into Castiel’s van and pulled onto the street. “We’re gathering at the school grounds, remember?” Claire said after Kaia had slipped into the seat next to her wheelchair. Castiel just hummed assent and turned towards Kripke High.

When they turned into the parking lot, it was already pretty crowded with a bunch of people, some wearing rainbow flags, others with colourful face paint of the flags that represented them. And sticking out like a sore thumb, there was an older guy, dressed in a frumpy navy suit, screaming, red-faced, at an unfazed Charlie. Cas had his window rolled down to let the warmth out, so they could hear his every word. “You are all abominations!” he yelled, holding a crumpled pamphlet in his fist. “The Lord hates you! You’re all witches and sodimites!”

Charlie merely stood there, arms crossed, face impassive. Her lack of reaction only seemed to increase the man’s rage, making him lean closer and closer. Spittle flew from his lips as he spoke. While Castiel was helping Claire out of the van’s lift, the man suddenly turned to him. “And you!” he bellowed. Castiel flinched. “How can you, in good conscience, bring your own offspring here, to this cesspool of… of.. heretics!”

Castiel was willing to cringe and hide away, like he was taught to by his parents. In their eyes, and those of  everyone in their old circle, he was an embarrassment and an abomination, after all. He was ready to apologise and turn away, but Claire was having none of it! “Joke’s on you, you bigoted, narrow-minded wannabe Christian!” she said with a wicked smirk. “He ain’t my dad!” The man’s eyes nearly bulged out of his head with apoplectic rage and he turned to Kaia, but before he could start spewing his vitriol at her, Claire intercepted him. “Not hers either.” The man stepped closer, almost crowding Claire and Castiel.

Anger hovering around her in an almost palpable cloud, Charlie stepped closer, but then she grinned mischievously and relaxed, taking Castiel’s eyes towards where she was looking. From within the school, Rowena had come to the lot and she was looking regally pissed off. “Zachariah,” she drawled in her Scottish accent. “I have told ye a million times: this is not your place to protest. ‘T is still th’ land o’ the free, and nothing your blithering group of bigoted cockwombles can do aboot it. Kindly remove yerself from th’ school grounds.” Her saccharine smile vanished and her next word was delivered with a backbone of not steel, but tungsten. “Immediately!”

As she said that, two police cars came rolling in, flashed their lights once and halted right next to the man. A lady sheriff stepped out, crossed her arms over the door and gave Zachariah a smile that never reached her kindly eyes. “Well, good day to you, Zachariah,” she said in a typical Midwestern tone. “Wish I could say it was nice to meet you here today.”

From the other car another lady cop stepped out, and her face was anything but friendly. “You heard Rowena, Zach. Leave or we’ll have to slap the cuffs on you.” Her dark eyes were hard as she snapped the button on her belt that held said cuffs. The older man scoffed and sneered at her.

The blonde, kindly lady instantly lost her joyful expression and narrowed her eyes threateningly. “Now, Mr. Adler,” she admonished, her voice colder than Alaska in midwinter. “You’re here every year, and every year you are removed from the parade. What makes you so certain this year will be different?”

Castiel had to admire her diplomacy. Not a wrong word was uttered, but she still put the guy in his place. Adler scowled. “Oh, now you’re so brave, calling the police over!” He huffed and his eyes showed nothing but disdain as he eyed the ladies in uniform. “Of course you two oyster eaters would show up, being just as degenerate as the rest here.” 

The blonde sheriff suddenly stepped up, grabbed him by one arm and expertly turned him around to cuff him. “That was rude, Mr. Adler. I might be an oyster eater, but at least my Jody makes sure I’m dining fine.” The short haired sheriff bit her lip and blushed, and with a smirk Castiel figured he knew who Jody was…

Chortling, Rowena shook her head at him. “Not to point out the obvious, Zachariah, but we…” She gestured at the gathered crowd. “… are not the ones being violent. You are the one coming up to us like you’re starting a war. You are the one making a scene. We merely want to have a fun day celebrating our diversity. You hold no power over us. You might ban our books, but we still write more.” Her green eyes very briefly flicked over Castiel and she winked. Maybe he wasn’t as anonymous as he thought… Rowena continued, her voice clear and carrying without shouting, as only teachers and mothers can manage. “Your God isnae our God. Even if some of us follow the same faith, their God is one of love and acceptance, of compassion and tolerance. Not the hating, baleful and bigoted entity you revere.” 

People whooped and clapped as the guy was pushed into the cruiser, and Castiel joined in with them. He had seen hateful bigots like him all his life and he was glad to see that they would not be protected in this town, as they had been in his hometown. The cruiser drove off, letting its siren whoop once, twice under roarous applause and disappeared around the corner. Castiel was about to start pushing Claire to Charlie, when a voice called out his name incredulously. “Castiel? Cousin?”

Chapter Text

Whipping his head around Castiel saw a dark haired man walking hesitantly up to him. He studied the face and saw something familiar. The jawline, the shape of the eyes… “Han? Cousin Hannah? I mean…” His heart clenched, fearing he might have offended his cousin by the use of that last name, but the dark eyes misted over and the man smiled. 

“The very same.” A soft sigh, but not a sad one. “You always knew my true name, didn’t you?” Castiel shrugged. He wasn’t sure what to say. The smile returned, warm and fond. “Ever since I was a toddler, you called me Han. That name vibes with me while Hannah just echoes. You were always the one that told me to be myself and wear what felt good, where others kept trying to fit me into their mold of who I should be. At fifteen I ran away from home and became Han, my real self.”

Heart breaking for his cousin, Castiel pulled him into a tight hug. “I’m so happy you found the courage to listen to my advice, Han. What are you doing here? I mean… I understand you’re here for the parade, but why this specific town?”

Han smirked. “I live here. Gabriel told me this town was a good place to start afresh.” He indicated the still growing crowd. A lot of people, mostly high schoolers like Claire, were gathered around a single point. Castiel saw them staring down, as if what was interesting was on the ground. A little off to the side, Charlie and Rowena stood, arms around each other’s waists. Castiel only now noticed their makeup. Rowena’s eyes were painted with blue, purple and pink, while Charlie’s were adorned with pinks, white and oranges. Bi and lesbian colours. 

He turned to Han. “They’re a couple?” 

Han nodded with a grin. “My very first time going to the Pride parade here, I bumped into so many people I knew! Like them, and him.” He pointed back to the gathered kids. Castiel wondered who Han was referring to, when from amidst the young ones, Dean rose, a bi-flag draped around his shoulders, and painted on his cheeks. 

“Alright! Got the pan stuff here! Who needs the facepaint?” A few people raised their hands. Dean neatly arranged them into a line and started drawing colourful flags, butterflies and what not on people’s cheeks, then handed out small flags as well. 

When he called out for the lesbians, Claire glanced up at Castiel and he nodded. Han stepped up next to Claire. “Hi, I’m Han. Your father and Castiel were the only ones that made my childhood bearable.”

Claire nodded. “Nice to meet you, Han. Now come on! Dean is about to move on, and I want my colours on my cheeks!” Kaia took her hand as Castiel pushed her towards the man that made his heart beat erratically. 

Han chuckled and followed them. “I need to get my colours too. It’s not just for the kids,” he explained to Castiel. Castiel looked at Dean as he drew a flag on Jody’s cheek. “Dean is our unofficial colour provider. Some people prepare at home, but since he loves to do this, most people just get their stuff from him.”

Castiel could feel himself fall further for the green eyed man with the huge heart, and he had a chance, since Dean was happily wearing the Bi-sexual colours like a suit of armour. Dean finished with Kaia and noticed them standing there. “Heya fellas!” he greeted them jovially. “And Miss,” he quickly added, tipping an imaginary hat at Claire. “I’ll get to you next, Han. Claire-bear! What colours will you be sporting?”

Claire blushed, but took Kaia’s hand. “The same as my girlfriend,” she said, a slight tremor in her voice, but her hands and gaze were steady. Dean grinned and dragged the special marker with face paint prearranged in the lesbian flag over her cheekbone. Then he dove into the box at his feet and produced not only a small waving flag in the same colours, but also a full sized one he draped around her shoulders. “You can keep them. My gift for you.” Claire gave him one of her rare smiles and carefully rolled a bit to the side to give Han space. 

Chapter Text

Dean announced he was switching to trans colours and made quick work of the people who gathered around. “Alright! Rainbow! Gays and allies!” Dean loudly called, then winked at Castiel. “Alright there, Cas? Want some?” He waved the rainbow flag makeup stick. 

Feeling his cheeks light up, Castiel swallowed. Was he ready to be out and proud? A tug on his sleeve had him look down. Claire’s kohl rimmed eyes looked up at him. “Please, uncle Cas? I hate seeing you hide yourself.”

Dean raised his eyebrows, but said nothing. Kaia kissed Claire’s knuckles. “Mr. Novak, sir?” she asked shyly. “Wouldn’t you be upset if Claire and I were hiding ourselves? If we would pretend to not love each other?”

Feeling as if his heart shattered, Castiel lowered himself to look her and Claire in the eyes. “Of course not! You should be free to love who you love.” 

Claire gave him a sad look and sighed. “Then why won’t you allow yourself the same, uncle Cas? You taught me that the fact that my legs don’t work doesn’t define me, that who I love does. So define yourself correctly and stop trying to be what Chuck and Naomi wanted you to be.”

A short sniffle made Cas look up. Dean was furiously wiping his eyes. “Allergies,” he declared, only to smile as Claire gave him a disbelieving bitchface. “You see, I’m allergic to sweet moments and smart kids.” he finished, an enticing twinkle in his eye. Castiel sighed. Could he be more perfect? “I could, but that would be unfair to other people.” Dean suddenly answered, making Castiel choke on his own saliva. Had he said that out loud? His cheeks were flaming.

Claire and Kaia guffawed and even Han chuckled behind his hand. Horrified, Castiel tried to stammer an excuse, but Dean gave him the most swoon worthy smile and winked at him. He could feel his blush burning even deeper and he was sure the hairs on his neck would soon start smoldering with the heat. Claire carefully wiped at her eyes and shook her head. Then she turned to Dean and said the most horrifying words to him: “Dean, do you happen to have a rainbow flag in there as well? I think uncle Cas needs a cape as he is being ‘Captain Obviously Gay’ here.”

Castiel gasped an offended ‘Claire!’ at her, but Dean shook his head. “Don’t think I wanna have him out so openly, kiddo. Might ruin my chances with him,” he said in a serious tone and then had the gall to wink at Castiel again!

Unabashedly, Claire eyed Castiel. “Nah. He’s so smitten with you, he’d never look anywhere else.” 

Desperate for help, Castiel turned to Han, sure his cousin would have his back. But the man just shrugged and said: “That’s true. In all my life I have never seen Castiel this far gone on someone. Not even Inias.” Dean laughed, but his cheeks were dusted pink, making his freckles stand out adorably.

“As awesome as it is to hear all that,” Dean said, tone serious. “Let’s stop teasing poor Cas, shall we? He looks ready to crawl so far back into the closet he can apply for residency in Narnia.”

Claire looked at Castiel, and bit her lip. “I’m sorry, Uncle Cas. We just want you to be happy.” Han and Kaia quickly seconded that. Castiel sighed and kissed her on the brow. Then he straightened and held out his hand for Dean to give him the flag.

The green eyed beauty blinked in surprise. “Are you sure?” Castiel nodded and flexed his fingers in a ‘gimme’ gesture. A radiant grin flashed across Dean’s face. “Awesome!” He quickly draped a large rainbow flag around Castiel’s shoulders, knotted it at his throat and swiped the makeup stick over his cheekbone. “Welcome to the dark side, Cas. We have cookies.” Another wink. 

Castiel smiled back and then quickly pressed a kiss to Dean’s cheek. “Thank you. Would you do me the honour of holding my hand as I walk my first Pride Parade?”

Pressing a disbelieving hand to the kissed cheek, Dean blushed fetchingly. “Only if we can go on a date afterwards,” he said with a shy smile. As an answer, Castiel kissed him again, this time on those plush lips.

“Of course,” he whispered. Behind them someone catcalled and whistled sharply. Dean grabbed Cas by the nape of his neck, and while he pressed a kiss to his lips, a little less chaste than Castiel himself had, he flipped the person the bird. 

He pulled back and looked over Castiel’s shoulder. “Fuck you, Lafitte! Like you don’t kiss Balthazar every chance you get.”

Castiel turned around to see the owner of the Cajun restaurant he liked to visit smirk at them from under his poor boy’s cap, one burly arm curled around the guy who had helped Castiel purchase his new pair of jeans a week ago. “Weh, Chief. But I ain’t seen you kissin’ nobody in public since ever.”

The sales guy, Balthazar Castiel presumed, tugged teasingly at the Cajun’s scruff. “Darling, stop teasing your ex boyfriend and still best friend. Just be glad for him.” He turned to Castiel. “Please forgive Benny. He might have broken up with dear Dean-o, but he still cares. I’m Balthazar Roché, soon to be Lafitte.”

Castiel smiled and shook the offered hand. “That’s alright. I think if I were to see a random person kiss my best friend, I would also be a bit snippy? Even though I know Meg can definitely handle herself.” He looked around at the crowded parking lot. “I never expected such a huge turnout. Pride really lives here, doesn’t it?” He spotted his dentist, a lanky guy called Garth, waving at them. He had the words ‘Love is love’ on his cheeks in black, accompanied by a rainbow flag. A cute lady with an obvious baby bump stepped next to him and kissed his unmarked cheek. 

Balthazar followed Castiel’s gaze and smiled. “Yes. For such a small town, we do have a rich LGBTQ+ community, and a lot of allies like Garth and Bess there.” Balthazar patted him on the back. “I’ll leave you to your first Lawrence Pride experience,” he said gently and walked off, dragging Benny along. Soon they were swallowed up in the throng. 

Chapter Text

Even with his dislike for crowds, Castiel felt at home between these people. Unjudged and accepted. He looked down at Claire, whose eyes were sparkling. “Shall I push you?” he asked. “It feels like we’re going to be a while.”

Kaia stepped behind Claire’s chair and possessively placed her hands on the handles. “You promised your new boo to hold hands. Claire can wheel herself and if she tires, I can help out. Now scoot, Captain Obviously Gay.” She gave him a roguish smirk and a wink. 

Castiel laughed and ruffled her hair. Then Dean slipped his hand in Castiel’s and a warmth spread through Castiel’s heart. Coming to Lawrence had been a good choice.

Rowena clapped her hands in that commanding way teachers simply own, and once she had everyone’s attention, she called out with a firm and carrying voice. “Alright, lads, lasses and all in between, time t’ get our gang movin’. Please behave an’ stay polite. We didnae start th’ war, but we’ll show them we willnae surrender either.”

The assembled crowd cheered and slowly they started moving. The atmosphere was amicable and warm. People chatted and greeted each other with hugs and high-fives. To Castiel’s joy, Han walked along with them. However, after a while they got separated. Han saw someone and dashed off with a joyous shout, but Castiel didn’t want to lose sight of Claire. His tenacious niece wheeled herself along with a smile while she and Kaia chatted with other teens. Yet he felt a little anxious. This was an event that could potentially drain her energy faster than any average school day.

Dean’s hand rested firmly and warm in his and he felt him squeeze. “She’ll be fine, Cas. Kaia is with her and that girl will definitely step in if Claire gets overwhelmed or tired. Don’t worry. I’ve seen them do it at school.” That settled Castiel’s nerves a bit. Then Dean grinned and waved his free hand. “Sammy!” 

Following his happy gaze, Castiel saw a tall, broad shouldered man smile back at Dean and stride over. He was objectively cute with the pan-sexual flag tied around his waist, and Castiel felt a little apprehensive. Was this another of Dean’s exes? The guy stopped and hugged Dean, leaning in to get on the right level. “Hey Dean,” he said in a honey-warm voice. “Glad I made it.”

Dean clapped him on his back and let go. “Yeah. Me too. Hey, Sammy, meet Cas. Cas, meet my little brother Sam.” Little brother? That explained the intimate interaction. 

Sam tilted his head in curiosity and he took Cas in with shrewd eyes. “Nice to meet you, Cas. Did you notice how Dean told you who I am, but glossed over you? I wonder why that is.” A slap from Dean to his shoulder made him grin and duck away. 

“Nothing nefarious or closeted, asshole,” Dean snarked. “I’m just not sure whether I can call him my boyfriend yet. We haven’t even been on a date yet.”

“Ah, but he did kiss him publicly, Sam,” Benny said, peeking his head between Sam and Dean and grinning impishly before walking on. Dean scowled at his retreating back, but Cas chuckled.

“I would be honoured if you would call me your boyfriend, Dean,” he said. “If I’m totally honest: I started crushing on you on the very first day we met.”

That was met with an ‘aww’ and a ‘see? I told you!’ from the girls. Dean shook his head fondly and kissed Castiel on his cheek. Then he turned back to his brother. “Weren’t you stuck in Kansas all day, waiting for your boy-toy?” 

Sam smiled radiantly and whistled. “He is actually here already! Took a few flights earlier to join me today.” The crowd split as a short man walked up. “There he is. Dean, Cas meet-“

Castiel gaped, then let out a disbelieving laugh. “Gabriel? Gabriel?!” He finally let go of Dean’s hand to wrap his brother in a tight hug. “God! I missed you!”

Gabriel hugged him back just as tightly and then turned to Claire. “Claire-de-la-Lune! Sweetheart! I’m so happy to see you!” He leaned down and hugged her tightly. Castiel saw her blink furiously, then bury her nose in his neck and hug him right back. 

“What the…” It was in unison and made Castiel smile. Definitely brothers. 

He turned to the Winchesters. “Gabriel is my older brother,” he explained. “He has been out of the country for over a year. He couldn’t help much with everything after.. you know.” He gestured at the wheelchair. 

Dean stared at Gabriel, then at Sam. “Dude… you said he was going through some stuff. Not that he had lost part of his family!” 

With a sad look at where Gabriel was quietly talking to Claire, Sam swallowed hard. “I didn’t know either. He never said anything.” 

The conversation between uncle and niece ended and Gabriel sighed as he stood. “Okay,” he said, surreptitiously wiping tears away. “Claire-bear and I wondered if we could all meet up after the parade. That way we can all walk… ummm… y’ know, move, at our own pace.” He glanced at Sam. “I think Sammykins wants to meet with more friends, so we’re bound to end up being way slower than you lot.”

Dean nodded. “We can meet at The Roadhouse for dinner. We all need to eat. Besides, it’s wheelchair friendly there.” Sam beamed at him, gave him a hug, Castiel a pat on the back and the girls a fist bump. Gabriel smiled at them all, hugged Castiel again and told him he wanted the details about this relationship with Dean that very night. Castiel chortled and told him he would tell what he could, even if they only got together that morning. 

Once Sam and Gabriel had been swallowed up by the crowd again, Castiel, Dean and the girls started moving again. Castiel had never been in such a positively charged crowd. There was music and singing, and smiling faces everywhere. The march across town took up most of the day, since they met so many people that wanted a chat or to take a picture. 

Claire wasn’t the only person with a disability either. An old man in a scruffy windbreaker and with a tatty cap on his head came over, limping. “Dean,” he said after introducing himself to Castiel and Claire as Bobby. “Can you drive me to the VA hospital Monday? The old leg is acting up.” He knuckled his thigh and it sounded like plastic. Bobby noticed Claire looking at him. “Lost my leg in ‘Nam, kid. And every now and then I need a new prosthetic one. The cuff tends to wear down and give me sore spots.” 

Dean patted the old man on the back. “Of course I will, Bobby. You shouldn’t drive if the leg hurts.” Bobby gave him a quick hug, thanked him and told him to pick him up at eight that Monday. Dean waved him off with a fond smile. “Bobby practically raised Sam and me after our mom died and dad couldn’t cope with that,” he succinctly explained to the others. 

“He’s awesome,” Claire whispered. 

That earned her a warm smile. “That’s what I always tell him,” Dean said. “And that goes for you too. Neither of you accepts the fate the world dealt you and you’re both fighters.” When Claire blushed and said she was just herself, Dean grinned. “Same bolt of cloth, you two. Are you sure you aren’t related?” They all laughed.

When they returned to the school grounds, the sun was setting already, painting the sky in gorgeous colours. “Let’s take a picture at the fountain,” Kaia suggested.

Chapter Text

“Dad, are you sure?”

Castiel smiled. Claire had slowly started to call him dad. Not because she was forgetting Jimmy and Amelia or because he was demanding she did, but because in her heart he had become her father figure. “Of course, Claire. You and Kaia have been together for over three years now. Plus: you’re old enough, basically an adult, and the house is fully adapted to your needs, so you two should be able to manage.” He kissed her on the brow and ruffled her hair. He grabbed his tan coat and weekend bag, and opened the door.

Kaia jumped back, hand raised to knock. “Oops! Sorry, Cas. I almost knocked on your face,” she apologised. Castiel smiled and just told her to have fun with Claire. Then he got into his car and drove across town. 

As he parked, he saw the door on the second floor open and Dean stepped out. He waved and even from this distance, he could see the radiant smile on Dean’s face. He ran to his boyfriend as fast as his legs could carry him. Dean hugged him so tight and then ushered him into the apartment. 

As he entered the living area, his eyes were drawn to the picture that hung right opposite of the doorway. It was the one they had taken that very first Pride. Dean with his arm around Castiel’s shoulders his, bi-flag draped as a cape, Castiel looking up at Dean, the rainbow on his cheek visible, Claire in her chair, wearing her lesbian flag as a cape as well, looking up at Kaia, who stood behind her, looking every bit in love as she still was. 

Around the big picture, smaller frames showed the other pictures from every Pride since. “You ready for the parade next week?” Dean asked, wrapping his arms around Castiel’s waist. Castiel leaned back in his embrace and hummed.

“We’ll be fine. And first we have to get through this weekend before anticipating next week,” he grumbled, snuggling.

Dean laughed and kissed his head. “There are ways I can think of to make the days pass very, very fast.” He slid his hand down suggestively. Castiel suddenly didn’t mind having given in to Claire’s pleas to have a weekend alone with her girlfriend.

~~~~~~~~

Castiel and the girls helped Dean clear away his collection of pride paraphernalia at the end of their third parade. Dean smiled at them, then all of a sudden grabbed Castiel’s hand and sank to one knee. “Castiel Novak, would you do me the honour of marrying me?” Castiel gaped at him, then, eyes promptly misting over, he squeaked an ‘Oh my god.. yes!’ 

Kaia muffled a squee, and Claire rolled her eyes with a grin. “Oh gods, save me! Twice the Dad jokes!”