Theme Prompt - Innocence

Fingers again straying to the scar on his shoulder, Dean stood and called to Castiel.

"Oh, Castiel," Dean prayed. "I'd really like to talk to you. Can you come down please?" Dean waited patiently, smiling when he realized he had said please. He almost never said that. To anyone. A whirring of wings was Dean's only warning that Castiel has arrived. He turned to look at the angel, fear suddenly closing his throat.

"Hey, Cas," Dean forced past his clenched throat. "Thanks for coming."

"Anytime, Dean," Cas replied, confusion in his voice. "You know I always come when you call." Dean laughed, the unintended double entendre rapidly stirring his nether regions. Castiel only tilted his head at him, uncomprehendingly. Dean shook his head and said, "Never mind Cas. I'll explain later."

Sitting down on the bed, Dean patted the mattress beside him. Castiel sat next to Dean, pulling his trench coat around him like a shield. Dean ached to touch the angel, but knew it was too soon. He isn't even sure what he hopes is true.

"Sammy told me about your earlier conversation with him," Dean said. He watched Castiel intently and felt like shouting for joy when the angel started to fidget with his lapels. Dean made a mental note to thank Sam for telling him about Cas's tell.

"Yes, we talked about love," Castiel replied, his voice subdued. "You humans are so consumed by it. I wanted to know more." Castiel stood and started to pace, an unfamiliar feeling curling in his gut. He took a moment to analyze it. Fear? He turned to Dean, trying to read what the human is getting at.

"Why did you call me down, Dean?" Cas asked. The hunter was watching him out of the corner of his eye, not meeting his gaze.

"I wanted to know why," Dean replied. "Why do you want to know what love is and if I've been in love?" Dean crossed his arms over his chest, trying to hold in the fear and hope and desperation. He didn't completely understand why he feels this way. Especially about another guy. He had always considered himself completely straight, until Cas appeared in that barn. Castiel with his wings stretched wide. Dean bit back a groan at the thought of Cas's wings and focused on the angel in front of him. Oh, right, he's talking.

"I've been having strange feelings," Cas said. "And I wondered if they were love." Castiel sounded unsure and Dean stood to bring his eyes to the angel's level.

"Is that all?" Dean asked, his voice going gravelly. Castiel stared into Dean's eyes for a moment. He had loved this strange man since he appeared in the barn. Loved that the hunter hadn't backed down in fear when Cas had revealed himself. It had taken him some time to recognize the feeling, to understand why Dean meant so much to him. Why he always came to him, no matter what else needed his attention. Castiel dropped his arms to his side, still trying to figure out how to tell Dean what he felt. He had seen Dean with other women and was sure that he didn't want him. Didn't feel the same way as Castiel did.

Dean smiled as he saw the war going on in Castiel's mind. The angel was so innocent, most of his thoughts could be read on his face. Reading the angel's expression, Dean solved the problem for Cas by stepping forward and wrapping his arms around him. Castiel's eyes snapped to his, disbelief warring with hope. Dean leaned forward slightly and let his lips brush against the angel's. Castiel let out a small sigh and wrapped his arms around Dean.

"I was asking to confirm my feelings for you," Castiel explained. "I love you Dean." Dean smiled and made a small, satisfied sound deep in his throat. He kissed Cas again then said, "About time you told me. I love you too." Castiel beamed at Dean and let himself sink into the hunter's embrace. His hunter now and forever.