Fic: A Traditional Family. Chapter 12

[majestic_duxk]

Chapter 11 | Chapter 13

Sam was holed up in his reading nook, mulling over the talk with Cas. He’d steeled himself for the dressing down of a lifetime. And he deserved it, causing trouble where there was none. He’d planned to sit there, take his licks, and afterwards quietly slip out and leave the happy couple to themselves.

But that wasn’t what happened.

Castiel hadn’t berated him at all. Didn’t even mention Sam and his role causing discord in the household. Sam had carefully avoided the issue, while Castiel ignored it completely, instead focusing on Sam, and his plans, and what he wanted for the future.

It was the first time Sam could ever recall someone doing that – being interested in him and what he wanted. Actually listening to what he had to say, as if it mattered. It settled something in him. Here he was, being treated as if he was important, like an equal.

Like an alpha.

Dean had been too busy pouting to tell Sam how he should live his life. So while the alphas talked about important things, Dean had instead curled up on Castiel’s lap, nuzzling against the alpha’s hand, quiet except for the occasional annoyed huff. Castiel had focused all his attention on Sam (and it was both invigorating and uncomfortable being pinned by that stare!), but never stopped petting Dean. It was kinda nice to see, Dean relaxing under that Castiel’s firm handling; cuddling him against his chest, petting him, pulling at his leash and running soft hands over Dean’s red behind.

Initially, Dean had been tense, but Sam decided it was being on that leash (and that was still really fucking weird and Sam really didn’t know how he felt about it but it was probably bad and something he should not bring up with anyone), because he’d eventually relaxed, flopping about like a sleepy puppy. Sam wanted to cuddle him, Dean was so fucking adorable.

Sam talked quietly, only making his excuses when a sleepy Dean started rutting against his alpha’s leg. Red faced with Castiel’s “the next hurdle hmmmm, Sam?” ringing in his ears, Sam hotfooted it back his room.

Despite the premature end to their talk, Sam walked away feeling good. It seemed like he was happy, Cas was happy, and Dean was happy. Everyone was happy in the Novak-Winchester household.

Except that wasn’t true: Dean wasn’t happy.

Not that he’d said anything to Sam. No, because Dean In Your Face Winchester was avoiding him.

So fucking childish, Sam thought with a fair amount of heat. If Dean had a problem, he should come to Sam. Because it was obviously Sam’s fault. When Dean was pissed at Cas, he flounced into Sam’s room and complained until he ran out of breath.

Which meant Sam was definitely to blame, even if he didn’t know the specifics. But to have Dean go from trusting him to ignoring him? That hurt. A lot.

He loved Dean. Maybe he was too aggressive in his handling of the situation. He didn’t mean to imply – or out rightly state – there was anything wrong with Dean’s relationship. There wasn’t. Not really. It was just different to what he was used to. It was unfair to expect him to walk in and be totally ok with everything!

And on top of that he was a hunter and researcher. His freaking job was to find out about fucked up things, and figure out how to make them better. Wincing to himself, Sam acknowledged that was harsh, but the point stood. All his pushing and questioning were because he wanted to make sure that Dean was safe and happy.

And because he wanted to understand and make sure Dean was safe and happy. Like it or not, the fact that Dean was an omega changed how Sam treated him. Now it was even more important that Dean be safe and cared for.

But he couldn’t do anything if Dean wasn’t talking to him!

Snarling, Sam threw his book down. Why was Dean being such a dick? What Sam really wanted to do was make Dean sit down and talk about the issue instead of running away. He wanted to have his happy and sassy Dean back, not this quiet one that avoided everything.

And he could see how a firm alpha could achieve all that.

--oo--

Which was how he found himself standing outside Castiel’s office.

But now that he was here, it didn’t seem like such a good idea… What was he going to talk to Cas about anyway? The fact that Dean didn’t come and snuggle up to him?

He couldn’t say that. That was a waste of everyone’s time (plus Sam would look pretty pathetic), and Castiel was a busy man. While ostensibly still ‘on vacation’, every day he spent a few hours in his home office. Sam had never bothered to find out what Castiel did during this time, instead content to read in his nook, lazily reading in a sunbeam with Dean laying on top of him. It was fantastic! And now he missed it. How ridiculous! When had Dean cuddles become such an important part of his routine?

Biting his lip, he shuffled from foot to foot. Cas could get Dean to stop being such a brat. Maybe some corner time and a spanking…

Sam’s eyes flew open. When had he started thinking like that? Dean was a grown man who could make his own decisions (evenly annoyingly childish ones). It was ridiculous to come to his alpha to ask him to correct? Change his attitude? Firming his mouth, Sam nodded to himself. No point in disturbing Cas. He’d just have to wait until Dean was either over it or ready to talk to him.

He spun on his heel, ready to slink back up the stairs when Castiel called out.

“Just come in, Sam. I can’t concentrate with you out there.”

Damn. He couldn’t leave now. That would be rude. Especially after Sam’s mere presence had disturbed Castiel. Taking a deep breath, Sam schooled his expression and opened the door. Sidling in, he took note of Castiel was frowning at his computer. He almost walked out, but the other glanced up when Sam’s shadow fell across him. Gesturing towards a chair on the other side of the desk, Castiel didn’t wait before turning his attention back to the screen.

Sam gingerly lowered himself into the proffered chair. He had no idea how this was going to go and there didn’t seem much point trying to figure out what to say. If ten minutes of pacing hadn’t sorted it, five minutes in Castiel’s office wasn’t going to help. Instead he watched as Castiel finished typing (huh. He was one of those slow two finger typists. Never would have guessed that). With a decisive nod, Castiel moved shut the lid to his laptop before moving it to the side. Resting his hands on the desk, he turned his disturbingly penetrating stare on Sam.

“What seems to the matter, Sam?”

Ugh. What was he supposed to say?

“Not much…”

--oo--

Castiel didn’t roll his eyes, but it was a close thing. Sam was still a puppy and supporting the young and confused alpha was a priority. “Sam. You were pacing outside my office for fifteen minutes and you reek of annoyance. Want to try that again?”

--oo--

Biting his lip, Sam thought hard.

“Well. It’s Dean…”

No. That was a bad start. And misleading. Sam trailed off and Castiel’s brow snapped down. That was his pissed off alpha expression. This was just a terrible idea! The whole point was to not get Dean (or himself) into more trouble!

“He is behaving himself, isn’t he Sam? I did remind him in no uncertain terms of the repercussions of continued disobedience and impertinence.”

“No! No, no, no. He’s been fine. Well behaved!” Sam hastened to assure him.

Castiel levelled him with a look and Sam sighed. “He really is. Sticking to the rules. Precisely to the rules. It’s just…” my brother won’t come and cuddle with me? Could he be any more pathetic? “It’s just, well, last time I had concerns, I spoke to Dean and that didn’t end well for anyone.”

Sam made a face and Castiel smiled.

“It ended perfectly well for me, Sam. I am always happy to see my puppy with a red ass.” Castiel’s smile grew toothier. “And on the end of my leash.”

Sam coughed uncomfortably. Yeah. Sam still wasn’t sure about the leash. Dean alternated between glaring at it like it was scorpion tale and practically purring when Castiel pulled him in close and… God! Sam could feel the blush starting. That wasn’t the direction he wanted his thoughts to go. He cleared his throat again.

“Um. Anyway, since then… Well… since then, he’s been avoiding me. I don’t want to push him to hang out with me if he doesn’t want to…” Sam trailed off, and then finished plaintively. “I miss my Dean cuddles.”

Ugh. He’d said it. He’d fucking said it! Could he be any more pathetic? There were so many other things he could have chosen and went with the pitiful truth. He looked at Castiel from under lowered lashes, expecting to see the older alpha’s face full of scorn. Instead, Castiel looked thoughtful.

“So what do you think, Sam? Do you think he is still angry?”

Sam nodded. Castiel didn’t look convinced. Well, Sam wasn’t either. He didn’t think Dean was still angry at all. Angry Dean shouted and punched things. This weirdly quiet Dean Sam didn’t have much experience with.

“I don’t know, Sam… You say he’s ignoring you? That doesn’t sound like Dean.” A slight smile formed on Castiel’s lips, and Sam found himself nodding approval. Castiel really did get his brother. “And if he was going to stay angry at anyone, it would be me. Not that I encourage such behaviour. We deal with issues at the time and then we move on. And he does tend to tell me what’s on his mind…” Castiel cast his mind back. Dean had been quiet the last few days, but Castiel had put that down to being on the leash with Sam around. Unhappy about it, but not angry. An angry Dean was not a quiet Dean.

“I can assure you he isn’t angry with you, Sam. But I think you are correct. Something is bothering him. Do you want me to talk to him?”

“Oh, no! No, thanks Cas. I figure he’ll come to me when he’s ready…”

Castiel just raised an eyebrow. “And you think this kind of behaviour is acceptable?”

Biting his lip, Sam looked away. According to Castiel’s rules, it wasn’t ok. Dean was supposed to be obedient and respectful to all alphas – and that included Sam. Ignoring and avoiding him obviously went against the rules. Hell, it was why Sam stormed Cas’s office! He’d decided that Dean needed a firm alpha hand. But now that he was here, now that Cas was offering, it seemed wrong.

“It doesn’t seem right, forcing Dean to do something he doesn’t like.”

Castiel looked at the young alpha before him. He had a very good idea about what Sam was feeling. However, he had to lead Sam there, rather than push him.

“Do you still have issues with the way I manage Dean?”

Sam started – was he that easy to read? – but readily shook his head. He was pretty sure it wasn’t about that now. He might even agree with way Cas ran things…

“No, that’s not the problem, Cas. Much as I hate to say it, I can see it works for the two of you. I was going to talk to him – wanted to! But I figured it would end in a fight like last time, and I don’t like making him upset...”

Sam trailed off, but Castiel just looked amused. “Unlike me you mean?”

While Sam blushed and tried to think of something to say, Castiel leant back in his seat, favouring Sam with a small smile. Sam couldn’t help but admire the calm assurance he radiated. Sam, on the other hand, felt like a naughty pup who had to justify everything. Even though nothing was his fault! By the twinkle in his eye, Castiel knew how Sam felt.

“I don’t go out of my way to upset Dean, Sam. And I know you don’t either. One of the major differences between us is when he acts out I am more than happy to put him in his place. He’d happier, and I’m happier.”

Castiel smiled, a small smug smile, before continuing. “If you did the same, we’d have a much more harmonious household.”

Opening his mouth, Sam attempted to defend himself, and Castiel held up a hand, effectively silencing him. “I am not judging you, Sam. I am simply stating a fact. When you first came here, I told you I did not expect you to enforce the rules, even if I do expect you to obey them.”

Intense eyes bored into Sam, and he shifted uncomfortably.

“But this is who you are, Sam. If you were the type of alpha that was comfortable disciplining Dean, you wouldn’t be asking the questions that upset him.”

That was a fair enough comment, Sam allowed, nodding at the alpha.

“And despite the impression I may have given, I don’t mind you asking questions of Dean, and talking. On the contrary, I think it’s important for both of you. But when you say it isn’t about our lifestyle…” Castiel paused, looking thoughtful. “Maybe you have accepted it, but your past actions were not so tolerant. I know that Dean got upset because he feels embarrassed being submissive around you. And he will get over it. It’s something we have dealt with before. And he will push and prod me until he feels like you are ok with it. And that’s the problem Sam.” Castiel leaned forward, looking straight into Sam’s eyes. “You’re not ok with it. Are you?”

--oo--

It was a calculated move. Castiel was fairly confident that Sam’s presence in his office was an indication that Sam was accepting of more than Dean and his relationship. Based on the mutterings outside his door, Sam wanted to encourage him to take Dean in hand. Castiel didn’t mind taking care of the spat between the brothers – regardless of what Sam decided, Dean needed a reminder about proper behaviour. But the opportunity to see where Sam’s feelings lay was too good to miss.

--oo--

To his shame, Sam felt his eyes shift away. He’d just told himself how completely ok he was with everything, and now he couldn’t look the alpha in the eye to tell him that! Fuck! He really was weak and pathetic.

Sam sighed. “I didn’t come here to talk about this. I didn’t think that this was about your “lifestyle”.” Sam threw in the air quotes. “I even thought I was completely ok with everything!”

Sam paused. What was he trying to say? “Dean seems happy. No-“ he quickly corrected. “He is happy. He laughs more than I can ever remember. And… you’re both in love. And I think it’s great. And I feel like I am totally on board with it all, and then suddenly something happens and I feel like… I don’t know.” Sam punched the pillow beside him in frustration. “Like you’re some sort of dictator who gets to choose everything for him!”

Internally, Sam cringed. Where the fuck did that come from? He was being very aggression towards his brothers’ alpha. Fuck, he was challenging an alpha in his own home and that wasn’t what he meant to do!

But the alpha didn’t explode. He just raised one questioning eyebrow.

“The leash…” Sam offered weakly. Dean hated it. It was obvious. But it was also apparent it was not Dean’s first time. Now that Sam knew what to look for, there were suitable hooks all over the apartment…

Castiel just laughed. “Dean doesn’t hate the leash as much as you think, Sam. Yes, he dislikes wearing it front of you – but we’ve already discussed why. And it has some… benefits in the bedroom.”

Sam wished that he didn’t get an immediate visual from that. He glared at Castiel, whose eyes crinkled in return.

“And as for controlling his life… You know Sam, instead of asking Dean why he lets me control his life, maybe you should ask Dean what he does. You might be surprised.”

Tapping a finger on the desk, Castiel stared off into space. “You might also consider that things aren’t quite normal. Yes, it’s been a few weeks, and yes I am certainly laying down the law, but Dean is still…” Castiel paused searching for the right words. He looked at Sam.

“Sam, do you feel settled?”

Sam blinked. What the hell? Of course he didn’t! He was in a new house, with new people. He’s brother was a fucking omega! Everything was… different. But what that had to do with… oh. Oh. Biting his lip, he looked somewhat abashed.

“Ok, so we’re all still settling in and getting to know each other. But I don’t see what that has to do with this!”

“Your opinion is very important to Dean. You know that Sam,” he added sternly as Sam burst into laughter.

Dean thought Sam’s opinion was important? Since when?

Ignoring Sam’s look of disbelief, Castiel spoke on. “You still have a warped view of what our lifestyle entertains. You don’t actually come to me with questions. You try to work it all out, and then don’t listen to a word that I – or Dean – say.”

Valid point. Although Sam didn’t see the need to discuss every little detail with them. It wasn’t like Sam’s opinion would change anything. It was ultimately up to Sam to reconcile it, and then there wouldn’t be a problem. Right?

“I think… I think you still don’t understand what our lifestyle entails. Contrary to popular belief, Dean isn’t chained to the bed while I’m out. Not even before you stayed here, Sam. He’s even allowed to go out and about unaccompanied – although I do expect to be informed of where he is.” Sam went to interrupt and Castiel stared him down. “I expect him to keep his word, Sam. To go where he says, and to return when he says. And to inform me if plans change. But it’s not a one way street. I afford him the same respect, Sam. And if I can’t keep my word, I let him know.”

“Does Dean spank you if you don’t keep your word?”

Castiel looked amused. “I’m not a brat, Sam. Although I can think of one alpha brat in this house…”

Sam looked abashed, but stubborn. Castiel just sighed. It really wasn’t very surprising. Both Winchesters were stubborn to the core.

“Dean and I have a consensual relationship, Sam, based on me – the alpha – maintaining discipline in the household. I didn’t trick him into anything, I didn’t coerce or threaten. I love your brother, Sam. I want to love and protect him. From the world and, sadly, more often than not, from himself.”

“One of the ways we agreed to keep Dean in line is spanking. I don’t go out of my way to spank my pup. At least not for disciplinary purposes,” Castiel added honestly. “But I’m not going to slide on the rules just because Dean is being a brat. That doesn’t work in a traditional relationship. I don’t think it really works in any relationship, pretending that actions don’t have outcomes. It’s just more clearly defined for us. Dean depends on me to set the rules and to make sure he keeps to them. Here, I am Dean’s alpha, and that means more than I’m the one with a knot.”

“You’re not a traditional – were not raised as a traditional alpha, Sam.” Castiel hoped it was becoming clear to Sam that his leanings were much more traditional than he might be comfortable with. All this questioning and pushing was about Sam, rather than Dean. But poor Dean got caught in the middle. “But I was honest with you from the start. You knew what you were coming in to, just as Dean was aware.”

Castiel wasn’t sure what else to say. Much as he wanted to give Sam all the space he needed, they couldn’t keep doing this. They couldn’t keep going round and round in circles. It was upsetting Dean. And upset Dean was a bratty Dean. He had just settled down and now this…

For the first time Castiel showed some of his frustration. “We can’t keep having this conversation Sam. It’s not good for Dean to see his alpha’s constantly at odds. If it will make you feel better, then we can have it with Dean. But it will be the both of us. I won’t say anything, but trust me on this – Dean isn’t going to want to have that conversation. But if it will close this matter, I’m willing to do it.”

Sam scrubbed his face tiredly. “I’m sorry Cas. Really I am! I know I’m making things hard for you both. And I’m trying to understand… maybe if things weren’t so different?”

It was time to be firm. “I’m not changing any of the house rules, Sam. With you being here routine and consistency is even more important for Dean.”

Coupled with that, Castiel wasn’t willing to change things when Sam still hadn’t settled into the dynamic. He also wasn’t going to change his house rules for an insolent puppy who didn’t know what he wanted. If Dean hadn’t managed it, with all his cajoling and pushing and arguing and looks through (admittedly beautiful) tear filled eyes, there was no way Sam could manage it.

“If I’m causing too much trouble, maybe I should leave…”

Castiel did roll his eyes this time. “I’m not chasing you out, Sam. As I’ve said numerous times, this is your home for as long you want it to be. I like you being here. And more to the point, Dean likes you being here.” Castiel smiled at him then. “And I like making Dean happy.”

Castiel let the silence fill the space, letting Sam think over what he’d said. Eventually, the young alpha heaved a sigh.

“So by challenging you, I make life hard for Dean?”

Castiel made a noncommittal sound. It wasn’t the whole problem, but it certainly didn’t help.

“I have to apologise to Dean, don’t I?”

Castiel smiled. It would be a good start. “Try not to upset him too much this time.”

Chapter 11 | Chapter 13