Fic: A Traditional Family. Chapter 18

[majestic_duxk]

Chapter 17

Castiel decided that until Dean and Gabriel could prove they were at least vaguely responsible, there was a one omega in the kitchen rule. Both brats had whined about it, of course. The kitchen really was the heart of the home, and they actually liked being together. Like puppies, they gravitated towards each other for warmth and affection.

When Sam brought this up, Castiel nodded, but stayed firm. “It’s best they learn this lesson now, Sam. I’d rather a few weeks of pining-“

(Days, Sam thought to himself. Cas was hardly more able than Sam to ignore the puppy dog eyes from both of them)

“-than lose the kitchen. There are plenty of other places they can be together. Places that are less of a fire hazard.”

Not that Sam was arguing – certainly not when House Alpha Cas made a decision. Plus, it was a valid point, and he'd grown used to having home cooked meals together. Like a real family. And a functional kitchen was an integral part of that. He was more than happy to play his part and bend an omega who had no sense of direction over his hip for a quick reminder, before sending them on their way. He was growing somewhat immune to the heart broken looks sent his way afterwards.

And, more the point, the kitchen was still standing.

He never thought he'd say it, but living with two headstrong omegas was almost harder than hunting. He’d never admit that out loud though. And definitely not to Dean.

Not even on his death bed.

Dean caused enough trouble when he wasn’t even trying.

~o~

Life was comfortable. This worried Sam on a deep level. Winchesters never got domestic bliss. Well, Dean had somehow created a weird bliss bubble filled with traditional roles, and he was happy. Gloriously happy. Dean deserved every bit of it, and Sam wasn't selfish enough to disrupt that. Much as he loved being here, Cas and Dean were the ultimate in a one alpha household. Sam's presence was sure to cause problems eventually, no matter how much he loved being there. Knowing that he would have to move, he decided that while he was still there he would enjoy what he could.

Things had changed from when he first arrived – and not just because Sam was sitting there judging! Now that Castiel felt secure that Dean wasn't going to scamper off as soon as his back was turned, the alpha back at work full time. Even Sam was out of the house most days: he'd finally started school again, and studying was much harder than he remembered. Maybe older brains just weren't meant for study.

This left Dean and Gabriel at home, so the majority of the household chores fell to the omegas. This seemed unfair, and Sam argued that he was home studying at least half the time, and didn't mind pulling his weight, but was informed that study was important.

Not by Dean, although the omega was much happier now that Sam was close by for at least four years. Sam didn’t have the heart to bring up transfers, not even in jest.

"You can't cook, Sam." Had been Dean’s helpful input. "Although I don't mind you want to clean the bathrooms..."

Gabriel had elbowed Dean in the ribs before turning to Sam. "Right now Dean and I aren't doing anything." He raised his voice, speaking through Dean's offended response. "And if things get busy for me, or Dean has a show, then I know you'll both help! That’s how it works, right?"

Gabriel sounded so satisfied, but Sam's brow furrowed. "Why would you have a show, Dean?"

Gabriel clapped his hands over his mouth. Dramatically. Everything he did was so dramatic. Why was that so damn cute?

"You didn't know! Oh God - what have I done? Dean! I didn't... it wasn't... I'm sorry!"

Despite the dramatics, it was a sincere apology. Dean waved it off, but his blush and embarrassed shuffle made Sam determined to find out what Gabriel was talking about.

Dean groaned. "I recognise the look, Sammy. You're not letting this go, are you?"

It was Sam's turn to blush. "You don’t have to tell me, Dean. I can just find out on my own."

Dean looked horrified. "That's worse. Who knows what the fuck you'll find."

Pursing his lips, he looked towards the stairs, before squaring his shoulders and exhaling loudly. "Right. Let's get this over with."

Dean walked up the stairs like a criminal to the gallows. Gulping, Sam followed.

Dean wasn't the dramatic sort. This was going to be bad.

~o~

Sam was a fool. An absolute fool. Of course Dean was fucking dramatic. Everything about him spoke of drama, from the way he pushed Cas's buttons to his dramatic swan song when Gabriel accidently sat on him. How could he have forgotten?

Wide eyed, Sam stared around him, ignoring Dean’s nervous shuffling, and Gabriel’s endless chattering. This was on him. He should have known about this. He’d been in Dean’s home for weeks. Vaguely, he remembered Cas telling him to ask Dean about his workshop. And there was mention of Dean organising the art for the house but-

"I thought Cas meant you chose it, not that you made it!"

Sam's outburst silences the room. Both omegas look at him, wide eyed. Turning, Sam reached for Dean, and hauled him into his arms.

"Wha- Sammy?" It was a squawk, but Sam wasn’t about to tease.

"You are so amazing, Dean. So amazing and talented. And you drew those pictures in my rooms. The ones I love so much! You drew them for me.”

Sam peppered kisses over a shocked Dean's head. "No wonder I love them, Dean. And I never said thank you."

Sam stopped all Dean's attempted efforts of escape, before the omega finally sighed and relaxed into the embrace. Wobbling only slightly, Sam seating them both the sofa, Dean in his lap. The space beside him quickly filled with Gabriel who snuggled up close.

"You didn't need to, Sam." Dean's voice is quiet, but Sam is listening. "And you did say thanks. You said you liked them, and the room. You said it was perfect."

"It was. It is! I don't know what I did to deserve-"

Dean pushed back, and grabbed Sam's face. "You're family, Sam. That means this is your home. I wanted you to like it."

Dean looked as if he was about to say more, but was interrupted as Gabriel tackled Dean out of Sam’s lap and onto the floor.

"Come to my arms, brother! We are all family."

"We’re already fucking family, Gabe!"

The fight went on around him. Sam was too busy thinking about home.

~o~

Although he’d been relegated to the kitchen for drinks duty, he hadn’t got far. When Cas walked in, he was staring into the mugs cupboard.

"Uh, sorry, Cas." He quickly gathered the cups and cocoa. "I’ll be there in a moment."

Smiling gently, Cas grabbed some popcorn from the pantry. "There's no rush, Sam. I think we've got a good twenty minutes before those two agree on a movie. Oh, and Gabriel requested extra marshmallows."

Sam was momentarily diverted. "I thought was why we took turns? Doesn’t Gabe get to choose today?"

Nodding formally, Cas agreed. "Yes, but Dean threatened to eviscerate him if he chose The Little Mermaid again." A few chuckles escaped. "And while I didn't grant permission for murder, I don't want to watch it either."

Smiling his agreement, Sam focused on the cocoa before turning back to Cas.

"Say, Cas..."

Castiel had almost reached the kitchen door, but when he looked back at Sam, he must have seen something in the young alpha's face, because he marched straight back to Sam. Leaning against the counter he focused all his attention on Sam.

"Yes, Sam?"

Now that he was under the full force of that stare, Sam wasn't sure where to begin. "Dean showed me his studio today..."

It was beautiful, the way Cas's face lit up.

"He's so very talented. Did he tell you about any of his shows?"

"No, not yet."

Pride oozed off the other alpha. "Yes, his works are very popular. He's sold to a few major galleries. "Bigwigs" have come," and he even used the air quotes. Sam was hard pressed to laugh, "and asked him exclusive rights to his work. Dean, uh... told them where to go."

A laugh was surprised out of Sam. "He what?"

Cas grinned back. "Yes. Apparently they attempted to "schmooze" him, telling how this was an offer not many omegas would get, inferior as their work is.” Castiel’s eyes sparkling innocently. “I just can’t understand why Dean would find that offensive. But, Dean being Dean, the outcome was not pretty. Or cheap. I had to spank him, of course. He can't go around causing damage to people and property willy-nilly. Even though he was provoked, we have rules.”

Sam blinked, although why he was surprised they had rules about property damage he wasn’t sure. This was Dean after all. Before he could get more details, Cas had them back on track.

“However, I do not believe that is what you wished to speak about?”

Cas was right, but Sam didn’t quite know how to say it. Running a hand through his hair, he took a deep breath.

"Dean said that this was home."

Frowning, Castiel nodded. Clearing his throat, Sam added, "He said it was my home too."

He watched the alpha from under his eyelashes, unsure how he would react.

"Of course."

Huh?

"Of course this is your home, Sam. I am sorry if I wasn't clear, but I'm not sure how else I can say this is your home too." The frown deepened. "Dean, Gabriel, you... you are all my family. My pack. In fact, I thought…"

Castiel had a funny look on his face, he even opened his mouth, before shutting it with a snap.

"Was there anything else you wanted to talk about, Sam?"

Deep in thought, Sam shook his head. Could he really stay? Was he actually going to get something he wanted?

"Well, then... just remember my door is always open. And by that I mean that your conversation is always-"

Sam laughed, and shooed the alpha out of the kitchen. “I get what you mean, Cas. Now you’d better get back there before world war three breaks out!”

Immediately concern crossed Castiel’s face. “I can’t hear anything! Surely… no, Dean wouldn’t eviscerate Gabriel, he didn’t have permission.”

Picking up the popcorn he headed headed towards the lounge room, Cas was back a few moments later to inform Sam that they'd chosen Mulan and that the cocoa was required.

Sam got to work.

~o~

It was hard to investigate things when you were banned from being near the person you were investigating. Ok, so he was only banned from the kitchen. And only when Gabe was there. But since Gabe was in there all the fucking time, Sam was in there all the fucking time, and that left Dean no opportunity to interrogate his brother. He had to laugh at himself. A fucking hunter, trained through life to stalk the shadows, and brought low by an alpha with eyes in the back of his head. Even when he wasn’t in the building. Frowning, Dean considered investigating Cas. That really wasn’t very human of him…

Focus, Winchester, he harshly ordered himself. Cas’s supposed humanity was not the main issue. It was Sammy. He knew something was going on, but he couldn’t freaking figure out what! Cas and Sam would exchange all these looks, and Dean wasn't fucking oblivious! You learnt to read tension and emotion in a house like this. Sometimes it literally saved your butt.

At least wasn't a bad feeling. It was, more…. ah fuck it. Dean knew exactly what it was. Sam was in the middle of making a huge fucking decision. Dean just didn’t know what it was. The tells were obvious even if you hadn't raised someone practically from birth. Grumping quietly to himself, he cursed his rotten luck. If there was a problem with Sam, surely someone should talk to Dean? Who was the older brother?

Even without knowing, Dean ached to do something. He hated that furrow between Sam's eyes, and the tap tap tap of his pen when he studied. Ah, so maybe he wasn't totally altruistic. But! If he hadn't thrown that pen across the room there would have been murder. Totally worth the spanking and corner time, especially when Sam smiled properly.

Totally worth it.

Cas was acting odd too. Looking at Sam, looking away, and then looking back at Sam. In Dean's experience, if Cas thought you needed to talk, you fucking talked. There were fake options, and sure, Dean generally chose the hard way, but it wasn't like the actual talking was a choice.

So it meant that it was something Cas didn't feel like he could offer advice on. Wracking his brains, Dean couldn’t think of a single thing Cas didn't have an opinion on, but maybe it was different rules for alphas. Biting his lip, Dean wondered if he should just brave the kitchen and have it out with Sam...

A sharp tug on his hair brought furious eyes round to... oh... Cas.

Dean dropped his head. "Alpha."

"I'm not going to warn you more than once, pup. You are to keep your nose out of this one."

Dean puffed up as best he could while still keeping his head bowed. "Sam's my brother, and I'm not going to stand by and-"

"Dean."

Ahhhh... the deadly serious voice.

"I know you care for your brother, and it's commendable. But there are things he has to decide on his own. If he wanted advice he'd ask for it."

Dean was never able to keep quiet even when it was the smart thing to do.

"Yeah, but you want to say something to-"

Dean was hauled to his feet. He closed his eyes, ready to feel Cas's hand descend on his defenseless rear. Instead, Cas sat on the couch and pulled Dean into his lap. Not that Dean was complaining!

Still... "Cas?"

Cas ran his fingers through Dean's hair, the other gently stroking his belly until he was pliant and relaxed. Damn Cas had magic fingers!

"And even though I want to say something, I'm not. Because I have self-control, and because it's not my place. It is up to Sam to start the conversation, when he is ready."

Dean opened one eye accusingly. "Yeah, but you know what's going on!"

Cas laughed, his beautiful rumble that vibrated through his body. And Dean’s.

"I only have some ideas, precious pup. And no-" he forestalled Dean's interruption. "I am not going to tell you. If you have been listening to me, you'd know it's not my place." He sighed deeply, but continued on. "I'm not even going to tell you to stop thinking about it - I'm not going to ask you to so something you are incapable of-"

"Hey!" Dean was mortally offended. He was totally capable of that. He just didn't want to. It was an important difference.

"-but I will be ensuring you don't go to Sam with troublesome questions."

Dean's belly quivered. Cas was using all the good voices today. "How you gonna do that, Cas?"

Cas looked imperiously at him for a moment, before bending and covering his face with kisses. Lingering at his lips, he tugged gently at Dean's bottom lip until he opened his mouth, allowing Cas to deepen the kiss.

When he finally got his breath back, Cas was smiling down at him.

"You really think you can hide anything from me, pup?"

Not fucking human. Still, Dean was willing to put up with it.

~o~

Sam hated feeling stupid. He prided himself on his awareness. And he’d missed some big things. He’d been so sure he didn’t have a place here, he’d missed it being offered to him. Again and again and again.

Home. Family. Pack.

The problem was he wanted more than that. He was pretty sure the rest of the house hold knew – it wasn’t easy ignoring both Dean's pointed looks, and Castiel's aborted conversations- but he wasn’t ready to discuss it. Instead, he cuddled Dean and Gabe, and when Dean looked like he was about to ask questions, Sam invited Gabe to the kitchen, saving himself from his brother.

It was a low move, and Sam had no regrets. After all, it was more than an avoidance tactic. The more time he spent with Gabriel, the more he wanted to spend time with him. In fact, he had moved ever closer towards courting Gabe. Asking permission to court Gabriel, he hastily amended. Even in his own mind he couldn't do it without Castiel's permission.

It just didn’t seem straightforward. How would that work if they were both living under the same roof? Would Cas allow them time together? Would he have to be chaperoned by Dean?

God! Even the thought caused him to collapse pathetically against the kitchen table. He even whined out loud. Dean as a chaperon. He couldn't imagine anything worse.

Well, only one thing worse. And that was not having the option to court his omega at all. Because Gabriel was... well, Gabriel was amazing! He was cheeky, and headstrong, difficult and moody. Sam muffled his laughter in his text book. Sounded like some other omega he knew.

He was more than just a cheeky brat though. He was funny, and loyal. Creative, and hardworking, and yeah drop dead gorgeous. If they were ever mated, Sam hoped Gabe would wear nothing but his collar and gold underwear. A little flush of guilt ran through him. Should he be thinking about Gabriel like that?

It wasn't like he could help himself. Gabriel - who was somehow unaware of his emotional pain - was happily pottering around the kitchen in that ridiculously (gorgeously) skimpy thong. Without warning his blood heated up. Because Sam had already been gifted by the Gods. He had actually touched that gorgeous ass. At the time, he hadn’t paid it much attention. Well, only to make sure that he turned it red and hot. And he had.

But he wanted to touch it in fun ways too...

Get you're knot under control, Winchester, he firmly told himself. He didn't want his arousal filling the kitchen. Although he had already wondered if Gabriel was extra wiggly at the moment, or if it was just wishful thinking. He hoped it was Gabriel, otherwise he’d have to take himself out of circulation. Normally he did a better job of not fixating on Gabe’s very bare and very pretty ass.

Dropping his head to table with a thud, he ignored Gabriel’s' "Sam?" and tried to think of other things. Like... like the weird pride he felt when he’d looked at his two red-assed omega’s, noses firmly in corners. Hell, to his embarrassment (although Cas didn't mock him), he even embraced it. After that they'd both been spanked, it was amazing how much calmer they were. Happier. Snugglier. God! Shouldn't he have a bit more doubt about where he was heading.

Wait… was this any better? Chewing his lip, and taking another covert look at Gabe’s ass, he decided it was better. And it was important. Despite his cheeky ways, Gabriel was a traditional omega, who needed a traditional alpha. He needed an alpha who would love and adore him, but also bring a sense of calm and stability to balance his (adorably) chaotic self. And Sam wanted to be that alpha.

Fuck.

He really did want to be that alpha! With a renewed sense of purpose, he was determined to talk to Cas. Soon. Yeah... that was the right thing to do. Sam put his head down to learn about anesthetic rates for different household pets.

So focused on his study, he didn't notice Gabriel's little twirl and subsequent pout as Sam ignored his apron. It was the one that temptingly invited the viewer to kiss the cook. Maybe it was time to step up the seduction?

~o~

What was the best way to approach Cas? Sam didn't want to make a big deal of it, but it was also important. Should he ask Cas if they could talk in his study? Or was that too formal? Maybe he should do it outside of the house. Did he need to bring a courting gift? Why the hell did he study his course this afternoon and not ways to court a traditional omega?

God. What was he thinking? He couldn't do this. Cas would take one look at him and decide he was not right for Gabriel. Well, of course. Gabriel was special, he deserved only the best and-

"Sam?"

The runaway thoughts were interrupted by Cas. Looking up, he saw the alpha leaning against the kitchen doorway, dishcloth and plate in hand. A quick glance at the table revealed it cleared. Shit. And it was his turn to do the dishes.

"Sorry, Cas. I know it was my turn."

Cas waved away his apologies.

"That's quite alright. You seem to have something on your mind this evening."

Sam gulped. Now was the perfect time and he just wasn't ready. What if Cas rejected his suite? Where would that leave him? Homeless? Could he really mess this all up?

"Sam."

Castiel's voice was right beside him, and Sam looked up into kind eyes.

"Whatever you are worrying about, I can guarantee that it's not as bad as you think. Now, would you like to-"

"Pee-you! What's with the stench in here?"

Great. Now Gabriel was there to witness his humiliation. Cas's hand on his shoulder meant he couldn't sink under the table never to emerge again. Was he such a sadist?

"Have you chosen the movie yet, Gabriel? No? Then why are you here. I believe I said to fetch us when you've agreed."

"Oh, come on, Cas-"

"No. Back to the lounge. Unless..."Castiel's voice turned very kind. "Gabriel, if you need a spanking and an early night, you only have to ask-"

"God, Cas. You are in such a-"

Gabriel’s voice trailed off into the silence. Even Sam had come out of his mini... well, he wasn't going to call it a panic attack, so his mini thing to stare at Gabriel. He'd seen Dean mouth off to Cas, but Gabe generally minded his manners.

When Castiel responded, it was in the mildest of tones. "Would you like to finish that sentence, Gabriel?"

Shooting a quick look at Sam, and seeing him looking at him, the outrageous omega gave him a wink before responding airily.

"No, no. I should get back to Dean. Trust me, if I leave him to choose it's going to be Die Hard."

"Hey! Still better than friggin' The Little Mermaid." Dean was obviously close enough to hear everything.

Sighing dramatically, Gabriel paused in the doorway. "See what I have to put up with? You both owe me!"

Spinning on his heel, he sashayed out. Sam blinked.

"What happened then?"

Cas's lips twitched, and he pulled Sam up by the shoulder. "That was Gabriel’s way of making sure you were ok. Now, come talk to my while I finish the dishes."

~o~

Worrying at his fingers, Sam wondered how to start. It shouldn't be so hard. Really, it had been on his mind for a long time. And Cas wasn't some monster. No. He was the fairest, most level-headed alpha he'd met. Who was now facing him, arms crossed and one sardonic eyebrow raised.

"Sam. Just tell me. I can’t imagine it’s as bad as you fear, and if it is, we'll deal with it."

It was a generous offer that Sam had every intention of rejecting. What he meant to do, was calmly inform Cas that there was nothing wrong.

What actually came out of his mouth was, “I want to court Gabriel.”

Castiel at least did him the honour of pretending to look surprised, but he was a terrible actor.

As the silence built, Sam fidgeted. He really wanted to break the silence but couldn’t force any words out. Instead he had to wait for Castiel, who was taking his sweet time!

Eventually he said, “Are you sure you really want to do that? He’s quite a handful.”

Sam nodded, before finding his words. “I do. I really do! I… we still need to get to know each other of course. And I’ll follow any rules you have, doors open, Dean has to be present, but I really hope that’s not a rule, Cas, because the Dean chaperoning is…”

Sam couldn’t even explain the horror of that, but Cas understood if the smile on his face was anything to by.

“Sam, you have my blessing. We’ll have to ask Gabriel what he-“

The slam of the kitchen door hitting the wall was a shock to say the least. Gabriel stood there, chest heaving before he stalked towards Sam, eyes level and dangerous.

“Yes! I say yes! You can’t say no, Cas it’s not up to you!”

Dean was close behind, falling dramatically against the kitchen door before punching the air. “I fucking knew it! I knew it was this two assholes! Damn it, Cas. This wasn’t a secret.”

Dean’s words were lost to Sam as strong arms were wrapped around his waist as Gabriel burrowed in.

“You made your choice, Sam. Don’t think I’m letting you go.”

Sam looked down, and Gabriel’s expression hadn’t changed. Before he could respond, spit out his own promises, Gabriel was dragged from his arms, and pushed towards a corner with a mighty fine smack to his rear. Sam was torn between grabbing him back and checking that ass out properly. He was allowed to now, wasn’t he?

“Cas! This is my romantic moment! And your moment! You’ll be free of me! You get to, probably, marry me off, and instead of enjoying that, you pull me out of my one true loves arms? What is wrong with you?”

“Given the fact that you both live here, and will continue to do so, I find myself singularly unmoved by you plea. Corner. Now.”

“What? That’s not fair.”

Castiel raised one eyebrow. “Really? Well, because it is your “big romantic moment”, I will indulge this. Do you think, if and when you and Sam are mated, that the house rules somehow change?”

Gabriel’s mouth dropped, and even Dean froze mid I was right dance. The silence was deafening. Lips pursed, and arms crossed Cas looked from Dean to Gabriel.

“Because I was certain that there was still a moratorium on how many omegas could be in the kitchen at once.”

Sam fell to a seat as the sound of defensive omegas filled the air. Of course they were going to end up, red assed with their noses in the corner. Because that was how it was here. And it was how they all liked it. Wiping a subtle tear from his eye, Sam couldn’t hide his huge grin. Finally the Winchesters – both of them – had a time. Finally, they had their family.




Chapter 17