A/N: A few hours turned into way more than that...oops! The final chapter! Enjoy! Disclaimer: I do not own Supernatural nor its characters.

The trek back home was long and exhausting, but overall satisfying. They had not only saved the world by killing the rift once and for all, but both Castiels and Charlie were safe and sound. And for a split second, the Winchesters allowed themselves each a sigh of relief. Everything was as it should be. Now all that was left was to lick their wounds and recuperate.

When Dean and the other Winchesters walked through the door of the war-beaten house, he realized two things: it had been over a year since his counterpart had set eyes on his own living room and that Dean- the hunter who lived on the other side of the mirror, the real world- would never see this house again. A pang of regret filled his chest only to be replaced by a sense of accomplishment and pride; he'd saved them all. Dean was done. He could go home now.

"Home sweet home,"

Dean's eyes caught and followed after the other Dean as he took a moment to take in the familiar yet not surroundings. His chest heaved a but as he shifted Cas from his shoulders into his arms. Using the utmost care, he carefully opened the door to the spare bedroom downstairs and carried Cas inside, shutting the door behind him. They almost looked like a newly wed couple, minus the black and blue skin of the "bride".

When the door clicked shut, Sam and Dean each flipped the sofa back over onto its legs. Then, after that was situated, they placed their piggyback riders on the armchair and the couch. Sam gently maneuvered Charlie into a more comfortable position against the headrest of the armchair as though she were a fragile doll. He took a moment to softly move a strand of red hair from her face, an affectionate smile hovering on his lips.

When Dean settled Castiel on the couch, he forgot for a split second that his friend was a literal angel that could kill him if he so chose to. Maybe it was because of the other Castiel's weak state that fueled Dean's caution. Cas settled against the cushions of the couch and Dean resisted the urge to kiss his forehead. While he was aware of what he felt for his best friend and that he was in the clear for doing or thinking such things, old habits were hard to get rid of.

"I'm gonna go get some blankets for them," Sam said jogging over to the stairs. The other Dean came out of the bedroom and crossed the room to meet Sam halfway, rubbing at his eyes tiredly. He paused in front of his brother and pulled him into yet another hug. The other Sam smiled a bit exasperatedly as he returned it. Dean resisted the urge to roll his eyes; surely they didn't hug that much? Sam pulled away first and patted the other Dean on the shoulder affectionately.

"It's good to have you back, man. This house hasn't been the same without you," he said before running up the stairs, taking them two at a time. The other Dean stared after him with a softened expression. He was turning away to go return to his husband when there was a quiet gasp. Castiel- the angel- had begun to stir. Dean clumsily dropped to his knees and scooted over to where Cas' head lay on a cushion against the arm of the couch.

The other Dean quickly moved so he could see his new friend more clearly. They both held their breath in anticipation as Castiel groaned. His long lashes fluttered briefly before his eyes slowly opened. A deep, guttural cough rumbled from his chest and both Deans could see his pupils dilate then focus sharply. Cas grumpily lifted one hand to his forehead and winced as his fingers touched one of the knobs there.

"How are you feeling, Castiel?" the other Dean quipped up from where he stood over by the stairs. Cas rapidly shut his eyes as though pain had rocketed through them. His lips parted into a silent wince as he shifted onto his elbows. From what the real Dean could tell, his angel had yet to see him. And that pissed him off- just a little. The other Dean sent him a look of sympathy.

"Oh, I'm just peachy,"

"I figured,"

"What happened?"

"Rift sucked out all of your energy and tossed you about like a damn doll,"

"Well, that explains my vessel's sluggishness. Did you defeat her?"

"Uh, yeah, about that. She kinda took over my body. If it hadn't been for Sammy and your Dean, I wouldn't be here right now,"

"It makes sense that they would come to your rescue. My Dean has a habit of putting himself in danger to save others. It worries me at times. But I'm glad he saved you,"

"Why don't you tell him that to his face?"

Dean sent the other Dean a look like a deer in the headlights of an oncoming bus. Cas seemed to freeze, his hand pressed to his temple. Slowly, his eyes reopened and focused on his lap. Then, after steeling himself, Cas looked up and met Dean's hopeful yet terrified gaze. The air was galvanic between the two – a static buzzing in the small space in front of their faces. When Dean spoke, his voice was soft, like a whisper.

"Hey, Cas,"

"...hello, Dean,"

Castiel tried not to show too much emotion, but even the other Dean could see that he was struggling to keep calm. Dean's pinched expression told the mirrored hunter that he was feeling the same way. Sam came down the stairs and paused as his brother put a finger to his lips curtly. Sam quietly took a few silent steps more so he could peek down at the pair on their couch. His mouth formed a soundless 'oh' as he watched intently.

The angel struggled to sit up and Dean tentatively assisted him with a hand on his shoulder blades. Dean felt something squeeze his other hand and glanced down to find Castiel had grabbed him. Before he had come through the mirror, Dean would have quickly pulled away and brushed it off indifferently. But now...after all that he'd gone through- between the kidnapping of Cas in this world and the battered Cas that he loved so much- he realized that there was no time for defensive tactics.

Cas seemed less startled than Dean originally thought when the hunter squeezed back. Truth be told, he instead looked at him...with an expression that Dean had seen before. It had been the same one on the other Castiel's face when they'd had their talk in the kitchen when he'd first arrived. Cas was drained and physically exhausted but his emotions- ones that Dean himself had helped to surface over the years- were still running strong.

"I've been looking for you...since I got here,"

"Not too hard to find someone as handsome as me,"

"Dean, I'm serious. I have been worried sick about you. When Sam told me that you were gone, I-,"

Dean's chest constricted at the note of agony in his angel's voice. Cas swallowed hard, his throat bobbing. His eyes were stormy with a mixture of anger, misery, and pain. But overlying it all, Dean could see a glinting light that meant that, for Cas, all the crap he'd gone through to get to this moment had been worth it. Because Dean was okay. He was right there in front of him. And Cas had never felt so relieved.

"Cas, you know I would have come back to you. A-and to Sammy. I always find a way, right?"

"But, Dean, this time felt different. Normally, I can sense where you are. I can hear your prayers. When you went through this mirror, I couldn't feel you anymore. Do you understand how that affected me?"

Dean took Castiel's face between his hands and forced Cas not to move away. The angel glanced away, ashamed of how bathetic he was being. Frustrated, Dean lightly pressed a kiss to the corner of Cas' mouth. 'Oh crap. I actually went through with it,' he thought immediately after his lips made contact, 'Well, too late now'. Castiel jumped a bit in shock and his incredulous blue gaze returned to look at Dean.

"I'm here now, Cas. Feel my hands. They're real. I'm real. I'm not gonna disappear like some damn Houdini act,"

"Who is Houdini?"

"He's- oh, never mind. I'll show you later. I meant that you're stuck with me. In this dimension or the next. In whatever parallel universe you or I get sucked into, it's always gonna be you and me. And Sam. Team Free Will, remember?"

Cas sighed and leaned into Dean's palm. His eyelids fluttered closed and his lashes tickled Dean's thumbs. Internally, Dean's heart was pounding on overdrive. Had he actually said all that in one breath? And with his counterpart and other Sam listening in?! Mortified, Dean peeked over at them. Both the other Dean and Sam had similar expressions of choked up happiness. It was more embarrassing to look at them than to focus on the situation at hand.

Sam noticed the awkward silence growing steadily and cleared his throat. The other Dean sent him a slight glare at the interruption. Sam awkwardly shifted the comforters in his arms and took the last couple of stairs using clunky steps, making sure to make noise to announce his presence

"I, uh, I got the blankets. Good to see you're awake, Cas,"

"Oh. Thank you, Sam,"

"No problem. Dean- no, not you. I meant my brother-, wanna come check on our Cas with me?"

"Yep. Right behind you. Cas, I'm glad you're doing better,"

"And I'm happy you're not dead,"

"I- thanks,"

After the most awkward exchange ever, the other Sam and Dean vanished into the spare bedroom. Cas and Dean could hear their muffled voices through the door. There was a mildly stifling quietude within the house. Cas turned and smiled over at Dean. And if butterflies didn't spring up and explode in Dean's stomach at that tiny grin, well, he'd be lying.

"And you? Are you alright?"

"Oh. Me? Yeah, I'm good. Hunky dory. No problems here,"

"Dean, relax. I'm not going anywhere either,"

That wasn't the problem, but it comforted Dean nonetheless. He went to get up from the floor- he'd been kneeling for about thirty minutes now- and winced as pain shot like fire throughout his entire body. Cas frowned in concern and Dean almost rolled his eyes; nonchalance was not his strong-point.

"You're hurt," Cas said disapprovingly. He stretched up and placed a hand against Dean's chest. His fingers splayed out just under Dean's sternum and the heel of his palm lightly pressed against the top of his abdomen. A prickling sensation that burned like flames but without the pain rushed through Dean. Goosebumps rose on the skin of his arms and legs while a shiver trailed down his spine.

Dean hadn't realized how much he missed the feeling of Castiel's angelic power. He could literally feel every injury afflicting him stitch up and heal completely. Cas shakily moved his hand away as Dean finished healing. The tips of his fingers slid deftly down Dean's stomach as Cas dropped his hand away. It fell dead-weighted to the couch and Cas huffed out an exhale of breath.

"You okay?"

"Yes. It just...takes me longer to recover my energy after using my grace,"

"I hate that rift,"

"We all do, Dean. But she's dead now. Thanks to you,"

"I didn't kill her. Sam did that. All I did was make sure no one got killed,"

"And that's why she's dead, Dean. Because you kept the people who did commit the deed safe from fatal harm,"

"Yeah, well, anybody could have done that,"

"No. The only person who was capable of successfully protecting the people he considers family...is you, Dean,"

"But I didn't protect everyone! You got hurt, Sam got hurt, the other me got possessed! What the hell did I even do, Cas?"

"You did what you always do: you rushed into battle, without thinking of yourself, but thinking that, if there was anything you could do, you'd use everything in your power to keep the rest of us alive. Even if it meant your own death,"

Dean was speechless. Cas shook his head with a small hum of a chuckle.

"That's one part of you that drives me crazy, in more ways than one,"

"Yeah, well, you'd do the same thing,"

"True, but I would do it with the mindset that, if I were to die, I wouldn't move out of the way. You're different,"

Dean clenched his jaw and, for the first time since Castiel opened his eyes, he was the one to look away. Cas seemed to sense that his friend wanted to drop the subject and wordlessly swung his legs over the side of the couch. He took a moment to calm his panting breaths then looked up at Dean.

"Help me up. I need to heal the others,"

Without speaking a word, Dean complied, aiding the angel to his feet and steadying him as he wobbled. It took a few moments for Cas to regain his equilibrium. His hands gripped onto Dean's upper arms in a vise grip. Dean refrained from wincing. When Cas gave the okay, Dean released him while hovering nearby in case Cas needed him again.

Cas walked over to Charlie and, with a saddened expression, lightly touched her forehead with his forefinger and middle finger. Dean watched as the bruises, cuts, and sickly coloration of the girl's face faded and glowed with health. An unspoken sadness emanated between the two men that were not of that world; this would be the last time they got to see Charlie and she was unconscious for it.

Dean shook his head and gently guided Cas away from the slumbering redhead; if either of them stayed any longer, they would never want to leave. His heart heavy with renewed grief, Cas stumbled a bit on his way to the spare bedroom. Dean immediately took his arm securely, the action causing the angel to smile again.

Dean knocked on the door and the other Sam answered. His expression was grave and Castiel wordlessly mimicked the two finger healing process on Sam. His hazel eyes flew open in surprise as the pain in his face and leg faded away to nothing. Cas' knees buckled beneath him and Sam grabbed hold of his other arm. Together, the Winchesters practically carried Castiel over to his other self.

"Will he be alright to do this, Dean?"

"I think so. He said that it takes him longer to recharge after each energy use,"

"Isn't that dangerous for him?"

"Cas is stronger than he looks, Sam. He'll be alright. He knows his limits,"

Sam's brow furrowed in concern, but he left the subject alone. Castiel sent Dean a grateful look that made the hunter's heart flutter. The other Dean, who had been murmuring softly to his husband, looked up as the trio approached. When Cas lifted his hand to touch the other Dean's forehead, he reared back, shaking his head. His green eyes were soft and his mouth quirked up into a small smirk.

"Thanks, Cas, but I'm fine. When the rift died, her leftover energy healed me right up. 'Sides, I'm not the one you need to be worrying about,"

Cas squinted and glanced over at the other Castiel. He looked so...fragile. Cas was worried that, if he touched him, the other Dean's Cas would shatter. But he knew that he had to make an attempt to at least heal what he could. With that thought in mind, Cas carefully land his hand on his other selves' arm. Closing his eyes, Castiel concentrated hard.

A burst of sudden golden light engulfed both men, causing the Winchesters to cry out at the sudden brightness. Dean peered through his fingers and watched in fascination as the other Castiel was cured of all grotesque injuries. The spot on his head where the hair had been ripped away recovered and his shiny dark brown hair was restored to its rightful place.

It took a mere ten seconds for Cas to be completely healed, but it felt like a lifetime. Eventually, the light faded away and the angel slumped over his counterpart. Dean rushed over and found that Cas was now sleeping peacefully, his lips turned up into a satisfied grin. As Sam and the other Dean gushed tearful 'thank you's, something inside Dean broke and it was like a flood rushing in.

"I'm proud of you, Cas," he whispered into the angel's ear. He barely heard the other Dean claim the need for celebration. Dean didn't pay much attention as the other Sam and Dean helped him carry the sleeping angel back into the living room. He was focused purely on the new feelings bursting within him like a fireworks display. Was this...what he thought it was?

"I'm gonna make burgers,"

"Dean. You're my brother and I love you, but you've been dead for a whole year. Are you sure it's safe to be around a stove?"

"I'm not a damn zombie, Sammy. I still know how to cook,"

And then, abruptly, Dean felt as though he were intruding. Which, of course, he was; this wasn't his. None of this belonged to him. His home was through the mirror. In the other dimension. It was time for him to go. But even with the realization crashing down on him, Dean couldn't bring himself to move from his spot on the couch. Cas nestled into the crook of his neck, his warm breath puffing softly against his collarbone- Dean didn't want to shift a single muscle.

For a split second, Dean allowed himself to believe that everything was normal. He closed his eyes as the scent of hamburgers drifted to him from the kitchen. His head tilted back and rested against the back of the couch. His fingers absently carded through Castiel's hair and Cas pressed closer. Things were finally the way Dean wanted them to be.

Except they weren't. And he knew it. His Sam was back at home, waiting for him. His bunker- his home- was on the other side of the mirror. His Baby was awaiting his return in the garage. His memory foam mattress was practically calling him. The only thing that Dean could even dare to claim his, was the slumbering man beside him.

'We've overstayed our welcome. It's time to go home,' his subconscious quipped sagely. Dean sighed through his nose, his chest heaving. He almost didn't want to leave; he'd become attached to this world already. However, the hunter within knew that his place wasn't here. It was back in Kansas with Sam and Cas. With his Sam and Cas. But how would he and Cas get home?

Before the weight of that question could settle in, there was a click of a door opening behind him. Swiveling his head around as far as he could, Dean turned and saw a rather disoriented Castiel emerging from the spare bedroom. He looked good as new, if a bit disheveled. He padded out from the room, eyes squinting against the light and blinking away the fatigue.

"Welcome back," Dean croaked, his voice cracking. The other Cas blearily glanced at him and simply stared. It took him roughly five second before Cas stumbled over to Dean and threw his arms around his neck. His hair tickled at Dean's nose and Dean stared hard at the ceiling as he fought the urge to sneeze. Wetness dripped down his bare collarbone and soaked into his shirt; the other Cas was crying.

"Hey, you know I'm not your Dean, right? There's no need to get all mushy over me,"

"I know you're not him. But I'm just as happy to see you. I suppose I have you to thank for saving me?"

"I guess. But I wasn't the one who killed the rift,"

"Then who did?"

"Me,"

Dean and the other Cas both looked up at the other Sam's trembling voice. Cas released Dean and straightened up. The other Sam didn't hesitate as he hurried over to Cas in five strides. He and the other Cas met head-on and hugged almost desperately. Cas had to stretch up a bit to hug Sam, but he didn't mind at all. Sam was sobbing and Cas gently smoothed down his brother-in-law's hair soothingly.

"I'm alright, Sam. I'm okay,"

"We thought you were dead!"

"I know. I thought so, too. For a moment there, I was scared I'd left the house to you. That must've frightened me back to life,"

"Oh, shut up,"

Sam laughed through his tears and pulled away excitedly. Cas didn't know about what had happened and Sam was more than eager to tell him. He hastily wiped at his tears to no avail and Cas stared at him in quizzical amusement. The other Sam opened his mouth to speak but only a squeaky gasp came out. Cas smiled and was about to tell him to calm down when a noise was heard from the kitchen.

"Sammy! Where'd you go? I need your help with the-,"

The other Dean came through the kitchen door with a frustrated look on his face and halted immediately when he saw the other Cas. Dean felt as though he was watching an intense scene of a soap opera. The other Sam looked back at the other Dean with a grin and then down at Cas with a hopeful look. Cas stared at his husband without blinking. His mouth was parted slightly in shock and tears brimmed at the corners of his eyes.

"Sam, is he...?"

"Yeah, Cas, that's really Dean. He's back. Castiel brought him back,"

"C-Castiel? I-I didn't do anything. I don't understand,"

"No, not you. I meant the real world Dean's version of you. He's an angel. He's sleeping right there,"

But the other Cas didn't tear his eyes away from the other Dean. He untangled himself from Sam's embrace and stood still, processing what he was going to do. Then, Cas slowly approached the other Dean, his movements jerky and cautious. As he passed the real Dean, the hunter noticed that his friend was trembling severely. 'Jeez, he's really worked up over this,' Dean thought.

The other Dean stood as still as a statue. His eyes were warily watching his husband's every step. As the length between them shortened, the other Dean gulped; he was nervous while also filled with so much love and utter joy that he felt he were fit to burst. When Cas was standing in front of him, he anxiously quirked his lips up into a wavering grin.

"Hey, Cas,"

The tears gushed from Castiel's eyes and his lower lip trembled. Still, he did not move. Instead, Cas took a deep, shuddering breath and let it out slowly. The other Dean bit his lip and shuffled his feet. A part of him thought that his husband would be angry with him for not coming back sooner and that scared him to death. But Cas did not seem to be mad- rather, he was...hesitant and so full of misery and hope.

"Tell me...tell me that you're real. Tell me this isn't another dream. Tell me that you're not going to disappear when I wake up,"

"I'm real. You're not dreaming. Not this time, baby. Not ever again. I'm really back, Cas. I'm not going anywhere,"

No one moved. Cas' searched his husband's features for any sign of falsity. His blue eyes gazed almost desperately into the other Dean's opposite green. Finally, the other Cas reached out his hands and cupped his husband's face in between his palms. His thumbs traced soft lines along the other Dean's cheekbones. His whole body was trilling with nerves and overwhelming emotion. The other Dean covered Castiel's hands with his and tearfully laughed.

"See? I told you. I'm not going anywhere,"

With a wrenching sob, Cas flung himself into the other Dean's arms and they embraced as though their lives depended on it. The other Dean lifted Cas into the air and twirled him around. When he set him back down on his feet, Dean began to pepper kisses all along Cas' neck and hair. Cas clung to his husband, his fingers digging into the soft fabric of the other Dean's t-shirt.

Dean felt a bit awkward watching the couple, but it was too touching to look away. Cas pulled away just enough to smash his lips against his husband's, all the while weeping hysterically. The other Dean kissed back with such a ferocity, Dean was a bit concerned he'd hurt them both. His counterpart seemed to be on a mission to touch every part of his husband's body he could get to.

Cas was the same way. His hands were harsh, making absolutely sure that the flesh beneath them was actually there. That nothing would take it away again. Eventually, the two broke away and regarded one another with revived excitement. Occasionally, one of them would pepper a series of kisses along the others' knuckles or face or neck. But it was as though neither one wanted to look away from the other in fear that, if they did, one of them would end up vanishing.

"I missed you. I missed you so damn much,"

"I missed you, too, baby,"

"I thought I'd lost you forever,"

"I told you that I'd always come back to you,"

The couple kissed again, this time more softly. It was a tender and intimate moment. Dean found himself looking away in secondhand embarrassment. The other Sam walked over and the three group hugged. And it was in that moment, Dean knew that now was the best time to leave. He stood and carefully positioned Cas back down against the cushions.

The other Winchester family all glanced in his direction and ushered him over. Reluctantly, Dean walked over and the other Sam pulled him into the hug. Warmth surrounded Dean on all sides and the urge to stay returned with a vengeance. He felt so safe in the arms of this family. He never wanted to lose this feeling.

Eventually, the four of them separated and Dean felt the warmth fade. And now Dean really wanted to go home. The knowledge that he was never going to see these versions of his family- wait. And suddenly Dean understood; he could keep this family with him because it was his family! He had his Castiel and he had his Sam. They might not have had a house, but they had a bunker and that was where they called home.

The other Sam looked down at Dean and smiled. When he lightly punched Dean in the arm, Dean shook himself out his thoughts.

"You okay? You looked like you were spacing out there,"

"I'm fine. I just...Cas and I gotta go now,"

All three of the mirrored Winchesters instantly became doleful. They seemed to have forgotten that Dean had to leave. At first, there was only silence as the realization hit hard. The other Cas and Dean closed their eyes to hide how distraught they were, but Dean saw it anyway. And it stung like a bitch. The other Sam swallowed hard and nodded solemnly.

"I guess it's best if we get it over with,"

"Gotta do this fast. Like ripping off a Band-Aid,"

"I wish you could have stayed longer. I wanted to get to know you better,"

"Nah. You've got your own Dean Winchester. I don't think you could handle having another one. Besides, my own pain in the ass little brother is probably missing me like crazy,"

Sam laughed sadly and had to close his mouth to keep from whimpering. The other Cas seemed to be the most upset that Dean had to leave- tears streamed steadily down his cheeks- but he understood. He released his husband and brother-in-law and walked over to where Dean shifted awkwardly from foot to foot. With an affectionate smile, Cas pressed a kiss to Dean's cheek and hugged him tightly. Too surprised to respond, Dean hugged back.

"Thank you so much. You brought my family back to me. I'll never forget you for this," he murmured. When he pulled away, Cas jerked his chin in the angel's direction. "Tell him thanks too, would you? If it wasn't for your Castiel, I might never have gotten my husband back," he said, his voice thick. Dean nodded and Cas turned away, sniffling.

The other Dean glanced up at his other self with a mournful expression and unhurriedly reached into his pocket. A glittering shard of green glass glinted in his palm as he held his hand out. There was the sound of howling wind and a ghostly haze of a mirror appeared a few inches from where Dean stood. With a startled yelp, Dean jumped back. The other Dean plaintively smiled and nodded to his counterpart in silent thanks.

"We're gonna miss you, man. You'll always be remembered,"

The other Sam made his way over last. He stood in front of Dean with an earnest expression. He appeared to be wanting to say something, but the words were lost from the moment he tried to utter them. His hands twitched a bit at his sides. It was Dean who initiated the hug. The other Sam sniffled as he gratefully hugged back. Dean chuckled and roughly patted Sam on the back.

"Don't you cry for me, Sammy. Save them for your real brother,"

"But you have become my brother, you jerk,"

"Yeah, but you should get your snot all over his shoulder, not mine. This is the only shirt I've got, bitch,"

The other Sam laughed and tightened his hold on Dean. After a few minutes, he, too, pulled away. Dean lifted a hand and grabbed a lock of the other Sam's hair. With a mock frown, Dean flicked it up and away from him. Sam rolled his eyes and beamed down at his other brother.

"Say hi to Sam for me!"

"He'll have a hay day with that crap,"

With a sorrowful smile, Dean gathered his Castiel into his arms and stepped towards the portal. He paused and turned back for the final moment. The mirror's Winchesters and Castiel waved and sported farewell smiles. Dean's eyes took in the house he'd never see again and landed on Charlie, who was still unconscious. His heart clenched at the reminder that his Charlie was dead. He glanced over at the other Sam for the last time.

"Take care of her, too, will you? Tell her about what happened here...about me, yeah?"

Sam nodded sincerely. With a single tear running down his cheek, Dean turned and vanished into the mirror. There was a series of flashing lights and the sensation of being lifted high into the air and suddenly dropped at an alarming rate. Then Dean and Castiel were sliding onto the tile of the bunker's library. Sam, who had fallen asleep at one of the tables, awoke with a jolt and sleepily rushed to his brother's side.

"Dean! Cas! You're back! Are you hurt? What happened?"

Dean groaned and lifted a hand to stop Sam's rambling. He smiled wearily and pulled Sam into a hug. At the familiar scent of his younger brother, Dean relaxed and let the loss wash over him. Sam hugged him back, a bit confused but also happy that his older brother was back. There was a low grumble as Castiel sat up, his face scrunched up in sleepy bemusement.

"Are we back?"

"Yeah, Cas, we're back,"

Dean pulled Cas into the hug and, as the portal closed for the final time behind them, he knew that things were going to be different. He was going to keep this warmth, going to keep that wonderful feeling that the mirrored family had given him. Dean was going to be happy. Sam clung to his family and breathed a sigh of relief; finally, after what felt like forever, Dean and Cas returned to him.

"Dean, as much as I enjoy this hug, I can't breathe,"

"Sorry, Cas,"

"You two look like crap,"

"Thanks for that, Sammy. It's nice to see you, bitch,"

"You know you love me, jerk,"

"Yeah, yeah. It's great to be home,"

"Dean, I think Cas fell asleep,"

Sure enough, the angel had slumped against Dean's shoulder and was drifting back into slumber. A soft smile quirked up Dean's mouth and, without thinking, he pressed a kiss against Castiel's forehead. Cas snuggled closer to Dean a little, the ghost of a smile on his lips. Sam, on the other hand, had his jaw dropped open. Dean narrowed his eyes in warning.

"Sam. Don't-,"

"Are you two finally together?"

"We're haven't really- wait, what the hell do you mean by finally?"

"Oh my god! It took you literal years to make a move. It's about damn time you did something about it!"

Dean stared at his brother, his face slack with stupor and disbelief. Had he known all along? Yet it took a whole alternate dimension for Dean himself to realize it?! Dean rubbed a hand down his face tiredly and pinched the bridge of his nose. He was too drained for all of this. Dean could deal with the drama later; all he wanted to do was go to bed. His memory foam mattress was calling to him.

"...can't believe it took you so long. This is unbelievable! Oh. I've got to tell everyone. I've got to call Jody and Claire and- holy crap!"

"No, don't you call anybody. I don't even know what this thing is. We're making things up as we go right now. You can't just-,"

But Sam had already scrambled to his feet and was rushing out of the room, his fingers slipping on the buttons of his cellphone. Dean had reached out a hand uselessly to try to stop him and let it fall back down into his lap in defeat. Sam's eager voice could be heard enthusiastically gushing down the hall, growing fainter and fainter as he walked.

Dean rolled his eyes nearly into the back of his head and got to his feet. Cas groggily awoke at the sudden movement and mimicked Dean's actions. Dean took the angel by the hand and, heart beating wildly in his chest, led Cas in the direction of his bedroom. Cas clumsily walked behind him. He would occasionally trip over his feet and Dean would have to steady him.

When they reached Dean's room, they both immediately collapsed onto his bed. Cas seemed to become more aware of what was happening as his head hit the pillow and he peered up at Dean through his lashes. Dean knew that look; Cas felt as though he were overstepping his boundaries and was feeling guilty for it. As he opened his mouth to speak, Dean silenced him by moving closer. Nose to nose, Cas looked at Dean and Dean looked back.

"What are we doing, Dean?"

"Sleeping,"

"No, I meant-,"

"I know what you meant and we can talk more about it tomorrow. Right now, I just wanna sleep with you. I spent far too much time away from you already,"

"But you've told me before about personal space and I'm-,"

"Don't think so much. This is fine with me, Cas. I encourage this. Alright?"

Cas hesitated. Dean felt his skin heat up in embarrassment as a thought popped into his mind. He wasn't sure if he would be completely comfortable with carrying it out; allowing the feelings he'd shoved down for so long to run freely was still nerve-wracking for him. And Dean wasn't sure if Cas would be okay with what he had in mind either. But the idea nagged at him and the urge overpowered his logic.

With a shy expression, Dean leaned forward and was startled to discover Cas doing the same. The two froze and locked eyes. Both were as skittish as colts. In the dark, Dean could see Cas looked down and felt tentative hands on his neck. A tingling sensation prickled the skin where Cas' fingers brushed and suddenly Dean was overcome with need- a demand to close the gap between him and Cas, to ultimately satisfy his urges.

Determined not to flinch away again, Dean cautiously leaned forward and Cas tilted his face up. Their lips were inches apart, close enough to feel the others' breath. Dean felt his stomach knot up in anticipation. Cas' tongue flicked out to lick his lips and Dean found himself surging forward to capture it. Their mouths met in somewhat of a clash and the kiss awkwardly came to be.

They were both too eager and the kiss was sloppy, even hurt a little. Dean scolded himself for being too impulsive and willed himself to calm down. Cas seemed to be doing the same for gradually the kiss became more tender and their lips molded together into a perfect slotted fit. It was sweet and, while the pace had slowed considerably, the passion remained.

Dean slowly brought a hand up and took one of Castiel's. Their fingers entwined and Dean felt Cas smile against his lips. Cas pulled away a tiny bit- their lips only brushing now- and Dean leaned forward to press their foreheads together. Cas gently nosed at Dean's cheek and Dean felt as though his heart might burst.

"You don't know how long I've been waiting to do that,"

"You and me both, buddy,"

"Why now? Why wait so many years if you felt the same?"

"You wanna know the truth?"

"Of course,"

"I was scared,"

"Of me?"

"No. Well, yeah, I guess you. I was afraid of what might happen,"

"You mean what would have happened had I not reciprocated your feelings towards me,"

"Yeah, smartass, that. But after seeing how the other Dean and his Cas interacted...I dunno, I guess I wanted to see if I could have that, too. I feel so stupid for not seeing it earlier,"

"Dean, you're not stupid. You're human. And there is nothing wrong with that,"

"Nothing wrong with being human, huh?"

"Not at all. While I am not human myself, I'd much prefer you than any angel,"

"Hmm. Guess I'll have to get used to that,"

"Yes, you will,"

"And you'll have to get used to this,"

Dean kissed Cas against on his lips and Cas hummed softly. The two pressed closer, their limbs entangling and their bodies flush together. Dean trailed his hands over Castiel's skin and felt a sense of contentment flood over him; this was it. The one thing he'd been searching for and it had been here all along, in the form of his best friend. Cas brushed his fingers through Dean's hair and lightly gripped at the back of his neck. A low moan rumbled from Dean's chest.

"Oh, god. You two aren't going to start having sex, are you? Ugh, I'm gonna have nightmares," Sam's muffled dismayed voice came from outside the door. Dean and Cas pulled away from on another and stared at the door with similar looks of amused mock irritation. Dean laughed loudly and shouted to his brother.

"If you don't wanna hear it, get your ass away from my door!"

"It's a free bunker, Dean! I shouldn't have to avoid a hallway just so you two can do...what...oh my god, I just got a mental picture!"

Dean threw his head back in laughter as the sound of Sam fleeing footsteps. Cas looked absolutely abashed with the whole situation and Dean kissed away the thin line his mouth had formed into. Cas shook his head exasperatedly and kissed back. They settled down after a few more minutes- their kisses shifting to soft, peppering pecks from time to time.

"Night, angel,"

"Goodnight...human,"

Dean chuckled at Cas' slightly confused tone and kissed him once more. He felt Cas relax against him and snuggle closer. For the first time in a long time, Dean was happy. And even though he knew that there was still a lot to discuss and to figure out, in that moment, Dean didn't want to think. As he drifted to sleep with his angel by his side, Dean couldn't help smile.

He might have helped out the other Winchester family, but really it was they who helped him. He gave them what they desired most and they showed Dean his. The battle had been tough and Dean was sure he was going to die several times while in that dimension, but if he had the chance to go back, he would do it all again in a heartbeat. Then again, Dean enjoyed being on his side of the mirror; the real thing really was way better than the reflection.

The End

A/N: Ta da! Finally, it's done. I honestly did not expect to finish this. But thank to you all, I was able to push through it and get it done. I hope you all enjoyed it; I know I did. Love for you all~!