Every once in a while, Dean randomly likes to give Cas a present. Nothing too expensive or outrageous; usually itâs something small yet personal. Something that says âI love youâ, without Dean actually having to say it out loud, while at the same time Cas will get the message, loud and clear.
Keys to the bunker, a symbolic gift. A new tie that looks a lot like Casâ old one. And sure, maybe Dean was feeling nostalgic and offering Cas that present also for his own benefit, sue him. A mixtape, to share his favorite music with Cas.
And yet⌠Dean canât help but feel like itâs never enough, no matter what he gives Castiel. Because what could possibly be enough of a present to impress an actual angel? A celestial being that has witnessed stars as they were born, could have everything he desires with a snap of his fingers, probably.
After breaking his head over it for months, Dean figures it out on a sunny day in June. Something that he can give Cas that actually means something. The Impala is parked near a deserted lake, and Dean feels at home right there, stretched out on the hood, Cas right beside him, both of them sipping from their bottles of beer as they stare up at the sky, blue and cloudless.
This is as good a time as any, Dean is sure of it.
âHmm?â Castiel turns his head, his soft blue eyes finding Deanâs.
âI want to give you something⌠I just⌠You can totally say ânoâ, if youâre not feeling it, or if you think itâs dumb.â Dean blurts out, nerves suddenly creeping up on him.
But sure enough, Cas is understanding and patient with him, as always, erasing all of Deanâs fears. âWhatever it is, Iâm sure Iâll want it, Dean.â
Dean breathes in relief, then fumbles with his hands, taking off the ring that heâd been wearing for over ten years now. Itâs nothing special, plain silver, no real meaning behind it besides Dean buying it because heâd stumbled upon it and liked it. But itâs his, so he figures that the message will be crystal clear when he offers it to Cas, holding it up and waiting for Cas to take it and put it on his own finger.
Casâ face lights up, traces of disbelief evident as he hesitantly takes the ring.
âLook, itâs not really about the ring, thatâs not what I want to give you. Itâs cheap and replaceable, and hey, to an angel Iâm sure itâs as useless as everything else Iâve been trying to give you.â Dean mutters, ducking his head to hide his blush.
Castiel frowns at him. âI actually do like everything youâve ever given me⌠But then what is it about? What are you giving me now?â
Dean clears his throat, reaching out to gently cup Casâ jaw in the palm of his hand as he reveals the gift behind his gift. Something that Cas doesnât have, but truly deserves. Something that only Dean can give him, and that will truly mean something. When Dean speaks up, heâs sure that Castiel has never looked happier.
âWell, if you wanna have it⌠a surname.â