Christening
Title: Christening
Series: Part 2 of C Winchester
Pairing: Castiel/Dean Winchester
Rating: General audiences
Word count: 2,117
Summary: When Castiel and the Winchesters left Pontiac, there wasn't a lot of time spent planning their futures. At Bobby's house, it's time to settle a few things.
When John, Dean, Sam, and Castiel reached South Dakota the afternoon after they left Illinois, Bobby Singer took the news in stride. "Hell, ya already look like a Winchester," he told Cas by way of greeting.
"That means welcome to the family," Dean translated, patting Cas heartily on the back. The kid flinched almost imperceptibly as the impact jarred his broken arm, but held in the breath that wanted to hiss out between his teeth. Sam caught the grimace anyway, elbowing Dean off with a scowl.
"Was hoping you could help us out with the paperwork," John told Bobby as his two sons fought a childish and mostly silent war with Castiel standing awkwardly between them. "Birth certificate, social security, maybe even a license."
"For Castiel Winchester? Huh."
Dean gave up on shoving his little brother around to shoot his uncle a skeptical frown. "Huh? I don't like the sound of that. Huh, what?"
"Well, trouble is that Castiel ain't exactly, you know, a real name. A normal person name," he clarified as Dean glared at him, but the look just intensified. "What I mean is, it sticks with a person. It's unique, and that's no good for disappearing.
"Not to mention, and I ain't askin' questions I don't want the answer to, but Martin Creaser called from up near Chicago this morning and he says all the radio stations in the state are broadcasting one of those Amber alerts, calling it a kidnapping. Caught his attention because he heard the kid's dad making a statement, and recognized the name of that priest you all were working with."
As the Winchesters stared at Bobby in disbelief, Cas set his shoulders and lifted his chin. "I should go back."
The shocked faces turned to him, and he explained: "I'm putting you in too much danger. I can go back now and blame some generic Unabomber-type for the kidnapping and the injuries. My father won't do anything with all the media focus, and I'll be careful not to provoke him when it dies down. You won't have to worry about me being in the way or getting you caught."
"Oh, stow the hero complex," Bobby huffed. "Kidnapping is hardly the worst thing folks like us've be accused of, and it ain't gonna scare us into ditching you. You've been claimed as family, you're stuck with us now."
It was Castiel's turn to be flabbergasted. "Why? You just met me! I walked in the door ten minutes ago, how can I be family to you?"
"Look here, Cas. I'm only saying this once, so don't go expecting any mushy nonsense after I'm done. Most of us in the life-hunters-we don't got a lot of family left. Most of us lost them in terrible, violent ways. So when you come into my house, looking worse than a brand new hunter after tangling with a werewolf, and you tell me not only that your old man did it, but you think you should go back to him for our sake? Idjit.
"As far as I'm concerned, from this moment on, that there," he pointed to John, "is your daddy, and those are your brothers. That makes you family, and we take care of our own. Now come give a grumpy old man a hug, 'cause you ain't getting another one unless someone dies."
Speechless, Cas was helpless to disobey the order, though he felt tears threatening to choke him as he accepted the gruff embrace. It was only a moment before Bobby pushed him away, clearing his throat as he adjusted his cap. The others stayed conspicuously silent.
"But the point I'm trying to make is that your name is a problem, no two ways about it. Sorry if you're fond of it, but you can't exactly go around being inconspicuous with a John, Dean, Sam, and... Castiel. I can do it if you want, but I'm telling you, it's asking for trouble. You'd be better off with something more common and forgettable."
A glance at Dean showed he was unwillingly convinced by Bobby's point, but John was the one to speak. "It might be for the best, if you think you can manage it. It doesn't need to be forever, but while you and Sammy are still in school, it'll make our lives easier."
"I can just get my GED. I mean, not that it still wouldn't be better to have a new name, just that way you don't have to worry about paying for books and things. And, I know I might not be very helpful on hunts right now, but I can get a job when you don't need me to do research, and train the rest of the time."
"Oh hell no," Dean scoffed. "You two Poindexters are graduating, me'n Dad got the big hunts for now. We'll get you in fighting shape, but you're doing your damn homework first. Anything due before we skip town, anyway."
Ducking his head in acknowledgement, Cas again found himself humbled by how quickly and completely these relative strangers had embraced him. "A new name, then. Any ideas?"
"Here's an idea: no brainstorming in my goddamn foyer." Bobby over-enunciated the word in a sarcastic drawl, ushering them all into the next room.
Dean and Sam instantly claimed the couch, shoving at each other again until Dean was sprawled over two thirds of it, head propped on an armrest, and Sam was sitting at the other end, one hand constantly fending off his brother's attempts to use him as a footrest. Bobby dropped gracelessly into the chair behind his desk, and John leaned against the doorframe they had just walked through. Cautiously, in deference to both his injuries and his uncertainty, Castiel settled into a chair along the far wall.
When no one initiated a discussion, he said, "So, names. I, uh, I really don't know where to start."
"You're not much older than Sammy, right?" Cas nodded, and John turned to his youngest. "How 'bout it, what were the most common names in your last few schools?"
Sam stared up at the ceiling. "Um... Always a lot of Michaels and Johns, but obviously no. David, Chris, Will-"
"He can't be William Winchester, that's dumb," Dean complained.
"Bill?"
"He'd still have stupid initials."
"You have stupid initials."
"You have a stupid face!"
"Boys," warned Bobby, and they settled back down.
The parade of names continued, to include Steve ("Does he look like a Steve to you?"), Daniel ("Dean and Dan? Pass."), Adam ("No," interrupted John; when pushed for a reason, he just shook his head), and Tim ("Timchester. It'll happen.") without much progress made.
After Dean's dozenth smartass comeback, Sam observed, "You're being awfully quiet, Cas. This is going to be your name, we're just trying to help."
"I know," Castiel flashed him a small, bruised smile. "It's just a very strange thing to consider, renaming myself. I know it's necessary, but nothing feels right the way my name does."
"You keep thinking, I'm gonna grab some food."
"Bring me beer!" Dean yelled at his retreating form. Sam flipped him off. Sighing dramatically, wriggled himself to a more upright position on the sofa and asked, "Anything at all come to mind?"
"I was almost named Emmanuel."
"Ugh, no."
"What's wrong with it?"
"Dude, what isn't wrong with it?" Dean ticked off on his fingers. "One, doesn't really blend in. Two, no good nicknames. Emman? Manuel? Or worse, Manny? Nope. Three, and really most important, guys named Emmanuel never get laid."
He grinned over his dad's admonishment, but Cas's eyes twitched as he fought embarrassment. He studied Dean for any deeper meaning in the joke-it would have been the first time either of them had referenced their intimacy since the brothers had decided Castiel should join them-but there seemed to be nothing more to it than that.
Castiel nevertheless decided that the safest route was to move on. "What about James?"
"Could we call you Jimmy?"
"I... suppose so, yes."
"What made you think of it? Do you want to be James?"
"It was my grandfather's name, though I'm not particularly attached to it. I'm just trying to contribute ideas."
"Casper."
None of them had heard Sam returning, so they were surprised to turn and find him holding a sandwich and looking pleased with himself.
"It's a little more unique, but still a good, all-American name. I've been in school with a couple over the years. You can just go by Cas most of the time, it won't even be much of an adjustment."
"Now this," Dean shook a finger at him, grinning, "this is why we keep you around, Samantha. There's whining and pouting and eating way too much food, you seriously don't need to get taller than me, but every now and then you are a freakin' genius. I mean, mostly. Casper's a total nerd name, but the idea is solid."
"Shut up, jerk, no one asked you. Cas?"
Caught under the weight of everyone's gaze, Castiel ducked his head and smiled shyly. "I like that idea. If you think it's okay," he added, glancing at Bobby and John.
"Works for me," Bobby confirmed.
"Absolutely. There are gonna be enough hard changes for all of us, especially you. If you're good with it, it'll make this one thing a little easier."
"But not Casper," Dean stressed. "Seriously."
"You have a better idea?" demanded Sam.
"Casey?"
"Isn't that Case, not Cas?"
"Casanova?" Dean smirked at Cas, and he shifted uncertainly again. Sam grimaced, and Dean sighed. "Man, I dunno, there aren't a lot of options. We might be stuck with the friendly ghost, sorry dude."
"Say, Dean, didn't you get expelled for beating the hell out of a Cassidy a few years back?" John offered after a long moment of consideration.
"I totally did! Jackass was trying to blackmail this girl in our class into-well, doesn't matter. Still a good name. Whaddya think?"
"Cassidy? I could get used to it, especially if people just call me Cas."
"I think that'll be fine. I mean, no one calls me Samuel, you know?
They sat in contented silence for a few moments, then John pushed away from the wall. "What do you say, son, ready to become Cassidy Winchester?"
Cas nodded.
"I'll get my guy started, but we probably want to wait a week or two for anything that requires pictures." Bobby grunted as he rose from the chair. "Boys, why don't you show Cas up to your room while your old man and I work out the details."
John nodded and instructed, "Sam, Dean, you'll be sharing the second bed until we work something else out. Your brother doesn't need either of you numbskulls kicking him in your sleep while he's healing."
All three boys grinned, though Sam's was marred by the last corner of his sandwich stuffed into his mouth. He jumped up and brushed off his hands and grabbed Cas's good arm, urging him to stand and leading him to the hallway. Rolling his eyes but still smiling, Dean followed.
The room wasn't especially small, but two army-style cots stationed in the middle and shelves pushed against the walls gave it a cramped feel. Sam pulled Cas into the center, but Dean just threw himself down on the nearest bed.
"I dunno, Sammy," he mused with clearly false concern, "I'm thinking this bed ain't big enough for the both of us. And since I'm here and you're not, and I'm older and wiser and prettier, I hope the floor's looking comfortable to you.
"Dean!" Sam protested in what anyone but him might call a whine.
Dean just smirked, and Cas felt compelled to intervene. "You can sleep with me, Sam."
Dean snorted out a laugh, and Cas once again flushed darker than his bruises.
"I didn't mean it like that," he objected weakly.
"Good, because we've already got that weird pseudo-incestuous thing, brand new little brother. No need to make it more complicated."
Cas abruptly paled, freeing his hand from Sam's so he could reach back to support himself on the second bed. He hadn't expected that topic to come up so soon, and not in front of Sam.
The youngest Winchester himself looked furious, hissing, "Dean, seriously?"
Contritely, Dean held up his hands in surrender and offered Cas an apologetic smile. "Bad joke. Sorry. Sam's fine bunking with me, Dad was right about you needing to take care of yourself. It's been a long 24 hours, and I'm pretty sure you didn't get any sleep on the drive here, right? Lie down, relax, we'll wake you for dinner.
"And I promise, Cas, everything's gonna be okay."
Series: Part 2 of C Winchester
Pairing: Castiel/Dean Winchester
Rating: General audiences
Word count: 2,117
Summary: When Castiel and the Winchesters left Pontiac, there wasn't a lot of time spent planning their futures. At Bobby's house, it's time to settle a few things.
When John, Dean, Sam, and Castiel reached South Dakota the afternoon after they left Illinois, Bobby Singer took the news in stride. "Hell, ya already look like a Winchester," he told Cas by way of greeting.
"That means welcome to the family," Dean translated, patting Cas heartily on the back. The kid flinched almost imperceptibly as the impact jarred his broken arm, but held in the breath that wanted to hiss out between his teeth. Sam caught the grimace anyway, elbowing Dean off with a scowl.
"Was hoping you could help us out with the paperwork," John told Bobby as his two sons fought a childish and mostly silent war with Castiel standing awkwardly between them. "Birth certificate, social security, maybe even a license."
"For Castiel Winchester? Huh."
Dean gave up on shoving his little brother around to shoot his uncle a skeptical frown. "Huh? I don't like the sound of that. Huh, what?"
"Well, trouble is that Castiel ain't exactly, you know, a real name. A normal person name," he clarified as Dean glared at him, but the look just intensified. "What I mean is, it sticks with a person. It's unique, and that's no good for disappearing.
"Not to mention, and I ain't askin' questions I don't want the answer to, but Martin Creaser called from up near Chicago this morning and he says all the radio stations in the state are broadcasting one of those Amber alerts, calling it a kidnapping. Caught his attention because he heard the kid's dad making a statement, and recognized the name of that priest you all were working with."
As the Winchesters stared at Bobby in disbelief, Cas set his shoulders and lifted his chin. "I should go back."
The shocked faces turned to him, and he explained: "I'm putting you in too much danger. I can go back now and blame some generic Unabomber-type for the kidnapping and the injuries. My father won't do anything with all the media focus, and I'll be careful not to provoke him when it dies down. You won't have to worry about me being in the way or getting you caught."
"Oh, stow the hero complex," Bobby huffed. "Kidnapping is hardly the worst thing folks like us've be accused of, and it ain't gonna scare us into ditching you. You've been claimed as family, you're stuck with us now."
It was Castiel's turn to be flabbergasted. "Why? You just met me! I walked in the door ten minutes ago, how can I be family to you?"
"Look here, Cas. I'm only saying this once, so don't go expecting any mushy nonsense after I'm done. Most of us in the life-hunters-we don't got a lot of family left. Most of us lost them in terrible, violent ways. So when you come into my house, looking worse than a brand new hunter after tangling with a werewolf, and you tell me not only that your old man did it, but you think you should go back to him for our sake? Idjit.
"As far as I'm concerned, from this moment on, that there," he pointed to John, "is your daddy, and those are your brothers. That makes you family, and we take care of our own. Now come give a grumpy old man a hug, 'cause you ain't getting another one unless someone dies."
Speechless, Cas was helpless to disobey the order, though he felt tears threatening to choke him as he accepted the gruff embrace. It was only a moment before Bobby pushed him away, clearing his throat as he adjusted his cap. The others stayed conspicuously silent.
"But the point I'm trying to make is that your name is a problem, no two ways about it. Sorry if you're fond of it, but you can't exactly go around being inconspicuous with a John, Dean, Sam, and... Castiel. I can do it if you want, but I'm telling you, it's asking for trouble. You'd be better off with something more common and forgettable."
A glance at Dean showed he was unwillingly convinced by Bobby's point, but John was the one to speak. "It might be for the best, if you think you can manage it. It doesn't need to be forever, but while you and Sammy are still in school, it'll make our lives easier."
"I can just get my GED. I mean, not that it still wouldn't be better to have a new name, just that way you don't have to worry about paying for books and things. And, I know I might not be very helpful on hunts right now, but I can get a job when you don't need me to do research, and train the rest of the time."
"Oh hell no," Dean scoffed. "You two Poindexters are graduating, me'n Dad got the big hunts for now. We'll get you in fighting shape, but you're doing your damn homework first. Anything due before we skip town, anyway."
Ducking his head in acknowledgement, Cas again found himself humbled by how quickly and completely these relative strangers had embraced him. "A new name, then. Any ideas?"
"Here's an idea: no brainstorming in my goddamn foyer." Bobby over-enunciated the word in a sarcastic drawl, ushering them all into the next room.
Dean and Sam instantly claimed the couch, shoving at each other again until Dean was sprawled over two thirds of it, head propped on an armrest, and Sam was sitting at the other end, one hand constantly fending off his brother's attempts to use him as a footrest. Bobby dropped gracelessly into the chair behind his desk, and John leaned against the doorframe they had just walked through. Cautiously, in deference to both his injuries and his uncertainty, Castiel settled into a chair along the far wall.
When no one initiated a discussion, he said, "So, names. I, uh, I really don't know where to start."
"You're not much older than Sammy, right?" Cas nodded, and John turned to his youngest. "How 'bout it, what were the most common names in your last few schools?"
Sam stared up at the ceiling. "Um... Always a lot of Michaels and Johns, but obviously no. David, Chris, Will-"
"He can't be William Winchester, that's dumb," Dean complained.
"Bill?"
"He'd still have stupid initials."
"You have stupid initials."
"You have a stupid face!"
"Boys," warned Bobby, and they settled back down.
The parade of names continued, to include Steve ("Does he look like a Steve to you?"), Daniel ("Dean and Dan? Pass."), Adam ("No," interrupted John; when pushed for a reason, he just shook his head), and Tim ("Timchester. It'll happen.") without much progress made.
After Dean's dozenth smartass comeback, Sam observed, "You're being awfully quiet, Cas. This is going to be your name, we're just trying to help."
"I know," Castiel flashed him a small, bruised smile. "It's just a very strange thing to consider, renaming myself. I know it's necessary, but nothing feels right the way my name does."
"You keep thinking, I'm gonna grab some food."
"Bring me beer!" Dean yelled at his retreating form. Sam flipped him off. Sighing dramatically, wriggled himself to a more upright position on the sofa and asked, "Anything at all come to mind?"
"I was almost named Emmanuel."
"Ugh, no."
"What's wrong with it?"
"Dude, what isn't wrong with it?" Dean ticked off on his fingers. "One, doesn't really blend in. Two, no good nicknames. Emman? Manuel? Or worse, Manny? Nope. Three, and really most important, guys named Emmanuel never get laid."
He grinned over his dad's admonishment, but Cas's eyes twitched as he fought embarrassment. He studied Dean for any deeper meaning in the joke-it would have been the first time either of them had referenced their intimacy since the brothers had decided Castiel should join them-but there seemed to be nothing more to it than that.
Castiel nevertheless decided that the safest route was to move on. "What about James?"
"Could we call you Jimmy?"
"I... suppose so, yes."
"What made you think of it? Do you want to be James?"
"It was my grandfather's name, though I'm not particularly attached to it. I'm just trying to contribute ideas."
"Casper."
None of them had heard Sam returning, so they were surprised to turn and find him holding a sandwich and looking pleased with himself.
"It's a little more unique, but still a good, all-American name. I've been in school with a couple over the years. You can just go by Cas most of the time, it won't even be much of an adjustment."
"Now this," Dean shook a finger at him, grinning, "this is why we keep you around, Samantha. There's whining and pouting and eating way too much food, you seriously don't need to get taller than me, but every now and then you are a freakin' genius. I mean, mostly. Casper's a total nerd name, but the idea is solid."
"Shut up, jerk, no one asked you. Cas?"
Caught under the weight of everyone's gaze, Castiel ducked his head and smiled shyly. "I like that idea. If you think it's okay," he added, glancing at Bobby and John.
"Works for me," Bobby confirmed.
"Absolutely. There are gonna be enough hard changes for all of us, especially you. If you're good with it, it'll make this one thing a little easier."
"But not Casper," Dean stressed. "Seriously."
"You have a better idea?" demanded Sam.
"Casey?"
"Isn't that Case, not Cas?"
"Casanova?" Dean smirked at Cas, and he shifted uncertainly again. Sam grimaced, and Dean sighed. "Man, I dunno, there aren't a lot of options. We might be stuck with the friendly ghost, sorry dude."
"Say, Dean, didn't you get expelled for beating the hell out of a Cassidy a few years back?" John offered after a long moment of consideration.
"I totally did! Jackass was trying to blackmail this girl in our class into-well, doesn't matter. Still a good name. Whaddya think?"
"Cassidy? I could get used to it, especially if people just call me Cas."
"I think that'll be fine. I mean, no one calls me Samuel, you know?
They sat in contented silence for a few moments, then John pushed away from the wall. "What do you say, son, ready to become Cassidy Winchester?"
Cas nodded.
"I'll get my guy started, but we probably want to wait a week or two for anything that requires pictures." Bobby grunted as he rose from the chair. "Boys, why don't you show Cas up to your room while your old man and I work out the details."
John nodded and instructed, "Sam, Dean, you'll be sharing the second bed until we work something else out. Your brother doesn't need either of you numbskulls kicking him in your sleep while he's healing."
All three boys grinned, though Sam's was marred by the last corner of his sandwich stuffed into his mouth. He jumped up and brushed off his hands and grabbed Cas's good arm, urging him to stand and leading him to the hallway. Rolling his eyes but still smiling, Dean followed.
The room wasn't especially small, but two army-style cots stationed in the middle and shelves pushed against the walls gave it a cramped feel. Sam pulled Cas into the center, but Dean just threw himself down on the nearest bed.
"I dunno, Sammy," he mused with clearly false concern, "I'm thinking this bed ain't big enough for the both of us. And since I'm here and you're not, and I'm older and wiser and prettier, I hope the floor's looking comfortable to you.
"Dean!" Sam protested in what anyone but him might call a whine.
Dean just smirked, and Cas felt compelled to intervene. "You can sleep with me, Sam."
Dean snorted out a laugh, and Cas once again flushed darker than his bruises.
"I didn't mean it like that," he objected weakly.
"Good, because we've already got that weird pseudo-incestuous thing, brand new little brother. No need to make it more complicated."
Cas abruptly paled, freeing his hand from Sam's so he could reach back to support himself on the second bed. He hadn't expected that topic to come up so soon, and not in front of Sam.
The youngest Winchester himself looked furious, hissing, "Dean, seriously?"
Contritely, Dean held up his hands in surrender and offered Cas an apologetic smile. "Bad joke. Sorry. Sam's fine bunking with me, Dad was right about you needing to take care of yourself. It's been a long 24 hours, and I'm pretty sure you didn't get any sleep on the drive here, right? Lie down, relax, we'll wake you for dinner.
"And I promise, Cas, everything's gonna be okay."