Puppy Love
Title: Puppy Love
Author: bballgirl3022
Rating: PG-13
Characters/Pairings: Dog!Dean/Dog!Castiel and Sam/Gabriel
Spoilers: If you know about Castiel and Gabriel then you’re good.
Warnings: AU, mentions of pervious animal abuse
Disclaimer: I don’t own Supernatural.
Summary: Dean has a new owner, Sam. They spend much of their time at the dog park. Dean meets lots of interesting dogs there and develops relationships with a few. Then Castiel comes along; he’s difficult and that makes Dean all the more interested. Can Dean break though this dog’s tough outer-shell and find his soft underbelly?
Word Count: 5,177
Notes: I really like the dynamic between Dean and Castiel in my last story, so I figured I’d give them their own story. This is a companion piece to my previous story ‘Dog Park Days’; they go together but can be read separately. Thanks and enjoy!
Dean was a happy puppy that lived with family for a whole year before they up and left him. He loved his family and couldn’t understand why they would leave him. Wasn’t he good enough? Didn’t they love him? Dean was depressed and frightened. He was lonely and hungry and digging through trash cans was not a sufficient source of food.
He was found two weeks later, half starved and wet from the downpour earlier that day. The lady who found him was nice and Dean’s pretty sure she’s named Pam. She took him to a place where there were other dogs that didn’t have homes either. Dean liked it there. He was fed and most of the other dogs were friendly.
The dog in the cage next to Dean’s was named Bobby. Bobby was Sheepdog. He was old and came to the shelter after his previous owner died. According to Bobby she was a nice old lady who was always giving him treats. Bobby always joked about how no one would want him because he was so old and humans wants pups. Dean loved Bobby; his stories were entertaining and he maked Dean laugh.
*****
Many humans have visited the shelter in the time that Dean is there. Most of them don’t leave with any of the dogs. Some humans come back frequently before they decide which one they want. Dean likes watching the people come and go. He likes hearing their voices and smelling the new scents and he also likes listening to Bobby’s made up stories about each human’s life.
That tall male there; he smells clean. I think he might be a teacher. He looks like he likes small humans. Maybe he teaches little humans how to write those letter and words humans are always using… Dean never hears the end of Bobby’s story on this man because the tall male is suddenly in front of Dean’s cage, crouching down, and peering at Dean like he is interesting. Dean likes the way this male smells.
Pam is explaining to the male why Dean is in the shelter and telling him that Dean’s house trained. She says Dean is energetic and good with other dogs, but he doesn’t always trust humans.
The tall male is talking now, “Hey there little guy. I hear you need a good home. How’d you like to come home with me?” Dean would like this very much. The male seems friendly, warm and trustworthy; all the things Dean thought his other family wasn’t. Dean barks his approval at the male’s suggestion and it seems he’s made up his mind. “I’d like to take him home with me.”
Dean leaves the shelter the next day. He says his good-byes to Bobby and he hopes Bobby finds a good home. Bobby chuckles and tells Dean to have fun.
*****
The male who takes Dean home is named Sam. Sam is friendly and takes good care of Dean. Dean has noticed Sam is lonely; mostly because Sam is always talking to Dean about how he is lonely and that’s essentially the reason he wanted to bring Dean home in the first place. Dean finds Sam’s voice soothing and he likes listening to Sam talk about things even if he doesn’t understand exactly what Sam’s talking about.
Sam takes Dean to the park frequently. There are plenty of other dogs at the park and Dean loves the time they spend there. He finds many different dogs to befriend; some tiny and loud and others quite large. He’s also noticed there are differing types of humans too; some large, but not as large as Sam, others are tiny humans that need to be carried by the larger humans, some that smell nice and others that Dean would rather not smell again. It becomes apparent to Dean that Sam likes to spend time with the female humans.
*****
Sam finds some strange humans to mate with. Dean thinks it might be mating even though they don’t produce any children or stay together very long. He finds human mating habits very odd.
Sam first speaks very often with a female whose dog is very yappy and named Becky. Dean finds this dog hard to deal with. Sam would like to mate with this female; Dean can smell it on him, but what Sam doesn’t notice is the woman smells distinctly of some other male human. Dean comes to find that humans cannot smell these types of things about other humans the way dogs do. They need to talk about things; Dean finds this strange as well. Eventually Sam decides not to mate with this human; which Dean is very grateful since her dog is obnoxious, and has decidedly stalker-ish tendencies.
Sam locates another human to mate with. This human has a dog that Dean likes very much. Her name is Cassie and Dean thinks she smells very nice. Dean tries to initiate friendship with Cassie, but she pretends to be unreceptive. Dean is nothing if not persistent and Cassie caves under Dean’s doggie charm.
They have a very interesting relationship. Cassie is spunky and passionate and she and Dean fight with each other more than anything else, but Dean likes it. He finally thinks he’s found a companion with who he can spend his life and then it’s all ripped out from under him when Sam leaves his current mate.
Dean never sees Cassie again. He’s sad for a long while. He is unable to understand why Sam switches mates so many times. Do all humans do this or just his human? Dean and Sam are alone together for awhile after that. They spend some time in the park but not much. They often stay in Sam’s house and watch what humans call TV. Dean is ok with this because Sam buys him a ball which he happily chases all over the house.
*****
One day, when Sam decides they should visit the park, Dean meets a very lovely dog. She smells delightful and Dean is immediately infatuated. Dean whines at the door constantly in order to get Sam to take him to the park so he can play with Lisa. He becomes even happier when Sam decides to mate with Lisa’s human because now Dean and Lisa can spend more time together.
Lisa is Dean’s second love. He spends as much time with her as possible and she makes him very happy. That is until he notices that her smell changes. She smells like another male dog and Dean is jealous. He confronts her about it and she says that it’s none of Dean’s business. Dean of course disagrees, especially after he finds out that she’s pregnant.
Dean was neutered by his previous family, so he is completely certain that Lisa’s puppies are not his. He’s angry and hurt and he can’t do anything about it because Sam is still mating with Lisa’s human. Sam takes Lisa pregnancy worse than Dean. He rushes Dean into see the vet to make sure that Dean is neutered and Dean is forced to go through an uncomfortable examination that he would rather not think about ever again.
Sam calms down after that visit, but Dean is continuously forced together with Lisa. He is still hurt and a little bit angry, but that other dog refuses to see Lisa now that she is pregnant. Dean is sorry for Lisa and decides to do the right thing and help Lisa through her pregnancy and birth.
Sam brings Dean over to Lisa’s place to find that she had four puppies. Lisa’s human decides to keep one of Lisa’s puppies and they name him Ben. Dean loves Ben treats Ben as if he was Dean’s own pup. He teaches him many important things, like how to sit and fetch and how to beg humans to give you treats; all of which are imperative for every good dog to know.
Dean, Lisa and Ben are a happy unconventional family for a few weeks. Then Lisa tells Dean that she and Ben are moving. Dean hates the word moving. His last family that moved left him all alone. This admission leaves a funny feeling in Dean’s stomach. He feels as though he might throw up and Dean only does that when he’s sick or has too many treats. Dean begs Lisa to stay. Says he’ll be good, promises to be better, to love Ben better, and take care of Lisa if she just won’t leave him. She says that’s impossible because her human is leaving and she is expected to come along; no matter how much she loves Dean.
Lisa and Ben are gone a week later. Dean is depressed. He hardly eats and doesn’t have any desire to go to the dog park. He whines during the day and sleeps fitfully. Sam takes notice and tries to soothe Dean as best as he can, but Dean’s human companion is not a good replacement for the family he lost.
*****
Sam eventually coaxes Dean out to the park again. Dean refuses to socialize with the other dogs and is content to sit next to Sam, basking in the warm of the sun. When Sam notices another potential mate, Dean knows immediately. He can smell the change in Sam’s scent that he associates with Sam mating.
The female is much smaller than Sam. She doesn’t smell right to Dean; he notices the smell of another male on this female that is too strong for her to be available for mating with Sam. Dean tries to relay this knowledge to Sam, but Sam doesn’t grasp the message and is content to mate with the woman anyway. She always smells like another male when Dean spends time at her house and Sam never notices.
Her dog is named Meg. She is constantly getting on Dean’s nerves. She is always biting Dean’s tail and sniffing his butt in a way that makes Dean decidedly uncomfortable. He has no interest in befriending this dog and goes out his way to annoy her as much as she annoys him. It isn’t until one day when Dean and Meg get into a huge fight that Sam takes notice and refuses to bring Dean over to his mate’s place. Dean is very ok with this new situation; even if it means he is spending time on his own.
Sam talks about moving and Dean is again filled with dread. Is Sam going to abandon him like all the others who’ve used the word move around Dean? Is Dean going to move with him into the place with that demon dog? Can Sam not see that the woman is mating with him and another man? Apparently Sam comes to see that his current mate is ‘cheating,’ a word that Dean doesn’t really understand but assumes that means he found out about her other mate. Dean is happy to be rid of Meg, but it makes him sad to see Sam unhappy, because he has come to love his human.
*****
Although Sam is unhappy, they still spend time at the park. Dean tries to make Sam happy, but no matter how many dog kisses he gives Sam is not getting happy. He even shares his favorite ball with Sam but it produces no change in Sam’s mood. This makes Dean determined to find a mate for Sam who will not leave him… and who has a nice dog.
The opportunity presents it self two weeks later when a new dog arrives at the park. This dog doesn’t cause a stir as a new dog normally would; instead he is quiet and hardly ever leaves his owner’s side. Dean can sense a sadness that surrounds this dog. He immediately makes it his duty to make this dog happy and to have him as a friend.
Dean’s first attempts at friendship are thwarted early by the dog. He refuses to speak to Dean at all and won’t let Dean get anywhere near his butt. Dean doesn’t give up easily though and is persistent even though the dog is completely unresponsive. While Dean is struggling to make headway with the dog, Sam finds a nice male and they become friends. Sam becomes happier and Dean is glad that his mood is improving. He is even happier that to find out Sam’s new friend is the owner of the dog, Castiel he comes to find out, who Dean is trying to get to know.
Castiel always runs whenever Dean attempts to socialize. He trots away with his head held high and Dean keeps up his plan of attack in hopes the dog will let him in. Our humans seem to be getting along very well. This is met with a turn of the head and a dismissive flick of the tail. The grass is soft today. I think it rained. No response. That female over there sure is attractive; Castiel walks away mad and refuses to look at Dean for a week after that statement.
Listen here Castiel I’ve been trying to be nice to you. I only want us to be friends. I know you are sad and I would like to help make you happy if you would just let me. I can tell you’ve been hurt and I’ve been hurt too. So can we please just help each other? Dean’s begging. He hates begging, but something about Castiel it ok. He needs Castiel, even if he doesn’t know why.
His pleading seems to have worked because Castiel stands and walks around to take a whiff of Dean’s scent. He seems satisfied with what he finds and promptly presents his butt for Dean’s inspection. Dean is excited and nervous at this prospect. He’s waited so long for this moment and now it’s here and he doesn’t want to mess up and have to start over with Castiel. He takes a tiny sniff, just to make sure Castiel isn’t going to turn around and scratch his eyes out or something. Castiel does not move though so Dean takes that as an ok and continues. Castiel smells great. His scent isn’t tainted with the smell of other dogs, which Dean takes as a sign that he doesn’t socialize often. This knowledge sends a thrill of excitement and possessiveness through Dean. Dean is determined to prove to Castiel that he has earned this display of loyalty.
Sharing his favorite ball with Castiel leaves Dean exhausted and panting; while Castiel is calm and collected, even after running over the entire park with Dean chasing him. Dean’s attempt to lick Castiel’s nose in greeting ends with Dean pinned beneath an enraged Castiel; and Dean won’t admit this out loud, but he kind of liked it. Dean tones it down after that because really, he’s content just to sit around with Castiel and soak up his warmth.
*****
Sam continues to mate with other females, some of which have dogs and others who don’t. Dean is still determined prove his loyalty to Castiel. He socializes with the other dogs in a way that says I don’t dislike you, but we really can only be acquaintances.
Castiel isn’t affectionate with Dean. He keeps his distance and refuses to speak about anything of inportance. Dean understands; Castiel doesn’t want to get hurt and Dean accepts this and works harder to have Castiel trust him. Dean is affectionate with Castiel though even if he isn’t ready to reciprocate. Its ok; Dean has more than enough love to share to satisfy them both.
And that’s when it hits him. Dean is falling in love. He’s falling in love with Castiel. He wants Castiel to be his mate, wants to spend his life with Cas, to make him happy and be trusted and vulnerable with him. It’s a frightening thought; he doesn’t want to dwell too much in case Castiel rejects Dean. Dean cannot take another rejection; especially not from someone he’s spent so much time with and feels a fierce protectiveness over. So Dean doesn’t say anything; he can’t be sure if Castiel knows his feelings or not, but if Castiel does he’s glad he doesn’t comment about them.
*****
Dean notices that Sam’s feelings for Gabriel, Castiel’s human, change. He can tell Sam’s new desire to mate with the male human. This is new, since Sam has never shown any desire to mate with other male humans. Dean can also sense his anxiety. Dean’s not sure why Sam is anxious, but he spends more time in the company of females. Dean thinks this is silly considering Sam doesn’t really want to mate with any of them. Sam’s just too afraid to face his feelings for Gabriel.
It angers Dean when Sam refuses to take him to the park to meet Castiel. He barks loudly in protest and attempts to enlighten Sam of his unhappiness. Sam notices of course but he makes excuses everyday for two weeks. Dean falls into another fit of depression. When he’s not barking angrily at Sam, he’s whining at the door and refusing to eat unless necessary. It’s rough but eventually Sam relents and they return to the park to meet their respective companions.
Gabriel’s disappointment in Sam is nothing compared to the anger with which Castiel greets Dean. He is unresponsive to all Dean’s usual affections and downright hostile to new affections. Get away from me.
Cas, you gotta let me explain.
I don’t have to let you do anything. Now please leave me alone.
No! Listen. I wanted to come see you. I would never abandon you, ok? But Sam wouldn’t let me out, no matter how much I begged. Please Cas, you gotta believe me. I can’t lose you.
And why should I believe you? You could so easily be lying. You could have easily been with some other dog. One that isn’t as broken as me.
I don’t think you’re broken Cas. And I wouldn’t lie. Not to you. You’re my friend and I wanted to be here, but I couldn’t. Smell me if you don’t trust what I’m saying. That will prove I haven’t been around any other dogs.
Castiel takes the invitation to thoroughly sniff Dean. He spends a lot of time looking for any scents that may prove Dean is lying. Dean feels anxious; he knows Castiel won’t find any incriminating scents on him, but he afraid that Castiel may refuse Dean’s friendship all because of a situations he couldn’t control. Castiel deems Dean’s words the truth and allows him to lay with him in the grass with him. Dean knows that any attempts at affection will be ill-advised, so he keeps to himself and vows to make Castiel trust him more. Even if he has to resort to biting Sam; he won’t bite him that hard because Sam’s important to him too, but nothing is more important than Castiel at this moment.
*****
Dean needn’t have worried about missing out on seeing Castiel. Sam spends more and more time with Gabriel, which in turn means more time with Castiel. Dean finally gets to see Castiel’s human’s place. It’s nice and presents Dean with the possibilities of many new scents. He spends most of his first night there smelling everything and being followed closely by an anxious Castiel. Dean can tell Castiel is worried about Dean’s impression of his home. Castiel finally settles when Dean finishes making the rounds.
They get along much better after that. Castiel begins to trust Dean more, and Dean falls a little bit more in love. Cas still won’t initiate anything with Dean, but he is more than willing to reciprocate what Dean starts. Dean likes licking Castiel’s muzzle; Cas seems to like it too and even a few times licks Dean back. He wants more though; he wants everything with Cas and he can’t have that because Cas is still learning to trust him. Dean needs to make a move; a big declaration. He needs to prove his worth and trust Castiel with his issues first.
I was abandoned as a puppy. Dean blurts one night when they’re lying around in Gabriel’s kitchen. Cas’s ears raise in a sure sign that Dean’s got his full attention. I lived with a family in this town before Sam became my human. They moved away and left me here; alone. I thought they’d come back so I waited. They didn’t. I was lonely, cold, wet, and half-starved before someone took me to the shelter. Everyone I get close to leaves. I’m always afraid that you’re going to leave next; and I don’t want you too. I need you and I don’t know what I’d do if you left.
Dean’s stomach was rolling; he felt sick. Everything was afraid of was out there now for Castiel to see and do with what he wished. Dean felt small and vulnerable and Cas was just staring. His skin beneath his fur is starting to get itchy and hot and it’s almost becoming unbearable when…
I’m not going to leave you Dean. It’s a simple statement, but Cas says it with so much conviction that Dean believes its true. Believes that Cas will makes sure Dean isn’t alone like he’s been so afraid of for years. Because Cas is loyal and possessive, and he’ll do anything for the people he loves. Now Dean’s positive that he’s one of those people for Cas. It makes him feel light and happy.
Emotions are overwhelming and Dean feels tired. Maybe he’ll get Cas to take a nap with him. Cas agrees that a nap might be in order. Dean’s more comfortable sleeping on his back, so he rolls over with his legs hanging haphazardly in the air. Cas’s wide-eyed expression confuses him. What are you doing? He questions.
Sleeping, he answers simply.
But, your belly is on display. Dean has to wonder if Cas makes such obvious statements all the time, or just when he’s tired.
I’m not seeing the problem Cas.
Presenting your belly is a symbol of trust.
Yeah, well I trust you Cas.
You do?
Of course Cas; were friends. And you said you wouldn’t leave me. Dean’s not looking at Castiel anymore; he can’t take that heavy gaze on him when he’s in such a position. He does trust Cas, but maybe he has gone outside of Cas’s comfort zone with such a blatant display. Maybe Cas is worried that Dean will expect him to reciprocate. Dean knows Cas isn’t comfortable showing anyone his underbelly, and even though Dean doesn’t exactly know why yet, he can respect Cas’s privacy.
Cas is still looking at him when Dean steals a glance at him. Castiel looks confused and hopeful and happy. Dean can feel the air shift from where Castiel’s tail is wagging behind him. Maybe Dean didn’t make a mistake. Cas hasn’t run away so it must be ok, right?
Can I…? Cas is looking bashful; its not a look Dean’s come to associate with the reserved canine. He’s looking at Dean’s belly expectantly and Dean gets it.
Oh. Yes, please. And Cas is on him; sniffing and poking with his nose like he’s inspecting Dean. Maybe he is; Dean’s ok with it because he wants nothing more than Castiel’s approval. Cas is liking his face when he returns from his thoughts. He looks happy and that makes Dean happy.
Dean’s drifting off with Cas’s head on his belly. He’s warm and content and hopes that this will never end. Right before sleep takes him he hears Cas’s whispered Thanks.
*****
Dean spends more time with Castiel at Gabriel’s place. He’s sure it’s because Sam finally decided to claim Gabriel as his mate. They seem happy together and that’s good for Dean because he really doesn’t want to give Castiel up.
The humans are becoming more intimate with each other. They are doing things that cause them to make strange noises. And when they’re finished there’s a smell in the house that does funny things to Dean’s stomach and makes him look at Castiel in a new, exciting way.
*****
Eventually Sam moves in with Gabriel. Dean is excited weeks in advanced. He’s going to share a home with Castiel. He’ll be able to see him everyday and sleep curled up next to him at night. They’ll share a water bowl and annoy their humans by begging for treats. They will be able to take walks together and share warmth when they go outside in the winter. Dean’s so excited he almost has an accident on Sam’s rug, but he doesn’t because he’s not a pup anymore and doing such a thing would be silly.
*****
Dean is sure he is in love with Castiel. He loves falling asleep with Cas on the floor in the kitchen or on the couch when they’re sure the humans are in bed for the night. He loves how Castiel smells clean all the time, even if he hasn’t had a bath in a while. He worries when Cas starts to get sick and follows him around in attempts to keep Cas warm with his body heat.
Cas’s trust for Dean is greatly increasing. He’s more openly affectionate. He’s no longer afraid to lick Dean’s muzzle or get possessive if another dog starts getting too friendly with Dean. Dean hates to admit it, but he kind of likes when Cas gets jealous, because when Cas gets jealous there’s more touching and more licking and Cas will curl extra close to Dean that night when they sleep.
All in all, Dean loves his new life.
*****
Their humans are in bed now. Cas and Dean are curling up to sleep when out of nowhere, I have scars. Dean’s confused. He’s about to ask for an explanation when Castiel continues. I have scars on my belly, and they’re ugly and huge and I don’t like anyone looking at them because I think they are judging me. This is the admission Dean has been waiting for. Castiel is finally trusting Dean with this big secret and Dean has to handle this delicately or Castiel might put his walls up again.
How did you get the scars Cas? Cas is avoiding his gaze; something he only does when he’s uncomfortable.
My previous owners used to raise fighting dogs. It was illegal and lethal, but they didn’t care. They only cared about the money the made for winning. I was never entered into fights because I was too small and not aggressive enough. He pauses here to draw a shaky breath and Dean is sure what he’s going to say next is worse then what he’s already revealed. Dean moves closer to offer comfort via body warmth. Cas looks grateful and continues, I wasn’t entered in fights but that only meant I had to carry my weight in some other way. They didn’t feed dogs who didn’t deserve it, so they found a more gruesome way put me to work.
What’d they do to you Cas?
The allowed the other dogs to use me for practice. It was awful Dean. I was so small and they all easily overpowered me. They bit me, scratched me, held me down, and did all sorts of horrible things to me. Cas is shaking and Dean feels so much anger on Cas’s behalf toward canines who caused him so much pain. It hurt so much Dean. I was always in pain. Most of the time, I wished I’d die just so the pain would end. Dean pushed down his anger in order to comfort his mate. Cas was shaking so much that he was unable to continue for many minutes.
They got caught eventually. Most of the dogs were put down because they were much too aggressive to be put in regular homes. They let me live because I was so afraid of other dogs and humans. They stitched me back together and now all I have left are these huge scars. I was at a shelter for two years before Gabriel came to take me home with him. I didn’t trust him outright, but he was patient with me and I learned to trust him; just like I learned to trust you. Cas’s gaze on his and Dean could feel his heart start to speed up. Cas’s eyes held hope that Dean was worthy of such trust. I want to show them to you.
You do? Dean was surprised and excited. Cas was trusting him. This was big.
Yes. I trust you Dean. You’ve been very patient with me and I understand it’s difficult to deal with sometimes, but you never gave up. No matter how rude and unresponsive I was, you always came back. I love you Dean and I’d like you to see them.
Cas rolled onto his belly. It was an awful sight. There were scars everywhere; lots of tiny ones that Dean was sure were dealt by multiple dogs. Then there were the three huge, deep scars right down the middle of Cas’s belly. They looked like they would be painful. Cas’s eyes implored Dean. He looked frightened that now that Dean has seen everything, like maybe he will up and leave and Cas will have to go through an emotional pain worse than the physical pain he experience from receiving those scars.
Oh Cas… I love you too. I won’t leave and I promise not to hurt you. Dean buried his head in Cas’s underbelly; exploring the skin with nose and tongue. Thank you for showing me this Cas. It means so much that you trust me now.
They sit in silence for awhile; Dean showering Cas’s belly and muzzle with doggie kisses. Dean was content to enjoy the rest of the night exploring the new intimacy he’s found with his mate.
*****
Dean wakes up to the voices of their humans. Castiel is still sleeping happily as the humans discuss their current position.
Their humans smell as though they’ve been ‘intimate’ again. It starts a stirring in his belly which causes a wave of possessiveness to wash over him. He didn’t interrupt their moment together, so they should be kind enough to leave Dean to have a moment with his mate.
Sam seems to get the message he is conveying because he drags Gabriel away to the kitchen for food. Cas is twitching slightly in his sleep, and Dean is content to soothe him with licks to his muzzle until he settles. They sleep for a while longer until nature calls and then they spend the rest of the day cuddled close together on the rug in the living room; being affectionate when they see fit.
Dean is happier than he can ever remember being. He has a loving mate who trusts him and treats him tenderly. He has two humans who love him and his mate. They make an interesting group and Dean is happy to spend the rest of his days with such a wonderful family.
The End