Chapter Text
The bell over the door chimed as Dean entered the bakery. He was thankful that they were open so early. Normally he'd swing by to grab some treats and coffee for the crew before work, but this morning was different.
"What brings you in so early on this fine morning, Deano? You don't usually come by until a quarter to nine."
"Special client coming in this morning, Gabe," he told the man behind the counter. "They're going on a cruise and wanted to get their car in for some restoration work but could only come in before eight. So I figured I'd need an extra boost for the earlier start."
"It's only seven, Deanie. What time do you have to meet them?"
"Seven thirty. Figured it's too early to get coffee for the rest of the crew. It'd be cold by the time they clock in."
"True. Do you want your usual assortment of delicacies or want to pass on those today?"
"Naw, go ahead and load me up. I'll send one of the others for a coffee run if they want. We have a coffee maker at the shop, but it can't hold a candle to yours."
"I appreciate the compliment," Gabe said.
The bell over the door chimed again and in walked a man with dark brown hair and the most captivating blue eyes Dean had ever seen.
"Whatta ya know, bro?" Gabe greeted the newcomer.
"Very funny, Gabriel. That never gets tired," the man said, rolling his eyes.
"Right, Cassie. How's the day looking?"
"A couple of routine surgeries and a dental cleaning, but Meg will be handling that," the blue eyed man, Cassie, said in response to Gabe's query.
Dean couldn't help but take in the man's attire, blue button down shirt with a deep blue tie that really highlighted his eyes, and casual slacks. Obviously from the conversation he was a doctor of some kind, probably a dentist.
Gabe noticed Dean staring and smirked, muttering under his breath, "Finally!" In a louder voice he said, "How rude of me. Dean, this is my brother and veterinarian extraordinaire, Castiel Novak. Cassie, meet Dean Winchester of Winchester Restorations. Why don't the two of you talk while I prepare your orders."
"Ahh, so you're the handsome car guy that Gabe has told me so much about," Castiel said, then blushed when he realized exactly what he had said.
Dean rubbed his neck and said, equally embarrassed, "And you're the hot doctor brother that I just had to meet."
They both started to laugh.
"How long has Gabe been trying to set us up?" Dean asked.
"It feels like at least a few months now. Probably from the first time you started becoming a regular and he got to know you."
"That sounds about right. That was around the time that one of my coworkers recommended the baked goods here, and I've been coming ever since. I pop in most mornings, but once a week I splurge and buy coffee and treats for the whole crew. Though today it's too early to bring in the coffee for them."
"This is my usual time to swing by, grab some drinks for me and the clinic staff before we open to admit or discharge the surgical clients. Not that I have surgeries every day. But today certainly is a surgery day. I'm sorry, I'm usually much better with words. Sorry if I'm rambling."
"No, it's fine, Cas. Oh, is it okay if I call you Cas? I have a habit of giving people nicknames."
"It's fine, Dean. It's a lot better than 'Cassie'".
"Did you just use air quotes?"
"I did."
"That's adorable," Dean said, then it was his turn to blush as he realized that he said that out loud. He rubbed his right wrist as it started to tingle.
Castiel blushed at the compliment and started to rub at his wrist as well just as Gabriel reappeared with coffee containers for Castiel and a single coffee and a bag of goodies for Dean.
Gabriel sat the items down on the counter and looked at both men carefully. "Umm, hey guys, I know that you each said you weren't interested in meeting anyone and were waiting on your soulmate, but I think you should take a look at your wrists. They're glowing."
Everyone knew that when you met your soulmate that an identical mark would appear on both people. Usually it was just the manifestation of a pictograph that was unique to the couple that would suddenly become visible when the two were physically present together for the first time. It was rare for the marks to actually glow, but not unheard of.
Both Dean and Cas looked at their wrists and peeled back their sleeves to reveal a slice of pie with the face of a bee, antenna, and wings.
Gabriel looked at them closely and reeled back, howling in laughter. "It's not like I don't want to say I told you so. But, I told you, you'd be perfect for each other," he said between bursts of giggles.
"He's never going to let us live this down, is he?" Dean asked.
"Not a chance," Cas replied. "I think, considering recent developments, we should exchange numbers and meet later to get to know each other better. I know you have a busy morning, as do I, but maybe we could get together for lunch?" Cas suggested.
Dean pulled out his phone and handed it to Cas as they exchanged phones and each entered their numbers. "Yeah, that'd be great. I'll be free for lunch, even if I have to delegate a project, I'll make the time to be there."
"I was thinking the same thing. I'll finish with surgery just before noon. I'll text you when I'm done and we can confirm the time and place. I was thinking that if you like burgers we could go to the Roadhouse."
"Are you kidding? I love burgers. My aunt owns the Roadhouse."
"You're related to Ellen?"
"She's like my surrogate aunt. I didn't figure you'd know Ellen," Dean replied.
Gabe interjected, "Listen, I hate to break this up, but you both have places to be and people to see. You'll get to talk more later. Now scoot."
Dean glanced at the time on his phone, "Damn. I've got that client to meet." He grabbed his coffee and the bag of pastries after leaving several bills on the counter for Gabe to cover everything as well as a generous tip. He called out to Cas before heading to the door, "Lunch. See you then," then rushed out to his car and headed into the shop.
Dean made it to the garage in plenty of time but was still lost in thought; he had finally met his soulmate. Cas seemed very nice, and Gabe wasn't lying, the man was hot with those deep blue eyes and sexy messed up hair.
Cas was a doctor. What if he didn't think Dean was good enough? What if he was disappointed in Dean? After all, Cas had been to college and vet school and all Dean had was a GED and a few technical classes. It didn't seem like he could measure up.
Fortunately, before Dean could worry any further or talk himself out of meeting Cas for lunch, the client arrived, and he spent the rest of the morning going over what needed to be done, then set about finishing some of his office work before the crew came in.
Dean was still hands on, but he trusted his staff with all aspects of the job. He had handpicked each and every one of them and they each had their specialties.
Jo excelled at detailing and painting. Benny was his go-to for body work. Ash was great with the mechanical aspects. The three of them oversaw a few other trusted staffers and apprentices. Unlike a lot of other garages, Dean didn't put up with sexist attitudes, which was one of the reasons he was able to snag Krissy as an apprentice. Once her training was complete he planned to add her as a full-time mechanic. Not to say that there was anything amiss about the work that the other two, Alex and Kevin, provided. They just didn't have the natural talent and feel for engines that Krissy did.
Dean was musing on his staff when his phone buzzed with an incoming message.
Cas: Hello, Dean. I'll be free soon and able to meet you at the Roadhouse at 1 pm. Will that work for you?
Dean: Yeah, Cas. See you then.
Dean put away his phone after looking at the time. He still had time to clean up a bit before heading to meet Cas. He went to the employee washroom and scrubbed his hands to remove any grease that may have lodged there. Once he was satisfied that his hands were clean, he lamented that he didn't keep a toothbrush at work.
He knew that he was starting to overthink things and figured that, after one last look in the mirror, he should head out.
Dean arrived at the Roadhouse a few minutes before one. He entered and waved at Ellen.
"Boy, what brings you around here this time of day? Usually you're too busy to grace us with your presence for lunch."
Dean leaned over to kiss her cheek. "Yeah, I know. Sorry about that, but things really have been busy."
Ellen started to indicate that he should have a seat when he said, "Actually, I'm meeting someone for lunch. I'll just wait here for a few if you don't mind."
Ellen shot him an appraising look, "Well, so you finally decided to go out with someone. I thought you were holding out for your soulmate."
"Well, funny thing, Ellen. He is my soulmate and we met just this morning and I'm nervous as all get out. We didn't have a lot of time to chat so this will be our first real talk."
"Okay, Dean, I'll go easy on you both. You just head over to the booth in the back corner when he gets here. It's quieter and better for conversation." Ellen patted his arm and left to straighten things behind the bar.
Not a moment later Cas walked in looking as good, if not better than he had earlier.
"Hello, Dean."
"Heya, Cas. Ellen already saved us a table." Dean led Castiel to the corner booth in the back.
They both slid into the booth across from one another. Cas just stared at him, and Dean wasn't sure how to start.
Dean cleared his throat, and it seemed to startle Cas into action.
"I'm sorry, Dean. I've been told that my people skills are 'rusty', but I never could have dreamt that my soulmate would be as beautiful as you. You are exquisite. I can't help but want to look at you."
"You're not exactly hurting in the looks department either. So you like me for my pretty face, hopefully we have more in common than just being good looking."
"Of course, Dean. I didn't mean to come across as being so shallow. I just never thought that someone as gorgeous as you would have anything at all to do with me."
"Whoa, slow down there on the self-doubt. That's my department," Dean half joked. "I didn't figure anyone with your kind of smarts would be interested in a grease monkey with a GED."
"Dean, we are more than our education, jobs, or looks."
"Right. I'm just nervous. So, let's start to get to know one another."
"Okay, I'm the youngest of four boys. My family is very close. I like reading, science fiction, and classics like old movies and antiques."
"I'm the oldest of two boys. I practically raised my brother, and it's just been us and our pseudo-family like Ellen and Bobby. I like movies, classic rock, classic cars - naturally, considering what I do for a living - and also enjoy reading when I get the chance."
"What exactly do you do for a living, Dean? Gabe mentioned that it has to do with cars, but what do you do with them exactly?"
Dean laughed. "I restore and repair classic cars. I find the parts needed and do the appropriate body and paint work needed to bring them back to their former glory."
"That sounds fascinating. Do you have any photos?"
Dean pulled out his phone and selected an album of before and after pictures of many of his jobs. He handed it over to Cas and watched in delight as the look of admiration played across the other man's face.
"Dean, this is sheer artistry. You must be very proud of what you do. You truly have a gift."
Dean blushed at the compliment as he took back his phone. "And you're a veterinarian?"
"Yes, I have a small animal practice with my friend and partner, Meg. We've built up a loyal client base and it's rewarding and heartbreaking sometimes," Cas said, then reached for his phone. Looking at the screen he scowled, then sighed, then looked back at Dean.
"It would seem that Gabe has been very busy this morning spreading the word about our meeting. I hope you're free tomorrow night, Dean. It would appear that you and I are expected at my mother's house for supper along with the rest of the family. I'm sorry to spring all of the Novaks on you at once so soon. I really shouldn't be surprised. My family has been hoping for so long that I'd finally find my soulmate. They are naturally excited and a bit out of control." Cas tried to explain as a way of apologizing.
"Naw, I get it. I'm a bit frightened at the aspect of meeting your whole family, but I think I can deal. And, yes, I am free tomorrow night."
"Whew, that's a relief. I'd hate to disappoint them. I know that they'll love you and will be overjoyed that you and I have finally met. My family puts great store into soulmates and soulmarks." Cas started to chuckle. "Actually it's the stuff of family legend."
"Oh really? My brother thinks that I'm dumb for waiting for my soulmate. He met his and decided that because she didn't meet his expectations of what he wanted that she'd only drag him down professionally," Dean remarked a bit sadly. "She was awesome, a lawyer like him but deaf. He just couldn't see past that and thought that she'd somehow hold him back."
"That's sad. It doesn't say much for your brother. I hope that the young lady will one day be able to find someone else with whom she can form a soulmark. I know that they say that there is the potential for more than one match, so maybe there's hope for her yet."
"I hope so for her sake. Do you really believe that there is more than one person out there?"
"For the majority of people, I would say yes. But not for true mates." Cas reached for Dean's hand and took it in his. As their hands touched they exchanged a shy smile. "Glowing soulmarks only happen in the rarest of cases when two souls are meant to belong only to one another. I believe that is the case with us. The more I learn about you, the more I find we have in common or complement each other with our differences, the more sure I am that we belong together. I hope you feel the same."
"I do, Cas. Really I do. But you're so much better than me. I dropped out of high school to support my brother and do manual labor whereas you went to college, became a doctor, and have your own practice. I'm afraid that once the novelty of us being soulmates wears off you'll be disappointed and feel that I'm not good enough."
Cas squeezed Dean's hand. "Please, don't let your brother's actions cloud your decision regarding us. Firstly, even taking what you said at face value, I'm not that shallow or vain. Secondly, I've seen your work and you are a true craftsman of remarkable skill. Thirdly, no matter what your past circumstances or level of formal education, you were able to succeed and own your own business. I don't know that I would have had the strength and determination to do what you did while caring for a younger sibling. I am in awe of you and all that you've done and in fact wonder if I am worthy of you."
Dean ducked his head to hide his blush. "Of course you're worthy. I just, well, after seeing what Sam did to Eileen, his own soulmate, it's made me worried that my own might reject me too."
"As your soulmate, let me state categorically that I will never reject you. You are handsome, strong, intelligent, resilient, and beautiful inside and out. It is obvious how much you care about others. I can tell from the way you talk about your staff as if they are family and your family as the most important thing in life. Trust me, Dean. You will fit right in with my family."
The tension in Dean's shoulders relaxed, and he breathed a sigh of relief. On some level he had been expecting the smart, sexy, kind doctor to reject him.
Cas was right that they complemented each other and had similar tastes in books and both loved movies and music and couldn't wait to share their favorites with the other. They continued to talk long after their meals were finished. They hadn't realized that they had been talking for so long until Ellen came by their booth.
"You fellas heading back to work or did ya each take a half day?" Ellen asked with no heat behind it.
"Today was my surgery day, so I only worked the morning and stayed until my patient was ready for discharge and I had talked to the owners about aftercare. So I'm free for the rest of the afternoon. I'm sorry, Dean, I should have been more considerate of your time."
"No worries on my end, Cas. I had an early day and cleared the rest of my schedule in case things went well and you wanted to hang out some more."
"Yes, I would like that very much. Ellen, if it's not too much trouble could we order dessert?"
"Of course, honey. You treat my boy right, you hear?"
"I wouldn't think of doing anything else," Cas replied.
"Two slices of pie, Ellen. You do like pie, don't you, Cas?" Dean said, narrowing his eyes as if this was the most important question in the world.
"I happen to love pie. But considering our soulmark I feel that you love it even more," Cas said, looking at the mark on his wrist.
"That I do. It appears that you have a thing for bees? Is that right?"
"I do. They are very important for the ecosystem and are fascinating creatures," Cas began and continued to wax poetically about bees until their pie arrived.
"I guess with your love of bees you must also be partial to honey. Tell me what you think of the honey apple pie, Cas."
Cas cut into his pie and savored the bite, making a sound of pleasure that cut Dean to his core and made him swallow hard.
"This is one of the best pies that I've ever had, except for Gabe's of course. I've been coming here for years, but this is the first time I ever tried their pie. It's wonderful," Cas said as he proceeded to take his next bite.
Once dessert was finished came the hard part - deciding on what to do next.
"I am so glad that our paths crossed this morning," Cas started as he made to pick up the check.
"You don't have to pay, Cas. I'll get it," Dean said as Ellen started to approach.
"Neither one of you pay today," Ellen said. "Consider it my treat helping you celebrate finding your soulmates. I know how long Dean's been waiting and I'm glad it's someone as decent as you, Castiel. Now, go on and get out of here so I can use the table for paying folks," she joked.
Cas thanked her, and Dean kissed her cheek on the way out.
"I don't really want to say goodbye yet," Cas said.
"Me neither. How about we walk in the park? It's only a short drive from here. We can stroll around and continue to get to know each other better."
"Sounds good. I'll walk you to your car. I have to admit that I'm curious what a classic car restorer drives."
Dean led him to where he had parked his '67 Chevy Impala. "Well, I wouldn't want to disappoint you. This is my Baby. She was in bad shape when I inherited her. She was my first restoration, before I became a professional. My uncle Bobby let me use his garage and taught me all of the basics and then some. He thought that I showed talent, so he helped pay for some courses and got me enrolled in the local community college. I worked for him ever since high school. After I got a few courses under my belt I convinced him that the real money would be in specializing in restoration work and classic cars. That idea took off and when he was ready to retire he let me buy the garage and set it up as my own shop. I'll be forever thankful for his support."
"Wow, she is a beauty. I can see how she helps promote your business just by existing."
Dean beamed proudly and shook himself from the flood of memories that were threatening to come to mind. "So, you'll follow me. I figure we can park on the east side and walk along the lake. They've got benches that overlook the water if I recall correctly."
Cas looked at Dean as if he wanted to say something but was hesitant to speak.
"What is it, Cas?"
"I was just wondering if it was too soon to give you a hug before we part. I know we'll see each other in a couple of minutes. It just feels strange to just walk away without some gesture."
"Come here," Dean said as he moved closer to Castiel and put his arms around him. Cas returned the hug and placed a light kiss on Dean's cheek, making him blush. They soon parted and left the parking lot. Dean looked in his rearview mirror and saw that Cas was driving a hybrid. He chuckled and shook his head, as it was exactly what he expected the eco-conscious veterinarian to drive.
They spent several hours sitting along the lake enjoying the coolness of the breeze coming off the water. As afternoon crept into evening they found themselves sitting closer and closer until finally their thighs were touching and they were holding hands. It wasn't long after that before they both became brave enough to kiss.
Their first kiss was soft and tentative, followed immediately by their second kiss, which was filled with hope and longing. They soon lost count of the number of kisses.
Evening came and as the light began to fade they knew they needed to go back to their respective homes even though being parted was the last thing either of them wanted.
"Text me your address and I'll pick you up for dinner tomorrow," Cas said as they were standing next to their cars.
"What should I wear? I can't believe how much I sound like a teen girl right now."
"Dress how you feel most comfortable, I'll probably be wearing a button down, no tie, and slacks. I guess business casual for lack of a better term. If people are dressed up it's because they didn't get a chance to change after work. Seriously, dinner is an informal affair. Everyone will be excited to meet you."
"Just who exactly is 'everyone'?" Dean asked.
"My mother, my brothers, and their wives. Sadly my father passed a few years back. He would have loved you. In fact they'll all love you. Try not to worry. Dinner is at seven so I can pick you up at six thirty. Does that give you enough time?"
"Yeah, Cas. That should be more than enough time to get home, showered, and changed," Dean said.
"Great, I can't wait for you to meet everyone. I hope you like them as much as I think you will. You already know Gabriel so you'll have at least another friendly face to focus on."
They parted with a final kiss, and Dean climbed back into the Impala and headed for his apartment. Once home he turned on the TV and sat on the couch to unwind.
A lot had happened. In just one morning his life had completely changed. When he woke up he was a single man with no romantic prospects and quite frankly more than a little lonely. He had friends he was close with and a brother for whom he constantly made sacrifices to ensure that Sam got the best of everything; but none of them could take the place of having someone to love and come home to. Someone he could share every aspect of his life with. He knew his friends would be happy for him. His brother, on the other hand, would probably belittle the whole soulmark thing and once again make him feel foolish for holding out for his soulmate. It occurred to him that even though he loved his brother there were times when he didn't like him all that much. He decided he would wait until after dinner with the Novaks before mentioning anything to Sam. That way if the whole evening blew up in his face he wouldn't have to deal with Sam saying 'I told you so'.
Dean turned off the TV and got ready for bed. As he was plugging his phone in to charge he saw he had a text message from Cas.
Cas: Sweet Dreams, Dean. See you soon.
Dean: G’night Cas.
Dean smiled as he turned off the lights and went to bed.