Chapter Text
Dean Winchester did not say "baby", nor did he say "sweetie" and he definitely didn't use that phrase, the one 3-word-sentence that would make his heart palpitate just thinking about it. Sure, there had been a time when he would call women he was trying to pick up by cute little pet names: sweetheart, sugar, darlin'. But he had long since grown out of it, left that younger and in a lot of ways happier Dean behind and turned into a bitter middle-aged man.
"Is there anymore coffee, babe?" He had asked so nonchalantly, so relaxed, as if he called his boyfriend 'babe' all the time. He froze, realizing what had just tumbled out of his mouth. Sam choked on his toast and Cas raised tide-pool colored orbs to his hunter. Dean could feel the blush creep up his neck and into his cheeks. He did NOT just say that....
"Did you just call me 'babe', Dean?" The former angel asked quietly, those blue eyes burning a hole into the side of Dean's head.
He shifted uncomfortably and raised his eyes to Cas. "Uhm... yeah. Sorry."
An easy smile broke across Cas' lips, his eyes glittering the way they did when something truly touched him. "I like it." He said quietly before pressing a kiss to his lover's temple.
Dean couldn't help but smile as Sam faked a gag, all parties returning to their breakfast. He poured himself a second cup of coffee, silently vowing to call Cas whatever he wanted until he was in his grave.