Chapter Text
The Note
The letter was brief and barely informative, that’s why Dean felt an unsettling feeling in his stomach, that and the cryptic choice of words that the letter contained. It was an invitation (well sort of, it really sounded more like an order) to attend to the Novak’s house. He had received it at eight in the morning and it said something like this:
“Dear Mr. Winchester:
If you don’t have any inconvenience I beg you to come to my house this evening. If I have the time I’ll pick you up myself.
Mr. M. Novak”
The note itself was a surprising occurrence.
Dean was taking breakfast when the maid handed him the note, apparently the messenger had said that it was a matter of urgency. So, when he read it, he couldn't help to feel irritated over the fact that he had had to interrupt his breakfast over a note from Michael Novak, of all people!
A note that not only was not urgent but it was also confusing as hell. I didn't seem like an invitation to a party, it was not businesslike either. It was only a note to go to his house to do god knows what.
Maybe if it would have mentioned dinner or something, he wouldn't have felt so annoyed, the idea of good food (and the temptation to see a particular someone that also resided in the Novak's house house) would have appeased him, but apparently Michael wanted to talk with him alone.
Dean thought about the situation and the more he did it, stranger it seemed. Because it looked like Michel only want to have a little chat or something alike, but no one would have invited him for a chat so early in the morning if not to make sure that he wouldn't make plans for the evening, which meant that the matter was indeed of urgency.
But what kind of conversation Michael Novak wanted to have with him? They were hardly friends, of course Dean had been in his house before two or three times at most (they had invited him mostly because he was Bobby's friend), and they had barely talked at all, he recalled more vividly his two beautiful omega brothers.
So he was intrigued, feeling that only intensify with the visit of the Novak’s family doctor an hour later after receiving the note.
Bobby or Dr. Singer (how he was known for the upper classes of Kansas), had been a friend of his dad and after his parent's death he took care of Dean and Sam until Dean was old enough to take possession of the family business. He was a good friend of the Winchester family and the best doctor in the state.
When Bobby arrived to the Winchester's house, Dean was already in the study trying to do some work but unable to concentrate. He kept re-examining the words of the note in his head. That until Bobby was announced by the maid.
In other circumstances he would have been happy to see his old friend, but the face of Bobby ‘all businesslike’ unsettled him even further.
None of them talked at first, the old man stood in front of Dean’s working desk watching him carefully. When Dean couldn't handle the awkward silence anymore, he stood up ready to greet to his friend, but before he had the chance to say something Bobby interrupted him.
None of them talked at first, the old man stood in front of Dean’s working desk, watching him carefully. When Dean couldn't handle the awkward silence anymore, he stood up ready to greet to his friend, but before he had the chance to say something Bobby interrupted him.
- Well boy, you should know that I haven’t come here, this early, to talk about the weather.
- Of course… - it was all what Dean was able to say before Bobby interrupted him again.
- So, I am here to ask you a question and I want only the true from you, boy.
- Yes, yes of course.
If the grim attitude of bobby’s wasn't enough, that little speech was making him really nervous. The doctor took a deep breath then looked at Dean with inquisitive eyes and said.
- What kind of relationship there is between you and Castiel Novak?
So that was it!
Dean felt confusion at first. Castiel Novak, the youngest brother of Michael. He remembered him very well; he had met him in one of the Novak's parties. They were introduced by Bobby himself, and well, he had been charmed with Castiel since then. He was very handsome and intelligent he read a lot and was a very skillful piano player. He had been quiet even brash at the beginning, but it was most due to his awkwardness at social interactions than a really rudeness. Dean thought that he was completely endearing.
They talk about nothing in particular, the party, music, readings. Dean tried to flirt a little but Castiel never noticed or pretended not to, so he stopped and simple enjoyed of the company of the younger Novak, until Samandriel, the other Novak brother (apparently all named after angels), showed up and said that Inias was hoping to talk with Castiel and took him away.
He had seen him again another two times. They hadn't been like the first time, for one they were never alone again and they had barely talked to each other.
That was the last time that Dean had been in the Novak’s house, about three months ago, and he had never thought about him since then... who was he kidding, he had been thinking about him since they met, but it wasn't like they had talked anymore after that.
There was only other occasion when he had seen him and it was at church, and maybe he had been more occupied the handsome profile of Castiel's face than hearing pastor Uriel's speech, but… 'maybe this is all about that' Dean thought, 'maybe Castiel noticed and felt uncomfortable and told Michel and…' suddenly he started to panic, 'but no,that was almost a month ago why bring it up until now?' he forced himself to relax and answered Bobby's question.
- Castiel Novak? – He said- There is nothing between us, I hardly know him. Now if you excuse me… -
- No – said Bobby – This is something very serious kid. Can you give me your word that there is nothing between you two?
- Bobby, are you crazy? There is nothing, absolutely nothing between us. We barely know each other; we only talked once or twice at his home. I doubt that he even remember me. So yes, I give you my word that there is nothing between us.
Bobby watched him very seriously, studying his words and his reaction. After a minute the older man exhaled a breath.
- This is very strange, very strange – said Bobby without taking his eyes of Dean.
At that point of the conversation Dean started to feel very annoyed.
- So now I think I have the right to know what is going on.
- Yeah, yeah, you have all the right. But is not up to me to tell. You would have to wait till this evening. I just want to tell you that this is a delicate matter. Castiel Novak is very sick and the family doesn't want that people know. Do you understand?
- I won’t say a word – He responded, hoping that Bobby would tell him more.
- Well, me neither, boy – He already at the door, then he stopped and looked at Dean with softer expression on his face- This is serious, Dean. Would you go this evening?
-Yes, I will- he said, and before he could say something more, Bobby was already gone.
So that’s how Dean found himself waiting for the evening and wondering how on earth he had something to do with all that. But one thing he was sure, if Castiel needed him, he was going to be there for him.
***
Dean didn't wait for Michael.
After the events of the morning he had not been able to concentrate on his work, so after lunch decided to take a walk to calm his nerves. He started walking without direction, just enjoying the way that the last rays of sun warmed his body.
Dean didn't know why this whole thing was bother him so much, sure he maybe had a crush on the youngest Novak, but they didn't know that, so why they wanted him involved? He was not a doctor and even if he was they had Bobby, the finest doctor you could ask for.This was a mystery that he wanted desperately to solve. His mind wouldn't be at peace until then.
He was so deep in his thoughts that he had not realized that he was walking towards the Novak’s house, until he was at the front gates.
To say that the Novak’s mansion was beautiful was an understatement, the Novak family was very rich and their residence was a fine example of that, it wasn't that it was big or luxurious, which it was, but the place had something that made it look very regal.The building was one of the oldest in town and even so it looked like they had finished only a few days ago, the stone did not had any dirt or mold, only some vines climbed the right wall, they would have to spend a lot of money to keep it that way.
Dean hesitated for a moment, the note that Michael had sent him said ‘this evening’, which was very imprecise if you ask him, he wasn't sure if the evening start at five, six or after the sunset; at that moment it was a little more than five but still was before sunset ‘well’ Dean thought ‘now is as good time as any’.
He walked to the front doors but before he could even knock they were wide open. For a second the thought that Michael would be standing there and would say ‘We had been waiting for you’ or something as dramatic as that. But instead he found himself in front a beta boy that didn't seem to be older than twenty. The boy frowned looking confused but then seemed to recognize him and smiled.
- Good evening Mr. Winchester, you are early.
- Oh well, yeah… it seemed important.
- It is, Mr. Winchester, Mr. Novak wouldn't bother you if it wasn't.
- Yeah well, can’t you let me in, Mr…?
- Oh yes, yes, of course. I’m so sorry, where are my manners. I’m Adam Milligan. Mr. Michael Novak’s assistant but please come in.
Adam stepped aside letting the older man in. Dean had been here before, he couldn't help but feel amazed by the place; the decoration was not excessive or extravagant, it was simple and classy, giving a comforting sensation, it made you feel welcome.
- Like you should have noticed I was about to leave, but if you'd like I can show you the way to Mr. Novak’s study.
- I don’t know the place that well so if it’s not so much trouble…
- I would take him there, Adam. You can go now, boy – said Bobby, Dean jumped, he didn't even hear him coming.
- Thank you Dr. Singer. Good bye Mr. Winchester.
Then the boy went out. Bobby only gave him a nod as greeting, then started walking.
- I am glad that you have coming so early. In situations like this time is a precious gift.
- Well I don’t know if I must agree on that, I mean, I don’t know what the situation is.
- Michael will tell you everything. Don’t worry boy, you’ll understand soon.
Bobby didn't said anything more but it was fine, deep down Dean was just happy to see a friendly face, not that Bobby’s face was friendly, the man always had this surly expression on it, but Dean had always feel safe with him, he was almost like his father after all.
After a while Bobby stopped and knocked at a door and just a few moments later Michael was standing in front of them, and just with a ‘see you later, boy’ Bobby walked away, leaving the two men alone.
Michael Novak was a tall and good-looking Alfa, only two years older than Dean. But he always had seemed a little older, not because of his physical appearance but because he always was so well mannered, like a man in his forties rather that his late twenties. Besides he had a certain look that inspired respect. Dean couldn't help but feel immature next to him.
-Mr. Winchester I’m very grateful that you have come –said giving a gesture with his head to enter the room – You see, this is very delicate, and even if I don't like to involve other people in family matters, I don't have another option.
Michael gave this speech while walking into the room, once he had reached his desk sat down, then give a pointed look at Dean, and made a gesture with his hand to sit in one of the chairs in front of him. It was then that the other man realized that he was still standing in the hallway, he hurried up and took a seat. After a moment of awkward silence Michael spoke first.
-How is your brother doing, Mr. Winchester? – Dean was hoping that Michael would go straight to the point so the was taken aback for this question
-Oh … he’s doing fine; he is currently in England, studying law at Oxford
-That's really great, I assume you miss him; after all, you were very attached to each other.
-Yeah well, he always wanted to go out and see the world, this town was too small for him –Dean suppress a laugh, at the pun at his brother size - I miss him but he is happy and I'm glad that he is doing something that he likes.
-Yes, I see. I’ve heard a lot of good things about him. He’s very intelligent, I've been told. Please let me know me when he’s back, one could never know when would need a good lawyer, and I’m sure your brother will be a wonderful one.
Dean knew that Novak was only being polite, but he could tell that his words were sincere, so he took the words at heart and felt glad that people were able to appreciate his brother's accomplishments, Sam had worked very hard to the achieve them.
They continued talking of inconsequential things, struggling to keep the conversation going, trying to avoid the awkward silence that they knew will settle if they stopped.
After a few minutes they couldn't find anything to say or ask, so Dean started to examine the room so he wouldn't feel so uncomfortable. And damn, Michael's study was big, he had always thought that his was a big one but that was almost two times Dean’s. But what really caught his attention was the amount of books, books of a lot of subjects and in a lot of languages, Sam would kill for have a library like that, in the old days he always tried to make him bought more books but he always refused, now seeing the Novak’s collection, started to regret it.
-You have a great library; I really haven't put much effort on mine
-Yes, well, this are my father's books, he loved to read and loved his books…
Michael expression got very somber after that. And yeah, Dean understood. Michael’s father: Charles Novak, or 'crazy Chuck' like people called him behind his back, was a very intelligent man, he had a good eye for business and making money was an easy task for him. But the problem was that he had the ‘soul of an adventurer, of a poet’ he used to say. He read a lot and tried to be a writer with little success, after his failure he started to act strange. And one day he packed his things and said that he would go to South America. He left and never came back. The family till that day didn't know if he was dead or if he had abandoned them.
Dean felt bad for make the other man revive bad memories, not knowing how to amend the situation, and after seconds, that for Dean as well could have been hours, Michael took a deep breath and said.
-Mr. Winchester, you must understand that this is not easy for me; I don’t like to rely on other people or ask for favors as personal as this, I’m the head of the house and I like to be able to take care of them, but as I have told you before this is beyond my power.
-Mr. Novak, I really don’t understand what is happening and what do I have to do in all this
-I’m going there, please be patient – Dean nodded.
-It’s about Castiel, my youngest brother. You see, five days ago he started to feel sick, a little weak, my mother thought it was a cold, but at the next morning the weakness came with a migraine and by the afternoon he had a terrible fever and Dr. Singer diagnosis a meningitis, which is rarely mortal, but there is more. The fever has come with a delirium; Castiel doesn't recognize any of us, not me, not Samandriel, not even my mother. He is in a state of constant anxiety and angst. He always looks at the door waiting for someone. Dr. Singer said that if we couldn't put an end to that torment caused by the fever, his health would only get worse, and we will lose him...
Dean was speechless; he had the sudden urge to demand to let him see the boy, but was able to regain his composure before he could do something stupid.
-But I don’t understand, why did you called me, I mean, if Bobby can do nothing I hardly think that there is something that I can do.
-Well, that is the strange thing, you’ll see. We didn't know for whom he was waiting for until two days ago, when in the worst part of his delirium started screaming his name, crying for him, we had hope that would be a momentary thing and that it would pass but it hasn't. This is affecting his nerves and cannot continue this way –Then turn his gaze away from Dean, unable to reach his eyes - And do you know for whom he is waiting? for whom he is in a perpetual state of sorrow?
-No, I don’t– Said Dean, even if he had an idea of where that was going.
-For you, Mr. Winchester, for you.
The heavy silence that followed those words was, in Dean’s opinion, very understandable.
***
-I don’t understand – it was all what he managed to say.
-Well at first I thought that you and him…
-No! no, I… we… just... you know, we never…
-Don’t worry Mr. Winchester I believe you, Bobby have assured me that there is nothing between you two, and I know Cassie would not hide something like this from me.
-Then why is he…
-Well, your guess is as good as mine but I do have a theory. Think in my brother’s brain like a field, every person he had ever met is a seed buried deep under the soil; but suddenly an earthquake strikes and stir the soil, and all the seeds are out place, but one of them reach the surface, and grows to be a plant and that plant becomes his obsession, and well you, Mr. Winchester, are the lucky seed. But well, it’s just a theory, but if not, why he would be calling for you when you are almost strangers.
Dean didn't know how to reply to that, so the sudden interruption that Samandriel did while entering the room, gave him time to pull himself together.
-I'm Sorry to interrupt but mother wants to speak with you – Then looked at Dean and said- Mr. Winchester, have Michael informed you about it?
-Yes, he has.
-Oh, Mr. Winchester this is terrible, this could make a persona go crazy. But well, we are fortunate at least that you are the object his fantasies and no in another less respectable man.
-Thank you, I guess – Said Dean awkwardly, flattered by the comment but a little uncomfortable for the attention.
-Would you mind to join us, Mr. Winchester? – Said Michael at last.
-Of course, lead the way.
Dean didn't know how to feel, he wanted to see Castiel but at the same time he wanted to run away for that situation as fast as possible, even so he followed Michael, between stairs and hallways, to where he supposed was Castiel's room.
The room was almost in completely darkness, it took him a few minutes to adjust his vision and when he did the first thing that noticed was the huge blue eyes that were looking at him.
It was almost painful to see how hopeful they looked, like if they couldn't quite believe what they were seeing. Castiel tried to talk but he could only get a babbling. Then Dean heard that someone tried to shush Castiel. Was then that he took notice of the other occupants, at the left side of the bed was Bobby trying to calm him down, because now that he was trying to get up. Behind him was a beautiful woman, Mrs. Anael Novak.
He didn't know what to do. So he stayed at the door watching Castiel struggling against Bobby. Suddenly Samandriel said in a hushed tone.
-Maybe you should go and talk to him, Mr. Winchester.
Dean like in autopilot started walking toward the bed. Castiel seemed to notice and stopped moving watching how Dean was getting closer and his eyes were full of happiness, and something more than that.
Dean had been with another omegas before, he had never fell in love, but some of them had fallen for him, so he knew how the love looked in a person’s eyes, and that was he was seeing right there, the look that Castiel was giving him was of utterly and completely love.
The youngest Novak was paler than he remembered, a little thinner but as beautiful as in his fantasies; apparently not even the sickness could take that away from him. When he was at the right side of the bed Bobby made a gesture to take the chair that has next to it, Dean did it and Castiel immediately reached for his hand, and Dean without thinking did the same. Castiel looked at his intertwined fingers then smiled, that beautiful smile of his, then looked him in the eyes and said:
-Hello, Dean.
And then Dean knew for a fact that he was doomed to love him