#hellhound-puppies

       "--don't leave," he chokes out, hands balled into fists at his side. Dean has never been more afraid of rejection in his life-- but at the same time, he has never felt more sure of anything. "Cas, please."

       There are tears welling up in his olive green eyes, bottom lip quivering with the threat of sobbing right there in the depths of his throat as Castiel turns around, the same confused look on his face that he always has. The seraph sees the signs and steps forward instantly, keeping a bit of distance still and not threatening to touch him.

       Touching is forbidden. Personal space is important.

       "I am not going anywhere," Castiel says simply, blue hues searching Dean's eyes for an answer as to why he was about to cry before the man pushed forward and pulled him into a tight hug, fists now balled in the seraph's dirty old trench coat. Dean breaks.

       "I'm sorry that I left you. I'm sorry that I hated you. I'm sorry that I didn't believe in you-- dammit, Cas, I'm sorry," he sobs, burying his face in his neck. Castiel is warm and Dean can't help but notice it. He's longing to be comforted and Cas picks up on that, wrapping his arms around him and holding him tightly.

       "I forgive you," the seraph whispers, closing his eyes and patting Dean's back as he cries. "I will always forgive you."

       "Why? I d-don't deserve it, Cas," Dean sniffles. He believes it. He's done nothing but bad things ever since they met and he doesn't deserve someone like Castiel. He doesn't. He's not pure enough for Castiel. He's too broken.

       "Because I love you."

       . . .

       "Don't leave," Dean has stopped crying. He pushes Cas to the bed, needing to be held. "Don't leave."