((A/N: So sorry for the late update (assuming you actually care about this fic) and I'll have a new chapter up soon. Meanwhile, check out my new work!))

TWO WEEKS LATER

~Cas' POV~

Castiel had a lot on his plate right now. There was Chuck's deadline of reaching California by the end of January, and they had only saved a little more than half of the required cash for a trip. Also, Dean's birthday was coming up, and Cas didn't know what the fuck his boyfriend would want. A new guitar? A Lord of the Rings extended edition disc set? A leather jacket? He had no idea.

Not to mention the fact that Dean was acting distant. He had already blown off practice twice to go places Cas didn't know about. And he wasn't contributing to their L.A fund as much as he should be. Cas had already caught him on the phone making plans with a a guy named Crowley, but he was too afraid to confront Dean about it. He didn't want to hurt their relationship, especially now that they were sharing Dean's apartment.

Cas sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. To get extra money for the trip, Cas was now working at the register for Frank's Hoover store while Frank fixed customers' vacuums. To be honest, he didn't know what he was doing.

Currently, since the store was empty, Cas was texting Charlie about birthday present ideas for Dean. Nothing too fancy or expensive, but something special. Charlie had already suggested sex, but Cas didn't see how that was a present. Also, he'd never understood why people liked sex.

Try something that shows that you care about him, like a scrapbook of your time together or something. Charlie said.

We don't have any pictures together. Cas typed back.

Well then, think of something else. You've had your anniversary, right? Do something like that.

Yeah. Cas texted. But on our anniversary, we went to that sushi place and I got sick, remember?

Oh. Don't do something like that. was the reply.

Cas sighed again and put the phone down. Then he remembered something. Hey, he asked Charlie, do you know someone named Crowley?

No. she said. Why do you ask?

No reason. he replied. Then he sighed for what felt like the millionth time. This was harder than what he had bargained for.

****

When Cas got home, he put his day's wages into the huge jar labeled Dean and Cas' Los Angeles Fund, then sat on the couch and picked up his guitar. He started to play the song he was working on when the phone rang. Sighing again, he answered. "Charlie, for the last time, I-"

"Oh, I'm sorry," said an unfamiliar male voice. "I was just calling to tell Dean that I am all for his- wait, is this Castiel?"

Cas frowned. "Yes, this is. May I ask who's calling?"

"I'm Sam, Dean's brother. He, um, told me about his birthday and I was coming down from Massachusetts to, uh, celebrate with you guys. Can you tell him to call me back?"

Cas was even more suspicious, but he saw an opportunity. "I can do that. Oh, and, um, Sam?"

"Yeah?" was the reply.

"I'm kind of stumped for gift ideas for Dean. You're his brother, can you help me?"

"Sure," said Sam. "What were you thinking about?"

They planned for a while before Dean came home. "Hey, Cas, got any new music for us?"

"Yeah, kinda," said Cas, covering the receiver. "Your brother called. He wants to talk to you."

"Thanks," said Dean as he took the phone and went into the other room. Cas could hear him whispering unintelligibly, and then shouting "Are you serious? Thank you! You won't regret this!"

"What was that about?" Cas asked when Dean returned. "Nothing that important. Sammy's just doing me a favor," Dean replied. Then he changed the subject. "So, new songs?"

About halfway through practice, Dean stopped. "Cas, I want to talk to you about something."

"What is it?" Cas asked, hoping Dean would come clean to him about Sam and Crowley.

"Cas, I was thinking- if I asked you to take our relationship beyond what it is now, would you?"

Cas was confused. "Like, more serious than we are now?"

"Yes." said Dean. "If I asked that of you, would you do it?"

"Of course I would," said Cas sincerely. "I love you, Dean. Nothing can change that."

"Okay. Thanks. Just wondering." Dean looked a little uncomfortable and excited. "Do you want sandwiches for lunch?"

"Sure," replied Cas. "Dean, are you okay? You haven't been acting like yourself lately."

"I'm fine," said Dean. "I'll get us some lunch." And then he left their apartment.

****

4 HOURS LATER, THE ROADHOUSE

After his and Dean's last song, Cas sat down at their usual table. Dean had said that he wanted to give a solo performance, and Cas was a little pissed that Dean had waited this long to tell him. Charlie made a beeline to his table, carrying a bacon cheeseburger in one hand.

"So, is Dean still acting weird?" she asked, setting the plate down in front of Cas. "Yeah," he replied glumly.

Charlie gave him a sympathetic smile. "Don't worry. Dean usually has a good reason for acting up."

At that moment, Dean spoke into the mike. "This song goes out to a very special someone. You know who you are." Then he began to play a very special song, one that Cas hadn't heard in a long time.

As he heard the first few notes, Castiel gasped loudly, putting his hands to his mouth. People near him turned to look. Well. Now everybody knew who that song was for.

Someone's always coming around here, trailing some new kill
Says I've seen your picture on a hundred dollar bill

Charlie gave Cas a small smile. "Told you so," she whispered before slipping away.

Of real skill
So glad to meet you
Angeles

Cas' head was spinning. Dean had never done anything else like this before. What was going on?

Go on and lose the gamble, that's the history of the trade
And you add up all the cards left to play to zero
And sign up with evil
Angeles

Cas and Dean made eye contact. Dean smiled a little at the confused expression on his boyfriend's face as he sang. What is happening? Cas mouthed. Dean just winked.

I can make you satisfied in everything you do
All your secret wishes could right now be coming true
And spend forever with my poison arms around you
No one's gonna fool around with us
No one's gonna fool around with us
So glad to meet you
Angeles

He ended the song, and the patrons clapped and cheered. Castiel clapped too, numbly. Why was Dean serenading him specially?

Dean leaned toward the mike again. "Would Castiel Novak please come to the stage?"

Shaking, Cas rose from his chair and stiffly walked to the stage. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Charlie egging him on.

Dean helped him onstage, his green eyes warm and welcoming. He took a deep breath and took Cas' hand in his own.

"Castiel. I love you, with all my heart. And I know this might be taking things a little fast, but then again, I'm not one for going slow." He chuckled. "It's just that I cannot wait to tell you this until we go to L.A. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Castiel. I want to sing, and travel, and laugh and cry with you. I need you. You're my family."

"Dean, what are you talking about?" Cas breathed. He had a feeling he knew where this was going.

"I was just getting to that. So, Castiel Novak, would you please do me the honor of becoming my husband?" Dean lowered himself onto one knee and took out a small velvet box. He flicked it open. Inside was a simple silver band. Dean carefully removed it and held it out to Cas. On the inside of the ring was an intricate engraving of a feather, and the simple words You are my angel.

Castiel inhaled sharply. "Y-Yes," he whispered, eyes brimming with tears. "Yes, I will marry you, Dean Winchester!"

He threw his arms around Dean, then forcefully kissed him on the lips. Dean was so surprised he almost dropped the ring. Then he kissed Cas back, just as passionately.

The audience practically rioted, erupting in applause. Those who didn't left the establishment or were escorted out.

Cas and Dean finally broke apart. "Also," Dean said. "I've made plans for us to have a small marriage in Los Angeles with our friends. How does that sound?"

Cas beamed up at his new fiancé. "That sounds amazing. Thank you, Dean."

"No problem. Besides, I made friends with a California priest who is willing to officiate the ceremony. His name is Crowley."

Cas breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness. I was wondering who he was."

Dean raised his eyebrows. "You knew?"

Cas shrugged. "I heard."

"C'mon," Dean said, tugging at Cas' hand. "Let's brave the crowd of well-wishers."

They descended the steps to the main dining area and, as Dean predicted, were met by a throng of people congratulating them. Charlie squealed and pushed past everyone so she could be the first to hug them. "I'm so happy for you guys! It's my real life OTP, finally officially together!" Dean and Cas smiled and hugged her without really knowing what she was talking about.

Once they had gotten past most of the people wishing them a happy engagement, Dean spotted a man towering over the crowd and rushed toward him. The stranger was huge, even taller than Dean, and had long brown hair that barely brushed his shoulders. His hands were shoved deep into the pockets of his denim jacket. When he caught sight of Dean, a smile lit his face. "Dean!"

Dean grinned at him. "Hey, Sammy!"

The two hugged each other. "Nice to see you again. Bitch." Dean said happily. The man laughed. "You too. Jerk."

Cas coughed in the background. Dean turned toward him. "God, I am such a dick. Sam, I would you to meet Castiel, my new fiancé. Cas, this is my little brother, Sam."

"Not that little. It's nice to meet you," Cas observed, gazing up at Sam as he held out his hand. Sam shook it.

"It's nice to finally meet the guy Dean's been gushing over for forever. Congratulations, Cas. I'm sure you and my brother will be very happy together." Cas recognized his voice as the one on the phone earlier.

Dean addressed Sam. "Did Jess come with you?" Sam shook his head. "Nah. She wanted to, but it's been a difficult pregnancy. She's still up in Massachusetts."

Cas looked at Dean for clarification. "Jess is Sam's wife," Dean explained. "She's been pregnant for what, nine months?" Sam nodded.

"Congratulations," said Cas, tilting his head to Sam. "I'm sure you'll have a lovely family."

"Thank you, I'm sure you and Dean are going to be very happy together," Sam replied. "You guys are going to L.A, huh?"

"Yup," said Dean. "We almost have enough money."

"How much more do you need?" Sam asked.

"Uhh, at least $900," Cas said, trying to do the math.

Sam took a checkbook out of his pocket. "No problem."

"Wait, what are you doing?" Dean yelped, lunging toward him.

"Helping you," said Sam, shrugging his broad shoulders. "It'll be my present for you guys. It's okay. The law firm is doing really well."

He wrote out the check and handed it to Cas. "Here you go. I wish you guys all the best in California."

Just then, Ellen came up to them, slinging her arms around Dean and Cas' shoulders. "Don't leave. We're throwing an engagement party for you guys after all these customers get out." She then patted them on the backs and turned back to the kitchen.

Once the people left, the Roadhouse did have a great party. There was a lot of hand-shaking and congratulating, and Cas got the opportunity to meet even more of the Roadhouse's staff, including the head cook Benny, Charlie's girlfriend Dorothy, another red headed waitress named Anna, who was one of Jo's best friends, and the members of the a capella group Lucifer's Angels, namely the leader Ruby, her right hand Meg, and the outgoing soprano Abbadon.

After the festivities were over, Cas and Dean walked to the Impala, Cas' head resting on Dean's shoulder. "I love you," Cas mumbled sleepily into Dean's denim jacket. Dean smiled, planting a kiss on his boyfriend's dark hair. "I know."