He was silent the entire ride home, fearing what was to come next. It was obvious his mother had her suspicions about why Castiel chose to draw Dean, shirtless and sleeping in the bed next to him.

He didn't say anything, even after they said good night to Dean and entered the apartment. His heart was hammering in his chest almost as strongly as it did the first time he kissed Dean.

His mother tossed her purse on the couch and went to sit down at the kitchen table. "Come here, Castiel."

He sat down next to her. He was actually shaking and trying not to show it. His mind was racing as well. Should he admit the truth, or continue to hide his relationship? He felt it would be deceitful to hide from his mother something that had made him so happy.

"Can you tell me how you feel about Dean?"

"He's my best friend."

Taking his hand, she said, "Castiel, honey, do you recall our conversation when I said you could tell me anything, even something you thought I might not understand?"

"Yes, Mama."

"I want you to trust me. Will you tell me about Dean?"

Castiel struggled to answer her. He wasn't sure what to say, but the more he thought about it and his heart sounded in his ears, he decided he would come out with it.

"I think I love him," he said, his voice shaking.

"I had a feeling that was the case."

"I can explain — "

She smiled at him. "I think it's wonderful, Castiel."

"You...it is?"

"It's very rare to find someone like that in your life. You're lucky. And I really like Dean. He's a wonderful young man."

"But — "

"You thought I would be angry?"

"I don't know," he answered honestly. "I wasn't sure what to think."

"I've raised you for sixteen — well, seventeen years come August." She brushed the hair out of his eyes. "I had a feeling this day would be coming."

Now he finally understood the sixth sense everyone seemed to have about him.

"I didn't pursue it. It simply...happened."

"That's usually how it occurs. We never expect it until one day we open our eyes and see the person standing in front of us in an entirely different light."

"I wasn't sure myself at first," Castiel said. "But after spending all that time with Dean and sharing everything with him, I felt different. Confused at first, and somewhat scared, but happier than I've ever been in my life."

"Scared, why?"

"I didn't want you to be disappointed in me, or worse, stop loving me."

"For following your heart? For being happy? How could I?"

"I don't know."

"I'm your mother. As long as you live a positive and fulfilling life, nothing you could say or do — and that includes loving Dean — would ever make me stop loving you."

Castiel wrapped his arms around his mother and pulled her into a tight hug. "Thank you, Mama," he whispered in her hair. "Thank you. I love you."

She kissed his forehead. "I love you too, sweetheart."

Their conversation was interrupted by a light knock on the door. His mother got up to answer it and found Dean standing on the doorstep.

"I thought I should come by and check on Cas after...after uh, y'know. Is he okay?"

"Please come in, Dean," she said.

"Um...is that a yes?" Dean asked, worried.

"It is," Castiel said from behind his mother. "I'm fine."

Dean walked into the living room and sat on the couch.

"I'm going to get changed for bed. I'll leave you boys alone to talk."

She disappeared down the hallway and Castiel sat down next to Dean.

"What happened?" Dean asked anxiously.

"My mother," Castiel said, "is an extremely intelligent and observant woman."

"That's great, Cas. Can we skip ahead in the story a little here?"

"By that I meant she already sensed there was something going on between us."

"Oh."

"She asked me, and I confirmed it."

"Just like that," Dean breathed. "I told you, you're the brave one."

"She was supportive, and understanding and she said she'd be there for me no matter what. I explained that we didn't intend for it to happen — the relationship grew over time. I told her I was confused at first, a little scared, but happy."

"That's pretty much how it was with both of us," Dean agreed.

"I told her I thought I was in love with you."

"Really." Dean moved closer to him on the couch and brushed a finger gently over Castiel's lips. "What did she have to say about that?"

"She had a feeling about that, as well."

"Yeah," Dean said, pressing his lips to Castiel's neck, "she is pretty smart."

"What do you have to say about it?" Castiel asked, turning his head to the side to allow Dean better access.

"Not much," Dean answered, fluttering kisses over Castiel's jaw. "Probably just 'I love you, too.' I'm not all that good at tellin' you how I feel."

Castiel turned and kissed Dean full on the mouth. "True, but I've become better at hearing it."

"I'm more used to bein' honest."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah, like it's easier to say that I'm sorry you went through a hard time tonight," Dean said, leaning his head against Castiel's shoulder, "but I thought that sketch was beautiful, Cas."

"Thank you, Dean."

"Was that from the first night I stayed over?"

"It was the following morning. I can't believe he picked that one though," Castiel sighed. "Out of everything I accomplished this semester he picked the most homoerotic work possible."

"You should've drawn more flowers and less freckles."

"Perhaps I should have."

"You couldn't tell it was me though."

"My mother could."

"Your mom loves me," Dean grinned up at him.

"She does, actually. It's interesting the effect you have on people."

"That's because I'm naturally loveable."