Cas watched with growing fear as Aaron ran across the street to where he and Dean stood. Dean stepped protectively in front of Cas, but Cas just stared at Aaron.

"What do you want?" Dean asked as Aaron slowed to a halt.

"Cas, please come back to me! I'm sorry, I'm sorry for everything!" Aaron exclaimed.

"You... what?" Cas asked, stepping out from behind Dean, shocked. Dean put a cautious hand on Cas' shoulder.

"Cas, I miss you. You were the best thing that ever happened to me," Aaron said. Cas opened his mouth but no sound came out. 

"How can you expect him to go back to you? You put him in the hospital!" Dean exclaimed. 

"I'm so sorry," Aaron repeated, ignoring Dean. Cas stepped around Dean, staring at Aaron. He couldn't think straight, he hadn't seen Aaron in so long.

"Aaron..." Cas whispered. Aaron seemed honestly sad. Cas didn't remember that ever happening.

"Cas, come on. You can't trust him," Dean said. Cas looked around at Dean, who had been there for him, Dean, who had loved him unconditionally. Cas felt tears welling up in his eyes. He couldn't choose between the two of them.

"I... I..." Cas stammered. Aaron took a step towards Cas.

"Cas, come back to me. I... Cas I love you," Aaron said. Cas turned his back on Dean to look at Aaron.

"You... You do?" Cas asked, shocked. Aaron nodded.

"I'm sorry I never told you before, but I'm telling you now! I love you!" Aaron exclaimed.

"Cas... don't do this," Dean said from behind him. "Just stay with me." Cas barely heard Dean as he ran to Aaron and hugged him, tears pouring down his face. Aaron loved him!

"I love you too, Aaron," Cas said. Aaron hugged him back. Cas had always known. He had known, and now there it was. Things were going to get better.

"I'm so glad you're coming back," Aaron mumbled into Cas' shoulder. Cas squeezed Aaron tighter for a second before letting him go, turning around to Dean. But Dean wasn't there, he was walking away. Cas glanced at Aaron then went after Dean.

"Hey wait! Dean, where are you going?" Cas asked. Dean looked back at him and Cas saw tears in Dean's eyes.

"I was okay with you not loving me. I never expected that. But going back to him? Cas, have you forgotten everything he did to you? Have you forgotten this?" Dean grabbed Cas' arm and raised it. Cas looked at the scars there.

"Of course I haven't forgotten. But Dean, he's sorry. It's going to be okay now, everything is going to be fine," Cas said. Dean shook his head.

"Cas, I can't do this. I can't watch you be with this guy who puts you through hell. I love you, and you'll always have a place with me if you need it. But this is just too hard," he said. Cas stared at him.

"What are you saying?" he asked, scared of the answer.

"As long as you're with Aaron, I can't be around you. I'm sorry, but I just can't do it. I think Aaron would agree with me," Dean said sadly. Cas' tears were turning from happy to sad.

"Dean..." he said softly.

"Just remember that you're amazing, and that you could have so much better. I love you, Cas," Dean said. With that, he turned and began walking away again. Cas watched him go, jumping slightly when Aaron put his arm around Cas' shoulders.

"It's probably for the best," Aaron said. Cas leaned up and kissed Aaron.

"I just wish he understood."