They'd spent the past several weeks falling in love. The weather was slowly getting colder as winter approached, and Castiel spent most nights at Dean's condo, unless he had an early class, then Dean would lounge at Castiel's apartment while he graded papers before heading home and missing the warm body that usually dominated the majority of his bed. Dean's family had taken Castiel in, loved him like one of their own. They ate Sunday dinners at the Roadhouse and would grab coffees before walking around like they had that first night together. It was nearing evening and Dean had just finished cleaning up dinner. Cas was finishing some grading for his class tomorrow in the front room, the television providing background noise while he worked. He felt warm hands on his shoulders and relaxed, leaning back into the body behind him.

"You've been tense the past few days, everything okay babe?" Dean leaned down, resting his chin atop Cas' head.

"I didn't want to bring it up," Cas let out with a sigh. He'd gotten a call from his younger brother, Gabriel the other day. He was coming up for the holidays, hopefully bringing his older brothers Michael and Luci. His older sister, Anna, was going to her husbands' for the holidays, but the others were determined to see what pull Kansas City had on their brother. He hadn't told his brothers about Dean, how could he? Michael was the stricter one of the 4, the one who'd really stepped up when Castiel's father had left. Luci was a bit rude in general, he had a wicked sense of humour and more often than not, ended up offending everyone around him. Gabe was the one brother Cas could handle seeing on a regular basis, and the only reason he still spoke to his older brothers. "My brothers... they're coming down for the holidays. I... haven't told them about you, we're not very close. Uhm, I know you invited me to Ellen's for Christmas, and that was so kind but I'm not sure I can make it, I guess it'll be me and them at the apartment, God I hope they get a hotel I don't think I can handle them all-" Dean pressed a kiss down on his lover's shoulder, soothing him.

"I still want you at Ellen's, brothers and all. Ellen has a huge place, they're more than welcome, I'm sure Ellen won't mind. And it's okay that you didn't tell them, they'll fall for my charm as quickly as you did, and we'll be fine." Castiel couldn't help but laugh softly at him. Dean didn't even know his story, or his brother's but he was inviting them into life as easily as he'd let Cas in. The moment made his heart swell up and he turned his head, kissing his boyfriend softly.

"Thank you so much. You're the best person in my life." Castiel rested his forehead against Dean's chest and let himself unwind. The papers were just about finished anyways, he could do them up later. Right now, he just needed Dean.

The month of November went by in a blur. Classes were winding up in a week, and Castiel was in full teacher mode, doling out marks and grading English papers. He'd barely seen Dean all week, sharing quick phone calls and coffees at the Roadhouse when Cas could swing out on his lunch, which had been rare lately. He was begging December break to come faster, yet wanting it to stay just out of reach. Still on edge about his brother's arrival, he was a nervous wreck when Friday was coming to a close. He'd had his last English seminar that day, and had just arrived home to find Dean waiting with the Impala's keys in hand.

"Ready to go, babe?" he pressed a soft kiss to Cas's face and smiled softly at him. Cas wrung his hands together nervously.

"No." he sighed softly and leaned against Dean's side. How was he so steady, so sure when he was about to go meet his boyfriend's family for the first time? Dean had offered to drive to the airport, and when Cas had called Gabe to ask if the three of them would mind sharing the backseat, Gabe insisted it would be fine. He was the most excited to meet Dean. Castiel had decided last week to let his brothers know he was in a relationship. They seemed interested, finally putting the pieces together that maybe Kansas City didn't have a pull, maybe Dean Winchester did. Luci was excited, which scared Castiel. He loved his brothers, but they were unpredictable, nothing like Castiel, which was one reason he'd moved away for school, then came to Kansas city when a job opened up. He was sure glad he did. Slowly, they made their way to the Impala. Dean had cleaned it out and made it look flawless the day before. It smelled like leather and new car, thanks to the air freshener he'd pressed between the air vents.

They arrived at the airport and went to the gate to wait for Cas's family to arrive. He was on edge, shifting his weight and fiddling with Dean's hand in his own. When he saw a mop of dirty blonde hair bobbing out of the crowd as the plane unloaded, he relaxed slightly. Gabe had a way of making him feel relaxed, yet amped up all at once. His younger brother pulled him away from Dean, dropped his bags at the their feet and engulfing him in a tight bear hug. Castiel laughed breathlessly and hugged his younger brother back before turning to his older ones. Luci pulled him in quickly, hugging him in a much more professional manner and backing away just as quickly, placing a smile on his face that surprisingly was mildly genuine. Michael clapped Castiel on the shoulder and smiled.

"Good to see you, Castiel. It's been too long, it's nice to see you settled down so we have somewhere to visit." Michael seemed to be ignoring Dean, back to him as he assessed his brother.

"It's good to see you all as well. It has been a long time hasn't it," he mused softly and turned away from his brothers for a moment, pulling Dean in front of them softly. "This is Dean, my boyfriend." He reveled in the confidence in his own voice. Dean seemed to be on best behavior, which shocked Cas mildly. He'd never seen Dean have to behave before. Dean reached to Michael's outstretched hand, shaking it tersely and greeting Luci the same way. Gabe pulled a surprised Winchester into an embrace before playing his hands on Dean's shoulders, assessing him with a smile.

"Not bad at all, Cassie. I like him. I'm Gabe, it's a pleasure to meet you, Winchester." Dean chuckled and smiled at the younger man. He could get to like Cas's younger brother, if nothing else. The other two may be a different story, he was sure. They drove to the hotel where the boys were staying, music quiet as the brother's all caught up with each other. Gabriel was running a successful wedding establishment up in Los Angeles with Charlie, a girl he'd met. They did planning, floral arrangements, and cakes. Michael and Luci were in Los Angeles as well, running a line of businesses in the area. As they drove, Gabe complained about the lack of bakeries and cute establishments in Kansas City. Castiel got a feeling he was hinting at something, but couldn't quite put his finger on what exactly Gabe was getting at. When they arrived at the hotel, Dean and Cas helped them get settled in, carrying some bags for them before saying good night. The brother's were staying for nearly a month, having come the first week of December, and leaving early January. Cas didn't understand why they insisted on staying that long, but Gabe just said they all had a lot of vacation hours to use up. Castiel had shrugged it off, not really caring. It would be nice to visit with them for awhile, he didn't get to see his family often enough, especially Gabriel. Despite how nervous he'd been, his brother's seemed to like Dean, and that alone set his heart and mind at ease. Maybe this month wouldn't be so bad after all.