Chapter Text
Come move in week, Castiel’s anxiety had now sky rocketed. His father, Chuck was enthused enough for the both of them though. He had started packing a month too early and went above and beyond trying to get Castiel ready for school.
“Hey son, you sure you aren’t going to be needing any cool Washington University gear? Any socks or maybe some cool ‘snapbacks’ as you kids call them.” Castiel wanted to groan at the constant nagging but since his dad had sobered up, his father had come a long way.
Instead Castiel politely declined before wrapping his dad into a hug. He felt Chuck tense for a moment before hugging him back. This open affection was a new thing for the both of them. Castiel figured he’d have to make up for lost time.
“Okay well what do we have left?” Chuck surveyed Castiel’s list. There were two items left. Books and something he’d have to save up for and buy himself.
“Well just books left then.” He grinned.
“Yeah the other thing I can get my-“ His father was out the door before he could finish. Castiel sat down on the bed to sort through his vinyl not thinking much of it. Before it dawned on him, his father was back with a cleanly wrapped item.
“What’s this?” Castiel wondered, shifting to receive the present from his father.
“A going away present. I figured you’d be needing it while living with another boy.” Slowly Castiel peeled back the paper and tears welled up in his eyes.
“I wasn’t sure what color you’d like but since you wear mostly black and gray I just decided to get you black. We can always return it if you’d like I still have the-“
“It’s perfect dad. Thank you.” He placed it softly on the bed before jumping up and attacking his father with another hug.
“I can’t thank you enough.” He giggled through his tears into his dad’s shoulder before jumping back in glee.
“Well go ahead, try it on. See how it fits.” Castiel picked up the article of clothing and rushed to the bathroom. Holding up the binder to his chest, his eyes weld up with tears again. There was a moment where he had forgotten everything from his past and could finally move on from it. Finally, there was some room to breathe and the anxiety he once had slowly started to dissipate. Quickly, he chucked off his shirt and sports bra before stepping into his new binder and shimming it on. He replaced his shirt and was extremely surprised by what he saw. Everything was flat. No worry of being misgendered because of his breasts, he felt more like himself than he had in a long time.
“That looks awesome! What do you think?” His dad cooed when he re-entered the room. Castiel did a little twirl and then ran up and hugged his father for the third time today. He was on a record.
“I love it. Thank you so much.” He giggled.
“Ready to pack up?” Chuck asked. Castiel nodded eagerly, picking up his things and loading it into the car.
After everything was packed Castiel waddled back up the porch and into the house, caressing every piece of furniture and the tapestries on the stairs. He followed a rounded corner before meeting his bedroom again. The walls and bed had been stripped of any remembrance of Castiel. The only thing of him that was left was a small trophy he had won in little league baseball. He knew it would find itself in his father’s office while he wrote. It warmed his heart to know that. Yet there was still a bittersweet goodbye hanging in the air between the threshold and his feet.
“Sorry I never wrote a farewell speech for you.” His father’s voice echoed through the emptiness that was once his room as he clapped a hand down on his shoulder. They both chuckled for a moment before Castiel cleared his throat.
“That’s okay. I’ll keep it simple. Goodbye room.” Castiel said with one look before shutting the door behind him and turned to follow his dad back out onto the driveway.
“Couldn’t have said it better myself.” The car door shut and with that they were off to the airport.