Disclaimer: I do not own Supernatural or any of their characters from CW. I am not profiting financially from the creation and publication of this story. Any and all real persons and situations are purely coincidental.


He parked in the Gas'N'Sip waiting to make a decision of either to wait for Cas or go inside. With Ezekiel, or rather Gadreel showing his true colors and finally getting booted out of Sam, he felt it was now time for Cas to return back to the bunker. Not that it had anything to do with Sam giving him the coldest shoulder known to man because he lied to him for several months. Or after he was given a scathing blitz of 'how could you do this' or 'I thought we were past this' crap. Oh, and the icing on top? Before slamming the door on him, Sam coldly looked at him and said, "how can you do that to Cas?"

No, none of that had anything to do with why he was in Idaho after that. He was here to check up on Cas and bring him back. It wasn't to get back in Sam's good graces, or Cas's for that matter. It was to…aw hell, who was he kidding? It was to do exactly that. He messed up bad and now he had to clean up the mess.

Walking into the small shop, he made sure that Cas didn't notice him before putting down Busty Asian Beauties and a candy bar at the register. Making sure he had the largest grin he looked at that now surprised Cas. "Hey there Steve-o, can I get some Marlboro Lights too?"

Cas drew a small frown before leaning in close, "what are you doing here again Dean?"

"What? Can't a friend visit a friend at his…uh, workplace?"

Sighing, "it's a free country I am told." Picking up his stuff and scanning them, "I get off in a couple of hours. Can you wait till then Dean?" He handed the bag to Dean after he was given the money.

"Yeah sure, just…umm, send me a text or something until then?"

Looking around the store to make sure it was clear of people Cas looked back at him, "actually Dean, if I can ask for a favor?"

"Yeah?"

"I wanted to do some grocery shopping, but I don't know what to get. Can you do that for me? I can pay you." Cas gave him a hopeful look that pleaded his case.

"Sure, why not? I shop for the bunker, otherwise it'll all be organic green stuff." Sam and his weird eating habits, maybe he should just let Sam graze in a pasture.

Cas smiled a bit, "thank you Dean. I have a list of what Nora calls the 'basics'," he handed him a small paper, "and please don't spend more than thirty, that's all I budgeted."

Looking at the list, it was pretty basic. Just eggs, bread, juice, peanut butter and jam were listed. "Easy enough, and don't worry about giving me money, I got you." He smiled at Cas before tucking the list in his pocket.

"Are you sure Dean?"

"Don't sweat it, I'll be back soon 'k?"

Smiling, "see you in a while Dean."

Driving over to the nearest grocery store, he picked up a basket and began looking around at what to get. The list Cas made was sensible, but it pretty much told him what Cas has been eating, which was basically nothing. A slight pang of guilt hit him at the thought that he and Sam were not there to show him all the cool stuff about being human.

Wandering in the baking section, he looked over their selection of pies. Normally, he allowed himself a slice of pie because he knows he would eat an entire one by himself. But Cas didn't know that and if they shared, well, then, he would eat less pie. Picking strawberry rhubarb, he looked over the breads. Got the everyday sliced bread but he added some croissants too. In the end, he got way more than Cas said he needed, but he felt the need to make up to Cas.

That only ate up an hour of his time and he had another hour to go. He had thought about maybe checking into a hotel, but he then thought that if Cas was needed groceries, he had his own place. Last time he was up here, Cas stayed overnight with him in the hotel. He was assured that he had his own place, but he never let Dean see where. Or maybe he was rooming with someone? No that can't be it, Cas wouldn't want to risk that. Oh God, what if he's living in a tent or abandoned building nearby? He was about to reach for his laptop to search for places for Cas to live before he stopped himself. Maybe Cas did have his own place and he was just overreacting. Taking a deep breathe, he just settled in the Impala reading his tattered Vonnegut.


Cas knocked on the window startling him for a second. Leaning over, he unlocked the door and Cas slid in next to him. He had his eyes on the couple of bags in the backseat before turning to him, "I think you got more than I requested."

"Well, I figured you must either really love peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or you don't know any better. So I thought we try some stuff."

"I…," Cas looked at him embarrassed, "I don't know how to cook."

"Well good thing I can. I can show you a bit. Now where to?"

"I live a couple of miles away, if you follow that street down it'll lead you to it."

So he did have his own place. Turning the engine on, he backed up and began driving in the direction Cas pointed to.

"How's Sam?"

"Sam? Uh…Sam's good. Finally over the trial energy thing he had. He's at the bunker…umm, researching and what. Thought it be good to check up on you." He gave his cheesy smile trying to sell it.

He got a raised eyebrow like he didn't believe him. Maybe he oversold it. Ignoring it though, Cas pointed to a small alley hidden between two buildings. "Turn in there."

Doing as he was directed, he followed it to small little duplex that had seen better days. It must have been here before the two buildings in front of it were built for it seemed to be a small residential island in a commercial area. Parking in the one of the four empty spaces, they both got out. Each taking a bag, they went up the stairs where Cas opened the door and let him in.

It was pretty bare, no couch or much of anything really. But it was surprisingly in good shape. The walls were recently painted and the carpet didn't have any mysterious stains. There wasn't that old funky smell he came to expect of places like these. It was small for sure since he can see the kitchen and the bathroom from where he was at the front door. There was a closed door he suspected was to the bedroom.

"You can put those on the table," Cas said while pointing to the lone table in the room. At least it had two chairs. Besides that, there was no furniture he could see.

"When did you get this place?"

"A couple of weeks ago. I had to save up for the deposit and first months rent."

Putting the bag on the table he looked at Cas, "two weeks ago Cas? And where were you living before?"

He didn't even look up at him as he unpacked the groceries. "I lived in the store. Took showers at the local bus stop and did laundry in the Laundromat at night."

"Cas…why didn't you tell me? We could've found you-"

"I thought my living situation was not your concern so I didn't bother to ask." Cas replied as he eyed the Nutella. He said it so nonchalant but it felt like a knife in his gut.

"Look Cas, about that. I think we're safe now at the bunker. You can come back now."

There was silence as Cas looked at him with a unreadable expression. The fact that Cas wasn't saying anything was not boding well in his mind. Cas still didn't say anything as he left the table and went into the small galley kitchen where he opened a cabinet. Bringing down a bottle of cheap whiskey and two glasses, he poured himself one and for him.

They both took a sip before Cas finally answered. "Why Dean? What changed? I am a target you said."

It's because I messed up he wanted to say. He had to choose between Sam and Cas, a rock and a hard place basically. "It was because of Sam. The trials took more out of him…it basically killed him."

Cas looked at him with squinted eyes, "what did you do?"

May as well let it out. "Ezekiel man. He said he can heal Sam if were to use him as vessel. But Sam didn't know about it. Said Sam could eject him if he knew and then he would be dead. So I had to keep it secret."

"And I gather it was Ezekiel who wanted me to leave the bunker?"

He took a larger sip of the whiskey, "yeah, that was all him. Turns out, it wasn't Ezekiel but Gadreel. But now he's gone and Sam's okay so you can come back." There was a moment of silence, "I didn't want you to go Cas. But I had-"

"You had to take care of Sam. I understand Dean, I do."

"And now Sam is giving me a cold shoulder and I know I messed up big time," he looked at Cas, "can you forgive me?"

"For what Dean?" Cas asked surprised.

"For this! For throwing you out and basically not giving you a damn about you while you lived in the back of a store."

"Dean," Cas said in his deep commanding voice, "you were in a difficult position. I understand that Sam comes first for you always. It does…pain me to know that you didn't trust me to tell me. Then again, I also haven't been trustworthy myself as of late."

"What? No way Cas, I still trust you. Metadick tricked you because you are trusting. Ezekiel? He was my mistake, and mine alone alright. That's why I'm here. To fix it."

Cas finished off his glass, "well, to be honest Dean, I like it here. You and Sam are great examples of humanity, but there are others I learned from as well. Yes, some of the things you humans do are rather mundane, like cleaning a bathroom, but there is a certain pride I take in doing such things."

"Cleaning a bathroom Cas? Really?"

"Not just that Dean, like going to the park and learning how to play basketball. Or knowing how to fix certain machines and organize foodstuffs. There is so much to learn and it is something I do not think I could have learned if I had stayed in the bunker."

He did have a point, if Cas had stayed with them, they would be doing what they always did. Cas had a shot at a normal life here, something that can never happen at the bunker. "Okay, I got your point. I'm not going to drag you back if you don't want to. Just…just know that it's always open to you."

"Thank you Dean, that means a lot to me." Cas smiled before he looked at all the unpacked groceries they had forgotten. "What is that?"

Pointing to the hot dogs, he smiled as he picked them up. "These Cas are hot dogs. A hunter staple. Good in just about anything. Chili, soup, pasta or just by themselves. Easy to cook too."

Cas made a weird face, "what's in them?"

He chuckled, he remembered when Sam asked the Sam thing when he was a kid. Probably shouldn't have told him they were made from dogs and bad kids though. "Well, uh…they are all the parts of the pig that don't get made into cuts."

"So it isn't made with actual dog then?"

"What? No! Who eats dog?"

"Dog is considered a delicacy in some parts of the world Dean."

Snorting, "so you know the food habits of people around the world and you can't cook?"

Cas gave him what he guessed amounted to a bitch face, "the two are not the same Dean."

"Okay, whatever. How about I make us some of my chili and we'll see how you like it alright?"

Cas wasn't kidding when he said he had any kitchen stuff. The man had a pot, a saucepan a dull knife and a spatula. Looking around some more, he found that Cas had no spices except for salt, which had to be a given in their lives. Which reminded him, "You set up wards Cas?"

"Of course I did Dean," Cas said with a testy tone, "but I can't exactly paint sigils on the walls. Ms. Llyod stated no wall paint without prior approval. So I had to improvise and used a clear marker to draw them on the wall. It would take a black light to see them."

"Not bad Cas. Good thinking." He looked back at Cas and saw that the comment earned him a small smile. "But I think we might need to go back to the store, I didn't know you were this bad off. What the hell have you been eating?"

"Mostly canned goods and sandwiches," the ex-angel confessed.

"I am so going to teach you how to cook, or at least how to not starve."

Cas perked up at that, "I know how not to starve Dean. I did live on the streets for a time scrounging for food. Hungry is a sensation I do not like."

There was that pang of guilt again. "I'm…I'm sorry about that Cas. I should've went to find you as soon as I could."

Cas walked over and placed his hand on his shoulder, "you cannot save everyone my friend. I was able to hold my own until you were able to find me. I believe that counts more." Cas once again gave him a small smile before taking his hand back. "You believe we need to go to the store?"

"First let's see what else you have here. I got all the stuff to make chili at least." Opening the fridge, he saw that there was a eighteen pack of beer. Taking a bottle, he pointed at it, "like beer Cas?"

"Since you and Sam seem to enjoy a bottle or two I thought it was the normal thing to drink."

"Well…yeah, I guess it is. Mind if we?" he asked waving the bottle.

"Of course, the bottle opener is in the-" he didn't wait to hear Cas said the opener was, he used his keys to open the bottle. "Oh," Cas said as he handed him a bottle.

"Little trick, not everyone uses a bottle opener. Had a ring while back that I used to open bottles with too." Taking a swig of the beer he opened the cabinet that Cas had opened earlier to get the hard alcohol. He nearly spit out his beer because to his surprise he found it the only one actually stocked. There were bottles of wine, whiskey and scotch. What was more disturbing is that a good number of them were already open. He looked at Cas and pointed at the stash his mouth agape once he had swallowed the beer.

Cas put down his bottle and looked like he was guilty of doing something bad. "I…I was given a couple bottle by my co-workers on getting a new place. The others…" he looked at him with sad eyes, "the others I bought because I liked the alcohol. It, um, affects me more now that I am human."

"So you've been drinking the hard stuff then Cas?"

Cas looked at the floor, "it…it helps me sleep."

He was about to preach on how stupid that was before he checked himself. He is in no position to judge, he liked the bottle a lot too. This though, this was just not the Cas he knew.

"Yeah…I know the feeling." Changing the subject from what was in the kitchen, he walked past Cas into the bare living/dining room. "Any plans on what to do here Cas? Now that you plan to stay here a bit."

Looking relieved at the change of subject, Cas looked at the bare area next to him. "I have no idea Dean. All I know is that I do need more seating if I were to have any company."

"Guess we can go look for a couch and more chairs. What about a TV? Or a stereo?"

"I haven't thought about acquiring electronics as of yet."

He shook he head at Cas being so clueless on being human. "Okay, you know what? We're going to go shopping because I've seen prison cells better decorated than this Cas."

"I have to work tomorrow Dean."

"Well, when is your next day off then?"

"The day after tomorrow."

"Got any plans then?"

"No."

"Then we're going shopping."

Cas tilted his head at him, "are you planning on staying in town?"

"Why not? We don't have any leads right now and Kevin is going crossed eye reading the angel tablet. So yeah, I can stick around for a while. If…if that's okay with you."

"I don't have anywhere you can sleep Dean."

Oh, he hadn't thought this out through. "That's fine…I can get a hotel close by or I can-"

"No need Dean, you're welcome to my bed if you like. I think it is impolite not able to offer a place of rest to a friend." Cas took another drink from his beer like he was nervous.

"So you…uh, got a bed then?"

Instead of answering, Cas walked over to the closed door and opened it. Following behind him they both entered the small room. "It's an inflatable bed, a queen I think. I got it at a reduced price at a 'blowout sale'." There were two pillows and a thick comforter on the bed. At least Cas hasn't been sleeping on the floor.

"Looks comfortable Cas."

"It is preferable to sleeping in a dilapidated bus."

"And if I take the bed where are you going to sleep?"

"I can take the floor."

"I can't take the bed if you're on the floor Cas. This is your place."

"Unless you want to share."

Share a bed with Cas? Looking at the bed, it was certainly large enough for them both. And what was there to worry about? This was Cas, not Sam who would steal all the covers and emit toxic fumes in his sleep. "I guess if that's okay."

"It is Dean. I think it would be wasteful for you to get a motel when you are more than welcome here. Money I have discovered is a resource one should conserve."

"True, it ain't easy to get and it's super easy to spend it."

"Which is why it is better you should stay here Dean." There was a rumble from Cas's stomach and he looked at it like it had betrayed him. Looking back at him, "I think we should start this chili Dean. It has been several hours since my lunch break."

After making his dad's chili, they both discovered that Cas had a taste for things being spicy. And Cas did enjoy the hot dogs though he did express the desire to try dog one day. The thought almost made him gag and not because he was part dog for a day either. After they were done with the cleanup and dishes, which was fast, he looked around. There was nothing to do.

"So Cas, what do you do when you're here after work?" he asked as he sat back down on the one of two chairs.

"Well, I have some books I took out from the local library. I go there to use the internet and to read. Otherwise I just…sit here."

Sit there? Like when they had to trap Raphael? "You mean to say in all the years you have been hanging out with us you never picked up something you would like to do besides sit there?"

Cas gave him 'don't ask stupid questions' look, "I just don't sit here, I do think about how to help the angels."

"Well, Kevin and Sam are working on that. So far there hasn't been a peep from any of the angels. Seems like they are all staying low-key."

"Be that as it may, I would still want to help then Dean."

"How Cas? You don't have a way to send them back to heaven and most of them are out to kill you. Right now it's best you stay hidden."

Sinking his shoulders, Cas must have agreed to his assessment. They were still on square one though on what to do. It was only a little past seven and there was nothing to do here. If he had his way, they would head to the bar but getting Cas shitfaced was not a good idea if he had to work tomorrow. It's not like they can pop in a movie or watch a TV show in the meantime. Wait a minute, "hey Cas, this place have a movie theater?"

Looking at him confused, "yes. Why?"

Getting up and putting on his jacket, "c'mon, we can catch a movie. Beats sitting here."


"You stole all the popcorn," he fumed at Cas, "next time get your own."

"I'm sorry Dean, but I did enjoy the movie. Did you?"

Since it was Cas's first movie experience, he chose 12 Years a Slave to watch. Personally, he wanted to see Thor The Dark World cause it had Natalie Portman. Had to admit though, it was a good movie. Cas though was a popcorn addict though.

"Is this a normal human pastime Dean?"

"Well, movies are a great way to pass the time with friends or go on dates."

"Dates? Why would movies be a good date place?"

Unlocking the door for them, "what do you mean Cas?"

"Well, to my understanding dates are supposed to spend time with a person you are attracted to. I thought this was done through conversation. You can't talk during a movie."

"You're right. Movies though are usually an excuse to get close to girl. Sneak an arm around her or even just make out 'cause it's dark. It's really more of a teenager thing though since they can't go to the bar or club."

"Oh. I see. And what are clubs Dean?" Cas asked as he turned back onto the road back to Cas's place.

"Like a bar, usually have a dance floor and loud music." Not his scene though, give him a dive bar any day. Though clubs were a good place if you were looking for some tail.

"Ah," Cas replied as he looked at his watch. "I should go to bed when we get back. It's late."

Yawning at the word bed, he realized he was tired. He had been up for almost over twenty fours hours. Between the expelling of Gadreel, the fight with Sam and driving, he was just beat. Spending time with Cas though had made him forget about those things for a bit. "Yeah, guess we should hit the sack."

Reaching Cas's place he got his bag from the trunk while Cas unlocked the door. Offering him the bathroom first, he brushed his teeth and changed into his pajama's. Opening the door Cas smiled at him before going into the restroom himself. Heading into the bedroom, he poked at the bed. It wasn't memory foam but an air mattress still beat the hell out of a motel one.

Cas came out of the bathroom and turned off the lights in the other room before heading back into the bedroom. "I have to be at the store at seven am. I left the keys for you on the table." Opening the closet, Cas brought out another blanket and handed it to him.

"Thanks Cas. You need a ride in the morning?"

"That won't be necessary Dean. I like my morning walk." Cas replied as he slipped under the cover. Pulling his blanket to his side so there would be some space for him to lie down.

Sitting down on the mattress, he fluffed his pillow and lied down himself after covering himself. He kept his back to Cas since it would be weird to see Cas sleep. Knocked out or drained that was what he was used to. Sleeping though only reinforced the fact that Cas was human now.

"Good night Dean." Cas said from the other side. Apparently he also had his back facing him.

"Night Cas," he mumbled as he tried to find a position to be comfortable in. Now that he was lying down, his tiredness hit him even harder. Before he drifted off to sleep, he found it comforting that Cas's pillow smelled really nice.


Living in the bunker had softened him a bit. Since it was hidden and heavily warded there was rare sense of security he indulged in. Falling asleep came easier to him than he thought but he did remember waking up. The loss of warmth behind him and the shift in the air mattress roused him a bit. He must've mumbled something because he though he heard Cas say something before he felt a hand on his arm before the blanket was tucked around him. After that he was off to a blissfully dreamless sleep.

When he finally did wake up the sun was already shining brightly from the window. Stretching first he got up and looked out the window. There wasn't much a view unless you count a back of a warehouse a view. It was low enough though to see the trees towering on the other side of the building though. Turning from that to his watch, he saw that he slept for a nearly solid eight hours.

Going through his normal morning rituals he took the keys from the table that Cas had left behind for him. There was a note beside them saying he was off in the evening late since he was pulling a double shift to cover for a co-worker. That was Cas he smiled as he locked the door behind him, always trying to be a help. Granted most of the times it backfired on him but it is the thought that counted. At least what he told himself.

Cas needed a lot of stuff if he was going to live here. With the angels being all low-key and Abaddon locked up in a concrete block it was actually nice to do something that didn't hinge on the survival of the world. He can spend time to actually do something other than hunting. Parking in café, he ordered coffee and some food before settling down at a table. Since there was no WiFi at Cas's, he was going to do some shopping here. Craigslist and local listings are the cheapest way to find furniture he figured.

Several hours and phone calls later, he was able to locate a good deal on a futon and an entertainment center. The dude selling it was moving out of the state and threw in some other stuff on top of the stuff he had already bought. For another twenty, he was able to convince the guy to use his truck to bring the stuff to Cas's place. After unloading it all in the driveway he thanked the guy and began disassembling the futon so he can take it upstairs while letting the mattress air out. For a hundred bucks, he got a futon, an entertainment center, a small drawer and a floor lamp.

Finishing the taking the futon parts upstairs, he was grabbing the lamp when a car parked on the other end of the small parking lot. It was one of the newer hybrid that had no style. The driver was a young thin man dressed so outrageously that the first thing that came to mind was first 'gay' and then 'twink'.

The guy saw him and a wide smile appeared on his face as he walked over to him. "Hi there! You need help?" He held out his hand in greeting.

Since it was only polite, he shook the hand offered, "Uh, hi," looking at the heavy entertainment center, "guess I could." He was wearing his silver ring and since there was no reaction he cleared the first test.

"No problem, name's Scott." Their hands lingered for a sec and Scott took his time feeling his hand as they let go. Yeah, this guy was flirting with him, which is flattering. But he did need help so he's going to milk this for all it's got. Besides, this was Cas's neighbor, may as well check him out.

"Dean," he pointed to the entertainment center, "can you take that end?" Nodding, Scott and he lifted the furniture up the stairs to Cas's living room. He passed the salt and the wards so he was clean. Well, mostly, there was always the chance he was a leviathan but he doubted that went back down to get the last stuff and when that was in the place he pointed to the fridge, "beer?"

"That'd be great," he handed him a bottle and after they both took a swig Scott to a moment to look him up and down. "So…you the new neighbor Steve?" he asked hopefully.

Shaking his head, "ah, no. Helping Ca…Steve move in."

There was a slight dip in his smile, "oh, pity. I always wanted a hot neighbor."

Wow, this guy was bold. "Sorry man, don't swing that way anyway, don't think, uh, Steve does either." He was pretty sure on that at least.

Scott sighed, "well, if he's at least as handsome as you, I'll be okay."

He was used being flattered but usually by women. Course he was adorable so there was an occasional guy that just like now, flirts with him. "Uh…thanks, you…you look good too." If he was ever to do a thing with a dude, which would never happen, he definitely knows it wouldn't be with a guy like Scott.

"Aww, you're a sweetheart. Listen, I don't mean to make you uncomfortable, I just flirt a lot," Scott assured him as he took another drink. "This place hasn't had any new tenants since Aunt Sue remodeled."

"Aunt Sue?" he asked as he reached for the tool to assemble the futon.

"She owns this place. It's really just one of her projects to help people which I guess is a good thing. I go to school and work nearby so she offered to give me reduced rent if I clean up the place."

"So are you the manager then?"

"Naw, more like interior designer slash repair man. Just don't ask me to fix the sink," Scott winked.

"So it's just you and Steve here?"

"For the moment, Aunt Sue is picky on who she wants to help. It's quite a paradox with her."

"Huh, well C-Steve plans to be here for a while."

"Do I detect a note of sadness in that Dean?"

He might have let that slip, "I wish he would stay with me cause let me tell you, Steve is…uh, one of a kind." He wasn't comfortable making up Cas's personal history for him without going over with him first. "Hey, can you hand me that piece over there."

"Sure," Scott purred as he handed him the connecting piece for the futon. "You guys need a hand getting stuff? As I said, I am great with interior design."

"You'd have to ask Steve." He'll have a prepare Cas for meeting Scott.

Scott placed the empty bottle on the table, "well, I better get going, have a test to study for." He headed to the door before pausing and looking back at him, "don't work too hard Dean, or if you do, I am a licensed massage therapist as well." He added another wink before he disappeared out the door.

"Oh boy, Cas is going to have fun with him," he mused to himself as he assembled the futon. He looked at the clock and saw that it now early afternoon. Has to be close to Cas's lunch time he thought. Heading back out, he grabbed some food from a sandwich shop and drove over to the Gas'N'Sip.

Entering the shop, it was empty save for Cas who was organizing some candy before he saw him. "Hello Dean, did you sleep well?"

"Like a babe. When's your lunch?"

Cas glanced at the clock, "in about fifteen minutes, assuming that David comes in on time." With the way he said it, he doubted this David guy would be on time.

"Aw, that sucks Cas. But hey, I bought you lunch," he raised the bags so Cas can see them.

A small smile broke out on his friends face, "much appreciated Dean. I woke up late and didn't have time to make breakfast."

"Breakfast is important Cas but here," he handed the sandwich over, "club with all the trimmings."

Cas looked inside the bad and inhaled it, "smells good Dean," he smiled at him.

"No prob Cas. Hey, I met your neighbor."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, guy named Scott. Did all the tests, he's clean. Guy likes to flirt though, he was hitting on me all the time we moved the stuff."

"Stuff, what stuff?"

It was his turn to smile at Cas, "surprise Cas. What time you off?"

"Seven."

"Cool, I got some other stuff to do, I'll get you then."

Cas gave him a wary look but didn't comment on it, "okay. Thank you for lunch."

After dropping lunch off, he drove over to the park to eat his while he contemplated what else to do. One perk of being a hunter is making up your own hours. Granted, the hours sucked because there is an unwritten rule that monsters usually worked at night. If he was at the bunker, he would probably be either drinking, watching TV, annoying Sam, cleaning guns or working on the car. Cars actually since they found the garage with all sorts of classics.

Right now he had no idea what to do. All those things were back home in the bunker. Even Sam hadn't sent him a text or anything, but he didn't expect one. After their fight e he doubted that Sam would want to talk to him anytime soon. That was on him, being reckless and stupid to do something like that. As such, he was going to do his best to fix it.

And that was what he was doing right now with Cas. Bobby was right to say that Cas was his best friend. Guy did risked and did everything for him. In return he kicked him out when Cas needed him the most. So he had a lot of making up to do. Sighing, he headed back to the café to make use of the internet while he waited for Cas. Maybe he can hunt down some more deals.


He pulled up to the station right when Cas was leaving the front door. Reaching over he opened the door so Cas can get in. "So honey, how was your day?" he asked jokingly.

"Overall it was an average day. Nobody tried to kill me and everything is in stock."

He didn't know if he was joking or not, "was that a joke Cas?"

"Of course not, mini-mart clerks do have a greater likelihood of being shot in a robbery."

"We have got to work on that sense of humor," he sighed as he pulled back into the main road.

"And your day Dean?"

Now he smiled, "pretty good. Just wait 'til we get back to your place." He returned there a couple of hours to start making dinner. Meatloaf should be just about done when they get there. Cas arched his eyebrow at him before settling comfortably into the seat. Noticing the way Cas held his feet, he knew he had been standing for most of the day. Good thing Cas now had a couch to lie down on, maybe he can give a foot massage.

Pulling into the parking lot, he pointed at the hybrid Scott drove as they stepped out of the car. "Your neighbor drives that thing. Seems like a nice guy, just remember he's a flirt."

"I haven't had occasion to meet him yet. He's usually gone when I am here."

"Well don't be surprised if he tries to get into your pants when you do. Oh, and he's your landlady's nephew to boot, so be careful." Up the stairs now he waited until Cas was behind him before he opened the door. "Close your eyes Cas."

He got a skeptical look, "why?"

"'Cause it's a surprise, just close them okay?" Doing as he was told, Cas closed them as he jingled with lock. Once he was in, he turned on the light and then led Cas inside and closed the door. "Alright, you can open them."

Doing so, he saw that Cas's eyes opened a bit wider as he saw the couch/futon. "Where did you get this Dean?" he asked as he walked around it.

"Craigslist, guy was moving and getting rid of his stuff. Made a deal for that and some other things. Thinking tomorrow we look for a TV and some other stuff."

Cas sniffed the air, "and what is that smell? It smells…wonderful."

"Meatloaf, should be about done by now. Hope you're hungry."

"I am now," Cas walked over to him and gave him a hug, "thank you Dean."

Patting his back, "dude, you needed a couch." They both pulled back, "you set the table, I'll get the food."

"I have the next three days off," Cas announced as he was putting the dishes in the sink.

"That's cool, how did you manage that?"

"Apparently Greg, the manager was told to minimize my hours a bit."

"What? Why?"

"Seems beside Nora, all the other employees have been 'abusing' me to do all the work. So Greg gave me an extra day off so he can 'whip' the others into shape. He expects one or two to quit then I can have those hours."

That sounded like Cas, "well, awesome. How's Nora by the way?"

"She is well."

"Is she…you know, interested?" She was hot and didn't want to kill them so that was a double bonus.

"Evidently not, I think she sees me as a friend and not as a potential love interest. Not that I am interested in her, I feel guilty for almost getting her child killed." Cas stood next to him to dry the dishes as he wash them,

Fair enough he though as he handed him a plate, "so no one else caught your eye?"

"After April and Nora, I am not interested in a pursuing a romantic relationship with anyone."

"Eh, so what do want to do tonight?"

"I am actually rather tired and my feet are sore. I was thinking about just lying down and reading one of the books I have from the library after I take a shower."

He saw the collection that Cas has. Mostly classics though there was one on human sociology and interaction. "Night in? That's fine. Grab a book and a pillow and come to the couch after you're done."

"Okay," Cas replied as he put the last dish away before walking away to the bathroom. He heard the shower rattle on and while Cas was doing that, we grabbed a pillow and the spare blanket. Then he remembered that there was one thing that he had in the trunk that he rarely ever uses. Grabbing his keys, he headed to the car to grab it. It was the old radio cassette player he used when he works on baby. Since he now had the garage, there was no need to have it. For now he'll just lend it to Cas.

It wasn't long until Cas came out in his pajama's. Sitting on the one end of the futon, he waited until Cas came back and sat at the opposite end. Throwing the pillow at him, "here, lie down and put this on you back and give me your feet." Without question Cas did so while he turned on the radio.

The first station he hit was pop music which was crap, so he turned it trying to find some real music. However he first found classical which when Cas heard it, asked him to leave it on that station. "You prefer classical Cas?"

"You try listening to inane music all day Dean. This music is…pleasant." Cas stretched out on the couch and his feet ended up in his lap.

"Well, your place so you call the shots," he replied before grabbing the lotion. "Dad used to have me do this after a hunt sometimes," he explained as he rubbed the lotion to get it warm. "I was still a kid last time but I was happy to do it because dad liked it." Slowly, he began kneading Cas's feet.

Looking over at Cas, he saw that he had his eyes closed and was relaxing under his touch. He smiled because after all the Cas had done, this was just one small repayment. Tenderly, he rubbed the ball of his feet with a bit more pressure and he felt Cas tense a bit before relaxing again. "That…that felt good."

"You got a knot there, happens when you stand all day. How about you read out loud?" Unlike Cas, he wanted to hear a human voice, be it singing or just reading. This…calm quiet atmosphere wasn't his thing.

Cas opened his eyes, "but this is so relaxing," he let out a small moan as he moved his ministrations to the another part of the foot. It reminded him when he did this to Lisa, she loved it when he did this. She even returned the favor after he came back from the construction site and that usually led to some great sex.

"Fine then," he smiled at the now sleepy Cas. The idea of Cas returning the favor was hilarious, though he bet if he taught Cas he would be a capable masseuse himself. Plenty of chicks love this and he did have long fingers.

It wasn't long until Cas was asleep. Pulling a fourteen hour day with dinner and a massage after was a surefire way to go to sleep. Turning off the radio he looked at his watch. It was only a little bit past nine and he wasn't tired. "Seriously, first thing we're getting is a TV," he whispered to himself as he tucked a blanket around Cas. Well Cas had taken the futon so he guessed he would take the bed. But it was too early to go to bed though. Looking at the sleeping man, he figured Cas wouldn't notice if he was gone for a couple of hours.

Coming back around midnight, he tiptoed into the quiet place. He hustled at a dive bar on the other side of town and won some seven hundred bucks. College kids, always thought they were better. There was no guilt as he happily took their money. Now he didn't have to use a card for shopping tomorrow. Looking at Cas, he was still fast asleep in the same position he left him in. Smiling, he changed and crawled into bed.


He smelled bacon. Yawning while he stood up, he shuffled out the door to the small kitchen. Cas was there carefully observing the bacon cook in the pan. "Morning," he yawned again.

Apparently that startled Cas because he shot up and almost had the pan fly out his hand before he gained control. "Uh, morning Dean."

"You cooking?" he asked as he stretched. His mind was still getting orientated.

"Umm, yes. The directions on the package are not specific so I am trying to visual compare it to the way you like bacon."

"I like it crispy."

"I know. Would you like some juice?"

"What? No coffee…oh wait, sorry. We should get you a coffee maker Cas."

"I usually get coffee at work. Useful when you want to stay awake."

"That it is. Need help?"

"I think I got it, I am going to cook the eggs in the bacon grease. I remember you and Benny talking about that in Purgatory."

"Hell yeah, real Southern way to do it. You know, Benny was a pretty damn good cook." Benny was a good friend period. Sucks having him back in Purgatory. He looked over Cas, "I guess we need to get you a toaster…and a microwave. And a TV. Definitely a TV."

Cas rolled his eyes and he poked the bacon, "we'll get a TV Dean since you value it so much."

"Hey man, it's for you. If you're going to be human, we need to introduce you to the classics." He walked behind Cas and grabbed a plate, "those are done now by the way."

Taking the plate Cas put the bacon on it then reached for the eggs and dropped them into the pan. Seeing the eggs cook in the grease was great, seeing Cas do this made him proud. Patting Cas on the back, he got a cup and got some juice. Several minutes late after they improvised making toast, they sat down to eat.

They were in the aisle looking at the various TV's lined up in the mega shopping center about an hour out of the town. Cas didn't seem as interested in getting one as he was, but he was blaming that on Cas not knowing what he was missing. The last time he watched TV was for a cartoon and before that was for a porno. Not to mention being trapped in his brothers weird TV show universe.

"What is the difference between an LCD and LED set?" Cas asked the associate that was helping them.

"Well, uh, LCD is liquid crystal diode and a LED is a light emitting diode," the kid answered with not much certainty. "The difference is, I think clarity."

"Thanks Dave," he said reading the nametag, "we'll browse for now."

Looking relived, "if you need help just look for me," before he walked away."

"I don't see much of a difference between the two. They are expensive though," Cas said as he looked at the price tags.

"Told you not to worry about that Cas. I got some money from last night and I ain't hurting for cash."Cas seemed he wanted to decline, but he sighed and let him continue. "'Sides Cas, we don't need to get one to cover the entire wall, just something you can watch stuff on. Here, there is one looks good."

It was a medium sized set on sale so they grabbed that one. They also grabbed a cheap DVD player before moving onto the selections of movies and shows. Cas had no idea what to look but he encouraged him to browse around to see that he liked. He himself found the last copy of Dr. Sexy MD Season One on a discount and threw it in the cart.

Other than that, he let Cas choose what he wanted. That was something he almost regretted when Cas came back with a varied collection of nature films and some classic cartoons. There were a couple that gave him hope like Black Swan and Back to the Future. There was also Brokeback Mountain. That one made him a bit uneasy but he wasn't about to shoot down Cas's picks, which apparently all started with the letter B.

"These films seem interesting, I hope that they are okay," Cas said as he put them in the cart.

"They're your choice Cas. I guess we'll just try to find out what you like," he replied before he looked in the direction of the home décor section. 'Want to head over there next?"

"If you think we should."

"Well, it's your place Cas. There has to be a way you want it to look, make it your home."

Cas's eyes darkened, "my home was Heaven itself Dean. There isn't anything on Earth that can come close to it."

"That's…uh, I'm sorry Cas. I didn't mean it like that. I just meant…I meant you want to add a personal touch to your place. Take my room at the bunker, I put up my weapons on the wall and got a memory foam mattress. Little things like that make that room mine."

"So adding personal effects individualize a space then?"

"Yes! Otherwise it's just a space like any other. Little touches like that make the place yours."

"I think I understand now. If that is the case, then I would like to do that."

"That's the spirit Cas," he smiled as the headed to the home décor section.

First passing the candles, Cas stopped as he sniffed the various scents. Picking one jar candle, Cas inhaled deeply before handing it over to him. "What do you think of this scent Dean? I think I smells pleasant."

It was a plain vanilla that reminded him of Lisa's so he frowned a bit but hid it from Cas. "I think it smells nice…" he responded as Cas handed him another one, this one was an apple cinnamon one. That one reminded him of pie, "but I think I like this one better."

"I do too. I'm going to get it."

He nodded as they next travelled to some pillows. Cas picked two large blue ones to go on the futon. Next there were various knick knacks that Cas mostly ignored since he didn't have a concept of aesthetics. Neither did he for that matter. It was the pictures and posters section that Cas spent a bit of time in. He picked out two large prints of Monet and Van Gogh citing their surreal style as pleasing and colorful. He didn't know a lick about art so he just nodded along.

Passing through appliances, they picked a toaster, a coffee maker and a microwave. Those three things would crowd the small kitchen but he insisted that they were needed. He first tried to convince Cas on the microwave with the prospect of making burritos. "I don't enjoy burrito's any longer," Cas simply stated.

"Why?"

"I would prefer not to talk about it."

Why didn't Cas liked burrito's? Then he remembered, Cas was eating one when he kicked him out. That stab of guilt came back and he didn't want to talk about it either. He still took the microwave claiming popcorn can be made in it. After they went through the checkout they headed back to the apartment to set the stuff up.

Plugging everything in, he checked to make sure it all worked before sitting down on the couch with Cas. "Ok, it's all ready to go."

Cas looked up from the book he was reading, "thank you Dean," he smiled. "There isn't anything I want to watch right now though."

"That's fine. So what do you do on your days off then?"

"I do have to do some laundry."

"You expand your wardrobe yet?" He already knew the answer since he peaked into the mostly empty closet. It also didn't help that he was wearing that same white shirt and blue jeans he wears at work. Apparently Cas just had a change of shirts, a sweatshirt and pajama's.

"Uh..no."

"Yeah, grab your laundry, we're heading out again." May as well kill two birds with one stone. "We'll go to a thrift store, get some new stuff, wash'em and then we take it from there. Sound like a plan?"

Getting up, Cas walked over to his room and he heard him stuff clothes into a bag. Looking around the small apartment, he saw it was coming together already. The guilt he feels was still there, always pushed to the forefront of his mind every time he look around. This was Cas's place, and it wasn't the bunker because he had kicked him out. No point on crying over spilt milk now though. If he can't have Cas back at his home, then he damn will help Cas build his own.


It took a while, but they found a thrift shop in town. For most of their lives, he and Sam have shopped in places like these. Cheap and if you look hard enough, you can find some treasures. Some of his vintage band shirts came by thrift shops not to mention they still had cassette tapes to sell.

"Most of the clothes have a peculiar smell Dean." Cas said skeptically as he looked at flannel shirts.

"That's why we're shopping first then washing them afterward. Oh hey," he responded taking out a light plaid blue shirt, "I think this one would be good on you." Stepping closer to him, he pressed the shirt to Cas's front, "yeah…brings out your eyes. Put this one in the try pile."

"Wait Dean, I think this one is your size," Cas said as he put a shirt on his chest to check the size. It was a nice black cotton shirt that to him looked a bit tight. Cas pressed his hand onto his chest trying to size him up, "I think this would look good on you."

He looked down, "I dunno, it looks a bit tight."

"Then you'll have to try it on then." Cas said removing the shirt.

"We're here shopping for you Cas, not me." Cas didn't say anything but gave him a what he guessed what was his 'puppy dog eyes'. And dammit, it worked. "Okay, fine. I'll try the damn shirt."

Making several more selections, they headed over to the dressing rooms. Cas picked out another shirt and a pair of pants for him. They were of a nicer quality than he would usually get for himself. Other than his fed suit, all his clothes are plain old jeans and durable shirts. Trying on the black shirt, it wasn't tight per se, just right to show off his body.

"Dean! Did you try the shirt on?" Cas called over the all in the dressing stall behind him.

"Yeah, fits like a glove," he replied opening he screen. "Wanna see?"Cas's screen opened and he came out in light blue jeans with a blue plaid shirt. He opened his arms with a smirk to show off his new outfit as he eyed him in his.

"You look good Dean."

"And you look like a Winchester," he shot back.

He laughed, "we are getting that shirt Dean."

"Damn right I am," he teased as he went back into the dressing stall.

Since Cas had more stuff to try, he waited outside his stall to give his approval for each article of clothing. In the end, Cas came out with several new outfits. This time Cas insisted on paying it for himself so he let him in exchange of for getting lunch. Heading over to a teriyaki place he showed Cas how to use chopsticks.

"You know Dean that chopsticks were invented by the Chinese about thirty five hundred years ago. They didn't really become popular until about two thousand years ago when it spread across east Asia," Cas explained as he tried to hold them properly.

"Thanks for the history lesson Cas, but you're still holding them wrong," he gloated as he picked another piece of katsu with ease.

"Why can't I use a spoon and fork? That other couple is using them." Cas fumed as he tried to get the grasp right.

He insisted that they had to use them as a matter of respect. Really it was just to see how hilarious it would be to see Cas try to eat with them. Secretly taking his phone, he snapped a picture of Cas's latest attempt to get the teriyaki to his mouth.

Dropping the chopsticks Cas looked at him darkly, "Dean…"

"What? It's funny," he said with his biggest shit eating grin.

Apparently giving up, Cas took his fork and stole a big piece of katsu from his plate. Before he can say anything, Cas popped it in his mouth and exaggerated his chewing moaning as he did so. "This is quite good," he smiled at him.

"Hey!" he exclaimed as Cas swallowed his stolen food. In revenge, he swiped a piece of teriyaki from Cas's plate. Two can play at this game and they did for a while they tried to steal more food from each other. After a couple minutes though, he relented and let Cas use the fork and spoon since the food was getting cold. He'll have to try another time to teach Cas how to use chopsticks.

"So what do you want to do tonight Dean?" Cas asked.

"Up to you Cas. Want to watch a movie at your place or go out? Like to a bar or something?"

"I would like a foot rub again."

"So night in? We can watch those movies we got."

"And we have popcorn and plenty of alcohol, so there is no need to go out."

"So night in I guess," maybe he was getting old, but just going to a bar just because was losing its appeal. Still, Cas needed to go out to them to socialize at the very least. Maybe they'll do that tomorrow night since Cas is off that night too. And after he teaches Cas a few things not to be so weird.

Finishing that, they headed over to the Laundromat to wash their cloths, old and new. Since his load was so small, Cas combined them both. Since he had done it before, Cas didn't need any instruction and set the loads to wash before sitting next to him. "Dean, can you teach me how to massage?"

That was an out of the blue question. "Sure thing, its real easy once you know how to do it. Why?"

"I want to give you a massage, since you gave me one."

"That wasn't quid pro quo Cas, you were tired and your feet hurt. I don't need one."

Cas gave him his serious look, "Dean, I can tell you are tense."

He would rather get a massage from a cute Asian lady, but a massage is a massage. "Ok fine, later."

Nodding, Cas got up, "I am going to the library, it's a couple blocks over to return some books. I'll be back soon, just put-"

"I have done laundry before Cas, don't worry, I won't ruin you delicates." He waved Cas off as he returned to his book.


"Now I get that DeLoren reference you made," Cas said as they finished Back to the Future. "Though as you know, time travel is hardly that easy."

"Since it usually knocks you out, I guess not. Henry did it though using his soul though," he reminded Cas.

"Which is something I was not aware of. Tapping the power of your soul though is-"

"A dangerous thing, yeah I know. When have you ever known me to do the safe thing Cas?"

"I have only known you to do the right thing Dean," Cas retorted as he grabbed the bowl to refill with more popcorn.

"Which one do you want to watch next?"

"You pick," Cas called from the kitchen.

Great, he had to pick from gay cowboy movie, ballerinas with hot lesbian scene, cartoons or nature films. Black Swan would normally be a frontrunner, but he remembered those cursed ballet shoes. He looked over at Cas who was pouring them another glass of whiskey then he looked at the movies again. Deciding, he put in the Black Swan since Cas had no knowledge of that case.

Cas set the popcorn in front of him on the floor and handed him a glass. "I would like to give you a massage Dean," he announced.

"Right now?" Cas nodded. "Oh…alright." Those couple of beers and whiskey certainly made the idea of getting a massage from Cas more acceptable. Since leaving the bunker a couple days ago he had allowed himself to relax. To enjoy Cas's company and connect with him on a human level. He swung his legs onto the futon when Cas stopped him.

"I want to massage your back," Cas said, "can you help me switch the futon to the bed configuration?"

"My back," he asked questioningly, he was only expecting a foot massage. Does he have to take his shirt off? That would be weird with Cas massaging his bare back. But that's about all he can come up with, it would be weird but not entirely unwelcome. He has a nice buzz going on, he's comfortable and he trusts Cas. Getting up, he decided that he may as well.

Taking on the new pillows they bought, he took off his shirt and laid down on the bed. Hitting play, "you want to start off slow, warm and loosen the muscles. Once-"

"I read a book on it Dean while I was at the library." Cas said as he heard the lotion was squirted into his hand.

"You mean you researched it Cas? Were you planning on getting me shirtless?" He took another drink of his whiskey which was hard because he was lying down.

"Would you be mad if I said yes?" Cas asked with hesitation.

There was an awkward moment between them, but once again he found himself no caring. Cas has seen him in worse situations. "Uh…no."

Focusing back onto the movie he forget was playing, he felt Cas's warm hands spread the lukewarm lotion across his back. At first he tried to focus on the film plot but it became difficult to concentrate with Cas kneading his back muscles. It's been a long while since he had gotten a massage and longer still since he just relaxed. Giving up on the movie, he closed his eyes and let himself melt under Cas's surprisingly deft fingers.

When he applied more pressure to his shoulder blades, the initial pain was soothed away warmly that he let out a moan. "I sense you have a lot of tension Dean," Cas said in a low voice. Cas was working on his upper back now at the base of his neck and he couldn't respond. It was weird as hell that he was basically pudding because of Cas but the past couple of days with him…well, he doesn't quite know. Moving to his mid back and sides, he laughed a bit when Cas ran his hand on one of his sensitive spots under his ribs.

"You have a fair number of scars." Cas said as he rubbed more lotion onto his back.

"Happens when you get thrown against the wall…or window…car…," he mumbled. Damn, if Cas keeps this up he's going to fall asleep.

He didn't hear a response but instead felt hands on the small of his back. Cas pushed his thumbs in at the base of his spine and again a moan escaped from him. Sitting long hours driving is not good for the back at all. Cas kept most of his attention there for the moment but did run is hands up and down his back to keep it pliant and warm. Every so often he felt fingers skirt the edge of the pants, maybe underneath his hem line for the briefest of moments. Part of him wanted Cas to go deeper , to the tense spot right above the cleft of his ass.

That thought made him tense suddenly and Cas felt it. Instead of saying anything though, Cas moved back to his spine and began to work that tension out of him again. His body was betraying him right now, responding under Cas's touch in a way he didn't expect. It wasn't he had that thought that he noticed he was hard. He had plenty of massages that ended him like that and more than one had a 'happy ending' to it. But those were all women, this was Cas who was a man like him. His mind told him that Cas wasn't really a man, but an angel though.

But those thoughts melted away because he frankly didn't care. He didn't sense anything sexual from Cas, he was just returning the favor. This was a friend, his best friend, helping him relax. Any weirdness from it was from him and not Cas. And he needed this, after the lying to Sam, losing them both, kicking Cas out, all of that weighed heavily on him. Right now, Cas was making him feel better.

Cas gracefully did reach to the point where all the tension he eased in his back had run to. So he had to reach a tiny bit under his underwear to reach it, but once Cas had eased that tension away, he was gone. His mind and body were just humming in relaxation and he knew he had a smile on his face. For the first time in a long time, he was totally relaxed.

Opening one eye peacefully, he saw that Cas was in the kitchen. "Thanks Cas…it felt real good."

"I believe that is the intent of a massage Dean," Cas replied after he took a sip of whiskey. "You look at rest, do you want to go to bed?"

"Naw," he said as he patted the space next to him, "we can still watch something." He reached for his own glass on the floor and took a drink. When he did so he felt his hard dick rub against the bed and send a small wave of pleasure on top of his mellowed body. He wasn't getting up any time soon that was certain.

"Okay," Cas replied before he went to his room. There was shuffling of cloths and felt a blanket fall on him. Cas crawled next to him on his stomach with the other new pillow in his pajamas. "I think we might need to restart this film."

He smiled at the ex-angel, "yeah, I think we might."


Sleepily he found a coffee mug and put the lukewarm coffee in the new microwave to heat it up. Falling contently asleep after the movie, he only woke up when he was well and ready. There was a note on the table he noticed as he date down to drink his coffee. It was from Cas explaining he got called into work to cover a shift and should be home in the afternoon. Cracking his neck, he didn't mind. From what he has seen Cas is more than capable to take care of himself.

Changing his bed back into the couch, he folded the blanket and pillow putting them away afterwards. He's been here going on three days now and he has to admit himself, he's actually relaxing in a way he hasn't in years. This wasn't like that year 'off' with Lisa because he had his pain of losing Sam, not to mention he had to be a father figure to Ben. Cas seemed fine with him being here and that they were connecting with each other in a new and deeper way.

Scratching his head, he had to think about what to do today. Most of the things he thought Cas needed they had already gotten. Kicking back and doing jack wasn't his style, he liked to keep busy. Times like these he really missed the salvage yard, something in there always needed to be torn apart or fixed. Then it dawned on him, he could look around to see if he can find a junker for Cas. He'll be needing a ride sometime in the event he needed to bug out of town or needed to go to the bunker. Happy with that idea, he got ready to look around town.

Scott was getting into his car when he came down the stairs. Seeing him, the man smiled and closed his door to say hi. Bracing himself, he put on a neighborly smile as Scott approached.

"Hi there…Dean was it?" Scotty asked as he held out his hand.

He shook it though Scott took his sweet time giving him his hand back. "Yeah, Scott right?"

The man smiled even wider that he recalled his name, "yes it is. Still helping your friend move in?"

"C-Steve's all moved in. Just…uh, hanging out with him for a while to make sure he's all set."

"Cool, still haven't met him but I should bring him a cake or something for being the new neighbor."

"Your call man. He had a weird schedule though," he said. "Hey, you have any idea where a junkyard is around here?"

"Junkyard? No idea."

He shrugged, "no problem. I'll look it up online at the cafe or drive around 'til I find one."

"He doesn't have internet?" Scott asked horrified. "If you need internet, I have Wi-Fi."

"Naw, it's ok. Steve doesn't have a computer…he doesn't like technology in general."

Scott batted his lashes at him, "well, if you need to use it, just ask. Or anything else you might need."

"Uh…sure. Thanks man," he said while stepping back to his baby. Scott winked at him before heading back to his car. Watching him drive off as he slip into the Impala, he let out a breath. Guy was nice but he was a flirt.

Driving around he found a large junkyard and began looking around at the cars. Growing up at Bobby's had taught him what to look for. Bobby usually catered to hunters but he let a civilian come in and by a car from him. If he can find one here he can buy cheap or fix up, he'll work out a deal. Hearing a door close, he felt a man come up from behind him.

"Got anything you looking for in particular son?" the man asked as he turned to greet him.

"Just looking for a cheap car to work on and buy."

The man nodded before looking over at the Impala. "She yours," he asked.

"Yeah, restored her myself," he replied with pride.

"Name's Pete," the man said as he extended his hand. "I got a Dodge D200 that needs some work. Want to take a look?"

"Sure," he said following Pete.

He had to guess she was a '78 or '79 from the look. The body was dented in some places but that was to be expected. There wasn't any rust or anything like Opening the hood, he looked over the engine as Pete turned it over. It started but by the sounds of things he can tell that there would be some work involved in getting her up to spec. Shutting the engine off, Pete came to stand next to him.

"She'll need some fixing, but I'm willing to let her go for a grand."

He looked Pete in the eye, man like him knew to haggle. "I'll give you seven hundred for her."

Pete shook his head, "nine fifty."

"Ok…eight hundred but I can scavenge the parts I need here."

The old man stroke his chin, "alright, I'll let you do that for nine hundred."

"Go for eight fifty?"

He was given a sly grin, "you got a deal."


Coming back to Cas's place later that afternoon, he discovered Cas was already there making macaroni and cheese. He had spent the past couple of hours working on the truck. Pete and he came to an agreement where he would keep the truck there until it was ready to go. Giving himself until the end of the week, he had to find the time to both teach Cas, make a fake license and fix the truck. That meant he would have to stay here for at least that long.

"Hey Cas, cooking?"

Looking at him with the frown, "evidently yes Dean." He did not sound happy.

"What's wrong? Something happened at the store?"

Cas sighed, "there was a customer who was not happy and caused quite a scene because his credit card was declined. The language he used was…colorful and fully directed at me. It was…it was not a pleasant experience."

"That suck Cas but some people are just assholes," he said as he walked over and patted Cas on the shoulder. "Not everyone is like that though."

"I know, it's just that," Cas looked at the floor though he turned to him, "it's that his words…hurt."

He lifted Cas chin, "hey man, that's just some douchebag trying to blame you for his own mistake. It isn't your fault 'k?" This close to Cas he can smell the alcohol on him, but he disregarded it. Getting bitched at for no reason is never fun.

Cas's eyes looked a tad brighter now before he spoke, "would you like a drink Dean?"

"I got it, you worry about the mac'n'cheese there Cas," he replied as he moved around Cas to the fridge. As soon as he popped the lid, he leaned against the wall and watched Cas cook for a minute before he asked. "Hey Cas, would be it okay with you if I stayed here a while?"

"Of course it is Dean. I gather you want to avoid Sam still?" Cas answered as he dumped the noodles in the water.

"Uh, partially yes…but he'll get over it. It's just that I kinda got a project to work on nearby."

Turning to him, "is it a hunt?"

"No, just something…umm, personal."

"Is this a surprise again Dean?"

He grinned, "maybe…maybe not."

Cas rolled his eyes, "you're not going to tell me are you?" He shook he head.

"Still off tomorrow?"

"No, Nora, Greg and I will be splitting Diane's shift since she quit this morning. I'll be working the next several days."

He groaned, "not doubles I hope."

"Just an extended shift, ten instead of eight."

"Well, I hope you're getting overtime."

"Overtime?"

After explaining to Cas how to read a pay stub along with banking and basic finances they both sat down to watch some TV. While watching the last nature documentary there was a knock at the door. The both looked at each other before getting up. Making sure his gun was out, he stood behind Cas as he opened the door.

"Well hello there neighbor!" From his vantage, he saw that Scott had a bottle and a small loaf in one hand. He was looking over Cas though like he was juicy piece of meat, which to him he probably was.

Cas looked at him confused before turning back to Scott. "Good morning, I believe Dean told me that your name is Scott?"

Scott beamed, "yes it is." He lifted the bottle and the loaf to Cas, "these are just welcome to the neighborhood gifts, a bottle of wine and banana bread. Baked it myself."

Taking them, Cas opened the door more and invited him in. "Thank you for these gifts, please come in."

Since he had already passed all the tests beforehand he was okay. Tucking the gun back into his pants, he gave a little wave to Scott as he stepped in. Taking the bottle and the bread from Cas to he can put them away. He smiled to himself as soon as his back was turned. This was going to be interesting.

"Nice little set up here Steve," Scott said as he looked around the sparsely filled apartment. Noticing the painting on the wall, he looked at Cas, "see you're a fan of Van Gogh."

"I find his work to be simple and yet complex. And the colors a nice," Cas replied.

"It's nice to finally meet you. I've been wondering who's been living here. My aunt is the one who owns the place so I guess that kinda makes me the repair boy. But I don't know anything on how to fix stuff. I have other things to do on my hands and knees than fix the sink," Scott winked at Cas.

That one flew over Cas's head, "all the drains are working fine. Dean said you were the one to do the painting?"

"Yup and I do interior design," he said as he looked around again. "I can help you decorate if you'd like."

"Thank you, but Dean and I are already working on that."

Scott shrugged, "well, offer's open. Also you can access my WI-Fi network. Network is Candylicious and the password is PwrBTM90. Do you want me to write that down?"

"That would not be needed as I don't have a device that connects to the internet." Cas said shooting his proposal down. He couldn't help but smile a bit. Scott was basically throwing himself at Cas and he had no idea that Cas was clueless. From the outside, this is hilarious.

"Well, if you need it let me know. I was also wondering if you two had any plans for this weekend."

"I work on Saturday but not the following day," Cas answered.

"Cool, there's a party I know that's going on, an opening for a new place. It's Saturday night at the old McClintocks place. Just passing the word around."

Before he can say they were too old or busy, Cas answered for them. "I would like to attend."

Scott basically beamed, "great. I'll get you the details later this week." He walked back to the door, "it's been nice to finally meet you Steve. I got some work to do, but I'll see you both soon." Letting himself out, Cas closed the door behind him.

He grimaced, on one hand, it might be fun to see how Cas deals with this. On the other, he would have to put up with horrible music and touchy guys if it's the kind of place he thinks it is. And then there was Scott, who would probably pounce on Cas if he had a chance. In the end though it's Cas call. "Up to you man, I'm with you either way."

Cas smiled, "thanks Dean. You should have fun too every once and a while."

"My idea of fun is pretty basic Cas but if you want to check it out, we can."