Day 1: Holding Hands
The streets were packed with weekend shoppers and summer tourists. Dean hated shopping, especially on weekends. People pushed and shoved and were just complete assholes about everything.
The only reason Dean agreed to go shopping with Merlin and Arthur was because Cas had begged him to join.
"Dean, please? We barely go shopping. Please?" Cas childishly, tugged on Dean's sleeve.
Dean pulled his arm away and continued grilling the chicken on their mini grill, "Cas, you know I hate shopping."
"Yes, but you could use some new clothes. Plus, you need to get out of the dorm and hangout with your friends," Cas pointed out.
"Fine," Dean growled. "But I swear to God, if you make me try on thousands of clothes…"
"No, no…I won't make you do that, and don't swear to God. He doesn't listen to those anyway."
Now, Dean was strolling beside Cas, behind Merlin and Arthur, and avoiding as much contact with people as possible. Cas already had two bags from clothing stores. Dean had to admit, he liked the new shirts and pants they got. Especially this one blue shirt Cas got for himself…
Dean closed his eyes and rubbed his hands over his face, groaning.
"Oh come on, we're almost done," Cas said, eyeing an electronics store.
Dean ignored him. He was distracted by Merlin and Arthur in front of him. Arthur had grabbed Merlin's hand, pulling the dark haired boy closer to his side. Merlin laughed and nudged Arthur with his shoulder.
Heat crept up Dean's face as he continued to watch the couple teasing and laughing with each other. He looked at Cas who was staring intently at a frozen yogurt shop.
"You want some?"
"Hm?" Cas looked around to Dean. A kid with his hand caught in the cookie jar…
Dean chuckled, "You want some frozen yogurt? I saw you staring at it."
"Oh," Cas blushed, "Is it…is it good?"
"As someone who usually enjoys ice cream, frozen yogurt is just as good. Come on, I'll buy you some." Dean started pushing Cas towards the shop. He turned to Merlin and Arthur, "Hey we'll be over here. You guys want some?" Dean nudged his chin towards the shop.
Merlin shook his head, "No thanks, we're going to grab some pizza. We'll meet you in an hour?"
"Sounds good," Dean watched as Arthur threw his arm around Merlin's shoulders, yanking him towards the pizzeria. He gave Dean a quick wink, then glanced at Cas. Dean shook his head and guided Cas to the frozen yogurt.
Cas looked apprehensively at the machines that dispensed the yogurt and at the toppings bar.
Dean put his hand on the small of his back, smiling when Cas twitched at the touch, "Don't worry, they won't bite," He whispered in his ear.
"How does all this work?" He whispered back.
"You start by choosing a flavor," he pointed at the machines, "Then you put the toppings on."
After five minutes of deliberation, Cas chose toffee nut. He topped it off with the most unusual mixture of goodies. Captain Crunch, Twix, and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough piled high, and all of it covered in caramel. Dean watched in amusement as Cas thought long and hard about each selection, a childish gleam in his eye.
Cas turned and looked shyly at Dean, "Is this good?"
Dean smiled, "If that's what you want, then ya, it's good."
Cas nodded and handed it to Dean. He paid for both of them (Dean got simple vanilla with S'mores toppings and chocolate syrup) and they sat on a bench nearby.
Cas' yogurt was gone within minutes. He scraped at the bowl until it was all gone.
"Um, so I'm guessing you liked it?"
Cas looked up at Dean and smiled, "I loved it. We need to get more of this." He licked away the caramel sauce from his lips. Dean's stomach fluttered.
Dean finished his yogurt minutes later. They walked towards the pizzeria where Merlin and Arthur stood, heads bent, whispering and giggling at something.
Dean glanced at Cas, his heart skipping a beat when their hands brushed each other.
Come on, just grab his hand…just do it.
Dean's fingers twitched nervously as he reached for Cas' hand. When his hand finally found Cas', he pressed his palm to the angel's, entwining their fingers together. Cas looked at Dean, confused at first, but then he smiled and squeezed Dean's hand. Dean smiled back, letting out a sigh of relief.
Arthur had raised an eyebrow, Merlin beamed, and Cas just threw his head back laughing.
Dean didn't mind shopping anymore. As long as he got to hold Cas' hand.